Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 115 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Home , 2015 Cash for Vote Scam, Bizarro World, Hemp Farming Act of 2018, Mark Meadows, Mick Zais, Mike Pompeo

E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 115 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 164 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018 No. 59 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was We honor the resilience of survivors, Rwanda, Darfur, and Syria. There are called to order by the Speaker pro tem- and we rededicate ourselves to uphold still millions of people being per- pore (Mr. CHABOT). the promise of ‘‘Never Again.’’ secuted because of their ethnicity, be- f This week marks the Days of Re- cause of who they are. membrance for the Holocaust. Congress We must eradicate hatred and never DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO established the Days of Remembrance become indifferent to the sufferings of TEMPORE as the Nation’s annual commemora- others. On the Day of Remembrance, The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- tion. Each year, State and local gov- the most important thing to remember fore the House the following commu- ernments, military bases, workplaces, is the humanity that exists in all of us. nication from the Speaker: schools, religious organizations, and May we always remember and always WASHINGTON, DC, civic centers host observances and re- pledge: Never again. April 12, 2018. membrance activities for their commu- f I hereby appoint the Honorable STEVE nities. CHABOT to act as Speaker pro tempore on These events occur during the Week COMMEMORATING NATIONAL this day. of Remembrance, which began Sunday, MINORITY HEALTH MONTH PAUL D. RYAN, April 8, and runs through Sunday, Speaker of the House of Representatives. April 15. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The f The events and results of the Holo- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. KELLY) for 5 minutes. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE caust were so devastating and so extreme that we can barely imagine how Ms. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- such a horrendous event can even take today as chair of the Congressional ant to the order of the House of Janu- place. Black Caucus Health Braintrust to ary 8, 2018, the Chair will now recog- But we remember because it is an un- commemorate National Minority nize Members from lists submitted by thinkable scar on humanity. We not Health Month and to challenge Con- the majority and minority leaders for only remember, but, more importantly, gress to take bold action to end health morning-hour debate. we say: Never again. disparities that continue to plague our The Chair will alternate recognition Today, we mourn the lives of those communities. between the parties. All time shall be we lost, and we celebrate those who Mr. Speaker, it is a sad fact that in equally allocated between the parties, saved them, and we honor those who America your race, class, and ZIP Code and in no event shall debate continue survived. very much determine how long you will beyond 11:50 a.m. Each Member, other The Holocaust was a tremendous live and how healthy you will be; than the majority and minority leaders blight on the history of humanity, but whether you will die of a heart attack and the minority whip, shall be limited also a time when we honor those who in your forties or develop type 2 diabe- to 5 minutes. were brave enough to put an end to it; tes and lose a limb. f those who stood in the face of such evil These three factors speak volumes and refused to turn a blind eye. about your life and health. That is just OBSERVING HOLOCAUST Our American soldiers were fighting wrong, and it is up to us to change REMEMBRANCE DAY to win World War II and liberated con- that. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The centration camps and the horror that From cradle to grave, and at every Chair recognizes the gentleman from ensued there. It was an incredible task stage in between, people of color, low- Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) for 5 carried out by members of the Greatest income people, rural Americans, Na- minutes. Generation. tive Americans, and first-generation Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. By looking back, we can understand Americans are sicker, receive less care, Mr. Speaker, I rise today on Holocaust how important it is to defend those have less access to care, and, trag- Remembrance Day to honor the mem- who are defenseless. We recognize the ically, die sooner. ory of those who were murdered during sufferings that took place and the lives In 2010, we took a major leap forward the Holocaust. that were shattered, but also the ef- with the passage of the Affordable Care The Holocaust was the systematic, forts that were made to put an end to Act. This law has started to reduce government-sponsored persecution and such destruction and suffering. these disparities by increasing access murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazi We have seen such hatred and geno- to care, ensuring mental healthcare, regime and its collaborators. cide occur again in places like Bosnia, expanding research, and creating a

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.

H3151

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP7.000 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 pipeline of doctors and medical profes- more marched in their own cities with One year after he joined the Marines, sionals from underrepresented commu- the same message. he married Shirley Carver, and they nities. Like all public health issues, people had two sons, Murphy and Matthew. A major result of the ACA has been of color, women, and rural Americans A few years later, Zell enrolled at the to cut the excessive risk of cancer are far more impacted by gun violence. University of Georgia, where he grad- death in half for African-American In fact, it remains the leading cause of uated with bachelor’s and master’s de- men. The same risk factor for Black death for African-American men from grees in history. His education earned women was reduced by seven points, birth to 44. him a teaching position back home at according to the American Cancer So- We are also tragically seeing spikes Young Harris College in 1959, and in ciety’s 2017 report. in rural and veteran suicides by guns, the same year, the town elected him as They clearly state: ‘‘Increasing ac- another public health issue that this their mayor. cess to care as a result of the Patient House has ignored. After one mayoral term, residents Protection and Affordable Care Act Despite these calls for action and the sent him to the Gold Dome as their may contribute to a further narrowing cold, hard facts, this House has yet to State senator. In the years following, of the racial gap across all population act to save lives. he worked for Georgia’s Governor Mad- groups.’’ Now, Mr. Speaker, I just spoke exten- dox, Georgia’s Democratic Party, the However, the ACA is not just fighting sively about many problems and chal- State Board of Pardons and Paroles, cancer. It is improving other aspects of lenges facing the health of Americans, and, in 1975, he became Georgia’s Lieu- care and increasing access to care. but I want to close by highlighting tenant Governor. While the Affordable Care Act has some recent successes to end health In 1990, Zell became the Governor of made major strides, disparities remain disparities. Georgia, and his positive influence on deeply entrenched in our society and First, this February, this House our State’s education system has char- our healthcare system today. passed my Action for Dental Health acterized his tenure. Today, I would like to talk about Act, a bill that will better target exist- His vision for brighter futures came several of them. The first and most en- ing resources to more effectively de- to life when voters ratified the State trenched is access to care. Far too liver oral and dental healthcare to un- lottery on the 1992 ballot, creating a often, the sickest among our neighbors derserved communities and popu- new fund to support the State’s education needs. One year later, the are those with the least access to the lations. H.O.P.E. Scholarship was created, care they need. They cannot see a pro- And finally, I want to praise the new making higher education accessible for vider because they can’t afford it, can’t leaders in the medical, research, and nearly 2 million Georgia students. get the time off work, can’t find trans- advocacy professions who are working to end these deeply entrenched dispari- In 1999, Georgia Senator Paul Cover- portation; or there is simply no care dell passed away while in office, and available in their community. ties. Next week, I will honor the National then-Governor Barnes appointed Zell Let’s work together to make sure Minority Quality Forum’s 40 Under 40, to fill the vacant seat, and Zell came to that everyone can get the care they young leaders in the healthcare field Washington. need, no matter where they live, who are working to support and em- Georgians will remember Zell Miller whether in a city, the suburbs, or on a power minority communities to live as one of the State’s strongest advo- farm. longer, healthier lives. cates, a leader who never chose ide- This Minority Health Month, we In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to ology over his duty to the people who must also address the challenge of challenge this House to follow the ex- elected him, and, in this time of loss, mental health being stigmatized in ample of these young people and come our prayers are focused on his loved communities of color. together to improve the health of all ones and the millions of people whom We know that African Americans are Americans, especially those who have he served. 20 percent more likely to report serious been forgotten for far too long. Zell Miller was an example of a true psychological distress than their White man of the mountains who was willing f counterparts, but just 25 percent will to take stands, many times not pop- seek care, compared to 40 percent of REMEMBERING ZELL MILLER, ular, but he was always willing to take White Americans. GEORGIA’S GOVERNOR a stand for those that mattered. Thankfully, there are some great or- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Zell Miller will be someone who is ganizations, like New York City’s First Chair recognizes the gentleman from missed, whether it be in Atlanta, Lady Chirlane McCray’s Cities Thrive Georgia (Mr. COLLINS) for 5 minutes. whether it be in Washington, D.C., all Coalition, working to deconstruct the Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- across this country, or basically back stigma and improve access to care, but er, I rise today in memory of Georgia’s home in the Ninth District of Georgia. much work remains. legend in many ways, Zell Miller, who Zell Miller is someone who we all can Just like with mental health, an- spent the last few years of his life, as look up to and respect. He led in a way other health subset, maternal health, he spent all of his life, in Young Harris that we can try to lead as well. shows stark differences between dif- in my district. CELEBRATING THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ferent demographic groups. Zell Miller helped shape Georgia into U.S. AIR FORCE RESERVE Mr. Speaker, it is a shame and a one of the strongest States in the Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speak- tragedy that America is the only devel- Union. He was a national giant from er, I today rise to recognize the 70th oped nation where women die from northeast Georgia, and I looked up to anniversary of the United States Air childbirth now more than they did in him as a leader who never blinked in Force Reserve, created by President the recent past. the face of a challenge or let politics Truman on April 14, 1948. Despite technology and innovation, eclipse his principles. As a member of the Air Force Re- it is becoming more dangerous to have I will always remember the ways he serve, I have been privileged to min- a child, especially for women of color. encouraged me and supported me ister and work with airmen since 2002. Growing your family shouldn’t mean through many seasons. My family I can attest to the courage exhibited by putting your life on the line. knew and admired and will miss Zell as my fellow airmen both here at home In the coming weeks, I will be intro- a true man of the mountains. and while serving abroad in Iraq to- ducing comprehensive legislation to In 1932, Zell Bryan Miller was born to gether. start pushing these numbers down. a mother who single-handedly built her Since our country’s founding, citi- Another public health crisis that af- family’s first home with rocks from a zens have awaited and answered the fects some groups more than others is nearby stream, which he lived in until call of duty, accomplishing each mis- the issue of gun violence. his passing. sion with valor. Last month, hundreds of thousands of Zell attended both Young Harris Col- Air Force reservists, known as Re- young people and supporters came to lege and Emory University. He put his serve Citizen Airmen, perform leading Washington, D.C., to challenge Con- education on hold in order to enlist in roles in military operations, humani- gress to act and save lives. Millions the United States Marine Corps in 1953. tarian crises, and disaster relief across

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.003 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3153 the globe. The distinguished group of far as the eye can see, and providing a mockery out of tax fairness. They are more than 69,000 Citizen Airmen con- with this balanced budget amendment not cutting spending or raising reve- sists of enlisted military troops, offi- an excuse to slash spending on pro- nues. They just want to put that off for cers, and civil servants tasked by law grams that matter most to Americans: somebody in the future and pretend all to support our Armed Forces in the de- Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, of a sudden they are fiscally respon- fense of our freedom. even ultimately, it would threaten de- sible. The Air Force Reserve traces its fense itself. Mr. Speaker, I don’t think it is going roots back to the aeronautical division The balanced budget amendment to work. of the United States Army’s Office of that the Republicans are going to bring f the Chief Signal Officer, which took to the floor is a classic example of bait CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS OF charge of military balloons and air ma- and switch. Republicans have the THOSE WITH DOWN SYNDROME chines in 1907. Ten years later, the first White House, the Senate, and the two Air Force Reserve units were de- House of Representatives. If they want- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ployed to France, as the United States ed to actually produce a balanced budg- Chair recognizes the gentleman from entered World War I, providing the war et, there is nothing stopping them from Pennsylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK) for 5 effort with around 10,000 trained pilots. doing it now. But instead, they came minutes. Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, With 1,500 Reserve pilots and 1,300 forward with the omnibus bill that ex- today I stand to honor and celebrate nonrated officers and 400 enlisted air- plodes spending and adds to the deficit the achievements of my constituents men, reservists later played a critical even further. with Down syndrome and the world- role in World War II. The legendary So what do they do now? They are offering this proposal as a fig leaf. The wide Down syndrome community. I Jimmy Doolittle was among the sol- also want to recognize all of their fami- balanced budget amendment that they diers in this force and, in response to lies and loved ones who witness the tre- would freeze into the Constitution Pearl Harbor, went on to lead the Doo- mendous struggles individuals with would force somebody 4 years, 5 years, little Raid, the first bombing attack on Down syndrome face and the wonderful 8 years in the future to do what Repub- the Japanese mainland. victories they achieve every day. In wars and in combat operations licans either will not, cannot, or are This past month, on March 21, that followed, Citizen Airmen have afraid to do today. marked World Down Syndrome Day. My senior Senator for years was supported the core function of the On this day, people with Down syn- United States Air Force, as well as pro- Mark Hatfield, a principled Repub- drome, and those who live and work viding for disaster relief after events lican, and even though I am a Demo- with them throughout the world, orga- like hurricanes and wildfires. crat, I was proud to help him in his last nized and participated in activities and When terrorists attacked our country campaign when he was under some se- events to raise public awareness and on September 11, 2001, Air Force reserv- vere pressure. create a single global voice for advo- ists responded in full force to protect Mark Hatfield was principled. He cating for their rights, rights such as American cities and assist in the secu- chaired the Appropriations Committee inclusive education, access to quality rity efforts. in the Senate. When the Republicans and affordable healthcare, meaningful Spanning seven decades, the Air brought forth the balanced budget employment, and protection of their Force Reserve has fulfilled the promise amendment in 1995, it failed by one civil rights. of the early air pioneers and exceeded vote in the Senate. That one vote, and On March 21, we celebrated the con- their expectations. I want to join all of the only Republican vote against it, tributions of individuals with Down my fellow Citizen Airmen, past and was Mark Hatfield because he refused syndrome in our communities and the present, in celebrating the 70th anni- to handcuff the United States into the meaningful work of organizations and versary of the United States Air Force future and be part of a charade, be- individuals who dedicate their personal Reserve. cause he knew as chair of the Appro- and professional time to ensure indi- No matter where you go in the world, priations Committee, they controlled viduals with Down syndrome and other you will find an Air Force reservist and the budget strings and they could re- disabilities achieve their optimal abili- the flag flying high and the sound of duce spending if they wanted. He knew ties. freedom in the air. the irony that some of the very people Every year, this day is a time for who were touting the balanced budget f education, increased community amendment would turn to him asking awareness, and giving thanks. When in- b 1015 for increased spending for their pet dividuals with Down syndrome and BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT projects. other disabilities are included, we all Today, Republicans pretend them- benefit. Our goal as a society is to pre- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The selves to be outraged over the Obama- pare today’s children for tomorrow’s Chair recognizes the gentleman from era deficits which were incurred when leaders, including those with Down Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for 5 min- we were trying to protect the economy syndrome and other disabilities. utes. from global collapse. All of the inde- Enabling individuals with Down syn- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, it pendent experts agree that that money drome to live, work, and participate is so poignant that PAUL RYAN an- was important. It was spent on infra- with confidence and autonomy, fully nounces his retirement the same week structure. It was spent on medical re- included in society alongside of their that the Republicans bring to the floor search. It was spent on providing a friends and peers, is our duty as a Na- the so-called balanced budget amend- safety net for struggling families. tion. I personally have seen the hard ment, which signals surrender. Repub- What is the excuse today for a tril- work of constituents in ensuring indi- licans can’t budget responsibly. lion dollar deficit? I mean, after all of viduals with Down syndrome and other After the largest transfer of wealth that hard work, the economy has sta- disabilities have the same educational, in American history with their tax bill bilized. It is not growing dramatically, financial, civil rights, and opportuni- that was so flawed they could not even but it is growing. The unemployment ties afforded to others, as well as ac- risk having a hearing on it, it was lit- rate is low. What is the excuse for a cess to services that help them achieve erally being written while we were in trillion dollar deficit and massive tax their full potential. work session in the committee. They giveaways? They are feeling the heat. I am appreciative of the work of the changed provisions by the hour in a Now, they are going to try and de- Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Advo- mad scramble for votes and special-in- flect responsibility for their trillion cacy Coalition, the Montgomery Coun- terest support. dollar deficits in a time of relative ty Down Syndrome Interest Group, the RYAN leaves as his legacy—a guy who prosperity and low unemployment as a Bucks County Down Syndrome Interest on the Budget Committee railed about result of the hard work that the Repub- Group, The Arc of Pennsylvania, The deficits, deficit spending, who tried licans opposed. Arc Alliance, the National Down Syn- slashing social spending—he leaves as Republicans and PAUL RYAN have drome Congress, and other national or- his legacy trillion dollar deficits for as made a shambles out of the Tax Code; ganizations that are collaborating on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.004 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 behalf of the rights and needs of indi- The Chinese have announced that town square, along with other Jewish viduals with disabilities. they will also target U.S. corn, which families, to be shipped to concentra- I ask all of my colleagues to commit will negatively impact the corn-based tion camps in Romania. After spending to working with us in bringing the con- ethanol plant in my district, Mid-Mis- years in the camps throughout Roma- cerns and needs of the Down syndrome souri Energy. The plant is located in a nia, facing death and witnessing some and disability communities to the bi- little town, Malta Bend, and probably of the most heinous and grotesque partisan discussions occurring within to some people that is not important, atrocities the world has seen, the Congress. but it is a major economic stabilizer in Hilsenrath family was finally rescued The special needs community are the that town and the entire area. by a Jewish Russian soldier. most special among us, Mr. Speaker. Economic losses to that plant or even b 1030 We need to be here for them. closure of the plant would have rip- f pling effects throughout the sur- Fred and his family then walked from Romania to France to reunite TARIFFS ARE HARMING FARMERS rounding area. with their long-separated father. While AND RANCHERS Now, I know Mr. President is a real estate man, so he might not under- in France, Mr. Hilsenrath finished high The SPEAKER pro tempore. The stand how business works on a farm, school. Chair recognizes the gentleman from but these people work on razor-thin In April of 1949, Fred moved to the Missouri (Mr. CLEAVER) for 5 minutes. margins. In any given year, a bad crop, United States. He had $40 to his name Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, today I lack of demand, or Mother Nature’s and knew no English. He studied elec- rise to speak about a very important wrath can cause an economic downturn trical engineering at the City College issue to my constituents in Missouri’s that leaves them struggling. American of New York and obtained long careers Fifth Congressional District and, with well-known companies such as frankly, millions of farmers and ranch- farmers have enough unknown vari- ables they have to deal with. These Lockheed Martin, IBM, and Ampex. ers all across this great country. After meeting his wife, Fred moved Recently, President Donald Trump reckless threats of tariffs on one of our from San Francisco to Fairfield Bay, announced his intention to place a $50 biggest trading partners do not need to Arkansas. Here he retired to enjoy the billion—that is billion with a ‘‘B’’—in be added to that list. tariffs against Chinese goods, claiming If this so-called war continues, we slower pace of life in the Ozarks in The that China has been taking advantage can expect Boeing plants, such as the Natural State. of the United States for too long. I one in St. Louis, Missouri, down the As a man currently in his late wish that someone in the White House, street from us in Kansas City, to hit eighties, Mr. Hilsenrath has turned his someone on the staff had cautioned the China, and then China may back away horribly painful childhood memories of President on the negative impact his from ordering some 7,000 planes that the trials he faced and that so many launching of a trade war would have on would strengthen and inject over $1 other Jews faced and experienced dur- this country. This unvetted decision trillion into our State’s economy. ing the Holocaust into an educational has and will continue to cause signifi- The President is correct, the Chinese moment. cant harm to many of my constituents do steal U.S. intellectual property and, In a letter he wrote to me, Fred men- and to rural Americans throughout the yes, there is a trade imbalance in this tioned a lesson that he wants to give to heartland. relationship. Nevertheless, even with our Arkansas students. He says: Following President Trump’s an- only one class in economics, I under- Not only can we use education as a way to nouncement of his intended tariffs, pre- stand clearly that trade wars are not rationally think of our Nation’s involvement dictively, the Chinese responded with good. No one wins. in the future of our country as well as the $50 billion in proposed tariffs of their President Trump promised to nego- world, but also to recognize the seed in their tiate new and improved trade deals, own heart; each of the students has a dream, own. These tariffs, which would be as they must find it now, not later, so that they high as 25 percent, would target 128 but his negotiating skills are falling can focus their lives on their future. American products such as pork, beef, far short and our farmers and ranchers Mr. Hilsenrath understands the deep cotton, soybeans, corn, specific types will pay the price. I encourage Presi- need for education and how it plays a of vehicles, and airplanes. dent Trump to reconsider his short- First, I want to talk about soybeans. sighted approach to trade and to offer part in our moments of history. Last year, the United States exported him my help in finding other solutions It is an honor for me and my staff not $14 billion worth of soybeans to China. to address our problems with China. only to have met such an inspirational person, but to also represent him in the In Missouri, my home State, soybeans f are the number one cash crop, contrib- people’s House. HONORING HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR uting $7.7 billion in total output and CONGRATULATING DUSHUN SCARBROUGH ON FRED HILSENRATH supporting more than 20,000 jobs in our MARTIN LUTHER KING REMEMBRANCE DAY State. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today One out of every three rows of soy- Chair recognizes the gentleman from to congratulate my friend DuShun beans grown in Missouri goes to China, Arkansas (Mr. HILL) for 5 minutes. Scarbrough, director of the Arkansas and one in every four rows grown in the Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, United States goes to China. The day during Holocaust Days of Remem- for being awarded the Martin Luther the Chinese announcement was made, brance to recognize a constituent from King, Jr. Drum Major Innovation Serv- soybean futures on the stock market my district and a Holocaust survivor, ice Award. were down almost $0.40 a bushel. This Mr. Fred Hilsenrath, of Fairfield Bay, The MLK, Jr. Drum Major Innova- was only after the tariffs were an- Arkansas. tion Service award, given to only 20 in- nounced. Can you imagine the kind of I was introduced to Fred by the out- dividuals nationwide, is awarded to losses soybean farmers would face if standing mayor of Fairfield Bay, Paul volunteers who perform extraordinary they were actually implemented? Wellenberger. My staff and I had the everyday acts of service. Now, how about pork? Over the past opportunity to host Fred and his wife, DuShun’s leadership at the commis- 10 years, the United States has been, on Eleanor, for dinner and listen to their sion has proved to be invaluable toward average, the top exporter of pork in the incredible story. its mission to promote understanding world. Last year alone, nearly $6.5 bil- Fred was only 4 years old when Ad- and acceptance of nonviolence, human lion in pork was exported from the olph Hitler took over as chancellor of equality, and community building United States with $1 billion of that Germany and the Nazi regime initiated among all Arkansans. being exported to China. Pork exports his systematic extermination of the Last week, my office was honored to help to support about 550,000 jobs. Jewish people of Central Europe. In welcome members of the commission, Midwest States like Missouri domi- 1940, after Poland had been raided, the including Arkansas treasure and civil nate hog production and exports. Mis- Hilsenrath family found themselves rights icon, Annie Abrams, along with souri is ranked seventh, and our next- stuck between Nazi Germany and Rus- former Wrightsville, Arkansas, Mayor door neighbor, Kansas, is ranked tenth. sia. Soon they were assembled in the Pat Ward while we commemorated and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.006 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3155 mourned the 50th anniversary of Dr. RUSHING TO WAR have been harmed: through humani- King’s assassination. However, we con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tarian, religious, or charitable organi- tinue to honor Dr. King’s vision for our Chair recognizes the gentleman from zations, or through the United Nations. great Nation. Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) for 5 minutes. Pat Buchanan wrote that President DuShun and the commission con- Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Trump is being ‘‘goaded into war’’ and tinue to remind us of how far we have Speaker, in the days leading up to the that Congress should ‘‘debate our ob- come and how we need to continue to congressional vote on whether to go to jectives in this new war and how many uphold the legacy of the civil rights war in Iraq years ago, Fortune maga- new casualties and years will be re- movement and embrace Dr. King’s zine had an article headlined: ‘‘We quired to defeat the coalition of Syria, teaching of compassion, nonviolence, Win—What Then?’’ The article said Russia, Hezbollah, Iran, and the allied and democracy. that a prolonged war in Iraq would Shiite militias from the Near East.’’ I would like to extend my congratu- make American soldiers ‘‘sitting ducks Tucker Carlson said that we need to lations to Mr. Scarbrough and the Ar- for Islamic terrorists.’’ ask some skeptical questions now, at kansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Com- Another national magazine at that least in part, because Secretary Mattis mission for representing Arkansas on time, U.S. News & World Report, had said in February that we have abso- the national stage and for his receiving an article headlined: ‘‘Why the Rush to lutely no proof that Assad used the this important recognition. War?’’ Now that war has been fre- chemical weapons he was accused of He, along with Reverend Jesse Tur- quently referred to as possibly the using last year. He added that there is ner, a site coordinator for the National greatest foreign policy mistake in U.S. no real proof Assad did chemical at- Alliance of Faith and Justice in Pine history. tacks this time because such an attack Bluff, Arkansas, who also received this The night before the Iraq war vote, a would really help only the rebels fight- award, have represented our State with television station in Knoxville ran a ing Assad, and they also have chemical honor and dignity. poll showing 74 percent in favor of the weapons, and they have been described I encourage our citizens in Arkansas war, 9 percent against, and 17 percent as Islamic terrorists, although we are and across the country to remember undecided. I was one of six Republicans supporting them. Mr. Carlson pointed the inspiring words of Dr. King and who voted against going to war. For 3 out that Assad had every reason or in- spend time in service to their neigh- or 4 years, that was certainly the most centive not to use chemical weapons in bors and all of our communities. unpopular vote I ever cast. But slowly, a civil war his government basically f slowly, slowly it ended up being the had already won. President Trump was elected in large MOMENT OF TRUTH most popular vote I ever cast. We were basically conned into that part because he promised to get us out The SPEAKER pro tempore. The war by a group of neocons, so-called of these very unnecessary wars in the Chair recognizes the gentleman from neoconservatives, whom George Will Middle East. Almost everything we California (Mr. HUFFMAN) for 5 min- once described as being ‘‘magnificently have done in the Middle East over the utes. misnamed’’ because they were really last many years has been wrong. There Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, on the ‘‘most radical people’’ in this city, has been fighting going on there for Monday morning, the FBI’s raid of meaning Washington. several thousand years. Throughout Donald Trump’s personal attorney trig- In addition to our disaster in Iraq, we history, other wars have been started gered another Trump meltdown. He have now been at war in Afghanistan over incidents or information that ranted that this move, approved by for 17 years, seemingly permanent, for- turned out to be false or greatly exag- senior Justice Department officials and ever wars that have cost us trillions of gerated. a Federal court, was an attack on our dollars and caused many thousands of We do not need nor can we afford to country and a witch hunt; and, once Americans to be killed or maimed. get into another trillion-dollar war in again, he mused publicly about firing What a waste. the Middle East without first making Special Counsel Robert Mueller. President Reagan once said that we absolutely certain that it is in Amer- Let’s be clear. Firing the special should never go to war unless there ica’s interest to do so and that it will counsel or any chain of firings to inter- were no other reasonable alternatives, not make the Middle East even more fere with the special counsel’s inves- and then only as a very last resort. messed up and chaotic than it already tigation would spark a constitutional We have had too many leaders who is. crisis and unleash a public uproar like never went to war themselves, such as f we have never seen. Senator LINDSEY the new National Security Advisor, GRAHAM summed it up by saying that John Bolton, who seem far too eager VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL it would be the beginning of the end of for others to go to war so these chicken AND ‘‘THE WALL THAT HEALS’’ the Trump Presidency. hawks can feel more important or EXHIBIT The American people deserve an- think of themselves as modern-day The SPEAKER pro tempore. The swers. What are Trump and his Russia- Winston Churchills. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from connected cronies hiding? What are Now we seem to be rushing into an- California (Ms. MAXINE WATERS) for 5 they so afraid of us finding out? The other war in Syria. I am thankful that minutes. only way we are going to get these an- conservatives like Tucker Carlson and Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. swers is by protecting Mueller’s inves- Pat Buchanan are questioning this new Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recogni- tigation and allowing him to do his job. rush to war. At some point, with a $21 tion of the importance that Vietnam Now, if President Trump crosses the trillion national debt, we have to real- war memorials have in our Nation’s re- red line and declares himself above the ize there are limits to American power. membrance and commemoration of law, millions of Americans all over this Civil wars and really terrible things Vietnam veterans and their distin- country are ready to take to the are happening all over the world—in guished devotion to duty and country. streets to defend our democracy and Africa, in the Middle East, and in other The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a the rule of law. places—all the time. As President Ken- symbol of honor, recognition, and re- So, Mr. Trump, whatever you are hid- nedy said at the University of Wash- membrance of the more than 58,000 ing, you won’t get away with it, and we ington in one of his most famous military servicemembers who sac- won’t let you tear down American de- speeches, with only 4 percent of the rificed their lives or remain missing to mocracy in a desperate attempt to hide world’s population, ‘‘we cannot right this day and the over 8.7 million brave the truth. every wrong or reverse each adver- men and women who served over the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. sity—and that therefore there cannot course of the Vietnam war. More than COMER). Members are reminded to re- be an American solution to every world 5.6 million people visit the memorial frain from engaging in personalities to- problem.’’ each year. ward the President. Most of the time, a military solution Not long after the memorial opened, Members are reminded to direct their is the worst solution. There are many it became clear that families across remarks to the Chair. other ways we can help people who the country, not just those visiting

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.008 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 Washington, D.C., greatly desired the b 1045 In addition to this, Malia has worked opportunity to remember those we HONORING MASTER SERGEANT with students who have special needs, have lost and pay their respects to the WILLIAM R. POSCH spending hours with many students approximately 7.3 million Vietnam war one-on-one to increase their learning. veterans living today. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Malia also dedicated her time in the Chair recognizes the gentleman from summer to the students with special To accommodate, the Vietnam Vet- Florida (Mr. RUTHERFORD) for 5 min- erans Memorial Fund built an iconic needs by volunteering in an extended utes. school year program. replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memo- Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I Malia is now in the 11th grade at rial. This replica travels across the rise today to honor the life of Master Yulee High School, and in addition to country as part of The Wall That Heals Sergeant William R. ‘‘Bill’’ Posch, who being named one of the State’s out- exhibit, stopping in approximately 39 died on March 15, 2018, while serving standing school volunteers, she was re- communities each year. The replica is his country in Iraq. cently honored by Nassau County as 375 feet in length, 7.5 feet high at its His dedication to this Nation and its freedom will never be forgotten. Mas- the youth volunteer of the year. tallest point, and includes 140 panels, I want to congratulate Malia Do- each engraved with the names of fallen ter Sergeant Posch spent his life helping others. As a teenager, he worked as mingo for her 6 years of community United States Armed Forces service- service and her dedication to improv- members who served during the Viet- a lifeguard for Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue, where he developed his ing the lives of all those she helps. nam war. It has been displayed at al- Malia is a great role model for her fel- most 600 communities nationwide. passion for search-and-rescue missions. At the age of 15, he saved the life of a low students, and she has made the There are roughly 7,500 Vietnam vet- surfer who was drowning after having a Fourth District of Florida very proud. erans living in my district, the 43rd seizure in the water. After this experi- f Congressional District, alone, and over ence, he knew he wanted to join the HONORING AND THANKING THE 570,000 in the State of California. Cali- military after he graduated from PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS fornia is home to more veterans than Fletcher High School. any other State—almost 2 million. The When he was just 17, he told the local The SPEAKER pro tempore. The residents of my district and the State newspaper that after graduation he was Chair recognizes the gentleman from of California deserve the opportunity going to enlist with the intent of be- New York (Mr. ZELDIN) for 5 minutes. to say thank you to some of the brav- coming a rescue swimmer. And he did Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, today I est Americans who have ever lived and just that. Master Sergeant Posch was rise to honor and thank the Patriot remember those they may have lost. an Air Force Reserve pararescueman Guard Riders, who live on Long Island and all across our country. The Patriot I worked with the city of Gardena assigned to the 308th Rescue Squadron, known as the Guardian Angel Airmen, Guard Riders, a nonprofit organization, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial consists of a diverse group of motor- Fund for 2 years to bring the replica to at Patrick Air Force Base. This squadron is one of the most deployed in the cycle enthusiasts and patriots who my district, and I am so happy to say share a deep appreciation and commit- that we recently succeeded. This past Air Force Reserve, and this was re- flected in the important missions that ment to honoring our U.S. servicemem- weekend, The Wall That Heals arrived bers, veterans, and their families. in one of my cities, the city of Gar- Master Sergeant Posch carried out. In his time with the Air Force, Mas- Rooted in their unwavering patriot- dena, California, to a welcoming crowd ter Sergeant Posch completed 143 com- ism and respect for our Nation’s mili- of hundreds who came to pay their re- bat missions, led a crisis evacuation of tary men and women, the Patriot spects and honor Vietnam veterans. more than 126 Americans from the U.S. Guard Riders go above and beyond In my opinion, full and appropriate Embassy in South Sudan, and assisted daily to ensure everyone, from our Na- recognition of our Vietnam veterans is with the rescue mission in Texas in the tion’s veterans to our communities’ long overdue. The war often separated wake of Hurricane Harvey. The Air first responders and their families, re- friends and families, both physically Force awarded him many medals, in- ceive the appreciation they deserve. and politically, and created divisions cluding the Air Medal with silver oak When a veteran arrives at Calverton which have taken years to heal. Many leaf cluster, the Aerial Achievement National Cemetery for burial in my veterans have spoken about how dif- Medal, the Air Force Commendation district, the Patriot Guard Riders are ficult this was and how much harder Medal of Valor, and he was also named there. On Veterans Day, Memorial Day, this made the healing process. one of the Air Force’s 12 outstanding the Fourth of July, and 9/11 events, the Patriot Guard Riders are there. When No matter what you may have felt airmen of 2014. He courageously served our Nation our communities’ veterans are return- about the war, we should all honor the for 18 years, and we in northeast Flor- ing from their Honor Flight trips to sacrifice made by our veterans who an- ida will always be proud to call him Washington, D.C., our Patriot Guard swered their country’s call, who served, one of our own. I salute Master Ser- Riders are there. No matter rain or and who sacrificed. geant William R. Posch on his years of shine or snow, whether it is freezing This country should be and is hon- service and sacrifice to our country. He cold or scorching hot, the Patriot ored to acknowledge and express appre- will forever be remembered as an Guard Riders are there. ciation for the sacrifices Vietnam vet- American hero. May God bless him and Last month, our Nation lost seven erans and their families made, both our Nation. airmen in the line of duty, four of during their service and over the many RECOGNIZING MALIA DOMINGO FOR HER SELEC- whom were from the 106th Rescue Wing years since. The Vietnam Veterans Me- TION AS A FLORIDA OUTSTANDING SCHOOL on Long Island. As their families gath- morial, The Wall That Heals, and the VOLUNTEER ered at Gabreski Air National Guard dozens of local museums and memo- Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I Base to receive their sons, brothers, rials allow us to pay proper respect to rise today to honor Malia Domingo of husbands, and our heroes, several dozen and commemorate our Vietnam vet- Yulee, Florida. Malia was recently Patriot Guard Riders gathered to es- erans. named one of Florida’s outstanding cort these fallen airmen from the base. school volunteers for 2017 and 2018 by It is in these moments, the most dif- I have just introduced a resolution in the Florida Department of Education. ficult moments in the lives of the fami- recognition of the Vietnam Veterans She began her volunteer work in the lies of these fallen airmen, when the Memorial, its traveling replica, which sixth grade, earning 350 volunteer Patriot Guard Riders, as detailed in is one part of The Wall That Heals ex- hours over the course of that school their motto, stand for those who stood hibit, and the Vietnam veterans for year. Malia first started volunteering for us. their devotion to neighbor, commu- at Yulee Primary School, working in The family members of these fallen nity, and country. four different kindergarten classrooms, servicemembers may not know the I say once again: Welcome home, aiding students with the accelerated names of these Patriot Guard Riders, Vietnam veterans. reader program. but recognition is not what drives

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.010 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3157 them. As these fallen airmen were es- CELEBRATING THE ST. MICHAEL-ALBERTVILLE RECOGNIZING ANOKA COUNTY SPECIAL DEPUTY corted from the base, a sea of American HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAM VERN WALDNER flags rose up to flank their caskets. As Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise their families prepared to say their today to celebrate the St. Michael- today to recognize Vern Waldner of final good-byes, an unquestionable, un- Albertville High School wrestling team Anoka County, Minnesota. After serv- wavering sense of patriotism swelled, for winning their first-ever undisputed ing for 26 years as special deputy with carried on the backs of the Patriot Class 3A State title. The young men on the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office re- Guard Riders’ bikes. this team came close to winning in serve program, Vern is retiring. They have especially made our Na- 2013. Due to a tie, however, they had to Local communities are made better tion’s heroes their priority when others share the title with another team. But by people like Vern who are willing to have neglected to show their apprecia- not this year. This year, the St. Mi- give their time and service to help oth- tion. Time after time, when a veteran chael-Albertville High School wres- ers. Simply put, he made Anoka a safer of World War II, Korea, Vietnam has tling team finished what they started. place to live. For nearly three decades, Vern en- been buried without family or friends, Congratulations to the wrestlers of sured the safety of families during each you can count on the Patriot Guard St. Michael-Albertville High School for annual Anoka Halloween Parade, an Riders to have been there. We need your first State championship. We ex- event so large and so widely attended, more Pete Jepsons in our world, who is pect many more. it has earned Anoka the title ‘‘Hal- the senior ride captain for all of Suf- RECOGNIZING TAMMY OVESON FOR BEING NAMED loween Capital of the World.’’ Vern was folk County. There’s Mary-Ann, LW, NATIONAL CHILDCARE PROVIDER OF THE MONTH at that parade every year, dedicated to Wayne, John, Eugene, Susan, Nancy, Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise protecting his neighbors and friends. Marc, Dennis, Richard, Warren, Karen, today to recognize Tammy Oveson of Waite Park, Minnesota. Tammy is an As a community, we are grateful for and so many others who would drop ev- Vern and congratulate him on being erything at a moment’s notice to stand outstanding childcare provider in Min- nesota’s Sixth Congressional District. the second longest serving reserve dep- for those who stood for us. uty in Anoka County history. Thank She operates Learn ‘n Play Preschool The Patriot Guard Riders are made you, Vern. We wish you a long and and was recently named National up of hundreds of thousands of every- happy retirement. day people all across America. With Childcare Provider of the Month for f the inspiration that consumes us when- her dedication to early childhood de- ever we see them in action, we should velopment and learning techniques. BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT all aspire to the ideals and dedication Mr. Speaker, right now in Minnesota, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The each and every one of them embody. To at this moment, Tammy and her assist- Chair recognizes the gentleman from our Patriot Guard Riders, thank you ant, Karla, are working with young Kentucky (Mr. MASSIE) for 5 minutes. for your service to our great country. children who will one day grow up to Mr. MASSIE. Mr. Speaker, here we be great citizens and, hopefully, leaders are, 4 legislative days after passing a f of this great Nation. Tammy and $1.3 trillion omnibus bill that is going Karla’s work keeps Minnesota and our CONGRATULATING COACH to blow the deficit through the roof. Nation moving forward. I am grateful JERREMIAH JOHNSON AND AS- And what are we going to do today? Oh, for them and all of our childcare pro- SISTANT COACH BRETT BARTA don’t worry. We are going to fix it all. viders, teachers, counselors, and edu- ON THEIR COACH OF THE YEAR We are going to vote for the balanced cators who are fostering future genera- AWARDS budget amendment. That is right. This tions of Americans across the country. is going to tie our hands. This balanced The SPEAKER pro tempore. The I am honored to recognize Tammy budget amendment will cure every- Chair recognizes the gentleman from today and thank and congratulate her thing that ails Congress. It is going to Minnesota (Mr. EMMER) for 5 minutes. on the incredible work she does for balance the budget. It is going to make Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, many young Minnesotans. us balance the budget. years ago, an outstanding coach from HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF VIETNAM Mr. Speaker, there is a dictionary my home State of Minnesota once said, VETERAN LEO K. THORSNESS over here in the House of Representa- ‘‘I learned early on that you do not put Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise tives, 30 feet from me. I suggest we go greatness into people but somehow try today to commemorate Vietnam vet- in there and rewrite the definition of to pull it out.’’ That coach was Herb erans, to remember the heroes who ‘‘audacity,’’ because it is that quality Brooks, who led Team USA to victory served our great Nation during the of Congress that leads them to believe at the 1980 Olympics. Minnesota is most expansive war in American his- that 4 legislative days after they blow home to many outstanding coaches tory. To those who have passed and the budget they can pass a balanced who carry on the legacy of Coach those still living, we offer our humble budget amendment and think that will Brooks every day. and eternal thank you. While you may convince America that they are serious Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize not have always received a warm wel- about balancing the budget. That is the two of my district’s incredible coaches come or the gratitude you deserve, we definition of audacity. for receiving awards from the Min- honor your sacrifice to this Nation, Look, this is an unserious vote. We nesota Hockey Coaches Association. now and forever. know this balanced budget amendment St. Michael-Albertville High School’s The great State of Minnesota is home is going nowhere in the Senate. But Jerremiah Johnson achieved the AA to many of these incredible heroes, and this is a very serious topic. This is the John Mariucci coach of the year award, today I am proud to honor the life and Constitution we are talking about and Andover High School’s Brett Barta legacy of Leo K. Thorsness, who was amending. This is the document we received the assistant head coach of recently interred at Arlington National swore an oath to uphold, support, de- the year award. Cemetery. Leo was Minnesota’s last fend. Our Founding Fathers died for it. In Minnesota, we treat the sport of living recipient of the Medal of Honor. What is wrong with this balanced hockey as a lifestyle, and our youth He deserved that great honor and dis- budget amendment? Well, first of all, coaches spend a lot of time with our tinction for the incredible courage he let me tell you, it has got a loophole young people. I am proud that coaches displayed in the Vietnam war. you could drive a truck through. Sec- like Coach Johnson and Coach Barta During his time in Vietnam, Leo was tion 1, the very first part of this bal- are carrying on the legacy of Min- captured and imprisoned for 6 years, anced budget amendment, says, if nesota legends like John Mariucci and spending one full year in solitary con- three-fifths of the whole number of Herb Brooks and pulling the greatness finement. In honor of brave men like each House of Congress pass a budget out of our young athletes every day. Leo, I rise today to say thank you. that is unbalanced, that is fine, but Thank you, Jerremiah and Brett, for Thank you for your service, your sac- you have got to get three-fifths vote. passing on lessons in perseverance, in- rifice, and your willingness to put your Okay. Higher threshold. That will tegrity, and the great game of hockey life on the line and fight to preserve cause us to balance the budget. Three- to the next generation. America’s values. fifths is hard to get, isn’t it?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.011 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 How many? What is three-fifths? Please read it. Please read it before come forward and lead the House in the Sixty percent. How many Members of you vote on it. It is right here. It is Pledge of Allegiance. Congress voted for that omnibus bill 4 only three pages. Please read it. Think Mrs. ROBY led the Pledge of Alle- legislative days ago? 60.5 percent in the deeply before you cast your vote to giance as follows: House. How many in the Senate? More alter this sacred document. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the than that. f United States of America, and to the Repub- b 1100 lic for which it stands, one nation under God, RECESS indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. This balanced budget amendment The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- wouldn’t have stopped the omnibus f ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair bill. There is something worse in this declares the House in recess until noon MOMENT OF SILENCE HONORING balanced budget amendment. Any year today. THOSE KILLED OR WOUNDED IN that we are at war, it does not apply. Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 2 min- SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY Let’s think about that. The SPEAKER. The Chair asks that The first day of Congress, we elect utes a.m.), the House stood in recess. the House now observe a moment of si- the Speaker. We are going to elect a f lence in honor of those who have been new one this time. We elect the Speak- b 1200 er. We adopt the rules. The third order killed or wounded in service to our of business will be to declare war so we AFTER RECESS country and all those who serve and their families. don’t have to follow the balanced budg- The recess having expired, the House et amendment. That is a loophole right was called to order by the Speaker at f there, but it is a dangerous one. noon. Some people say: Well, at least we ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER f will start declaring wars. We haven’t The SPEAKER. The Chair will enter- declared a war since World War II. PRAYER tain up to 15 requests for 1-minute Maybe it will get Congress to do its The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick speeches on each side of the aisle. job, its constitutional duty. J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: f Well, I don’t think so. We have been Gracious and merciful God, we give DAIRY FARMERS ARE FACING A at war in Afghanistan for 17 years, and You thanks for giving us another day. CRISIS this article in the balanced budget You bring forth blessings from just amendment says: Well, you don’t have deeds. Listen to our prayers for the (Ms. STEFANIK asked and was given to be at war as long as there is a con- Members of this people’s House. Give permission to address the House for 1 flict with our national security at them the wisdom to meditate upon minute and to revise and extend her re- stake. Oh, you can forget the balanced Your revelation, Your law. Help them marks.) budget amendment. find confidence in Your love, especially Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise What does that mean? For the last 17 today to bring attention to the urgent years, this balanced budget amendment in times of difficulty. May their efforts reflect the mindset crisis facing dairy farmers across my wouldn’t apply to the war in Afghani- district. stan or Iraq, where we have racked up and gracious manner revealed in Your loving commands, and may their work The low price of milk, labor short- trillions of dollars of debt. The bal- ages, and dwindling access to new mar- anced budget amendment would do contain the depth of justice and the expansive embrace of human goodness kets are just some of the many chal- nothing to stop that. lenges faced by the hardworking family Look, I am not against the concept of that You reveal to Your people. farms in my district. Additionally, the an amendment to the Constitution May all that is done this day be for Margin Protection Program has failed that limits the growth of government. Your greater honor and glory. North Country dairy farmers by pro- This government is so much bigger Amen. viding little to no return on our farm- than it was when our Founders started f ers’ buy-in. this country, and for many years there- THE JOURNAL Recently, I was pleased to support after, but that is not what this bal- the Bipartisan Budget Act, which con- anced budget amendment does. It is The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- tained many urgent reforms to this not carefully crafted. ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- The thought that our Founders put ceedings and announces to the House program, such as raising catastrophic into the Constitution has not been put his approval thereof. coverage for the first tier of covered into this document. It has not even Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- production for all farmers, reducing been debated in a committee. Yet, nal stands approved. premium rates to help farmers buy cov- today, we are going to vote on it. How Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, pursu- erage, and waiving costly administra- ridiculous is that? ant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote tive fees for underserved farms. So here is what I think we need to do. on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval Agriculture is truly the backbone of Instead of having a balanced budget of the Journal. our North Country economy, and gen- amendment that encourages you to go The SPEAKER. The question is on erations of farmers have helped make to war, that is toothless, that encour- the Speaker’s approval of the Journal. dairy production a way of life for many ages you to raise taxes instead of cut The question was taken; and the families that I represent. spending, we need a balanced budget Speaker announced that the ayes ap- In Congress, I will keep fighting amendment that somehow limits the peared to have it. every day to strengthen our family growth of government. Frankly, what Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I ob- farms for future generations. we need are people here that are seri- ject to the vote on the ground that a f ous about balancing the budget, not quorum is not present and make the another document, not an unserious point of order that a quorum is not CONGRESS DOES NOT NEED A proposal. present. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT So I would just say this. I know this The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8, TO DO ITS JOB HONORABLY is a popular concept to have a balanced rule XX, further proceedings on this (Mr. HIGGINS of New York asked and budget amendment. I am not going to question will be postponed. was given permission to address the urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote or a ‘‘no’’ vote or a The point of no quorum is considered House for 1 minute.) ‘‘present’’ vote. I am going to vote withdrawn. Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. ‘‘no’’ because it is an unserious ap- f Speaker, House Republicans recently proach to a serious topic, and it should voted to add $2.5 trillion to the na- be called ‘‘the CYA,’’ not ‘‘the BBA,’’ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE tional debt over the next decade. That but I just want my colleagues to think The SPEAKER. Will the gentle- is more debt in the shortest period of deeply and long about this amendment. woman from Alabama (Mrs. ROBY) time by any one political party, the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.013 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3159 Republican Party, in American his- men, including my constituent, First House for 1 minute and to revise and tory. Their debt will exceed the entire Lieutenant Edward Field, a veteran extend his remarks.) American economy in 10 years. and poet from Brooklyn, New York. On Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- The moral horror of passing this debt February 3, 1945, in a bombing mission er, I rise today to call attention to a on to your kids and grandkids now be- over Berlin, Sergeant Cook showed us serious health crisis in America: the longs to you. You own it and they owe what true heroism looks like. maternal mortality rate in the country it. After their B–17 bomber crashed into is worse than in the rest of the devel- To now offer a balanced budget the North Sea, the crewmembers were oped world. amendment is transparently cowardly forced to inflate two life rafts. Unfortu- In fact, the United States is the only and egregious. Congress does not need nately, only one raft was able to fully industrialized nation where the number a constitutional amendment to do its inflate, leaving two men, Lieutenant of pregnancy-related deaths is on the job honorably. The Constitution al- Field and another crewmember, in the rise. This is particularly true for Black ready gives Congress that authority. frigid water. women, who are nearly four times What is missing is the intestinal for- After they had spent about 30 min- more likely to die from pregnancy titude to do that which the Constitu- utes in the water, Sergeant Cook gave complications than White women. tion calls on you to do honorably. up his spot in the raft for Lieutenant Additionally, The New York Times reported yesterday that Black infants f Field, who had become numb. Sergeant Cook then swam in the freezing water are now more than twice as likely to HONORING THE LIFE OF to the other raft, which was only par- die as White infants, a disparity which SERGEANT JACK COLEMAN COOK tially inflated. Unfortunately, he died is larger now than it was in 1850. (Mr. WESTERMAN asked and was before a British vessel could come and Black Maternal Health Week started given permission to address the House rescue them. yesterday. Today, I stand before Con- for 1 minute and to revise and extend In his poem, ‘‘World War II,’’ Lieu- gress not only to raise awareness, but his remarks.) tenant Field honored the incredible to encourage my colleagues to take Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I sacrifice made by Sergeant Cook, rec- swift action and fund maternal rise today to honor the life of Sergeant ognizing that his survival is entwined healthcare clinics in 2019. Jack Coleman Cook of Hot Springs, Ar- with the spirit born from another f kansas, for his heroic actions in World hero’s sacrifice. It is my distinct honor today to com- CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF War II. Sergeant Cook was a ball turret JIM MOYER gunner on a B–17 Flying Fortress memorate the American heroes who named the Challenger. bravely served our country, in this (Mr. NEWHOUSE asked and was On February 3, 1945, the 384th Bomb case, Sergeant Jack Coleman Cook and given permission to address the House Group participated in a mission over First Lieutenant Edward Field. for 1 minute.) Berlin. During the mission, the Chal- f Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise lenger was hit by flak, damaging mul- today to recognize Jim Moyer, asso- RECOGNIZING DEPUTY ANDREW ciate dean of research at Washington tiple engines, gas tanks, and the fuse- JENKINS FOR BEING AWARDED State University, and to congratulate lage, but left the crew unharmed. CONGRESSIONAL BADGE OF him on his retirement. Jim graduated On the return journey home, the BRAVERY plane began losing altitude and crash- from Washington State in 1971 and went on to pursue several higher de- landed in the frigid North Sea. The (Mr. WALBERG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 grees and academic achievements. crewmembers abandoned the aircraft He is prominently renowned as a and boarded two life rafts but became minute.) Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise plant pathologist, having served as the separated. president of the American Navigator Edward Field, a crew- today to recognize Deputy Andrew Jen- Phytopathological Society, and his remember who stayed in the water, kins of the Eaton County Sheriff’s De- partment for being awarded the Con- search contributions have earned him began to push his raft towards the gressional Badge of Bravery. He is only both national and international rec- other raft but became numb and said the second law enforcement officer ognition. He received the USDA Agri- that he could no longer hold on. Ser- from Michigan to ever receive this high cultural Research Service’s Morrison geant Cook got into the water so the honor. Medal before he returned to Pullman to crew’s navigator could get out of the On the evening of December 20, 2016, serve as the associate dean of research cold sea and take his spot in the raft. Deputy Jenkins was the first emer- for WSU’s College of Agriculture, The sergeant then swam for 45 minutes gency responder to a Delta Township Human, and Natural Resource until they reached the second raft. residence which was already in flames. Sciences. Shortly afterward, air-sea rescue lo- Although he had no protective clothing In this position, he advocated for ag- cated the crew, but Sergeant Cook had or equipment, he immediately entered riculture stakeholders and supported little life left in him, and he passed the home, finding three family mem- research in Washington State and away on the boat. bers, two of whom were disabled and across the country. He testified before It is with great gratitude and respect unable to walk. the House Agriculture Committee and that I honor Jack Coleman Cook. Ser- He subsequently rescued all three oc- has led WSU to be number one in geant Cook is a true American hero. He cupants, carrying the disabled individ- USDA research and development ex- selflessly gave his life for his fellow uals to safety as the fire continued to penditures in fiscal year 2016. man, and for this, we remember him spread, putting himself in great dan- Jim and I have worked closely to- more than 70 years later. ger. All three residents and Deputy gether since I came to Congress, and I f Jenkins were hospitalized and treated am grateful for all he has done for my for smoke inhalation, and one person alma mater. I urge my colleagues to HONORING THE LIFE OF was subsequently treated at the Uni- join me in celebrating his successful SERGEANT JACK COLEMAN COOK versity of Michigan burn unit. career, and I wish him the best in his (Mr. NADLER asked and was given If Deputy Jenkins had not acted so retirement. permission to address the House for 1 quickly that night, three lives may Go, Cougars. minute and to revise and extend his re- have been lost. His heroism and selfless f marks.) actions that night clearly established Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, like Mr. why Deputy Jenkins is so deserving of RECOGNIZING BAY COUNTY WESTERMAN, I rise today to recognize the Congressional Badge of Bravery. DEPUTY SHERIFF MIKE CLANCY the heroic actions taken by 384th Bomb f (Mr. DUNN asked and was given per- Group ball turret gunner Jack Coleman mission to address the House for 1 Cook of Hot Springs, Arkansas, during MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE IS A minute.) a World War II mission. SERIOUS HEALTH CRISIS Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Selflessly, Sergeant Cook gave his (Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia asked and to recognize Bay County Deputy Sher- life to save the life of his fellow air- was given permission to address the iff Mike Clancy for his heroic efforts in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.016 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 saving the life of a 6-year-old boy in nual Dream Makers’ Gala hosted by Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would like to Panama City Beach. Debbie’s Dream Foundation. close by wishing Maxwell-Gunter Air Deputy Clancy recently responded to On April 21, friends, family, Force Base a happy 100th birthday. a drowning call at a hotel to find an healthcare advocates, and community This past Saturday, Maxwell cele- unresponsive child. He immediately leaders from throughout our south brated 100 years of dedicated service. I took action, and his quick thinking Florida area will gather together to speak for the entire Second District in and response saved young Jaxon’s life. raise awareness and mobilize efforts to saying that we appreciate all that Deputy Clancy said in his own words fight stomach cancer. these men and women do for our coun- that he is not a hero, but to Jaxon and This year’s event is especially mean- try, and our community, and I know to his family, he is a hero. ingful to all of the staff, volunteers, that our region looks forward to many Deputy Clancy attributes his skills and supporters of Debbie’s Dream more years of partnership. to 22 years in the U.S. Army and train- Foundation. Why? Because, sadly, we Mr. Speaker, it is truly an honor to ing at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. recently lost Debbie Zelman. Nearly a be an advocate for Fort Rucker and Every day, despite great personal decade ago, Debbie was diagnosed with Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base here in risks, law enforcement officers across stage IV stomach cancer. But rather Congress, and I take this responsibility the country put on their uniforms and than give in, she decided to take ac- very seriously. carry out their duties to protect and tion. She started Debbie’s Dream Foun- f serve. Mr. Speaker, I thank Deputy dation to fund stomach cancer research Clancy and all who wear the badge. and fight this dreadful disease. BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT Their actions reflect great credit on In 2018, more than 26,000 people will (Mr. BANKS of Indiana asked and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and ex- be newly diagnosed with stomach can- was given permission to address the emplify the best in the American peo- cer in our great country. That is why House for 1 minute.) ple. this event and this organization are so Mr. BANKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, f important to defeat stomach cancer I rise today in support of a balanced once and for all. budget amendment which should be OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank one of several steps that we take in UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUS- Debbie’s wonderful parents who carry Congress to control spending. TIN MEN’S SWIMMING AND DIV- on this fight, her family members, and As a State senator, I worked with ING TEAM all of the advocates for their lifesaving Governors Mitch Daniels and MIKE (Mr. WILLIAMS asked and was given efforts and tireless commitment to ful- PENCE to balance Indiana’s budget permission to address the House for 1 filling Debbie’s dream. every single year, while lowering taxes minute.) Let us make this night a celebration and investing in key priorities. Today, Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, today I of Debbie’s determination, persever- Indiana has a $1.8 billion rainy-day would like to bring attention to the ance, and, most importantly, Debbie’s fund and a AAA credit rating. Sadly, outstanding achievements of the Uni- amazing life. Washington, D.C., has not followed In- versity of Texas at Austin men’s swim- f diana’s example. ming and diving team. For the fourth According to the latest estimates consecutive year, this team took home HONORING FORT RUCKER AND from the CBO, the Federal Government the NCAA title. MAXWELL-GUNTER AIR FORCE is set to run $82 trillion in deficits over College athletes from around the BASE the next 30 years. This is simply country dream about competing at the (Mrs. ROBY asked and was given per- unsustainable. We cannot allow this NCAA championships. As student-ath- mission to address the House for 1 crippling debt that will burden our letes, this could also mark the peak of minute and to revise and extend her re- children and grandchildren to continue their athletic career. marks.) growing. In addition to these incredible ath- Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, with Con- In the short term, I applaud the letes, I would like to congratulate gress out of session for the recent Trump administration’s decision to use their coach, Eddie Reese. Coach Reese Easter district work period, I had the the rescission tool to rein in Federal has the most wins in this sport’s his- opportunity to visit Fort Rucker and spending. The legislation that we are tory. After 40 seasons at the University Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, two considering today, which would force of Texas, he has trained athletes to win outstanding military installations in Congress to balance the budget, should 14 national titles. Alabama’s Second District. It is so im- be part of a comprehensive effort to ad- Coaches like this don’t come around portant that I stay up to date with the dress spending and get America’s fi- often, and I would like to thank Coach needs and priorities of our military nances back in order. Reese for his dedication to this great bases, and I appreciate those who took This amendment will ensure Con- university. the opportunity to meet with me re- gress has no excuses and reforms the I would also like to take this time to cently. broken congressional budget process. identify UT seniors on the team: Jona- As a member of the House Appropria- Hoosier families know how to live than Roberts, Brett Ringgold, and Jo- tions Subcommittee on Defense, prop- within their means and follow a budg- seph Schooling. As they leave their col- erly funding our military is one of my et, and Washington ought to do the lege days behind, they will always re- top priorities. I will always work to en- same. member this moment, and they will re- sure that Fort Rucker and Maxwell- f member this team. Gunter Air Force Base remain strong Mr. Speaker, I would like to con- components in our national defense in- REBUILDING EFFORTS IN THE U.S. gratulate the University of Texas on frastructure. VIRGIN ISLANDS these impressive accomplishments and Mr. Speaker, over the last year, I (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given simply say: Hook ‘em. have appreciated working alongside permission to address the House for 1 In God we trust. the administration that has dem- minute and to revise and extend her re- f onstrated an unwavering commitment marks.) b 1215 to rebuilding our military after years Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, the re- of damaging cuts. I am proud to serve building efforts of the U.S. Virgin Is- RECOGNIZING NINTH ANNUAL in a congressional district that is home lands will require an extraordinary DREAM MAKERS’ GALA to two of our Nation’s finest military level of coordination and cooperation (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was installations, and I will continue to between the local government and the given permission to address the House provide the brave men and women of Federal Government. We have, in this for 1 minute and to revise and extend our military with the best possible re- moment, both the opportunity and the her remarks.) sources to ensure that they are well- responsibility to ensure that the great- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I prepared for whatever challenges they est good emerges from the calamity to rise today to recognize the ninth an- may face as they work to keep us safe. our Virgin Islands.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.018 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3161 Yesterday, HUD awarded $1.6 billion COMMENDING BENSALEM HIGH the bipartisan policy initiatives of the to help the Virgin Islands to recover SCHOOL STUDENTS Members of this Chamber in the regu- after the hurricanes. These recovery (Mr. FITZPATRICK asked and was latory relief process. funds awarded were provided through given permission to address the House f HUD’s Community Development Block for 1 minute and to revise and extend HONORING NATIONAL LIBRARY Grant Disaster Recovery Program and his remarks.) WEEK are a part of the hard-fought battle Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I here in Congress to appropriate fund- (Mr. HURD asked and was given per- rise today to recognize a group of mission to address the House for 1 ing, specifically to the territories. thoughtful and innovative students in The Virgin Islands normally receives minute.) my district from Bensalem, Pennsyl- Mr. HURD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today a mere $1 million from this fund. This vania. crucial funding will help us to address in honor of National Library Week to Six students at Bensalem High recognize the importance of our Na- the disaster-related deficiencies in School have been working in their in- housing, public service, and infrastruc- tion’s libraries to local communities. dustrial design class to build a snow Our local libraries cultivate lifelong ture as determined by local officials sled for the blind. Working with stu- with citizen input. learning and reading and a profound dents from Villanova University to sense of community across south and I am imploring our local government make their prototype as strong as pos- to engage the community and have west Texas. They serve as community sible, they came up with a design that gathering places and local epicenters of strategic plans in this. Building more included a backrest and steering han- resilient infrastructure in the Virgin educational innovation. dles, and they also enhanced this de- At our libraries, folks of all ages can Islands is critical to future economic vice with sensors that vibrate the han- learn about their community’s history, stability. We must rebuild the Virgin dles when obstacles are detected. while accessing technological tools Islands and Puerto Rico the right way. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the hard that lead us into the future. Our children are presently in schools work of students Jonathan Cham- In many towns in the 23rd District of in the Virgin Islands 4 hours per day as pagne-Cox, Brandon Gomez, Jakub Texas, our public libraries go far be- they share space because of the tre- Hajduk, Tom Kelly, Eric Rosenberg, yond providing books and serve as the mendous loss of infrastructure. The and Michael Wible. I would also like to primary provider of literacy program- negligence leading to inadequate care commend Bensalem curriculum coordi- ming, especially in underserved rural and oversight of our loved ones is unac- nator Dan Lubacz for his guidance and areas. This is why I have taken advan- ceptable. The stress of hurricanes does for teaching his students that their tage of an important program within not need to be exacerbated by ineffi- gifts and talents could be used in com- the Library of Congress that allows cient evacuation protocols and lack of passionate ways. Members of Congress to donate books transparency. f to local libraries across their districts. Mr. Speaker, I urge Congress and For National Library Week, I would others to do what is necessary, to sup- REGULAR ORDER IN THE like to express gratitude for all the port the Virgin Islands and others in REGULATORY RELIEF PROCESS local librarians who provide these rebuilding. (Mr. TIPTON asked and was given priceless services. f permission to address the House for 1 f minute and to revise and extend his re- HIGHLIGHTING THE GIVE SEVEN CONGRATULATING LADY ROCK marks.) LIONS ON THEIR WIN DAYS CHALLENGE Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, the regu- (Mr. YOHO asked and was given per- (Mr. YODER asked and was given latory relief bill that passed the Senate mission to address the House for 1 permission to address the House for 1 just a few short weeks ago was crafted minute and to revise and extend his re- minute and to revise and extend his re- to get past the 60-vote cloture thresh- marks.) marks.) old. Our Senate colleagues are now Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise asking the House to pass that deal in honor of the Lady Rock Lions bas- today to highlight the Give Seven Days without amendment because they don’t ketball team for winning the 2018 Na- challenge that began in my district in have an interest in voting on the meas- tional Association of Christian Ath- Kansas this week, an outreach program ure again. letes Division 2 women’s tournament. founded by a woman named Mindy That is not the legislative process en- These young women from The Rock Corporon. visioned by the Framers of the Con- School in Gainesville played through a Mindy tragically lost both her father, stitution and demonstrates a disregard grueling season to earn their spot in William, and her 14-year-old son, Reat, for the policy work of the people’s the tournament this past February. in the horrific shooting at the Jewish House. Their dedication paid off, and the Lady Community Center and Village Shalom The House Financial Services Com- Rock Lions were named national cham- in Overland Park back in April of 2014. mittee has worked tirelessly to pass bi- pions. Who among us would have questioned partisan bills that will provide nec- Their hard work, discipline, and un- Mindy if she slipped into despair after essary regulatory relief to Main Street breakable spirit have earned them the such a loss? Losing a parent is difficult America. right to stand among the greats of high enough, and losing your child on the Chairman HENSARLING has identified school basketball. I am confident in same day is something no person 15 commonsense bills that passed out their ability to continue to succeed should ever have to endure. But instead of the Financial Services Committee both athletically and academically, of despair, Mindy has chosen love, with broad bipartisan support and have and I look forward to watching these faith, kindness, and remembrance. the support of the ranking member. young women bring more honor, pride, She founded Give Seven Days, which Yet some in the Senate continue to in- and success to not just their lives, but challenges young and old to embrace sist that any amendment to legislation to our district. diversity across race, religion, and cul- is inadmissible. Go Lady Rock Lions and, yes, you do ture. It also honors the memory of Wil- While I support the goal of providing rock. liam, Reat, and Terri LaManno, the much-needed relief to our community f third victim of the attack. banks and credit unions, I believe we Mr. Speaker, let’s all follow Mindy’s should take a more thoughtful and in- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER example. Let’s remember those we clusive approach that considers the PRO TEMPORE have lost and, in their memory, create will of the people as represented in this The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. a wave of positive change for the fu- body. BOST). Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, ture. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Chair will postpone further pro- Let’s make a ripple and change the the leadership in the House, as well as ceedings today on the motion to sus- world. Chairman HENSARLING, for fighting for pend the rules on which a recorded vote

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.020 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 or the yeas and nays are ordered, or if New York (Mr. NADLER) each will con- tlement programs will burden multiple the vote is objected to under clause 6 of trol 2 hours. future generations. Indeed, a few years rule XX. The Chair recognizes the gentleman ago, a cross-national study found that Any record vote on the postponed from Virginia. the United States ranked worst among 29 advanced countries in the degree to question will be taken later. b 1230 which it imposes unfair debt burdens f GENERAL LEAVE on future generations. PROPOSING A BALANCED BUDGET Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask University of Virginia philosophy AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITU- unanimous consent that all Members professor Loren Lomasky has written TION may have 5 legislative days in which to that theorists have devoted consider- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I revise and extend their remarks and in- able attention to injustices committed move to suspend the rules and pass the clude extraneous materials on H.J. across lines of race and gender. Far less joint resolution (H.J. Res. 2) proposing Res. 2, currently under consideration. attended are concerns of intergenera- tional fairness. That omission is seri- a balanced budget amendment to the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ous. Measures that have done very well Constitution of the United States. objection to the request of the gen- by the baby boomers are much less The Clerk read the title of the joint tleman from Virginia? generous to their children and worse resolution. There was no objection. still for their grandchildren. The single The text of the joint resolution is as Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I greatest unsolved problem of justice in follows: yield myself such time as I may consume. the developed world today is transgen- H.J. RES. 2 March 2, 1995, was a pivotal day in erational plunder. Resolved by the Senate and House of Rep- the history of our country. On that It is time for Congress to stop sad- resentatives of the United States of America in day, the United States Senate failed by dling future generations with the bur- Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House one vote to send a balanced budget con- den of crushing debts to pay for cur- concurring therein), That the following article rent spending. We should not pass on to is proposed as an amendment to the Con- stitutional amendment to the States stitution of the United States, which shall be for ratification. The amendment had our children and grandchildren the valid to all intents and purposes as part of passed the House by the required two- bleak fiscal future that our the Constitution when ratified by the legis- thirds majority, and the Senate vote unsustainable spending is creating. latures of three-fourths of the several States was the last legislative hurdle before The only way to ensure that Congress within seven years after the date of its sub- ratification by the States. acts with fiscal restraint over the mission for ratification: If Congress had listened to the Amer- longterm is to pass a balanced budget ‘‘ARTICLE — ican people and sent that amendment amendment. Experience has proved ‘‘SECTION 1. Total outlays for any fiscal to the States for ratification, we would time and again that Congress cannot year shall not exceed total receipts for that not be facing the fiscal crisis we are for any significant length of time rein fiscal year, unless three-fifths of the whole today. Rather, balancing the Federal in excessive spending. Annual deficits number of each House of Congress shall pro- and the resulting debt continue to vide by law for a specific excess of outlays budget would have been the norm, instead of the exception, over the past 20 grow due to political pressures that the over receipts by a rollcall vote. Constitution’s structure no longer ‘‘SECTION 2. The limit on the debt of the years, and we would have nothing like the annual deficits and skyrocketing serves to restrain. United States held by the public shall not be In order for Congress to be able to increased, unless three-fifths of the whole debt we currently face. consistently make the tough decisions number of each House shall provide by law In 1995, when the balanced budget necessary to sustain fiscal responsi- for such an increase by a rollcall vote. amendment came within one vote of bility, Congress must have the external ‘‘SECTION 3. Prior to each fiscal year, the passing, the gross Federal debt stood at President shall transmit to the Congress a pressure of a balanced budget require- $4.9 trillion. Today, it stands at over proposed budget for the United States Gov- ment to force it to do so. Constitu- $20 trillion. The Federal debt held by ernment for that fiscal year in which total tional principle will prevail where po- outlays do not exceed total receipts. the public is rising as well and is in- litical promises have not. ‘‘SECTION 4. No bill to increase revenue creasing rapidly as a percentage of the The Framers of the Constitution shall become law unless approved by a ma- country’s economic output. Unlike the were familiar with the need for con- jority of the whole number of each House by past, when the debt spiked to pay for a rollcall vote. stitutional restrictions on deficit wars of finite duration and then was re- spending. When the Constitution was ‘‘SECTION 5. The Congress may waive the duced gradually after hostilities ended, provisions of this article for any fiscal year ratified, it was the States that had ex- in which a declaration of war is in effect. more recently, the debt has risen as a hibited out-of-control fiscal mis- The provisions of this article may be waived result of having to pay for entitlement management by issuing bills of credit for any fiscal year in which the United programs that are of indefinite dura- to effectively print money to pay for States is engaged in military conflict which tion and difficult to reduce over time. projects and service debt. As a result of causes an imminent and serious military As John Cogan of the Hoover Institu- that lack of fiscal discipline, Article I, threat to national security and is so declared tion at Stanford University wrote: ‘‘All section 10 of the Constitution specifi- by a joint resolution, adopted by a majority of the increase in Federal spending rel- cally deprives States of the power to of the whole number of each House, which ative to GDP over the past seven dec- becomes law. Any such waiver must identify issue bills of credit. Over 200 years and be limited to the specific excess or in- ades is attributable to entitlement later, it is the Federal Government crease for that fiscal year made necessary by spending. Since the late 1940s, entitle- that has proved its inability to adopt the identified military conflict. ment claims on the Nation’s output of sound fiscal policies, and it is now time ‘‘SECTION 6. The Congress shall enforce and goods and services have risen from less to adopt a constitutional restraint on implement this article by appropriate legis- than 4 percent to 14 percent. Surprising Federal fiscal mismanagement. lation, which may rely on estimates of out- as it may seem, the share of GDP that Several versions of the balanced lays and receipts. is spent on national defense and non- budget amendment have been intro- ‘‘SECTION 7. Total receipts shall include all defense discretionary programs com- duced this Congress, including two I in- receipts of the United States Government except those derived from borrowing. Total bined is no higher today than it was troduced this Congress, as I have every outlays shall include all outlays of the seven decades ago.’’ Congress for the last decade. H.J. Res. United States Government except for those As the nonpartisan Congressional 2, the version we are debating today, is for repayment of debt principal. Budget Office has observed, such high nearly identical to the text that passed ‘‘SECTION 8. This article shall take effect and rising debt will have serious nega- the House in 1995 and failed in the Sen- beginning with the fifth fiscal year begin- tive consequences. Interest rates will ate by one vote. It requires that total ning after its ratification.’’. increase considerably, productivity and annual outlays not exceed total annual The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- wages will be lower, and high debt in- receipts. It also requires a true major- ant to section 2(a) of House Resolution creases the risk of a financial crisis. ity of each Chamber to pass tax in- 811, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. What is particularly troubling is that creases and a three-fifths majority to GOODLATTE) and the gentleman from the debts we are incurring under enti- raise the debt limit.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.021 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3163 Today is the day we can turn pro- his speech talking about how we have ship of the House in both Houses. By posals into legislative action. Our ex- to cut entitlements. the time Congress could react to an traordinary fiscal crisis demands an ex- What are the chief entitlements? So- economic crisis, it would have greatly traordinary solution. We must rise cial Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. delayed the stimulating effect of the above partisanship and join together to He talks about the lower percentage stabilizers. This legislation would al- send a balanced budget amendment to of expenditures that went for entitle- most guarantee that a recession would the States for ratification. ment programs years ago before Medi- become a depression. Meanwhile, mil- I urge all my colleagues to join me in care and Medicaid were enacted. Of lions of Americans who depend on supporting this amendment and in free- course, we spend more on entitlements these vital programs for food, shelter, ing our children and grandchildren now that we have Medicare and Med- and rent would go without assistance. from the burden of a crippling debt icaid. In addition to making it harder to they had no hand in creating so they But what is really causing deficits is avoid an economic crisis, this resolu- can be free to chart their own futures not Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Se- tion could actually help to precipitate for themselves and for their own pos- curity. It is the Republican tax cuts. In one. By requiring a three-fifths super- terity. the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan was majority vote of each House of Con- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of elected, the total Federal national debt gress to raise the debt limit, H.J. Res. my time. from George Washington through 2 increases the probability that the Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Jimmy Carter was under $800 billion. government will default on its obliga- myself such time as I may consume. Then we had the Reagan tax cuts, and tions and cause the Nation to spiral Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to when George Bush left office 12 years into a financial and economic crisis. the proposed balanced budget amend- later, the national debt had sky- Beyond its devastating economic and ment to the Constitution. Specifically, rocketed from $800 billion to $4.3 tril- social consequences, this resolution is the resolution prohibits total outlays lion. Then we had President Clinton, a also anti-democratic. To the extent from exceeding total receipts for each Democratic Congress, and Newt Ging- that it requires a supermajority to un- fiscal year unless a three-fifths super- rich, who deserves some credit for it dertake certain steps, such as waiving majority of the whole membership of too, and we had 3 years of balanced the balanced budget requirement or each House of Congress votes to over- budgets in the late 1990s. In 2000, the raising the debt limit, it shifts power ride the prohibition. The resolution projection was for $5.65 trillion Federal away from the elected Representatives also requires a three-fifths super- surplus over the next 10 years. of a majority of the American people to majority of each House in order to Alan Greenspan, testifying in favor a determined minority that can thwart raise the Federal debt limit. of the Bush tax cuts, said that we have the majority’s will. There are only two conclusions one to pass these tax cuts because other- Moreover, this bill inappropriately can reach about this legislation. Either wise we will totally pay off the na- seeks to enshrine into the Constitution it is fundamentally unserious—a facade tional debt, and that is a bad thing for one particular economic view that designed to pretend that Republicans, would bind future generations and fu- on the heels of a massive Republican various reasons. So we passed the Bush tax cuts—the Republicans did—and be- ture Congresses that they elect. tax giveaway to corporations and the Whatever anyone may think about tween that and funding the Iraq and very rich that will increase the deficit economic policy and government fi- Afghanistan wars without a tax in- by at least $1.5 trillion over the next nancing, those kinds of policies should decade, have a shred of credibility crease off the credit card, we greatly be enacted as legislation that can be when it comes to claims of fiscal re- increased the national debt again. modified, amended, or repealed by fu- So the Democrats have come in and sponsibility; or it is deadly serious— ture majorities, not enshrined in the cleaned up the messes that Republicans the first step toward their ultimate Constitution to bind future generations goal of slashing Social Security, Medi- have left on the national debt by their to the opinions of this generation. That care, and Medicaid, and other critical huge tax cuts for the rich, and now is fundamentally undemocratic and ty- elements of the social safety net—be- they tell us we can’t afford Social Se- rannical. cause you cannot have these enormous curity, Medicare, and Medicaid because Finally, this resolution suffers from tax cuts and balance the budget with- we must keep these tax cuts for the a fundamental flaw to its construction. out slashing spending programs that rich going. There is no enforcement mechanism, most Americans depend on. This legislation would also under- and it is not clear what would happen Understand the context in which we mine the Federal Government’s ability if Congress ignored it and passed an un- are considering this legislation. White to respond to an economic crisis. When balanced budget without the required House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney the Nation’s economy weakens, in- supermajority. Presumably, it would recently admitted that the Republican comes of individuals and businesses de- somehow be resolved in the Federal tax windfall for the rich would cost the crease because of job and business courts. We would see judges ordering Federal Government $1.8 trillion in losses because of unemployment in- tax increases, or cuts in Social Secu- revenue over the next decade. creasing, which in turn automatically rity, or revising the transportation In the wake of their budget-busting results in reduced tax revenues. budget, you name it, without any legis- tax scam, House Republicans have the Meanwhile, spending on programs lative guidance, and on what basis they nerve to now seek to have us vote on like unemployment insurance benefits would make such decisions is anyone’s this balanced budget amendment be- and food stamps automatically in- guess. cause they want to maintain the illu- creases as more people lack jobs and We should not have judges deter- sion that they care about fiscal respon- rely on unemployment benefits and mining inherently political questions sibility. This is the height of hypoc- food stamps to stay afloat. These pro- regarding budgetary decisions, upend- risy. grams also help overcome a downward ing the principle of separation of pow- But if we assume that Republicans spiral in the economy as they help sta- ers and generating massive litigation actually intend to pass this legislation, bilize the decline in consumer pur- over questions ranging from who has we should recognize the catastrophic chasing power and prevent a recession the standing to sue, to what remedies a consequences it would have on senior from turning into a depression. court can impose if it found a viola- citizens or the disabled and on low-in- But by requiring a balanced budget, tion. come people. That is because it would this constitutional amendment would This legislation is ill-conceived and require radical spending cuts to effectively prohibit the government deeply problematic. As I stated earlier, achieve balance, with the principal tar- from drawing on these critical stabi- this resolution is either a farce—just gets being social safety net programs lizers. for show and a few well-timed press re- like Social Security, Medicare, and Although the resolution allows Con- leases—or it is a Trojan horse—an in- Medicaid that millions of Americans gress to override the amendment’s bal- nocuous looking resolution that is depend on. anced budget mandate, it requires a really designed to enable the long-held I want to commend Mr. GOODLATTE nearly insurmountable three-fifths Republican dream of dismantling So- for his honesty. He has spent part of supermajority of the entire member- cial Security, Medicare, and Medicaid,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.023 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 a goal they could never achieve politi- Congress can’t discipline itself. The Thomas Jefferson believed that ‘‘the cally but might achieve with a con- only thing that can discipline us is say- public debt is the greatest of dangers stitutional amendment on the balanced ing what Congress can’t do in the to be feared.’’ He wished ‘‘it were pos- budget. Either way, this resolution is United States Constitution, just like sible to obtain a single amendment to not worthy of this House. the First and Second Amendments. our Constitution taking from the Fed- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 eral Government the power of bor- oppose H.J. Res. 2, and I reserve the minutes to the gentleman from New rowing.’’ balance of my time. York (Mr. JEFFRIES). It is past time that we listen to Jef- b 1245 Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, the so- ferson’s commonsense advice. Amer- called balanced budget amendment is ican families balance their checkbooks. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I nothing but a phony, fraudulent, and States and local governments balance yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from fake effort to promote fiscal responsi- their budgets. So should the Federal Wisconsin (Mr. SENSENBRENNER), a bility. Government. member of the Judiciary Committee I am perplexed by the notion that my The last balanced budget occurred in and chairman of the Crime, Terrorism, good friends on the other side of the the 1990s. The previous balanced budget Homeland Security, and Investigations aisle would come to the House floor to was during the Eisenhower administra- Subcommittee. lecture the American people about the Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speak- tion. Surely it is not too much to ask budget when their actions are pri- er, the reason we have a big deficit is that we take a major step towards hav- marily responsible for the situation in not due to a lack of tax revenue; it is ing a balanced budget in our future. which we find ourselves. Mr. Speaker, only a balanced budget due to the fact that Congress spends How did we arrive at a moment amendment will guarantee that the too much money. Now, let me repeat that. The deficit where, in this country, we confront a Federal Government puts its fiscal and the debt are not caused by a lack crippling $20 trillion debt when the house in order and keeps it that way. of tax revenue. It is because there is Clinton administration handed the Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 too much money that is authorized and Bush administration a budget surplus? minutes to the gentleman from Mary- spent right here in the Congress of the I am glad you asked that question. land (Mr. DELANEY). Number one, a failed war in Iraq, Mr. DELANEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in United States. This proposed constitutional amend- brought to us by a Republican adminis- strong opposition to the balanced budg- ment will give us the discipline that we tration; et amendment, which, in my judgment, have not had, as we have sat and Number two, an unnecessarily pro- is one of the worst pieces of legislation watched the deficit go up and up and longed conflict in Afghanistan, brought I have seen since I have been in the up and up and away. It is the responsi- to us by a Republican administration; Congress. bility of Presidents of both political Number three, the Bush tax give- First, it will act as a doomsday ma- parties that this has happened, and aways of 2001, brought to us by a Re- chine, destroying critical programs maybe it is time for us to tell col- publican House, a Republican Senate, like Social Security, Medicare, invest- leagues now and in the future and and a Republican President; ments in our infrastructure, invest- Presidents now and in the future that Number four, the 2003 Bush tax give- ments in science and research, and in- the time to put things on the cuff is at away, brought to us by a Republican vestments in our military. Second, it represents wrongheaded an end. House, a Republican Senate, and a Re- I would say that doing what we have publican President; economics. To manage the country done, which means spending money on Number five, the collapse of the with a zero deficit is not smart eco- ourselves and sending the bill plus in- economy in 2008, brought to us by Re- nomic policy. terest to the next generations, is bad publican-inspired financial deregula- Third, it is being presented to the economics. But it is also immoral. tion; American people in a deceitful manner. Now, I have a grandson who is a little Number six, the Republican tax scam To compare fiscal planning of the U.S. bit more than a year old, and unless of 2017 that will explode our debt by an Government to how hardworking fami- Congress stops doing this, he is going additional $2 trillion. lies in this country should manage to end up having a debt that will bog- Republicans burn down our fiscal their own personal finances is mis- gle the mind that he and his contem- house and then show up with a so- representing how we should think poraries are going to have difficulty called balanced budget amendment and about our government. meeting. act like the volunteer fire department. And fourth, it is being done entirely So what do we need to do? I am from Brooklyn. I know a hustle for political reasons: to direct atten- Number one, we need to stop passing when I see one. We will not allow any- tion away from tax legislation that has bloated omnibus bills. I voted ‘‘no’’ one to balance the budget on the backs materially increased the deficit of this proudly on the omnibus bill, which of working families, middle class folks, country. busted the budget and added to the senior citizens, the poor, the sick, the If we wanted to have an honest con- debt. afflicted, veterans, and rural America. versation about the fiscal situation of We need to start getting honest We will not allow anyone to devastate this country, which is terrible and pro- about the fact that entitlement pro- Social Security, Medicare, and Med- jected to be worse, we would focus on grams are spiraling out of control. And icaid. three numbers: The first number we that doesn’t mean cutting entitlement The American people deserve a better would focus on, or the first percentage, programs for existing people; it means deal. is our debt as a percentage of our econ- slowing down their growth rate. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I omy; the second ratio we would focus But that is something that nice peo- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from on is how much we think our economy ple aren’t supposed to talk about, par- Texas (Mr. SMITH), a member of the Ju- could grow each year; and the third ticularly here in Congress. But it is diciary Committee and chairman of the number we would focus on is the per- something that is necessary if those Science, Space, and Technology Com- centage of our deficit as expressed rel- entitlement programs are going to be mittee. ative to our economy. worth anything for future generations Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, If we actually wanted to work to- when they may need them rather than first of all, I thank the gentleman from gether, if the majority and the minor- dealing with the present generation. Virginia, the chairman of the Judiciary ity wanted to work together and put Now, I know we can all count up Committee, for yielding me time and together a fiscal plan for this country votes, and people vote now and we are also for his tireless efforts over the that was responsible, that represented not going to be running in the future. years to pass a balanced budget amend- smart economics, allowed us to invest But the time has come to think about ment to the Constitution. in our country, and put us on a trajec- the future, and that is why this con- Mr. Speaker, today the House of Rep- tory where the debt, as a percentage of stitutional amendment ought to be resentatives votes to protect future our economy, would go down over time passed. generations from our debilitating debt. and return to normal levels, then we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.025 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3165 would be talking about how do we debt because, whenever you balance Part one of that two-pronged attack come up with a budget that had defi- the budget, if it’s balanced, you are al- was the $1.9 trillion tax cut—83 percent cits on an annual basis of minus 1.5 to ways going to end up with a little of which goes to the richest 1 percent. 2 percent. black because the pencil doesn’t work Part two is to stand up here and say: That wouldn’t put us in a position quite that precisely. Oh, my goodness, we suddenly have a where we have to slash so many impor- We missed that window. We have the debt problem. It must be because we tant government programs because window now in this year, in our time, are spending too much. And part two this government has insufficient tax and we have an obligation to pass this calls for pushing through a draconian revenues. In fact, our tax revenues are balanced budget amendment. bill that would mandate trillions of the lowest as a percentage of our econ- When I came here in 2003, we were at dollars of cuts to Social Security, omy that they have been in 50 years. balance as far as the spending was con- Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, veterans But if we actually wanted to have a cerned, but not with the budget that programs, and other critical spending. real conversation about putting this was approved. I asked the Budget Com- Here are the statistics. Under this country on an appropriate kind of long- mittee chairman: Where is our bal- legislation, by 2028, $2.6 trillion would term fiscal trajectory, we would work anced budget amendment? be cut from Social Security; $1.7 tril- towards 2 percent deficits. Because if, He said: We can’t balance the budget. lion cut from Medicare; $1.2 trillion cut in fact, our economy could grow at 2.5 We are at war. We have been attacked from Medicaid, CHIP and the ACA; and percent a year, then, by definition, the in New York and in the Pentagon and finally, $250 billion cut from veterans debt as a percentage of our economy in Pennsylvania, and we have to set up disability. would go down; and it would go down TSA and spend all this money, and it is We cannot afford these draconian by setting realistic goals that don’t impossible to balance the budget. cuts. We must stand up and reject this represent inappropriate cuts to core I said: It can’t be impossible. laughable attempt to simply push I set about writing a balanced budget government programs like Medicare through the largest cuts in American myself, as a freshman, in the first and Social Security and our defense history. We must say ‘‘no.’’ weeks here. I wasn’t prepared to do spending and our investment in our Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I that at that time. But had we gotten country, in our kids, in our infrastruc- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from that done, had we tightened our belt, ture, and in our research. Texas (Mr. BABIN). had we implemented the kind of dis- That would be a conversation that Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in cipline this constitutional amendment represents smart economic policy. It strong support of the constitutional before us today will bring about, we would be an honest conversation with balanced budget amendment. My con- wouldn’t be talking about debt and def- the American people. It wouldn’t be stituents sent me to Washington to icit. We wouldn’t be talking about 107 done for political reasons, and it would lower taxes, strengthen our economy, million Americans not in the work- materially improve the fiscal trajec- and to cut Federal spending. We have force because they are of age but they tory of this country. made some progress on the first two, Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I are being tempted to stay home on the but we have a lot of work to do on the yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from couch with more than 70 different third. means-tested Federal welfare pro- Iowa (Mr. KING), a member of the Judi- We have passed historic tax cut legis- ciary Committee. grams. lation, which is stimulating job cre- We haven’t demonstrated the dis- Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I ation and economic growth, raising cipline. If interest should increase by 1 first want to thank the chairman of wages, and allowing the American peo- percent, that is $200 billion a year. And the Judiciary Committee, Mr. GOOD- ple to keep more of what is in their if that goes up and up, we are, pretty LATTE, for leading on this constitu- paycheck. The unemployment rate has soon, collapsed in an untenable situa- tional amendment for a balanced budg- remained low, and over 200,000 new tion with our spending. We need to et. We have fought this out in past manufacturing jobs have been created make this decision in our time, force years and brought this to the floor a in the past 15 months. That is all good this discipline on this Congress, and we couple of times that I can remember news for America’s future. here. need to focus, also, on what failed the Unfortunately, Washington has an But I would like to dial back your last time in 1998. addiction to spending money that it One vote has now accumulated to memory, Mr. Speaker, to 1998, when doesn’t have, accumulating a national over $20 trillion in national debt, fall- the House of Representatives did pass a debt of now more than $20 trillion. ing short one vote in the United States balanced budget amendment to our That is four times more debt than in Senate. Let’s not fall short here today. United States Constitution and sent it 1995 when Washington fell one vote Let’s send this over to the Senate. over to the United States Senate. And short of passing a balanced budget Let’s send the message to America. late in the year of 1998, after a hard- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 amendment. Politicians in Washington fought whip team pulled the votes to- minutes to the gentleman from Penn- told the American people that Congress gether, they put together the two- could balance the budget on their own sylvania (Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE). thirds votes necessary in the Senate to Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsyl- and they didn’t need a constitutional pass that constitutional amendment vania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the rank- amendment. That was flat out wrong. for a balanced budget off to the States ing member for yielding me this time. Unless Washington is forced to rein for ratification in three-quarters of the Last week when I saw the vote cal- in spending through the discipline of a States. endar for this week and I saw on it was constitutional amendment, it will They had the votes, and at the last a schedule to vote on the balanced never balance the budget. If there is minute, one Senator walked down and, budget amendment, I actually laughed any doubt, simply look at last month’s in dramatic fashion, voted ‘‘no’’ when out loud. I assumed that it was surely omnibus spending bill, which I voted he was on the whip card expected to a joke, because there is no way the Re- against. That bill is exhibit A in the vote ‘‘yes.’’ And that is what blocked a publican majority, just a few months case for a balanced budget amendment. balanced budget amendment in 1998, after voting for a $1.9 trillion tax cut Our national debt undermines our within one vote, because I think all of that would add more to the national economy and our national security. us here are confident that the States debt than any other single vote in my Washington has a moral obligation to would have ratified a balanced budget lifetime, surely they wouldn’t have the balance its budget. Our amendment amendment, and then we would be liv- nerve to come back a few months later gives Washington the discipline that it ing under the balanced budget amend- and, with a straight face, be pushing a lacks by ensuring that Congress cannot ment from sometime, probably pretty balanced budget amendment. Yet it spend more money than it takes in. near the turn of the millennium, turns out it wasn’t a joke. Here we are. This resolution asks Congress to around the year 2000. make the same tough questions and de- Think what a difference it would be b 1300 cisions about its budget that the Amer- today. This Nation might have a little Mr. Speaker, my fellow Americans, ican households and small businesses debt left, but it would be a shrinking this is part of a two-pronged attack. make every single day. We owe it to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.027 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 our children and our grandchildren, so basis, so that means we have had 30 un- ies need. It has long been my priority let’s pass this resolution as a first step balanced budgets. We have piled almost to ensure healthcare remains acces- toward financial discipline. $19 trillion on our children and our sible for everyone, especially the most Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 grandchildren’s backs with no hope to vulnerable in our communities. We minutes to the gentleman from Illinois ever repay. can’t do that if we are making enor- (Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS). The balanced budget constitutional mous cuts to Medicare, to Medicaid, to Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. amendment is not a panacea. It doesn’t Social Security programs our very low- Speaker, I want to thank the gen- solve all of our problems, but it is a income families, individuals with dis- tleman for yielding. step in the right direction. abilities, seniors, and veterans depend Mr. Speaker, the proposed bureau- I have a few issues with this par- on for their livelihoods. cratic approach of the balanced budget ticular balanced budget amendment. It More than 50 million Americans de- amendment says nothing about our na- is not as strong as I would like it to be, pend on Medicare. Many of them make tional priorities, about what to do but I commend the chairman of the Ju- less than $24,000 a year. The Nation’s about massive and growing economic diciary Committee for bringing it to seniors have worked their whole lives inequality, about addressing the im- the floor for a vote. It is a positive first and contributed to the Social Security pact of globalization on the American step. program. It is not a gift to them. people. It is not compassionate, Mr. Speaker, Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I It says nothing about infrastructure to spend money we don’t have and keep yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from for sustainable energy, water, trans- adding deficits that we will never Ohio (Mr. CHABOT), a member of the portation, communication, health, edu- repay. There is always an inexhaustible Judiciary Committee and chairman of cation, housing, the opioid epidemic, demand for more Federal dollars. At the Small Business Committee. climate change, or Social Security. It some point in time, we have to start Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I thank says nothing about addressing the the process of living within our means Chairman GOODLATTE for his long-time great inequities facing women, African and, believe it or not, repaying what commitment to this very, very impor- Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, we have already borrowed. tant issue, passing a balanced budget the LGBTQ community, the disabled, This constitutional amendment, amendment for our Nation. or the homeless. again, it is not perfect, but it is a step Mr. Speaker, with the national debt The balanced budget amendment in the right direction. I urge its pas- exceeding $20 trillion, it is long past time that we take necessary steps to would wipe out trillions of dollars of sage by a two-thirds vote to send it to restore fiscal responsibility to the Social Security, Medicare, military the Senate, hopefully, for a similar budget process. Too often, spending and civil service retirement trust two-thirds vote. bills are passed by adding to the deficit funds, and the FDIC and Pension Ben- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 rather than balancing the budget and efit Guaranty Corporation trust funds. minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- helping to pay down our national debt. At a time when our Nation may be fornia (Mrs. TORRES). It is time to reverse that mentality. heading for a constitutional crisis be- Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise One of the greatest disappointments cause Congress is unable to find a sim- today in opposition of the so-called that I have experienced in my 22 years balanced budget amendment. Like so ple majority for legislative guarantees, in Congress happened when we passed a many Americans who have been fol- guaranteeing that no one man is above balanced budget amendment in the lowing the budget process, I am too the law, a balanced budget amendment House by the required two-thirds votes, very disappointed with this Congress. would create an ongoing scenario of but the effort failed in the Senate by The budget is the value statement by endless potential constitutional crises just one vote, and a number of Mem- which we govern America. should Congress be unable to find bers from the House went down to the The amendment before us and the re- supermajorities to resolve budget Senate to personally watch that vote cent massive cuts passed by Repub- shortfalls, creating the threat of polit- and stare those Senators in the eye, licans are far from a reflection of those ical extortion by a congressional mi- and it was such a disappointment be- values. That tax bill added yet another nority. The balanced budget amend- cause we all knew then how important $1 trillion of debt to our children’s ment is a direct attack on our citizens this was to our country. and our democracy. pocketbooks. And for what? So million- And here we are, 20-plus years later, Mr. Speaker, let us end this facade of aires could get a tax cut 70 times larger and the debt has gone up far more than reality and vote down this assault on than what the middle class received? any of us thought even possible at that real government. The vote we take today will pay for time. Had the balanced budget amend- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I that tax cut by cutting programs the ment passed back then, our debt today yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from middle class depends on. certainly would be lower, much lower. Texas (Mr. BARTON). As a mother and grandmother, I have The American people sent us here to (Mr. BARTON asked and was given to ask: What kind of future are we make the difficult decisions necessary permission to revise and extend his re- leaving for our families? You cannot to balance the budget and to live with- marks.) hand millions of dollars to millionaires in our means. Just as the American Mr. BARTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank and corporations one day while pre- people have to do, every family has to the chairman of the Judiciary Com- tending to be concerned about our balance their budget every week or mittee. budget deficit the next. That doesn’t every month, and they can’t spend Mr. Speaker, almost 34 years ago, in make you a fiscal hawk. more than they take in or they end up January 1995, I stood right over there, That is why the Congressional His- going bankrupt. Our Federal Govern- held up my right hand with my 2-year- panic Caucus has been working on a ment is basically bankrupt, but since old daughter, Kristin, took an oath to plan to get us back on track, and I am we print money here, we are able to go defend this country and this Constitu- proud to help lead those efforts as the on. But that harms the American peo- tion against all enemies, foreign and chair of the Budget Task Force. In this ple. It harms our economy. We have domestic. And as soon as I had taken role, I am pushing for solutions that got to do something about it. the oath of office to be a Member of the promote the well-being and strength of We cannot continue to just hope that House of Representatives, I walked our local communities. Sure, we all we pass a balanced budget. It has be- over to the hopper and put in the Bar- want a balanced budget. This vote come increasingly obvious over the ton tax limitation balanced budget today is not a solution. It is an attack years that the only way to ensure a amendment. It was H.J. Res. 33, I be- on the middle class families we rep- balanced budget is to mandate, to re- lieve. That was almost 34 years ago. resent. quire that Congress pass one, and that At that time, the national debt was As a former mayor and a State legis- is what we are considering today. less than $2 trillion. Today, it is over lator, I know firsthand the difference $20 trillion. In the time that I have between a true balanced budget and b 1315 been in the House, we have had three what that means for securing the re- Passage of the balanced budget or four balanced budgets on a cash flow sources and services our States and cit- amendment is the only thing that we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.029 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3167 can do to make certain that we, and fu- nomically harmful because it would consecutive years, the national debt was paid ture Congresses, rein in the out-of-con- hamper the ability of Congress to re- down, the national debt, 23 million new jobs trol spending and restore fiscal sanity spond to economic downturns and were created, and projected surpluses ex- to Washington. other emergencies. ceeded $5 trillion. The resolution offered by Chairman Were anyone here in 2007 and 2008, Under President Obama the financial crisis GOODLATTE today takes the necessary particularly when the Secretary of the and economic meltdown inherited from his Re- steps to ensure that for any fiscal year, Treasury under the Bush administra- publican predecessor was ended, the annual total outlays—what we spend—do not tion came and told this Democratic deficit was reduced by 67 percent, the auto in- exceed total receipts—what we take in. Congress, of which I was a Member of, dustry was saved from collapse, and 15 mil- Our Nation cannot continue to spend that America, as we knew it, was get- lion jobs were created. money that it doesn’t have. ting ready to end, that we saw the de- In contrast, under every Republican admin- Let’s end the borrow-and-spend men- mise of Lehman Brothers and the col- istration since President Reagan the size of tality that created our staggering na- lapse of the market, it wasn’t Demo- the deficit bequeathed to his successor was tional debt—over $20 trillion—and put crats who did that, it was Republicans. substantially larger than the one he inherited, our Nation on a sustainable path by re- It is economically harmful because it a major economic recession occurred, and quiring that a balanced budget be en- would hamper the ability again for us economic growth was lower than the. acted every year. to deal with those kinds of downturns. Turning to the joint resolution before us, I Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to It jeopardizes funding of Social Secu- strongly oppose this latest gimmick for the fol- support this measure. rity and the military and civil service lowing reasons: Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 retirement system, and it undermines 1. it is anti-democratic in that it requires a minutes to the gentlewoman from the Nation’s financial system, includ- supermajority in Congress to increase the debt Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE), the ranking ing deposit insurance. It is unnecessary limit, deficit spending, or raise revenue; member of the Subcommittee on because Congress was able to achieve a 2. it is anti-democratic because it enshrines Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, balanced budget in the 1990s, of which I one particular economic theory into the Con- and Investigations and a member of the was here through the existing political stitution, depriving future voters and future Judiciary Committee. process, and created the Children’s Congresses of the ability to adopt other eco- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I Health Insurance Program. nomic approaches; thank the gentleman for yielding. Therefore, this balanced budget 3. it raises separation of powers concerns I think it is important for those of us amendment is an amendment that cre- because it would open the door to allowing who have served here that we are down ates havoc. What we should do is to federal courts to make budget policy deci- this frivolous route again: this uncon- undo the tax scam, repeal it, start sions; stitutional effort to remedy the dis- again, and not implode Social Secu- 4. it is economically harmful because it aster that has been perpetrated by the rity, Medicare, and Medicaid. To the would hamper the ability of Congress to re- Republican tax scam. seniors who are living there: don’t buy spond to economic downturns and other emer- Let me tell you what the CBO Direc- into a balanced budget amendment gencies; tor said, who is known to be the bipar- which is unconstitutional, buy into re- 5. it jeopardizes funding for Social Security tisan, nonpartisan arbiter of the work pealing the tax scam and standing for and military and civil service retirement sys- that the Congress does. the American people. tems; First of all, they say the tax cut will I conclude by saying many national 6. it undermines the nation’s financial sys- create deficits of historic proportions. groups oppose this. tem, including deposit insurance; and Not Medicaid or Medicare or Social Se- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to 7. it is unnecessary because Congress was curity. An $800 billion deficit in 2018, $1 H.J. Res. 2, the so-called Balanced Budget able to achieve balanced budgets in the trillion in 2019, and $1 trillion in 2020. Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which 1990’s through the existing political process. That is what the Republicans have cre- properly should be called the ‘‘Cut, Cap, and It is for these reasons that numerous out- ated. End Medicare and Destroy Social Security side groups committed to the economic well- Now, in this false and ridiculous, pos- Act’’ because this is exactly what will happen being of the United States as well as organi- sibly unconstitutional effort, here we if this amendment is passed by Congress and zations concerned with the needs of the elder- go again with a balanced budget ratified by three-fourths of the several states. ly, the middle class, children, and other basic amendment that will, in fact, deny and A balanced budget amendment is a peren- needs of national importance strongly opposed implode the needs of those who need nial gimmick periodically dusted off by House a measure in the 112th Congress virtually Medicare, Social Security, and Med- Republicans to divert attention from their identical to Chairman GOODLATTE’s current icaid. manifest inability to govern competently or to H.J. Res. 2, and that measure failed to garner This balanced budget amendment is manage the nation’s finances. a supermajority as required by the Constitu- antidemocratic in that it requires a H.J. Res. 2 is no exception coming as it tion. supermajority in Congress to increase does on the heels of the report by the Con- These groups included a coalition of 123 re- the debt limit, deficit spending, or gressional Budget Office documenting that the ligious, labor, education, civil rights, child ad- raise revenue. All would have been un- Trump/GOP budget deficit continues to climb vocacy, and other organizations; a coalition of necessary if we had not passed the tax and is projected to exceed $800 billion this six national environmental organizations rep- scam. Remember, we gave the cor- year and to top $1 trillion next year and to re- resenting over one million members and activ- porate tax relief a 21 percent number, main at that level for foreseeable future. ists; OMB Watch (now the Center for Effective instead of 25 percent, coming from 33 Moreover, the CBO report confirms that the Government); the American Federation of percent, when they didn’t ask for it. GOP TaxScam passed last year by this Re- Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations It is antidemocratic because it en- publican Congress on a party-line vote will not (AFL-CIO); the Service Employees Inter- shrines one particular economic theory pay for itself and is in fact the major cause of national Union (SEIU); the American Federa- into the Constitution: depriving future the rising the deficit. tion of State, County, and Municipal Employ- voters and future Congresses of the Mr. Speaker, if our friends across the aisle ees (AFSCME); the National Education Asso- ability to adopt other economic ap- really want to shrink the deficit, reduce the na- ciation (NEA); the National Women’s Law proaches. That is our responsibility as tional debt, practice fiscal responsibility, and Center, Committee for Education Funding, and leaders giving oversight to the needs of bring about sustained economic growth and the Coalition on Human Needs. the American people, to the needs of prosperity, there is a much better, easier, and Although there is a clear need to lower the the Pentagon, and to the needs of do- more certain way to achieve these goals than long-term federal budget deficit, requiring a mestic spending. by tampering with the U.S. Constitution. balanced budget through a constitutional By the way, this deficit will be more The easier and better way is for the Amer- amendment would be disastrous for the U.S. than domestic spending and defense ican people to put a Democrat in the White economy. spending. It raises separation of powers House and Democratic majorities in the House This Amendment is portrayed as the alter- concerns because it would open the and Senate. native to our country’s deficit issue, but in re- door to allowing Federal courts to In the 1990s under the leadership of Presi- ality, a Balanced Budget Amendment truly un- make budget policy decisions. It is eco- dent Clinton the budget was balanced for four dermines the goal of a balanced budget by

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.031 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 threatening the survival of such critical pro- The resulting temporary increases in spend- short notice and without reasonable time for grams as Social Security, Medicare, and Med- ing could cause deficits that would trigger the debate. icaid that serve as fundamental safety nets for balanced budget requirements at the worst Republicans who support this proposed millions of Americans. possible moment. amendment to the Constitution have dem- These important social programs face great- A constitutional amendment requiring the onstrated, at this critical juncture in American er demand when federal receipts are in rapid Congress to cut spending to match revenue history, that they are profoundly irresponsible declines. every year would both limit the Congress’s when it comes to the integrity of our economy Requiring a balanced budget would force ability to respond to changing fiscal conditions and utterly bereft of sensible solutions for fix- cuts to these and other important programs or and would dramatically impede federal re- ing it. force tax increases. sponses to high unemployment as well as fed- Medicare covers a population with diverse Either prescription would risk tipping a fal- eral guarantees for food and medical assist- needs and circumstances. tering economy into recession or making re- ance. Most people with Medicare live on modest cession worse. As with the outlay cap that a Balanced incomes. Any constitutional balanced budget amend- Budget Amendment would bring, tying outlays While many many beneficiaries enjoy good ment would limit the ability of the federal gov- to a percentage of GDP would impose arbi- health, 25 percent or more have serious ernment to make important investments in trary limits on government actions to respond health problems and live with multiple chronic worthy causes, including crucial public safety to an economic slowdown or recession, when conditions, including cognitive and functional and homeland security programs. GDP declines. impairments. Even at times of fiscal austerity, we must Cutting spending during a recession could Today, 43 percent of all Medicare bene- continue to provide for the country’s public make a recession worse by increasing the ficiaries are between 65 and 74 years old and safety and homeland security needs. number of unemployed, decreasing business 12 percent are 85 or older. Any constitutional balanced budget amend- investment, and withholding services needed Those who are 85 or older are the fastest- ment would grossly undermine the ability to to jump-start the economy. growing age group among elderly Medicare protect the lives and well-being of Americans The proposed Balanced Budget Amendment beneficiaries. nationwide. would render Social Security unconstitutional With the aging and growth of the population, Further, this Amendment will gridlock Con- in its current form due to the Amendment’s the number of Medicare beneficiaries more gress during an economic downturn. prohibitive stance on that system of spending. than doubled between 1966 and 2000 and is There has never been such a blatant effort Capping future spending below Reagan-era projected to grow from 45 million today to 79 to ransom the American economy in order to levels would force devastating cuts to Med- million in 2030. extort from the American public. icaid, Medicare, Social Security, Head Start, For these reasons, I am strongly opposed to While I support bipartisan efforts to increase child care, Pell grants, and many other critical despoiling the Constitution by even consid- the debt limit and to resolve our differences programs. ering the Republicans’ latest Balanced Budget over budgetary revenue and spending issues, Because this proposal would make it impos- Amendment gimmick. I cannot support a bill that unduly robs aver- sible for the Congress to increase revenues Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I age Americans of their economic security and rather than to cut spending, it is virtually a po- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from ability to provide for their families, while con- litical ploy that reflects the Republican prior- Tennessee (Mr. ROE), the chairman of straining the ability of the Congress to deal ef- ities of ending the Medicare guarantee while the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. fectively with America’s economic, fiscal, and cutting taxes for millionaires. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I job creation challenges. The need to raise the debt ceiling has no rise today in support of H.J. Res. 2, We need to change the tone here in the correlation to whether future budgets are bal- proposing a balanced budget amend- Congress. anced; increases in the debt ceiling reflect ment to the Constitution of the United There has been a theme in previous Con- past decisions on fiscal policy. States. And I want to thank Chairman gresses and in this Congress of focusing on And as demonstrated by current disagree- GOODLATTE for the incredible work he cutting programs that benefit those who need ment about whether and when to raise the has done on this issue. it most, while ignoring the need to focus on debt ceiling, Congress does not need to im- Mr. Speaker, families across America real and contemporary job creation and eco- pose further barriers to its consideration. have to balance their budgets, and it is nomic recovery. Treasury has warned that failing to raise the time Washington does the same thing. And by real and contemporary job creation, debt ceiling and the resulting government de- I was the mayor of my local city before I do not mean Trump’s unsubstantiated and fault, which would be unprecedented, would I came here: six balanced budgets with impossible promise of coal jobs. have catastrophic impacts on the economy. surpluses each and every year. Forty- The creation of coal jobs is one of the many Interest rates would rise, increasing costs eight States, including my home State myths and false hopes peddled by the current for the government and for American busi- of Tennessee, require a balanced budget White House. nesses and families. by law. The promise that jobs in coal are just Any cuts made to accommodate a man- What makes Washington any dif- around the corner is fake news. dated balanced budget would fall most heavily ferent? Our time could be better spent focusing on on domestic discretionary programs; the im- Members of Congress are required to ways to increase American jobs, growing our mediate result of a balanced budget amend- balance their office budgets or pay for economy, and investing in our people, paying ment would be devastating cuts in education, any overages themselves. Guess what, our bills, and resolving our differences. homeland security, public safety, health care Mr. Speaker? 435 balanced budgets. That is the way you make and keep Amer- and research, transportation and other vital The rhetoric we hear from the other ica great. services. side is that the reason we have magic A balanced budget is not something that Under H.J. Res. 2 total funding would be cut budget deficits is tax cuts. Let’s talk should be mandated in our Constitution, nor is for non-defense discretionary programs, in- about an inconvenient truth: revenues it something that should be required every cluding veterans’ medical care, most home- collected by the Federal Government year, proposing an idea that offers little guar- land security activities, border protection, and have never been higher in the history antee of success. the FBI. of this country. Revenue has increased In particular, during economic downturns, Therefore, these cuts will impact funds to nearly 8 percent annually over the last the government can stimulate growth by cut- protect our nation’s food and water supply, en- 7 years. And, Mr. Speaker, the Federal ting taxes and increasing spending. vironmental protections, medical research, Government doesn’t need to spend 8 And in fact, the cost of many government education, and services for disadvantaged or percent more revenue each and every benefit programs is designed to automatically abused children, frail elderly people, and peo- year. What we need to do is rein in our increase when the economy is down—for ex- ple with severe disabilities. spending. Spending is the problem. ample, costs for food stamps (SNAP) and The Founders purposely made the Constitu- The other point we have heard is that Medicaid increase when more people need to tional amendment process a long and arduous the recent omnibus spending bill is an- rely upon them. one. other sign that Congress lacks serious- These countercyclical measures lessen the It is foolish, reckless, and decidedly not con- ness about addressing spending. Well, impact of job losses and economic hardship servative to rush to pass an amendment alter- discretionary spending has been grow- associated with economic downturns. ing our nation’s founding document on such ing at or about 2.4 percent over the last

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP7.003 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3169 14 years annualized. That is a lot more This Republican hypocrisy has got to The Republican Study Committee than many of us would like, but we ba- stop. will bring to this floor a balanced budg- sically have held this spending in Republican fiscal strategy has three et, as we have many times in the past. check. goals: one, cut taxes for the wealthy; And if my colleagues who are calling us The problem is our ballooning man- two, keep up the charade that they are hypocrites are serious about balancing datory programs that account for 70 fiscally responsible; and, three, and this budget, then they will come to- cents of every dollar we spend annually above all, they want to cut the social gether and vote for a budget that bal- is a problem. Mandatory spending, safety net. They want to cut programs anced. We have the authority, we have which includes pensions, food stamps, like Social Security, Medicare, Med- the power to do that, it is just we don’t Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, icaid, and food stamps, all to pay for have the fortitude or willingness to do and others is growing at 71⁄2 percent per their handouts to those who already what is hard. We owe it to our grand- year. Medicare and Social Security have plenty. children, and we owe it to our children. both face a crisis in the not-too-distant Enough is enough. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 future, and Congress has to make hard The American people cannot afford minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- choices about how to secure these pro- Republicans’ fiscal hypocrisy any fornia (Ms. JUDY CHU). grams for future generations. I am con- longer. Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. vinced, however, that the only way Democrats will continue to fight for Speaker, after years of irresponsibly adding to our national debt in order to Congress will make those hard choices a better deal for working people in make the rich richer, Republicans are is if we are forced to. America: policies that create good-pay- now trying to con the American people Both parties bear responsibility for ing jobs, reduce the deficit, and grow with this insidious and insincere bal- our annual budget deficits, but people the economy for everyone. Americans deserve a better deal. They deserve bet- anced budget amendment. have a choice here today. The last time I say insincere because Republicans ter jobs, better wages, and a better fu- we had a chance to vote on a similar have been the greatest contributors to resolution was 2011, and the only thing ture. our national debt. They eagerly sup- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I that has changed since then is that our ported and even extended President debt and deficit have exploded further. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Bush’s 2001 tax cuts, which added more It is time that we, in Congress, make Georgia (Mr. LOUDERMILK). than $5 trillion to the deficit over 10 the hard decision and require Wash- Mr. LOUDERMILK. Mr. Speaker, I years. And at the start of this Con- ington to abide by the same budget be- thank the chairman for the time. gress, they rushed headlong into an- Let’s make no mistake today. The fore it is too late and we can’t right other $2.3 trillion tax scam that the the ship: the same thing that families only reason that we are here, today, Congressional Budget Office says will do every single week and month of the talking about an amendment to the put our deficit over $1 trillion within year. Constitution to force Congress to bal- just 2 years. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H.J. ance a budget is because of the lack of And what do the American people get Res. 2, and I encourage all of my col- fiscal responsibility of this body over for all of that? Very little, if you are leagues to do the same and help start the past several years. not already rich, since 80 percent of the process of bringing some fiscal re- Throughout the history of the United that $2.3 trillion goes straight to the sponsibility back to Washington. States, the United States has gone into top 1 percent. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 debt during times of national crisis or minutes to the gentleman from Geor- war, but both parties understood the b 1330 gia (Mr. JOHNSON), the ranking member danger to our national security and our Here is why I say this is insidious. of the Subcommittee on Courts, Intel- economy by sustaining a debt and, First, they pass a Robin Hood tax scam lectual Property, and the Internet. therefore, worked together to pay off that robs the coffers and gives it to the Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- that debt. But not in the modern era of wealthiest, then they use that debt er, no one in their right mind should be Congress, no. We continue to print that they themselves created to justify supporting this cynical and hypo- money, and we continue to go deeper draconian cuts to the vast majority of critical Republican balanced budget and deeper into debt. Americans who are not millionaires. amendment. This resolution has been Make no mistake, the American peo- In his budget, President Trump pro- rushed to the floor today without a sin- ple understand that this enormous debt posed cuts of $1.4 trillion from Med- gle committee hearing. that we have accrued in this country of icaid, $500 billion from Medicare, $65 The don’t-tax-but-spend Republicans $21 trillion is a responsibility of Con- billion from Social Security. just exploded the national debt. They gress, and it is our responsibility to fix Fortunately, Democrats blocked exploded this national debt by nearly this problem. Now, a lot of people don’t these cuts, but if this amendment $2 trillion with the tax scam-tax cut understand how much money $21 tril- passes, look out, America. The pro- bill that dished out a $5.5 trillion gift lion really is. That is part of the prob- grams you depend on will be pillaged to to big multinational corporations and lem. Our debt is so big that no one pay for the Republican tax cuts, de- to the top 1 percent crowd: $5.5 trillion. really understands how big this debt is. spite our warnings that it would result Now they come back dumping, like a Let me put it into perspective. in exactly this situation. In fact, the latest Center on Budget wheelbarrow full of horse manure, a Regardless of your background or and Policy report said that the cuts radical balanced budget amendment your religious beliefs, if you know mandated by this amendment would re- what today’s date is, you know histori- onto this House floor today. sult in Social Security being cut by The Washington Post said that this is cally when Jesus was born. If you were $325 billion in 2025 alone. like Donald Trump proposing to lead a to go back to the moment that Jesus On seeing the CBO’s deficit report, campaign to make adultery illegal. I was born and put $17,000 into the bank, Senator BOB CORKER, referencing the agree with that assessment. and you waited 60 seconds and put an- tax scam, said: ‘‘It could be one of the After passing their $5.5 trillion tax other $17,000 into the bank, you waited worst votes I have ever made.’’ cut, and after passage of the omnibus another 60 seconds and deposited an- Well, we tried to warn you, but now spending bill that exploded the na- other $17,000 into the bank, and you the American people shouldn’t be the tional debt, the don’t-tax-but-spend continued to put $17,000 into the bank ones to pay for the mistake. Republicans are now shamelessly de- every minute since Jesus was born, you If Republicans want to balance the manding that needy seniors sacrifice still wouldn’t have enough money to budget, there is nothing stopping them. their retirement security to pay for the pay off our national debt today, and It is time that we stop the tax scam. shameful tax giveaway to the greedy. that is an atrocity to the American Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I And that is not all. Just this week, people. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the CBO released a report forecasting There is one way to fix this. We can Michigan (Mr. MITCHELL). annual deficits of $1 trillion or more either pass this amendment and have it Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, my every single year that President Trump ratified, or we can actually have the home State of Michigan requires a bal- remains in office. fortitude to pass a balanced budget. anced annual budget. We actually have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:53 Jul 20, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD18\APRIL\H12AP8.REC H12AP8 abonner on DSKBCJ7HB2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H3170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 a rainy day fund. A rainy day fund will Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. nism we need to force the decisions to ensure when tax revenues fall because Speaker, I thank the gentleman for get our fiscal house in order. of the economy, we can pay our costs yielding. Congress has passed more than 100 to run the government. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi- continuing resolutions just in the last Every household needs to balance its tion to this balanced budget amend- 20 years. We move from one continuing budget and live within its means. ment. resolution and one omnibus to the Imagine that. A novel concept. This Just a few months ago, Republicans next. Federal Government should do the plunged this Nation nearly $2 trillion I knew when I came to Congress that same thing. deeper into debt with a tax scam bill the Federal budget process wasn’t Mr. Speaker, the current U.S. na- that gave massive handouts to corpora- working as intended. From the outside, tional debt has topped $21 trillion. We tions and the ultra wealthy. it doesn’t look good. Now having could make a big stack of that here. I Another trip down memory lane reserved on the Budget Committee for am not sure we could count that high minds us that Republicans care so more than a year, I can say it doesn’t or have the time to do it today. We are much about balancing our budget, that look any better from the inside. coming to the edge of a fiscal crisis, one of the first things that they did The latest omnibus supported a num- unless we take aggressive steps to rein upon taking the majority back in 2010 ber of provisions, like funding our mili- in our debt, our spending. was repealing paygo rules that required tary, fighting the opioid epidemic, ag- I spent 35 years in business. I full Congress to pay for our spending. ricultural reform, school safety meas- well know that in order to be success- What better way to cover up yester- ures, measures that I support, but ful, you can’t just spend whatever you day’s fiscal malfeasance than to hide these priorities can and must be think you need and hope it all works behind a cynical and hypocritical achieved in a fiscally responsible man- out. promise to be more fiscally responsible ner that doesn’t grow the size of the I have heard colleagues on the other tomorrow? Federal Government. side of the aisle say, ‘‘What? We There are really only two possibili- How do I know we can achieve that? brought this to the floor without hear- ties here: either my Republican col- Because we took steps in that direction ings?’’ leagues can’t do simple math or some- on the Budget Committee. Last year, We need to have hearings about not thing more sinister is going on. One the committee passed a budget that spending more than we have? I can’t thing is clear: Republicans have proven would balance in 10 years. It was a fis- imagine that. Think about that. time and again that they don’t deserve cally responsible path towards funding We talk about if we actually reduce the benefit of the doubt. critical government programs, but that our spending, we are going to pillage When Republicans preach the virtues budget isn’t enforceable and no one is programs? On the other side of the of fiscal responsibility, what they real- accountable. aisle, they talk about just increase ly mean is that they want to take away So I think the first step is to pass taxes. the Social Security, Medicare, and this balanced budget amendment here I went to the school of economics and Medicaid benefits that millions of in the House. It is long past time that public policy. The reality is, look at Americans have earned. That is not fis- Congress finally put an end to irrespon- what has happened in Greece and other cal responsibility; that is moral cru- sible spending, saddling our children countries. You can’t, by raising taxes, elty. and grandchildren with an insurmount- simply think you are going to get more By creating a massive hole in the def- able debt. revenue. In fact, it goes someplace else icit with the Republican tax scam, this This amendment would make bal- frequently. The answer is not spend middle class con was the first step of a ancing the budget the norm rather yourself into oblivion and hope to raise scheme to undermine Social Security than the exception. It would codify taxes. and Medicare. This disgraceful amend- Congress’ responsibility to be good That is why I stand here today in full ment being considered today is the sec- stewards of taxpayer dollars. support of H.J. Res. 2, the balanced ond step. There are numerous proposals to re- budget amendment. I cosponsored it, I We have seen this movie before. Re- form our Federal budget process, some support it. It brings needed financial publicans followed the budget-busting that I have introduced myself, but I be- discipline to this Congress, because it Bush tax cuts for the wealthy with an lieve this amendment would be the is abundantly clear to me in 16 months attempt to privatize Social Security most meaningful budget and spending here, we are unable to control our and they followed the budget-busting reform that we could enact. It works spending unless someone puts the reins Bush recession with an attempt to for the States, it works in Pennsyl- on us, puts us, frankly, in handcuffs, voucherize Medicare. vania, and it will work for Washington. because we find a way to spend more The best way to clean up the fiscal Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman money than we ever hope to have. mess made by my colleagues on the GOODLATTE for his leadership. Every It is time to stop. We owe it to the other side of the aisle is to repeal the Congress since 2007, he has introduced American people, we owe it to our chil- Republican tax scam. We do not need this amendment to balance our Federal dren and grandchildren; otherwise, to amend the Constitution, and we Government. It is an important effort frankly, we are going to shackle them must not force their fiscal mess to be and one that he has led. to debt for their entire lives. cleaned up at the cost of our seniors’ Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I health and dignity. minutes to the gentleman from New yield myself 15 seconds just to set the I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on York (Mr. ENGEL), the distinguished record straight. the amendment and to keep fighting ranking member of the Foreign Affairs We did indeed hold a hearing on the against the Republicans’ perpetual cru- Committee. balanced budget amendment. I do agree sade to break the promises we have Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank with the gentleman from Michigan made to our seniors. the gentleman from New York for that the obvious was stated in that Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I yielding to me. hearing, but a hearing was indeed held. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Pennsylvania (Mr. SMUCKER). opposition to H.J. Res. 2, the disgrace- my time. Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank ful so-called balanced budget amend- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I would the chairman for yielding. ment. note that most households do not bal- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong You know, it has been said again and ance their budgets. They borrow to buy support of Chairman GOODLATTE’s bal- again on this side of the aisle, but I the car, they borrow for the mortgage, anced budget amendment. think it warrants saying it even more. and if they didn’t do that, they Clearly, the status quo here in Con- The Republicans passed their tax bill wouldn’t have a car or a mortgage. gress is failing the American people, for the wealthiest 1 percent, which Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the and real change is needed. Our budget blew tremendous holes into the deficit. gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. process is broken, and a balanced budg- So coming here now a few months later WASSERMAN SCHULTZ). et amendment is exactly the mecha- and purporting to be concerned about

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.034 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3171 the rising deficit, I mean, the actions It is evident that this Congress has maintain basic living standards and are different than the words, because not taken the necessary steps to bal- help people find jobs. the Republican tax scam blew a hole in ance the Federal budget. To save the cuts they made for mil- the deficit, made it very difficult. It is time that this Congress make lionaires, they will use this amend- So if you really want to change and the tough decisions necessary to reduce ment to slash healthcare access and you really want to have a balanced the national debt and practice re- the retirement security of our seniors budget, the way to do it is to sit down strained spending. through cuts to Social Security and with both sides and try to figure out a Representative GOODLATTE’s bal- Medicare. way to do it that is equitable, not anced budget amendment would re- To save the cuts they made for mil- something that only helps 1 percent quire the President to submit an an- lionaires, they will use this amend- and has devastating cuts for the rest of nual balanced budget to Congress and ment to cut employment insurance, Americans. mandate that Congress cannot spend early childhood education, and nutri- So the Republican tax cuts will bal- more money than it receives in rev- tion programs. loon the Federal deficit by nearly $2 enue. To save the cuts they made for mil- million over the next decade. The next steps we take to change our lionaires, they will use this amend- Again, this is not about balancing Federal spending behavior will impact ment to wreak havoc for working fami- the budget. This is an attempt to push future generations of this country. We lies. an extreme agenda that will result in owe it to our children and grand- Instead of more cuts, we should be fo- disastrous cuts to vital programs that children, those who will inherit this cused on investments that will produce benefit Americans. Medicare would be great Nation, to address our national jobs and economic growth, building cut by $200 billion by 2025, Medicaid debt. new roads and bridges, ensuring work- and healthcare subsidies by $150 bil- I remain committed to reining in ers make decent wages, and giving our lion, Social Security by $325 billion, Federal spending and ensuring Ameri- young people the best chance at a good and veterans’ disability compensation cans’ tax dollars are spent wisely, and education and a bright future. would be cut by up to $30 billion. I am proud to be a cosponsor of Rep- I urge my colleagues to vote against Not only will this hurt the elderly, resentative GOODLATTE’s balanced this so-called balanced budget amend- our veterans, and the sick, but this budget amendment. ment and the harm it represents. dangerous amendment will also tie the Let’s pass this commonsense measure Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I hands of the Federal Government and and finally prioritize fiscal responsi- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from make it impossible for Congress to re- bility, and make smarter, more respon- Montana (Mr. GIANFORTE). spond to urgent matters of national se- sible Federal spending choices for the Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I curity, like natural disasters, like people of this Nation. thank the chairman, and I appreciate international security crises—we on Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 his leadership on this critical issue. the Foreign Affairs Committee are al- minutes to the gentlewoman from New Washington doesn’t have a revenue ways worried about that, obviously—or Jersey (Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN). problem. Washington has a spending a dramatic turndown in the economy. Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. problem, plain and simple, and it is We won’t be able to react to this. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for past time we get our fiscal house in So this amendment makes future in- yielding. order. creases in the debt limit nearly impos- Mr. Speaker, in December, Repub- The last time the Federal Govern- sible, threatening the full faith and licans rushed, and I do mean rushed, ment ran a budget surplus was about credit of our country. sped to pass with little thought, de- two decades ago. At the time, the econ- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to bate, or consideration for the long- omy was growing, unemployment was oppose this measure and work together term impact, a tax overhaul that has low, and Republicans controlled Con- to find responsible solutions to create since been exposed over and over again gress. In 1997, Republicans cut spending jobs, reduce the deficit, and take care for its structural and fiscal flaws. and taxes, and for the next 4 years, the of the American people. Contrary to the false bill of goods Federal Government ran a surplus. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I that they are still marketing to the Since that time, Washington has yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from American people, this scam would failed to live within its means. The na- Kentucky (Mr. COMER). shower wealthy households and big cor- tional debt stood at $5.8 trillion in 2001. Mr. COMER. Mr. Speaker, when porations with the dollars shaved off of Since then, it has nearly quadrupled to many of us were growing up learning the incomes of working Americans na- more than $21 trillion. how to use our first spare dollars or our tionwide. It further widens the already But this issue isn’t just about the first credit card, our parents and teach- gaping divide between the ultra rich numbers. Ultimately, our kids and ers always told us, ‘‘Budget your and the middle class. grandkids will pay for the Federal money and don’t spend more than you In New Jersey, my constituents will spending we are not willing to pay for have.’’ be among those hardest hit as it guts today. We shouldn’t force future gen- This is a simple, commonsense life the Federal deduction for State and erations to pick up the tab for Wash- lesson we are all taught at some time local taxes, the exact opposite of the ington’s voracious spending appetite. or another when we are growing up. It cuts and breaks Republicans have The sobering truth is that, if we fail is a reality for any individual who given so much lip service to. to make the necessary spending re- wants to have a sustainable future. It forms today, we will face a fiscal crisis. is unfortunate, however, that the same b 1345 The only way out of such a fiscal crisis rules do not apply for Congress, our Now, months after patting them- would be punishing tax increases and Nation’s largest and most important selves on the back, Republicans are drastic cuts to essential government spender. backtracking. It seems that, on second programs. The United States currently faces $20 thought, lining the pockets of million- It is time we take action to bring fis- trillion in debt, which will lead us to a aires and corporations to the tune of cal discipline to Washington and avert fiscal crisis if unabated. Year after $1.5 trillion isn’t a sound fiscal deci- a fiscal crisis. If you are in a hole, the year, our mandatory spending levels sion, and to fix it, they decided to re- quickest way out is to stop digging. increase, leaving little room for our de- vive the so-called balanced budget Amending the Constitution to require fense, education, and other spending amendment. a balanced budget is how we quit priorities. To be very clear, this isn’t about fis- digging. The amendment will force the If we continue down this path, it is cal responsibility. This is just another Federal Government to face the reality estimated that by 2040, spending for scam, hoodwinking working Americans that households and small businesses mandatory programs will make up 81 as they cut, slash, and burn away the face every day: you can’t spend more percent of our annual budget. This tra- programs and services that keep fami- than you make. jectory of runaway mandatory spend- lies going, that help keep food on the Let’s get on the record here. Should ing is skyrocketing our national debt. table during rough spells, and that the Federal Government balance its

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.035 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 budget? Should it live within its means kitchens, padlocked factories, hos- Our children and our grandchildren like hardworking Americans who make pitals that could no longer turn on the are being saddled with over $2 trillion tough decisions about how they make lights, college-educated people forced in debt just because of this one bill, all ends meet? into subsistence agriculture. so that Trump, his wealthy buddies, The answer is yes, which is why I Mr. Speaker, I don’t think America is and a few multinational corporations, have cosponsored and will vote for the going to be Greece. I wish I knew it for can receive a tax windfall. balanced budget amendment. I encour- a fact. But here is what I do know: if For Trump and his congressional age my colleagues to vote for this reso- we don’t quit spending money we don’t enablers, fiscal responsibility is just a lution and begin to get our fiscal house have, we will become a second-rate eco- hollow political slogan that they use to in order. nomic power, a second-rate military undermine the vital education, Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 power, and, frankly, a second-rate au- healthcare, and retirement security minute to the gentleman from Con- thority, moral authority, as we become initiatives, like Medicare, that they necticut (Mr. COURTNEY). the first generation in America’s his- have always not truly supported. They Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, this tory to leave the next generation with would surely let Medicare ‘‘wither on morning, at the House Armed Services a lower standard of living. That simply the vine,’’ to use the words of one the Committee, Secretary James Mattis is not unintelligent; that is immoral. King of Debt’s loudest troubadours. applauded the bipartisan collaboration Can we have that stain on our record Reject this proposal. and demonstrated political courage for for generations to come? Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I lifting the spending caps of sequestra- Mr. Speaker, frankly, I wish we were yield the balance of my time to the tion so that the military readiness of debating a spending limit amendment gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. JOHN- this country could catch up with the today, which is my preference; but at SON), and I ask unanimous consent that huge demands that are happening in least the balanced budget amendment he may control that time. terms of our national security. is a fair fight so that we at least do not The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there I cite that reference this morning be- mortgage our children’s future, our objection to the request of the gen- cause, in looking at this balanced grandchildren’s future. tleman from Virginia? budget constitutional amendment, a Again, there is a moral imperative. There was no objection. FOX News reporter described the effect We know what Churchill once said Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. of this is that ‘‘a balanced budget re- about us, and that is: Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- Americans can usually be counted on to do quirement would be sequestration tleman from West Virginia (Mr. JEN- the right thing once they have exhausted amped up on a cocktail of anabolic every other possibility. KINS). steroids and fiscal fentanyl.’’ Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia. Mr. It is a humorous comment for a situ- If people worried about the U.S. mili- Speaker, I rise in strong support of ation that is not humorous. We cannot tary over the last 4 years since the H.J. Res. 2 and to thank Chairman wait. This is the most foreseeable crisis Budget Control Act was passed because GOODLATTE for his leadership on this in America’s future. of sequestration, they should not vote Today we can make history. Today really critically important issue. for this balanced budget amendment we can ensure that we show fidelity to Washington is broken. After years of because it is not only a straitjacket, it our Founding Fathers and to future excessive spending and wasteful stim- is a straitjacket with a constitutional generations and, for once, going for- ulus projects, our national debt now lock that would freeze Congress’ abil- ward, ensure that it is enshrined in our tops $21 trillion. That is more than ity to provide the resources to defend most sacred document that we balance $60,000 for each and every American. our Nation. the budget and do not mortgage our This is unsustainable. But we are here Again, just look at the sequence of children’s future. to pass a resolution, the balanced budg- what happened in terms of sequestra- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 et amendment. This is a solution to tion and the damage it did to our coun- minutes to the gentleman from Texas this $21 trillion debt. try, and listen to what that FOX News (Mr. DOGGETT). Simply put, this amendment means analyst said that it would do to our na- Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, like Washington can’t spend more than it tional defense and to our country’s some stormy sermon from Trump on takes in. It means Congress has to live ability to address its basic needs and the virtues of chastity, I believe these within a budget, just like families in kill Social Security and Medicare, House Republicans today really do de- West Virginia. Families every day have which will be the target if this ever serve a gold medal for hypocrisy. to make careful choices about how to were to pass. After approving their budget-busting, best spend their money. It is time for Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I trickle-down, trillion-dollar tax break the Federal Government to do the yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from and refusing to pay a dime for their same. Texas (Mr. HENSARLING), chairman of huge increase in military spending, I am a proud cosponsor of this resolu- the Financial Services Committee. they have the audacity to advance a tion and urge my colleagues to vote Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I balanced budget amendment. Choosing ‘‘yes’’ later today for a balanced budget thank the gentleman for yielding. I words over deeds, they shamelessly amendment. It is time to get our fiscal also thank him for his friendship, and I preach the gospel of ‘‘do what I say, house in order. thank him for his leadership in fiscal not what I do.’’ Pass this resolution. Pass the bal- sanity. I have already voted for a balanced anced budget amendment. Let’s get our Along with Chairman GOODLATTE, I budget when I voted for not going into fiscal house in order. The American will be leaving Congress at the end of an unnecessary war without paying people are depending on us. this year. Serving in Congress has been anything for it. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without the greatest privilege of my life, but I I voted for a balanced budget when I objection, the gentleman from Ten- leave with one great regret, and that voted to reject the distorted Repub- nessee (Mr. COHEN) will control the regret is my inability to convince my lican theology that, when it comes to time of the gentleman from New York. colleagues of the peril of ignoring the taxes, less always means more. The There was no objection. debt trajectory this Nation is on. We more tax cut theology has proven Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 cannot continue to spend money we do wrong over and over and over again. minutes to the gentleman from Vir- not have. Republicans keep demanding just one ginia (Mr. CONNOLLY), a scholar and a Mr. Speaker, my iPad is awash— more tax cut to drive us ever deeper gentleman. awash—of reports about how our spend- into debt. Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, there ing trajectory is unsustainable. CBO, Dripping in red ink, this newest is a word for what we are witnessing OMB, private foundations, they all con- Trump tax bill that he is promoting today, and that word is ‘‘chutzpah.’’ clude the same thing: the picture of na- right now at the White House certainly The majority is proposing a balanced tional bankruptcy is ugly. validates his boast that he is the ‘‘King budget amendment to the Constitution It wasn’t that many years ago that of Debt,’’ and these House Republicans of the United States just months after we saw it in Greece. We saw soup are his supplicants. passing the Trump tax scheme, which

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.037 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3173 the Congressional Budget Office The last omnibus package, which is a for having voted for both the tax scam warned would increase the deficit by whopping 2,232 pages in length, allo- bill and the big cuts for the wealthy. $1.6 trillion over 10 years. So having cated another $1.3 trillion. That is Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the broken the bank and spent their way about $582 million of Federal spending gentleman from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT). into default, they now want a balanced per page. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, budget amendment to protect all the Our government is out of control, I rise in opposition to H.J. Res. 2. rest of us. and we have to put an end to the dan- We often get distracted by debating the title of a proposed constitutional b 1400 gerous and clearly excessive spending patterns that are coming out of Wash- amendment without getting into seri- Like I said, chutzpah. One would ington and out of this body. ous discussion about whether or not think such devoted Reaganites might As I have said on more than one oc- the specific provisions will actually have learned the lesson already. casion, people all across America sit help balance the budget. The majority has once again asked down at their kitchen tables and create If we are ever going to balance the the American people to stomach a mas- budgets for their families. Small busi- budget, the fact is it is going to require sive deficit increase on the hope and nesses make countless sacrifices to Members to cast some tough votes, and the prayer that tax decreases will pay manage their balance sheets. And our many of these votes will be career-end- for themselves. government should act no differently. ing votes, and a constitutional amend- That is the same trickle-down nar- We cannot continue to spend money ment calling itself the balanced budget rative we heard in the Reagan years we don’t have and drive ourselves fur- amendment cannot change that re- and the Bush years, and it didn’t work ther into the debt of hostile nations ality. Meaningful deficit reduction is po- then, and it is not going to work now. like China, who is the primary creditor litically difficult, and it is ironic that The 1981 tax cuts were so disastrous, in holding all of our debt. the Republican majority seems sud- for example, for Federal deficits, that Passing a balanced budget amend- denly concerned about the deficit and Presidents Regan and Bush, Sr., had to ment is a commonsense solution that balancing the budget. They must have enact legislation to raise taxes to will put us back on the right track and forgotten that just 4 months ago they make up for the shortfall in 1982, 1983, restore fiscal sanity to the Congress. voted for a $1.5 trillion tax scam that 1984, 1987, and 1990. The balanced budget amendment will gave massive handouts to big corpora- Other than that, yeah, tax cuts pay ensure our government acts as a good tions and the wealthiest 1 percent. for themselves. steward of America’s tax dollars, not When President Obama took office, They repeatedly claimed that these only today, but for all the days in the tax cuts would pay for themselves, but he inherited a deficit of more than $1.5 future. It has the potential to make trillion in the depths of the Great Re- last week the Congressional Budget Of- the bloated budgets of Washington a fice told the truth, estimating that cession that President Bush gave him. thing of the past. their tax scam will add almost $2 tril- That deficit was cut by more than two- Opponents of this amendment will lion to our national debt. thirds in President Obama’s tenure in say that passing this will force serious Mr. Speaker, one of the most con- office. cuts to our budget. And to that we re- sequential votes I cast early in my ca- By this time next year, however, the spond and say: Of course it will. We reer was the 1993 Clinton budget. That Republican tax policy and President simply cannot get out of the hole that budget included tax increases and Trump’s policies will have doubled the we have created without making tough spending cuts, many of which were deficit in just the first 2 years. decisions. But that is our job. That is very unpopular at the time, but it was This level of fiscal irresponsibility why we are elected as the duly elected the fiscally responsible thing to do. could rival that of the Bush years, representatives of the people. Not one Republican voted for the 1993 when we went from a surplus to a def- Right now, our country faces a point Clinton budget. icit, from a $128 billion surplus to a def- of no return with our debt, and there Needless to say, the 1993 budget was a icit of $1.16 trillion. should be nothing controversial about tough vote, but it helped create over 20 Trickle-down theories don’t work. telling our Federal Government to act million jobs, the stock market more They are a bad experiment for the within its means. This is simply about than tripled, it led to the first balanced American people. I urge rejection on aligning and agreeing upon our top pri- budget in a generation, and, by the end the grounds of intellectual honesty and orities. of the Clinton administration, it in- integrity of this balanced budget Thomas Jefferson said that the rep- cluded projected surpluses large amendment. resentatives of a nation should never enough to have paid off the entire na- Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. take on more debt than they them- tional debt held by the public by 2008. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes. selves can pay in their own lifetime. But it also contributed to 50 House Mr. Speaker, as virtually every We abandoned that principle a long Democrats losing their seats in the American now understands, Wash- time ago, and, unfortunately, we have next election. ington is broken. already far exceeded that amount in As soon as the Republicans took con- For years, Congress has spent irre- this body and in our lifetime, and it is trol of the Federal Government in 2001 sponsibly and with what seems to be now our moral obligation to right this with the White House, House, and Sen- little or no thought for how it might wrong. ate, they passed massive tax cuts, not affect future generations. This is really about who we are as paying for them; fought two wars, We are passing along a bill that our Americans, if you listen to the Found- didn’t pay for it; passed a prescription children and grandchildren may never ers. That is why I urge my colleagues drug benefit, didn’t pay for it. So by be able to pay, and it is as immoral as to support the balanced budget amend- 2008, instead of zero national debt held it is unsustainable. ment to the Constitution, and help re- by the public, the debt was $5.8 trillion. Meanwhile, our Nation’s top military store and preserve the American So now we have the balanced budget officials have repeatedly warned Con- Dream for our children and for all fu- amendment, and the problem is that gress that the number one threat to ture generations. the balanced budget amendment will our national security is our debt. We owe that to the country. Fiscal not balance the budget. We have no choice now but to correct sanity, responsibility, and good stew- The fact is that the major provision this wrong and institute policies that ardship is why we were sent here, and in this legislation is the requirement promote fiscal responsibility. it is what we must do. that if a budget is unbalanced, it re- Currently, our national debt exceeds Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of quires a three-fifths vote, and the fact $20 trillion, and the number increases my time. is that this proposal will actually every second. Mr. Speaker, when I do Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to make it virtually impossible to ever townhalls back home, I put the debt remind the Members that my Repub- pass a fiscally tough deficit reduction clock up on the screen very often and lican Senator BOB CORKER said that plan similar to the 1993 Clinton budget. allow our constituents to watch that this Congress will go down in history That budget wasn’t balanced in the clock toll. It is frightening. as the worst fiscal Congress in history first year, and, under this proposed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.039 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3174 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 amendment, instead of a simple major- step, to improving the fiscal state of because, under this amendment, Social ity, it would require a three-fifths our Nation. Security could only spend its income, supermajority in the House and the Our current path is unsustainable. which this year was $40 billion less Senate. Sooner than most realize, this path than its outlays. The fact is, it should be obvious that will not even allow us to continue to b 1415 any tough deficit reduction plan will be meet the promises already made to the unbalanced in the first year, and so it American people. What did it do? It cashed in some of will be harder to pass by requiring a ‘‘Don’t spend more than you earn.’’ its $3 trillion of assets and they paid three-fifths supermajority than a sim- That is what I was taught. And that is full Social Security benefits. ple majority. what families across this country do So if this little dream that they have The question is: Will that super- every single day. here going passed, every American majority make it more likely that we It is time for Congress to do the would have seen their Social Security would end up with a fiscally respon- same, Mr. Speaker. I ask my colleagues reduced by $643 this year, and every sible budget or a fiscally irresponsible to support this balanced budget amend- year that number would grow, while budget? ment, not for the sake of politics, but the $3 trillion already collected from Obviously, it is more likely that we rather for the sake of the future of this the American people to pay benefits would pass a fiscally irresponsible country and generations to come. would never be paid out. Talk about Christmas tree budget where every Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 false promises to the American people. Member gets a present under the tree minutes to the gentleman from Oregon That is one heck of a false promise. than it would be to get enough career- (Mr. DEFAZIO), the ranking member of I have introduced a balanced budget ending votes to meet the three-fifths the Transportation and Infrastructure amendment that makes a little more requirement under this legislation. Committee, who is always so generous sense. It can’t have these OCO, over- And note that this amendment places and kind. seas contingency operation, funds no limit on how far out of balance the Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, there where we shower $50 billion, $100 billion budget can be once you get to three- aren’t too many of us here on the floor on the Pentagon, and it doesn’t count. fifths. today who were here in 1996, when I We are borrowing the money. It is cre- Mr. Speaker, we shouldn’t be dis- supported a balanced budget amend- ating debt, but it doesn’t count. It is tracted by the resolution’s misleading ment. It did pass the House. It failed by off budget. Don’t worry about it. title. Balancing the budget will require one vote in the Senate. Under my amendment, unless you tough votes, not constitutional amend- Had it become law, George Bush had a declared war, unless Congress ments. My colleagues must seriously could not have invaded Iraq and simul- had the guts to declare a war when we consider whether the resolution’s ac- taneously cut taxes and blown the pro- have to fight someone overseas, you tual provisions will help or hurt. jected surplus into a huge deficit and couldn’t have that kind of overseas It is obvious it would make it vir- debt. contingency operation fund and do tually impossible to pass any kind of But here we are today. money off the books. balanced budget or responsible budget; Now, this debate was actually sched- My balanced budget amendment also therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my col- uled for April 1. You know, April Fools’ would protect the Social Security and leagues to oppose this legislation. Day. But the House was on its Easter Medicare trust funds from those who Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. would rob from that trust fund and Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- recess, so this is as soon as they could bring it up on the floor. begin to immediately reduce benefits tlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. HANDEL). for Social Security and Medicare. Mrs. HANDEL. Mr. Speaker, let me But it is an April fool. This is an This is a ruse. Talk about the most first begin by commending Chairman April fool. Now, we had one colleague call it drunken sailor spending money and GOODLATTE and my colleagues on the then, whoa, I have got a wicked head- House Judiciary Committee for their chutzpah. I was trying to think of ways ache. Let’s pass a balanced budget hard work on this important issue. to describe it: dissimulation, insin- I have been in Congress just 10 cerity, false piousness, hypocrisy. amendment. Maybe that will cure it. It months, but I have already seen first- Not this balanced budget amend- ain’t going to cure it. We need fiscal re- hand that the budget process is fun- ment; not at this time. sponsibility around here, and it has got damentally broken. They have just cut revenues by $3 to be a balance of rescinding some of While I supported the funding meas- trillion. We are projecting a deficit of their obscene tax cuts—$3 trillion ures under this broken process, I did so $1 trillion in 2 years, and they are say- worth—which would go a long way to- with reluctance. But both parties— ing they want to cut taxes more. ward helping move us toward a bal- both parties—have brought us to this Well, then that means something else anced budget, and imposing a little fis- place with the severe fiscal challenges has got to go. And Speaker RYAN has cal discipline on the Pentagon. that we face today. But balancing our already talked about what the some- The Pentagon has yet to be audited. budget is not, should not be, a partisan thing else is. It is Medicare, Social Se- The only agency of the Federal Govern- issue. curity, and Medicaid. Those are the ment that cannot be audited happens Across the country, virtually every things that have got to go. to get the largest, single discretionary State has a balanced budget require- Well, there is a dirty, little secret grant of money every year. Once, I did ment, and Governors and legislatures about Social Security. I was actually manage to pass an amendment on the of both parties meet that requirement. using this on 9/11. I will have to get an floor with Representative FRELING- Congress should too. updated version. HUYSEN to require an audit. Guess Ultimately, balanced budgets are But there actually is a Social Secu- what? That disappeared in the con- about accountability. We must hold rity trust fund, and this is a depository ference committee because the Pen- the Federal Government and Congress instrument for the Social Security tagon can’t be audited, doesn’t want to accountable and insist that the overall trust fund, and it is here backed by the be audited, and they just need more budget be managed in a fiscally respon- full faith and credit of the government money. Don’t worry, they will spend it sible way. The status quo, the same old of the United States of America to be wisely. kick-the-can-down-the-road, we-will- paid to the Federal Old-age and Sur- So let’s talk about real fiscal dis- get-to-it-next-time approach is simply vivors Insurance Fund. cipline around here, real balance, and a no longer an option. There are $3 trillion that have been real balanced budget amendment that Big problems require tough choices. collected from every working Amer- protects the assets of the Social Secu- Every day that we continue to borrow ican in the Social Security trust fund. rity trust fund and Medicare. and assume more debt, our decisions Now, we have an aging population. The people don’t care about that. get all the more difficult, and the solu- There is a problem, but it could be They want to kill it. tions all the more catastrophic. fixed. But the point is, under this Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. This balanced budget amendment is amendment, if it was law today, Social Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- only a first step, but a much-needed Security benefits would be cut today tleman from Alabama (Mr. BYRNE).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.041 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3175 Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I thank critically passed massive tax give- The House has better things to de- the gentleman for yielding. aways to corporations and the super- vote its time to. I strongly oppose H.J. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lend my wealthy, has chosen to devote its lim- Res. 2, and I reserve the balance of my strong support for this balanced budget ited time to what is essentially a gim- time. amendment. mick to avoid actually making politi- Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. Mr. Speaker, the very first bill I in- cally difficult decisions about the Fed- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 min- troduced when the 115th Congress eral budget. utes to the gentleman from North kicked off last year was a balanced Just this week, my Tennessee col- Carolina (Mr. WALKER), the distin- budget amendment. With the national league, respected Senator BOB CORKER, guished chair of our Republican Study debt at over $21 trillion, it is no secret called out his fellow Republicans when Committee. that the Federal Government has a he tweeted: ‘‘If we were serious about Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank spending issue. balancing the budget, we would do it. the gentleman. Before coming to Congress, I served But instead of doing the real work, Our national debt stands at over $21 in the Alabama State Legislature. Like some will push this symbolic measure trillion. This is not a surprise to anybody. It should frighten us enough to many States, Alabama is required to so they can feel good when they go immediately alter the behavior of this pass a budget that does not spend more home to face voters.’’ House. than we have. We do it each year. I wear on my lapel the letter ‘‘F.’’ Congress approved the largely unpaid A balanced budget is not some far- That is the grade that BOB CORKER and $1.3 trillion omnibus, several flung idea. Families in southwest Ala- I give this Congress for its work toward supplementals, and exploded 2 years of bama and all around the country sit balancing a budget: trillions of dollars spending caps all in the last few around the kitchen table and figure out of debt with tax giveaways to the months. Unsustainable, mandatory, how to make ends meet. Small busi- wealthiest, trillions of dollars of debt and undisciplined discretionary spend- nesses face the exact same challenges. with a budget that gives the Pentagon ing designed decades ago has created a The Federal Government should be re- $70 billion more than they want. debt monster that is seemingly quired to play by the same rules. A balanced budget is nothing but an unstoppable. I want to be clear about a few things. attempt to shortcut government, and Over the last few months, we have First, despite what my colleagues on it would impose real harm on millions heard a great deal with our Democratic the other side of the aisle believe, the of Americans. Social safety-net pro- friends and their newfound concern answer to our debt issue is not to tax grams would be at particular risk if a about the rising deficits and debt. So the American people more. We do not balanced budget amendment were to be my question is: How many would join have a tax problem. We have a spend- adopted because they are funded every us in supporting the balanced budget ing problem. year by drawing on savings accumu- amendment? Second, the most serious drivers of lated in prior years. Many Democratic Members in the the national debt are on autopilot. So- And let’s be real about what is going past were willing to vote for what 49 called mandatory spending programs on. After giving tax breaks to the out of 50 States already have, a bal- must be reined in, and a balanced budg- wealthiest and corporations, after giv- anced budget. In fact, in 1996, a bal- et amendment would finally require ing away massive budget amounts, par- anced budget amendment garnered 72 Congress to tackle those programs ticularly to defense, they want a bal- Democratic votes in the House, includ- head on. anced budget amendment. How would ing our esteemed colleague across the Mr. Speaker, I know passing a bal- they balance the budget? On Medicare, aisle, Mr. HOYER. anced budget would be hard, but I on Social Security, and on Medicaid. In 2011, the same version we are vot- didn’t run for Congress because I On people who are ill and seniors who ing on today got 25 Democrat votes in thought the job would be easy. We were need money to live on and healthcare support. I wonder how many have the elected by our neighbors to make dif- to keep their lives going. That is who courage to support it now. We know ficult choices and decisions. this cruel Congress would say the bal- what it takes. We should roll back We can make a strong step in the anced budget amendment falls on. wasteful spending, including rescinding right direction by passing this bal- They would be on the chopping block. appropriations that aren’t needed. We anced budget amendment, and I urge This funding mechanism ensures that need to reform our entitlement pro- all of my colleagues to join me in sup- benefits could be paid to those who grams, including getting able-bodied porting this resolution today. need them and provides the oppor- adults back to work. This is about Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- tunity to stave off funding shortfalls hope, not judgment. self such time as I may consume. before they occur. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues Mr. Speaker, government is and The state of the Department of Jus- to join me in supporting this amend- should be about more than just dollars tice is another example, given Presi- ment that is our moral obligation to and cents. Government, and especially dent Trump’s sharp political attacks ensure the American Dream remains democratic government, is about nur- on General Sessions out of frustration attainable for our children and for future generations. turing community, taking care of one with his recusal from any investigation Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 concerning Russia’s interference in our another, and defending our common minutes to the gentlewoman from Illi- humanity. Presidential election. Voter suppres- nois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY). H.J. Res. 2, proposing a constitu- sion efforts, the resurgence of white Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I tional amendment requiring a balanced nationalists in American politics, and thank the gentleman for yielding. budget every fiscal year strikes sharply the active efforts to undermine the First, the Republicans passed a tax against those core values, as much that work of a free press are other meaning- scam that blows a $2 trillion hole in we see in government these days does. ful topics worthy of our attention; the budget and gives 83 percent of its A balanced budget amendment under- issues that are important to the Amer- tax cuts to the wealthiest among us mines our commitment to each other, ican public, not a balanced budget and corporate CEOs. as expressed through critical social amendment that won’t come into exist- Then they offer a budget that would safety-net programs like the Supple- ence and will harm the American peo- fill that gap by cutting more than $2 mental Nutrition Assistance Program, ple. trillion in Social Security, Medicare, SNAP; Medicare; Medicaid; and Social I strongly oppose the idea of a bal- Medicaid, and even programs like Security. My constituents in my con- anced budget amendment to the Con- Meals on Wheels. And now, they want gressional district of Tennessee and stitution because it threatens Social to amend our Constitution to require a millions of vulnerable Americans na- Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; it balanced budget. tionwide depend on these and other threatens SNAP; it threatens programs We know how the Republicans plan programs to make ends meet in dif- that keep people alive and make their to balance the budget—on the backs of ficult economic circumstances. existence tolerable. Many constituents seniors. We have seen this movie be- Therefore, it concerns me greatly of mine depend on these and many in fore—budget after budget that cuts So- that this Congress, which hypo- America do. cial Security, Medicare, and Medicaid;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.043 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 budgets that leave seniors without cies is the answer. And that is what Their spending priorities are keen. It their earned benefits or access to long- this resolution will force this body to is borrowed money to provide tax cuts term care; budgets that privatize the do: raise revenues to offset expendi- for people at the very top, further con- Veterans Administration and Medicare; tures on a dollar-for-dollar basis. centrating wealth. providing vouchers and not health ben- Mr. Speaker, prior to this Congress, Let me give you some numbers here efits; that raise the age of eligibility our economy was sluggishly growing at that I have paid a lot of attention to for Medicare and Social Security; that about 1.6 growth in GDP, which is fis- over the years. cap and slash Medicaid, the largest cally and financially unsustainable. We On January 19, 2001, when Bill Clin- source of long-term care. And no won- are now well over 2 percent, on our way ton said good-bye, we were staring at a der seniors groups are raising the to 3 percent, and we need to get to 4 $5.6 trillion surplus, four balanced alarm. percent. budgets, and record economic growth, Under this resolution, the AARP As one of only a handful of CPAs in the greatest economic growth spurt in says: ‘‘Social Security and Medicare this Congress, I know that economic the history of America, and a surplus would cease to provide a predictable growth has three essential components: of, again, $5.6 trillion. source of financial and health security tax reform, regulatory reform, and a So what happened? We cut taxes over in retirement.’’ balanced budget. When you balance the the objections of many of us in 2001 by The Alliance for Retired Americans books, you create jobs, which leads to $1.3 trillion. Then we had a recession calls it ‘‘irresponsible’’ and ‘‘extremely more revenue, which leads to an ex- where we were losing 800,000 jobs a harmful to older Americans.’’ panding economy, making it easier for month. The National Committee to Preserve us to fund our critical priorities, like Oh, by the way, in 2003, we came back Social Security and Medicare says it serving our veterans, protecting our and cut taxes again here by $1 trillion, ‘‘would force severe cuts in Social Se- troops, funding public education, and plus the bonus. Then they decided to do curity, Medicare, Medicaid, and other preserving our environment. a repatriation tax holiday, and now vital Federal programs.’’ Mr. Speaker, that is what this resolu- they are here like this. The Strengthen Social Security Coa- tion is about. And that is why I am My father used to have a great line. lition says: ‘‘We regard a vote for the proud to cosponsor this legislation. He used to say: At least Jesse James balanced budget amendment as a vote This is common sense, Mr. Speaker. had enough respect to wear a mask. to cut Social Security, as well as Medi- The American people want this by This is unbelievable that they would care and Medicaid.’’ overwhelming margins. We need to get come in with a balanced budget amend- When PAUL RYAN announced his re- this done for them. It is our moral re- ment after what they have done repeat- tirement yesterday, he said before he sponsibility. edly all of these years to wreck the leaves, he hopes that he is going to be Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I want to budgets all under the guise of, if we able to go after these retirements and say, Mr. FITZPATRICK got the award simply cut taxes, everything will get entitlements and cut them: Social Se- from the American Bar Association for better. curity and Medicare. This has already his good work on legal services, and I The reason that this deficit is bal- been announced. This is the future if compliment him on that. looning is not because of an increase in we let it happen. We need to vote ‘‘no.’’ Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the spending. Revenue as a percent of gross Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. domestic product remains roughly at 17 Speaker, I am happy to yield 2 minutes NEAL). percent to 18 percent. That is the post- to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. NEAL asked and was given per- war norm—except for the end of the (Mr. FITZPATRICK). mission to revise and extend his re- Bush W. years when revenue as a per- Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, on marks.) cent of gross domestic product went to my first day serving in this Congress, I b 1430 15 cents on the dollar because of the introduced a balanced budget amend- Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the tax cuts and, by the way, increased ment to the Constitution, and I am gentleman from Tennessee for yielding. spending for Iraq and Afghanistan. honored to be cosponsoring the resolu- The previous speaker said that we So let me remind our Republican tion on the floor today. really shouldn’t have to do this, and friends of this: the priorities have been As I travel back home in my district, the answer is that we don’t have to do wrong. We could have reached an ac- I get this question—as I am sure so this. Bill Clinton proved on four occa- cord on these issues. But today, to do many of my colleagues do—I am re- sions that you can balance the budget. this, to bring forth a balanced budget peatedly asked, why doesn’t Congress It has only been done five times since amendment, we are going to disturb manage the national budget the same the end of World War II. So what we the Constitution of the United States way businesses manage their budget really should be calling this legislation to maybe get them through the next and families manage their budget? Why that is in front of us today is the round of congressional elections, be- doesn’t Congress follow the same rules ‘‘Jesse James Seeks Clemency Act.’’ cause that is all this is about. that businesses and families do, that We are here because of their tax cuts: So the tax cuts are going to reduce we only spend what we generate in rev- Invade Iraq, let’s have a tax cut. In- revenue. enues? vade Afghanistan, let’s have a tax cut. Here is the footnote that you might And it is a good question, Mr. Speak- The tax cut is the answer to every- want to pay some attention to: 83 per- er, which gets us to the need for a bal- thing. cent of this tax cut that they voted anced budget amendment. One would The last round, let’s borrow $2.3 tril- for—without one Democrat, inciden- think that we would not need to amend lion over 10 years before the Federal tally, in the House supporting it—83 the Constitution to do what Members Reserve Board, by the way, has a percent of the benefit is going to the of this body should be doing anyway. chance to raise interest rates three top 1 percent of the wage earners in This is common sense, Mr. Speaker. times this year, as they predicted, for America. But for decades, we have seen the prob- the purpose of providing a tax cut. Then they found time, by the way, to lem perpetuate, which is the responsi- Oh, by the way, how about that old double the exemption on the estate bility of both parties. I am convinced song, ‘‘Don’t Worry Because Tax Cuts tax. So we are taking the estate tax this is the only mechanism to force Pay for Themselves’’? This is what we from $11 million to $22 million. this body to balance the budget. We are have heard here, and this is what has Remember this about the estate tax: $21 trillion in debt, Mr. Speaker. put us in this predicament that we are The estate tax is not a tax on Conrad To my friends voicing opposition, we in: $20 trillion worth of debt. Hilton. The estate tax is a tax on Paris need to be honest about what this reso- Now, here is the caveat that they al- Hilton. My God, who could be against lution does. This resolution does not ways attach to these arguments, by the that? necessitate any cuts of any kind. It way: If there is a Democratic Presi- When you think about how this has simply requires that the budget bal- dent, you need to balance the budget. If been pursued, it is all about concen- ance. A commitment to raising reve- there is a Republican President, you trating more wealth at the very top for nues through progrowth economic poli- don’t need to balance the budget. people who have said, ‘‘We don’t need

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.044 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3177 it.’’ There wasn’t anybody beating est spending package in American his- tions with huge tax cuts that do little down our doors in the top percentile of tory, and we had 15 hours to look at it? to grow our economy, the GOP has wage earners in America saying, ‘‘Cut Oh, and guess what. Do you know starved our government of revenues. my taxes.’’ how long we got to debate it? One hour. So, naturally, they are using the re- We could have reached an accord on On a 3-page bill that is never going to sulting deficits as an excuse for mas- the corporate rate. We could have done happen, do you know how long we are sive cuts to programs that millions of some things in a bipartisan manner to debating this? Four hours. Americans rely on, including Medicare, address some of these issues in making The time for political courage was 3 Social Security, and Medicaid. America competitive internationally. weeks ago. The last vote we took be- That is what the amendment we are But, instead, they chose to do what fore the Easter recess, $1.3 trillion of now considering would do. It would put they always do: Let’s starve the Fed- spending, funding things we as Repub- in place a constitutionally mandated eral budget, and then say after we licans said we would never fund, not process solely designed to impose these starve the Federal budget, ‘‘Oh, by the funding things we told the voters we extreme cuts. That is because it comes way, we have got to cut Social Secu- were going to fund, and then we go packaged with the GOP’s new religious rity.’’ Let’s starve the Federal budget home and we come back, and the first belief that tax cuts for the rich will of revenue and say, ‘‘Oh, by the way, thing we do with 4 hours of debate—not save us all. They believe this despite we have to cut Medicare’’; and, oh, by 1, like we had on that bill—is a bill the fact that history and nearly every the way, let’s starve the Federal budg- that is never going to happen. respected economist will tell you that et and say, ‘‘We have got to get rid of It is no wonder Americans hate this the only way we can responsibly bal- Medicaid for people who need it.’’ This place. It is no wonder they are cynical. ance our budget is to include new reve- is why we find ourselves with a $20 tril- I don’t blame them. This ticks me off. nues. lion debt. There is just no other way to say it. So let’s call this balanced budget I will take the Clinton years and the More importantly, it ticks off the amendment what it is: a stunt to give Obama years compared to what they American people, and it should. Republicans political cover for their gave us in terms of Federal revenue For the last 24 hours, everyone in deficit-exploding tax scam. The party forecasts. this town has been focused on who is of so-called fiscal hawks has become The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. going to be the next Speaker. Let me the party of fiscal hypocrites. They WEBER of Texas). The time of the gen- tell you something, a much more im- know it, and so do the American peo- tleman has expired. portant question than who is going to ple. Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield the be the next Speaker, who is going to be While this bill may be a political gentleman from Massachusetts an ad- the Speaker next year, is what are Re- gimmick, it is a dangerous one that ditional 1 minute. will have dire consequences for our Mr. NEAL. CBO accountants came publicans going to do this year? Are we back the other day and said: Let us tell going to get back to doing what the economy and American families. To you right now what is wrong. They American people elected us to do on begin with, when in effect, it would re- gave us hardcore numbers about eco- November 8, 2016? Are we going to get quire that the entire Federal budget nomic growth, and they gave us hard- back to doing what we told them we this year be cut by at least 20 percent. core numbers about debt and deficits. were going to do, the mandate of that That would be not just unprecedented, Do you know what the answer was? election, or are we going to keep doing it would be devastating. Let’s not believe what they have to pretend things like this? Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, say. Let’s not pay any attention to Let’s do what we said. We make this veterans’ healthcare, infrastructure, what they have to say because it so hard. Let’s just do what we said we job training, nutrition assistance, and doesn’t square with the philosophy of would do. That will be good politics, programs that help make housing af- tax cuts paying for themselves. and, more importantly, that would be fordable and higher education attain- So the last point is, if you voted for good policy for the hardworking fami- able would all be jeopardized. the tax cuts and you voted for the om- lies of this great country. But that is not all. This amendment nibus spending bill on the Republican Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 would put an intolerable financial side—because I know no Democrat minutes to the gentleman from Ken- strain on every State in this country, voted for the tax cut—today, when you tucky (Mr. YARMUTH), who is the rank- forcing them to do more with less. My come in, you ought to wear a mask ing member and future chairman of the State of Kentucky relies on Federal when you cast your vote because Jesse Budget Committee. funds to cover 37 percent of the Com- James would be honored. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I thank monwealth’s budget, including 16 per- Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. my friend for yielding. cent of education funding and 32 per- Speaker, I am glad to hear the gen- Mr. Speaker, just months ago, we cent of transportation funding. Speak- tleman openly acknowledge that not a were debating the so-called Tax Cuts er RYAN’s home State of Wisconsin re- single Democrat voted for the tax cut. and Jobs Act. During that debate, I lies on Federal funds to cover 24 per- I am sure the American people would warned that it was the first of the Re- cent of its budget. Chairman GOOD- love to hear that. publicans’ three-step plan to give to LATTE’s home State of Virginia relies Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the the wealthy and make hardworking on Federal funds to cover 20 percent. gentleman from Ohio (Mr. JORDAN). families pay the price. All of that is at risk under this amend- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, everyone Republicans were successful in enactment. knows this is a joke. It is all pretend ing step one, the tax scam that gave It would not stop there. This amend- and never going to become law. It is more than 80 percent of the benefits to ment would not only threaten our abil- never going to happen. People are the top 1 percent. Just one company, ity to respond to economic crises, it going to support it because voting for a Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, is now pock- would likely make them much worse. balanced budget amendment is like eting $218 million more every week During economic downturns, Congress voting for motherhood and apple pie. under this new law. They are not alone. can help stimulate the economy by But everybody on this floor knows this These tax cuts are showering big cor- cutting taxes and increasing invest- is all pretend. porations and Wall Street with tax- ments, as we did during the 2008 finan- The time to deal with spending was 3 payer money at an obscene level. That cial crisis. But if this amendment had weeks ago. Three weeks ago was the was step one. been in place then, our economy would time for political courage and some Step two, exploding our deficits, was have been in serious jeopardy, facing a discipline. Some political will was 3 confirmed this week by the Congres- much higher risk of a full-on, pro- weeks ago, when we got a 2,232-page sional Budget Office. They concluded longed depression and massive job bill that we had 15 hours to look at. that the GOP tax cuts will add nearly losses. Should our country face another That was when we needed to deal with $2 trillion to the Federal debt over the financial crisis, this amendment would spending. next decade. be the worst policy at the worst time. Fifteen hours to look at a $1.3 tril- That brings us to step three. Having So, in sum, this amendment would lion spending package, the second larg- provided millionaires and big corpora- threaten the retirement security of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.047 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 every senior who relies on Medicare or that will protect future generations the wealthy and two unpaid-for wars. Social Security and every working from crippling debt. This proposal is a Their spending sprees exploded a vast, American paying into these programs great start and long overdue. new $5 trillion-plus debt that was an now. It jeopardizes every Federal pro- Let me be clear: this is not a silver $11 trillion turnaround from the Demo- gram that helps our communities grow bullet. Balancing our budget and reduc- crats’ path to surplus. and hardworking families succeed. It ing our debt will require reforming our Under President Obama, then, Demo- places extreme financial strain on entitlement programs and prioritizing crats restored responsible spending every State in the country, and it our spending. I also believe it will re- rules. We had pay-as-you-go: Do you would make it much harder for our quire recisions to the budget, and want to invest in something? You must government to respond to crises or today I call on the President and the cover it. You must offset it or pay for even function effectively. Other than Congress to implement those spending it. That held true for investments as that, it is a great idea. cuts which would work towards our well as for tax cuts. Republicans didn’t Mr. Speaker, this is terrible policy goal of fiscal responsibility and sta- mind paying for food stamps, but they that ignores reality and real con- bility. This amendment and recisions did mind paying for tax cuts for the sequences and is purely intended to are a needed start to that difficult, yet rich; that they wanted to have exempt- save Republicans’ political rear ends. immensely important, task before us. ed from pay-as-you-go. It is not just me making this case. The future of our country depends on But despite President Obama’s re- Republican Senator BOB CORKER stated it, and I urge my colleagues to support storing responsible spending rules and recently: ‘‘Republicans control the this resolution. slashing the Bush deficit by hundreds House, Senate, and White House. If we Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 of billions of dollars, this Republican were serious about balancing the budg- minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- Congress has raced back toward fiscal et, we would do it. But instead of doing fornia (Ms. PELOSI), the leader, the ruin, recklessly erasing that progress the real work, some will push this sym- once and future Speaker. and exploding the debt with their con- bolic measure so they can feel good Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank tempt for fiscal responsibility. when they go home to face voters.’’ the gentleman for yielding. Republicans exploded deficits by an- Well said, Senator CORKER. If my Re- Mr. Speaker, it is interesting to note other $2 trillion with their GOP tax publican colleagues truly believe this that Mr. COHEN is a member of the Ju- scam and its massive handouts to cor- is a good bill and that it is good for the diciary Committee. This is a balanced porations and the wealthiest 1 percent. American people, then it is time for budget amendment, and what is inter- Just this week, the CBO exposed the them to go home. esting is it is not coming by way of the staggering cost of the Republican spe- Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. Budget Committee, as you might sus- cial interest agenda, forecasting defi- Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- pect; it is coming by way of the Judici- cits of nearly $1 trillion or more every tleman from Kansas (Mr. ESTES). ary Committee because it intends to year President Trump remains in of- Mr. ESTES of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I amend the Constitution of the United fice. rise today in support of H.J. Res. 2, States. How sad. Understand this: the Trump trillion- proposing a balanced budget amend- Mr. Speaker, as you know, Members dollar deficit is here for the life of his ment to the Constitution of the United of Congress take an oath to support Presidency. May that be short. States. and defend the Constitution. Yet this Yet Republicans have the nerve to This proposal comes at a critical proposed amendment we are debating demand that seniors and little children time for our country. Years of un- does great harm to our sacred founding sacrifice to pay for their tax cuts for checked spending have led to massive document. This legislation is a brazen the rich and corporate America, for deficits. At the same time, threats at assault on seniors, children, and work- their fiscal recklessness. GOPs have home and abroad, crumbling infra- ing families—the American people we nothing but contempt for the health structure, and natural disasters have were elected to protect. and security of America’s families. The forced the government to do more. Make no mistake, this GOP con job Trump budget slashed half a trillion These two parallel situations require has nothing to do with fiscal responsi- dollars from Medicare, $1.4 trillion tough decisionmaking, but that is what bility. It is not balanced in terms of from Medicaid, and $72 billion from So- the American people expect us to do. money because of their GOP tax scam As I talk to constituents in my dis- cial Security disability benefits. Why? that has placed us in a bad spot fis- trict, one of the issues they contin- So they could give a tax cut of $1.5 tril- cally, and it is not balanced in terms of ually ask about is the ballooning Fed- lion to corporate America. With the in- values. To the Republicans, fiscal re- eral debt that will be passed on to their terest that it incurred, it would be over sponsibility just means ransacking kids and grandkids. a $2 trillion deficit, paid for by cuts in Hardworking Kansans have to bal- Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Secu- Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Secu- ance their checkbook every month. I rity and breaking our Nation’s sacred rity. served as Kansas State Treasurer promise of dignity and security for sen- Their legislation priorities add to a where we also had to balance our budg- iors and families. mountain of utter, utter derision, dis- Republicans like to pat themselves et for the State of Kansas. I don’t regard, and disdain for hardworking on the back and pay lip service to the think there is any reason that the Fed- families, from slashing SNAP, food principle of fiscal responsibility. In eral Government should get a pass. stamps, to gutting consumer protec- fact, the deficit hawks have either be- That is why I am proud to support this tions for seniors and servicemembers, come an endangered species or extinct. resolution, which requires the govern- our men and women in uniform, to sab- They don’t seem to exist in this Repub- ment to spend within its means. otaging America’s affordable, quality During the past year, we have accom- lican House of Representatives. It may healthcare. plished a lot to help families across be counterintuitive to the public, but And now, with this constitutional America. Cutting regulations and pass- Democrats have always been the ones amendment, the Republicans found an- ing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act have who have fought to put our fiscal house other cynical tool to gut the bedrock helped get government out of the way in order. In the 1990s, President Clinton guarantees of Medicare, Medicaid, and and our economy growing. Workers are put us on a trajectory of job growth Social Security. The so-called balanced seeing bonuses and larger paychecks. and smaller deficits despite inheriting budget amendment, which is going no- Companies are reinvesting in America. the massive Reagan/Bush deficits. The where—it won’t even win the vote on This growth has allowed us to make last four—some would even say five, the floor today—this is engineering, significant investments in our mili- but, conservatively speaking, the last budgetary engineering, designed to tary, disaster relief, agriculture, and four Clinton budgets were either in bal- slash Medicare, Medicaid, and Social other areas important to Kansans. ance or in surplus. President Clinton Security. handed President George W. Bush a As the AARP warns, the GOP bal- b 1445 projected $5.6 trillion, 10-year budget anced budget amendment, so-called, However, to build on this progress, surplus, but Republicans squandered would subject Social Security and we need time to implement policies that surplus with massive tax cuts for Medicare to deep cuts that would be, in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.049 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3179 their words, devastating for millions of saddle these great young adults with Bush, enacted to the benefit of special Americans. The American people can- $21 trillion in debt, and rising, that interests and the wealthy—overwhelm- not afford Republicans’ fiscal hypoc- they have got to pay. A Federal Gov- ingly in their favor—and to clear the risy and their relentless efforts to gut ernment’s budget which is legally re- way for wholesale cuts to critical pro- Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Secu- quired to be balanced will force the grams for children and seniors like rity—I can’t say it enough—just to en- House and the Senate, even with the Medicare and Medicaid. rich the special interests. Senate’s harmful 60-vote filibuster Mr. Speaker, Congress has all the Democrats know that investments in rule, to spend only what we take in. legislative tools that it needs to fix the the health and strength of the Amer- Mr. Speaker, this is our chance, deficit, as we saw during the Clinton ican people are the best ways to reduce today, to start running our government years, when they had the adult con- the deficit and grow the economy. In more like a business, more like a fam- versation, when they did the tough fact, nothing brings more money to the ily budget. It is common sense to spend work addressing revenue and spending treasury than investing in the edu- only what we take in. in a bipartisan way. Then the Federal cation of the American people: early The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Government ran budget surpluses as childhood, K–12, higher education, time of the gentleman has expired. far as the eye could see when President post-grad, lifetime learning for our Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. Clinton left office. workers. Speaker, I yield the gentleman an addi- b 1500 Democrats will continue to cut the tional 30 seconds. Now, we simply need to muster the deficit, create good-paying jobs, pro- Mr. POLIQUIN. Mr. Speaker, one of will to enact responsible fiscal policies tect American families with a better the biggest gifts we can give to our that address both spending and rev- deal, better jobs, better pay, a better kids and grandkids is taking care of enue, and the sooner we do it, the bet- future for all Americans. this spending and this debt problem so ter, but it has to be bipartisan. We Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. I yield 3 they are not saddled with a mountain- minutes to the gentleman from Maine have to make the difficult choices on load of this stuff. America, today, Mr. spending and revenue. (Mr. POLIQUIN). Speaker, is watching. Who has got the Mr. POLIQUIN. Mr. Speaker, the big Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to guts, which Republicans and which career spenders here in the House and reject this amendment and work with Democrats in the House and the Sen- in the Senate who have only recently me, work with our colleagues across ate? Who has got the guts to stand up found fiscal discipline, well, today they the aisle in a bipartisan way to enact and do what is right and pass a bal- have the chance to join me to vote for, comprehensive budget solutions that anced budget amendment to our Con- vote ‘‘yes’’ for, a balanced budget work longterm for all Americans. stitution? amendment to the Constitution. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I When I was the Maine State treas- I will. I look forward to it. I ask ev- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from urer, Mr. Speaker, I helped make sure eryone to join me. Georgia (Mr. ALLEN). that Augusta’s books were balanced Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Mr. Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise without gimmicks. Now it is well time Speaker, I yield the balance of my time today to urge my colleagues to join me that Washington is forced—forced—to to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. in supporting H.J. Res. 2, the balanced live within its means just like every GOODLATTE), the chairman of the Judi- budget amendment. other family and small business in the ciary Committee, and I ask unanimous As a businessowner for over 40 years, State of Maine. consent that he may control that time. I am well aware of what it takes to bal- Mr. Speaker, 49 States in this coun- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ance a budget, make a payroll, and op- try have constitutional amendments at objection to the request of the generate within my means—a practice the State level to make sure they tleman from Louisiana? that Washington abandoned long ago, spend only what they take in. It is There was no objection. and everyone in this Chamber is re- about time Washington has the same Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I responsible for it. discipline. Mr. Speaker, it is not fair serve the balance of my time. You know, in business, I had tools and it is not right when career politi- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, the pre- like a balance sheet, like an income cians spend every single nickel that vious speaker said: Does anybody have statement, like a cash flow analysis, they collect from you in taxes and then the guts to stand up? I am standing up, and a business plan to make decisions borrow as much as they want to spend and I voted against the tax cut bill and on how to spend money and generate more. The spending in this town, Mr. against the mammoth budget bill that revenues. I have never seen a body that Speaker, is out of control. caused this deficit to go up by $4 tril- operates in a manner where we vote to A lot of us have seen enough. That is lion. spend money and we have none of those why I ask every Republican and every Mr. Speaker, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to tools available to us. Democrat in both the House and in the the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. In fact, we can’t even run ratios on Senate to pass a commonsense, bal- LANGEVIN). this Federal Government to know if we anced budget amendment to our Con- Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I should even borrow money. In fact, we stitution. thank the gentleman for yielding. don’t even know if this government is I am very proud to say, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, we absolutely need to solvent, other than we know that we that the first piece of legislation that I address the crisis of our Federal debt. can continue to borrow money. And we cosponsored the day after I was sworn And we do it by coming together in a know, for every quarter of a percent— in 3 years ago was a balanced budget bipartisan way, having the adult con- that happened 2 weeks ago—that we amendment. Every big spending bill in versation, the difficult conversation, borrow, it creates another $50 billion in this town is loaded with pork. The addressing both revenue and spending. mandatory spending. That is what I do process is terrible. To force an up-or- This is not rocket science. know. Let me tell you something else down vote in the 11th hour on a bill A balanced budget amendment would that I know. that is a couple of thousand pages long be worthy of consideration if properly I have been out in the district the does not make sense. A balanced budg- crafted to provide flexibility in times last 2 weeks, and I have never seen op- et amendment would finally force of war, recession, or national emer- timism like I have seen since I have Washington to prioritize our spending, gency. In fact, I have cosponsored such been in office, and I have been in office like we do for those of us who run busi- a resolution. However, this rigid for a very short time. This administra- nesses or balance a family checkbook. amendment fails to anticipate these tion and this Congress’ efforts to re- Prioritize our spending, and that will unfortunate but inevitable contin- duce regulation and tax reform has cre- help eliminate waste. And that only gencies. ated tremendous expansion and oppor- will lead to balancing our books and Instead, this resolution is a cynical tunity, particularly for our small busi- then having the ability to start paying attempt to pay for all the enormous ness community. It is growing the down $21 trillion in debt. costs of the Republican tax bill, the economy. We see the effects of it. It is I look, Mr. Speaker, at these young one that we recently passed and the growing jobs and giving Americans the adults in the gallery. It is immoral to one that was passed under George W. opportunities they deserve.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.050 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 We know that for every percent this your attention the chair’s remarks of hook for its enormous deficit price tag, economy grows, it adds $2 trillion to your Freedom Caucus. Hear me. I am so immediately they said they wanted revenues over 10 years. Yes, we have a going to quote MARK MEADOWS. The to cut Social Security, Medicare, and spending problem, but don’t we want to Freedom Caucus, the most conserv- Medicaid, and other safety net pro- grow revenues? There are two parts of ative element, supposedly, of Congress, grams to do it. the balance sheet here. MARK MEADOWS says this: ‘‘There is no This amendment would essentially Mr. Speaker, I have never been part one on Capitol Hill and certainly no write those cuts into the Constitution. of a body where you spend the money one on Main Street who takes this vote Hear me. Medicaid, Medicare, Social first and then you have to vote to in- seriously.’’ MARK MEADOWS. Security, write those cuts into the crease the debt after you spent the Conservative Republican TOM Constitution. This is a backdoor effort money. You know, there may be a rea- MASSIE, a Republican, a very conserv- to gut the programs that help working son for that in that I don’t know that ative Republican, says this: ‘‘Audacity, Americans get ahead. anybody would vote to increase the noun: Voting on a constitutional bal- I said I rose to deride this amend- debt if you did it before you spent the anced budget amendment only 4 legis- ment. It is a fraud, a sham, a pretense, money. You don’t do that in business. lative days after ramming through but it is also bad for our country, bad You know, who has ever heard, in busi- massive deficit spending because you for our people. I urge my colleagues to ness, of spending the money first, and believe this stunt’’—MASSIE’s word, not defeat this silly waste of time. then going to the bank to borrow the mine—‘‘this stunt will convince con- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I money? It will not happen, and it stituents that you care about bal- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from should not happen here. ancing the budget.’’ Arkansas (Mr. HILL). The legislation we are voting on Not my words. Two of the most con- Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the today is simple. It requires Congress— servative Republicans in this House. Speaker and I thank the chairman of and we need this discipline—to not And Republican Senator BOB CORKER the Judiciary Committee for bringing spend more than it receives in revenue. said this: ‘‘Republicans control the this measure to the floor today. Facing over $20 trillion in debt in this House, the Senate, and the White I stand in support of H.J. Res. 2, a country, Congress must make a change House. If we were serious’’—this is the straightforward, long overdue effort to to address Washington’s out-of-control Republican Senator saying—‘‘If we have a new tool to balance the budget, spending habits. This legislation is were serious about balancing the budg- something my constituents in Arkan- long past due, and I am proud to vote et, we would do it.’’ sas have long talked about. to finally hold Washington to the same We know what it takes to balance When Arkansans sent me to Wash- standards that we hold the American budgets, Mr. Speaker. We did it during ington, they demanded leadership and people to. the Clinton administration 4 years in a accountability and for me to be part of It is common sense to balance our row. Now, my Republican colleagues the solution to Washington’s top-down budgets. I would like to thank the may jump to their feet and say: Yes, one-size-fits-all approach to spending. House Judiciary Committee for all but we were in charge of Congress. With just over $8 trillion, Mr. Speaker, their hard work in getting this legisla- That is correct. And President Clin- added in debt over the past 8 years, my tion to the House floor, and I urge all ton would not let them cut the price of constituents continue to argue that my colleagues to join me in supporting our product because to do so would same point they did when I was elected this important legislation. 3 years ago, that the government is too The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. have led to bankruptcy. So what did we big, it tries to do too much, and there STEWART). Without objection, the gen- do? We balanced the budget 4 years in has been no serious effort, bipartisan tleman from Maryland (Mr. RASKIN) a row—the only time that has been or otherwise, to rein that spending in. will control the time for the minority. done in the lifetime of any listener to There was no objection. these words. Today’s vote is something that—like Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 But what happened? Our Republican my friend from Maine—is a measure I minutes to the gentleman from Mary- colleagues took office, they took the cosponsored upon arriving at the land (Mr. HOYER), the House Demo- House, the Senate, and the Presidency, House. It is a significant step to get- cratic minority whip. and they cut the price of the product, ting our fiscal House in order and de- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank but they didn’t cut the cost of the livering the kind of accountability and the gentleman for yielding me this product. And what do we have? We in- transparency that my constituents de- time, and I rise today not so much to crease the debt by 87 percent in the mand of their Federal Government. oppose this legislation, as to deride it Bush 8 years. Why? Why now? Why today? And I as a sham, as a fraud, as a pretense of Democrats instituted paygo rules to approach this, Mr. Speaker, without fiscal responsibility. If you want to pay for what we buy, and they worked, the cynicism of the other side or the balance the budget, just do it. and we balanced the budget. Repub- condemnation of this effort, because I have served here for years and years licans came into the majority and when our debt was only $5 trillion in and years when my Republican col- scrapped those rules. Now we are mired 1995, the Senate and the House had a leagues have controlled the House, the in growing deficits. balanced budget amendment before Senate, and the Presidency. Just do it. The CBO baseline—Congressional them, and it failed to pass by a single Don’t talk about it. Budget Office, nonpartisan—released vote in the Senate. So it was a bipar- Now, I come here as someone who has on Monday shows that accounting for tisan effort to get spending under con- voted for balanced budget amendments Republican policies passed since Presi- trol using a balanced budget amend- in the past, but I have become extraor- dent Trump took office just a few ment, and that maybe led, Mr. Speak- dinarily cynical at people who vote to months ago, the deficit will reach, this er, to the constructive comments that cut the cost of their product way below year—— some have argued today about reining the price of producing it. That is a for- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of in spending on a bipartisan basis, as mula for bankruptcy in any business the gentleman has expired. was the case in the 1990s, combined any place in the world. Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield an with economic growth. For Republicans to bring a balanced additional 1 minute to the gentleman Now, with our tax cuts, we have eco- budget amendment to the floor just from Maryland. nomic growth—economic growth we weeks after adding $1.8 trillion to defi- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, since haven’t seen since 2005, according to cits and tax breaks for the wealthiest President Trump took office, this year, the CBO, but the national debt is now, is the epitome of hypocrisy. Nobody— fiscal year 2018, $980 billion in deficits; because of that $8 trillion increase, at nobody believes anymore that Repub- next year, $1 trillion. Every year there- $21 trillion, 76 percent of GDP. licans care about deficit reduction or after, during the Trump administra- I am convinced this amendment is balancing the budget, let alone their tion, another $1 trillion of debt. It will now the tool necessary, because we own members. total some $14 trillion. have tried budget caps, sequester, re- Now, ladies and gentlemen on the Re- After Republicans passed their tax scissions, Gramm-Rudman caps, and we publican side of the aisle, let me call to law, they knew they would be on the are now left with a tactic, a strategy

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.052 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3181 that all of our States, all but one of nancial crash of 2008 hit from that Re- vote in the U.S. Senate. It is time to our States used, which is some form of publican abandon, Americans paid an put a stop to the Federal Government’s a balanced budget amendment, which enormous price for that, and our econ- out-of-control spending and use our au- is why I come here, Mr. Speaker, to omy was finally pulled out with the thority in Congress to prioritize spend- support this effort. rigor of President Obama and Demo- ing. This balanced budget amendment It starts that conversation that was crats in this Congress. to the U.S. Constitution is a great step as constructive as I hope in the 1990s, Mr. Speaker, the balanced budget in the right direction. that we have a national discussion amendment is a ridiculous sham. It is a Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 about spending priorities in this gov- transparent attempt and a very thin minutes to the distinguished gen- ernment and how we can return our cover for Republicans to protect them- tleman from Connecticut (Mr. LARSON). budget to long-term fiscal health, how selves during the coming midterm elec- Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. we can prioritize the only 30 percent of tions. The Republican Party is the Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the budget that we debate on this party of red ink. yielding. House floor, discretionary spending, I can guarantee you, the American What a profiles in lack of courage and have long-term strategies for two- people deserve better, and that change this is today exhibited in the House of thirds of our spending, our mandatory is coming. Representatives. But it does give us an spending. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I am opportunity, however limited the time We want a bright future for our chil- pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gen- is, to expose a lot of the myths, like dren and grandchildren, and I urge a tleman from Washington (Mr. this notion that the other side con- ‘‘yes’’ vote. NEWHOUSE). tinues to perpetuate that Social Secu- Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rity and Medicare are entitlements. minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio thank the good gentleman from Vir- News flash: it is the insurance that (Ms. KAPTUR). ginia for yielding me some time today. the American people have paid for. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support News flash: 10,000 baby boomers a day b 1515 of the balanced budget amendment, of- become eligible for Social Security. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I thank fered by my friend and colleague, Con- News flash: the average women in the ranking member for yielding. gressman GOODLATTE. this country, when they retire, get This phony balanced budget amend- Reining in the Federal debt is not a $14,000 annually from Social Security, ment is an old, sad Republican rerun. partisan issue. In fact, the majority of and, for more than half of them, that is The only real answer to deficits is re- Americans are united in consistently all they have to live on. sponsible budgets. America doesn’t supporting a requirement to balance Yet these bastions of courage on the need this phony constitutional amend- the Federal budget. other side would like to cut these pro- ment meant to cover up Presidents’ Our national debt has surpassed a grams not by coming to the floor of the and congressional Republicans’ failure record $22 trillion. You have heard that House of Representatives and having a to produce a balanced budget, even for several times today. That is more than vote on it, not by having a discussion 1 year when they hold all the reins of $64,000 for every man, woman, and child in a committee or even the semblance power. in this country. It is more than $174,000 of a hearing, but somehow, as Mr. NEAL If Republicans actually cared about of debt for every U.S. taxpayer. If we said, with a mask on, decide that they the national debt, they wouldn’t have continue to let this number grow, we are going to introduce an amendment passed their tax giveaway last year will continue to dig a deeper hole for where they will never, ever have to that will add more than $1.8 trillion to our children and our grandchildren. vote on what their constituents actu- the deficit over the next decade. Since I came to Congress in 2015, I ally have to face day in and day out. Whoa, $1.8 trillion more debt held by have worked to ensure the government These are American citizens who have the public will approach 100 percent of does not spend above its means. I have paid through an insurance program, gross domestic product by 2028. That is cosponsored several resolutions in sup- not an entitlement. It is called FICA, economic roulette. The deficit just port of an amendment to the U.S. Con- the Federal Insurance Contributions rises. It kind of reminds me of Presi- stitution to balance the budget and am Act. dent Trump being in the casino busi- proud to be an original cosponsor of Whose contribution? The American ness and bankrupting them. this legislation that we consider today. people’s contribution. Our country hasn’t seen this level of In the 114th Congress, my colleagues If you want to vote to take it away, debt since just after World War II, and I offered an amendment to the have the courage to bring up a bill and when the debt-to-GDP ratio hit an all- Debt Management and Fiscal Responsi- vote on it. time high. That is 1946; this is 2018. bility Act requiring the Secretary of How about we increase the benefits Couple that with the ballooning U.S. the Treasury to appear before Congress for the people of this country who need trade deficit, which represents the gap and submit a report with solutions to it? between foreign imports versus U.S. ex- control the national debt before raising Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, it is ports, now reaching over half a trillion the debt ceiling. my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the dollars every year in the red, half of I have also consistently voiced my gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. BACON). that coming from unfair trade with strong concerns about fiscally irre- Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise China. sponsible spending packages, as I did today in support of H.J. Res. 2, which If this corrosive pattern of financial earlier this year with the deal to bust proposes a balanced budget amendment abandon and foreign borrowing con- our budget caps and send our Nation to the Constitution of the United tinues, at some point in the near fu- further into debt. States, and I am proud to be a cospon- ture, foreign interests will view Amer- Mr. Speaker, we are on a high-speed sor. ica’s financial subservience to them as train heading towards a very large fis- For too long, the United States Gov- a strategic victory. cal cliff, and soon it may be too late to ernment has overdrawn its checking Sadly, the Republican pattern of tax slow this train down. This insurmount- account, and we must stop or we leave giveaways to the rich while racking up able debt threatens our Nation’s eco- our children, our grandchildren and huge Federal deficits is not new. Re- nomic and national security, as well as great-grandchildren saddled with debt. publican Donald Trump’s mammoth future generations. In Nebraska, we balanced our budget deficits remind me of Republican Ron- The people of this country and of and even have a cash reserve on hand ald Reagan’s gaping deficits, which Washington State’s Fourth Congres- of around $500 million. This is the Ne- Democrat Bill Clinton had to rein in sional District demand better and ex- braska way, and we need to make it during the 1990s. pect their representatives to promote the American way. Our State law for- Then-Republican President George fiscal responsibility. bids the carrying over of a deficit from W. Bush, post-September 11, pulled Over 20 years ago, when the Federal one year to the next. This has resulted America into unending wars and never deficit was at $5 trillion, a balanced in Nebraska being ranked sixth for best paid those bills. When the terrible fi- budget amendment failed by a single fiscal condition in the Nation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.053 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 We need a forcing function that bal- If this so-called balanced budget Enough of the rhetoric. It is time to ances the Federal budget like we have amendment passed, Social Security come to the table and have the discus- in Nebraska. What Nebraska does, so and Medicare would be restricted from sions. If you want to balance the budg- can we with our Federal budget. paying out benefits to those who have et, join with us. Don’t accuse us of not While H.J. Res. 2 will require the earned them—not because they doing it. Your vote shows that you President to submit a proposed budget wouldn’t have the money to do so, but didn’t do it. to Congress where spending does not simply because it would be unconstitu- Enough is enough. It is time to have exceed receipts, there are some safe- tional if this were to become law. an honest conversation. If those pro- guard measures in the event spending But I will tell you this: We won’t grams are so important, then we as a would need to exceed revenue. A re- stand for the misdirection. This isn’t nation need to decide how we are going quirement for a three-fifths vote of about soul-searching. This isn’t about to pay for those, and we do know that both Chambers would be required to deficits. This is about cutting Social they are. raise the debt ceiling, but Congress can Security. This is about cutting Med- b 1530 waive that three-fifths requirement for icaid. This is about cutting Medicare. We can no longer stand here and have any fiscal year the U.S. is engaged in This is about balancing our books at the kind of rhetoric and the kind of military conflict that causes an immi- the expense of seniors, children, and misinformation that is being spewed nent and serious military threat to na- working Americans, when they just out by the other side. It is time to take tional security and is declared by a gave out lavish gifts to the wealthiest our fiscal responsibilities serious, pass joint resolution of both legislative bod- corporations in the history of mankind a balanced budget amendment, because ies. and the megarich, and it is shameful. If I could balance my checkbook at These programs have worked well for without it, this Nation has been able to home, why can’t the United States? decades. These programs are the reason hide behind debt, and we have hidden If the State of Nebraska can balance that the majority of seniors today the real cost and the real pain from the their budget and have a cash reserve, don’t die in poverty, that sick kids can American people, and enough is why can’t the United States? see a doctor, and that families stay enough. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 21⁄2 healthy so parents can work. minutes to the gentleman from Cali- vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.J. Res. 2 to put our Now, don’t get me wrong, we should fornia (Mr. TAKANO). great Nation on the path to debt recov- be cautious about what the govern- ery. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank ment is spending, but the Republican Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 the gentleman from Maryland for soul-searching that is happening across minutes to the gentleman from New yielding. the aisle is just a little too much for York (Mr. CROWLEY). Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi- Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank me. It is not as if Republicans didn’t tion to this legislation. After passing the gentleman for yielding. know how much their tax scam would nearly a $2 trillion tax cut that gives 83 Mr. Speaker, I have been hearing a cost the American people. They knew. percent of the benefits to the wealthi- lot from my friends on the other side of They simply didn’t care. est 1 percent, it is both shockingly the aisle about soul-searching. Now Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, it is hypocritical and morally indefensible that they have passed a $2 trillion-plus my pleasure to yield 3 minutes to the to propose a balanced budget amend- tax plan, my Republican colleagues say gentleman from Georgia (Mr. FER- ment that would force dramatic cuts to they are doing some soul-searching, GUSON). the programs that support America’s particularly some of my friends on the Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise veterans. Ways and Means Committee. today to urge all of my colleagues to In the wake of the GOP’s corporate When you are searching your soul, join me in supporting the balanced tax cuts, balancing the budget every you may think you have done a moral budget amendment. This much-needed year would likely require cuts to the wrong. So today, they are making an constitutional amendment would fi- Veterans Health Administration, which attempt at repentance. They have nally hold Washington accountable to serves 9 million veterans every year; or spent hours rallying against the dan- the same standards that every Amer- cuts to the GI Bill, which is a key re- gers of our country’s debt, casting a ican family faces, and that is a bal- cruiting tool to ensure military readi- pretty dim picture, if truth be told. anced budget. ness; or cuts to benefits for disabled But what they forget to say, or perhaps I stand here in awe today listening to veterans who are injured in combat; or are choosing not to remember, is their my colleagues from the other side of cuts to pensions that veterans earn out-of-control spending that got us to the aisle stand here and lecture about through their service; or cuts to our where we are now in the first place. fiscal responsibility. The gentleman national cemeteries, which ensure vet- It was just, I will remind my col- from Maryland, the minority leader, erans are laid to rest with the dignity leagues, 112 days ago that they passed stood in the well and said, if you want they deserve. a $2 trillion tax scam, the tax scam to balance a budget, just do it. This legislation would undoubtedly that we know is bankrupting America Well, the House Budget Committee require cuts to Medicaid, which serves and our middle class. I say ‘‘bank- did it, and do you know what? The 1.75 million veterans, and it would pre- rupting’’ because, now, 3 months later, number of Democrats who voted for it vent us from expanding existing pro- their real target is coming into focus. could stand on this desk in a thimble. grams like caregiver benefits for vet- If Republicans really cared about our There weren’t any. erans of all generations. Nation’s debt and our deficits, they When it comes to the time for fiscal All of this would happen while the wouldn’t have spent $2 trillion on a responsibility and having an honest wealthiest people in this country enjoy massive giveaway to corporations and conversation about the meaningful a tax cut that they did not need. the wealthiest 1 percent. safety net programs that our Nation Mr. Speaker, when it comes to our No, the Republican tax scam was just depends on and values, we don’t need priorities, veterans belong in the front the opening salvo to undo the critical the harsh rhetoric down there. Every of the line and corporations belong at programs Americans have worked hard single Republican and Democrat should the back. to earn: Social Security and Medicare. have an honest conversation about the The majority believes that we can af- That is what today’s vote is actually future of those programs and where we ford a corporate tax cut that costs $1.3 all about. They want to enshrine in our are, and shame on the other side for trillion, yet we cannot afford to extend Constitution their long-sought goal to using it as a scare tactic. caregiver benefits to every veteran, gut the benefits working people have Without a balanced budget amend- which would only cost $4 billion. earned, under the guise of balancing ment, this body has proven, since 1974, This vote is, indeed, about a country our budget. that only four times has it had the headed toward bankruptcy, but it is Mr. Speaker, the American people foresight and the political courage to not so much financial bankruptcy as it have seen this ruse before. They didn’t put forth a budget and pass appropria- is moral bankruptcy. fall for it then, and they won’t fall for tions bills, and it has only balanced in Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my col- it now. just a few of those. leagues to reject this amendment.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.055 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3183 Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I families disappears in 5 years. This also Every individual and business in yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from came on the heels of a 2-year budget Michigan’s First District has to live Arizona (Mr. BIGGS), a member of the that exceeds the current spending caps within their financial means. There is Judiciary Committee. by over $300 billion. absolutely no reason that the Federal Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Now, don’t take my word for it. Con- Government should be an exception to chairman for his work on this bill, sider what Republican Senator BOB that rule. This constitutional amend- bringing it forward, as well as his gra- CORKER recently said, who was the de- ment would require Congress do just ciousness for letting me speak today. ciding vote in the Senate on that tax that: live within our means. Mr. Speaker, I will say that what I cut: I urge my colleagues to support this am hearing from the other side leaves ‘‘If it ends up costing what has been amendment, this much overdue legisla- my head spinning. I hear yammering, laid out here, it could well be one of tion. but I constantly wonder: Did they the worst votes I’ve made.’’ Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 bother to read this particular balanced ‘‘None of us have covered ourselves in minutes to the gentlewoman from Con- budget amendment? glory. This Congress and this adminis- necticut (Ms. DELAURO). The struggle I have with this bal- tration likely will go down as one of Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in anced budget amendment is not what the most fiscally irresponsible admin- opposition to this budget amendment. You know, when the majority forced they say. They say this is going to go istrations and Congresses that we’ve through their $2.3 trillion tax cut for directly to spending reductions. had.’’ Republican Senator BOB CORKER. corporations and the wealthiest Ameri- The issue for me is, when I look at it, Now, listen, I have supported a bal- cans, they did not give a second I see that we make it easier to raise anced budget amendment in the past, thought to the deficit. Eighty-three taxes, that is what we make it easier but I have done it primarily as a check percent, by the way, of the cuts went to do, by a 51 percent vote. When I see against reckless Republican spending. to the top 1 percent, the richest fami- it, we make it easier to spend like we As history has shown, it is typically lies in the country, the richest corpora- did in the omnibus, the bipartisan om- during Republican administrations tions, including President Trump. nibus bill, because that only requires a when budget deficits explode and dur- Now the majority wants our children, three-fifths vote to set aside the bal- ing Democratic administrations when they want seniors, they want working anced budget restraints by this admin- they come down. families, middle class families to cover istration. That gives me concern, be- But why are we making this so dif- the cost. This amendment would likely cause 61 percent of the vote in the ficult on ourselves? We don’t need a decimate Social Security, Medicare, House would have exceeded that just a constitutional amendment. We need to Medicaid, education, funds for rebuild- couple weeks ago with the omnibus get back to budget rules that we know ing America’s infrastructure, veterans’ bill. In the Senate, it was by more than work. pensions, and, yes, the Supplemental 60 percent. So that is a bit problematic Pay-as-you-go budgeting worked. We Nutrition Assistance Program. for me. had it in place in the 1990s during the According to the Center on Budget I will make one last point here before Clinton administration, and it led us to and Policy Priorities, by 2028, this I continue on to the previous point, 4 years of budget surpluses and we were amendment could trigger cuts of up to and that is we are going to see 7 years, paying down the national debt. We had $1.7 trillion to Medicare and $2.6 tril- roughly, for the ratification process pay-as-you-go budgeting in the early lion to Social Security. and then another 5 years after that be- years of the Obama administration, The Association for the Advancement fore this actually is enacted. That is 12 when he inherited a $1.5 trillion budget of Retired Persons, AARP, has said of years. That means that we are going to deficit from the previous administra- this amendment: ‘‘The lack of a de- have probably around a $30 trillion nation, and by the time President Obama pendable Social Security and Medicare tional debt by then. left office, that was reduced by over benefit would be devastating for mil- Now, my friends on the other side two-thirds. lions of Americans.’’ who are using scare tactics and saying, We don’t need a constitutional This amendment would endanger our ‘‘This is going to cause this cut here amendment. We need political courage. economy, it would starve the govern- and this cut in programs there,’’ they We need budget rules that have shown ment of revenues, it ties Congress’ don’t know that. They are making as- that they work in the past. That is hands in a national or economic crisis. sertions to do what David Horowitz what we should be discussing today. The Center on Budget and Policy Pri- calls ‘‘inspire through fear,’’ and that Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I orities said this amendment would, is what we are seeing here. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from ‘‘make recessions longer and deeper by forcing spending cuts or tax increases I think this bill could be better, sig- Michigan (Mr. BERGMAN). nificantly better, but I also think that Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise when the economy is weak.’’ Over 270 service, health, child wel- hyperbolic rhetoric does not do this today in support of a balanced budget fare, labor, environmental, good-gov- body or the American people good amendment to our Constitution. ernment organizations like Paralyzed when we are discussing something of H.J. Res. 2 proposes an amendment to Veterans of America, AFL–CIO, the this magnitude. the Constitution prohibiting Congress NEA, the NAACP oppose this measure. Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 from spending more money than it We need to oppose it. minutes to the gentleman from Ohio takes in every year. With this amendment, President (Mr. KIND). At a time when our national debt is Trump and my colleagues in the major- Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I thank the over $20 trillion and our yearly deficits ity want to leave families and workers gentleman from Maryland for yielding run in the hundreds of billions of dol- holding the bag for their $2.3 trillion to me at this time. lars, now, now, now is the time for ac- gift. The tax cut was a gift to corpora- Mr. Speaker, this is truly embar- tion. tions and the richest Americans. rassing. I don’t even think ‘‘Saturday I came to Congress to make sure that It is a mistaken policy and a cynical Night Live’’ could come up with a skit we are leaving a better world for our gimmick. It is a coverup for com- of this nature. kids and for our grandkids, for all our pletely ignoring the budget busting Here we are today debating a con- kids and all our grandkids, and to do so that they were engaged and involved in stitutional amendment to balance the means controlling Federal spending. with the tax bill. budget on the heels of one of the most Our national debt is one of the great- This amendment is bad for workers, fiscally reckless tax cuts in this Na- est security threats, and it is time to bad for families, bad for our Nation, tion’s history, which the Congressional show our constituents and the rest of and I urge my colleagues to oppose it. Budget Office just estimated will in- the world that we are serious about Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, may crease our national debt by over $2 tril- getting our budget under control. I inquire how much time is remaining lion over the next 10 years. We can’t ignore this problem any- on each side. Eighty-three percent of the benefit is more, and the only way we are going to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. going to the wealthiest 1 percent. What accomplish anything is if we all feel as DONOVAN). The gentleman from Vir- relief is being delivered to working though we have real skin in the game. ginia has 46 minutes remaining. The

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.057 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 gentleman from Maryland has 32 min- the jobs being created. And by the way, were in work session in a desperate utes remaining. people are having more money in their scramble for votes and special-interest Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I pocket as a result of that. support. yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman We will continue to see economic RYAN leaves as his legacy—a guy from Tennessee (Mrs. BLACK). growth from our tax cuts for years to who, on the Budget Committee, railed Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank come. As a matter of fact, I was just against deficits and deficit spending, the gentleman for yielding. with a group of people not long ago slashing social spending—he leaves as Mr. Speaker, fiscal conservatism that were talking about how a small his legacy trillion dollar deficits for as means cutting spending where possible business owner, a lady that had a pizza far as the eye can see, year after year. and, in turn, spending responsibly. Yes, shop that started out in that organiza- They come forward with a balanced it is a balance. In our homes, we have tion as washing dishes, serving pizza. budget amendment. Wait a minute. If to do it; in our businesses, we have to She then bought it. And you know my friends wanted to balance the budg- do it. When the economy goes down, what she has been able to do because of et, they could do it. They control the you don’t spend as much in your busi- this tax cut? She has now bought a sec- White House, they control the Senate, ness or your home, so you have to be ond business; someone who started out they control the House. If they wanted balanced and responsible. as a dishwasher. That is what our tax to, there is nothing stopping them. Today’s vote is timely. The CBO’s re- cuts are doing. But, instead, they came forward with cent report confirmed what many of us Spending is the problem. Our manda- an omnibus bill that explodes spending already know: Washington has a spend- tory spending has been projected to further and adds to the deficit. ing problem. nearly quadruple by 2040. The balanced budget amendment The budget deficit will near $1 tril- Our population is aging. Our work- would freeze into the Constitution a re- lion next year, and trillions more are force participation rate is stagnant. quirement that somebody else, 8 years projected indefinitely. For every 1.65 employed persons in the from now, balance the budget. It is a Only a decade ago, the Federal debt private sector, we have one person who classic bait-and-switch situation. held by the public was 39 percent of receives welfare assistance. When peo- What a legacy for PAUL RYAN and the GDP, maybe even too much at that ple need assistance, we want to give Republicans. They have made a sham- time, but today it is 75 percent, and it them assistance. But work is dignity. bles out of the Tax Code, they have is expected to surpass 96 percent over The SPEAKER pro tempore. The made a mockery of tax fairness. They the next decade. Does anybody think time of the gentlewoman has expired. are not willing to make hard spending that that is sustainable? At what point Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I decisions today. They want to freeze does the debt become so severe, that we yield an additional 3 minutes to the something in the Constitution that stall our economic growth? gentlewoman from Tennessee. would require somebody 7, 8, 10 years Maybe we cannot answer that ques- Mrs. BLACK. Work is dignity. That from now to do what they are afraid, tion today, but we all know that point is what our goal should be; not having unwilling, or unable to do today. It is looms on the horizon when we must an- people depend upon the government. a sham, bait-and-switch in the classic swer that question. When you ask somebody what they do sense. If we don’t act, we or our children, or and they can tell you what they do, I don’t think the American public is perhaps, in my case, even our grand- they are prideful. Because after you going to stand for it and, certainly, no children, are going to find out the hard ask someone their name, what do you responsible Member of this House way. The burden of our borrowing is ask them? What do you do? should vote for it. going to fall on our future generations, We want everybody to be at work, Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I re- hurting their ability to flourish. not where 1.65 people employed in the serve the balance of my time. I wonder how many of us want to private sector, one is receiving welfare Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 look our children or our grandchildren assistance. That is not dignity. minutes to the gentleman from Cali- or maybe, in some cases, our great- This must be addressed. My budget fornia (Mr. COSTA). grandchildren in the eye and say: We last year began this processing of ad- Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in weren’t responsible enough to do that; dressing mandatory spending, and we support of this imperfect balanced we are going to leave that burden to need to build on that progress. budget amendment, and let me say you. I agree that offering a constitutional why. I could not, in good faith, support the amendment should be done rarely and This week, the Congressional Budget recent budget cap agreement, nor could reluctantly. Our debt burden threatens Office released the annual Budget and I support the most recent omnibus bill. the kind of country that we leave be- Economic Outlook. It estimates that In fact, I voted for the Cut, Cap and hind for our children and grand- the trillion dollar annual deficits will Balance Act during my first year in children, and we must end this borrow- return in only 2 years. This represents Congress, which would have capped the and-spend cycle that has gone on for the largest deficit in 6 years, and is 84 future spending based on the GDP, and far, far too long. percent of increased spending over last I am very proud of that vote. Ensuring future generations have the year. same opportunities that we have today Today, our national debt is over $21 b 1545 means making hard choices. No more trillion, and approximately, for each That same year, I supported the delays. No more denials. individual American, $174,000-plus per Budget Control Act, which reined in I urge my colleagues to vote for this taxpayer. Outrageous. And that is sim- the years of high level discretionary resolution. ply the debt on the budget. spending. Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 When accounting for off-budget debt, Some of my colleagues across the minutes to the gentleman from Oregon things like unfunded pension obliga- aisle are trying to use this resolution (Mr. BLUMENAUER). tions, projected spending increases in to attack the tax cuts, but tax cuts are Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the social safety net programs, baby not the problem. Our economy needed a this is a very poignant moment. Speak- boomers retirement from the work- jolt, and that is what we did. er PAUL RYAN announces his retire- force, and actual debt is actually much In fact, let’s just look back a couple ment the same week that the Repub- greater. of years at what our economic growth licans bring to the floor the so-called In order to make our budget sustain- was; didn’t even make it out of 2 per- balanced budget amendment, which able, we must decrease deficits by $379 cent. Many quarters we were down at signals a surrender, that Republicans billion every year for the next 75 years. 1.5 percent. We are up at 3 percent now. admit they can’t budget responsibly. Sadly, we are not even coming close to Is that not something that is worth After the largest transfer of wealth this. In fact, we are going in the oppo- jolting the economy for? in our Nation’s history with a tax bill site direction. Where jobs are being created; that that was so flawed they couldn’t even History shows us that nations and just didn’t happen out of the horizon. risk having a hearing on it, they lit- empires usually fail when the cost of That is because of tax cuts that we see erally were writing the bill while we serving their debt exceeds the cost of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.059 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3185 defending their borders. If we continue aren’t violent and are more likely to be Mr. Speaker, our good friends across down this path, America could be the victims of violence than the per- the aisle have been bristling when my spending more on the debt interest petrators. And more than half of the colleagues have pointed out the breath- payments than we do on our national Americans who need mental healthcare taking budget hypocrisy being shown defense within 5 years. don’t get it. by the majority today, so I thought, in- However, as serious as this issue is to We have a mental health access crisis stead, I would offer the comments of the future of our country and future in this country, and gun violence is their fellow Republicans. generations, no one can possibly take only a heartbreaking sliver of that Here is headline news: ‘‘Conserv- this vote seriously, and let me tell you problem. atives irate over GOP’s budget hypoc- why. We are voting on a balanced budg- Merely 43 percent of psychiatrists ac- risy.’’ ‘‘Critics chafe over a balanced et amendment because my Republican cept Medicaid, compared with 73 per- budget amendment vote on the heels of friends passed, on a party-line vote, a cent of other physicians. an omnibus spending spree.’’ deficit finance tax cut that will result But what does this have to do with And then we get quotes from a num- in $2.2 trillion in additional borrowing the balanced budget amendment we are ber of Members, including Freedom over the next 10 years. Therefore, this voting on today? Caucus Chairman MARK MEADOWS, who is nothing more than a fig leaf, and it Mr. Speaker, this amendment is an says: ‘‘There is no one on Capitol Hill, is the height of hypocrisy. attempt to tie our hands, an attempt and certainly no one on Main Street, What we should be doing is voting on to force us to dismantle programs like that will take this vote seriously.’’ a balanced budget amendment that Social Security, Medicare, and Med- We hear from someone named Bar- icaid. It would force cutting benefits, STEPHANIE MURPHY has put forth that bara Boland, who equated the exercise protects commitments our Nation has reducing coverage, slashing payments, to ‘‘gorging on a sumptuous feast while made to current generations by pro- or all of the above. insisting that you want a svelte phy- The most vulnerable Americans rely tecting social safety net programs like sique.’’ on these programs for a secure retire- Medicare and Social Security from Mr. Speaker, America knows they ment, to stay healthy, and to make cuts. But we are not allowed that just drove a $2 trillion deficit hole into ends meet when a breadwinner is dis- choice, and yet, we must get our fiscal our budget with their gold-plated tax- abled or dies. And Medicaid is the sin- house in order. and-spend scam; and the CBO now pre- gle largest payer for mental health I am one of 38 Members that voted dicts the deficit will reach an astound- services, meaning that forcing con- for the Simpson-Bowles Act. Talk ing $1 trillion in 2019, and will continue stitutionally required cuts on Medicaid about lack of profiles in courage. increasing annually to $1.5 trillion by will plunge our mental healthcare sys- Let me make an observation, after 2028. being here 14 years, and that is that tem into even further disarray. This amendment is just the latest ex- That is not something the Constitu- the rhetoric that we see in this debate ample of mental health hypocrisy of tion made them do. That is not some- and that we have seen in past debates the Republican caucus. It is a standard thing the Declaration of Independence on our budget deficit does not comport page out of the shameful GOP playbook made them do, or the Gettysburg Ad- to the hard realities of choices that we whenever there is a mass shooting. dress. That is something they cooked have to make. It is that simple. Step 1: Talk exclusively about men- up all by themselves. After 14 years in Congress, it is my tal health until people stop paying at- Mr. Speaker, they promised to drain view that this will only happen when tention. the swamp, but they just moved into Republicans and Democrats come to- Step 2: Undercut and jeopardize ac- the swamp and drained the Treasury gether to make hard choices to agree cess to mental health services, making instead. The Treasury is ransacked, on long-term revenues that are in line the problem worse. but the swamp is teeming with mon- with our expenditures. It is not a dif- I am not going to let this Congress strous special interests devouring the ficult concept to understand. We have stop paying attention. I refuse to let common wealth of the American peo- got to think of hard-line revenues that my Republican colleagues use those ple. are going to be in line with our expend- who need mental healthcare as excuses After slashing taxes on the wealthi- itures. But we are not willing to do and scapegoats. est corporations and individuals, they that. And if Congress can’t move forward propose cutting hundreds of billions of So this balanced budget amendment, with a policy supported by more than dollars from Medicare and Medicaid while not perfect, I am going to vote 90 percent of voters, something is and Social Security, the programs for it because I think it is a step to wrong. Congress isn’t representing the built up by the American people with keep the debate going and, ultimately, people. It is representing the bottom their blood, sweat, tears, and hard- hopefully, will allow us to sit down in line of corporations that sell guns. earned labor. a bipartisan fashion to make the hard If we want to amend our Constitu- b 1600 decisions that Americans expect us to tion, let’s amend it to get money out of make. That is why we have been sent politics. Let’s stop gun corporations And now, today, after giving us one here. from flooding our elections with money of the most regressive tax plans in his- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I to protect their profits. Let’s overturn tory, they effectively want to make it continue to reserve the balance of my Citizens United. Let’s give the voices of unconstitutional to spend what we time. the American people more power than need on the people’s Medicare and Med- Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 wealthy special interests. icaid and Social Security. minutes to the gentleman from Florida The Democracy for All Amendment, The whole idea defies a basic prin- (Mr. DEUTCH). H.J. Res. 31, is supported by over 160 ciple of our Constitution, which was Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, according Members of Congress and voters across enunciated by Justice Oliver Wendell to a FOX News poll from March 25, 91 party lines, and it would do just that. Holmes in his famous Lochner dissent percent of voters want background That is the constitutional amendment in 1905. He said: ‘‘A constitution is not checks on all gun buyers. Another poll we should be considering today, one intended to embody a particular eco- from Quinnipiac last November found that will put the American people in nomic theory.’’ that 94 percent of owners in gun-own- charge of the agenda of this House. In- President Trump just signed a spending households support universal back- stead, we are voting again to put prof- ing bill into law while complaining bit- ground checks. its above our health, above our safety, terly about it and saying he would Yet, as the American people ask for above our democracy. never sign a bill like that again. Per- stronger gun laws, the majority would I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ haps he shouldn’t have signed it in the rather talk about mental health in- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I first place, but he has got the right so- stead. continue to reserve the balance of my lution in mind, Mr. Speaker: Show That is fine, Mr. Speaker. Want to time. some courage. talk about mental health? The vast Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Here is the bottom line: If you show majority of people with mental illness myself 5 minutes. political courage and wisdom, you

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.061 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 don’t need a balanced budget amend- licans don’t control 60 votes, and it be- I will say that again. For folks who ment; and if you show no courage and came a partnership bill. want to do more in America, tax reve- no wisdom, then a balanced budget And the frustration that I have heard nues are going to increase by 60 per- amendment will not save you. on both sides of the aisle about the cent. The only way, then, we will run a We have the constitutional power level of spending in that bill happened budget deficit is if folks want to spend right now to pass completely balanced for one reason, and one reason only: be- even more than 60 percent, more than budgets. Indeed, one of our recent cause Democrats voted ‘‘yes,’’ and Re- we are spending today. Presidents, Bill Clinton, saw to it that publicans voted ‘‘yes,’’ and a majority And guess what, Mr. Speaker. They we posted not just balanced budgets, of the Congress acted. do. Nobody likes to be lectured in this but big surpluses in 1998, 1999, 2000, and What this balanced budget amend- institution, certainly not by folks who 2001, all of it done without a constitu- ment says, Mr. Speaker—and you have they don’t believe have credibility on tional amendment. read it, and if any Members haven’t, it the issue. And we have heard the word Mr. Speaker, if this political-camou- is only 3 pages long, so it is easy to di- ‘‘hypocritical’’ time and time again on flaged constitutional amendment had gest—it says: Listen. Spend as much the floor, Mr. Speaker. I am sorry that been in place when President Obama money as you want to. is true. took office with nearly 10 percent un- For all the challenges that my friend But my friends on the Democratic employment and GDP having fallen 3.5 from Maryland just recognized, and side of the aisle will remember our percent over the previous year, it they are coming again—for folks who budget process. What I love about the would have locked the Bush era reces- believe economic cycles are over, I Budget Committee, my friend Ms. sion into place and driven our country have bad news. Economic cycles are JAYAPAL, we serve there together, and into a deep depression. still in effect. The laws of the economy we have amazing opportunities to talk. If you have a Congress that can’t bal- are still in place, and we are going to Candidly, it is not as collegial as ei- ance the budget, you don’t need a new have down cycles again. ther one of us would like. We shed a constitutional amendment; you need a What this resolution says is, if you whole lot more heat and a lot less light want to buy something, agree to pay new Congress. than either one of us would like on for it. It seems fair. If you have a majority that won’t that committee. But when we had an govern responsibly, you don’t need to If you want to spend something in the name of helping your children, pay opportunity to bring all of our ideas to spray-paint political graffiti all over the floor of the House, every single our Constitution; you need a new polit- for it out of your bank account instead of mortgaging your children’s future to Democratic plan for Federal spending ical program and new political vision. raised taxes by trillions and reached They burned fiscal discipline and pay for it. I think that seems fair. And the truth is, Mr. Speaker, you balanced budgets never in the 10-year budget planning to the ground with window. That is just a fact. their tax bill. Let’s not throw the Con- know how culture is. Culture is hard to change. For the first 200 years of our It is okay because we are talking stitution into the bonfire, too. about priorities and where we invest Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Republic, the men and women who ran our money, and folks prioritized in- my time. this Chamber, Republicans, Democrats, Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I they didn’t borrow against the Nation’s vestments over a balanced budget. yield such time as he may consume to credit card except in times of war. That is fair. Now, on the Republican side of the the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. As you know, it is only at the end of aisle, every single budget that came to WOODALL). World War II where we saw levels of Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I appre- debt at the size that they are today. the floor cut taxes and balanced budg- ciate the recognition. I thank my But something has happened cul- ets within a 10-year window. That re- chairman for bringing this resolution turally in my lifetime where we de- flects our priorities. We believe in bal- to the floor. cided that the responsible thing to do anced budgets. We believe in cutting I confess I don’t have the kind of was to spend but not tax. taxes. speechwriter working for me that my That is not the responsible thing to On the other side of the aisle, folks friend from Maryland has. He has al- do. It is not a responsible liberal thing believe in investments. They believe in ways had the gift of prose. I come com- to do. It is not a responsible conserv- borrowing today so we can get greater pletely unarmed with clever prose. I ative thing to do. returns tomorrow. Those are perfectly have just got some facts on my side. Now, Mr. Speaker, you have heard legitimate conversations to have. The truth is, Mr. Speaker, and you over and over again talk about the big But, Mr. Speaker, my frustration is have been here long enough to see it, tax cut that happened last year for this. What my friend, the chairman of there has been a little bit of truth on America. I am glad that happened for the Judiciary Committee, has brought both sides of the aisle today. America. I am seeing bonuses in pay- before us today is a simple resolution There is a little bit of frustration checks in my constituency back home. that says: Put out your best ideas and that folks say: Hey. How come it is I am seeing new businesses open. I am let the best idea win; but do not, do true that we are bringing up a balanced going to more ribbon cuttings. I see ex- not, do not mortgage your children’s budget amendment in the days after we citement and optimism on Main Street future because you lack the courage have just passed a bill that is the larg- in ways I haven’t seen it in years. I am today to pay for it. est spending bill that I have seen since excited about that. To my friend from We just increased spending on NIH by I have been in the United States Con- Maryland’s point, that is what he ref- $3 billion, Mr. Speaker—$3 billion. We gress? I think that is a legitimate con- erenced in the Clinton administration. are going to do amazing things to- cern. I think it is a legitimate concern. There in the 1990s, Mr. Speaker, we gether as a nation, things that are Now, I come to the other side of didn’t cut a penny in spending. You re- going to make every American family aisle, and folks say: It is because we member. Congress spent more and proud. Cures for diabetes, for Parkin- just passed that spending bill that we more and more and more. But America son’s, for Alzheimer’s. We are going to have to talk about balanced budget was enjoying such a great economic move the needle for generations to amendments again. boom, all of that money folks were come. We did that together. We both Why? making, turns out you can’t pay your agreed that was an investment that Because the House did its work, as income taxes if you are not making an was worth making. all my colleagues recall. The House did income. Folks were making more But we are $21 trillion in the hole, its work underneath the budget caps, money. They were sending more money Mr. Speaker. There are a bundle of on time, before the end of the fiscal to the Federal Government. That is ideas that we can use together to at- year, in the same fiscally responsible how the budget came to balance. tack that challenge. This is but one, way that I have seen this body act over Mr. Speaker, over the next 10 years, and it is the one we have before us and over and over again in the 7 years after the tax cut—after the tax cut— today. I have been here. CBO has just projected tax revenues I would just ask my colleagues, rec- Then that bill went across to the are going to increase by more than 60 ognize that there is more that unites United States Senate, where Repub- percent. us in our drive and desire to do what is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.063 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3187 best for the American people than that They plan to balance the budget on the Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, divides us. Recognize that we all want backs of middle class families and sen- foods stamps, disability insurance, and what is best for America. iors, and then they will say: We have veterans’ pensions. If you don’t believe in balanced budg- no choice. It is the balanced budget law The Center for American Progress es- ets, fair enough, but let’s not deride that requires us to do this. timates that if this amendment were the Judiciary Committee, which has The American people can see right ratified this year, it would require cut- been working on this issue not for a through this. ting the government budget by nearly day, not for a week, not for a month, Mr. Speaker, the American people one-quarter in fiscal year 2023. but for years. This isn’t the first time look to Congress to protect the inter- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The we have had this conversation. We ests of all Americans and not the privi- time of the gentleman has expired. missed it by one vote during the Clin- leged few and the well-connected. But Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield ton era. This is something that can once again, we see our Republican an additional 30 seconds to the gen- bring America together and not divide friends are saying one thing and doing tleman from Rhode Island. America. another. They are trying to lecture us Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, it I know this: If we do not come to- about fiscal responsibility just a few would slash Social Security by $308 bil- gether, Mr. Speaker, come together weeks after they blow up the deficit to lion, Medicare by $239 billion, and Med- with the votes required for a constitu- pass tax cuts for the top 1 percent. icaid by $114 billion in 1 year alone. tional amendment, come together for This is the kind of political double- Mr. Speaker, if Republicans are truly the votes required to make a coura- talk that drives people crazy. It is the concerned about reducing the deficit, geous change in the direction of Fed- kind of stuff people hate about Wash- they should start with repealing their eral spending, it will be to all of our ington. tax bill that added trillions of dollars detriments, and sadly, not just our det- They don’t expect their Representa- to the deficit. Congress cannot under riments, but to the detriments of our tives to give huge tax cuts to the any circumstances pass this legisla- children and our grandchildren as well. wealthiest 1 percent and then pay for tion, which is a direct threat to the I believe we have a Chamber full of them by underfunding crucial pro- health and safety of all Americans, and men and women who want to do the grams that millions of middle class will decimate social safety net pro- right thing for the right reasons, Mr. families rely on. But this is exactly grams for veterans, retirees, and chil- Speaker. This is a great way to start what will happen if H.J. Res. 2 becomes dren. today. law. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to Republicans are hoping to fool their Mr. Speaker, I thank my chairman vote ‘‘no.’’ constituents into thinking they are se- for yielding me both the time and for Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I am rious about fiscal responsibility, but providing the leadership to make this pleased to yield 3 minutes to the gen- all this amendment does is expose their resolution available. tleman from Nebraska (Mr. SMITH). shameless hypocrisy. They are hoping The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speak- that we all have short memories and objection, the gentlewoman from er, I appreciate the time, and I cer- we have forgotten that just a short Washington (Ms. JAYAPAL) will control tainly appreciate the chairman’s longtime ago they ran through the GOP tax the time for the minority. term commitment to the issue of a bal- scam, which resulted in a huge deficit There was no objection. anced budget. spike. Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Remember, these are the same folks who told us: Oh, tax cuts for rich peo- resolution, providing States the oppor- Island (Mr. CICILLINE), my very good tunity to add a balanced budget friend. ple? They pay for themselves. Of course we know that is not true. amendment to our Constitution. Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I thank We said it then, we say it now, and we Let me also say that amending our the gentlewoman for yielding me the certainly know the Congressional Constitution is something we should time. Budget Office has proved that in their never take lightly. When drafting our Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposi- recent report that concludes that this foundational document, our Founders tion to H.J. Res. 2, which would force tax bill will add nearly $2 trillion to intended it to provide not just the out- deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, the debt over the next 10 years and line of our Federal Government, but and Medicaid under a so-called bal- that the deficit will jump to $1 trillion also to restrict the powers of each anced budget amendment. Like the Re- by 2020. It is hard to take today’s pro- branch through a system of strong publican tax bill, this amendment is posed legislation seriously in light of checks and balances. another scam that will hurt American this fiscal recklessness. We must also understand this amend- families and the American economy. We already know that the Republican ment, if ratified, is still just one part Of course I support balancing our tax scam will cut trillions of dollars of addressing our current fiscal situa- budget and fiscal responsibility, but it from Medicare, Medicaid, education, tion. We must still do the hard work of is impossible to take this proposal seri- infrastructure investments, and looking at spending. Reducing spend- ously after the Republicans just gave healthcare for our veterans in order to ing, reforming entitlements for the fu- away trillions of dollars in tax cuts to fund a massive giveaway to billionaires ture, and encouraging the economic the most profitable corporations and and corporations. growth and opportunity needed to the wealthiest Americans without pay- It turns out that the Republican tax eliminate our deficits in the short ing for them. scam was part one. Part two is to gut term, and certainly pay down our debt I have been listening to speaker after the social safety net and crucial pro- in the long term. speaker lecture us about the impor- grams for working families and the This is a very vital first step, Mr. tance of fiscal responsibility, about the earned benefits for seniors. Speaker, in getting our Nation on bet- future of their children. What a joke. Given the Federal deficits that are ter fiscal footing, but we have a long This is the same party that added $2 projected in the coming years, the road ahead. trillion to the deficit, the largest con- mandate under this amendment would Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this tribution to the deficit by a single act result in an unthinkable reduction in resolution. of Congress in our history. And they spending on critical government pro- Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I in- have the audacity to talk about fiscal grams. No program would be safe. It clude in the RECORD a list of over 270 responsibility? would require cuts to national secu- organizations opposed to the balanced Let’s be clear, Mr. Speaker, about rity, the military, healthcare, environ- budget amendment. what is really happening here, what mental protection, and medical re- NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OPPOSING THE this is really about. My colleagues on search. BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT the other side of the aisle are using b 1615 9to5, National Association of Working this amendment to lay the groundwork Women; AASA, The School Superintendents and to cover up their plans to cut So- It would require stealing money from Association; Academy of Nutrition and Di- cial Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. bedrock social safety programs like etetics; ADAP Advocacy Association (aaa+);

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.064 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 Advance CTE; Advocates for Youth; African ployees, AFL–CIO; Disability Rights Edu- Council for Community and Education Part- American Health Alliance; AIDS Alliance for cation and Defense Fund; Disciples Justice nerships; National Council of Asian Pacific Women, Infants, Children, Youth & Families; Action Network; Easter Seals. Americans; National Council of Jewish AIDS Community Research Initiative of Ecumenical Poverty Initiative; Every Women; National Council of La Raza America; AIDS United; Alaska Wilderness Child Matters; FamiliesUSA; Farmworker (NCLR); National Council on Independent League; Alliance for a Just Society D535; Al- Justice; Feeding America; First Focus Cam- Living; National Disability Institute; Na- liance for Excellent Education; Alliance for paign for Children; Food & Water Watch; tional Disability Rights Network; National Justice; Alliance for Retired Americans; Al- Food Research & Action Center (FRAC); Fos- Domestic Violence Hotline; National Down liance for Strong Families and Communities; ter Family-based Treatment Association; Syndrome Congress; National Education As- American Association for Dental Research; Franciscan Action Network; Franciscans for sociation (NEA); National Employment Law American Association for Justice; American Justice; Friends Committee on National Project; National Fair Housing Alliance; Na- Association of Colleges for Teacher Edu- Legislation; Friends of the Earth; Futures tional Federation of Federal Employees; Na- cation; American Association of University Without Violence; Gamaliel; Gay Men’s tional Health Care for the Homeless Council; Women (AAUW). Health Crisis (GMHC); Generations United; National Hispanic Medical Association. American Council on Education; American Global Justice Institute; Health Care for National Housing Law Project; National Counseling Association; American Dance America Now (HCAN); Health GAP (Global Housing Trust; National Immigration Law Therapy Association; American Federation Access Project). Center; National Latina Institute for Repro- of Government Employees, AFL–CIO; Amer- Higher Education Consortium for Special ductive Health; National LGBTQ Task Force ican Federation of Labor (AFL–CIO); Amer- Education; Housing Works; Institute on Tax- Action Fund; National Low Income Housing ican Federation of School Administrators ation and Economic Policy; Interfaith Work- Coalition; National Multiple Sclerosis Soci- (AFSA); American Federation of State, er Justice; International Association of Fire ety; National Network to End Domestic Vio- County and Municipal Employees Fighters; International Association of Ma- lence; National Organization for Women; Na- (AFSCME); American Federation of Teach- chinists and Aerospace Workers; Inter- tional Partnership for Women & Families; ers, AFL–CIO; American Indian Higher Edu- national Brotherhood of Boilermakers; National People’s Action; National Priorities cation Consortium; American Jewish Com- International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Project; National PTA; National Recreation mittee (AJC); American Music Therapy As- International Federation of Professional & and Park Association; National Respite Coa- sociation; American Network of Community Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL–CIO; lition; National Rural Education Advocacy Options and Resources (ANCOR); American International Union, United Automobile, Coalition; National Rural Education Asso- Postal Workers Union, AFL–CIO; American Aerospace and Agricultural Implement ciation; National School Boards Association; Public Health Association; American School Workers of America, UAW; International So- National Skills Coalition; National Super- Counselor Association; American Speech- ciety for Technology in Education (ISTE); intendents Roundtable. Language-Hearing Association; Americans Jewish Council for Public Affairs; Jobs With National Treasury Employees Union; NA- for Democratic Action (ADA); Asian & Pa- Justice; Justice in Aging; LeadingAge; TIONAL URBAN LEAGUE; National Viral cific Islander American Health Forum League of Conservation Voters; League of Hepatitis Roundtable; National WIC Associa- (APIAHF); Asian Americans Advancing Jus- United Latin American Citizens; League of tion; National Women’s Health Network; Na- tice—AAJC; Asian Pacific American Labor Women Voters of the United States; Learn- tional Women’s Law Center; National Work- Alliance, AFL–CIO (APALA); Association for ing Disabilities Association of America; ing Positive Coalition; Natural Resources Career and Technical Education. Main Street Alliance. Defense Council; NDD United; Network for Association for Psychological Science; As- Medical Mission Sisters, North America; Environmental & Economic Responsibility sociation of Assistive Technology Act Pro- Medicare Rights Center; Mental Health of United Church of Christ; NETWORK: A grams (ATAP); Association of Educational America; Metropolitan Community Church- National Catholic Social Justice Lobby; Not Service Agencies; Association of Farm- es; Mom2Mom Global; MomsRising; NAACP; Dead Yet; OWL-The Voice of Women 40+; worker Opportunity Programs; Association NASTAD (National Alliance of State & Ter- PAI; Paralyzed Veterans of America; Part- of Flight Attendants—CWA; Association of ritorial AIDS Directors); National Academy nership for America’s Children; People for School Business Officials International of Elder Law Attorneys; National Active and the American Way; PICO National Network; (ASBO); Association of University Centers Retired Federal Employees Association Planned Parenthood Federation of America; on Disabilities (AUCD); Asthma and Allergy (NARFE); National Advocacy Center of the Prevention Institute. Foundation of America; Autism National Sisters of the Good Shepherd; National Alli- Professional Aviation Safety Specialists Committee; Autistic Self Advocacy Network; ance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE); Na- (PASS); Progressive Congress; Project In- Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law; tional Alliance of HUD Tenants; National Al- form; ProLiteracy; Protect All Children’s Bienestar Human Services; B’nai B’rith liance to End Sexual Violence; National Environment; Public Advocacy for Kids; International; Bread for the World; Cam- Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum; Na- Public Citizen; Public Health Institute; Ra- paign for America’s Future; Campaign for tional Association for Children’s Behavioral cial and Ethnic Health Disparities Coalition; Youth Justice; Catholics in Alliance for the Health; National Association for College Ad- RESULTS; Sargent Shriver National Center Common Good; Center for Community mission Counseling; National Association for on Poverty Law; School Social Work Asso- Change Action; Center for Family Policy and Hispanic Elderly; National Association for ciation of America; School-Based Health Al- Practice Center for Law and Social Policy Music Education; National Association for liance; Senior Executives Association (SEA); (CLASP). the Education of Young Children. Service Employees International Union Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc.; Center National Association of Area Agencies on (SEIU); Share Our Strength; Sinsinawa Do- for Public Representation; Center for Aging (n4a); National Association of Coun- minican Peace and Justice Office; Sisters of Science in the Public Interest; Center on cils on Developmental Disabilities; National Charity of Nazareth Congregational Leader- Budget and Policy Priorities; Child Care Association of County and City Health Offi- ship; Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Western Aware of America; Child Welfare League of cials; National Association of County Behav- Province Leadership; Sisters of Mercy South America; Children’s Action Alliance; Chil- ioral Health and Developmental Disability Central Community. dren’s Defense Fund; Children’s Dental Directors; National Association of Elemen- Social Security Works; Southeast Asia Re- Health Project; Children’s Health Watch; tary School Principals; National Association source Action Center (SEARAC); Special Children’s Leadership Council; Citizens for of Federally Impacted Schools; National As- Needs Alliance; State Innovation Exchange Tax Justice; Clinical Social Work Associa- sociation of Letter Carriers; National Asso- (SiX); Stewards of Affordable Housing for the tion; Coalition for Health Funding; Coalition ciation of Private Special Education Cen- Future; Susan G. Komen; TESOL Inter- on Human Needs; Commission on Adult ters; National Association of School Psy- national Association; The AIDS Institute; Basic Education (COABE); Committee for chologists; National Association of Sec- The Arc; The Leadership Conference on Civil Education Funding; Common Cause; Commu- ondary School Principals; National Associa- and Human Rights; The National Coalition nications Workers of America (CWA). tion of Social Workers (NASW); National As- for Literacy; The National Crittenton Foun- Community Access National Network sociation of State Directors of Special Edu- dation; The Sisters of Mercy of the Amer- (CANN); Community Action Partnership; cation; National Association of State Head icas, Institute Justice Team; The United Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America Injury Administrators; National Birth De- Methodist Church—General Board of Church (CADCA); Concerned Black Men National; fects Prevention Network; National Black and Society; Transportation Trades Depart- Conservation Legacy; Corporation for Enter- Justice Coalition; National Center for Law ment, AFL–CIO; Treatment Action Group prise Development (CFED); Corporation for and Economic Justice; National Center on (TAG); Tremor Action Network; Trust for Supportive Housing; CoSN—the Consortium Domestic and Sexual Violence; National Co- America’s Health (TFAH); UNCF; Union for for School Networking; Council for Excep- alition Against Domestic Violence. Reform Judaism. tional Children; Council for Opportunity in National Coalition for Asian Pacific Amer- United Auto Workers (UAW); United Cere- Education; Council of Administrators of Spe- ican Community Development (National bral Palsy; United Church of Christ Justice cial Education, Inc.; Council of the Great CAPACD); National Committee to Preserve and Witness Ministries; United Spinal Asso- City Schools; CREDOCriminalization of Pov- Social Security and Medicare; National Com- ciation; United States Student Association erty Project at the Institute for Policy Stud- munity Development Association; National (USSA); United Steelworkers (USW); ies; Defenders of Wildlife; Democracy 21; Congress of American Indians; National USAction; Voices for Progress; Women’s In- Demos; Department for Professional Em- Council for Behavioral Health; National stitute for a Secure Retirement (WISER);

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP7.006 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3189 Young Invincibles; YouthBuild USA; ZERO Unlike the resolution before us, it portant that we become masters of our TO THREE. would not balance the budget on the own fate. It is very important that we Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 backs of those who built our economy. do not become the debtor—as warned minutes to the gentlewoman from My bill recognizes that there are times in Proverbs 22:7—that becomes a slave Florida (Mrs. MURPHY), my good friend. when running a deficit is necessary or to the creditor who becomes the mas- Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speak- sensible; like when our Nation is enter. er, when the Federal Government gaged in a military conflict or mired in In that vein, let’s be clear about who spends far more than it receives year an economic slump. one of our masters is, one of our credi- after year, it threatens the long-term Therefore, the bill authorizes an ex- tors: China—$1.2 trillion. Perhaps for stability of our economy, compromises ception to the balanced budget require- the long term they will be a geo- our children’s future, and undermines ment when Congress declares war, political friend, but there is also a our security. when GDP does not grow for two con- chance that they will be a geopolitical Amending the Constitution to re- secutive quarters, or when unemploy- foe. Do we really want them to have quire a balanced budget is a serious ment exceeds 7 percent for 2 straight control over our fate as a country? step, but one that has become appro- months. In addition, a supermajority of And let’s be clear about the situation priate. That is because all other efforts the House and Senate may vote to au- that we are in right now. Right now, if to make Congress demonstrate a rea- thorize outlays to exceed receipts in the Congressional Budget Office’s pro- sonable degree of fiscal discipline have other circumstances. jection of $800 billion is accurate, if, in failed. But not all proposed balanced In short, the goal is not to make an- fact, we are going to spend roughly $1.3 budget amendments, or BBAs, are cre- nual deficits impossible, but to make it trillion in our discretionary budget ated equal. harder for policymakers to sacrifice that we just got through passing a few The BBA we are considering today— the long-term stability of our economy weeks ago—in my judgment, irrespon- and I say this with respect for my col- for the sake of short-term gain. sibly, but nonetheless that is in the leagues on the other side of the aisle— If the Federal Government is going past. It has happened. If that is going is poorly crafted, painfully cruel, and to spend more than it receives, that de- to be the case, if our creditors tomor- profoundly cynical. cision should be taken in a deliberate It is poorly crafted because it is ex- row were to simply cut us off, were to cessively rigid. For example, it does and bipartisan fashion, and not merely say we are not going to loan you any not allow Federal lawmakers to run because it is politically expedient. more money—which they have every My broader goal in filing a BBA is to even small deficits to help the country right to do—and if that $1.3 trillion was spur an honest conversation in Con- emerge from a recession or a depres- prorated, that $800 billion shortfall out sion. That is bad economic policy that gress, in my central Florida district, of $1.3 trillion, you are looking at a will hurt working families. and around the country, about the con- roughly $400 billion cut to national de- It is cruel because it would allow a sequences, for both our economy and fense. That would be their share of an Federal court, if called on to enforce our national security, of piling deficit $800 billion proration out of $1.3 tril- the BBA, to order cuts to Social Secu- upon deficit. lion. rity and Medicare payments, harming It is clear our country must change That puts national security at risk. citizens who have earned their benefits course. We still have time to act. The So it is important that we have a bal- through a lifetime of hard work, and it question is: Do we have the courage to anced budget constitutional amend- is cynical because House leadership is act? ment that forces Washington, D.C., to bringing this bill to the floor after it Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I am act like every family has to act, to act enacted a tax law that doesn’t do pleased to yield 5 minutes to the gen- like every city, county, and State gov- enough to help middle class and small tleman from Alabama (Mr. BROOKS). ernment has to act, to act like every businesses, and that will explode our Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. Mr. Speak- business has to act, and that is to act Nation’s deficits and debt. er, I would like to reiterate some of the within our financial means, act within In fact, in a sobering new report, the comments of others here and make it our financial resources. Congressional Budget Office estimates very clear. That having been said, I am inclined that our annual deficit will exceed $1 We have been warned over the years to vote for this balanced budget con- trillion within 2 years. CBO also esti- in writing by the Congressional Budget stitutional amendment, but I have seri- mates that the debt to GDP ratio will Office, by the Government Account- ous reservations about whether it is in- approach 100 percent within a decade— ability Office, and by Gene Dodaro, the effective and somehow hollow. It needs a dangerous figure not witnessed since Comptroller General of the United to be stronger, and I urge the United the immediate aftermath of World War States, that our current financial path States Senate to make it stronger if it II. is unsustainable. In accounting lan- passes this body and gets to the Sen- It is hard to avoid the conclusion guage, that means insolvency and ate. that this BBA is a superficial exercise bankruptcies. Here are three of the problem areas in political messaging rather than a se- Back in 2015, by way of example, we that I have identified: rious effort to address a real problem. as House Republicans had been able to Section 2: ‘‘The limit on the debt of This is a real shame because we must successfully reduce America’s annual the United States held by the public tackle this problem, not as Democrats deficits from the peak of $1.4 trillion shall not be increased, unless three- or Republicans, but as patriotic Ameri- under the Obama administration in the fifths of the whole number of each cans concerned about the future of the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 timeframe, to House shall provide by law for such an country we love. approximately $438 billion in 2015. How- increase by a rollcall vote.’’ That is why last June I filed my own ever, beginning in 2015, Washington Mr. Speaker, three-fifths isn’t going BBA, which has been endorsed by the took a wrong turn. to cut it. It needs to be two-thirds or Blue Dog Coalition. I believe my bill is In 2016, the deficit increased to ap- three-fourths or four-fifths, something a far better approach to the problem proximately $585 billion. In 2017, the substantial so that those of us who un- than the resolution we are considering deficit increased to approximately $666 derstand the economic risk of a na- today. My bill generally prohibits the billion. This year, the Congressional tional insolvency and bankruptcy who Federal Government from spending Budget Office just this week has only constitute 10, 20, or 30 percent of more than it receives in a fiscal year, warned us that we are looking at a this body are able to enforce this provi- but it does not dictate how lawmakers roughly $804 billion deficit this year. sion and force the United States Gov- should bring receipts and outlays into Again, wrong direction. Wrong turn. ernment to be financially responsible. balance. We must examine the problem Next year, almost $1 trillion, and That is one area, increase that three- in a holistic manner and make the every year thereafter, $1 trillion or fifths to two-thirds or three-fourths or tough but necessary choices our con- more hastening the day that the four-fifths. stituents elected us to make. My bill United States of America suffers from A second area in section 5: ‘‘The pro- contains provisions to protect Social a debilitating, a dangerous insolvency visions of this article may be waived Security and Medicare. and bankruptcy. Hence, it is very im- for any fiscal year in which the United

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP7.008 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 States is engaged in military conflict other effort to amend the U.S. Constitution also fluctuate, potentially subjecting each to which causes an imminent and serious to require a balanced budget. sudden or deep cuts. Social Security and military threat to national security The proposed constitutional amendment is Medicare would therefore cease to provide a a draconian and unwise proposal that would predictable source of financial and health se- and is so declared by a joint resolution, damage the economy, result in huge job curity in retirement under a balanced budget adopted by a majority’’—a mere major- losses and weaken vital public services that amendment. ity—‘‘of the whole number of each all Americans depend upon. It unwisely re- The lack of a dependable Social Security House.’’ quires outlays to match receipts each year and Medicare benefit would be devastating So let’s be clear. In virtually every regardless of economic conditions, a super- for millions of Americans. Social Security is year since December 7 of 1941, we have majority vote of three-fifths to increase the currently the principal source of income for had a military conflict. A sharp lawyer debt ceiling with limited exceptions for out- half of older American households receiving benefits, and roughly one in five households is going to say that it involves na- lays to exceed receipts only in times of war, but not during recessions or disasters. depend on Social Security benefits for nearly tional security, which triggers a major- H.J. Res. 2 is a false attempt to claim fis- all (90 percent or more) of their income. Over ity vote to go into deficit spending. cal responsibility on the heels of a reckless 50 million Americans depend on Medicare, What is the law now? The law in the tax cut that is projected to cause the deficit half of whom have incomes of less than House is 50 percent plus 1, and you can to skyrocket to $1.9 trillion over the next $24,150. Even small fluctuations in premiums pass a spending bill. The law in the decade, according to the Congressional Budg- and cost sharing would have a significant Senate, though, is 60 percent because of et Office (CBO), and to exceed $2.5 trillion if impact on the personal finances of older and its tax policies are extended. The tax cut for disabled Americans. their filibuster rule. So we are moving Individuals who have contributed their en- that 60 percent threshold down to 51 the wealthy and big corporations irresponsibly forced revenues to their lowest levels tire working lives to earn a predictable ben- percent, thereby making it easier to since 1956, an unsustainable level far below efit during their retirement would find that pass a deficit-ridden bill. what is needed to support programs that pro- their retirement income and health care out The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. vide basic needs for struggling families, to of pocket costs would vary significantly WOODALL). The time of the gentleman promote economic growth and meet other year-to-year, making planning difficult and has expired. critical needs like investing in infrastruc- peace of mind impossible. It is particularly inappropriate to subject Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ture and education. H.J. Res. 2 would irresponsibly require a Social Security to a balanced budget amend- yield an additional 1 minute to the ment given that Social Security is an off- gentleman from Alabama. supermajority vote to lift the debt ceiling, an already difficult vote that subjects the budget program that is separately funded Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. Finally, U.S. and worldwide economies to instability through its own revenue stream, including this legislation has no express enforce- and potential economic destruction. Further, significant trust fund reserves to finance ment provision. What good is it to have requiring a balanced budget annually would benefits. Imposing a cap on Social Security a balanced budget constitutional take away the ability to respond to changing outlays is unjustifiable, especially when the amendment if there is no enforcement economic conditions and raise serious risks Social Security trust funds ran a surplus for of tipping weak economies into recession and decades—reducing the past need for addi- mechanism? I, as a United States Con- tional government borrowing from the pub- gressman, or any of my colleagues, 434 making recessions longer and deeper. Most egregious, H.J. Res. 2 is a thinly veiled at- lic—and resulted in a public debt that is less other Congressmen, United States Sen- today than what it otherwise would have tempt to force drastic changes to Social Se- been. ators, Jane voter, Joe voter, they are curity, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans’ not given the power under this con- Older Americans truly understand that benefits that Americans earn and depend on. budgets matter and that we all need to live stitutional amendment to enforce its H.J. Res. 2 is a dangerous and fiscally irre- within our means. However, they also under- sponsible political maneuver. AFSCME urges terms. stand that budgets affect real people; and you to reject this politically motivated and Mr. Speaker, I urge the Senate then they certainly understand the difference be- dangerous proposal. to change three aspects of this. Num- tween programs to which they have contrib- Sincerely, ber one: increase that 60 percent to uted and earned over the course of a lifetime SCOTT FREY, two-thirds, three-fourths, or four- of work, and those they have not. AARP op- Director of Federal Government Affairs. fifths. poses the adoption of a balanced budget amendment that puts Social Security and Number two: make sure that we ad- AARP, Medicare at risk. If you have any questions, just the problem with the majority April 9, 2018. please have your staff contact Joyce A. Rog- DEAR MEMBER: AARP s writing to express vote whenever there is a military con- ers, SVP, Government Affairs office flict—which the United States seems to our opposition to a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United Sincerely, perpetually be in. NANCY LEAMOND, And number three: have an enforce- States. AARP is the nation’s largest non- profit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to Executive Vice President and ment provision so that we know this is empowering Americans 50 and older to Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer. not a hollow shell of a constitutional choose how they live as they age. With near- Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, let me amendment; rather, it is one that has ly 38 million members and offices in every read a couple of paragraphs from this substance; rather, it is one that will state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, letter from AFSCME. help prevent a debilitating insolvency and the U S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to ‘‘The proposed constitutional amend- of a great Nation that it took our an- strengthen communities and advocate for ment is a draconian and unwise pro- cestors centuries to build. what matters most to families with a focus posal that would damage the economy, Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, how on health security, financial stability and result in huge job losses, and weaken personal fulfillment. much time is remaining on each side? A balanced budget amendment would like- vital public services that all Americans The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ly harm Social Security and Medicare, sub- depend on. It unwisely requires outlays tlewoman from Washington has 11 min- jecting both programs to potentially deep to match receipts each year regardless utes remaining. The gentleman from cuts without regard to the impact on the of economic conditions, a super- Virginia has 26 minutes remaining. health and financial security of individuals. majority vote of three-fifths to in- Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield It would also likely diminish the resources crease the debt ceiling, with limited myself such time as I may consume. available for programs assisting Americans exceptions for outlays to exceed re- who are least able to provide for them- Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD selves—services such as meals or heating for ceipts only in times of war, but not two letters: one from AFSCME and one those who are too poor or physically unable during recessions or disasters.’’ from AARP. to take care of their basic needs without This is a false attempt to claim fiscal AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, some support. responsibility on the heels of a reckless COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOY- A balanced budget amendment would pro- tax cut projected to cause the deficit to EES, AFL–CIO, hibit outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding skyrocket to $1.9 trillion over the next Washington, DC, April 10, 2018. total receipts for that fiscal year. It would decade. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, impose a constitutional cap on all spending Mr. Speaker, let me read from the Washington, DC. that is equivalent to the revenues raised in AARP letter. This is, as we know, DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the 1.6 any given year. Because revenues fluctuate million members of the American Federation based on many factors, spending would, out AARP, the largest nonprofit, non- of State, County and Municipal Employees of necessity fluctuate as well under a bal- partisan organization dedicated to em- (AFSCME), I am writing to urge you to vote anced budget amendment. Consequently, So- powering Americans over 50 on how no on H.J. Res. 2 and to reject this and any cial Security and Medicare benefits would they choose to live as they age. And

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:01 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.068 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3191 here is what they had to say: ‘‘A bal- day. This is my generation’s greatest This amendment is a new low to anced budget amendment would likely challenge. showcase a contempt of the American harm Social Security and Medicare, One of the main reasons the Amer- people’s memory and intelligence. But subjecting both programs to poten- ican people are so frustrated and have I believe that the American people are tially deep cuts without regard to the lost confidence in Congress is because watching. They didn’t buy the tax impact on the health and financial se- we play by a different set of rules. No- scam where they are now seeing that curity of individuals. It would also where is that disconnect more promi- only 5 percent of those tax cuts are ac- likely diminish the resources available nently on display than how we fund our tually going to workers, and they are for programs assisting Americans who government. No one gets to spend not going to believe in this maneuver are least able to provide for them- money they don’t have on things they either, Mr. Speaker. selves—services such as meals or heat- don’t need. No one has a money tree Why? Because, as I said during the ing for those who are too poor or phys- growing in their backyard except, ap- tax scam debate on the floor last year, ically unable to take care of their basic parently, the United States Treasury. the American people are going to rise needs without some support.’’ A day of reckoning is coming, and up against any concerted and naked ef- once the sovereign debt crisis begins, fort to cut earned benefit programs b 1630 we won’t be able to stop it, and the like Medicare and Social Security. I Mr. Speaker, the letter goes on to dark days of high taxes and high unem- want to emphasize the words ‘‘earned say: ployment will descend upon the next benefit’’ because people call them enti- ‘‘The lack of a dependable Social Se- generation of Americans. tlement programs, but Social Security curity and Medicare benefit would be History has proven a few things, and is a program that people have contrib- devastating for millions of Americans. one of them is that Congress will only uted to with a promise that they would Social Security is currently the prin- limit its appetite for spending and re- be taken care of when they retire. cipal source of income for half of older sponsibly manage its fiscal affairs But let’s talk about the real purpose American households receiving bene- when forced to do so. So the only solu- of this balanced budget amendment. It fits, and roughly one in five households tion that I see to this potentially dev- is similar to what I said on the floor depend on Social Security benefits for astating problem is to force Congress last year in the middle of this debate, nearly all . . . of their income. Over 50 to do what it collectively doesn’t have a three-step dance. Step one, pass a million Americans depend on Medicare, the will to do. GOP tax scam to transfer $1.3 trillion half of whom have incomes of less than That is why I support a balanced in debt from working Americans to the $24,150. Even small fluctuations in pre- budget amendment that requires Con- wealthiest 1 percent and largest cor- miums and cost sharing would have a gress to—get this—not spend more porations. significant impact on the personal fi- money than it receives, not to spend Step two, explode the deficit—ex- nances of older and disabled Ameri- more money than it gets in revenue. actly what we heard from the CBO Di- cans.’’ The American people have to rector today—$2 trillion to the budget Mr. Speaker, I am here to say that prioritize to live within their means, deficit over the next 10 years. we are in strong opposition to the so- Mr. Speaker, and their government Step three, use those exploding defi- called balanced budget amendment ought to do the same. cits to justify deep cuts to the very Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield today. There is a word that has been programs that matter the most to myself the balance of my time to close. Americans, Social Security, Medicare, thrown around in this discussion. Be- Mr. Speaker, I mentioned the word cause I care about words, I wanted to and Medicaid. ‘‘hypocrisy.’’ I mentioned the word We have already seen this strategy in make sure that I was using the right ‘‘pretense.’’ If this was such an impor- the President’s fiscal year 2019 budget word for what is happening. So I looked tant issue, why did it not get proposed which slashes $500 billion from Medi- in the dictionary, and I looked up the before the GOP tax scam? Because if care, $1.4 trillion from Medicaid, and word ‘‘hypocrisy.’’ Here is the defini- the majority is really worried about $72 billion from Social Security dis- tion of hypocrisy: hypocrisy is the the deficit, then they would not have ability. practice of claiming to have standards passed a tax scam that cost this coun- Mr. Speaker, it is not just the Amer- or beliefs to which one’s own behavior try $1.9 trillion simply to give tax cuts ican people and Democrats in Congress does not conform. The dictionary defi- to the wealthiest individuals and cor- who have noticed the hypocrisy of nition goes on to say: a pretense. porations in our country. what is being proposed today. Even That, Mr. Speaker, is what is hap- This morning in the Budget Com- some Republicans in Congress have pening, a pretense. mittee where I serve as vice ranking talked about it. Our colleague, Con- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of member, the Congressional Budget Of- gressman MARK MEADOWS, said—and my time. fice Director, Keith Hall, reaffirmed these are his words that I am quoting— Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I what we always knew, that these tax ‘‘There is no one on Capitol Hill, and yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from cuts do not pay for themselves. He also certainly no one on Main Street, that Texas (Mr. ARRINGTON). told us that there is no such thing as will take this vote seriously.’’ Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Speaker, I sustained growth of the rates that our He is right. This isn’t going to fool want to thank the gentleman from Vir- Republican colleagues have thrown out anyone, least of all the American peo- ginia, our chairman, for his leadership there and said are going to happen. ple. on, quite frankly, two of the most im- So if the majority were worried Americans deserve so much better. portant issues that we face as a nation: about a balanced budget, they should My friend from Georgia talked earlier number one, border security, which is have voted ‘‘no’’ on the GOP tax scam. about how we both sit on the Budget national security; and then our na- But that is not what my Republican Committee, and we have actually had tional debt which if we ever—and we colleagues did. If they were worried conversations about how we wish we don’t know when—but when it happens, about a balanced budget, then Repub- could actually talk about real solu- it will be awfully hard to put it all lican colleagues should not have in- tions. That doesn’t happen as often as back together, but a sovereign debt cri- sisted on a $670 billion military spend- it should, and certainly if you want to sis would be devastating and would be ing budget. But we didn’t hear a peep have a conversation about the deficit our greatest national security threat. about this then. You can’t just oppose and the debt, we should have that. But So I want to thank him for his leader- spending, Mr. Speaker, when you don’t to propose a balanced budget amend- ship. like the things that we are spending ment after you have already voted for Mr. Speaker, our great country is on. a tax cut that increased the deficit by currently over $21 trillion in debt, and By the way, I have some breaking $2 trillion over the next 10 years, that, if we don’t address this looming crisis, news: Republicans control the House, I think, is something that people will our children will not inherit the excep- the Senate, and the Presidency. Repub- see through. Americans will see tional Nation that we as Americans licans have control. But as we are see- through that just as they saw through have known for generations. This is the ing, that does not mean that Repub- whom the benefits of the tax cut are most important issue, I think, of our licans know how to govern. actually going to.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.069 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 So, Mr. Speaker, today I urge all my Republicans increased the deficit by $1.9 If Congress advanced a carefully structured colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this amend- trillion to provide huge tax breaks mostly to balanced budget amendment, with waivers to ment, and let’s get back to the real wealthy individuals and large corporations. allow fast action to stabilize the markets in the work of serving the American people Just look at the analysis from the Tax Policy event of a financial crisis like the one we with real discussions and real ques- Center, which shows the top one percent— faced just a few short years ago, and with tions that come up at the time when those with income over $730,000 a year—get- waivers to allow us to fulfill the promises that they are relevant. ting an average tax cut of over $50,000 in we have already made to our country’s senior Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 2018, compared to only $60 for those at the citizens, I would support it. of my time. bottom. But this amendment does not do that. It en- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I And CBO tells us the deficit will grow even dangers our long-term prosperity in order to yield myself the balance of my time. higher if the GOP further extends these tax pay short-term lip service to fiscal responsi- In closing, let me quote President cuts for the top. bility. Ronald Reagan. In his address to the The purpose of today’s activity is not to I do not support potentially pulling the rug Nation on the fiscal year 1983 Federal bring balance to the budget—it is to provide out from under Americans counting on their budget, he said: political cover for Republicans. But even they Medicare and Social Security benefits, who ‘‘Only a constitutional amendment are having trouble pretending to take this bill have been relying on the promises our gov- will do the job.’’ seriously. ernment made to them for their whole lives. I ‘‘With the stick of a balanced budget Here’s what Representative MARK MEAD- do not support action that increases the likeli- amendment, we can stop government OWS, Chairman of the Freedom Caucus, has hood that our country will be plunged once squandering, overtaxing ways, and save said about this measure: again into recession, endangering markets our economy.’’ There is no one on Capitol Hill, and cer- and economies worldwide. And I do not agree A few years, later he said this in his tainly no one on Main Street, that will take that the cost of larger tax breaks for multi- weekly radio address: this vote seriously. national companies or of other fiscal decisions ‘‘One part of our Founding Fathers’ made by Congress should be borne by our genius was their provision for amend- Representative JIM JORDAN characterized today’s proceedings by saying: country’s elderly and sick. ing the Constitution. They knew they I ask my colleagues to vote to protect our had created a good document but not a . . . we’re going to pound our chest like Tarzan and say we’re for a balanced budget, constituents from an economic crisis that perfect one. In fact, even two centuries it’s not going to fool anybody. could be far worse than the one we suffered ago, some of them, especially Thomas in 2008, and to join me in voting against this And a staffer for the conservative Club for Jefferson, were troubled by one omis- amendment. sion: the lack of a limitation on public Growth summarized the whole effort as, The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ‘‘Leadership is just trying to check a box borrowing by the Federal Govern- BROOKS of Alabama). The question is ment.’’ here.’’ on the motion offered by the gen- If today’s legislation was only about hiding ‘‘Well, even in their reservations tleman from Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE) about the Constitution, the Founding the real Republican record on rising debt, it that the House suspend the rules and Fathers were perceptive and wise. would be bad enough. But this measure also pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 2. ‘‘I think most of you know how badly paves the way for devastating cuts in critical The question was taken. out of control Federal spending has programs, including Social Security and Medi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the gotten in recent years;’’—I’m quoting care. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being President Reagan in 1980—‘‘today the The Republican balanced budget amend- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. national debt is $2.25 trillion.’’ ment would prevent Social Security from draw- Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, on that ‘‘. . . I’m one of those Americans who ing down savings the program is now accruing I demand the yeas and nays. has always believed that a constitu- in its trust fund to pay promised benefits in the The yeas and nays were ordered. tional amendment mandating that future. This would force cuts in Social Security The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Congress balance the budget is the an- benefits because all federal expenditures ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- swer to what ails us.’’ would have to be covered by tax revenues ceedings on this motion will be post- That was 30 years ago. Today the na- collected during that same year. A similar poned. tional debt is over $20 trillion, and problem would exist for paying future Medi- f care benefits out of that program’s trust fund. President Reagan’s words ring 10 times RESIGNATION AS MEMBER OF Additionally, by requiring a balanced budget louder as a result. COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RE- every year, regardless of the state of our I urge all my colleagues to join me in SOURCES supporting this amendment and in free- economy, this legislation would force benefit ing our children and grandchildren cuts and tax increases at the worst possible The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- from the burden of a crippling debt time—potentially turning mild recessions into fore the House the following resigna- they had no hand in creating so they great depressions. Not only would that be dev- tion as a member of the Committee on and their own children and generations astating for hard-working families, it also Natural Resources: to come can be free to chart their own would drive future deficits even higher. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, futures. Mr. Speaker, today our Republican col- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to leagues are hoping their concerned words will Washington, DC, April 12, 2018. hide their harmful actions on increasing our Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, support this important amendment to Speaker, House of Representatives, the United States Constitution, and I nation’s debt. But in doing so, they are only Washington, DC. yield back the balance of my time. creating more potential harm. We should re- DEAR SPEAKER RYAN: I, Norma J. Torres, Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Speaker, here they go ject this deceptive and dangerous charade. am submitting my resignation from the again. Republicans are coming to the House Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, House Committee on Natural Resources in floor to decry growing deficits, as if they had I rise in opposition to the Balanced Budget compliance with the Rules of the Democratic nothing to do with them. Amendment. Caucus. It has been a privilege and honor to Just this week, the non-partisan Congres- This Monday, we heard that federal deficits have served on this Committee. If you have any further questions, please sional Budget Office (CBO) reported that the are going to be almost $2 trillion more over do not hesitate to contact me. federal deficit is going to double over the next the next decade than previously projected. Sincerely, five years—driven by policies passed by a Re- While there is more than one reason for our NORMA J. TORRES, publican-controlled House and a Republican- exploding deficit, the GOP’s tax reform bill in- Member of Congress. controlled Senate and signed into law by a creased our deficit by almost 20 percent. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Republican President. Last fall, I and many of my colleagues objection, the resignation is accepted. Their hands are stained with red ink. voiced our fears that the so-called party of fis- There was no objection. The fact that these same Republicans are cal conservatism was going to try to pay for f now saying we need a Balanced Budget their tax bill by gutting Medicare and Social Amendment to tame our debt is more than a Security. RECESS little hard to swallow. In fact, I don’t know how I agree with the amendment’s authors that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- they are not choking on their hypocrisy. Congress urgently needs to address our debt. ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.071 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3193 declares the House in recess subject to Handel Marshall Royce (CA) Pocan Schiff Titus the call of the Chair. Harper Mast Russell Polis Schneider Tonko Harris McCarthy Rutherford Price (NC) Schrader Torres Accordingly (at 4 o’clock and 42 min- Hartzler McCaul Sanford Quigley Scott (VA) Tsongas utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. Hensarling McClintock Scalise Raskin Serrano Vargas Herrera Beutler McHenry Schweikert Rice (NY) Sewell (AL) Veasey f Hice, Jody B. McKinley Scott, Austin Richmond Sherman Vela ´ Higgins (LA) McMorris Sensenbrenner Rosen Sires Velazquez b 1700 Hill Rodgers Sessions Roybal-Allard Smith (WA) Visclosky Ruiz Soto Holding McSally Shimkus Wasserman AFTER RECESS Ruppersberger Speier Schultz Hollingsworth Meadows Shuster Hudson Meehan Rush Suozzi Waters, Maxine Sinema The recess having expired, the House Huizenga Messer Ryan (OH) Swalwell (CA) Watson Coleman Smith (MO) was called to order by the Speaker pro Hultgren Mitchell Sa´ nchez Takano Welch Smith (NE) tempore (Mr. HULTGREN) at 5 p.m. Hunter Moolenaar Sarbanes Thompson (CA) Wilson (FL) Hurd Mooney (WV) Smith (NJ) Schakowsky Thompson (MS) Yarmuth f Issa Mullin Smith (TX) Jenkins (KS) Newhouse Smucker NOT VOTING—11 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Jenkins (WV) Noem Stefanik Bishop (GA) Moore Simpson PRO TEMPORE Johnson (LA) Norman Stewart Buck Rice (SC) Tipton Johnson (OH) Nunes Stivers Cummings Scott, David Walz The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Johnson, Sam Olson Taylor Frankel (FL) Shea-Porter ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Jones Palazzo Tenney Jordan Palmer Thompson (PA) will resume on questions previously Joyce (OH) Paulsen Thornberry b 1729 postponed. Katko Pearce Trott Votes will be taken in the following Kelly (MS) Perry Turner Mr. BROWN of Maryland changed his order: Kelly (PA) Peterson Upton vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Kind Pittenger Suspending the rules and passing Valadao Mrs. BLACK changed her vote from King (IA) Poe (TX) Wagner ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ H.J. Res. 2; and King (NY) Poliquin Walberg Agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of Kinzinger Posey Walden So (two-thirds not being in the af- Knight Ratcliffe Walker firmative) the motion was rejected. the Journal, if ordered. Kustoff (TN) Reed The first electronic vote will be con- Walorski The result of the vote was announced Labrador Reichert Walters, Mimi LaHood Renacci as above recorded. ducted as a 15-minute vote. The second Weber (TX) LaMalfa Roby electronic vote will be conducted as a Webster (FL) Lamborn Roe (TN) Wenstrup f 5-minute vote. Lance Rogers (AL) Westerman f Latta Rogers (KY) Lewis (MN) Rohrabacher Williams Wilson (SC) COMMUNICATION FROM THE PROPOSING A BALANCED BUDGET LoBiondo Rokita CLERK OF THE HOUSE Long Rooney, Francis Wittman AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITU- Loudermilk Rooney, Thomas Womack The SPEAKER laid before the House Woodall TION Love J. the following communication from the Lucas Ros-Lehtinen Yoder The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Luetkemeyer Roskam Yoho Clerk of the House of Representatives: finished business is the vote on the mo- MacArthur Ross Young (AK) OFFICE OF THE CLERK, Young (IA) tion to suspend the rules and pass the Marchant Rothfus HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, joint resolution (H.J. Res. 2) proposing Marino Rouzer Zeldin Washington, DC, April 6, 2018. Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, a balanced budget amendment to the NAYS—184 Constitution of the United States, on The Speaker, House of Representatives, Adams Demings Kuster (NH) Washington, DC. which the yeas and nays were ordered. Aguilar DeSaulnier Langevin DEAR MR. SPEAKER: I have the honor to Amash Deutch Larsen (WA) The Clerk read the title of the joint transmit herewith a copy of the Certificate resolution. Barraga´ n Dingell Larson (CT) Bass Doggett Lawrence of Election received from the Honorable Tom The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Beatty Doyle, Michael Lawson (FL) Wolf, the Governor of Pennsylvania and the question is on the motion offered by Bera F. Lee Honorable Robert Torres, the Acting Sec- the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer Ellison Levin retary of the Commonwealth, indicating Biggs Engel Lewis (GA) GOODLATTE) that the House suspend that, at the Special Election held on March Blumenauer Eshoo Lieu, Ted 13, 2018, the Honorable Conor Lamb was duly the rules and pass the joint resolution. Blunt Rochester Espaillat Lipinski elected Representative in Congress for the The vote was taken by electronic de- Bonamici Esty (CT) Loebsack 18th Congressional District, Commonwealth vice, and there were—yeas 233, nays Boyle, Brendan Evans Lofgren F. Foster Lowenthal of Pennsylvania. 184, not voting 11, as follows: Brady (PA) Fudge Lowey With best wishes, I am [Roll No. 138] Brown (MD) Gabbard Lujan Grisham, Sincerely, Brownley (CA) Gallego M. YEAS—233 KAREN L. HAAS, Bustos Garamendi Luja´ n, Ben Ray Clerk. Abraham Calvert Duffy Butterfield Gohmert Lynch Aderholt Carter (GA) Duncan (SC) Capuano Gomez Maloney, Enclosure. Allen Carter (TX) Duncan (TN) Carbajal Gonzalez (TX) Carolyn B. COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA Amodei Chabot Dunn Ca´ rdenas Gosar Maloney, Sean Arrington Cheney Emmer Carson (IN) Green, Al Massie Governor’s Office Babin Coffman Estes (KS) Cartwright Green, Gene Matsui I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Common- Bacon Cole Faso Castor (FL) Grijalva McCollum wealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify Banks (IN) Collins (GA) Ferguson Castro (TX) Gutie´rrez McEachin that at the Special Election held on the thir- Barletta Collins (NY) Fitzpatrick Chu, Judy Hanabusa McGovern Barr Comer Fleischmann Cicilline Hastings McNerney teenth day of March, 2018 Conor Lamb hav- Barton Comstock Flores Clark (MA) Heck Meeks ing received One hundred fourteen thousand Bergman Conaway Fortenberry Clarke (NY) Higgins (NY) Meng one hundred two votes was duly elected to Bilirakis Cook Foxx Clay Himes Moulton the office of Representative in Congress in Bishop (MI) Cooper Frelinghuysen Cleaver Hoyer Murphy (FL) the Eighteenth Congressional District of the Bishop (UT) Costa Gaetz Clyburn Huffman Nadler Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Black Costello (PA) Gallagher Cohen Jackson Lee Napolitano Given under my hand and the Great Seal of Blackburn Cramer Garrett Connolly Jayapal Neal Blum Crawford Gianforte Correa Jeffries Nolan the State, at the City of Harrisburg, this Bost Cuellar Gibbs Courtney Johnson (GA) Norcross fourth day of April in the year of our Lord Brady (TX) Culberson Goodlatte Crist Johnson, E. B. O’Halleran two thousand and eighteen and of the Com- Brat Curtis Gottheimer Crowley Kaptur O’Rourke monwealth the two hundred and forty-sec- Bridenstine Davidson Gowdy Curbelo (FL) Keating Pallone ond. Brooks (AL) Davis, Rodney Granger Davis (CA) Kelly (IL) Panetta TOM WOLF, Brooks (IN) Denham Graves (GA) Davis, Danny Kennedy Pascrell Governor. Buchanan Dent Graves (LA) DeFazio Khanna Payne Bucshon DeSantis Graves (MO) DeGette Kihuen Pelosi ROBERT TORRES, Budd DesJarlais Griffith Delaney Kildee Perlmutter Acting Secretary of the Burgess Diaz-Balart Grothman DeLauro Kilmer Peters Commonwealth. Byrne Donovan Guthrie DelBene Krishnamoorthi Pingree [State Seal Affixed]

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:01 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.073 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 SWEARING IN OF THE HONORABLE come the newest member of the Penn- grandmother, Barbara Lamb, who is in CONOR LAMB, OF PENNSYL- sylvania delegation, representing the the House. My parents, Tom and Katie, VANIA, AS A MEMBER OF THE 18th District, CONOR LAMB. As MIKE are with her, along with my uncles, my HOUSE mentioned, he continues the Lamb aunt, and my brother. I also have a The SPEAKER. Will Representative- family tradition of public service and brother and sister watching from far elect LAMB and the members of the politics. away. My fiancee is in the House as Pennsylvania delegation present them- Again, as a prosecutor and as a ma- well, and I hope everybody gives her a selves in the well. rine, we thank him for his service to round of applause. his nation. All Members will rise and the Rep- f resentative-elect will please raise his I would also like to point out that right hand. CONOR and I share a unique bond. Obvi- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Mr. LAMB appeared at the bar of the ously, both of our families have been The SPEAKER. Under clause 5(d) of House and took the oath of office as involved in public service and politics rule XX, the Chair announces to the follows: for a number of years. We both hail House that, in light of the administra- Do you solemnly swear that you will sup- from western Pennsylvania, the Lambs tion of the oath to the gentleman from port and defend the Constitution of the from the South Hills, the Shusters Pennsylvania, the whole number of the United States against all enemies, foreign from the Mon Valley; we share coun- House is 430. and domestic; that you will bear true faith ties in our districts; we were both and allegiance to the same; that you take elected in a special election; but most f this obligation freely, without any mental importantly—most importantly—we THE JOURNAL reservation or purpose of evasion; and that come from the same side of the aisle: you will well and faithfully discharge the du- Steelers fans, not Eagles. The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8 ties of the office on which you are about to of rule XX, the unfinished business is enter, so help you God. Western Pennsylvania is in our blood, and we like to think the impor- the question on agreeing to the Speak- The SPEAKER. Congratulations, you tance of family, understanding the er’s approval of the Journal, which the are now a Member of the 115th Con- value of hard work, and, of course, Chair will put de novo. gress. rooting for the black and gold are what The question is on the Speaker’s ap- f we share with our constituents back proval of the Journal. WELCOMING THE HONORABLE home. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- CONOR LAMB TO THE HOUSE OF CONOR, I look forward to working nal stands approved. REPRESENTATIVES with you, and on behalf of all the Re- f publicans in the House of Representa- The SPEAKER. Without objection, PERMISSION FOR MEMBER TO BE the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. tives, I welcome you to the House of Representatives. Welcome, Congress- CONSIDERED AS FIRST SPONSOR MICHAEL F. DOYLE) is recognized for 1 OF H.R. 3336 man LAMB. minute. ´ There was no objection. Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gen- unanimous consent that I may here- vania. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. LAMB). after be considered as the first sponsor to welcome our newest colleague. Mr. LAMB. Mr. Speaker, I am hon- of H.R. 3336, the Employ Young Ameri- CONOR LAMB is a lifelong resident of ored to take this oath and to join this cans Now Act, a bill originally intro- Pittsburgh, where, incidentally, his House. duced by Representative Conyers of family has been active in civic life for The founding creed of our country Michigan, for the purposes of adding generations, and he comes to the House holds that we are endowed by our Cre- cosponsors and requesting reprintings after service to his country as an offi- ator, that our rights do not come from pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. cer in the U.S. Marine Corps and an as- the State, but from the hand of God. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. sistant U.S. attorney in the Justice De- We have always believed that govern- GALLAGHER). Is there objection to the partment. ment is established to secure those request of the gentlewoman from New After graduating from the University rights, and the oath we have taken York? of Pennsylvania and the University of binds us to that cause. I believe in that There was no objection. Pennsylvania Law School, he was com- cause. f missioned as a judge advocate general When we started our campaign, we officer in the Marine Corps, where he heard a lot of talk about how nothing b 1745 could get done in the government any- spent several years prosecuting cases HONORING THE LEGACY OF THE more. Wise commentators worried that in the military justice system. AIR FORCE RESERVE ON ITS we were too divided, our institutions Upon completing his Active-Duty 7OTH BIRTHDAY service in 2013, Conor clerked for a Fed- too old and too slow to respond, and eral district court judge and then was our people’s ancient faith in our demo- (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania appointed assistant U.S. attorney in cratic process was disappearing, but asked and was given permission to ad- the Western District of Pennsylvania, that is not what we found. dress the House for 1 minute and to re- where he successfully prosecuted a At Legion posts, at union halls, and vise and extend his remarks.) number of major drug dealers and gun on people’s doorsteps, we found a faith Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. traffickers. in America and a fierce determination Mr. Speaker, Saturday marks the 70th He also continues to serve his coun- to make our institutions work again, anniversary of the Air Force Reserve. try in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. as they have so often in our history. Since President Harry S. Truman Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to wel- The people of western Pennsylvania called for the formation of the Air come the newest member of the Penn- picked me up every day. Force Reserve in 1948, it has been a sylvania delegation. He is a lifelong The essential truth of our situation critical part of our Nation’s defense. resident. And, incidentally, his family is we are all in this together. We need Its mission is to provide combat-ready is up in the gallery, and I am sure he is solidarity with each other; we need forces to fly, fight, and win. going to be introducing them. universal programs and aspirations; Operating in various locations Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman and we need to honor the service of our around the world, the Air Force Re- from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHUSTER), the fellow citizens. serve has evolved from a ‘‘stand by’’ dean of the Republican delegation, for I will do my level best to reach out, force for emergencies into a major his comments. to find common ground, and to help command of the Active Duty Air Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank this great American institution deliver Force. the gentleman for yielding. the results we need and deserve. The Air Force Reserve currently per- On behalf of the Pennsylvania Repub- It may be difficult to acknowledge forms about 20 percent of the work of lican delegation, I rise today to wel- everyone, but I will start with my the Air Force, including traditional

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:11 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.077 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3195 flying missions and other more special- seling and other victim resources, using Open Educational Resources, or ized missions, such as weather recon- Bianca is a survivor, and the criminal OER, as an alternative to costly text- naissance, modular aerial firefighting, went to prison. books. This is truly remarkable. and personnel recovery. Mr. Speaker, this is National Crime Combined with SLCC’s promise, The Air Force Reserve is part of Victims’ Rights Week. During this where the community college covers every Air Force core mission function week, we remember the evil that vic- the tuition and fees for students with and performs the same missions as the tims like Bianca have endured. Victims significant financial needs, SLCC is ef- Active Duty partners. On Saturday, we like Bianca are the reason that Con- fectively addressing issues of access will remember where the Air Force Re- gressman JIM COSTA and I formed the and affordability to help students com- serve has been, where it is now, and Congressional Victims’ Rights Caucus, plete college and compete in our work- where it is going. with the goal of ending modern-day force. I salute SLCC for this winning Great men and women have sac- slavery and giving victims a voice on combination. rificed to give all Americans a better the national level. I also want to congratulate Mr. tomorrow. On Saturday, we honor their In honor of National Crime Victims’ Jason Pickavance at SLCC for hosting legacy. Happy birthday to the Air Rights Week, I ask Members to join me the first ‘‘State of the OER Con- Force Reserve. to honor and be a voice for victims of ference’’ in February. This is a great f crime in America. example of collaboration among edu- And that is just the way it is. cation leaders in Utah and nationally HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE to address college affordability and OF BISHOP CLEVELAND BLASH, f completion issues. JR. WELCOME HOME, HECTOR f (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given BARAJAS permission to address the House for 1 (Ms. BARRAGA´ N asked and was HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY minute and to revise and extend his re- given permission to address the House (Mr. COHEN asked and was given per- marks.) for 1 minute and to revise and extend mission to address the House for 1 Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise this her remarks.) minute and to revise and extend his re- evening to honor Bishop Cleveland Ms. BARRAGA´ N. Mr. Speaker, I rise marks.) Blash, Jr., on the occasion of his 44th today to welcome my constituent, Hec- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, today is year of serving God and the people of tor Barajas, home. Mr. Barajas enlisted Holocaust Remembrance Day; remem- Newark. in the Army in 1995, served nobly for 6 brance of the horrors of 6 million Jews Bishop Blash began his long service years, and was honorably discharged in being killed in Nazi Germany, and oth- when he was ordained in the late 1970s. 2001. ers being killed as well: homosexuals, He faithfully served churches in Con- Hector was not a U.S. citizen. De- Communists, and other minorities that necticut, Florida, and New York, be- spite being a veteran, he was deported were objectionable, like Gypsies. fore being assigned to St. Paul Sounds in 2002 and separated from his family, In recent polls, it shows millennials, of Praise PFM Church in Newark, New despite his years of service and sac- over a third, don’t realize what Ausch- Jersey. rifice for our country. witz was, or that the Holocaust oc- Bishop Blash is truly a community Soon after his deportation, Mr. curred. On this day, Yom HaShoah, we leader. He is the founder of Operation Barajas became a leader and role model need to remind the world of what hor- CLEANN, which stands for Citizens for other deported veterans, estab- rendous events occurred on this planet Looking to Empower a New Neighbor- lishing a safe house in Tijuana, Mexico, just 75 years ago. hood. He has given more than 10,000 called the Deported Veterans Support Never again. Never again. Elie Wiesel hours of labor to the community House, or ‘‘The Bunker,’’ as they like said: ‘‘We may not be able to defeat in- around West Side Park in Newark, New to call it. justice, but we should always protest Jersey. Meanwhile, he continued to pursue it.’’ Bishop Blash also created a scholar- his dream of returning legally to the f ship committee, founded the annual United States and becoming a U.S. cit- COMBATING ONLINE EXPLOI- U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Drive in his izen. His dream has finally come true. TATION OF SEX TRAFFICKING neighborhood, and created a com- On April 13, Mr. Barajas will return to VICTIMS munitywide Thanksgiving dinner, Compton, California, as a United among other great deeds. States citizen. Upon his return, let’s (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given Last weekend, Bishop Blash cele- work together to bring home our vet- permission to address the House for 1 brated his 68th birthday and 44th year erans. minute and to revise and extend his rein the ministry. I ask my colleagues to Welcome home, Hector, and thank marks.) join me in honoring Bishop Blash for you for your service. Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I want his lifetime of service to his commu- f to recognize an important new law, the nity. Allow States and Victims to Fight On- RECOGNIZING SALT LAKE COMMU- f line Sex Trafficking Act, or FOSTA. NITY COLLEGE’S OPEN EDU- This landmark anti-trafficking legisla- NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ CATIONAL RESOURCES tion that I helped coauthor was just RIGHTS WEEK (Mrs. LOVE asked and was given per- signed into law by the President this (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was mission to address the House for 1 week, and it ushers in a new era of given permission to address the House minute and to revise and extend her re- combating the online exploitation of for 1 minute and to revise and extend marks.) trafficking victims. his remarks.) Mrs. LOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Last month, half a dozen Minnesota Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, when to recognize Salt Lake Community men were rolled up in an online under- Bianca Ramirez left her Massachusetts College, also known as SLCC, for its age trafficking sting. They had met home one Sunday morning for a jog, leadership in making it more afford- what they believed were young girls she had no idea it would be the worst able to residents in Utah to earn a de- advertised for sex on backpage.com, morning of her life. Shortly after she gree or certificate. one of the worst offenders when it began running, she was blindsided by a Early this month opened Open Edu- comes to exploiting trafficking vic- strange man in broad daylight. He cation Week, and I would like to high- tims. But when each of them showed up choked her into unconsciousness and light ‘‘Open SLCC,’’ an initiative that to the designated meeting spot, instead dragged her into the bushes, brutally started in 2014 and has grown to more of finding teenage girls, they found law beating her. than 600 open sections across a wide enforcement waiting for them. When she came to nearly 30 minutes range of foundational courses online. Sadly, there are more who are able to later, she realized the horror that had To date, Open SLCC has saved $5.8 buy sex on websites like Backpage, but happened to her. With the help of coun- million for over 40,000 students by the new law will help us put a stop to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.079 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 that. Now it ensures that websites that one to start small nest eggs that can through trial and error, and proved facilitate sex trafficking will be held grow over the decades into what I call that they can push their dreams to the liable and held accountable for their Social Security Plus. Moon and beyond. actions. Thank you to the National Retire- f Backpage.com has now been taken ment Planning Coalition, whose fan- FARM BILL AND NUTRITION over by Federal authorities. It isn’t the tastic online resources are available to only such site in existence, but it is a Americans free of charge. That is the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under sign that their ability to profit from National Retirement Planning Coali- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- trafficking without consequence has tion, free of charge, to all Americans. uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Penn- come to an end. Let’s get to work for security for our sylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) is recognized f retirees, not just this generation, but for 60 minutes as the designee of the those to come. majority leader. GRANT THE DISTRICT OF Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. f COLUMBIA FULL EMANCIPATION Mr. Speaker, we appreciate the oppor- (Ms. NORTON asked and was given b 1800 tunity to be here tonight to join with permission to address the House for 1 HONORING THE LIFE OF VICTOR my colleagues for this Special Order. minute and to revise and extend her re- LINK Over the past 3 years, the House Ag- marks.) riculture Committee has been dili- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, tomor- (Mr. KIHUEN asked and was given gently working on the next farm bill, row, D.C. begins commemorations of permission to address the House for 1 which sets agriculture and food policy the emancipation of slaves in the Na- minute and to revise and extend his re- for our Nation every 5 years. tion’s Capital 9 months before slavery marks.) As chairman of the House Agri- was abolished elsewhere in the United Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I culture Subcommittee on Nutrition, I States. Yet, D.C. residents, 156 years rise to remember the life of Victor am pleased that we can discuss this im- later, still are not free. Congress can Link. portant topic tonight, nutrition, and I overturn local laws nowhere else ex- Victor was an intelligent man who want to thank Chairman CONAWAY for cept in the District, and collects taxes had a vast knowledge on many topics. his great leadership and commitment without representation. He was the father to his adopted son, putting forward the best farm bill pos- The residents of the Nation’s Capital Christian, and was engaged to be mar- sible. have more than paid the price for their ried to his fiancee, Lynne. Tonight, we are here to talk about citizenship. Most are native-born Victor loved music and loved sharing the nutrition title, specifically the American citizens. Residents have his expertise on craft beers. He at- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance fought and died in every U.S. war, intended the Route 91 festival in Las Program, or SNAP, which we used to cluding the Revolutionary War that Vegas on October 1. call food stamps. SNAP accounts for 80 created the United States of America. He often traveled around the country percent of spending in the farm bill, And D.C. residents rank number one to attend many different music fes- and it is an important safety net for in taxes paid to support the United tivals with his fiancee, but he always low-income families to help ensure States Government. We are well within made sure to make time for friends and that no one in America goes hungry our rights to ask Congress to grant the family. when times get tough. Far too many District of Columbia full emancipation His son remembers him as being a Americans are living in poverty, and by making the District the 51st State. very strong role model who had a deep many have been for a generation. passion for life. f There is no worse feeling for a parent I would like to extend my condo- than to see their child go without NATIONAL RETIREMENT lences to Victor’s family and friends. something as basic as food, yet food in- PLANNING WEEK Please know that the city of Las security exists for so many. That is (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given Vegas, the State of Nevada, and the en- why, since 2015, the Nutrition Sub- permission to address the House for 1 tire country grieve with you. committee has hosted 21 hearings on minute.) f SNAP. It has heard from more than 80 Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise witnesses on how we can improve the today in recognition of nearly 50 mil- CONGRATULATING THE UNIVER- program and work to end hunger in lion baby boomers ready for retire- SITY OF CALIFORNIA AT SANTA America. ment. CRUZ BANANA SLUGS In fiscal year 2017, SNAP provided This week is National Retirement (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given 42.2 million Americans with food bene- Planning Week. Let me emphasize two permission to address the House for 1 fits at a cost of $63.7 billion. That is earned benefits that have done more to minute and to revise and extend his re- nearly 21 million households, Mr. grant security and peace in retirement marks.) Speaker. than any other: Medicare and Social Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise In my district, Pennsylvania’s Fifth Security. If future generations are to today to congratulate the University of Congressional District, nearly 35,000 reap their retirement security, our California at Santa Cruz Banana Slugs, households received SNAP benefits for generation must ensure their solvency. specifically, their rocket team, the so- fiscal year 2015. Thirty percent of those And if we only talk retirement with called Rocket Slugs, for not only being homes have one or more people over seniors, we fall seriously short. selected to compete in NASA’s elite the age of 60, and nearly half, 45.9 per- Although nearly half of all baby Student Launch Week, but for cent, of those homes have children who boomers say they have $100,000 or less medaling in the Best Rocket Fair Dis- are under the age of 18. saved, and their Social Security is crit- play. What this farm bill does is ensure ical to their survival, half of Genera- The annual competition in Hunts- that SNAP benefits continue to be tion Xers have less than $10,000 saved. ville, Alabama, allows students to re- available for those who truly need the Given the financial pressures on search and develop projects related to help, especially children, seniors age 60 millennials, they could end up in pre- NASA’s Space Launch System. That is and older, and the disabled, who rep- carious situations. America’s deep space exploration rock- resent nearly two-thirds of the pro- Congress must show real leadership et that is built to return astronauts to gram’s participants. on this issue; and the somber reality is the Moon and possibly even send them Unfortunately, though, many Ameri- more Americans than ever are shoul- to Mars. cans may not have the skills necessary dering the burden of financing retire- Their work is a testament to UC to find a family-sustaining job or may ment alone. As a society, Congress also Santa Cruz and team cocaptains Kent have encountered roadblocks while try- must prioritize financial literacy and Roberts and Zafar Rustamkulov. These ing to get ahead. This new farm bill education, beginning with young stu- students pushed the limits of design makes a historic investment in work dents in schools. We must equip every- and engineering, pushed themselves programs so SNAP recipients have a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.081 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3197 chance to learn new skills and climb She said: I was 18 years old, a single a physician counseling and advising ex- the rungs on the ladder of opportunity. mother of a 3-year-old, and I didn’t like pecting moms. Now, this investment will equip my future, and I wanted to go to col- Starting a family is a special and States with resources to arm partici- lege. scary time for many of my patients. pants with the soft skills—job search And SNAP and the other benefits Almost all of them would come to me skills, certifications, and education— that were available, her hard work, her with a list of questions and problems. needed to succeed in today’s economy, sweat equity, but, yes, our helping And despite the variety of their con- truly, on-ramps to opportunity. hand up allowed her to get a college cerns, many could be solved with prop- Now we have a unique opportunity to education. er and improved nutrition. expand funding and resources for these She became an educator. She then SNAP assisted many of my patients life-changing programs by closing loop- got an advanced degree and is now in in providing nutrient-dense foods for holes and improving opportunities for administration. She said for her and my mothers and children. The impor- individuals who have been her daughter, public assistance is now tance of nutrition in the weeks prior to marginalized by a lack of employment, defined by what they do for other folks conception, during pregnancy, while education, or, quite frankly, life cir- as opposed to what gets done for them. breastfeeding, and within the early cumstances. By doing this, SNAP can That is the success we want to drive. years of infancy can never be overesti- provide immediate food assistance in That is how we want to measure SNAP mated. the short term, while also helping and all of our programs as against a In the United States, one in eight those in need learn skills to help them yardstick that says we want to give people identify as being food insecure. permanently escape poverty. folks a helping hand up. We want folks To put that into perspective, of the Now, let me be clear. We are not re- to break that cycle of poverty. 5,000 babies I delivered, 625 of them are moving anyone from receiving the I believe that the good policies we food insecure today. The thought of SNAP benefits. What we are doing is put in place with the SNAP program this, alone, weighs on our hearts and providing the tools necessary to help that were released today, as people makes them heavy, and that is why I individuals escape the cycle of poverty. begin to understand what we are doing am so proud of this farm bill’s nutri- I believe that there are many pathways and begin to understand a bunch of the tion component and why we worked so to success in life, and sometimes we do misinformation that has been in the hard to get it right. need that critical safety net to take public arena over the last several Our farm bill increases nutrition edu- care of our families and help us get weeks about what we were trying to do, cation, incentivizes our SNAP recipi- back on our feet. that that will dissipate and our col- ents to make healthier choices, and in- With a rebounding economy and an leagues across both sides of the aisle creases access to nutritious foods. increased focus on workforce develop- will see the wisdom of what we are And for those people who live in our ment, I know we are going to be able to going to do with respect to SNAP. Nation’s food deserts with limited ac- open new economic doors for many, be- I am proud of the work that we have cess to grocery stores, we thought cause all Americans deserve no less. done. I am particularly proud of G.T. about you, too. We have to incentivize Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield to Thompson’s leadership the last year on retailers to want to invest in these un- the gentleman from Texas (Mr. CON- our Nutrition Subcommittee. He has derserved communities. That is why we AWAY), the chairman of the Agriculture done incredibly good work, and I am have extended and improved the Committee. looking forward to him and my other Healthy Food Financing Initiative that Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank colleagues continuing this process. gives grants to retailers to open busi- the gentleman very much for allowing The bill we introduced today is a nesses in areas that lack the access to me to speak this evening. work in progress, and it is not what healthy foods. Today, we introduced H.R. 2, which is will get to the President’s desk; but we So I ask you today: How could any- the Agricultural Nutrition Act of 2018. are excited about the process of mark- one vote against a bill that looks at H.R. 1 was the tax bill, and so leader- ing it up in committee, coming to this the food insecurity problem in this ship, the Speaker in particular, be- House floor, having those fulsome con- country from so many angles through lieved that this issue is important versations with our colleagues about the eyes of so many people? enough that he gave us that rare oppor- what is working, what is not working, We all know that food is health and tunity to have a single-digit bill num- and then getting this to the President’s that, truly, we are what we do eat. This ber. desk once the Senate does their work. bill will help all Americans become My colleagues will join us tonight at So a great step forward for the Agri- more healthy and to stay more the microphone and we will talk about culture Committee today. I am proud healthy, and that is why I am so proud more of the details, but 3 years ago we of the work we have done and look for- to support this bill and look forward to began this quest to reform SNAP. We ward to working with my colleagues to its passage, getting it on through the wanted to start with basically as blank get this even further along the path. Senate and on to our President to sign. a sheet of paper as we could get. We Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. didn’t want to be constrained by spend- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for ing or resources. We just wanted to his leadership and for leading what has being part of this Special Order. find the best policy we could possibly been one of the most transparent proc- All of the hearings that we had were get to so it would let us know our esses. The amount of hearings that we bipartisan, great bipartisan input into guideposts. have had, over 20 hearings just on nu- the hearings, and there is nothing in We did that. We had it scored. It trition, 80 witnesses—a job well done. the nutrition title that really hasn’t comes in at a budget-neutral position, You know, there is a saying that we come out as a part of those hearings. which is what our commitment to the have always heard. What is it? The doc- In fact, I know my colleagues, my broader conference was, and accom- tor knows best. I am pleased to yield to friends across the aisle, our Demo- plished that on not only SNAP, but the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. MAR- cratic members of the committee I also with the rest of the title as well. SHALL), another member of the Agri- have been so honored to work with and We did six listening sessions around culture Committee, a physician, who be a part of these hearings, they sub- the country this past year. Three-hun- really understands health and healthy mitted specific priorities for the nutri- dred-plus good citizens stepped to the nutrition. tion title under title IV, and I am microphone to speak to Members of Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I proud to say that all those priorities Congress about what was on their thank the gentleman from Pennsyl- are included within this farm bill. heart, what was working with the farm vania for yielding to me today to speak I now yield to the gentleman from bill, all aspects of it. I specifically re- on one of my favorite topics. Arkansas (Mr. CRAWFORD), a friend of member a young woman who stood at Perhaps I look at the importance of mine, who is also part of our leadership the microphone, incredibly brave SNAP through a different set of lenses with the Agriculture Committee, a sub- young lady, who said: I am the reason than some of my peers who sit among committee chairman, from the First that SNAP needs to stay in place. me. I spent nearly the last 30 years as District of Arkansas.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.082 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ap- State of Arkansas does and realize that participants subject to being able to preciate the gentleman from Pennsyl- Federal resources are not infinite and work. vania for doing such a great job on being responsible stewards of this pro- We have modernized the components this. I know he has worked really, real- gram serves those who need the serving of SNAP employment, education, and ly hard on it. the most. If we enact this reform, they training to include assessment and We have talked about the number of will always be taken care of. case management, include additional committee hearings that have been Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the options like supervised job search ap- dedicated to just nutrition. That is be- chairman again for his steadfast lead- prenticeships, time-limited volunteer cause the nutrition title of the farm ership and his diligence in all of the work, subsidized employment, and fi- bill accounts for about 80 percent of hearings that we have had over the last nancial history. the total authorization. So it is really 4 years. Last week, Caterpillar, in Decatur, important that we get it right. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Illinois, hosted an event to recruit Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for more welders and machinists. They support for the Agriculture and Nutri- being a part of this important Special have jobs available, but not enough tion Act, specifically, the improve- Order tonight, because nutrition mat- people are trained to fill these skilled ments that we are making here in the ters and farmers feed. jobs. critical nutrition title under the lead- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to I visited the Bridgestone tire plant in ership of my friend Mr. THOMPSON, who a gentleman from another part of our Bloomington, Illinois, last week, and I has done a fantastic job. Agriculture Committee leadership heard the same thing. Jobs are avail- Currently, there is a loophole related from the State of Illinois. He is the able, but there is no one to take them. to heating and cooling allowances that chairman of the Biotechnology, Horti- Our economy is growing; jobs are is often used to artificially increase culture, and Research Subcommittee. growing. We must do more to get peo- SNAP benefits. States are given the He actually did a great job yesterday ple the education and training that flexibility under the previous iteration convening a briefing where he brought they need to take these available, of the SNAP program to use the stand- in 4–H leaders from all over the coun- skilled jobs and help themselves and ard utility allowances for heating and try to share their experiences as a part help their families. cooling to ease SNAP administration. of that great organization. Mr. Speaker, I again thank my col- Households automatically qualify for Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman league from Pennsylvania. the SUA if they receive Low Income from Illinois (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS) from Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Heating and Energy Assistance Pro- the 13th Congressional District. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for gram, it is called the LIHEAP program, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. his leadership and for joining us here payments, if they receive payments Speaker, I thank my colleague from this evening. from that program. States, in order to Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) and all One of the things I really love about increase SNAP benefits, provide of the colleagues that I see on this the Agriculture Committee is, quite LIHEAP payments of just greater than floor who are part of the Agriculture frankly, what we do. Everyone eats, a $20 minimum threshold, allowing Committee team—and we are a team. nutrition matters, and our Agriculture households to qualify for the SUA, thus We are a team that I got to watch Committee is represented by Members increasing the SNAP benefits the work 4 years ago together to pass a bill from all over the country, including household receives, even though the that the Congressional Budget Office Tennessee. household may not have actual heating said was only going to save taxpayers Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to and cooling expenses. $23 billion in mandatory spending. As a the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Our bill requires demonstrated heat- matter of fact, that was the largest, DESJARLAIS), another member of the ing or cooling expenses in order to re- single spending cut that was projected Agriculture Committee from Ten- ceive a standard allowance for such ex- in my entire freshman term. nessee’s Fourth Congressional District. penses. We basically removed the auto- Well, they came back over the recent Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I matic availability of the SUA for heat- weeks and told us that they were thank Congressman THOMPSON. We ing and cooling and ask that house- wrong. Those savings have actually really do appreciate his leadership on holds demonstrate actual utility costs been $111 billion in mandatory spend- this issue and his passion. He spent so to receive the State-determined SUA. ing. This is why good policies matter. much time and effort to get this right, Note that we exempt the elderly from The bill that we introduced today is an and it is really rare in this country that requirement of documentation, so example of good policies that save tax- where you can get so many people to we will make sure that people under- payer dollars, but, just as importantly, come together—especially in these stand that they are not being adversely it helps American families who are times—and agree on one thing. impacted. trapped in a cycle of poverty. But when it comes to work-capable My home State of Arkansas is al- They have suffered from food insecu- people between age 18 and 59 contrib- ready demonstrating how to implement rity and depend on SNAP to feed them- uting to the workforce, about 80 per- this practice. In our State, we cur- selves and their families; and some of cent of Americans agree on this. This rently require folks who want to be a these men and women are capable of is across the aisle. This is Democrats, part of this program—and, by exten- working, but they lack the access to Republicans, and Independents. It is sion, eligible for SNAP—to dem- adequate skills training to obtain a job hard to get people to agree on any- onstrate that they, in fact, have utility that provides meaningful income and a thing, but this is just such a common- bill expenses. This reform will take what my State chance to improve their family’s fu- sense, humane thing to do. is doing and implement it across the ture. I don’t fully understand who the 2 in entire Nation and ensure that SNAP’s We want to change that. Just like we 10 are who would disagree with this. initial purpose of helping those who wrote good policy 4 years ago, we have Maybe they are people who are not need this program the most is being written good policy again because we working who are able-bodied. But at achieved. are going to change that by shifting any rate, this is something that is de- the antipoverty conversation from one signed to help lift people from poverty, b 1815 purely focused on benefits to one fo- break the cycle of debt, and get people Much of the frustration of my con- cused on helping someone climb the to work and feel good about them- stituents, and many folks across the economic ladder and developing a selves. country, has been about the explosion strong workforce. I would urge everyone listening to of enrollees in programs who, quite We have created a streamlined, sim- call their Representatives and their frankly, don’t need the benefits in the plified work requirement, paired with Senators and urge them to support this first place and are deemed eligible meaningful investments in workforce farm bill because it is well thought through an administrative shortcut. training. This farm bill requires and out. The time is right. The jobless It is my hope that more States will funds sufficient education and training claims are down in this country, yet see this the same way that my home slots, guaranteeing access to all SNAP there are people all over our districts

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.084 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3199 who are clamoring to us about the lack situation where they are on the SNAP they simply can’t find qualified people of skilled workers. program, or Supplemental Nutrition to meet those jobs and to fulfill those All throughout Tennessee’s Fourth Assistance Program, I don’t want to responsibilities. District, there are people asking me: say nothing is going to change, but it In fact, this morning in the Budget How do we get people to come and is just going to get better. We are Committee, we had the Director of the work? And here is a solution that we going to get them greater access to Congressional Budget Office before us, have people who can go out and get healthy foods. and one of the topics that was raised good-paying jobs, break the cycle. Those are the 65 percent of the folks was the fact that there are very low They are able to work. They are capa- who are under the age of 18 or over the workforce participation rates among ble of working, but for some reason age of 65, or living with a disability. able-bodied people between 18 and 65 in just haven’t reentered the workforce. And so for the 35 percent that find our Nation. And this is part of the And, frankly, our government has themselves on this program—usually problem that we have a workforce par- made it too easy for people not to for temporary times—it is because of ticipation rate nationally of approxi- work. They have made it too com- financial situations. And that is their mately 63 percent. fortable. We have been bad parents. number one need. They are unem- In a number of the counties that I It is time to do the right thing. We ployed, underemployed. Maybe they represent in the 19th Congressional all need to contribute to this country. have been living in poverty for genera- District in New York State, that work- We have record debts, and getting peo- tions. force participation rate for able-bodied, ple back to work is the answer. And, yes, we want to provide that employable people between 18 and 65 But when you hear folks who are op- safety net for food, but we want to pro- hovers at 60 percent or slightly below posed to work requirements for people vide them actually an onramp to op- 60 percent. There are plenty of jobs who are able-bodied, I just would ask portunity as the gentleman talked that are there, but, unfortunately, peo- you to ask them why. It does not help about. ple do not have the skills, the training, their self-esteem. It does not help their We don’t force anybody to do any- sometimes the work ethic, and the no- country. It does not help their families. thing. If you are able-bodied and you tion of what it means to get up and go And what we are offering here is an op- fall within that category, that age of 18 to work every day and meet the need of portunity to work 20 hours a week. If to 59—and I guess if you don’t want to that employer and customers of that you are still in need of assistance, you take access, take the opportunity for employer. will get it. If you don’t have the proper that job training, then you can self-se- So this is a real serious issue in our training, this will allow you to get lect out of the SNAP program. But why country. If we are going to deal with training. We are making this manda- would you want to do that? the looming fiscal crisis that we have tory. What we are investing in, education for mandatory spending programs like So either you are going to become a and training, we are actually guaran- Social Security and Medicare, for in- part of the workforce, you are going to teeing a training slot in every State. stance, we need to get more people in be trained to become part of the work- We are providing the support to the the workforce. We need to create more force, or you are simply going to States to be able to do that, to pro- opportunities to give people a hand-up, choose not to work; and, in that case, vide—most importantly, I think—case and not simply a handout. you might lose your food stamps bene- management. Now, one of the things that is truly fits. But that is the whole point of this, Because case management—the gen- important about this SNAP reform is to help people make the right deci- tleman is a physician as well. I am a that Chairman THOMPSON and Chair- sion, make good choices; and, again, 80 rehab therapist and a former manager man CONAWAY are leading the way in percent of the country agrees with this in rural hospitals, and case manage- H.R. 2 on, in this 2018 farm bill, is that across the aisle. So there should be no ment plays an important role helping we are going to make it easier for peo- real controversy on this. There should lead people through the process when ple who are on the SNAP program to be no reason that people don’t want to they have a time of need. And that is qualify for the program without having support this bill. what this bill does. every nickel of any asset that they pos- It is the right thing to do. It is the So from Tennessee to New York, I am sibly have to count against their quali- right time. There are jobs available. It really pleased to yield to another mem- fication. is just simply a matter of people break- ber of the Agriculture Committee, rep- So, for instance, this legislation will ing that cycle, getting out, contrib- resenting New York’s 19th Congres- allow a family on SNAP to have a sav- uting, and feeling good about them- sional District. ings account of up to $2,000 without selves again. I really can’t understand Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman that counting against the asset test. why we have opposition to this great from New York (Mr. FASO). I thank the Today, that simply isn’t the case. So a piece of work that was put together. It gentleman for being a part of the dis- family that might need money for fix- is great that it is coming in the form of cussion tonight. ing their car, or having their kids go to the farm bill. Mr. FASO. Mr. Speaker, I want to the orthodontist or the dentist, or I stand in strong support of this and thank G.T. THOMPSON, my colleague some other kind of family emergency— am grateful for the gentleman’s work from Pennsylvania, our subcommittee to buy a washing machine, for in- and the work of so many on the com- chairman on the Nutrition Sub- stance—they are not even allowed mittee, and the Members, and the staff committee for his leadership. under SNAP’s asset test rules to have a to help get people in the right place, G.T. THOMPSON deeply feels about the $2,000 savings account. That is wrong, back to work, and still protecting and condition that people have who may be and it is simply an outmoded notion preserving the safety-net program that living in poverty, who may be suffering that we have precluded that. is vital for so many people. from food insecurity for themselves The other thing that I think is very Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. and their family. And I say to Chair- interesting in this proposal, in this re- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for man THOMPSON that it has been a form proposal, is that we are going to being a part of the Agriculture Com- pleasure to serve for the last 15 months raise the asset test on the value of an mittee and thank him for his great under his leadership on the Nutrition automobile from about $4,650 to $12,000. work on behalf of the folks in Ten- Subcommittee. I represent a rural part of upstate New nessee. The reforms that we are seeking to York. My district is larger than the As the gentleman from Tennessee implement in H.R. 2 in the SNAP pro- State of Connecticut. Many times peo- was saying, what we are talking about gram, in this 2018 farm bill, are truly ple have to drive 40, 50 miles one way is, part of the nutrition title is really intended to assist people out of depend- to get to a job. looking at making improvements to it. ency and into employment. Well, we can’t expect someone who is We are not really doing anything to I have heard from so many employers struggling with difficult economic cir- people. We want to do things for peo- throughout my district in the Catskills cumstances for them or their family to ple. And, quite frankly, for 65 percent and Hudson Valley and in central New be able to qualify for SNAP and have of the folks who find themselves in a York that they have jobs available, but an asset of a vehicle—which they need

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.085 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 desperately to get to work every day— nutrition assistance, it is a self-evident fact Over the next decade, SNAP benefits will we can’t have that asset limited to a that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance total more than $630 billion in taxpayer dol- $4,600 vehicle. Program (SNAP) helps people in meaningful lars. We must do more to ensure that we as- ways. SNAP reduces hunger in low income sist able-bodied recipients in joining the job b 1830 households, and when it provides benefits to market, while at the same time continuing So this legislation which Chairman families with children, it has been shown to to assist those for whom nutrition assistance improve health outcomes for those children. is a necessity. THOMPSON and Chairman CONAWAY are Like any program of this size, SNAP is not John Faso, R-Kinderhook, represents the spearheading would raise that vehicle without flaws. The program insufficiently 19th Congressional District. asset test up to $12,000. So these are promotes self-sufficiency; too many recipi- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. logical, rational things. That asset test ents could be working, but are not. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for has been at $4,650 for many decades There continues to be too much fraud and his comments. now. So these are the kinds of com- abuse in the program, and the program also needs to be much more effective in pro- Mr. Speaker, the timing is good for monsense reforms that are contained our approach here, isn’t it? We have an within this proposal that I hope that moting proper nutrition. Congress will soon economy where, for the first time our colleagues on the other side of the reauthorize SNAP as part of the 2018 Farm Bill and now is the time to fix the program. maybe in 10, 15 years, we see wages ris- aisle will pay heed to and carefully Let’s address these issues one at a time. ing and we see job creation. Even be- study because we welcome their input First, the program needs to better focus on fore this most recent economic surge, I in this. encouraging and helping non-working recipi- guess for lack of a better word to call But we also know that the American ents find and retain employment. While people are demanding that we have re- many receiving SNAP benefits do work—and it, there are an estimated 5 million form in these programs and that we en- others are seniors, children or disabled, and jobs that are open and available in the courage and we really bring the job op- therefore can’t be expected to work—a large United States. These are jobs that portunities and the job training coun- group of those currently receiving benefits most of them do not require a 4-year seling to people who are dependent. are neither disabled nor employed. In 2016, degree or a 6-year degree. These are there were over 11 million non-disabled peo- There are over 3 million people in the jobs that require some skills-based ple aged 18 through 59 receiving SNAP, who education, maybe a certification, a spe- SNAP program today who are able-bod- aren’t working. ied adults, who are capable of working, A purpose of benefit programs such as cialization. It is kind of perfect with between 18 and 59, who have no chil- SNAP should be to help people gain self-suf- what we are looking at. dren at home. We know that, in today’s ficiency. We would be more successful at re- There is some confusion that is out economy, many, many parents and ducing systemic hunger and poverty if states there. Some people are saying this is many Americans go into the workforce required able-bodied adults to participate ac- creating a brand new level of bureauc- with minor children at home. They are tively in employment and training programs racy. I know for a fact that the people that put them on a path toward stable em- out there working. They are out there I serve with here wouldn’t go for any- ployment. thing that is creating more bureauc- pitching in trying to improve the lot Alternatively, if someone does not wish to for themselves and their families. participate, they could actively self-select racy. The fact is we are actually taking There is absolutely no reason why an and unenroll from the program. This ap- advantage of, first of all, the Work- able-bodied adult with no children proach was successful in increasing earnings force Innovation and Opportunity Act, whatsoever should not be in a work and reducing poverty in the wake of Presi- WIOA. That is our Career Links. That program and should not be required to dent Bill Clinton’s sweeping welfare reform is where people go today, where if they participate in a State-sanctioned, in the 1990s, and it will work again if applied are unemployed or underemployed, to to SNAP’s current entitlement structure. State-supervised employment coun- be able to get a job. That is where em- Second, fraud and the improper use of ben- ployers look to find qualified and seling and training program. efits is still too rampant in the SNAP pro- So these are the things that we are gram. Only in Washington is losing roughly trained employees. So we are going to trying to do: increase opportunity, ob- $650 million per year due to fraud and fail- be able to utilize that existing infra- viously reduce fraud and people who ures in program integrity considered a ‘‘good structure. might be benefiting from the program job’’ because it is a small percentage of the But community colleges, apprentice- who might be working off the books total amount of taxpayer money spent. That ships, and private companies that want somewhere but still qualifying for ben- is still $650 million that is not being used as to engage in training, there are a lot of efits. But that is not the main impetus intended, which is to feed families. opportunities out there for this. There must be zero tolerance when it Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- here. The main impetus is: How are we comes to fraud and abuse. Hiding income, woman from Missouri (Mrs. HARTZLER), going to create more opportunity for failing to disclose assets, trafficking benefits people who need a hand-up in the eco- or utilizing unscrupulous food vendors are who is another absolute friend and nomic ladder? activities we need to stop. Congress needs to leader of agriculture. She is a former Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chair- allow state and local officials who see this teacher and leads our chair’s Values man THOMPSON so much for leading the fraud right before their eyes to pursue and Action Team which I am proud to be a way on this. We had numerous hearings penalize this activity. part of. Representative VICKY and listening sessions, including one in Finally, the SNAP program is not doing HARTZLER represents the Fourth Con- enough to promote nutrition and reduce my district in Schoharie County at gressional District of Missouri. childhood obesity. Obesity is an issue for far Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I ap- SUNY Cobleskill. The overwhelming too many American families and childhood consensus in dealing with the Food obesity in low-income families is growing. preciate so much Chairman THOMP- Stamp program or SNAP program is The program’s title suggests that it pro- SON’s leadership on this to provide just that we need to keep it, we need to motes healthy and nutritious food options a wonderful, wonderful program to help make sure that people who are on it but does nothing to limit the ability to pur- people have that onramp to oppor- and who are able to work have the op- chase products that no one will argue are tunity. I also appreciate the chair- portunities and are certainly encour- part of a healthy diet. Hundreds of millions man’s heart because I know in the of dollars’ worth of SNAP benefits are spent aged to move into the workforce. meetings and the opportunities I have on sugary beverages, and it’s past time that had to have conversations with the Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD Washington prohibits the use of SNAP bene- an article which I wrote in the Albany fits to purchase soda. Every dollar not spent gentleman how much he cares about Times Union which appeared on April on soda can go toward a healthier alter- people, and he has provided that care 9, 2018, about the SNAP reform and the native. While some will contend we are lim- to many people. need to include healthy measures for iting choice for the poor, tax dollars should This is just a wonderful package. The food but also enhanced work require- only pay to encourage healthier choices. chairman just mentioned that commu- ments. At the same time, we should also fix some nity colleges are going to be involved of the asset tests for eligibility, such as al- [From the Albany Times Union, Apr. 9, 2018] in this. I just had one of my commu- lowing a recipient to have a car worth over nity colleges in my office this after- SNAP MUST INCLUDE WORK, HEALTHY FOOD $12,000 instead of the $5,000 limit today. If we MANDATES expect someone to work, they need a reliable noon. We were talking about this very (By Rep. John Faso) vehicle to get to the job. We should also proposal. They are so excited about With over 42 million Americans—and over allow a recipient to have savings up to $2,000, this because they were emphasizing the 2.8 million New Yorkers—receiving critical without affecting eligibility. point that so many of my colleagues

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.087 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3201 here tonight have made in that the spending 10 years in prison, Joe knew honor to be with the gentleman here businesses and the manufacturers in he needed a new start. He signed up for tonight, and I commend him for his my district and everywhere across this an HVAC program using the SNAP em- great leadership on this issue. country cannot find enough skilled, ployment and training funding. Joe, This really, really is a great, great able people who can fill these jobs that today, is working full time, and he gets bill. The Supplemental Nutrition As- are out there. great reviews from his employer. He no sistance Program, commonly referred They were sharing that the salaries longer needs any Federal benefits, and to as SNAP, as we all know it, is a na- are really good—really good. As I visit he has the confidence and skills needed tionwide food assistance program that with some of the manufacturers, they to be a productive member of society. provides a nutritional safety net for say a welder can start at $60,000 or a So this bill, the 2018 farm bill, pro- low-income families and individuals truck driver can start at $60,000 or vides this unique opportunity to ex- who meet certain eligibility require- $70,000. I was a teacher. I went into pand funding for these life-changing ments. education, and I have a bachelor’s de- programs to ensure all SNAP recipi- Now, I think the vast majority of gree and then went on to get a master’s ents have access to education and Americans would agree that, if you degree. When I was teaching, I never training resources. Not just some, all work, you should be better off than if got near close to that. So there is so of them will have access to this train- you don’t work. Our farm bill makes much opportunity out there. There is ing so that they can secure employ- commonsense reforms to ensure that such a need. ment. recipients of these benefits, those who That is why I am excited about the A major increase in the SNAP em- are perfectly capable of work, have a plan that we have here to help expand ployment and training funding will pathway to upward mobility, can get the current program we have to give provide States with the vital resources good jobs, and ultimately can use their individuals the personalized training to help their residents break the cycle God-given talents to achieve a very re- that they need to be able to connect of poverty. warding career. That is what this is all with the job. Smart, commonsense reforms can about. It is a wonderful, wonderful oppor- produce great results like the story I As we drafted this farm bill, we tunity. As has been said, as the chair- told about Joe, and it can break the stayed focused on providing those who man said, there are 5.9 million jobs sit- cycle of poverty. SNAP employment find themselves in unfortunate cir- ting there waiting for individuals, yet training currently being implemented cumstances the ability to lift them- we have people at home right now who across Missouri now can be expanded selves up and the ability to succeed and want to fill them, but they just don’t everywhere. So by supporting this en- contribute to society. have those skills. So we are going to hanced employment training program, Another aspect of the farm bill I provide that. we are augmenting someone’s future by want to highlight is in the nutrition I want to share a little bit about supporting them in achieving their what we have done in Missouri so far title as well. It provides assistance to goals. low-income seniors through the Senior with this program. The SNAP employ- Jobs are available, the need is great, ment and training in Missouri has op- Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. and the time for action is now. Let’s This vital program increases the con- erated as a partnership between the help families make their dreams of University of Missouri Extension, com- sumption of good quality food by ex- self-sufficiency a reality. panding, developing, and aiding in the munity colleges, and local job boards. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. development and expansion of domestic MU Extension provides the most exten- Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and sive interactions with each applicant for her enthusiasm for this. community-supported agriculture pro- by providing a coach, training, and Congratulations to Joe. Actually, grams. wraparound services to support the in- that is a great story. dividual in building the skills nec- Mrs. HARTZLER. He is a great guy. It does so by providing seniors with essary to fill open positions in Mis- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. coupons that can be exchanged for eli- souri. Those have included and are in- Mr. Speaker, for someone who was in- gible foods such as fruits, vegetables, cluding nursing, over-the-road truck- carcerated, that is difficult to over- honey, and fresh-cut herbs. ing, warehouse logistics and manage- come; but through the programs, it Mr. Speaker, these are just a few of ment, and welding, just to name a few. gave a great example of how that oc- the commonsense reforms included in MU Extension’s niche component is curs. the 2018 farm bill among many, many coaching, helping those with the most Contrast that also with what Mr. more. I hope that my colleagues on barriers like homelessness, lack of FASO from New York was saying about both sides of the aisle will take the transportation, or having no high those cliffs, what I refer to as poverty time to really study and understand school diploma to gain the necessary cliffs. We try to incentivize folks to do what these reforms will mean to our skills to fill the jobs in their commu- better for themselves. We are making farm families, rural America, and the nity. improvements because right now the upward mobility created for those indi- MU Extension has focused their ef- way the program is, like most of our viduals and families in this country forts on short-term certificate pro- programs, if you make a dollar more who need a helping hand. grams or vocation programs to ensure than the limit, an arbitrary limit, the Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. success of those who may not have government pulls the rug out from be- Mr. Speaker, I think we are going to been successful in the past and who neath you. see many coming out in favor of this face the greatest challenges to edu- The fact that we are going after some proposed farm bill and specifically the cation and employment. This intensive of those, how much assets you can have nutrition title. coaching led to a 96.6 percent gradua- and the value of your car—the folks Two articles came out today. The tion rate for those participants com- who are most at risk need reliable first one is from USA Today entitled, pleting training last year. Those indi- transportation. I am just really proud ‘‘Food-Stamp Work Requirements Will viduals who secured employment re- that we are addressing all that, and I Lift Americans Out of Poverty,’’ by our port making annualized salaries of be- thank the gentlewoman for being a own agriculture chairman, Mike Con- tween $20,800 and $93,600. Can you imag- part of all of this. away. He was joined by Lee Bowes who ine going from being on public assist- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman is the CEO of America Works of New ance, having SNAP in order to be able from North Carolina (Mr. ROUZER), who York which is a training placement to feed your family, going through this is a great member of the Agriculture company. Also, there is an article that program, and getting a job at $96,000 a Committee from North Carolina’s Sev- was published in The Wall Street Jour- year? That is exciting. People are ex- enth Congressional District. Congress- nal entitled: ‘‘Working on Food cited about this. man DAVE ROUZER is a man I am proud Stamps: A House GOP reform would Recently, I had the opportunity to sit to serve with. help the able-bodied get off the dole.’’ down with one of the participants of Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD this program. His name is Joe. After the chairman for yielding. It is a great these two articles.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.089 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 [Apr. 12, 2018] But for work-capable adults, if they want Food stamps already has a de minimis FOOD-STAMP WORK REQUIREMENTS WILL LIFT to receive benefits, they’ll be expected to work rule for some participants, but states AMERICANS OUT OF POVERTY work. And if they don’t work, they are self- have applied for waivers and exemptions that (By Mike Conaway and Lee Bowes) selecting to remove themselves from the pro- have diluted it. Yet the results of real wel- gram. fare work requirements in states have been There is a fundamental link between pov- People will try to demonize what we are encouraging, including former Governor Sam erty and work. doing here and say that this proposal is too Brownback’s reform in Kansas. A Founda- Individuals who hold full-time employment much, too fast, too soon. tion for Government Accountability paper (https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/ They will try to claim that this bill is last year noted that Kansas tracked 6,000 library/publications/2017/demo/P60-259.pdf) about kicking people out of the program to families who moved off welfare and went to are 10 times less likely to be poor than peo- save money. But that couldn’t be further work in 600 different industries. Incomes on ple who are out of work during at least part from the truth. average more than doubled over a year. of the year. Under this work proposal, only an indi- The House proposal includes other good But not every American has the skills and vidual who chooses not to participate in a ideas, notably eliminating ‘‘broad-based cat- training needed to hold full-time employ- guaranteed E&T slot will lose eligibility for egorical eligibility.’’ This is a notorious ment. SNAP. loophole that declares someone eligible for Teaching these skills takes time and re- Others will claim that these modifications food stamps because he received a brochure sources, which is why for so long our nation aren’t needed because most SNAP recipients on heating assistance or a number for a hot has taken a piecemeal approach to sup- who can work, do work (https:// line. The bill retains cross-eligibility that porting work and training to help move peo- www.cbpp.org/snap-households-with-work- allow the truly needy to qualify for multiple ple out of poverty. Instead, we’ve focused the ing-age-non-disabled-adults-have-high-work- programs without redundant asset tests. conversation on poverty around benefits—on rates-6). And under our bill those individuals The politics of all this are tough. The the dollars spent and the meals served. can have the peace of mind that their bene- House Freedom Caucus will pan such Benefits are critically important and serve fits will not be compromised. changes as ‘‘welfare reform lite.’’ The Senate a vital role in the safety net aimed at catch- While critics will say SNAP isn’t meant to won’t want to take hard votes in an election ing people if they should fall into poverty. be a jobs program, we believe these modifica- year. Yet this isn’t a budget slasher and But equally important is a focus on helping tions can support nutrition for families in merely reorients money and incentives. That these same people climb back out of poverty. need while also creating new opportunities will make it harder for Senators to pretend That point is underscored by a 2016 poll that emphasize work and independence and this ‘‘guts’’ the program, as some falsely said from the American Enterprise Institute and provide the resources needed to move people about Medicaid last year. the Los Angeles Times. Forty-one percent of forward. Democrats have attacked the plan with the poor people included in the survey Advocating for the status quo has never packaged lines that the GOP will kick mil- viewed their circumstances as temporary and will never lift someone out of poverty. lions off the rolls. The work rule doesn’t (http://www.aei.org/publication/2016-poverty- That’s why we need to begin to define suc- bounce a single person. One irony is that the survey/). cess differently—not by how many people we left says work requirements are misguided People want to believe the American serve, but rather how many people we aid in because most recipients already work. Then dream is attainable. climbing the economic ladder. why fight a requirement? That’s why we need to shift the conversa- Those who stop receiving benefits because tion on poverty in this country from one fo- [Apr. 11, 2018] of a work requirement will fall into two cat- cused purely on benefits to one about im- WORKING ON FOOD STAMPS egories: They refused to work or train for proving futures. (By The Editorial Board) work. Or they found a job and no longer need And as the House Agriculture Committee assistance, which is supposed to be a success A common refrain from businesses is that releases its new farm bill (https://agri- story. The GOP’s work requirements—ex- they can’t find enough workers. The unem- culture.house.gov/news/ plained accurately—poll well with the public ployment rate is a low 4.1%, but one reason documentquery.aspx?IssueID=14904)—legisla- because Americans think working is a fair for the shortage are government benefits tion that governs the policy for our nation’s trade for helping those who have fallen on that corrode a culture of work. So credit to nutrition programs—that is precisely what tough times. we aim to do. House Republicans for trying to fix disincen- The program is supposed to be ‘‘supple- Our proposal is straightforward: help those tives in food stamps amid what are sure to mental,’’ but progressives have transformed on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance be nasty and dishonest attacks. it into a permanent entitlement. The GOP’s Program (SNAP) who are work-capable find House Agriculture Chairman Mike Con- 1996 welfare reform was an historic success, employment to support their households. away on Thursday will introduce a farm bill, and fixing food stamps is a chance to do it Under this proposal, work-capable SNAP though food stamps absorb much of the cost. again. recipients will need to work for at least 20 More than 40 million Americans are in the hours per week. That can take a variety of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. forms they can work, participate in a work the official name for food stamps, and the Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman program, or participate in a SNAP employ- figure is up from about 17 million in 2000. from Georgia (Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT), who ment and training (E&T) program. This bill The size of the benefits has also increased, is another great leader within the Agri- makes a significant investment in training and the program cost has exploded to about culture Committee. and case management to guarantee access to $70 billion a year. The Congressman is a man I have an E&T slot to anyone who wants one. More Americans need assistance during re- been really pleased to serve with. He But to ensure this investment yields recessions like 2008, but the question is why so has been a Bible study buddy of mine. many have stayed on food stamps even amid sults, we’re also making these work require- He represents Georgia’s Eighth Con- ments mandatory. No more loopholes that the long expansion. The American Enterprise create disincentives to work. Institute’s Robert Doar in 2014 compared the gressional District and actually chairs We are equipping states with resources to post-2008 recovery to the recession in the the Subcommittee on Commodity Ex- arm participants with the skills, certifi- early 1980s. If folks had left the program at changes, Energy, and Credit. cations and education needed to succeed in similar rates to the 1980s, food stamps would Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. today’s economy. have had 36 million beneficiaries by 2013. In- Speaker, I want to thank my colleague And that’s a critical point, because our stead there were 47.6 million. for yielding. As we have talked a little economy is supporting more jobs and a high- One result is that many Americans haven’t bit, the question is: How do we help er standard of living for ALL Americans. returned to the labor force. Enter the people get off of government programs? House’s first proposal: A 20 hours a week Jobs that were once unavailable are now at Not kick them off but give them a path an individuals’ fingertips if aided with the work requirement for able-bodied adults, proper training and skill set. ages 18 through 59. This usually elicits panic off the programs. SNAP recipients want to be beneficiaries about child labor or single moms, but the re- I think one of the things that has not of this economic growth. They want to take quirement does not apply to seniors, chil- been talked about enough is the fact advantage of opportunities and meet the dren, the disabled, or anyone who cares for a that the current system is a trap, and needs of our nation’s businesses. child under six or is pregnant. That exemp- the harder people work and the more It is also important to note that for nearly tion covers roughly two-thirds of everyone they make, sometimes the less they two-thirds of SNAP recipients (https://cata- on food stamps. have. log.data.gov/dataset/able-bodied-adults-with- The folks subject to the work rule have So what we have done in our farm out-dependents-abawds-rules) who are cur- many ways to satisfy the requirement, in- bill that is coming up is to change the rently exempt from work-related programs, cluding apprenticeships that could con- nothing will change. That group includes tribute to higher earnings later. States will assets that a household can have and seniors, those who are mentally or phys- have to offer access to training programs, remain on the SNAP program until ically disabled, children and various other which can also count as work. The bill stipu- they graduate off the SNAP program. individuals who would not be subject to our lates case management and other techniques Under current law, households with- proposed modifications to work. to help people transition off assistance. out an elderly or disabled member

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP7.025 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3203 could not have counted liquid assets has a lot of experience in this area and work to ensure that TEFAP remains a above $2,250. Households with an elder- with agriculture. And so it is my pleas- viable resource for American families. ly or disabled member could not have ure and privilege to yield to the gen- Again, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for liquid assets above $3,250. tleman from Virginia’s Sixth Congres- your hard work and for organizing this opportunity to share some of the great b 1845 sional District (Mr. GOODLATTE). Mr. GOODLATTE. Thank you, Chair- things in this farm bill with the Amer- These dollar limits should have been man THOMPSON. I really appreciate ican people. annually indexed for overall inflation your organizing this Special Order. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. and then rounded down to the next I am glad you picked this topic be- Chairman GOODLATTE, thank you for $250. But our bill raises the asset limits cause we need to tell the story of what your leadership and your mentoring. for an eligible household from $2,250 to the great provisions are in this farm Greatly appreciated. $7,000. I want to say that again: $2,250. bill, but also how important it is to Re- Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how That asset limit is raised to $7,000 for publicans that we work with America’s much time remains. an eligible household consisting of at agricultural community to make sure The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- least one elderly or disabled family that we continue to provide the safest, tleman has 10 minutes remaining. member. It moves from $3,250 to $12,000. most abundant, most affordable food Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Ex- We want people who are out there supply in the world. cellent. I will take advantage of that doing the best they can to have the Americans today, right now, enjoy opportunity. If we have some other ability to work hard, save some money, one of the lowest percentages of their Members who come in, I will yield to and continue to improve their lives. average income being spent on food of them. The nutrition title for me, person- We also exclude in this legislation any country in the world, at any time ally, is important. When I was just the first $12,000 in the value of any li- in the world’s history. Back when our starting out in life, I had graduated censed driver’s vehicle in a SNAP country was founded, 90 percent of from Penn State, I was working with household from the applicant’s assets Americans lived on farms and basically people facing life-changing disease and for purposes of eligibility determina- produced enough food to just take care of themselves and then maybe have a disability, and married. We were preg- tion. For many people on the SNAP nant with our first son, Parker, and so program, they have to travel a long little bit left over to sell to buy some implement for their family. Today, 2 it was during that first pregnancy. And way to work or to get groceries, and we I was making, I think, maybe a whop- want them to be able to have that vehi- percent of America’s farmers do that, provide all of that food and nutrition, ping $8,000 a year working full time. cle to get them there, especially in There wasn’t a time when we visited including what goes into these impor- rural areas like the 24 counties that I my parents or Penny’s parents, my tant programs for low-income people. represent. So excluding these vehicle wife’s parents, where we didn’t come So making sure these programs are assets is another benefit that we give back with a bag of groceries. People do to people in helping them have that av- protected but also making sure that that. Families step in and they help. enue to graduate off of the SNAP pro- they work fairly and honestly is the We did what we could, but we always gram. objective of this farm bill. came home with a bag of groceries. Our bill also permits SNAP appli- I want to talk tonight about a pro- We also found ourselves WIC eligible. cants to maintain up to $2,000 in a sav- gram that helps get food directly into The Women, Infants, and Children pro- ings account. That is $2,000 that will the hands of those who are in need in gram is not under the farm bill. That is not count towards the $7,000 asset communities throughout the country, on the Committee on Education and threshold. So again, we are trying to including in Virginia’s Sixth Congres- the Workforce side. help people who work hard, who do the sional District that I have had the But we know what it was like. It was best they can, be allowed to save some honor of representing. The Emergency difficult, actually. It was embarrassing assets so that they are very com- Food Assistance Program, known as to be able to use that voucher, but it TEFAP, is a Federal program that fortable when they graduate off of the was important that Penny and our un- helps to supplement the diets of low-in- SNAP program. born son at that point, now a 30-some- come Americans, including elderly peo- One other thing I would like to point year-old dad with two boys of his own, ple, by providing them with emergency out: Resources of a household member got the nutrition that they needed. So food assistance at no cost. I have been there, I have experienced who receives SSI or PA benefits, those TEFAP provides commodities to the benefits are excluded as well. Under that, and I know how important nutri- States, who then distribute the food tion is. our current farm bill, SNAP recipients through local agencies, like the Blue are caught between a rock and a hard Nutrition title, for me, I kind of re- Ridge Area Food Bank and Feeding late it to, Mr. Speaker, what I would place: You work hard, you save a little America Southwest Virginia in my dis- money, you invest in a vehicle, and you say is the worst part about living and trict. This program is a good model of growing up in a rural area, outside a get kicked off the program. efficiency and allows State and local small town, that everybody knew your Our farm bill actually fixes a lot of organizations to play a leading role in business. I would be out playing with those things that people who want to helping to meet the nutritional needs my brother and my sister, and if I did graduate off of the SNAP program need of those in their communities. something wrong, when I got home, fixed. So I am very pleased to be a sup- Food banks are an existing, strong mom and dad already knew about it. porter of this bill, and I think that this network for food delivery to those in But the best part about living in that bill moves the law in a great direction need. However, it is also important to rural area, in rural America, is that ev- to help those people who are out there note that many farmers often still erybody knows your business. I have a actually working and doing the best have excess fruits and vegetables that cousin, and about a month and a half they can graduate off of the SNAP pro- go to waste. The solution is to estab- ago their house burned to the ground. gram. And these asset threshold in- lish a farm-to-food bank program, al- It was a terrible fire. They were lucky creases, along with the incentives to lowing States to enter into agreements to get out. They just barely got out of work, I think, move our legislation in with farmers to procure this excess for the house. Yet, as the fire was just a very good direction. And I am look- distribution. breaking through the roof of their ing forward to having the vote on the To achieve this, we are expanding home and the volunteer fire depart- floor and supporting this. funding in H.R. 2 for TEFAP, using a ment was on the scene, they were sur- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I portion of that increase for a farm-to- rounded by loved ones, friends, neigh- thank the gentleman for his leadership food bank program, a State-adminis- bors, and strangers who were there to and for being a part of the Special tered agriculture surplus clearance offer their assistance, whether it was Order. program, that provides an inexpensive their love, their support, money, cloth- I am now pleased to yield to a former source of food for low-income families ing, whatever, all kinds of things. chairman of the full Agriculture Com- while supporting producers. That is what the nutrition title is. mittee and currently the Judiciary I want to thank Chairman THOMPSON Nutrition title is about helping neigh- Committee chairman, who obviously and Chairman CONAWAY for their hard bors in need, whether those neighbors

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.091 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 live in the most densely populated city It allows USDA to develop more tools who are joining later in life, it is dif- or whether they live back on long to ensure integrity, assist in control- ficult. Their families live off base and country lanes. So that is why I’m so ling access to individuals’ payment in- they get a basic housing allowance to proud of the bipartisan work we have formation, and it sets the stage for the help pay for that, but in the past, basic done up to this point, because there is USDA to handle future developments housing allowance, 100 percent, with no nothing, again, in this nutrition title in payment technology. With that in- contribution, no assistance, counted in this farm bill that wasn’t a part of crease in accountability, in those rare towards their eligibility for the SNAP all those, over 21, hearings that we had. instances where fraud and abuse may program. They need that SNAP pro- Some of the things that are in there, occur, it allows for identification of gram to be able to make sure that in fact, are some of the priorities. I that. And we incentivize States. States their family gets support. enjoy working across the aisle in a bi- are now able, when they actually iden- We have addressed that by providing partisan way. I dedicate myself to that. tify fraud, to keep a greater amount of moneys that would go toward an allow- So I was pleased to see my Democratic that money that is recovered, although ance, more or less, that would go to- colleagues who communicated their it has to be reinvested back into the wards to help them to truly to be able four priorities into this bill to the com- nutrition title. to receive those benefits and to be eli- mittee. It is about to go for more program in- gible for the SNAP program. Their first one was to incentivize nu- tegrity, to make sure we are doing a And so I am just so thankful for, trition education and healthy eating better job of serving the needs of our really, the good bipartisan work that through a continuation of the Food In- neighbors who find themselves in those we have done up to this point, with all security Nutrition Incentive Program, circumstances. these hearings—over 100 hearings on what we call FINI. I am pleased to re- And finally, the last one was to con- the farm bill, as a whole; over 20 hear- port that the Agriculture and Nutri- tinue to encourage States to collabo- ings for the nutrition title, title IV of tion Act of 2018—that is what we are rate with business and education lead- this farm bill. We had over 80 wit- calling the farm bill—which includes ers to provide innovative employment nesses. There is nothing in this farm the nutrition title, Title IV, maintains and training solution opportunities and bill that didn’t come out there. There the FINI Program and enhances it with programs. That is what we have been were some rumors of something about a technical assistance center allowing talking about this evening, largely. It a Harvest Box, which was a terrible for best practices in operations and de- is about the workforce solutions. This idea. That is not a part of the farm bill, livery to be housed and used for cur- was put forward by my friends across never had any intentions of including rent and future grantees. the aisle that I am proud to serve with, that as a part of the farm bill. Additionally, the bill provides $275 the Democratic members of the Agri- I am appreciative to all the hard million for FINI over the life of the culture Committee. This was their work that has gone into the bill, pre- farm bill, actually establishes a base- goal. paring this at this point, and I look line funding of $65 million a year, al- We were able to do that. We have pro- forward to next week, next Wednesday. lowing for expansion of opportunities vided significant attention and consid- We will be marking this bill up in the to bring together stakeholders from erable investment to improve SNAP Agriculture Committee. And I am the distinct parts of the food system to workforce and education development pleased at the timing too. Normally, foster understanding of how they services for recipients. I appreciate when we talk about reauthorizing the might improve nutrition and the what they put forward as a part of this farm bill, we are 6 months, 12 months health status of participating house- process, and I appreciate the fact that after it expired. holds and the people who live in those we have stepped up and we see this as Quite frankly, we can’t afford to do houses. a part of the text of this farm bill. that. The farm income has been down Their second priority, which I am The updates to employment and for 4 years now, and this total farm bill pleased to report on, was—and I appre- training include best practices taken is so important to providing for a ro- ciated them putting this forward; it from beneficiary, industry, and State bust rural America, and that is impor- was important—to maintain our com- feedback. It includes interim education tant to every American. Because with- mitment to food banks with adequate and training pilot reports. It partners out a robust rural America, people ev- funding for The Emergency Food As- with the workforce-to-innovation op- erywhere, including the cities, will sistance Program. You just heard the portunity works that are already in wake up in the dark, in the cold, and former Agriculture Committee chair- place across our communities and our hungry, because that is what the peo- man, Mr. GOODLATTE from Virginia, counties all across this great country. ple of rural America, those farm fami- talk about TEFAP. And it heightens emphasis on public- lies, provide for each and every one of The farm bill increases TEFAP, fund- private partnerships and nutrition edu- us. ing for our food banks, by $45 million. cation and also allows recipients to So, Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate We have been funding it at $15 million. continue to receive a supportive suite the opportunity to be joined by so It goes to $60 million and directs $20 of services to address both food insecu- many colleagues tonight on this topic, million of that in a very innovative rity and upward mobility. and I thank you for your attention. way, that funding, to establish a farm- That is what we are trying to Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance to-food bank program in all States. It achieve. We want to make families of my time. allows States to access agriculture sur- food secure. We want to provide them f plus products directly from the farm- access to the rungs on the ladder of op- ADDRESSING FISCAL DEFICITS ers. The freshest of foods is the way I portunity. like to look at it. What a great en- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under hancement, Mr. Speaker. b 1900 the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- The third priority I am pleased to re- Mr. Speaker, we have also done some- uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Cali- port on that is a part of this farm bill thing for populations very near and fornia (Mr. KHANNA) is recognized for 60 that they communicated was to pro- dear to my heart as the dad of an Ac- minutes as the designee of the minor- mote the use of cutting-edge tech- tive Duty soldier, and that is, when in- ity leader. nology to ensure that the Supple- dividuals join the military later in life, Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Speaker, I am mental Nutrition Assistance Program, they tend to enter with a spouse and a here on behalf of the Congressional or SNAP, retailers and recipients have couple of kids, and it is hard to support Progressive Caucus, and I want to just secure, reliable, and efficient benefit a family on a private salary. Most pri- state our opposition to the balanced processing. The farm bill introduces vates are usually 18, 19 years old. They budget amendment. the concept of a national gateway, don’t have that family support, and It is worth reviewing the history on which is a system modernization that they do fine. this topic. When President Bill Clinton gives the USDA real-time oversight In fact, we just provided all of our left office, he left this country with over the flow of transactions. It helps military a 2.9 percent pay increase, the surpluses. He had reversed the policy of control costs. largest in over a decade. But for those Reagan economics, which had some of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.093 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3205 the largest structural deficits in the Clinton showed that when you have tus, disability, religion, and should 1980s and during the first President that kind of ‘‘people’s first’’ economic have other categories added. It should Bush’s term. policy, you left this country with sur- have sexual orientation. It should have And then we went from record surpluses, and the trickle-down Reagan- gender identity. So there is still work pluses back to deficits. And what was omics has always left this country with to do. the reason for those deficits? There deficits. And for those who may not believe were two very simple reasons. One, we It is not enough to just vote for bal- that persons are discriminated based made a strategic mistake in Iraq and anced budget amendments while piling upon gender identity and sexual ori- spent trillions of dollars, which even on debt. A far more responsible policy entation, those persons who are fired President Trump has acknowledged would be to end the foreign interven- from their jobs because of their gender was a blunder, and that ballooned the tionism, to repeal these massive give- identity, fired from their jobs because deficit. And secondly, we made a deci- aways to the wealthy, and to invest in of sexual orientation, they have stories sion to provide tax cuts for the very the middle class. to tell, because they not only know wealthiest Americans. That is why my colleagues and I op- that it happens, they have experienced Now, the Democrats supported the posed the balanced budget amendment. it. They have had a firsthand encoun- tax cut for the middle class, for folks That is why we have offered the Con- ter with this type of discrimination. making $50- to $75,000, but we said you gressional Progressive People’s Budget It also exists in housing. People are don’t need to provide tax cuts for peo- that will lead to greater economic discriminated against because of who ple making $1 million, $500,000; you growth than anything that the Presi- they are, because of their sexual ori- don’t need to provide tax cuts for those dent has proposed, and that will also entation, gender identity, and for the who are already paying capital gains reduce our Nation’s debt. other reasons that we have already tax rates at 20 percent and don’t need Mr. Speaker, I have no other speak- codified into law. additional tax breaks. ers, and I yield back the balance of my So it is my hope that one day I will So those two decisions, the interven- time. stand here with a resolution that will tion overseas and our continued inter- f celebrate not only what the law is cur- ventions overseas and these extraor- rently, but also what the law will be at dinary tax breaks for the very wealthy, COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNI- VERSARY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS that time, and, hopefully, it will in- have led us to the deficits that we have clude other classes of individuals. today, have led us to the $20 trillion ACT I am also proud to tell you, Mr. debt. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Speaker, that this resolution is one No one wants that kind of debt. We MARSHALL). Under the Speaker’s an- that is subject to have additional co- don’t want to see interest rates con- nounced policy of January 3, 2017, the sponsors. I have talked about original tinue to go up and crowd out private Chair recognizes the gentleman from cosponsors, but there are others who investment. We don’t want to see peo- Texas (Mr. AL GREEN) for 30 minutes. will become cosponsors. The Congres- ple’s savings lose value. But the solu- Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- sional Black Caucus has a good many tion to that is not a gimmick of a bal- er, I am always honored to have this members who are cosponsors of this anced budget amendment where the great privilege of speaking in the resolution. I am proud to tell you that Republicans have doubled down on House of Representatives. We have a we plan to continue to acquire cospon- more tax cuts for the very wealthy, total of 441 Members of the House, in- sors such that, by the end of this where they haven’t stopped our inter- cluding those delegates, those who can- month, we will have many additional ventionism abroad. We still actually not vote, 435 who can, and it is an cosponsors. have escalation in Afghanistan, esca- honor to be one of the 441. lation in Iraq, escalation around the I never want to take for granted this Mr. Speaker, housing is important, world, in contradiction to what this privilege that has been accorded me by because where you live can impact President promised on the campaign the people of the Ninth Congressional your health. If you live near landfills where he said that he would focus on District of Texas, so I thank them for and rock crushing companies, that can developing our domestic economy and allowing me to serve, and I am grateful have an impact on your health. This is stop the interventionism, and we just to the leadership in the House for al- why a good many people find them- have symbolic votes for a balanced lowing me the opportunity to speak to- selves combating, fighting, in a very budget amendment. night. political way, the placement of these The question is how? How can you Mr. Speaker, I am here tonight, I types of facilities in their neighbor- vote for extraordinary tax cuts? How rise, if you will, because I would like to hoods. can you vote for more overseas inter- reference H. Res. 817. This was intro- There is empirical evidence to show ventionism? How can you vote for huge duced on April 11, 2018. This resolution that where you live can impact your spending bills and then just say you celebrates the 50th anniversary of the health, where you live can impact your are for a balanced budget amendment? Civil Rights Act of 1968. The Civil education. If you live in an area with The math just doesn’t work. Rights Act of 1968 contained the Fair poor schools, it is likely that you will And so what Democrats have said is, Housing Act, and it is the Fair Housing have a poor education. There are excep- instead of having a balanced budget Act that this resolution actually ad- tions, but exceptions don’t make the amendment, instead of constraining dresses. rule. Exceptions prove the rule. our policy or economic policy to spend I am proud to say that the Honorable Where you live can impact your em- more at times of war or times of reces- EMANUEL CLEAVER is the person that ployment. If you live in an area with sion—which, by the way, Roosevelt did, worked with me. In fact, we worked high unemployment, you are likely not which Woodrow Wilson did, what many with each other to produce this resolu- to have a job. If unemployment is ex- of our Presidents did—that what we tion. I am proud also to say that this ceedingly high, as is the case in some ought to do is have sensible govern- resolution has a total of 54 cosponsors places around the world and in this ment, that we ought to stop the foreign that are officially acknowledged, and country too, there are persons who are interventionism, we ought to repeal then we have two additional cosponsors not likely to have jobs. these tax breaks and giveaways to the that have not been officially placed on If you live in an area where you are very wealthy, and instead we ought to the Record, but they are still cospon- likely to be in poverty, you are likely invest in the middle class, invest in our sors of this resolution. not to become wealthy. Your wealth education, invest in our infrastructure, This resolution does something that can be related to the area that you are invest in our schools, invest in new is important. It celebrates and com- born in, where you live. There are ex- technology that will grow the econ- memorates, if you will, the passing of ceptions, but there are also persons omy. the Fair Housing Act. The Fair Hous- who don’t acquire the opportunity to That is how you reduce the struc- ing Act prohibits housing discrimina- become an exception. tural deficits. But, by the way, this is tion. It prohibits it based upon race, Your life expectancy can be impacted not a theoretical debate, because Bill color, national origin, sex, familial sta- by where you live. If you live in a war

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.095 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 zone, your life expectancy will be im- term. I see what happened as rebel- there were those who wanted to main- pacted and your personality can be im- lions. There were people who were suf- tain the institution to the extent that pacted. If you live in a hostile environ- fering. I don’t justify what happened, Medgar Evers lost his life. They wanted ment, hostility all around you, it is but I can explain that there were peo- to maintain the institution to the ex- likely to impact your personality. ple who were rebelling. tent that Schwerner, Goodman, and So where you live is important, Now, whether you agree with the re- Chaney lost their lives. which is why invidious discrimination bellions or not, they took place. That They wanted to maintain segrega- in housing is something that should was what precipitated what was called tion. They wanted the South. They not be tolerated, and I am proud to say the long, hot summer. In fact, it was wanted the country to remain two sep- that there was a struggle that was such a rebellious time that, on July 28, arate nations, if you will, within this overcome so that we could have this 1967, the Kerner Commission was ap- Nation: one, unfortunately, discrimi- Fair Housing Act. pointed to investigate the causes of nated against, and another having all the benefits that this great Nation b 1915 these rebellions. President Johnson appointed this could offer. I would like to do this now. I would Commission. He wanted to get to the The loss of lives allowed us to like to give a bit of history of the Fair bottom of what was going on in this achieve an integrated housing system Housing Act that was signed into law country. And on February 29, 1968, the within this country. The integrated in 1968, April 11, 1968. A little bit of his- Commission released its report, which system was just not enough, and still is tory is important. said, in essence, that the rebellions— not enough, because housing discrimi- If you understand the history, you they didn’t use the term ‘‘rebellions,’’ nation exists to this very day. The em- can understand why I make the com- that is my term—the rebellions were pirical evidence is there. The truth of ment that the law, itself, was written caused by discrimination, that this Na- the matter is that we can do more to in ink, but it was signed, in a sense, tion was becoming two separate people, eliminate the discrimination. with the blood of the many who died if you will, people who were segregated One of the best tools to eliminate dis- and made sacrifices so that the bill from each other. This is in a very gen- crimination in housing is testing, could become the law. I believe that eral sense. That we were becoming two where you send out persons of different the history of the times is important. nations, in a sense, separate and un- races, different ethnicities, and you It was signed April 11, 1968, as I have equal. ask them to acquire housing at a cer- indicated, during the sixties. The six- This was something that I think tain location. Those who are of one ties were not the best of times for this President Johnson was impacted by. race may find that housing is available country. In the 1960s, on June 11, 1963, But there were many others who were to them, but those of another race may President John F. Kennedy proposed a impacted by this. find that it is not—at the very same lo- Civil Rights Act. However, he was not Dr. Martin Luther King, he was try- cation, on the very same day. We have found that testing is one of to see it become the law because on, ing to bring this country together. He the best tools to eliminate discrimina- November 22, 1963, he was assassinated. was an integrationist. And in trying to tion, especially in housing. But I want Upon being assassinated, President bring this country together, Dr. Martin to announce today that testing is also Johnson was sworn in as President on Luther King went to Memphis. He was a great tool to eliminate discrimina- Air Force One that very same day, No- trying as best as he could to achieve vember 22, 1963. Then, in July, July 2, tion in lending. some degree of fairness for those who This Civil Rights Act, this Housing 1964, after the death of President Ken- were working as sanitation workers. Fairness Act, and all of the tools that nedy, President Johnson signed the President Johnson announced, on we have used to achieve the degree of Civil Rights Act of 1964, which out- March 31, 1968, that he would not seek integration in housing and fairness in lawed discrimination based on race. reelection; and then some days later, housing that we have achieved, this Now, it is important to note that on April 4, Dr. King, while in Memphis, has been done, in great part, because of President Kennedy, who was a great was assassinated. testing. That same tool of testing that President, highly respected and ad- So now we had the death of a great helped us to integrate housing in this mired, proposed the Civil Rights Act, President; we have the death, now, of country is a tool that we can use to or a civil rights act. He lost his life be- the great human rights, civil rights allow persons to receive fair treatment fore he had the opportunity to see it leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, taking in lending, fair access to capital. come to fruition. place; and then President Johnson, the The truth is that access to capital in But it is also important to note that same President Johnson who pushed this country makes all the difference President Johnson worked tirelessly to through the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in your life. If you can go into a bank make real the noble American ideal the same President Johnson sought to and you are qualified and you can get that was called to the attention of our push through the Civil Rights Act of a loan to buy a home, that home that Nation by President John F. Kennedy. 1968, which contained the Fair Housing you will buy will impact your life in President Johnson was, if you will, the Act. It was within about 1 week of the ways that I have talked about, impact person in the Senate who knew how to demise, the assassination of Dr. Martin your life expectancy, impact your edu- speak Southern. Luther King that he was able to sign cation. It can have a positive impact He knew how to communicate well into law the Civil Rights Act of 1968. on your life. It can be the means by with the Southern Senators and the The important aspect of this history which you will move from one status in Members of the House. He knew the is this: that these acts, though written life to another. Just living in that rules of the Senate. He knew how per- in blood and signed in ink, were able to neighborhood and buying that home sons had voted in the Senate, and he be signed because of the death of great can be meaningful to you. knew how to leverage the votes and the persons, and also many persons who We believe that that loan should not rules to get Senators to do things that were not so great. They weren’t great be denied a person because of that per- they might not ordinarily do. in the eyes of history because they son’s race, color, creed, national origin, So when you couple his knowledge of were not documented as having done sexual identity, sexual orientation, fa- the Senate with the fact that we had the things that President Johnson or milial status, religious status. That lost a great President, and this great President Kennedy or Dr. King accom- person’s loan should not be denied. It President had proposed this Civil plished. should be granted because of your Rights Act, you can understand how But there were other great people, as qualifications. President Johnson, a great President, well, who shed blood and gave their This is why I am a proponent of test- was able to get the Civil Rights Act of lives. There were people who were ing. This is why I want to see more 1964 passed that outlawed discrimina- found to have marched, and some of testing in banking. This is why I be- tion based upon race. them were protesting and lost their lieve that we need additional laws to In 1967, we had what was called the lives. There were people who suffered protect those who apply for loans, belong, hot summer. There were what the indignation and humiliation associ- cause access to capital makes a dif- were called riots. I prefer another ated with segregation and the fact that ference in your life. This is why I will

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.097 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3207 be introducing, in this Congress, legis- United States, and as provided by sec- 4487. A letter from the Director, Regu- lation to make it a crime to discrimi- tion 2 of the act of May 13, 1884 (23 latory Management Division, Environmental nate in lending. Stat. 22), to be administered to Mem- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- cy’s final rule — Approval of Nebraska Air People who deny people access to bers, Resident Commissioner, and Dele- Quality Implementation Plans; Infrastruc- capital are committing an offense. Peo- gates of the House of Representatives, ture SIP Requirements for the 2010 Nitrogen ple who deny people access to capital the text of which is carried in 5 U.S.C. Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide and the 2012 Fine are impacting their lives. I want to 3331: Particulate Matter National Ambient Air make sure that people who do this are ‘‘I, AB, do solemnly swear (or af- Quality Standards [EPA-R07-OAR-2017-0477; properly punished for what they do. If firm) that I will support and defend FRL-9976-09-Region 7] received March 28, we can pass such a law, I believe it will the Constitution of the United 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public States against all enemies, foreign Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the deter those who would discriminate Committee on Energy and Commerce. against persons because of who they and domestic; that I will bear true 4488. A letter from the Director, Regu- are, and it would cause them to better faith and allegiance to the same; latory Management Division, Environmental understand that every person who is that I take this obligation freely, Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- qualified for a loan ought to acquire without any mental reservation or cy’s final rule — Approval of California Air that loan. purpose of evasion; and that I will Plan Revisions, Yolo-Solano Air Quality So I am leaving you with the notion well and faithfully discharge the Management District [EPA-R09-OAR-2017- 0680; FRL-9975-65-Region 9] received March that we are building on what happened duties of the office on which I am 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); with the Civil Rights Act. We are about to enter. So help me God.’’ Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to building on the sacrifices that have has been subscribed to in person and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. been made by persons such as Dr. Mar- filed in duplicate with the Clerk of the 4489. A letter from the Director, Regu- tin Luther King and a good many oth- House of Representatives by the fol- latory Management Division, Environmental ers. We are going to build on it. lowing Member of the 115th Congress, Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- cy’s final rule — Approval of California Air We are going to introduce legislation pursuant to the provisions of 2 U.S.C. Plan Revisions, San Diego County Air Pollu- that can help all persons receive not 25: tion Control District [EPA-R09-OAR-2017- only the house that they merit by vir- CONOR LAMB, 18th District of Penn- 0140; FRL-9975-66-Region 9] received March tue of having the money, but also ac- sylvania. 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); quire the capital in lending such that f Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. they can afford the house that they EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, qualify for by way of the loan they will 4490. A letter from the Director, Regu- ETC. latory Management Division, Environmental receive. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- I am honored to thank you for the Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive communications were taken from the cy’s final rule — Approval of California Air time that I have been accorded, Mr. Plan Revisions, Northern Sierra Air Quality Speaker. I am grateful that I have the Speaker’s table and referred as follows: Management District [EPA-R09-OAR-2017- opportunity to stand here in the House 4482. A letter from the Assistant Secretary 0737; FRL-9976-08-Region 9] received March and make this presentation, and I am for Legislation, Department of Health and 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Human Services, transmitting the Adminis- grateful to this country for allowing a Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to tration’s Fiscal Year 2017 Performance Re- the Committee on Energy and Commerce. person who, at birth, would never have port to Congress for the Animal Drug User 4491. A letter from the Director, Regu- been thought to stand in this position Fee Act; to the Committee on Energy and latory Management Division, Environmental in the House of Representatives. Commerce. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 4483. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation of my time. Legislative Affairs, Department of State, of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State transmitting the Department’s Fleet Alter- of Maryland; Control of Emissions from Ex- f native Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Program Report isting Commercial and Industrial Solid for FY 2017, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 13218(b)(1); BILLS PRESENTED TO THE Waste Incinerator Units [EPA-R03-OAR-2017- Public Law 102-486, Sec. 310 (as amended by 0570; FRL-9976-31-Region 3] received March PRESIDENT Public Law 109-58, Sec. 705); (119 Stat. 817); to 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Karen L Haas, Clerk of the House, re- the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to ported that on April 11, 2018, she pre- 4484. A letter from the Director, Regu- the Committee on Energy and Commerce. latory Management Division, Environmental sented to the President of the United 4492. A letter from the Director, Regu- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- latory Management Division, Environmental States, for his approval, the following cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- bills: of State Plans for Designated Facilities and cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation H.R. 3445. To enhance the transparency and Pollutants; Colorado; Control of Emissions of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Dis- accelerate the impact of programs under the from Existing Commercial and Industrial trict of Columbia; Interstate Transport Re- African Growth and Opportunity Act and the Solid Waste Incineration Units [EPA-R08- quirements for the 2010 1-Hour Sulfur Diox- Millennium Challenge Corporation, and for OAR-2017-0552; FRL-9975-39-Region 8] re- ide Standard [EPA-R03-OAR-2014-0701; FRL- other purposes. ceived March 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 9976-30-Region 3] received March 28, 2018, pur- H.R. 3979. To amend the Fish and Wildlife 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- Act of 1956 to reauthorize the volunteer serv- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee ices, community partnership, and refuge edu- Commerce. on Energy and Commerce. cation programs of the National Wildlife 4485. A letter from the Director, Regu- 4493. A letter from the Director, Regu- Refuge System, and for other purposes. latory Management Division, Environmental latory Management Division, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- f cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; New of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State ADJOURNMENT Hampshire; Approval of Recordkeeping and of Montana; Revisions to East Helena Lead Reporting Requirements and Single Source Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- SIP [EPA-R08-OAR-2017-0634; FRL-9975-63-Re- Order [EPA-R01-OAR-2017-0266; FRL-9975-79- er, I move that the House do now ad- gion 8] received March 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 Region 1] received March 28, 2018, pursuant journ. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, The motion was agreed to; accord- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on ergy and Commerce. Energy and Commerce. ingly (at 7 o’clock and 28 minutes 4486. A letter from the Director, Regu- 4494. A letter from the Director, Regu- p.m.), the House adjourned until to- latory Management Division, Environmental latory Management Division, Environmental morrow, Friday, April 13, 2018, at 9 a.m. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- f cy’s final rule — Air Plan Revisions; Salt cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; KY: Re- River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community; moval of Reliance on Reformulated Gasoline OATH OF OFFICE MEMBERS, RESI- Navajo Nation; California; Correcting in the Kentucky Portion of the Cincinnati- DENT COMMISSIONER, AND DEL- Amendments [EPA-R09-OAR-2018-0133; FRL- Hamilton Area [EPA-R04-OAR-2017-0389; EGATES 9975-96-Region 9] received March 28, 2018, pur- FRL-9976-20-Region 4] received March 28, suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public The oath of office required by the 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the sixth article of the Constitution of the on Energy and Commerce. Committee on Energy and Commerce.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP7.099 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018 4495. A letter from the Director, Regu- land Cement Manufacturing Plant and Nat- 4514. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, latory Management Division, Environmental ural Gas Compression Station Regulations, Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- and Removal of Nitrogen Oxides Reduction transmitting a certification, pursuant to cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Florida; and Trading Program Replaced by Other Sec. 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, Stationary Sources Emissions Monitoring Programs and Regulations [EPA-R03-OAR- Transmittal No.: DDTC 17-134; to the Com- [EPA-R04-OAR-2017-0500; FRL-9976-17-Region 2016-0309; FRL-9975-82-Region 3] received mittee on Foreign Affairs. 4] received March 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 March 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 4515. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and transmitting a certification, pursuant to ergy and Commerce. Commerce. Sec. 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, 4496. A letter from the Director, Regu- 4503. A letter from the Director, Regu- Transmittal No.: DDTC 17-131; to the Com- latory Management Division, Environmental latory Management Division, Environmental mittee on Foreign Affairs. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 4516. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Ala- cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Illinois; Legislative Affairs, Department of State, bama; Update to Materials Incorporated by Redesignation of the Chicago and Granite transmitting a report on progress toward a Reference [AL-2017; FRL-9975-72-Region 4] re- City Areas to Attainment of the 2008 Lead negotiated solution of the Cyprus question ceived March 28, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Standard [EPA-R05-OAR-2016-0593; FRL-9975- covering the period of August 1, 2017 — Sep- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 93-Region 5] received March 26, 2018, pursu- tember 29, 2017, pursuant to Sec. 620C(c) of Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as Commerce. 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee amended, and in accordance with Sec. 1(a)(6) 4497. A letter from the Director, Regu- on Energy and Commerce. of Executive Order 13313; to the Committee latory Management Division, Environmental 4504. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, on Foreign Affairs. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 4517. A letter from the Chairman, Federal cy’s final rule — Air Plan Approval; Dela- transmitting a report to U.S. Support for Communications Commission, transmitting ware; State Implementation Plan for Inter- Taiwan’s Participation as an Observer at the the Commission’s FY 2017 No FEAR Act re- state Transport for the 2008 Ozone Standard 71st World Health Assembly and in the Work port, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; Public [EPA-R03-OAR-2013-0408; FRL-9975-85-Region of the World Health Organization, pursuant Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by Public 3] received March 20, 2018, pursuant to 5 to 22 U.S.C. 290 note; Public Law 108-235, Sec. Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. 3242); to U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 1(c); (118 Stat. 658); to the Committee on For- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- eign Affairs. ment Reform. ergy and Commerce. 4505. A letter from the Assistant Legal Ad- 4518. A letter from the President and CEO, 4498. A letter from the Director, Regu- viser, Office of Treaty Affairs, Department of Inter-American Foundation, transmitting latory Management Division, Environmental State, transmitting reports concerning the Foundation’s FY 2017 No FEAR Act re- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- international agreements other than treaties port, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; Public cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation entered into by the United States to be Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by Public of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New transmitted to the Congress within the Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. 3242); to Mexico; Infrastructure and Interstate Trans- sixty-day period specified in the Case-Za- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- port for the 2012 Fine Particulate Matter Na- blocki Act, pursuant to 1 U.S.C. 112b(a); Pub- ment Reform. tional Ambient Air Quality Standard and lic Law 92-403, Sec. 1(a) (as amended by Pub- 4519. A letter from the Director, Pension Revised Statutes [EPA-R06-OAR-2015-0850; lic Law 108-458, Sec. 7121(b)); (118 Stat. 3807); Benefit Guaranty Corporation, transmitting FRL-9975-60-Region 6] received March 20, to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. the Corporation’s FY 2017 No FEAR Act re- 4506. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public port, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; Public Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by Public transmitting a certification, pursuant to Committee on Energy and Commerce. Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. 3242); to Secs. 36(c) and (d) of the Arms Export Con- 4499. A letter from the Director, Regu- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- trol Act, Transmittal No.: DDTC 17-121; to latory Management Division, Environmental ment Reform. the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 4507. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, 4520. A letter from the Special Counsel, cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation Legislative Affairs, Department of State, U.S. Office of Special Counsel, transmitting of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Penn- transmitting a certification, pursuant to the Office’s FY 2017 No FEAR Act report, sylvania; Pennsylvania’s Adoption of Control Sec. 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; Public Law Techniques Guidelines for Automobile and Transmittal No.: DDTC 16-097; to the Com- 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by Public Law 109- Light-Duty Truck Assembly Coatings [EPA- mittee on Foreign Affairs. 435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. 3242); to the Com- R03-OAR-2017-0342; FRL-9975-86-Region 3] re- 4508. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, mittee on Oversight and Government Re- ceived March 20, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Legislative Affairs, Department of State, form. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 transmitting a certification, pursuant to 4521. A letter from the Director, Congres- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Sec. 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, sional Affairs and Public Relations, U.S. Commerce. Transmittal No.: DDTC 17-145; to the Com- Trade and Development Agency, transmit- 4500. A letter from the Director, Regu- mittee on Foreign Affairs. ting the Agency’s FY 2017 No FEAR Act re- latory Management Division, Environmental 4509. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, port, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2301 note; Public Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Law 107-174, 203(a) (as amended by Public cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation transmitting certification, pursuant to Sec. Law 109-435, Sec. 604(f)); (120 Stat. 3242); to of Air Quality Implementation Plans; West 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, Trans- the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Virginia; 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air mittal No.: DDTC 17-120; to the Committee ment Reform. Quality Standards [EPA-R03-OAR-2017-0413; on Foreign Affairs. f FRL-9975-88-Region 3] received March 20, 4510. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Legislative Affairs, Department of State, PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the transmitting a certification, pursuant to Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Committee on Energy and Commerce. Sec. 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, bills and resolutions of the following 4501. A letter from the Director, Regu- Transmittal No.: DDTC 17-107; to the Com- titles were introduced and severally re- latory Management Division, Environmental mittee on Foreign Affairs. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 4511. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, ferred, as follows: cy’s final rule — N,N-Dimethyl 9- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, By Mr. CONAWAY: Decenamide; N,N-Dimethyldodecanamide; transmitting a certification, pursuant to H.R. 2. A bill to provide for the reform and N,N-Dimethyltetradecanamide; Exemption Sec. 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, continuation of agricultural and other pro- from the Requirement from a Tolerance Transmittal No.: DDTC 17-102; to the Com- grams of the Department of Agriculture [EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0660; EPA-HQ-OPP-2015- mittee on Foreign Affairs. through fiscal year 2023, and for other pur- 0720; EPA-HQ-OPP-2015-0723; FRL-9974-70] re- 4512. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, poses; to the Committee on Agriculture. ceived March 26, 2018, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Legislative Affairs, Department of State, By Mr. ROYCE of California (for him- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 transmitting a certification, pursuant to self, Ms. FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Sec. 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, FITZPATRICK, Mr. ENGEL, Mrs. WAG- Commerce. Transmittal No.: DDTC 17-068; to the Com- NER, and Ms. KELLY of Illinois): 4502. A letter from the Director, Regu- mittee on Foreign Affairs. H.R. 5480. A bill to improve programs and latory Management Division, Environmental 4513. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, activities relating to women’s entrepreneur- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, ship and economic empowerment that are cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation transmitting a certification, pursuant to carried out by the United States Agency for of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Mary- Sec. 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act, International Development, and for other land; Reasonably Available Control Tech- Transmittal No.: DDTC 16-118; to the Com- purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Af- nology for Cement Kilns, Revisions to Port- mittee on Foreign Affairs. fairs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L12AP7.000 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3209 By Mr. HURD (for himself and Mrs. H.R. 5490. A bill to provide for a grant pro- erans regarding the effect of delayed pay- DAVIS of California): gram for handgun licensing programs, and ments of claims for emergency medical care H.R. 5481. A bill to reform the GEAR UP for other purposes; to the Committee on the furnished by non-Department of Veterans Af- program; to the Committee on Education Judiciary. fairs medical providers by the Office of Com- and the Workforce. By Mr. FORTENBERRY: munity Care and to direct the Secretary to By Mr. BACON: H.R. 5491. A bill to provide loans and submit to Congress an annual report regard- H.R. 5482. A bill to direct the Assistant grants to qualified agricultural associations ing such delayed payments; to the Com- Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs to de- to assist in the establishment of agricultural mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. velop a plan for countering emerging and de- association health plans; to the Committee By Mrs. TORRES: liberate infectious disease threats, and for on Agriculture. H.R. 5501. A bill to direct the Secretary of other purposes; to the Committee on Armed By Mr. GUTHRIE (for himself and Mr. State to take certain actions to end corrup- Services. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico): tion in the Northern Triangle region of Cen- By Mr. CARTER of Georgia (for him- H.R. 5492. A bill to amend the Public tral America, and for other purposes; to the self, Mrs. BUSTOS, Ms. STEFANIK, Mrs. Health Service Act to address the use of Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addi- HANDEL, Ms. KUSTER of New Hamp- opioids and substance use disorders with re- tion to the Committee on the Judiciary, for shire, and Mr. RUSH): spect to pregnant women and babies, and for a period to be subsequently determined by H.R. 5483. A bill to impose a deadline for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy the Speaker, in each case for consideration the promulgation of interim final regula- and Commerce. of such provisions as fall within the jurisdictions in accordance with section 311(h) of the By Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas (for tion of the committee concerned. Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 831(h)) himself and Mr. LARSON of Con- By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN: specifying the circumstances in which a spe- necticut): H.R. 5502. A bill to prohibit private pas- cial registration may be issued to a practi- H.R. 5493. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- senger automobile insurers from using cer- tioner to engage in the practice of telemedi- enue Code of 1986 to exclude from income dis- tain income proxies to determine insurance cine, and for other purposes; to the Com- charge of medical indebtedness; to the Com- rates and eligibility; to the Committee on mittee on Energy and Commerce, and in ad- mittee on Ways and Means. Financial Services, and in addition to the dition to the Committee on the Judiciary, By Mr. KELLY of Mississippi (for him- Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a for a period to be subsequently determined self, Mr. SCHNEIDER, Mr. BERGMAN, period to be subsequently determined by the by the Speaker, in each case for consider- Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire, Mr. Speaker, in each case for consideration of ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- LIPINSKI, Mr. CRAMER, and Mr. HOL- such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- risdiction of the committee concerned. LINGSWORTH): tion of the committee concerned. By Mr. CARTWRIGHT (for himself and H.R. 5494. A bill to amend the Small Busi- By Mr. KELLY of Mississippi: Ms. JACKSON LEE): ness Act to include contracts awarded under H. Res. 822. A resolution expressing support H.R. 5484. A bill to amend the Fair Debt section 8127 of title 38, United States Code, for the designation of April 12, 2018, as Collection Practices Act to prohibit a court in the limitations relating to subcon- ‘‘Reman Day’’; to the Committee on Over- from making an award of costs to a defend- tracting, and for other purposes; to the Com- sight and Government Reform. ant except on a finding that an action was mittee on Small Business. By Mr. LOEBSACK (for himself, Mr. brought in bad faith; to the Committee on By Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI (for him- MEEKS, and Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ): Financial Services, and in addition to the self and Mr. TED LIEU of California): H. Res. 823. A resolution expressing support Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to H.R. 5495. A bill to amend the Ethics in for the designation of the week of April 16, be subsequently determined by the Speaker, Government Act of 1978 to require employees 2018, through April 20, 2018, as National Spe- in each case for consideration of such provi- of the Executive Office of the President or cialized Instructional Support Personnel Ap- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the the White House to notify the Office of Gov- preciation Week; to the Committee on Edu- committee concerned. ernment Ethics and Congress in each in- cation and the Workforce, and in addition to By Mr. COMER (for himself and Mr. stance the individual is recused from a par- the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for POLIS): ticular matter pursuant to section 208 of a period to be subsequently determined by H.R. 5485. A bill to amend the Agricultural title 18, United States Code, and for other the Speaker, in each case for consideration Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for State purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- and Tribal regulation of hemp production, Government Reform. tion of the committee concerned. and for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. PERRY (for himself and Mr. By Mr. MOOLENAAR (for himself, Mrs. Agriculture, and in addition to the Commit- BIGGS): LAWRENCE, Mr. HUIZENGA, Mr. LEVIN, tees on Energy and Commerce, and the Judi- H.R. 5496. A bill to amend Immigration and Mrs. DINGELL, Mr. TROTT, Mr. BISHOP ciary, for a period to be subsequently deter- Nationality Act regarding the extension of a of Michigan, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- foreign state’s designation for purposes of WALBERG, Mr. BERGMAN, and Mr. sideration of such provisions as fall within temporary protected status, and for other UPTON): the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- H. Res. 824. A resolution opposing the de- By Mr. CORREA: ary. tention and deportation of Iraqi Chaldean H.R. 5486. A bill to amend title 38, United By Mr. PETERSON (for himself and Christians; to the Committee on the Judici- States Code, to require the Secretary of Vet- Mr. CRAMER): ary. erans Affairs to provide child care assistance H.R. 5497. A bill to direct the Federal Com- to veterans receiving certain training or vo- munications Commission to establish the Of- f cational rehabilitation, and for other pur- fice of Rural Telecommunications, and for CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- other purposes; to the Committee on Energy STATEMENT fairs. and Commerce. By Mr. COSTA: By Mr. PETERSON (for himself and Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of H.R. 5487. A bill to amend the Food Secu- Mr. TIPTON): the Rules of the House of Representa- rity Act of 1985 to modify the regional con- H.R. 5498. A bill to amend title XVIII of the tives, the following statements are sub- servation partnership program, and for other Social Security Act to extend the floor on mitted regarding the specific powers purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture. the area wage index under the inpatient pro- granted to Congress in the Constitu- By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee (for him- spective payment system to certain sole self, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, and Mr. community hospitals and to amend the Pub- tion to enact the accompanying bill or DESJARLAIS): lic Health Service Act to provide eligibility joint resolution. H.R. 5488. A bill to amend title 36, United for certain sole community hospitals to dis- By Mr. CONAWAY: States Code, to provide for a Federal charter counted drug prices under the 340B drug pric- H.R. 2. for Remote Area Medical, and for other pur- ing program; to the Committee on Energy Congress has the power to enact this legis- poses; to the Committee on the Judiciary. and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. ESTES of Kansas: mittee on Ways and Means, for a period to be The ability to regulate interstate com- H.R. 5489. A bill to institute reforms to the subsequently determined by the Speaker, in merce and with foreign Nations pursuant to program of block grants to States for tem- each case for consideration of such provi- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 includes the porary assistance for needy families and the sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the power to regulate commodity prices, prac- supplemental nutrition assistance program; committee concerned. tices affecting them and the trading or dona- to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in By Mr. RICHMOND (for himself, Mrs. tion of the commodities to impoverished na- addition to the Committee on Agriculture, MCMORRIS RODGERS, and Mr. SCA- tions. In addition, the Congress has the for a period to be subsequently determined LISE): power to provide for the general Welfare of by the Speaker, in each case for consider- H.R. 5499. A bill to award a Congressional the United States under Article 1, Section 8, ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- Gold Medal to Stephen Michael Gleason; to Clause 1 which includes the power to pro- risdiction of the committee concerned. the Committee on Financial Services. mote the development of Rural America By Ms. ESTY of Connecticut (for her- By Mr. ROUZER: through research and extension of credit. self, Ms. KELLY of Illinois, and Ms. H.R. 5500. A bill to direct the Secretary of By Mr. ROYCE of California: ADAMS): Veterans Affairs to conduct outreach to vet- H.R. 5480.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L12AP7.100 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H3210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 12, 2018

Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 233: Mr. TAKANO and Mr. POLIS. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 354: Mr. ESTES of Kansas. Article I, Section 8 This bill is enacted pursuant to the power H.R. 754: Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of By Mr. HURD: granted to Congress under Article 1, Section New York. H.R. 5481. 8, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution. H.R. 788: Mr. BUDD. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. KELLY of Mississippi: H.R. 820: Mr. SIMPSON. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5494. H.R. 846: Mr. NORMAN and Mr. SWALWELL of Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of Congress has the power to enact this legis- California. the United States. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 980: Mr. SOTO. By Mr. BACON: Article 1, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 1038: Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI and Mr. H.R. 5482. Constitution. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI: H.R. 1143: Mr. VEASEY. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5495. H.R. 1150: Mr. MITCHELL. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 1205: Mr. TIPTON. lation pursuant to the following: Constitution: ‘‘. . . to make rules for the H.R. 1268: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, Mr. Article I, Section 8: To make all Laws YODER, and Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. government and regulation of land and naval which shall be necessary and proper for car- forces . . .’’ H.R. 1300: Mr. CROWLEY. rying into Execution the foregoing Powers, H.R. 1358: Ms. DELAURO. By Mr. CARTER of Georgia: and all other Powers vested by this Constitu- H.R. 5483. H.R. 1377: Ms. KUSTER of New Hampshire, tion in the Government of the United States, Mr. COOPER, and Mr. SOTO. Congress has the power to enact this legis- or in any Department or Officer thereof. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1378: Mr. TIPTON. By Mr. PERRY: H.R. 1409: Mr. RENACCI, Mr. CLEAVER, and This bill is enacted pursuant to the power H.R. 5496. Mr. AMODEI. granted to Congress Under Article I, Section Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1445: Ms. STEFANIK, Mr. MESSER, Mr. 8 of the United States Constitution. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. CARTWRIGHT: Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- KILMER, and Mr. CLAY. H.R. 1447: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD and Mr. H.R. 5484. tion YARMUTH. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. PETERSON: lation pursuant to the following : H.R. 5497. H.R. 1456: Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1472: Mr. GRIJALVA. By Mr. COMER: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1606: Mr. GAETZ, Mr. DUNN, and Ms. H.R. 5485. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United STEFANIK. Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Constitution. H.R. 1617: Mr. SCHIFF and Mr. LYNCH. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. PETERSON: H.R. 1676: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3: To regulate H.R. 5498. H.R. 1683: Mr. PERLMUTTER. Commerce with foreign Nations, and among Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1727: Mr. QUIGLEY. the several States, and with the Indian lation pursuant to the following : H.R. 1763: Mr. WELCH. Tribes. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United H.R. 1772: Mr. SCHIFF. H.R. 1818: Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. By Mr. CORREA: States Constitution. H.R. 5486. By Mr. RICHMOND: RUPPERSBERGER, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. PASCRELL, H.R. 5499. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Ms. BORDALLO, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. RYAN of Congress has the power to enact this legis- Ohio, and Mr. LYNCH. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following : (1) The U.S. Constitution including Article H.R. 1825: Mr. RENACCI, Ms. JENKINS of This bill is introduced pursuant to the Kansas, Mr. HIGGINS of New York, and Mr. 1, Section 8. powers granted to Congress under the Gen- By Mr. COSTA: MCNERNEY. eral Welfare Clause (Art. 1 Sec. 8 Cl. 1), the H.R. 1898: Mr. SCHIFF. H.R. 5487. Commerce Clause (Art. 1 Sec. 8 Cl. 3), and Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1911: Mr. KUSTOFF of Tennessee and the Necessary and Proper Clause (Art. 1 Sec. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. lation pursuant to the following: 8 Cl. 18). Clause 18 of Section 8 of Article I of the H.R. 1939: Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI and Mr. Further, this statement of constitutional DUNCAN of Tennessee. Constitution authority is made for the sole purpose of By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee: H.R. 1953: Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. BROOKS of Ala- compliance with clause 7 of Rule XII of the bama, and Mr. COLLINS of New York. H.R. 5488. Rules of the House of Representatives and Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2044: Mr. RASKIN and Mr. SUOZZI. shall have no bearing on judicial review of H.R. 2069: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania and lation pursuant to the following: the accompanying bill. Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18. To make all By Mr. ROUZER: H.R. 2077: Mr. PALAZZO. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for H.R. 5500. H.R. 2095: Mr. COHEN. carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2147: Mr. KILMER. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2345: Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of stitution in the Government of the United Article 1, Section 8 of the United States New York. States, or in any Department or Officer Constitution H.R. 2366: Mr. PAYNE. thereof. By Mrs. TORRES: H.R. 2392: Ms. MCCOLLUM. By Mr. ESTES of Kansas: H.R. 5501. H.R. 2418: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 5489. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2556: Ms. STEFANIK. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: According to Article 1: Section 8: Clause H.R. 2584: Mr. MEEHAN and Mr. SEAN PAT- lation pursuant to the following: RICK MALONEY of New York. ‘‘This bill is enacted pursuant to the power 18: of the United States Constitution, seen below, this bill falls within the Constitu- H.R. 2735: Mr. KILMER. granted to Congress under Article I, Section H.R. 2871: Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. tional Authority of the United States Con- 8, Clause 18 of the United States Constitu- H.R. 2942: Mr. SARBANES and Mrs. TORRES. gress. tion.’’ H.R. 2980: Mr. SESSIONS. By Ms. ESTY of Connecticut: Article 1: Section 8: Clause 18: To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for H.R. 2996: Mr. BUCSHON. H.R. 5490. H.R. 3010: Ms. TITUS. carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3238: Mr. OLSON and Mr. CONNOLLY. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3325: Mr. SOTO, Mrs. MURPHY of Flor- stitution in the Government of the United Article 1, Section 8 of the United States ida, Mr. PAULSEN, and Mr. WILSON of South States, or in any Department or Officer Constitution. Carolina. thereof. By Mr. FORTENBERRY: H.R. 3330: Mr. PALAZZO. By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN: H.R. 5491. H.R. 3378: Ms. STEFANIK. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5502. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3528: Mr. POCAN. lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3605: Mr. KILMER and Mr. POCAN. The constitutional authority for this bill is Article 1, section 8, clause 3 of the United H.R. 3654: Ms. FRANKEL of Florida and Mrs. pursuant to Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of States Constitution and Article 1, section 8, BUSTOS. the United States Constitution. clause 18 of the United States Constitution H.R. 3708: Mr. EMMER and Mr. MACARTHUR. By Mr. GUTHRIE: H.R. 3780: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. H.R. 5492. f H.R. 3840: Mr. MACARTHUR. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 3861: Mr. EMMER. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3956: Mr. POLIQUIN. Article I, Section 8 Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 4082: Mr. DESAULNIER. By Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas: were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 4099: Mrs. TORRES and Ms. EDDIE BER- H.R. 5493. tions, as follows: NICE JOHNSON of Texas.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP7.015 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3211

H.R. 4107: Mr. BUCSHON, Mr. AL GREEN of PERRY, Mr. ABRAHAM, Mr. WALBERG, Mr. H.R. 5473: Mr. MCKINLEY. Texas, Mr. BYRNE, and Mr. SWALWELL of BOST, Mr. RENACCI, and Ms. ROSEN. H.J. Res. 15: Mr. SANFORD. California. H.R. 5176: Mrs. COMSTOCK. H.J. Res. 107: Mr. CRIST. H.R. 4143: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. H.R. 5192: Mr. TIPTON and Mr. YOUNG of H.J. Res. 129: Mr. FOSTER, Mr. QUIGLEY, H.R. 4202: Mr. LOBIONDO. Iowa. and Mr. DEUTCH. H.R. 4256: Mr. MCCAUL and Mr. DOGGETT. H.R. 5221: Mr. CARTER of Georgia. H. Con. Res. 8: Mr. LAMALFA. H.R. 4265: Mr. SANFORD. H.R. 5223: Ms. MCCOLLUM. H. Res. 31: Mr. SARBANES. H.R. 4311: Mr. ROTHFUS and Mr. POSEY. H.R. 5251: Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. H. Res. 69: Mr. SCHIFF. H.R. 4327: Mr. BARR. H.R. 5266: Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. H. Res. 189: Ms. MENG, Mr. BERA, Mr. H.R. 4396: Mr. ESPAILLAT. H.R. 5271: Mr. COHEN. BRADY of Pennsylvania, and Ms. SPEIER. H.R. 4425: Mr. RASKIN, Ms. LOFGREN, Ms. H.R. 5291: Mr. KENNEDY. H. Res. 470: Mr. POCAN, Mr. DEFAZIO, and LEE, and Mr. RYAN of Ohio. H.R. 5292: Mr. CAPUANO and Ms. TITUS. H.R. 4556: Mr. KILMER. H.R. 5332: Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. Mr. PETERS. H.R. 4575: Mr. TIPTON and Mr. JODY B. HICE ROKITA, and Mr. HUNTER. H. Res. 570: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. of Georgia. H.R. 5336: Mr. GOHMERT. H. Res. 673: Mr. BABIN. H.R. 4635: Mr. KILMER. H.R. 5339: Mr. CRIST, Ms. DELBENE, Mr. H. Res. 763: Mr. CALVERT. H.R. 4638: Mr. DONOVAN. BEYER, Mrs. DINGELL, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. H. Res. 766: Mr. SCHRADER. H.R. 4673: Mr. KATKO. PAYNE, Mr. WELCH, Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. NOR- H. Res. 774: Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. JOYCE of Ohio, H.R. 4706: Mr. PASCRELL. TON, Ms. TITUS, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, and Mr. Mr. KING of New York, and Mr. STIVERS. H.R. 4770: Mr. BISHOP of Michigan and Mr. QUIGLEY. H. Res. 817: Ms. JAYAPAL and Mr. KIHUEN. BILIRAKIS. H.R. 4805: Mr. DESJARLAIS. H.R. 5353: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 4811: Mr. SWALWELL of California and H.R. 5354: Mr. COFFMAN. f Mr. BUCSHON. H.R. 5358: Mr. HARRIS. H.R. 4828: Mr. SCHNEIDER. H.R. 5365: Mr. POCAN and Mr. LYNCH. H.R. 4915: Mr. BUCSHON and Mr. BUDD. H.R. 5383: Ms. DELAURO, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. PETITIONS, ETC. H.R. 4941: Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Ms. TITUS, and PASCRELL, and Mr. ENGEL. Under clause 3 of rule XII, Mr. GAETZ. H.R. 5389: Mr. LYNCH. 96. The SPEAKER presented a petition of H.R. 4953: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. H.R. 5400: Mr. HUNTER. H.R. 4958: Mr. PETERS. H.R. 5417: Mr. KING of Iowa and Mr. the City Commission of Safety Harbor Flor- H.R. 4962: Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. ROKITA. ida, relative to Resolution No. 2018-05, oppos- H.R. 5041: Mr. GIANFORTE. H.R. 5431: Ms. MOORE. ing assault rifles being in the hands of indi- H.R. 5061: Mr. WITTMAN. H.R. 5439: Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. viduals and calling upon the United States H.R. 5065: Mr. BRAT. H.R. 5444: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. SESSIONS, House of Representatives to pass the nec- H.R. 5100: Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of and Mr. MARCHANT. essary legislation to protect Floridians by New York and Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 5445: Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. RENACCI, Mr. restricting the sale of assault weapons to the H.R. 5113: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. CURBELO of Florida, and Mr. MARCHANT. military and law enforcement; which was re- H.R. 5132: Mr. YODER, Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. H.R. 5448: Mr. POLIS and Mr. CROWLEY. ferred jointly to the Committees on Armed WALDEN, Ms. MCSALLY, Mr. ZELDIN, Mr. H.R. 5468: Mrs. HANDEL. Services and the Judiciary.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP7.022 H12APPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 115 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 164 WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018 No. 59 Senate The Senate met at 9:15 a.m. and was EXECUTIVE SESSION This day is long overdue. President called to order by the President pro Trump initially nominated Mr. Pizzella tempore (Mr. HATCH). to be the Deputy Secretary of Labor on EXECUTIVE CALENDAR June 20, 2017. The Senate HELP Com- f The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under mittee received Mr. Pizzella’s HELP PRAYER the previous order, the Senate will pro- Committee application on June 29, The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- ceed to executive session to resume 2017. On June 23, 2017, the committee fered the following prayer: consideration of the following nomina- received Mr. Pizzella’s Office of Gov- tion, which the clerk will report. Let us pray. ernment Ethics, OGE, paperwork, in- The senior assistant legislative clerk Most High God, our Heavenly Father, cluding his public financial disclosure read the nomination of Patrick and ethics agreement. Based on these Your loving kindness fills our hearts Pizzella, of Virginia, to be Deputy Sec- with gratitude. We are grateful for this documents, OGE determined that Mr. retary of Labor. Pizzella ‘‘is in compliance with appli- opportunity to work in our govern- Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, ment’s legislative branch, striving to cable laws and regulations governing today the Senate will vote on the con- conflicts of interest.’’ Mr. Pizzella contribute to the progress of this great firmation of Patrick Pizzella to be the completed all paperwork in accordance Nation. Deputy Secretary of the United States with the HELP Committee’s rules, Lord, we thank You for our law- Department of Labor, DOL. The De- practices, and procedures. The HELP makers and for those who support partment of Labor is charged with en- Committee held Mr. Pizzella’s hearing them. Bless our Senators with Your forcing laws to keep workers safe on on July 13, 2017, and reported his nomi- wisdom, enabling them to make deci- the job, ensuring workers are paid the nation favorably on October 18, 2017. sions that will benefit our Nation and wages they are owed, helping to de- Pursuant to Senate rules, Mr. world for generations to come. velop our workforce, and keeping crit- Pizzella’s nomination was returned to We ask You, also, Eternal God, to ical data on our employment market. the President at the end of the first bless the American people. Place Your Patrick Pizzella brings a wealth of session of the 115th Congress. In fact, shield of protection around them, pro- relevant experience in both Democratic Mr. Pizzella was one of nearly 100 of viding them with the inspiration in and Republican administrations. Presi- President Trump’s nominees who were their pursuit of life, liberty, and happi- dent Trump designated Mr. Pizzella as returned to the President. It is unfor- ness. Fill them with the gift of Your acting Chairman of the Federal Labor tunate the Department of Labor has peace. Relations Authority, FLRA, in Janu- had to operate without its second most We pray in Your holy Name. Amen. ary 2017, a position which he held senior official for more than 9 months f through December 2017. President since Mr. Pizzella’s initial nomination. Obama appointed Mr. Pizzella to the President Trump again nominated PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FLRA in August 2013, after which he Mr. Pizzella to be the Deputy Sec- The President pro tempore led the was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by retary of Labor on January 8, 2018. The Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: voice vote on October 16, 2013. HELP Committee again favorably re- Mr. Pizzella served under President ported Mr. Pizzella’s nomination on I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009, as United States of America, and to the Repub- January 18, 2018. lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Ad- The Department will greatly benefit indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. ministration and Management at the from Mr. Pizzella’s leadership and ex- Department of Labor. Mr. Pizzella was f perience, and I look forward to sup- nominated by President Bush in April porting his confirmation. RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME 2001—approved in May without a hear- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ing by the Senate Committee on The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ator from Nebraska. Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- Mr. SASSE. Mr. President, I yield HELLER). Under the previous order, the sions, HELP, under Senator Ted Ken- back all time. leadership time is reserved. nedy—and confirmed by the full Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there f 2 days later. objection? Mr. Pizzella also served at the U.S. Without objection, all time is yielded CONCLUSION OF MORNING Office of Personnel Management, the back. BUSINESS U.S. Small Business Administration, The question is, Will the Senate ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning and the U.S. General Services Adminis- vise and consent to the Pizzella nomi- business is closed. tration. nation?

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

S2083

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.000 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2084 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 Mr. SASSE. I ask for the yeas and mental policy. In that time, he has Mitch McConnell, Jerry Moran, Deb nays. served as a career employee of the Fischer, John Barrasso, Johnny Isak- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a EPA; a staff director on the Hill for the son, Thom Tillis, Roy Blunt, Mike sufficient second? committee I now chair, the Environ- Rounds, Steve Daines, James M. There appears to be a sufficient sec- Inhofe, Shelley Moore Capito, John ment and Public Works Committee; Cornyn, John Boozman, John Thune, ond. and, most recently, as a consultant in Roger F. Wicker, John Hoeven. The clerk will call the roll. the energy policy space. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- The legislative clerk called the roll. Andrew Wheeler is well qualified to imous consent, the mandatory quorum Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator fill this critically important job. I urge call has been waived. is necessarily absent: the Senator from all Senators to support the nomina- Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). The question is, Is it the sense of the tion. Senate that debate on the nomination Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. of Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Senator from Illinois (Ms. DUCKWORTH) TOOMEY). The Senator from Delaware. is necessarily absent. Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, they Deputy Administrator of the Environ- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there say that a man or woman’s word is his mental Protection Agency, shall be any other Senators in the Chamber de- bond. When the Environment and Pub- brought to a close? The yeas and nays are mandatory siring to vote? lic Works Committee voted on the under the rule. The result was announced—yeas 50, nomination of Andrew Wheeler, some- The clerk will call the roll. nays 48, as follows: one I have known for 25 years or more, [Rollcall Vote No. 69 Ex.] The bill clerk called the roll. I was very clear about my desire to Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator YEAS—50 help smooth the way to a faster floor is necessarily absent: the Senator from Alexander Flake Paul process. I was very clear that what I Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). Barrasso Gardner Perdue needed, and what we needed, was an as- Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Blunt Graham Portman surance from EPA that it would re- Boozman Grassley Risch Senator from Illinois (Ms. DUCKWORTH) Burr Hatch Roberts spect settled law, that it would respect is necessarily absent. Capito Heller Rounds EPA actions and court decisions that Cassidy Hoeven The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there Rubio found that global warming pollution any other Senators in the Chamber de- Collins Hyde-Smith Sasse Corker Inhofe from cars and SUVs is a danger to our Scott siring to vote? Cornyn Isakson Nation, to our citizens, and to our Shelby The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 53, Cotton Johnson Sullivan planet. nays 45, as follows: Crapo Kennedy What I asked for was an assurance Cruz Lankford Thune [Rollcall Vote No. 70 Ex.] Tillis from Scott Pruitt that he would do Daines Lee YEAS—53 Enzi McConnell Toomey what the auto industry has asked him Ernst Moran Wicker to do, which is to negotiate an agree- Alexander Flake Murkowski Fischer Murkowski Young Barrasso Gardner Paul ment on vehicle standards for the Blunt Graham Perdue NAYS—48 State of California. I worked with Bill Boozman Grassley Portman Baldwin Hassan Nelson Wehrum, the Assistant Administrator Burr Hatch Risch Bennet Heinrich Peters for the Office of Air and Radiation, for Capito Heitkamp Roberts Blumenthal Heitkamp Reed Cassidy Heller weeks, and we reached an agreement Rounds Booker Hirono Sanders Collins Hoeven Rubio Corker Hyde-Smith Brown Jones Schatz that I was told Administrator Pruitt Sasse Cornyn Inhofe Cantwell Kaine Schumer supported until Scott Pruitt reneged Scott Cardin King Shaheen Cotton Isakson Shelby Carper Klobuchar Smith on the deal and decided he might prefer Crapo Johnson Sullivan Casey Leahy Stabenow fighting and litigation to cooperating Cruz Kennedy Thune Coons Manchin Tester Daines Lankford and negotiating. Tillis Cortez Masto Markey Udall Let me be clear, I tried to work with Donnelly Lee Donnelly McCaskill Van Hollen Enzi Manchin Toomey Durbin Menendez Warner the EPA. I believed that perhaps in Ernst McConnell Wicker Feinstein Merkley Warren just this one instance we could find a Fischer Moran Young Gillibrand Murphy Whitehouse win-win. There is one that is right NAYS—45 Harris Murray Wyden there to be grasped. But Administrator Baldwin Hassan Peters NOT VOTING—2 Pruitt ignored his own top air official. Bennet Heinrich Reed Duckworth McCain Let me close, if I can. Blumenthal Hirono Sanders Booker Jones Schatz The nomination was confirmed. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ator’s time has expired. Brown Kaine Schumer The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Cantwell King Shaheen the previous order, the motion to re- Mr. CARPER. Whatever Mr. Wheel- Cardin Klobuchar Smith er’s qualifications, he cannot solve this Carper Leahy Stabenow consider is considered made and laid Casey Markey Tester upon the table and the President will problem alone at EPA, which is that Scott Pruitt has no interest in gov- Coons McCaskill Udall be immediately notified of the Senate’s Cortez Masto Menendez Van Hollen action. erning, no interest in leaving a lasting Durbin Merkley Warner and responsible legacy, and no interest Feinstein Murphy Warren f in working with anyone who doesn’t Gillibrand Murray Whitehouse Harris Nelson Wyden CLOTURE MOTION enable him to act on his own worst in- NOT VOTING—2 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under stincts. the previous order, there will now be 2 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Duckworth McCain minutes of debate, equally divided, ator’s time has expired. The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this prior to the cloture vote. Mr. CARPER. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. vote, the yeas are 53, the nays are 45. The Senator from Wyoming. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The motion is agreed to. ator’s time has expired. Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, the f Senate will vote on cloture on the Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays EXECUTIVE CALENDAR nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be before the Senate the pending cloture the Deputy Administrator of the Envi- motion, which the clerk will state. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The legislative clerk read as follows: ronmental Protection Agency. clerk will report the nomination. The Deputy Administrator is critical CLOTURE MOTION The bill clerk read the nomination of in developing and implementing poli- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the cies that fulfill the EPA’s mission of Deputy Administrator of the Environ- Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby mental Protection Agency. protecting America’s water, land, air, move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- and communities. nation of Andrew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER He is the right person for the job. He Deputy Administrator of the Environmental The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- has spent 25 years working in environ- Protection Agency. jority leader is recognized.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.002 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2085 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, yes- CIA Director Mike Pompeo is appear- spect. As the tobacco industry has terday, the Senate confirmed John ing before the Senate Foreign Rela- changed, some farmers in States like Ring to the National Labor Relations tions Committee for the first time as Kentucky have been searching for a Board. Now the NLRB is, once again, the President’s nominee for Secretary new crop that can support their fami- fully staffed and ready to call balls and of State. He is yet another qualified lies and grow our agricultural econ- strikes fairly for America’s workers. nominee who deserves fair and swift omy. Many believe they found such a This morning, we confirmed Patrick consideration for our country’s sake. product—industrial hemp—but the Pizzella, the President’s highly quali- For now, I meant what I said on Mon- Federal Government has stood in the fied nominee, to fill the No. 2 job at the day. We will remain in session as long way. It is time to change that. That is Department of Labor. Mr. Pizzella as it takes to process this week’s slate why some colleagues and I are intro- brings a sterling reputation and an im- of nominees. After Mr. Wheeler, we ducing legislation that will modernize pressive resume. It includes time at the still have two judicial nominees: Re- Federal law in this area and empower GSA, the Small Business Administra- becca Grady Jennings for the Western American farmers to explore this tion, the Department of Education, the District of Kentucky and John promising new market. Federal Housing Finance Board, and Broomes for the District of Kansas. I want to thank my fellow Ken- OPM. One way or another, the easy way or tuckian, Congressman JAMIE COMER, Even with 8 years as the Assistant the hard way, this Senate will get the and my good friend and colleague from Secretary of Labor for Administration people’s business done this week. Oregon, Senator WYDEN, for their lead- and Management and 4 years as a Sen- PRO-GROWTH AGENDA ership on this issue, as well as Senator ate-confirmed member of the Federal Mr. President, on another matter, I MERKLEY for his support. Labor Relations Authority, this dedi- have been speaking all week about the During the recent State work period, cated public servant saw his confirma- stark difference between the Obama I stood with Kentucky’s agriculture tion process play out in a manner that administration’s economic legacy and commissioner, Ryan Quarles, to an- has become all too familiar—months of the pro-growth agenda this Republican nounce my intention to introduce new waiting on the Senate calendar, Congress and Republican President legislation on this subject. Today we months of obstruction by our Demo- have been putting in place. are introducing the Hemp Farming Act cratic colleagues, months of needless For 8 years, our Democratic friends’ of 2018. It will build on the success of vacancy in this critical agency posi- so-called economic recovery hardly recent pilot programs and take a big tion. After this morning’s vote, Mr. made it past our Nation’s biggest and step toward growth and more innova- Pizzella can finally get to work, but richest cities. Democratic policies tion. As I travel across Kentucky, I the same story of obstruction applies largely failed the millions of working have spoken with farmers, manufactur- to the next nomination on the slate as Americans who live in our small towns ers, and small business owners. Time well. and suburbs, smaller cities and rural and again, they shared with me their Andrew Wheeler is ready and wait- areas—not so with this Republican enthusiasm for hemp’s potential to re- ing—and waiting and waiting—to clock Congress and this Republican Presi- energize agricultural communities and in as Deputy Administrator of the dent. Already, our inclusive oppor- provide a new spark to the U.S. econ- EPA. His qualifications are beyond tunity agenda is bringing new energy, omy. This bill will help make that po- question. He has won the support of the new optimism, and new growth to all of tential a reality. American Farm Bureau Federation and those forgotten parts of our country. But first, let’s remember how we got has won praise from both sides of the On my recent trip back to Kentucky, to this point. In 2014, I secured lan- aisle. Mr. Wheeler’s former boss, our I heard what I have been hearing for guage in the farm bill that established colleague Senator INHOFE, said, ‘‘There months now. I heard how tax reform is hemp pilot programs in States that is no one more qualified.’’ Our former helping bourbon producers compete, allow hemp research. The results have colleague, Senator Lieberman, called create jobs, and reinvigorate their been extraordinary. Mr. Wheeler ‘‘fair and professional’’ local economies. I heard how employ- In Kentucky, hemp is proving useful and said, ‘‘I hope his nomination will ers in the State are reinvesting in their across a wide variety of innovative receive . . . fair consideration by the workers by offering bonuses or looking products. Its fibers are being added to Senate.’’ to increase hiring. I heard how farm concrete and home insulation. Its ex- Delaying key executive nominees families are breathing easier after reg- tracts are being researched for poten- does not come cost-free to the country. ulatory reforms that will keep the gov- tial health benefits. Some breweries in The Deputy Administrator is the ernment from invading every puddle, Kentucky have even crafted hemp-in- EPA’s chief operating officer. He plays ditch, and pothole in America. a major role in protecting America’s These signs of progress just confirm fused beer. Last year alone, the hemp air and water, while minimizing unnec- what Republicans have said all along: industry added 81 new jobs in Kentucky essary obstacles for workers and job that middle-class families flourish and yielded more than $16 million for creators. The American people deserve when the IRS takes less of what they Kentucky farmers. That is just under to have him and other key officials in earn; that American entrepreneurs Kentucky’s research pilot program. place. thrive when we scrub the regulatory Of course, that is just one State. Al- I mentioned yesterday that our rust off our economy and give farmers, ready, in fact, around $600 million in Democratic colleagues are literally ranchers local communities, commu- hemp products are sold each year here setting records. Just 15 months in, they nity banks, and small businesses more in the United States. Due to current have chosen to force—listen to this—84 say over their own affairs; that good laws, much of this hemp has to be im- cloture votes on President Trump’s ex- things happen when we just get Wash- ported. That cuts out our American ecutive and judicial nominees. Eighty- ington out of the way. farmers. It is time for that to change. four. That is more than three times as Our policies are delivering real pros- The legislation we are introducing many nominee cloture votes as hap- perity for Americans in all kinds of today will solve this problem and get pened in the first 2 years of Presidents communities, so it is no surprise that a the Federal Government out of the way Obama, President Bush, and President recent study found that last year, rural of this promising market. Clinton combined. Combined, 84 clo- areas outpaced the rest of the country The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 will ture votes is more than 3 times as in relative job creation. do the following: many cloture votes as happened in the These are promising signs and long First and foremost, our bill will fi- first 2 years of President Obama, Bush, over due, but, of course, there is a lot nally legalize hemp and remove it from and Clinton altogether. Many of the more work to do. the list of controlled substances. By nominees were then confirmed nearly HEMP FARMING ACT recognizing the difference in statute unanimously. Mr. President, that is why a number between hemp and its illicit cousin, we I hope these stalling tactics will end of us have been working hard on legis- can remove much of the confusion fac- soon because the personnel business lation that would get government out ing farmers, producers, and State agen- isn’t going anywhere. Today, in fact, of the way in another important re- cies.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.006 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2086 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 Second, the legislation will allow were spelled out on this package. Good MERKLEY and I can join you and Sen- States to become the primary regu- for your heart, and good for your blood ator PAUL. We will have colleagues on lators of hemp, if they can develop a pressure. both sides involved in this legislation. plan to properly monitor its produc- I looked at the package, and the It is long overdue. tion. package clearly indicated that it had I thank the leader. Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner been grown outside the United States. I yield the floor. Quarles is a strong supporter of hemp So I said to my wife, who is a business- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I and its potential, and under his guid- woman and savvy about such matters: thank my friend from Oregon. I think ance, the industry is already growing What would be wrong with saying that this is a great project we can work on and maturing in Kentucky through the if you can buy it in a major super- together. pilot program. He and State leaders market in America, our farmers ought During the recent break, I met with like him around the country are well to be able to grow it in America? a lot of farmers in Kentucky. Since positioned to develop their own poli- She said: Well, dear, that just sounds farmers demographically tend to be cies and take the industry to the next way too logical for what goes on in older in most of our States, I thought level. If States are unable or choose your world. it was particularly noteworthy that not to create their own regulatory I think what the leader has said—and there were a lot of young, enthusiastic plan, the U.S. Department of Agri- I just want to back this up with a little farmers, including research people culture will provide the necessary over- more detail—is that the current policy from the University of Kentucky Col- sight. is somehow based on the idea that lege of Agriculture, with genuine en- Third, this bill will also allow re- hemp is a dangerous drug, meaning thusiasm about what this could mean searchers to apply for competitive Fed- that if you look at the way some peo- to help reinvigorate a rural economy in eral grants from the USDA, so we can ple have attacked this idea in the past, Kentucky that is not what it used to be continue to see more innovation with that was always the heart of it, that when we had tobacco as our No. 1 cash respect to this extraordinarily hemp was a dangerous drug. crop. That has faded, and it should versatile crop. Hemp does not produce the high asso- have, given the health implications of Finally, our legislation will also ex- ciated with marijuana. The only thing it. plicitly make hemp farmers eligible to you are going to accomplish by smok- This is an opportunity for us to do apply for crop insurance. That will en- ing hemp is wasting your breath, wast- something together, to do something able farmers to build out a steady busi- ing your time, and wasting lighter important for rural America, and I ness model and put it on a level play- fluid. That is pretty much what you look forward to working with my ing field with other crops. would accomplish. This misguided pol- friend and colleague to achieve success. I look forward to continuing to work icy of treating hemp like it is some RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER with colleagues here in Congress and kind of peril, an imminent threat to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The hemp farmers in Kentucky and the American people, is, I think, a mis- Democratic leader is recognized. throughout the Nation on this legisla- take, and it means that the hemp prod- RUSSIA INVESTIGATION tion. ucts that are lined up on shelves all Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, over Again, I particularly thank Senator across America simply aren’t going to the past 2 weeks, we have seen increas- WYDEN and Senator MERKLEY for work- be fully American-made. ingly worrisome signs that President ing with me on this bipartisan bill. I Senator MCCONNELL and Senator Trump is seriously considering firing also thank Congressman COMER, a PAUL have heard that from farmers in the special counsel in charge of the in- longtime advocate for hemp—who, by Kentucky, and Senator MERKLEY and I vestigation into Russia’s meddling in the way, is a former agriculture com- have heard that from farmers in Or- the 2016 election. Equally troubling is missioner in Kentucky—for taking the egon. That is why it is so important the possibility of the President firing lead in introducing companion legisla- that we move to a system that is built the Deputy Attorney General who tion over in the House. I will be proud on common sense, something that will oversees that investigation in order to to continue to work with him on this be good for farmers, and something install someone who would dismiss Mr. issue. that will be good for consumers and Mueller or otherwise impede or shut Today is a promising step. I am hope- certainly offer additional consumer down the investigation. ful that together we can get this bill choice. Let me be clear. Firing Mr. Rosen- across the finish line and onto the If I might build on the now sort of stein would be as great an injury to our President’s desk. memorialized words of Nancy Wyden, democracy as firing Mr. Mueller. Mr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- because when we talked about, hey, if Rosenstein, by all accounts, since ator from Oregon. you can buy it in a market in Oregon, being appointed by President Trump, Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, the ma- the farmers ought to be able to grow has followed the letter of the law. jority leader said that this is a prom- it—I think that is a pretty good watch- There is no conduct the President or ising day, and I would just say that I word for this bipartisan bill we are un- anyone else can point to that would think it is more than that. It is really dertaking. suggest Mr. Rosenstein went beyond a milestone to have the majority lead- I look forward to working closely DOJ regulations or otherwise abused er of the Senate working with a bipar- with you, Mr. Leader. We are obviously his position. He has dutifully done his tisan group of us to lift a restriction going to be working with Chairman job. When he approved Mr. Mueller’s that is anti-farmer, certainly anti-con- ROBERTS and Senator STABENOW, the referral to the U.S. attorney in the sumer, and anti-common sense. This ranking Democratic leader. This is Southern District, it was simply be- industrial hemp restriction really, in long, long overdue. cause he was provided sufficient evi- my view, is working in needless hard- As you noted, we have bipartisan dence that Mr. Mueller had uncovered ships from sea to shining sea. supporters, and we are going to pull a potential crime. It doesn’t matter if I am going to take a minute to build out all the stops to get this legislation it upsets President Trump; Mr. Rosen- on some of the majority leader’s re- passed. I think I mentioned to the ma- stein was following the facts and the marks. jority leader that those who have been law. It is the obligation of a Justice Colleagues may have heard me say involved in this effort—and it has been Department official when he or she that, for me, this issue goes back sev- a really impressive coalition of farm- sees evidence of a crime to pursue it eral years. My wife was pregnant, and ers, health advocates, and others—are without fear, without favor. That is she and I headed from our house in watching the Senate this morning. what Rosenstein was doing, and some- Southeast Portland, and we went off to They are saying that the Senate has fi- how President Trump doesn’t grasp the the nearby Costco store. We were walk- nally come to understand what is rel- rudiments of our democracy and our ing through the aisles, and we came evant for this century. The policies system of laws. across a huge bag of hemp hearts. It that have been so flawed in the past Instead, President Trump seems to said: Great fiber. Terrific source of pro- are sort of outdated relics of yester- have the view that the Justice Depart- tein. A variety of different attributes year, and I am pleased that Senator ment exists to protect his interests and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.008 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2087 prosecute his enemies. But in the long under an expedited procedure to deter- boosts the corporation’s stock price to history of our grand, wonderful coun- mine if Mr. Mueller were fired for provide a reward for the wealthy CEOs try—God’s noble experiment, as the cause. If he weren’t fired for cause, the and top executives who have the shares Founding Fathers called it, and it still special counsel would be reinstituted and shareholders, the vast majority of is today—that has never been what the immediately. That makes eminent whom are wealthy Americans and a Justice Department has stood for. It is sense. The bipartisan legislation would third of whom are not even Americans. an independent Federal agency tasked simply provide a legal avenue to rein- They get the breaks. with following the law wherever it force existing procedures and assure A stock buyback is designed to feath- leads, free of considerations of politics that the grand tradition of rule of law er the nest and increase the power and or power. Mr. Rosenstein is acting in is maintained. support among shareholders of the line with that long and great tradition, Chairman GRASSLEY and Ranking CEO. When you buy back stock, you and it is no reason—none at all—for Member FEINSTEIN have agreed to hold use that money—instead of investing it the President to fire him. a hearing and mark up this legislation. in workers, instead of investing it in a My friends on the other side of the I applaud them both for it and urge the new plant, instead of investing it in aisle know, just as well as we do, that members of the Judiciary Committee training—to decrease the number of firing Mr. Rosenstein or Mr. Mueller to approve this legislation without wa- shares, which raises the value of the would precipitate a constitutional cri- tering it down or weakening it with other shares. So who benefits? The sis. Our constitutional order is built amendments. We should pass it out of shareholders. Who are the share- upon a bedrock faith in the rule of law, committee. Leader MCCONNELL should holders? They are the CEOs and major of equality under the law. No person— bring it to the floor of the Senate officers of the corporations, so they are not even the President—can subvert quickly, where I believe it would pass not doing this without self-interest. that principle for his or her political with a very large majority, and we As I said, 80 percent of the stocks in interests or needs. should pressure our colleagues in the America are owned by the top 10 per- Let me remind everyone that the in- House to do the same. It is my view cent of the wealthy. It is not very vestigation is not a witch hunt, as the that if the bill came to the floor and good. President keeps tweeting it is. It has passed the Senate by a significant ma- Let me give you an example. These resulted in multiple indictments and jority, the House would follow because are the kinds of things that are hap- guilty pleas. By definition, that is not the pressure would be enormous. pening daily. Devon Energy announced a witch hunt. The Trump administra- The rule of law, quite simply, should a billion-dollar stock buyback in tion itself leveled sanctions against not be a partisan issue. It must not be March, and 2 days ago they said that Russians based on information ob- a partisan issue. We cannot ever let it they are laying off 9 percent of their tained as a result of the Russia probe. become a partisan issue. The last time workers ‘‘to streamline operations and So if the President’s own administra- it was at risk under President Nixon’s boost the shale oil producer’s sagging tion, separate from Mueller, leveled administration, Republicans stepped up returns and stock price.’’ They are not sanctions against the Russians using to the plate, and they went down in atypical. information that Mueller has gotten, history as very admirable. I hope they According to JUST Capital, 60 per- how can he then proceed to call it a will do it again. The Congress should cent of the money in the Republican witch hunt? It just doesn’t add up. speak loudly and soon by passing this tax break went to shareholders, who The investigation concerns the na- legislation in both Chambers. tend to be the wealthiest, and only 6 tional security of the United States. If I yield the floor. percent went to workers. So much for the President were to try to shut it The PRESIDING OFFICER. The all the talk that when we gave the cor- down for personal, political reasons, Democratic leader. porations all this money, the workers there is no doubt we would face a con- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask would gain most of the benefits. It has stitutional crisis. to continue my remarks for a few min- not happened. So let’s make this simple. The con- utes on another subject. Stock buybacks are a big reason why sequences of firing Mr. Rosenstein, Mr. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The workers no longer see the benefits of Mueller, or issuing pardons would be Democratic leader is recognized. record corporate profits. Why? Because dire for our democracy. We have clear Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I instead of investing in corporate prof- evidence from the President himself apologize to my colleague from Dela- its and things that benefit the long- that each of those things is a possi- ware. term health of the economy and work- bility. President Trump basically REPUBLICAN TAX BILL ers—higher wages, new equipment, re- mused about it on national television. Mr. President, on a second issue, on search, development, and new hires— Every Democrat and every Repub- the issue of taxes, since the beginning corporations spend the money on lican, regardless of politics, party, or of the tax debate, Republicans have in- buybacks. ideology, should stand up and say that sisted their bill is about cutting taxes In fact, stock buybacks were illegal what the President is considering is for working Americans. This is despite because they so feathered the nest of not only wrong but a real threat to the the fact that the bill would direct 83 the very few, that when corporate constitutional order of this govern- percent of the benefits to the top 1 per- CEOs and their board did it, they were ment. Once they admit that, what ra- cent of Americans. Despite the fact not objective observers because they tional person would not want to take that they made corporate tax cuts per- would make so much money from steps to prevent a constitutional crisis manent but let individual tax cuts ex- them. So stock buybacks were illegal from happening now, before the Presi- pire, Republicans said that middle- until 1982, which is about the same dent acts precipitously and against the class workers were the focus. Demo- time wages stopped increasing with whole meaning of our democracy? We, crats warned that if you give big cor- corporate profits. in Congress, have the power to prevent porations, powerful corporations, and Senator BALDWIN has led the charge that constitutional crisis and to do it the wealthiest of Americans the over- in our caucus to go back to the days right away. We have the power to pro- whelming lion’s share of the tax cuts, before 1982. So when corporations had a tect the special counsel’s investiga- the corporations would do what they lot of profits, whether through earn- tion. Only the Deputy Attorney Gen- have always done when they have high- ings, revenues, or tax breaks, they eral can fire the special counsel and er profits—distribute it amongst them- couldn’t use these stock buybacks, and only for cause. selves. Unfortunately, we said it at the almost certainly a larger percentage of A bipartisan group of Senators, in- time, and I wish we were wrong, but money would go to the workers and the cluding Senators GRAHAM and TILLIS our warnings proved prescient. middle class. on the Republican side and BOOKER and Almost every day, we hear a new The theory behind the Republican COONS on the Democratic side, have story about a corporation using the tax bill was to allow corporations and come up with legislation that would savings from the Republican tax bill to the richest Americans to keep more of allow the special counsel to appeal a purchase its own stock. That is called their already very great wealth, and firing to a panel of independent judges a stock buyback. What does it do? It maybe the benefits will trickle down to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.010 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2088 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 everybody else. As we are already see- was also. I was a Boy Scout, Civil Air allegations but these occurrences, ing, the idea was folly. The middle Patrol cadet, naval ROTC midshipman, these terrible examples. class will pay the price. served 5 years on Active Duty, and an- As of today, Administrator Pruitt Because of the enormous cost of the other 18 years as a Reserve flight offi- faces growing bipartisan calls for his Republican tax bill—$1.9 trillion, ac- cer. If I don’t know something about firing or resignation amid nearly 25 cording to the most recent CBO projec- leadership, it is my fault. I have had ethics and improper expenditure alle- tion—the number keeps going up. All great mentors, great role models. I was gations—25—and growing. of our deficit hawks on the other side trained as a leader since the age of 11. This is 2 weeks of turmoil. This chart of the aisle somehow forgot about that I want to mention this about leader- is the cliff notes version. There is when it came to giving breaks to the ship. Leaders are humble, not haughty. more. It is not anything to be proud of. wealthiest Americans and big corpora- Leaders are servants. Our job is to It is a lot to be ashamed of—excessive tions. The deficit and debt will grow serve, not be served. We lead by exam- raises for political appointees who over the next several years, and many ple. Leaders stay out of step when ev- came with him from Oklahoma and un- Republicans are already talking about erybody else is marching to the wrong precedented security requirements are targeting Social Security, Medicaid, tune. Leaders put the best team around just a few of his growing collection of and Medicare for cuts to make up the them that they can find. When the scandals that have made headlines al- difference. On top of the tax bill that team does well, the leader gives credit most every day in recent weeks. mostly goes to the folks who need it to the team. If the team falls short, the Since his confirmation, Adminis- the least, the Republican tax bill has leader takes the blame. trator Pruitt has developed a taste for become an excuse for Republicans to Leaders are aspirational. They appeal the finer things in life, particularly come after Social Security, Medicare, to our better instincts. They are pur- when the American taxpayer is picking and Medicaid. veyors of hope. Leaders build bridges, up the tab. Mr. Pruitt has been broadly It was a huge mistake and could have not walls. Leaders focus on doing what criticized for his lavish spending of been crafted a whole lot better had our is right—not what is easy or what is taxpayer dollars on various flights in Republican colleagues decided to work expedient but what is right. Leaders his first year as EPA Administrator, with us Democrats. treat other people the way they want including international trips, first- I yield the floor. to be treated. They actually embody class flights, weekend trips home to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- the Golden Rule. Oklahoma, and chartered military jets. LIVAN). The Senator from Delaware. Leaders focus on excellence in every- Mr. Pruitt somehow managed to Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, we are spend over $1,600 on a flight from Wash- here today primarily to discuss the thing they do. If it isn’t perfect, they ington, DC, to New York City last year. nomination of Andrew Wheeler to serve say: Let’s make it better. Let’s work It takes real effort to find a seat that as Deputy Administrator of the Envi- with other people to make it better. expensive. My offer to Mr. Pruitt still ronmental Protection Agency. Before I When leaders know they are right, are stands; that the Administrator join me turn to Andrew Wheeler, I want to convinced they are right, and other spend a few minutes talking about our people realize they are right, leaders on Amtrak and save a ton of money. Administrator Pruitt took a $40,000 current EPA Administrator. don’t give up. Recent reports of EPA Administrator I knew 13 or 14 months ago what kind trip to Morocco in December 2017 to Scott Pruitt’s ethical shortcomings of steward Scott Pruitt would be with promote liquefied natural gas—an issue and lavish spending on the American respect to protecting our air, our that is not within his Agency’s juris- taxpayers’ dime are breathtaking, but water, our public health. I had no diction. On his way to Morocco, Ad- they should come as no surprise. Just idea—no idea—what kind of leader he ministrator Pruitt missed two flights over a year ago, I stood at the very would prove to be with respect to eth- while staying in Paris for 2 days. Re- same spot where I stand today to dis- ical behavior or misbehavior. What a ports also indicate that Administrator cuss Mr. Pruitt’s nomination. Last shame. What a shame. Pruitt spent $120,000 on a trip to Italy February, I said that never before had Over the last 2 weeks, we have been last June, including $30,000 in security- I been forced to consider a candidate to barely able to go a day without learn- related expenses, $53,000 in travel lead the EPA who had been so focused ing new and increasingly troubling in- vouchers, and a $36,000 chartered flight throughout his career on crippling the formation about the Administrator’s from Cincinnati to New York City to very Agency he sought to lead or so failures to conduct himself in a way a catch his international flight. A $36,000 hostile to the basic protections that public servant, working on behalf of chartered flight from Cincinnati to keep Americans and our environment the American people, should behave. New York City—really? safe. His poor financial judgment and seri- Mr. Pruitt has spent more than At the same time, I warned our col- ous ethical lapses make it clear that he $105,000 in first-class flights during his leagues that based on his record as at- is unfit for office. Setting aside his first year alone in office. When con- torney general of Oklahoma, Scott lack of stewardship on environmental fronted with the exorbitant pricetag on Pruitt had an unacceptably casual ap- issues, he should have never been con- his first-class travel, the Agency said proach to meeting obligations as a pub- firmed in the first place. Mr. Pruitt’s first-class travel was nec- lic servant. Unfortunately, with re- Administrator Pruitt’s conduct is essary—listen to this—because of the spect to too many of my colleagues, emblematic of an extraordinarily and high number of security threats he had that warning fell on deaf ears. ethically tone-deaf administration. received. If that were truthful, we In the 15 months since he was con- There are some good people in this ad- should all be concerned. There are a lot firmed—narrowly confirmed—Mr. Pru- ministration, a number of them. Our of reasons to believe it is not truthful. itt has proven to be an even worse lead- Presiding Officer knows them, and I He apparently did not consider a er than I imagined on a policy front know them. Unfortunately, one of first-class upgrade to be vital to his but also with regard to one ethical fail- them is not running the Environmental safety while flying on his own dime, ing after another, as well as his dis- Protection Agency, where lavish trips, since Administrator Pruitt flew coach regard for the American taxpayers. extravagant office furniture, and per- on personal trips back home to Okla- The Presiding Officer and I have sonal favors are the norm, not the ex- homa. spent large portions of our lives serv- ception. Administrator Pruitt is also facing ing our country in uniform—he as a President Trump said he was going to scrutiny for assembling a team of 20 se- marine, me as a naval flight officer. I drain the swamp. Scott Pruitt is the curity agents deployed in 19 vehicles— was a midshipman for 4 years before definition of what I recently heard one 20 security agents deployed in 19 vehi- being commissioned, served 5 years in person call a swamp creature, with his cles—who provided an unprecedented the war in Southeast Asia, and 18 years close ties to polluters, misuse of tax- 24/7 level of protection. Administrator at the end of the Cold War as a P–3 air- payer money, and corrupt dealings. Pruitt’s unprecedented domestic and craft mission commander. Should the Senate confirm Andrew international travel has led to rapidly From the age of 11, I was trained to Wheeler, we will be setting him on a escalating costs, with his around-the- be a leader. My guess is, my colleague course to address not just these recent clock security detail racking up so

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.012 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2089 much overtime—get this—that many staffers under the Safe Drinking Water restore confidence, and to get it headed hit their annual salary caps of $160,000. Act authority, allowing him to set sal- back on the right course. CNN has reported that the demands ary levels himself. A 30-year-old senior So, once again, I will warn my col- of providing the Administrator with counsel who worked for Pruitt in Okla- leagues that Scott Pruitt’s behavior the 24/7 security coverage he desired homa was given a raise of approxi- should give us pause before we consider meant taking some investigators from mately $56,000 a year—$56,000 a year. another nomination. their field work. That raise is just $1,000 short of the an- Some of our colleagues on the other The New York Times reported that nual median household income for our side of the aisle may suggest that I am Administrator Pruitt asked his secu- country. Mr. Pruitt’s 26-year-old direc- grandstanding or that this is some ef- rity team to use his vehicle’s emer- tor of scheduling of events got a pay fort to score political points. Let me gency lights and sirens to speed bump too—almost $30,000. just say that this is serious stuff. This through traffic en route to a French On his interview with FOX News last is serious stuff not just to Democrats, restaurant right here in Washington, week, Mr. Pruitt denied knowledge of not just to Republicans or Independ- DC, to celebrate the President’s with- the raises, but recently reported emails ents, not just to the people in govern- drawing from the Paris climate agree- among EPA staff indicated that Mr. ment, but to the people who pay for ment. And when the security agent ad- Pruitt was aware and personally in- that government—the taxpayers of this vised Mr. Pruitt that sirens were only volved with at least one of those raises. country. to be used in an emergency, the agent Perhaps the most troubling among Today we are considering the nomi- was reassigned less than 2 weeks later. the litany of questionable financial ex- nee to serve as the Deputy Adminis- The Washington Post reported that penditures and ethical lapses Mr. Pru- trator of the Environmental Protection Administrator Pruitt also sought a itt has exhibited during his time as Ad- Agency, Andrew Wheeler. The Deputy $100,000-a-month private jet member- ministrator are recent reports that say Administrator is second in command at ship, a bulletproof SUV with run-flat he demoted, reassigned, or pushed out the Agency. The role of Deputy Admin- tires, and $70,000 for office furniture, staff who tried to curtail his spending istrator is to assist the Adminis- including a bulletproof desk. or question his ethical misbehavior. trator—in this case, Scott Pruitt—in I am not sure where Administrator The New York Times reported 2 overseeing the day-to-day operations Pruitt thinks he works, but his secu- weeks ago that at least five officials— that help to keep the Agency running, rity detail has cost the American tax- both career EPA employees and one po- to protect our air, to protect our water, payers nearly $3 million during his ten- litical appointee, four of them high- and to protect our public health. ure—$3 million—roughly three times ranking—were reassigned, demoted, or Scott Pruitt has been making head- that of his predecessor Gina McCarthy. pushed out after they raised concerns lines at the EPA as of late, but for all Related to Administrator Pruitt’s ap- about Mr. Pruitt’s excessive spending the wrong reasons. From his first-class parent privacy concerns, he felt the and mismanagement. flights to his ethically questionable need for taxpayers to pay for him to in- Just yesterday we learned that Mr. dealings with industry, Scott Pruitt stall a private, soundproof, $43,000 Pruitt wanted to revamp EPA memora- has clearly been doing what he wants phone booth in his office at EPA head- bilia to, of all things, more promi- to do at EPA with little regard for the quarters. He added $6,000 biometric nently highlight himself. That is not rules or for the American people. Even locks to the booth, paid $3,000 to have what leadership or public service are if Mr. Wheeler disagrees with the deci- his office swept for bugs, and described supposed to be. sions being made by EPA’s current his soundproof booth as a sensitive The list goes on. Almost every day a leadership, which is something we compartmented information facility. new scandal emerges, and Mr. Pruitt’s should find out, it seems as though No other EPA Administrator in history alleged actions and ethical short- Scott Pruitt simply silences or isolates felt the need for such a booth. I am not comings surpass what many of us or reassigns any dissenters. aware of any Cabinet Secretary who thought even possible. Yet he con- It is important to know how Andrew has felt that kind of need. tinues to serve the American people as Wheeler views the chaos that has en- Earlier this week, Administrator the Administrator of the Environ- gulfed EPA in the last year, most of Pruitt removed a career staffer who ap- mental Protection Agency. which is of Scott Pruitt’s own making. proved an internal report that under- Unfortunately, this outcome was pre- After all, the things we have learned mined Mr. Pruitt’s claims that he dictable. I hope to go to a baseball about the EPA over the last 2 weeks needed to fly first class, a 24/7 security game in Delaware tonight, the home gives us a different outlook than when detail, a bulletproof desk, and other opener for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Leader MCCONNELL filed cloture on An- unprecedented security protections. the Kansas City Royals’ farm club. drew Wheeler’s nomination just before The career staffer who questioned Some of the pitchers are going to the Easter recess. It certainly gives a those expenditures, who approved the throw a pitch tonight, and the pitch different perspective than we had when internal report discussing them, was will be well telegraphed. That means Andrew Wheeler sat before the Envi- removed. the hitters can sort of guess what is ronment and Public Works Committee Reports have also surfaced that Ad- coming their way. last year. ministrator Pruitt bypassed the White Well, this outcome was predictable. It is especially important to learn House to hire ex-lobbyists and sidestep This pitch was well telegraphed. When how Mr. Wheeler would address Scott President Trump’s promise to drain the the Senate confirms a candidate who Pruitt’s ethical lapses because it is be- swamp and require appointees to sign has focused throughout his career on coming clear that my Republican col- an ethics pledge. Utilizing an obscure crippling the very Agency he seeks to leagues, sadly, have little interest in provision in the Safe Drinking Water lead, we should not expect a different addressing them. Act intended to let the Agency quickly result. Expecting anything more from This week, our colleague Senator hire senior management and scientific Mr. Pruitt would be foolish. He spent 6 SHELDON WHITEHOUSE of Rhode Island personnel, Mr. Pruitt instead used his years as Attorney General of Okla- and I sent a letter to our chairman and authority to skirt the ethics pledge homa attacking the very Agency that our friend, Senator BARRASSO, request- and increase the number of ex-lobby- he now leads—suing the very Agency ing a hearing on the troubling informa- ists who could work on issues of impor- he now leads. tion that we received regarding Mr. tance to their previous clients with im- The only question is when President Pruitt’s expensive and unprecedented punity. Trump or Members of this body will fi- security detail. Chairman BARRASSO It goes on. Mr. Pruitt used this same nally hold Scott Pruitt accountable for apparently does not intend to hold a authority to again bypass the White the damage he has done to the Agency hearing. I hope he will reconsider that House and grant significant raises to and the environment he has promised decision. favored staff. and pledged and sworn to protect. When our top government officials After the White House refused to We should know whether Andrew fail to follow the rules, we in Congress boost the pay of those favored staff, Wheeler is up to the task of helping to have a constitutional duty to hold Administrator Pruitt reappointed both right this badly damaged EPA ship, to them accountable and to get to the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.013 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2090 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 truth. What did Thomas Jefferson used oversight here, and our Republican col- leasing a public update on the investigation to say? He said: If the people know the leagues in the Senate have an obliga- 11 days before the election, even as other truth, they will not make a mistake. tion to hold Mr. Pruitt to the same Justice officials urged him not to. Depart- Hopefully, if we in this body know the standards that they held officials who ment policy dictates that investigators aren’t supposed to talk publicly about why truth, we will not either. served in past administrations. If Lisa they are not bringing charges. They espe- The legislative branch of government Jackson had been accused of even a cially don’t do so when they could affect [the is a coequal branch of government. Our fraction of the things it seems as outcome of] an election. Founding Fathers in their wisdom de- though Mr. Pruitt has done, we would That, as people will recall, is one of signed a system where there would be be holding hearings in the Dirksen Sen- the primary reasons why Rod Rosen- checks and balances built in so that no ate Office Building in the EPW hearing stein, the current Deputy Attorney one branch could get too far out of room every week—and we should be. General of the United States, rec- line, but that system only works if Andrew Wheeler worked as a Senate ommended to the President that he dis- each branch is willing to assert its au- staffer. He worked for our friend miss Mr. Comey—for violating Depart- thority. George Voinovich, one of my dearest ment of Justice guidelines when it I am hardly the first person to recog- friends in my whole life. He conducted comes to talking about an investiga- nize the need or the importance of con- oversight throughout his career. He tion, which should remain confidential, gressional oversight. Many of our Sen- later worked for Senator JIM INHOFE. particularly when there is a decision ate colleagues have conducted effective Andrew has worked for Members such not to charge the person being inves- oversight over the years. I have, our as Senator INHOFE and Senator George tigated, and usurping the role of the Presiding Officer has, and many Mem- Voinovich, who I know take and took prosecutor, recognizing that the role of bers of this body have. seriously their oversight roles. We the FBI as a primary investigator is Here is a call for increased oversight should be able to hear from Andrew very different. When it comes to the from 2010. It reads: Wheeler what his plans are to rein in charging decision, that is left to the The legislative branch has its own respon- the abuses at EPA before he takes over Department of Justice, not to the FBI. sibility to provide oversight over the execu- this important job. But, as the article goes on to say: tive branch agencies. . . . Our mission should Mr. President, I reserve the remain- Comey, however, decided that he knew bet- be to provide oversight for the current ad- der of my time. ministration to ensure integrity and trans- ter than everyone else. He was the righteous The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Jim Comey, after all. He was going to speak parency over policy decisions being made jority whip. that affect peoples’ lives today. truth to power. He was also, not inciden- THE FBI tally, going to protect his own fearless As issues arose in previous Con- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I want image. He developed a series of rationales, gresses, previous chairmen held hear- to say a few words about the Federal suggesting that he really had no choice. ings into those matters. Bureau of Investigation, the FBI—our They remain unpersuasive. When doing the Those are not my words. Those are Nation’s premier law enforcement right thing meant staying quiet and taking some lumps, Comey chose not to. the words of our friend, the chairman agency—and to speak about the men of the Environment and Public Works and women who distinguish it. As I said, the article has a lot of com- Committee. First, I want to refer to an opinion plimentary material and also some Let me just say, that I approved this piece in the New York Times that talks criticism, and I think it is a fair piece. message. about the former Director of the FBI, I mention that because so much of Here is a call for increased oversight James Comey. As the article is enti- what we have heard about the FBI and from, I think, April 2016. It reads: tled, ‘‘The Tragedy of James Comey,’’ the Department of Justice recently has Mr. President, like so much in Washington, the story has both positive things to been caught up in the emotions and the D.C., the EPA has grown too big, too arro- say about Mr. Comey—well deserved— drama here in Washington, DC, and gant, too irresponsible, and too unaccount- but also some criticism, which I would while appropriate criticism and inves- able. And people in America deserve ac- tigation of past actions at the Depart- countability. suggest is also well deserved. Perhaps all of us exhibit both positive and nega- ment of Justice should take place— Again, I agree with JOHN BARRASSO. tive attributes. All of us make mis- former Attorney General Loretta Finally, a quote from September 2015 Lynch and why she made the decision reads: takes, and I don’t mean to pick on Mr. Comey unnecessarily, but it sort of not to demand that Director Comey let The agency needs to step back and rethink lays the foundation for what I want to the Department of Justice make the its priorities. . . . The Environmental Pro- ultimate charging decision—there is a tection Agency has been out of control for say. far too long. It is time for Congress and In the April 8, 2018, New York Times lot of room for criticism, and I suggest President Obama to hold the EPA account- article, the first line is, ‘‘James Comey there will be additional information able for its failures, and it is time to rein in is about to be ubiquitous.’’ In other that will be forthcoming and should be this runaway bureaucracy before it does words, he is going to be everywhere produced to Congress as part of our more damage to our communities, to our with his book, published next week. Of oversight responsibilities. But I think economy, and to our country. course, he will be on an ‘‘epic publicity the big mistake Mr. Comey made is as- September 17, 2015. tour, including interviews with Ste- suming that he was a law unto himself Some things are too important to be phen Colbert, David Remnick, Rachel and that the rules applied to everybody held hostage by partisanship. Oversight Maddow, Mike Allen, George Stephan- else but not to him and, as the article shouldn’t only be important when a opoulos, and ‘The View.’’’ So he will be says, that he knew better than anyone Democrat is in the White House. Over- everywhere. else. sight shouldn’t only be a critical com- Of course, we expect him to tell his But all of that I want to contrast ponent of Congress’s work when story from his perspective. As a preface with what I experienced recently, back Barack Obama or Gina McCarthy are for what I want to say about the rank- home in Austin where my wife and I in charge. Oversight of the executive and-file men and women in the FBI, let live. branch is, in fact, our constitutional me just read a couple of paragraphs. I was there during and after the se- responsibility here in the Senate, and The writer says: ries of five bombings that detonated in it should be constant no matter which [Director Comey] was the F.B.I. director packages across the city, killing two party is in power in the Senate, the overseeing the investigation into Hillary people and wounding others. People House, or in the White House. Whether Clinton’s private email server. He and his were very much on edge. It reminds me an official’s actions are right or wrong team decided that she had not done anything of the sniper that was on the loose here does not depend on where they fall on that warranted criminal charges. And [Direc- in Washington, DC, for a while, and the political spectrum. tor Comey] knew that Republicans would people were terrorized—not willing to blast him as a coward who was trying to Even TREY GOWDY—a terrific Con- curry favor with the likely future president. go and put gasoline in their cars. There gressman from South Carolina, the Re- So he decided to go public with his expla- was a similar sort of effect with what publican chair of the House Oversight nation for not charging Clinton and to criti- happened with the bombings in Texas Committee—recognizes the need for cize her harshly. He then doubled down, re- and in Austin.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.015 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2091 While the suspect was still at large, I Sometimes the fierce independence Justice initiative to disrupt the sale of spoke to Austin police chief Brian and tightlipped process by which the opioids online. One special agent said Manley, and he told me how thankful FBI is supposed to operate can irk peo- the point of this new initiative ‘‘ ‘is to he was for the army of Federal agents, ple. We are people with a need for im- put drug traffickers on notice: Law en- including FBI agents, who had sup- mediate gratification who want to forcement is watching when people buy ported the investigation. He told me know the answer right now when, in and sell drugs online. For those who that as many as 500 Federal agents, in- fact, often law enforcement investiga- think the Darknet provides anonym- cluding from the FBI and other agen- tors have to do painstaking, time-con- ity,’ [the special agent] explained, ‘you cies, were on the ground while the sus- suming work, indeed, over years and are mistaken.’ ’’ pect was on the loose. I am sure it was decades. To that FBI agent, I say: Amen, sir. the agents’ methodical investigative Critics say that investigations are Nice work. work, combined with the work of their taking too long or shouldn’t be going As his example shows, the very na- State and local partners, that was the on at all. But that is how the agency is ture of crime itself is changing with big reason why the alleged bomber supposed to operate—on its own, ac- advances in technology, and the FBI is didn’t wreak even more havoc in the cording to the standardized legal proc- busy innovating and adapting to the Texas capital. ess, step by painstaking step. As Direc- changed circumstances and ever-enter- It is important to remember that the tor Wray has said in the past, the FBI’s prising criminals. FBI’s role during the Austin bombings means need to justify its ends, not the Recently, the FBI helped us indict is important to acknowledge in our other way around. No rock should go online sex traffickers who used current political climate, when the Bu- unturned in an investigation because websites like backpage.com to coerce reau has come under criticism and be- that is how crimes are solved and inno- children into sexual servitude. The FBI come the target of so much drama and cent people are exonerated. also provided critical information that politics. Of course, that was mainly For the rank-and-file men and led to the thwarting of a terrorist plot about the past and certainly not about women who work at the FBI, I think it to blow up part of the subway system the new leadership that has been in- is important for us to send a clear and in Manhattan. stalled at the FBI under the leadership emphatic message here in the U.S. Sen- Let’s not forget these countless ex- of FBI Director Christopher Wray. ate: We appreciate everything you do amples as we continue to sort out Of course, the debate started during to protect the public safety and secure issues related to Russian interference the tenure of Loretta Lynch and Eric the public trust. in our last election and what happened Holder at the Department of Justice, I want to particularly acknowledge during the Hillary Clinton email server but it continued through Director the service of the special agent in debacle. Let’s leave politics to those Comey’s investigation, as I said, of Hil- charge of the FBI San Antonio Divi- who work in that realm and allow the lary Clinton, and it has not gotten any sion, Christopher Combs, as well as the men and women of the FBI to do their better. But it is important to distin- other men and women under his com- work. Let’s not forget that in 1935, guish between the rank-and-file profes- mand. These agents have recently been when the FBI adopted the official seal, sionals at the FBI and people who working some pretty long days and the FBI was synonymous not only with made mistakes and overstepped their nights, as we can imagine, supporting the agency’s name but with three bounds and, unfortunately, gave the our local law enforcement during the traits—fidelity, bravery, and integ- rest of the organization—tainted their Austin bombings and the tragic shoot- rity—which appear on the seal to this name. ing at Sutherland Springs last fall. So I want to take a moment to do These days, it is important that our day and describe what truly motivates what Director Wray has done in the appreciation for the Bureau not get the overwhelming majority of FBI per- past, and that is to reintroduce people drowned out by the criticism, with peo- sonnel. to the FBI. The American public needs ple somehow mistakenly assuming that So I wanted to come to the floor to to be reminded of what the FBI actu- because a few people have misbehaved, say thank you to the men and women ally does and how pivotal that work is it somehow reflects on the organiza- at the FBI for all they do in protecting and how long it has been doing it. The tion as a whole. It is important that we this country and pursuing justice. We FBI has been in existence since 1908, let the men and women of the FBI are indebted to them and stand behind and I think ‘‘relentless’’ is the best know we stand behind their detail-ori- them in this unending quest. way to describe it. ented approach to enforcing and up- I yield the floor. The Bureau’s investigations have holding the law, that we support the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- helped solve crimes like cold-blooded FBI’s doing the right thing in the right ator from Delaware. Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, yester- murder, which happened in my home way, pursuing the facts and the evi- day, Jeh Johnson, our former Sec- State in 1983. Just last year, the FBI dence independently and objectively, added the suspect to its Ten Most wherever they lead. retary of the Department of Homeland Wanted list, and shortly thereafter the More than 37,000 men and women Security, dropped by to say hello, and man turned himself in to FBI agents. It work at the FBI. That is a staggering I shared with him the results of an an- took more than three decades, but the number of diligent individuals, all of nual Federal survey. As the Senator FBI pursued all leads until, finally, it whom play some role in investigating may know, every major Federal agency got its man. crimes, executing search warrants, has its employees surveyed with re- That is just one example of what hap- conducting interviews, and carrying spect to its morale. Some agencies pens every day at the FBI. Under the out counterintelligence investigations have very high morale, and some agen- effective leadership of Director Wray, across our country. cies have not so high. the agency has remained committed to Today, the FBI helps track down fu- I am still a member of the Homeland doing things independently and by the gitives, terrorists, kidnappers, bank Security Committee. Jeh Johnson and book—which I think is perhaps the robbers, and more. It publishes its top Alejandro Mayorkas, who were the Sec- most important characteristic—for as Ten Most Wanted list, as I alluded to retary and Deputy Secretary of that long as it takes to close the cases. earlier, and tracks down thousands of Department, spent 3 years serving in It is absolutely critical that law en- other leads at the same time. It inves- these capacities and working with us forcement agencies do things by the tigates terrorism, cybercrime, civil on the committee to try to figure out book and follow the rules and the law. rights violations, public corruption, how we could help the employees at the We have seen criticism directed toward elder fraud, and even weapons of mass Department of Homeland Security feel Director Comey and former Attorneys destruction. better about their work. General Loretta Lynch and Eric Holder The FBI provides crisis intervention I would come here to this floor every because they did not appear to do teams—including mental health profes- month and pick out a different part of things by the book but appeared to be sionals and even chaplains—after mass the Department of Homeland Security unduly swayed by other considerations casualty events. where work was being done and have and, indeed, broke the rules in the It recently launched Operation Dis- posters and pictures, just as the Sen- book, so to speak. array, part of a broader Department of ator has done here today, in order to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.017 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 make real the service and the sac- it is with the No. 1 at the EPA, where assist in the survival of our country’s rifices of the folks, whether they be in there is a stopgap who is going to de- coal industry.’’ the FBI or the Department of Home- fend us. What are the recommendations? land Security. It was one of those This is a very dangerous duo. Scott Page 1: ‘‘SUSPEND THE COAL- things, we found out, that kind of reso- Pruitt is a complete flunky of the fos- FIRED POWERPLANT EFFLUENT nated in the Department. It just sil fuel industry—largely disgraced but LIMITATION GUIDELINES.’’ spread. Even to this day, people re- still hanging on there and his only Yes. Why would we want limitations member it and express thanks for that. claim to fame being that he will do on the effluent that a coal-fired power- I thank the Senator for taking a mo- anything the fossil fuel industry tells plant can emit? Why on Earth would ment to do, really, something very him to do. That is why he is hanging anybody want that? No. To suspend similar—maybe better—than what I on. Now coal lobbyist Wheeler is com- those is one of the recommendations. tried to do over those years. ing on to be his No. 2. That is a dan- The second is to withdraw and sus- When I was the chairman of the gerous combination to lead our Envi- pend the so-called endangerment find- Homeland Security Committee, I will ronmental Protection Agency. ing. The endangerment finding is the say I had a chance to work with Jim There was an interesting series of fact-based finding at the EPA that Comey—not every day but a fair photographs that actually got the pho- shows that, in addition to it being a amount. I have worked with a lot of tographer fired in this administration matter of law pursuant to Massachu- great leaders and some who were not so for having released these photographs. setts v. EPA, carbon dioxide is a pol- great. The Senator from Texas has as There was a little meeting over at the lutant in the air. This is the Agency’s well. Yet I must say that I have enor- Energy Department with Secretary finding that it is actually a dangerous mous respect for Jim Comey, for his in- Perry and Bob Murray, who is the head pollutant in the air. That is why it is tegrity and his commitment to doing of Murray Energy. He is a coal baron, called the endangerment finding. So what is right. I have high regard for and he, obviously, has one interest in they want to knock that out so they Chris Wray, our new FBI Director, but mind, which is to sell more coal, burn can knock out regulation of more coal- there is a part of me that still wishes more coal, and to heck with the rest of powered powerplant effluents, includ- Jim Comey were still leading that you, more or less. ing carbon dioxide. agency. So we will see what he writes This was Mr. Murray as he arrived at Then they want to eliminate the tax in his book, but I wish him and his the Department of Energy, up in the credit for wind and solar. Here is an in- family well. Secretary’s conference room. The bald dustry that gets, according to the Thank you. gentleman is Mr. Murray. The man International Monetary Fund, $700 bil- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- whose head is obscured behind him in lion a year in effective subsidies in the jority whip. this torrid hug is our Energy Sec- United States of America alone, and Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I sug- retary. So you knew things were going their goal is to knock out the little gest the absence of a quorum. to go well for Mr. Murray at this meet- production tax credit that wind and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ing after that nice, cozy reception that solar get? That is what he asked for. clerk will call the roll. he got. ‘‘WITHDRAW FROM THE . . . PARIS The legislative clerk proceeded to Then the photographer went on and CLIMATE ACCORD.’’ Well, we all call the roll. took this picture, which is of Murray know he was obeyed on that. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I Energy Corporation’s recommenda- Here’s a particularly good one: ‘‘END ask unanimous consent that the order tions to the Honorable Richard Perry . . . OZONE REGULATIONS.’’ Let me for the quorum call be rescinded. as to what he should do about the envi- state what Rhode Island’s experience in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ronment. I will spend some more time this is. The midwestern powerplants objection, it is so ordered. on that memo in just a moment. After burn coal and other fossil fuels. They Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I long delays, we were actually able to run the exhaust out of smoke stacks. am here to react to the President’s se- get our hands on it. They delayed and Many of them have raised enormously lection of Andrew Wheeler to be the they fiddled and they faddled and high smoke stacks to get all that stuff proposed No. 2 at the EPA. This is a se- wouldn’t confirm that they had it. way up into the air, so it is then car- lection that continues the Trump ad- When the photograph showed that they ried by prevailing winds out of their ministration’s essentially complete had it, they said: OK. We will give it to State—out of their State. As it bakes subservience to the fossil fuel industry you when we give our FOIA requests. in the heat as it travels through the in the entire environmental arena. Great. Thanks a bunch. So much for air, it becomes ozone. That ozone lands I have described Scott Pruitt, Rick congressional oversight. in Rhode Island. Perry, and Ryan Zinke, who is over at I hope that if the now majority is Ladies and gentlemen, children go to Interior, as the three stooges of the ever in the minority in the Senate, the hospital because of asthma com- fossil fuel industry, and I reiterate that that it doesn’t get treated this way— plications from ozone in Rhode Island. today. being told to line up with the FOIA We have had periods when, on a bright Scott Pruitt, in addition to being one folks as they are not interested in re- and sunny day, the talk radio, your of those stooges, also has some of the sponding to oversight requests for drive-time radio, announces to Rhode most extraordinary displays of uneth- memos, but that is what we got. Islanders that today is a bad air day in ical and self-serving political acts of Here is another photograph from that the State of Rhode Island, and the el- anybody I have ever seen. I can only meeting. Here is Mr. Murray telling derly and babies and any people with imagine what this floor would look like the Energy Secretary what to do. breathing difficulty should stay in- if an Obama appointee had engaged in There is the Energy Secretary—fresh doors. You are not welcome out-of- those kinds of behaviors. In all of those out of his nice hug—being told what to doors because of ozone levels. seats, we would have had Republicans do. Here is Mr. Wheeler, the guy who is This guy wants to end ozone regula- shouting and jumping up and down in going to be the No. 2 at the EPA. He tion. I think not. This guy was his lob- their being infuriated by that mis- was right in the room where the Mur- byist in trying to do that. That is what conduct. Yet, because it is Pruitt, be- ray directions to the Trump adminis- has become of the EPA. cause it is Trump, and because the fos- tration were being discussed and deliv- What else? ‘‘OVERTURN THE . . . sil fuel industry is getting everything ered. CROSS-STATE AIR POLLUTION it wants out of this guy, the silence is Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- RULE.’’ Rhode Island doesn’t create deafening. But that doesn’t change the sent that this document be printed in much air pollution. The EPA protects underlying fact that the American peo- the RECORD at the conclusion of my re- Rhode Island from other States’ air ple are owed folks in high office who marks. pollution with—guess what—the cross- take their public duty seriously. There Here is the action plan. It reads: state air pollution rule. He wants to is very little chance that Mr. Wheeler ‘‘Dear Secretary Perry, enclosed is an overturn it. is going to take his public duties seri- Action Plan for achieving reliable and Finally, ‘‘CUT THE STAFF OF THE ously as No. 2 at the EPA. It is not like low cost electricity in America and to U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.018 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2093 AGENCY IN AT LEAST HALF.’’ Well, resources are given to him for his personal range of uncertainty related to temperatures they are doing a pretty good job of de- benefit is a big reason, as well. over 25 years. The climate model failures are stroying the Environmental Protection I thank the newspaper in West Vir- well documented in their inability to emu- Agency as an agency that does environ- ginia for acknowledging that some con- late real-world climate behavior. Models that are unable to simulate known climate mental protection, but I have to say, duct is so disgraceful that it goes too behavior cannot provide reliable projections cutting the Agency in half and firing far. of future climate behavior. As for the sci- half of it—that seems a bit much. When that is the No. 1 person in the entific assessments underlying the ‘‘syn- They also want Justices of the Su- EPA, we have no business confirming thesis’’ of findings used by EPA, many were preme Court who rule in favor of coal. this person as the No. 2 person for the not peer reviewed, and there are multiple in- They want to replace all the members EPA. stances where portions of peer reviewed lit- of the Federal Regulatory Energy Com- With that, I see colleagues who, I as- erature germane to the ‘‘endangerment find- mission, the members of the Tennessee sume, want to speak in favor of this ing’’ were omitted, ignored or unfairly dis- missed. Valley Authority board, and the mem- nominee, and I will yield the floor to bers of the National Labor Relations them. ELIMINATE THE THIRTY (30) PERCENT PRODUC- There being no objection, the mate- TION TAX CREDIT FOR WINDMILLS AND SOLAR Board. There is a bunch in there to PANELS IN ELECTRICITY GENERATION rial was ordered to be printed in the make sure that coal safety regulations Electricity generated by windmills and are undone. RECORD, as follows: solar panels costs twenty-six (26) cents per That is what we are dealing with. We MURRAY ENERGY CORPORATION, kilowatt hour with a four (4) cent per kilo- are dealing with an agency that has St. Clairsville, OH, March 28, 2017. watt hour subsidy from the American tax- been taken over by the fossil fuel in- Hon. J. RICHARD PERRY, payers. These energy sources are unreliable dustry, and it has gotten so bad that I Secretary, Department of Energy, and only available if the wind blows or the want to conclude with this editorial, Washington, DC. sun shines. Coal-fired electricity costs only DEAR SECRETARY PERRY: Enclosed is an which I ask unanimous consent to have four (4) cents per kilowatt hour. Low cost Action Plan for achieving reliable and low electricity is a staple of life, and we must printed in the RECORD at the conclu- cost electricity in America and to assist in have a level playing field in electric power sion of my remarks. the survival of our Country’s coal industry, generation without the government picking This is an editorial from, of all which is essential to power grid reliability winners and losers by subsidizing wind and places, the Charleston, WV, Gazette- and low cost electricity. solar power. We are available to assist you in any way Mail. I think the body can take notice WITHDRAW FROM THE ILLEGAL UNITED NATIONS that you request. that West Virginia is more or less the COP 21 PARIS CLIMATE ACCORD Sincerely, heart of coal country. ROBERT E. MURRAY, The United Nation’s COP 21 Paris Climate Here is what the Charleston, WV, Ga- Chairman, President Control Accord, to which Barrack Obama has zette-Mail said about where things are & Chief Executive Officer. already committed one (1) billion dollars of at EPA right now. The title is ‘‘Edi- America’s money, is an attempt by the rest torial: With self-serving Pruitt at EPA, ACTION PLAN FOR RELIABLE AND LOW COST of the world to obtain funding from our Trump is building a swamp.’’ ELECTRICITY IN AMERICA AND TO ASSIST IN Country. It is an illegal treaty never approved by Congress, and it will have no effect Here are some selections: THE SURVIVAL OF OUR COUNTRY’S COAL IN- DUSTRY on the environment. Donald Trump campaign crowds loved to END THE ELECTRIC UTILITY MAXIMUM ACHIEV- chant, ‘‘Drain the Swamp!’’ But if ever there SUSPEND THE COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT EFFLU- ABLE TECHNOLOGY AND OZONE REGULATIONS was a political swamp creature, it’s Scott ENT LIMITATION GUIDELINES (ELG) AND COAL Pruitt, the man Trump picked to head the COMBUSTION RESIDUALS (CCR) RULES OF THE We have won these issues in the United U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION States Supreme Court, and these rules must AGENCY be completely overturned. The Charleston Gazette-Mail con- FUND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN CLEAN tinues: The compliance deadlines for both regulations must be suspended. The illegal ELG COAL TECHNOLOGIES Pruitt has been a shill for fossil fuel indus- rule needs to be rescinded. The CCR regula- The Federal government must support the tries since his days as attorney general in tion need to be rewritten delegating the au- development of some Clean Coal Tech- Oklahoma, so maybe he saw this— thority to the states in light of the new leg- nologies, including: ultra super critical com- all his self-aggrandizing expenditures— islation passed in December. bustion; high efficiency, low emission coal as his just desserts. But of all the Trump ad- IMPLEMENT EMERGENCY ACTIONS RELATIVE TO firing; combined cycle coal combustion; and ministration flunkies who have used tax- THE SECURITY AND RESILIENCY OF THE ELEC- others. It should not fund so-called carbon payer money for their personal benefit, Pru- TRIC POWER GRIDS capture and sequestration (‘‘CCS’’), as it itt may be the worst. The Department of Energy (‘‘DOE’’) must does not work, practically or economically. Democrats and some Republicans use CCS as That is the word from Charleston, issue an emergency directive to have an immediate study done of the security and resil- a political cover to insincerely show that WV. they are proposing something for coal. But, Some of the examples: iency of our electric power grids. DOE will direct that no power plants having an avail- carbon capture and sequestration is a pseu- [Pruitt] used a loophole in the Safe Drink- able fuel supply of at least forty-five (45) donym for ‘‘no coal’’. ing Water Act that’s supposed to let the EPA days be closed during the study period, or a OVERHAUL THE BLOATED AND POLITICALIZED hire experts quickly in a [drinking water] minimum of two (2) years. MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION emergency . . . [to] give tax taxpayer-funded OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ‘‘ENDANGERMENT FINDING’’ FOR GREENHOUSE raises to political lackeys. GASES This Federal agency, over the past eight (8) [He] took first-class, charter, and military There must be a withdrawal and suspen- years, has not been focused on the coal flights that cost taxpayers $163,000. miner safety, but on politics, bureaucracy, He . . . tripled the size of his security de- sion of the implementation of the so-called ‘‘endangerment finding’’ for greenhouse waste, and violation quotas. While coal mine tail. employment has been cut in half, the Fed- He had the EPA spend $25,000— gases. EPA’s ‘‘endangerment finding’’ under the eral Mine Safety and Health Administration I think we actually know that is up Clean Air Act serves as the foundation for has continued to hire inspectors every year. to $43,000 now— the agency’s far reaching regulation of the But, the government has nowhere to put to build a soundproof communications booth economy in the form of emission limitations them. Murray Energy Corporation received in his office. for greenhouse gases, including carbon diox- an average of 532 Federal inspectors per month in 2016. There is nothing more that the EPA ide. The high degree of uncertainty in the range of data relied upon by EPA combined We must send a Company manager with Administrator needs than a cone-of-si- every one of these inspectors, taking us lence soundproof booth in his office—as with the enormous regulatory costs without concomitant benefits merit revisiting the away from our employee safety inspections if he is running the CIA or something. ‘‘endangerment findings’’. and safety training. They conclude: According to EPA’s finding, the ‘‘root CUT THE STAFF OF THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL There are many reasons why Scott Pruitt cause’’ of recently observed climate change PROTECTION AGENCY IN AT LEAST HALF shouldn’t be leading the EPA, primarily that is ‘‘likely’’ the increase in anthropogenic Tens of thousands of government bureau- he doesn’t seem to believe in science and is greenhouse gas emissions. EPA relied upon crats have issued over 82,000 pages of regula- more interested in helping big business than, computer-based climate model simulations tions under Obama, many of them regarding you know, protecting the environment. But and a ‘‘synthesis’’ of major findings from sci- coal mining and utilization. The Obama his obvious belief that taxpayer money and entific assessment reports with a significant EPA, alone, wrote over 25,000 pages of rules,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.020 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2094 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 thirty-eight (38) times the words in our Holy was a political swamp creature, it’s Scott Deputy Administrator of the Environ- Bible. Pruitt, the man Trump picked to head the mental Protection Agency. OVERTURN THE RECENTLY ENACTED CROSS- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pru- During the previous administration, STATE AIR POLLUTION RULE itt has been in the news most recently for the Environmental Protection Agency his cozy relationship with the lobbyist for a This regulation particularly punishes issued burdensome regulations that states in which coal mining takes place to Canadian pipeline company. The company, Enbridge Inc., received a high recommenda- harmed American workers and Amer- the benefit of other wealthier east coast ican communities. Since President states. tion from Pruitt’s EPA for an oil pipeline expansion project. Trump took office 15 months ago, the REVISE THE ARBITRARY COAL MINE DUST REGU- Enbridge’s lobbyist was the firm of Wil- EPA has rolled back many of these LATION OF THE MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH AD- liams & Jensen. The wife of the firm’s chair- MINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR punishing regulations, including the man owns a pricey condominium in Wash- so-called Clean Power Plan and the This regulation provides no health benefit ington, D.C., and was letting Pruitt live to our coal miners, and threatens the de- there for $50 a night, sometimes joined by his waters of the United States, or the struction of thousands of coal mining jobs. daughter, and Pruitt only had to pay for the WOTUS, rule. OBTAIN LEGISLATION TO FUND BOTH THE RE- nights he stayed there. That is an unbeliev- Under President Trump and EPA Ad- TIREE MEDICAL CARE AND PENSIONS FOR ALL ably sweet deal, and while there’s no direct ministrator Scott Pruitt, this Agency OF AMERICA’S UNITED MINE WORKERS OF evidence of a mutual back-scratching, it sure is now working for commonsense envi- AMERICA (UMWA)—REPRESENTED, RETIRED looks that way. On some level, this is no sur- ronmental policies—policies that don’t COAL MINERS prise. Pruitt has been a shill for fossil fuel harm the American economy and don’t For four (4) years, Senate Majority Leader industries since his days as attorney general punish American families. Mitch McConnell has refused to address this in Oklahoma, so maybe he saw this as his Administrator Pruitt needs his full issue. Some say that this is because the just desserts. But of all the Trump administration flunkies who have used taxpayer team at the Environmental Protection UMWA wrongly opposed him in his recent Agency in order to accomplish these election. This must be taken care of. And the money for their personal benefit, Pruitt may legislation enacted must address not just be the worst. goals. So today, the Senate is going to those recently orphaned through company Despite the White House telling him not to consider the nomination of Andrew bankruptcies and mine closures, but the give large raises to two employees who fol- Wheeler to be Deputy Administrator of medical benefits and pensions that were lowed him from Oklahoma, Pruitt did it any- the EPA. The Deputy Administrator is promised to all retired miners by the Federal way. He used a loophole in the Safe Drinking critical in developing and imple- government itself. Water Act that’s supposed to let the EPA hire experts quickly in an emergency, not menting the policies that fulfill the OVERTURN THE MINE SAFETY AND HEALTH AD- give taxpayer-funded raises to political lack- EPA’s mission of protecting human MINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, PAT- eys. One of those lackeys helped Pruitt find health and the environment. TERN OF VIOLATIONS RULE a new place to live, once the EPA adminis- Mr. Wheeler is very well qualified for This rule is a punitive action of the Mine trator had to leave his sweetheart condo deal the position. He spent over 25 years Safety and Health Administration under its behind. Using publicly funded employees for working in environmental policies. At Director for the past eight (8) years, the such private business is another misuse of former Safety Director of a labor union. that time, he served as a career em- taxpayer-funded resources. ployee at the EPA, working as an envi- APPOINT JUSTICES TO THE SUPREME COURT OF During his first year in office, Pruitt took THE UNITED STATES WHO WILL FOLLOW OUR first-class, charter and military flights that ronmental protection specialist. This UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION AND OUR LAWS cost taxpayers $163,000. according to EPA experience makes him uniquely quali- We must offset the liberal appointees who records provided to the U.S. House Oversight fied to serve in the role of Deputy Ad- want to redefine our Constitution and our Committee. Pruitt and a group of aides also ministrator. law. socked taxpayers with a $90,000 bill for a trip He has spent over a decade here on to Italy that included a trip to visit the MEMBERS OF THE FEDERAL ENERGY Capitol Hill, shaping environmental pope. REGULATORY COMMISSION MUST BE REPLACED law. He served as the staff director of Pruitt was flying first-class because of The current Federal Energy Regulatory public confrontations that involved ‘‘vulgar’’ the Senate Environment and Public Commission has a record of favoring actions and ‘‘threatening language,’’ according to Works Air Subcommittee from 1997 to of the Obama Administration. That has sys- The Washington Post. Pruitt is clearly very 2003. This was followed by another 6 tematically devalued base load generation as worried about his security; he has tripled the years as a Republican staff director a result of the Obama ‘‘war on coal’’. These size of his security detail, and is the first and chief counsel for the full com- actions have put the future security and reli- EPA administration to have 24/7 security— mittee, 2003 to 2009. Most recently, Mr. ability of America’s electric power grid at again, at taxpayer expense. That security de- risk. Immediate action needs to be taken to Wheeler has been a consultant for a va- tail includes some EPA agents who would riety of energy and environmental cli- require organized power markets to value otherwise be investigating environmental fuel security, fuel diversity, and ancillary crimes, rather than protecting their snow- ents. services that only base load generating as- flake boss. (Pruitt’s predecessors. Gina Andrew Wheeler’s commitment to sets, especially coal plants, can provide. McCarthy and Lisa Jackson—who were de- sound environmental policies has re- MEMBERS OF THE TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHOR- monized repeatedly by West Virginia politi- ceived recognition from across the ITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MUST BE REPLACED cians, among others—flew coach, with a aisle as well. The ranking member of The Board of Directors of this government much smaller security presence.) the Environment and Public Works agency has followed the mandates of the Maybe Pruitt is just paranoid in general. Committee said this of Mr. Wheeler: Obama Administration, rather than assure In September, he had the EPA spend $25,000— I think having worked in the agency, he reliable, low cost electricity for the Ten- all together now, in taxpayer money—to actually cares about the environment; the nessee Valley Authority’s rate payers, whom build a soundproof communications booth in air that we breathe; the water we drink; the they are mandated to serve in this manner. his office. He’s asked employees not to bring their mobile phones to meetings with him, planet on which we live. REPLACE THE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL and he reportedly prefers not to use email— Stuart Spencer, the president of the LABOR RELATIONS BOARD (‘‘NLRB’’) no doubt because emails from his time as Association of Air Pollution Control Eliminate the antiemployer bias of the Oklahoma attorney general show how much Agencies, said this of Mr. Wheeler: NLRB by appointing members and staff, par- he cozied up to oil and gas producers. There Mr. Wheeler has exemplified excellence in ticularly in the General Counsel’s office, who are many reasons why Scott Pruitt shouldn’t his professional endeavors, in his previous will fairly consider the employer’s position be leading the EPA, primarily that he government service and private sector expe- and needs and not automatically accede to doesn’t seem to believe in science and is rience. In short, he is keenly qualified to hit the unions or unionized employees in every more interested in helping big business than, the ground running at EPA. matter considered. you know, protecting the environment. But There being no objection, the mate- his obvious belief that taxpayer money and I agree. His nomination has garnered rial was ordered to be printed in the resources are given to him for his personal the support of a broad base of organiza- RECORD, as follows: benefit is a big reason, as well. tions, including the National Associa- [From the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Apr. 5, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. tion of Manufacturers, the United Mine 2018] BOOZMAN). The Senator from Wyoming. Workers of America, and the Chamber EDITORIAL: WITH SELF-SERVING PRUITT AT Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I am of Commerce. EPA, TRUMP IS BUILDING A SWAMP here with my colleague from Oklahoma Andrew Wheeler is well qualified to Donald Trump campaign crowds loved to to speak in favor of Andrew Wheeler. I fill this critically important role at the chant, ‘‘Drain the swamp!’’ But if ever there support Andrew Wheeler to serve as the EPA. He is the right person to serve as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.017 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2095 Deputy Administrator of the EPA, and IG testified to an it audit involving a non- mine if they are giving the EPA the same in- I urge every Senator to support this profit receiving federal funding in violation formation they give the IRS. This is part of nomination. of the Lobbying Disclosure Act. Inhofe sub- our long term EPA grants management over- With that, I recognize my colleague sequently began a series of information re- sight. and friend from Oklahoma, who has quests announced at the hearing and there- Mr. INHOFE. Unfortunately, facts after gathering information concerning EPA been a mentor to me on the committee, don’t seem to matter when a Trump grant management. nomination is at stake. The story that the former chairman of the Committee May 4, 2004—Email to EPA requesting the on Environment and Public Works, JIM amounts of EPA grants awarded to the fol- isn’t being told is about his character INHOFE. lowing organizations from 1988–2004: and integrity. People don’t remember The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Association of State Drinking Water Ad- that the Bush EPA told minority mem- ator from Oklahoma is recognized. ministrators bers of the EPW Committee, the Demo- Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I thank Association of State and Interstate Water crats, that they wouldn’t respond to the Senator from Wyoming for the Pollution Control Administrators their letters. great remarks he made about Andrew Environmental Council of the States Well, it was Andrew Wheeler who State and Territorial Air Pollution Pro- made it clear to the EPA that they Wheeler. You know, it is awfully hard gram Administrators to find anyone who knows him well Association of Local Air Pollution Control would answer any questions the minor- who will say anything bad about him. I Officials ity had or, as chairman, I would submit guess the only thing you can criticize Association of State and Territorial Solid their questions for them. No one is tell- him for is that he worked for me for 14 Waste Management Officials (An email was ing that story, but they are spreading years. sent to EPA instead of a letter pursuant to other allegations. But I will tell you, during that time- the request of the EPA citing administrative Another negative story making the frame, over a 14-year period, I don’t re- convenience in responding to an email.) rounds is that Andrew hosted fund- May 20, 2004—Email to EPA following up member anyone ever accusing him of raisers for Senator BARRASSO and me being unfair, of being negative in any on previous request for grant amounts to previous requested groups. while it was known he was going to be way at all. But a couple of things were July 9, 2004—Letter to EPA requesting in- nominated as Deputy Administrator of said, and I think I need to correct the formation to clarify material EPA provided the EPA. record. I need to be the one to correct in response to May email. Well, the fact of the matter is that it because I am the guy he worked for July 12, 2004—Telephone conversation with Andrew hosted these fundraisers long over a long period of time—both in my EPA Grants and Debarment Director and before even being interviewed by the personal office and in my capacity as EPA Project Manager of STAPPA–ALAPCO White House for this nomination. All chairman of the Environment and Pub- grants regarding grants. EPW staff received the dates are there. The facts are lic Works Committee. Because I know previous complaints concerning the par- there. him so well, I have to correct the ticular funding arrangement for STAPPA– After dispensing with the falsehood ALAPCO. EPA confirmed that it has a spe- record on his behalf. cial funding relationship with STAPPA– surrounding Andrew, the rest of the op- One allegation made against Andrew ALAPCO as it provides funding directly out position to him comes down to two in a news article is that he retaliated of grants that are otherwise to be provided things and two things only: He doesn’t against a witness at an EPW—that is directly to states, and other professional as- have the correct view on environ- Environment and Public Works—Sen- sociations do not have such a relationship. mental policy, and he worked for the ate hearing in 2005 because we were un- State that are members of other professional wrong people, including me. Now, those happy with the witness’s testimony. organizations provide dues funding directly things are actually stated on the Sen- Nothing in the news article was true or to those organizations. EPA staff also ref- ate floor, and I understand that. If they accurate. This was an article that erenced the House Report language Inhofe used in his question to STAPPA–ALAPCO as consider that to be an opposition or came out just the other day. something that needs to be corrected, I The witness in question and the a specific directive to the EPA requiring state and local air agency concurrence to believe they are wrong because he was major source of the article was Mr. Bill continue the funding practice. an excellent, excellent employee dur- Becker. He was then the president of STAPPA FUNDING REQUEST ing that time and all the other times. STAPPA, the Association of State Air The fact that he had a choice of some- Directors. These are the State direc- WE HAVE HAD CONCERNS ABOUT WHO THEY REPRESENT FOR YEARS one to support when he had not even tors who are becoming more prominent During the late 90’s debate on Gasoline/ been notified that he might be consid- in what they are able to get through. ered for this nomination is significant. Mr. Becker charged at that time that Sulfur STAPPA took a controversial position defending the auto industry against the The extreme environmentalists were in retaliation for his January 2005 tes- oil industry. At the time we received letters given free rein under the Obama ad- timony, the committee launched an in- from 14 Governors taking the opposite posi- ministration for 8 years, including vestigation into his organization’s fi- tion from STAPPA and heard from several writing the EPA’s regulations, and nances. State Air Directors who complained that they can’t handle the fact that the In reality, the investigation was ac- STAPPA did not represent their views. American people have said ‘‘enough.’’ tually launched almost a year before WE STARTED LOOKING AT THEIR FINANCES LAST Trump and Scott Pruitt have been de- Mr. Becker appeared before the com- SUMMER livering relief for the American people mittee. That is a huge difference. The May 4, 2004—You requested funding infor- and the economy since they have been article cannot be true. mation on 6 different State associations, in- in office. Andrew Wheeler will be a Prior to the hearing, my staff noti- cluding STAPPA from EPA as part of our fied the minority staff of the com- Grants Oversight. great help to Administrator Pruitt in mittee that he was currently under in- July 9, 2004—Requested additional info continuing to implement President vestigation, and we recommended from EPA on all 6. Trump’s vision of returning EPA to an against calling Mr. Becker as a wit- July 12, 2004—We requested more informa- agency of the people, subject to the tion from EPA on STAPPA alone. We re- ness. rule of law. He has worked in EPA be- ceived no complaints about the other organi- fore, even winning awards from EPA, I still have a copy of the memo my zations and STAPPA’s funding arrangement staff prepared for me before the hear- and he will be a good steward for the appears to be different from all of the others. environment. ing in 2005, noting that they had noti- SENATE APPROPS STARTED LOOKING AT THEM fied the minority staff about the inves- It is always difficult when you know LAST FALL someone personally and you know tigation. This is the memo, and I ask Fall 2004—Senate Approps Subcommittee unanimous consent that it be printed their character and you have a per- included funding language directed specifi- sonal love for them and for their career in the RECORD. cally at STAPPA and you have played an integral part to There being no objection, the mate- NOTIFIED MINORITY rial was ordered to be printed in the hear things of a negative nature said Prior to invite to testify, Inhofe staff told about them. As to a lot of the things RECORD, as follows: Jeffords staff that we would be asking ques- TIMELINE OF EPA GRANTS OVERSIGHT INVOLV- tions about their financing and how they they are grouping together, maybe ING FEDERAL GRANTS TO STAPPA–ALAPCO reach their decisions. they don’t like philosophically Scott March 3, 2004—EPW Committee hearing re- All of the IRS information we requested is Pruitt. I do. I spent 20 years in busi- garding EPA grants management where EPA available publicly and is necessary to deter- ness, and I know what overregulation

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.021 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2096 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 is, and I know that our economy was the Trump transition, the public got a or 2 later—I think it was in December suffering during the 8 years that we chance to read the so-called Murray ac- 2009—that the Obama administration’s had others in charge. In fact, the proof tion plan. What is that? It is a list of EPA finalized its determination that of that is that the average increase in policy proposals submitted to Presi- greenhouse gases from motor vehicles our economy for 8 years was 1.5 per- dent Trump and other Trump adminis- are dangerous. In 2010, EPA and the cent. Now, just because of this Presi- tration officials by Mr. Wheeler’s Transportation Department issued the dent and this administration getting former client for a while, Bob Murray. first joint fuel economy and green- rid of some of the overregulations, it is The Murray action plan includes any house tailpipe standards for cars and now well in excess of 3 percent. number of measures that EPA, in the SUVs. Now, people ask: How are you going last 15 months, has begun to imple- In the meantime, many industry to pay for the road program and re- ment, like the repeals of the Clean groups tried to overturn the EPA’s de- building the military that was torn Power Plan and the clean water rule cisions. They filed suits in a number of down during the last administration? and the decimation of the EPA’s career different Federal courts saying that They forget about the fact—and no one workforce. The document also calls for those groups did not agree with the cli- disagrees with this—that for every 1 some measures that EPA has not yet mate science. They didn’t agree with percent increase in the economic activ- acted upon. For example, Mr. Murray the process that EPA used to arrive at ity or GDP, that equates to additional calls for the repeal of the mercury and this endangerment finding, and they revenue to the Federal Government of air toxic standards, rules that limit didn’t like the regulation that EPA $1.9 trillion over a 10-year period. That dangerous pollution from powerplants, was writing in 2009. Well, 2 or 3 years is the reason we now are in a position even though industry is already com- later, in 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals to do some of the things we need to be plying with those same rules. for the DC Circuit, which is the top ap- doing in terms of infrastructure and Mr. Murray also calls for a reexam- peals court in the whole country, right other things and certainly for our mili- ination of climate change science and below the Supreme Court, ruled tary and other areas. So that is signifi- the repeal of EPA’s so-called against the industry, upholding both cant. That is something that Andrew endangerment finding. I will talk a lit- the endangerment finding and the Wheeler knows well, because we have tle bit more about that in a minute. It EPA’s clean air rules. The Supreme gone through this in the past. is the conclusion that both the Bush Court declined to take up the indus- Andrew Wheeler is a wonderful guy, and the Obama administrations try’s appeal. So it stood. and I would defy anyone who knows reached that found that global warm- The U.S. court of appeals essentially him well to say there is any fault in his ing pollution from cars and SUVs was sustained what EPA, under the Obama character. He is going to do a great job, dangerous. I think I will just take a administration, sought to do and what and they need his help. I appreciate the minute and talk about the Stephen Johnson, who was the EPA fact that I believe he is going to be endangerment finding right here. Peo- Administrator in the Bush administra- confirmed to that position. ple talk about the endangerment find- tion the last year or 2, sought to do. With that, I yield the floor. ing. I don’t think it is well-understood So what does all of this mean? What I suggest the absence of a quorum. where it came from, and I wish to take this means is that this is settled law. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The just a moment if I can to try to relate The highest courts in the land have clerk will call the roll. it in terms that I can understand and, said that greenhouse gases are air pol- The bill clerk proceeded to call the hopefully, other people can as well. lutants, they are dangerous, and EPA roll. If you go back to the Clean Air Act, must regulate them. Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I ask section 202 of the Clean Air Act says Now, with that as a backdrop, let me unanimous consent that the order for that if EPA determines that an air pol- say that I met with Mr. Wheeler a cou- the quorum call be rescinded. lutant emitted from motor vehicles en- ple of times in the last year. I asked The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without dangers public health or welfare, EPA him directly whether or not he was in- objection, it is so ordered. has to write regulations to control volved in writing Mr. Murray’s pro- Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rise— those emissions. It has to write regula- posal—the so-called Murray plan that again today for the second time—in options to control those emissions. I be- has been taken as an action plan by position to the confirmation of Andrew lieve it was in 1999 that environmental this administration and by this EPA Wheeler, at this time to be Deputy Ad- organizations petitioned EPA to do under its current Administrator. Mr. ministrator of the Environmental Pro- just that, and they asked EPA to deter- Wheeler assured me that he was not in- tection Agency. It is not a decision I mine that the greenhouse gas emis- volved in writing Mr. Murray’s pro- came to lightly or without consider- sions from motor vehicles were dan- posal. able effort to find a different path. I gerous. President Bush rejected their He did go on to tell me, however, wish to begin this section of my re- position in 2003, saying that green- that one of Murray Energy’s priority marks by describing some of the events house gases did not meet the law’s defi- issues that Andy Wheeler actually that brought us to this point. nition of an air pollutant. worked on was securing health and First, I wish to talk briefly about my The State of Massachusetts led a coa- other benefits for retired miners. I own experience with Mr. Wheeler. As a lition of other States and environ- think that is something most of us staff member of the Environment and mental organizations, though, and they would support. Public Works Committee, working for filed a lawsuit against the Bush admin- Moreover, Mr. Wheeler also assured our dear friend, the late-Senator istration’s decision. In April 2007, I me that he views the EPA’s legal au- George Voinovich, and Senator JIM think it was, the Supreme Court ruled thority to regulate greenhouse gas INHOFE, Mr. Wheeler was not someone in favor of Massachusetts and those emissions, which is based on the with whom we agreed on each and who filed with Massachusetts. The endangerment finding, as settled law. every issue. However, Mr. Wheeler did court told EPA in 2007 that greenhouse Let me say that again. Mr. Wheeler as- prove to be someone with whom we gasses are ‘‘air pollutants’’ under the sured me that he views the EPA’s legal could work on policies on which we did Clean Air Act, and they went on to say authority to regulate greenhouse emis- agree, like, for example, the Diesel that EPA had to determine whether sions, which is based on the Emissions Reduction Act, which re- they were dangerous. endangerment finding, as settled law. duces significantly diesel engine pollu- Although President Bush’s EPA Ad- I have no reason to doubt Mr. Wheel- tion and emissions from older diesel ministrator, Stephen Johnson, was er’s assurances that, at least on the engines. I would also note that his re- ready to make the so-called question of the endangerment finding, sponses during and after last year’s endangerment finding for greenhouse he holds a view that is distinct from hearings on his nomination were, for gases being emitted from cars and Bob Murray’s, and that is a good thing, the most part, encouraging. SUVs, the White House would not let at least to me. I am sure that I speak Mr. Wheeler also has some recent him do it. The White House would not not just for myself when I say that I do professional history that is troubling— let their own EPA Administrator make not feel similarly assured by Adminis- and to some, very troubling. During that finding. So it wasn’t until a year trator Pruitt.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.023 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2097 The Trump White House has said it past several weeks, each day brings the country. They had come to talk wants EPA and the Transportation De- headline after headline. There they are with me and my staff about clean air partment to negotiate what I would again. This is just a handful of head- legislation covering four distinct pol- like to call a win-win on CAFE and lines. This is a target-rich environment lutants. They included mercury, CO2, tailpipe standards with California. in terms of headlines from Scott Pru- nitrogen oxide, and maybe one more— That means the Trump administra- itt. In the past couple of weeks, each all types of legislation for polluters. tion’s policy must be to leave the day brings headline after headline, I had introduced legislation on the endangerment finding alone because scandal after scandal, report after re- heels of President Bush’s proposal. the endangerment finding is what gives port about simply what I think is an President Bush proposed multipollut- EPA and California the authority to unconscionably manner in which Mr. ant legislation that he called Clear write the tailpipe greenhouse gas rules Pruitt is running the Agency, as I Skies. The version I introduced, with a in the first place. talked about earlier. Republican colleague, was called Real- But Administrator Pruitt has repeat- There have been dozens of calls for ly Clear Skies. The four pollutants edly refused to say this clearly. For ex- his resignation that have come from were VOC, NOC, mercury, and CO2. ample, last July, he told Reuters that both parties here and in the House. That is what it was. there might be a legal basis to over- Speculation about how long he will be We had these CEOs from utility com- turn the EPA’s endangerment finding able to remain in the job is at a very panies across the country who came to decision. When I asked him in late Jan- high pitch—very high pitch. It is en- see us. They wanted to talk about our uary not to overturn it for as long as tirely possible that Mr. Wheeler might legislation to, over time, ratchet down he is Administrator, he refused to be sworn in as Acting Administrator the emission of those pollutants from make that commitment. before he spends a single day on the job their utilities. We talked for about an In preparation for Mr. Wheeler’s con- as Deputy Administrator. We will see. hour. At the end of the hour, one of the firmation, I tried very hard to obtain The truth is, we have never really CEOs of the utilities—I think he was some clarity about just what EPA had the opportunity to ask Mr. Wheel- from the southern part of the coun- plans to do with regard to the er how he would remedy the reports of try—said: Look, let me tell you, Sen- endangerment finding and the Agency’s excessive spending out of EPA under ator, what you should do. Here is what stated efforts to negotiate new green- Mr. Pruitt’s leadership—inappropriate you and your colleagues should do with house gas vehicle standards with Cali- travel, retaliation against staff who respect to air emissions for utilities. fornia. dare to cross him, unlawful rule re- He said: Tell us what the rules are My staff and I talked to Bill Wehrum, peals, and the gross abuses of power going to be, give us some flexibility, a who is the EPA Assistant Administer Mr. Pruitt has inflicted on this coun- reasonable amount of time to meet for air—an important job—and with try—if it were suddenly Mr. Wheeler’s those expectations, and get out of the Ryan Jackson, Administrator Pruitt’s job to right those wrongs, which it will way. That is what he said: Tell us what chief of staff. We spent several weeks be if he is confirmed today. the rules are going to be, give us a rea- exchanging drafts of a letter that EPA Neither Mr. Wheeler nor members of sonable amount of time to meet those planned to send me that sought to do the Environment and Public Works expectations, some flexibility, and get three things, to make clear three Committee were even aware of the ex- out of the way. things. tent of many of these problems and With respect to CAFE, what we are First, the letter affirmed the legal scandals when his confirmation hear- doing with fuel efficiency requirements authority EPA used to find that the ing was held more than 5 months ago for cars, SUVs, and trucks—what we greenhouse gas emissions were dan- in the Environment and Public Works need to keep in mind is providing the gerous and set vehicle standards. That Committee. same kind of certainty and predict- is No. 1. Essentially, in my view, the Senate ability for the auto industry inside the Second, the letter affirmed Califor- quite simply should not vote today on country and outside of this country as nia’s Clean Air Act authority to set its this confirmation until we know which we expect them to increase fuel effi- own, more stringent, vehicle standards. job Mr. Wheeler will be filling at the ciency over time for cars, trucks, and And third, the letter committed to Agency and until we know how he vans. negotiate in earnest with California views and how he would remedy the Under current law that we adopted, I using a process not unlike the one used overwhelming number of serious prob- want to say, about 10 years ago, we in past efforts to preserve a single na- lems he will face when he arrives there. ramped up fuel efficiency requirements tional set of vehicle standards that Let me say one last thing, if I could. up through 2025. Between 2021 and 2025, automakers in California could sup- I am a big believer in win-win situa- the increases are pretty significant, port—a true win-win. tions and win-win solutions. I think pretty steep. The current administra- We actually reached agreement on my colleague who is presiding at this tion wants to almost eliminate en- the text of that letter with those who moment is also. We partner on a vari- tirely those increases between 2021 and were negotiating, including Mr. ety of things, including trying to pro- 2025 and be really silent on what hap- Wehrum, his team, folks from Cali- mote recycling, not just here in this pens after that. fornia, and others. I am told Adminis- body but all across this country, in I go to the Detroit auto show almost trator Pruitt initially agreed to let the ways that create jobs and create eco- every year. In Delaware, until a couple letter be sent, but then, maybe a week nomic opportunity. of years ago, we built more cars, or two ago, a woman named Samantha I focus a lot—and I think a lot of my trucks, and vans per capita than any Dravis, a political appointee at EPA, colleagues do—on how do we create a other State in the country. I got used who I think is from Oklahoma and who more nurturing environment for job to going to the Detroit auto show so recently resigned after reports that she creation and job preservation. We don’t often that I would know the people who failed to come to work for some 3 create jobs here. Governments and ran Chrysler and GM so that if they months last year, apparently convinced Presidents don’t create jobs. We try to ever thought about closing their plant the Administrator to renege on the help create a nurturing environment in Delaware, we actually know whom deal and to not sign the letter. for job creation. One of the elements to talk to. I still go to the Detroit auto Ultimately, a significant part of the that is important for having that kind show most years. reason I cannot support Mr. Wheeler is of nurturing environment for job cre- I went this time and met and talked because the Agency refused to follow ation, frankly, is clean air, clean with representatives from 10 auto com- through on an agreement it made with water, and good public health. Another panies from this country and around me on issues that are really important thing that is important is certain busi- the world. We talked about CAFE and to the country, the auto industry, and nesses like certainty and predict- fuel efficiency requirements going for- California. ability. ward. To a company, this is what they The truth is, at this point in time, it It has been 10 years or more, but I said to me in private conversation: We is not the only reason we should not be will never forget when I was visited by need some flexibility in the near term, moving forward with this vote. In the a bunch of utility CEOs from all over between 2021 and 2025. In return for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.024 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2098 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 that additional flexibility, we are will- Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I have several administrations. They were ac- ing to accept tougher goals extending come to the floor to talk a little bit cumulating the best knowledge from out as long as 2030—near-term flexi- about Scott Pruitt and his administra- scientists in this country and the best bility, longer term requirement for tion over at the EPA as well as the cur- knowledge from scientists around the more rigorous standards. They said: rent pending nomination of Andrew world to make it available to the pub- Having said that, we don’t want to be Wheeler to be the Environmental Pro- lic and to make it available to sci- stuck in a situation where we have to tection Agency’s Deputy Adminis- entists and their researchers. go with one car with higher fuel effi- trator. When I asked Administrator Pruitt ciency requirements or see a model for The Environmental Protection Agen- in front of the Appropriations sub- a car, truck, or SUV with higher re- cy is in crisis. Scott Pruitt has thrown committee, ‘‘Now, you have taken this quirements for fuel efficiency for Cali- the Agency into turmoil by gutting its website down. When are you going to fornia and a different standard for the mission to protect public health and put it back up,’’ he said: ‘‘Oh, we are rest of the country. That just doesn’t the environment and by violating eth- just updating it. We are just updating work for their business model. They ics and the taxpayers’ trust. I believe it,’’ and we continue to ask the EPA. need to be able to build one model, one Scott Pruitt must resign. Many of our Now, we are almost a year later—1 set of standards for California and the colleagues have said the same. Even year later—and Scott Pruitt still re- other 49 States. the President is questioning whether fuses to put the website back up. So we California, where they have had huge Mr. Pruitt should stay, and that is ex- really know where he is coming from air pollution problems over the years, actly why I am concerned that the Sen- on that issue. wants to have rigorous requirements. ate is not giving the Deputy Adminis- When Scott Pruitt came before the I said this to the majority leader ear- trator nominee the scrutiny he should Senate for confirmation, I voted lier this week; that there is a way to have. Andrew Wheeler could become against him because I expected he work through all of this with the auto the EPA Administrator if Scott Pruitt would work to undermine environ- industry, California, the other States, is forced out or resigns. He should be mental health and protections. Mr. with EPA, and the Department of vetted as if he were the nominee—and Pruitt has met and far exceeded my Transportation. There is a way to work there are many reasons to question worst expectations. He lobbied the through all of this that provides a real whether he belongs at the EPA at all. President to leave the Paris Agree- win-win, that preserves jobs in the Just like Mr. Pruitt, Mr. Wheeler has ment. The United States is now the auto industry—people building cars, spent his entire political career fight- only country in the world that is not a trucks, and vans—and with respect to ing EPA regulations that protect the signatory to the Paris Agreement. California’s special concern, provides environment and protect public health. Mr. Pruitt proposed repealing the the certainty and predictability the in- He has lobbied for many years on be- Clean Power Plan, our Nation’s best ef- dustry needs and also ends up giving us half of polluters that the EPA regu- fort to attack climate change. It is an more energy-efficient vehicles, cleaner lates. The American people support important public health measure too. air, and cleaner water—especially clean air and clean water. Mr. Wheeler The EPA estimated that the Clean cleaner air. That is a real win-win situ- is out of step with the values and prin- Power Plan could prevent 2,700 to 6,600 ation. That is a real win-win situation, ciples of the American taxpayers. premature deaths and 140,000 to 150,000 and that is where we need to go. We I know many Republicans who sup- asthma attacks in children. need leadership at EPA, we need lead- port environmental protection. We Mr. Pruitt stopped a ban on ership from the administration, leader- have had many decades of bipartisan chlorpyrifos, a dangerous neurotoxic ship here, and in States like California support for public health, environ- pesticide that EPA’s own scientists say to get us there. mental protection, clean air, and clean should be off the market because it is Wayne Gretzky is a great hockey water. Folks don’t want their kids to linked to brain damage in young chil- player. I am not a huge hockey fan. I have toxic chemicals in their blood or dren. Chlorpyrifos is an example where watch it a little bit. When Wayne in their bodies. So there is a lot of sup- scientists—and this is what the EPA Gretzky was playing, he was believed port by Republicans in this area, and it does—consult with scientists outside to be the best hockey player anybody has been a bipartisan issue. the Agency, study within the Agency, had ever even seen, at least in this I call on my Republican friends to and try to come to conclusions with re- country. His nickname was ‘‘The Great press the pause button on Andrew gard to public health. In the case of One.’’ He took a lot of shots. He was Wheeler’s nomination to be Deputy Ad- chlorpyrifos, scientists were increas- not shy about shooting for a goal. ministrator of the EPA. Let us join to- ingly questioning whether it should be He was once asked: Mr. Gretzky, why gether and demand that the President out there as a pesticide, so they were do you take so many shots on goals? He withdraw this nomination and nomi- restricting its use in homes, they were said these words: I missed every shot I nate someone who supports the basic restricting its use near schools, and fi- never took. I missed every shot I never mission of the EPA. nally they decided this is such a dan- took. It is absolutely clear that Adminis- gerous neurotoxin and we should ban it I like to take the shot in a lot of dif- trator Pruitt does not support the mis- outright. So all the work had been ferent respects. This is a shot we sion of the EPA. In fact, as State At- done over 30 years. should take, and, if we do, we will do a torney General, he prided himself in Then, here it is, presented to the in- lot more than score a goal. We will fighting everything EPA was doing and coming Administrator—I would bet score a big win for our country. In the filing a number of lawsuits against the any other Administrator in the history end, for people who are driving cars, EPA. of our country would have looked at trucks, and vans in the years to come, We need a person at EPA who re- the information, would have looked at we will save them a lot of money, and spects science and understands that what the science said, and they would we will have cleaner air and protect a climate change is here and now and have banned the chemical. What has lot of jobs that need to be protected must be addressed for the sake of our Scott Pruitt done? Well, what he has and need to be preserved. children and grandchildren, a person done is, he has said we are going to I yield the floor. who is not hostile to environmental take a look at it for another 5 years. I suggest the absence of a quorum. regulation in all forms, and a person That is what he posted on his website. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The who is not beholden to special inter- There is no evidence that they are clerk will call the roll. ests. We are supposed to act as a check doing any review or anything. There is The senior assistant legislative clerk on the executive, so let’s do our job. no evidence that chlorpyrifos isn’t dan- proceeded to call the roll. When I mention climate change, one gerous and should be banned, but that Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I ask of the very first things that Adminis- is the record he has at the Environ- unanimous consent that the order for trator Pruitt did when he got in was mental Protection Agency. the quorum call be rescinded. sabotage a climate change website. He has also tried to suspend methane The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without That website had been in place for 10 and smog regulations on oil and gas objection, it is so ordered. years. It had been bipartisan through wells. He tried to roll back mercury

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.026 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2099 pollution rules for powerplants, and he is what Christine Todd Whitman said, altered or played down on websites across wants to delay rules to protect against ‘‘absolutely ridiculous.’’ She charged the federal government, according to a re- pesticide exposure and formaldehyde that his conduct is part of ‘‘an extraor- port made public Wednesday. The findings of the report, by the Environ- emissions. It is absolutely clear, Mr. dinarily ethically tone deaf adminis- mental Data and Governance Initiative, an Pruitt’s actions have not respected the tration.’’ international coalition of researchers and rule of law and, fortunately, they have It is time for Scott Pruitt’s imperial activist groups, are in keeping with the poli- been blocked by the courts. tenure to end. It is time for him to re- cies of a president who has proudly pursued Now, Mr. Wheeler’s environmental sign and high time for the President to an agenda of repealing environmental regu- record is not much better. It gives no stop defending him and to demand his lations, opening protected lands and waters confidence that he will put health and resignation. But Mr. Pruitt should not to oil and gas drilling, withdrawing the safety first. be replaced by someone who does not United States from the Paris climate accord, Mr. Wheeler has called the Paris cli- support the basic mission of the Agen- shrinking the boundaries of federal monu- ments, and appointing top officials who have mate agreement a ‘‘sweetheart deal’’ cy—to protect the environment and questioned or denied the established science for China. public health. That is what the EPA of human-caused climate change. He has fought limits on greenhouse Administrator should be focused on; it The authors of the study said that the re- gas emissions. is absolutely clear. moval of the words ‘‘climate change’’ from He is a longtime lobbyist for Murray The EPA’s first Administrator, Wil- government websites, and a widespread ef- Energy Corporation—one of the dirti- liam Ruckelshaus, a Nixon appointee, fort to delete or bury information on climate est coal companies in the country— has sounded warnings about what is change programs, would quite likely have a which also has a terrible safety record. detrimental impact. going on at the EPA. He said: ‘‘My ‘‘We have found significant loss of public Murray Energy is the largest privately principal concern is that Pruitt and access to information about climate held coal company in the Nation. That the people he’s hired to work with him change,’’ the authors wrote. raises big questions about conflicts of don’t fundamentally agree with the ‘‘Why are these federal agencies putting so interest. The EPA is now moving to re- mission of the agency.’’ much effort into ‘science cleansing’ instead peal the Clean Power Plan. It would be The American people value that mis- of using time and resources to fulfill agency a big win for Big Coal at the expense of sion. They want clean air and clean responsibilities, such as protecting the envi- the American people. water. They want the health of their ronment and advancing energy security?’’ Mr. Wheeler opposed reducing poi- they wrote. ‘‘Removing information regard- children and our seniors protected. It is ing climate change from federal websites sonous mercury emissions from power- our responsibility to make sure the does not affect the reality of climate change, plants—regulations Scott Pruitt wants EPA protects the American people. but may serve to obfuscate the subject and to gut. In fact, I don’t see anything in I urge my friends and my colleagues inject doubt regarding the scientific con- Mr. Wheeler’s background that indi- on the other side of the aisle to do our sensus that climate change is happening and cates he will act as our Nation’s top job—to put the nomination of Andrew that it is caused by human activity.’’ environmental protector. Wheeler on hold and to work together The report tracks the Environmental Pro- tection Agency’s removal of hundreds of When Mr. Pruitt was confirmed, we to demand that the President nominate knew he had no problem bending ethics websites connected to state and local cli- a Deputy Administrator who will have mate change programs; the removal of infor- rules. His claim to fame in Oklahoma the trust and confidence of the Amer- mation about international climate change was currying favor with moneyed in- ican people and to work to keep their programs from the State Department, En- terests and doing their bidding, but the air and water clean and their families ergy Department and E.P.A. websites; and number and extent of Mr. Pruitt’s eth- safe and healthy. the deletion of the words ‘‘climate change’’ ical lapses might surprise even the There are a couple of articles that I from websites throughout the federal govern- most cynical. think show what has been happening ment. In many cases, the report found, ‘‘climate The list of abuses grows daily: lavish over at the EPA. first-class flights around the world; change’’ was replaced by vaguer terms such This article says that ‘‘nearly a year as ‘‘sustainability.’’ swanky hotel stays; billing the tax- into the Trump administration, men- In a separate report, also made public payers for his personal trips home to tions of climate change have been sys- Wednesday, the group found that the Bureau Oklahoma; a $43,000 soundproof phone temically removed, altered or played of Land Management had deleted its climate booth in his office; taking 30 EPA en- down on websites across the federal change website and removed text about the forcement officers away from inves- government.’’ As I said earlier, they importance of climate change mitigation tigating polluters to serve as his have taken down this huge, bipartisan from its main site. round-the-clock personal security de- The researchers took care to note that raw project that was in place for 10 years, government data on climate change, such as tail—something no other EPA Admin- gotten rid of it and claim they are up- historical records of temperatures and emis- istrator has done; speeding down the dating it, but they haven’t done any- sions levels, had not been deleted. However, streets of Washington with sirens and thing after a year. Toly Rinberg, a co-author of the report, said: lights blaring to get to fancy res- The article goes on to quote a report ‘‘The data is certainly less accessible. Links taurants; huge, unauthorized salary in- by Environmental Data & Governance to websites that host the data have been re- creases for his friends; and he even al- Initiative: ‘‘Removing information removed. That data is still available online but lowed a close aide to just not come to garding climate from federal websites it’s been made harder to find on the agency’s websites.’’ work for 3 months while still getting does not affect the reality of climate Trump administration officials have noted paid by the taxpayers; detailing EPA change, but may serve to obfuscate the that it is the administration’s prerogative to staff to find him a place to live. While subject and inject doubt regarding the highlight its agenda—repealing climate he siphons hundreds of thousands of scientific consensus that climate change policies and promoting the explo- dollars off the taxpayers for special change is happening and that it is ration of oil, gas and coal—on its websites. perks for himself, he tries to slash mil- caused by human activity.’’ The Obama administration sought to pro- lions of dollars for health and safety Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- mote climate change policies and elevate the programs for the American people. sent that the January 10, 2018, article issue in the public eye, but the Trump administration is under no obligation to con- Even his own staff has balked at his by the New York Times be printed in tinue that effort. extravagances, and the Administrator the RECORD. And some information about government has met their resistance by retaliating There being no objection, the mate- programs related to climate change, while against them, changing their duties, rial was ordered to be printed in the no longer easily found on the main federal sidelining them. Mr. Pruitt has treated RECORD, as follows: agencies’ websites, was still accessible. Liz the EPA like his own little personal [From the New York Times, Jan. 10, 2018] Bowman, a spokeswoman for the E.P.A., said in an email that pages were ‘‘archived and fiefdom, and EPA employees are like HOW MUCH HAS ‘CLIMATE CHANGE’ BEEN available’’ on the agency’s website. serfs who cater to his whims. SCRUBBED FROM FEDERAL WEBSITES? A LOT. But the report concluded that of all federal Former EPA Administrator under (By Coral Davenport) agencies, the E.P.A.—the agency charged President George W. Bush, Christine WASHINGTON.—Nearly a year into the with protecting the nation’s environment Todd Whitman, recently called his Trump administration, mentions of climate and public health—had removed the most in- spending ‘‘absolutely ridiculous.’’ That change have been systematically removed, formation about climate change. An E.P.A.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.027 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 website once titled ‘‘Climate and Energy Re- dollars and staying true to our core mission tion a member of the coal industry’s sources for State, Local and Tribal Govern- of protecting the environment and American hall of fame. He was even present in ments,’’ which included prominent links to jobs,’’ he said in a separate statement. March of last year at the meeting programs like ‘‘Climate Showcase Commu- Pruitt has rolled back a slew of Obama-era where Murray Energy CEO Bob Murray nities,’’ now contains no mention of the term regulations limiting carbon dioxide emis- ‘‘climate change’’ and no prominent links to sions from fossil fuels. presented Energy Secretary Rick Perry state and local climate information. He was also instrumental in convincing with the now-infamous secret plan to The E.P.A. has also removed a website on Trump to withdraw the United States from save the coal industry. the Clean Power Plan, the Obama adminis- the Paris climate accord—a global pact to Sadly, I am concerned that Andrew tration’s signature climate change regula- stem planetary warming through emissions Wheeler’s background means that he tion, which was designed to reduce planet- cuts. will never understand that saving coal warming pollution from power plants. The While acknowledging the planet is warm- is not the Environmental Protection Trump administration has put forth a legal ing, Pruitt has questioned the gravity of the Agency’s job. It is the EPA’s job to reg- plan to repeal that regulation, and part of problem and the need for regulations that re- ulate coal, to protect public health and that process includes a public comment pe- quire companies to take costly measures to riod. The new report suggests that when peo- reduce their carbon footprint. the environment, to keep particulate ple cannot easily find the original rule on Before becoming head of the EPA, he was matter from filling the lungs of chil- the E.P.A.’s website, they may be less likely Oklahoma’s attorney general and repeatedly dren in our most vulnerable commu- to submit comments against repealing it. sued the agency he now runs to block federal nities—more than 7,500 people die every ‘‘Beyond reducing access to actionable in- environmental rules. year from the pollution from fossil fuel formation, removing public web resources Mr. UDALL. So here we have an at- powerplants—to reduce the harmful can undermine democratic institutions such tempt by Administrator Pruitt to carbon pollution that is causing cli- as notice-and-comment rulemaking,’’ the re- emasculate the Agency by chasing off mate change, and to end the toxic coal- port’s authors wrote. some of the best and brightest sci- mining practices that are poisoning Mr. UDALL. A September 27, 2017, ar- entists, buying out people, doing every- our waters and our communities. ticle by Reuters with regard to EPA thing he can to intimidate people to The corporate special interests, who workforce reductions describes EPA’s leave the Agency, and we are at a point have worked hand-in-hand with the workforce declining to levels not seen in time where we have a staffing level Trump administration to block clean in decades. The article says: equivalent to 1988. This is the Agency energy deployment and force Ameri- In June, the EPA unveiled a buyout pro- that protects our water and our air, cans to breathe dirty air from fossil gram that would contribute to the biggest makes sure the water and air are clean, fuel combustion, are exactly the oppo- cuts of any federal agency in President Don- and protects our children from toxic site of what we need to be at the head ald Trump’s 2018 proposal. The EPA employs of the Environmental Protection Agen- about 15,000 people. chemicals. This is a pretty remarkable After buyouts and retirements, that num- record. cy. They are, at the same time, the ber could drop to 14,428 by October, the offi- I ask my Republican colleagues to re- companies that Andrew Wheeler has cial, who spoke on condition of anonymity, consider the Wheeler nomination, to represented. Andrew Wheeler has made said in an email. put a hold on it, to have the proper vet- a career of promoting the policies that That would be below the fiscal 1988 level, ting, and let’s find the kind of indi- make our air and our water dirty and when EPA staffing was 14,440, the official vidual who is going to respect the mis- that endanger the public’s health. noted. sion of the Agency and move us for- Now, with Environmental Protection Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- ward in the direction of public health, Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt sent that the September 27, 2017, arti- protecting the environment and our air under siege as a result of Agency mis- cle by Reuters with regard to EPA and water. management and scandal, we must workforce reductions be printed in the I suggest the absence of a quorum. have real concern about who will be RECORD. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. No. 2 at the EPA. Who is on deck to There being no objection, the mate- SASSE). The clerk will call the roll. take over if Scott Pruitt has to leave? rial was ordered to be printed in the The senior assistant legislative clerk Who is going to be sitting there in the RECORD, as follows: proceeded to call the roll. chair as the Administrator to make [From Reuters, Sept. 27, 2017] Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, I ask these decisions about clean air, clean (By Eric Walsh) unanimous consent that the order for water, about the role which coal plays EPA WORKFORCE SHRINKING TO REAGAN-ERA the quorum call be rescinded. in polluting our environment? Who will LEVELS—AGENCY OFFICIAL The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that be if Scott Pruitt were to be re- WASHINGTON.—The workforce at the U.S. objection, it is so ordered. moved from his position or resign from Environmental Protection Agency is on Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, Scott his position? And, by the way, that is a course to fall to its lowest level since Ronald Pruitt is the Administrator of the En- position from which I strongly support Reagan was president, an agency official said vironmental Protection Agency. He is that he be removed—that he resign— on Tuesday. charged with running the Agency and but that would then lead to the con- In June, the EPA unveiled a buyout pro- ensuring its mission. There are serious sequence that Andrew Wheeler would gram that would contribute to the biggest questions about Mr. Pruitt’s leader- most likely be the new Administrator cuts of any federal agency in President Don- ald Trump’s 2018 budget proposal. The EPA ship, but we will get to that later. of the EPA. This individual would then employs about 15,000 people. Today, the Senate is preparing to be in charge of the environment of our After buyouts and retirements, that num- vote on the nominee to be the second country. He would be in charge of it. ber could drop to 14,428 by October, the offi- highest ranking official at the Environ- The coal industry would have their per- cial, who spoke on condition of anonymity, mental Protection Agency—Andrew son running the Environmental Protec- said in an email. Wheeler. As the No. 2 at the Environ- tion Agency. That is unbelievable. That would be below the fiscal 1988 level, mental Protection Agency, Andrew That is the dream of the coal indus- when EPA staffing was 14,440, the official Wheeler deserves the kind of scrutiny try—that, finally, after all these years, noted. A further 2,998 employees, or just over 20 percent of the total, are eligible to retire that reflects a position one step away they get the guy to be in charge of the now, the official said. from Administrator. environment, as the country and the In an April spending bill, the Republican- Andrew Wheeler has spent years pro- world are moving in just the opposite controlled Congress set a cap for EPA staff- tecting the coal industry—first from direction. ing at 15,000 employees for fiscal year 2017, here in the Senate, where he worked to Now, would he have been vetted for rejecting proposed increases by the previous prevent passage of climate legislation, that role as the head of the EPA? Abso- administration of Democratic President and then as a lobbyist for Murray En- lutely not. He is out here on a snoozy Barack Obama. ergy, one of the largest coal companies Thursday afternoon with his name out EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said the in America, which has led the fight by here to be considered with the Gal- reductions were ‘‘giving long-serving, hardworking employees the opportunity to retire the coal industry to undo the progress leries empty of either publicity, citi- early. we have made on climate policy. zens, or the press paying attention to ‘‘We’re proud to report that we’re reducing Andrew Wheeler’s coal credentials the debate when the consequences of the size of government, protecting taxpayer are without equal. He is without ques- this decision that the Senate is about

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.006 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2101 to make is of historic magnitude. This with Senator Stevens and others, were undermining key environmental poli- man is the coal industry. If you Google able to bring together a consensus that cies is unacceptable. It is impossible to the word ‘‘coal,’’ his picture comes up. changed the direction of fuel economy have any confidence in him to lead this Coal, ladies and gentlemen, has de- standards in our country. They had not Agency. It is time that we issue an clined from 50 percent of all electrical been increased in 32 years because of eviction notice, change the locks, and generation down to 30 percent just over the viselike grip that the auto industry kick Scott Pruitt out of the EPA. It is the last 10 years. Why? Well, because and the oil industry had on public pol- time for him to go. utilities in America are moving toward icymaking with regard to pollution Amid this dark cloud, it is up to the wind. They are moving toward solar. over the preceding 32 years. It was a Senate to ensure that anyone who is They are moving toward energy con- tragedy. It was a disgrace. It was going to be responsible for overseeing servation. They are moving toward harmful to the health of Americans, to our Nation’s environmental policy is natural gas, which has half of the pol- the national security of Americans, properly vetted for that position. With- lutants of coal. The coal industry has and to the economy of Americans. Yet out more questioning and more exam- met its maker in the marketplace. The they had the power to do it. ination, we do not know if Andrew utilities themselves have moved to- But this world changed for the first Wheeler is that individual. Ultimately, ward cleaner sources of electrical gen- time in 2007. Then building on that law, I cannot vote for a lobbyist for the coal eration in our country, and the only in 2009, the Environmental Protection industry to lead the Agency that is way that they can stave off this revolu- Agency and the Department of Trans- tasked with making sure that carbon tion, in their minds, is to have a coal portation began negotiating a historic pollution is regulated. So that is the industry representative be the head of agreement with State regulators, auto- decision that we are being called upon the Environmental Protection Agency. makers, labor unions, and the environ- to make here. It is like a shadow con- Talk about the fox guarding the chick- mental community. In 2012, the land- firmation vote for the next Adminis- en coop. Talk about some kind of up- mark fuel economy emissions of 54.5 trator of the EPA. It is an attempt to side-down, bizarro world, where, all of miles per gallon by 2025 got placed on slip by at the end of the week, with a sudden, at the Environmental Protec- the books. Consulting with States, Members of the Senate wanting to get tion Agency, the one industry that has auto manufacturers, environmental home, the nomination and confirma- most contributed to the greenhouse groups, and other experts, the EPA and tion of a man who stands for just the gases up in our atmosphere over the the National Academies of Sciences opposite of what the credentials of a last 100 years, now has someone who is have proved beyond a doubt that the candidate to run the EPA should be. next in line to take over the entire En- existing standards are appropriate. We have a massive wind revolution in vironmental Protection Agency. Automakers are meeting these stand- our country. We have 260,000 people So Scott Pruitt is under siege, and ards more quickly and at a lower cost now working in the solar industry in we have not asked Mr. Wheeler about than predicted. These fuel economy America. There are 50,000 coal miners, his readiness to lead the EPA or how standards are technically feasible. 260,000 people in solar, and 100,000 peo- his policies would be different from They are economically achievable. ple in wind. Most of the wind and solar those of Mr. Pruitt. We don’t have any They have revived the competitiveness jobs were created over the last 10 reason to believe his views are any dif- of our domestic auto industry, which years. Which direction does President ferent than Mr. Pruitt’s. Does he agree has added 700,000 new jobs since 2010 Trump go? Which direction does Scott with the policy direction Mr. Pruitt and sold a record number of vehicles in Pruitt go? Which direction will Andrew has taken at the Agency? Does he 2015 and again in 2016. Wheeler, the heir apparent to Scott But Scott Pruitt is threatening agree with the exorbitant costs associ- Pruitt, go? It goes toward coal and not American consumers, our national se- ated with the questionable activities wind, not solar, not renewable energy, curity, and our climate by trying to Administrator Pruitt has engaged in as not this greatest creation of blue-collar slam the brakes and make a U-turn on head of this Agency? jobs in two generations in a single job There is a lot that Andrew Wheeler this critical policy. We cannot allow sector. has yet to answer to if he were to take Scott Pruitt to put us in reverse on over as the head of the Environmental these strong standards. But it doesn’t Two percent of all new workers in Protection Agency, which brings us to stop there. America last year were solar workers the embattled EPA Administrator, Time after time, Scott Pruitt has un- who got hired, and they are good jobs. Scott Pruitt himself. dermined the core mission of the EPA Who are they? They are electricians up Mr. Pruitt’s leadership at the EPA to protect the environment, to protect on the roof. They are people who are has made that Agency as toxic as a the health and the safety of all Ameri- carpenters. They are putting together superfund site. Administrator Pruitt cans. The litany of Scott Pruitt’s sins the equipment. They are blue-collar has consistently undermined the core is a Big Oil wish list: repealing the workers. They are high-paying, secure, mission of the EPA—to protect the en- Clean Power Plan; supporting with- long-term jobs. vironment and to protect the health drawal from the Paris climate accord; The President, however, looks to the and the safety of all Americans. He has weakening the Clean Water Act; allow- coal industry with 50,000 coal miners put the interests of the fossil fuel, ing more toxic pollution in our streams and says: I am going to put in place a chemical, and auto industries above and our wetlands; loosening standards man who is committed to protecting the needs of the public’s health. for hazardous pollutants like mercury, that industry while destroying the Perhaps the best example of Scott arsenic, and lead that corporations can wind, the solar, and the renewable in- Pruitt’s war on good, bipartisan policy spew into our air. With Scott Pruitt’s dustry in general and by saying to the is his full frontal attack on fuel econ- actions at the EPA, more Americans automotive industry that you do not omy emissions standards. Last week, would get sick, more children could get have to any longer increase dramati- Administrator Pruitt and the Trump asthma, and more people could die. He cally the fuel economy standards of the administration began the process of has shut out the public from the EPA’s vehicles which we drive in our country. rolling back these historic standards. rulemakings and decisions. During his Elon Musk and all these smart, tech- In 2007, I worked on a bipartisan basis tenure, the EPA has hidden countless nologically savvy people in our country to enact a provision in the energy law thousands of pages of publicly funded who are reinventing the way in which that increased our Nation’s fuel econ- reports on climate science and other we drive are being told: No, the stand- omy standards for the first time in 32 topics from the EPA’s main web page. ard is too high. Your goal cannot be years. It is one of the laws that I am Now it is emerging that he has be- achieved. We are going to roll back most proud of. I was then serving in trayed the trust of the American peo- those goals. That is Scott Pruitt. That the House of Representatives and I was ple by pursuing ethically questionable is Andrew Wheeler. That is Donald able to work with NANCY PELOSI and behavior while heading this Agency. Trump. That is what this debate is able to work with John Dingell to push His mismanagement of the EPA, his in- about here on the floor. It is a debate through that measure. Over here in the timidation of scientists, among whom about the future of our country. It is a Senate, DIANNE FEINSTEIN, working fear is rampant, and his insistence on debate about the future of our planet.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.032 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 It is about the future, about the direc- being caused largely by human activ- full effectiveness, but Administrator tion in which we are going to be head- ity; and, No. 3, that we have a moral Pruitt and President Trump provided ing. Are we going to be looking at the responsibility to do something about it only $7.3 million in their budget, which world through a rearview mirror, back as the principal polluter over the last would devastate the bay program. toward a technology of the 19th cen- 100 years; because, No. 4, those who are Fortunately, on a bipartisan basis, tury, coal, or are we going to be look- going to be most adversely affected are this Senate and the House of Rep- ing toward the future? That future is the poorest and most vulnerable on the resentatives have continued full fund- one of solar and wind, renewable en- planet, and we have to do something ing for the Chesapeake Bay Program ergy, and all-electric vehicles. It is a about it. for the past 2 years. I thank my col- revolution that saves the planet, cre- That is why a ‘‘no’’ vote today is cor- leagues for recognizing the vital impor- ates jobs, protects our security by rect, because Andrew Wheeler is going tance of that program, not just to the backing out of importing oil from to take us in the wrong direction, just bay States but really to protecting a other countries. the opposite of where Pope Francis national treasure. The fuel economy standards in our urges us to go. I guess it shouldn’t be surprising that country that are on the books right I yield the rest of my time to Senator Scott Pruitt’s first budget zeroed out now that Scott Pruitt and Donald CARPER. funding for Chesapeake Bay protection The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Trump want to roll back, back out 31⁄2 because, back when he was the attor- million barrels of oil a day that we PERDUE). The Senator so yields. ney general of Oklahoma, he filed an never have to import from OPEC and The Senator from Maryland. amicus brief in a case that would have Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I the Middle East. Do you know how neutered the ability of the EPA to ac- want to start by thanking my col- many barrels of oil we import each day tually enforce the pollution protection league from Massachusetts for the clar- standards for the Chesapeake Bay. from the Middle East? Three and one- ity and passion he brings to this de- We can set forth all sorts of stand- half million barrels of oil. That should bate. be our goal. I, too, am here to strongly oppose the ards, we can set forth all sorts of re- Right now, the President is debating nomination of Andrew Wheeler to be strictions in terms of pollution that whether he should have more missile the Deputy Administrator of the Envi- can fall into the bay, but if you don’t strikes in Syria in the Middle East and ronmental Protection Agency. have the ability to enforce it, it means what the impact would be in Iran and Before I talk about Mr. Wheeler, I nothing. It means people can pollute Saudi Arabia, but, meanwhile, simulta- want to join my colleague from Massa- with impunity. neously, out here on the floor, we are chusetts to talk a little bit about Scott Even before he took the current job, debating a nominee who is going to be Pruitt and the current management Scott Pruitt telegraphed to all of us the hand-picked successor to Scott over the EPA. Because the people of that he didn’t care about enforcing pol- Pruitt to water down those fuel econ- our country rely on a strong, effective, lution standards for the Chesapeake omy standards, water down that pro- and healthy EPA to keep our air and Bay. tection, which were given to young water clean and to make sure people We have also seen other recent ac- men and women so they will not have are not living among toxic substances, tions where it is clear he has a dis- to go over to the Middle East in order we need strong leadership there. regard for adequate protections for to protect those ships of oil which In the State of Maryland, the EPA is clean air and water. The Senator from come into our country. That is just also important to protect a great na- Massachusetts was just talking about a morally indefensible when we know tional and natural treasure, the Chesa- recent proposal to roll back the auto these revolutions are moving, they are peake Bay. The bay States include emission standards, auto emission creating jobs, and they are working. many of the States in this area. We standards that are essential to address- That is why this nomination today have made great progress over the ing the challenge of climate change, goes right to the heart of the future of years through the EPA’s Chesapeake that are also vital to making sure we our country and the future of our plan- Bay Program. It was recognized many have energy independence—standards, et. That is who Andrew Wheeler is. He years ago that when you have a bay by the way, that would save consumers represents the worst of what this such as the Chesapeake, where mul- a whole lot of money that would other- Trump administration is trying to do tiple States feed into it, so that when wise be going to the oil companies and to our country. you see pollution in Pennsylvania, the gas companies. We should be the leader, not the lag- Maryland, Delaware, or Virginia, it In fact, those new emission standards ger. We should be the point of light for ends up in the bay, you need a national would save the average American fam- the planet, going to a goal that we response, and you need an agency like ily $300 per year. Apparently, Mr. Pru- know can then be exploited around the the EPA to bring people together. That itt and President Trump want to see rest of the world. That is what the 21st is why the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Pro- those $300 come out of the pockets of century should be all about, where gram was created. Yet we now have a American consumers and go right to children have to look back in the his- Director of the EPA, Scott Pruitt, who the bank accounts of big oil companies. tory books to find that there ever was doesn’t recognize the vital and unique It is maybe not surprising, given the a time when we were burning coal that role the EPA plays in protecting the very close relationship between Admin- was polluting the lungs of children and Chesapeake Bay. istrator Pruitt and the Koch brothers, the planet, when we had a chance to We know that because, if you look at who worked very hard and worked over move toward wind, solar, renewable en- the budget Scott Pruitt and President time on his confirmation to be EPA ergy, and all-electric vehicles. That Trump submitted to the Congress, they Administrator. With Administrator should be our goal today. That is why zeroed out funding—zeroed out fund- Pruitt, they are getting the policies I urge, in the strongest possible terms, ing—a big goose egg for the EPA they want—policies that are not good a rejection of his nomination. Chesapeake Bay funding. That is what for the health of the American people We should be having a full-blown de- they did in year 1. but very good for the bottom line of bate, not this truncated process that is Then, when Senator CARDIN and I and the Koch brothers and some of the big- being imposed upon us here today. This others said: This is a really important gest oil companies in the country. is just plain wrong. This nomination is national effort; in fact, it has had bi- The Chesapeake Bay and the rolling too important. This is the heart of partisan support in the Congress, it has back of the auto emission standards what the green generation in America bipartisan support among the Gov- are just two examples of a record that wants us to debate. Which way are we ernors of all the Chesapeake Bay fails the American public when it going, backward or forward? Which States, then they said: OK. We are comes to the environment under this way are we going, toward a clean plan- going to provide just 10 percent of the current EPA. et or a further polluting of the planet? moneys that had been provided for that I also want to talk about the work In his encyclical, Pope Francis made program. environment today at the Environ- it very clear, No. 1, that the world is This is a $73 million-a-year program. mental Protection Agency because my dangerously wanting; No. 2, that it is It actually needs more to achieve its State of Maryland is the home to many

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.034 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2103 terrific public servants—Federal em- cozier when we see that Bob Murray I see that Mr. LEAHY is on the floor. ployees, including many dedicated em- was a co-plaintiff in 8 of the 14 lawsuits The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ployees of the EPA. You can listen to that Pruitt brought against the EPA ator from Vermont. them, but you can read about accounts before Pruitt became the Adminis- GUN SAFETY in many of the publications we have trator. So I want to get this right. We Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I thank seen about the incredibly low morale have Mr. Wheeler, who is the lobbyist the Chair. I am a proud Vermonter. My at the EPA. for Mr. Murray, and Mr. Murray joined family has lived there for over 150 Leadership starts at the top, and with Pruitt in filing 8 of 14 lawsuits years. Scott Pruitt has taken an agency with against the EPA. So we can see that we Yesterday, Vermont set an example strong morale and led it down the have a very cozy relationship there and for the Congress, and for the Nation. A tubes. I guess it is not surprising, since one that will only reinforce, not coun- Democratically controlled legislature he has been seeking to cut the EPA terbalance, Mr. Pruitt’s worst instincts and a Republican Governor, in a rural team, the professionals there, by at the EPA. State with a strong gun-owning tradi- roughly 20 percent. I should say, he is Among those challenges is the question and very few gun laws, worked to- talking about cutting those folks who tion of climate change. Just yesterday, gether to debate, forge, and enact are working every day on behalf of the in the Environment and Public Works meaningful, commonsense gun safety American people at the same time he is Committee, we had a hearing. We had a laws. increasing the number of political ap- hearing on using Federal incentives to Yesterday, Governor Phil Scott, who pointees at the EPA—people who really have more carbon sequestration, to try is a Republican, signed three bills into do nothing more than the politics of to take carbon out of the environment, law. They expand background checks, the Administrator. So he is increasing and carbon recapturing technology. require those under 21 to complete the number of high-paid political ap- What was interesting was that every training before purchasing a firearm, pointees while proposing to cut, by 20 single one of the witnesses—those create extreme risk protection orders, percent, the EPA workforce that looks called by the majority and those called and ban bump stocks and high-capacity out for the American people. by the minority—every one of them, magazines. Vermont did that, and Under his directorship, already 700 when asked whether climate change other States are also acting. It makes employees have left the Agency either represented a serious threat, answered me wonder why Congress can’t do its because they found it a hostile place to yes. All of them acknowledged that job and follow that example. work or were actually forced out. So I human activity was contributing to In Vermont, this was a debate about do find it ironic that the Agency that that climate change—every one of the what the people of the Green Mountain is supposed to protect the country from witnesses, right down the table. State could do to keep their commu- toxic pollution has created a toxic en- It is also interesting that that legis- nities, schools, and citizens safe. We vironment under its own roof. lation, which has bipartisan support, had some difficult conversations in my Beyond my concerns about how he uses taxpayer dollars and, combined home State. Difficult compromises actually manages his staff, concerns with the tax measures we passed re- were made. And for the Republicans about undermining protections for the cently, creates tax incentives for car- and Democrats in our legislature, these Chesapeake Bay and other environ- bon capture. So we are agreeing on a were difficult votes. In our State, as in mental efforts, we have seen a total bipartisan basis to use public funds for every other, there are honest dif- disregard for basic public ethics from the purpose of reducing carbon pollu- ferences on this and many other issues. the current Administrator. His conduct tion. The only reason to do that would Vermonters made their voices heard, is not appropriate for a public official be that we agree carbon pollution rep- particularly a brave new generation of and has violated the public trust time resents a threat. student activists inspired by their and again. It seems every day now, I will tell my colleagues who believes peers in Parkland, Florida. when you open a newspaper or look on- carbon pollution represents a threat: This isn’t the first time that our line, you can find another example of the U.S. military. I represent the Naval small but brave State has stepped in the current Administrator abusing the Academy. A little while back, I went and stepped up to tackle difficult but public trust. out there and talked to the head of the significant issues. On July 1, 2000, We have to ask ourselves whether Naval Academy, who talked about the Vermont became the first State to Andrew Wheeler is going to be someone fact that even today, sea level rise is offer same-sex couples the same legal at the EPA who addresses those serious creating threats, and we can actually rights and responsibilities of tradi- problems we have with the current Ad- see the results of sea level rise with the tional marriage. ministrator. How will he help stabilize flash flooding down in Annapolis, MD, David Moats, the Pulitzer Prize-win- the situation? Will he be any kind of which is home to the Naval Academy. ning editorial page editor of the Rut- counterbalance on these important That is just one small example. Yet, if land Herald, wrote a book about this issues? The clear answer, from the we look at Mr. Wheeler’s record and debate entitled ‘‘Civil Wars: A Battle record, is no. In fact, the clear answer statements, we find just another per- for Gay Marriage.’’ Ted Widmer, writ- is that Mr. Wheeler would just rein- son with their head in the sand, and ing in the New York Times Book Re- force Mr. Pruitt’s worst instincts. One that is not the kind of person we view, said this in his review of the might say he is a carbon copy of Mr. should have as the No. 2 at our na- book: Pruitt. And when we look at his his- tional Environmental Protection Agen- Near the end of ‘Mr. Deeds Goes to Town,’ tory—Mr. Wheeler’s history—we find a cy. the Vermonter played by Gary Cooper dishes very cozy relationship between the I was looking to see if the No. 2 ap- out a series of homespun metaphors for how nominee, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Pruitt, the pointment might provide some kind of government is supposed to treat people, from helping to push a car up a hill to saving a current Administrator, and an army of counterbalance to Mr. Pruitt. Unfortu- swimmer who’s drowning. Obviously, life lobbyists for the coal industry. In fact, nately, everything we find shows not isn’t quite that simple. This will take time. Mr. Wheeler, as we have noted, has only that they had this prior, very cozy But in the long run, the question will be an- been a lobbyist for that industry. When relationship—lobbyist, Attorney Gen- swered in the vast middle where most Ameri- we look at his relationships, we find eral, and a lot of coal industry compa- cans live, and where they privately decide that he was advising Murray Energy. nies—but on all of the issues that are what is right and wrong. Murray Energy was at that time a top important to protecting the health of In his remarks at yesterday’s bill donor to Scott Pruitt’s super PAC. the American people, we have a Deputy signing—and I note that the Governor This was before Mr. Pruitt became the nominee who is actually going to take signed the bill sitting at a table out- Administrator of the EPA. He had a us in the wrong direction. doors in front of the statehouse, where super PAC. Murray Energy, for whom So I urge all of my colleagues to op- people who were opposed and people Mr. Wheeler lobbied, was one of the top pose the nomination of Andrew Wheel- who supported it could watch what he donors to that Pruitt super PAC. er. was doing—at that bill signing, Gov- The relationship between Pruitt and I yield the remainder of my ernor Scott spoke as well about civility Wheeler and Bob Murray gets even postcloture time to Mr. CARPER. and public discourse. In a democracy,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.035 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 civility is more than a virtue; it is how modest or grounded in common to own a gun, nor would the bills foundational for the democratic proc- sense, have won? signed by Governor Phil Scott. Any ess to work. That is something all of Commonly exploited loopholes in our such argument is nothing more than us—all of us in both parties in the Con- gun laws allow practically anyone— baseless fearmongering. gress and at the other end of Pennsyl- even those who are criminals or those I have heard the NRA and some of its vania Avenue—should remember. who openly intend to do us harm—to defenders ridicule the students for Here is some of what the Vermont buy 1 or 10 or 50 guns, guns that can speaking out about seeing their fellow Governor said: shoot as many rounds per minute as students shot. If you have seen some- Today in America, too many of our fellow you can pull the trigger or even more body who has been shot to death, as I citizens—on both sides of every issue, not with the assistance of readily available have on many occasions, you do not just on guns—have given up on listening, de- accessories, like bump stocks. What forget that. It was over 40 years ago ciding to no longer consider other opinions, have we done to stop it? Not nearly that I was a prosecutor. There is hardly viewpoints or perspectives. Our national dialogue has been reduced to enough. a day that goes by that I don’t remem- angry, hateful social media posts that you Over a period of many years, I have ber some of those scenes. When high- can either ‘like’ or not, with no room for introduced or cosponsored and ad- priced lobbyists or pundits go on na- conversation or respectful disagreement, and vanced through the Senate Judiciary tional TV to belittle teenagers who saw where facts and details no longer seem to Committee many pieces of legislation their friends gunned down in their matter. to stop it. This includes legislation to classrooms and who had the courage to We would be naive to believe that the way close background check loopholes— speak for those who died, then the cor- we talk to each other, the way we treat each loopholes that allow criminals with other, and the rise of violence are exclusive rosive power of money and politics is to one another. records of violent crime to buy weap- glaringly apparent. Those children will ons—to ban military-style assault ri- The Governor concluded: never forget what they saw. I know. I fles, and to shut down the black mar- know they will not. These things are hurting our nation. If we ket for firearms by strengthening tools It reminds me of how the first and can reduce the polarization we’re seeing across the country, we can diminish some of to prosecute straw purchasing and fire- loudest voices in favor of using mili- the anger at the root of these larger chal- arms trafficking. We have gotten some tary force are rarely those who have lenges. And this must be part of our ongoing of them through committee. Some- actually experienced combat them- pursuit to reduce violence and make our times we have passed them on the Sen- selves. I wonder how many of those communities safer. ate floor. But each time, the gun lobby who represent the gun lobby have expe- He is right. Those are Vermont val- has prevailed in blocking these efforts, rienced what those students went ues that draw from time-tested Amer- just as they have blocked the efforts of through or have seen people who have ican values. others who have dared to take steps to been shot to death as I have and—worse Three weeks ago, students from reduce gun violence. yet—as those children did, seeing it schools across this country led millions The students are right. They don’t when it happened and when it was of fellow Americans of all ages, races, just want our thoughts and prayers. friends of theirs. As much as I shudder and backgrounds in marches against They don’t want us to stand up and pi- to remember what I saw, it was noth- gun violence. On that Saturday morn- ously say: What a tragedy. They don’t ing compared to what they saw. ing, hours before the march on Wash- want their teachers to have guns, and The only solution I have heard of- ington, I met hundreds of Vermonters neither do their teachers. They don’t fered by those who oppose reform is to who came to the Nation’s Capital. My just want a ban on bump stocks. They put more guns in the hands of good wife Marcelle and I hosted a gathering want real, meaningful change. They people. Well, I am a gun owner. We do with them. They were here to lend are saying enough is enough. need well-trained, well-equipped com- their voices to what has become a na- Columbine, Virginia Tech, Newtown, munity police officers. I strongly sup- tional outcry for commonsense reforms Roseburg, Parkland—these are school port school resource officers, and we to reduce gun violence. shootings that made the front pages, should invest more in our police. But Thousands more rallied in our capital but there are hundreds of others. There police armed with assault rifles at city of Montpelier, in Rutland, and in were 18 school shootings in the first 3 every school, at every movie theater, other Vermont towns for a ban on mili- months of 2018 alone. As horrific as in every church, on every street corner tary-style assault rifles and on high-ca- that is, it is only a part of the problem. in America, at every shopping mall, at pacity magazines; for universal back- Every day, an average of 318 people in every museum—is that the solution? Is ground checks, so that if you have a America are shot in murders, assaults, that the United States of America we felony record you are not going to be suicides, and suicide attempts—every want? able to buy a gun; and for laws that day, 318. That is an epidemic, and we We should talk to the police. We keep guns out of the hands of the men- need to treat it like one. You can hear would find that police across this coun- tally ill and those who seek to do us the outrage, and the fear, in the stu- try support stricter, commonsense gun harm. dents’ voices. safety laws. It is Congress’s job to reg- I have rarely been more inspired than I am probably the only Member of ulate when regulations are needed, and when I was listening to the eloquence, this body who has gone to murder we have a responsibility to do so when the clarity, and the indignant frustra- scenes, who has been there in the mid- so many Americans’ lives are at stake. tion in the poignant speeches of those dle of the night and seen a child who Let’s use the power we have to do what students. To hear their stories, to hear has been shot to death, knowing that I the Constitution requires of us and of the loss and grief and the unsettling would be the one who would have to what the American people overwhelm- and unyielding fear resulting from not order the autopsy and have investiga- ingly are asking us to do. knowing whether your school will be tors from my office, when I was a pros- The students who organized these next. ecutor, notify the parents that their marches have challenged us. President I am reminded again of the appalling child was not coming back. I have seen Trump, your party controls the Con- number of school shootings and the so many people shot to death, I still gress. Members of Congress can act or other daily tragedies caused by guns have nightmares about them. they can continue to make excuses or and the lasting and physical scars and Those who hold up the Second remain silent in hopes that this issue trauma that gun violence has had on Amendment as somehow justifying goes away. But, I can tell you, these children, families, and neighborhoods, their opposition to commonsense gun students aren’t going away—not the in cities and towns in every State of control laws could not be more wrong. students I have met, not the students this country. How can one not feel that None of the tragedies those students, whose determination is in their eyes our generation has failed miserably to our schools, our communities, our and in their voices. deal with the epidemic of gun violence? country are experiencing today are the It is time for you, President Trump, How can one not feel that the gun price we must pay for the Second and for this Congress to do right by lobby and others who reflexively op- Amendment. None of the proposals in these students and by all Americans pose all efforts at reform, no matter Congress threaten an individual’s right who are asking their leaders to stop

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.038 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2105 gun violence. Follow Vermont’s exam- Currently, hospice staff are not al- component to making sure that we pro- ple. Support comprehensive, common- lowed to dispose of unused medica- vide the services that are needed for sense gun reform legislation, just as tions, including powerful opioids, even folks that are in recovery or those that you said you would when you met with after the patient has died. As a result, need treatment.’’ The Opioid Peer Sup- Members of Congress of both parties these dangerous medications, with a port Networks Act would bring critical after the Parkland shooting. Keep your high risk of diversion, theft, and abuse, training and assistance to these on- word. Do what you said you would do, are frequently left in the deceased per- the-ground, peer-to-peer networks and but this time follow through. Fight for son’s home. help build up these important recovery it so that it passes, and sign it. I have heard stories about criminals support systems. Listen to the words we heard yester- who actually scan the obituary pages Finally, the Community Action day in Montpelier, VT. Stop the shout- to figure out when the family will be Opioid Response Act, which I have in- ing on either side. Have people sit down away at the deceased person’s funeral troduced with Senator KLOBUCHAR, and talk about what the American peo- so the criminals can target that time would provide competitive grants to ple really want and what the American to break into the family’s home to help Community Action Agencies and people really need, and listen to each steal these dangerous drugs. Community Action Partnerships, other. But then let’s do it. Let’s do it. Our bill would allow certain hospice known as CAPs in my State, expand I think it can be done. I know any staff and emergency medical services their efforts to respond to opioid mis- killing is terrible, but as a parent and personnel, such as paramedics, to dis- use and addiction problems that are ex- a grandparent, I wonder how anyone pose of these potentially addictive perienced by low-income individuals can think of a child or grandchild hav- medications once the patient dies. Reg- and their families. Our bill would sup- ing to witness such a horrible thing. It istered nurses and physicians involved port a wide range of activities, such as should stop. in hospice care can not only help fami- treatment and recovery referral, direct I yield the remainder of my time to lies who are dealing with difficult end- services for children and their care- Senator CARPER from Delaware. of-life issues, but they can also assist givers, including their grandparents, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- them by making their homes safer by and two-generation anti-poverty mod- ator from Delaware has been yielded 2 disposing of dangerous leftover medica- els that respond to the needs and bar- hours as provided by rule. tions. All of these drug disposals would riers that are facing both parents and The Senator from Maine. be documented in the patient’s clinical children. Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I thank records. The CAPs are uniquely positioned to the Senator from Delaware for allow- Our bill would also allow the Drug help take on and be our partners in the ing me to speak for up to 12 minutes. Enforcement Agency to develop regula- opioid crisis. They can leverage their OPIOID EPIDEMIC tions permitting hospice staff to dis- current programs, community relation- Mr. President, I rise today to discuss pose of drugs if a patient’s plan of care ships, and existing infrastructures to three bipartisan bills that I have intro- has changed and the patient no longer respond to the unmet needs resulting duced this week to combat the vast and needs the medications. The disposal of from the opioid epidemic, but they growing opioid epidemic. I want to unused prescription drugs is key to need more help to do so. begin by first thanking the chairman making sure that they do not fall into CAPs in my State have told me about and the ranking member of the Senate the wrong hands, and this bill would how the opioid crisis has affected their HELP Committee for their leadership help to solve that problem. programs and how they are thinking in putting together a comprehensive One way that families struggling innovatively to improve the services bill to address opioid addiction and with addiction are finding support is that they provide. abuse. through peer-to-peer recovery groups. For example, the Waldo CAP in Bel- The HELP Committee has held seven The second bipartisan bill, which I fast, ME, uses its transportation serv- bipartisan hearings on opioid issues have introduced with Senator SHA- ices to bring 175 people a week to drug since October, and I commend the com- HEEN, is the Opioid Peer Support Net- treatment programs. That is 175 people mittee’s leaders for crafting a bipar- works Act. This bill would foster the who otherwise might lack the trans- tisan framework, the Opioid Crisis Re- creation of peer support networks, also portation that is necessary for them to sponse Act, which the committee in- known as communities in recovery, receive the treatment services that are tends to mark up later this month. My and would provide them with the re- needed for them to cope with their ad- hope is that the three bipartisan bills sources and training they need to be dictions. Penquis, a CAP agency in that I am about to describe will either successful. In peer support networks, Bangor, ME, has found that some cli- be incorporated into their more com- individuals and families battling addic- ents don’t access treatment because prehensive legislation or approved sep- tion help one another stay on the road they can’t find transportation for their arately. to recovery and assist with employ- children to safe childcare settings. In Last year, in the State of Maine, 418 ment, education, housing, health, and York County, the Community Action people died from overdoses—a record overall well-being. Agency has partnered with the Sanford number and an 11-percent increase Last year, I visited the Bangor Area Police Department to deliver access to compared to the year before. Just this Recovery Network, known as BARN, in medication-assisted treatment for cli- past weekend, there were nine Brewer, ME. It is a volunteer-led orga- ents who are struggling with opioid ad- overdoses in one night alone, largely as nization that provides support to indi- diction. a result of fentanyl-laced heroin. For- viduals who are recovering from addic- Our bill would give these CAP agen- tunately, first responders were able to tion. BARN is a model for peer-led cies additional resources to develop the save those individuals. counseling and brings hope, recovery, wraparound services that make it pos- It is clear that we need to take an and healing to those who are strug- sible for treatment to succeed and for ‘‘all of the above’’ approach to tackling gling with substance abuse. Individuals recovery to take hold. this crisis. This includes more support who are themselves in recovery can Tackling the opioid epidemic, both for education and prevention, treat- make that critical connection to oth- its causes and its consequences, takes a ment and recovery services, and law ers who are facing addiction, which, in multipronged approach. The three bi- enforcement efforts. No single focus turn, can make the recovery process partisan bills that I have introduced will be sufficient to combat this crisis. sustainable and reduce the stigma of provide additional ways to respond to The first bipartisan bill that I have addiction and treatment. this growing problem. I urge my col- introduced with Senators HASSAN, CAP- Yesterday, the Senate HELP Com- leagues to join me in supporting them, ITO, BALDWIN, and WARREN is the Safe mittee, on which I serve, heard from and I look forward to their enactments. Disposal of Unused Medication Act. three experts about the legislation that Thank you. Our bill would address the problem of the committee is developing. Jessica I yield the floor. unused prescription painkillers when a Nickel, the founder and CEO of the Ad- I suggest the absence of a quorum. person is receiving hospice care at diction Policy Forum, told us: ‘‘Peer The PRESIDING OFFICER. The home. recovery support specialists are a key clerk will call the roll.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.039 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 The assistant bill clerk proceeded to It is no secret that Democrats in One example—and it is not a very call the roll. Congress hate President Trump. For good example, not good for those af- Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I ask months, they have held up his nomi- fected—is with the National Assess- unanimous consent that the order for nees for key positions in the government of Educational Progress, or the quorum call be rescinded. ment. This strategy may serve in their NEPA, which released its Nation’s Re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without hatred of President Trump, but it is port Card. The results show that our objection, it is so ordered. harmful to our country. Nation’s children have not made gains HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES One example is the nominee for the in reading and math. In 2017, nation- LANCE CORPORAL TAYLOR CONRAD Federal Railroad Administration, ally, only 40 percent of fourth graders Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, I honor whose nomination was held up for were considered proficient in math, and today the life and sacrifice of one sol- months after he had been approved only 36 percent were reading at grade 4 dier in particular, U.S. Marine Corps unanimously by the committee of ju- levels. LCpl Taylor Conrad, who was 24 years risdiction for his appointment in the This is unacceptable. If a child learns old and was a Central Louisianan. Federal Government. As a result, there to read in grades 1, 2, 3, after that, he Our military men and women deserve have been multiple fatal crashes in the or she reads to learn, and if one can’t recognition. They sacrifice time away railroad system—Republicans were on read by the fourth grade, one may from family and friends and put them- a trip when one of them occurred—that never be able to read to learn as effec- selves in harm’s way to advance our may have been prevented had there tively as one needs in order to succeed country’s interests. Every day, they been leadership on that railroad com- in today’s economy. Democrats hate risk their lives to secure our safety. In mission. Donald Trump so much, they would the case of Taylor Conrad, along with We have a sense that there can be a rather risk a child not learning to read three of his fellow marines, he trag- consequence to this kind of than to have their future prospects ically lost his life last week when their unremitting ‘‘whatever Trump pro- dimmed and easily approve a Trump helicopter crashed during a training poses we are going to oppose, no mat- appointee. mission in California. ter, just because it is Trump’’ when Mr. President, the time is now to A Louisiana native and Central High folks die in railroad accidents. I will stop the obstruction. Let’s put our Na- School graduate, Taylor exemplified note, after the last set of fatalities, tion’s children’s educational needs first the qualities of a good marine. He was that hold was lifted, and the nomina- and confirm the remaining nominees to tough, compassionate, and wanted to tion was allowed to proceed. serve at the U.S. Department of Edu- help others. In high school, Taylor Sometimes it is not so clear that cation. This is not about Donald J. Trump; played football and was an accom- damage has occurred from this kind of this is about the children of our coun- plished powerlifter. He also volun- ‘‘whatever Trump proposes we shall op- try who, if they don’t learn to read or teered in the Best Buddies program, pose.’’ In multiple cases, it involves the do math proficiently, will have a future which matches students with school- Department of Education. One example that is less than it should be, and that mates in the special ed program. is the nomination of BG Mitchell should be a bipartisan concern. A teacher said: ‘‘Mick’’ Zais for Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Thank you, Mr. President. The one thing that made Taylor such a I yield the floor. President Trump nominated General special friend with our kids is he didn’t ap- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. CAS- proach them in a way that he felt sorry for Zais in October 2017. It has been over 6 SIDY). The Senator from Delaware. them. He approached them in a way where he months since his nomination, and we Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I rarely truly wanted to be their friend. still do not have a Deputy Secretary of rise three times in the same day to The school’s athletic director said the Department of Education. give a speech. This is a special day for Taylor’s ‘‘love for those who need the General Zais is qualified for the posi- me and maybe for the Senate. But I most is something I’ll never forget.’’ tion. He served as South Carolina’s want to assure my colleagues that the There was one child who would never elected State superintendent of edu- concerns many of us have been express- speak except, with Taylor, he would cation, the president of Newberry Col- ing about the current chaos at the En- laugh. That was the effect Taylor had lege, and as a commissioner on South vironmental Protection Agency and on others. Carolina’s Commission on Higher Edu- the nomination of Andrew Wheeler— After school, Taylor decided to serve cation. He also served his country hon- the person who could predictably re- our country by joining the Marines. He orably and faithfully as an infantry place the EPA Administrator—are not went on to become a CH–53 helicopter soldier in the U.S. Army for 31 years— ours alone. Editorial boards around the crew chief in the 3rd Marine Aircraft again, retiring as a brigadier general. country, including those from news- Wing’s Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465. A little known fact about the general papers in Republican-leaning States, One marine who served with Taylor is that he is dyslexic—an issue I care are expressing concerns regarding EPA had this to say of him: passionately about that affects 20 per- Administrator Scott Pruitt’s recent He was the gold standard. He pushed every- cent of our Nation’s population. He slew of ethical lapses—it would be body and he cared about everybody. I knows firsthand of the struggles of one charitable to call them lapses. It is wouldn’t be the Marine I am now if it wasn’t with dyslexia and how, with the proper these failings by Mr. Pruitt that An- for him. evidence-based resources, our children drew Wheeler will be expected to ad- Our hearts go out to everyone whose with dyslexia can learn to read and dress if he is confirmed by the Senate. life was touched by Taylor. We espe- have as successful futures as any other. I can assure the citizens of all these cially pray for his family, including his Ensuring children with dyslexia have States, the editorial boards of all these daughter, who was born just last Octo- the resources they need to succeed is a papers, and all my colleagues that the ber. Their loss is great, and their legislative priority for me and also will Environment and Public Works Com- hearts are heavy. I want them to know be for General Zais, as he indicated, mittee has not considered the nomina- that Louisiana and our entire country when he is finally confirmed. tion of Andrew Wheeler with these eth- mourn with them because our loss is Democrats have imposed 30 hours of ical failings in mind. Mr. Wheeler has great too. When they lost a brother, a debate on nominees they support by been nominated to serve as the indi- son, and a dad, we lost a good man, a forcing cloture votes. They have forced vidual who will oversee day-to-day op- great marine, and a fellow American. more cloture votes in the first year of erations of an EPA currently in chaos. Thank you. the Trump administration than in the We have had no opportunity to ask Mr. NOMINATIONS FOR THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF entire first terms of the last four Presi- Wheeler about the Administrator’s EDUCATION dents combined. These delay tactics questionable behavior, nor have we had Mr. President, I would like to speak have consequences for the rail system a chance to ask him how he plans to about nominations for the U.S. Depart- just as they do in the education of our right a ship that has so clearly lost its ment of Education and the approval of children. It is a tragedy that Demo- way. them or, I should say, their lack of ap- crats are blocking or playing games I am sobered but not shocked to read proval. with our children’s futures. what people who have their fingers on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.045 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2107 the pulse in their communities have to Pruitt’s predecessors, Gina McCarthy and serve as EPA Deputy Administrator is say about the current leadership in the Lisa Jackson—who were demonized repeat- a huge responsibility for this body. As Environmental Protection Agency. It edly by West Virginia politicians, among the Miami Herald rightly points out, is truly maddening and deeply sad to others—flew coach, with a much smaller se- this is no normal circumstance and curity presence. see the indictments on an agency that surely not a normal EPA that Mr. we in Congress have vested with the re- The Charleston Gazette-Mail edi- Wheeler would enter. He would have to sponsibility of protecting our children, torial concludes: be ready for a job that none of us can supporting our elders, and ensuring a There are many reasons why Scott Pruitt say at this time that he is ready to world in which we and all the life shouldn’t be leading the EPA, primarily that tackle—cleaning up a huge mess at he doesn’t seem to believe in science and is around us can thrive. more interested in helping big business, EPA. What are newspapers around the than, you know, protecting the environment. The Miami Herald notes: country saying about the leadership of But his obvious belief that taxpayer money The flurry of ethical questions surrounding the Environmental Protection Agency and resources are given to him for his per- Environmental Protection Agency Adminis- these days? sonal benefit is a big reason, as well. trator Scott Pruitt is now a blizzard. The As a kid growing up in Virginia, I Let’s go down to Texas. The Houston emerging picture is of a chief environmental officer not only fighting a war on science as never read the Virginian-Pilot in Chronicle weighed in on this. I don’t Danville and Roanoke. This is what he promotes oil and gas interests but also ar- know if we have a poster on this one, rogantly betraying the public trust. they said in Virginia through a news- but here we go. This is what they said The Miami Herald concludes: paper called the Virginian-Pilot on at the Houston Chronicle on April 6, April 6, 2018, about a week ago. The this month. The headline of the edi- Time and again, Trump has accepted arro- headline of the editorial is ‘‘EPA’s Pru- gance and incompetence on his staff as long torial is ‘‘The time has come for EPA as loyalty remains beyond question. itt a terrible choice.’’ Administrator Scott Pruitt to resign.’’ Meanwhile, in Akron, OH, in its edi- They said: It reads in part: torial entitled ‘‘Deep in the Swamp at Short of nominating an actual oil derrick On the next episode of the Trump adminis- the EPA,’’ on April 8, the Akron Bea- or a landfill to the post, President Donald tration’s reality show, the latest character Trump couldn’t have done worse than tap- the President needs to vote off the island is con Journal notes that some folks in ping Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Environmental Protection Agency Adminis- the White House knew just how bad Protection Agency. trator Scott Pruitt. Scott Pruitt was. They went on to say: Indeed, it’s hard to figure out how Pruitt John Kelly showed the right instinct. has survived so far into this season. The host And yet, it’s unlikely that his sinister ap- John Kelly is the Chief of Staff. of this show says he wants to drain the proach to managing the EPA will be Pruitt’s swamp, but the EPA boss is so deep in the According to news accounts, the White undoing. Rather, it’s almost certain to be a muck, he could play the creature from the House chief of staff advised President Trump comparatively banal brand of corruption Black Lagoon. that Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the that is infuriatingly commonplace in the Environmental Protection Agency, needed to highest echelons of the Trump administra- The Houston Chronicle concluded: step down in view of his ethical misdeeds and tion. So Pruitt seems destined to become the spending excesses. The editorial goes on to say: next character cut from Trump’s chaotic re- The Beacon Journal concludes: ality show. Dropping this bad actor can’t Having a director of the Environmental happen fast enough. Scott Pruitt should go. This isn’t about Protection Agency wholly uninterested in policymaking, dismaying and damaging as protecting the environment is a national em- Even in Mr. Pruitt’s home State, the direction of the agency has been. The barrassment, and Americans deserve much some people are fed up with his antics. problem is his conduct in office. Pruitt has better than the worst option available. The Tulsa World editorialized in this abused the public trust, in the way he has The next quote comes from Charles- way—this was on April 6. The title is spent taxpayer dollars, in the perception he ton, WV, and it is from the West Vir- ‘‘With a controversial agenda, EPA Ad- invites. ginia Gazette-Mail. It is focused more ministrator Scott Pruitt must live Apparently, Mr. Pruitt is not show- on a favorite Presidential theme. above suspicion.’’ ing folks in the Show Me State what Donald Trump campaign crowds loved to In part, the editorial reads: they want to see in an EPA Adminis- chant ‘‘Drain the swamp!’’ But if ever there Some of the latest accusations are embar- trator either. In an editorial on April 7, was a political swamp creature, it’s Scott rassing. He should have known better, and he 2018, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said: Pruitt, the man Trump picked to head the may pay a heavy consequence for them. There are many good reasons why Presi- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The paper goes on: dent Donald Trump should fire Scott Pruitt On the issue of favoring his fellow From his first day in office, Pruitt has as administrator of the Environmental Pro- Oklahomans on the EPA staff, the been under the microscope of scrutiny from tection Agency. Top on our list are his mul- Charleston Gazette-Mail editorial con- those who disagree with the president’s tiple failures to do his job protecting the en- tinued: thinking on environmental issues. If that’s vironment. He’s gone so far as to say that if not entirely fair, it also should have been ob- global warming is real, it might be a good Despite the White House telling him not to thing. give large raises to two employees— vious to Pruitt that he would have to live a life that was above suspicion. In ways that Do you know what. I wholeheartedly I think one raise was $29,000 and an- have nothing to do with money, he couldn’t agree with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. other was $56,000 per year— afford to fly first class. In conclusion, I share these editorials —who followed him from Oklahoma, Pruitt The second Oklahoma newspaper, the because I think they illustrate the sit- did it anyway. He used a loophole in the Safe Edmund Sun, had more particular ad- uation that Mr. Wheeler will face Drinking Water Act that’s supposed to let vice for the President, along these the EPA hire experts quickly in an emer- should he be confirmed, and that is a gency, not give taxpayer-funded raises to po- lines: very difficult situation. As the No. 2 litical lackeys. Donald Trump has never needed help mir- person at EPA, Mr. Wheeler will be re- Nor did the Administrator’s security ing himself in controversy, and that was true sponsible for fullfilling the Agency’s before he ever moved into the White House. mission and doing so in a way that concerns pass muster. The Charleston But he could do himself a favor, and gain Gazette-Mail went on: earns, once again, the public’s trust. some begrudging respect from detractors, by There is a long way to go to regain Pruitt is clearly very worried about his se- drop-kicking Scott Pruitt to the curb. curity; he has tripled the size of his security The fact that he defied a White House deci- that trust, and Mr. Wheeler will have a detail, and is the first EPA administration sion should by itself make Pruitt ripe for Herculean task in front of him to help to have 24/7 security—again, at taxpayer extermination. Staffers and Cabinet members the Administrator do so, should he be pense. That security detail includes some far more ethical than Pruitt have been confirmed today. EPA agents who would otherwise be inves- shown the door. Trump should cut him loose, I yield the floor. tigating environmental crimes, rather than and get rid of the rope and the scissors he I suggest the absence of a quorum. protecting their snowflake boss. used to make the snip. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Those are the newspaper’s words, not Under the best of circumstances and clerk will call the roll. mine. even in the most accountable adminis- The legislative clerk proceeded to The editorial goes on to say: trations, consideration of a nominee to call the roll.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.047 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I ask Fortunately, the Federal Energy Mr. President, responding to climate unanimous consent that the order for Regulatory Commission unanimously change is more than just an environ- the quorum call be rescinded. rejected this proposal. But if Mr. mental issue. It is an economic impera- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Wheeler comes to EPA as the No. 2, tive. objection, it is so ordered. what other misguided proposals like Senator COLLINS and I requested from Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I this are they going to propose or try to the Government Accountability Office rise to voice my opposition to the nom- fight, even though the science within an analysis about the full costs of cli- ination of Andrew Wheeler to be Dep- the own agencies says they are wrong- mate change. uty Administrator for the Environ- headed? How much time will we have That is because, after seeing how it mental Protection Agency. to waste exposing these bad ideas? We impacted us with fires, how it impacted The Senators standing up this after- should instead be making investments our shellfish industry, how it impacted noon to fight this nomination are not in policy and infrastructure that will so much of our coastline, we wanted to just opposing Mr. Wheeler. We are try- help us be more competitive in the fu- know how much climate is costing tax- ing to shine a light on the fact that ture. payers. Well, the GAO report said it this administration has one of the I am also troubled by the administra- will cost taxpayers more than $1 tril- worst environmental records in his- tion’s backward view on how the lion in the next 10 to 15 years. tory. And you don’t have to take my United States can achieve so-called en- So I know that Mr. Wheeler thinks word for it because this unprecedented ergy dominance by focusing more on this may not be part of his day job, but assault on our Nation’s bedrock envi- coal. In my assessment, the days of rolling back strong environmental laws ronmental laws has drawn strong criti- this strategy are numbered. that help us move forward will put us cism from former Democrat and Repub- Selling away our cheap natural gas further and further behind and cost us lican Environmental Protection Agen- to foreign buyers. Or eking a little billions of dollars more than we need to cy Administrators. more life out of our grandfathered coal be paying. The American public overwhelmingly plants. Or drilling, as the administra- We need to uphold these critical en- supports the laws and regulations that tion has proposed, in every part of the vironmental standards and laws that protect our air and water. And my con- United States and off our shores, is not protect our clean air and clean water stituents don’t buy the false trade-off the way to be competitive for the fu- so that we can make progress, so that between protecting the environment ture. I am concerned that Mr. Wheeler we can diversify our economy, and so and jobs. To them they come hand in holds and will support these backward that we can make the right invest- hand. The facts on the ground have views. ments. When he was criticizing the Paris Cli- proven that these are red herring argu- I believe Mr. Wheeler is the wrong ments. mate Agreement, he called it a ‘‘sweet- choice for this position. I think he is There are so many examples of how heart deal’’ for China because it gave the wrong person to help us meet those this administration’s disdain for them a manufacturing edge, but he standards. science has led them to try to undo really got it backwards. We need a Deputy Administrator who decades of progress on the environ- That is because China itself has been isn’t there trying to just jam coal down ment. I want to focus on three issues investing in renewable energy. By 2040, that are particularly damaging and it will have invested over $6 trillion in the throats of American consumers and serve as an indication of why Mr. clean energy technologies, according to businesses, but rather advocating for Wheeler’s nomination and record are so the International Energy Agency. the next generation of Americans, who troubling. China also adopted a 5-year solar en- will need to be able to compete and First is the example of Mr. Wheeler ergy plan calling for 105 gigawatts of compete in a cost-effective way. lobbying on behalf of fossil fuel inter- solar capacity by 2020. They have pro- I urge my colleagues to join me in ests. My concern is that Mr. Wheeler posed an aggressive stance moving for- voting no on Andrew Wheeler to be the would have a prominent role in review- ward, and I want to make sure that Deputy Administrator at EPA. ing the air pollution rules that govern U.S. companies who have great tech- I thank the Presiding Officer, and I coal plants, rules that he got paid mil- nology get a fair crack at making in- yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- lions of dollars to help attack. vestments there and particularly in the ator from Oregon. A number of press reports have ex- area of energy efficiency, which is al- Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, in posed how one of Mr. Wheeler’s biggest ready accounting for about a $2.2 tril- Federalist Paper No. 76, Alexander lobbying clients, Murray Energy, was a lion investment in 2016. driving force behind Secretary Perry’s So we know that we can move for- Hamilton wrote that it was the job of ill-considered resilience proposal. That ward on a cleaner energy economy, and the Senate to ‘‘prevent the appoint- proposal ignored the Energy Depart- we want to know that we have the ment of unfit characters.’’ That is cer- ment’s own staff report and was an at- leadership that are going to support tainly the mission for which we have tempt to try to say that coal was the this critical transition. I am perhaps responsibility today—to make sure only reliable source of energy for the most troubled that, during his con- that the unfit characters do not have electricity grid, which would have firmation hearing, Mr. Wheeler refused roles of power and influence within our forced citizens to pay more on their to acknowledge the indisputable re- government. utility bills. They said that is a wrong ality that humans are the cause of dan- Andrew Wheeler, the nominee who is conclusion. And it was a transparent gerous accumulation of greenhouse before us for the No. 2 job at the Envi- attempt to try to prop up one of the gases. ronmental Protection Agency, raises a administration’s favorite energy The fact that greenhouse gases are series of questions and concerns related sources, which really would have made going to warm our planet and cause to whether or not he is fit for office. everything more expensive for con- acidity in our oceans is something my This is a man whose entire career sumers and certainly would have State knows well. working for the fossil fuel industry changed the focus of what we need to In Washington, climate change has stands in direct opposition to the mis- do to decarbonize our energy system. serious consequences for human health sion of the Environmental Protection But the biggest problem here was and our economy. Climate change has Agency—a mission to protect the how the proposal would have hit con- resulted in extreme weather patterns, health of the American people and the sumers, as I said, with billions of dol- putting lives and property in danger. It well-being of our planet. lars in added costs. Bailing out old coal has impacted water quality, and it has At such a volatile moment for the plants wasn’t just bad policy; it was a caused other impacts to our salmon EPA, when the Agency is plagued by breathtaking raid on consumer pocket- and shellfish industries, big parts of scandal, ethical misbehavior, and pan- books. The regional grid manager our seafood economy. Climate change dering to polluters, this nomination de- found that the Secretary’s proposal has created drought conditions, has serves the closest of scrutiny. After all, would nearly double the cost of whole- jeopardized our farm economy, and it is it is quite possible that, before long, sale energy in the Nation’s largest even changing the chemistry of Puget whoever fills the role of No. 2 at the electricity market. Sound. EPA could be acting in the No. 1 spot.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.054 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2109 It is clear that Andrew Wheeler is not Administrator who has increased the greed over our planet. They are selling fit to be that person. salaries of his friends in an unapproved out America, and those who shill for When President Richard Nixon cre- fashion. There is little to think that them are selling out America. ated the Environmental Protection any of this would change with Andrew They say: Well, you know, out of 100 Agency in 1970, he recognized that we Wheeler in either the No. 2 or No. 1 po- scientists, we can find 2 or 3 who dis- all share ‘‘a profound commitment to sition. agree. Well, how often do you have the rescue of our natural environment, It starts with the fact that neither somebody who goes to 97 doctors and and the preservation of the Earth as a man takes seriously the profound have them say: You have cancer. And place both habitable by and hospitable threat to our planet from carbon pollu- they say: Oh, but, wait; I can find one to man.’’ tion. I believe that these individuals doctor somewhere. If I pay them For more than 47 years, the EPA has are smart, that they actually know the enough, they will say I don’t have can- worked under Democratic Presidents enormous damage that carbon pollu- cer, and then I am healed—except that and Republican Presidents to protect tion is doing to our planet. they wouldn’t be healed and they our natural environment and preserve After all, it is hard to miss. You can would soon be dead. our planet as a habitable and hos- see it this last year in the ferocity of In Oregon, we have seen the impact pitable place. That has included con- Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Harvey. on the Klamath Basin, the worst ever trolling toxic and poisonous chemicals, Why were they so fierce? Because 90 droughts time after time over the last improving air and water quality, and percent of the heat produced by cli- 15 years. Talk to the people in Texas, enhancing vehicle efficiency and emis- mate chaos was trapped by the oceans, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, and sions control. The list of EPA’s accom- and that hotter ocean energizes the the Virgin Islands, whose communities plishments goes on and on, but it can storms to a higher level of impact. You were devastated by last year’s hurri- be summed up like this: Americans can see them in the forest fires that canes. value clean air. Americans value clean raged in Montana, across Oregon, and In the last 10 years, the time I have water. Scott Pruitt does not, and Mr. down into California. Year after year, been in office, we have seen half the Wheeler does not. the fire season is longer and fiercer. coral reefs around the world either die Administrator Pruitt has turned his There are more forests burned. or be deeply damaged—in the time longstanding disdain for the EPA into You can see it in the insect popu- since I was elected in 2008. As to the a crusade to destroy it. Think about lation. You can see it in the mosqui- fact that our economists have cal- the hard work of protecting our air and toes that carry Zika. You can see it in culated the monetary terms of damage our water. There is a lot that goes into the success of the pine beetles, when it for the United States from last year’s that. You can think about the equiva- is too warm to kill them in the winter. storms and fires to be well over $300 lence of constructing a house. You need So they do great, and the trees don’t. billion, the fact that quality of life to have somebody who knows the foun- You can see it in the oysters that now would be profoundly affected by the dation, knows the plumbing, knows the have to have the water in which they movement of diseases, the fact that the wiring, knows the carpentry, knows are born be artificially buffered be- moose are dying in New Hampshire and the drywall, and knows the roofing. cause it is now too acidic for baby oys- lobsters are migrating north from You have to combine all of that with ters. Maine, none of that matters because someone to get the windows installed And why is it too acidic? Because the these folks keep coming back and say- right and the insulation installed ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the ing: You know, it is just not clear what right. It is a lot of work to create a air, creating carbonic acid. is happening. It is not even an under- structure that protects our air and It is hard to miss. It is hard to imag- standing of the basic scientific prin- water from the thousands of chemicals ine when you see the ocean, where so ciple. Really? That is just such a lie. that can do it harm, but it only takes much carbonic acid has been placed As far back as 1959, Edward Teller, one person to knock down that care- through our ocean through polluted air the eminent scientist, was warning fully constructed house—one person, that it has changed the acidity of the folks in the petroleum industry. When one wrecking ball. ocean, but that is exactly what it has he gave his speech at the 100th anniver- Scott Pruitt is that wrecking ball in done. sary of the petroleum industry, he said: the EPA, knocking down the carefully Now, the EPA does a lot of wonderful ‘‘First of all, these energy resources constructed work of decades of efforts work under a normal administration, will run short as we use up more and by some of the Nation’s leading sci- be it Democratic or Republican. It more of the fossil fuels.’’ True enough, entists and most dedicated team mem- tracks greenhouse emissions. It works it turns out that there is a lot more bers. on money-saving regulations, like re- than anyone thought in 1959. But then There is a lot of frustration among newable fuel standard programs. It he said, second, that it turns out that those dedicated scientists, and 700 em- conducts analyses to compare different carbon dioxide produced by burning ployees have left or have been forced policies to see which one would be fossil fuels has a big problem. out. Critical clean air and clean water more effective and what the range of You can look through it and you regulations have been stalled or left in impacts would be. It conducts world- can’t smell it so it doesn’t seem like a limbo. Enforcement of existing regula- class research on the science. It part- pollutant, but it turns out it traps tions has virtually disappeared. Re- ners with States and local commu- heat. He proceeded to say that would gionally, EPA offices have been rou- nities and governments on efficiency be a big problem because it would melt tinely stripped of the power to inves- and renewable energy. But that is ice in the world and raise the sea levels tigate, while advisory committees that under a normal administration and a and that would flood our cities. He have usually been made up by sci- normal Administrator. There is no didn’t have all of the science that has entific, objective individuals are now partnering now. It is just simply the been generated since 1959, but he had a being filled with industry shills. To put wrecking ball. basic understanding of the physics of it bluntly, under Scott Pruitt, the EPA Scott Pruitt said scientists disagree the problem. is conducting a war against clean air about the extent of global warming in What have we seen? We have seen, and clean water. This is really a connection to the actions of mankind. from that time until now, a 25-percent shameful situation, and that is just the Actually, NASA has very precise esti- increase in carbon dioxide in the at- policy side. mates or recordings of the changes in mosphere, and that is a big deal. So we Then we have the ethical side. There the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have seen, year after year, it become is the Administrator’s desire to waste and the temperature changes that are hotter and hotter. In fact, 2015, 2016, our taxpayer money on $40,000 private occurring from that. and 2017 were the three hottest years phone booths, first-class travel, and You can find people, primarily those ever recorded. In fact, 17 of the 18 hot- swanky accommodations; the Adminis- who are funded by the fossil fuel indus- test years on record occurred within trator’s determination to retaliate try, who dispute that and sow confu- the last 18 years. Yet these individuals against those who have pointed out the sion. It is certainly the strategy of the stand up and say: Do not worry. Be restrictions that he is violating; and an fossil fuel folks, who are choosing their happy. There is no problem.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.055 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 But there is a big problem, and put- troops in motion on foreign soil. One of Scott Thune Wicker Shelby Tillis Young ting folks whose bread is buttered by those is a direct and explicit congres- Sullivan Toomey the fossil fuel industry in charge of sional authorization, and the second is clean air and clean water is a colossal a direct threat or attack on the United NAYS—45 mistake for our Nation. States or our forces or our assets. Baldwin Hassan Peters Mr. Pruitt’s association with the fos- Bennet Heinrich Reed I asked him: Do you think the Presi- Blumenthal Hirono Sanders sil fuel industry is well documented. He dent of the United States can put Booker Jones Schatz went as far as to send a letter to the forces into action outside of those two Brown Kaine Schumer EPA on his stationery accusing regu- provisions, congressional authorization Cantwell King Shaheen Cardin Klobuchar Smith lators of overestimating how much air or a direct attack on America? Carper Leahy Stabenow pollution energy companies drilling He said: Yes. Casey Markey Tester new natural gas wells in Oklahoma In other words, he absolutely, 100 Coons McCaskill Udall were causing. The letter was written Cortez Masto Menendez Van Hollen percent disavows our Constitution, Durbin Merkley Warner almost word-for-word by a company, which says the power to make war Feinstein Murphy Warren not by a scientific expert, nor did it rests in Congress, not at the whim of Gillibrand Murray Whitehouse have input from scientific experts. the President. Harris Nelson Wyden This type of cozy relationship has This was one of the most important NOT VOTING—2 continued throughout his tenure at the provisions in the debate about the de- Duckworth McCain EPA. Take, for instance, his efforts to sign of our Constitution; that it should stall or eliminate regulations, delay The nomination was confirmed. not be easy to go to war. The Constitu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- implementations of new ones to help tion gives that power explicitly to Con- polluters at the expense of the health, jority leader. gress. Mike Pompeo says it doesn’t Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I safety, and livelihood of millions of matter. It doesn’t matter, even if there Americans. He has issued a memo- ask unanimous consent that the fur- is not a threat to the United States, an ther rollcall votes in this series be 10 randum saying the regional EPA of- attack on the United States; it doesn’t fices first have to seek permission from minutes in length. matter, even if there is no congres- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there headquarters before investigating pol- sional authorization, the President can luters, investigating violations, or re- objection? do what he wants. You really can’t Without objection, it is so ordered. questing information. So he has sought make that argument and honestly take to really completely stop the inves- an oath of office to abide by the Con- f tigation into malfeasance and mis- stitution. conduct damaging our environment— That is why I will adamantly oppose CLOTURE MOTION all to help his associates who are in his nomination as Secretary of State. private industry. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Thank you. to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the The list goes on and on. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- We see the same thing with Mr. Senate the pending cloture motion, jority leader. Wheeler working so closely as a lob- which the clerk will state. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I byist for the same fossil fuel industry; The assistant bill clerk read as fol- know of no further debate on the nomi- specifically, Murray Energy. How can lows: nation. you say an individual will enforce the CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there rules when he represents the industry? any further debate on the nomination? We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- That is the challenge. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Our U.S. President said he was going Hearing no further debate, the ques- Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby to drain the swamp, but Scott Pruitt is tion is, Will the Senate advise and con- move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- the swamp. He is the person who is pro- sent to the Wheeler nomination? nation of John W. Broomes, of Kansas, to be ceeding to fail to enforce our clean air Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I United States District Judge for the District and clean water laws. He is the person ask for the yeas and nays. of Kansas. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Mitch McConnell, John Hoeven, John who is stopping his team from inves- Kennedy, Johnny Isakson, Cory Gard- tigating violations. He is the person sufficient second? There appears to be a sufficient sec- ner, John Cornyn, James E. Risch, who is allowing his friends to have Thom Tillis, Pat Roberts, Jerry Moran, their pay increased, or actively work- ond. David Perdue, Mike Rounds, John ing to increase their pay, when it is The clerk will call the roll. Thune, Roy Blunt, Richard Burr, Tom outside of the regulation. He is the per- The bill clerk called the roll. Cotton, Jeff Flake. son wasting our taxpayer money in all Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- kinds of ways that have been docu- is necessarily absent: the Senator from imous consent, the mandatory quorum mented, from security details to trains Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). call has been waived. of cars blowing lights so he can get Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the The question is, Is it the sense of the someplace in the city 5 minutes faster, Senator from Illinois (Ms. DUCKWORTH) Senate that debate on the nomination violating the rules; demoting people is necessarily absent. of John W. Broomes, of Kansas, to be who try to hold him accountable— The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- United States District Judge for the every possible ethical and professional LIVAN). Are there any other Senators in District of Kansas, shall be brought to violation. the Chamber desiring to vote? a close? The nominee before us is a straight The result was announced—yeas 53, The yeas and nays are mandatory backup to that kind of misconduct. He nays 45, as follows: under the rule. should absolutely not be confirmed by [Rollcall Vote No. 71 Ex.] The clerk will call the roll. the U.S. Senate. He should not get a YEAS—53 The assistant bill clerk called the single vote from a single Member here Alexander Enzi Kennedy roll. because the American people want the Barrasso Ernst Lankford Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator rules on clean air and clean water en- Blunt Fischer Lee is necessarily absent: The Senator from Boozman Flake Manchin forced. So let’s vote for enforcement. Burr Gardner McConnell Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN). NOMINATION OF MICHAEL POMPEO Capito Graham Moran Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Mr. President, just a short time ago, Cassidy Grassley Murkowski Senator from Illinois (Ms. DUCKWORTH), Collins Hatch Paul I was in the hearings regarding Michael Corker Heitkamp Perdue is necessarily absent. Pompeo to be our Secretary of State. I Cornyn Heller Portman The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there think my concerns can be summed up Cotton Hoeven Risch any other Senators in the Chamber de- by this: I read to him the two provi- Crapo Hyde-Smith Roberts siring to vote? Cruz Inhofe Rounds sions of the War Powers Act that give Daines Isakson Rubio The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 74, the President the power to put our Donnelly Johnson Sasse nays 24, as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.049 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2111 [Rollcall Vote No. 72 Ex.] The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there YEAS—74 imous consent, the mandatory quorum is no further debate, the question is, Alexander Flake Murkowski call has been waived. Will the Senate advise and consent to Baldwin Gardner Murphy The question is, Is it the sense of the the Jennings nomination? Barrasso Graham Nelson Senate that debate on the nomination The nomination was confirmed. Bennet Grassley Paul of Rebecca Grady Jennings, of Ken- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Blumenthal Hatch Perdue Blunt Heitkamp Portman tucky, to be United States District jority leader. Boozman Heller Reed Judge for the Western District of Ken- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Burr Hoeven Risch tucky, shall be brought to a close? ask unanimous consent that the mo- Capito Hyde-Smith Roberts The yeas and nays are mandatory tions to reconsider be considered made Cardin Inhofe Rounds Carper Isakson under the rule. and laid upon the table and the Presi- Rubio Casey Johnson The clerk will call the roll. Sasse dent be immediately notified of the Cassidy Jones Schatz The senior assistant legislative clerk Senate’s action for the nominations Collins Kaine called the roll. Corker Kennedy Schumer confirmed during today’s session. Cornyn King Scott Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Cotton Klobuchar Shelby are necessarily absent: the Senator objection, it is so ordered. Crapo Lankford Sullivan from Arizona (Mr. MCCAIN) and the Tester f Cruz Leahy Senator from Pennsylvania (Mr. Daines Lee Thune LEGISLATIVE SESSION Donnelly Manchin Tillis TOOMEY). Durbin McCaskill Toomey Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Enzi McConnell Warner Senator from Delaware (Mr. COONS) move to proceed to legislative session. Ernst Menendez Wicker and the Senator from Illinois (Ms. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Fischer Moran Young DUCKWORTH) are necessarily absent. question is on agreeing to the motion. NAYS—24 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. The motion was agreed to. Booker Hassan Shaheen YOUNG). Are there any other Senators f Brown Heinrich Smith in the Chamber desiring to vote? Cantwell Hirono Stabenow The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 94, AMENDING THE WHITE MOUNTAIN Coons Markey Udall APACHE TRIBE WATER RIGHTS Cortez Masto Merkley Van Hollen nays 2, as follows: Feinstein Murray Warren [Rollcall Vote No. 73 Ex.] QUANTIFICATION ACT OF 2010 Gillibrand Peters Whitehouse YEAS—94 Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Harris Sanders Wyden Alexander Gillibrand Nelson ask that the Chair lay before the Sen- NOT VOTING—2 Baldwin Graham Paul ate the message to accompany S. 140. Duckworth McCain Barrasso Grassley Perdue The Presiding Officer laid before the Bennet Harris Peters Senate the following message from the The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Blumenthal Hassan Portman House of Representatives: vote, the yeas are 74, the nays are 24. Blunt Hatch Reed The motion is agreed to. Booker Heinrich Risch Resolved, That the bill from the Senate (S. Boozman Heitkamp Roberts 140) entitled ‘‘An Act to amend the White f Brown Heller Rounds Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quan- Burr Hoeven Rubio tification Act of 2010 to clarify the use of EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Cantwell Hyde-Smith Sasse amounts in the WMAT Settlement Fund.’’, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Capito Inhofe Cardin Isakson Schatz do pass with an amendment. clerk will report the nomination. Carper Johnson Schumer MOTION TO CONCUR Scott The senior assistant legislative clerk Casey Jones C Shaheen Mr. M CONNELL. Mr. President, I read the nomination of John W. Cassidy Kaine move to concur in the House amend- Broomes, of Kansas, to be United Collins Kennedy Shelby Corker King Smith ment to S. 140. States District Judge for the District Cornyn Klobuchar Stabenow CLOTURE MOTION of Kansas. Cortez Masto Lankford Sullivan Mr. MCCONNELL. I send a cloture Cotton Leahy Tester The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- motion to the desk on the motion to jority leader. Crapo Lee Thune Cruz Manchin Tillis concur. C Mr. M CONNELL. Mr. President, I Daines Markey Udall The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clo- know of no further debate on the nomi- Donnelly McCaskill Van Hollen ture motion having been presented nation. Durbin McConnell Warner Enzi under rule XXII, the Chair directs the Menendez Warren The PRESIDING OFFICER. If there Ernst Merkley Whitehouse clerk to read the motion. is no further debate, the question is, Feinstein Moran Wicker The senior assistant legislative clerk Fischer Murkowski Will the Senate advise and consent to Wyden read as follows: the Broomes nomination? Flake Murphy Gardner Murray Young CLOTURE MOTION The nomination was confirmed. NAYS—2 We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- f ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the Hirono Sanders CLOTURE MOTION Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby NOT VOTING—4 move to bring to a close debate on the mo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Coons McCain tion to concur in the House amendment to S. to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Duckworth Toomey 140, an act to amend the White Mountain Senate the pending cloture motion, The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this Apache Tribe Water Rights Qualification Act which the clerk will state. of 2010 to clarify the use of amounts in the vote, the yeas are 94, the nays are 2. WMAT Settlement Fund. The senior assistant legislative clerk The motion is agreed to. read as follows: Mitch McConnell, Cory Gardner, Orrin G. f Hatch, Tom Cotton, Steve Daines, Roy CLOTURE MOTION EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Blunt, Mike Crapo, James E. Risch, We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- Johnny Isakson, John Thune, Thom ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Tillis, James M. Inhofe, Pat Roberts, Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby clerk will report the nomination. John Hoeven, John Boozman, Jeff move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- The senior assistant legislative clerk Flake, Jerry Moran. nation of Rebecca Grady Jennings, of Ken- read the nomination of Rebecca Grady Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous tucky, to be United States District Judge for Jennings, of Kentucky, to be United consent that the mandatory quorum the Western District of Kentucky. States District Judge for the Western call be waived. Mitch McConnell, John Hoeven, John District of Kentucky. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Kennedy, Johnny Isakson, Jerry objection, it is so ordered. Moran, Cory Gardner, John Cornyn, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- James E. Risch, Thom Tillis, Pat Rob- jority leader. MOTION TO CONCUR WITH AMENDMENT NO. 2227 erts, David Perdue, Mike Rounds, John Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Mr. MCCONNELL. I move to concur Thune, Roy Blunt, Richard Burr, Tom know of no further debate on the nomi- in the House amendment to S. 140, with Cotton, Jeff Flake. nation. a further amendment.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.050 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- pleasure for his willingness to be con- clerk will report the motion. NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 2230 sidered for this position, to be nomi- The senior assistant legislative clerk to the instructions of the motion to refer. nated by the President, and now to be read as follows: Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous confirmed by the U.S. Senate—and to The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- consent that the reading of the amend- express my pleasure to my colleagues NELL] moves to concur in the House amendment be dispensed with. for seeing his qualifications and experiment to S. 140, with an amendment num- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ence and capabilities and making that bered 2227. objection, it is so ordered. confirmation happen just a few mo- Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous The amendment is as follows: ments ago. He is a highly qualified in- consent that the reading of the amend- Strike ‘‘3 days’’ and insert ‘‘4 days’’ dividual, he is a well-respected attor- ment be dispensed with. Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask for the yeas ney, and he has the intellect and legal The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and nays on my amendment. mind and legal experience to receive objection, it is so ordered. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a this lifetime appointment as a Federal The amendment is as follows: sufficient second? judge. At the end add the following: There appears to be a sufficient sec- I take these lifetime appointments ‘‘This act shall be effective 1 day after en- ond. very seriously, and I want to make cer- actment.’’ The yeas and nays were ordered. tain that, as a Kansas Senator and as a U.S. Senator, I am doing my part to Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask for the yeas AMENDMENT NO. 2231 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2230 and nays on the motion to concur with Mr. MCCONNELL. I have a second-de- put highly qualified and soundly prin- amendment. gree amendment at the desk. cipled judges in place to serve Kansas The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and the country. John Broomes meets sufficient second? clerk will report. these qualifications. In my conversa- There appears to be a sufficient sec- The senior assistant legislative clerk tions with him over the last year, he expressed a judicial philosophy that is ond. read as follows: dedicated to the interpretation of the The yeas and nays were ordered. The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 2231 law as written, recognition that no per- AMENDMENT NO. 2228 TO AMENDMENT NO. 2227 to amendment No. 2230. son is above the law, and treatment for Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The amendment is as follows: all litigants in a fair and legal fashion. have a second-degree amendment at Strike ‘‘4’’ and insert ‘‘5’’ I appreciate Mr. Broomes’ naval serv- the desk. CONFIRMATION OF REBECCA JENNINGS ice to our country. His willingness to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, serve is a mark of his character and his clerk will report. today the Senate completed its work love for our Nation. The senior assistant legislative clerk I want to highlight a note from a dis- read as follows: on the personnel business for this week the way we started—by confirming a tinguished professor at Washburn Law The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- School in Topeka, KS. He indicated in talented nominee to be a Federal dis- NELL] proposes an amendment numbered 2228 his letter that he found Mr. Broomes to to amendment No. 2227. trict judge in Kentucky. President Trump nominated Rebecca be ‘‘the most gifted legal mind he has Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask unanimous Jennings to be the first woman to serve ever encountered. Equally important, consent that the reading of the amend- as a district judge for the Western Dis- he is an honest and principled person ment be dispensed with. trict of Kentucky. Widely recognized and among the very best lawyers I know.’’ Dr. David Pierce, a law school The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without for her outstanding legal talents and professor, is a highly regarded member objection, it is so ordered. judgment, Ms. Jennings has earned the of the faculty and chairman of the The amendment is as follows: support of Kentucky’s legal commu- Washburn business and transactional Strike ‘‘1 day’’ and insert ‘‘2 days’’ nity. In fact, dozens of her peers wrote law program, and his confirmation of MOTION TO REFER WITH AMENDMENT NO. 2229 that ‘‘she has a first-rate analytical my view of John Broomes is very ful- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I mind and superb judgment. She is prin- filling to me. It gives me great con- move to refer the House message on S. cipled, thoughtful, and hard-working.’’ fidence that we have made a wise deci- 140 to the Committee on Indian Affairs These qualities are exactly what I be- with instructions to report back forth- sion today. lieve we need on the Federal district Mr. Broomes served as a law clerk to with. courts. Our colleagues on the Judiciary U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Committee agreed, advancing Ms. Jen- Bostwick and U.S. District Court clerk will report the motion. nings’ nomination to the Senate floor Judge Monti Belot, and their reputa- The senior assistant legislative clerk on a voice vote. Just moments ago, the tion and experience add to Mr. read as follows: Senate fulfilled its responsibility, con- Broomes’ qualifications. The Senator from Kentucky [Mr. MCCON- firming another well-qualified nominee I met Mr. Broomes’ family, and I was NELL] moves to refer the House message to for Kentucky and for the Nation, both so impressed with him as a father. I accompany S. 140 to the Committee on In- of which will be well-served by Rebecca was impressed with his wife and their dian Affairs to report back forthwith with Jennings on the bench. children. He has a reputation as a instructions, being amendment numbered I hope the Senate can build on this 2229. solid, decent, and conscientious person momentum and continue confirming The amendment is as follows: and a man with a conscience. He also more of the President’s abundantly has a reputation for expertly managing At the end add the following: qualified nominees without undue cases and solving complex litigation. ‘‘This Act shall take effect 3 days after the delay. date of enactment.’’ He has been a valuable attorney to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Hinkle law firm, a highly regarded law Mr. MCCONNELL. I ask for the yeas ator from Kansas. firm in Wichita, KS. That firm is and nays on my motion. CONFIRMATION OF JOHN BROOMES known for employing associates and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, judges having partners who meet the quali- sufficient second? and litigants in our State of Kansas fications that we would want in a There appears to be a sufficient sec- have been anxious to have the vacant judge. He focuses on business and nat- ond. positions in our State filled. One of ural resources law, and that knowledge The yeas and nays were ordered. those two vacancies in district judge- of those kinds of cases will be very val- AMENDMENT NO. 2230 ships is the longest open vacancy in uable to litigation that is heard in my Mr. MCCONNELL. I have an amend- the country, and today we accom- State. ment to the instructions. plished the filling of one of those posi- Mr. Broomes was unanimously con- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tions with the confirmation of John firmed by the Senate Judiciary Com- clerk will report. Broomes. mittee in December, and I appreciate The senior assistant legislative clerk I rise to express my pleasure to my the support my colleagues have dem- read as follows: colleagues and to Mr. Broomes—my onstrated on his confirmation today.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.063 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2113 Thank you, Mr. President. dian Affairs. He was able to travel to John also wants to spread not just The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- different villages translating the the culture but the values of the ator from Alaska. Yup’ik language and helping applicants Yup’ik community—in his words, to f fill out paperwork for housing, which ‘‘Yup’ify’’ Alaska and the world. With TRIBUTE TO JOHN ACTIVE was great training for the rest of his the help of KYUK, the amazing station life. that serves over 22,000 predominantly Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, every He also became passionate about the Yup’ik residents in this region of Alas- week I come to the floor to talk about news and spreading the news. In the ka, he and his other cohosts have been my great State and a person in my 1970s, KYUK—Bethel’s new local public able to do that. State who has made a difference in radio and television shows, which are ‘‘There are so many people in this re- their communities and in the State and so important to get the word out in gion who can understand what we’re sometimes throughout the entire coun- these smaller communities—was born, saying,’’ John said. ‘‘I feel it makes try. I call this person our Alaskan of and John was there as one of the very them proud to hear their language the Week, and it is actually one of the first Yup’ik language broadcasters. being spoken over the airwaves. . . . I best things I get to do each week here Many people in the area, particularly am helping to keep the language and in the U.S. Senate. the elders, still read and speak only in culture alive.’’ There is a lot to brag about with re- Yup’ik. John was so intent on letting March 30 was John’s last show on gard to Alaska. Frankly, while I love them know what was happening in the KYUK. He is now taking a well-de- my job here, I wish I were home right world in the early days that he would served retirement, but his legacy and now. My wife is there. Although the wait for the cargo plane to arrive from the radio’s commitment to their temperatures are still only in the sin- Anchorage to grab the Anchorage Yup’ik culture continues. KYUK will gle digits in some places in Alaska, Daily News, the daily newspaper, and continue to be a pioneer in bringing 1 particularly up north, springtime, rush into the radio station to simulta- hour a day of local news in the Yup’ik which we call breakup in Alaska, has neously translate the news from 1 hit much of our State. language and 5 ⁄2 hours a week of English into Yup’ik as he read it. I will admit, breakup is not always Yup’ik public affairs and talk shows, There are very few people in the pretty. The State gets a lot of snow— all in the language of the region. world who can simultaneously trans- dirty, melting snow. There is sloshing I want to thank KYUK for being a late English to Yup’ik. Among many through the slush and big, huge pud- pioneer in bringing bilingual content other challenges, there simply aren’t dles everywhere. But the sun is now to Alaskans and public broadcasting, Yup’ik words for some English words. high in the sky and staying up longer and, of course, I want to thank John Take, for example, the word ‘‘com- and longer every day. Birds are migrat- for being one of the major conduits for puter’’ and what a computer does. It ing back by the tens of thousands, and that pioneering work. can take an entire paragraph in Yup’ik the excitement of spring is everywhere. Your work, John, has touched so You can feel it and sense it. to explain that. When a bank was try- many, and you have certainly done The changing of the seasons is no ing to inform Alaskans in the region your part to serve your fellow Alas- more extreme and no more profound about home loans, John found that it kans while ‘‘Yup’ifying’’ the State, the than in Alaska, where the weather, could take an entire paragraph to country, and even the world. So hunting, and passing on of traditions translate the phrase ‘‘home equity’’ thanks, and congratulations on being and culture are literally a way of life into Yup’ik. So he had a really hard our Alaskan of the Week. for many. job, but he did it really, really well. I yield the floor. Today, what I would like to do is Over the years, John became known I suggest the absence of a quorum. take you to Bethel, AK—a town of for starting his newscast with a short The PRESIDING OFFICER. The about 6,000 people about 400 miles west Yup’ik story. These were stories that clerk will call the roll. of Anchorage, which is in the full he had learned from his grandmother, The legislative clerk proceeded to throws of breakup—in order for the such as, ‘‘How the Fox Turned Red’’ call the roll. Presiding Officer and everyone watch- and ‘‘How the Crane Got Its Blue Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I ing to meet our Alaskan of the Week, Eyes’’—stories that were eventually ask unanimous consent that the order Mr. John Active. broadcast around the State. Some of for the quorum call be rescinded. John is an extraordinary Alaskan them were even picked up by National The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without who has spent decades, season after Public Radio for the country. objection, it is so ordered. He also became a columnist for the season, on the radio, telling stories and f passing on traditions helping to keep Anchorage Daily News and other pa- the Yup’ik culture of Alaska alive. pers across Alaska, sharing the stories MORNING BUSINESS John, who is 70 years old, has lived a of his ancestors and his humorous Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I storied life, which began in a village views on the world. It is such a delight ask unanimous consent that the Sen- outside of Bethel. Unfortunately, after to listen to him and to read his stories. ate be in a period of morning business, he was born his mother passed away, He has become a beloved figure with Senators permitted to speak and his father couldn’t care for him, so throughout Alaska. therein for up to 10 minutes each. he was adopted by James and Elsie Ac- But John’s work goes way beyond en- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tive and brought to live in Bethel. His tertainment. His work goal has been to objection, it is so ordered. grandmother, Maggie Lind, was a well- preserve the Yup’ik language, which f known storyteller, and John’s child- goes hand in hand with preserving the BUDGET SCOREKEEPING REPORT hood was filled with stories about Yup’ik culture. It is so vitally impor- Yup’ik legends, wisdom, and culture. tant in our State where, as I have men- Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I wish to John’s experiences as he grew up led tioned, we have 20 indigenous lan- submit to the Senate the budget him to an incredibly important voca- guages. Not a lot of people know that. scorekeeping report for April 2018. The tion—translating his native language In the not-so-distant past, unfortu- report compares current-law levels of into English. nately, Alaska Natives were discour- spending and revenues with the You might ask: Translating? Well, aged, and sometimes even punished, for amounts the Senate agreed to in the yes, that is actually very important in speaking in their native languages. budget resolution for fiscal year 2018, Alaska. You see, we have about 20 dif- Now, however, there are more and H. Con. Res. 71. This information is ferent indigenous languages still spo- more efforts, encouraged by people like necessary for the Senate Budget Com- ken by the Native peoples of my great John Active and by KYUK, to help mittee to determine whether budget State, and throughout my great State keep native languages and the cultures points of order lie against pending leg- thousands of Alaskans literally speak that belong to them alive and thriving. islation. The Republican staff of the these languages. For example, my wife Julie is now tak- Senate Budget Committee and the Con- During John’s senior year of high ing classes in Koyukon, her family’s gressional Budget Office, CBO, preschool, he worked for the Bureau of In- native language. pared this report pursuant to section

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.068 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 308(b) of the Congressional Budget Act, levels of spending for fiscal year 2018 TABLE 1.—SENATE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEES—ENACTED CBA. are above the amounts assumed in the DIRECT SPENDING ABOVE (+) OR BELOW (¥) BUDGET The enforceable levels included in budget resolution by $152.2 billion in RESOLUTIONS this report reflect all of the numerical budget authority and $105.5 billion in [In millions of dollars] adjustments made to the resolution outlays. For fiscal year 2018, Social Se- since its passage. The information con- curity outlay levels remain consistent 2018– 2018– 2018 2022 2027 tained in this report captures legisla- with the budget resolution’s assump- tive activity from passage of the budg- tion Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry et resolution through April 9, 2018. The Current-law revenues continue to be Budget Authority ...... 47 629 1,163 Outlays ...... 47 711 1,249 only law enacted with significant budg- in excess of the levels assumed by the Armed Services etary effects since my last filing, on budget resolution. On-budget revenue Budget Authority ...... ¥33 ¥102 ¥76 February 28, 2018, was the Consolidated levels currently exceed assumed levels Outlays ...... ¥24 ¥15 ¥16 by $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2018, $39.8 Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Appropriations Act, 2018, P.L. 115–141. Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Republican Budget Committee staff billion over the fiscal year 2018–2022 pe- Outlays ...... 0 0 0 prepared tables 1 to 4 of this report. riod, and $94.2 billion over the fiscal Commerce, Science, and Transportation year 2018–2027 period. For fiscal year Budget Authority ...... 0 10 100 Table 1 gives the amount by which Outlays ...... 0 50 100 each Senate authorizing committee ex- 2018, Social Security revenues are $446 Energy and Natural Resources ceeds or is below its allocation for million below levels assumed in the Budget Authority ...... 220 ¥78 ¥70 budget resolution. Outlays ...... 198 ¥82 ¥83 budget authority and outlays under the Environment and Public Works most recently adopted budget resolu- CBO’s report also provides informa- Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 tion. This information is used for en- tion needed to enforce the Senate pay- Outlays ...... 0 0 0 as-you-go, PAYGO, rule. The Senate’s Finance forcing committee allocations pursu- Budget Authority ...... 21,971 69,492 75,504 ant to section 302 of the CBA. For this PAYGO scorecard currently shows def- Outlays ...... 5,211 14,037 6,435 reporting period, 10 of the 16 author- icit reduction of $24 million in fiscal Foreign Relations year 2018, but deficit increases of $10 Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 izing committees are in compliance Outlays ...... 0 0 0 with their allocations. As previously million over the fiscal year 2017–2022 Homeland Security and Governmental Af- reported, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs; period and $11 million over the fiscal fairs year 2017–2027 period. For fiscal year Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Energy and Natural Resources; Health, Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Education, Labor, and Pensions; Fi- 2018, legislation has been enacted that Judiciary nance; and Agriculture, Nutrition, and would reduce outlays by $24 million. Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 Over the fiscal year 2017–2022 period, Outlays ...... 0 0 0 Forestry Committees are in breach of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions their allocations. Since my last report, legislation has been enacted that CBO Budget Authority ...... 705 ¥46 ¥46 estimates will decrease outlays by $13 Outlays ...... 205 318 ¥39 several committees’ allocations were Rules and Administration affected by changes in the nonappro- million and decrease revenues by $23 million. Over the fiscal year 2017–2027 Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 priations provisions included in the Outlays ...... 0 0 0 period, legislation has been enacted Intelligence omnibus appropriations bill. Still, the that CBO estimates will decrease out- Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 only new committee creating a breach lays by $11 million and decrease reve- Outlays ...... 0 0 0 was the Commerce, Science, and Trans- Veterans’ Affairs nues by $22 million. Consistent with re- Budget Authority ...... 2,100 2,100 2,100 portation Committee, which spent $100 cent congressional practice, the direct Outlays ...... 1,050 2,100 2,100 million more in both budget authority Indian Affairs spending and revenue provisions in- and outlays through Division P of the Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 cluded in the non-Appropriations Com- Outlays ...... 0 0 0 omnibus, Ray Baum’s Act of 2018, than mittee portion of the fiscal year 2018 Small Business allowed under the budget resolution. Budget Authority...... 0 0 0 omnibus, which increased deficits by Table 2 gives the amount by which Outlays ...... 0 0 0 $2.8 billion over 10 years are being ex- the Senate Committee on Appropria- cluded from PAYGO calculations. This Total tions is below or exceeds the statutory Budget Authority ...... 25,010 72,005 78,675 is due to provisions in the omnibus spending limits. This information is Outlays ...... 6,687 17,119 9,746 that mandated the exclusion of those used to determine points of order re- budgetary effects both from the Senate lated to the spending caps found in sec- TABLE 2.—SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE— and statutory PAYGO scorecards. The ENACTED REGULAR DISCRETIONARY APPROPRIATIONS 1 tions 312 and 314 of the CBA. Appropria- Senate’s PAYGO rule is enforced by tions for 2018 are consistent with the section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71. [Budget authority, in millions of dollars] statutory limits as modified by the Bi- Also included in this submission is a 2018 partisan Budget Act of 2018. table tracking the Senate’s budget en- The budget resolution contains two forcement activity on the floor since Security 2 Nonsecurity 2 points of order limiting the use of Congress adopted the budget resolu- Statutory Discretionary Limits ...... 629,000 579,000 changes in mandatory programs in ap- tion. Two points of order were raised Amount Provided by Senate Appropriations Subcommittee propriations bills, CHIMPS. Tables 3 since my last filing. On March 14, 2018, Agriculture, Rural Development, and and 4 show compliance with fiscal year Senator Sanders raised a PAYGO point Related Agencies ...... 0 23,259 2018 limits for overall CHIMPS $17 bil- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Re- of order against S. 2155, the Economic lated Agencies ...... 5,400 54,200 lion, and the crime victims fund Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Con- Defense ...... 589,320 132 CHIMP, $11.2 billion, respectively. This sumer Protection Act. This point of Energy and Water Development ...... 21,800 21,400 information is used for determining Financial Services and General Govern- order was waived by a vote of 67 to 31. ment ...... 31 23,392 points of order under sections 4102 and On March 21, 2018, Leader McConnell Homeland Security ...... 2,058 45,665 4103 of H. Con. Res. 71, respectively. Interior, Environment, and Related raised a PAYGO point of order against Agencies ...... 0 35,252 CHIMPS included in the 2018 omnibus Senator Wyden’s amendment, S. Amdt. Labor, Health and Human Services, comply with the existing limits. 2213, to H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Education and Related Agencies ..... 0 177,100 In addition to the tables provided by Legislative Branch ...... 0 4,700 Victims to Fight Online Sex Traf- Military Construction and Veterans Af- Budget Committee Republican staff, I ficking Act of 2017. This point of order fairs, and Related Agencies ...... 10,091 81,900 am submitting CBO tables, which I will State Foreign Operations, and Related was sustained with a vote of 21 to 78 on Programs ...... 0 42,000 use to enforce budget totals approved Senator Wyden’s waiver motion. Transportation and Housing and Urban by Congress. All years in the accompanying tables Development, and Related Agencies 300 70,000 CBO provided a spending and revenue are fiscal years. Current Level Total ...... 629,000 579,000 report for fiscal year 2018, which helps I ask unanimous consent that the ac- Total Enacted Above (+) or Below enforce aggregate spending levels in companying tables be printed in the (¥) Statutory Limits ...... 0 0 budget resolutions under CBA section RECORD. 1 This table excludes spending pursuant to adjustments to the discre- 311. CBO’s estimates, which now in- There being no objection, the mate- tionary spending limits. These adjustments are allowed for certain purposes in section 251(b)(2) of BBEDCA. clude the full effects of appropriations rial was ordered to be printed in the 2 Security spending is defined as spending in the National Defense budg- for this year, show that current-law RECORD, as follows: et function (050) and nonsecurity spending is defined as all other spending.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.058 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2115 TABLE 3.—SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE—EN- TABLE 4.—SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE—EN- U.S. CONGRESS, ACTED CHANGES IN MANDATORY SPENDING PROGRAMS ACTED CHANGES IN MANDATORY SPENDING PROGRAM CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, (CHIMPS) (CHIMP) TO THE CRIME VICTIMS FUND Washington, DC, April 11, 2018. Hon. MIKE ENZI, [Budget authority, millions of dollars] [Budget authority, millions of dollars] Chairman, Committee on the Budget, 2018 2018 U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The enclosed report CHIMPS Limit for Fiscal Year 2018 ...... 17,000 Crime Victims Fund (CVF) CHIMP Limit for Fiscal Year shows the effects of Congressional action on Senate Appropriations Subcommittees 2018 ...... 11,224 the fiscal year 2018 budget and is current Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies 0 Senate Appropriations Subcommittees through April 9, 2018. This report is sub- Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies ...... 10,228 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Related Agencies 0 mitted under section 308(b) and in aid of sec- Defense ...... 0 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies ...... 10,228 tion 311 of the Congressional Budget Act, as Energy and Water Development ...... 0 Defense ...... 0 amended. Financial Services and General Government ...... 0 Energy and Water Development ...... 0 The estimates of budget authority, out- Homeland Security ...... 0 Financial Services and General Government ...... 0 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies ...... 0 Homeland Security ...... 0 lays, and revenues are consistent with the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Re- Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies ...... 0 technical and economic assumptions of H. lated Agencies ...... 6,772 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Re- Con. Res. 71, the Concurrent Resolution on Legislative Branch ...... 0 lated Agencies ...... 0 the Budget for Fiscal Year 2018. Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Legislative Branch ...... 0 Agencies ...... 0 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Since our last letter dated February 28, State Foreign Operations, and Related Programs ...... 0 Agencies ...... 0 2018, the Congress has cleared and the Presi- Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, State Foreign Operations, and Related Programs ...... 0 dent has signed the Consolidated Appropria- and Related Agencies ...... 0 Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, tions Act, 2018 (Public Law 115–141). That act and Related Agencies ...... 0 has significant effects on budget authority, Current Level Total ...... 17,000 Total CHIMPS Above (+) or Below (¥) Budget Current Level Total ...... 10,228 outlays, and revenues in fiscal year 2018. Resolution ...... 0 Total CVF CHIMP Above (+) or Below (¥) Budget Sincerely, ¥ Resolution ...... 996 KEITH HALL, Director. Enclosure. TABLE 1.—SENATE CURRENT LEVEL REPORT FOR SPENDING AND REVENUES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018, AS OF APRIL 9, 2018 [In billions of dollars]

Current Budget Current Level Over/ Resolution Level Under (¥) Resolution

On-Budget: Budget Authority ...... 3,399.8 3,552.0 152.2 Outlays ...... 3,221.3 3,326.8 105.5 Revenues ...... 2,497.1 2,500.3 3.2 Off-Budget: Social Security Outlays a ...... 849.6 849.6 0.0 Social Security Revenues ...... 873.3 872.9 ¥0.4 Source: Congressional Budget Office. a Excludes administrative expenses paid from the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund of the Social Security Administration, which are off-budget, but are appropriated annually.

TABLE 2.—SUPPORTING DETAIL FOR THE SENATE CURRENT LEVEL REPORT FOR ON-BUDGET SPENDING AND REVENUES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018, AS OF APRIL 9, 2018 [In millions of dollars]

Budget Authority Outlays Revenues

Previously Enacted ab: Revenues ...... n.a. n.a. 2,658,139 Permanents and other spending legislation ...... 2,105,225 2,003,386 n.a. Appropriation legislation ...... 0 513,307 n.a. Offsetting receipts ...... ¥866,685 ¥866,685 n.a. Total, Previously Enacted ...... 1,238,540 1,650,008 2,658,139 Enacted Legislation: Authorizing Legislation: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (P.L. 115–91) ...... ¥33 ¥24 0 CHIP and Public Health Funding Extension Act (P.L. 115–96, Division C) ...... 705 205 0 An act to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 . . . and for other purposes (P.L. 115–96, Division D) ...... 2,100 1,050 0 An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 (P.L. 115–97) ...... ¥8,600 ¥8,600 ¥143,800 An act making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes (P.L. 115–120, Divisions C and D) ...... 14,509 1,203 ¥1,263 Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115–123, Divisions A and C–G) bc ...... 7,504 4,050 ¥12,424 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Divisions M–V (P.L. 115–141) d ...... 225 203 ¥348 Total, Authorizing Legislation ...... 16,410 ¥1,913 ¥157,835 Appropriation Legislation: Department of Defense Missile Defeat and Defense Enhancements Appropriations Act, 2018 (P.L. 115–96, Division B) ...... 4,686 803 0 Further Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (P.L. 115–123, Division B, Subdivision 1) ...... 84,436 11,185 0 Further Extension of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018, (P.L. 115–123, Division B, Subdivision 3) ...... ¥315 ¥315 0 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, Divisions A–L (P.L. 115–141) def ...... 2,259,985 1,663,110 0 Total, Appropriation Legislation ...... 2,348,792 1,674,783 0 Total, Enacted Legislation ...... 2,365,202 1,672,870 ¥157,835 Entitlements and Mandatories: Budget resolution estimates of appropriated entitlements and other mandatory programs ...... ¥51,440 4,205 0 Total Current Level bg ...... 3,552,039 3,326,820 2,500,304 Total Senate Resolution h ...... 3,399,841 3,221,349 2,497,139 Current Level Over Senate Resolution ...... 152,198 105,471 3,165 Current Level Under Senate Resolution ...... n.a. n.a. n.a. Memorandum: Revenues, 2018–2027: Senate Current Level ...... n.a. n.a. 31,090,119 Senate Resolution ...... n.a. n.a. 30,995,967 Current Level Over Senate Resolution ...... n.a. n.a. 94,152 Current Level Under Senate Resolution ...... n.a. n.a. n.a. Source: Congressional Budget Office. Notes: n.a. = not applicable; P.L. = Public Law. a Includes the budgetary effects of the following acts that affect budget authority, outlays, or revenues and were cleared by the Congress during the 1st session of the 115th Congress, but before the adoption of H. Con. Res. 71, the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018: the VA Choice and Quality Employment Act of 2017 (P.L. 115–46); the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 (P.L. 115–48); a joint resolution compact relating to the establishment of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (P.L. 115–54); the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 (P.L. 115–56); the Emergency Aid to American Survivors of Hurricanes Irma and Jose Overseas Act (P.L. 115–57); the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017 (P.L. 115–62); the Disaster Fax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017 (P.L. 115–63); the Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017 (P.L. 115–64); and the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017 (P.L. 115–72). b Emergency funding that was not designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A) of the Deficit Control Act does not count for certain budgetary enforcement purposes. These amounts, which are not included in the current level totals, are as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.063 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018

Budget Authority Outlays Revenues

Disaster Fax Relief and Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2017 (P.L. 115–63) ...... 263 263 0 Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115–123) ...... 2,217 1,469 ¥509 Total ...... 2,480 1,732 ¥509 c The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (P.L. 115–123) contains seven divisions: Division A, Subdivision 2 of Division B, and Divisions C–F contain authorizing legislation, of which the budgetary effects of Subdivision 2 of Division B were designated as being for emergency requirements. Subdivisions 1 and 3 of Division B contain appropriation legislation: Subdivision 1 provided supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for disaster relief and designated those amounts as being for emergency requirements, and section 158 of Subdivision 3 provided authority for the duration of fiscal year 2018, for the Secretary of Energy to draw down and sell crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Di- vision G of P.L. 115–123 provided for the budgetary treatment of Divisions A–F. d Sections 540–543 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2017 (Division F of P.L. 115–31), extended several immigration programs through the end of fiscal year 2017. Several continuing resolutions continued those authorities through March 23, 2018, and sections 202–205 of title II of Division M of P.L. 115–141 further extended those programs through 2018. CBO estimates that extending those authorities for the entirety of fiscal year 2018 will increase on-budget direct spending by $5 million in fiscal year 2018, $27 million over the 2018–2022 period, and $53 million over the 2018–2027 period. In addition, CBO estimates that extending those authorities will decrease off- budget direct spending by $1 million over the 2018–2022 period and by $7 million over the 2022–2027 period. Further, CBO estimates that continuing those authorities will increase revenues by $2 million over the 2018–2022 period and by $7 million over the 2018–2027 period. Consistent with the budgetary treatment of Divisions K–V of P.L. 115–141, the budgetary effects of extending the immigration programs through March 23, 2018, are charged to the Appropriations Committee; the effects of extending the programs for the remainder of fiscal year 2018 are charged to the relevant authorizing committees. e Pursuant to sections 1001–1004 of the 21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114–255), certain funding provided to the Department of Health and Human Services—in particular the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Insti- tutes of Health (NIH)—in 2017 through 2026 shall not count for the purposes of complying with provisions of the Deficit Control Act or the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. As a result, the amounts shown do not include $1,056 million in budget authority or $770 million in associated outlays in fiscal year 2018 within the following subcommittees’ jurisdictions: $60 million in budget authority and $22 million in outlays for the FDA (Agriculture); and $996 million in budget authority and $748 million to outlays for HHS, which includes $500 million in budget authority for state responses to the opioid abuse crisis and $496 million for NIH (Labor, HHS, Education). f Section 255 of the Departments of Labor, Health, and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 (Division H of P.L. 115–141), delayed implementation of the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force with respect to breast cancer screening, mammography, and prevention. CBO estimates that the delay will increase direct spending (budget authority and outlays) by $14 million in fiscal year 2019 and by $6 million in fiscal year 2020. In addition, CBO estimates that section 225 will decrease revenues by $23 million in fiscal year 2019 (of which $6 million will be off-budget) and will decrease revenues by $9 million in fiscal year 2020 (of which $2 million will be off-budget). g For purposes of enforcing section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act in the Senate, the resolution, as approved by the Senate, does not include budget authority, outlays, or revenues for off-budget amounts. As a result, current level does not include these items. h Periodically, the Senate Committee on the Budget revises the budgetary levels in H. Con. Res. 71, pursuant to various provisions of the resolution. The total for the Initial Senate Resolution shown below excludes $47,660 million in budget authority, $22,467 million in outlays, and $150,003 million in revenues assumed in H. Con. Res. 71 for discretionary spending not constrained by the budgetary caps established by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (P.L. 112–25) and subsequently amended, including spending that qualifies for adjustments pursuant to section 4205 of H. Con. Res. 71.

Budget Authority Outlays Revenues

Initial Senate Resolution ...... 3,089,061 3,109,221 2,640,939 Revisions: Pursuant to section 311 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and section 3003 of H. Con. Res. 71 ...... ¥8,600 ¥8,600 ¥143,800 Pursuant to sections 311 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 ...... 4,686 803 0 Pursuant to sections 311 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 ...... 84,436 11,185 0 Pursuant to sections 311 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and section 4108 of H. Con. Res. 71 ...... 230,553 108,997 0 Pursuant to sections 311 and 314(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 ...... ¥295 ¥257 0 Revised Senate Resolution ...... 3,399,841 3,221,349 2,497,139

TABLE 3.—SUMMARY OF THE SENATE PAY-AS-YOU-GO SCORECARD FOR THE 115TH CONGRESS, AS OF APRIL 9, 2018 [In millions of dollars]

2018 2017–2022 2017–2027

Beginning Balance a ...... 0 0 0 Enacted Legislation:bcd. Protecting Patient Access to Emergency Medications Act of 2017 (H.R. 304, P.L. 115–83) ...... * * * TSP Modernization Act of 2017 (H.R. 3031, P.L. 115–84) ...... * * * FITARA Enhancement Act of 2017 (H.R. 3243, P.L. 115–88) ...... * * * National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (H.R. 2810, P.L. 115–91) ...... ¥24 ¥16 ¥21 Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal Year 2017, Improvements Act (S. 371, P.L. 115–94) ...... * * * An Act to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue Department of Homeland Security-wide guidance and develop training programs as part of the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, and for other purposes (H.R. 1370, P.L. 115–96) e ...... * * 1 An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 (H.R. 1, P.L. 115–97) f ...... * n.a. n.a. To amend the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Improvement Act to provide access to certain vehicles serving residents of municipalities adjacent to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation (H.R. 560, P.L. 115–101) ...... * * * 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act (H.R. 1242, P.L. 115–102) ...... * * * Western Oregon Tribal Fairness Act (H.R. 1306, P.L. 115–103) ...... * 2 5 Rapid DNA Act of 2017 (S. 139, P.L. 115–118) ...... * * * An Act making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes (H.R. 195, P.L. 115–120) ...... * * 1 To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to John L. Canley for acts of valor during the Vietnam War while a member of the Marine Corps (H.R. 4641, P.L. 115–122) ...... * * * Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 gh (H.R. 1892, P.L. 115–123) ...... * * 1 Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 (S. 534, P.L. 115–126) ...... * * * Kari’s Law Act of 2017 (S. 582, P.L. 115–127) ...... * * * An Act to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a consistent eligibility date for provision of Department of Veterans Affairs memorial headstones and markers for eligible spouses and dependent children of veterans whose remains are unavailable. (H.R. 3656, P.L. 115–136) ...... * * * Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (H.R. 1625, P.L. 115–141) i ...... * 24 24 Eliminating Government-funded Oil-painting Act (S. 188, P.L. 115–158) ...... * * * Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 (H.R. 1865) ...... * * * Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018 (H.R. 4547) ...... * * * Current Balance ...... ¥24 10 11 2018 2017–2022 2017–2027 Changes to Revenues ...... 0 ¥23 ¥22 Changes to Outlays ...... ¥24 ¥13 ¥11 Source: Congressional Budget Office. Notes: P.L. = Public Law; * = between ¥$500,000 and $500,000. a On October 26, 2017, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Budget reset the Senate’s Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Scorecard to zero for all fiscal years. b The amounts shown represent the estimated effect of the public laws on the deficit. c Excludes off-budget amounts. d Excludes amounts designated as emergency requirements. e Pursuant to Division E of P.L. 115–96, the budgetary effects of Divisions C and D are excluded from the Senate’s PAYGO Scorecard. f Section 3003 of H. Con. Res. 71, the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018, granted the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee the authority to revise balances on the Senate PAYGO ledger to fully incorporate the budgetary effects of P.L. 115–97. The Chairman exercised this authority with a filing in the Congressional Record on December 19, 2017. g Pursuant to section 70101(b) of Division G, the budgetary effects of Division A, Subdivision 2 of Division B, and Divisions C through F are excluded from the Senate’s PAYGO Scorecard. h Pursuant to section 232(b) of H. Con. Res. 290 (106th Congress), the Concurrent Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2001, the scoring effects related to the Federal Reserve Surplus Funds are excluded from the Senate’s PAYGO Score- card. i Pursuant to section 701 of Division M of P.L. 115–141, the budgetary effects of Division M and each succeeding division are excluded from the Senate’s PAYGO Scorecard. The amounts shown reflect the revenue effects of section 225 of Division H of Public Law 115–141.

ENFORCEMENT REPORT OF THE 115TH CONGRESS SINCE THE ADOPTION OF H. CON. RES. 71

Vote Date Measure Violation Motion to Waive 1 Result

294 ...... December 1, 2017 ...... S. Amdt. 1720 to S. Amdt. 1618 to H.R. 1–created a point 313(b)(1)(A)–Byrd violation 2 ...... Sen. Sanders (I–VT) ...... 46–54, Not Waived. of order against legislation that cuts Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits. 295 ...... December 1, 2017 ...... S. Amdt. 1854 to S. Amdt. 1618 to H.R. 1–amended the In- 302(f)–Exceeds a committee’s 302(a) allocation 3 ...... Sen. Brown (D–OH) ...... 48–52, Not Waived. ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the Child Tax Credit. 296 ...... December 1, 2017 ...... S. Amdt. 1850 to S. Amdt. 1618 to H.R. 1–increased the 302(f)–Exceeds a committee’s 302(a) allocation 4 ...... Sen. Rubio (R–FL) ...... 29–71, Not Waived. refundability of the child tax credit. 299 ...... December 2, 2017 ...... S. Amdt. 1846 to S. Amdt. 1618 to H.R. 1–provided for mid- 4105–Unknown Budgetary Effects 5 ...... Sen. Kaine (D–VA) ...... 34–65, Not Waived. dle class tax relief. 301 ...... December 2, 2017 ...... S. Amdt. 1717 to S. Amdt. 1618 to H.R. 1–struck title II ...... 302(f)–Exceeds a committee’s 302(a) allocation 6 ...... Sen. Cantwell (D–WA) ...... 48–52, Not Waived.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.067 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2117 ENFORCEMENT REPORT OF THE 115TH CONGRESS SINCE THE ADOPTION OF H. CON. RES. 71—Continued

Vote Date Measure Violation Motion to Waive 1 Result

322 ...... December 20, 2017 ...... H.R. 1–provided for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V 313(b)(1)–Byrd Rule violations 7 ...... Sen. Enzi (R–WY) ...... 51–48, Not Waived. of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. 324 ...... December 21, 2017 ...... H.R. 1370–continuing resolution ...... 306–Budget Committee jurisdiction 8 ...... Sen. Collins (R–ME) ...... 91–8, Waived. 53 ...... March 14, 2018 ...... S. 2155–the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Con- 4106(a)–Senate Pay-As-You-Go violation 9 ...... Sen. Crapo (R–ID) ...... 67–31, Waived. sumer Protection Act. 59 ...... March 21, 2018 ...... S. Amdt. 2213 to H.R. 1865–provided additional funding to 4106(a)–Senate Pay-As-You-Go violation 10 ...... Sen. Wyden (D–OR) ...... 21–78, Not Waived. the Justice Department to combat online sex trafficking. 1 All motions to waive were offered pursuant to section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. 2 Senator Enzi raised a 313(b)(1)(A) point of order against the Sanders amendment because the amendment did not produce a change in outlays or a change in revenues and was extraneous to the reconciliation instruction. 3 Senator Enzi raised a 302(f) point of order as S. Amdt. 1854 would cause the underlying legislation to exceed the Finance Committee’s section 302(a) allocation of new budget authority or outlays. 4 Senator Wyden raised a 302(f) point of order as S. Amdt. 1850 would cause the underlying legislation to exceed the Finance Committee’s section 302(a) allocation of new budget authority or outlays. 5 Senator Toomey raised this point of order because the budgetary effects of the Kaine amendment were unknown at the time of consideration. 6 Senator Murkowski raised a 302(f) point of order because the Cantwell amendment, if adopted, would have caused the Energy and Natural Resources Committee to exceed its section 302(a) allocation of budget authority or outlays. 7 Senator Sanders raised a 313(b)(1)(A) point of order against section 11000(a), and 3l3(b)(1)(D) points of order against page 75, line 17 through page 76, line 9 and against the phrase ‘‘tuition–paying’’ as it appeared on page 309, line 12, and page 309, lines 14 through 15. 8 Senator Paul raised a section 306 point of order in relation to the statutory pay-go scorecard. 9 Senator Sanders raised a section 4106(a) of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress) point of order against the bill because the bill would increase the on-budget deficit. 10 Senator McConnell raised a section 4106(a) of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress) point of order against the amendment because the amendment would increase the on-budget deficit.

(At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the These actions are only three exam- There is a serious ethical cloud hang- following statement was ordered to be ples of the damage he is doing to our ing over the EPA, and I am dis- printed in the RECORD.) country and environment as the Ad- appointed that the majority leader f ministrator of the EPA. forced a vote on Mr. Wheeler’s nomina- Through his actions, Mr. Pruitt con- tion before we had a chance to question VOTE EXPLANATION firms he does not understand why Con- the nominee about the ongoing turmoil ∑ Ms. DUCKWORTH. Mr. President, I gress and President Nixon established at the Agency. was necessarily absent for vote No. 70 the EPA in the first place. Although we weren’t successful in on the motion to invoke cloture on Ex- Mr. Pruitt’s policy agenda is dam- blocking Andrew Wheeler’s nomination ecutive Calendar No. 666, Andrew aging enough, but we can scarcely go a today, I will continue to hold the EPA Wheeler, to be Deputy Administrator week without learning about a new accountable for the damage it is doing of the Environmental Protection Agen- scandal or breach of the public trust at to our environment and our country. cy. On vote No. 70, had I been present, the EPA. f I would have voted nay on the motion Mr. Pruitt is already being inves- tigated for his first-class travel, spend- REMEMBERING PEGGY ANN ‘‘PEG’’ to invoke cloture on Executive Cal- LAUTENSCHLAGER endar No. 666. ing tens of thousands of dollars on a Mr. President, I was also necessarily soundproof phone booth, and providing Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today absent for vote No. 71 on the confirma- massive pay increases to his political I wish to honor the life and legacy of tion of Executive Calendar No. 666, An- appointees. Peggy Ann ‘‘Peg’’ Lautenschlager, drew Wheeler, to be Deputy Adminis- Earlier this month, we learned that whose passing at the age of 62 leaves trator of the Environmental Protection Mr. Pruitt got a sweetheart deal from Wisconsin without one of its greatest public servants. Peg was a true trail- Agency. On vote No. 71, had I been an energy lobbyist to rent an apart- blazer in Wisconsin politics, and her present, I would have voted nay on the ment on Capitol Hill at way below mar- kindness, tenacity, and strength will confirmation of Executive Calendar ket rate. Scott Pruitt should be fired for be greatly missed. No. 666.∑ cause, but I also find myself agreeing Peg was a native of Fond du Lac, WI. f with former New Jersey Governor The only daughter of Milton and Patsy CONFIRMATION OF ANDREW Chris Christie for once. Scott Pruitt Lautenschlager, Peg attended Goodrich WHEELER never should have been appointed EPA High School, now known as Fond du Lac High School, and graduated in 1973 Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, last Administrator in the first place. Earlier today, the Senate voted to as valedictorian of her class. Her early year, Democrats kept the Senate in confirm Andrew Wheeler to be the Dep- academic accomplishments were the session all night to protest the nomina- uty EPA Administrator. I strongly op- initial signs of her future success. tion of Scott Pruitt to lead the Envi- posed and voted against his nomina- After graduating summa cum laude ronmental Protection Agency. tion. from Lake Forest College, Peg earned We took this unusual step to protest At a time when the current EPA Ad- her law degree from the University of Mr. Pruitt’s hostility to the EPA’s core ministrator is under siege for his lack Wisconsin-Madison in 1980. Peg broke mission and to highlight how his close of ethics, we don’t need a Deputy Ad- through the glass ceiling of Wisconsin ties to the fossil fuel industry could ministrator who will prioritize the in- politics a mere 5 years later and never lead to serious conflicts of interest and terests of the fossil fuel industry over looked back. In 1985, Peg won an elec- breaches of the public trust. the public’s. tion as the first woman district attor- Over the past year, Mr. Pruitt has ex- Prior to his confirmation, Mr. Wheel- ney for Winnebago County. She later emplified the toxic mixture of corrup- er worked as a fossil fuel lobbyist at a served as Wisconsin’s first woman at- tion and hostility to government we major DC law firm. torney general from 2003 to 2007. Be- have come to expect from the Trump His lobbying clients included Murray tween those two important bookends of administration. Energy, the largest privately owned her career, she spent every ounce of her Mr. Pruitt has radically changed the coal firm in the United States. professional energy in service to the EPA’s mission during his time in of- Bob Murray, the head of the com- people of Wisconsin. fice. pany, is one of President Trump’s big- In 1987, she unseated a 32-year incum- He has abandoned the Agency’s tradi- gest supporters in the industry. bent to win election to the State as- tional mission to protect human health We certainly don’t need another fos- sembly representing her hometown of and the environment—a commitment sil fuel ally undermining the EPA’s Fond du Lac. She quickly became well that spanned administrations of both mission to protect public health in a respected for her work promoting parties—in favor of serving the narrow senior leadership position at the Agen- criminal justice reform, sexual assault interests of his friends in the fossil fuel cy. prevention, fair elections, and open industry. During his confirmation hearing last records. President Bill Clinton ap- During his tenure, Mr. Pruitt has November, Mr. Wheeler continued to pointed her to serve as the U.S. Attor- begun work to repeal the Clean Power question the overwhelming scientific ney for the Western District of Wis- Plan, roll back vehicle fuel economy consensus about climate change. He consin in 1993. Peg found a mentor and standards, and eliminate commonsense was voted out of committee on a nar- a friend in her boss, U.S. Attorney Gen- protections for our air and water. row, party-line vote. eral Janet Reno, who named Peg to the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.069 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 U.S. Attorney General’s advisory com- and thank them for their positive im- Julie brings freshly cooked nutri- mittee, the first Wisconsinite to serve pact on the community. I look forward tious meals to 42 seniors in their on the committee. to seeing their business grow and vis- homes, many of whom otherwise might Peg was unstoppable. She was one of iting the brewery again soon.∑ not have enough to eat. She plays a those rare jewels who was as caring as f critically important role helping en- she was brilliant and funny as she was sure that older Vermonters in the most TRIBUTE TO GROVER CONNELL, passionate. She will go down in the his- rural and lowest income region of our JR. tory books as one of Wisconsin’s most State have access to adequate nutri- powerful women, and she used every bit ∑ Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, tion. That, in and of itself, is no small of that power in pursuit of justice for today I want to wish a lifelong citizen matter. those who didn’t have a voice. Her of New Jersey the happiest of birth- Julie understands that she is doing greatest legacy, however, is not some- days. Grover Connell, Jr., celebrates much more than just delivering a meal. thing you can point at or capture in a his 100th birthday today. That alone is She is also providing invaluable social headline. It is the countless women an accomplishment that not many peo- interaction and companionship for the ple are able to achieve and is worthy of who can see themselves in a courtroom seniors she visits. She takes pride in recognition. or on a ballot because they were in- finding time to have meaningful con- spired by Peg’s audacity in never let- Grover Connell, Jr., was born on April 12, 1918, to joyous parents, Mr. versations with each senior, which goes ting anything stop her. It is the hun- a long way to combat the effects of iso- dreds of young girls who can imagine and Mrs. Grover Connell, Sr., who were the founders of a rice distribution and lation that many older Vermonters themselves walking through doors that face, especially in rural areas. they had always assumed were closed export business, Connell Rice & Sugar to them because Peg had already Co. After serving in the Navy as an of- The regular visits serve another pur- blazed that trail. ficer on a Fletcher Class destroyer pose as well. Julie routinely checks to Peg was a brilliant attorney, a fierce from 1942 to 1946 during WWII, Grover make sure that the seniors are safe, se- friend, and a loving mother. Colleagues succeeded his late father and moved cure, and warm. She knows each person and staff struggled to keep up with her the business to a modern building near she visits and recognizes immediately as she juggled dozens of legal cases, their family residence in Westfield, NJ, if something doesn’t seem right. It is three phones, and five children. She in 1950. There, he expanded his busi- no exaggeration to say that Julie has toggled seamlessly between a discus- ness, and by the 1970s, Connell Rice & saved Vermonters’ lives by checking sion of the finer points of case law Sugar Co. became one of largest ex- when no one answers the door, taking against drug manufacturers over- porters of domestically grown rice, the time to discover that someone had charging for pharmaceuticals and a serving over 100 countries around the fallen and been injured. call about her middle-schooler’s ward- world. With the growing success of the Julie Nadeau has my sincere appre- robe crisis. She tackled both chal- family-owned business, Grover ex- ciation for her remarkable work. Of lenges with the same passion, heart, tended his scope of operations and be- course, Julie is but one of many reg- and ingenuity. came involved with a vast variety of ular volunteers who give their time to Peg’s memory will be kept alive by services and products, and the business ensure that seniors receive nutritious her husband, Bill, her five children, and was renamed the Connell Company. meals and conversation. Each and all of us lucky enough to have known The Connell Company has provided every one of those volunteers deserves her. She knew that serving as the first thousands of jobs to New Jersey resi- to be recognized for their efforts. woman attorney general in Wisconsin dents with its business of leasing, dis- Moreover, the St. Johnsbury Meals was not only an honor, it was a mo- tributing, and selling construction on Wheels program is run by caring mentous responsibility. She carried equipment; brokering and selling and dedicated professionals. Chefs Ash- that honor and responsibility proudly. canned food products; offering asset ley Coburn and Amy Garfield prepare She leaves behind a legacy that will be management services in the tech- the nutritious meals that Julie deliv- carried forward by women in Wisconsin nology sector; and arranging financing ers, and program director Diane who boldly pursue success in law and of leased equipment and commercial Coburn ensures that everything runs politics. property development. Today, under smoothly, as the organization provides the leadership of Grover Connell, Jr., f close to 36,000 meals this year, for a the Connell Company is one of the mere $6.64 per meal. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS greatest known brokers of domesti- The St. Johnsbury Meals on Wheels cally grown rice. Thanks to love and support of his late wife, Patricia, his program is but one of many such pro- RECOGNIZING PHILIPSBURG two daughters, Terry and Toni, and his grams that are doing incredible work BREWING COMPANY three grandsons, Shane, Duane, and all across the State. Together, those ∑ Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this Sean, the Connell Company continues programs served more than 1 million week, I have the honor of recognizing to grow while remaining a privately meals in Vermont last year alone. This Philipsburg Brewing Company in held, family-run company. is an indispensable component of our Philipsburg, MT. I applaud and honor the exemplary social safety net for older Vermonters. Philipsburg Brewing Company life of Grover Connell, Jr., for his sac- Last month was ‘‘March for Meals,’’ opened in August of 2012. What started rifice and service to our Nation and na- when Meals on Wheels programs across as a four-person team has since grown tions around the world and for his am- the country expand their outreach to into a 16-person operation. With the ex- bition and humility throughout his draw attention to the growing need for pansive growth in their business, their life. New Jersey is better today for his the services these agencies provide. I product now reaches almost the entire relentless hard work and dedication. I am enormously pleased that many of State. Recently, they were named the am immensely proud to have him as a my Vermont staff rode along with Best Brewery in Montana by Montana constituent, and I hope that his 100th Meals on Wheels volunteers across the Mint. year is the best one yet.∑ State, including with Julie Nadeau, to While their business has expanded f see the wonderful work they are tremendously, it is their impact on the doing.∑ community that stands out most. Be- TRIBUTE TO JULIE NADEAU fore they opened, the community did ∑ Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I f not have a gathering place. With the would like to take a moment to recog- opening of the Philipsburg Brewing nize the extraordinary work of Julie MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT Company, folks now have a great at- Nadeau of Waterford, VT. Julie, a mosphere to be together with their mother of five, has been a volunteer for Messages from the President of the friends, families, and dogs. the St. Johnsbury Meals on Wheels United States were communicated to I congratulate Philipsburg Brewing program for the past 4 years, delivering the Senate by Ms. Cuccia, one of his Company on their tremendous success meals to area seniors 3 days a week. secretaries.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.041 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2119 EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED the President of the United States to sign Whereas, In 1970, the Congress of the legislation reforming the harbor mainte- United States passed the Controlled Sub- In executive session the Presiding Of- nance tax; to the Committee on Finance. stances Act (Public Law 91–513, 84 Stat. 1236), ficer laid before the Senate messages SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 8008 which designates cannabis in the most re- from the President of the United Whereas, The federal harbor maintenance strictive category as a Schedule I drug; and Whereas, In 1993, the Brady Handgun Vio- States submitting sundry nominations tax is assessed on the value of goods being lence Prevention Act (Public Law 103–159, 107 which were referred to the appropriate shipped into United States ports; and committees. Whereas, The harbor maintenance tax is Stat. 1536) amended the Gun Control Act of 1968 by restricting individuals who use con- (The messages received today are not collected on transpacific cargo shipped to the United States via rail or roads from trolled substances from owning firearms and printed at the end of the Senate pro- ammunition; and ceedings.) ports in Mexico and Canada; and Whereas, The ability to move transpacific Whereas, The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has issued f cargo through Canadian ports and avoid paying the harbor maintenance tax is an incen- guidance on restricting individuals who use cannabis from owning firearms and ammuni- MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE tive to divert cargo away from United States tion; and ports; and At 10:10 a.m., a message from the Whereas, Section 102 of the act of April 17, Whereas, The federal maritime commission House of Representatives, delivered by 2016 (P.L. 84, No. 16), known as the Medical inquiry into the harbor maintenance tax Marijuana Act, states that ‘‘Scientific evi- Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, found that up to half of United States bound dence suggests that medical marijuana is announced that the House has passed containers coming into Canada’s west coast one potential therapy that may mitigate suf- the following bills, in which it requests ports could revert to using United States fering in some patients and also enhance the concurrence of the Senate: west coast ports if United States importers quality of life’’; and H.R. 4061. An act to amend the Financial were relieved from paying the tax; and Whereas, The Second Amendment of the Whereas, Current United States law does Stability Act of 2010 to improve the trans- Constitution of the United States guarantees not require the revenues raised through the parency of the Financial Stability Oversight ‘‘the right of the people to keep and bear Council, to improve the SIFI designation harbor maintenance tax to be fully spent on arms’’; and process, and for other purposes. harbor maintenance related investments, Whereas, The Fifth Amendment of the H.R. 4293. An act to reform the Comprehen- collections have far exceeded fund appropria- Constitution of the United States guarantees sive Capital Analysis and Review process, tion and surplus collections will grow to over that no person shall ‘‘be deprived of life, lib- the Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test process, and nine billion dollars this year; and erty, or property, without due process of for other purposes. Whereas, Revenue raised through the har- law’’; and bor maintenance tax pays for dredging and Whereas, The Tenth Amendment of the f other maintenance costs, with significant Constitution of the United States provides: amounts being spent for dredging at east MEASURES REFERRED ‘‘The powers not delegated to the United coast, Gulf, and Columbia River ports; and States by the Constitution, nor prohibited The following bills were read the first Whereas, Certain deep water ports on the by it to the States, are reserved to the and the second times by unanimous west coast that require no or little dredging, States respectively, or to the people’’; there- consent, and referred as indicated: including the new Northwest Seaport Alli- fore be it ance consisting of the ports of Seattle and Resolved, That the Senate of the Common- H.R. 4061. An act to amend the Financial Tacoma, receive just over a penny on every wealth of Pennsylvania urge the Congress of Stability Act of 2010 to improve the trans- dollar of harbor maintenance tax paid by the United States to amend the Gun Control parency of the Financial Stability Oversight shippers who use their ports; and Act of 1968 to protect the constitutional Council, to improve the SIFI designation Whereas, The Columbia river channel is rights of medical cannabis users; and be it process, and for other purposes; to the Com- critical to maintain global trade and the further mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- port of Vancouver USA serves as the largest Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be fairs. wheat export gateway in the nation; and sent to the President of the United States, H.R. 4293. An act to reform the Comprehen- Whereas, With the recent widening of the the presiding officers of each house of Con- sive Capital Analysis and Review process, Panama Canal and potential addition of a gress and to each member of Congress from the Dodd-Frank Act Stress Test process, and canal in Nicaragua, Washington ports face Pennsylvania. for other purposes; to the Committee on increasing competition for maritime goods Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. bound for the United States; and POM–193. A report from the Housing Au- Whereas, Washington ports are ready to f thority of the City of High Point, North compete on a level playing field to effi- Carolina entitled ‘‘Housing Authority of the MEASURES DISCHARGED ciently move goods to market: Now, there- City of High Point 2017 Annual Report’’; to fore, Your Memorialists respectfully pray The following joint resolution was the Committee on Banking, Housing, and that: Urban Affairs. discharged by petition, pursuant to 5 (1) Congress pass and the president sign POM–194. A resolution adopted by the U.S.C. 802(c), and placed on the cal- legislation reforming the harbor mainte- Township Council of Berkeley, New Jersey, endar: nance tax; and memorializing their opposition to offshore (2) Such legislation ensures that United S.J. Res. 57. Joint resolution providing for oil and gas exploration and drilling activi- States tax policy does not disadvantage ties that would affect the coast of New Jer- congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of United States ports and maritime cargo, title 5, United States Code, of the rule sub- sey, and calling upon the Bureau of Ocean strives to have all navigation channels in- Energy Management to withdraw New Jer- mitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial cluding the Columbia River be fully main- Protection relating to ‘‘Indirect Auto Lend- sey and the entire Atlantic Ocean from contained, and provides greater equity for har- sideration for the offshore oil and gas explo- ing and Compliance with the Equal Credit bor maintenance tax donor ports through ex- Opportunity Act’’. ration, development, or drilling; to the Com- panded uses of the harbor maintenance reve- mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. f nues to meet all Northwest port needs. POM–195. A resolution adopted by the Be it resolved, That copies of this Memo- Mayor and City Commission of the City of MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME rial be immediately transmitted to the Hon- Miami Beach, Florida, memorializing their The following bill was read the first orable Donald Trump, President of the opposition to the proposal to dramatically United States, the President of the United time: expand domestic oil and gas production by States Senate, the Speaker of the House of increasing offshore drilling leases off Flor- S. 2667. A bill to amend the Agricultural Representatives, and each member of Con- ida’s Atlantic and Gulf coasts, as well as Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for State gress from the State of Washington. along both the east and west coasts of the and Tribal regulation of hemp production, continental United States; to the Committee and for other purposes. POM–192. A resolution adopted by the Sen- on Energy and Natural Resources. ate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania f POM–196. A resolution adopted by the urging the United States Congress to amend Mayor and City Commission of the City of PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS the Gun Control Act of 1968 to protect the Miami Beach, Florida, memorializing their constitutional rights of medical cannabis The following petitions and memo- opposition to the Administration’s decision users; to the Committee on the Judiciary. to end temporary protected status for Salva- rials were laid before the Senate and SENATE RESOLUTION 253 were referred or ordered to lie on the doran immigrants in the United States; to Whereas, In 1968, the Congress of the the Committee on the Judiciary. table as indicated: United States passed the Gun Control Act of POM–197. A resolution adopted by the POM–191. A joint memorial adopted by the 1968 (Public Law 90–618, 82 Stat. 1213) to regu- Common Council of East Chicago, Indiana Legislature of the State of Washington urg- late the firearms industry and firearms own- memorializing its opposition to the Presi- ing the United States Congress to pass and ers; and dent of the United States’ rescission of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:19 Jul 24, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD18\APRIL\S12AP8.REC S12AP8 abonner on DSKBCJ7HB2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S2120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 DACA and calling upon the United States By Mr. YOUNG (for himself and Ms. purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Congress to take affirmative steps to develop KLOBUCHAR): Science, and Transportation. a bipartisan pathway to citizenship for S. 2656. A bill to require the Secretary of By Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself, Mr. DREAMERS; to the Committee on the Judi- Veterans Affairs to report biennially on ac- WYDEN, Mr. MERKLEY, and Mr. PAUL): ciary. tions taken to address areas of concerns that S. 2667. A bill to amend the Agricultural POM–198. A resolution adopted by the City led to the inclusion of veterans health care Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for State Council of New Orleans, Louisiana, memori- in the High Risk List of the Government Ac- and Tribal regulation of hemp production, alizing its opposition to H.R. 38, the ‘‘Con- countability Office, and for other purposes; and for other purposes; read the first time. cealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017,’’ S. 446, to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. By Mr. BURR (for himself, Mrs. MUR- the ‘‘Constitutional Concealed Carry Reci- By Ms. COLLINS (for herself and Mrs. RAY, Mr. NELSON, and Mr. RUBIO): procity Act of 2017,’’ and any other attempts SHAHEEN): S. 2668. A bill to require a pilot program on to undermine Louisiana state laws; to the S. 2657. A bill to amend title V of the Pub- the earning by special operations forces med- Committee on the Judiciary. lic Health Service Act to establish a grant ics of credits towards a physician assistant program to create peer support recovery net- degree; to the Committee on Armed Serv- f works, and for other purposes; to the Com- ices. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and f Pensions. The following reports of committees By Mr. NELSON (for himself and Mr. SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND were submitted: RUBIO): SENATE RESOLUTIONS By Mr. JOHNSON, from the Committee on S. 2658. A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for systematic data The following concurrent resolutions Homeland Security and Governmental Af- and Senate resolutions were read, and fairs, with an amendment: collection, analysis, and epidemiological re- H.R. 2229. A bill to amend title 5, United search regarding neonatal abstinence syn- referred (or acted upon), as indicated: States Code, to provide permanent authority drome; to the Committee on Health, Edu- By Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, Mr. for judicial review of certain Merit Systems cation, Labor, and Pensions. DURBIN, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Ms. COLLINS, Protection Board decisions relating to whis- By Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Ms. HAS- and Ms. WARREN): tleblowers, and for other purposes (Rept. No. SAN, Mrs. CAPITO, Ms. BALDWIN, and S. Res. 460. A resolution condemning Boko 115–229). Ms. WARREN): Haram and calling on the Governments of S. 2659. A bill to amend the Controlled Sub- the United States of America and Nigeria to f stances Act to authorize employees of hos- swiftly implement measures to defeat the EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF pice programs to handle controlled sub- terrorist organization; to the Committee on stances in the residences of certain hospice the Judiciary. COMMITTEE patients to assist in disposal of those con- By Mr. BLUNT (for himself and Mrs. The following executive reports of trolled substances; to the Committee on the MCCASKILL): nominations were submitted: Judiciary. S. Res. 461. A resolution commending the By Mr. YOUNG: University of Central Missouri Jennies for By Mr. GRASSLEY for the Committee on S. 2660. A bill to require Federal agencies winning the national championship in the the Judiciary. not performing security functions to relo- National Collegiate Athletic Association Di- Jill Aiko Otake, of Hawaii, to be United cate throughout the United States by the be- vision II tournament; considered and agreed States District Judge for the District of Ha- ginning of fiscal year 2030; to the Committee to. waii. on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- By Mr. UDALL (for himself, Mr. Timothy A. Garrison, of Missouri, to be fairs. WHITEHOUSE, Mr. MARKEY, Ms. United States Attorney for the Western Dis- By Ms. WARREN (for herself, Mr. HEITKAMP, Ms. WARREN, Mr. CARDIN, trict of Missouri for the term of four years. RUBIO, Ms. HASSAN, and Ms. COLLINS): Mr. KING, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Ms. KLO- Kenji M. Price, of Hawaii, to be United S. 2661. A bill to amend the Controlled Sub- BUCHAR, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. HEIN- States Attorney for the District of Hawaii stances Act to allow hospice providers to dis- RICH, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. BROWN, Ms. for the term of four years. pose of leftover prescription medications, HASSAN, and Mr. VAN HOLLEN): John Cary Bittick, of Georgia, to be United and for other purposes; to the Committee on S. Res. 462. A resolution supporting the States Marshal for the Middle District of the Judiciary. goals and ideals of National Public Health Georgia for the term of four years. By Mr. VAN HOLLEN (for himself, Mr. Week; to the Committee on Health, Edu- David L. Lyons, of Georgia, to be United BLUMENTHAL, and Mr. MURPHY): cation, Labor, and Pensions. States Marshal for the Southern District of S. 2662. A bill to provide for a grant pro- By Mr. DURBIN (for Ms. DUCKWORTH): Georgia for the term of four years. gram for handgun licensing programs, and S. Res. 463. A resolution authorizing a Sen- Rodney D. Ostermiller, of Montana, to be for other purposes; to the Committee on the ator to bring a young son or daughter of the United States Marshal for the District of Judiciary. Senator onto the floor of the Senate during Montana for the term of four years. By Mr. BARRASSO (for himself, Mrs. votes; to the Committee on Rules and Ad- (Nominations without an asterisk CAPITO, Mr. CRAPO, Mr. COTTON, Mr. ministration. ENZI, Mrs. FISCHER, Mr. GRASSLEY, were reported with the recommenda- f tion that they be confirmed.) Mr. INHOFE, Mr. RISCH, and Mr. ROB- ERTS): ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS f S. 2663. A bill to modify and improve provi- S. 661 sions relating to environmental require- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND ments for agriculture and agricultural pro- At the request of Mr. UDALL, the JOINT RESOLUTIONS ducers, and for other purposes; to the Com- name of the Senator from Wisconsin The following bills and joint resolu- mittee on Environment and Public Works. (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- tions were introduced, read the first By Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Mr. sor of S. 661, a bill to assist entre- and second times by unanimous con- MANCHIN, Mr. TILLIS, and Ms. HAR- preneurs, support development of the RIS): sent, and referred as indicated: creative economy, and encourage inter- S. 2664. A bill to reform the GEAR UP pro- national cultural exchange, and for By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. gram; to the Committee on Health, Edu- BROWN, and Mr. CASEY): cation, Labor, and Pensions. other purposes. S. 2653. A bill to create a poverty relief By Mr. YOUNG (for himself and Mr. S. 814 benefit under title II of the Social Security DONNELLY): At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Act for eligible individuals; to the Com- S. 2665. A bill to require guidance on how her name was added as a cosponsor of mittee on Finance. the Food and Drug Administration will con- S. 814, a bill to require that States re- By Ms. SMITH: sider claims of opioid sparing and on the con- ceiving Byrne JAG funds to require S. 2654. A bill to amend the Rural Elec- ditions under which the Food and Drug Ad- trification Act of 1936 to establish the Com- ministration will consider misuse and abuse sensitivity training for law enforce- munity Connect Grant Program, and for of drugs in making certain determinations of ment officers of that State and to other purposes; to the Committee on Agri- safety; to the Committee on Health, Edu- incentivize States to enact laws requir- culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. cation, Labor, and Pensions. ing the independent investigation and By Mr. PORTMAN (for himself and By Mr. COONS (for himself, Mr. GRA- prosecution of the use of deadly force Mrs. MCCASKILL): HAM, and Mrs. GILLIBRAND): by law enforcement officers, and for S. 2655. A bill to amend the Federal Power S. 2666. A bill to improve assistance pro- other purposes. Act to promote hydropower development at vided by the Hollings Manufacturing Exten- existing nonpowered dams, and for other pur- sion Partnership to small manufacturers in S. 915 poses; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- the defense industrial supply chain on mat- At the request of Mr. BROWN, the ural Resources. ters relating to cybersecurity, and for other name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.019 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2121 DUCKWORTH) was added as a cosponsor S. 2580 Although Social Security and SSI of S. 915, a bill to amend title II of the At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the automatically increase each year when Social Security Act to repeal the Gov- name of the Senator from Rhode Island there is an increase in the cost of liv- ernment pension offset and windfall (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of ing, over time those increases do not elimination provisions. S. 2580, a bill to amend title 13, United allow beneficiaries to maintain their S. 974 States Code, to make clear that each standard of living. Because Social Se- At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the decennial census, as required for the curity provides an increasingly larger names of the Senator from South Caro- apportionment of Representatives in share of the elderly’s income as they lina (Mr. GRAHAM) and the Senator Congress among the several States, age, even a slight decrease in value of from Ohio (Mr. BROWN) were added as shall tabulate the total number of per- these lifeline benefits can lead to pov- cosponsors of S. 974, a bill to promote sons in each State, and to provide that erty and hardship. Too many seniors competition in the market for drugs no information regarding United are walking on an economic tightrope, and biological products by facilitating States citizenship or immigration sta- balancing their food bill against their the timely entry of lower-cost generic tus may be elicited in any such census. rent against their utility bill. It’s time and biosimilar versions of those drugs S. 2607 to update Social Security’s guarantee and biological products. At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the of a secure retirement, and this bill is S. 1086 name of the Senator from West Vir- a landmark step towards accom- At the request of Mr. HATCH, the ginia (Mr. MANCHIN) was added as a co- plishing that goal. I’m particularly names of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. sponsor of S. 2607, a bill to provide fam- hopeful about the benefits this bill will MORAN) and the Senator from Idaho ily members of an individual who they have for older American women, who (Mr. CRAPO) were added as cosponsors fear is a danger to himself, herself, or live longer and often have less retire- of S. 1086, a bill to amend title 10, others, or law enforcement, with new ment savings. United States Code, to remove the pro- tools to prevent gun violence. To help combat the risk of poverty among the most vulnerable receiving hibition on eligibility for TRICARE S. 2652 Social Security and SSI, I, along with Reserve Select of members of the re- At the request of Mr. CASSIDY, the Senators BROWN and CASEY, are intro- serve components of the Armed Forces name of the Senator from Washington who are eligible to enroll in a health ducing the Elder Poverty Relief Act. (Ms. CANTWELL) was added as a cospon- This bill creates a monthly Poverty benefits plan under chapter 89 of title sor of S. 2652, a bill to award a Congres- 5, United States Code. Relief Benefit for almost everyone over sional Gold Medal to Stephen Michael age 82, individuals who have been rely- S. 1121 Gleason. ing on Social Security or SSI for a long At the request of Mr. HATCH, the S.J. RES. 39 time, or who have worked in low-pay- name of the Senator from South Caro- At the request of Mr. DONNELLY, the ing jobs and receive a very small Social lina (Mr. GRAHAM) was added as a co- name of the Senator from Missouri Security benefit. The Poverty Relief sponsor of S. 1121, a bill to establish a (Mrs. MCCASKILL) was added as a co- benefit will also go to seniors who re- postsecondary student data system. sponsor of S.J. Res. 39, a joint resolu- ceive only SSI. If enacted, in 2019, the S. 1572 tion proposing a balanced budget Poverty Relief Benefit would provide At the request of Mr. HATCH, the amendment to the Constitution of the an additional $85 a month to almost 14 name of the Senator from New Mexico United States. million people. The Poverty Relief (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor S. RES. 435 Benefit will grow by roughly 4 percent of S. 1572, a bill to amend the Mineral At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, his each year. SSA estimates that the en- Leasing Act to provide that extraction name was added as a cosponsor of S. actment of the Poverty Relief Benefit of helium from gas produced under a Res. 435, a resolution expressing the would reduce poverty among seniors Federal mineral lease shall maintain sense of the Senate that the 85th anni- who received the benefit by almost 25 the lease as if the helium were oil and versary of the Ukrainian Famine of percent in 2030 which would lift 420,000 gas. 1932–1933, known as the Holodomor, seniors out of poverty. Notably, the en- S. 2105 should serve as a reminder of repres- actment of the Poverty Relief Benefit At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the sive Soviet policies against the people would not accelerate the depletion year name of the Senator from Wisconsin of Ukraine. of the Social Security trust funds. The (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the bill has been endorsed by the Gray sor of S. 2105, a bill to modify the pre- name of the Senator from New Jersey Panthers, Justice in Aging, the Na- sumption of service connection for vet- (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- tional Committee to Preserve Social erans who were exposed to herbicide sor of S. Res. 435, supra. Security and Medicare, Social Security agents while serving in the Armed f Works, and the Strengthen Social Se- Forces in Thailand during the Vietnam curity Coalition. era, and for other purposes. STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED For most seniors, Social Security is S. 2128 BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS the only income they will receive At the request of Mr. HATCH, the By Mr. WYDEN (for himself, Mr. that’s guaranteed to last as long as names of the Senator from West Vir- BROWN, and Mr. CASEY): they live. But despite these important ginia (Mrs. CAPITO) and the Senator S. 2653. A bill to create a poverty re- benefits, poverty among seniors from Oregon (Mr. MERKLEY) were added lief benefit under title II of the Social grows—with some studies showing the as cosponsors of S. 2128, a bill to im- Security Act for eligible individuals; to poverty rate among the very old is be- prove the coordination and use of the Committee on Finance. tween 12 and 19 percent. We simply geospatial data. Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, every must do more to protect the financial S. 2269 day, Social Security provides vital ben- stability of our elderly friends, neigh- At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the efits to millions of Americans who bors, and relatives and enactment of name of the Senator from Arkansas worked and paid into the system, and I the Poverty Relief Benefit would help (Mr. BOOZMAN) was added as a cospon- cannot overstate the important anti- reduce poverty among America’s sen- sor of S. 2269, a bill to reauthorize the poverty role that the program plays. iors. These are workers who sent a Global Food Security Act of 2016 for 5 Supplemental Security Income or SSI chunk of every paycheck to the Fed- additional years. is the safety net of last resort for indi- eral government with the under- S. 2506 viduals who have not worked enough to standing that they’d be getting it back At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the qualify for Social Security. Even with in their later year when they needed it name of the Senator from Mississippi these critical income support pro- most. We must do right by them. (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor grams, more and more seniors and peo- Mr. President: I ask unanimous con- of S. 2506, a bill to establish an avia- ple with disabilities find themselves sent that a letter from the National tion maintenance workforce develop- struggling to keep up with the costs of Committee to Preserve Social Security ment pilot program. the things they need just to get by. and Medicare be inserted into the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.023 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 RECORD following my remarks about ‘‘(1) in addition to any other amounts to ‘‘(II) eligible for supplemental security in- the Elderly Poverty Act. which the individual is entitled under this come benefits under title XVI. title; ‘‘(B) The term ‘benefit month’ shall not in- NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE ‘‘(2) certified and paid monthly in such clude any month in which an individual is— ® SOCIAL SECURITY & MEDICARE , manner as the Commissioner of Social Secu- ‘‘(i) entitled to a benefit under section 202 Washington, DC, March 16, 2018. rity (referred to in this section as the ‘Com- that is not payable or reduced to zero by ap- Hon. RON WYDEN, missioner’) considers appropriate; and plication of subsection (k), (n), (t), (u), (v), or Washington, DC. ‘‘(3) equal to the monthly benefit amount (x) of such section and is not eligible for a DEAR SENATOR WYDEN: On behalf of the determined under subsection (b). benefit under title XVI (or is eligible for a millions of members and supporters of the ‘‘(b)(1) Subject to paragraph (4), the benefit under such title but the benefit is not National Committee to Preserve Social Se- monthly benefit amount determined under payable or reduced to zero); curity and Medicare, I write to endorse your this subsection for any calendar year shall ‘‘(ii) eligible for a benefit under title XVI bill, the ‘‘Elder Poverty Relief Act.’’ We ap- be a dollar amount equal to 1/12th of 2 per- that is not payable or reduced to zero and is plaud your leadership in developing new and cent of the national average wage index for not entitled to a benefit under sections 202 or innovative approaches for alleviating pov- the year (as defined in section 209(k)(1)). 223 (or is entitled to a benefit under such sec- erty among America’s seniors. ‘‘(2) If the monthly benefit amount deter- tion 202 but the benefit is not payable or re- The ‘‘Elder Poverty Relief Act’’ addresses mined under paragraph (1) is not a whole dol- duced to zero); or the long-standing problem of seniors falling lar, such amount shall be rounded down to ‘‘(iii) subject to a penalty under section into poverty after being on the Social Secu- the next lower whole dollar. 1129A. rity rolls for many years. This occurs when ‘‘(3) The Commissioner shall determine the ‘‘(C) In the case of an individual who is en- inflation, only partially offset by annual monthly benefit amount under this sub- titled to a monthly insurance benefit de- cost-of-living adjustments, gradually erodes section for each calendar year not later than scribed in subclause (I) of subparagraph the purchasing power of a Social Security October 1 of the preceding calendar year, (A)(ii) on the basis of the wages and self-em- benefit for beneficiaries who have partici- based on the most recent data that is avail- ployment income of more than 1 individual, pated in the program for several years. able. a benefit month shall be determined based on The ‘‘Elder Poverty Relief Act’’ will help ‘‘(4) If the monthly benefit amount deter- the wages and self-employment income that alleviate poverty among the elderly and the mined for a calendar year under paragraph are the basis of the largest benefit to which disabled by granting each beneficiary a (1) is less than the monthly benefit amount determined for any previous calendar year, such individual is entitled for such month. monthly increase in their benefit equal to ‘‘(d)(1) In no case shall an eligible indi- about $85. This bump-up will increase for fu- the highest monthly benefit amount determined for a previous year shall be the vidual be entitled to more than 1 poverty re- ture beneficiaries in tandem with growth in lief benefit under this section for any month. wages in the economy. monthly benefit amount for the calendar year involved. ‘‘(2) For any month in which an eligible in- Benefits under the ‘‘Elder Poverty Relief dividual is entitled to a monthly benefit de- Act’’ will be paid to: ‘‘(5) For purposes of a monthly benefit amount payable to an eligible individual scribed in subsection (c)(1)(A)(i) on the basis Social Security beneficiaries beginning at of the wages and self-employment income of age 82 (or older) and to Supplemental Secu- pursuant to this section, such amount shall be payable for each month during the 12- more than 1 individual, a poverty relief ben- rity Income (SSI) recipients when they reach efit under this section may only be paid for their full retirement age (currently 66, in- month period from the month of December of the applicable calendar year under such sub- such month on the basis of the wages and creasing gradually to age 67); self-employment that are the basis for the Social Security and SSI beneficiaries who section through the month of November of largest monthly benefit to which such indi- have received benefits for 20 years; and to the subsequent calendar year. ‘‘(c)(1) For purposes of this section, the vidual is entitled for such month. Social Security beneficiaries with low ‘‘(3) Any amounts provided to an eligible monthly benefits (currently about $944) when term ‘eligible individual’ means any of the following: individual pursuant to this section shall not they reach their full retirement age. be regarded as income or earnings for pur- The ‘‘Elder Poverty Relief Act’’ embodies ‘‘(A) An individual who— poses of determining the eligibility of the re- legislation that the National Committee to ‘‘(i) is entitled to a monthly benefit under cipient for benefits or assistance, or the Preserve Social Security and Medicare has subsections (a) through (h) of section 202 or amount or extent of benefits or assistance, supported for a number of years. In testi- section 223(a); and under any Federal program or under any mony given before the Senate Finance Com- ‘‘(ii) attains 82 years of age or 240 benefit State or local program financed in whole or mittee at a hearing on December 9, 2014, months (as defined in paragraph (3)) on the in part with Federal funds, or the eligibility Catherine Dodd, who is the chair of the Na- basis of the wages and self-employment infor or extent of benefits or assistance under tional Committee’s board of directors, rec- come of 1 individual, whichever is earlier. ‘‘(B) An individual who— such programs of any individual for whom ommended increasing benefits for seniors ‘‘(i) is eligible for supplemental security the income of the recipient is counted.’’. who have received Social Security for many income benefits under title XVI; and (b) RAILROAD RETIREMENT ACT.—Section 19 years. ‘‘(ii) attains retirement age (as defined in of the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 (45 For these reasons, the National Committee section 216(l)) or 240 benefit months (as de- U.S.C. 231r) is amended— endorses your bill, the ‘‘Elder Poverty Relief fined in paragraph (3)), whichever is earlier. (1) by redesignating subsection (d) as sub- Act.’’ We thank you for your leadership on ‘‘(C) An individual who— section (e); this matter and look forward to working ‘‘(i) is entitled to a monthly benefit under (2) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol- with you to enact this important improve- subsections (a) through (h) of section 202; lowing new subsection: ment to Social Security. ‘‘(ii) attains retirement age (as defined in ‘‘(d)(1) An individual entitled to an annuity Sincerely, section 216(l)); component computed under section 3(a)(1), MAX RICHTMAN, ‘‘(iii) has average indexed monthly earn- 4(a)(1), or 4(f)(1) of this Act shall be entitled President and CEO. ings which do not exceed the amount speci- to the benefit described in section 235 of the Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask fied in subparagraph (B) of section 215(a)(1) Social Security Act, subject to the require- unanimous consent that the text of the for the purposes of clause (i) of subparagraph ments and conditions set forth therein.’’; and bill be printed in the RECORD. (A) of such section 215(a); and (3) in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by There being no objection, the text of ‘‘(iv) has not less than 11 years of coverage striking ‘‘subsection (a), (b), or (c)’’ each the bill was ordered to be printed in (as defined for purposes of section place it appears and inserting ‘‘subsection 215(a)(7)(D)). (a), (b), (c), or (d)’’. ECORD the R , as follows: ‘‘(2)(A) An individual’s entitlement to a (c) SOURCE OF FUNDS.—Subsection (h) of S. 2653 poverty relief benefit under this section section 201 of the Social Security Act (42 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- shall be suspended if, during any month, the U.S.C. 401) is amended to read as follows: resentatives of the United States of America in individual ceases to be an eligible individual. ‘‘(h)(1) Benefit payments required to be Congress assembled, ‘‘(B) In the case of an individual described made under section 223, and benefit pay- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. in subparagraph (A) who subsequently satis- ments required to be made under subsection This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Elder Pov- fies the requirements under paragraph (1), (b), (c), or (d) of section 202 to individuals en- erty Relief Act’’. such individual shall be reentitled to a pov- titled to benefits on the basis of the wages erty relief benefit under this section. and self-employment income of an individual SEC. 2. POVERTY RELIEF BENEFIT. ‘‘(3)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and entitled to disability insurance benefits, (a) IN GENERAL.—Title II of the Social Se- (C), for purposes of this subsection, the term shall be made only from the Federal Dis- curity Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) is amended ‘benefit month’ means a month for which an ability Insurance Trust Fund. All other ben- by adding at the end the following new sec- individual has— efit payments required to be made under this tion: ‘‘(i) attained age 19; and title (other than sections 226 and 235) shall ‘‘POVERTY RELIEF BENEFIT ‘‘(ii) been— be made only from the Federal Old-Age and ‘‘SEC. 235. (a) Subject to subsection (d), any ‘‘(I) entitled to a monthly benefit under Survivors Insurance Trust Fund. eligible individual shall be entitled to a pov- subsections (a) through (h) of section 202 or ‘‘(2) Any benefit payment required to made erty relief benefit that shall be— section 223(a); or under section 235 to an individual entitled to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.030 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2123

a poverty relief benefit under such section ‘‘(4) MULTIPLE AWARD PROHIBITION.—Any el- ‘‘(C) apply evidence to improve programs shall be made— igible entity described in subsection (c)(1) and evaluation under this chapter. ‘‘(A) in the case of an individual who is that receives a grant under this chapter ‘‘(19) Providing services under this chapter also entitled to a benefit under section 202 or shall not be eligible to receive an additional to students who have received services under 223, from the same trust fund from which the grant under this chapter until after the date a previous grant award under this chapter individual’s benefit under section 202 or 223 on which the initial grant period expires.’’; but have not yet completed grade 12.’’; is made; and (2) in section 404B(d)(1) (20 U.S.C. 1070a– (B) in subsection (c)— ‘‘(B) in the case of an individual who is not 22(d)(1))— (i) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘and tech- entitled to a benefit under section 202 or 223, (A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting nical assistance’’ after ‘‘support’’; and from funds appropriated for such purpose ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; (ii) by striking paragraph (9); and pursuant to the authorization of appropria- (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘; (C) in subsection (d)— tions in section 1601.’’. and’’ and inserting a period; and (i) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘or’’; (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (C) by striking subparagraph (C); (ii) by redesignating paragraph (4) as para- Section 1601 of the Social Security Act (42 (3) in section 404C (20 U.S.C. 1070a–23)— graph (5); and U.S.C. 1381) is amended by striking ‘‘there (A) in subsection (b)(1)(A)— (iii) by inserting after paragraph (3) the are authorized’’ and all that follows through (i) by inserting ‘‘matching funds’’ after following: the period and inserting the following: ‘‘and ‘‘will provide’’; ‘‘(4) eligible for free or reduced-price lunch to make poverty relief benefit payments (ii) by inserting ‘‘equaling’’ after ‘‘private under the Richard B Russell National School funds,’’; and under section 235 to individuals who are de- Lunch Act; or’’; (iii) by striking ‘‘the cost of the program, scribed in section 201(h)(2)(B), there are au- (5) in section 404E (20 U.S.C. 1070a–25)— which matching funds’’ and inserting ‘‘total thorized to be appropriated sums sufficient (A) in subsection (a)— Federal grant award, which’’; and to carry out this title and make such pay- (i) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) (B) by striking subsection (d) and inserting ments.’’. as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; (e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments the following: ‘‘(d) PEER REVIEW PANELS AND COMPETI- (ii) by inserting before paragraph (2), as re- made by this section shall apply to benefits designated by clause (i), the following: payable for months beginning after Novem- TIONS.—The Secretary— ‘‘(1) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.— ber 2018. ‘‘(1) shall convene peer review panels to assist in making determinations regarding the ‘‘(A) PLAN FOR MAINTENANCE OF FINANCIAL awarding of grants under this chapter; and ASSISTANCE.—An eligible entity proposing to By Mr. CORNYN (for himself, Mr. establish or maintain a financial assistance MANCHIN, Mr. TILLIS, and Ms. ‘‘(2) shall host a grant competition to make new awards under this chapter in any program providing scholarships for students HARRIS): year in which there are funds available to assisted by the program of the eligible entity S. 2664. A bill to reform the GEAR UP make new awards.’’; under this chapter shall include a plan re- program; to the Committee on Health, (4) in section 404D (20 U.S.C. 1070a–24)— garding the financial application program Education, Labor, and Pensions. (A) in subsection (b)— with the application submitted under section Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘or former 404C. unanimous consent that the text of the participants of a program under this chap- ‘‘(B) SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS.—Under a plan bill be printed in the RECORD. ter’’ and inserting ‘‘, former participants of a described in subparagraph (A), an eligible en- There being no objection, the text of program under this chapter, or peers and tity— ‘‘(i) may elect to offer 1 or more types of the bill was ordered to be printed in near peers’’ after ‘‘adults’’; (ii) in paragraph (3), by inserting ‘‘aca- scholarships; and the RECORD, as follows: demic, social, and postsecondary planning’’ ‘‘(ii) shall describe, for each type of schol- S. 2664 after ‘‘supportive’’; arship— Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (iii) in paragraph (10)— ‘‘(I) the minimum and maximum awards resentatives of the United States of America in (I) by redesignating subparagraphs (E) for the scholarships, consistent with section Congress assembled, through (K) as subparagraphs (F) through 404E(d), based on criteria and disbursement SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (L), respectively; priorities established by the eligible entity; This Act may be cited as the ‘‘GEAR UP (II) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the ‘‘(II) the duration of the scholarships, for Success Act of 2018’’. following: which may be single-year or multi-year SEC. 2. GAINING EARLY AWARENESS AND READI- ‘‘(E) counseling or referral services to ad- awards; NESS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PRO- dress the behavioral, social-emotional, and ‘‘(III) the enrollment requirements for par- GRAMS AMENDMENTS. mental health needs of at-risk students;’’; ticipating students, which may include pro- Chapter 2 of part A of title IV of the Higher (III) in subparagraph (I), as redesignated by viding scholarships for participating stu- Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a–21 et subclause (I), by inserting ‘‘, cognitive, non- dents who are enrolled in an institution of seq.) is amended— cognitive, and credit-by-examination’’ after higher education on less than a full-time (1) in section 404A (20 U.S.C. 1070a–21)— ‘‘skills’’; basis during any award year; and (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (IV) in subparagraph (K), as redesignated ‘‘(IV) notwithstanding subsection (g), any (A) of subsection (a)(1), by inserting ‘‘for col- by subclause (I), by striking ‘‘and’’ after the additional student eligibility criteria estab- lege readiness’’ after ‘‘academic support’’; semicolon; lished by the eligible entity for earning and and (V) in subparagraph (L), as redesignated by maintaining scholarships under this section, (B) in subsection (b)— subclause (I), by striking the period at the including— (i) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and ‘‘(aa) financial need; the following: (VI) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(bb) meeting participation milestones in ‘‘(3) PRIORITY.—In making awards to eligi- ‘‘(M) capacity building activities that cre- the activities offered by the eligible entity ble entities described in subsection (c), the ate college-going cultures in participating under section 404D; Secretary— schools and local educational agencies.’’; and ‘‘(cc) meeting and maintaining satisfac- ‘‘(A) may give a competitive priority— (iv) by adding at the end the following: tory academic milestones; and ‘‘(i) to eligible entities that— ‘‘(16) Creating or expanding secondary ‘‘(dd) other criteria aligned with State and ‘‘(I) on the day before the date of enact- school drop-out recovery programs that local goals to incentivize postsecondary ment of the GEAR UP for Success Act of allow students who have dropped out of sec- readiness, access, and success.’’; and 2018, carried out successful educational op- ondary school to complete a regular sec- (iii) in paragraph (3), as redesignated by portunity programs under this chapter (as ondary school diploma and begin college- clause (i), by striking ‘‘may award’’ and in- this chapter was in effect on such day); and level work. serting ‘‘may use not less than 10 percent ‘‘(II) have a prior, demonstrated commit- ‘‘(17) Establishing data collection and data and not more than 50 percent of funds made ment to early intervention leading to college sharing agreements to obtain, analyze, and available under this chapter to award’’; access and readiness through collaboration report postsecondary outcome data for eligi- (B) in subsection (b)— and replication of successful strategies; ble students for a period of not more than 72 (i) in the subsection heading, by inserting ‘‘(ii) to eligible entities that ensure that months after the end of the grant award pe- ‘‘STATE’’ before ‘‘LIMITATION’’; and students served under this chapter on the riod, which may include postsecondary en- (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘eligible day before the date of enactment of the rollment, persistence, and completion data. entity demonstrates’’ and all that follows GEAR UP for Success Act of 2018 continue to ‘‘(18) Establishing or maintaining an agree- through the period at the end and inserting receive assistance through the completion of ment with a consortium of eligible entities the following: ‘‘eligible entity— secondary school; or described in section 404A(c) to— ‘‘(I) demonstrates that the eligible entity ‘‘(iii) to eligible entities that meet the re- ‘‘(A) foster collaborative approaches to re- has another means of providing the students quirements of clauses (i) and (ii); and search and evaluation; with the financial assistance described in ‘‘(B) shall not give a competitive priority ‘‘(B) improve the quality of data collec- this section or eligible students have reason- on any other basis.’’; and tion, data sharing, analysis and reporting; able access to State and local financial as- (ii) by adding at the end the following: and sistance programs; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.026 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 ‘‘(II) describes such means or access in the (iv) before subparagraph (A) (as redesig- of the State) or the Tribal government, as application submitted under section 404C.’’; nated by clause (iii)), by inserting the fol- applicable, a plan under which the State or (C) in subsection (e)— lowing: Indian tribe monitors and regulates that pro- (i) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting ‘‘(1) provide pre-application technical as- duction as described in paragraph (2). the following: sistance workshops for eligible entities and ‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—A State or Tribal plan re- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— potential applicants in any year in which ferred to in paragraph (1)— ‘‘(A) SCHOLARSHIP PLAN.—Each eligible en- new awards are expected to be made; ‘‘(A) shall only be required to include— tity described in section 404A(c)(1) that re- ‘‘(2) support initiatives designed to im- ‘‘(i) a practice to maintain relevant infor- ceives a grant under this chapter shall hold prove the research, data collection and infra- mation regarding land on which hemp is pro- in reserve, for the students served by such structure, and evaluation capacity of eligible duced in the State or territory of the Indian grant as described in section 404B(d)(1)(A) or entities; and tribe, including a legal description of the 404D(d), an estimated amount that is based ‘‘(3) evaluate the effectiveness of the pro- land, for a period of not less than 3 calendar on the eligible entity’s scholarship plan de- gram and, as appropriate, disseminate the years; scribed in subsection (a)(1). results of the evaluation. Such evaluation ‘‘(ii) a procedure for testing, using post- ‘‘(B) INTEREST USE.—Interest earned on may include a separate analysis of—’’; and decarboxylation or other similarly reliable funds held in reserve under subparagraph (A) (7) in section 408H (20 U.S.C. 1070a–28), by methods, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol con- may be used by the eligible entity to admin- striking ‘‘2009’’ and inserting ‘‘2019’’. centration levels of hemp produced in the ister the scholarship program during the State or territory of the Indian tribe; ‘‘(iii) a procedure for the effective disposal award period and through the post-award pe- By Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself, of products that are produced in violation of riod described in paragraph (4).’’; Mr. WYDEN, Mr. MERKLEY, and this subtitle; and (ii) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ‘‘, or Mr. PAUL): ‘‘(iv) a procedure to comply with the en- been accepted for enrollment,’’ after ‘‘en- S. 2667. A bill to amend the Agricul- forcement procedures under subsection (d); rolled’’; and tural Marketing Act of 1946 to provide and (iii) in paragraph (3)— for State and Tribal regulation of hemp ‘‘(B) may include any other practice or (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘and’’ production, and for other purposes; procedure established by a State or Indian after the semicolon; tribe, as applicable, to the extent that the (II) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as read the first time. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I practice or procedure is consistent with this subparagraph (C); and subtitle. (III) by inserting after subparagraph (A) ask unanimous consent that the text of ‘‘(3) RELATION TO STATE AND TRIBAL LAW.— the following: the bill be printed in the RECORD. ‘‘(A) NO PREEMPTION.—Nothing in this sub- ‘‘(B) the costs associated with enrolling in There being no objection, the text of section preempts or limits any law of a State an institution of higher education; and’’; and the bill was ordered to be printed in or Indian tribe regulating the production of (D) in subsection (g)— the RECORD, as follows: hemp, to the extent that law is consistent (i) in paragraph (3)— S. 2667 with this subtitle. (I) by inserting ‘‘ or, if the eligible entity Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(B) REFERENCES IN PLANS.—A State or chooses, in another program of study or cre- Tribal plan referred to in paragraph (1) may dential program for which an individual resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, include a reference to a law of the State or could use funds received under a Federal Pell Indian tribe regulating the production of Grant to attend,’’ before ‘‘that is located’’; SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. hemp, to the extent that law is consistent and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Hemp Farm- with this subtitle. (II) by striking ‘‘except that, at the State’s ing Act of 2018’’. ‘‘(b) APPROVAL.— option’’ and inserting ‘‘except that, at the el- SEC. 2. HEMP PRODUCTION. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days igible entity’s option’’; and The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 after receipt of a State or Tribal plan under (ii) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘and U.S.C. 1621 et seq.) is amended by adding at subsection (a), the Secretary shall— qualifies for an award, consistent with the the end the following: ‘‘(A) approve the State or Tribal plan if the eligible entity’s scholarship plan as de- ‘‘Subtitle G—Hemp Production State or Tribal plan complies with subscribed in subsection (a)(1)’’ after ‘‘404D(a)’’; section (a); or ‘‘SEC. 297A. DEFINITIONS. (6) in section 404G (20 U.S.C. 1070a–27)— ‘‘(B) disapprove the State or Tribal plan ‘‘In this subtitle: (A) in subsection (b)— only if the State or Tribal plan does not ‘‘(1) HEMP.—The term ‘hemp’ means the (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘and’’ after comply with subsection (a). plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that the semicolon; ‘‘(2) AMENDED PLANS.—If the Secretary dis- plant, including the seeds thereof and all de- (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking the period approves a State or Tribal plan under para- rivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and graph (1)(B), the State, through the State de- acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether (iii) by inserting after paragraph (2) the partment of agriculture (in consultation growing or not, with a delta-9 following: with the Governor and chief law enforcement tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not ‘‘(3) include the following metrics: officer of the State) or the Tribal govern- more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. ‘‘(A) The number of students completing ment, as applicable, may submit to the Sec- ‘‘(2) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘Indian tribe’ the Free Application for Federal Student Aid retary an amended State or Tribal plan that has the meaning given the term in section 4 under section 483. complies with subsection (a). of the Indian Self-Determination and Edu- ‘‘(B) If applicable, the number of students ‘‘(c) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Sec- receiving a scholarship under section 404E. cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). retary may provide technical assistance to a ‘‘(C) The graduation rate of participating ‘‘(3) SECRETARY.—The term ‘Secretary’ State or Indian tribe in the development of a students from high school. means the Secretary of Agriculture. State or Tribal plan under subsection (a). ‘‘(D) The enrollment of participating stu- ‘‘(4) STATE.—The term ‘State’ means— ‘‘(d) VIOLATIONS.— dents into postsecondary education. ‘‘(A) a State; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A violation of a State or ‘‘(E) Such other metrics as the Secretary ‘‘(B) the District of Columbia; Tribal plan approved under subsection (b) may require.’’; and ‘‘(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; shall be subject to enforcement solely in ac- (B) in subsection (c)— and cordance with this subsection. (i) in the subsection heading, by inserting ‘‘(D) any other territory or possession of ‘‘(2) NEGLIGENT VIOLATIONS.— ‘‘AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE’’ after ‘‘FED- the United States. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A hemp producer in a ERAL EVALUATION’’; ‘‘(5) STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.— State or the territory of an Indian tribe for (ii) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— The term ‘State department of agriculture’ which a State or Tribal plan is approved (I) by inserting ‘‘after consultation with means the agency, commission, or depart- under subsection (b) shall be subject to sub- the community of eligible entities receiving ment of a State government responsible for paragraph (B) of this paragraph if the State grants under this chapter and’’ after ‘‘Sec- agriculture in the State. department of agriculture or Tribal govern- retary shall,’’; ‘‘(6) TRIBAL GOVERNMENT.—The term ‘Trib- ment, as applicable, determines that the (II) by striking ‘‘0.75’’ and inserting ‘‘1’’; al government’ means the governing body of hemp producer has negligently violated the and an Indian tribe. State or Tribal plan, including by neg- (III) by striking ‘‘evaluate the effective- ‘‘SEC. 297B. STATE AND TRIBAL PLANS. ligently— ness of the program and, as appropriate, dis- ‘‘(a) SUBMISSION.— ‘‘(i) failing to provide a legal description of seminate the results of the evaluation. Such ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A State or Indian tribe land on which the producer produces hemp; evaluation shall include a separate analysis desiring to have primary regulatory author- ‘‘(ii) failing to obtain a license or other re- of’’; ity over the production of hemp in the State quired authorization from the State depart- (iii) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) or territory of the Indian tribe shall submit ment of agriculture or Tribal government, as as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, to the Secretary, through the State depart- applicable; or and indenting the margins appropriately; ment of agriculture (in consultation with the ‘‘(iii) producing Cannabis sativa L. with a and Governor and chief law enforcement officer delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.033 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2125 of more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight SEC. 4. LEGITIMACY OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP RE- (1) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end basis. SEARCH. the following: ‘‘(B) CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN.—A hemp (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7606 of the Agri- ‘‘(K) WAIVER FOR HEMP.—The Board may producer described in subparagraph (A) shall cultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 5940) is amend- waive the viability and marketability re- comply with a plan established by the State ed— quirements under this paragraph in the case department of agriculture or Tribal govern- (1) by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) of research and development relating to a ment, as applicable, to correct the negligent as subsections (b) and (a), respectively, and policy to insure the production of hemp.’’; violation, including— moving the subsections so as to appear in al- and ‘‘(i) a reasonable date by which the hemp phabetical order; (2) in paragraph (3)— producer shall correct the negligent viola- (2) in subsection (b) (as so redesignated), in (A) by striking ‘‘The Corporation’’ and in- tion; and the subsection heading, by striking ‘‘IN GEN- serting the following: ERAL’’ and inserting ‘‘INDUSTRIAL HEMP RE- ‘‘(ii) a requirement that the hemp producer ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph shall periodically report to the State depart- SEARCH’’; and (B), the Corporation’’; and ment of agriculture or Tribal government, as (3) by adding at the end the following: (B) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(c) STUDY AND REPORT.— applicable, on the compliance of the hemp ‘‘(B) WAIVER FOR HEMP.—The Corporation ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall con- producer with the State or Tribal plan for a may waive the marketability requirement duct a study of agricultural pilot programs— period of not less than the next 2 calendar under subparagraph (A) in the case of re- ‘‘(A) to determine the economic viability years. search and development relating to a policy of the domestic production and sale of indus- ESULT OF NEGLIGENT VIOLATION.—Ex- ‘‘(C) R trial hemp; and to insure the production of hemp.’’. cept as provided in subparagraph (D), a hemp ‘‘(B) that shall include a review of— SEC. 6. CONFORMING CHANGES TO CONTROLLED producer that negligently violates a State or ‘‘(i) each agricultural pilot program; and SUBSTANCES ACT. Tribal plan under subparagraph (A) shall not ‘‘(ii) any other agricultural or academic re- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 102(16) of the Con- be subject to any criminal or civil enforce- search relating to industrial hemp. trolled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802(16)) is ment action by the Federal Government or ‘‘(2) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after amended— any State government, Tribal government, the date of enactment of this subsection, the (1) by striking ‘‘(16) The’’ and inserting or local government other than the enforce- Secretary shall submit to Congress a report ‘‘(16)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the’’; ment action authorized under subparagraph describing the results of the study conducted and (B). under paragraph (1).’’. (2) by striking ‘‘Such term does not include ‘‘(D) REPEAT VIOLATIONS.—A hemp pro- (b) REPEAL.—Effective on the date that is 1 the’’ and inserting the following: ducer that negligently violates a State or year after the date of enactment of this Act, ‘‘(B) The term ‘marihuana’ does not in- Tribal plan under subparagraph (A) 3 times section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 clude— in a 5-year period shall be ineligible to U.S.C. 5940) is repealed. ‘‘(i) hemp, as defined in section 297A of the produce hemp for a period of 5 years begin- SEC. 5. FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE. Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; or ning on the date of the third violation. (a) DEFINITION OF HEMP.—Section 502(b) of ‘‘(ii) the’’. ‘‘(3) OTHER VIOLATIONS.—If the State de- the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. (b) TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL.—Schedule I, partment of agriculture or Tribal govern- 1502(b)) is amended— as set forth in section 202(c) of the Con- ment in a State or the territory of an Indian (1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through trolled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812(c)), is tribe for which a State or Tribal plan is ap- (11) as paragraphs (9) through (12), respec- amended in subsection (c)(17) by inserting proved under subsection (b), as applicable, tively; and after ‘‘Tetrahydrocannabinols’’ the fol- determines that a hemp producer in the (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following: ‘‘, except for tetrahydrocannabinols State or territory has violated the State or lowing: in hemp (as defined under section 297A of the Tribal plan with a culpable mental state ‘‘(8) HEMP.—The term ‘hemp’ has the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946)’’. greater than negligence— meaning given the term in section 297A of SEC. 7. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. ‘‘(A) the State department of agriculture the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.’’. Nothing in this Act authorizes interference or Tribal government, as applicable, shall (b) INSURANCE PERIOD.—Section 508(a)(2) of with the interstate commerce of hemp (as immediately report the hemp producer to— the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. defined in section 297A of the Agricultural ‘‘(i) the Attorney General; and 1508(a)(2)) is amended by striking ‘‘and sweet Marketing Act of 1946, as added by section 2). potatoes’’ and inserting ‘‘sweet potatoes, and ‘‘(ii) in the case of a State department of f agriculture, the chief law enforcement offi- hemp’’. cer of the State; and (c) SUBMISSION OF POLICIES AND MATERIALS SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS ‘‘(B) paragraph (1) of this subsection shall TO BOARD.—Section 508(h) of the Federal not apply to the violation. Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1508(h)) is amended— ‘‘(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— SENATE RESOLUTION 460—CON- (1) in paragraph (1)(B)— There are authorized to be appropriated such DEMNING BOKO HARAM AND (A) by redesignating clauses (i) through sums as are necessary to carry out this sec- (iii) as subclauses (I) through (III), respec- CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENTS tion. tively, and indenting appropriately; OF THE UNITED STATES OF ‘‘(f) EFFECT.—Nothing in this section pro- (B) in the matter preceding subclause (I) AMERICA AND NIGERIA TO hibits the production of hemp in a State or (as so redesignated), by striking ‘‘The Cor- SWIFTLY IMPLEMENT MEAS- the territory of an Indian tribe for which a poration shall’’ and inserting the following: URES TO DEFEAT THE TER- State or Tribal plan is not approved under ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Corporation shall’’; RORIST ORGANIZATION this section in accordance with other Fed- (C) in clause (i)(I) (as so redesignated), by eral laws (including regulations). inserting ‘‘subject to clause (ii),’’ before Ms. BALDWIN (for herself, Mr. DUR- ‘‘SEC. 297C. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE REGULATIONS ‘‘will likely’’; and BIN, Mrs. SHAHEEN, Ms. COLLINS, and AND GUIDELINES. (D) by adding at the end the following: Ms. WARREN) submitted the following ‘‘The Secretary shall have sole authority ‘‘(ii) WAIVER FOR HEMP.—The Corporation resolution; which was referred to the to issue Federal regulations and guidelines may waive the viability and marketability Committee on the Judiciary: that relate to the production of hemp, in- requirement under clause (i)(I) in the case of S. RES. 460 cluding Federal regulations and guidelines a policy or pilot program relating to the pro- that relate to the implementation of section duction of hemp.’’; and Whereas Boko Haram is a Nigeria-based 297B.’’. (2) in paragraph (3)(C)— militant group with links to al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the so-called Islamic SEC. 3. FUNDING FOR HEMP RESEARCH. (A) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; State; (a) SUPPLEMENTAL AND ALTERNATIVE (B) in clause (iii), by striking the period at Whereas Boko Haram is responsible for CROPS.—Section 1473D(c)(3)(E) of the Na- the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and tens of thousands of deaths, including the tional Agricultural Research, Extension, and (C) by adding at the end the following: targeted killings of civilians, in northeast Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. ‘‘(iv) in the case of reviewing policies and and central Nigeria over the last several 3319d(c)(3)(E)) is amended by inserting ‘‘(in- other materials relating to the production of years, and, according to the United Nations cluding hemp (as defined in section 297A of hemp, may waive the viability and market- High Commissioner for Refugees, has caused the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946))’’ ability requirement under subparagraph the displacement of 2,400,000 people in Nige- after ‘‘material’’. (A)(ii)(I).’’. ria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger; (b) CRITICAL AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS.— (d) AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY.—Section 518 Whereas the Department of State des- Section 5(b)(9) of the Critical Agricultural of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. ignated Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Or- Materials Act (7 U.S.C. 178c(b)(9)) is amended 1518) is amended by inserting ‘‘hemp,’’ before ganization in 2013 and supports efforts to de- by inserting ‘‘, and including hemp (as de- ‘‘aquacultural species’’. feat Boko Haram with security and develop- fined in section 297A of the Agricultural (e) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHOR- ment tools; Marketing Act of 1946)’’ after ‘‘hydrocarbon- ITY.—Section 522(b) of the Federal Crop In- Whereas Boko Haram rejects modern edu- containing plants’’. surance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(b)) is amended— cation and science, is engaged in an armed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:38 Jul 19, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD18\APRIL\S12AP8.REC S12AP8 abonner on DSKBCJ7HB2PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S2126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 revolt against the Government of Nigeria, Whereas educating girls transforms soci- (C) appropriately channel the announced has carried out vicious campaigns of vio- eties for the better by giving girls the knowl- $1,000,000,000 assistance from the Excess lence, including suicide bombings, against edge and tools to make positive decisions Crude Account to humanitarian assistance, schools, public institutions, law enforce- about their futures, live healthier lives, pro- development, education, and ment, and civilians; vide nurturing environments for their fami- deradicalization programs; and Whereas, since 2012, Boko Haram has con- lies, and play active roles in their commu- (D) accept international assistance in a ducted brutal mass kidnappings of women, nities and economies; timely manner when offered; and girls, and boys and has abducted thousands Whereas the United States Government (8) encourages continued cooperation be- of women and girls from schools and mar- has provided significant financial assistance tween the Governments of the United States kets, during raids on villages and houses, in recent years to support women and girls and Nigeria to defeat the violent extremist and on public transportation; who are at risk from extremism and conflict; organization Boko Haram. Whereas Boko Haram continues its cam- Whereas child and forced marriage is a f paign of mass and systematic brutality human rights abuse; against the people of Nigeria and the greater Whereas the United States Government SENATE RESOLUTION 461—COM- Lake Chad Basin; has appropriated $11,000,000 in both fiscal MENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF Whereas, on April 14, 2014, Boko Haram years 2017 and 2018 for programs to combat CENTRAL MISSOURI JENNIES militants attacked a boarding school in child marriage; FOR WINNING THE NATIONAL Chibok in Borno state, where girls from sur- Whereas in section 2 of the Women, Peace, rounding areas had gone to take final exams; CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE NA- and Security Act of 2017 (Public Law 115–68; TIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC Whereas the Boko Haram terrorists arrived 131 Stat. 1202), Congress found that ‘‘women in Chibok late at night, firing their guns in- in conflict-affected regions have achieved ASSOCIATION DIVISION II TOUR- discriminately and burning down houses, significant success in . . . moderating vio- NAMENT raided the dormitories, and kidnapped 276 lent extremism . . . and stabilizing societies Mr. BLUNT (for himself and Mrs. girls aged 12 to 17; by enhancing the effectiveness of security MCCASKILL) submitted the following Whereas 57 girls escaped by jumping off the services, peacekeeping efforts, institutions, kidnappers’ trucks as they were driving resolution; which was considered and and decision-making processes’’; agreed to: away or running into the forest; Whereas in section 1(c) of Public Law 114– Whereas the 219 kidnapped girls were held 266 (130 Stat. 1383), Congress found that ‘‘lack S. RES. 461 captive, abused, made to be slaves, forced of economic opportunity and access to edu- Whereas on March 23, 2018, the University into marriage with their abductors, repeat- cation, justice, and other social services con- of Central Missouri Jennies (referred to in edly raped, starved, and, in some cases, forc- tributes to the ability of Boko Haram to this preamble as the ‘‘Jennies’’) women’s ibly converted to Islam; radicalize and recruit individuals’’; and basketball team defeated defending national Whereas the international community, in- Whereas section 4 of the Women, Peace, champion Ashland University by a score of cluding the United Nations Secretary-Gen- and Security Act of 2017 (22 U.S.C. 2152j) 66–52 in the National Collegiate Athletic As- eral and the United Nations Security Coun- states that ‘‘[i]t shall be the policy of the sociation Division II national championship cil, condemned the abduction and called for United States to promote the meaningful game in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; the immediate release of the girls; participation of women in all aspects of Whereas that victory marks the first Divi- Whereas Boko Haram ruthlessly killed overseas conflict prevention, management, sion II national championship for the Jen- some of the kidnapped girls for trying to es- and resolution, and post-conflict relief and nies since 1984; cape, and some girls died during childbirth; recovery efforts’’: Now, therefore, be it Whereas the Jennies ended the 2017–2018 Whereas thousands of women, girls, and season with— boys kidnapped by Boko Haram have en- Resolved, That the Senate— (1) recognizes the tragic fourth anniversary (1) an overall record of 30–3; dured similar horrific experiences; (2) a perfect record of 10–0 during away of the Chibok girls kidnapping and calls for Whereas the parents of the kidnapped girls games; and the immediate release of all Boko Haram and concerned citizens banded together and (3) a record of 18–1 in the Mid-America captives, especially the remaining Chibok embarked upon a global awareness campaign Intercollegiate Athletics Association (re- girls and Leah Sharibu; to urge the rescue of the girls, using the ferred to in this preamble as the ‘‘MIAA’’) (2) applauds the extraordinary bravery of Twitter hashtag #BringBackOurGirls, conference; survivors of Boko Haram, who continue to through which over 3,300,000 people around Whereas the 2017–2018 season marks— the world expressed their outrage at the ab- come forward to share their stories and expe- (1) the eleventh MIAA regular season duction and continue maintaining a vigil for riences at great risk to themselves; championship win for the Jennies; and the girls’ return; (3) deplores Boko Haram for its desta- (2) the seventh Central Region champion- Whereas the United States Government bilizing activities and extremist violence; ship win for the Jennies; sent advisors to Nigeria and supplied surveil- (4) acknowledges the efforts of the United Whereas the 30 season wins and 18 con- lance and reconnaissance to help rescue the States Government to defeat Boko Haram ference wins of the Jennies are program girls; through development and security partner- records; Whereas 21 girls were released in October ships with Nigeria and other regional part- Whereas the Jennies won 6 playoff games 2016, 82 girls were released in May 2017, and ners, and calls on the Department of State and outlasted 63 other teams in the Division four years since their abduction, over 100 and the Department of Defense to rapidly II national championship tournament to end girls distressingly still remain in captivity implement the five-year regional strategy to the 73-game winning streak of Ashland Uni- and are subjected to deplorable abuses as re- address the grievous threat posed by Boko versity; counted by the returnees; Haram and other violent extremist organiza- Whereas all of the following 15 players on Whereas many of the returned girls are tions; the Jennies roster should be congratulated: being kept in a government facility in Abuja (5) furthermore requests that the Depart- Paige Redmond, Gigi McAtee, Sydney Crock- away from their families; ment of State and the United States Agency ett, Kayonna Lee, Kendra Gladbach, Abby Whereas the scourge of Boko Haram con- for International Development create a plan Gann, Kelsey Williams, Emilie Jobst, Megan tinues to menace the population of the Lake to address the needs of women and girls ad- Skaggs, Peyton Taylor, Morgan Fleming, Chad Basin area, including northern Nigeria; versely impacted by extremism and conflict Jolene Shipps, Sydney Skaggs, Madison Whereas, on February 19, 2018, Boko Haram as required by section 7059(e)(2) of the De- Sandor, and Meghan Allen; militants stormed the town of Dapchi and partment of State, Foreign Operations, and Whereas, during the Division II national abducted 110 girls from the Government Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2017 championship game— Girls Science and Technical School and two (division J of Public Law 115–31; 131 Stat. (1) the Jennies made 50 percent of shots other children; 699); taken; and Whereas 106 of the children from the (6) commends the swift enactment of the (2) the following 3 players scored points in Dapchi kidnapping have been released and Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 the double digits: Paige Redmond, Megan five are presumed to have perished; (Public Law 115–68), and encourages the Skaggs, and Kelsey Williams; Whereas Leah Sharibu remains a hostage President to release the Women, Peace, and Whereas Paige Redmond— because she refuses to convert to Islam; Security Strategy by October 2018, as re- (1) led the Jennies by scoring 16.3 points Whereas the Government of Nigeria said quired by section 5 of the Women, Peace, and per game during the 2017–2018 season; Boko Haram had been defeated in 2015, but Security Act of 2017 (22 U.S.C. 2152j–1); (2) recorded a championship game high of the terrorist organization continues to (7) acknowledges the actions of the Gov- 22 points; and mount attacks against civilians, schools, and ernment of Nigeria to combat Boko Haram, (3) was awarded MIAA Player of the Year; security forces; and encourages it to— Whereas Kayonna Lee collected a team Whereas the United States Government (A) provide the necessary counseling and high of 11 rebounds and a game high of 3 has provided assistance for several years for support to those abducted by Boko Haram; blocked shots, and was awarded MIAA Defen- women and girls targeted by Boko Haram (B) allow returned women and girls to be sive Player of the Year; and individuals displaced by Boko Haram vi- reunited with their families when appro- Whereas Paige Redmond and Morgan Flem- olence, as well as to combat Boko Haram; priate; ing were selected to the All-MIAA team;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.032 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2127 Whereas Kayonna Lee, Megan Skaggs, and Whereas the percentage of adults using to- SENATE RESOLUTION 463—AU- Kelsey Williams received Honorable Men- bacco products in the United States, the THORIZING A SENATOR TO tions from the All-MIAA team; leading cause of preventable disease and BRING A YOUNG SON OR DAUGH- Whereas Jennies Head Coach Dave Slifer death in the United States, accounting for TER OF THE SENATOR ONTO THE was awarded MIAA Coach of the Year; and more than 480,000 deaths every year includ- FLOOR OF THE SENATE DURING Whereas Coach Slifer and all of the sup- ing more than 41,000 deaths resulting from porting staff of the Jennies should be con- secondhand smoke, decreased from 20.9 per- VOTES gratulated: Now, therefore, be it cent in 2005 to 15.5 percent in 2016; Mr. DURBIN (for Ms. DUCKWORTH) Resolved, That the Senate— Whereas approximately 554,000 adults suf- submitted the following resolution; (1) commends the University of Central fered from homelessness in the United States which was referred to the Committee Missouri Jennies for the Division II national in 2017, an increase since 2010, with 35 per- on Rules and Administration: championship victory in women’s basketball; cent of homeless individuals still living S. RES. 463 (2) recognizes the athletic prowess, hard unsheltered; work, and dedication exhibited by the play- Whereas the value of a strong public health Resolved, ers, coaches, support staff, and student body system is in the air we breathe, the water we SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION FOR SENATORS TO of the University of Central Missouri; and drink, the food we eat, and the places where BRING YOUNG CHILDREN ONTO THE (3) congratulates the city of Warrensburg, we all live, learn, work, worship, and play; FLOOR OF THE SENATE. Missouri, and the University of Central Mis- Whereas public health organizations use Notwithstanding rule XXIII of the Stand- souri Jennies fans and alumni around the National Public Health Week to educate the ing Rules of the Senate, a Senator who has a world. public, policymakers, and public health pro- son or daughter (as defined in section 101 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 f fessionals on issues that are important to U.S.C. 2611)) under 1 year of age may bring improving the health of the people of the SENATE RESOLUTION 462—SUP- the son or daughter onto the floor of the United States; PORTING THE GOALS AND Senate during votes. IDEALS OF NATIONAL PUBLIC Whereas studies show that small strategic investments in prevention can result in sig- f HEALTH WEEK nificant savings in health care costs; AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND Mr. UDALL (for himself, Mr. WHITE- Whereas each 10 percent increase in local PROPOSED HOUSE, Mr. MARKEY, Ms. HEITKAMP, Ms. public health spending contributes to a 6.9 WARREN, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. KING, Mrs. percent decrease in infant deaths, a 3.2 per- SA 2227. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an amendment to the bill S. 140, to amend the SHAHEEN, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. cent decrease in deaths related to cardio- White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights BLUMENTHAL, Mr. HEINRICH, Mrs. MUR- vascular disease, a 1.4 percent decrease in deaths due to diabetes, and a 1.1 percent de- Quantification Act of 2010 to clarify the use RAY, Mr. BROWN, Ms. HASSAN, and Mr. crease in cancer-related deaths; of amounts in the WMAT Settlement Fund. VAN HOLLEN) submitted the following Whereas public health professionals help SA 2228. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an resolution; which was referred to the communities prevent, prepare for, withstand, amendment to amendment SA 2227 proposed Committee on Health, Education, and recover from the impact of a full range by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill S. 140, supra. Labor, and Pensions: of health threats, including disease out- SA 2229. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an amendment to the bill S. 140, supra. S. RES. 462 breaks such as the Zika virus, natural disas- SA 2230. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an ters, and disasters caused by human activity; Whereas the week of April 2, 2018, through amendment to amendment SA 2229 proposed Whereas public health professionals col- April 8, 2018, is National Public Health Week; by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill S. 140, supra. laborate with partners that are not in the Whereas the theme for National Public SA 2231. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed an health sector, such as city planners, trans- Health Week in 2018 is ‘‘Healthiest Nation amendment to amendment SA 2230 proposed portation officials, education officials, and 2030: Changing Our Future Together’’, with by Mr. MCCONNELL to the amendment SA private sector businesses, recognizing that the goal of making the United States the 2229 proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill healthiest Nation in one generation; other sectors have an important influence on S. 140, supra. Whereas there is a significant difference in health; the health status of individuals with dif- Whereas in communities across the United f ferent abilities and demographics, such as States, people are changing the way they TEXT OF AMENDMENTS obesity, poor mental health and infectious care for their health by avoiding tobacco disease, of people living in the healthiest use, eating healthier, becoming more phys- SA 2227. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed States compared to people living in the least ically active, and preventing unintentional an amendment to the bill S. 140, to healthy States; injuries at home and in the workplace; and amend the White Mountain Apache Whereas according to the National Acad- Whereas efforts to adequately support pub- Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act emy of Medicine, despite being one of the lic health and prevention can continue to of 2010 to clarify the use of amounts in wealthiest nations in the world, the United transform a health system focused on treat- the WMAT Settlement Fund; as fol- States ranks below many other economically ing illness to a health system focused on pre- lows: prosperous and developing countries with re- venting disease and promoting wellness: At the end add the following: spect to measures of health, including life Now, therefore, be it expectancy, infant mortality and maternal ‘‘This act shall be effective 1 day after en- mortality rates; Resolved, That the Senate— actment.’’ Whereas the life expectancy for the United (1) supports the goals and ideals of Na- States population declined for the second tional Public Health Week; SA 2228. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed year in a row, and the leading causes of (2) recognizes the efforts of public health an amendment to amendment SA 2227 deaths are among the most common, costly, professionals, the Federal Government, proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill and preventable of all health problems; States, Tribes, municipalities, local commu- S. 140, to amend the White Mountain Whereas despite having a high infant mor- nities, and individuals in preventing disease, Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantifica- tality rate compared to other economically injury, and promoting quality of life; tion Act of 2010 to clarify the use of prosperous and developing countries, and the (3) recognizes the role of public health in improving the health of individuals in the amounts in the WMAT Settlement death rate varying greatly among States, Fund; as follows: overall, the United States was making United States; steady progress, until recently, with the in- (4) encourages increased efforts and re- Strike ‘‘1 day’’ and insert ‘‘2 days’’ fant mortality rate reaching a historic low sources to improve the health of people in of 5.8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in the United States to create the healthiest SA 2229. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed 2016; Nation in one generation through— an amendment to the bill S. 140, to Whereas more women die from pregnancy- (A) greater opportunities to improve com- amend the White Mountain Apache related deaths in the United States than any munity health and prevent disease and in- Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act other developed country, and the number of jury; of 2010 to clarify the use of amounts in (B) strengthening the public health system maternal deaths per 100,000 live births has the WMAT Settlement Fund; as fol- increased from 16.9 in 1990 to 26.4 in 2015; in the United States; and Whereas the number of overdose deaths in- (C) using data to guide policies and behav- lows: volving opioids was more than five times iors that promote health and quality of life; At the end add the following. higher than in 1999 and 115 Americans on av- and ‘‘This Act shall take effect 3 days after the erage die every day from an opioid-involved (5) encourages the people of the United date of enactment.’’ death requiring a comprehensive strategy States to learn about the role of the public across a range of sectors including robust ef- health system in improving health in the SA 2230. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed forts to prevent substance misuse disorders; United States. an amendment to amendment SA 2229

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.034 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S2128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 12, 2018 proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the bill United States Circuit Judge for the winning the national championship in the S. 140, to amend the White Mountain Sixth Circuit, Kari A. Dooley, to be National Collegiate Athletic Association Di- Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantifica- United States District Judge for the vision II tournament. tion Act of 2010 to clarify the use of District of Connecticut, Dominic W. There being no objection, the Senate amounts in the WMAT Settlement Lanza, to be United States District proceeded to consider the resolution. Fund; as follows: Judge for the District of Arizona, Jill Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Strike ‘‘3 days’’ and insert ‘‘4 days’’ Aiko Otake, to be United States Dis- ask unanimous consent that the reso- trict Judge for the District of Hawaii, lution be agreed to, the preamble be SA 2231. Mr. MCCONNELL proposed Michael Y. Scudder, of Illinois, and agreed to, and the motions to recon- an amendment to amendment SA 2230 Amy J. St. Eve, of Illinois, both to be sider be considered made and laid upon proposed by Mr. MCCONNELL to the a United States Circuit Judge for the the table with no intervening action or amendment SA 2229 proposed by Mr. Seventh Circuit, Charles J. Williams, debate. MCCONNELL to the bill S. 140, to amend to be United States District Judge for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the White Mountain Apache Tribe the Northern District of Iowa, and Jo- objection, it is so ordered. Water Rights Quantification Act of seph H. Hunt, of Maryland, to be an As- The resolution (S. Res. 461) was 2010 to clarify the use of amounts in sistant Attorney General, Timothy A. agreed to. the WMAT Settlement Fund; as fol- Garrison, to be United States Attorney The preamble was agreed to. lows: for the Western District of Missouri, (The resolution, with its preamble, is Strike ‘‘4’’ and insert ‘‘5’’ Kenji M. Price, to be United States At- printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- f torney for the District of Hawaii, John mitted Resolutions.’’) Cary Bittick, to be United States Mar- AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO f shal for the Middle District of Georgia, MEET David L. Lyons, to be United States MEASURE READ THE FIRST Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I have 8 Marshal for the Southern District of TIME—S. 2667 requests for committees to meet during Georgia, and Rodney D. Ostermiller, to Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I today’s session of the Senate. They be United States Marshal for the Dis- understand that there is a bill at the have the approval of the Majority and trict of Montana, all of the Department desk, and I ask for its first reading. Minority leaders. of Justice. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE clerk will read the bill by title for the 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- The Select Committee on Intel- first time. ate, the following committees are au- ligence is authorized to meet during The senior assistant legislative clerk thorized to meet during today’s session the session of the Senate on Wednes- read as follows: of the Senate: day, March 21, 2018, at 2 p.m. to con- A bill (S. 2667) to amend the Agricultural COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES duct a closed hearing. Marketing Act of 1946 to provide for State The Committee on Armed Services is and Tribal regulation of hemp production, SUBCOMMITTEE ON REGULATORY AFFAIRS AND and for other purposes. authorized to meet during the session FEDERAL MANAGEMENT of the Senate on Thursday, April 12, The Subcommittee on Regulatory Af- Mr. MCCONNELL. I now ask for a 2018, at 9:30 a.m. to conduct a hearing. fairs and Federal Management of the second reading and, in order to place COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN Committee on Homeland Security and the bill on the calendar under the pro- AFFAIRS Governmental Affairs is authorized to visions of rule XIV, I object to my own The Committee on Banking, Housing, meet during the session of the Senate request. and Urban Affairs is authorized to on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 10 a.m. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- meet during the session of the Senate to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Review- tion having been heard, the bill will re- on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at 10 a.m. ing the Office of Information and Regu- ceive its second reading on the next to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘The latory Affairs.’’ legislative day. Consumer Financial Protection Bu- f reau’s Semi-Annual Report to Con- f gress.’’ PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR ORDERS FOR MONDAY, APRIL 16, COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask 2018 TRANSPORTATION unanimous consent that my fellow, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The Committee on Commerce, Sharmin Syed, be granted privileges of ask unanimous consent that when the Science, and Transportation is author- the floor for the duration of her service Senate completes its business today, it ized to meet during the session of the in my office. adjourn until 3 p.m., Monday, April 16; Senate on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without further, that following the prayer and 9:45 a.m. to conduct a hearing. objection, it is so ordered. pledge, the morning hour be deemed COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask expired, the Journal of proceedings be The Committee on Finance is author- unanimous consent that Dustin approved to date, the time for the two ized to meet during the session of the Ellsberry, an intern in Senator SUL- leaders be reserved for their use later Senate on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at LIVAN’s office, be granted floor privi- in the day, and morning business be 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled leges for the remainder of the day. closed. Finally, I ask that following ‘‘The 2018 Tax Filing Season and Fu- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without leader remarks, the Senate resume ture IRS Challenges.’’ objection, it is so ordered. consideration of the House message to COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS accompany S. 140 and that notwith- f The Committee on Foreign Relations standing the provisions of rule XXII, is authorized to meet during the ses- COMMENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF the cloture vote on the motion to con- sion of the Senate on Thursday, April CENTRAL MISSOURI JENNIES cur be at 5:30 p.m., Monday. 12, 2018, at 10:15 a.m. to conduct a hear- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ing on the nomination of Mike ask unanimous consent that the Sen- objection, it is so ordered. Pompeo, of Kansas, to be Secretary of ate proceed to the consideration of S. f State. Res. 461, submitted earlier today. COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ADJOURNMENT UNTIL MONDAY, The Committee on the Judiciary is clerk will report the resolution by APRIL 16, 2018, AT 3 P.M. authorized to meet during the session title. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if of the Senate on Thursday, April 12, The senior assistant legislative clerk there is no further business to come be- 2018, at 10 a.m. to conduct a hearing on read as follows: fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- S. 994 and the following nominations: A resolution (S. Res. 461) commending the sent that it stand adjourned under the John B. Nalbandian, of Kentucky, to be University of Central Missouri Jennies for previous order.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A12AP6.048 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2129 There being no objection, the Senate, THE JUDICIARY THE JUDICIARY at 5:54 p.m., adjourned until Monday, RAUL M. ARIAS–MARXUACH, OF PUERTO RICO, TO BE PAUL B. MATEY, OF NEW JERSEY, TO BE UNITED April 16, 2018, at 3 p.m. UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT, VICE PUERTO RICO, VICE JOSE ANOTONIO FUSTE, RETIRED. JULIO M. FUENTES, RETIRED. f PAMELA A. BARKER, OF OHIO, TO BE UNITED STATES MARY S. MCELROY, OF RHODE ISLAND, TO BE UNITED DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO, STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF RHODE NOMINATIONS VICE DONALD C. NUGENT, RETIRED. ISLAND, VICE MARY M. LISI, RETIRED. KENNETH D. BELL, OF NORTH CAROLINA, TO BE UNITED DAVID STEPHEN MORALES, OF TEXAS, TO BE UNITED Executive nominations received by STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NORTH CAROLINA, VICE RICHARD L. VOORHEES, RE- OF TEXAS, VICE JANIS GRAHAM JACK, RETIRED. the Senate: TIRED. SARAH DAGGETT MORRISON, OF OHIO, TO BE UNITED STEPHEN R. CLARK, SR., OF MISSOURI, TO BE UNITED DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF OHIO, VICE GREGORY L. FROST, RETIRED . JAMES H. ANDERSON, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE AN ASSIST- OF MISSOURI, VICE CAROL E. JACKSON, RETIRED. DAVID JAMES PORTER, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE ANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, VICE ROBERT M. SCHER, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE UNITED STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE THIRD CIR- RESIGNED. CUIT, VICE D. MICHAEL FISHER, RETIRED. CHARLES L. GOODWIN, OF HAWAII, TO BE UNITED CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING STATES MARSHAL FOR THE DISTRICT OF HAWAII FOR DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RUBYDEE CALVERT, OF WYOMING, TO BE A MEMBER OF THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE GERVIN KAZUMI MIYAMOTO, TERM EXPIRED. J. C. RAFFETY, OF WEST VIRGINIA, TO BE UNITED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION FOR STATES MARSHAL FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF PUBLIC BROADCASTING FOR A TERM EXPIRING JANU- THE JUDICIARY WEST VIRGINIA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE ARY 31, 2022, VICE DAVID J. ARROYO, TERM EXPIRED. GARY MICHAEL GASKINS, TERM EXPIRED. JAMES PATRICK HANLON, OF INDIANA, TO BE UNITED GADYACES S. SERRALTA, OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT STATES MARSHAL FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OF INDIANA, VICE WILLIAM T. LAWRENCE, RETIRING. JENNIFER L. HOMENDY, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE A MEMBER FLORIDA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE AMOS OF THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ROJAS, JR., TERM EXPIRED. FOR A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2019, VICE MARK R. MARK F. SLOKE, OF ALABAMA, TO BE UNITED STATES ROSEKIND, RESIGNED. SCOTT PATRICK ILLING, OF LOUISIANA, TO BE UNITED MARSHAL FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA STATES MARSHAL FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOU- FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE CHARLES EDWARD DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ISIANA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE GENE- ANDREWS, TERM EXPIRED. VIEVE LYNN MAY, TERM EXPIRED. HEIDI R. KING, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE ADMINISTRATOR JOHN D. JORDAN, OF MISSOURI, TO BE UNITED STATES OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINIS- MARSHAL FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI f TRATION, VICE MARK R. ROSEKIND. FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE WILLIAM CLAUD CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING SIBERT, TERM EXPIRED. THE JUDICIARY LAURA GORE ROSS, OF NEW YORK, TO BE A MEMBER OF CONFIRMATIONS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION FOR JONATHAN W. KATCHEN, OF ALASKA, TO BE UNITED PUBLIC BROADCASTING FOR A TERM EXPIRING JANU- STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF ALASKA, Executive nominations confirmed by ARY 31, 2022, VICE JANNETTE LAKE DATES, TERM EX- VICE RALPH R. BEISTLINE, RETIRED. PIRED. the Senate April 12, 2018: DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL THE JUDICIARY SCOTT E. KRACL, OF NEBRASKA, TO BE UNITED STATES DEVELOPMENT MARSHAL FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEBRASKA FOR THE JOHN W. BROOMES, OF KANSAS, TO BE UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE DISTRICT OF KANSAS. BONNIE GLICK, OF MARYLAND, TO BE DEPUTY ADMIN- TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE MARK ANTHONY MARTINEZ, REBECCA GRADY JENNINGS, OF KENTUCKY, TO BE ISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTER- TERM EXPIRED. UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE WESTERN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, VICE ALFONSO E. LENHARDT. R. DON LADNER, JR., OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED STATES MARSHAL FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY. INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND FLORIDA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE EDWARD M. SPOONER, RETIRED. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR MARK ROSEN, OF CONNECTICUT, TO BE UNITED STATES CHERYL A. LYDON, OF SOUTH CAROLINA, TO BE UNITED PATRICK PIZZELLA, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE DEPUTY SEC- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONE- STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF SOUTH CARO- RETARY OF LABOR. TARY FUND FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS, VICE LINA FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE WILLIAM N. MARGRETHE LUNDSAGER, RESIGNED. NETTLES, TERM EXPIRED. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ERICA H. MACDONALD, OF MINNESOTA, TO BE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE DISTRICT OF MINNESOTA ANDREW WHEELER, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE DEPUTY AD- JOHN P. PALLASCH, OF KENTUCKY, TO BE AN ASSIST- FOR THE TERM OF FOUR YEARS, VICE ANDREW MARK MINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ANT SECRETARY OF LABOR, VICE PORTIA Y. WU. LUGER, RESIGNED. AGENCY.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 9801 E:\CR\FM\G12AP6.071 S12APPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E439 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS $55,000 appropriation from the Saipan and Despite the new legislation, the State De- MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND CUL- Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, and partment has persistently refused to use the TURE 20TH ANNIVERSARY $50,000 from the Marianas Visitors Authority return tools in the Goldman Act as envisioned gave Aquino and his team the funds to start by Congress. Moving beyond letters and HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO repairs. meetings, the Goldman Act is an enforcement Help from the staff of the Mayor of Saipan tool for the Hague Convention on the Civil As- SABLAN also moved the work along at a faster pace. pects of International Child Abduction and le- OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS The Mayor’s team assisted museum staff with verage for return agreements with non-Hague IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES grounds maintenance, landscaping, and other countries. Thursday, April 12, 2018 outdoor work. Somehow, restoration took less The Goldman Act takes the lessons learned Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, this year the than six months to complete; and the Museum from the successful return of Sean Goldman Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History reopened last November to its first visitors in from Brazil and lays out actions: a delay or and Culture celebrates its 20th anniversary. a very long time. cancellation of one or more bilateral working, Our islands’ only, locally-run museum is as I visited the museum in February to see this official, or state visits; the withdrawal, limita- much a tribute to the story of the people of the progress. I had been there shortly after Ty- tion, or suspension of U.S. development, se- Marianas as it is to the resilience and deter- phoon Soudelor; and I can report the dif- curity, or economic support assistance; and mination of those who have led the Museum’s ference between then and now is night and extradition. operation. They have kept the Museum alive day. Mr. Aquino’s can-do attitude, and the tire- To my knowledge, extradition has been despite many years of inadequate funding, less work of his staff—James Cabrera, James used once and the other options not at all. understaffing, and a destructive typhoon that Macaranas, Allan Lifoifoi, and Wenny Haruo— The Obama State Department said in the past could well have shut it down permanently. drove the repair efforts and the result is a mu- that sanctions will not work. But in the one The Museum is located in a 92-year-old seum that the Marianas can truly be proud of. case where sanctions were tried by Congress, hospital built during the time the Northern Mar- Today, visitors to our islands can orient they worked. ianas were under the administration of Japan. themselves to the three-and-a-half millennia of The inaction by the Obama Administration The structure itself is an artifact of our history, Marianas history at our Museum. Residents has been noted and challenged. On February and before its renovation looked the part. Its can take pride in who they are and where they 14 of 2017, one month into the new Trump concrete, paint-less exterior told the story of come from by strolling through this beautiful Administration, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Af- war and every typhoon that has passed facility. And students—many of whom are re- fairs, Fumio Kishida, noted in a Diet discus- through our islands in the last century. quired to take a course on the history of our sion of abduction that, ‘‘until now there is not Today, within the Museum a visitor can view islands—can enlarge their vision of the future a single example in which the U.S. applied artifacts from the time of the ancient Chamorro by learning about our past at the Northern [Goldman Act sanctions] towards foreign coun- people, and of the Spanish, German, and Jap- Mariana Islands Museum of History and Cul- tries.’’ He went on to note that ‘‘according to anese occupations that descended upon us. ture. the U.S. [Japan is] not included in the cat- These artifacts, and the paintings and photo- Please join me in congratulating the North- egory of the non-compliant countries.’’ graphs that are part of the displays, tell the ern Mariana Islands Museum of History and Three days later, the Osaka High Court story of how our people survived, adapted, Culture on 20 years of serving our islands and overturned a return order for the four Amer- and thrived throughout our history. They—and our people. ican children of James Cook in flagrant viola- other objects stored away in the Museum—are f tion of the Hague Convention, Japan’s own lovingly preserved by their local conservators, NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND: AN Hague implementation guide, and U.S. law. who exhibit a profound dedication to keeping UPDATE ON THE GOLDMAN ACT The court had reopened the case because Mr. the memories of our people alive. Cook had moved into an apartment after the The NMI Museum of History and Culture is enormous legal bills from years in court in an independent program of our Governor’s Of- HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH Japan. When did sharing a bedroom with a OF NEW JERSEY fice. Sadly, the facility fell on hard times in the sibling become a grave risk to a child’s phys- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mid-2000s, when massive budget cuts forced ical or psychological well-being? the lay-off of most staff. At this low point, the Thursday, April 12, 2018 I urge and believe the new administration Museum had only one employee, whose avail- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, can and must do better. ability determined when the museum would yesterday we held a hearing on parental child At least 300 to 400 children have suffered open and close. As a result, many a visitor abduction. International parental child abduc- abduction from the U.S. to Japan since 1994, was turned away who could have experienced tion rips children from their homes and whisks and more than 35 currently await reunification the history of the Chamorro people. them away to a foreign land, alienating them with their American parent-most of these are In 2015, the Marianas were hit by Typhoon from the love and care of the parent and fam- left over from previous Administrations. In al- Soudelor, the most devastating typhoon in ily left behind. most all cases, the child is completely cut off decades. That terrible storm could well have Child abduction is child abuse, and it con- from contact with the left behind parent. Most meant the end for our Museum. The typhoon tinues to plague families across the United have aged out of the system without ever left many artifacts damaged, the roof leaking, States. being reunited with their left behind parent. mold along the walls, floors flooded, and much According to State Department statistics, al- Some parents have won in court only to find of the plumbing a wreck. And the museum most 800 children are today held hostage in a that Japan’s law enforcement could not return was forced to close its doors to visitors—in- foreign country, separated from their American their children unless the taking parent agreed definitely. parent. Several hundred additional children to abide by the decision, and the taking parent Into this scene of destruction a new energy join their ranks every year. did not. arrived in the person of Mr. Danny Aquino. If past is prologue, only 16 percent of these The systematic non-enforcement of access Appointed Executive Director last year, Mr. children will be returned to the United States. and return orders is so bad in Japan that 26 Aquino was tasked with the grueling repair of In 2014, Congress adopted legislation I EU countries recently issued a joint demarche the museum. wrote, the Sean and David Goldman Inter- to Japan, asking Japan to fix the problem. Al- And more help was on the way. An out- national Child Abduction Prevention and Re- though non-enforcement has plagued many pouring of financial and material support from turn Act (Public Law 113–150) to change the U.S. cases, the U.S. did not join the de- IT&E, Saipan Stevedore, Saipan Shipping, status quo. Since 2014, we have seen a re- marche. CMS Trucking, Soudelor Corporation, Tropical duction in new abductions, but not an increase However, in the upcoming Goldman Act re- Gardens, and other local businesses, a in percentage of returns in ongoing cases. port, the U.S. has the chance to hold Japan

∑ 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 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K12AP8.001 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E440 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2018 accountable for its failures in the Cook case Child Abduction Return Act of 2017 to amend women who are making a difference in my as well as others, like that of the Elias chil- the Generalized System of Preferences sys- Congressional District. I would like to recog- dren, taken from my home state of New Jer- tem so that any country named as ‘‘non-com- nize a remarkable woman, Ivy Bottini, of West sey after their mother obtained duplicate pass- pliant’’ would lose their trade benefits. The Hollywood, California. ports from the Japanese consulate in con- loss of trade preference would be automatic Ivy Bottini is a legendary activist, profes- travention of the judge’s order. The report can and not dependent on the Administration sional artist, mother, award-winning actress, and must better reflect the reality of the child choosing to apply sanctions. Currently, 11 of and community leader. Renowned from coast abduction and the suffering of American chil- 13 non-compliant countries receive trade ben- to coast for her feminism and fight for the Les- dren separated from their American parent efits from the United States. This has to bian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) every day in Japan. change. community, she paved the way for many of According to the Goldman Act, a country In addition, I am working on a bill that would the advances in civil and human rights we can find itself on the ‘‘non-compliance list’’ and limit H1-B and other business visas for coun- enjoy today. eligible for sanctions if a country regularly fails tries that have low abduction resolution rates- Ivy was a founding member of the first to enforce return orders. The State Depart- this would affect Japan, Brazil, and India, chapter of the National Organization for ment should also put the country on the list if among others. Women (NOW) in 1966. She designed the the judiciary regularly fails to properly apply We have 13 egregious long term cases iconic logo for the organization, which is still in the Hague Convention—such as in the Cook pending in Brazil, including the Dr. Brann and use today. In August of 1970 Ivy and over 150 case. Davenport cases. More than 90 American chil- of her fellow activists made headlines by un- Finally, a country should be put on the dren are separated from their American parent veiling a banner reading ‘‘Women of the World ‘‘non-compliance list’’ if 30 percent or more in India—India will not even appoint a person Unite’’ over the pedestal of the Statue of Lib- cases in the country are unresolved cases—or to receive the applications and has refused to erty. cases that have been pending for more than join the Hague Convention. Ivy moved to Los Angeles in 1971, and from a year. We asked in our hearing last year, when is the time she set foot in the community, she Notably, the definition of an ‘‘unresolved’’ enough, enough? has been working to improve the quality of life case makes no mention of a country’s Hague We hope that the State Department will do for its people. She speaks her mind and am- status. In other words, all of the cases that its job and implement the Goldman Act. We plifies the voices of those in need around her. began before Japan’s accession to the Hague hope that the Trump Administration will be dif- She founded AIDS Network LA, Los Angeles’ Convention and that were communicated to ferent than the last. first AIDS organization and the Los Angeles the Japanese government should be counted But we are prepared to go around the State Lesbian/Gay Police Advisory Board, co- against Japan. Department in order to ensure no abducted founded AIDS Project LA and served for over No child should be left behind. child is left behind. 15 years on the West Hollywood Lesbian and We received assurances from the State De- f Gay Advisory Board. In 1981, she was ap- partment years ago, as they myopically pur- pointed by Governor Jerry Brown to the Cali- sued Japan’s accession to the Hague Conven- YADIRA TISCARENO ESCALERA fornia Commission on Aging making Ivy the tion knowing that the Convention would not first ‘‘out’’ lesbian or gay person to be ap- cover the then existing cases of more than 50 HON. ED PERLMUTTER pointed to a state board or commission. She children, that they would not leave these chil- OF COLORADO was instrumental as an advocate for afford- dren behind. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES able housing for Gay and Lesbian seniors in That they would find ways to solve these the opening of ‘‘Triangle Square,’’ the first in cases. Thursday, April 12, 2018 the nation assisted living, affordable income How many of these children have come Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise apartment complex for LGBT elders. home four years later? How many even have today to recognize and applaud Yadira Over the years, Ivy has received numerous access to their left behind parent now? Tiscareno Escalera for receiving the Arvada recognitions for her years of service and most Almost zero. recently, she was recognized as the 2016 The Goldman Act directed the State Depart- Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Woman of the Year for the 3rd Supervisorial ment to develop an agreement with Japan for award. District of the County of Los Angeles and as the precious children that were already ab- Yadira Tiscareno Escalera is a student at the 2017 Woman of the Year for the 50th As- ducted. The Goldman Act made a way for the Jefferson High School and received this award sembly District of the State of California. State Department to hold Japan accountable because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. Ivy is an inspiration throughout the country. for these cases. Her life’s work is an example of finding one’s Four years later, we have no agreement The dedication demonstrated by Yadira voice and using it forcefully for the benefit of with Japan for these cases. We have no ac- Tiscareno Escalera is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard all Americans. tion against Japan for these cases or current I ask all Members to join me in honoring this cases. And we have yet to see the State De- work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- partment even list Japan as ‘‘non-compliant’’ nia’s 28th Congressional District, Ivy Bottini. in the annual report. their education and develop a work ethic Every day these children are separated from which will guide them for the rest of their lives. f their US parent the damage compounds. I extend my deepest congratulations to IN HONOR OF MS. SHERRY KOLBE As the State Department’s own 2010 Report Yadira Tiscareno Escalera for winning the Ar- on Compliance with The Hague Convention on vada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for HON. ROD BLUM Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduc- OF IOWA the same dedication and character in all of her tion observes, ‘‘Abducted children are at risk IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of serious emotional and psychological prob- future accomplishments. Thursday, April 12, 2018 lems. Research shows that recovered children f often experience a range of problems, includ- Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to TRIBUTE TO IVY BOTTINI—28TH ing anxiety, eating problems, nightmares, honor a remarkable woman and native Iowan CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT mood swings, sleep disturbances, aggressive from Marshalltown, Iowa. Ms. Sherry Kolbe WOMAN OF THE YEAR behavior, resentment, guilt, and fearfulness. has dedicated her career to the National Asso- As adults, individuals who were abducted as ciation of Private Special Education Centers. children may struggle with identity issues, per- HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF NAPSEC advocates for the needs of children sonal relationships, and possibly experience OF CALIFORNIA with severe disabilities. Having served as the problems in parenting their own children.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Executive Director for 28 years, Ms. Kolbe has impacted the lives of hundreds of children. We must do better by our children. We must Thursday, April 12, 2018 not leave any abducted child behind. We congratulate Ms. Kolbe as she prepares Congress is currently looking at new ways Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in for retirement. After years of hard work, she to put pressure on countries with low resolu- honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, deserves the utmost respect for her distin- tion rates, like Japan, Brazil, and India. we pay special tribute to the contributions and guished career and should be assured that Last year, I introduced H.R. 3512, the Bindu sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is new leadership at NAPSEC will benefit from Philips and Devon Davenport International an honor to pay homage to outstanding her outstanding example.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP8.002 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E441 CONGRATULATING DETECTIVE mously confirmed by the New York Senate I extend my deepest congratulations to Jose SERGEANT RANDY GRAHAM FOR and was elected to a full term in 2008. Villegas Garcia for winning the Arvada Wheat HIS SERVICE WITH THE MICHI- Lisa is just one of a few select judges cho- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. GAN STATE POLICE sen to serve on the New York State Family I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- Court Advisory and Rules Committee, which is cation and character in all of his future accom- HON. JACK BERGMAN responsible for drafting and reviewing legisla- plishments. OF MICHIGAN tion on Family Law. She has also been ap- f pointed to the NYS Advisory Council on Immi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gration Issues in Family Court. CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEG- Thursday, April 12, 2018 Before being appointed to the bench, Lisa ACY OF REVEREND DR. FRED- Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, it’s my honor was the founder of the New York State’s first ERICK DOUGLAS REESE to recognize Detective Sergeant Randy Gra- Domestic Violence Bureau outside New York ham for his retirement from the Michigan State City. She was responsible for the prosecution HON. TERRI A. SEWELL Police after 31 years of service. Through his of more than 4,000 family and child abuse OF ALABAMA exceptional leadership and steadfast devotion cases. Lisa helped develop protocols for the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES investigation and prosecution of domestic vio- to his community, Randy has become an in- Thursday, April 12, 2018 dispensable part of Northern Michigan. lence crimes for local police agencies and de- D/Sgt. Graham began his career in Flint be- veloped interview and investigation policies for Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I fore moving to Newberry in the Upper Penin- child abuse investigations at the Child Advo- rise today to honor the extraordinary life and sula of Michigan. For the past decade, he has cacy Center in Buffalo. legacy of renowned civil rights leader, Rev- led the Traverse Narcotics Team (TNT), a Lisa’s commitment to providing resources, erend Dr. Frederick Douglas Reese of Selma, multi-jurisdictional drug team comprised of services and protections for victims is un- Alabama who passed away on April 5, 2018, state, county, local, and federal law enforce- matched. She has received numerous awards at the age of 88. Dr. Reese is best known for ment officers. This team builds on inter-agen- and acknowledgments for her efforts and there the pivotal role he played in the Selma to cy cooperation and coordination to conduct in- is no doubt she deserves every bit of that rec- Montgomery March that led to the passage of vestigations into narcotics in Grand Traverse, ognition. the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska, Wexford, Lisa continues to stand up for what is right It was Dr. Reese who as President of the Missaukee, and Antrim Counties. Randy was and her efforts to promote respect and serv- Dallas County Voters League invited Dr. Mar- key in implementing an innovative Field Train- ices for crime victims will no doubt stand the tin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian ing Officer (FTO) program for new detectives test of time. Leadership Conference (SCLC) to Selma to within the Traverse Narcotics Team, and his Each year the Congressional Victims’ Rights organize and support their local voting rights unit has received numerous awards for its Caucus honors outstanding individuals and or- campaign. As a longtime educator, pastor and work in Northern Michigan. ganizations for their tireless efforts supporting civil rights activist, Dr. Reese’s life and legacy The efforts of D/Sgt. Graham and his team and empowering survivors of crime. Co- stands as a testament to the power of one over the last decade have been critical in our chaired and co-founded by JIM COSTA (D–CA) man’s ability to change the world. ongoing effort to combat the harmful effects of and myself, the bipartisan caucus advocates Dr. Reese was born in Selma on November narcotics in Michigan’s First District. His con- for crime victims and protects programs that 28, 1929, the only son of a strong matriarchal stant dedication to the people of our state is provide critical support for related services. family led by his mother Ellie R. Reese and admirable. Outside of his service with the I am proud to announce Judge Lisa Bloch that included his older sister siblings—Doris Michigan State Police, Randy holds an Associ- Rodwin as the recipient of the Congressional Reese and Annie Ratliff. His strong edu- ate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Oakland Victims’ Rights Caucus Lois Haight Award of cational and spiritual home environment cou- University and is active in the Traverse City Excellence and Innovation. The Lois Haight pled with the Christian education training re- Elks Lodge. A retirement party for Randy will award pays tribute to California Judge Lois ceived from his Green Street Baptist Church be held there on April 21 to celebrate his ex- Haight who, as an appointee of President family propelled him to develop a firm faith traordinary career. Ronald Reagan and Chair of his 1982 Presi- that served as the solid foundation for his suc- Mr. Speaker, it’s my honor to congratulate dent’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, led cess. Detective Sergeant Randy Graham for his 31 pioneering efforts on behalf of crime victims An outstanding student, Dr. Reese grad- years of service to the people of Michigan that resulted in significant public policy ad- uated from Alabama State University and Liv- through the Michigan State Police. vances to promote crime victims’ rights and ingston University with a degree in mathe- Michiganders can take great pride in knowing services. Judge Lisa Bloch Rodwin’s efforts matics and a background that prepared him the First District is home to such a devoted in- have had a significant impact on local, state, for political involvement. Believing knowledge dividual. On behalf of my constituents, I wish and national public policy development and is power, he continued his education at the Randy all the best in his future endeavors. implementation that promote dignity, respect, University of Alabama, Southern University, rights and services for victims of crime. f and Auburn University before receiving his And that’s just the way it is. doctorate of divinity from Selma University. JUDGE LISA BLOCH RODWIN—LOIS f Dr. Reese’s teaching career began in Millers HAIGHT AWARD OF EXCELLENCE JOSE VILLEGAS GARCIA Ferry in Wilcox County, AL where he worked AND INNOVATION in the school system for nine years teaching HON. ED PERLMUTTER science and eventually serving as assistant HON. TED POE principal. It was there that Dr. Reese met his OF COLORADO future bride, Alline Touglass Crossing, a fellow OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES teacher. The two were married on June 28, Thursday, April 12, 2018 1953 and she remained his life-long com- Thursday, April 12, 2018 Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise panion for 64 years. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Judge Lisa today to recognize and applaud Jose Villegas In 1960, Dr. Reese returned to his home- Bloch Rodwin has dedicated her life defending Garcia for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge town of Selma to teach at R.B. Hudson High individuals and families. Her extensive record Service Ambassadors for Youth award. School. A beloved educator, Dr. Reese chal- in public policy on abuse, neglect, juvenile jus- Jose Villegas Garcia is a student at Jeffer- lenged his students to excel and made learn- tice, custody and family violence has earned son High School and received this award being fun with his unique teaching style that her national recognition. Lisa’s unwavering cause his determination and hard work have combined disciplined study with practical appli- support for victims is unparalleled and I am allowed him to overcome adversities. cation. proud to honor her today. The dedication demonstrated by Jose By the mid-1960s, Dr. Reese was the presi- During Lisa’s storied career, she has Villegas Garcia is exemplary of the type of dent of the Dallas County Voter’s League and worked with the Erie County District Attorney’s achievement that can be attained with hard president of the Selma Teachers Association. office, served as Chief of the Domestic Vio- work and perseverance. It is essential stu- He used both leadership positions to actively lence Unit, and was most recently appointed dents at all levels strive to make the most of educate Blacks in Selma about their right to by the New York State Governor as an Erie their education and develop a work ethic vote. In fact, Dr. Reese’s first act as President County Family Court Judge. She was unani- which will guide them for the rest of their lives. of the Teachers Association was to sign a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.001 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E442 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2018 proclamation declaring that teachers should bama’s first Black congresswoman today be- A compassionate advocate for her Kagel register to vote. He challenged his fellow cause of the activism and influence of Dr. F.D. Canyon community, Kelly’s dedication to the teachers to exercise their right of citizenship, Reese. To say thank you does not adequately residents is nothing short of extraordinary. As saying ‘‘How can we teach American civics if express my gratitude. One of my greatest hon- editor of The Hot Sheet, the Kagel Canyon we ourselves cannot vote?’’ ors as a Member of Congress was to present monthly newsletter that is hand delivered to With courage and tenacity, Dr. Reese led Dr. Reese with the gold medal at the Congres- every home, she keeps residents informed the first ever Teachers March to the Dallas sional Gold Medal Ceremony that honored the about local issues. During the December 2017 County Court House in which a hundred black foot soldiers on the occasion of the 50th Anni- Creek Fire, she quickly responded by serving teachers demanded to register to vote. It was versary of the 1965 Voting Rights March. Dr. as Kagel Canyon’s unofficial community infor- the first time in the Civil Rights Movement that Reese’s life and legacy stand as a testament mation officer, working day and night to pro- teachers in the South publicly marched. Their to the power of one man’s ability to change vide residents with up-to-date information on actions were met with violence by the local the world. His legacy will live on in the many the status of evacuations, organizations to sheriff Jim Clark and law enforcement. Never- people he impacted. reach out to for help and generally assisting theless, Reese’s persistent collaboration with Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 7th Congres- with whatever was needed at the time. Ms. league members notoriously called the ‘‘Out- sional District, the State of Alabama, and a Decker’s efforts did not cease after the fire rageous Eight″, now revered as the ‘‘Coura- grateful nation, I ask my colleagues to join me was extinguished; and to this day, she con- geous Eight″, fueled the movement with his in celebrating the life and contributions of Rev- tinues to support and be an exceptional re- nonviolent tactics and moral fortitude. Imbued erend Dr. Frederick Douglas Reese. Dr. source for all the residents of Kagel Canyon, by his faith and determination, it was Dr. Reese was an American hero, a national but in particular for the sixteen Kagel Canyon Reese as president of the voter league who treasure and a beloved Selma native son families who lost their homes in the fire by or- penned the invitational letter for Dr. King to whose life’s fight for voting rights forever ganizing numerous fundraisers, coordinating come to Selma to bring his influence and sup- shaped the fabric of American history. efforts to collect food and clothing donations and providing resources to assist with the report to the Selma voting rights campaign. f On March 7, 1965, led by our colleague building process. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this John Lewis, Dr. Reese and more than 600 TRIBUTE TO KELLY ERIN DECK- exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- other activists marched over the Edmund ER—28TH CONGRESSIONAL DIS- nia’s 28th Congressional District, Kelly Erin Pettus Bridge in Selma on what is infamously TRICT WOMAN OF THE YEAR Decker. known as ‘‘Bloody Sunday.’’ During the march, protestors were beaten and sprayed with tear HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF f gas on the orders of Alabama Governor OF CALIFORNIA IN RECOGNITION OF THE 125TH AN- George Wallace. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING Following the march, participants gathered Thursday, April 12, 2018 OF THE GREEN BAY ELKS at the Brown Chapel AME Church where Dr. LODGE Reese spoke to the crowd. Bloodied and beat- Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in en, the protesters committed to marching honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, HON. MIKE GALLAGHER we pay special tribute to the contributions and again for their right to vote. On March 21, OF WISCONSIN sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is 1965, after President Lyndon B. Johnson or- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dered the protection of the marchers, more an honor to pay homage to outstanding Thursday, April 12, 2018 than 50,000 people completed the 50-mile women who are making a difference in my march from Selma to Montgomery. The Selma Congressional District. I would like to recog- Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Marches prompted Congress to pass the Vot- nize a remarkable woman, Kelly Erin Decker to recognize the 125th anniversary of the ing Rights Act of 1965 that still remains a key- of Kagel Canyon, a unique neighborhood of founding of the Green Bay Elks Lodge of the stone of federal voting rights protections for all Los Angeles, California. Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk. Since Americans. After graduating from Princeton University March 15, 1893, members of the Elk Lodge Dr. Reese also answered God’s call to the with Bachelors of Arts degrees in Politics and have worked tirelessly to spread their core val- ministry. He began his pastoral ministry by in Visual Arts and Art History, Kelly pursued ues of charity, justice, patriotism, and brotherly serving the congregations of Macedonia and her love for the arts as a regional theater per- love in their communities through philanthropic Mt. Zion Selfield. Reverend Dr. Reese was the former on the East Coast. With several years and social engagement. Pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of theater experience under her belt, Kelly As the largest non-governmental scholarship provider in the United States, members of the for 50 years, making a lasting impact on the took a chance on herself for a future in film Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk pro- Selma community. and television and embarked on a cross coun- Dr. Reese was a true renaissance man. For try journey that brought her to Los Angeles, vide the leaders of tomorrow with the resources they need to succeed. The Green Bay his outstanding contributions, he has received where she enrolled at the Playhouse West Elk Lodge awards the Most Valuable Student numerous awards and honors. Dr. Reese was School and Repertory Theater in North Holly- scholarship, Legacy scholarship, and State a civil rights icon, exemplary educator, be- wood. Ms. Decker has appeared in many scholarship to deserving Wisconsin students loved pastor, loving husband, doting father stage performances, short films and movies, every year to help them achieve their aca- such as the Ghost of Christmas Past at the Si- and grandfather. Dr. Reese brought Selma demic pursuits. The Green Bay Elk Lodge also erra Madre Playhouse and as Michael and this nation out of the turbulent darkness champions many educational initiatives for Madsen’s girlfriend in the movie Devil’s Do- and then went on to be among its first African Wisconsin youth including drug awareness main. American city councilmen and rose through campaigns and anti-bullying campaigns. the ranks of the Selma School System to be In 2009, Ms. Decker and her husband, Jef- For 125 years, the Green Bay Elks Lodge principal of Eastside Junior High School, prin- frey Leeson, became Kagel Canyon residents has honored and supported the brave men cipal of Selma High School and eventually As- and quickly became involved in their commu- and women serving our country. Today, the sistant Superintendent from which he retired. nity by joining the Kagel Canyon Civic Asso- Green Bay Elk Lodge continues this legacy of In his passing, Dr. Reese leaves behind his ciation. For the last several years, Kelly has helping veterans with events such as Soup for wife Mrs. Alline Reese; son Marvin (Frances), served on the Kagel Canyon Civic Association Vets, Heroes Closet, and Welcome Home Kits Conyers, GA; daughters Minister Valerie (Ed) Board, first as Vice President and since 2015 to provide Veterans with the services and sup- Harris, and Minister Christa Reese; grandsons as its President. Her chief mission is to export they need upon their return home. These Marvin (Charlene) Reese Jr, Minister Alan pand community involvement in the associa- events demonstrate the organization’s commit- (Kimberly) Reese and Frederick Reese, Con- tion and community engagement in issues af- ment to spreading patriotism and respect to yers, GA; great grandchildren Kyla Russell, fecting the foothills area at large. She works those who have sacrificed so much for our Zaria Reese, Jada Mains, Faith Reese, Jaylen closely with local, county, state and federal of- country. Reese, Alan Reese Jr, and Maliyah Reese, fices to advance the concerns of Kagel Can- Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of this Conyers, GA. yon residents. Kelly is an ardent preserva- body to join me in applauding the Green Bay On a personal note, I will fondly remember tionist of the last remaining rural and eques- Elks Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Dr. Reese as my principal and mentor at trian communities in Los Angeles and serves Order of Elk and the organization’s commit- Selma High School who always told me that on the board of Save Angeles Forest for Ev- ment to serving and empowering veterans and anything was possible. I know that I am Ala- eryone. youth in the community of Green Bay.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP8.024 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E443 IN HONOR OF THE TOWNS OF AU- INTRODUCTION OF THE VETERAN Believing that all children have tremendous RORA, HOLLAND AND WALES, EMPLOYMENT AND CHILD CARE potential regardless of their background or cir- NEW YORK BICENTENNIAL ANNI- ACCESS ACT cumstances, Donna is a passionate advocate VERSARIES for young people and is committed to enrich- HON. J. LUIS CORREA ing the lives of children and adolescents. To OF CALIFORNIA that end, for twelve years, she has served on HON. CHRIS COLLINS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the board of directors of Hillsides, an organization dedicated to fostering a stable, healthy OF NEW YORK Thursday, April 12, 2018 environment for at-risk children and their fami- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, since January lies by providing a range of innovative serv- 2013, veteran unemployment decreased from ices, including residential treatment, individual- Thursday, April 12, 2018 just under 8 percent to where it is now at 2.7 ized education, counseling and adoption as- Mr. COLLINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I percent—the lowest levels since 2001. Despite sistance. Ms. Ford currently serves as chair of rise today to recognize the Towns of Aurora, the progress, barriers to childcare services still the Hillsides Board of Directors, co-chaired Holland and Wales, New York on their bicen- exist for low-income and homeless veterans Hillsides’ annual gala in 2011, and has served tennial anniversaries. who are seeking employment. on several committees over the years. Currently, it is optional for the Department of In addition to her work with Hillsides, Donna The Towns of Aurora, Holland and Wales, Veteran Affairs (VA) to provide childcare as- is a longtime volunteer of the Cottage Guild at New York were founded on April l5, 1818, sistance under the Vocational Rehabilitation Rosemary Children’s Services in Pasadena, when the Town of Willink, New York was split and Employment (VR&E). This means VA is which provides education, therapeutic support into three different towns. Each of the towns not required to provide childcare assistance and permanency planning to children and ado- has their own rich history, and I am honored even if a veteran qualifies for assistance. Ac- lescents, and residential housing at Rosemary to represent them here in Congress. cording to the VA, during Fiscal Year (FY) Cottage for young girls between 13 and 18 The Town of Aurora was home to Millard 2017, over 131,000 veterans participated in years of age. Fillnore, twenty-seven years before he be- the VR&E Program of which an estimated Donna has continued her commendable came the 13th President of the United States. 43,000 of those veteran participants had one work with children by mentoring African Amer- Today, Millard Fillmore’s home is currently a or more child dependents. Of the 131,000 vet- ican girls at John Muir High School in Pasa- National Historic Landmark in Erie County, erans who participated in VR&E Program, only dena and serving as a board member of the New York. 17 veterans received childcare assistance. In Institute for Educational Advancement, a FY2016, 12 veterans received child care as- Pasadena organization that assists gifted chil- Holland, New York, named after the Holland sistance. dren in reaching their full potential, for a dec- Land Company, is home to the Holland That is why, today, I am introducing the Vet- ade. In addition, she volunteers for the Univer- Speedway. Here, families and NASCAR en- eran Employment and Child Care Access Act, sity of Southern California’s Medical Faculty thusiasts can spend an afternoon enjoying the which would expand child care services and Family and Friends, which raises scholarship races or racing their own cars for fun. enable veterans who are participating in VA funds for medical students, and has served on Wales, New York, named after the Wales of and Department of Labor workforce develop- the diversity committee for the Pasadena Play- Britain for its rolling hills and green pastures, ment, job training, job placement services, or house. prides itself on its rural, dairying environment vocational rehabilitation programs to access Donna is married to Dr. Henri R. Ford and and family friendly atmosphere. childcare services while they participate. Spe- they have two children. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this I thank the Towns of Aurora, Holland, and cifically, this bill would make mandatory for VA and DOL to provide childcare services to eligi- exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- Wales for their commitment to preserving 200 nia’s 28th Congressional District, Donna Ford. years of history, and I congratulate them on ble veteran who are participating in job train- f their Bicentennial Anniversaries. ing or vocational rehabilitation programs. This is the same bill that Senator TAMMY IN MEMORY OF MAYOR HECTOR F. f DUCKWORTH—a veteran and hero—introduced GARCIA in the Senate. I am proud our legislation will MIGUEL OLIVAS MALDONADO ensure that veterans have access to afford- HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS able childcare services when they most need OF TEXAS it. This bill will provide much needed childcare IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ED PERLMUTTER services to low-income and homeless veterans working towards finding a good and stable job. Thursday, April 12, 2018 OF COLORADO f Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor the life of Mayor Hector F. Garcia. TRIBUTE TO DONNA FORD—28TH Mayor Garcia served the City of Watauga for Thursday, April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT more than 29 years. He passed away this WOMAN OF THE YEAR year at the age of 78 after a lifetime of service Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to his community and our nation. today to recognize and applaud Miguel Olivas HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF Mayor Garcia and his wife Wendy first Maldonado for receiving the Arvada Wheat OF CALIFORNIA moved to Watauga in 1968 to raise their fam- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ily. In 1979, Mayor Garcia began his service as co-chair of Watauga’s first charter commis- Miguel Olivas Maldonado is a student at Ar- Thursday, April 12, 2018 vada K–8 and received this award because sion. He was elected to the city council in his determination and hard work have allowed Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 1980 and served until 1986. In 1994, he him to overcome adversities. honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, chaired the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Two we pay special tribute to the contributions and years later, he was elected mayor of Watauga The dedication demonstrated by Miguel sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is and served until 2002. After a brief hiatus, Mr. Olivas Maldonado is exemplary of the type of an honor to pay homage to outstanding Garcia was elected for a second time as achievement that can be attained with hard women who are making a difference in my mayor in 2013 and served until his death. work and perseverance. It is essential stu- Congressional District. I would like to recog- In 1958, Mayor Garcia joined the U.S. Air dents at all levels strive to make the most of nize a remarkable woman, Donna Ford of La Force and served our country for more than their education and develop a work ethic Can˜ada Flintridge, California. ten years. Following his service, he worked for which will guide them for the rest of their lives. A civil litigator for several years in New York General Dynamics, now Lockheed Martin, for I extend my deepest congratulations to and Pennsylvania, Ms. Ford relocated to La more than 35 years. Initially hired as an air- Miguel Olivas Maldonado for winning the Ar- Can˜ada Flintridge with her family in 2005. craft assembler, he rose within the company, vada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Since moving to California, she has been an retiring from the the engineering and planning Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit active member of the local community, serving department. the same dedication and character in all of his as a dedicated volunteer and board member A lifelong North Texan, Mayor Garcia self- future accomplishments. of several non-profit organizations. lessly served not only the City of Watauga, but

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.004 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E444 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2018 our entire community. He will be deeply Norma was born on October 21, 1921. She as his eagerness to embrace new opportuni- missed. I extend my deepest condolences to married Captain William A. Thorn (USN), who ties and experiences. his wife Wendy, their family, and all who knew commanded the aircraft carrier USS Antietam, On behalf of Pennsylvania’s Fourth Con- him. and they had two daughters. Captain Thorn gressional District, I am crestfallen at the f was killed when his plane crashed into the Po- passing of these brave Warriors, and offer my tomac River after taking off from the Naval heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and TRIBUTE TO DEANNA CANTRELL— Support Facility in Washington, DC. loved ones of Ivan Flanscha and Zachary An- CALIFORNIA’S 24TH CONGRES- Civic engagement, social responsibility, and thony on our tragic loss. While they died in SIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR service to her community were extremely im- service to our Commonwealth and Country, portant to Norma. She volunteered at DePaul they were doing what they loved and what HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL Medical Center for more than 25 years giving truly mattered to them; they set the standard OF CALIFORNIA nearly 10,000 hours of her time. Norma was a for all to follow—in their lives and in their serv- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES longtime member of Larchmont United Meth- ice. Ivan and Zachary will remain in my heart Thursday, April 12, 2018 odist Church, and active in the Lakewood Gar- and prayers, and I wish them Godspeed and Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in den Club, Women of Wesleyan, and the I’ll see them on the High Ground. honor of Women’s History Month. Every year, Kings’ Daughters Royster Circle. She was part f of a group of pioneering women who re- we dedicate the month of March to give spe- KALEIGH MELINGER cial recognition to the accomplishments and sponded to the needs of their community, es- sacrifices made by America’s women. I con- pecially during times of such hardships as war sider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary and economic depression. HON. ED PERLMUTTER In October of 1965, Norma married her sec- women who are making a difference in my OF COLORADO ond husband, Rear Admiral Ben W. Sarver District. I would like to recognize one out- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (USN), a 1935 graduate of the U.S. Naval standing woman Deanna Cantrell, of San Luis Thursday, April 12, 2018 Academy. Ben served in the Pacific Theater Obispo, California. Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Deanna has served as the San Luis Obispo during World War II on several destroyers, today to recognize and applaud Kaleigh Chief of Police since January of 2016, making and was the recovery officer for the early Melinger for receiving the Arvada Wheat her one of less than 2 percent of female police Gemini space flights. Norma quickly took on the role of mother to his three children. Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. chiefs in the nation. Before joining our Central Kaleigh Melinger is a student at Jefferson Coast community, Deanna spent 21 years with Norma’s strength, conviction, and devotion could be felt by all who were lucky enough to High School and received this award because the Mesa, Arizona Police Department where her determination and hard work have allowed she held a variety of impressive positions. know her. Through the loss of both husbands and as a survivor of ovarian cancer, she lived her to overcome adversities. Since arriving in San Luis Obispo, Deanna The dedication demonstrated by Kaleigh has made immense strides in encouraging her life with grace and a fearless spirit. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, Melinger is exemplary of the type of achieve- community engagement, particularly among ment that can be attained with hard work and marginalized groups. She started the PACT, a friend, and confidant who lifted people up, brought out the best in them, and always pro- perseverance. It is essential students at all group comprised of local action groups such levels strive to make the most of their edu- as Women’s March SLO, RACE Matters SLO, vided words of encouragement. Norma, and her infectious smile, will be dearly missed by cation and develop a work ethic which will Hispanic Leadership Council, the LGBTQIA guide them for the rest of their lives. community and more. She’s assigned officers both her family and the community. f I extend my deepest congratulations to to various specific populations to be the liaison Kaleigh Melinger for winning the Arvada that supports those communities and en- HONORING FIREFIGHTERS IVAN Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth hances partnership and communication. FLANSCHA AND ZACHARY AN- award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the Deanna also started PEACE, a series of THONY OF PENNSYLVANIA, same dedication and character in all of her fu- community workshops to increase under- YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT ture accomplishments. standing between PD and law enforcement. f Additionally, she was invited to be a speaker HON. SCOTT PERRY at the inaugural Women’s March in San Luis TRIBUTE TO EMILY GLEICHER— OF PENNSYLVANIA Obispo where she made the community feel 28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES both heard and protected. WOMAN OF THE YEAR Those who know her describe Deanna as Thursday, April 12, 2018 someone who shares herself as a person, role Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I extend my HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF model, and friend by visiting schools, sitting on heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones panels, and always saying yes when called OF CALIFORNIA and peers of my constituents, York City Fire- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES upon for support. She exemplifies the kind- fighters Ivan Flanscha and Zachary Anthony, ness, warmth, determination, intelligence, and who perished in the Line of Duty on Thursday, Thursday, April 12, 2018 caring we hope to see in every person in uni- March 22, 2018. We grieve their passing and Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in form. Deanna’s tireless service to our district are forever indebted for their selfless, tireless honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, makes her someone who all young women and devoted years of service as firefighters. we pay special tribute to the contributions and men can look up to with admiration. I’ve long revered the commitment of people made by our nation’s women. It is an honor to I ask all Members to join me today in hon- who devote themselves selflessly to serving pay homage to outstanding women who are oring an exceptional woman of California’s our communities and fellow citizens. Ivan making a difference in my congressional dis- 24th Congressional District, Deanna Cantrell, learned the importance of public service at an trict. Today I would like to recognize a remark- for her incredible service to her community. early age from his father, a dedicated police able woman, Emily Gleicher of Elysian Valley, We thank Deanna for her service. officer in Waterloo, Iowa who lost his life in an a unique neighborhood of Los Angeles, Cali- f off-duty accident when Ivan was five years fornia. HONORING THE LIFE OF NORMA old. Ivan began his career with the York City Growing up in Queens, New York, Emily ETHERIDGE THORN SARVER Fire Department in 1999, where he earned the saw the need for sustainable living and gar- auspicious title of Firefighter of the Year in dening in major cities. She would walk the HON. MARK DeSAULNIER 2004. His colleagues recall his amazing and streets of New York and see empty parcels of land filled with garbage and dead weeds and OF CALIFORNIA tireless work ethic, how dependable and reli- she saw an opportunity to enhance urban IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES able he was to all who knew him. Zachary joined the York City Fire Depart- areas with sustainable farming. Thursday, April 12, 2018 ment in 2010, and dedicated his life to public When Emily moved to Los Angeles in 2012, Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today service, gladly helping others in the commu- she and her husband, Arlen Jason Wood, de- to honor the life of Norma Etheridge Thorn nity—whether in the course of his official du- cided to convert their front yard into a giant Sarver. I join her family and friends to cele- ties or in his private life. Zachary’s colleagues raised lima bean farm where they would later brate her life and service to the community. recall his fantastic spirit and free will, as well sell their crops to local farmer’s markets. As

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K12AP8.025 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E445 with New York, Ms. Gleicher saw empty counseling programs in high schools and home. Michael and Frances welcomed the pieces of land around Los Angeles that could worked with schools to ensure faculty and birth of their first son, Christopher, in 1976, easily be transformed into urban sustainable staff are given adequate training on spotting and the birth of their second son, Kevin farms. the signs of domestic abuse. ‘‘Ryan’’, in 1979. The family took full advan- Emily and Jason decided to harness their Perhaps some of the most important serv- tage of living in their community—taking up passion for gardening and in 2015, they cre- ices SAGE and Jessica have provided is horseback riding and becoming active in their ated Farm LA, a local 501(c)3 non-profit orga- through the Child Advocacy Center. In the church’s congregation. nization that is dedicated to transforming un- Child Advocacy Center, law enforcement Ultimately, Michael rose to the level of derutilized land in Los Angeles into sustain- agents conduct forensic interviews with chil- Montgomery County District Attorney before able energy projects and drought-tolerant agri- dren who have been victims of sexual and do- opening his own firm with his son Ryan— cultural farming. Since its inception, the goal mestic abuse. This service has been an in- McDougal and McDougal Law Firm. Frances of Farm LA has been to create food access valuable resource and helped create a safe continued teaching and, after her own fight and a cultural appreciation for sustainable liv- environment to interview and assist vulnerable with cancer, she found herself heavily involved ing while enhancing the beauty of the city children. with FAITH Fighting Cancer and volunteering around us. Farm LA’s programming includes: Each year the Congressional Victims’ Rights with Memorial Hermann Hospital. urban farming, fruit shares, sidewalk gardens, Caucus honors outstanding individuals and or- Despite their successful careers and tireless educating elementary schools and summer ganizations for their tireless efforts supporting community service, Michael and Frances have camps on growing food also known as and empowering survivors of crime. Co- always made their family the center of their ‘‘kindergardening,’’ and selling their 9th gen- chaired and co-founded by JIM COSTA (D–CA) life: their three children, Heather, Christopher, eration lima bean seeds at local health fairs and myself, the bipartisan caucus advocates and Ryan; their son and daughter-in-law, and farmer’s markets. for crime victims and protects programs that Jason and Audrey; and their seven grand- Through her passion and dedicated service, provide critical support for related services. children, Lindsey, Travis, Ashley, Callum, Ca- Emily has created a Farm LA community of I am proud to announce Jessica Johnson as dence, Abigail, and Max. over 500 volunteers in the last three years as the recipient of the Congressional Victims’ Michael and Frances McDougal’s relation- her organization continues to expand. Ms. Rights Caucus Ed Stout Memorial Award for ship serves as a perfect illustration of what a Gleicher hopes that her work will help to pro- Outstanding Victim Advocacy. The Stout Me- strong marriage and even stronger family vide food access in lower income residential morial Award is in memory of Ed Stout, the Di- should be. I am proud to join Michael and neighborhoods while giving people a better rector of Aid for Victims of Crime in St. Louis. Frances’ family, their friends, and the entire understanding of the products they consume The Honoree is a professional or volunteer Eighth District of Texas in recognizing their in an effort to address the prevalence of child- whose efforts have directly benefited victims 50th wedding anniversary and congratulating hood obesity. Emily’s passion for sustainable and survivors of crime. them on this momentous milestone in their re- farming has brightened our community and I am honored to recognize Jessica and her lationship. she continues to serve as a role model for the relentless fight in advocating for crime victims. f citizens of this district. With the help of Jessica and SAGE, victims I ask all Members to join me in honoring this from all over Washington have access to re- HONORING TWENTY-TWO TEACH- exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- sources needed to help rebuild their lives. ERS OF THE GREATER BOCA nia’s 28th Congressional District, Emily And that’s just the way it is. RATON AREA Gleicher. f f HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH IN HONOR OF MICHAEL AND OF FLORIDA JESSICA JOHNSON—ED STOUT ME- FRANCES MCDOUGAL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MORIAL AWARD FOR OUT- STANDING VICTIM ADVOCACY HON. KEVIN BRADY Thursday, April 12, 2018 RECIPIENT OF TEXAS Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES honor of the twenty-two outstanding teachers in South Florida who have been awarded the HON. TED POE Thursday, April 12, 2018 OF TEXAS Teacher of the Year award from the Rotary IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today I Club of Boca Raton Sunrise. rise to recognize Michael and Frances For the past 32 years, the Rotary Club of Thursday, April 12, 2018 McDougal of Conroe, TX, and congratulate Boca Raton Sunrise has offered this annual Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Safety, them on their 50th wedding anniversary. distinction to one teacher at each of the twen- Advocacy, Growth, and Empowerment (SAGE) In 1964, Michael and Frances first met on ty-two schools in the greater Boca Raton area. program in Wenatchee Valley, Washington the campus of Southwestern University, where Each awardee is selected by the school’s prin- works to aid individuals who have experienced Michael was pursuing a career in law and cipal. These teachers have dedicated their domestic abuse. Frances was working to become an elemen- time to inspiring, empowering, and bettering For the past 12 years, Jessica Johnson has tary school teacher. Despite their many per- the next generation of youth in our community. gone above and beyond, serving SAGE to the sonality differences, the two spent four years Their passion in this effort is truly worthy of best of her ability. Her hard work and dedica- growing closer together, and on April 6, 1968, our recognition. tion paid off. In 2016, Jessica was promoted the two were finally married. These twenty-two exemplary teachers have to Executive Director, propelling Jessica to Soon after, Michael began to pursue his law made a profound impact on their students even greater heights. Her work with SAGE degree at Southern Methodist University, and through their caring, commitment, and profes- has helped to provide a safe-haven for those in order to support her husband’s dream of sionalism. They are a cohort defined by integ- who faced sexual abuse, domestic violence, becoming an attorney, Frances began teach- rity, excellence, and the highest marks in all stalking, poverty, and sex trafficking in Central ing in Dallas, TX. Together, the two thrived they do. The City of Boca Raton is fortunate Washington. during this difficult time, which culminated with to have such outstanding faculty. During her time at SAGE, Jessica has over- the birth of their first child, Heather, and the Congratulations to Chayane Oliveira, Irene seen the creation of a 24-hour crisis line, a grand opening of Michael’s first law office in Gonedes, Patricia Fusco, Kerry Maione, Jaqua Crime Victim Service Center, and a Domestic 1971. Lewis, Alexandra Mangogna, Meghan Moon- Violence advocacy program. Each of these Even with the stress of a new business and ey, Melissa Pierce, Thomas Simone, Gary programs has been instrumental in providing an infant child, the two stuck together. Michael Aronson, Joni Webster, Robyn Jones-Crock- aid to crime victims. worked long hours to ensure the success of ett, Deborah Straus, Susan Mallardi, Tara Jessica has not only focused her efforts on their new business, and Frances split her time Clair, Josephine Saldana, Mary Shanty, the larger central communities, but has imple- between teaching and helping in the law of- Marcela Mendoza, Kathleen Loeffler, Karen mented outreach to rural areas as well. This fice—all while raising a baby girl. Richards, Stephanie Stiepleman, and Danielle outreach has expanded opportunities for those In 1972, the young family relocated to North Alarcon on being nominated for this year’s who need assistance the most and helped vic- Houston in order for Michael to begin serving teacher of the year award. tims reach the resources they desperately under the District Attorney in Conroe, TX—a I am pleased to honor them, and I thank need. Jessica has also established group community they quickly adopted as their them for their continued service.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP8.016 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E446 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2018 IN MEMORY OF MR. EDWARD V. an honor to pay homage to outstanding and the nature and extent of Russia’s inter- SMITH, III women who are making a difference in my ference, cannot be overstated. Congressional District. I would like to recog- The allegation that a foreign government— HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS nize a remarkable woman, Kiljoo Lee hostile or otherwise—played any part in the in- OF TEXAS Kurumada of La Crescenta, California. ternal democratic processes of our country Kiljoo was born in China and raised in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES should shock every single American citizen. South Korea. In 1967, she graduated from the It strikes at the heart of our democratic sys- Thursday, April 12, 2018 Seoul National University College of Music tem of government. Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to and in 1969, she moved to the United States. We must come to terms with the fact that honor the life of Edward V. Smith, III, a dedi- In 1983, Ms. Kurumada co-founded the Ko- our very last national election is a crime cated North Texan who devoted his life to rean Resource Center (KRC), an extraordinary scene. serving our community. In addition to many non-profit organization, whose goal is to em- The 2018 election could be one, too. professional and charitable interests, Mr. power immigrant, low-income, Asian Amer- It was critical then, it is critical now, and it Smith was a passionate alumnus of the Uni- ican, Pacific Islander, and minority commu- will be critical tomorrow that the Special Coun- versity of North Texas, the former North Texas nities in Southern California. By using a holis- sel be permitted to do his work unimpeded. State College. tic approach, this distinguished organization That is why last August I introduced H.R. A fifth generation Texan, Mr. Smith main- endeavors to support these communities by 3654, ‘‘Special Counsel Independence Protec- tained deep roots in the Dallas area. After incorporating culture, services, education, coa- tion Act,’’ which precludes the firing of the graduating from North Dallas High School in lition-building and organizing toward improving Special Counsel absent of substantial evi- 1955, he enrolled in then-North Texas State their lives. dence, that there exists good cause to do so, College. During Mr. Smith’s time in college, he Ms. Kurumada has taken on a prominent and that determination accepted by a three- served as president of his class, attorney gen- leadership role in the Korean-American com- judge federal court. eral of the student body, vice president of the munity. She served as KRC board chair for H.R. 3654 has the support of 152 cospon- student body, president of the Kappa Sigma more than two decades, and also served as sors and is also the subject of a discharge pe- Fraternity, and president of Blue Key. Even founding board chair of the National Korean tition, and 144 members of the House of Rep- following graduation, he never stopped giving American Service and Education Consortium resentatives have signed the discharge peti- back to his beloved alma mater. (NAKASEC), a grassroots organization that tion. Mr. Smith generously volunteered his time promotes the active and organized participa- I thank my colleagues who have supported and attention to serve as president of the Uni- tion of Korean and Asian Americans to H.R. 3654, to protect the Special Counsel’s in- versity of North Texas Alumni Association, achieve social and economic justice. vestigation recognizing that nothing less than Chair of the UNT Foundation, Chair of the During her long tenure at the Korean Re- our sovereignty, our democratic ideals, and Professional Development Institute, and as a source Center, where she currently volunteers our national dignity are at stake. member of numerous committees. He served two days a week helping low-income families Today, I announce my support for new leg- as membership chair for the State of Texas and seniors with general inquiries, Ms. islation protecting the Special Counsel, H.R. and as a Regent of the College. In recognition Kurumada and her colleagues have cham- 5476, ‘‘Special Counsel Independence and In- of this service, he was named a Distinguished pioned numerous causes, including access to tegrity Act,’’ introduced by Ranking Member Alumnus in 1992. health insurance, affordable housing, voter NADLER, myself, and Mr. COHEN. In addition to his charitable work for the Uni- registration, senior advocacy, youth education I am pleased that this legislation incor- versity of North Texas, Mr. Smith exceled pro- and immigration reform. porates the core of my legislation to protect fessionally as a Dallas attorney. After grad- Kiljoo has lived in La Crescenta for over the Special Counsel. uating from law school at Southern Methodist four decades. She is married to Stephen The Nadler-Jackson Lee-Cohen bill con- University, he began a long legal career. Mr. Kurumada, and they have two children, Jen- strains the Attorney General from damaging Smith served on many committees in the Dal- nifer and Michael, and four grandchildren. the Special Counsel’s investigation, absent ju- las and Texas Bars, and he was awarded the I ask all Members to join me in honoring this dicial ratification of any action to terminate the lifetime achievement award from the probate exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- Special Counsel. sections of both the Dallas Bar and the State nia’s 28th Congressional District, Kiljoo Lee Under H.R. 5476, the judicial branch—yet Bar of Texas. He also received the Profes- Kurumada. another check on an unwieldy executive— sionalism Award from the Dallas Bar and the f would determine if the termination was appro- Texas Center for Legal Ethics. INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 5476 SPE- priate. Mr. Smith selflessly served his community CIAL COUNSEL INDEPENDENCE The necessity of enacting this legislation is as a member of the board of the United Way, AND INTEGRITY ACT clear. Advisory Board member of both the Dallas Seven times this year, the President has de- Foundation and the Communities Foundation HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE cried the investigation as a ‘‘witch hunt,’’ in- of Texas, and as Chairman of the Board of the cluding yesterday. OF TEXAS Grace Foundation. A lifelong Presbyterian, he The New York Times has reported that the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES also served his church as a deacon, an elder President has tried at least twice in 2017 to and, for many years, as Clerk of the Session. Thursday, April 12, 2018 fire Special Counsel Mueller—once in June Mr. Smith has left a rich legacy of gen- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as a sen- 2017, and once again in December 2017. erosity, loyalty, and excellence. I extend con- ior Member of the Judiciary Committee, and Now, this morning he is claiming, again over dolences to his wife Nikki, their family, the an original co-sponsor, I rise today to urge all Twitter, that reports that he wanted to fire University of North Texas community, and all Members to support and cosponsor H.R. Special Counsel Mueller were more ‘‘fake who knew him. 5476, ‘‘Special Counsel Independence and In- news.’’ f tegrity Act.’’ On Monday, after news that his lawyer’s When we were here in March, before the residence and offices were raided, the Presi- TRIBUTE TO KILJOO LEE Easter Recess, I indicated that firing Special dent openly mused, at a gathering of his war KURUMADA—28TH CONGRES- Counsel Robert Mueller would not be crossing cabinet, about firing Special Counsel Mueller. SIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN OF a Red Line. On Tuesday, the President asserted that he THE YEAR It would not be crossing a Blue Line. had the power to fire Special Counsel Mueller. It would be crossing a Red, White, and Blue Yesterday on Twitter, the President called HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF line. Special Counsel Mueller ‘‘the most conflicted OF CALIFORNIA I have been concerned about this issue for of all.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a very long time—to me it was clear in Au- He is wrong. gust, and every day that passes is another Last night, he advertised a program on his Thursday, April 12, 2018 where my first instincts about the President’s favorite cable network, and when that show Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in desire to fire Special Counsel Mueller, are aired, it consisted of a derogatory piece honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, confirmed. against the president’s chief investigators: we pay special tribute to the contributions and The importance of Special Counsel former FBI Director Comey and Special Coun- sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is Mueller’s investigation into the 2016 election, sel Mueller.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K12AP8.026 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E447 Last month, the President twice said he op- I extend my deepest congratulations to Tyler Year’’ in the 21st California Senate District by posed the investigation, told an untruth about Pitera for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge State Senator Jack Scott in 2005. the political composition of the prosecutors in Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have Ms. Hartwell’s remarkable efforts on behalf the Special Counsel’s office, and has reiter- no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication of those diagnosed with kidney disease, as ated that it should never have been started. and character in all of his future accomplish- well as her resilience in her own battle, speak Given the actions of the current President, it ments. for themselves. She is a steadfast community is appropriate to ask whether stronger legisla- f leader with a long record of dedicated service tion is needed. and an inspiration to all. But H.R. 5476 is an important compromise TRIBUTE TO LORI HARTWELL— I ask all Members to join me in honoring this with our colleagues on the other side of the 28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- aisle. WOMAN OF THE YEAR nia’s 28th Congressional District, Lori Hartwell. We must step back and take off our partisan f hats and approach this as Americans. HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF We, as Members of Congress, are Constitu- OF CALIFORNIA IN RECOGNITION OF THE 29TH AN- tional Officers. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NIVERSARY OF THE EXPLOSION This is an ‘Article I’ moment. ABOARD USS ‘‘IOWA’’ The People’s House must exercise its con- Thursday, April 12, 2018 stitutional prerogative and conduct oversight. Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in HON. CHRIS COLLINS The framers of the Constitution prioritized honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, OF NEW YORK the legislature branch over the executive we pay special tribute to the contributions and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES branch. sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is Recent public opinion polls reflect that 70 an honor to pay homage to outstanding Thursday, April 12, 2018 percent of the American people want the Spe- women who are making a difference in my Mr. COLLINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I cial Counsel to continue his investigation. Congressional District. I would like to recog- rise today to recognize the 47 brave young The Framers of our Constitution wisely di- nize a remarkable woman, Lori Hartwell of men who lost their lives on April 19, 1989 vided power through a system of checks and Glendale, California. aboard the USS Iowa. It is important to re- balances. A resilient survivor of chronic kidney disease member those who were killed in the line of They anticipated a moment like this and (CKD), Lori has dedicated her life to the renal duty especially those serving in the United vested power in the Congress to address, field and patients with chronic illness. In her States Armed Forces. The deaths of the 47 deter, and remedy a crisis caused by a Chief lifelong struggle with CKD, which began when sailors aboard the USS Iowa are truly a tragic Executive who held himself to be above the she was two years old, Ms. Hartwell received and upsetting story. law. dialysis treatments for almost 13 years and The USS Iowa, originally constructed to fight When future generations look back on this has had four kidney transplants. Rather than in World War II, was modernized and re- moment, and they consider that our demo- capitulating to the obstacles of this debilitating commissioned for battle in 1984. However, cratic ideals and institutions were under enor- disease, Ms. Hartwell chose to embrace her during the overhaul of the ship, many of the mous pressure from unsuspecting places, they circumstances and motivate others like her to necessary repairs were either rushed or in- will ask what we did when it mattered. lead complete and productive lives. In her stead used to upgrade the ship’s power plant. We must act. book Chronically Happy—Joyful Living in Spite This led to serious maintenance issues with Now, while we as Americans have our dif- of Chronic Illness, she narrates the challenges the main gun turrets. fering views, they are ours to solve, amongst she overcame as well as the steps to achiev- On April 19, 1989, there were a series of ourselves. ing one’s dreams. explosions aboard the USS Iowa during a live- Unfortunately, for all of us, the scope of the After developing a comprehensive under- fire exercise off the coast of Puerto Rico. The Special Counsel’s investigation also includes standing of the American renal patient popu- first explosion came from the ship’s second the question of the extent to which the Trump lation as a sales specialist for HemaMetrics turret resulting from a maintenance problem, campaign was helped in any way by the Rus- and sales manager for Medcomp, Ms. Hartwell and due to a buildup of carbon monoxide gas, sians. became editor of the medical journal Contem- there was a second explosion and a fire. Trag- Congress must not abdicate its Article I re- porary Dialysis & Nephrology and established ically, all 47 members aboard the USS Iowa sponsibility. Hartwell Communications to consult on pa- We must get to the bottom of what hap- lost their lives. tient-related educational materials. In 1993, One of the victims was Buffalo native, Na- pened in the 2016 election. Lori founded the Renal Support Network We must permit Special Counsel Robert thaniel Clifford Jones, Jr. I want to take this (RSN), originally a Southern California-grass- Mueller to continue his investigation. opportunity to express my deepest condo- roots patient-led organization that has since We must seize the moment and pass H.R. lences to the Jones family for the passing of expanded across the United States. The RSN 5476, ‘‘Special Counsel Independence and In- Nathaniel. His service on behalf of the men endeavors to cultivate an emotional support tegrity Act.’’ and women of this country will not be forgot- network built on hope, knowledge, and peer ten. We should all commend the service that f connection to provide CKD patients with the these brave young men made on behalf of the TYLER PITERA tools to thrive despite their illness. United States of America. In addition to her work with RSN, Ms. f HON. ED PERLMUTTER Hartwell gives presentations locally, nationwide and globally at national nephrology con- TRIBUTE TO BECKY JORGESON— OF COLORADO ferences and events about patient engage- CALIFORNIA’S 24TH CONGRES- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment, overcoming adversity, and achieving SIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR Thursday, April 12, 2018 goals. She also advises elected officials on Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise the impact of legislative policies on people HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL today to recognize and applaud Tyler Pitera with chronic illnesses, and serves on multiple OF CALIFORNIA for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service councils and boards in the renal field, includ- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ambassadors for Youth award. ing the National Quality Renal Forum and the Tyler Pitera is a student at Arvada K–8 and Board of Directors for Kidney Care Partners. Thursday, April 12, 2018 received this award because his determination She is former chair of the Patient Advisory Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in and hard work have allowed him to overcome Committee for the Southern California Renal honor of Women’s History Month. Every year, adversities. Disease Council and served on the Governor’s we dedicate the month of March to give spe- The dedication demonstrated by Tyler Pitera Rehabilitation Council for the State of Cali- cial recognition to the accomplishments and is exemplary of the type of achievement that fornia. sacrifices made by America’s women. I con- can be attained with hard work and persever- Ms. Hartwell’s impressive work has not sider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary ance. It is essential students at all levels strive gone unnoticed as she has been recognized women who are making a difference in my to make the most of their education and de- with numerous awards, including the National District. I would like to recognize one out- velop a work ethic which will guide them for Kidney Registry’s ‘‘Patient Advocacy Award’’ standing woman, Becky Jorgeson, of San Luis the rest of their lives. in 2010 and being named ‘‘Woman of the Obispo, California.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.012 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E448 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2018 Becky Jorgeson is an outstanding activist tral Valley Justice Coalition, where she shares Mae Gramling Johnson, a school teacher, and who is working establish sustainable commu- her story with hundreds of young women. Augustus Newsome Johnson, an architect and nity villages of tiny homes for chronically Through this group, she is able to educate builder. homeless people with little or no income. She students about the dangers of human traf- When the onset of the Great Depression de- is the Founder and President of Hope’s Village ficking. stroyed her family’s financial security, she of San Luis Obispo, which aims to provide Arien is an unpaid volunteer and works as moved with her parents to Eatonville, the first safe, healthy and drug-free communities an assistant catering manager to support her black incorporated municipality in the United where people who are homeless can live in 3-year-old daughter. Her dream is to one day States of America. There, she attended and dignity and peace. earn a law degree and use her legal skills to graduated from the Historic Hungerford Through Becky’s ‘‘RVs for Veterans’’ pro- further advocate for crime victims. School. gram, 74 motorhomes, travel trailers and fifth Arien’s story is one of triumph. She may Mrs. Dinkins worked hard to support her wheels have been passed on to local home- have endured horrific hardships, but she came family—as a domestic servant, truck farmer, less veterans getting them off the streets and out the other side stronger and more resilient. insurance agent, hair dresser, and chicken into their own tiny homes on wheels. 734 Each year the Congressional Victims’ Rights farmer. During certain periods of her life, she showers have been given through her mobile Caucus honors outstanding individuals and or- worked three jobs at once. She retired in 1984 ‘‘Showers of Hope’’ program; and numerous ganizations for their tireless efforts supporting from her position with the United Telephone sleeping bags, tents, tarps, blankets, jackets and empowering survivors of crime. Co- Company. and food have been passed out down by the chaired and co-founded by JIM COSTA (D–CA) Mrs. Dinkins quickly built a reputation in creek and on the streets of San Luis Obispo and myself, the bipartisan caucus advocates Eatonville as a civic and faith leader. She is a through their outreach program. for crime victims and protects programs that member of Eatonville’s oldest congregation— Becky also has worked closely with edu- provide critical support for related services. St. Lawrence African Methodist Episcopal cators and students to bring more homes to I am honored to announce Arien Pauls as Church—where she has served on countless those in need. She collaborated with the Cal the recipient of the Congressional Victims’ committees and as Chair of the Board of Poly Construction Management department to Rights Caucus Eva Murillo Unsung Hero Trustees. build and donate two ‘‘cabins on wheels’’ for Award. The Unsung Hero Award is in memo- In segregated Orlando, black women were their soon to be community village. Currently, rial of Eva Murillo, a prominent crime victim forced to deliver babies in the basement of Or- Nipomo Tech High School is building another advocate from California. Arien has utilized ange Memorial Hospital. No incubators were tiny home for Hope’s Village, and Cuesta Col- her experiences to promote public education available for children who needed them. Mrs. lege will begin building in the Fall. and awareness, public policy development and Dinkins helped to found Eatonville’s Mothers’ Becky’s work to support the homeless popu- greater awareness about crime victims’ rights Club, which raised funds to buy incubators, lation of San Luis Obispo has been a tremen- and needs, as well as her stunning achieve- saving the lives of vulnerable children in her dous asset to members of the community in ments and passion for victims’ advocacy here community. need. I ask all Members to join me today in today. During the 1950s, Mrs. Dinkins joined honoring an exceptional woman of California’s And that’s just the way it is. Eatonville’s Volunteer Fire Department Auxil- 24th Congressional District, Becky Jorgeson, f iary. In the 1960s, she worked to elect rep- for her incredible service to her community. RAEGAN SAWANO resentatives who would work for equality, fair- f ness, and progress. In the 1980s, she became a Founding Mem- ARIEN PAULS-EVA MURILLO HON. ED PERLMUTTER ber of the Association to Preserve the UNSUNG HERO AWARD OF COLORADO Eatonville Community, Inc. (PEC), and has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES spent thousands of hours organizing pro- HON. TED POE Thursday, April 12, 2018 grams, volunteering at the Zora Neale Hurston OF TEXAS Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise National Museum of Fine Arts, and rep- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today to recognize and applaud Raegan resenting her community at historical preser- Thursday, April 12, 2018 Sawano for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge vation conferences nationwide. When Eatonville was designated the Historic Town of Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Arien Pauls Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Raegan Sawano is a student at Oberson Eatonville, Mrs. Dinkins served on the first was excited for her graduation from Bullard Middle School and received this award be- Historic Preservation Board. PEC continues to High School in 2007 and even more excited to cause her determination and hard work have organize the ZORA Festival, STEM Initiative, head off to Fresno City College. A hard work- allowed her to overcome adversities. and other community programs. er, she took a part time job at Taco Bell to The dedication demonstrated by Raegan Today, Mrs. Dinkins is widely known as a help pay her bills and tuition. After posting on- Sawano is exemplary of the type of achieve- volunteer, civic leader, and community voice, line about her lack of funds, she was con- ment that can be attained with hard work and who attends every Town Council meeting and tacted by her soon to be trafficker. She perseverance. It is essential students at all other official community gathering. thought he wanted a simple relationship. How- levels strive to make the most of their edu- Mr. Speaker, the Historic Town of Eatonville ever, when she finally agreed to meet him in cation and develop a work ethic which will is blessed to count Mrs. Dinkins as a resident. person, he forced her into modern day slav- guide them for the rest of their lives. I am honored to represent her, and I congratu- ery. I extend my deepest congratulations to late her on her 100th birthday. He moved her to Los Angeles and cut off all Raegan Sawano for winning the Arvada f contact with her family and friends. For four Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth KATY ISD BRINGS HOME FOUR years, Arien lived out of hotels and suitcases, award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the her body being abused by strangers. After TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPION- same dedication and character in all of her fu- SHIPS being forced to have an illegal abortion, she ture accomplishments. managed to escape with another trafficking victim. Luckily, her dastardly trafficker was f HON. PETE OLSON charged with domestic violence. ELLA DINKINS OF TEXAS Arien has faced many challenges through- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES out her life. She witnessed her mother use HON. VAL BUTLER DEMINGS Thursday, April 12, 2018 drugs and then, in her narcotic induced state, OF FLORIDA abuse her. She was molested by several male Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES family members as a child, but she was deter- congratulate our Katy ISD track and field ath- mined to create a better life for her and her Thursday, April 12, 2018 letes for bringing home four championships at younger brother. Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the 91st Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. Arien refused to let her tragic past dictate honor the accomplishments and life of Ella Au- Seven Lakes High School sprinters Thomas her future. She became an advocate for gusta Johnson Dinkins, as she celebrates her Pratt, Lance Broome, Chris Williams and human trafficking victims, using her experi- 100th birthday this year. Jahquan Bloomfield won the gold in the 400- ences to relate to and help others. She volun- Mrs. Dinkins was born on April 20, 1918 in meter relay with a time of 40.88 seconds. The teered with Breaking the Chains and the Cen- Orlando, Florida. She is the first child of Addie Tompkins High School girls 3,200-meter relay

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.014 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E449 team of Alyssa Balandran, Grace Kohout, Barbara. Ms. Levin’s housing projects include TRIBUTE TO GLORIA SOTO—CALI- Marisa Marinchak and Gabriella Rico also the nationally-recognized Downtown Women’s FORNIA’S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL brought home gold with a time of 9:52.68. Center for mentally-ill, homeless women in WOMAN OF THE YEAR Cinco Ranch High School freshman Heidi Los Angeles and the Adams Congress afford- Nielson placed first in the 1,600-meter run with able apartments in south Los Angeles. HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL an incredible 4:53.43 time. Otito Ogbonnia, a Ms. Levin’s exceptional work has been rec- OF CALIFORNIA senior at Taylor High School threw the discus ognized with numerous awards. She is a Fel- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES an impressive 185 feet and 9 inches, bringing low of the American Institute of Architects and home the gold in this event. the AIA/LA selected her as recipient of the Thursday, April 12, 2018 On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- 2010 Gold Medal for her contributions in the Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sional District of Texas, congratulations again preservation and revitalization movement in honor of Women’s History Month. Every year, to all of these incredible and talented athletes Los Angeles. In addition, in 2014, she re- we dedicate the month of March to give spe- for these great achievements. We look forward ceived the Rose Award from the Los Angeles cial recognition to the accomplishments and to seeing what their bright futures hold. Parks Foundation, and in 2017, Brenda was sacrifices made by America’s women. I con- f the recipient of the Los Angeles Architectural sider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary Angel Award from Project Restore. women who are making a difference in my TRIBUTE TO BRENDA LEVIN—28TH I ask all Members to join me in honoring an District. I would like to recognize one out- CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- standing woman, Gloria Soto, of Santa Maria, WOMAN OF THE YEAR nia’s 28th Congressional District, Brenda California. Levin. Gloria Soto was born and raised in the HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF Santa Maria and Guadalupe areas of Santa OF CALIFORNIA f Barbara County. She comes from an immi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN MEMORY OF MRS. JOHNIE MAE grant family who instilled the value of hard- Thursday, April 12, 2018 SITTONEN work and determination, and made numerous sacrifices to ensure she would have a chance Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor at a better life. Gloria took advantage of every Women’s History Month. Each year, we pay HON. ERIC A. ‘‘RICK’’ CRAWFORD opportunity and graduated from Pioneer Valley special tribute to the contributions made by OF ARKANSAS High School, Allan Hancock College, and then our nation’s women. It is an honor to pay IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from Bradman University all while working full homage to outstanding women who are mak- Thursday, April 12, 2018 time. ing a difference in my Congressional District. Gloria started out as an educator about 6 I would like to recognize a remarkable woman, Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today years ago where she built up educational pro- Brenda Levin of Los Feliz, a unique neighbor- alongside my friend, Congressman MICHAEL grams from Lompoc to Paso Robles. She initi- hood of Los Angeles, California. BURGESS, to pay tribute to Johnie Mae ated Young Advocates groups in Santa Maria Born in New Jersey, Brenda Levin lived on Sittonen, a World War II veteran and Des Arc, and San Luis Obispo that encourage young the East Coast until she was 30 and never ex- Arkansas native who passed away in January people to speak up for reproductive rights. pected to leave. After studying graphic design of this year. Throughout her life, Johnie Mae Gloria now works in the development depart- at Carnegie Mellon and earning her under- Sittonen served her country, her Arkansas ment of Planned Parenthood of the Central graduate degree at New York University, she community, and her family selflessly. Coast where she strives to protect and expand worked for a few years before returning to Johnie Mae Sittonen was born in Biscoe, access to reproductive health care in her com- school to earn a Master of Architecture degree Arkansas in 1924. In 1942, she graduated munity. She also educates donors about the from Harvard University’s Graduate School of from Des Arc High School as an exemplary importance of their continued support. Design in 1976. There she met her future hus- student and enrolled at Arkansas State Uni- In addition to her work for Planned Parent- band, David Abel, who was determined to go versity. As a young woman, Johnie Mae was hood, Gloria also serves on the board of Fu- west and convinced Brenda there would be one of the great Americans who volunteered ture Leaders of America where she volunteers more opportunities for women in male-domi- to serve our nation. She joined the U.S. Navy hundreds of hours training youth leaders and nated fields such as architecture. Her first job in 1944, at the height of World War II. During directing week-long youth leadership camps. in California was working with prominent resi- her service, she met and married Paul She is also a board member of the Fund for dential architect John Lautner on his design of Sittonen. After several years in Massachu- Santa Barbara, a member of the Activist-Led a Palm Springs house for entertainer Bob setts, she and her husband Paul returned to Grant Making Committee, and a key organizer Hope. Des Arc in 1959 to raise their five children and for the Latino Legacy Awards in Santa Maria. From that day forward, Ms. Levin has run a family farm. Gloria’s contribution to social justice for a touched the historic and cultural spirit and Johnie Mae Sittonen spent many years more just community are immeasurable, she is complexity of Los Angeles, significantly shap- serving her Arkansas community. For more not afraid to get her hands dirty and under- ing the city skyline as we know it. For over 20 than 20 years, she worked in the Des Arc stands the importance of taking leadership years her architecture and urban planning Schools as the cafeteria supervisor before re- roles in organizations so they can better serve firm, Levin & Associates Architects, has pio- tiring in 1986. A committed member of the our community. She is a champion for youth, neered, in collaboration with innovative devel- First United Methodist Church in Des Arc, she immigrants, and women, and we are lucky to opers, the process of historic preservation by taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and have her in our district. the polishing the riches of the city with a new served as an active member of United Meth- I ask all Members to join me today in hon- sheen, and her success in this effort has odist Women. She was a lifelong Democrat, oring an exceptional woman of California’s helped to energize the preservation movement and served as both the Chair of the Prairie 24th Congressional District, Gloria Soto, for in Los Angeles. Among the landmarks she has County Democratic Women’s Group and as an her incredible service to her community. helped to preserve and revitalize are Grand active member of the Retired Teachers Asso- f Central and Chapman markets, the Oviatt, ciation. Fine Arts and Bradbury Buildings, the Wiltern Johnie Mae Sittonen’s hard work for those JULIE M. NAUMAN Theater and Los Angeles City Hall. In the revi- in her community did not go unnoticed. She talization/preservation process are the Griffith was honored as the Outstanding Community HON. TED POE Observatory, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Citizen in 1972 and the Des Arc High School OF TEXAS buildings at Barnsdall Art Park and the Japa- Citizen of the Year in 1983, and later received IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nese American National Museum’s National Baptist Health’s Amazing Spirit Award in 2006. Center for the Preservation of Democracy, A member of the ‘‘Greatest Generation,’’ Thursday, April 12, 2018 among others. Johnie Mae Sittonen is an example of Amer- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Julie In the spring of 2000, the Boone Gallery de- ican excellence, servant-hearted kindness, Nauman had dedicated her life to improving signed by Brenda opened at The Huntington and commitment to service. She will be deeply the lives of victims. Julie has been a tireless Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens missed, not only by her family and loved ones, advocate for those who are less fortunate. in San Marino and Art, Design & Architecture but also by the northeast Arkansas community Her work on the Executive Office of the Museum at the University of California, Santa she served throughout her life. California Crime Compensation Board has led

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.017 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E450 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2018 vital victim compensation in California. Julie eastern Africa. She later established Corniche rean War veteran, he received a Bronze Star has strived to help crime victims sort through Entertainment, which provides music and en- for valor. complicated legal matters and help them cope tertainment for private events around the After settling in Apopka—where he has lived with the financial aftermath of the crimes in world. Alongside the development of her own for over 35 years—Mr. Dean became a teach- which they were involved. Julie has also been company, Anastasia has taken on several er and activist. He has served as a member committed to conducting multi-lingual victim leadership roles in the travel industry, locally, of the Florida League of Cities, a Board Mem- outreach and public awareness efforts to state-wide, nationally and internationally. She ber of the Lake Apopka Natural Gas Board, a reach crime survivors in California. is the founding chairman of the West Holly- CARET Representative for Land Grant Col- After the mass shooting in Las Vegas in Oc- wood Visitors and Convention Bureau, and a leges and Universities on behalf of Florida tober of 2017, it was no surprise, Julie was founding member of the California Travel and A&M University. right ready to help. With her assistance, along Tourism Commission, where she served two He has been a role model in his community, with the CCCB, they were able to reach terms as the sole representative for all travel both through his example, and as a member across state lines to provide information, as- management agencies in California and of the 100 Black Men of Orlando, Inc., a long- sistance and guidance regarding victim com- served on the Executive Committee. In addi- term mentoring group for black children. pensation to hundreds of survivors who call tion, she is a member of the California Cham- An active member and trustee of Mt. Pleas- California home. ber of Commerce and spent ten years on the ant Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando, he When there was a mass shooting in April of international board of directors of the Travel & has put his faith into practice in his commu- 2017 in Fresno County, Julie personally Tourism Research Association, serving as nity. helped to provide compensation funding for fu- President and Chair. Ms. Mann served as a In 1994, Mr. Dean was elected to the nerals for the murdered victims. She also California representative to the White House Apopka City Commission. In 2014, he became aided the Fresno Police Department providing Conference on Tourism during the Clinton Ad- Vice Mayor—the honor bestowed upon the resources to better fund future victim assist- ministration and was a keynote speaker at city’s longest-serving Commissioner. ance services for Fresno County. both the 2003 International Conference on Mr. Dean was an educator. He knew that As a past member of the Board of Directors Peace through Tourism in Geneva, Switzer- education is the key to success, and worked and a current member of the National Asso- land and the 2005 IIPT African Conference in throughout his life to ready the next generation ciation of Crime Victim Compensation Board, Lusaka, Zambia. to thrive. He married Isadora Moye Dean, and Julie has vocalized the need to ensure violent In addition to her impressive achievements together they have five children and three crime victims are aware of the financial sup- in the travel industry, Ms. Mann is also ac- grandchildren. port and services available to them. tively involved in the community, serving as In Mr. Dean, our children see a model for Julie’s persistent support of crime victims is President of the Hollywood Hills West Neigh- public, civic, and community service. While unparalleled. Julie is a superb leader and a borhood Council and as a Hearing Examiner Apopka will miss him as a Commissioner, I truly compassionate person, who is committed for the Los Angeles Police Department’s am certain that his positive influence on our to improving the lives of crime victims every- Board of Rights. She is a long-standing board community will be evident for years to come. where. member of the Hollywood Chamber of Com- Mr. Speaker, I offer my heartiest congratula- Each year the Congressional Victims’ Rights merce and was involved with the Hollywood tions to Mr. Dean upon his retirement. Caucus honors outstanding individuals and or- Arts Council. Anastasia and her company sup- f ganizations for their tireless efforts supporting port several organizations, including the Fred and empowering survivors of crime. Co- Jordan Mission in downtown Los Angeles, RETIREMENT OF PHIL COYNE chaired and co-founded by JIM COSTA (D–CA) Program for Torture Victims, OneLegacy and myself, the bipartisan caucus advocates Foundation and Disabled American Veterans. HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE for crime victims and protects programs that Ms. Mann’s noble deeds have not been OF PENNSYLVANIA provide critical support for related services. overlooked as she has received numerous IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES commendations by the Los Angeles City I am proud to announce Julie Nauman as Thursday, April 12, 2018 the recipient of the Congressional Victims’ Council, Los Angeles Mayor, the Governor of Rights Caucus the Suzanne McDaniel Memo- California and the United States Senate for Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. rial Award for Public Awareness. The Public philanthropy and business achievements. She Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Phil Awareness Award is in memory of Susanne also received the Woman of Achievement Coyne, a Pittsburgh icon who has just retired McDaniel, one of the first prosecutor-based Award from the Century City Chamber of after eighty-one years of service to our com- victim advocates in Texas and the nation. Commerce in 2006, the prestigious Diamond munity as an usher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. There is no doubt, Julie has used her voice to Award from the Southern California chapter of Phil, the brother of Pittsburgh’s former Con- promote and to bring about change at the Na- the American Society of Travel Agents in 2017 gressman Bill Coyne, served generations of tional level for crime victims. and was the first recipient of the Anastasia K. sports fans during his career, pausing only to And that’s just the way it is. Mann Leadership Award from the Travel and serve his country in the military for four years f Tourism Marketing Association. during World War II. I ask all Members to join me in honoring this At 99, Phil retired with a unique store of TRIBUTE TO ANASTASIA MANN— exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- memories that spanned three different ball- 28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT nia’s 28th Congressional District, Anastasia parks and six thousand games. Arguably the WOMAN OF THE YEAR Mann. Pirates’ biggest loss of the season, Phil leaves f with his own Pirates jersey sporting the number 99, and his presence will be felt not only HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF BILLIE DEAN OF CALIFORNIA by the fans sitting along the third-base line in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PNC Park, but by the whole city. HON. VAL BUTLER DEMINGS ‘‘Phil remains number one on our organiza- Thursday, April 12, 2018 OF FLORIDA tional seniority list and will always have a Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES place on our team,’’ affirmed Pirates President honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, Thursday, April 12, 2018 Frank Coonelly. we pay special tribute to the contributions and Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Phil also ushered at Steelers football games sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is honor the career of Vice Mayor Billie Dean, until he was 98—and at St. Paul Cathedral an honor to pay homage to outstanding who will retire this month after serving the city every Sunday. women who are making a difference in my of Apopka, Florida, for over twenty years. Phil’s long career is unlikely to ever be Congressional District. I would like to recog- Mr. Dean was born and raised in Clermont, matched or exceeded. nize a remarkable woman, Anastasia Mann of Florida, across the lake from his current home. While Coyne will not be there to usher for Hollywood Hills, a unique neighborhood of Los He attended Jones High School and Eustis anyone any longer, he will still listen to games Angeles, California. Vocational High School, and earned a Bach- and even attend some of them—but now as a Anastasia Mann founded Corniche Travel in elor’s and Master’s degree from Florida A&M fan. 1987 and successfully launched a new divi- University. On behalf of Pennsylvania’s 14th Congres- sion called Anastasia’s Africa in 2004, which Mr. Dean also served our nation with honor sional District, I want to commend Phil and specializes in customized trips to southern and and courage in the United States Army. A Ko- thank him for his many years of dedication to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.020 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E451 Pittsburgh sports and his community, and I am District. I would like to recognize one out- Isa-Kae moved to California in 1953 where pleased to honor him as his 100th birthday ap- standing woman, Beth Farnsworth Ward, from she attended California State University, Los proaches. Santa Barbara. Angeles and worked towards her teaching cre- f Beth Farnsworth Ward is an Anchor and dential. As a teacher in the 1950’s, she dedi- Reporter for KEYT NewsChannel 3 in Santa cated her time to working with students with MEGAN SCHUELLER Barbara. When the Thomas Fire broke out in disabilities, specifically the visually impaired, December of 2017 and rapidly spread through and she maintains life-long relationships with HON. ED PERLMUTTER two counties, Beth stepped up and took the some of these past students. Ms. Meksin con- OF COLORADO lead covering the disaster and its aftermath, tinued this incredible work for many years until IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES working tirelessly to bring important stories she found a new passion: activism. and up-to-date news to affected residents. In 1978, Isa-Kae worked on opposing the Thursday, April 12, 2018 Beth provided vital TV news information for discriminatory Briggs Initiative which would Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise our community as evacuations and alerts have banned gays and lesbians, and anyone today to recognize and applaud Megan came out from county officials. Her out- who supported Lesbian Gay Bisexual Schueller for receiving the Arvada Wheat standing leadership and tireless work to help Transgender (LGBT) rights, from working in Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. residents navigate information, warnings, and California public schools. As someone who Megan Schueller is a student at Warren updates ensured residents all throughout the fought for and supported the rights of LGBT Tech North and received this award because Central Coast were well-informed during the individuals, Isa-Kae testified to the horrific out- her determination and hard work have allowed largest wildfire in California history and her comes of such a potentially divisive initiative her to overcome adversities. work to keep residents safe cannot be under- and how the legislation perpetuated grossly in- The dedication demonstrated by Megan stated. accurate portrayals of homosexuals, and Schueller is exemplary of the type of achieve- She stepped up once again in January, through her dedicated efforts and those of oth- ment that can be attained with hard work and when the deadly mudslides left many in ers, the Briggs Initiative was defeated. perseverance. It is essential students at all Montecito in need of resources and informa- Isa-Kae continues her activist work by vol- levels strive to make the most of their edu- tion. Beth’s tireless devotion, from telling com- unteering with various organizations like the cation and develop a work ethic which will pelling and hard-hitting stories from the field to Watts Gang Task Force, the American Civil guide them for the rest of their lives. delivering timely news on set was invaluable Liberties Union, the Central City Action Com- I extend my deepest congratulations to to our community as we joined together as a mittee, the Citizens Committee to Save Ely- Megan Schueller for winning the Arvada community to recover from two of the worst sian Park, the Studio for Southern California Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth natural disasters our community has faced. History and many others. Among her many award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the I am honored to recognize Beth for her accomplishments, Ms. Meksin works with Cali- same dedication and character in all of her fu- commitment to our news operation and the fornia State University, Los Angeles to create ture accomplishments. residents of Santa Barbara county. Her news opportunities for homeless youth to attend col- f coverage is exemplary of the importance of lege and in 2017, she was awarded the Distin- journalism and local reporting to our commu- guished Educator Award from the university RECOGNIZING THE VICTIMS OF nity’s safety and security. for her efforts. THE SMOLENSK AIR CRASH I ask all Members to join me today in hon- I ask all Members to join me in honoring this oring an exceptional woman of California’s exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- 24th Congressional District, Beth Farnsworth HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK nia’s 28th Congressional District, Isa-Kae Ward, for her incredible service to her commu- OF PENNSYLVANIA Meksin. nity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f f Thursday, April 12, 2018 MEGAN RONDINI TRIBUTE TO ISA-KAE MEKSIN— Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with 28TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT sadness that I join in acknowledging the WOMAN OF THE YEAR HON. TED POE eighth anniversary of the Smolensk Disaster, a OF TEXAS tragedy that claimed the lives of Polish Presi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dent Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria, and 94 HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF OF CALIFORNIA others aboard a government aircraft on April Thursday, April 12, 2018 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10, 2010. Among the victims were high rank- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Megan ing generals and government officials, clergy, Thursday, April 12, 2018 Rondini was a young college student at the anti-communist leaders and the family mem- Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in University of Alabama. She was a bright bers of victims traveling to a ceremony for the honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, young woman with her whole life ahead of 1940 Katyn Forest Massacre. Also on the we pay special tribute to the contributions and her. What happened next should have never plane was one American citizen on an official sacrifices made by our nation’s women. It is transpired. Megan was raped by a man from mission for the city of Chicago. This week, we an honor to pay homage to outstanding a rich family in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After offer our prayers for the souls of the 96 crash women who are making a difference in my Megan managed to escape Bunn by fleeing victims and honor those who served their congressional district. I would like to recognize outside a second story window, she headed to country. a remarkable woman, Isa-Kae Meksin of Echo a hospital for a rape kit. She did everything a f Park, a unique neighborhood of Los Angeles, victim should do. California. But it was here the system began to fail her. TRIBUTE TO BETH FARNSWORTH Isa-Kae’s family immigrated to New York The hospital did not have a sexual assault fo- WARD—CALIFORNIA’S 24TH CON- from the Ukraine where her father was a con- rensic examiner or SAFE on staff, so they had GRESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE cert pianist and her mother was a homemaker. nobody trained to properly deal with a sexual YEAR Growing up, Isa-Kae’s mother taught her to assault victim or trained to properly collect question authority and to think on her feet, DNA evidence. HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL guiding her towards her passion for local poli- When she went to the police station, she OF CALIFORNIA tics and historic preservation. was treated with disdain and disbelief, dis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES While in New York, Ms. Meksin received a missed and ignored. The police didn’t believe Bachelor’s Degree from Hunter College and her, and treated her like a criminal. They even Thursday, April 12, 2018 soon after worked as a secretary for C.L.R. read her—the victim—her Miranda Rights. Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in James, the visionary Afro-Trinidadian historian Megan was failed by the system at every honor of Women’s History Month. Every year, and journalist. It was during this time that she turn. Feeling like she had no other option, she we dedicate the month of March to give spe- observed how workers, women, African-Ameri- tragically took her own life. cial recognition to the accomplishments and cans and youth, were agents of change, and The injustices she endured started a na- sacrifices made by America’s women. I con- it was this work that led her to Los Angeles to tional dialogue about campus sexual assault, sider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary connect with and observe the activities of the an issue that is extremely pervasive in our so- women who are making a difference in my local factory workers. ciety, but one that very few people wanted to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.022 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E452 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2018 talk about. The outrage generated forced In 1984, Fred Del Barrio, a high school sen- I especially want to recognize the students many universities to re-evaluate and change ior at the time, reluctantly took his first job at who have started and fueled this movement. how they handle victims of sexual assault. the McDonald’s on Conway Avenue in Mis- Recently, my office has received many letters Legislators on both sides of the isle came to- sion, Texas. By the age of 20, he was the from students throughout the Pittsburgh area. gether on local, state and federal levels to try manager of the McDonald’s at El Centro Mall These students have written that they are to come up with new laws and real solutions. in Pharr; by the age of 23 he was the super- scared and frustrated. One of my constituents Many hospitals and university infirmaries visor of three stores; and by the age of 31 he wrote, for example, that she sits in each of her have begun hiring and recruiting staff trained. owned his own franchise. Today, Mr. Del classrooms throughout the day, planning out specifically to handle sexual assault cases. Barrio is the proud owner of 13 McDonald’s where to run or hide if a shooter enters. But Countless future victims will benefit from the franchises. these students have consciously turned their changes that have been implemented because Mr. Del Barrio has been described by his passion about this issue into action to improve of Megan Rondini. And those changes have peers as exceptionally humble and versatile. their futures. This decision is admirable. only just begun. We will all continue to fight in Moreover, when the Rio Grande Valley Cham- I was pleased to join these young people her name to make the system better for vic- ber of Commerce chose him for Business Man during the March for Our Lives in Pittsburgh tims. of the Year they cited his knowledge of ‘‘the on March 24, and I was inspired by their calls Each year the Congressional Victims’ Rights value of giving back to the community.’’ Be- for legislative action on this issue. Congress Caucus honors outstanding individuals and or- cause he has been in their shoes, Mr. Del must make greater efforts to ensure these ganizations for their tireless efforts supporting Barrio understands the importance of fostering young people see significant new gun legisla- and empowering survivors of crime. Co- relationships with his employees. Even though tion enacted. I will continue to support policies chaired and co-founded by JIM COSTA (D–CA) the job has changed over time, Mr. Del Barrio that can prevent gun violence tragedies in the and myself, the bipartisan caucus advocates strives to give all of his employees the re- future. for crime victims and protects programs that sources they need to get ahead. I would also like to recognize the teachers provide critical support for related services. Mr. Speaker, it is honoring to represent in- and school districts that have encouraged their Today, I am proud to announce Megan dustrious and productive South Texan. Fred students to think critically about the issues that Rondini as the recipient of the Congressional Del Barrio’s business acumen and contribu- impact their lives and about their roles in de- Victims’ Rights Caucus Suzanne McDaniel tions to the community are a shining example mocracy. I applaud their efforts to protect their Memorial Award for Public Awareness. The of what the 15th District of Texas has to offer. students and teach a new generation of lead- Public Awareness Award is in memory of Su- ers how to serve their communities. f Finally, I would like to recognize my con- sanne McDaniel, one of the first prosecutor- stituents who have been vocal about this issue based victim advocates in Texas and the na- KASKASKIA COLLEGE—NATIONAL for many years. When I participated in the sit- tion. There is no doubt, Megan’s story has COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH in on this House Floor almost two years ago overwhelmingly brought change at the Na- after the shooting in Orlando, we felt that tional level for crime victims. HON. JOHN SHIMKUS enough was enough. That’s so much more And that’s just the way it is. OF ILLINOIS true today. I am committed to continuing this f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fight to curb gun violence as long as it takes, SUTTON SPARR Thursday, April 12, 2018 and I believe that the efforts of this new gen- Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before eration will finally tip the scales in our favor HON. ED PERLMUTTER you today to recognize Kaskaskia College as and enact new commonsense gun laws. f OF COLORADO part of April’s national Community College IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Month. IN MEMORY OF MRS. JOHNIE MAE Kaskaskia College provides high quality and SITTONEN Thursday, April 12, 2018 affordable services to over 7,000 students Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise every year. Students can receive distinguished HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS today to recognize and applaud Sutton Sparr Associate Degrees and skilled labor training to OF TEXAS for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service propel themselves forward in higher education IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ambassadors for Youth award. and the work force. Sutton Sparr is a student at Mandalay Mid- Kaskaskia College has doubled down on Thursday, April 12, 2018 dle School and received this award because their mission to provide the most competitive Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today his determination and hard work have allowed education and technical training. KC has ex- alongside my friend, Congressman RICK him to overcome adversities. panded access to their services through online CRAWFORD, to pay tribute to Johnie Mae The dedication demonstrated by Sutton programs, dual-credit courses, and six edu- Sittonen, a World War II veteran and Des Arc, Sparr is exemplary of the type of achievement cational centers that complement their main Arkansas native who passed away in January that can be attained with hard work and perse- campus. The services KC provides have be- of this year. Throughout her life, Johnie Mae verance. It is essential students at all levels come vital to the economic and educational Sittonen served her country, her Arkansas strive to make the most of their education and growth in the communities it serves. community, and her family selflessly. develop a work ethic which will guide them for Mr. Speaker, I wish to send my congratula- Johnie Mae Sittonen was born in Biscoe, the rest of their lives. tions to Kaskaskia College’s faculty, staff, and Arkansas in 1924. In 1942, she graduated I extend my deepest congratulations to Sut- Board of Trustees for their continued success from Des Arc High School as an exemplary ton Sparr for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge and dedication to their mission. student and enrolled at Arkansas State Uni- Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have f versity. As a young woman, Johnie Mae was no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication one of the great Americans who volunteered and character in all of his future accomplish- MARCH FOR OUR LIVES to serve our nation. She joined the U.S. Navy ments. in 1944, at the height of World War II. During f HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE her service, she met and married Paul OF PENNSYLVANIA Sittonen. After several years in Massachu- HONORING FRED DEL BARRIO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES setts, she and her husband Paul returned to Des Arc in 1959 to raise their five children and Thursday, April 12, 2018 HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ run a family farm. OF TEXAS Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Johnie Mae Sittonen spent many years IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the serving her Arkansas community. For more students, teachers, school districts, and advo- than 20 years, she worked in the Des Arc Thursday, April 12, 2018 cates throughout Western Pennsylvania who Schools as the cafeteria supervisor before re- Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I participated in the March for Our Lives on tiring in 1986. A committed member of the rise today to recognize Fred Del Barrio, who March 24 in downtown Pittsburgh. It is esti- First United Methodist Church in Des Arc, she was recently named Business Man of the Year mated that about 30,000 people participated— taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and by the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber a powerful demonstration of the movement served as an active member of United Meth- of Commerce. against gun violence. odist Women. She was a lifelong Democrat,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:30 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.025 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E453 and served as both the Chair of the Prairie receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service professionals to improve the plight of crime County Democratic Women’s Group and as an Ambassadors for Youth award. victims in our Nation. active member of the Retired Teachers Asso- Lyla Taylor is a student at Oberon Middle And that’s just the way it is. ciation. School and received this award because her f Johnie Mae Sittonen’s hard work for those determination and hard work have allowed her TRIBUTE TO CLAUDETTE NICOLE in her community did not go unnoticed. She to overcome adversities. SABA MONESTIME—28TH CON- was honored as the Outstanding Community The dedication demonstrated by Lyla Taylor GRESSIONAL DISTRICT WOMAN Citizen in 1972 and the Des Arc High School is exemplary of the type of achievement that OF THE YEAR Citizen of the Year in 1983, and later received can be attained with hard work and persever- Baptist Health’s Amazing Sprit Award in 2006. ance. It is essential students at all levels strive A member of the ‘‘Greatest Generation,’’ to make the most of their education and de- HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF Johnie Mae Sittonen is an example of Amer- velop a work ethic which will guide them for OF CALIFORNIA ican excellence, servant-hearted kindness, the rest of their lives. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and commitment to service. She will be deeply I extend my deepest congratulations to Lyla Thursday, April 12, 2018 missed, not only by her family and loved ones, Taylor for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in but also by the northeast Arkansas community Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have honor of Women’s History Month. Each year, she served throughout her life. no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication we pay special tribute to the contributions f and character in all of her future accomplish- made by our nation’s women. It is an honor to ments. pay homage to outstanding women who are TRIIBUTE TO DR. AMY ALZINA— f making a difference in my congressional dis- CALIFORNIA’S 24TH CONGRES- trict. Today I would like to recognize one re- U.S. CENTER FOR SAFESPORT— SIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR markable woman, Claudette Nicole Saba ALLIED PROFESSIONAL Monestime of Atwater Village, a unique neigh- HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL borhood of Los Angeles, California. OF CALIFORNIA HON. TED POE Claudette Nicole Saba Monestime is a Pal- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS estinian American who was born in Wies- baden, Germany, where her father was sta- Thursday, April 12, 2018 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, April 12, 2018 tioned serving the United States Army during Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the Vietnam War. Nicole, her parents and two honor of Women’s History Month. Every year, Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. sisters moved from Germany to Anaheim, we dedicate the month of March to give spe- Center for SafeSport is an outstanding organi- California after her father’s military service cial recognition to the accomplishments and zation that helps prevent child abuse within ended. She credits her amazing public school sacrifices made by America’s women. I con- the governing bodies of the United States education in the Anaheim school system and sider it an honor to highlight the extraordinary Olympic Committee. SafeSport was launched the attainment of a Bachelor of Arts in Busi- women who are making a difference in my in March of 2017 and aims to empower ath- ness Administration from California State Uni- District. I would like to recognize one out- letes by developing a national sport culture of versity, Fullerton. standing woman, Dr. Amy Alzina, from respect and safety. She moved to Atwater Village nearly twenty Montecito. SafeSport has a team of professionals spe- years ago to expand her career in marketing, In her first year as principal/superintendent cifically focused on developing best practices, and along the way met and married her hus- of Cold Spring School in Montecito, Dr. Alzina policies, and programs to protect our children band, Rene Monestime. They had two sons, has had more to deal with than many prin- from predators and promote education and Reece and Micah. After having a successful cipals will have to handle in a lifetime. Fortu- awareness about abuse. career as a marketing manager at Princess nately, her incredible spirit and strong leader- Additionally, the Center’s Response and Cruises and Cunard Line, she started her own ship has been woven into the fabric of the Resolution Office is tasked with investigating marketing firm and immersed herself in her school since she arrived. and resolving policy violations of the children’s public school education. Cold Spring School was particularly im- SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic and Ms. Monestime helped create a technology pacted by the aftermath of the Thomas Fire Paralympic Movement’s 47 member National vision for Glenfeliz Boulevard School for Ad- and subsequent mudslides, which devastated Governing Bodies. This will aid in investiga- vanced Studies, which has resulted in the con- Montecito and took the lives of twenty one in- tions to identify trends and patterns across sistent use of 75 iPads and 35 laptops by stu- dividuals. When Cold Springs School was sport, which will help to strengthen prevention dents throughout all grade levels. She con- forced the school to close for nearly six weeks efforts. tinues to volunteer her time in the classroom and took the lives of two students, Dr. Alzina Congress has recently recognized the need by helping teach first, second, and third grade was a calming voice and a beacon of informa- for keeping our young athletes safe, and students about the intricacies of computer pro- tion for the students and families ensuring SafeSport is committed to fighting alongside gramming. Nicole is the president of the families felt understood and supported. us to end the exploitation of young women Glenfeliz Boulevard School for Advanced From meeting with families who lost their lo and men in this country. SafeSport not only is Studies’ non-profit booster organization, ved ones, to hosting school-wide movie nights committed to preventing sexual abuse but any Friends of Glenfeliz, which raises much need- so parents could have time to themselves form of emotional and physical misconduct. ed funds to help to pay for programs that ben- knowing their children were safe, Dr. Alzina This also extends to bullying, hazing, and har- efit the entire student body, and also partici- gave the community comfort and security dur- assment. pates in an ongoing community outreach cam- ing an incredibly difficult time. Her leadership With these policies put into place, SafeSport paign to ensure that local businesses play an and compassion was instrumental to helping is effectively eradicating abuse from our sports integral role at the elementary school. Ms. Montecito recover from the devastation. programs. The organization is a shining bea- Monestime serves as the president of the I ask all Members to join me today in hon- con that empowers our youth to stand up for School Site Council, which works with the Los oring an exceptional woman of California’s what is right. Angeles Unified School District to give parents 24th Congressional District, Dr. Amy Alzina, Each year the Congressional Victims’ Rights perspective and feedback regarding decisions for her incredible service to her community. Caucus honors outstanding individuals and or- made at the district level. f ganizations for their tireless efforts supporting Nicole’s inspiration comes from the com- and empowering survivors of crime. Co- mitted parents, administrators, teachers, busi- LYLA TAYLOR chaired and co-founded by JIM COSTA (D–CA) ness and non-profit leaders from the Atwater and myself, the bipartisan caucus advocates Village community who work in creative ways HON. ED PERLMUTTER for crime victims and protects programs that to make a difference. When they say, ‘‘It takes OF COLORADO provide critical support for related services. a village to raise a child,’’ that is most certainly IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I am proud to award this amazing organiza- true and is happening in Atwater Village. tion with the Congressional Victims’ Rights I ask all Members to join me in honoring this Thursday, April 12, 2018 Caucus Allied Professional Award, recognizing exceptional, well-respected woman of Califor- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise the efforts of SafeSport and their leadership, nia’s 28th Congressional District, Claudette Ni- today to recognize and applaud Lyla Taylor for creativity, and commitment in linking allied cole Saba Monestime.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K12AP8.027 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS E454 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 12, 2018 TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM B. ‘‘BILL’’ SERENITY TURNER Carolina, where he worked for ten years as a ZIMMERMAN, JR. professional firefighter. Chief White later es- HON. ED PERLMUTTER tablished roots in Winter Park, where he has OF COLORADO spent the last fifteen years as our city’s top HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES firefighter. Some might say firefighting is the White OF VIRGINIA Thursday, April 12, 2018 family business. His father also volunteered as IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise a firefighter, and his brother went on to be- Thursday, April 12, 2018 today to recognize and applaud Serenity Tur- come the deputy fire chief of the same Arling- ner for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge ton fire station where White began his career. Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to Service Ambassadors for Youth award. These men exemplify courage—running in honor William B. ‘‘Bill’’ Zimmerman, Jr., of Serenity Turner is a student at Arvada K–8 while others are running out. Covington. Bill passed away on November 6, and received this award because her deter- But whether it is because firefighting is in 2017 at the age of 74. He was a fixture in the mination and hard work have allowed her to his family’s DNA or because of his own pas- community who gave generously of himself to overcome adversities. sion for the job, it is clear that Chief White is his fellow residents of the Alleghany High- The dedication demonstrated by Serenity both a capable leader and a dedicated public lands. Turner is exemplary of the type of achieve- servant. During his tenure as the Winter Park ment that can be attained with hard work and Bill cared deeply about the place where he Fire Chief, he oversaw the development of the perseverance. It is essential students at all grew up and spent his life. He graduated from city’s first emergency management office, the levels strive to make the most of their edu- Covington High School in 1960, and later in improvement of several of the city’s fire safety cation and develop a work ethic which will life he advised the school’s Jayteens. He accreditations, and the construction of Winter guide them for the rest of their lives. Park’s own public safety facility. worked as a Director of the Alleghany High- I extend my deepest congratulations to Se- lands Office on Youth Program and as a diver- Chief White’s achievements did not go un- renity Turner for winning the Arvada Wheat noticed. In 2008, the International City Man- sion specialist for Alleghany County and the Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. City of Covington. agement Association awarded Winter Park its I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- ‘‘Community Health and Safety Program Ex- Residents of Covington knew him as a long- cation and character in all of her future ac- cellence Award’’ in recognition of an effort led time councilman who fulfilled his duties with complishments. by Chief White to modernize the city’s fleet of integrity and dedication. From 1976 to 1980 f ambulances, making it safer for rescue per- and again from 1998 until his passing, Bill sonnel to save lives. And, in 2014, Chief served as District 1’s representative on the HONORING THE CAREER OF WIN- White received the Florida Fire Chiefs’ Asso- Covington City Council, and for a time also TER PARK FIRE CHIEF JIM ciation’s ‘‘Fire Chief of the Year Award’’ for his served as Vice Mayor. WHITE service to the public and his contributions to Bill also contributed to various boards and HON. STEPHANIE N. MURPHY the fire service as a whole. organizations with his time and his talents. Although Chief White’s leadership and expe- OF FLORIDA Among his contributions to the Alleghany His- rience will surely be missed at the department, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES torical Society was a grand piano. Even as his he will leave an incredible legacy for others to health declined, he continued to sing in the Thursday, April 12, 2018 follow. As a Winter Park resident myself, I Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to personally thank Chief Jim White for choir. rise to recognize Jim White, chief of the Win- his remarkable career in public service, and I It is hard to think of Covington without re- ter Park Fire Department, who will be retiring wish Jim and his entire family all the best as membering Bill Zimmerman. During parades in in May after over 35 years of public service in they enter this new and exciting chapter in Covington, I grew accustomed to seeing him the firefighting profession. their lives. on the same street corner greeting people. I Chief White began his career in firefighting May God bless Chief White and our brave offer my condolences to his family, his friends only a few miles from here as a volunteer at firefighters and first responders across this na- (of which I was one), and the City of Cov- the Arlington County Fire Department in Vir- tion who put their lives on the line to keep us ington on this great loss. ginia before moving to Myrtle Beach, South safe.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12AP8.031 E12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS Thursday, April 12, 2018 Daily Digest Senate McConnell Amendment No. 2230 (to (the in- Chamber Action structions) Amendment No. 2229), of a perfecting Routine Proceedings, pages S2083–S2129 nature. Page S2112 Measures Introduced: Sixteen bills and four resolu- McConnell Amendment No. 2231 (to Amend- tions were introduced, as follows: S. 2653–2668, and ment No. 2230), of a perfecting nature. Page S2112 S. Res. 460–463. Page S2120 A motion was entered to close further debate on the motion to concur in the amendment of the Measures Reported: House to the bill, and, in accordance with the provi- H.R. 2229, to amend title 5, United States Code, sions of Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the to provide permanent authority for judicial review of Senate, and pursuant to the unanimous-consent certain Merit Systems Protection Board decisions re- agreement of Thursday, April 12, 2018, a vote on lating to whistleblowers, with an amendment. (S. cloture will occur on Monday, April 16, 2018. Rept. No. 115–229) Page S2120 Page S2111 Measures Passed: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached providing that Senate resume consideration of the mo- Commending the University of Central Missouri tion to concur in the amendment of the House to Jennies: Senate agreed to S. Res. 461, commending the bill at approximately 3 p.m., on Monday, April the University of Central Missouri Jennies for win- 16, 2018; and that notwithstanding the provisions of ning the national championship in the National Col- Rule XXII, the cloture vote on the motion be at legiate Athletic Association Division II tournament. 5:30 p.m., on Monday, April 16, 2018. Page S2128 Page S2128 Nominations Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- House Messages: lowing nominations: Amending the White Mountain Apache Tribe By 50 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. EX. 69), Patrick Water Rights Quantification Act—Agreement: Pizzella, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Senate began consideration of the amendment of the Labor. Pages S2083–84, S2129 House of Representatives to S. 140, to amend the By 53 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. EX. 71), An- White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quan- drew Wheeler, of Virginia, to be Deputy Adminis- tification Act of 2010 to clarify the use of amounts trator of the Environmental Protection Agency. in the WMAT Settlement Fund, taking action on Pages S2084–S2110, S2129 the following motions and amendments proposed During consideration of this nomination today, thereto: Senate also took the following action: Pending: By 53 yeas to 45 nays (Vote No. 70), Senate McConnell motion to concur in the amendment of agreed to the motion to close further debate on the nomination. Page S2084 the House to the bill. Page S2111 McConnell motion to concur in the amendment of John W. Broomes, of Kansas, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas. the House to the bill, with McConnell Amendment Pages S2011, S2129 No. 2227 (to the amendment of the House to the During consideration of this nomination today, bill), to change the enactment date. Pages S2111–12 Senate also took the following action: McConnell Amendment No. 2228 (to Amend- By 74 yeas to 24 nays (Vote No. 72), Senate ment No. 2227), of a perfecting nature. Page S2112 agreed to the motion to close further debate on the McConnell motion to refer the message of the nomination. Pages S2010–11 House on the bill to the Committee on Indian Af- Rebecca Grady Jennings, of Kentucky, to be fairs, with instructions, McConnell Amendment No. United States District Judge for the Western Dis- 2229, to change the enactment date. Page S2112 trict of Kentucky. Pages S2111, S2129 D380

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D381 During consideration of this nomination today, Scott E. Kracl, of Nebraska, to be United States Senate also took the following action: Marshal for the District of Nebraska for the term of By 94 yeas to 2 nays (Vote No. 73), Senate agreed four years. to the motion to close further debate on the nomina- R. Don Ladner, Jr., of Florida, to be United States tion. Page S2111 Marshal for the Northern District of Florida for the Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- term of four years. lowing nominations: Cheryl A. Lydon, of South Carolina, to be United James H. Anderson, of Virginia, to be an Assist- States Attorney for the District of South Carolina for ant Secretary of Defense. the term of four years. Rubydee Calvert, of Wyoming, to be a Member Erica H. MacDonald, of Minnesota, to be United of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Pub- States Attorney for the District of Minnesota for the lic Broadcasting for a term expiring January 31, term of four years. 2022. Paul B. Matey, of New Jersey, to be United States Jennifer L. Homendy, of Virginia, to be a Member Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit. of the National Transportation Safety Board for a Mary S. McElroy, of Rhode Island, to be United term expiring December 31, 2019. States District Judge for the District of Rhode Is- Heidi R. King, of California, to be Administrator land. of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra- David Stephen Morales, of Texas, to be United tion. States District Judge for the Southern District of Laura Gore Ross, of New York, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Pub- Texas. lic Broadcasting for a term expiring January 31, Sarah Daggett Morrison, of Ohio, to be United 2022. States District Judge for the Southern District of Bonnie Glick, of Maryland, to be Deputy Admin- Ohio. istrator of the United States Agency for International David James Porter, of Pennsylvania, to be United Development. States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit. Mark Rosen, of Connecticut, to be United States J.C. Raffety, of West Virginia, to be United Executive Director of the International Monetary States Marshal for the Northern District of West Fund for a term of two years. Virginia for the term of four years. John P. Pallasch, of Kentucky, to be an Assistant Gadyaces S. Serralta, of Florida, to be United Secretary of Labor. States Marshal for the Southern District of Florida Raul M. Arias-Marxuach, of Puerto Rico, to be for the term of four years. United States District Judge for the District of Puer- Mark F. Sloke, of Alabama, to be United States to Rico. Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama for the Pamela A. Barker, of Ohio, to be United States term of four years. Page S2129 District Judge for the Northern District of Ohio. Kenneth D. Bell, of North Carolina, to be United Messages from the House: Page S2119 States District Judge for the Western District of Measures Referred: Page S2119 North Carolina. Measures Read the First Time: Page S2119 Stephen R. Clark, Sr., of Missouri, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Mis- Petitions and Memorials: Page S2119 souri. Executive Reports of Committees: Page S2120 Charles L. Goodwin, of Hawaii, to be United Additional Cosponsors: Pages S2120–21 States Marshal for the District of Hawaii for the term of four years. Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: James Patrick Hanlon, of Indiana, to be United Pages S2121–27 States District Judge for the Southern District of In- Additional Statements: Page S2118 diana. Scott Patrick Illing, of Louisiana, to be United Amendments Submitted: Pages S2127–28 States Marshal for the Eastern District of Louisiana Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S2128 for the term of four years. Privileges of the Floor: Page S2128 John D. Jordan, of Missouri, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri for the Record Votes: Five record votes were taken today. term of four years. (Total—73) Pages S2084, S2110–11 Jonathan W. Katchen, of Alaska, to be United Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:15 a.m. and States District Judge for the District of Alaska. adjourned at 5:54 p.m., until 3 p.m. on Monday,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST D382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 12, 2018 April 16, 2018. (For Senate’s program, see the re- and Chief Innovation Officer, Jackson; Mayor Allen marks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on Owen, Missouri City, Texas; Charles Lindsey, City page S2128.) Manager, Marathon, Florida; and Jennifer Pipa, American Red Cross Central Florida Region, Wash- Committee Meetings ington, D.C. (Committees not listed did not meet) 2018 TAX FILING SEASON Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF to examine the 2018 tax filing season and future In- LABOR ternal Revenue Service challenges, after receiving tes- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Depart- timony from David J. Kautter, Acting Commis- ments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and sioner, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Education, and Related Agencies concluded a hear- Treasury. ing to examine proposed budget estimates and jus- tification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department of NOMINATION Labor, after receiving testimony from R. Alexander Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded Acosta, Secretary of Labor. a hearing to examine the nomination of Mike DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION REQUEST AND Pompeo, of Kansas, to be Secretary of State, after the FUTURE YEARS DEFENSE PROGRAM nominee, who was introduced by former Senator Bob Dole, and Senators Roberts and Burr, testified and Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a answered questions in his own behalf. hearing to examine the posture of the Department of the Army in review of the Defense Authorization OFFICE OF INFORMATION AND Request for fiscal year 2019 and the Future Years REGULATORY AFFAIRS Defense Program, after receiving testimony from Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Mark T. Esper, Secretary of the Army, and General fairs: Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Fed- Mark A. Milley, USA, Chief of Staff of the Army, eral Management concluded a hearing to examine both of the Department of Defense. the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, CFPB SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO after receiving testimony from Neomi Rao, Adminis- CONGRESS trator, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Office of Management and Budget; and Brent J. Committee concluded a hearing to examine the Con- McIntosh, General Counsel, Department of the sumer Financial Protection Bureau’s semi-annual re- Treasury. port to Congress, after receiving testimony from BUSINESS MEETING Mick Mulvaney, Acting Director, Consumer Finan- cial Protection Bureau. Committee on the Judiciary: Committee ordered favorably reported the nominations of Jill Aiko Otake, to 2018 HURRICANE SEASON be United States District Judge for the District of Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Hawaii, and Timothy A. Garrison, to be United Committee concluded a hearing to examine the 2018 States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, hurricane season, focusing on the status of prepara- Kenji M. Price, to be United States Attorney for the tion and response capabilities, after receiving testi- District of Hawaii, John Cary Bittick, to be United mony from Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet, USN States Marshal for the Middle District of Georgia, (Ret.), Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmos- David L. Lyons, to be United States Marshal for the phere, and Acting Under Secretary for Oceans and Southern District of Georgia, and Rodney D. Atmosphere, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- Ostermiller, to be United States Marshal for the Dis- ministration, Department of Commerce; Rear Admi- trict of Montana, all of the Department of Justice. ral Linda L. Fagan, Deputy Commandant for Oper- ations Policy and Capability, Coast Guard, Depart- INTELLIGENCE ment of Homeland Security; T. Bella Dinh-Zarr, Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed Board Member, National Transportation Safety hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony Board; Jamie M. Miller, Mississippi Development from officials of the intelligence community. Authority Deputy Director for Governmental Affairs Committee recessed subject to the call.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D383 House of Representatives Quorum Calls—Votes: One yea-and-nay vote de- Chamber Action veloped during the proceedings of today and appears Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 24 pub- on page H3193. There were no quorum calls. lic bills, H.R. 2, 5480–5502; and 3 resolutions, H. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- Res. 822–824 were introduced. Pages H3208–09 journed at 7:28 p.m. Additional Cosponsors: Page H3210 Reports Filed: There were no reports filed today. Committee Meetings Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Chabot to act as Speaker APPROPRIATIONS—SMITHSONIAN pro tempore for today. Page H3151 INSTITUTION Recess: The House recessed at 11:02 a.m. and re- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Inte- convened at 12 noon. Page H3158 rior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker’s approval budget hearing on the Smithsonian Institution. Tes- of the Journal by voice vote. Pages H3158, H3194 timony was heard from David Skorton, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution. Moment of Silence: The House observed a moment of silence in honor of those who have been killed or INVESTMENTS IN OUR HEALTH wounded in service to our country and all those who WORKFORCE AND RURAL COMMUNITIES serve and their families. Page H3158 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, Committee Resignation: Read a letter from Rep- Health and Human Services, Education, and Related resentative Torres wherein she resigned from the Agencies held a budget hearing entitled ‘‘Invest- Committee on Natural Resources. Page H3192 ments in our Health Workforce and Rural Commu- Recess: The House recessed at 4:42 p.m. and recon- nities’’. Testimony was heard from Tom Morris, As- vened at 5 p.m. Pages H3192–93 sociate Administrator for Rural Health Policy, Suspensions: The House failed to agree to suspend Health Resources and Services Administration; and the rules and pass the following measure: Luis Padilla, M.D., Associate Administrator for Health Workforce, Health Resources and Services Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Administration. Constitution of the United States: H.J. Res. 2, proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Con- APPROPRIATIONS—NATIONAL stitution of the United States, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay AERONAUTICS AND SPACE vote of 233 yeas to 184 nays, Roll No. 138. ADMINISTRATION Pages H3162–92, H3193 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Com- Oath of Office—Eighteenth Congressional Dis- merce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies held a trict of Pennsylvania: Representative-elect Conor budget hearing on the National Aeronautics and Lamb presented himself in the well of the House Space Administration. Testimony was heard from and was administered the Oath of Office by the Robert M. Lightfoot, Acting Administrator, Na- Speaker. Earlier, the Clerk of the House transmitted tional Aeronautics and Space Administration. a copy of the Certificate of Election received from the Honorable Tom Wolf, Governor of Pennsylvania, APPROPRIATIONS—U.S. NATIONAL and the Honorable Robert Torres, the Acting Sec- GUARD AND RESERVE retary of the Commonwealth, indicating that, at the Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense Special Election held on March 13, 2018, the Hon- held a budget hearing on the U.S. National Guard orable Conor Lamb was elected Representative to and Reserve. Testimony was heard from General Jo- Congress for the 18th Congressional District, Com- seph L. Lengyel, Chief, National Guard Bureau; monwealth of Pennsylvania. Page H3194 Lieutenant General Charles D. Luckey, Chief of Whole Number of the House: The Speaker an- Army Reserve; Vice Admiral Luke M. McCollum, nounced to the House that, in light of the adminis- Chief of Navy Reserve; Lieutenant General Rex C. tration of the oath to the gentleman from Pennsyl- McMillian, Commander, Marine Forces Reserve; and vania, the whole number of the House is 430. Lieutenant General Maryanne Miller, Chief of Air Page H3194 Force Reserve.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST D384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 12, 2018 APPROPRIATIONS—GOVERNMENT from Elaine Chao, Secretary, Department of Trans- PUBLISHING OFFICE portation. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legisla- tive Branch held a budget hearing on the Govern- THE FISCAL YEAR 2019 NATIONAL ment Publishing Office. Testimony was heard from DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BUDGET Andrew M. Sherman, Acting Deputy Director, Gov- REQUEST FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ernment Publishing Office. DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS—ENERGY, Committee on Armed Services: Full Committee held a INSTALLATIONS, AND ENVIRONMENT hearing entitled ‘‘The Fiscal Year 2019 National De- fense Authorization Budget Request from the De- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Mili- partment of Defense’’. Testimony was heard from tary Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., Chairman, Joint Agencies held a budget hearing on Energy, Installa- Chiefs of Staff; and James N. Mattis, Secretary, De- tions, and Environment. Testimony was heard from partment of Defense. Lucian Niemeyer, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, Department FISCAL YEAR 2019 BUDGET REQUEST FOR of Defense; Lieutenant General Gwen Bingham, As- COMBAT AVIATION PROGRAMS sistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management, U.S. Army; Vice Admiral Dixon R. Smith, Deputy Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tac- Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Readiness and Lo- tical Air and Land Forces held a hearing entitled gistics, U.S. Navy; Major General Vincent A. ‘‘Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for Combat Avia- Coglianese, Commander, Marine Corps Installations tion Programs’’. Testimony was heard from Lieuten- Command, and Assistant Deputy Commandant, In- ant General Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., Military Deputy, stallations and Logistics (Facilities), U.S. Marine Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Corps; and Major General Timothy S. Green, Air Acquisition; Rear Admiral Upper Half Scott D. Force Director of Civil Engineers, and Deputy Chief Conn, Director of Air Warfare Division (N98), of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protec- Headquarters, U.S. Navy; Vice Admiral Paul A. tion, U.S. Air Force. Grosklags, Commander of the Naval Air Systems Command, Headquarters, U.S. Navy; Lieutenant APPROPRIATIONS—U.S. IMMIGRATION General Jerry D. Harris, Deputy Chief of Staff for AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT, AND U.S. Strategic Plans and Requirements, Headquarters, CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION U.S. Air Force; and Lieutenant General Steven R. Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Home- Rudder, Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps land Security held a budget hearing on the U.S. Im- for Aviation, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. migration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Cus- toms and Border Protection. Testimony was heard 355 SHIP NAVY: DELIVERING THE RIGHT from Kevin K. McAleenan, Commissioner, Customs CAPABILITIES and Border Protection; Matthew T. Albence, Execu- Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on tive Associate Director for Enforcement and Removal Seapower and Projection Forces held a hearing enti- Operations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement; tled ‘‘355 Ship Navy: Delivering the Right Capabili- and Derek N. Benner, Executive Associate, Director ties’’. Testimony was heard from James F. Geurts, for Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Devel- and Customs Enforcement. opment and Acquisition, Headquarters, U.S. Navy; APPROPRIATIONS—ARCHITECT OF THE Vice Admiral William R. Merz, Deputy Chief of CAPITOL Naval Operations for Warfare Systems, Head- quarters, U.S. Navy; and Vice Admiral Thomas Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legisla- Moore, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, tive Branch held a budget hearing on the Architect U.S. Navy. of the Capitol. Testimony was heard from Stephen T. Ayers, Architect of the Capitol. THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE’S APPROPRIATIONS—DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK TRANSPORTATION Committee on the Budget: Full Committee held a hear- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Trans- ing entitled ‘‘The Congressional Budget Office’s portation, Housing and Urban Development, and Budget and Economic Outlook’’. Testimony was Related Agencies held a budget hearing on the De- heard from Keith Hall, Director, Congressional partment of Transportation. Testimony was heard Budget Office.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D385 COMBATING THE OPIOID CRISIS: EXAMINING THE PRESIDENT’S FY 2019 IMPROVING THE ABILITY OF MEDICARE BUDGET REQUEST FOR THE AND MEDICAID TO PROVIDE CARE FOR TRANSPORTATION SECURITY PATIENTS ADMINISTRATION Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on Health concluded a hearing entitled ‘‘Combating the Transportation and Protective Security held a hear- Opioid Crisis: Improving the Ability of Medicare ing entitled ‘‘Examining the President’s FY 2019 and Medicaid to Provide Care for Patients’’. Testi- Budget Request for the Transportation Security Ad- mony was heard from Kimberly Brandt, Principal ministration’’. Testimony was heard from David P. Deputy Administrator for Operations, Centers for Pekoske, Administrator, Transportation Security Ad- Medicare and Medicaid Services; and public wit- ministration, Department of Homeland Security; and nesses. public witnesses. THE FISCAL YEAR 2019 DEPARTMENT OF MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES ENERGY BUDGET Committee on House Administration: Full Committee Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on held a markup on H.R. 4631, the ‘‘Access to Con- Energy held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Fiscal Year gressionally Mandated Reports Act’’; and H.R. 5305, 2019 Department of Energy Budget’’. Testimony the ‘‘FDLP Modernization Act of 2018’’. H.R. 4631 was heard from Rick Perry, Secretary, Department of and H.R. 5305 were ordered reported, as amended. Energy. EXAMINING THE ROLE OF SHARED OVERSIGHT OF THE FEDERAL HOUSING EMPLOYEES IN THE HOUSE FINANCE AGENCY Committee on House Administration: Full Committee Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on held a hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the Role of Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled Shared Employees in the House’’. Testimony was ‘‘Oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Agency’’. heard from the following House of Representatives Testimony was heard from Laura Wertheimer, In- officials: Paul Irving, House Sergeant-at-Arms; Phil- spector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency. ip Kiko, Chief Administrative Officer; and Michael Ptasienski, Inspector General. LEGISLATIVE MEASURE Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on LEGISLATIVE MEASURES Monetary Policy and Trade held a hearing on H.R. Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Regu- 4311, the ‘‘Foreign Investment Risk Review Mod- latory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law held ernization Act of 2017’’. Testimony was heard from a hearing on legislation on the Permitting Litigation Michael A. Brown, Presidential Innovation Fellow, Efficiency Act of 2018; and H.R. 4423, the ‘‘North Defense Innovation Unit Experimental; and public Texas Water Supply Security Act of 2017’’. Testi- witnesses. mony was heard from public witnesses. BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: EXAMINING EXAMINING THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR CHALLENGES FACING THE DEPARTMENT 2019 SPENDING, PRIORITIES AND OF HOMELAND SECURITY’S MISSIONS OF THE BUREAU OF CONSOLIDATED HEADQUARTERS PROJECT RECLAMATION, THE U.S. FISH AND Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on WILDLIFE SERVICE, THE NATIONAL Oversight and Management Efficiency held a hearing OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC entitled ‘‘Building for the Future: Examining Chal- ADMINISTRATION, AND THE FOUR lenges Facing the Department of Homeland Secu- POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS rity’s Consolidated Headquarters Project’’. Testimony Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on was heard from Thomas D. Chaleki, Chief Readiness Water, Power and Oceans held a hearing entitled Support Officer, Directorate for Management, De- ‘‘Examining the Proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Spend- partment of Homeland Security; Michael Gelber, ing, Priorities and Missions of the Bureau of Rec- Deputy Commissioner, Public Buildings Service, lamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the General Services Administration; and Christopher P. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Currie, Director, Emergency Management, National and the Four Power Marketing Administrations’’. Preparedness, and Critical Infrastructure Protection, Testimony was heard from Mark Gabriel, Adminis- Homeland Security and Justice Team, Government trator, Western Area Power Administration, Lake- Accountability Office. wood, Colorado; RDML Timothy Gallaudet, Acting

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST D386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 12, 2018 Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Depart- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES ment of Commerce; Kenneth Legg, Administrator, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Full Southeastern Power Administration, Elberton, Geor- Committee held a markup on H.R. 5294, the gia; Timothy R. Petty, Assistant Secretary for Water ‘‘Treating Barriers to Prosperity Act of 2018’’; H.R. and Science, Department of the Interior; Elliot 3288, the ‘‘Northern Border Regional Commission Mainzer, Administrator, Bonneville Power Adminis- Reauthorization Act of 2017’’; H. Con. Res. 115, tration, Portland, Oregon; and Mike Wech, Acting authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Administrator, Southwestern Power Administration, National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the Tulsa, Oklahoma. National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition; H. Con. Res. 113, authorizing the use of Capitol THE BENEFITS OF THE NAVAJO Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box GENERATION STATION ON LOCAL Derby; General Services Administration Capital In- ECONOMIES vestment and Leasing Program Resolutions; H.R. Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on En- 4177, the ‘‘PREPARE Act of 2017’’; H.R. 5319, to ergy and Mineral Resources held a hearing entitled transfer Coast Guard property in the Town of Jupi- ‘‘The Benefits of the Navajo Generation Station on ter Island, Florida, for inclusion in Hobe Sound Na- Local Economies’’. Testimony was heard from Mark tional Wildlife Refuge; H.R. 5326, the ‘‘Maritime Finchem, Arizona Legislature, District 11, Phoenix, Technical Corrections Act of 2018’’; and H.R. 4673, Arizona; and public witnesses. the ‘‘Promoting Women in the Aviation Workforce Act’’. H.R. 3288 and H.R. 4673 were ordered re- IMPROPER PAYMENTS IN STATE- ported, as amended. H.R. 5294, H. Con. Res. 115, ADMINISTERED PROGRAMS: MEDICAID H. Con. Res. 113, H.R. 4177, H.R. 5319, H.R. Committee on Oversight and Government reform: Sub- 5326, and General Services Administration Capital committee on Government Operations; and Sub- Investment and Leasing Program Resolutions were committee on Intergovernmental Affairs held a joint ordered reported, without amendment. hearing entitled ‘‘Improper Payments in State-Ad- HEARING ON THE EFFECTS OF TARIFF ministered Programs: Medicaid’’. Testimony was INCREASES ON THE U.S. ECONOMY AND heard from Tim Hill, Deputy Director, Centers for JOBS Medicaid and CHIP Services, Department of Health and Human Services; Megan Tinker, Senior Advisor Committee on Ways and Means: Full Committee held for Legal Review, Office of Counsel, Office of In- a hearing entitled ‘‘Hearing on the Effects of Tariff spector General, Department of Health and Human Increases on the U.S. Economy and Jobs’’. Testimony Services; Carolyn Yocom, Director of Health Care, was heard from public witnesses. Government Accountability Office; Daryl Purpera, JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY: LOCAL Legislative Auditor, Louisiana; and a public witness. PERSPECTIVES ON THE JOBS GAP Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on A ‘CARAVAN’ OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: A Human Resources held a hearing entitled ‘‘Jobs and TEST OF U.S. BORDERS Opportunity: Local Perspectives on the Jobs Gap’’. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- Testimony was heard from public witnesses. committee on National Security held a hearing enti- FISCAL YEAR 2019 BUDGET HEARING tled ‘‘A ‘Caravan’ of Illegal Immigrants: A Test of U.S. Borders’’. Testimony was heard from Carla L. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Sub- Provost, Acting Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; Brandon committee on Department of Defense Intelligence Judd, President, National Border Patrol Council; and Overhead Architecture held a hearing entitled Colonel Steven McCraw, Director, Texas Department ‘‘Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Hearing’’. This hearing of Public Safety; and public witnesses. was closed. COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Joint Meetings ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT AND No joint committee meetings were held. BEYOND f Committee on Small Business: Subcommittee on Inves- NEW PUBLIC LAWS tigations, Oversight, and Regulations held a hearing entitled ‘‘Community Support: Entrepreneurial De- (For last listing of Public Laws, see DAILY DIGEST, p. D351) velopment and Beyond’’. Testimony was heard from H.R. 1865, to amend the Communications Act of public witnesses. 1934 to clarify that section 230 of such Act does not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST April 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D387 prohibit the enforcement against providers and users House of interactive computer services of Federal and State Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Home- criminal and civil law relating to sexual exploitation land Security, budget hearing on the Federal Emergency of children or sex trafficking. Signed on April 11, Management Agency, 11 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. 2018. (Public Law 115–164) Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Military f Personnel, hearing entitled ‘‘Military Personnel Posture: FY 2019’’, 9 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR FRIDAY, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on En- APRIL 13, 2018 vironment, hearing entitled ‘‘High Octane Fuels and (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) High Efficiency Vehicles: Challenges and Opportunities’’, 9 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Senate No meetings/hearings scheduled.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST D388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 12, 2018

Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 3 p.m., Monday, April 16 9 a.m., Friday, April 13

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Monday: Senate will resume consideration Program for Friday: Consideration of H.R. 4790— of the motion to concur in the amendment of the House Volcker Rule Regulatory Harmonization Act. to S. 140, Amending the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act, and vote on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Demings, Val Butler, Fla., E448, E450 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E440, E441, E443, E444, E447, Deutch, Theodore E., Fla., E445 E448, E451, E452, E453, E454 Bergman, Jack, Mich., E441 Doyle, Michael F., Pa., E450, E452 Perry, Scott, Pa., E444 Blum, Rod, Iowa, E440 Fitzpatrick, Brian K., Pa., E451 Poe, Ted, Tex., E441, E445, E448, E449, E451, E453 Brady, Kevin, Tex., E445 Sablan, Gregorio Kilili Camacho, Northern Mariana Gallagher, Mike, Wisc., E442 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E443, E446, E452 Islands, E439 Gonzalez, Vicente, Tex., E452 Carbajal, Salud O., Calif., E444, E447, E449, E451, E453 Schiff, Adam B., Calif., E440, E442, E443, E444, E446, Collins, Chris, N.Y., E443, E447 Griffith, H. Morgan, Va., E454 E447, E449, E450, E451, E453 Correa, J. Luis, Calif., E443 Jackson Lee, Sheila, Tex., E446 Sewell, Terri A., Ala., E441 Crawford, Eric A. ‘‘Rick’’, Ark., E449 Murphy, Stephanie M., Fla., E454 Shimkus, John, Ill., E452 DeSaulnier, Mark, Calif., E444 Olson, Pete, Tex., E448 Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E439

E PL UR UM IB N U U S The Congressional Record (USPS 087–390). The Periodicals postage is paid at Washington, D.C. The public proceedings of each House Congressional Record of Congress, as reported by the Official Reporters thereof, are printed pursuant to directions of the Joint Committee on Printing as authorized by appropriate provisions of Title 44, United States Code, and published for each day that one or both Houses are in session, excepting very infrequent instances when two or more unusually small consecutive issues are printed one time. ¶ Public access to the Congressional Record is available online through the U.S. Government Publishing Office, at www.govinfo.gov, free of charge to the user. The information is updated online each day the Congressional Record is published. For more information, contact the GPO Customer Contact Center, U.S. Government Publishing Office. Phone 202–512–1800, or 866–512–1800 (toll-free). E-Mail, [email protected]. ¶ To place an order for any of these products, visit the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at: bookstore.gpo.gov. Mail orders to: Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197–9000, or phone orders to 866–512–1800 (toll-free), 202–512–1800 (D.C. area), or fax to 202–512–2104. Remit check or money order, made payable to the Superintendent of Documents, or use VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or GPO Deposit Account. ¶ Following each session of Congress, the daily Congressional Record is revised, printed, permanently bound and sold by the Superintendent of Documents in individual parts or by sets. ¶ With the exception of copyrighted articles, there are no restrictions on the republication of material from the Congressional Record. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Record, U.S. Government Publishing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, along with the entire mailing label from the last issue received.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:46 Apr 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0664 Sfmt 0664 E:\CR\FM\D12AP8.REC D12APPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with DIGEST