E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 112 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 158 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012 No. 70 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was tion. Republicans and Democrats alike communities safe by prosecuting called to order by the Speaker pro tem- have supported the legislation in all criminals and protecting victims. pore (Mr. BARTON of Texas). subsequent reauthorizations because of The House bill would decentralize the f the recognition for the vital nature of Violence Against Women immigration the services that are provided and the adjudication process, bypassing exam- DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO impact that it has not just on women, iners who are trained in domestic vio- TEMPORE but on the children in these families. lence and sexual assault, instead, man- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- That’s why it was reauthorized in 2000 dating additional interviews on bat- fore the House the following commu- and then again in 2005 under a Repub- tered immigrants. These are people nication from the Speaker: lican administration with President who usually have very limited options WASHINGTON, DC, Bush. to protect themselves. We should not May 16, 2012. In this Congress, that tradition of bi- complicate the lives of some of the I hereby appoint the Honorable JOE BAR- partisan support continues in the Sen- most vulnerable people in the United TON to act as Speaker pro tempore on this ate, which has approved a stronger States. These victims of violence—usu- day. version of the legislation developed in ally women in the most difficult of cir- JOHN A. BOEHNER, the Senate Judiciary Committee, co- cumstances—will be burdened, hin- Speaker of the House of Representatives. sponsored by both Chair LEAHY and dered, and discouraged from seeking f Ranking Member CRAPO. Sadly, it’s and getting the help they need. MORNING-HOUR DEBATE facing a decidedly different fate in the The House bill would represent the House. triumph of ideological partisan politics The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Once again, the Republican majority over solid legislation with an oppor- ant to the order of the House of Janu- is advancing legislation by one of their tunity for solid bipartisan support. It ary 17, 2012, the Chair will now recog- new Members that is designed not to should be firmly rejected. nize Members from lists submitted by bring people together to solve prob- Instead, the House should use this the majority and minority leaders for lems, but to create unnecessary divi- opportunity to build on a record of morning-hour debate. sions. Their bill would actually roll proven success, bipartisan cooperation, The Chair will alternate recognition back, for the first time, these estab- and a commitment to strengthening between the parties, with each party lished rights rather than increase the protection of society’s most vulner- limited to 1 hour and each Member them. The House legislation would fail able by using the Senate bill as a tem- other than the majority and minority to provide protections for lesbian, gay, plate. These victims and potential vic- leaders and the minority whip limited bisexual, and transsexual individuals. tims deserve no less. They, their fami- to 5 minutes each, but in no event shall It would fail Native American victims lies, and the communities they live in debate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. who are assaulted on tribal lands by deserve no less. f nontribal predators. The bill would dis- Domestic violence is an assault on courage immigrants from reporting the entire community and should not VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN sexual assaults and other crimes by be tolerated. We should not retreat on The SPEAKER pro tempore. The placing unnecessary restrictions on the Violence Against Women Act, but Chair recognizes the gentleman from new visa programs and not increase the strengthen it by using the Senate bill Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for 5 min- emergency visas for individuals who as a point of departure and reject the utes. immigrate to the United States on a House version. Mr. BLUMENAUER. The Violence marriage or fiancee visa and are sub- f Against Women Act has been one of the ject to an abusive relationship. great legislative successes of the last Not only does the House bill miss NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH two decades. Since it was first signed these opportunities, but it would re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The into law by President Clinton, there is move the current confidentiality pro- Chair recognizes the gentleman from no question that it has helped millions tections for victims who still had im- Pennsylvania (Mr. MARINO) for 5 min- of women by funding a variety of com- migrant status. It would inexplicably utes. munity violence protection programs reduce violence reporting requirements Mr. MARINO. Mr. Speaker, as a fos- and a variety of victim assistance serv- on colleges and universities. These are ter parent, a father of two adopted ices from coast to coast while pro- all tools widely used and supported by children, and a cochairman of the bi- viding a legal framework for protec- law enforcement officials to help keep partisan Congressional Foster Youth

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

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VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:35 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.000 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 Caucus, I rise today to recognize May of the Congressional Caucus on Foster more about those who have served in as National Foster Care Month. Youth and with Representative TOM battle and conflict not only at home, There are currently over 107,000 fos- MARINO, as well as over 90 of our col- but overseas. My office is open to any- ter youth eligible and waiting for adop- leagues in the House and the Senate, in one who would like to document their tion and more than 400,000 youth in the introducing a bipartisan, bicameral story and share their experiences with foster care system. In an effort to raise resolution in recognition of National the American public. It’s important awareness about the needs and the ex- Foster Care Month. I invite my col- that we preserve these records, Mr. perience of these youth, I am honored leagues to cosponsor the bipartisan res- Speaker, so that future generations to join my colleagues in a bipartisan olution as well as join the Congres- know the sacrifices that our men and manner to acknowledge the importance sional Caucus on Foster Youth. women in the military have made. I of this special month. f would encourage anyone from the 10th Through increased understanding and District in Illinois who has served to dedicated caregivers, we can and must THANKING OUR VETERANS call the Northbrook office at (847) 272– continue to make important advances The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 0404 and share your story so that we in providing more stable and caring en- Chair recognizes the gentleman from can preserve it for years and years to vironments for all foster youth. We Illinois (Mr. DOLD) for 5 minutes. come. must focus on learning from State and Mr. DOLD. This Memorial Day we I want to thank all those who have local child welfare providers, advo- will take time to remember those who served, those that are serving cur- cates, and foster children to better have given their lives to keep our Na- rently, and those that have given their know how we can help. The needs of tion safe and free. So many brave men lives to protect our country. This Me- these youth are urgent and real. And and women have given the ultimate morial Day I believe that we must while there are many alarming facts sacrifice to ensure that we can enjoy honor those who have fallen and never and figures that reflect the challenges the very freedoms and liberties that we forget the sacrifices that they have these children face, the resiliency of all enjoy today. I want to thank all of made to make sure that our country foster youth remains strong; and we those who are currently serving, those remains safe and free. must all continue to do our part. To- who have served, and their families for f gether, we can make National Foster putting our Nation first. America is a THE MODERN TAX SYSTEM: FAIR Care Month a success. stronger and better Nation because of TO THE AVERAGE AMERICAN? f your sacrifice and service. Recently, veterans from Illinois The SPEAKER pro tempore. The FOSTER CARE MONTH came to Washington, D.C., and it was Chair recognizes the gentleman from The SPEAKER pro tempore. The truly an honor and pleasure to meet Pennsylvania (Mr. CRITZ) for 5 min- utes. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the Illinois Honor Flight at the World Mr. CRITZ. Mr. Speaker, in April, California (Ms. BASS) for 5 minutes. War II Memorial, not only to hear their stories, but to have an opportunity to the Johnstown-Somerset Central Labor Ms. BASS of California. Mr. Speaker, Council announced the winners of its talk with these true heroes and learn I rise today to recognize May as Na- annual scholarship essay contest. This more about their friends, those who tional Foster Care Month. The goal of year’s first-place winner, Lisa made it back and those who didn’t. The this month is to raise awareness about Vatavuk, wrote an essay entitled: ‘‘The heroic efforts of the men and women of the experiences and needs of more than Modern Tax System: Fair to the Aver- World War II—and I would argue from 400,000 youth in the foster care system. age American?’’ Throughout the month, members of all of our conflicts—helped keep our I would like to read Lisa’s essay, as the Congressional Caucus on Foster Nation safe and away from harm’s way. it has particular meaning to our cur- Youth will share stories of foster youth I cannot thank them enough for all rent tax and budget debate: they have done for our country. in their districts. Today I would like to Dating back to ancient Egypt in the year share a story from my constituent Last month, I had the privilege of 3000 BCE, taxes have been a familiar part of Kevin, a young man from Hollywood, presenting two veterans from Illinois’s society for almost as long as civilizations California. 10th Congressional District with their have existed. So how do taxes affect the cur- medals that had not been presented. rent citizens of the United States? Today’s 1010 b These men served their country with tax system affects all three classes in dif- His story is unique, yet his resiliency distinction and deserve the medals that ferent ways. Unfortunately, in the United is characteristic of hundreds of thou- they have earned. States, taxation hits the average middle sands of foster youth across our Na- class family the hardest out of all three de- George Ott, from Arlington Heights, mographics. tion. served as an Air Force staff sergeant in The United States follows a progressive Kevin was born into a family ad- the 6th Aircraft Repair Unit during taxing system. This means that, ideally, dicted to crack cocaine. He was re- World War II. He served from 1944 to families in the lowest income brackets pay moved from his parents at the age of 2, 1946, serving in the Marshall Islands, the lowest percentage of taxes, while fami- after a near-death drowning experi- the Philippines, and Japan. I was able lies in the highest income brackets pay the ence. After years in a group home, he to present him with the World War II highest percentage. However, this system of was placed with a legal guardian. But taxation is flawed. Because the Bush admin- Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific istration cut taxes for the wealthy, families this placement was difficult. Kevin was Campaign Medal, and the Army Good in the top income brackets pay much lower placed back with his biological mother, Conduct Medal. tax rates than the progressive system calls until she was incarcerated for the third Thomas Vana, of Des Plaines, was for. Also, because taxes include sales taxes, time, leaving Kevin with no place to another veteran I was able to serve and property taxes, and other kinds of taxes in go. present medals. He served as a sergeant addition to income taxes, families in the In the face of all these challenges, in the 2nd Infantry Division during the highest income tax brackets almost always Kevin has persevered. He recently Korean War. He served as an Active pay lower percentages of their income in their total taxes than low and working class transferred from community college Duty medic from 1970 to 1974. I was able families. In addition, because State and local with a full-ride scholarship and a 3.8 to present him with the Army Good taxes are typically regressive rather than GPA. He plans to become a professor in Conduct Medal and the Korea Defense progressive, low and middle class families the social sciences. Service Medal. are given a higher percentage of taxes than About his time in and out of foster Beyond working directly with vet- wealthy families. In 2007, out of all the in- care, Kevin says: erans, Mr. Speaker, to ensure they re- come brackets, families in the middle-in- come bracket paid the highest percent of I am extremely grateful for the opportuni- ceive the recognition that they have their income in their total taxes in Wash- ties I have had because they allow me to earned, my office is also working with ington, D.C., Maine, Minnesota, New York, identify and connect with a broad range of veterans to document their stories. South Carolina, and Vermont. In the vast people. The Veterans History Project is an on- majority of the remaining States, the low- Today, in honor of Kevin’s courage going effort by the Library of Congress est-income families paid the highest tax per- and tenacity, I join my fellow cochairs to collect stories and photos to learn centage, and the highest-income families

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:44 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.004 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2719 paid the lowest. There were no States in 2007 This money comes from money taken made a promise to never forget not in which the wealthy families paid taxes at straight from taxpayers. Middle-income fami- only those sad times, the feelings of a higher rate than the middle and low class- lies are many times forced to pay the highest brokenness and loneliness, but those es. The current tax system affects families in tax rates out of any of the income brackets, good times, the funny stories we hear. high-income brackets much differently than and they receive no special treatment from the I have two friends killed in the line it affects those in the low- and middle-in- United States government. of duty, one in June of 1982. He was my come brackets. First, wealthy families re- In conclusion, in the United States today, good friend and partner, Sam Hicks. He ceive many tax deductions. The government, most of the burdens of taxation are put onto was shot and killed. But I remember a on average, pays for about 35 percent of high- the average middle-income working families. night when he and I, together, went to income families’ taxes. A second way in which the wealthy are not affected by the The system of taxation is extremely unfair for catch a robber. We surrounded the tax system as much as lower class families is working families; they work their entire lives to house, just the two of us. It was pitch that they generally do not have to pay as have a large part of their income taken away dark outside, and all of a sudden I much income tax. The average millionaire from them by the government when people in heard Sam scream, Run, DAVE, run. does not earn their money from working; both high- and low-income brackets receive So when Sam said ‘‘run,’’ I ran. And they earn money from their investments. special treatment from the government. The I ran. Then I heard a barking dog. I Taxes on long-term investments are lower looked and saw that Sam was being than taxes on income because the govern- average American family falls in the middle-in- ment wants to encourage consumers to spend come category, and in the current tax system, chased by a large dog. Sam and I money. However, this means that wealthy this family, the heart and soul of America, is jumped in our police car and I peeled families that earn money from investments the one that ultimately suffers. out, headed out of the driveway be- pay lower taxes than middle- and low-income f cause the lights were coming on inside working families. the house where the robber was, and I Finally, the families in the top income b 1020 began to smell something a little bit brackets are almost never hurt by the cur- funny. Well, what happened is that rent tax system because some politicians do HONORING LAW ENFORCEMENT all they can to protect the wealthy. Some OFFICERS Sam decided he was going to mace the dog, but instead he maced himself. politicians believe that as long as the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The wealthy families have money to spare, they That’s one of the stories I remember will make investments that will benefit the Chair recognizes the gentleman from about my good friend Sam. He also economy and the lower classes. While this Washington (Mr. REICHERT) for 5 min- taught me how to tie a tie. I only know theory may or may not be true, the higher utes. one knot. It’s the knot that I’m wear- classes continue to have lower tax rates than Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise ing today. the middle and low classes. The United today to recognize the nearly 1 million My good friend, Mike Raburn, who States’ current tax system clearly benefits law enforcement officers who work day wealthy families. went to the academy with me, saved Wealthy families are not the only ones and night to protect all of us. All of us my life one night. I was directing traf- that benefit from this system of taxation in sleep more soundly at night knowing fic in Federal Way just south of Se- the United States. Poor families are often that the brave men and women of law attle, and I didn’t know it, but some- given benefits as well. While families in enforcement are in our communities one behind me had run up behind me high-income tax brackets receive many patrolling, protecting, and watching with a knife with the knife raised in breaks on their taxes, they are not the only over our homes and businesses. They people that receive these breaks. Families the air. Mike had just driven up, and do so bravely and selflessly, and they the guy was running toward me to that are considered to be in poverty by the do not ask for recognition. They put United States Government are many times stick the knife in my back. Mike tack- given breaks on their taxes as well. For ex- their lives on the line knowing the led him and saved my life. ample, the Earned Income Tax Credit, or risks, and they take those risks on I remember those good times. I re- EITC, is given to many low-income families with unwavering courage. member those bad times. We can never in this country. This tax credit gives fami- I worked for 33 years as a law en- forget the sacrifice of our law enforce- lies money back to help relieve the burden of forcement officer before I came to Con- taxes. In some cases, the EITC gives families ment men and women. We are all safe gress. I didn’t do that because I wanted today. You can be in this Hall today, back more money than they originally paid to be the sheriff of King County in Se- in government taxes. In some cases, poor Mr. Speaker. We can all be here today, families also receive benefits from the cur- attle. I didn’t do it because I wanted to we can walk on the streets safe know- rent tax system because in some cases the be a Member of Congress. I did it be- ing that our brothers and sisters in law members of the family do not work. In fami- cause I wanted to serve my community enforcement are there to protect us. lies in which no one works, there are no in- by protecting it and making a dif- Now, you can help them. This week come taxes or payroll taxes. These families ference. I found that I wasn’t alone. we passed the Blue Alert bill. All you instead receive assistance from welfare. Each of my law enforcement colleagues need to do is watch for those, like There is no tax on money received from wel- carried in them the heart of a servant. fare, so families receiving this aid that do those AMBER Alert, the Blue Alert not earn additional income from a job do not So this week, National Police Week, signals on your freeway signs. If an of- pay any income taxes. Consequently, the tax is bittersweet for all of us in law en- ficer has been shot or killed, you’ll see system in the United States can be beneficial forcement because we remember the information on those signs. Call in. to low-income families. tragedy of our fellow officers’ loss. Al- We can work together to keep the In the current tax system, there are cer- ready this year, 40 officers have been communities safe, because if they hurt tain advantages to being in either high-in- killed in the line of duty. come families or low-income families, but a cop, if they kill a cop, they’ll hurt what happens to those families that fall in Tuesday was Peace Officer Memorial somebody, somebody in the commu- the middle? The majority of Americans are Day, a day to remember the brave nity. So help us by participating in hardworking citizens that earn a moderate brothers and sisters killed in the line Blue Alert. salary. These citizens are the ones that have of duty. We’ve lost them; they’re gone, And also, I ask of you today, Mr. to pay for the benefits that others receive. but they’re not forgotten. Speaker, and everyone listening across For example, when the wealthy receive tax Why do law enforcement officers the great Nation of this United States deductions, the government receives less come together today during this week of America to never forget. money as revenue, and the people that fall in in Washington, D.C., and on this me- the middle are the ones that suffer. God bless you. Thank you. The less money the government has, the morial event? To share the fellowship f less it can provide funding to programs that and remember, because we made a benefit middle-income families, such as edu- promise. Everyone in this room has ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN cation funding, libraries, and government aid made a promise and everyone across HERITAGE MONTH for skyrocketing college costs. A second way this country has made a promise, Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The in which the middle class is hurt by tax de- Speaker, to never forget—to never for- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from ductions is when poor families receive tax credits. As previously mentioned, sometimes get the pain, the suffering, the feeling Guam (Ms. BORDALLO) for 5 minutes. when families receive the EITC, they receive of great loss, the brokenness of fami- Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise more money from the government than they lies, the sadness that will touch that today in honor of Asian Pacific Amer- originally paid. family for the rest of their lives. We ican Heritage Month and to recognize

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:44 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.006 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 the many contributions that Asian and And our island is being called upon to that if I read them out today, I think Pacific Americans make to our great sustain one of the most complex and it would fill the CONGRESSIONAL Nation. important force posture realignments RECORD. I commend Congresswoman JUDY in the history of the United States. He also served as a member of the CHU, who is the chair of the Congres- Today, per capita, we also are number Virginia Beach Clergy Association and sional Asian Pacific American Caucus, one when it comes to people who serve Ministerial Alliance. He was the found- and also Congressman MIKE HONDA, the in the National Guard. Guam is num- er and president of the Hampton Roads caucus’ chair emeritus, for their lead- ber one per capita. Ecumenical Council of Bishops. He led ership and for their efforts on behalf of mission trips to Haiti and outreach to b 1030 our communities. the poor. Our caucus represents a very large This May, we once again celebrate His sermons were literally broadcast and a diverse community. The cultures Asian Pacific American Heritage around the world. So many were that are represented in our caucus Month. Despite the many successes touched by his words, which I think ex- highlight many, many unique tradi- that the APA community has experi- plains why at the wake the night be- tions, languages, and histories. Despite enced, there is still so very much to be fore his funeral 2,500 people were there, our diverse backgrounds, Asian Pacific done. APA Heritage Month is a celebra- and 4,000 folks showed up to the fu- Americans are committed to improving tion of our diversity, a recognition of neral. I was honored to share just a few our country every single day. the sacrifices and the contributions words with the family. Today, more than 18.5 million Asians that Asian Pacific Americans make to I just ask that God would bless the and Pacific Islanders call America our Nation, and an opportunity to edu- family and watch over them, give them their home—18.5 million. We have be- cate all Americans of the unique role peace, and that the message that the come the fastest growing minority that our community plays in our coun- bishop had lived his life conveying community in the United States, hav- try. would be continued. That truly is the ing increased by more than 40 percent I thank you, Mr. Speaker, or as we way, I believe, we honor the bishop’s in the last 10 years. say in Guam, Si Yu’os Ma’ase—thank life is by continuing his work, his com- Asian Pacific Americans contribute you, and God be with you. passion for others, his commitment to to every aspect of our lives, from busi- f making sure that all Americans cross ness to education, health care to public PAYING TRIBUTE TO BISHOP the finish line, always centered on fam- relations, sports and recreation to the BARNETT K. THOROUGHGOOD ily, always centered on God, and al- arts, government, and the Armed Serv- ways mindful of his obligations as an ices. Our businesses employ more than The SPEAKER pro tempore. The American. 2.8 million workers, who generate more Chair recognizes the gentleman from Bishop Thoroughgood leaves to cher- than $512 billion in annual revenues to Virginia (Mr. RIGELL) for 5 minutes. ish his memories, again, his lovely our economy. Two Cabinet Secretaries, Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise wife, Ernestine Thoroughgood; his Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Vet- today to recognize, to honor, and to sons, Bertram, Emmanuel, and Jona- erans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, pay tribute to the life of Bishop than; daughter, Mekia; four brothers— are of APA descent, and APAs cur- Barnett K. Thoroughgood, founder of large family, wonderful family that we rently represent 13 congressional dis- New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ had here this morning—five grand- tricts and serve in 15 State legisla- in Virginia Beach, who passed away too children, and many children they’ve tures. Further, in the last 3 years, the early from this Earth in February. He adopted and helped through the social number of judges serving in the Fed- was a man of God, an inspiring leader, services foster care program; the New eral judiciary has more than doubled, a tremendous, positive influence in our Jerusalem Church family; and the its highest level in our country’s entire community, and a truly outstanding members of the Church of God in history. American. Christ worldwide. From the very beginning, the Asian Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to Mr. Speaker, I close as I began, just Pacific American community has please help me welcome his family here knowing that it’s a high honor to pay sought better opportunities or to es- today, his wife of 39 years, Ernestine; tribute to his life. I think it embodies cape persecution in their homeland. son, Jonathan; daughter, Mekia; hand- the very best of what it means to be an These can be seen with each particular some grandson, Caleb—who was just in American, to be part of our Hampton group: in the experiences of the first my office—and many other distin- Roads community, and to be a Vir- Chinese laborers who came to build the guished guests who have come with the ginian. transcontinental railroads, the first family today. So with that, I ask God’s continued Japanese workers who worked on plan- I think the measure of a man or a grace on the family. woman is the legacy they leave to their tations in Hawaii, and the first Viet- f namese refugees who arrived because of children, and the legacy left by Bishop war, and countless APA groups with Thoroughgood is exemplary. The good ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH similar stories. Asian Pacific American bishop dedicated his life to serving The SPEAKER pro tempore. The history is the larger American story of God, his fellow man, and his commu- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from valuing freedom, continuously working nity. He was a titan in the field of California (Ms. CHU) for 5 minutes. to make our Nation great and giving human rights. He was loved by fellow Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, this month is our children a better future than the clergy and the community in which he Asian Pacific American Heritage ones we have. served. He was a truly gifted speaker, Month. It is a time for us to take pride I represent the people of Guam. I rep- and he used that gift to be a blessing to in our country’s diversity and to cele- resent the U.S. Territory of Guam. The others. This is what was written about brate the ways in which Asian Pacific people are an important part of our the bishop in the Virginia Pilot: Americans have contributed to the vi- Asian Pacific American community Bishop Thoroughgood liked to say he start- brancy of our Nation. and are extremely loyal and proud of ed preaching at the age of five, when he Today, Asian Pacific Americans are their citizenship. Case in point, this spent many days sharing Jesus with the pris- the fastest growing racial group in the year will mark the 68th anniversary of on work crews that came to clean ditches in country and now account for nearly 6 the liberation of Guam from a brutal his Seatack neighborhood. At 20 years old, percent of the total population. Asian he started the New Jerusalem Church of God enemy occupation during World War II in Christ. Across his career, he received Pacific Americans are an incredibly di- and the return of freedom to the island many educational honors leading to his doc- verse group comprised of over 45 dis- as part of the American family. Guam torate of ministry. He served as the district tinct ethnicities and speaking over 100 has one of the highest per capita cas- superintendent to the Virginia Beach dis- different language dialects. We are rep- ualties in the more than a decade that trict and second administrative assistant to resented in every arena of American our country has been at war, yet our Bishop Samuel L. Greene, Jr. life, from college presidents to public people continue to enter military serv- He was amazingly active in the com- servants and CEOs, and even to an NBA ice as a calling to serve their country. munity and received so many awards basketball star, Jeremy Lin.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:35 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.008 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2721 This year marks a number of historic This week, architects, code officials, I yield back the balance of my time. milestones for the Asian Pacific Amer- designers, and others involved in mak- f ican community, including the 20th ing buildings more energy efficient cel- SUPPORT EXTENSION OF THE year since the formal establishment of ebrate High-Performance Building COLLEGE COST REDUCTION ACT APA Heritage Month; the 100th anni- Week. This annual event features brief- versary of the planting of the first ings, meetings, and other educational The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cherry blossoms in our Nation’s Cap- outlets designed to showcase and pro- Chair recognizes the gentleman from ital; and the 150th year since the pas- mote the good work being done to pro- Connecticut (Mr. COURTNEY) for 5 min- sage of the Pacific Railroad Act, which vide better buildings and mitigate the utes. led to the construction of the trans- impact on the environment. Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, in 45 continental railroad. Building owners and operators con- days, the interest rate on the Stafford This year also marks the anniversary tinue to find creative ways to minimize Student Loan program is going to dou- of several painful events in our history: the effect that rising energy costs have ble from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. As millions of American families 130 years since the passage of the Chi- on their operations and productivity. know, the Stafford Student Loan pro- nese Exclusion Act of 1882, a discrimi- These owners and operators are begin- gram is the workhorse for middle class natory piece of legislation which pre- ning to find that better designs of new students trying to pay for college. It is vented people of Chinese ancestry from buildings and smart retrofits of exist- a program which has an affordable in- becoming naturalized citizens and from ing buildings free up capital and allow terest rate. It provides protections for ever having the right to vote; 70 years managers to commit more resources to students so that interest doesn’t accu- since the signing of Executive Order the core operations rather than to util- mulate while you’re actually in school. 9066, which led to the internment of ity bills. It provides a grace period after you 120,000 Japanese Americans during The State of Montana decided to graduate. And it also has a cap in World War II; and 30 years since the make its buildings more energy effi- terms of how much of your income has unpunished murder of Vincent Chin in cient. They brought in engineers to do to be devoted to Stafford loan repay- Detroit by two unemployed auto- the study, and they found that over ments. workers who blamed him and all Asian 7,500 pipes needed to have mechanical In 2007, as a freshman Member of Americans for the loss of their jobs. insulation. These are pipes that needed Congress, I was proud to have been a Although our history has indicated to be wrapped. cosponsor of the College Cost Reduc- great progress since the days of dis- b 1040 tion Act, which cut that rate from 6.8 crimination, it is important to con- to 3.4 percent. It was a 5-year bill, like tinue to remember our history in order And so they undertook that project. And what’s interesting is that the pay- many measures that Congress passes; to protect the civil rights of all Ameri- and that expiration, that sunset, will cans and to prevent these atrocities back was less than 4 years. But each year the State of Montana saves 5 to 8 occur on July 1, 45 days from today, from ever happening again. when that rate will double back to 6.8 As chair of the Congressional Asian percent in energy costs on those build- ings. That’s a massive savings of en- percent. Pacific American Caucus, or CAPAC, I Last week the Senate made an at- ergy in this country. have the privilege of advocating for the tempt to try and take up legislation to One of the easiest, most cost-effec- APA community’s needs and priorities protect that lower rate. Sadly, the Re- tive ways to improve building perform- on a broad range of issues, including publican minority used the filibuster ance is to ensure the mechanical insu- civil rights, health care, economic jus- rule to block not even just the bill, but tice, and immigration reform. This lation systems are properly installed. even a debate on the bill. I repeat: they year, our caucus welcomed 12 new Con- While most of us think that insulation didn’t even use the filibuster rule as a gress Members, bringing our total to a is only for walls and attics, mechanical block of all Republicans to vote record high of 42 members. This means insulation is a vital component for against the measure. They actually that CAPAC will be able to serve as an commercial and industrial and edu- used the filibuster to even allow con- even stronger voice for the Asian Pa- cational applications. sideration of debate. cific community at all levels. Working with my colleagues, I intro- And, again, the leader in the Senate As the Asian Pacific community con- duced H.R. 2866, the Mechanical Insula- made it very clear if they had alter- tinues to grow across the Nation—not tion Incentive Act of 2011, last year to natives to the Senate bill which would just in traditional strongholds like help commercial and industrial facility protect the lower rate, they were more California, Hawaii, or New York, but owners make their facilities more en- than free to offer their own amend- also in States like Texas, Georgia, and ergy efficient and put people back to ments. Nevada—my colleagues and I will con- work. So here we are today, with students tinue to ensure that the needs of the Improved insulation for piping and trying to plan for next fall’s college, APA community are included as we mechanical components in commercial with kids getting their acceptance let- push for policies that re-ignite the and industrial settings will help save ters for next year, and yet they have no American Dream for all. businesses more than $4.8 billion a ability to budget or plan in terms of So as we celebrate Asian Pacific Her- year, according to the National Insula- what the interest rate for this work- itage Month this May, I hope you will tion Association. These improvements horse program to pay for college al- join me and remember the many con- will also save resources to the tune of lows. tributions that Asian Pacific Ameri- 82 million barrels of oil or 19 million Now, how did we get to this place? cans have made to our great country. tons of coal each year. And it’s prob- As I indicated, in 2007 we cut the f ably more than that. rate. Back in January, President I ask my colleagues to consider sup- Obama stood at that very podium and HIGH-PERFORMANCE BUILDING porting H.R. 2866. It’s a commonsense challenged Congress to not allow the WEEK bill that will save money, improve fa- rate to double. For three solid months, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cility operations, put people back to nothing happened in this Chamber. Chair recognizes the gentleman from work, and help our buildings perform There was not a single hearing at the Illinois (Mr. MANZULLO) for 5 minutes. to a higher standard. Education and Workforce Committee. Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. Speaker, I want to close by salut- There was not a bill for markup. The today to speak on energy-efficient ing the hard work that our Nation’s ar- only action was legislation that I pro- buildings—we’re talking about schools, chitects, engineers, and building pro- posed. H.R. 3826, which has over 150 co- factories, department stores, shopping fessionals do to improve the condition sponsors in this Chamber, on a bipar- centers, any type of a large building or of our homes, schools, and businesses. tisan basis, which would lock in that even a small building—and the money I also want to ask my colleagues to rate permanently, has never been they can save and the manufacturing participate in some of the events being taken up for consideration. jobs that energy-efficient initiatives held this week in honor of High-Per- Two-and-a-half weeks ago, Speaker can create. formance Building Week. BOEHNER who, by the way, voted

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:35 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.010 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 against the College Cost Reduction Act Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 47 his wife, Elsie, for traveling all the way in 2007, rushed to the floor a bill for a minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- from Bloomington, Indiana, to deliver 1-year Band-Aid, and used as a pay-for cess. this morning’s open prayer. depleting resources and funds from a f Tom has devoted his life to ministry. program that would help folks with He is senior minister to me, my wife, heart, cardiac, cervical cancer screen- b 1200 Jenny, our four children, and so many ing, diabetes screening, early childhood AFTER RECESS other Hoosiers at Sherwood Oaks disease screening. They took money Christian Church in Bloomington. out of that fund to help desperate The recess having expired, the House 2012 marks the 50th year since Sher- Americans to try and put a 1-year fix was called to order by the Speaker pro wood Oaks was founded. To mark the on the student loan issue. tempore (Mr. DENHAM) at noon. celebration, Tom has thrown down the President Obama made it very clear f gauntlet. Our church will pray, give, that bill is a dead letter. A veto threat and serve like never before. Tom is was issued even before we voted in this PRAYER challenging more of us to become the Chamber. So here we are 45 days away Reverend Tom Ellsworth, Sherwood hands and feet of God, serving our waiting for action. Oaks Christian Church, Bloomington, neighbors, our country, and beyond. H.R. 3826, a measure which perma- Indiana, offered the following prayer: Tom understands that our Nation, in nently locks in the lower rate, is at Almighty God, mere words are inad- fact any nation worthy of the name, least a first step in terms of dealing equate to express our deep gratitude was built by selfless servants, people with the crisis in this country of stu- for the privilege of living in such a like the 55 members of our church who dent loan debt, which now exceeds great land. You have graciously guided recently activated their faith to help credit card debt and car loan debt. We this Nation in the past. I pray that You out tornado victims in southern Indi- have an issue here which threatens the will continue to bless it in the days ana. America needs more such servants future viability of this country to suc- ahead. and more people like Tom to inspire us ceed and compete in the world global For all who have served in the past, to service. economy where we need a cutting-edge and for all who currently serve within Thank you for making a difference, workforce if we’re ever going to suc- these hallowed walls, we give You our Tom. ceed in the future. thanks. Bless them and their families. f Forty-six days from today we are I pray, Lord, that You will encourage MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT going to be celebrating the 150th anni- them on the days when they are criti- versary of President Abraham Lincoln cized more than cheered. Give them A message in writing from the Presi- signing into law a measure called the strength under stress, peace under dent of the United States was commu- Moral Act. The Moral Act set up a na- pressure, and wisdom under the weight nicated to the House by Mr. Pate, one tional policy establishing land grant of the burdens they carry. of his secretaries. colleges in all 50 States in this coun- Fill them with Your insight and di- f try. Back then its mission was to es- vine perspective. Give them good judg- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER tablish programs for mechanical engi- ment in the decisions they make. PRO TEMPORE neering and agricultural sciences. Guide their thoughts and intentions to What an amazing act of vision and reflect Your timeless values. And in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The leadership. In the darkest days of the the Nation’s business of this day, grant Chair will entertain up to 15 further re- Civil War, 1862, President Lincoln still them success. quests for 1-minute speeches on each had the long view and understood that In Christ I pray. Amen. side of the aisle. if, as a Nation, we are going to succeed, f f we need a national policy for higher THE STUDY OF THE STUDY OF education. And in his wake, the Staf- THE JOURNAL THE STUDIES ford loan program was created, spon- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was sored by a Republican, Robert Stafford Chair has examined the Journal of the of Vermont. The Pell Grant program given permission to address the House last day’s proceedings and announces for 1 minute.) was established by Claiborne Pell, to the House his approval thereof. Democrat of Rhode Island, all to pro- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- military spends a lot of money study- vide the building blocks so that young nal stands approved. people have that opportunity and the ing, presumably, the effectiveness of ability to pursue their dreams and to f military programs. In fact, there are numerous military studies of military pursue their skill set, the true key of PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE success in this Nation. programs. So many, the Department of We are a Nation that is blessed with The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the Defense has commissioned a study of great natural resources. We have the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. those numerous studies to see how greatest military in the world. We have MCINTYRE) come forward and lead the much those studies cost. great financial institutions. But the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. Stay with me, Mr. Speaker. Now, the real success of this country is our Mr. MCINTYRE led the Pledge of Al- Government Accountability Office has broad-based middle class where edu- legiance as follows: done their own study of the military cation provides the foundation for fam- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the study that is studying the cost of nu- ilies and students to succeed. United States of America, and to the Repub- merous military studies that are lic for which it stands, one nation under God, studying the cost and effectiveness of That clock is ticking. I started this indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. running at 110 days, and we’re now military programs. down to 45 days. It is time for the Sen- f The GAO has concluded its study ate Republicans to drop the filibuster, WELCOMING REVEREND TOM that the military study of the studies allow consideration of the bill to help ELLSWORTH is incomplete, inconclusive, and incon- middle class families as they deal with sistent. So we really don’t know how next year’s tuition costs, and pass H.R. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without effective or costly those military stud- 3826 in the House of Representatives. objection, the gentleman from Indiana ies are. Meanwhile, the cost of the GAO f (Mr. YOUNG) is recognized for 1 minute. study has not been studied yet. There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, I hope this short study RECESS (Mr. YOUNG of Indiana asked and of the government’s studies programs The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- was given permission to revise and ex- let’s us all know how effective and effi- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair tend his remarks.) cient government bureaucracy actually declares the House in recess until noon Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. I want to operates. today. thank my friend, Tom Ellsworth, and And that’s just the way it is.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:44 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.011 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2723 CELEBRATING THE 150TH BIRTH- In conclusion, God bless our troops, spending time with his students in the DAY OF THE UNITED STATES and we will never forget September the school greenhouse and shop, teaching DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 11th in the global war on terrorism. them valuable skills and making his (Mr. MCINTYRE asked and was given Welcome to Washington, Realtors students become self-sufficient mem- permission to address the House for 1 and CPAs. bers of society. Mr. Cheshier will be re- minute and to revise and extend his re- f membered for his contributions to the marks.) academic and life development of his HONORING THE SERVICE OF students. Many of the lessons he Mr. MCINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise DETECTIVE WALTER C. MEY, JR. today to say happy birthday to the taught will go well beyond the class- United States Department of Agri- (Mr. CICCILINE asked and was given room and will stick with those stu- culture, which celebrated its 150th permission to address the House for 1 dents forever. birthday on May 15. minute.) Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rep- In my home State of North Carolina, Mr. CICCILINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise resent people like Mr. Cheshier, who we have contributed to our Nation’s today to honor and recognize Detective make Arkansas a great place to live. agricultural success, and the Seventh Walter C. Mey, Jr., who works for the Happy retirement. Congressional district is the most pro- Middletown Police Department in the ductive agricultural district in the First Congressional District of Rhode f State, with over $2.5 billion worth of Island. agricultural products sold each year. Detective Mey recently received an USPS REFORM Because our farms and our farmers honorable mention from the National (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given and our agribusinesses are so critical Association of Police Organizations, permission to address the House for 1 to our State’s economy, it is vital that which praised his work as part of their minute.) the USDA partner with us, as it does Top Cops award of 2012. Detective Mey Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, last week with States throughout our country, was recognized for his efforts in appre- we learned that the Williams Street helping farmers manage risk; providing hending a murder suspect last year. mail processing facility in my Buffalo a safety net for producers who experi- The Top Cops award recognizes law community will remain open despite ence disasters from weather, pests, or enforcement officers who have been proposals by the Postal Service to price collapse; giving rural commu- nominated by their peers for going close it. nities the tools they need to be able to above and beyond the call of duty. An While this is welcome news, I remain make infrastructure improvements; in- 18-year veteran of the Middletown Po- deeply disappointed by the ‘‘decide vesting in cutting-edge agricultural re- lice Department, Detective Mey has first and justify later’’ approach that search at our country’s premiere re- been awarded a Meritorious Service the Postal Service has used throughout search institutions and land grant uni- Medal from the Department. I con- this process. From failing to notify versities. These all allow for break- gratulate Detective Mey today on his residents of proposed closures to poor throughs in crop science and animal impressive achievements, and thank record-keeping at public meetings, the agriculture. him for his continuing service on be- amount of community involvement in Indeed, we say happy birthday to our half of our community. this process has been unacceptable, and USDA. We know that the State of This week, as our Nation observes now postal workers are faced with un- North Carolina, and all of our States National Police Week, we are mindful certainty as the status of their place of that benefit from its services, allow that Detective Mey and every retired employment remains unclear. our farmers and our rural communities and every active duty Rhode Island po- Mr. Speaker, we must take advan- in rural America to enjoy the strong lice officer deserves our tremendous tage of this temporary moratorium on positive relationship to share our fu- gratitude for their commitment to en- closures in order to take a serious look ture together. Let’s keep our farmers suring our safety. at the facility closure process and to and our rural communities strong. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE make much-needed reforms. f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The f NDAA PROTECTS TRICARE Chair will remind all members of the gallery that they are guests of the (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina House and that any manifestation of OUR NATIONAL DEBT asked and was given permission to ad- approval or disapproval of the pro- (Ms. HAYWORTH asked and was dress the House for 1 minute and to re- ceedings is in violation of House rules. given permission to address the House vise and extend his remarks.) f for 1 minute and to revise and extend Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. her remarks.) Speaker, today the House will debate b 1210 Ms. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I had the National Defense Authorization RALPH CHESHIER the privilege of receiving a letter from Act for fiscal year 2013. The House (Mr. CRAWFORD asked and was a constituent, a 14-year-old young man Armed Services Committee approved of Star Boy Scouts who is seeking to this bipartisan bill last week by a vote given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) become a an Eagle Scout, and he is of 56–5. concerned about the Federal debt and Earlier this year, the administration Mr. CRAWFORD. I rise today to deficit. announced an increase in the TRICARE honor Mr. Ralph Cheshier, a veteran Christopher Woloshyn wrote to me: enrollment fees by up to 345 percent. teacher in the Valley View School Dis- As chairman of the Subcommittee on trict of Jonesboro, Arkansas. I think that the Federal deficit is too high For 37 years, Mr. Cheshier has taught and overwhelming for Americans, and will Military Personnel, I am pleased the affect people like me even more in the future committee refused to authorize a pro- his students the principles of agri- . . . I believe our government must stop vision to forward the administration’s culture. Mr. Cheshier is also a longtime spending more money than it takes in. Can unfair proposal, which would destroy member of the Partners in an Active you please help our government reduce our jobs. Learning Setting, or PALS program. national deficit so myself and fellow young Our brave men and women in uniform PALS is a mentoring program that Americans will not be burdened by our na- and their families have devoted their matches high school students in the tional debt? lives to defend our country. Their serv- Vocational Agriculture Leadership Christopher, I could not agree more ice to our Nation should be considered Class with kindergarten students to de- with you, and you have the wisdom of a prepayment of health care benefits velop personal skills and explore inter- someone who can look at this issue and retirement. ests in plants and animals. The Valley with fresh eyes. I urge my colleagues to support this View PALS chapter is one of only 10 in We here in the House of Representa- bill and give our military families the Arkansas. tives, under the leadership of Speaker fairness they deserve so they can work Mr. Cheshier has a unique style of BOEHNER, are dedicated to making sure for peace through strength. teaching through storytelling. He loves that we do not add to that debt, which

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:44 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.015 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 is what we are concentrating on this passed jobs bills are being blocked or lead to further abuse. The manager’s year. That is why I am so proud to sup- ignored in the Democrat-controlled amendment fails, again, to include pro- port the Speaker in the Boehner prin- Senate. visions of the bipartisan Senate-passed ciple: that we will not raise the debt The American people are tired of bill to protect LGBT victims from dis- ceiling without at least dollar-for-dol- waiting. It is time for Democrats in the crimination, and it weakens non- lar compensatory cuts. Senate and White House to put politics discrimination employment protec- Christopher, you deserve a better fu- aside and to support the House Repub- tions. ture. We are determined to provide lican Plan for America’s Job Creators. I urge my colleagues on both sides of that to you, and I urge our fellow Mem- f the aisle to vote against H.R. 4970 and bers of the House to follow the same. to work together in a bipartisan man- REAUTHORIZATION OF THE f ner in order to improve and reauthorize VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT the Violence Against Women Act. VAWA—WOMEN’S HEALTH (Mr. COSTA asked and was given per- f WEDNESDAY mission to address the House for 1 (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY asked and was minute and to revise and extend his re- STUDENT DEBT given permission to address the House marks.) (Mr. WELCH asked and was given for 1 minute.) Mr. COSTA. Today, I rise in opposi- permission to address the House for 1 Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Since 1994, the tion to H.R. 4970, the partisan reau- minute and to revise and extend his re- Violence Against Women Act has thorization of the Violence Against marks.) strengthened communities and pro- Women Act. Mr. WELCH. In 45 days, the interest vided critical, lifesaving support to vic- Since 1994, the Violence Against rates on some Stafford student loans tims of violence. Women Act has been a critical tool for are going to double. Even though we VAWA reauthorization must con- protecting women and children who are have a consensus in Congress that low tinue the fight to protect all victims victims of domestic abuse, and Con- interest rates should be extended, we and their families from the fear of vio- gress has twice made necessary bipar- can’t get the job done. Families can’t lence, including those victims who are tisan improvements in the law. wait. They’re sitting around, trying to immigrants, Native Americans, mem- As a cochairman of the Congressional figure out how they’ll put their kids bers of the LGBT community, and col- Victims’ Rights Caucus, I know that through college. lege students. Unfortunately, for the we have learned a great deal from law Take Beth from Westfield, Vermont. first time in VAWA’s history, we will enforcement and victim advocate She told her children when they were not have a bipartisan reauthorization groups since we last reauthorized the young that college was part of their fu- bill. Even worse, H.R. 4970 is a step Violence Against Women Act in 2005. tures and important if they were going backward and is opposed by hundreds Unfortunately, this bill rolls back com- to make it into the middle class. Now of anti-violence groups. prehensive protections for all vulner- she fears she may have steered them While there are many problems with able populations rather than reflect on wrong. Her family currently holds the bill, I am most distressed by the the lessons we’ve learned. $150,000 in debt. In a tough job market, provisions regarding battered immi- We should be listening to the vic- Beth’s kids are struggling to get a foot- grant women. H.R. 4970 destroys years tims’ rights advocate groups and our hold in life with loan repayment costs of work of protecting immigrant local law enforcement agencies, which exceeding $500 a month. Beth would women. It creates more obstacles for know and deal daily with the impacts like to help, but she is not really in a these victims to report crimes, and it on people’s lives who are the victims of strong position to do so. She went back limits U visa protections and adds re- crime. Therefore, we ought to pass the to college later in life, hoping to ad- strictive certification requirements bipartisan Senate reauthorization bill vance her career, and now she is way that will only discourage cooperation and end this partisan charade. down, as are her kids, with this enor- with law enforcement agencies, which f mous burden. themselves oppose these provisions. Mr. Speaker, Congress has 45 days. EXPRESSING OPPOSITION TO H.R. Victim safety is a core principle of Congress needs to act. We can’t afford 4970—VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN VAWA. We must remain firm in our to price the middle class out of a col- REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2012 commitment to ensure that all victims lege education. of sexual assault, domestic violence, (Mr. HINOJOSA asked and was given f permission to address the House for 1 and trafficking have meaningful access b 1220 to protection under the law. minute and to revise and extend his re- VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT f marks.) Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise (Ms. HAHN asked and was given per- HOUSE GOP PLAN FOR AMERICA’S today to express my strong opposition mission to address the House for 1 JOB CREATORS to H.R. 4970, the Violence Against minute.) (Ms. FOXX asked and was given per- Women Reauthorization Act, which Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, the Violence mission to address the House for 1 shifts the power into the hands of the Against Women Act has saved lives, re- minute.) abuser and moves away from long- ducing domestic violence by half. Our Ms. FOXX. Fostering job growth for standing bipartisanship on this issue. colleagues in the Senate have em- the American people continues to be In my view, a vote for H.R. 4970 is braced this fact and passed a bipartisan the number one job for House Repub- clearly an attack on the Violence reauthorization bill that makes sense. licans. With unemployment above 8 Against Women Act, and I am deeply Unfortunately, I can’t say the same percent for the past 39 months, the concerned that the manager’s amend- thing about H.R. 4970. Obama economy continues to produce ment to H.R. 4970 weakens current law My Republican friends have good in- the Nation’s worst jobless record since and rolls back protections in the tentions. I believe they want to protect the Great Depression. VAWA self-petition process, empow- victims of domestic violence just as By following the House Republican ering abusers and harming battered im- much as I do, but to be effective, how- Plan for America’s Job Creators, the migrant spouses. ever, our legislation has to address the House has passed more than 30 bipar- The manager’s amendment rolls back problems as they exist. H.R. 4970 does tisan jobs bills on behalf of the Amer- U visa protections, denying protection not. The bill makes reporting abuse ican people. Each of these bills is to immigrant victims of serious crime more difficult, forces shelters and aimed at unleashing the power of our and stripping police and prosecutors of counselors to spend more of their pre- private sector to freely and confidently a critical law enforcement tool. The cious resources on unnecessary paper- build, invest, innovate, and expand manager’s amendment fails to include work, and fails to extend protection to again—and put millions of Americans provisions from the bipartisan Senate- the LGBT Americans. One of the most back to work. Unfortunately, the vast passed bill to protect Native American striking deficiencies is its failure to majority of these bipartisan House- women and includes language that may protect immigrant victims of abuse.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:35 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.016 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2725 Because of their status, immigrants We must protect sovereignty. We at greater risk for repeat abuses by un- are often scared to report crimes of vi- must respect sovereignty. Tribal courts dermining the intent of U visas. This olence. This fear results in more dam- are the best authorities to issue domes- bill discourages crime victims from co- age to their communities as the vio- tic violence orders of protection on res- operating with law enforcement and lence escalates. But law enforcement ervations. eliminates any attempt at a stable life has the powerful tool to combat these Let’s stop this partisan bill. Let’s by terminating their eligibility for per- crimes—the U visa program, which pro- work together on a new approach that manent residence. tects immigrants if they report abuse. values the safety of Native Americans Women in this country, regardless of f and undocumented individuals in a bi- their background, should never have to partisan fashion. feel trapped or helpless. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT f REAUTHORIZATION f A SHAMEFUL BILL (Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given WE STILL HAVE WORK TO DO permission to address the House for 1 (Ms. BONAMICI asked and was given (Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ asked minute and to revise and extend her re- permission to address the House for 1 and was given permission to address marks.) minute.) the House for 1 minute and to revise Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, during Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, it’s and extend her remarks.) my first term in Congress, I proudly truly unfortunate that we’re here Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. voted for the Violence Against Women today talking about the possibility of Speaker, I never could have antici- Act. It saddens me that 20 years later, voting against the Violence Against pated speaking in opposition to the Vi- in my last term, my Republican col- Women Act. This bill was originally olence Against Women Act, and it’s un- leagues are determined to water down passed and has been consistently reau- fortunate that we’ve come to this and undermine this landmark legisla- thorized with strong bipartisan sup- point, but here we are. This comes tion. Of all things that shouldn’t be port, but it now faces unnecessary hur- after more than a year of bipartisan ef- partisan, this is it—the need to help dles. forts to put together a comprehensive, those who suffer injuries at the hands There has been a drop in annual rates effective, and much-needed VAWA draft. But Republicans in the Senate of someone who supposedly loves them. of domestic violence since the passage As we’ve seen many times, the ma- of the Violence Against Women Act, and then in the House decided to ignore the recommendations of the FBI, the jority seems to like playing politics but we still have work to do. Alarm- Department of Justice, and advocacy with women’s health and safety. And ingly, one in four women and one in groups on the ground and push a because they rarely miss an oppor- seven men have been victims of domes- version of VAWA that endangers immi- tunity to exclude LGBT Americans tic violence in their lifetime, but the grant women and children, ignores the from important rights and benefits, current bill is not the way to move for- needs of our native communities, and they’re saying that if you’re a woman ward. perpetuates discrimination against who is in a relationship with another Unlike the companion bill that LGBT victims. That is why hundreds of woman, then you don’t deserve the passed in the Senate with strong bipar- victim services organizations oppose same protection against domestic tisan support, this House bill will take this bill, and I stand with them today. abuse or sexual assault. us backwards. It eliminates protections At the Women in Distress shelter in We need to be doing more, not less on for immigrants dependent on and ex- my district, there has been a 39 percent this issue. I have a bill that would ex- ploited by their spouses, keeping them increase in requests for services over tend family-leave benefits to victims of trapped in violent relationships. It the last year. Women need us now more domestic violence. It’s H.R. 3151. Why could let perpetrators of sexual vio- than ever, and this is not the time to don’t we take up that bill instead of lence against Native American women allow for discrimination or helping this divisive measure that rolls back off the hook, and it utterly fails to rec- only some victims of domestic vio- historic progress? ognize that anyone can be a victim of lence. This is the time to take a stand. Vote ‘‘no’’ on H.R. 4970. domestic abuse, including those in As lawmakers, we speak for the f same-sex relationships. voiceless, and today I speak united Every time we reauthorize an act of VOTE ‘‘NO’’ ON H.R. 4970, VIOLENCE with my colleagues in opposition to Congress, we have an opportunity to AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZA- this shameful bill. improve. Improvement, not further TION ACT OF 2012 f harming victims, should be our focus (Mr. BACA asked and was given per- with the reauthorization. I STAND WITH VICTIMS OF mission to address the House for 1 f DOMESTIC VIOLENCE minute.) (Ms. WATERS asked and was given VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today permission to address the House for 1 REAUTHORIZATION ACT in strong opposition to H.R. 4970, this minute and to revise and extend her re- misguided GOP reauthorization of the (Ms. BORDALLO asked and was marks.) Violence Against Women Act. given permission to address the House Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, today I Unfortunately, this bill does not do for 1 minute.) stand with my Democratic colleagues enough to protect the well-being of all Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise and victims of domestic violence across women. I say again that it does not do today in opposition to H.R. 4970, the so- our Nation in strong opposition to H.R. enough to protect the well-being of all called Violence Against Women Reau- 4970, the House Republican alternative women. thorization Act. I believe that all to the Violence Against Women Reau- This reauthorization jeopardizes the Americans are entitled to feel safe, and thorization bill. This bill severely un- safety of our Native American women we must strengthen current laws to dermines vital protections available to and also the safety of many undocu- continue to protect women and chil- victims of violence and places those mented women. Neither the manager’s dren across our country. This bill, how- victims in danger of continued abuse. amendment nor the underlying bill ad- ever, does not achieve that goal. Immi- Since its enactment in 1994, the Vio- dresses the problems that face Indian grants, native tribes, lesbian, gay, bi- lence Against Women Act, known as country. Instead of empowering tribal sexual, and transgender groups are VAWA, has a long history of uniting police and courts to stop domestic vio- some of our most vulnerable commu- lawmakers with the common purpose lence, this legislation unfairly places nities, and the bill rolls back years of of protecting survivors of domestic vio- the burden on Native victims. Many of progress improving Federal efforts lence. the victims of domestic violence that against domestic violence, sexual as- Each year across the Nation, thou- live on the reservations are unable to sault, and stalking. sands of women, children, and men who hire legal counsel and can’t travel hun- The bill eliminates important con- fall victim to domestic violence, dreds of miles to Federal courts to pe- fidentiality protections for self-peti- human trafficking, sexual assault, dat- tition for protection orders. tions and would put immigrant women ing violence, and stalking no longer

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:35 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.018 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 have to live in fear because of impor- ed, and any amendment thereto to final pas- our chance to try to improve the legis- tant victim protections under this law. sage without intervening motion except: (1) lation before us? This Republican alternative bill one hour of debate equally divided and con- Our allies in the domestic violence threatens to dismantle this progress by trolled by the chair and ranking minority and sexual assault advocacy commu- member of the Committee on the Judiciary; deliberately placing domestic violence and (2) one motion to recommit with or nity have literally spent years com- victims from LGBT, immigrant, tribal, without instructions. piling input and data from service pro- and other marginalized communities in SEC. 2. At any time after the adoption of viders, law enforcement, and victims harm’s way. this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant to themselves about what we must do to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House f update VAWA in a reauthorization. resolved into the Committee of the Whole And I am here to be a voice of protest b 1230 House on the state of the Union for consider- because their input is invaluable; yet, ation of the bill (H.R. 4310) to authorize ap- for the very first time, their input has REPUBLICAN BILL ENDANGERS propriations for fiscal year 2013 for military been cast aside. WOMEN activities of the Department of Defense, to prescribe military personnel strengths for Last night I offered a substitute, (Mrs. DAVIS of California asked and fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes. The along with Representative CONYERS was given permission to address the first reading of the bill shall be dispensed and Representative LOFGREN, that House for 1 minute.) with. All points of order against consider- would have allowed us to consider the Mrs. DAVIS of California. I rise ation of the bill are waived. General debate Senate-passed version of the Violence today to oppose H.R. 4970. Under cur- shall be confined to the bill and shall not ex- Against Women Act, a version which I rent law, a woman who is married to a ceed one hour equally divided and controlled proudly introduced in March here in U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resi- by the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Armed Services. After this House of Representatives. This dent and is a victim of spousal abuse general debate, the Committee of the Whole legislation was passed in the Senate can file a self-petition for legal perma- shall rise without motion. No further consid- with sound bipartisan support and in- nent residency in order to leave that eration of the bill shall be in order except cludes the improvements that have abusive relationship. pursuant to a subsequent order of the House. been endorsed by a broad array of indi- This provision has helped women like POINT OF ORDER viduals and organizations, including Maria, whose husband physically Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I raise a law enforcement agencies. abused her and threatened to kill her point of order against H. Res. 656 be- But, unfortunately, today we will not two children. Without his knowledge, cause the resolution violates section be allowed to vote on the Senate bill. she started a VAWA self-petition proc- 426(a) of the Congressional Budget Act. We will have to vote on the Adams bill, ess, meeting with an attorney at the The resolution contains a waiver of all which is now officially opposed by over laundromat on her usual laundry day points of order against consideration of 325 organizations. Yes, Mr. Speaker, and hiding her paperwork. the bill, which includes a waiver of sec- you heard it right—325 organizations. What this bill does is exposes women tion 425 of the Congressional Budget I would like to share my time with like Maria. It strips confidentiality Act, which causes a violation of section my colleagues who are here with me protections and allows government of- 426(a). today and would like for their voices to ficials to contact the spouse. Why The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- be heard. So, Mr. Speaker, with your would we do that? For these women, tlewoman from Wisconsin makes a permission, I am going to yield to a tipping off abusive spouses is nothing point of order that the resolution vio- number of Members for unanimous con- short of putting them in harm’s way. lates section 426(a) of the Congres- sent, the first of whom is Ms. YVETTE It’s a shame. sional Budget Act of 1974. CLARKE from Brooklyn, New York. It’s a shame that this so-called Vio- The gentlewoman has met the Ms. CLARKE of New York. I thank lence Against Women bill could actu- threshold burden under the rule, and the gentlelady. ally cause violence to women. Mr. the gentlewoman from Wisconsin and a Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- Speaker, this bill is outright dan- Member opposed each will control 10 sent to submit my remarks in opposi- gerous, and I urge my colleagues to say minutes of debate on the question of tion to a Republican bill that weakens ‘‘no.’’ consideration. protections for violence against women f Following debate, the Chair will put and in support of the bipartisan Senate the question of consideration as the bill. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION statutory means of disposing of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there OF H.R. 4970, VIOLENCE AGAINST point of order. objection to the request of the gentle- WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT The Chair recognizes the gentle- woman from New York? OF 2012, AND PROVIDING FOR woman from Wisconsin. There was no objection. CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4310, NA- Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I raise this Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I TIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA- point of order not necessarily out of rise today in vehement opposition to H.R. TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 concern for unfunded mandates, al- 4970, the Violence Against Women Reauthor- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, by direction though there are some unfunded man- ization Act of 2012 (VAWA). This egregious of the Committee on Rules, I call up dates in the underlying bill, H.R. 4970; bill is another example of this Republican-led House Resolution 656 and ask for its rather, I am here today because this is Congress waging political warfare on women. immediate consideration. the only opportunity to voice opposi- H.R. 4970 would roll back years of progress The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- tion to this bill, given the strict, closed and bipartisan commitment on the part of Con- lows: terms of our debate today. gress to protect vulnerable immigrant victims It is baffling to me, Mr. Speaker, of domestic violence, stalking, sex crimes, H. Res. 656 that we would be so shut out of today’s other serious crimes, and trafficking. Choosing Resolved, That upon the adoption of this debate and that House Republicans one type of victim over the other. resolution it shall be in order to consider in the House the bill (H.R. 4970) to reauthorize would so completely abandon any pre- Mr. Speaker, this will greatly impact areas the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. All tense of bipartisanship on a bill like with heavy concentrations of immigrants, points of order against consideration of the the Violence Against Women Act. This which includes my district and other residents bill are waived. The amendment in the na- bill has always been a bipartisan effort, of New York City. Historically, NYC has been ture of a substitute recommended by the and I would argue that on an issue like the beacon of immigration. Many in Congress, Committee on the Judiciary now printed in this, it is incredibly important to have including Republicans, can trace their ancestry the bill, modified by the amendment printed a well-rounded discussion. back to the immigrant population of NYC. in the report of the Committee on Rules ac- We obviously disagree about the key These new punitive measures within H.R. companying this resolution, shall be consid- elements that are critical to include in ered as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall 4970 that hinder abused immigrants’ ability to be considered as read. All points of order a Violence Against Women Act reau- seek justice against their abusers, are a grave against provisions in the bill, as amended, thorization. Well, why not allow us to set of circumstances that will have future im- are waived. The previous question shall be have a healthy debate? More impor- plications on the safety and security of our considered as ordered on the bill, as amend- tantly, Mr. Speaker, why not allow us country.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:35 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.019 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2727 It will jeopardize community relations with language that ignores the reality that people H.R. 4970 would also weaken the U law enforcement, force those on a pathway to are being underserved because of their sexual visa program, which has encouraged permanent residency or citizenship into the orientation. immigrant victims of crime to report shadows, and threaten the moral fabric that VAWA should protect every victim, regard- and help prosecute serious criminal ac- binds civil society. less of their Tribal affiliation. Instead, this bill tivity. As the majority continues to pride itself as endangers Native victims who are abused by Current law allows U visa recipients being the defenders of small government, fis- non-Native Americans and leaves tribal courts to apply to become permanent resi- cal responsibility, and moral authority, I am without proper authority to protect victims and dents. This bill removes the oppor- appalled at how almost every action taken in create safe communities. tunity of most victims to apply to be- this 112th Congress has been to the contrary Because the so-called ‘‘Violence Against come permanent residents, thereby dis- of their platform. Women Act’’ does none of these things, I couraging victims from cooperating Mr. Speaker, I feel like I’m in that movie stand in firm opposition to this bill. with local law enforcement as it could Groundhog Day, every day it is the same at- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- lead to deportation. tacks over and over again. Are we running out er, I ask unanimous consent to submit Strong protections in this area have of options? Are we so scared of tackling the my remarks in opposition to a Repub- helped countless immigrant women es- real issues in this country like job creation, lican bill that weakens protections for cape the cycle of domestic abuse and that we will continue to debate the same egre- violence against women and in support rebuild their lives. gious legislative measures that curtail the of the bipartisan Senate bill. Now, we should have a conversation rights and freedoms of women and cut off ac- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there about how to update VAWA so that cess to it for immigrants? objection to the request of the gentle- MORE women can be served. Mr. Speaker, it makes no sense that a na- woman from California? We’ve learned in the past years that tion of immigrants, built on the backs of immi- There was no objection. lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender grants, would not provide protection to immi- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Madam victims experience domestic violence grants. Speaker, I am disappointed by the di- at the same rate as the general popu- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE rection the House Majority has taken lation. Yet, they do not receive the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The with this version of the reauthoriza- same protections and services they Chair would advise Members to confine tion of the Violence Against Women need because of discrimination and their unanimous-consent requests to a Act (VAWA). lack of training by law enforcement simple, declarative statement of the VAWA is a landmark piece of legisla- and service providers. Member’s attitude toward the measure. tion that has dramatically reduced vio- The Senate bill includes important Further embellishments will result in a lence against women and provided provisions that ensure that services to deduction of time from the yielding states and local communities with ad- LGBT victims are explicitly included Member. ditional resources to address crimes in VAWA grant problems, as well as PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY against women. bans discrimination against victims Ms. MOORE. Parliamentary inquiry, As such, VAWA reauthorization has based on their sexual orientation. Mr. Speaker. in past Congresses gained over- We have to ask the question as to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- whelming bipartisan support. No mat- why these key measures were not in- tlewoman will state her inquiry. ter what side of the aisle we’re on, cluded in this regressive bill brought Ms. MOORE. The declarative state- members of Congress have long under- by the House majority. ment that you referred to, am I not stood the need to strengthen protec- As a mother and a grandmother, I correct, Mr. Speaker, that that could tions for victims of abuse. Just last can not stand by as we roll back dec- also include a sentence, a complete month, the Senate passed its own ades of progress in protecting women sentence? version of VAWA, which garnered a bi- from emotional, physical and sexual The SPEAKER pro tempore. The partisan vote of 68–31. abuse. Chair will only deduct time for embel- And yet here we are today debating a It is time that we stop playing poli- lishments. partisan bill that weakens critical pro- tics, reject this partisan proposal, and Ms. MOORE. I thank the Chair. tections and fails to protect under- move forward with a bipartisan bill Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- served communities like LGBT victims that ensures that all victims of vio- mous consent to submit my remarks in and Native American women. lence are protected. opposition to a Republican bill that A diverse coalition of 164 immigra- Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask weakens protections for violence tion, faith, labor, civil rights, human unanimous consent to submit my re- against women and in support of the rights, and community groups have marks in opposition to a Republican bipartisan Senate bill that actually come together in strong opposition to bill that weakens protections for vio- protects victims. H.R. 4970, even with the manager’s lence against women and in support of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there amendments. Their message is clear: the bipartisan Senate bill. objection to the request of the gentle- H.R. 4970 will set us back years in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there woman from California? fighting domestic violence. objection to the request of the gentle- There was no objection. At a time when we need to modernize woman from California? Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, today the House the VAWA to build upon our efforts, There was no objection. will consider a bill entitled the ‘‘Violence this bill would instead roll back exist- Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I ask Against Women Act.’’ This bill, however, does ing protections. unanimous consent to submit my re- very little to stop violence or protect women. This bill would make it much harder marks in opposition to a bill that Instead of continuing the tradition of coming for battered immigrant women to leave weakens protections for violence together in a bi-partisan manner to pass this their abusive relationship by adding against women and in support of the important reauthorization and achieve some- unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. bipartisan Senate bill. thing we all should be able to agree on, my Strong immigrant victim protections The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there colleagues on the other side of the aisle have have helped countless women, includ- objection to the request of the gentle- turned the Violence Against Women Act into a ing Maria, who’s husband physically woman from Oregon? partisan messaging platform. abused her and threatened to kill her There was no objection. VAWA should protect every victim from their two children. Without his knowledge, Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, when abuser, regardless of their immigration status. she started a VAWA self-petition proc- the Violence Against Women Act was Instead, this bill endangers immigrants by pun- ess, meeting with an attorney at the first passed, it was to prevent and raise ishing victims who cooperate with law enforce- Laundromat on her usual laundry day awareness of domestic violence, and to ment. and hiding her paperwork. Repealing create programs that help victims exit VAWA should protect every victim, regard- immigrant protections and adding red- dangerous situations. Unfortunately, less of their sexual orientation or the gender of tape and onerous requirements will en- the bill we are debating today runs their abuser. Instead, this bill endangers danger the safety of battered immi- counter to these goals. It eliminates LGBTQ victims by including ‘‘gender-neutral’’ grants like Maria. critical protections to help immigrant

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:39 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.006 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 women and it fails to extend the pro- dren receive services at domestic violence domestic violence shelters. This type of dis- tections of VAWA to other populations programs in California. On that same day, crimination is simply unacceptable. that need them desperately. I support Since its first passage, VAWA has sought however, over 924 requests for services go to protect immigrant victims whose non-cit- the Senate’s bipartisan VAWA reau- unmet, largely due to lack of resources. This izen status can make them especially vulner- thorization bill, which builds on past alone is proof that we need to expand the able to crimes of domestic and sexual vio- progress by providing battered Native VAWA’s programs and services and not elimi- lence. We are greatly concerned by a provi- American women with recourse against nate them. sion included in the VAWA reauthorization proposed by the House of Representatives, their abusers and ensures that anyone b 1240 who experiences domestic abuse has ac- H.R. 4970, which would roll back confiden- cess to VAWA resources, including Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I join tiality protections that enable undocu- mented women to safely come forward and those in same-sex relationships. I urge the United States Conference of May- ors and the Coalition Against Religious report violent crimes. Rather than reducing my colleagues to oppose H.R. 4970 and the outlets for these victims, VAWA reau- ensure that the reauthorization of Discrimination in opposition to the thorization should provide additional ways VAWA helps all victims of domestic bill, and I ask unanimous consent to for law enforcement to work with these vic- abuse. submit their letters for the RECORD. tims to investigate and prosecute serious Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I ask The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there crimes. The Senate version includes a provi- unanimous consent to submit my re- objection to the request of the gentle- sion that would allow the Department of Homeland Security to draw from a pool of marks in opposition to the Republican woman from Maryland? There was no objection. previously authorized but never used U visas bill that weakens protections for vio- so that law enforcement officers have the lence against women and in support of THE UNITED STATES tools to work with victims and bring violent the bipartisan Senate bill. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS, offenders to justice. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Washington, DC, May 15, 2012. The House bill, unlike the Senate version, objection to the request of the gentle- Hon. JOHN BOEHNER, also does not address the continuing chal- Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives, lenge of violence in tribal communities. A woman from California? Washington, DC. There was no objection. recent study by the Center for Disease Con- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, trol found that 46 percent of Native Amer- Ms. WATERS. Today, I stand with my Office of the Democratic Leader, House of Rep- ican women have experienced rape, physical Democratic colleagues and victims of domes- resentatives, Washington, DC. violence, and/or stalking by an intimate tic violence across our Nation in strong oppo- DEAR SPEAKER BOEHNER AND MINORITY partner in their lifetime. As with immigrant sition to the H.R. 4970, the House Republican LEADER PELOSI: On behalf of the nation’s victims, VAWA has aimed to address the ter- alternative to Violence Against Women Reau- mayors, we strongly urge the House of Rep- ribly high rates of violence against women in thorization bill. This bill severely undermines resentatives to support the protections for tribal communities. Although some progress vital protections available to victims of violence victims of domestic violence included in S. has been made, we believe the continuing 1925, the bipartisan Senate bill to reauthor- high rates of violence on tribal lands require and places these victims in danger of contin- ize the Violence Against Women Act far greater attention. This reauthorization ued abuse. (VAWA). provides an opportunity to strengthen fed- Since its enactment in 1994, the Violence Since 1994, this landmark law has provided eral law enforcement tools and to expand the Against Women Act (VAWA) has a long his- a comprehensive, coordinated, and commu- capacity of tribal governments to inves- tory of uniting lawmakers with the common nity-based approach toward reducing domes- tigate and prosecute these crimes. purpose of protecting survivors of domestic vi- tic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and As mayors, we have seen the tremendous olence. Each year across this Nation, thou- other forms of violence. VAWA’s programs impact of the Violence Against Women Act sands of women, children, and men who fall and services have provided lifesaving assist- in our communities. The lifesaving programs ance to hundreds of thousands of victims and supported in the legislation should be quick- victim to domestic violence, human trafficking, significantly strengthened the ability of the ly reauthorized to ensure the continuation sexual assault, dating violence and stalking no criminal justice system to hold violent per- and access of vital services for victims. We longer have to live in fear because of impor- petrators accountable. Over the past two believe that these Senate provisions will tant victim protections under this law. This Re- decades, these efforts have helped dramati- help us better address continuing problems publican alternative bill threatens to dismantle cally reduce the incidence and impact of vio- and remaining unmet needs, and strongly this progress by deliberately placing domestic lence against women, including an over 50 urge the House take up and pass the bipar- violence victims from LGBT, immigrant, tribal percent decline in the annual rate of domes- tisan Senate bill, S. 1925. Sincerely, and other marginalized communities in harm’s tic violence. Despite considerable progress in addressing Antonio R. Villaragosa, Mayor of Los An- way. the epidemic of violence against women, we geles, CA President; Annise D. Parker, While my Republican colleagues may think recognize that much more needs to be done Mayor of Houston, TX Chair, Criminal & So- many of these discarded provisions are un- and that this reauthorization presents an op- cial Justice Committee; Mark Stodola, necessary, there is ample proof that they are portunity for the Congress to strengthen our Mayor of Little Rock, AR; Wayne Powell, sadly mistaken. Just last year, cases of LGBT national commitment to tackling the chal- Mayor of Manhattan Beach, CA; Jerry Sand- domestic violence had increased by 38 per- lenges that remain. Like the 2000 and 2005 re- ers, Mayor of San Diego, CA; Helene Schnei- authorizations, we believe that the bipar- der, Mayor of Santa Barbara, CA; Bill Finch, cent. Of those who sought help, 44 percent of Mayor of Bridgeport, CT; James Baker, LGBT victims were turned away from tradi- tisan Senate reauthorization does just that by expanding services and assistance to Mayor of Wilmington, DE. tional shelters. As for Tribal victims, Native Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia, those communities who experience the high- PA, Vice President; Thomas M. Menino, American women face the highest rate of do- est rates of violence or who have the great- Mayor of Boston, MA, Past President; Pat- mestic violence in the U.S.—three and a half est difficulty accessing services. times higher than the national average. Pro- rick Hays, Mayor of North Little Rock, AR; We believe that it is essential that VAWA’s Mary Ann Lutz, Mayor of Monrovia, CA; Ed posed changes to current VAWA protections vital services be provided to all victims re- Lee, Mayor of San Francisco, CA; Chris- for immigrant survivors create an even larger gardless of group status and for that reason topher Cabaldon, Mayor of West Sacramento, obstacle for immigrant victims seeking to re- we strongly support the establishment of a CA; Pedro Segarra, Mayor of Hartford, CT; port crimes and increase the danger to immi- uniform nondiscrimination provision for Susan Whelchel, Mayor of Boca Raton, FL. grant victims by eliminating important con- VAWA grant programs included in S. 1925. Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of New By replacing and clarifying the current York, NY; Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive fidentiality protections. These changes threat- patchwork of protections, the non- en to undermine current anti-fraud protections Director; Greg Stanton, Mayor of Phoenix, discrimination provision will help ensure AZ; Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Sacramento, in place while rolling back decades of that victims are not denied services on the CA; Jan Marx, Mayor of San Luis Obispo, Congress’s progress and commitments to- basis of race, color, religion, national origin, CA; Michael Hancock, Mayor of Denver, CO; wards the protection of vulnerable immigrant sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or Vincent C. Gray, Mayor of Washington, DC; victims. disability. This measure is needed in part to Marilyn Gerber, Mayor of Coconut Creek, Let’s be clear, VAWA should not be used as address the significant obstacles that les- FL. a vehicle to pass immigration policy measures bian, gay, and transgendered communities Patricia Gerard, Mayor of Largo, FL, Mi- have faced in accessing services in recent that are not germane to its purpose. VAWA chael Ryan, Mayor of Sunrise, FL, Judy years. Despite the fact that they experience Abruscato, Mayor of Wheeling, IL, Harvey has always been focused on protecting victims domestic violence at the same rate as the Johnson, Jr., Mayor of Jackson, MS; William of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking general population, 45 percent of lesbian, Bell, Mayor of Durham, NC; Ken and trafficking and this should not change. In gay, and transgendered victims are report- Miyagishima, Mayor of Las Cruces, NM; Wil- just one day, over 5,363 victims and their chil- edly turned away when they seek help from liam Moehle, Mayor of Brighton, NY.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:44 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.024 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2729 Michael Coleman, Mayor of Columbus, OH; Association, American Jewish Committee, House, bipartisanship and compromise have Vaughn Spencer, Mayor of Reading, PA; Americans United for Separation of Church fallen out of fashion. Republicans have contin- Angel Taveras, Mayor of Providence, RI; and State, Anti-Defamation League, Baptist ually played partisan politics and refused to Raul Salinas, Mayor of Laredo, TX; Michael Joint Committee for Religious Liberty. compromise in an effort to move this country McGinn, Mayor Seattle, WA; Dan Devine, Catholics for Choice, Center for Inquiry, Mayor of West Allis, WI; Lori Mosely, Mayor Council for Secular Humanism, Disciples forward, and here we are again with another of Miramar, FL. Justice Action Network, Equal Partners in clear example of that. Shawn Connors, Pecatonica, IL; Stephanie Faith, Family Equality Council, Feminist Reporting a closed rule for consideration of Rawlings-Blake, Mayor of Baltimore, MD; Majority, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & De- Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act John Engen, Mayor of Missoula, MT; Anto- fenders, Hindu American Foundation, is a full-fledged promotion of the Republican nia Ricigliano, Mayor of Edison, NJ; Gerald Human Rights Campaign. attack against women and approval of legisla- Jennings, Mayor of Albany, NY; Paul Dyster, Institute for Science and Human Values, tion that is intended to silence the cries of mil- Mayor of Niagara Falls, NY; Sam Adams, Interfaith Alliance, Japanese American Citi- lions of women around our country. Mayor of Portland, OR. zens League, Jewish Council for Public Af- Violence Against Women Act has never fairs, Jewish Women International, Lambda Thomas Leighton, Mayor of Wilkes-Barre, been and should never be a partisan issue. It PA; Stephen Wukela, Mayor of Florence, SC; Legal, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Deloris Prince, Mayor of Port Arthur, TX; Under Law, Legal Momentum NAACP. is astonishing how the Republican majority Tom Barrett, Mayor of Milwaukee, WI; National Center for Lesbian Rights, Na- has lost sight of our purpose as lawmakers. Andre´ Pierre, Mayor of North Miami, FL; tional Coalition Against Domestic Violence, We have been trusted with the responsibility Robert Sanonjian, Mayor of Waukegan, IL; National Council of Jewish Women, National of protecting society and ensuring justice to William Wild, Mayor of Westland, MI; An- Education Association, National Gay and victims. Democrats and Republicans have al- thony Foxx, Mayor of Charlotte, NC. Lesbian Task Force Action Fund, National ways worked together to reauthorize Violence Susan Cohen, Mayor of Manalapan, NJ; Partnership for Women & Families, National Against Women Act since its original passage Organization for Women, Parents, Families Matthew Ryan, Mayor of Binghamton, NY; in 1994. But that is not the case today. Stephanie Miner, Mayor of Syracuse, NY; Ed and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) National People For the American Way. This rule completely shuts out Democrats Pawlowski, Mayor of Allentown, PA; Victor and does not allow for the possibility of a bi- Ortiz, Mayor of Gurabo, PR; AC Wharton, Secular Coalition for America, Sexuality Mayor of Memphis, TN; John Marchione, Information and Education Council of the partisan consensus. I cannot support a rule Mayor of Redmond, WA; John Dickert, U.S. (SIECUS), The Sikh Coalition, making in order a bill that strips immigrant Mayor of Racine, WI. Transgender Law Center, Union for Reform women, tribal women and the LGBT commu- Judaism, Unitarian Universalist Association nity of vital protections as this bill does. THE COALITION AGAINST RELIGIOUS of Congregations, United Church of Christ, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to stand DISCRIMINATION, Justice and Witness Ministries, United Meth- with me in opposition to this rule. Washington, DC, May 16, 2012. odist Church, General Board of Church and Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I want to Re Vote No on the Adams Amendment (#1). Society, Women of Reform Judaism. thank the ladies who are submitting Reject Federally Funded Employment Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, I their statements for the RECORD. Discrimination. ask unanimous consent to submit my The Members who join me today are DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: The undersigned remarks in opposition to a Republican just a few of the many people who religious, education, civil rights, labor, and bill that weakens protections for vio- would like to be here to offer their sug- women’s organizations write to voice our op- lence against women and in support of gestions for improving the bill and to position to the language of the Adams the bipartisan Senate bill. highlight the stories of women, men, Amendment (Amendment #1) to H.R. 4970, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the Violence Against Women Reauthoriza- and children in their district and com- tion Act of 2012. We oppose the Adams objection to the request of the gentle- munities who have experienced atro- Amendment insofar as it would alter the woman from the Virgin Islands? cious violence. There are lessons to be nondiscrimination clause in the base bill to There was no objection. learned from their stories, and it is un- remove protections that bar federally funded Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I wise and unkind of us to turn a blind religious discrimination. We urge you to ask unanimous consent to submit my eye. Vote NO on the Adams Amendment, as gov- remarks in opposition to a Republican I’m thinking of Rosalind in Mil- ernment funds should not be used to under- bill that weakens protections for vio- waukee, who was killed by her write employment discrimination within lence against women and in support of government-funded projects and activities. girlfriend, Malika, and her family had the bipartisan Senate bill. concerns about her over-possessiveness. We appreciate the important role reli- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there giously affiliated institutions historically But, of course, this is an LGBT rela- have played in addressing many of our na- objection to the request of the gentle- tionship, and an order for protection tion’s most pressing social needs, as a com- woman from California? may have been ignored without these plement to government-funded programs. In- There was no objection. provisions. deed, many of us are directly involved in this Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise I think of another person in my dis- work. We also recognize that the separation today in opposition to H. Res. 656, Rule Pro- trict, Diane’s story, 26 years old, mar- of church and state is the linchpin of reli- viding Consideration of H.R. 4970, Violence ried to a non-Indian, beaten. Over a gious freedom. In our view, effective govern- Against Women Reauthorization Act. Report- hundred incidences—slapped, kicked, ment collaboration with faith-based groups ing a closed rule for the Violence Against does not require the sanctioning of federally punched, and living in terror. She funded religious discrimination. Women Reauthorization Act is another exam- called for help several times but no one In accordance with Title VII of the Civil ple of shutting Democrats out of the legislation ever came to her rescue. She was living Rights Act of 1964, religious organizations process by ruling out any opportunity for on a tribal land. may prefer co-religionists in hiring when Democrats to offer much needed Amend- The Violence Against Women Act has using their own private funds. The Adams ments. been a lifeline for victims of domestic Amendment, however, would permit reli- The House version of the Violence Against violence and sexual assault. It has al- gious organizations to take VAWA funds and Women Reauthorization Act unfortunately lowed us to hold perpetrators account- use those funds to discriminate against a omits improvements contained in the Senate able and to pave pathways out of vio- qualified individual based on nothing more version of the bill. What is worse is that the than his or her religious beliefs. VAWA lence for victims—all women. And should protect against taxpayer dollars House version in its current form removes ex- since VAWA passed in 1994, domestic being used to underwrite jobs where religion isting protections for immigrant women, and violence has dropped by more than is a factor in hiring decisions. puts them at greater risk of domestic and sex- half. We must not turn back, Mr. Adopting the language in the Adams ual abuse, and it does not provide adequate Speaker. We must not weaken or repeal Amendment would be inconsistent with the and equal protection for tribal women and the some of VAWA’s lifesaving protections. longstanding principle that federal dollars LGBT community. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I must not be used to discriminate. Accord- For nearly two decades now, Democrats have remaining? ingly, we urge you to vote No. have firmly supported the Violence Against Sincerely, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- African American Ministers in Action, Women Act and the critical assistance it has tlewoman has 5 minutes remaining. American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Com- provided for women, men, and children, and Ms. MOORE. I reserve the balance of mittee (ADC), American Association of Uni- have worked with Republicans to ensure its my time. versity Women (AAUW), American Civil Lib- reauthorization twice in the past. Unfortu- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I rise to erties Union (ACLU), American Humanist nately, since Republicans have taken over the claim time in opposition to the point of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:39 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.014 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 order and in favor of consideration of percent of Wisconsin adults report hav- The Chair recognizes the gentle- the resolution. ing experienced recurring violence be- woman from North Carolina. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tween adults in their childhood. Imag- Ms. FOXX. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. tlewoman from North Carolina is rec- ine the loss of productivity at schools. Mr. Speaker, it really pains me to see ognized for 10 minutes. There’s often a lot of talk about kids my colleagues across the aisle make Ms. FOXX. The question before the being inattentive in school and not the kind of accusations that they make House is: Should the House now con- being able to pass and succeed in about Republicans being unconcerned sider H. Res. 656? Section 4 of the Un- school. Next to hunger, imagine the about the issue of violence against funded Mandates Reform Act, or cost of witnessing and experiencing vi- women. How could they possibly accuse UMRA, excludes from the application olence in the home as a cost to society. us of not being concerned about that of that act any legislative provision I would now like to yield to the gen- issue? All Republicans are concerned that establishes or enforces statutory tlelady for a question. about violence against anyone. Vio- rights prohibiting discrimination. There were several amendments that lence, we are very concerned about The Congressional Budget Office has were introduced in the Rules Com- that. I personally won’t even watch stated that while they have not re- mittee last evening, and I was won- any kind of movie that has any kind of viewed a provision in section 3 of H.R. dering if you were aware of any amend- violence in it because I can’t stand to 4970 for intergovernmental or private- ments that were adopted after we left see violence perpetrated on another sector mandates, since that provision the Rules Committee last evening. I human being. So Republican men and prohibits discrimination on the basis of know there had been a hearing. I was women both abhor violence against race, color, religion, national origin, wondering if any of the amendments women. sex, or disability, other provisions of that Democrats had introduced were But what we have done in the legisla- H.R. 4970 would impose no intergovern- adopted. tion that we are proposing is we are mental mandates as defined in UMRA. Ms. FOXX. I thank the gentlewoman asking for increased accountability and CBO goes on to say the bill would im- for yielding. to see that more services are directly pose private-sector mandates as de- None of the amendments were made offered to women who have violence fined in UMRA on brokers of inter- in order except the manager’s amend- perpetrated against them. In fact, I national marriage and certain super- ment, which brings the bill closer to would say that we are more concerned visors over persons under official con- the Senate version of the bill. about violence for women because we trol of the United States. However, Ms. MOORE. The manager’s amend- want to see those women served better CBO estimates that the cost of those ment, thankfully, was adopted, because and we want to see the money spent mandates would fall well below the an- the manager’s amendment did have one better. nual threshold established in UMRA: little piece in there that helps out im- Mr. Speaker, helping victims of $146 million in 2012, adjusted annually migrant women. But there are 325 abuse and domestic violence is not a for inflation. groups and organizations, everything Republican or Democrat issue. I have Mr. Speaker, the motion of the gen- from national women organizations to been pleased to work with Congress- tlewoman is dilatory. In order to allow evangelical women and the bishops, woman LORETTA SANCHEZ on H.R. 196, the House to continue its scheduled that oppose even the manager’s amend- Simplifying the Ambiguous Law Keep- business for the day, I urge Members to ment because they say that not only ing Everyone Reliably Safe, or STALK- vote ‘‘yes’’ on the question of consider- are there just simply rollbacks to the ERS, Act which she has championed ation of the resolution, and I reserve Violence Against Women Act, but it for the last two Congresses. The Demo- the balance of my time. actually puts immigrant women in crats wouldn’t bring this bill up when Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- danger, as the balance is tipped from they were in control of the House. self such time as I may consume. current law in favor of these batterers, The STALKERS Act updates the I do appreciate the woman walking sexual assaulters, abusers, and killers. Federal stalking statute to include us through the protocols for the un- I would like to yield to the gentle- electronic surveillance and other funded mandates. And I would submit lady for one more question. means of cyber-stalking to ensure that to her that the National Network to Will this body ever have an oppor- potential stalking victims are pro- End Domestic Violence, who does a tunity to vote on the bipartisan bill tected as technology changes. In addi- point-in-time counting of domestic vio- from the Senate that passed 68–31? Will tion, the STALKERS Act increases lence services nationwide, would indi- this body ever have the opportunity? criminal penalties by 5 years for of- cate that it costs not only personal an- Will that bill ever be before us? fenders who have violated a protective guish, but there are costs in society, b 1250 order or whose victims are under the actual fiscal costs, to not protecting Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I cannot as- age of 18 or elderly. women who are suffering in violent sit- sume what this body will do in the fu- Congresswoman SANCHEZ and I uations. ture. I am one member of the Rules worked together regardless of which Right in my own State of Wisconsin, Committee and the Education Com- party was in charge of the House, and 714,000 women have been assaulted, mittee. I do not have control over that, I’m pleased that legislation with the raped, or stalked by an intimate part- and I don’t believe anybody can predict original cosponsor, who’s a Democrat, ner. This number actually exceeds the the future. has been included in the VAWA reau- population of the entire city of Mil- Ms. MOORE. Representative FOXX, thorization bill that the House will waukee. Imagine the cost to employers just a follow-up, you are a member, a vote on today. The VAWA reauthoriza- when people don’t show up at work. very senior member, of the Rules Com- tion bill also adds stalking as an allow- Imagine the cost in emergency rooms mittee, and so I was wondering if the able grant purpose to continue the when people show up battered and rule is structured in a way that will work of protecting these victims. bruised and broken and have no health ever allow to have before us, after we As we all know, law enforcement and insurance. vote on this version, the Adams version prosecutors must have the resources Approximately half a million of these of the VAWA bill? Will there be a path- they need to pursue violent criminals, women were fearful or concerned for way toward voting on the Senate bill and I hope my colleagues on both sides their safety. Two hundred and eighty as you understand it? of the aisle will join me in voting for thousand Wisconsin women, 12.7 per- Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I believe the H.R. 4970 after voting for this rule pro- cent of our population, have been gentlewoman’s question is a question viding for its consideration, or the rule stalked in their lifetime. Imagine the for the rule and is not relevant to the we will consider in just a few minutes. cost of additional police work when point of order which she has raised. I’m not going to impugn the char- these women call the police and noth- Ms. MOORE. I thank the Speaker and acter of my colleagues on the other ing has been done in terms of making I thank the gentlelady. side of the aisle. We all want to stop vi- arrests and asking for accountability. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The olence against women. That’s why Re- A study of childhood exposure to vio- time of the gentlewoman from Wis- publicans have brought forth this bill. lence in Milwaukee has found that 16 consin has expired. Again, the STALKERS Act could have

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:39 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.027 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2731 been brought forward under Democrat Sessions Terry Westmoreland Stated against: control of the House. It was not, and Shimkus Thompson (PA) Whitfield Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 253, I Shuler Thornberry Wilson (SC) I’m very disappointed. But I’m proud of Shuster Tiberi Wittman was away from the Capitol due to prior com- Republicans, that we’re doing it and Simpson Tipton Wolf mitments to my constituents. Had I been we’re strengthening the Violence Smith (NE) Turner (NY) Womack present, I would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ Smith (NJ) Turner (OH) Against Women Act, not weakening Woodall Smith (TX) Upton Yoder b 1320 Southerland Walberg the act. Young (AK) Stearns Walden The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back Young (FL) Stivers Walsh (IL) ARTZLER Young (IN) H ). The gentlewoman from the balance of my time. Stutzman Webster The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time North Carolina is recognized for 1 hour. Sullivan West Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, for the for debate has expired. NAYS—183 The question is, Will the House now purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- consider the resolution? Ackerman Fudge Nadler tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman Altmire Garamendi Napolitano from Colorado (Mr. POLIS), pending The question was taken; and the Baca Gonzalez Neal which I yield myself such time as I Speaker pro tempore announced that Baldwin Green, Al Olver Barrow may consume. During consideration of the noes appeared to have it. Green, Gene Owens Bass (CA) Grijalva Pallone this resolution, all time yielded is for Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, on that I de- Becerra Gutierrez Pascrell the purpose of debate only. mand the yeas and nays. Berkley Hahn Pastor (AZ) The yeas and nays were ordered. Berman Hanabusa Pelosi GENERAL LEAVE Bishop (GA) Hastings (FL) Perlmutter Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I ask The vote was taken by electronic de- Bishop (NY) Heinrich Peters vice, and there were—yeas 239, nays Blumenauer Higgins Pingree (ME) unanimous consent that all Members 183, not voting 9, as follows: Bonamici Himes Polis have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- Boren Hinchey Price (NC) tend their remarks. [Roll No. 253] Boswell Hinojosa Quigley The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there YEAS—239 Brady (PA) Hirono Rahall Braley (IA) Hochul Rangel objection to the request of the gentle- Adams Fortenberry Marchant Brown (FL) Holden Reyes woman from North Carolina? Aderholt Foxx Marino Butterfield Holt Richardson Akin Franks (AZ) McCarthy (CA) There was no objection. Capps Honda Richmond Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, House Alexander Frelinghuysen McCaul Capuano Hoyer Ross (AR) Amash Gallegly McClintock Cardoza Israel Rothman (NJ) Resolution 656 provides for a closed Amodei Gardner McCotter Carnahan Jackson (IL) Roybal-Allard rule providing for the consideration of Austria Garrett McHenry Carney Jackson Lee Ruppersberger H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Bachmann Gerlach McKeon Carson (IN) (TX) Rush Bachus Gibbs McKinley Castor (FL) Johnson (GA) Ryan (OH) Reauthorization Act, and general de- Barletta Gibson McMorris Chu Johnson, E. B. Sa´ nchez, Linda bate for H.R. 4310, the National Defense Bartlett Gingrey (GA) Rodgers Cicilline Kaptur T. Barton (TX) Gohmert Meehan Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. Clarke (MI) Keating Sanchez, Loretta As an original cosponsor of the un- Bass (NH) Goodlatte Mica Clarke (NY) Kildee Sarbanes Benishek Gosar Miller (FL) Clay Kind Schakowsky derlying bill, I am proud to stand with Berg Gowdy Miller (MI) Cleaver Kissell Schiff my Republican colleagues in support of Biggert Granger Miller, Gary Clyburn Kucinich Schrader the reauthorization of the Violence Bilbray Graves (GA) Mulvaney Cohen Langevin Schwartz Bilirakis Graves (MO) Murphy (PA) Connolly (VA) Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Against Women Act, otherwise known Bishop (UT) Griffin (AR) Myrick Conyers Larson (CT) Serrano as VAWA. Black Griffith (VA) Neugebauer Cooper Lee (CA) Sewell Blackburn Grimm Noem The House Judiciary Committee- Costa Levin Sherman passed version of VAWA before us Bonner Guinta Nugent Costello Lewis (GA) Sires Bono Mack Guthrie Nunes Courtney Lipinski Smith (WA) today is a commonsense proposal to en- Boustany Hall Nunnelee Critz Loebsack Speier sure that limited taxpayer dollars are Brady (TX) Hanna Olson Crowley Lofgren, Zoe Stark used responsibly and efficiently while Brooks Harper Palazzo Cuellar Lowey Sutton Broun (GA) Harris Paul Cummings Luja´ n Thompson (CA) also improving access to services for Buchanan Hartzler Paulsen Davis (CA) Lynch Thompson (MS) victims. With this bill, we have also Bucshon Hastings (WA) Pearce Davis (IL) Maloney Tierney Buerkle Hayworth Pence worked to add accountability require- DeFazio Markey Tonko ments to conduct the necessary over- Burgess Heck Peterson DeGette Matheson Towns Calvert Hensarling Petri DeLauro Matsui Tsongas sight of VAWA grant recipients and Camp Herger Platts Deutch McCarthy (NY) Van Hollen programs. Our goal is to ensure that Campbell Herrera Beutler Poe (TX) Dicks McCollum Vela´ zquez more money is spent on direct services Canseco Huelskamp Pompeo Dingell McDermott Visclosky Cantor Huizenga (MI) Posey Doggett McGovern Walz (MN) and less on administrative bureauc- Capito Hultgren Price (GA) Donnelly (IN) McIntyre Wasserman racy. Carter Hunter Quayle Doyle McNerney Schultz DAMS Chabot Hurt Reed I commend Representative A on Edwards Meeks Waters authoring this legislation, and I urge Chaffetz Issa Rehberg Ellison Michaud Watt Coble Jenkins Reichert Engel Miller (NC) Waxman my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on the Coffman (CO) Johnson (IL) Renacci Eshoo Miller, George Welch rule and the underlying bill. Cole Johnson (OH) Ribble Farr Moore Wilson (FL) With that, I reserve the balance of Conaway Johnson, Sam Rigell Fattah Moran Woolsey Cravaack Jones Rivera Frank (MA) Murphy (CT) Yarmuth my time. Crawford Jordan Roby Mr. POLIS. I thank the gentlelady Crenshaw Kelly Roe (TN) NOT VOTING—9 for yielding me the customary 30 min- Culberson King (NY) Rogers (AL) Andrews Chandler Labrador Davis (KY) Kingston Rogers (KY) utes, and I yield myself such time as I Burton (IN) Filner Pitts Denham Kinzinger (IL) Rogers (MI) Cassidy King (IA) Slaughter may consume. Dent Kline Rohrabacher Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition DesJarlais Lamborn Rokita b 1318 Diaz-Balart Lance Rooney to the rule and the underlying bills: Dold Landry Ros-Lehtinen Messrs. COHEN, CLEAVER, Ms. H.R. 4970, the Cantor-Adams bill, and Dreier Lankford Roskam FUDGE, and Mr. RICHMOND changed H.R. 4310, the National Defense Author- Duffy Latham Ross (FL) ization Act. Duncan (SC) LaTourette Royce their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Duncan (TN) Latta Runyan Messrs. MCCAUL, WEBSTER, and Before we discuss the unprecedented Ellmers Lewis (CA) Ryan (WI) YOUNG of Alaska changed their vote rule for the Cantor-Adams bill, which Emerson LoBiondo Scalise from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ has really turned what has tradition- Farenthold Long Schilling Fincher Lucas Schmidt So the question of consideration was ally been a bipartisan issue into a po- Fitzpatrick Luetkemeyer Schock decided in the affirmative. litical football—to the detriment of Flake Lummis Schweikert The result of the vote was announced women across our country—I would Fleischmann Lungren, Daniel Scott (SC) as above recorded. like to say a few words about the Na- Fleming E. Scott, Austin Flores Mack Scott, David A motion to reconsider was laid on tional Defense Authorization Act, Forbes Manzullo Sensenbrenner the table. which is also included in this rule.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:44 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.028 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 I am really dismayed that the De- gresses have done and accomplished on legislation also takes great care to en- fense authorization bill that House Re- this issue for no reason when we have a sure the funds allocated by this bill are publicans have brought before us un- bipartisan Senate version of the bill treated with the responsibility and dermines the bipartisan agreement that protects all women from the abuse care the victims and taxpayers deserve: which was reached just last summer. of partners. H.R. 4970 requires VAWA audits be The bill funds defense spending at $8 Why would we exclude certain women performed by the Department of Jus- billion over the levels set in the Budget in this country? If a woman is in a les- tice and that the Attorney General im- Control Act and $3 billion over the bian relationship, should she not be proves the coordination between the President’s budget request—again, protected if she is a victim of domestic grant-making offices to reduce duplica- more deficit spending in this Repub- abuse? If a woman doesn’t have the tion and overlap in funding. H.R. 4970 lican bill before us under this rule. documentation to be in this country prohibits the award of grant funds to As our deficit spirals out of control, and is here illegally, should she not be nonprofit organizations that hold we need to tighten our belt and balance protected under this law? money in offshore accounts in order to our budget. Instead, this bill doubles VAWA protects women who are actu- avoid paying their Federal taxes, and it down on 10 years of ballooning defense ally convicted of other crimes. If a limits the use of funds for salaries and budgets, which have played a major woman stole a car and served time, was administrative expenses to 5 percent of role in our deficit. This bill continues convicted of that crime, she is still pro- funds authorized under the act. to kick the can down the road toward tected from domestic abuse under b 1330 balancing our budget and leaves an VAWA. Yet nonviolent offenders of our only bigger hole that the Republican civil code, like undocumented immi- The Violence Against Women Act has tax-and-spend policies continue to dig, grants, would no longer be protected bipartisan support in both the House putting our Nation deeper and deeper because they would effectively face de- and Senate, and any attempt to exploit into debt. portation after 4 years for testifying this important law as a partisan polit- Additionally, this bill ties the hands against the perpetrators of their abuse, ical issue is contemptible. of our military and law enforcement by making it much less likely that they I encourage my colleagues in the requiring in statute to keep military would bring the perpetrators to justice House to vote in support of this legisla- detainees in Guantanamo, handcuffing and end the vicious cycle of domestic tion today to protect the victims of any President, Democrat or Repub- abuse in their families. violent crime and support the respon- lican, and preventing him from coming The majority in the House has of- sible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. up with a plan for what to do with fered no explanation for their refusal Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 these individuals. This bill panders to to allow us to take up the Senate bi- minutes to the gentlewoman from Col- our fears by insisting that the detain- partisan bill. My colleague VIRGINIA orado (Ms. DEGETTE). ees remain in Guantanamo intermi- FOXX was noncommittal in her re- Ms. DEGETTE. Madam Speaker, for nably. It tries to tell generals how to sponse about whether we would be tak- nearly two decades, Congress has re- do their jobs and sets a timetable for ing up the Senate bipartisan bill. If she peatedly reauthorized the Violence troop levels in Afghanistan rather than doesn’t know the answer—and I cer- Against Women Act on a near unani- does our normal civilian process. tainly take her on her word—I would mous and bipartisan basis. Finally, I am disappointed by the po- hope that somebody on the other side Since the act became law, incidents litical posturing included in the bill. would come to the floor and say, Can of domestic violence have dropped by The NDAA used to focus solely on set- we take up this Senate bipartisan bill? more than 60 percent and the reporting ting defense policy and protecting our And if not, why not? And if so, when? rate of domestic violence has risen by Nation. Unfortunately, the Repub- It passed the Senate with 68 votes, 51 percent. licans have decided to use this bill to Republicans and Democrats. This is the The 2012 reauthorization is a chance also push political wedge issues. There time to stand up and see if our col- for Congress to reaffirm its commit- is language in this bill prohibiting the leagues on both sides of the aisle are ment to the protection of women use of military facilities to conduct serious about responding to the insid- across this Nation. That is why it’s same-sex marriages even in States that ious domestic violence crimes that particularly disheartening to see such allow same-sex marriages. It even pre- occur every day throughout this coun- a vital piece of legislation fall victim vents gay and lesbian chaplains from try. Frankly, that could start by the to putting politics ahead of people. marrying members of the military to defeat of this bill, allowing for an open What are the facts? Tonight, an other members of the military. process in considering this bill on the American woman will join the one in Further, I am deeply disturbed that, floor of the House. four women who have been the victims in a bill that governs our national se- I reserve the balance of my time. of severe physical domestic violence. curity, language was included that Ms. FOXX. I would now like to yield To her, this reauthorization is more would increase our dependence on for- 2 minutes to the distinguished gentle- than just a bill; it’s security. The bill eign oil and that would undermine our woman from Kansas (Ms. JENKINS). is security for the one in six women long-term energy security interest. Ms. JENKINS. I thank the gentlelady who have been raped in their lifetime. This bill’s exemption of the Depart- for yielding. It’s security for the mothers, daugh- ment of Defense from complying with The Violence Against Women Act is ters, and sisters across this Nation, and section 526 of the 2007 energy bill hurts an important tool for preventing do- its security for the selfless individuals water and recreational interests in my mestic violence and sexual assault and who tirelessly work to bring aid. State and harms research and develop- for supporting the victims of these Now is not the time to take a step ment and investment in renewable en- crimes. There is broad bipartisan back, to abandon these victims. This ergy. agreement that this essential legisla- Congress must expand its efforts and Now, sadly, as disappointing as it is tion must be renewed. ensure that all victims are assisted, no to see political posturing in the De- While the House bill protects the vic- matter what their race, religion, or fense authorization bill under this rule, tims of domestic violence and improves sexual orientation. Too many in this it is truly horrifying to see the polit- services and education to prevent and body have chosen to fight against these ical posturing in the provisions of the address these crimes on college cam- protections. They want to fight efforts Violence Against Women Act, which puses, our legislation also goes beyond to extend LGBT individuals equal pro- under this House version would likely the Senate bill by ensuring that tax- tection, even though they’re less likely lead to more violence against women. payer resources help victims—not to receive protective orders, more like- The Violence Against Women Act has a Washington bureaucrats—by limiting ly to be turned away, and because of long bipartisan history. Both sides administrative expenses, requiring an- this are less likely to report their at- have traditionally sought to protect all nual audits and combating fraud. tack to the police. They deserve equal victims of domestic violence, not just While the House legislation takes protection, and there’s a bipartisan bill some. Sadly, this bill before us undoes enormous strides in protecting the vic- that does just that, but it’s falling vic- much of the work that previous Con- tims of these truly horrific crimes, the tim to election-year politics.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:57 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.030 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2733 In America, we have to combat the chose not to do so. That’s a shame, be- that will actually roll back protections abuse of women in our own society—no cause the Violence Against Women Act for women across this Nation. matter their country of origin—if we’re has been a bipartisan and non- The Violence Against Women Act is a going to continue to have the moral controversial effort for almost 20 years vital piece of legislation to be sure. It authority to advocate for the rights of now. The update passed the Senate on established a comprehensive response people abroad. There is also a bipar- a bipartisan basis just last month. to prevent relationship violence, sexual tisan bill that would continue to pro- Why does everything have to be a assault, and stalking; to support sur- tect immigrant survivors by granting partisan fight here on the floor of the vivors; and to hold perpetrators ac- them special visas and by preventing House? Over the past year, my Repub- countable. It is also a symbol that rela- retribution from their attackers, yet lican colleagues here in the House have tionship violence and sexual assault is there are some in this body who would blocked an important jobs package; real and that it is unacceptable. also deny these women protection. they have stalled the adoption of the For the past 20 years, this law has These days, bipartisan compromise is national transportation and infrastruc- been a shining symbol that Congress hard to come by, no matter how hard ture bill; they’ve dragged their feet on can put aside its petty differences and some of us try. We are rarely handed help for students and the impending in- we can come together to do what is an opportunity where there is such uni- crease to the student loan rate; and right for violence victims and sur- versal agreement. VAWA has a proud now they have turned what has been a vivors. history of bipartisan support. Let’s bipartisan effort to protect the victims continue that tradition, put politics of domestic violence into a senseless b 1340 aside, and pass a bipartisan VAWA re- political fight. Republicans would not authorization bill that protects all vic- even allow debate on amendments so Now the bill before us tarnishes that tims. that we could improve their flawed bill. symbol. Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 And this is serious, because in my H.R. 4970 marks a backsliding in vio- minutes to my colleague from North home State of Florida, there were over lence protections, leaving more women Carolina, Congresswoman ELLMERS. 113,000 crimes of domestic violence re- out in the cold without legal resources Mrs. ELLMERS. Thank you to my ported in 2010. If the Republican bill or social supports, just when they need colleague from North Carolina. were to pass, more domestic violence it most. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of crimes would go unreported, more And the issues are not just for immi- the rule and the underlying bill and abusers would be free, and more vic- grants or the LGBT community—al- call for the passage of H.R. 4970, the Vi- tims would be harmed. though the way the bill before us ig- olence Against Women Reauthorization This bill works in opposition to the nores their pain is shameful—but also Act of 2012. Since its enactment in 1994, very purpose of the legislation to pro- for women on college campuses, those VAWA has helped many women escape tect all victims of domestic violence. in need of safe housing, tribal women. abuse and enabled them to seek help Not just some victims, but all victims. And that is why hundreds of groups through its victim services program. Advocates across the country who are across the country—service providers, We’re here today debating something on the front lines in aiding women and law enforcement, health care workers— that is a good policy and common sense victims every day have announced have come out against this bill. and should be supported in the same bi- their opposition. Now we could address the problems partisan manner that we have seen Please defeat this rule so we can call in this bill if we were allowed an oppor- throughout the two decades since its up the bipartisan and improved version tunity to vote on the Moore-Conyers inception. Violence against women from the Senate. amendment, which I cosponsored. The does not occur along party lines, and Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 Moore-Conyers amendment mirrors the neither should reauthorization of these minute to the gentlewoman from Ten- recently passed bipartisan Senate bill. programs. We must work together in a nessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN). But the House leadership unilaterally bipartisan manner to protect women Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, decided to block it from even coming from domestic violence, rape, and I thank the gentlewoman from North to a vote. The majority has, once stalking. Partisan posturing should not Carolina for her leadership on the rule. again, put rigid ideology over common- be placed above the urgent needs of I also want to thank Congresswoman sense compromise, and this time at the these victims. SANDY ADAMS from Florida for her expense of violence survivors and their The House’s reauthorization makes leadership on the issue. I think it is so families. several key improvements to the Sen- instructive to all of us as women of the Reauthorization is critical for the Vi- ate bill and nearly doubles the re- House that we have had a female law olence Against Women Act, but it sources for eliminating the backlog of enforcement officer who has been a needs to be done right. I urge the ma- unprocessed rape evidence kits, while leader in domestic violence policy in jority to drop the partisan politics, cracking down on the fraud identified addressing this issue to help walk us join a bipartisan coalition, and support in the immigration program. This bill through what works, what doesn’t, and these survivors. also brings great accountability to the where we need to tweak this. grant administration by ensuring that Many Members of this House, and Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I now funding is spent on the victims, not many women are like me. They’ve would like to yield 5 minutes to Mr. Washington bureaucrats. The House’s worked on establishing domestic vio- NUGENT from Florida, my distinguished reauthorization of VAWA is and always lence and child advocacy centers. And colleague on the Rules Committee. Mr. NUGENT. I thank my fellow will be about the victims of domestic to hear from Congresswoman ADAMS violence, sexual assault, and stalking. the specifics—to bring more account- Rules Committee member, Dr. FOXX, I am proud to support this bill and ability to bear and to make certain for allowing me to speak on this issue will continue to fight and protect that funding gets to the victims has not only for women but for all Ameri- women and victims of abuse through been her priority, and a job well-done cans. I also want to thank my Florida commonsense legislation. on that. colleague SANDY ADAMS for her leader- Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield Some of the stats indeed tell us why ship shown on this issue. 1 I spent my entire career as a law en- 1 ⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from we need to do this. In Tennessee, where Florida (Ms. CASTOR). I’m from, 52.1 percent of all crimes forcement officer, 36 years, and the last Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I thank the against persons are domestic violence. 10 years as a sheriff. When you are a gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I urge support for cop, you usually don’t get to see people Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition the rule. in the best light. Getting called to to the rule and urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 somebody’s house or somebody coming flawed Violence Against Women Act minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- to your office isn’t typically something that my Republican colleagues will fornia (Mrs. CAPPS). that is a highlight of their day. It’s be- bring to the floor. Mrs. CAPPS. I thank my colleague. cause they are in need of help. They had an opportunity to bring the Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition Throughout my entire career, I saw bipartisan Senate bill to the floor, but to the rule and to the underlying bill some of the worst that man has to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:57 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.034 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 offer, and no small part of that was do- It legally includes felony or mis- to the act. The Senate bill and Con- mestic violence. During my four dec- demeanor crimes committed by gresswoman MOORE’s bill strengthen ades as a cop and sheriff, I saw the re- spouses or ex-spouses, boyfriends or protections in the act for immigrant sults of domestic violence: battered girlfriends, and ex-boyfriends or ex- women; yet the majority’s bill would partners, both men and women; chil- girlfriends. endanger the safety of immigrants. dren either physically or emotionally Now I’m not going to say this House In 2010, nearly half of lesbian and gay hurt in the crossfire between their legislation is perfect, but it makes sig- survivors were turned away from do- fighting parents; victims who were suf- nificant improvements to streamline mestic violence shelters or denied serv- fering, scared, intimidated, and didn’t our Nation’s domestic violence pro- ices because of their sexual orienta- know where to go for justice. grams. In fact, the exact same funding tion. The majority’s bill would con- If you will look at the State of Flor- authorization levels in the Senate bill tinue to deny those individuals the ida and what it did with regards to do- is included in this bill, $680 million in community protections afforded by the mestic violence, it’s clear that it was funding per year for the next 5 years. act. not just about a husband and wife. It’s Moreover, the manager’s amendment We are talking about women’s lives. about those folks that live within a brings the House even more in line This is no place for partisan games. home. It’s about their relationship with the Senate’s authorization. The rule before us would roll back the within that home as it affects their Madam Speaker, as you probably central protections that have made a children, as it affects each other. It know, this week is National Police difference for so many women in this doesn’t specifically say that it has to Week, and we certainly know about do- Nation. be a man or a woman. It doesn’t iden- mestic violence. The men and women I urge the majority to bring Con- tify that. It talks about a relation- that worked for me, as a sheriff, knew gresswoman MOORE’s bill to the floor. I ship—not a casual relationship, but a about it. SANDY ADAMS, a former cop, urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on relationship where they’re intimate introduced this legislation. And we’ve this rule. with each other, they spend time with seen firsthand what domestic violence Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I now each other, they’re sexually active does to our families. would like to yield 2 minutes to the with each other. It doesn’t say that it By passing this legislation, we get a gentleman from Ohio (Mr. JOHNSON). has to be a man and a woman. It says, step closer to making sure these vic- Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Madam these individuals have certain rights tims receive the services they need. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. under domestic violence law and also That’s why I am encouraging my col- 4970, the Violence Against Women Re- the ability to get an injunction for pro- leagues to support the rule, support authorization Act. this legislation, and let it get to con- tection. b 1350 I have seen abusers on both sides. I ference with the Senate so we can have seen those who were married, bring these services to the men and Domestic violence is an all-too-com- those who were boyfriend and women who need it the most. mon reality, occurring most every- girlfriend, and those who were boy- Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I would where here in the United States, and friend and boyfriend or girlfriend and like to yield 2 minutes to the gentle- one that deeply impacts all involved. girlfriend commit atrocious crimes on woman from Connecticut (Ms. In Ohio alone, there were reportedly each other. It had nothing to do with DELAURO). 70,717 calls in 2010 for domestic violence marriage. It had everything to do with Ms. DELAURO. When one out of four incidents. While not all of these re- the relationships that they had within women will experience domestic vio- sulted in criminal charges, it is vitally their homes. lence in their lifetimes, it is uncon- important that law enforcement have So as we move forward, those on the scionable that the majority would try the knowledge and resources necessary other side of the aisle want to add to roll back the protections in the Vio- to appropriately respond and inves- something to this piece of legislation lence Against Women Act. tigate domestic violence calls. It is that’s already covered. It already cov- Since the act first passed in 1994, it also crucial that all victims of domes- ers those relationships. If you start de- has changed the landscape for Amer- tic violence have access to the help fining a particular relationship, what if ican women. Domestic violence has they need to get out of a harmful situa- you leave one out? In here, it is very dropped by over 50 percent. And in a tion and overcome not only physical broad and allows us, in law enforce- historical bipartisan fashion, the Sen- abuse but the emotional scars that ment, to be very protective of those ate passed a bill that modernizes the deeply impact the lives of victims. that need protection. Whether it’s act for our times. It consolidates pro- I am confident that H.R. 4970 would stalking, intimidation, voyeurism, it grams, takes additional steps to reach play an integral role in alleviating do- doesn’t matter. And oftentimes, women victims of domestic violence. mestic violence in our communities by are the victims of domestic violence, Madam Speaker, 200 national organi- providing more than $680 million for but a man can just as easily be a vic- zations, 500 State and local organiza- funding per year to help prevent do- tim of domestic violence, and I have tions, including the National District mestic violence and protect victims of seen that, too. Attorneys Association, the National abuse. This legislation would also in- The Violence Against Women Act Sheriffs’ Association—my colleague crease resources for sexual assault in- protects and prevents all types of inti- who just spoke is a former sheriff, but vestigations, prosecutions, and victim mate partner crime regardless of the his association is supporting the Sen- services, in addition to strengthening gender of either the criminal or the ate bill and not this House bill—and penalties for abusers. Importantly, this victim. This legislation funds the pro- the Federal Law Enforcement Officers legislation also seeks to promote grams that not only help men and Association all support the Senate bill. awareness for the prevention of vio- women who have been hurt, but it also And our colleague from Wisconsin, lence by funding State prevention edu- helps law enforcement prevent these Congresswoman MOORE, has put for- cation programs and enhancements for crimes from ever happening. ward legislation that mirrors that bi- campus programs. I have heard a number of my col- partisan approach. But instead of mov- As a son, a husband, a brother to two leagues talk about what isn’t in the ing that bipartisan bill forward, the sisters, a father of two grown women, bill. They say, for example, it doesn’t majority has put forward an alter- and a grandfather of four little girls, I include ‘‘sexual orientation’’ as one of native bill that, in fact, risks the lives understand the importance of pre- the protected classes. The Violence and the health of women. venting domestic violence against Against Women Act is and always has The Department of Justice estimates women and also ensuring that all been gender-neutral. That’s the beauty that one out of every three Native women have the necessary resources of this piece of legislation. It’s gender- American women will be raped and two and protection should they ever be in neutral. out of five will be victims of domestic need. Under the ‘‘real’’ VAWA, as some violence. The majority’s bill removes The number of occurrences of domes- people call it, domestic violence is in- the provisions that are essential to en- tic violence, physical violence, and terpreted as intimate partner violence. suring that Indian women have access stalking within the United States is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:57 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.036 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2735 staggering and simply unacceptable. It distinguish one victim from another. board of my local domestic violence is my hope that this reauthorization of Any person who is a victim of domestic safe house. And I call it a safe house. the Violence Against Women Act will violence is a victim of domestic vio- We didn’t call it a shelter. We called it have an immediate impact on reducing lence. Beyond that, it should be of no a safe house. So I have personally seen domestic violence and improving serv- concern. women and children who so desperately ices for its victims. However, I will say this—and my col- needed that safe haven to escape from Mr. POLIS. It is my honor to yield 1 league SANDY ADAMS has done such a a cycle of violence. Throughout my minute to the gentlewoman from New magnificent job with this—when we service here in Congress, I consistently York (Mrs. MALONEY). began to have concerns after we fought to make certain that support is Mrs. MALONEY. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. dropped this bill last week, we went there for all of the safe houses across This bill is but one more assault on back to the table. We heard from Mem- my district. what has become, sadly but surely, bers who have large Native American Those women and all those victims of known as the war against women. populations in their districts and Mem- domestic violence, who far too often A government has no greater respon- bers who are Native Americans with re- suffer in silence, need to know that sibility than to keep its citizens safe, gard to the issue. We heard with regard they are not alone and that there are but in its current form, this bill says to the illegal alien issue. We went back people who care. Today, this House is there are some we will not help. We to the table and came forth with a doing what we need to do, by taking a will not protect Native Americans, manager’s amendment to begin to ad- stand in defense of those who face the LGBT people, and immigrant people. dress those issues. That’s the right danger of domestic violence, by passing My colleagues on the other side of thing to do. That’s what domestic vio- this reauthorization. the aisle would not extend the protec- lence victims should expect from this I certainly applaud the author of the tions of this bill to tribal residents. House—sit down, figure this out, and bill, SANDY ADAMS from Florida. She’s Why? Do they not suffer when they are make sure we go forward with what is kept politics away from crafting this assaulted? This bill, in its current in the best interest of the victims. And bill. Instead, she’s really focused form, would not protect people from that’s what the House of Representa- squarely on protecting the victims of discrimination in the LGBT commu- tives did. domestic violence. nity. Why? Do they not bleed when I strongly support this rule and the The bill that we are debating here they are struck? And this bill, in its underlying bill. today produces funding at the same current form, eliminates the path to Mr. POLIS. It is my honor to yield 1 level as what was passed by the Senate, citizenship for some visa holders who minute to the gentleman from New but I think it allocates that funding in have been victims of sex trafficking, Jersey (Mr. HOLT). a way that better supports the victims torture, and rape. Why? Do they not (Mr. HOLT asked and was given per- of domestic violence. For instance, this bruise and bleed when they are beaten mission to revise and extend his re- bill doesn’t make any special carve- and battered? marks.) outs for any particular victim group, Mr. HOLT. Madam Speaker, I thank The SPEAKER pro tempore. The because it protects everybody equally. time of the gentlewoman has expired. the gentleman. Let me give one example of how im- It also includes outstanding revisions Mr. POLIS. I yield the gentlewoman portant this legislation is and how this developed by listening to those in- an additional 20 seconds. volved in protecting victims from Mrs. MALONEY. Thank you. bill before us would eliminate impor- tant provisions to protect women from across the Nation. There is an indifference to the suf- It strengthens penalties for sexual fering of some—just some—in this bill abuse. Several years ago, a teenage girl assault and abuse. It improves Federal that is as chilling and callous as any- from Trenton came to my office for stalking laws. It helps young women in thing I have ever seen in this Chamber help. She’d been abused by her parents college by working to prevent violence in modern times. and abandoned by them. When she on our campuses through improved I urge a strong ‘‘no’’ vote on the rule came to my office, she was living in a education programs. And it dramati- and the underlying bill. shelter participating in a transitional cally improves emergency and transi- Ms. FOXX. I yield 2 minutes to the living program that required part-time tional housing services. gentlewoman from New York (Ms. employment. She had come to the As well, the Senate bill mirrors cur- BUERKLE). United States legally, but she needed rent law, which only mandates 40 per- Ms. BUERKLE. I rise this afternoon help. Because of VAWA, I was able to cent of the funding in the DNA Anal- in support of the rule and the under- show her how she could secure her per- ysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 to lying bill in H.R. 4970. I am so pleased manent resident status and work au- address a backlog of rape testing kits to stand here with my colleagues in thorization. After I helped her get which are required, quite frankly, to support of this rule. work authorization and permanent successfully prosecute rape cases. Our This is a particularly meaningful bill resident status, she got her life back on bill mandates that 75 percent of the for me because, in 1994, when I grad- track. VAWA made that possible. funding be used for that purpose so uated from law school, I became aware This bill would remove essential pro- that we can eliminate the backlog that of a program that the Women’s Bar As- visions of VAWA that allow victims of exists and put rapists where they be- sociation had. That was 1994, and that’s abuse to petition for permanent resi- long, and that’s in prison. when the original VAWA was enacted. dency by themselves; and by removing So, Madam Speaker, I urge all my The program was that we could do pro those provisions, this bill would leave colleagues to join me today in standing bono work and work in our domestic this girl and countless other victims of up for women in need and all victims of violence shelter. For all of these many domestic abuse with no help, no sup- violence by supporting this out- years, I have been involved in domestic port, and potentially at the mercy of standing legislation. violence. So it’s particularly meaning- their abusers. b 1400 ful to me that the time when I first got Vote ‘‘no’’ on this rule. Vote ‘‘no’’ on involved in this—and it was thanks to the bill. Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 a very courageous law school professor Ms. FOXX. I yield 2 minutes to the minutes to the gentleman from Vir- I had—that we now are reauthorizing distinguished gentlewoman from ginia (Mr. SCOTT). VAWA that was originally from 1994. Michigan (Mrs. MILLER). Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Madam Speaker, I just become so dis- Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. I thank Speaker, we need to work together to tressed when I hear the allegations the gentlelady for yielding. reauthorize the Violence Against that there is a war on women. When we Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Women Act; but, unfortunately, H.R. sat down and we began discussing the rule and in strong support of the 4970 is seriously flawed and should not VAWA, we sat down with the under- underlying bill, the Violence Against pass. standing that Americans deserve equal Women Act. Among its many flaws, it harms im- protection under the law. We are not Madam Speaker, for several years, I migrant women and fails to protect the going to single out. We are not going to had the great honor to serve on the LGBT community. It also creates new

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H.R. 4970 will still roll back exist- rational sentencing systems, they dis- going on in your own communities. ing protections for battered immigrants that criminate against minorities, and they That’s why it’s so important we have a were created with bi-partisan congressional often violate common sense. bill that is efficient and gets the support. Mandatory minimums can be par- money to those victims, not to bureau- Enacted in 1994 and reauthorized twice in ticularly harmful in domestic relations crats in Washington. That’s why I sup- 2000 and 2005, VAWA has a long history of uniting lawmakers with the common purpose cases, domestic violence cases where port this rule. That’s why I support the of protecting survivors of domestic violence, the victim and the abuser have a prior Violence Against Women Reauthoriza- sexual assault, and stalking. When VAWA relationship, and where the victim of tion Act. was conceived, Congress recognized that the abuse may be less likely to report the Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield noncitizen status of battered immigrants can abuse knowing that, if convicted, the 11⁄4 minutes to the gentlewoman from make them particularly vulnerable. Abusers abuser is certain to go to prison for 5 Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS). often exploit their victims’ undocumented or 10 years without parole. That’s why Ms. EDWARDS. Madam Speaker, I status, leaving the victim afraid to report the abuse to law enforcement and making many organizations dedicated to end- rise today in opposition to the rule and them fearful of assisting with the prosecu- ing domestic violence and working the underlying bill that rolls back pro- tion of these crimes. hard for the reauthorization of VAWA tections for domestic violence victims As modified, H.R. 4970 effectively eradi- are opposed to the mandatory min- and survivors, and I include three let- cates protections created by VAWA that imum provisions in the rule. ters representing hundreds of organiza- have been available for almost twenty years On top of these problems in the re- tions—law enforcement organizations, to immigrant victims of violence. The bill ported bill, the Rules Committee advocacy organizations around the establishes an extremely onerous adjudica- tion process for victims to receive protection adopted a manager’s amendment that, country—in opposition to the rule. that is not required in other areas of the law. among other problems, deletes protec- Before coming to Congress, I founded Finally, it wastes government resources tions against discrimination in hiring and was the first executive director of when allegations of fraud have not been sub- by religious organizations using VAWA the National Network to End Domestic stantiated. funds. Violence. I’ve trained thousands of po- H.R. 4970 eliminates protections for crime Since the 1960s, we have had, as a lice officers and judges, held victims’ victims offered by the U visa. Federal policy, a prohibition against hands in courts. I’ve done intake in Deters immigrant victims from reporting discrimination based on religion when shelters and held their children in crimes by denying nearly all U visa recipi- using Federal funds. The 1964 Civil emergency rooms and answered calls ents the protections offered by lawful perma- Rights Act had an exemption for nent resident status. By offering only tem- on hotlines. porary relief, H.R. 4970 will eliminate an im- churches and other religious organiza- This bill, the underlying bill and the portant incentive for victims to report tions using their own funds to be able rule, do great damage to the work that crimes and silence victims who fear deporta- to consider religion in hiring. However, we’ve done across the aisle as advo- tion. A victim could be deported and be the manager’s amendment specifically cates and leaders of good will to pro- forced to leave her children behind with an allows those groups to discriminate tect the interests of battered women of abuser if he has legal status but she does not. based on religion with Federal funds. domestic violence, victims and sur- Endangers crime victims by making it ex- We should not pass a bill that allows a tremely difficult for them to obtain U visa vivors. protection. H.R. 4970 needlessly requires that person applying for a job paid for with Since the passage in 1994, the Vio- an investigation or prosecution is being ac- Federal funds to be discriminated lence Against Women Act has been a tively pursued. Current law already requires against based on religion. bipartisan piece of legislation. It has that law enforcement certify that the victim Madam Speaker, we must work hard revolutionized the way violent crimes has been or is likely to be helpful to an in- to reauthorize VAWA; but, unfortu- against women are prosecuted and pre- vestigation or prosecution. H.R. 4970 requires that the victim help nately, H.R. 4970 in its current form is vented. Never would I have imagined not the version of VAWA we should identify the perpetrator. Many sexual as- that, when working on this 18 years sault victims never get a good look at the pass, and the rule does not allow ago, that we’d be in this Congress roll- perpetrator. amendments to improve the bill. So I ing back the protections that have H.R. 4970 denies battered immigrants the urge defeat of this rule. been expanded to protect women, vic- protections of ‘‘self-petitioning.’’ Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I now tims, survivors across this country and Gives perpetrators tools to interfere with a would like to yield 2 minutes to our their children. It really is a sad day in victim’s immigration case. distinguished colleague, the gentle- this Congress. We should be ashamed of Forces every VAWA self-petitioner to par- woman from Wyoming (Mrs. LUMMIS). what we’re doing. ticipate in two face-to-face interviews with Mrs. LUMMIS. Madam Speaker, I DHS officials, subjecting them to unneces- We should make sure that we expand sary additional screening that can be dan- rise also to support the rule and to sup- protections for women, for immigrant port the Violence Against Women Act. gerous for victims who may have to account women, for lesbian and gay men and for their every movement to the abuser. This bill will support programs and or- women, and to make sure that we pass Requires untrained local field office staff ganizations that help assist the victims a rule that truly is bipartisan in this conduct in-person interviews with victims of of domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual Congress that reflects the values and domestic violence and sexual assault. Long assault. And it does so in a way that the needs and the spirit of the 1994 law. delays to secure initial interviews at local includes much-needed accountability offices will put victims trying to leave abu- MAY 15, 2012. measures so we can be sure that more sive relationship at greater risk. Re: Update—Manager’s amendments to Endangers the safety of battered immi- of the funds go to the victims who need VAWA (H.R. 4970) do not fix critical grants by suspending adjudication of their it rather than to Washington bureau- problems. H.R. 4970 eliminates protec- case if there is an open criminal investiga- crats. tions for battered immigrants; harms tion or prosecution of the perpetrator. When I was practicing law, I rep- victims. H.R. 4970 requires DHS officials to conduct resented some victims of domestic vio- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. expensive and time consuming reviews of the lence, including men, women, and chil- DEAR MEMBER OF CONGRESS: As a diverse victims’ cases that are not required in other dren, when I was doing guardian ad coalition of immigration, faith, labor, civil areas of law. These wasteful reviews are mo- litem work. And I, further, had a law rights, human rights and community organi- tivated by unsubstantiated claims of fraud office bookkeeper who was murdered zations serving and advocating on behalf of and abuse within VAWA programs. immigrant victims of domestic violence, by her husband while she was working H.R. 4970 endangers victims, and undoes human trafficking, sexual assault, dating vi- years of bipartisan progress made in previous for us. It was traumatic for the entire olence, and stalking, we urge you to oppose VAWA bills by taking us to a time before office. H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Re- 1994 when abusers were allowed to use immi- On Indian reservations in my State authorization Act of 2012 (VAWA) (Adams, gration status as a tool for further abuse. and in communities where there is a R–FL) when it comes to the House floor. When H.R. 4970 is brought to the floor of the

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House of Representatives, we urge you to MAY 14, 2012. focus on developing a bipartisan bill modeled vote NO. This bill goes against the core of Hon. JOHN A. BOEHNER, after H.R. 4271, the companion bill to the VAWA by eliminating protections for vic- Speaker, House of Representatives, Senate-passed version of VAWA. tims and placing victims in danger. Washington, DC. Thank you for your past efforts to prevent Hon. ERIC CANTOR, and respond to violence against women and If you have any questions or concerns, Majority Leader, House of Representatives, children. We look forward to working with please contact Mony Ruiz-Velasco, National Washington, DC. you to craft a bill that works to protect all Immigrant Justice Center, or Grace Huang, Hon. NANCY PELOSI, victims and directs resources to this urgent Washington State Coalition Against Domes- Minority Leader, House of Representatives, task in the most effective way possible. tic Violence. Washington, DC. Sincerely, Sincerely, Hon. STENY HOYER, 9to5, National Association of Working Minority Whip, House of Representatives, Women; A New Hope Center, Inc.; Advocates America’s Voice Education Fund; Amer- Washington, DC. for Youth; African Services Committee; ican Civil Liberties Union; American Immi- DEAR SPEAKER BOEHNER, MINORITY LEADER Akiak Native Community; Alianza—Na- gration Lawyers Association; American Jew- PELOSI, MAJORITY LEADER CANTOR, AND MI- tional Latino Alliance for the Elimination of ish Committee; Americans for Immigrant NORITY WHIP HOYER: We, the undersigned or- Domestic Violence; AAUW; American Fed- Justice; Asian American Justice Center, ganizations, represent millions of victims of eration of Teachers; American Red Cross Member of Asian American Center for Ad- domestic violence, dating violence, sexual Rape Crisis Services; Americans for Immi- grant Justice; Amnesty International USA; vancing Justice; Asian Pacific Islander Insti- assault, and stalking, and the professionals who serve them, throughout the United Asian and Pacific Islander Institute on Do- tute on Domestic Violence; ASISTA; Ben- States and territories. We would like to ex- mestic Violence; ASISTA Immigration As- jamin N. Cardozo Human Rights and Geno- press our strong opposition to H.R. 4970, the sistance; Association of Jewish Family & cide Law Clinic; Break the Cycle; California bill introduced by Rep. Sandy Adams (R–FL) Children’s Agencies; Association of Repro- Partnership to End Domestic Violence; Casa to reauthorize the Violence Against Women ductive Health Professionals (ARHP); Bat- de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network for Act (VAWA). tered Women’s Legal Advocacy Project; Healthy Families and Communities; Centro As you know, Congress has recognized the Black Women’s Health Imperative; Break Legal de la Raza; Church World Service, Im- severity of violence against women and our the Cycle; Business and Professional Wom- migration and Refugee Program; Disciples need for a national strategy since the enact- en’s Foundation. Home Missions of the Christian Church (Dis- ment of the Violence Against Women Act in Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Net- ciples of Christ); Hebrew Immigrant Aid So- 1994. Over the last 18 years, this landmark work for Healthy Families and Communities; ciety; Human Rights Defense Center; Hutto federal law’s comprehensive approach to vio- Center for Legal and Social Justice; Charg- Visitation Program. lence against women has had dramatic re- ing Buffalo Society; Children’s Civil Rights sults. VAWA funds are used to: Union; Coalition of Labor Union Women; Co- Immigrant Rights Clinic at Rutgers School Train over 500,000 law enforcement per- alition on Human Needs; Compass Rape Cri- of Law; Immigration Equality; Immigration sonnel every year, sis & Counseling Center; Covenant House Law Center of Minnesota; Institute on Do- Support sexual assault services in every International; Cumbee Center to Assist mestic Violence in the African-American state; when victims receive advocate-as- Abused Persons; Domestic Violence Alter- Community; International Institute of Buf- sisted services following assaults, rape sur- natives/Sexual Assault Center; Domestic Vi- falo; International Organization for Adoles- vivors are 59 percent more likely to have po- olence Legal Empowerment and Appeals lice reports taken than survivors without ad- cents; Jesuit Social Research Institute/Loy- Project; End Violence Against Women Inter- vocates whose reports are only taken 41 per- ola University New Orleans; Jewish Council national; Enlace Comunitario; Farmworker cent of the time, and Justice; Feminist Majority Foundation; Fo- for Public Affairs; Jewish Labor Committee; Support programs that reduce domestic vi- rensic Healthcare Consulting; Friends Com- Jewish Women International; Kids in Need of olence homicides; as an example, between mittee on National Legislation; Futures 1993 and 2007, the rate of intimate partner Defense; Legal Aid Justice Center; Legal Without Violence, formerly Family Violence homicides of females decreased by 35 percent Services of New Jersey; Lutheran Immigra- Prevention Fund; Global Workers Justice Al- and the rate of intimate partner homicides tion and Refugee Service; Massachusetts Im- liance. migrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. of males decreased 46 percent. Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organiza- We all support a strong, bipartisan VAWA tion of America, Inc.; Hebrew Immigrant Aid National Center for Victims of Crime; Na- reauthorization bill similar to what the Sen- Society (HIAS); Holistic Living Project; tional Coalition Against Domestic Violence; ate passed last month, which would continue Human Rights Campaign; Immigrant Abil- National Coalition of Anti-Violence Pro- the life-saving protections and services need- ed by victims and their families. Again, H.R. ity; INCourage, Advocacy Beyond Purpose; grams (NCAVP); National Council of Jewish Indian Law Resource Center; Indigenous Women; National Immigrant Justice Center; 4970, which recently passed out of the House Judiciary Committee by a near party-line Women’s Justice Institute; International In- National Immigration Forum; National Im- vote, would be a rollback of years of progress stitute of Buffalo; Jewish Council for Public migration Law Center; National Immigra- and likely increase the number of women Affairs; Jewish Federations of North Amer- tion Project of the National Lawyers Guild; and children who could be hurt. While we re- ica; Jewish Labor Committee; Jewish National Organization for Women; National spect Congresswoman Adams’ personal com- Women International; Joint Action Com- Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sex- mitment to the issue of violence against mittee for Political Affairs (JACPAC); Jus- ual Assault; National Network to End Do- women and girls, we must oppose her harm- tice & Mercy Legal Aid Clinic. L.U.N.A; La Casa de las Madres; La mestic Violence; National Resource Center ful bill. H.R. 4970 is genuinely dangerous for immigrant women and their families. It in- Esperanza; La Mariposa Enterprises; Latin on Domestic Violence; Northwest Immigrant American Association; Latinas Unidas Por Rights Project; Physicians for Human cludes damaging provisions that create ob- stacles for immigrant victims to report Un Nuevo Amanecer; Legal Momentum; Rights; Political Asylum/Immigration Rep- crimes, increases danger for immigrant vic- Manavi; Media Equity Collaborative; Men- resentation Project; Rabbis for Human tims by eliminating important confiden- nonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Rights-North America; Rocky Mountain Im- tiality protections, and undermines effective Office; Mental Health America of Licking migrant Advocacy Network; South Asian anti-fraud protections that exist in current County; MESA; Mosaic Family Services; Na- Americans Leading Together (SAALT). law. tional Alliance to End Sexual Violence; Na- While embracing many elements of the bi- tional Asian Pacific American Women’s Texans United for Families; Tahirih Jus- partisan reauthorization that recently Forum (NAPAWF); National Association of tice Center; The Leadership Conference on passed the Senate, the bill excludes key im- Human Rights Workers; National Associa- Civil and Human Rights; The Reformed provements that were included in the Senate tion of VOCA Assistance Administrators; Na- Church of Highland Park, NJ; The Young reauthorization. It expressly rejects protec- tional Center for Transgender Equality; Na- Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights at tions for men and women who are lesbian, tional Center for Victims of Crime; National the University of Chicago; Vermont Immi- gay, bisexual, or transgender and eliminates Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence. gration and Asylum Advocates; VIDA Legal strong protections and justice for women and National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life; National Coalition Against Domestic Assistance, Inc.; Virginia Sexual and Domes- children who are beaten or abused on Tribal Violence; National Coalition of 100 Black tic Violence Action Alliance; Washington lands by perpetrators who are not members of a particular tribe. And it removes a key Women, Inc.; National Coalition of Anti-Vio- State Coalition Against Domestic Violence; requirement that would more easily allow lence Programs; National Congress of Amer- Women of Color Network; Women’s Refugee victims to move from one subsidized housing ican Indians; National Council of Jewish Commission; Who Is My Neighbor? Inc. program to another in order to avoid an Women; National Council of Women’s Orga- abuser and drops an important provision nizations; National Domestic Violence Hot- that would tackle the violence that occurs line; National Education Association; Na- on our nation’s college campuses. tional Employment Law Project; National We respectfully request that you recon- Health Care for the Homeless Council; Na- sider advancing this legislation and instead tional Immigration Project of the National

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:20 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.025 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 Lawyers Guild; National Latina Institute for Center; Connecticut Legal Services Inc.; Cris Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Na- Reproductive Health; National Law Center M. Sullivan, Ph.D., Professor, Ecological/ tional Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs; on Homelessness & Poverty; National Legal Community Psychology, Associate Chair, National Coalition on Black Civic Participa- Aid & Defender Association; National Low Psychology Department. tion; National Congress of American Indians; Income Housing Coalition; National Network Detective Sergeant Robert Mahoney, Pea- National Congress of American Indians Task to End Domestic Violence; National Organi- body Police Department, Massachusetts; De- Force on Violence Against Women; National zation for Men Against Sexism (NOMAS); tective Shelli Sonnenberg, Boise Police De- Council of Jewish Women; National Council National Organization for Women. partment, Idaho; Detective Stacey Ivie, Al- of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. National Organization of Sisters of Color exandria Police Department, Virginia; Do- National Council of La Raza; National Ending Sexual Assault; National Resource mestic Violence in the African American Council of Negro Women, Inc.; National Em- Center on Domestic Violence; National Community; DREAM Activist Virginia; Edu- ployment Law Project; National Hispanic Women’s Conference Committee; National cation Not Deportation Project of the United Christian Leadership Conference; National Women’s Health Network; National Women’s We Dream Network; El Rescate Legal Serv- Immigrant Justice Center; National Immi- Law Center; Native Women’s Coalition; NET- ices, Inc.; Empire Justice Center; Enlace gration Forum; National Immigration Law WORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Comunitario; Esperanza; Evangelical Lu- Center; National Immigration Project of the Lobby; Paso Del Norte Civil Rights Project; theran Church in America; Evan Stark, National Lawyers Guild; National Latina In- Planned Parenthood Federation of America; Ph.D., MA, MSW, Professor and Director of stitute for Reproductive Health; National Latino Evangelical Coalition; National Legal Rape Victim Advocates; Reconstructionist Public Health, School of Public Affairs and Aid & Defender Association; National Net- Rabbinical Association; Redwood Justice Administration, Rutgers University-Newark work to End Domestic Violence; National Fund; Refugio del Rio Grande, Inc.; Religious & Chair, Department of Urban Health Ad- Organization for Women Foundation; Na- Coalition for Reproductive Choice; Rural ministration, UMDNJ—School of Public tional Organization of Sisters of Color End- Women’s Health Project; Sargent Shriver Health; FaithAction International House; Families for Freedom; Families Against ing Sexual Assault; National Resource Cen- National Center on Poverty Law; Share ter on Domestic Violence and the Women of Time Wisely Consulting Services; Sisters of Mandatory Minimums; Feminist Majority; Florida Coastal Immigrant Rights Clinic; Color Network; National Task Force to End Mercy Institute Justice Team; Stop Abuse Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Campaign. Franciscan Action Network; Fuerza Latina; Futures Without Violence. Women; Nawal Ammar, PhD, Professor and Tahirih Justice Center; The Domestic Vio- Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and lence Action Center; The Leadership Con- Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights; Giselle Hass, PsyD, Adjunct Professor of Law Humanities at the University of Ontario In- ference on Civil and Human Rights; The stitute of Technology; NETWORK, A Na- Legal Project; The NAACP; Time To Tell; at Georgetown University Law Center, Cen- ter for Applied Legal Studies; Hebrew Immi- tional Catholic Social Justice Lobby; New Tiyospaye Winyan Maka; Turning Anger grant Aid Society; Helene Berman, RN, Sanctuary Coalition of NYC; NewBridges Im- into Change; UNANIMA International; Ph.D., President of the Nursing Network on migrant Resource Center; Northwest Immi- UnidosNow; Union for Reform Judaism; Uni- Violence Against Women International; grant Rights Project. tarian Universalist Association of Congrega- Human Rights Campaign; Human Rights Ini- Officer Michael LaRiviere, Salem Police tions; United Church of Christ; United tiative of North Texas; Human Rights Department, Massachusetts; Paso del Norte Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Min- Watch; Immigrant Defense Project; Immi- Civil Rights Project; Pennsylvania Immigra- istries; United Methodist Church, General grant Law Center of Minnesota; Immigration tion Resource Center; Political Asylum Im- Board of Church & Society; United South Equality; inMotion, Inc.; InterCultural Ad- migration Representation Project; Public and Eastern Tribes; Uniting Three Fires vocacy Institute; Inter Tribal Council of Ari- Justice Center; Rachael Rodriguez, Ph.D., Against Violence; UNO Immigration Min- Associate Professor in the School of Nursing zona; International Institute of the Bay istry; Urban Justice Center. at Edgewood College; Rainbow Services, Area; Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Vera House, Inc.; Victim Rights Law Cen- Ltd.; Refiigio del Rio Grande; Rhonda Giger, Clinic University of Florida, Levin College of ter; Victims Services of Behavioral Connec- Prosecutor—City of Bothell, WA; Rocky tions; VOICE MALE Magazine; Volunteer Law. Jacquelyn Campbell, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network; Legal Services Hawaii; Wider Opportunities Anna D. Wolf Chair, The Johns Hopkins; Uni- Ross Silverman LLP; Rural Women’s Health for Women; Women Against Abuse; Women versity School of Nursing and National Di- Project; Sargent Shriver National Center on for Genuine Security; Women in Federal Law rector, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Poverty Law; Sergeant Inspector Antonio Enforcement, Inc.; Women of Color Network; Nurse Faculty Scholars; Jay G. Silverman, Flores, San Francisco Police Department, Women of Reform Judaism; Women’s Law Ph.D. Professor of Medicine and Global California; Service Employees International Project; YWCA USA. Health; Division of Global Public Health Union; Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; Sis- ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS OPPOSED TO Senior Fellow, Center on Global Justice Uni- ters of St. Francis of Philadelphia; Sojourn- H.R. 4970 OR TO KEY PROVISIONS IN THE BILL versity of California at San Diego, School of ers; South Asian Americans Leading To- Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.; Medicine Adjunct Associate; Professor of So- gether; Stephanie J. Nawyn, Ph.D., Depart- Advocates for Human Rights; African Serv- ciety, Human Development and Health Har- ment of Sociology, Michigan State Univer- ices Committee; Alachua County Victim vard School of Public Health; Jewish Women sity; Supervising Deputy Sheriff Marcus Services and Rape Crisis Center; Alaska Fed- International; Just Neighbors; Justice For Bruning, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, eration of Natives; American Bar Associa- Our Neighbors-Southeastern Michigan; Ken- Missouri. Tahirih Justice Center; Tapestri, Inc; The tion; American Civil Liberties Union; Amer- tucky Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Bridge to Hope; The Episcopal Church; The ican Federation of Labor; American Immi- Rights; La Fe Multi-Ethnic Ministries, Inter- Immigrant Legal Resource Center; The Kan- gration Lawyers Association; Americans for varsity Christian Fellowship/USA; La Jolla sas/Missouri Dream Alliance; The Leadership Immigrant Justice; America’s Voice Edu- Band of Luiseno Indians; Latin American Co- Conference for Civil and Human Rights; The cation Fund; Anindita Dasgupta, MA. Doc- alition; LatinoJustice PRLDEF; Leadership Sentencing Project; The Violence Interven- toral Candidate at the University of Cali- Conference of Women Religious; Legal Aid tion Program; The William Kellibrew Foun- fornia, San Diego; Anita Raj, Ph.D. Professor Society of the Orange County Bar Associa- dation; TN Coalition to End Domestic and of Medicine and Global Public Health at the tion, Inc.; Legal Momentum; Leslye E. Sexual Violence; UC Davis Immigration Law University of California, San Diego; Artemis Orloff, J.D. Director, National Immigrant Clinic; Unitarian Universalist Association of Justice Center; ASHA for Women; Asian Women’s Advocacy Project, American Uni- Congregations; United Methodist Church; American Legal Defense and Education versity Washington College of Law; Lieuten- United Migrant Opportunity Services; Fund; Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on ant Carole Germano, Danvers Police Depart- UnitedWomen.org; U.S. Conference of Catho- Domestic Violence. ment, Massachusetts; Lutheran immigration lic Bishops. Boston University Civil Litigation Pro- and Refugee Service. VIDA Legal Assistance, Inc.; Virginia Or- gram; Break the Cycle; Campaign for Com- Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Ad- ganizing; Virginia Sexual & Domestic Vio- munity Change; Canal Alliance; Captain vocacy Coalition; Mary Ann Dutton, Ph.D., lence Action Alliance; Voces Unidas for Jus- Maria Alvarenga Watkins, (Retired) Metro- Professor, Department of Psychiatry, tice; Voices of Men; Washington Immigra- politan Police Department, Washington, Georgetown University; Medical Center Men- tion Defense Group; Washington State Coali- D.C.; Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ nonite Central Committee U.S.; Minnesota tion Against; Willow Creek Community Network for Healthy Families and Commu- Coalition for Battered Women; Mountain Church; Women of Color Network; Women’s nities Casa Esperanza; Central American Re- Crisis Services; Muslim Public Affairs Coun- Refugee Commission; Worker Justice Center source Center; Chief Brian Kyes, Chelsea Po- cil; Nassau County Coalition Against Domes- of New York; World Evangelical Alliance; lice Department, Massachusetts; Chief Pete tic Violence; NAACP Legal Defense and Edu- World Relief; YWCA USA. Helein, Appleton Wisconsin Police Depart- cational Fund, Inc.; National Alliance to End Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I now ment; Christian Community Development Sexual Violence; National Asian Pacific Association; Church World Service; Clergy American Women’s Forum; National Asso- yield 1 minute to our distinguished col- and Laity United for Economic Justice; Col- ciation of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Na- league from Illinois, Congresswoman orado Coalition Against Sexual Assault; tional Association of Evangelicals; National BIGGERT. Community Action and Human Services De- Association of Federal Defenders; National Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Speaker, I partment; Community Immigration Law Center for Transgender Equality; National thank the gentlelady for yielding.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:37 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.028 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2739 Madam Speaker, I am disappointed I worked on the previous reauthorizations of b 1410 in this closed rule for VAWA. I am con- VAWA, in 2000 and 2005, which incorporated Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 cerned that the bill, even with the good ideas from both sides of the aisle. That minute to the gentlewoman from Texas changes made in the manager’s amend- reauthorization was never a partisan issue (Ms. JACKSON LEE). ment, doesn’t reflect everything that then, and it shouldn’t be now. Madam Speaker, as a point of par- we’ve learned over the past 5 years in Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 liamentary inquiry, I want to make terms of what works best for victims or minute to the gentleman from Texas sure that the time is not begun until prosecutors. (Mr. DOGGETT). the gentlelady begins. Over the past several months, I sat Mr. DOGGETT. For so many, this Vi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- down with advocates in my district to olence Against Women Act vote is lit- tleman is correct. go section by section through the Sen- erally a matter of life and death. Mr. POLIS. Thank you. ate reauthorization and discussed what One immigrant was abused by her I yield to the gentlelady from Texas. works and what doesn’t work. They husband, who was a special agent for The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- strongly support provisions that would the Homeland Security Department. tlewoman from Texas is recognized for clarify equal treatment for LGBT indi- He threatened her that she would be 1 minute. viduals, bolster enforcement on Native deported and separated from her Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank American reservations, and ensure that daughter. She sought help anyway at the gentleman from Colorado, and I victims aren’t deported simply for re- the excellent San Antonio Family Vio- sadly rise in opposition to the rule. I really cry out to ask the question: porting domestic abuse. I see no reason lence Prevention Services, through Who should refuse to help a victim of to exclude these provisions from a which she was provided a special visa domestic violence? Who has the right House bill. Our victim service pro- allowing her to remain here safely. to deny a victim—Native American, viders on the front lines really just Another woman in Austin found want to know who they can help and immigrant, LGBT community; who has death. So fearful of being deported, she that right? that they can help everyone who comes was eventually killed in broad daylight through the front door. It is obvious that this legislation is in front of her two little children. not bipartisan, and it is obvious that Last night, I offered an amendment We have a 2-year backlog for this that would have modernized the bill’s there is still a divide. It is obvious that visa. It is a visa that could help many. the groups who obviously work with definitions to reflect the input of vic- It is a visa that was approved almost tim service providers, including special these victims—many whom I have the unanimously in a previous Congress. opportunity of seeing through the eyes protections for immigrant victims, and Instead of focusing on a victim’s visa clarified that LGBT individuals can be of the Houston Area Women’s Center— status, we should be focused on the realize that no provider wants to pick served by VAWA. fight against domestic violence. I previously worked on the authoriza- and choose. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. tion of VAWA, which incorporated It is clear that the underlying bill MILLER of Michigan). The time of the good ideas. That authorization was does not work. The Senate bill is what gentleman has expired. never a partisan issue, and it shouldn’t answers the question of these victims Mr. POLIS. I yield the gentleman an be now. who now have been harmed, because additional 15 seconds. Madam Speaker, I am disappointed in this what you’re saying to an immigrant closed rule for H.R. 4970, the Violence Mr. DOGGETT. Instead of focusing who is here on a visa, you are saying to Against Women Act of 2012 (VAWA). on discriminating against some in our them that they have no relief. I am concerned that the bill, even with community, we should be focused on I believe this bill will not work. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The changes made in the manager’s amendment, ensuring that all victims of violence everywhere receive the care and serv- time of the gentlewoman has expired. doesn’t reflect everything we’ve learned over Mr. POLIS. I yield an additional 10 the last 5 years in terms of what works best ices they need. Let’s move forward in that struggle, not take another giant seconds to the gentlelady. for victims or prosecutors. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. It real- Over the past several months, I’ve sat down Republican step backward. Ms. FOXX. I would like to now yield ly is a question as to whether or not with advocates in my district to go section-by- the new included funding for rape kits section through the Senate reauthorization 1 minute to the distinguished gentle- woman from Missouri, Congresswoman will actually be able to go to providers and discuss what works and what doesn’t. and solve the problems of rape kits in They strongly support provisions that would HARTZLER. Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, places around the Nation. clarify equal treatment for LGBT individuals, We need to do this in a bipartisan H.R. 4970 reauthorizes the Violence bolster enforcement on Native American res- way. Who will say ‘‘no’’ to a victim be- Against Women Act for another 5 ervations, and ensure that victims aren’t de- cause they are Native American, they years, providing important funding for ported simply for reporting domestic abuse. I are immigrant, or they are LGBT. Who fighting domestic violence and abuse. see no reason to exclude those provisions will say ‘‘no?’’ from a House bill. When Congress reauthorizes any bill, Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve Last night, I offered an amendment that we must make sure that the bill directs the balance of my time. would have modernized the bill’s definitions to resources towards those it is intended Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 reflect the input of victim service providers, in- to help and makes the best possible use minute to the gentleman from New cluding specific protections for immigrant vic- of taxpayer money. That’s what we’ve Jersey (Mr. PASCRELL). tims, and clarified that LGBT individuals can done in H.R. 4970 by strengthening ac- Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, be served by VAWA programs in all States. countability and transparency in grant this bill takes steps backwards from of- This amendment was rejected. administration to ensure that these fering full protections for women and Let me be clear—no one is suggesting any dollars go to help the victims, not en- children who suffer unspeakable abuse. special class of treatment. This reauthorization trenched government bureaucrats. I’m not questioning the intentions, should simply clarify the law to reflect what ev- I’ve been a long supporter of the do- Madam Speaker, of those on the other eryone knows about modern society—that mestic violence shelter in my own side; that’s not my purpose here. But anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. hometown. Hope Haven plays an essen- who are we excluding today? You’re ei- It can happen in a same-sex household, on a tial role in aiding victims and pro- ther a unifier on the floor or you are a college campus, or a Native American res- viding tools for recovery. I’ve seen the divider. Instead of passing the bipar- ervation, and our victim service providers on vital work that they do and know that tisan Senate bill that provides protec- the front lines just want to know that they can dozens of other organizations like it tions for women who are victims of help anyone who comes through the door. will benefit from the bill’s passage. abuse, the majority has decided instead Madam Speaker, we don’t need a perfect This is a bipartisan bill. It’s a reau- to turn women’s safety and security bill. We need a bill that can provide a solid thorization of long-standing provisions into a political fight. It shouldn’t be. foundation on which to begin conference ne- that aid women, and I’m hopeful that According to the 2010 National Inti- gotiations with the Senate. H.R. 4970 fails on my colleagues will join me in sup- mate Partner and Sexual Violence Sur- this count. porting its worthwhile efforts. vey, an average of 24 people per minute

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:37 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.041 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 are victims of rape, physical violence, The operations of the Federal Government no prior convictions, who received a 20- or stalking by an intimate partner. will be most extensive and important in year sentence for firing a warning shot The Violence Against Women Act terms of war and danger. in the air to warn off an attack by her makes great strides. It shouldn’t mat- Our Founding Fathers had a clear husband. At the time that it occurred, ter if a woman is an immigrant or a view that the primary and central job there was a restraining act. Let me member of the LGBT community. I’m of the Federal Government was ‘‘to point out that this shot did not injure against this rule. I’m against the bill. I provide for the common defense,’’ anyone, yet she will be in jail until hope we can come together on a final which is a constitutional mandate. It is 2032. resolution of this. not an issue that should divide us or The imbalance in the system is obvi- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I con- devolve into partisan rancor but unite ous. Just minutes before she fired the tinue to reserve. us as a country that supports our mili- shot Marissa’s husband told her, ‘‘If I Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 tary and provides them with the re- can’t have you, no one is going to.’’ minute to the gentleman from Ohio sources necessary to complete their Sadly, millions of abused women have (Mr. KUCINICH). critically important mission. heard these exact words and not lived Mr. KUCINICH. This bill also author- Madam Speaker, in a few days, we to tell about it. izes a total of $642 billion for defense will be in our districts participating in 1420 programs, including $88.5 billion to Memorial Day events. I approach Me- b continue the Afghanistan war, on top morial Day with mixed emotions, as a Battered women like Marissa need of the more than $1.3 trillion we’ve part of me celebrates the joy and pride support and counseling. spent thus far. of living in this great country where The SPEAKER pro tempore. The It contains dangerous language that we’re all free to participate in a robust time of the gentlewoman has expired. would pave the path for a war with public policy debate. I am proud that I Mr. POLIS. I yield an additional 30 Iran. H.R. 4310 says the U.S. should live in a meritocracy, where anyone seconds to the gentlewoman from Flor- take all necessary measures, including can choose which path to follow and ida. Ms. BROWN of Florida. Battered military action, to prevent Iran from succeed. But Memorial Day also elicits women like Marissa need support and having nuclear technology—this, de- somber thoughts of those who have counseling so that they don’t find spite the fact that Secretary of Defense given their lives in defense of the themselves in these situations. Jailing Panetta and the Joint Chiefs of Staff greatest country in the history of hu- have spoken out against a strike in them for 30 years is unacceptable. mankind. This is the beginning, not the end. Iran. What’s Congress spoiling for an- While many of our fellow Americans Along with the NAACP and other other war for? will be celebrating with cookouts and Now, we’ve spent trillions of dollars groups, we will fight to make sure we family, I ask that we all pause and for war to wage violence thousands of turn over this horrible ruling and stand think about those families who will miles away, and we’ve become anes- up to the legal system that persecutes have an empty place at their dinner thetized to the violence of war against women who defend themselves. Those table, those families who still mourn millions of innocent women, children, women need help, not prison. the loss of a loved one and, rather than and men abroad. It’s no wonder that Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 cooking out, will be visiting our fallen we’re grappling with how best to deal minutes to the gentlewoman from Ala- heroes in hallowed grounds across with domestic violence. bama, Congresswoman ROBY. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The these United States. That’s the true Mrs. ROBY. Thank you so much to time of the gentleman has expired. purpose of Memorial Day—to pause, re- the gentlelady from North Carolina. Mr. POLIS. I yield the gentleman an member, and honor those who have Madam Speaker, I rise today in favor additional 15 seconds. given the ultimate sacrifice to preserve of the reauthorization of the Violence Mr. KUCINICH. Imagine if we took a all that is great in our country. Against Women Act and just want to fraction of the trillions of dollars we’ve So as we return home to our dis- say, even after VAWA’s enactment spent for war and used it to deal di- tricts, I ask all of my colleagues to roughly 8 years ago, one in four women rectly with the root causes of domestic keep in mind the spouses, children, and still experience domestic violence dur- violence—spousal abuse, child abuse, families of the fallen. As President ing their lifetime. Moreover, more than violence in the schools, gang violence, Lincoln stated in his second inaugural 2 million adults and 15 million children gun violence, racial violence, violence address: are exposed to such violence annually. against immigrants, violence against With malice toward none; with charity for According to the Alabama Coalition gays. If we did that and looked at the all; with firmness in the right, as God gives against Domestic Violence and the Ala- us to see the right, let us strive on to finish bama National Census Summary, in root causes, we wouldn’t even be argu- the work we are in; to bind up the Nation’s ing about spending money for war. We wounds, to care for him who shall have borne Alabama there are 834 victims served need to look at the issue of violence in the battle, and for his widow and his or- in one day, 187 hotline calls answered America and do it in a consistent, com- phan—to do all which may achieve and cher- in one day, and 76 unmet requests for prehensive way. ish a just, and a lasting peace, among our- services. These numbers are astound- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield selves, and with all nations. ing, and something must change. myself 3 minutes. With that, Madam Speaker, I reserve Organizations have reported that Madam Speaker, as the gentleman the balance of my time. they have been unable to provide serv- from Ohio says, the second bill that’s Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I’d like ices for a variety of reasons: the top made in order under this rule is H.R. to inquire as to how much time re- three being, there’s not enough staff, 4310, the National Defense Authoriza- mains on both sides. there’s not enough specialized services, tion Act, otherwise known as the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- and there’s not enough available beds NDAA. tleman from Colorado has 7 minutes re- or hotel vouchers to provide safe ha- As we debate this very important maining, and the gentlewoman from vens for victims and their children. bill, let’s keep in mind the men and North Carolina has 61⁄2 minutes remain- As an original cosponsor of the Vio- women of the Armed Forces and their ing. lence Against Women Act, today I families, and in particular those who Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 stand here supporting the Republican have given the ultimate sacrifice in de- minute to the gentlewoman from Flor- reauthorization. This bill brings great- fense of American freedom, which in- ida (Ms. BROWN). er accountability to the grant adminis- cludes this deliberative process of free- Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker tration by ensuring that funding will ly debating our laws and ideas about and Members of the House, as I rise support and assist victims of domestic the role of government. We could not today to speak against this flawed Vio- violence, dating violence, sexual as- be here today without the sacrifices of lence Against Women Act that the sault and stalking, and will not be kept those who’ve served in the military and House is presenting, let me point out in the pockets of Washington bureau- helped protect us as a free people. this picture. This picture is a picture of crats. As James Madison wrote in the Fed- Marissa Alexander, a 31-year-old moth- Individuals, whether women, men or eralist Papers: er of three with a master’s degree and children, should be able to feel safe in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:37 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.044 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2741 their homes; and when they are not, lina for yielding to me, and I rise to Against Women Act from Colorado. Her should be able to have access to serv- support the Violence Against Women name is Sara. Sara came to our coun- ices that allow them to be removed Act. I did so when it was reauthorized try illegally. She was brought illegally, from their abuser. in 2005, I believe it was, and we’re here unbeknownst to her, by her American Congress must put Washington poli- today in this debate on the rule, not so husband. Once in the United States, tics aside and take action. I fully sup- much the bill. she was abused. She was isolated. She port this legislation, and I encourage I come to the floor to raise a point was effectively kept a prisoner in her my colleagues to join me. that constantly in the debate in the own house by her husband. Mr. POLIS. I would inquire if the Judiciary Committee there was an ef- The first time she was violently beat- gentlewoman has any remaining speak- fort to divert the subject matter over en by her husband was when she went ers. to other things, sexual orientation, on a walk because her husband claimed Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, we do gender identity, immigration, a lot of that she had disobeyed him. She was have other speakers. focus on immigration. And one of the trapped in a relationship where she was Mr. POLIS. I reserve the balance of things that’s happened to the bill since abused, sexually as well as verbally, for my time. it left the committee was to change the 14 years. Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I now language, through this manager’s She finally escaped with her son to would like to yield 2 minutes to the amendment, that’s essentially deemed safe transitional housing called Alter- gentlewoman from the State of Wash- passed by the Rules Committee that natives to Violence in Loveland, Colo- ington, a member of our leadership, changes the value of evidence of abuse rado. Once there, she learned English Congresswoman MCMORRIS RODGERS. of, say, a female immigrant who can and obtained temporary legal status Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. I want get a U visa if she has determined as through a U visa provided under the to thank the gentlewoman for her lead- having been victimized, especially sex- Violence Against Women Act. ership on this important issue. ually victimized. That was a clear and Today, I’m proud to say, Madam I rise today on behalf of my mother, convincing evidence standard. Speaker, she’s a United States citizen my daughter, and every woman in This rule that’s written in by the and works as an advocate for other im- America in strong support of H.R. 4970, Rules Committee changes it to the pre- migrant victims of domestic abuse. the Violence Against Women Reauthor- ponderance of the evidence. I support Stories like Sara are inspiring and ization of 2012. the decision of the Judiciary Com- reinforce the reason that so many of us Each year there are over 200,000 vic- mittee. It also changes the investiga- feel passionately to join across party tims of sexual assaults; and while these tive component of this from USCIS, lines to ensure that no domestic victim numbers are devastating, since the en- which are trained investigators. is left unserved. actment of the first Violence Against They’ll only see the evidence that’s of- This Cantor-Adams bill offers us a Women Act almost 20 years ago, the fered to them by Federal prosecutors. false choice between weakening and annual number of incidents has dra- So I am going to oppose the rule and undermining protections in the Vio- matically fallen, while the reporting support the bill. lence Against Women Act or maintain- rate has risen by 50 percent. Mr. POLIS. I thank the gentleman ing the status quo. The American peo- The programs in the legislation are from Iowa. Though we disagree on the ple understand that a vote for the Can- critical to continue the fight for equal- bill, we can both agree that this is a tor-Adams bill is a vote to roll back ity and women’s rights. The bill we terrible rule. And I encourage my col- protections for all domestic and sexual will vote on today makes commonsense leagues to follow the leadership of the violence victims and puts the safety of reforms to ensure that more money ac- gentleman from Iowa in opposing this our most vulnerable domestic violence tually benefits victims and is dedicated rule. victims at risk. to eliminating the astounding backlog I’d like to inquire of the gentlelady if Immigrants, Native Americans, les- in rape kit tests. she has any remaining speakers. bian, gay, and bisexual victims all have Additionally, today we have the Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, we are historically faced many barriers to re- chance to support vital funding for prepared to close. porting sexual violence. But instead of rape prevention educational programs, Mr. POLIS. I yield myself such time removing those barriers, this bill, youth victim services, and improve- as I may consume. under this closed rule, creates new ments to emergency and transitional Madam Speaker, if we defeat the pre- ones. housing services for victims. vious question, I will offer an amend- b 1430 Since its enactment, the Violence ment to this closed rule to make in Against Women Act has enjoyed broad order the bipartisan Violence Against Lesbian and gay survivors face par- bipartisan support. This is not a Re- Women bill that passed the United ticular obstacles in accessing the publican or Democrat, conservative or States Senate with 68 votes as an criminal justice system. Lesbian and liberal issue. Together we are uni- amendment offered by Representative gay survivors are often reluctant to re- formly standing against violence CONYERS, Representative MOORE, and port abuse, and when they do finally against anyone, particularly women; Representative LOFGREN. If the House seek assistance, they frequently don’t and I urge all of my colleagues to sup- passes that, it will proceed to Presi- receive the support they need across port their mothers, wives, daughters, dent Obama’s desk. lifesaving services and resources. Stud- neighbors and friends by supporting Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous ies tell us that gay and lesbian couples H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women consent to insert the text of the experience domestic violence at rough- Reauthorization Act of 2012, a victim- amendment in the RECORD, along with ly the same rates as the general popu- centered bill that will extend vital pro- extraneous materials, immediately lation. It is no surprise that less than grams that protect against and prevent prior to the vote on the previous ques- one in five gay and lesbian victims of both physical and mental violence. tion. intimate partner violence receives help Mr. POLIS. I’d like to inquire if the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there through a service provider. gentlewoman has any remaining speak- objection to the request of the gen- This bill fails to provide the same ers. tleman from Colorado? vital protections for gay and lesbian Ms. FOXX. Yes, Madam Speaker, we There was no objection. families that have been overwhelm- have one more. Mr. POLIS. I strongly urge my col- ingly approved in the Senate bill. Dur- Mr. POLIS. I reserve the balance of leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ and defeat the ing the Judiciary markup, I offered an my time. previous question and allow the Senate amendment to restore these protec- Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I’d like bill that has passed with a bipartisan tions, but unfortunately, it was voted to yield now 1 minute to the distin- majority, that actually expands protec- down. This closed process prevents the guished gentleman from Iowa (Mr. tions for all women, to be considered ability of Members of the House to KING). by this body. even consider or vote on adding these Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I Here, Madam Speaker, is the face of protections back in. Had the House Re- thank the gentlelady from North Caro- somebody affected by the Violence publicans allowed amendments on the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:37 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.045 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 floor today, I would have offered two Authorization Act ensures that the ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that amendments that I offered—along with men and women in our military have ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- my colleagues Representative JACKSON the resources they need while pro- mand for the previous question passes the control of the resolution to the opposition’’ LEE, Representative LOFGREN, Rep- tecting taxpayer investments. in order to offer an amendment. On March resentatives DEUTCH and CHU, all who Therefore, Madam Speaker, I urge 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- were leaders in the Judiciary markup— my colleagues to vote in favor of im- fered a rule resolution. The House defeated which would have eliminated these proved congressional oversight and the previous question and a member of the atrocious provisions from the bill. against special interests by voting in opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, Some of the most egregious anti-im- favor of this rule and the underlying asking who was entitled to recognition. migrant provisions would destroy in- bills. Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: centives to cooperate with law enforce- The material previously referred to ‘‘The previous question having been refused, the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- ment. People like Sara, who bravely by Mr. POLIS is as follows: gerald, who had asked the gentleman to came forward to report domestic vio- AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 656 OFFERED BY yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to lence, would face deportation after 4 MR. POLIS OF COLORADO the first recognition.’’ years. Why would somebody come for- Strike the first section and insert the fol- Because the vote today may look bad for ward and report something if it would lowing: the Republican majority they will say ‘‘the ultimately lead to her own deporta- Resolved, That at any time after the adop- vote on the previous question is simply a tion? tion of this resolution the Speaker may, pur- vote on whether to proceed to an immediate vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] All women deserve to be protected suant to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House resolved into the Committee of the has no substantive legislative or policy im- from domestic violence—even women Whole House on the State of the Union for plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what who have committed crimes, even consideration of the bill (H.R. 4970) to reau- they have always said. Listen to the Repub- women who have had civil violations, thorize the Violence Against Women Act of lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative like violating our immigration laws, 1994. The first reading of the bill shall be dis- Process in the United States House of Rep- even women who are lesbians. All pensed with. All points of order against con- resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s women deserve to be protected by the sideration of the bill are waived. General de- how the Republicans describe the previous bate shall be confined to the bill and shall question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- Violence Against Women Act, and that though it is generally not possible to amend is what this bill is about. The Senate not exceed one hour equally divided and con- trolled by the chair and ranking minority the rule because the majority Member con- bill, which passed on a bipartisan basis member of the Committee on the Judiciary. trolling the time will not yield for the pur- and included a report from well over a After general debate the bill shall be consid- pose of offering an amendment, the same re- dozen Republican Senators, included ered for amendment under the five-minute sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- these provisions. rule. In lieu of the amendment in the nature vious question on the rule . . . When the mo- Abuse is abuse, whether it occurs of a substitute recommended by the Com- tion for the previous question is defeated, against immigrants, whether it occurs mittee on the Judiciary, it shall be in order control of the time passes to the Member who led the opposition to ordering the pre- against gay and lesbian Americans, or to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule an vious question. That Member, because he whether it occurs against Native Amer- then controls the time, may offer an amend- icans. Yet, under this bill before us, a amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of S. 1925 as passed by ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of Native American woman who is living the Senate if offered by Representative Con- amendment.’’ In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House on a reservation and who is raped and yers of Michigan, Representative Moore of of Representatives, the subchapter titled abused by a nontribal member lacks Wisconsin, or Representative Lofgren of ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal California. That amendment in the nature of protection and remains at risk of seri- to order the previous question on such a rule ous sexual and physical violence by her a substitute shall be considered as read. All [a special rule reported from the Committee abuser. Under this underlying bill, gay points of order against that amendment in on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- and lesbian survivors and victims will the nature of a substitute are waived. At the ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- struggle to get protective orders or will conclusion of consideration of the bill for tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- amendment the Committee shall rise and re- be turned away from service providers jection of the motion for the previous ques- port the bill to the House with such amend- tion on a resolution reported from the Com- just because of their sexual orientation ments as may have been adopted. Any Mem- or gender identities. mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- ber may demand a separate vote in the ber leading the opposition to the previous Just as alarming, this bill removes House on any amendment adopted in the question, who may offer a proper amendment protections that currently exist for Committee of the Whole to the bill or to the or motion and who controls the time for de- some of our Nation’s most vulnerable amendment in the nature of a substitute bate thereon.’’ populations: battered immigrant made in order as original text. The previous Clearly, the vote on the previous question spouses, restricting the ability of U question shall be considered as ordered on on a rule does have substantive policy impli- the bill and amendments thereto to final cations. It is one of the only available tools visa holders to apply for permanent passage without intervening motion except resident status and forcing them to for those who oppose the Republican major- one motion to recommit with or without in- ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- face deportation. structions.’’ native views the opportunity to offer an al- I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ternative plan. ‘‘no’’ on the bills and to defeat the pre- (The information contained herein was Ms. FOXX. I yield back the balance vious question, and I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote provided by the Republican Minority on mul- of my time, and I move the previous on the rule. tiple occasions throughout the 110th and 111th Congresses.) question on the resolution. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT Ms. FOXX. I yield myself the balance question is on ordering the previous IT REALLY MEANS of my time. question. I agree with my colleague from Colo- This vote, the vote on whether to order the The question was taken; and the rado. Abuse is abuse, no matter against previous question on a special rule, is not merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- Speaker pro tempore announced that which person it is, and nothing in this the ayes appeared to have it. Violence Against Women reauthoriza- dering the previous question is a vote against the Republican majority agenda and Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, on that tion bill prohibits grant recipients a vote to allow the opposition, at least for I demand the yeas and nays. from serving all victims of domestic vi- the moment, to offer an alternative plan. It The yeas and nays were ordered. olence, and I am glad to hear my col- is a vote about what the House should be de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- league say that. bating. ant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule XX, Madam Speaker, House Republicans Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the this 15-minute vote on ordering the want to help women, particularly those House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- previous question will be followed by 5- who have been victims of violence and scribes the vote on the previous question on minute votes on adopting the resolu- abuse, while also being good stewards the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the consideration of the subject before the House tion, if ordered, and suspending the of limited taxpayer resources. The 2012 being made by the Member in charge.’’ To rules and passing H.R. 4119. Violence Against Women Reauthoriza- defeat the previous question is to give the The vote was taken by electronic de- tion Act accomplishes these goals. In opposition a chance to decide the subject be- vice, and there were—yeas 235, nays addition, the FY13 National Defense fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s 187, not voting 9, as follows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:31 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.047 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2743 [Roll No. 254] Cummings Kildee Rangel go to work to protect our communities, Davis (CA) Kind Reyes expecting to return home. Some never YEAS—235 Davis (IL) Kissell Richardson Adams Goodlatte Olson DeFazio Kucinich Richmond do. Aderholt Gosar Palazzo DeGette Langevin Ross (AR) It is right; it is proper; it is our duty, Alexander Gowdy Paul DeLauro Larsen (WA) Rothman (NJ) Madam Speaker, to, today, pause in Deutch Larson (CT) Amash Granger Paulsen Roybal-Allard this great body and pay tribute to Amodei Graves (GA) Pearce Dicks Lee (CA) Ruppersberger Dingell Levin Austria Graves (MO) Pence Rush those men and women who have sac- Doggett Lewis (GA) Bachmann Griffin (AR) Petri Ryan (OH) rificed their lives for us so that we can Donnelly (IN) Lipinski Bachus Griffith (VA) Pitts Sa´ nchez, Linda Doyle Loebsack all live safely. Barletta Grimm Platts T. Edwards Lofgren, Zoe I ask for a moment of silence. Bartlett Guinta Poe (TX) Sanchez, Loretta Barton (TX) Guthrie Pompeo Ellison Lowey MOMENT OF SILENCE Engel Luja´ n Sarbanes Bass (NH) Hall Posey Schakowsky The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- Benishek Hanna Eshoo Lynch Price (GA) Schiff Berg Harper Quayle Farr Maloney bers will rise, and the House will ob- Schrader Biggert Harris Reed Fattah Markey serve a moment of silence. Schwartz Bilbray Hartzler Rehberg Frank (MA) Matheson Scott (VA) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Bilirakis Hastings (WA) Reichert Fudge Matsui Bishop (UT) Hayworth Renacci Garamendi McCarthy (NY) Scott, David The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Black Heck Ribble Gonzalez McCollum Serrano objection, 5-minute voting will con- Green, Al McDermott Sewell Blackburn Hensarling Rigell tinue. Bonner Herrera Beutler Rivera Green, Gene McGovern Sherman Bono Mack Huelskamp Roby Grijalva McIntyre Sires There was no objection. Boustany Huizenga (MI) Roe (TN) Gutierrez McNerney Smith (WA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Brady (TX) Hultgren Rogers (AL) Hahn Meeks Speier question is on the resolution. Brooks Hunter Rogers (KY) Hanabusa Michaud Stark Broun (GA) Hurt Rogers (MI) Hastings (FL) Miller (NC) Sutton The question was taken; and the Buchanan Issa Rohrabacher Heinrich Miller, George Thompson (CA) Speaker pro tempore announced that Bucshon Jenkins Rokita Herger Moore Thompson (MS) the ayes appeared to have it. Higgins Moran Buerkle Johnson (IL) Rooney Tierney Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, on that Burgess Johnson (OH) Ros-Lehtinen Himes Murphy (CT) Tonko Hinchey Nadler Calvert Johnson, Sam Roskam Towns I demand the yeas and nays. Hinojosa Napolitano Camp Jones Ross (FL) Tsongas The yeas and nays were ordered. Hirono Neal Campbell Jordan Royce Van Hollen Hochul Olver The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Canseco Kelly Runyan Vela´ zquez Cantor King (IA) Ryan (WI) Holden Owens will be a 5-minute vote. Holt Pallone Visclosky The vote was taken by electronic de- Capito King (NY) Scalise Walz (MN) Carter Kingston Schilling Honda Pascrell vice, and there were—yeas 235, nays Hoyer Pastor (AZ) Wasserman Chabot Kinzinger (IL) Schmidt Schultz 186, answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting 9, Chaffetz Kline Schock Israel Pelosi Waters Coble Lamborn Schweikert Jackson (IL) Peters as follows: Watt Coffman (CO) Lance Scott (SC) Jackson Lee Peterson Waxman [Roll No. 255] Cole Landry Scott, Austin (TX) Pingree (ME) Conaway Lankford Sensenbrenner Johnson (GA) Polis Welch YEAS—235 Cravaack Latham Sessions Johnson, E. B. Price (NC) Wilson (FL) Adams Dreier Jenkins Crawford LaTourette Shimkus Kaptur Quigley Woolsey Aderholt Duffy Johnson (IL) Crenshaw Latta Shuler Keating Rahall Yarmuth Akin Duncan (SC) Johnson (OH) Culberson Lewis (CA) Shuster NOT VOTING—9 Alexander Duncan (TN) Johnson, Sam Davis (KY) LoBiondo Simpson Amash Ellmers Jones Denham Long Smith (NE) Akin Filner Perlmutter Amodei Emerson Jordan Dent Lucas Smith (NJ) Burton (IN) Labrador Slaughter Austria Farenthold Kelly DesJarlais Lummis Smith (TX) Cassidy Luetkemeyer Young (FL) Bachmann Fincher King (NY) Diaz-Balart Lungren, Daniel Southerland Bachus Fitzpatrick Kingston Dold E. Stearns b 1459 Barletta Flake Kinzinger (IL) Dreier Mack Stivers Ms. WILSON of Florida, Messrs. Bartlett Fleischmann Kline Duffy Manzullo Stutzman TONKO, MURPHY of Connecticut, Barton (TX) Fleming Lamborn Duncan (SC) Marchant Sullivan Bass (NH) Flores Lance Duncan (TN) Marino Terry MCINTYRE, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, and Benishek Forbes Landry Ellmers McCarthy (CA) Thompson (PA) Mr. RICHMOND changed their vote Berg Fortenberry Lankford Emerson McCaul Thornberry from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Biggert Foxx Latham Farenthold McClintock Tiberi Bilbray Franks (AZ) LaTourette Fincher McCotter Tipton So the previous question was ordered. Bilirakis Frelinghuysen Latta Fitzpatrick McHenry Turner (NY) The result of the vote was announced Bishop (UT) Gallegly Lewis (CA) Flake McKeon Turner (OH) as above recorded. Blackburn Gardner LoBiondo Fleischmann McKinley Upton Stated against: Bonner Garrett Long Fleming McMorris Walberg Bono Mack Gibbs Lucas Flores Rodgers Walden Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Boustany Gibson Luetkemeyer Forbes Meehan Walsh (IL) 254, I was away from the Capitol due to prior Brady (TX) Gingrey (GA) Lummis Fortenberry Mica Webster commitments to my constituents. Had I been Brooks Gohmert Lungren, Daniel Foxx Miller (FL) West present, I would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ Broun (GA) Goodlatte E. Franks (AZ) Miller (MI) Westmoreland Buchanan Gosar Mack Frelinghuysen Miller, Gary Whitfield (By unanimous consent, Mr. Bucshon Gowdy Manzullo Gallegly Mulvaney Wilson (SC) REICHERT was allowed to speak out of Buerkle Granger Marchant Gardner Murphy (PA) Wittman order.) Burgess Graves (GA) Marino Garrett Myrick Wolf Calvert Graves (MO) McCarthy (CA) Gerlach Neugebauer Womack COMMEMORATING NATIONAL PEACE OFFICERS Camp Griffin (AR) McCaul Gibbs Noem Woodall MEMORIAL DAY AND POLICE WEEK Campbell Griffith (VA) McClintock Gibson Nugent Yoder Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, Canseco Grimm McCotter Gingrey (GA) Nunes Young (AK) yesterday was National Law Enforce- Cantor Guinta McHenry Gohmert Nunnelee Young (IN) Capito Guthrie McKeon ment Memorial Day. This entire week Carter Hall McKinley NAYS—187 is National Law Enforcement Week. Chabot Hanna McMorris Ackerman Boswell Clarke (MI) Last year, we lost 163 police officers Chaffetz Harper Rodgers Altmire Brady (PA) Clarke (NY) Coble Harris Meehan killed in the line of duty. So far this Coffman (CO) Hartzler Mica Andrews Braley (IA) Clay year, there have been 40 killed in the Baca Brown (FL) Cleaver Cole Hastings (WA) Miller (FL) Baldwin Butterfield Clyburn line of duty protecting each one of the Conaway Hayworth Miller (MI) Barrow Capps Cohen communities that we represent in this Cravaack Heck Miller, Gary Crawford Hensarling Mulvaney Bass (CA) Capuano Connolly (VA) great body, people like Tony Becerra Cardoza Conyers Crenshaw Herger Murphy (PA) Berkley Carnahan Cooper Radulescu, a trooper in Washington Culberson Herrera Beutler Myrick Berman Carney Costa State, a person who left his home that Davis (KY) Huelskamp Neugebauer Bishop (GA) Carson (IN) Costello Denham Huizenga (MI) Noem day with a hug and a kiss from his fam- Dent Hultgren Nugent Bishop (NY) Castor (FL) Courtney ily expecting him back home again Blumenauer Chandler Critz DesJarlais Hunter Nunes Bonamici Chu Crowley that evening for dinner, men and Diaz-Balart Hurt Nunnelee Boren Cicilline Cuellar women in uniform leaving every day to Dold Issa Olson

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:31 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.018 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2744 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 Palazzo Rokita Stivers b 1510 Gutierrez Matheson Rothman (NJ) Paul Rooney Stutzman Hahn Matsui Roybal-Allard Paulsen Ros-Lehtinen Sullivan So the resolution was agreed to. Hall McCarthy (CA) Royce Pearce Roskam Terry The result of the vote was announced Hanabusa McCarthy (NY) Runyan Pence Ross (FL) Thompson (PA) as above recorded. Hanna McCaul Ruppersberger Petri Royce Thornberry Harper McClintock Rush Pitts Runyan Tiberi A motion to reconsider was laid on Harris McCollum Ryan (OH) Platts Ryan (WI) Tipton the table. Hartzler McCotter Ryan (WI) Poe (TX) Scalise Turner (NY) Stated against: Hastings (FL) McDermott Sa´ nchez, Linda Pompeo Schilling Turner (OH) Hastings (WA) McGovern Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall T. Posey Schmidt Upton Hayworth McHenry Sanchez, Loretta Price (GA) Schock Walberg 255, I was away from the Capitol due to prior Heck McIntyre Sarbanes Quayle Schweikert Walden commitments to my constituents. Had I been Heinrich McKeon Scalise Reed Scott (SC) Walsh (IL) present, I would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ Hensarling McKinley Schakowsky Rehberg Scott, Austin Webster Herger McMorris Schiff Reichert Sensenbrenner West f Herrera Beutler Rodgers Schilling Renacci Sessions Westmoreland Higgins McNerney Schmidt Ribble Shimkus Whitfield Himes Meehan BORDER TUNNEL PREVENTION Schock Rigell Shuler Wilson (SC) Hinchey Meeks Schrader Rivera Shuster Wittman ACT OF 2012 Hinojosa Mica Schwartz Roby Simpson Wolf Hirono Michaud The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Schweikert Roe (TN) Smith (NE) Womack Hochul Miller (FL) Rogers (AL) Smith (NJ) Woodall finished business is the vote on the mo- Holden Miller (MI) Scott (SC) Rogers (KY) Smith (TX) Yoder tion to suspend the rules and pass the Holt Miller (NC) Scott, Austin Rogers (MI) Southerland Young (FL) bill (H.R. 4119) to reduce the trafficking Honda Miller, Gary Scott, David Sensenbrenner Rohrabacher Stearns Young (IN) of drugs and to prevent human smug- Hoyer Miller, George Huelskamp Moore Serrano NAYS—186 gling across the Southwest Border by Huizenga (MI) Moran Sessions Sewell Ackerman Frank (MA) Murphy (CT) deterring the construction and use of Hultgren Mulvaney Sherman Andrews Fudge Nadler border tunnels, as amended, on which Hunter Murphy (CT) Shimkus Baca Garamendi Napolitano the yeas and nays were ordered. Hurt Murphy (PA) Baldwin Gonzalez Neal Israel Myrick Shuler Barrow Green, Al Olver The Clerk read the title of the bill. Issa Nadler Shuster Bass (CA) Green, Gene Owens The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Jackson (IL) Napolitano Simpson Becerra Grijalva Pallone question is on the motion offered by Jackson Lee Neal Sires (TX) Neugebauer Smith (NE) Berkley Gutierrez Pascrell the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) Berman Hahn Pastor (AZ) Jenkins Noem Smith (NJ) Bishop (GA) Hanabusa Pelosi that the House suspend the rules and Johnson (GA) Nugent Smith (TX) Bishop (NY) Hastings (FL) Peters pass the bill, as amended. Johnson (IL) Nunes Smith (WA) Black Heinrich Peterson This will be a 5-minute vote. Johnson (OH) Nunnelee Southerland Blumenauer Higgins Pingree (ME) Johnson, E. B. Olson Speier Bonamici Himes Polis The vote was taken by electronic de- Johnson, Sam Olver Stark Boren Hinchey Price (NC) vice, and there were—yeas 416, nays 4, Jones Owens Stearns Boswell Hinojosa Quigley not voting 11, as follows: Jordan Palazzo Stivers Brady (PA) Hirono Rahall Kaptur Pallone Stutzman Braley (IA) Hochul Rangel [Roll No. 256] Keating Pascrell Sullivan Brown (FL) Holden Reyes YEAS—416 Kelly Pastor (AZ) Sutton Butterfield Holt Richardson Kildee Paulsen Ackerman Capito Dold Terry Capps Honda Richmond Kind Pearce Adams Capps Donnelly (IN) Thompson (CA) Capuano Hoyer Ross (AR) King (IA) Pelosi Aderholt Capuano Doyle Thompson (MS) Cardoza Israel Rothman (NJ) King (NY) Pence Akin Cardoza Dreier Thompson (PA) Carnahan Jackson (IL) Roybal-Allard Kingston Peters Alexander Carnahan Duffy Thornberry Carney Jackson Lee Ruppersberger Kinzinger (IL) Peterson Amodei Carney Duncan (SC) Tiberi Carson (IN) (TX) Rush Kissell Petri Andrews Carson (IN) Duncan (TN) Tierney Castor (FL) Johnson (GA) Ryan (OH) Kline Pingree (ME) Austria Carter Edwards Tipton Chandler Johnson, E. B. Sa´ nchez, Linda Kucinich Pitts Baca Castor (FL) Ellison Tonko Chu Kaptur T. Lamborn Platts Bachmann Chabot Ellmers Towns Cicilline Keating Sanchez, Loretta Lance Poe (TX) Bachus Chaffetz Emerson Tsongas Clarke (MI) Kildee Sarbanes Landry Polis Baldwin Chandler Engel Turner (NY) Clarke (NY) Kind Schakowsky Langevin Pompeo Barletta Chu Eshoo Upton Clay King (IA) Schiff Lankford Posey Barrow Cicilline Farenthold Van Hollen Cleaver Kissell Schrader Larsen (WA) Price (GA) Bartlett Clarke (MI) Farr Vela´ zquez Clyburn Kucinich Schwartz Larson (CT) Price (NC) Barton (TX) Clarke (NY) Fattah Visclosky Cohen Langevin Scott (VA) Latham Quayle Bass (CA) Clay Fincher Walberg Connolly (VA) Larsen (WA) Scott, David LaTourette Quigley Bass (NH) Cleaver Fitzpatrick Walden Conyers Larson (CT) Serrano Latta Rahall Becerra Clyburn Flake Walsh (IL) Cooper Lee (CA) Sewell Lee (CA) Rangel Benishek Coble Fleischmann Walz (MN) Costa Levin Sherman Levin Reed Berg Coffman (CO) Fleming Wasserman Costello Lewis (GA) Sires Lewis (CA) Rehberg Berkley Cohen Flores Schultz Courtney Lipinski Smith (WA) Lewis (GA) Reichert Berman Cole Forbes Waters Critz Loebsack Speier Lipinski Renacci Biggert Conaway Fortenberry Watt Crowley Lofgren, Zoe Stark LoBiondo Reyes Bilbray Connolly (VA) Foxx Waxman Cuellar Lowey Sutton Loebsack Ribble Bilirakis Conyers Frank (MA) Webster Cummings Luja´ n Thompson (CA) Lofgren, Zoe Richardson Bishop (GA) Cooper Franks (AZ) Welch Davis (CA) Lynch Thompson (MS) Long Richmond Bishop (NY) Costa Frelinghuysen Davis (IL) Maloney Tierney Lowey Rigell West Bishop (UT) Costello Fudge DeFazio Markey Tonko Lucas Rivera Westmoreland Black Courtney Gallegly DeGette Matheson Towns Luetkemeyer Roby Whitfield Blackburn Cravaack Garamendi DeLauro Matsui Tsongas Luja´ n Roe (TN) Wilson (FL) Blumenauer Crawford Gardner Deutch McCarthy (NY) Van Hollen Lummis Rogers (AL) Wilson (SC) Bonamici Crenshaw Garrett Dicks McCollum Vela´ zquez Lungren, Daniel Rogers (KY) Wittman Bonner Critz Gibbs Dingell McDermott Visclosky E. Rogers (MI) Wolf Bono Mack Crowley Gibson Doggett McGovern Walz (MN) Lynch Rohrabacher Womack Boswell Cuellar Gingrey (GA) Donnelly (IN) McIntyre Wasserman Mack Rokita Woodall Boustany Culberson Gohmert Doyle McNerney Schultz Maloney Rooney Woolsey Brady (PA) Cummings Gonzalez Edwards Meeks Waters Manzullo Ros-Lehtinen Yoder Brady (TX) Davis (CA) Goodlatte Ellison Michaud Watt Marchant Roskam Young (AK) Braley (IA) Davis (IL) Gosar Engel Miller (NC) Waxman Marino Ross (AR) Young (FL) Brooks Davis (KY) Gowdy Eshoo Miller, George Welch Markey Ross (FL) Young (IN) Brown (FL) DeFazio Granger Farr Moore Wilson (FL) Buchanan DeGette Graves (GA) Fattah Moran Woolsey NAYS—4 Bucshon DeLauro Graves (MO) Amash Paul ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Buerkle Denham Green, Al Burgess Dent Green, Gene Broun (GA) Scott (VA) Young (AK) Butterfield DesJarlais Griffin (AR) Calvert Deutch Griffith (VA) NOT VOTING—11 NOT VOTING—9 Camp Diaz-Balart Grijalva Altmire Filner Slaughter Altmire Filner Perlmutter Campbell Dicks Grimm Boren Gerlach Turner (OH) Burton (IN) Gerlach Slaughter Canseco Dingell Guinta Burton (IN) Labrador Yarmuth Cassidy Labrador Yarmuth Cantor Doggett Guthrie Cassidy Perlmutter

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:37 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.020 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2745 b 1518 NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OFFER The Clerk read the title of the bill. MOTION TO INSTRUCT CON- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Ms. BASS of California and Ms. ZOE FEREES ON H.R. 4348, SURFACE ant to House Resolution 656, the LOFGREN of California changed their TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION amendment in the nature of a sub- vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ ACT OF 2012, PART II stitute, recommended by the Com- So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, pur- mittee on the Judiciary, printed in the tive) the rules were suspended and the bill, modified by the amendment print- bill, as amended, was passed. suant to Rule XXII, clause 7(c), I here- by announce my attention to offer a ed in House Report 112–481 is adopted, The result of the vote was announced motion to instruct on H.R. 4348. and the bill, as amended, is considered as above recorded. The form of the motion is as follows: read. The text of the bill, as amended, is as A motion to reconsider was laid on Mr. Rahall moves that the managers on the table. the part of the House at the conference on follows: Stated for: the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on H.R. 4970 Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 4348 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- be instructed to agree to sections 1528, 20017 256, I was away from the Capitol due to prior resentatives of the United States of America in (to the extent that such section amends sec- Congress assembled, commitments to my constituents. Had I been tion 5323 of title 49, United States Code, to SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. present, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ provide subsection (k) relating to Buy Amer- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Violence PERSONAL EXPLANATION ica), 33007, 33008, and 35210 of the Senate Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012’’. amendment. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I was SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. unavoidably detained earlier today on personal f The table of contents for this Act is as follows: business and therefore unable to be on the REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER Sec. 1. Short title. House Floor for rollcall votes 253, 254, 255, AS COSPONSOR OF H. CON. RES. Sec. 2. Table of contents. 107 Sec. 3. VAWA definitions and grant conditions. and 256. Had I been present I would have Sec. 4. Accountability provisions. voted: ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 253; ‘‘yea’’ on roll- Mr. JONES (during consideration of Sec. 5. Effective date. call vote 254; ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 255; and H. Res. 656). Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- TITLE I—ENHANCING JUDICIAL AND LAW ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 256. mous consent to remove Mr. GRIJALVA ENFORCEMENT TOOLS TO COMBAT PERSONAL EXPLANATION as a cosponsor from H. Con. Res. 107. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I was un- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Sec. 101. STOP grants. objection to the request of the gen- Sec. 102. Grants to encourage arrest policies able to cast the record votes for rollcalls 250, and enforcement of protection or- 251, 252, 255 and 256. Had I been present I tleman from North Carolina? There was no objection. ders. would have voted as follows for these meas- Sec. 103. Legal assistance for victims. ures: H.R. 365, on Motion to Suspend the f Sec. 104. Consolidation of grants to support Rules and Pass, as Amended, No. 250, ‘‘yes’’; REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER families in the justice system. H.R. 3874, on Motion to Suspend the Rules AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 4103 Sec. 105. Court-appointed special advocate pro- and Pass, as Amended, No. 251, ‘‘yes’’; H.R. gram. Mr. JONES. Madam Speaker, I ask 205, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Sec. 106. Outreach and services to underserved unanimous consent that Congressman populations grant. Pass, as Amended, No. 252, ‘‘yes’’; H.R. 656, DAN BENISHEK be removed as a cospon- Sec. 107. Culturally specific services grant. on Agreeing to the Resolution, No. 255, ‘‘no’’; sor of H.R. 4103. Sec. 108. Reduction in rape kit backlog. and H.R. 4119, on Motion to Suspend the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there TITLE II—IMPROVING SERVICES FOR VIC- Rules and Pass, as Amended, No. 256, ‘‘yes.’’ objection to the request of the gen- TIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING tleman from North Carolina? VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING f There was no objection. Sec. 201. Sexual assault services program. f b 1520 Sec. 202. Rural domestic violence, dating vio- AMENDMENT TO THE MESQUITE lence, sexual assault, stalking, LANDS ACT OF 1986 and child abuse enforcement as- PERMISSION TO FILE PRIVILEGED sistance. REPORTS The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Sec. 203. Training and services to end violence finished business is the question on against women with disabilities Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I suspending the rules and passing the grants. ask unanimous consent that the Com- bill (H.R. 2745) to amend the Mesquite Sec. 204. Grant for training and services to end mittee on Appropriations have until 6 Lands Act of 1986 to facilitate imple- violence against women in later p.m. on May 25, 2012 to file four privi- mentation of a multispecies habitat life. leged reports on the following: conservation plan for the Virgin River TITLE III—SERVICES, PROTECTION, AND a bill making appropriations for the JUSTICE FOR YOUNG VICTIMS OF VIO- in Clark County, Nevada, as amended. LENCE Department of Homeland Security for The Clerk read the title of the bill. the fiscal year ending September 30, Sec. 301. Rape prevention and education grant. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Sec. 302. Creating hope through outreach, op- 2013, and other purposes; question is on the motion offered by tions, services, and education for a bill making appropriations for mili- the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) children and youth. tary construction, the Department of that the House suspend the rules and Sec. 303. Grants to combat violent crimes on Veterans Affairs, and related agencies pass the bill, as amended. campuses. for the fiscal year ending September 30, The question was taken; and (two- Sec. 304. National Center for Campus Public 2013, and for other purposes; thirds being in the affirmative) the Safety. rules were suspended and the bill, as TITLE IV—VIOLENCE REDUCTION a bill making appropriations for the PRACTICES Department of Defense for the fiscal amended, was passed. Sec. 401. Study conducted by the centers for year ending September 30, 2013, and for A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. disease control and prevention. other purposes; Sec. 402. Saving money and reducing tragedies and a bill making appropriations for f through prevention grants. the Department of State, foreign oper- VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN TITLE V—STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH ations, and related programs for the REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2012 CARE SYSTEM’S RESPONSE TO DOMES- fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, TIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEX- Mrs. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, pur- UAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING and for other purposes. suant to House Resolution 656, I call up The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Sec. 501. Consolidation of grants to strengthen the bill (H.R. 4970) to reauthorize the the health care system’s response objection to the request of the gen- Violence Against Women Act of 1994, to domestic violence, dating vio- tleman from Alabama? and ask for its immediate consider- lence, sexual assault, and stalk- There was no objection. ation. ing.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:28 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6343 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.055 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 TITLE VI—SAFE HOMES FOR VICTIMS OF stay away order proceedings, and other similar groups (as defined in section 1707(g) of the Pub- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIO- matters; and lic Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300u–6(g))). LENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALK- ‘‘(ii) criminal justice investigations, prosecu- ‘‘(41) CULTURALLY SPECIFIC SERVICES.—The ING tions and post-trial matters (including sen- term ‘culturally specific services’ means commu- Sec. 601. Housing protections for victims of do- tencing, parole, and probation) that impact the nity-based services and resources that are cul- mestic violence, dating violence, victim’s safety and privacy; and turally relevant and linguistically specific to sexual assault, and stalking. ‘‘(B) may include services and assistance to culturally specific communities. Sec. 602. Transitional housing assistance grants victims of domestic violence, dating violence, ‘‘(42) HOMELESS, HOMELESS INDIVIDUAL, HOME- for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are also victims LESS PERSON.—The terms ‘homeless’, ‘homeless dating violence, sexual assault, of severe forms of trafficking in persons as de- individual’, and ‘homeless person’— and stalking. fined by section 103 of the Trafficking Victims ‘‘(A) mean an individual who lacks a fixed, Sec. 603. Addressing the housing needs of vic- Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102); regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and tims of domestic violence, dating except that intake or referral, without other ac- ‘‘(B) includes— ‘‘(i) an individual who— violence, sexual assault, and tion, does not constitute legal assistance.’’. ‘‘(I) is sharing the housing of other persons stalking. (5) by amending paragraph (18) to read as fol- due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a lows: TITLE VII—ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR similar reason; ‘‘(18) PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ‘‘(II) is living in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or OR PERSONAL INFORMATION.—The term ‘person- Sec. 701. National Resource Center on Work- campground due to the lack of alternative ade- ally identifying information’ or ‘personal infor- place Responses to assist victims quate accommodations; mation’ means individually identifying informa- of domestic and sexual violence. ‘‘(III) is living in an emergency or transitional tion for or about an individual, including infor- TITLE VIII—IMMIGRATION PROVISIONS shelter; mation likely to disclose the location of a victim ‘‘(IV) is abandoned in a hospital; or Sec. 801. Fraud prevention initiatives. of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- ‘‘(V) is awaiting foster care placement; Sec. 802. Clarification of the requirements ap- sault, or stalking, regardless of whether the in- ‘‘(ii) an individual who has a primary night- plicable to U visas. formation is encoded, encrypted, hashed, or oth- time residence that is a public or private place Sec. 803. Protections for a fiance´e or fiance´ of a erwise protected, including— not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular citizen. ‘‘(A) a first and last name; sleeping accommodation for human beings; or Sec. 804. Regulation of international marriage ‘‘(B) a home or other physical address; ‘‘(iii) migratory children (as defined in section brokers. ‘‘(C) contact information (including a postal, 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Edu- Sec. 805. GAO report. e-mail or Internet protocol address, or telephone cation Act of 1965; 20 U.S.C. 6399) who qualify Sec. 806. Temporary Nature of U Visa Status. or facsimile number); as homeless under this section because the chil- Sec. 807. Annual report on immigration applica- ‘‘(D) a social security number, driver license dren are living in circumstances described in tions made by victims of abuse. number, passport number, or student identifica- this paragraph. Sec. 808. Protection for children of VAWA self- tion number; and ‘‘(43) POPULATION SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION.— petitioners. ‘‘(E) any other information, including date of The term ‘population specific organization’ Sec. 809. Public charge. birth, racial or ethnic background, or religious means a nonprofit, nongovernmental organiza- Sec. 810. Age-Out Protection for U Visa Appli- affiliation, that would serve to identify any in- tion that primarily serves members of a specific cants. dividual.’’; underserved population and has demonstrated Sec. 811. Hardship waivers. (6) in paragraph (19), by striking ‘‘services’’ experience and expertise providing targeted Sec. 812. Disclosure of Information for National and inserting ‘‘assistance’’; services to members of that specific underserved Security Purpose. (7) in paragraph (21)— population. Sec. 813. GAO report on requirements to cooper- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘or’’ ‘‘(44) POPULATION SPECIFIC SERVICES.—The ate with law enforcement offi- after the semicolon; term ‘population specific services’ means victim cials. (B) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking the services that— Sec. 814. Consideration of other evidence. period and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and ‘‘(A) address the safety, health, economic, TITLE IX—SAFETY FOR INDIAN WOMEN (C) by adding at the end the following: legal, housing, workplace, immigration, con- Sec. 901. Grants to Indian tribal governments. ‘‘(C) any federally recognized Indian tribe.’’; fidentiality, or other needs of victims of domestic Sec. 902. Grants to Indian tribal coalitions. (8) in paragraph (22)— violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or Sec. 903. Consultation. (A) by striking ‘‘52’’ and inserting ‘‘57’’; and stalking; and Sec. 904. Analysis and research on violence (B) by striking ‘‘150,000’’ and inserting ‘‘(B) are designed primarily for, and are tar- against Indian women. ‘‘250,000’’; geted to, a specific underserved population. Sec. 905. Assistant United States attorney do- (9) by amending paragraph (23) to read as fol- ‘‘(45) RAPE CRISIS CENTER.—The term ‘rape mestic violence tribal liaisons. lows: crisis center’ means— ‘‘(23) SEXUAL ASSAULT.—The term ‘sexual as- TITLE X—CRIMINAL PROVISIONS ‘‘(A) a nonprofit, nongovernmental, or tribal sault’ means any nonconsensual sexual act pro- organization that provides intervention and re- Sec. 1001. Criminal provisions relating to sexual scribed by Federal, tribal, or State law, includ- lated assistance, as specified in section abuse. ing when the victim lacks capacity to consent.’’; 41601(b)(2)(C), to victims of sexual assault with- Sec. 1002. Sexual abuse in custodial settings. (10) by amending paragraph (33) to read as out regard to the age of the victims; or Sec. 1003. Criminal provision relating to stalk- follows: ‘‘(B) a governmental entity that— ing, including cyberstalking. ‘‘(33) UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS.—The term ‘‘(i) is located in a State other than a Terri- Sec. 1004. Amendments to the Federal assault ‘underserved populations’ means populations tory; statute. who face barriers to accessing and using victim ‘‘(ii) provides intervention and related assist- Sec. 1005. Mandatory minimum sentence. services, and includes populations underserved ance, as specified in section 41601(b)(2)(C), to SEC. 3. VAWA DEFINITIONS AND GRANT CONDI- because of geographic location or religion, un- victims of sexual assault without regard to the TIONS. derserved racial and ethnic populations, popu- age of the victims; (a) DEFINITIONS.—Subsection (a) of section lations underserved because of special needs ‘‘(iii) is not a law enforcement agency or other 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (such as language barriers, disabilities, alienage entity that is part of the criminal justice system; (42 U.S.C. 13925(a)) is amended— status, or age), and any other population deter- and (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘to an mined to be underserved by the Attorney Gen- ‘‘(iv) offers a level of confidentiality to victims unemancipated minor’’ after ‘‘serious harm’’; eral or the Secretary of Health and Human that is comparable to a nonprofit entity that (2) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘an organi- Services, as appropriate.’’; provides similar victim services. zation’’ and inserting ‘‘a nonprofit, nongovern- (11) by amending paragraph (37) to read as ‘‘(46) SEX TRAFFICKING.—The term ‘sex traf- mental, or tribal organization that serves a spe- follows: ficking’ means any conduct proscribed by sec- cific geographic community’’; ‘‘(37) YOUTH.—The term ‘youth’ means a per- tion 1591 of title 18, United States Code, whether (3) in paragraph (6) by inserting ‘‘or intimate son who is 11 to 24 years of age.’’; or not the conduct occurs in interstate or for- partner’’ after ‘‘former spouse’’ and after ‘‘as a (12) by adding at the end the following new eign commerce or within the special maritime spouse’’; paragraphs: and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. (4) by amending paragraph (16) to read as fol- ‘‘(38) ALASKA NATIVE VILLAGE.—The term ‘‘(47) TRIBAL COALITION.—The term ‘tribal co- lows: ‘Alaska Native village’ has the same meaning alition’ means an established nonprofit, non- ‘‘(16) LEGAL ASSISTANCE.—The term ‘legal as- given such term in the Alaska Native Claims governmental Indian organization, Alaska Na- sistance’— Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.). tive organization, or a Native Hawaiian organi- ‘‘(A) includes assistance to adult and youth ‘‘(39) CHILD.—The term ‘child’ means a person zation that— victims of domestic violence, dating violence, who is under 11 years of age. ‘‘(A) provides education, support, and tech- sexual assault, and stalking in— ‘‘(40) CULTURALLY SPECIFIC.—The term ‘cul- nical assistance to member Indian service pro- ‘‘(i) family, tribal, territorial, immigration, turally specific’ (except when used as part of viders in a manner that enables those member employment, administrative agency, housing the term ‘culturally specific services’) means pri- providers to establish and maintain culturally matters, campus administrative or protection or marily composed of racial and ethnic minority appropriate services, including shelter and rape

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crisis services, designed to assist Indian women ‘‘(D) INFORMATION SHARING.— Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, or any and the dependents of those women who are vic- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Grantees and subgrantees other program or activity funded in whole or in tims of domestic violence, dating violence, sex- may share— part with funds appropriated for grants, cooper- ual assault, and stalking; and ‘‘(I) nonpersonally identifying data in the ag- ative agreements, and other assistance adminis- ‘‘(B) is comprised of board and general mem- gregate regarding services to their clients and tered by the Office on Violence Against Women. bers that are representative of— nonpersonally identifying demographic informa- ‘‘(B) REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION.—Nothing ‘‘(i) the member service providers described in tion in order to comply with Federal, State, trib- in this paragraph shall prevent consideration of subparagraph (A); and al, or territorial reporting, evaluation, or data an individual’s gender for purposes of a pro- ‘‘(ii) the tribal communities in which the serv- collection requirements; gram or activity described in subparagraph (A) ices are being provided. ‘‘(II) court-generated information and law en- if the grantee involved determines that gender ‘‘(48) UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—The term forcement-generated information contained in segregation or gender-specific programming is ‘unit of local government’ means any city, coun- secure, governmental registries for protection necessary to the essential operation of such pro- ty, township, town, borough, parish, village, or order enforcement purposes; and gram or activity. In such a case, alternative rea- other general purpose political subdivision of a ‘‘(III) law enforcement-generated and pros- sonable accommodations are sufficient to meet State. ecution-generated information necessary for law the requirements of this paragraph. ‘‘(49) VICTIM SERVICES.—The term ‘victim serv- enforcement, intelligence, national security, or ‘‘(C) APPLICATION.—The provisions of para- ices’— prosecution purposes. graphs (2) through (4) of section 809(c) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets ‘‘(A) means services provided to victims of do- ‘‘(ii) LIMITATIONS.—Grantees and subgrantees mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, may not— Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3789d(c)) shall apply to or stalking, including telephonic or web-based ‘‘(I) require an adult, youth, or child victim of violations of subparagraph (A). ‘‘(D) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this hotlines, legal advocacy, economic advocacy, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- paragraph shall be construed, interpreted, or emergency and transitional shelter, accompani- sault, or stalking to provide a consent to release applied to supplant, displace, preempt, or other- ment and advocacy through medical, civil or his or her personally identifying information as criminal justice, immigration, and social support wise diminish the responsibilities and liabilities a condition of eligibility for the services pro- of grantees under other Federal or State civil systems, crisis intervention, short-term indi- vided by the grantee or subgrantee; or vidual and group support services, information rights law, whether statutory or common.’’. ‘‘(II) share any personally identifying infor- (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section and referrals, culturally specific services, popu- mation in order to comply with Federal report- lation specific services, and other related sup- 41403(6) of the Violence Against Women Act of ing, evaluation, or data collection requirements, 1994 (14043e–2(6)) is amended to read as follows: portive services; and whether for this program or any other Federal ‘‘(6) the terms ‘homeless’, ‘homeless indi- ‘‘(B) may include services and assistance to grant program.’’; vidual’, and ‘homeless person’ have the mean- victims of domestic violence, dating violence, (C) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as sub- ings given such terms in section 40002(a);’’. sexual assault, or stalking who are also victims paragraph (F); of severe forms of trafficking in persons as de- SEC. 4. ACCOUNTABILITY PROVISIONS. (D) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the (a) REQUIREMENT FOR DOJ GRANT APPLICANTS fined by section 103 of the Trafficking Victims following: TO INCLUDE CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT FED- Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102). ‘‘(E) STATUTORILY MANDATED REPORTS OF ERAL GRANTS IN DOJ GRANT APPLICATIONS.— ‘‘(50) VICTIM SERVICE PROVIDER.—The term ABUSE OR NEGLECT.—Nothing in this paragraph ‘victim service provider’ means a nonprofit, non- Each applicant for a grant from the Department prohibits a grantee or subgrantee from reporting of Justice shall submit, as part of the applica- governmental or tribal organization or rape cri- suspected abuse or neglect, as those terms are sis center, including a State sexual assault coa- tion for the grant, the following information: defined by law, when specifically mandated by (1) A list of each Federal grant the applicant lition or tribal coalition, that— the State or tribe involved.’’; and applied for during the one-year period preceding ‘‘(A) assists domestic violence, dating violence, (E) by adding at the end the following new the date of submission of the application. sexual assault, or stalking victims, including do- subparagraph: (2) A list of each Federal grant the applicant mestic violence shelters, faith-based organiza- ‘‘(G) CONFIDENTIALITY ASSESSMENT AND AS- received during the five-year period preceding tions, and other organizations; and SURANCES.—Grantees and subgrantees shall cer- the date of submission of the application. ‘‘(B) has a documented history of effective tify their compliance with the confidentiality (b) ENHANCING GRANT EFFICIENCY AND CO- work concerning domestic violence, dating vio- and privacy provisions required under this sec- ORDINATION.— lence, sexual assault, or stalking.’’; and tion.’’; (1) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General, in (13) by striking paragraphs (17), (29), and (36), (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the consultation with the Secretary of Health and and then reordering the remaining paragraphs following: Human Services, shall, to the greatest extent of such subsection (including the paragraphs ‘‘(3) APPROVED ACTIVITIES.—In carrying out practicable, take actions to further the coordi- added by paragraph (12) of this subsection) in the activities under this title, grantees and sub- nation of the administration of grants within alphabetical order based on the headings of grantees may collaborate with and provide in- the Department of Justice to increase the effi- such paragraphs, and renumbering such para- formation to Federal, State, local, tribal, and ciency of such administration. graphs as so reordered. territorial public officials and agencies to de- (2) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the (b) GRANTS CONDITIONS.—Subsection (b) of velop and implement policies, and develop and date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act promote State, local, or tribal legislation or General shall submit to the Committee on the of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(b)) is amended— model codes, designed to reduce or eliminate do- Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations (1) in paragraph (2)— of the Senate and the Committee on the Judici- (A) in subparagraph (B), by amending clauses mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.’’; ary and the Committee on Appropriations of the (i) and (ii) to read as follows: House of Representatives a report on the actions ‘‘(i) disclose, reveal, or release any personally (3) in paragraph (7), by inserting at the end the following: taken by the Attorney General under paragraph identifying information or individual informa- (1) and the progress of such actions in achieving ‘‘Final reports of such evaluations shall be tion collected in connection with services re- coordination described in such paragraph. made publically available on the website of the quested, utilized, or denied through grantees’ (c) REQUIRING OFFICE OF AUDIT, ASSESSMENT, disbursing agency.’’; and and subgrantees’ programs, regardless of wheth- AND MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS TO APPLY TO (4) by inserting after paragraph (11) the fol- er the information has been encoded, encrypted, VAWA GRANTS.— hashed, or otherwise protected; or lowing: (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 109(b) of the Omni- ‘‘(ii) disclose, reveal, or release individual cli- ‘‘(12) DELIVERY OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE.—Any bus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 ent information without the informed, written, grantee or subgrantee providing legal assistance is amended— reasonably time-limited consent of the person with funds awarded under this title shall com- (A) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para- (or in the case of an unemancipated minor, the ply with the eligibility requirements in section graph (4); and minor and the parent or guardian or in the case 1201(d) of the Violence Against Women Act of (B) by inserting after paragraph (2), the fol- of legal incapacity, a court-appointed guardian) 2000 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–6(d)). lowing new paragraph: about whom information is sought, whether for ‘‘(13) CIVIL RIGHTS.— ‘‘(3) Any program or activity funded in whole this program or any other Federal, State, tribal, ‘‘(A) NONDISCRIMINATION.—No person in any or in part with funds made available under the or territorial grant program, except that— State shall on the basis of actual or perceived Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (title IV of ‘‘(I) consent for release may not be given by race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or dis- Public Law 103–322; 108 Stat. 1902), the Violence the abuser of the minor, incapacitated person, ability be denied the assistance of, or excluded Against Women Act of 2000 (division B of Public or the abuser of the other parent of the minor; from receiving services from, a grantee under Law 106–386; 114 Stat. 1491), the Violence and any program or activity funded in whole or in Against Women and Department of Justice Re- ‘‘(II) if a minor or a person with a legally ap- part with funds made available under the Vio- authorization Act of 2005 (title IX of Public Law pointed guardian is permitted by law to receive lence Against Women Act of 1994 (title IV of 109–162; 119 Stat. 3080), the Violence Against services without the parent’s or guardian’s con- Public Law 103–322; 108 Stat. 1902), the Violence Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, or any sent, such minor or person with a guardian may Against Women Act of 2000 (division B of Public other program or activity funded in whole or in release information without additional con- Law 106–386; 114 Stat. 1491), the Violence part with funds appropriated for grants, cooper- sent.’’; Against Women and Department of Justice Re- ative agreements, and other assistance adminis- (B) by amending subparagraph (D), to read as authorization Act of 2005 (title IX of Public Law tered by the Office on Violence Against follows: 109–162; 119 Stat. 3080), the Violence Against Women.’’.

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(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made uty Attorney General or the appropriate Assist- ‘‘(B) provide training to such grantees and by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to ant Attorney General, or in the case of the De- subgrantees regarding such standards, proto- grant periods beginning on or after the date of partment of Health and Human Services the cols, and sample tools and forms; and the enactment of this Act. Deputy Secretary, provides prior written au- ‘‘(C) publish on the public Internet website of (d) VAWA GRANT ACCOUNTABILITY.—Section thorization that the funds may be expended to the Office of Violence Against Women informa- 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 host or support any expenditure for such a con- tion to assist such grantees and subgrantees (42 U.S.C. 13925) is further amended by adding ference. with compliance with such standards, protocols, at the end the following: ‘‘(B) WRITTEN APPROVAL.—Written authoriza- and sample tools and forms. ‘‘(c) ACCOUNTABILITY.—All grants awarded tion under subparagraph (A) shall include a ‘‘(2) VAWA PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.—For under this title shall be subject to the following written estimate of all costs associated with the purposes of paragraph (1), a program or activity accountability provisions: conference, including the cost of all food and described in this paragraph is any program or ‘‘(1) AUDIT REQUIREMENT.—Beginning in fis- beverages, audio/visual equipment, honoraria activity funded in whole or in part with funds cal year 2013, and in each fiscal year thereafter, for speakers, and any entertainment. made available under this title, the Violence the Inspector General of the Department of Jus- ‘‘(C) REPORT.—The Deputy Attorney General Against Women Act of 2000 (division B of Public tice or the Inspector General of the Department and Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Law 106–386; 114 Stat. 1491), the Violence of Health and Human Services, as applicable, Services shall submit an annual report to the Against Women and Department of Justice Re- shall conduct an audit of not fewer than 10 per- Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee authorization Act of 2005 (title IX of Public Law cent of all grantees under this title to prevent on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of 109–162; 119 Stat. 3080), the Violence Against waste, fraud, and abuse of funds by such grant- the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, or any ees. and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of other program or activity funded in whole or in ‘‘(2) MANDATORY EXCLUSION.—A grantee de- the House of Representatives on all conference part with funds appropriated for grants, cooper- scribed in paragraph (1) that is found by the In- expenditures approved and denied during the ative agreements, and other assistance adminis- spector General of the Department of Justice or fiscal year for which the report is submitted. tered by the Office on Violence Against the Inspector General of the Department of ‘‘(8) PROHIBITION ON LOBBYING ACTIVITY.— Women.’’. Health and Human Services, as applicable, to ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Amounts authorized to be SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. have an unresolved audit finding (as defined in appropriated under this title may not be utilized Except as otherwise specifically provided in paragraph (5)) shall not be eligible to receive by any grantee or subgrantee to lobby any rep- this Act, the provisions of titles I, II, III, IV, grant funds under this title during the 2 fiscal resentative of the Federal Government (includ- VII, and sections 3, 602, 901, and 902 of this Act years beginning after the 12-month period de- ing the Department of Justice) or a State, local, shall not take effect until the first day of the scribed in such paragraph. or tribal government regarding the award of fiscal year following the date of enactment of ‘‘(3) REIMBURSEMENT.—If an entity is award- grant funding. this Act. ed grant funds under this title during any pe- ‘‘(B) PENALTY.—If the Attorney General or TITLE I—ENHANCING JUDICIAL AND LAW riod in which the entity is prohibited from re- the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as ENFORCEMENT TOOLS TO COMBAT VIO- ceiving funds under paragraph (2), the head of applicable determines that any grantee or sub- LENCE AGAINST WOMEN the Federal agency administering a grant pro- grantee receiving funds under this title has vio- gram under this title shall— lated subparagraph (A), the Attorney General or SEC. 101. STOP GRANTS. ‘‘(A) deposit into the General Fund of the the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as (a) STOP GRANTS.—Part T of title I of the Treasury an amount equal to the grant funds applicable, shall— Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of that were improperly awarded to the grantee; ‘‘(i) require the grantee or subgrantee to repay 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is amended— and such funds in full; and (1) in section 2001(b) (42 U.S.C. 3796gg(b)), as ‘‘(B) seek to recoup the costs of the repayment ‘‘(ii) prohibit the grantee or subgrantee from amended by paragraph (2)— to the Fund from the entity that was erro- receiving any funds under this title for not less (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)— neously awarded such grant funds. than 5 years. (i) by striking ‘‘equipment’’ and inserting ‘‘re- ‘‘(4) UNRESOLVED AUDIT FINDING DEFINED.—In ‘‘(9) ANNUAL CERTIFICATION.—Beginning in sources’’; and this subsection, the term ‘unresolved audit find- the first fiscal year beginning after the date of (ii) by inserting ‘‘for the protection and safety ing’ means, with respect to a grantee described the enactment of the Violence Against Women of victims,’’ before ‘‘and specifically,’’; (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘sexual as- in paragraph (1), an audit report finding, state- Reauthorization Act of 2012, the Assistant At- sault’’ and all that follows through ‘‘dating vio- ment, or recommendation by the Inspector Gen- torney General for the Office of Justice Pro- lence’’ and inserting ‘‘domestic violence, dating eral of the Department of Justice or the Inspec- grams, the Director of the Office on Violence violence, sexual assault, and stalking’’; tor General of the Department of Health and Against Women, and the Deputy Secretary for (C) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘sexual as- Human Service, as applicable, that the grantee Health and Human Services shall submit to the sault and domestic violence’’ and inserting ‘‘do- has utilized grant funds for an unauthorized ex- Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, penditure or otherwise unallowable cost that is on Appropriations of the Senate and the Com- and stalking’’; not closed or resolved within 12 months from the mittee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives (D) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘sexual as- date of an initial notification of the finding, sault and domestic violence’’ and inserting ‘‘do- statement, or recommendation. a certification for such year that— ‘‘(A) all audits issued by the Office of the In- mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, ‘‘(5) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION REQUIRE- spector General under paragraph (1) have been and stalking, as well as the appropriate treat- MENTS.— completed and reviewed by the Assistant Attor- ment of victims’’; ‘‘(A) DEFINITION.—For purposes of this para- (E) in paragraph (4)— graph, the term ‘nonprofit organization’ means ney General for the Office of Justice Programs; ‘‘(B) all mandatory exclusions required under (i) by inserting ‘‘, classifying,’’ after ‘‘identi- an organization that is described in section paragraph (2) have been issued; fying’’; and 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 ‘‘(C) all reimbursements required under para- (ii) by striking ‘‘sexual assault and domestic and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) graph (3) have been made; and violence’’ and inserting ‘‘domestic violence, dat- of such Code. ‘‘(D) includes a list of any grantees and sub- ing violence, sexual assault, and stalking’’; ‘‘(B) PROHIBITION.—The Attorney General grantees excluded during the previous year (F) in paragraph (5)— shall not award a grant under any grant pro- under paragraph (2).’’. (i) by inserting ‘‘and legal assistance’’ after gram under this title to a nonprofit organization (e) TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR VAWA ‘‘victim services’’; that holds money in offshore accounts for the GRANTEES.—Section 40002 of the Violence (ii) by striking ‘‘sexual assault and domestic purpose of avoiding paying the tax described in Against Women Act 0f 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925) is violence’’ and inserting ‘‘domestic violence, dat- section 511(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of further amended— ing violence, sexual assault, and stalking’’; and 1986. (1) in the heading, by striking ‘‘AND GRANT (iii) by striking ‘‘including crimes’’ and all ‘‘(6) ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.—Unless oth- PROVISIONS’’ and inserting ‘‘, GRANT PRO- that follows and inserting ‘‘including crimes of erwise explicitly provided in authorizing legisla- VISIONS, AND TRAINING AND RESOURCES domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- tion, not more than 5.0 percent of the amounts FOR VAWA GRANTEES’’; and sault, and stalking;’’; authorized to be appropriated under this title (2) by adding at the end the following new (G) by striking paragraph (6) and redesig- may be used by the Attorney General for sala- subsection: nating paragraphs (7) through (14) as para- ries and administrative expenses of the Office on ‘‘(d) TRAINING AND RESOURCES FOR VAWA graphs (6) through (13), respectively; Violence Against Women. GRANTEES.— (H) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated by ‘‘(7) CONFERENCE EXPENDITURES.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General and subparagraph (G), by striking ‘‘sexual assault ‘‘(A) LIMITATION.—No amounts authorized to Secretary of Health and Human Services, as ap- and domestic violence’’ and inserting ‘‘domestic be appropriated to the Department of Justice or plicable, shall— violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and Department of Health and Human Services ‘‘(A) develop standards, protocols, and sample stalking’’; under this title may be used by the Attorney tools and forms to provide guidance to grantees (I) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated by General, the Secretary of Health and Human and subgrantees under any program or activity subparagraph (G), by striking ‘‘and dating vio- Services, or by any individual or organization described in paragraph (2) regarding financial lence’’ and inserting ‘‘dating violence, and awarded funds under this title, to host or sup- recordkeeping and accounting practices required stalking’’; port any expenditure for conferences, unless in of such grantees and subgrantees as recipients (J) in paragraph (9), as so redesignated by the case of the Department of Justice, the Dep- of funds from the disbursing agency; subparagraph (G)—

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2749 (i) by striking ‘‘domestic violence or sexual as- ‘‘(G) representatives from underserved popu- (G) by adding at the end the following: sault’’ and inserting ‘‘domestic violence, dating lations; ‘‘(i) IMPLEMENTATION PLANS.—A State apply- violence, sexual assault, or stalking’’; and ‘‘(H) victim service providers; ing for a grant under this part shall— (ii) by striking ‘‘such violence or assault’’ and ‘‘(I) population specific organizations; and ‘‘(1) develop an implementation plan in con- inserting ‘‘such violence, assault, or stalking’’; ‘‘(J) other entities that the State or the Attor- sultation with representatives of the entities list- (K) in paragraph (12), as so redesignated by ney General identifies as necessary for the plan- ed in subsection (c)(2), that identifies how the subparagraph (G)— ning process;’’; State will use the funds awarded under this (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘triage (ii) by redesignating paragraph (3) and (4) as part; and protocols to ensure that dangerous or poten- paragraphs (4) and (5), respectively; ‘‘(2) submit to the Attorney General as part of tially lethal cases are identified and prioritized’’ (iii) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol- the application submitted in accordance with and inserting ‘‘the use of evidence-based indica- lowing: subsection (d)— tors to assess the risk of domestic and dating vi- ‘‘(3) grantees shall coordinate the State imple- ‘‘(A) the implementation plan developed under olence homicide and prioritize dangerous or po- mentation plan described in paragraph (2) with paragraph (1); tentially lethal cases’’; and the State plans described in section 307 of the ‘‘(B) documentation from each member of the (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘and’’ at Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 planning committee with respect to the member’s the end; U.S.C. 10407) and the plans described in the Vic- participation in the planning process; (L) in paragraph (13), as so redesignated by tims of Crime Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10601 et seq.) ‘‘(C) documentation from the prosecution, law subparagraph (G)— and section 393A of the Public Health Service enforcement, court, and victim services programs (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph Act (42 U.S.C. 280b–1b); and’’; and to be assisted, describing— (A)— (iv) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated by ‘‘(i) the need for the grant funds; (I) by striking ‘‘to provide’’ and inserting clause (ii)— ‘‘(ii) the intended use of the grant funds; ‘‘providing’’; (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘and not ‘‘(iii) the expected result of the grant funds; (II) by striking ‘‘nonprofit nongovernmental’’; less than 25 percent shall be allocated for pros- and and ecutors’’; ‘‘(iv) the demographic characteristics of the (III) by striking the comma after ‘‘local gov- (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and populations to be served, including age, dis- ernments’’; (C) as subparagraphs (D) and (E); ability, race, ethnicity, and language back- (ii) by inserting ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon in (III) by inserting after subparagraph (A), the ground; subparagraph (B); and following: ‘‘(D) a description of how the State will en- (iii) by striking the period at the end of sub- ‘‘(B) not less than 25 percent shall be allo- sure that any subgrantees will consult with vic- paragraph (C) and inserting a semicolon; cated for prosecutors; tim service providers during the course of devel- ‘‘(C) for each fiscal year beginning on or after (M) by inserting after paragraph (13), as so oping their grant applications to ensure that the the date that is 2 years after the date of enact- redesignated by subparagraph (G), the fol- proposed activities are designed to promote the ment of the Violence Against Women Reauthor- lowing: safety, confidentiality, and economic independ- ization Act of 2012, not less than 20 percent ‘‘(14) developing and promoting State, local, ence of victims; shall be allocated for programs or projects that or tribal legislation and policies that enhance ‘‘(E) demographic data on the distribution of meaningfully address sexual assault, including best practices for responding to domestic vio- underserved populations within the State and a stranger rape, acquaintance rape, alcohol or lence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalk- description of how the State will meet the needs drug-facilitated rape, and rape within the con- ing; of underserved populations, including the min- text of an intimate partner relationship;’’; and ‘‘(15) developing, implementing, or enhancing imum allocation for population specific services (IV) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated Sexual Assault Response Teams, or other similar required under subsection (c)(4)(C); by subclause (II), by striking ‘‘; and’’ and in- coordinated community responses to sexual as- ‘‘(F) a description of how the State plans to serting a period; sault; meet the requirements pursuant to regulations (D) by amending subsection (d) to read as fol- ‘‘(16) developing and strengthening policies, issued under subsection (e)(2); lows: protocols, best practices, and training for law ‘‘(G) goals and objectives for reducing domes- ‘‘(d) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.—An appli- enforcement agencies and prosecutors relating cation for a grant under this part shall in- tic and dating violence-related homicides within to the investigation and prosecution of sexual clude— the State; and assault cases and the appropriate treatment of ‘‘(1) the certifications of qualification required ‘‘(H) any other information requested by the victims; under subsection (c); Attorney General. ‘‘(17) developing, enlarging, or strengthening ‘‘(2) proof of compliance with the require- ‘‘(j) REALLOCATION OF FUNDS.—A State may programs addressing sexual assault against ments for the payment of forensic medical exams use any returned or remaining funds for any men, women, and youth in correctional and de- and judicial notification, described in section authorized purpose under this part if— tention settings; 2010; ‘‘(1) funds from a subgrant awarded under ‘‘(18) identifying and conducting inventories ‘‘(3) proof of compliance with the require- this part are returned to the State; or of backlogs of sexual assault evidence collection ments for paying fees and costs relating to do- ‘‘(2) the State does not receive sufficient eligi- kits and developing protocols and policies for re- mestic violence and protection order cases de- ble applications to award the full funding with- sponding to and addressing such backlogs, in- scribed in section 2011; in the allocations under subsection (c)(4).’’; cluding protocols and policies for notifying and ‘‘(4) proof of compliance with the require- (3) in section 2010 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–4)— involving victims; and ments prohibiting polygraph examinations of (A) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph ‘‘(19) with not more than 5 percent of the total victims of sexual assault described in section (1) to read as follows: amount allocated to a State for this part, devel- 2013; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A State, Indian tribal gov- oping, enhancing, or strengthening prevention ‘‘(5) an implementation plan required under ernment, or unit of local government shall not and educational programming to address domes- subsection (i); and be entitled to funds under this subchapter un- tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or ‘‘(6) any other documentation that the Attor- less the State, Indian tribal government, unit of stalking.’’; and ney General may require.’’; local government, or another governmental enti- (N) in the flush text at the end, by striking (E) in subsection (e)— ty— ‘‘paragraph (14)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (i) in paragraph (2)— ‘‘(A) incurs the full out-of-pocket cost of fo- (13)’’; (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘domestic rensic medical exams described in subsection (b) (2) in section 2007 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–1)— violence and sexual assault’’ and inserting ‘‘do- for victims of sexual assault; and (A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘nonprofit mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, ‘‘(B) coordinates with health care providers in nongovernmental victim services programs’’ and and stalking’’; and the region to notify victims of sexual assault of inserting ‘‘victim service providers’’; (II) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘linguis- the availability of rape exams at no cost to the (B) in subsection (b)(6), by striking ‘‘(not in- tically and’’; and victims.’’; cluding populations of Indian tribes)’’; (ii) by adding at the end the following: (B) in subsection (b)— (C) in subsection (c)— ‘‘(3) CONDITIONS.—In disbursing grants under (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘or’’ after (i) by amending paragraph (2) to read as fol- this part, the Attorney General may impose rea- the semicolon; lows: sonable conditions on grant awards disbursed (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘; or’’ and ‘‘(2) grantees and subgrantees shall develop a after the date of enactment of the Violence inserting a period; and plan for implementation and may consult and Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012 to (iii) by striking paragraph (3); coordinate with— ensure that the States meet statutory, regu- (C) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘, except that ‘‘(A) the State sexual assault coalition; latory, and other programs requirements.’’; such funds’’ and all that follows and inserting ‘‘(B) the State domestic violence coalition; (F) in subsection (f), by striking the period at a period; and ‘‘(C) the law enforcement entities within the the end and inserting ‘‘, except that, for pur- (D) by amending subsection (d) to read as fol- State; poses of this subsection, the costs of the projects lows: ‘‘(D) prosecution offices; for victim services or tribes for which there is an ‘‘(d) NONCOOPERATION.— ‘‘(E) State and local courts; exemption under section 40002(b)(1) of the Vio- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To be in compliance with ‘‘(F) tribal governments or tribal coalitions in lence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. this section, a State, Indian tribal government, those States with State or federally recognized 13925(b)(1)) shall not count toward the total or unit of local government shall comply with Indian tribes; costs of the projects.’’; and subsection (b) without regard to whether the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 victim participates in the criminal justice system ‘‘(18) To develop, implement, or enhance Sex- (D) by adding at the end the following: or cooperates with law enforcement. ual Assault Response Teams or similar coordi- ‘‘(f) ALLOCATION FOR TRIBAL COALITIONS.—Of ‘‘(2) COMPLIANCE PERIOD.—States, territories, nated community responses to sexual assault. the amounts appropriated for purposes of this and Indian tribal governments shall have 3 ‘‘(19) To develop and strengthen policies, pro- part for each fiscal year, not less than 5 percent years from the date of enactment of the Violence tocols, and training for law enforcement officers shall be available for grants under section Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012 to and prosecutors regarding the investigation and 2001(d) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe come into compliance with this subsection.’’; prosecution of sexual assault cases and the ap- Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg(d)). and propriate treatment of victims of sexual assault. ‘‘(g) ALLOCATION FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT.—Of (4) in section 2011(a)(1) (42 U.S.C. 3796gg– ‘‘(20) To provide the following human im- the amounts appropriated for purposes of this 5(a)(1))— munodeficiency virus services for victims of sex- part for each fiscal year, not less than 25 per- (A) by inserting ‘‘modification, enforcement, ual assault: cent shall be available for projects that address dismissal,’’ after ‘‘registration,’’ each place it ‘‘(A) Testing. sexual assault, including stranger rape, ac- appears; and ‘‘(B) Counseling. quaintance rape, alcohol or drug-facilitated (B) by striking ‘‘domestic violence, stalking, or ‘‘(C) Prophylaxis. rape, and rape within the context of an intimate sexual assault’’ and inserting ‘‘domestic vio- ‘‘(21) To identify and inventory backlogs of partner relationship.’’; and lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- sexual assault evidence collection kits and to de- (2) in section 2102(a) (42 U.S.C. 3796hh–1(a))— ing’’. velop protocols for responding to and addressing (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘court,’’ (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Sec- such backlogs, including policies and protocols after ‘‘tribal government,’’; and tion 1001(a)(18) of title I of the Omnibus Crime for notifying and involving victims. (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘nonprofit, Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. ‘‘(22) To develop multidisciplinary high-risk private sexual assault and domestic violence 3793(a)(18)), is amended by striking teams focusing on reducing domestic violence programs’’ and inserting ‘‘victim service pro- ‘‘$225,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 and dating violence homicides by— viders and, as appropriate, population specific through 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘$222,000,000 for ‘‘(A) using evidence-based indicators to assess organizations’’. the risk of homicide and link high-risk victims each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017’’. (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Sec- SEC. 102. GRANTS TO ENCOURAGE ARREST POLI- to immediate crisis intervention services; tion 1001(a)(19) of title I of the Omnibus Crime ‘‘(B) identifying and managing high-risk of- CIES AND ENFORCEMENT OF PRO- Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. fenders; and TECTION ORDERS. 3793(a)(19)) is amended— ‘‘(C) providing ongoing victim advocacy and (a) IN GENERAL.—Part U of title I of the Om- (1) by striking ‘‘$75,000,000’’ and all that fol- referrals to comprehensive services including nibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 lows through ‘‘2011’’ and inserting ‘‘$73,000,000 legal, housing, health care, and economic assist- (42 U.S.C. 3796hh et seq.) is amended— for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017’’; and ance.’’; (1) in section 2101 (42 U.S.C. 3796hh)— (2) by striking the second period. (A) in subsection (b)— (B) in subsection (c)— (i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by (i) in paragraph (1)— SEC. 103. LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS. striking ‘‘States,’’ and all that follows through (I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), Section 1201 of the Violence Against Women ‘‘units of local government’’ and inserting by inserting ‘‘except for a court,’’ before ‘‘cer- Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–6) is amended— ‘‘grantees’’; tify’’; and (1) in subsection (a)— (ii) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘and en- (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (A) in the first sentence, by striking ‘‘arising forcement of protection orders across State and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and ad- as a consequence of’’ and inserting ‘‘relating to tribal lines’’ before the period; justing the margin accordingly; or arising out of’’; and (iii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and train- (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘except for (B) in the second sentence, by inserting ‘‘or ing in police departments to improve tracking of a court,’’ before ‘‘demonstrate’’; arising out of’’ after ‘‘relating to’’; cases’’ and inserting ‘‘data collection systems, (iii) in paragraph (4)— (2) in subsection (b)— and training in police departments to improve (I) by inserting ‘‘modification, enforcement, (A) in the heading, by inserting ‘‘AND GRANT tracking of cases and classification of com- dismissal,’’ after ‘‘registration,’’ each place it CONDITIONS’’ after ‘‘DEFINITIONS’’; and plaints’’; appears; (B) by inserting ‘‘and grant conditions’’ after (iv) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘and pro- (II) by inserting ‘‘dating violence,’’ after ‘‘do- ‘‘definitions’’; vide the appropriate training and education mestic violence,’’; and (3) in subsection (c)— (III) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘victim serv- (iv) in paragraph (5)— assault, and stalking’’ after ‘‘computer tracking ices organizations’’ and inserting ‘‘victim service (I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), systems’’; providers’’; and by striking ‘‘, not later than 3 years after the (v) in paragraph (5), by inserting ‘‘and other (B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting date of enactment of this section,’’; victim services’’ after ‘‘legal advocacy service the following: (II) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and ‘‘(3) to implement, expand, and establish ef- programs’’; (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and ad- (vi) in paragraph (6), by striking ‘‘judges’’ forts and projects to provide competent, super- justing the margin accordingly; and inserting ‘‘Federal, State, tribal, territorial, vised pro bono legal assistance for victims of do- (III) in clause (ii), as redesignated by sub- mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and local judges, and court-based and court-re- clause (II) of this clause, by striking ‘‘subpara- lated personnel’’; or stalking.’’; graph (A)’’ and inserting ‘‘clause (i)’’; and (4) in subsection (d)— (vii) in paragraph (8), by striking ‘‘and sexual (IV) by striking the period at the end and in- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘subsection assault’’ and inserting ‘‘, dating violence, sex- serting ‘‘; and’’; (c) has completed’’ and all that follows and in- ual assault, and stalking’’; (v) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through serting the following: ‘‘this section—’’ (viii) in paragraph (10), by striking ‘‘non-prof- (5), as amended by this subparagraph, as sub- ‘‘(A) has demonstrated expertise in providing it, non-governmental victim services organiza- paragraphs (A) through (E), respectively, and legal assistance or advocacy to victims of domes- tions,’’ and inserting ‘‘victim service providers, adjusting the margin accordingly; tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or population specific organizations,’’; and (vi) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), stalking in the targeted population; or (ix) by adding at the end the following: as redesignated by clause (v) of this subpara- ‘‘(B)(i) is partnered with an entity or person ‘‘(14) To develop and implement training pro- graph— grams for prosecutors and other prosecution-re- (I) by striking the second comma; and that has demonstrated expertise described in lated personnel regarding best practices to en- (II) by striking ‘‘grantees are States’’ and in- subparagraph (A); and sure offender accountability, victim safety, and serting the following: ‘‘grantees are— ‘‘(ii) has completed, or will complete, training victim consultation in cases involving domestic ‘‘(1) States’’; and in connection with domestic violence, dating vi- violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and (vii) by adding at the end the following: olence, stalking, or sexual assault and related stalking. ‘‘(2) a State, tribal, or territorial domestic vio- legal issues, including training on evidence- ‘‘(15) To develop or strengthen policies, proto- lence or sexual assault coalition or a victim based risk factors for domestic and dating vio- cols, and training for law enforcement officers, service provider that partners with a State, In- lence homicide;’’; and prosecutors, and the judiciary in recognizing, dian tribal government, or unit of local govern- (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘stalking or- investigating, and prosecuting instances of do- ment that certifies that the State, Indian tribal ganization’’ and inserting ‘‘stalking victim serv- mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, government, or unit of local government meets ice provider’’; and and stalking. the requirements under paragraph (1).’’; (5) in subsection (f)— ‘‘(16) To develop and promote State, local, or (C) in subsection (d)— (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘this sec- tribal legislation and policies that enhance best (i) in paragraph (1)— tion’’ and all that follows through the period at practices for responding to the crimes of domes- (I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), the end and inserting ‘‘this section $57,000,000 tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and by inserting ‘‘, policy,’’ after ‘‘law’’; and for each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017.’’; and stalking, including the appropriate treatment of (II) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘and (B) in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the victims. the defendant is in custody or has been served following new subparagraph: ‘‘(17) To develop, implement, or enhance sex- with the information or indictment’’ before the ‘‘(D) Of the amount made available under this ual assault nurse examiner programs or sexual semicolon; and subsection in each fiscal year, not more than 10 assault forensic examiner programs, including (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘it’’ and in- percent may be used for purposes described in the hiring and training of such examiners. serting ‘‘its’’; and subsection (c)(3).’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2751 SEC. 104. CONSOLIDATION OF GRANTS TO SUP- fare personnel, and legal advocates in the civil years 2013 through 2017. Amounts appropriated PORT FAMILIES IN THE JUSTICE justice system regarding domestic violence, dat- pursuant to this subsection are authorized to re- SYSTEM. ing violence, sexual assault, stalking, or child main available until expended. (a) IN GENERAL.—Title III of division B of the abuse. ‘‘(f) ALLOTMENT FOR INDIAN TRIBES.— Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection ‘‘(c) CONSIDERATIONS.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less than 10 percent of Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–386; 114 Stat. 1509) ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In making grants for pur- the total amount available under this section for is amended by striking the section preceding sec- poses described in paragraphs (1) through (6) of each fiscal year shall be available for grants tion 1302 (42 U.S.C. 10420), as amended by sec- subsection (b), the Attorney General shall con- under the program authorized by section 2015 of tion 306 of the Violence Against Women and De- sider— title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe partment of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 ‘‘(A) the number of families to be served by Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–10). (Public Law 109–162; 119 Stat. 3016), and insert- the proposed programs and services; ‘‘(2) APPLICABILITY OF PART.—The require- ing the following: ‘‘(B) the extent to which the proposed pro- ments of this section shall not apply to funds al- ‘‘SEC. 1301. COURT TRAINING AND SUPERVISED grams and services serve underserved popu- located for the program described in paragraph VISITATION IMPROVEMENTS. lations; (1).’’. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Attorney General may ‘‘(C) the extent to which the applicant dem- (b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- make grants to States, units of local govern- onstrates cooperation and collaboration with MENT.—Subtitle J of the Violence Against ment, courts (including juvenile courts), Indian nonprofit, nongovernmental entities in the local Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043 et seq.) is re- tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, community with demonstrated histories of effec- pealed. legal services providers, and victim services pro- tive work on domestic violence, dating violence, SEC. 105. COURT-APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE viders to improve the response of all aspects of sexual assault, or stalking, including State or PROGRAM. the civil and criminal justice system to families tribal domestic violence coalitions, State or trib- Subtitle B of title II of the Crime Control Act with a history of domestic violence, dating vio- al sexual assault coalitions, local shelters, and of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 13011 et seq.) is amended— lence, sexual assault, or stalking, or in cases in- programs for domestic violence and sexual as- (1) in section 216 (42 U.S.C. 13012), by striking volving allegations of child sexual abuse. sault victims; and ‘‘January 1, 2010’’ and inserting ‘‘January 1, ‘‘(b) USE OF FUNDS.—A grant under this sec- ‘‘(D) the extent to which the applicant dem- 2015’’; tion may be used to— onstrates coordination and collaboration with (2) in section 217 (42 U.S.C. 13013)— ‘‘(1) provide supervised visitation and safe vis- State, tribal, and local court systems, including (A) in subsection (c)(2)(A), by striking ‘‘Code itation exchange of children and youth by and mechanisms for communication and referral. of Ethics’’ and inserting ‘‘Standards for Pro- between parents in situations involving domestic ‘‘(2) OTHER GRANTS.—In making grants under grams’’; and violence, dating violence, child sexual abuse, subsection (b)(8) the Attorney General shall take (B) by adding at the end the following new sexual assault, or stalking; into account the extent to which the grantee subsection: ‘‘(2) develop and promote State, local, and has expertise addressing the judicial system’s ‘‘(e) REPORTING.—An organization that re- tribal legislation, policies, and best practices for handling of family violence, child custody, child ceives a grant under this section for a fiscal improving civil and criminal court functions, re- abuse and neglect, adoption, foster care, super- year shall submit to the Administrator a report sponses, practices, and procedures in cases in- vised visitation, divorce, and parentage. regarding the use of the grant for the fiscal volving a history of domestic violence or sexual ‘‘(d) APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS.—The Attor- year, including a discussion of outcome perform- assault, or in cases involving allegations of ney General may make a grant under this sec- ance measures (which shall be established by child sexual abuse, including cases in which the tion to an applicant that— the Administrator) to determine the effectiveness victim proceeds pro se; ‘‘(1) demonstrates expertise in the areas of do- of the programs of the organization in meeting ‘‘(3) educate court-based and court-related mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, the needs of children in the child welfare sys- personnel (including custody evaluators and stalking, or child sexual abuse, as appropriate; tem.’’; and guardians ad litem) and child protective services ‘‘(2) ensures that any fees charged to individ- (3) in section 219(a) (42 U.S.C. 13014(a)), by workers on the dynamics of domestic violence, uals for use of supervised visitation programs striking ‘‘fiscal years 2007 through 2011’’ and in- dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and services are based on the income of those serting ‘‘fiscal years 2013 through 2017’’. including information on perpetrator behavior, individuals, unless otherwise provided by court SEC. 106. OUTREACH AND SERVICES TO UNDER- evidence-based risk factors for domestic and dat- order; SERVED POPULATIONS GRANT. ing violence homicide, and on issues relating to ‘‘(3) if the applicant proposes to operate su- Section 120 of the Violence Against Women the needs of victims, including safety, security, pervised visitation programs and services or safe and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act privacy, and confidentiality, including cases in visitation exchange, demonstrates that adequate of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 14045) is amended to read as which the victim proceeds pro se; security measures, including adequate facilities, follows: ‘‘(4) provide adequate resources in juvenile procedures, and personnel capable of preventing court matters to respond to domestic violence, ‘‘SEC. 120. GRANTS FOR OUTREACH AND SERV- violence, and adequate standards are, or will be, ICES TO UNDERSERVED POPU- dating violence, sexual assault (including child in place (including the development of protocols LATIONS. sexual abuse), and stalking and ensure nec- or policies to ensure that confidential informa- ‘‘(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.— essary services dealing with the physical health tion is not shared with courts, law enforcement ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Of the amounts appro- and mental health of victims are available; agencies, or child welfare agencies unless nec- priated under the grant programs identified in ‘‘(5) enable courts or court-based or court-re- essary to ensure the safety of any child or adult paragraph (2), the Attorney General shall take lated programs to develop or enhance— 2 percent of such appropriated amounts and ‘‘(A) court infrastructure (such as specialized using the services of a program funded under combine them to award grants to eligible entities courts, consolidated courts, dockets, intake cen- this section); ‘‘(4) certifies that the organizational policies described in subsection (b) of this section to de- ters, or interpreter services); ‘‘(B) community-based initiatives within the of the applicant do not require mediation or velop and implement outreach strategies tar- court system (such as court watch programs, counseling involving offenders and victims being geted at adult or youth victims of domestic vio- victim assistants, pro se victim assistance pro- physically present in the same place, in cases lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- grams, or community-based supplementary serv- where domestic violence, dating violence, sexual ing in underserved populations and to provide ices); assault, or stalking is alleged; victim services to meet the needs of adult and ‘‘(C) offender management, monitoring, and ‘‘(5) certifies that any person providing legal youth victims of domestic violence, dating vio- accountability programs; assistance through a program funded under this lence, sexual assault, and stalking in under- ‘‘(D) safe and confidential information-stor- section has completed or will complete training served populations. The requirements of the age and information-sharing databases within on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- grant programs identified in paragraph (2) shall and between court systems; sault, and stalking, including child sexual not apply to this grant program. ‘‘(E) education and outreach programs to im- abuse, and related legal issues; and ‘‘(2) PROGRAMS COVERED.—The programs prove community access, including enhanced ac- ‘‘(6) certifies that any person providing cus- identified in this paragraph are the programs cess for underserved populations; and tody evaluation or guardian ad litem services carried out under the following provisions: ‘‘(F) other projects likely to improve court re- through a program funded under this section ‘‘(A) Part T of title I of the Omnibus Crime sponses to domestic violence, dating violence, has completed or will complete training, devel- Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (STOP sexual assault, and stalking; oped with input from and in collaboration with grants). ‘‘(6) collect data and provide training and a tribal, State, territorial, or local domestic vio- ‘‘(B) Part U of title I of the Omnibus Crime technical assistance, including developing State, lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Grants to local, and tribal model codes and policies, to im- ing victim service provider or coalition, on the encourage arrest policies). prove the capacity of grantees and communities dynamics of domestic violence and sexual as- ‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—Eligible entities to address the civil justice needs of victims of sault, including child sexual abuse, that in- under this section are— domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- cludes training on how to review evidence of ‘‘(1) population specific organizations that sault, and stalking who have legal representa- past abuse and the use of evidenced-based theo- have demonstrated experience and expertise in tion, who are proceeding pro se, or who are pro- ries to make recommendations on custody and providing population specific services in the rel- ceeding with the assistance of a legal advocate; visitation. evant underserved communities, or population and ‘‘(e) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— specific organizations working in partnership ‘‘(7) improve training and education to assist There is authorized to be appropriated to carry with a victim service provider or domestic vio- judges, judicial personnel, attorneys, child wel- out this section, $22,000,000 for each of the fiscal lence or sexual assault coalition;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 ‘‘(2) victim service providers offering popu- (a)(1), there are authorized to be appropriated (2) in paragraph (2)— lation specific services for a specific underserved to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘non- population; or the fiscal years 2013 through 2017.’’. profit, nongovernmental organizations for pro- ‘‘(3) victim service providers working in part- SEC. 107. CULTURALLY SPECIFIC SERVICES grams and activities’’ and inserting ‘‘non- nership with a national, State, or local organi- GRANT. governmental or tribal programs and activities’’; zation that has demonstrated experience and ex- Section 121 of the Violence Against Women and pertise in providing population specific services and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act (B) in subparagraph (C)(v), by striking ‘‘lin- in the relevant underserved population. of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 14045a) is amended— guistically and’’; and ‘‘(c) PLANNING GRANTS.—The Attorney Gen- (1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘and (3) in paragraph (4)— eral may use up to 20 percent of funds available linguistically’’; (A) in the first sentence— under this section to make one-time planning (2) by striking ‘‘and linguistically’’ each place (i) by inserting ‘‘and territory’’ after ‘‘each grants to eligible entities to support the plan- it appears; State’’; ning and development of specially designed and (3) by striking ‘‘and linguistic’’ each place it (ii) by striking ‘‘1.50 percent’’ and inserting targeted programs for adult and youth victims appears; ‘‘0.75 percent’’; and in one or more underserved populations, includ- (4) by amending paragraph (2) of subsection (iii) by striking ‘‘, except that’’ and all that ing— (a) to read as follows: follows through ‘‘of the total appropriations’’; ‘‘(1) identifying, building, and strengthening ‘‘(2) PROGRAMS COVERED.—The programs and partnerships with potential collaborators within identified in this paragraph are the programs (B) in the last sentence, by striking ‘‘the pre- underserved populations, Federal, State, tribal, carried out under the following provisions: ceding formula’’ and inserting ‘‘this para- territorial or local government entities, and pub- ‘‘(A) Part U of title I of the Omnibus Crime graph’’. lic and private organizations; Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Sec- ‘‘(2) conducting a needs assessment of the 3796hh) (Grants to encourage arrest policies). tion 41601(f)(1) of the Violence Against Women community and the targeted underserved popu- ‘‘(B) Section 1201 of division B of the Victims Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043g(f)(1)) is amended lation or populations to determine what the bar- of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of by striking ‘‘$50,000,000 to remain available until riers are to service access and what factors con- 2000 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–6) (Legal assistance for expended for each of the fiscal years 2007 tribute to those barriers, using input from the victims). through 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘$40,000,000 to re- targeted underserved population or populations; ‘‘(C) Section 40295 of the Violence Against main available until expended for each of fiscal ‘‘(3) identifying promising prevention, out- Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13971) (Rural do- years 2013 through 2017’’. reach, and intervention strategies for victims mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, SEC. 202. RURAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING from a targeted underserved population or pop- stalking, and child abuse enforcement assist- VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALK- ulations; and ance). ING, AND CHILD ABUSE ENFORCE- ‘‘(4) developing a plan, with the input of the ‘‘(D) Section 40802 of the Violence Against MENT ASSISTANCE. targeted underserved population or populations, Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14041a) (Enhanced Section 40295 of the Violence Against Women for— training and services to end violence against Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13971) is amended— ‘‘(A) implementing prevention, outreach, and women later in life). (1) in subsection (a)(1)(H), by inserting ‘‘, in- intervention strategies to address the barriers to ‘‘(E) Section 1402 of division B of the Victims cluding sexual assault forensic examiners’’ be- accessing services; of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of fore the semicolon; ‘‘(B) promoting community engagement in the 2000 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–7) (Education, training, (2) in subsection (b)— prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, and enhanced services to end violence against (A) in paragraph (1)— sexual assault, and stalking within the targeted and abuse of women with disabilities).’’; and (i) by striking ‘‘victim advocacy groups’’ and underserved populations; and (5) in subsection (g), by striking ‘‘linguistic inserting ‘‘victim service providers’’; and ‘‘(C) evaluating the program. and’’. (ii) by inserting ‘‘, including developing multi- ‘‘(d) IMPLEMENTATION GRANTS.—The Attorney SEC. 108. REDUCTION IN RAPE KIT BACKLOG. disciplinary teams focusing on high-risk cases General shall make grants to eligible entities for Section 2(c)(3) of the DNA Analysis Backlog with the goal of preventing domestic and dating the purpose of providing or enhancing popu- Elimination Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 14135(c)(3)), is violence homicides’’ before the semicolon; lation specific outreach and victim services to amended— (B) in paragraph (2)— adult and youth victims in one or more under- (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘2014’’ (i) by striking ‘‘and other long- and short- served populations, including— and inserting ‘‘2012’’; and term assistance’’ and inserting ‘‘legal assist- ‘‘(1) working with Federal, State, tribal, terri- (2) by adding at the end the following new ance, and other long-term and short-term victim torial and local governments, agencies, and or- subparagraph: services and population specific services’’; and ganizations to develop or enhance population ‘‘(C) For each of the fiscal years 2013 and (ii) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; specific victim services; 2014, not less than 75 percent of the grant (C) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at ‘‘(2) strengthening the capacity of under- amounts shall be awarded for purposes under the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and served populations to provide population spe- subsection (a)(2).’’. (D) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(4) to develop, expand, or strengthen pro- cific services; SEC. 109. ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF SEXUAL AS- ‘‘(3) strengthening the capacity of traditional SAULT TRAINING PROGRAMS. grams addressing sexual assault, including sex- victim service providers to provide population Section 40152(c) of the Violence Against ual assault forensic examiner programs, Sexual specific services; Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13941(c)) is amend- Assault Response Teams, law enforcement train- ‘‘(4) strengthening the effectiveness of crimi- ed by striking ‘‘to carry out this section’’ and ing, and programs addressing rape kit back- nal and civil justice interventions by providing all that follows through the period at the end logs.’’; and training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and inserting ‘‘to carry out this section (3) in subsection (e)(1), by striking judges and other court personnel on domestic vi- $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through ‘‘$55,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007 olence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- 2017.’’. through 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘$50,000,000 for ing in underserved populations; or each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017’’. SEC. 110. CHILD ABUSE TRAINING PROGRAMS ‘‘(5) working in cooperation with an under- FOR JUDICIAL PERSONNEL AND SEC. 203. TRAINING AND SERVICES TO END VIO- served population to develop and implement out- PRACTITIONERS. LENCE AGAINST WOMEN WITH DIS- reach, education, prevention, and intervention Section 224(a) of the Victims of Child Abuse ABILITIES GRANTS. strategies that highlight available resources and Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 13024(a)) is amended by Section 1402 of division B of the Victims of the specific issues faced by victims of domestic striking ‘‘$2,300,000’’ and all that follows Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or through the period at the end and inserting (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–7) is amended— stalking from underserved populations. ‘‘$2,300,000 for each of fiscal years 2013 through (1) in subsection (b)— ‘‘(e) APPLICATION.—An eligible entity desiring 2017.’’. (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘(including a grant under this section shall submit an appli- using evidence-based indicators to assess the cation to the Director of the Office on Violence TITLE II—IMPROVING SERVICES FOR VIC- risk of domestic and dating violence homicide)’’ Against Women at such time, in such form, and TIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING after ‘‘risk reduction’’; in such manner as the Director may prescribe. VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘victim serv- ‘‘(f) REPORTS.—Each eligible entity receiving STALKING ice organizations’’ and inserting ‘‘victim service a grant under this section shall annually submit SEC. 201. SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES PROGRAM. providers’’; and to the Director of the Office on Violence Against (a) GRANTS TO STATES AND TERRITORIES.—Sec- (C) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘victim serv- Women a report that describes the activities car- tion 41601(b) of the Violence Against Women Act ices organizations’’ and inserting ‘‘victim service ried out with grant funds during the preceding of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043g(b)) is amended— providers’’; fiscal year. (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘other pro- (2) in subsection (c)(1)(D), by striking ‘‘non- ‘‘(g) DEFINITIONS AND GRANT CONDITIONS.—In grams’’ and all that follows through the period profit and nongovernmental victim services or- this section the definitions and grant conditions at the end and inserting ‘‘other nongovern- ganization, such as a State’’ and inserting ‘‘vic- in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women mental or tribal programs and projects to assist tim service provider, such as a State or tribal’’; Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925) shall apply. individuals who have been victimized by sexual and ‘‘(h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—In assault, without regard to the age of the indi- (3) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘$10,000,000 addition to the funds identified in subsection vidual.’’; for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011’’

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and inserting ‘‘$9,000,000 for each of fiscal years ‘‘(4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— workers, staff of law enforcement agencies, 2013 through 2017’’. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry prosecutors, court personnel, individuals who SEC. 204. GRANT FOR TRAINING AND SERVICES out this section $9,000,000 for each of fiscal work in after school programs, medical per- TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN years 2013 through 2017.’’. sonnel, social workers, mental health personnel, IN LATER LIFE. TITLE III—SERVICES, PROTECTION, AND and workers in other programs that serve chil- Section 40802 of the Violence Against Women JUSTICE FOR YOUNG VICTIMS OF VIO- dren and youth to improve their ability to ap- Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14041a) is amended to read LENCE propriately respond to the needs of children and as follows: youth who are victims of domestic violence, dat- SEC. 301. RAPE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION ‘‘SEC. 40802. GRANT FOR TRAINING AND SERV- ing violence, sexual assault, and stalking, as GRANT. ICES TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST well as homeless youth, and to properly refer Section 393A of the Public Health Service Act WOMEN IN LATER LIFE. such children, youth, and their families to ap- (42 U.S.C. 280b–1b) is amended— ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: propriate services. (1) in subsection (a)— ‘‘(1) The term ‘eligible entity’ means an entity ‘‘(2) SUPPORTING YOUTH THROUGH EDUCATION (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by that— AND PROTECTION.—To enable secondary or ele- inserting ‘‘, territorial, or tribal’’ after ‘‘crisis ‘‘(A) is— mentary schools that serve students in any of centers, State’’; and ‘‘(i) a State; grades five through twelve and institutions of ‘‘(ii) a unit of local government; (B) in paragraph (6), by inserting ‘‘and alco- higher education to— ‘‘(iii) a tribal government or tribal organiza- hol’’ after ‘‘about drugs’’; ‘‘(A) provide training to school personnel, in- tion; (2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking cluding health care providers and security per- ‘‘(iv) a population specific organization with ‘‘$80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through sonnel, on the needs of students who are victims demonstrated experience in assisting individuals 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘$50,000,000 for each of fis- of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- in later life; cal years 2013 through 2017’’; and sault, or stalking; ‘‘(v) a victim service provider; or (3) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the ‘‘(vi) a State, tribal, or territorial domestic vio- ‘‘(B) develop and implement age-appropriate following new paragraph: prevention and intervention policies in accord- lence or sexual assault coalition; and ‘‘(3) FUNDING FORMULA.—Amounts provided ‘‘(B) is partnered with— ance with State law in secondary or elementary under this section shall be allotted to each schools that serve students in any of grades five ‘‘(i) a law enforcement agency; State, territory, and the District of Columbia ‘‘(ii) an office of a prosecutor; through twelve, including appropriate responses based on population. If the amounts appro- ‘‘(iii) a victim service provider; or to, and identification and referral procedures priated under paragraph (1) exceed $48,000,000 ‘‘(iv) a nonprofit program or government for, students who are experiencing or perpe- in any fiscal year, a minimum allocation of agency with demonstrated experience in assist- trating domestic violence, dating violence, sex- $150,000 shall be awarded to each State and ter- ing individuals in later life. ual assault, or stalking, and procedures for ‘‘(2) The term ‘elder abuse’ means domestic vi- ritory and the District of Columbia. Any re- handling the requirements of court protective olence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- maining funds shall be allotted to each State orders issued to or against students; ing committed against individuals in later life. and territory and the District of Columbia based ‘‘(C) provide support services for student vic- ‘‘(3) The term ‘individual in later life’ means on population.’’. tims of domestic violence, dating violence, sex- an individual who is 60 years of age or older. SEC. 302. CREATING HOPE THROUGH OUTREACH, ual assault, or stalking, such as a resource per- ‘‘(b) GRANT PROGRAM.— OPTIONS, SERVICES, AND EDU- son who is either on-site or on-call; ‘‘(1) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Attorney Gen- CATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH. ‘‘(D) provide evidence-based educational pro- eral may make grants to eligible entities to carry (a) IN GENERAL.—Subtitle L of the Violence grams for students regarding domestic violence, out the activities described in paragraph (2). In Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043c et dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; or awarding such grants, the Attorney General seq.) is amended by striking sections 41201 ‘‘(E) develop strategies to increase identifica- shall consult with the Secretary of Health and through 41204 and inserting the following: tion, support, referrals, and prevention pro- Human Services to ensure that the activities ‘‘SEC. 41201. CREATING HOPE THROUGH OUT- grams for youth who are at high risk of domes- funded under this section are not duplicative REACH, OPTIONS, SERVICES, AND tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or with the activities funded under the elder abuse EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND stalking. YOUTH (CHOOSE CHILDREN AND prevention programs of the Department of ‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS.— YOUTH). Health and Human Services. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible to receive a ‘‘(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Attorney ‘‘(2) MANDATORY AND PERMISSIBLE ACTIVI- grant under this section, an entity shall be— General, working in collaboration with the Sec- TIES.— ‘‘(A) a victim service provider, tribal nonprofit retary of Health and Human Services and the ‘‘(A) MANDATORY ACTIVITIES.—An eligible en- organization, population specific organization, tity receiving a grant under this section shall Secretary of Education, shall award grants to or community-based organization with a dem- use the funds received under the grant to— enhance the safety of youth and children who onstrated history of effective work addressing ‘‘(i) provide training programs to assist law are victims of, or exposed to, domestic violence, the needs of youth, including runaway or home- enforcement agencies, prosecutors, agencies of dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and less youth, who are victims of domestic violence, States or units of local government, population to prevent future violence. dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; or specific organizations, victim service providers, ‘‘(b) PROGRAM PURPOSES.—Funds provided ‘‘(B) a victim service provider that is victim advocates, and relevant officers in Fed- under this section may be used for the following partnered with an entity that has a dem- eral, tribal, State, territorial, and local courts in program purpose areas: onstrated history of effective work addressing recognizing and addressing instances of elder ‘‘(1) SERVICES TO ADVOCATE FOR AND RESPOND the needs of youth. abuse; TO YOUTH.—To develop, expand, and strengthen ‘‘(2) PARTNERSHIPS.— ‘‘(ii) provide or enhance services for victims of victim interventions and services that target ‘‘(A) EDUCATION.—To be eligible to receive a elder abuse; youth who are victims of domestic violence, dat- grant for the purposes described in subsection ‘‘(iii) establish or support multidisciplinary ing violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Serv- (b)(2), an entity described in paragraph (1) shall collaborative community responses to victims of ices may include victim services, counseling, ad- be partnered with an elementary school or sec- elder abuse; and vocacy, mentoring, educational support, trans- ondary school (as such terms are defined in sec- ‘‘(iv) conduct cross-training for law enforce- portation, legal assistance in civil, criminal and tion 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Edu- ment agencies, prosecutors, agencies of States or administrative matters, such as family law cation Act of 1965), charter school (as defined in units of local government, attorneys, health cases, housing cases, child welfare proceedings, section 5210 of such Act), a school that is oper- care providers, population specific organiza- campus administrative proceedings, and civil ated or supported by the Bureau of Indian Edu- tions, faith-based advocates, victim service pro- protection order proceedings, services to address cation, or a legally operating private school, a viders, and courts to better serve victims of elder sex trafficking, population specific services, and school administered by the Department of De- abuse. other activities that support youth in finding fense under section 2164 of title 10, United States ‘‘(B) PERMISSIBLE ACTIVITIES.—An eligible en- safety, stability, and justice and in addressing Code, or section 1402 of the Defense Dependents’ tity receiving a grant under this section may use the emotional, cognitive, and physical effects of Education Act of 1978, a group of such schools, not more than 10 percent of the funds received trauma on youth. Funds may be used to— a local educational agency (as defined in sec- under the grant to— ‘‘(A) assess and analyze available services for tion 9101(26) of the Elementary and Secondary ‘‘(i) provide training programs to assist attor- youth victims of domestic violence, dating vio- Education Act of 1965), or an institution of neys, health care providers, faith-based leaders, lence, sexual assault, and stalking, determining higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of or other community-based organizations in rec- relevant barriers to such services in a particular the Higher Education Act of 1965). ognizing and addressing instances of elder locality, and developing a community protocol ‘‘(B) OTHER PARTNERSHIPS.—All applicants abuse; or to address such problems collaboratively; under this section are encouraged to work in ‘‘(ii) conduct outreach activities and aware- ‘‘(B) develop and implement policies, prac- partnership with organizations and agencies ness campaigns to ensure that victims of elder tices, and procedures to effectively respond to that work with the relevant youth population. abuse receive appropriate assistance. domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- Such entities may include— ‘‘(3) UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS.—In making sault, or stalking against youth; or ‘‘(i) a State, tribe, unit of local government, or grants under this section, the Attorney General ‘‘(C) provide technical assistance and training territory; shall give priority to proposals providing cul- to enhance the ability of school personnel, vic- ‘‘(ii) a population specific or community-based turally specific or population specific services. tim service providers, child protective service organization;

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‘‘(iii) batterer intervention programs or sex of- (ii) by striking ‘‘entities carrying out’’ and all ‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTER.—The center fender treatment programs with specialized that follows through ‘‘stalking victim services shall— knowledge and experience working with youth programs’’ and inserting ‘‘victim service pro- ‘‘(1) provide quality education and training offenders; or viders’’; and for campus public safety agencies of institutions ‘‘(iv) any other agencies or nonprofit, non- (iii) by inserting ‘‘, regardless of whether the of higher education and the agencies’ collabo- governmental organizations with the capacity to services provided by such program are provided rative partners, including campus mental health provide effective assistance to the adult, youth, by the institution or in coordination with com- agencies; and child victims served by the partnership. munity victim service providers’’ before the pe- ‘‘(2) foster quality research to strengthen the ‘‘(d) GRANTEE REQUIREMENTS.—Applicants for riod at the end; and safety and security of institutions of higher edu- grants under this section shall establish and im- (C) by adding at the end the following: cation; plement policies, practices, and procedures ‘‘(9) To provide evidence-based educational ‘‘(3) serve as a clearinghouse for the identi- that— programming for students regarding domestic vi- fication and dissemination of information, poli- ‘‘(1) require and include appropriate referral olence, dating violence, sexual assault, and cies, procedures, and best practices relevant to systems for child and youth victims; stalking. campus public safety, including off-campus ‘‘(2) protect the confidentiality and privacy of ‘‘(10) To develop or adapt population specific housing safety, the prevention of violence child and youth victim information, particularly strategies and projects for victims of domestic vi- against persons and property, and emergency in the context of parental or third-party in- olence, dating violence, sexual assault, and response and evacuation procedures; volvement and consent, mandatory reporting stalking from underserved populations on cam- ‘‘(4) develop protocols, in conjunction with duties, and working with other service providers pus.’’; the Attorney General, the Secretary of Home- with priority on victim safety and autonomy; (3) in subsection (c)— land Security, the Secretary of Education, ‘‘(3) ensure that all individuals providing (A) in paragraph (2)— State, local, and tribal governments and law en- intervention or prevention programs to children (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘any forcement agencies, private and nonprofit orga- or youth through a program funded under this non-profit’’ and all that follows through the nizations and associations, and other stake- section have completed, or will complete, suffi- first occurrence of ‘‘victim services programs’’ holders, to prevent, protect against, respond to, cient training in connection with domestic vio- and inserting ‘‘victim service providers’’; and recover from, natural and man-made emer- lence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalk- (ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) gencies or dangerous situations involving an im- ing; and through (F) as subparagraphs (E) through (G), mediate threat to the health or safety of the ‘‘(4) ensure that parents are informed of the respectively; and campus community; programs funded under this program that are (iii) by inserting after subparagraph (C), the ‘‘(5) promote the development and dissemina- being offered at their child’s school. following: tion of effective behavioral threat assessment ‘‘(e) PRIORITY.—The Attorney General shall ‘‘(D) describe how underserved populations in and management models to prevent campus vio- prioritize grant applications under this section the campus community will be adequately lence; that coordinate with prevention programs in the served, including the provision of relevant popu- ‘‘(6) coordinate campus safety information community. lation specific services;’’; and (including ways to increase off-campus housing ‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS AND GRANT CONDITIONS.—In (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘2007 safety) and resources available from the Depart- this section, the definitions and grant condi- through 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘2013 through ment of Justice, the Department of Homeland tions provided for in section 40002 shall apply. 2017’’; Security, the Department of Education, State, ‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (4) in subsection (d)— There is authorized to be appropriated to carry local, and tribal governments and law enforce- (A) by striking paragraph (3); and ment agencies, and private and nonprofit orga- out this section, $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal (B) by inserting after paragraph (2), the fol- years 2013 through 2017. nizations and associations; lowing: ‘‘(7) increase cooperation, collaboration, and ‘‘(h) ALLOTMENT.— ‘‘(3) GRANTEE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.—Each ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less than 50 percent of consistency in prevention, response, and prob- grantee shall comply with the following min- lem-solving methods among law enforcement, the total amount appropriated under this sec- imum requirements during the grant period: tion for each fiscal year shall be used for the mental health, and other agencies and jurisdic- ‘‘(A) The grantee shall create a coordinated tions serving institutions of higher education; purposes described in subsection (b)(1). community response including both organiza- ‘‘(2) INDIAN TRIBES.—Not less than 10 percent ‘‘(8) develop standardized formats and models tions external to the institution and relevant di- of the total amount appropriated under this sec- for mutual aid agreements and memoranda of visions of the institution. tion for each fiscal year shall be made available understanding between campus security agen- ‘‘(B) The grantee shall establish a mandatory cies and other public safety organizations and for grants under the program authorized by sec- prevention and education program on domestic tion 2015 of the Omnibus Crime Control and mental health agencies; and violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and ‘‘(9) report annually to Congress and the At- Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–10).’’. stalking for all incoming students. (b) VAWA GRANT REQUIREMENTS.—Section torney General on activities performed by the ‘‘(C) The grantee shall train all campus law 40002(b) of the Violence Against Women Act of Center during the previous 12 months. enforcement to respond effectively to domestic 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(b)), as amended by section ‘‘(c) COORDINATION WITH AVAILABLE RE- violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and 3(b)(4), is further amended by adding at the end SOURCES.—In establishing the Center, the Direc- stalking. tor of the Office of Community Oriented Polic- the following: ‘‘(D) The grantee shall train all members of ‘‘(14) REQUIREMENT FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRO- ing Services shall— campus disciplinary boards to respond effec- GRAMS.—Any educational programming, train- ‘‘(1) consult with the Secretary of Homeland tively to situations involving domestic violence, ing, or public awareness communications re- Security, the Secretary of Education, and the dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.’’; garding domestic violence, dating violence, sex- Attorney General of each State; and and ual assault, or stalking that are funded under ‘‘(2) coordinate the establishment and oper- (5) in subsection (e), by striking ‘‘$12,000,000’’ this title must be evidence-based.’’. ation of the Center with campus public safety and all that follows through the period and in- resources that may be available within the De- SEC. 303. GRANTS TO COMBAT VIOLENT CRIMES serting ‘‘$12,000,000 for each of the fiscal years ON CAMPUSES. partment of Homeland Security and the Depart- 2013 through 2017.’’. Section 304 of the Violence Against Women ment of Education. and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act SEC. 304. NATIONAL CENTER FOR CAMPUS PUB- ‘‘(d) DEFINITION OF INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LIC SAFETY. of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 14045b) is amended— EDUCATION.—In this section, the term ‘institu- (1) in subsection (a)— (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Title I of the Omnibus tion of higher education’ has the meaning given (A) in paragraph (1)— Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 the term in section 101 of the Higher Education (i) by striking ‘‘and’’ after ‘‘stalking on cam- U.S.C. 3711 et seq.) is amended by adding at the Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001).’’. puses,’’; end the following new part: (b) JUSTICE PROGRAM CONSOLIDATIONS.—Ef- (ii) by striking ‘‘crimes against women on’’ ‘‘PART LL—NATIONAL CENTER FOR fective 30 days after the date of enactment of and inserting ‘‘crimes on’’; and CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY this section, the Office of Dispute Resolution of (iii) by inserting ‘‘, and to develop and ‘‘SEC. 3021. NATIONAL CENTER FOR CAMPUS PUB- the Department of Justice and the jurisdiction strengthen prevention education and awareness LIC SAFETY. and employees of such office shall be— programs’’ before the period; and ‘‘(a) AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH AND OPERATE (1) transferred to the Office of Legal Policy of (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘$500,000’’ CENTER.— the Department of Justice; and and inserting ‘‘$300,000’’; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Office (2) funded through the general administration (2) in subsection (b)— appropriation of the Office of Legal Policy. (A) in paragraph (2)— of Community Oriented Policing Services is au- (i) by inserting ‘‘, strengthen,’’ after ‘‘To de- thorized to establish and operate a National TITLE IV—VIOLENCE REDUCTION velop’’; and Center for Campus Public Safety (referred to in PRACTICES (ii) by striking ‘‘assault and stalking,’’ and this section as the ‘Center’). SEC. 401. STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE CENTERS inserting ‘‘assault, and stalking, including the ‘‘(2) GRANT AUTHORITY.—The Director of the FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PRE- use of technology to commit these crimes,’’; Office of Community Oriented Policing Services VENTION. (B) in paragraph (4)— is authorized to award grants to institutions of Section 402(c) of the Violence Against Women (i) by inserting ‘‘and population specific serv- higher education and other nonprofit organiza- and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act ices’’ after ‘‘strengthen victim services pro- tions to assist in carrying out the functions of of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 280b–4(c)) is amended by strik- grams’’; the Center required under subsection (b). ing ‘‘$2,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007

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through 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘$1,000,000 for each ‘‘(2) a partnership between a victim service ‘‘(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— of the fiscal years 2013 through 2017’’. provider, community-based organization, tribe There is authorized to be appropriated to carry SEC. 402. SAVING MONEY AND REDUCING TRAGE- or tribal organization, or other nonprofit, non- out this section, $15,000,000 for each of fiscal DIES THROUGH PREVENTION governmental organization that has a history of years 2013 through 2017. GRANTS. effective work preventing domestic violence, dat- ‘‘(g) ALLOTMENT.— (a) SMART PREVENTION.—Section 41303 of the ing violence, sexual assault, or stalking and at ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not less than 25 percent of Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. least one of the following that has expertise in the total amounts appropriated under this sec- 14043d–2) is amended to read as follows: serving children exposed to domestic violence, tion in each fiscal year shall be used for each ‘‘SEC. 41303. SAVING MONEY AND REDUCING dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, set of purposes described in paragraphs (1), (2), TRAGEDIES THROUGH PREVENTION youth domestic violence, dating violence, sexual and (3) of subsection (b). (SMART PREVENTION). assault, or stalking prevention, or engaging men ‘‘(2) INDIAN TRIBES.—Not less than 10 percent ‘‘(a) GRANTS AUTHORIZED.—The Attorney to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, of the total amounts appropriated under this General, in consultation with the Secretary of sexual assault, or stalking: section in each fiscal year shall be made avail- Health and Human Services and the Secretary ‘‘(A) A public, charter, tribal, or nationally able for grants to Indian tribes or tribal organi- of Education, is authorized to award grants for accredited private middle or high school, a zations.’’. the purpose of preventing domestic violence, school administered by the Department of De- (b) REPEALS.—The following provisions are re- dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by fense under section 2164 of title 10, United States pealed: taking a comprehensive approach that focuses Code or section 1402 of the Defense Dependents’ (1) Sections 41304 and 41305 of the Violence on youth, children exposed to violence, and men Education Act of 1978, a group of schools, or a Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043d–3 as leaders and influencers of social norms. school district. and 14043d–4). ‘‘(b) USE OF FUNDS.—Funds provided under ‘‘(B) A local community-based organization, (2) Section 403 of the Violence Against Women this section may be used for the following pur- population-specific organization, or faith-based and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act poses: of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 14045c). ‘‘(1) TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS AND organization that has established expertise in PREVENTION.—To develop, maintain, or enhance providing services to youth. TITLE V—STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH programs that change attitudes and behaviors ‘‘(C) A community-based organization, popu- CARE SYSTEM’S RESPONSE TO DOMES- around the acceptability of domestic violence, lation-specific organization, university or health TIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEX- dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking care clinic, faith-based organization, or other UAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING nonprofit, nongovernmental organization. and provide education and skills training to SEC. 501. CONSOLIDATION OF GRANTS TO ‘‘(D) A nonprofit, nongovernmental entity young individuals and individuals who influ- STRENGTHEN THE HEALTH CARE providing services for runaway or homeless ence young individuals. The prevention program SYSTEM’S RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC youth affected by domestic violence, dating vio- may use evidence-based, evidence-informed, or VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEX- lence, sexual assault, or stalking. UAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING. innovative strategies and practices focused on ‘‘(E) Health care entities eligible for reim- (a) GRANTS.—Section 399P of the Public youth. Such a program should include— ‘‘(A) evidence-based age education on domes- bursement under title XVIII of the Social Secu- Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g–4) is amended tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, rity Act, including providers that target the spe- to read as follows: stalking, and sexual coercion, as well as healthy cial needs of children and youth. ‘‘SEC. 399P. GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN THE ‘‘(F) Any other agencies, population-specific relationship skills, in school, in the community, HEALTH CARE SYSTEM’S RESPONSE organizations, or nonprofit, nongovernmental TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VI- or in health care settings; organizations with the capacity to provide nec- OLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND ‘‘(B) community-based collaboration and STALKING. training for those with influence on youth, such essary expertise to meet the goals of the pro- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall award as parents, teachers, coaches, health care pro- gram. ‘‘(d) GRANTEE REQUIREMENTS.— grants for— viders, faith-leaders, older teens, and mentors; ‘‘(1) the development or enhancement and im- ‘‘(C) education and outreach to change envi- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Applicants for grants under plementation of interdisciplinary training for ronmental factors contributing to domestic vio- this section shall prepare and submit to the Di- health professionals, public health staff, and al- lence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalk- rector an application at such time, in such man- lied health professionals; ing; and ner, and containing such information as the Di- ‘‘(2) the development or enhancement and im- ‘‘(D) policy development targeted to preven- rector may require that demonstrates the capac- plementation of education programs for medical, tion, including school-based policies and proto- ity of the applicant and partnering organiza- nursing, dental, and other health profession cols. tions to undertake the project. ‘‘(2) CHILDREN EXPOSED TO VIOLENCE AND ‘‘(2) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.—Applicants students and residents to prevent and respond ABUSE.—To develop, maintain or enhance pro- under this section shall establish and implement to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- grams designed to prevent future incidents of policies, practices, and procedures that are con- sault, and stalking; and domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- sistent with the best practices developed under ‘‘(3) the development or enhancement and im- sault, and stalking by preventing, reducing and section 402 of the Violence Against Women and plementation of comprehensive statewide strate- responding to children’s exposure to violence in Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of gies to improve the response of clinics, public the home. Such programs may include— 2005 (42 U.S.C. 280b–4) and— health facilities, hospitals, and other health set- ‘‘(A) providing services for children exposed to ‘‘(A) include appropriate referral systems to tings (including behavioral and mental health domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- direct any victim identified during program ac- programs) to domestic violence, dating violence, sault or stalking, including direct counseling or tivities to highly qualified follow-up care; sexual assault, and stalking. advocacy, and support for the non-abusing par- ‘‘(B) protect the confidentiality and privacy of ‘‘(b) USE OF FUNDS.— ent; and adult and youth victim information, particu- ‘‘(1) REQUIRED USES.—Amounts provided ‘‘(B) training and coordination for edu- larly in the context of parental or third-party under a grant under this section shall be used cational, after-school, and childcare programs involvement and consent, mandatory reporting to— on how to safely and confidentially identify duties, and working with other service pro- ‘‘(A) fund interdisciplinary training and edu- children and families experiencing domestic vio- viders; cation programs under paragraphs (1) and (2) of lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- ‘‘(C) ensure that all individuals providing pre- subsection (a) that— ing and properly refer children exposed and vention programming through a program funded ‘‘(i) are designed to train medical, psychology, their families to services and violence prevention under this section have completed or will com- dental, social work, nursing, and other health programs. plete sufficient training in connection with do- profession students, interns, residents, fellows, ‘‘(3) ENGAGING MEN AS LEADERS AND ROLE mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or current health care providers to identify and MODELS.—To develop, maintain or enhance pro- or stalking; and provide health care services (including mental grams that work with men to prevent domestic ‘‘(D) document how prevention programs are or behavioral health care services and referrals violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and coordinated with service programs in the com- to appropriate community services) to individ- stalking by helping men to serve as role models munity. uals who are or who have been victims of do- and social influencers of other men and youth ‘‘(3) PREFERENCE.—In selecting grant recipi- mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, at the individual, school, community or state- ents under this section, the Attorney General or stalking; and wide levels. shall give preference to applicants that— ‘‘(ii) plan and develop clinical training com- ‘‘(c) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—To be eligible to re- ‘‘(A) include outcome-based evaluation; and ponents for integration into approved intern- ceive a grant under this section, an entity shall ‘‘(B) identify any other community, school, or ship, residency, and fellowship training or con- be— State-based efforts that are working on domestic tinuing medical or other health education train- ‘‘(1) a victim service provider, community- violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or ing that address physical, mental, and behav- based organization, tribe or tribal organization, stalking prevention and explain how the grant- ioral health issues, including protective factors, or other nonprofit, nongovernmental organiza- ee or partnership will add value, coordinate related to domestic violence, dating violence, tion that has a history of effective work pre- with other programs, and not duplicate existing sexual assault, stalking, and other forms of vio- venting domestic violence, dating violence, sex- efforts. lence and abuse, focus on reducing health dis- ual assault, or stalking and expertise in the spe- ‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS AND GRANT CONDITIONS.—In parities and preventing violence and abuse, and cific area for which they are applying for funds; this section, the definitions and grant condi- include the primacy of victim safety and con- or tions provided for in section 40002 shall apply. fidentiality; and

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‘‘(B) design and implement comprehensive ‘‘(1) CONFIDENTIALITY AND SAFETY.— nizations, State or tribal law enforcement task strategies to improve the response of the health ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Grantees under this sec- forces (where appropriate), and population-spe- care system to domestic or sexual violence in tion shall ensure that all programs developed cific organizations with demonstrated expertise clinical and public health settings, hospitals, with grant funds address issues of confiden- in addressing domestic violence, dating violence, clinics, and other health settings (including be- tiality and patient safety and comply with ap- sexual assault, or stalking; havioral and mental health), under subsection plicable confidentiality and nondisclosure re- ‘‘(iv) with respect to an application for a (a)(3) through— quirements under section 40002(b)(2) of the Vio- grant under which the grantee will have contact ‘‘(i) the implementation, dissemination, and lence Against Women Act of 1994 and the Fam- with patients, a plan, developed in collaboration evaluation of policies and procedures to guide ily Violence Prevention and Services Act, and with local victim service providers, to respond health professionals and public health staff in that faculty and staff associated with delivering appropriately to and make correct referrals for identifying and responding to domestic violence, educational components are fully trained in individuals who disclose that they are victims of dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, procedures that will protect the immediate and domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- including strategies to ensure that health infor- ongoing security and confidentiality of the pa- sault, stalking, or other types of violence, and mation is maintained in a manner that protects tients, patient records, and staff. Such grantees documentation provided by the grantee of an the patient’s privacy and safety, and safely uses shall consult entities with demonstrated exper- ongoing collaborative relationship with a local health information technology to improve docu- tise in the confidentiality and safety needs of victim service provider; and mentation, identification, assessment, treatment, victims of domestic violence, dating violence, ‘‘(v) with respect to an application for a grant and follow-up care; sexual assault, and stalking on the development proposing to fund a program described in sub- ‘‘(ii) the development of on-site access to serv- and adequacy of confidentially and security section (b)(2)(C)(ii), a certification that any sex- ices to address the safety, medical, and mental procedures, and provide documentation of such ual assault forensic medical examination and health needs of patients by increasing the ca- consultation. sexual assault nurse examiner programs sup- pacity of existing health care professionals and ‘‘(B) ADVANCE NOTICE OF INFORMATION DIS- ported with such grant funds will adhere to the public health staff to address domestic violence, CLOSURE.—Grantees under this section shall guidelines set forth by the Attorney General. dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, or provide to patients advance notice about any ‘‘(d) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.— by contracting with or hiring domestic or sexual circumstances under which information may be ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible to receive assault advocates to provide such services or to disclosed, such as mandatory reporting laws, funding under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection model other services appropriate to the geo- and shall give patients the option to receive in- (a), an entity shall be— graphic and cultural needs of a site; formation and referrals without affirmatively ‘‘(A) a nonprofit organization with a history ‘‘(iii) the development of measures and meth- disclosing abuse. of effective work in the field of training health ods for the evaluation of the practice of identi- ‘‘(2) LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE EX- professionals with an understanding of, and fication, intervention, and documentation re- PENSES.—A grantee shall use not more than 10 clinical skills pertinent to, domestic violence, garding victims of domestic violence, dating vio- percent of the amounts received under a grant dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and lence, sexual assault, and stalking, including under this section for administrative expenses. lifetime exposure to violence and abuse; the development and testing of quality improve- ‘‘(3) PREFERENCE.—In selecting grant recipi- ‘‘(B) an accredited school of allopathic or os- ment measurements; and ents under this section, the Secretary shall give teopathic medicine, psychology, nursing, den- ‘‘(iv) the provision of training and followup preference to applicants based on the strength tistry, social work, or allied health; technical assistance to health care profes- of their evaluation strategies, with priority ‘‘(C) a health care provider membership or sionals, and public health staff, and allied given to outcome-based evaluations. professional organization, or a health care sys- health professionals to identify, assess, treat, ‘‘(4) APPLICATION.— tem; or and refer clients who are victims of domestic vi- ‘‘(A) SUBSECTION (a) (1) AND (2) GRANTEES.— ‘‘(D) a State, tribal, territorial, or local entity. olence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- An entity desiring a grant under paragraph (1) ‘‘(2) SUBSECTION (a)(3) GRANTEES.—To be eligi- ing, including using tools and training materials or (2) of subsection (a) shall submit an applica- ble to receive funding under subsection (a)(3), already developed. tion to the Secretary at such time, in such man- an entity shall be— ‘‘(2) PERMISSIBLE USES.— ner, and containing such information and as- ‘‘(A) a State department (or other division) of ‘‘(A) CHILD AND ELDER ABUSE.—To the extent surances as the Secretary may require, includ- health, a State, tribal, or territorial domestic vi- consistent with the purpose of this section, a ing— olence or sexual assault coalition or victim serv- grantee may use amounts received under this ‘‘(i) documentation that the applicant rep- ice provider, or any other nonprofit, nongovern- section to address, as part of a comprehensive resents a team of entities working collabo- mental organization with a history of effective programmatic approach implemented under the ratively to strengthen the response of the health work in the fields of domestic violence, dating grant, issues relating to child or elder abuse. care system to domestic violence, dating vio- violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and health ‘‘(B) RURAL AREAS.—Grants funded under lence, sexual assault, or stalking, and which in- care, including physical or mental health care; paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) may be cludes at least one of each of— or used to offer to rural areas community-based ‘‘(I) an accredited school of allopathic or os- ‘‘(B) a local victim service provider, a local de- training opportunities (which may include the teopathic medicine, psychology, nursing, den- partment (or other division) of health, a local use of distance learning networks and other tistry, social work, or other health field; health clinic, hospital, or health system, or any available technologies needed to reach isolated ‘‘(II) a health care facility or system; or other community-based organization with a his- rural areas) for medical, nursing, and other ‘‘(III) a government or nonprofit entity with a tory of effective work in the field of domestic vi- health profession students and residents on do- history of effective work in the fields of domestic olence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or ing and health care, including physical or men- stalking, and, as appropriate, other forms of vi- stalking; and tal health care. olence and abuse. ‘‘(ii) strategies for the dissemination and shar- ‘‘(e) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.— ‘‘(C) OTHER USES.—Grants funded under sub- ing of curricula and other educational materials ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Of the funds made avail- section (a)(3) may be used for— developed under the grant, if any, with other able to carry out this section for any fiscal year, ‘‘(i) the development of training modules and interested health professions schools and na- the Secretary may make grants or enter into policies that address the overlap of child abuse, tional resource repositories for materials on do- contracts to provide technical assistance with domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, respect to the planning, development, and oper- sault, and stalking and elder abuse, as well as and stalking. ation of any program, activity or service carried childhood exposure to domestic and sexual vio- ‘‘(B) SUBSECTION (a)(3) GRANTEES.—An entity out pursuant to this section. Not more than 8 lence; desiring a grant under subsection (a)(3) shall percent of the funds appropriated under this ‘‘(ii) the development, expansion, and imple- submit an application to the Secretary at such section in each fiscal year may be used to fund mentation of sexual assault forensic medical ex- time, in such manner, and containing such in- technical assistance under this subsection. amination or sexual assault nurse examiner pro- formation and assurances as the Secretary may ‘‘(2) AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS.—The Sec- grams; require, including— retary shall make publicly available materials ‘‘(iii) the inclusion of the health effects of life- ‘‘(i) documentation that all training, edu- developed by grantees under this section, in- time exposure to violence and abuse as well as cation, screening, assessment, services, treat- cluding materials on training, best practices, related protective factors and behavioral risk ment, and any other approach to patient care and research and evaluation. factors in health professional training schools, will be informed by an understanding of vio- ‘‘(3) REPORTING.—The Secretary shall publish including medical, dental, nursing, social work, lence and abuse victimization and trauma-spe- a biennial report on— and mental and behavioral health curricula, cific approaches that will be integrated into pre- ‘‘(A) the distribution of funds under this sec- and allied health service training courses; or vention, intervention, and treatment activities; tion; and ‘‘(iv) the integration of knowledge of domestic ‘‘(ii) strategies for the development and imple- ‘‘(B) the programs and activities supported by violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and mentation of policies to prevent and address do- such funds. stalking into health care accreditation and pro- mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, ‘‘(f) RESEARCH AND EVALUATION.— fessional licensing examinations, such as med- and stalking over the lifespan in health care ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Of the funds made avail- ical, dental, social work, and nursing boards, settings; able to carry out this section for any fiscal year, and where appropriate, other allied health ‘‘(iii) a plan for consulting with State and the Secretary may use not more than 20 percent exams. tribal domestic violence or sexual assault coali- to make a grant or enter into a contract for re- ‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTEES.— tions, national nonprofit victim advocacy orga- search and evaluation of—

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2757 ‘‘(A) grants awarded under this section; and housing program, the Executive department (as other individual, without evicting, removing, ‘‘(B) other training for health professionals defined in section 101 of title 5, United States terminating assistance to, or otherwise penal- and effective interventions in the health care Code) that carries out the covered housing pro- izing a victim of such criminal activity who is setting that prevent domestic violence, dating vi- gram. also a tenant or lawful occupant of the housing. olence, and sexual assault across the lifespan, ‘‘(3) COVERED HOUSING PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘(ii) EFFECT OF EVICTION ON OTHER TEN- prevent the health effects of such violence, and ‘covered housing program’ means— ANTS.—If a public housing agency or owner or improve the safety and health of individuals ‘‘(A) the program under section 202 of the manager of housing assisted under a covered who are currently being victimized. Housing Act of 1959 (12 U.S.C. 1701q); housing program evicts, removes, or terminates ‘‘(2) RESEARCH.—Research authorized in para- ‘‘(B) the program under section 811 of the assistance to an individual under clause (i), and graph (1) may include— Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing the individual is the sole tenant eligible to re- ‘‘(A) research on the effects of domestic vio- Act (42 U.S.C. 8013); ceive assistance under a covered housing pro- lence, dating violence, sexual assault, and child- ‘‘(C) the program under subtitle D of title VIII gram, the public housing agency or owner or hood exposure to domestic violence, dating vio- of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable manager of housing assisted under the covered lence, or sexual assault on health behaviors, Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12901 et seq.); housing program shall provide any remaining health conditions, and health status of individ- ‘‘(D) each of the programs under title IV of tenant an opportunity to establish eligibility for uals, families, and populations, including un- the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act the covered housing program. If a tenant de- derserved populations; (42 U.S.C. 11360 et seq.); scribed in the preceding sentence cannot estab- ‘‘(B) research to determine effective health ‘‘(E) the program under subtitle A of title II of lish eligibility, the public housing agency or care interventions to respond to and prevent do- the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable owner or manager of the housing shall provide mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 12741 et seq.); the tenant a reasonable time, as determined by and stalking; ‘‘(F) the program under paragraph (3) of sec- the appropriate agency, to find new housing or ‘‘(C) research on the impact of domestic, dat- tion 221(d) of the National Housing Act (12 to establish eligibility for housing under another ing, and sexual violence, childhood exposure to U.S.C. 1715l(d)) for insurance of mortgages that covered housing program. such violence, and stalking on the health care bear interest at a rate determined under the pro- ‘‘(C) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in system, health care utilization, health care viso under paragraph (5) of such section 221(d); subparagraph (A) shall be construed— costs, and health status; and ‘‘(G) the program under section 236 of the Na- ‘‘(i) to limit the authority of a public housing ‘‘(D) research on the impact of adverse child- tional Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1715z–1); agency or owner or manager of housing assisted hood experiences on adult experience with do- ‘‘(H) the programs under sections 6 and 8 of under a covered housing program, when notified mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. of a court order, to comply with a court order stalking, and adult health outcomes, including 1437d and 1437f); with respect to— how to reduce or prevent the impact of adverse ‘‘(I) rural housing assistance provided under ‘‘(I) the rights of access to or control of prop- childhood experiences through the health care sections 514, 515, 516, 533, and 538 of the Hous- erty, including civil protection orders issued to setting. ing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1484, 1485, 1486, 1490m, protect a victim of domestic violence, dating vio- ‘‘(g) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— and 1490p–2); and lence, sexual assault, or stalking; or There is authorized to be appropriated to carry ‘‘(J) the low-income housing tax credit pro- ‘‘(II) the distribution or possession of property out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal gram under section 42 of the Internal Revenue among members of a household in a case; years 2013 through 2017. Code of 1986. ‘‘(ii) to limit any otherwise available author- ‘‘(h) DEFINITIONS.—Except as otherwise pro- ‘‘(b) PROHIBITED BASIS FOR DENIAL OR TERMI- ity of a public housing agency or owner or man- vided in this section, the definitions in section NATION OF ASSISTANCE OR EVICTION.— ager of housing assisted under a covered hous- 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—An applicant for or tenant ing program to evict or terminate assistance to a apply to this section.’’. of housing assisted under a covered housing tenant for any violation of a lease not premised (b) REPEALS.—The following provisions are re- program may not be denied admission to, denied on the act of violence in question against the pealed: assistance under, terminated from participation tenant or an affiliated person of the tenant, if (1) Chapter 11 of subtitle B of the Violence in, or evicted from the housing program or hous- the public housing agency or owner or manager Against Women Act of 1994 (relating to research ing on the basis that the applicant or tenant is does not subject an individual who is or has on effective interventions to address violence; 42 or has been a victim of domestic violence, dating been a victim of domestic violence, dating vio- U.S.C. 13973; as added by section 505 of Public violence, sexual assault, or stalking, if the ap- lence, sexual assault, or stalking to a more de- Law 109—162 (119 Stat. 3028)). plicant or tenant otherwise qualifies for admis- manding standard than other tenants in deter- (2) Section 758 of the Public Health Service sion, assistance, participation, or occupancy. mining whether to evict or terminate; Act (42 U.S.C. 294h). ‘‘(2) CONSTRUCTION OF LEASE TERMS.—An in- ‘‘(iii) to limit the authority to terminate assist- TITLE VI—SAFE HOMES FOR VICTIMS OF cident of actual or threatened domestic violence, ance to a tenant or evict a tenant from housing DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIO- dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking shall assisted under a covered housing program if a LENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALK- not be construed as— public housing agency or owner or manager of ‘‘(A) a serious or repeated violation of a lease ING the housing can demonstrate that an actual and for housing assisted under a covered housing imminent threat to other tenants or individuals SEC. 601. HOUSING PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS program by the victim or threatened victim of employed at or providing service to the property OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VI- such incident; or OLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND would be present if the assistance is not termi- STALKING. ‘‘(B) good cause for terminating the assist- nated or the tenant is not evicted; or ance, tenancy, or occupancy rights to housing (a) AMENDMENT.—Subtitle N of the Violence ‘‘(iv) to supersede any provision of any Fed- Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e et assisted under a covered housing program of the eral, State, or local law that provides greater seq.) is amended— victim or threatened victim of such incident. protection than this section for victims of domes- (1) by inserting after the subtitle heading the ‘‘(3) TERMINATION ON THE BASIS OF CRIMINAL tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or following: ACTIVITY.— stalking. ‘‘(A) DENIAL OF ASSISTANCE, TENANCY, AND OC- ‘‘(c) DOCUMENTATION.— ‘‘CHAPTER 1—GRANT PROGRAMS’’; CUPANCY RIGHTS PROHIBITED.—No person may ‘‘(1) REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTATION.—If an ap- (2) in section 41402 (42 U.S.C. 14043e–1), in the deny assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights plicant for, or tenant of, housing assisted under matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking to housing assisted under a covered housing a covered housing program represents to a pub- ‘‘subtitle’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter’’; program to a tenant solely on the basis of crimi- lic housing agency or owner or manager of the (3) in section 41403 (42 U.S.C. 14043e–2), in the nal activity directly relating to domestic vio- housing that the individual is entitled to protec- matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- tion under subsection (b), the public housing ‘‘subtitle’’ and inserting ‘‘chapter’’; and ing that is engaged in by a member of the house- agency or owner or manager may request, in (4) by adding at the end the following: hold of the tenant or any guest or other person writing, that the applicant or tenant submit to ‘‘CHAPTER 2—HOUSING RIGHTS under the control of the tenant, if the tenant or the public housing agency or owner or manager ‘‘SEC. 41411. HOUSING PROTECTIONS FOR VIC- an affiliated individual of the tenant is the vic- a form of documentation described in paragraph TIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DAT- tim or threatened victim of such domestic vio- (3). ING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- ‘‘(2) FAILURE TO PROVIDE CERTIFICATION.— AND STALKING. ing. ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—If an applicant or tenant ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this chapter: ‘‘(B) BIFURCATION.— does not provide the documentation requested ‘‘(1) AFFILIATED INDIVIDUAL.—The term ‘af- ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding subpara- under paragraph (1) within 14 business days filiated individual’ means, with respect to an in- graph (A), a public housing agency or owner or after the tenant receives a request in writing for dividual— manager of housing assisted under a covered such certification from a public housing agency ‘‘(A) a spouse, parent, brother, sister, or child housing program may bifurcate a lease for the or owner or manager of housing assisted under of that individual, or an individual to whom housing in order to evict, remove, or terminate a covered housing program, nothing in this that individual stands in loco parentis; or assistance to any individual who is a tenant or chapter may be construed to limit the authority ‘‘(B) any individual, tenant, or lawful occu- lawful occupant of the housing and who en- of the public housing agency or owner or man- pant living in the household of that individual. gages in criminal activity directly relating to do- ager to— ‘‘(2) APPROPRIATE AGENCY.—The term ‘appro- mestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, ‘‘(i) deny admission by the applicant or ten- priate agency’ means, with respect to a covered or stalking against an affiliated individual or ant to the covered program;

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‘‘(ii) deny assistance under the covered pro- ‘‘(7) RESPONSE TO CONFLICTING CERTIFI- ‘‘(6) provides guidance for use in situations in gram to the applicant or tenant; CATION.—If a public housing agency or owner or which it is not feasible for an individual public ‘‘(iii) terminate the participation of the appli- manager of housing assisted under a covered housing agency, owner, or manager to effec- cant or tenant in the covered program; or housing program receives documentation under tuate a transfer. ‘‘(iv) evict the applicant, the tenant, or a law- this subsection that contains conflicting infor- ‘‘(f) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR EMER- ful occupant that commits violations of a lease. mation, the public housing agency or owner or GENCY TRANSFER.—The Secretary of Housing ‘‘(B) EXTENSION.—A public housing agency or manager may require an applicant or tenant to and Urban Development shall establish policies owner or manager of housing may extend the submit third-party documentation, as described and procedures under which a victim requesting 14-day deadline under subparagraph (A) at its in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) of paragraph an emergency transfer under subsection (e) may discretion. (3). receive, subject to the availability of tenant pro- ‘‘(3) FORM OF DOCUMENTATION.—A form of ‘‘(8) PREEMPTION.—Nothing in this subsection tection vouchers for assistance under section documentation described in this paragraph is— shall be construed to supersede any provision of 8(o)(16) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 ‘‘(A) a certification form approved by the ap- any Federal, State, or local law that provides (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(16)), assistance under such propriate agency that— greater protection than this subsection for vic- section. ‘‘(i) states that an applicant or tenant is a tims of domestic violence, dating violence, sex- ‘‘(g) IMPLEMENTATION.—The appropriate victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sex- ual assault, or stalking. agency with respect to each covered housing ual assault, or stalking; ‘‘(d) NOTIFICATION.— program shall implement this section, as this ‘‘(ii) states that the incident of domestic vio- ‘‘(1) DEVELOPMENT.—The Secretary of Hous- section applies to the covered housing pro- lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- ing and Urban Development shall develop a no- gram.’’. ing that is the ground for protection under sub- tice of the rights of individuals under this sec- (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— section (b) meets the requirements under sub- tion, including the right to confidentiality and (1) SECTION 6.—Section 6 of the United States section (b); and the limits thereof, and include such notice in Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437d) is amend- ‘‘(iii) includes the name of the individual who documents required by law to be provided to ed— committed the domestic violence, dating vio- tenants assisted under a covered housing pro- (A) in subsection (c)— lence, sexual assault, or stalking, if the name is gram. (i) by striking paragraph (3); and known and safe to provide; (ii) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as ‘‘(B) a document that— ‘‘(2) PROVISION.—The applicable public hous- ing agency or owner or manager of housing as- paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; ‘‘(i) is signed by— (B) in subsection (l)— ‘‘(I) an employee, agent, or volunteer of a vic- sisted under a covered housing program shall (i) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘, and that tim service provider, an attorney, a medical pro- provide the notice developed under paragraph an incident’’ and all that follows through ‘‘vic- fessional, or a mental health professional from (1) to an applicant for or tenant of housing as- tim of such violence’’; and whom an applicant or tenant has sought assist- sisted under a covered housing program— (ii) in paragraph (6), by striking ‘‘; except ance relating to domestic violence, dating vio- ‘‘(A) at the time the applicant is denied resi- that’’ and all that follows through ‘‘stalking.’’; lence, sexual assault, or stalking, or the effects dency in a dwelling unit assisted under the cov- and of the abuse; and ered housing program; (C) by striking subsection (u). ‘‘(II) the applicant or tenant; and ‘‘(B) at the time the individual is admitted to (2) SECTION 8.—Section 8 of the United States ‘‘(ii) states under penalty of perjury that the a dwelling unit assisted under the covered hous- Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f) is amend- individual described in clause (i)(I) believes that ing program; and ed— the incident of domestic violence, dating vio- ‘‘(C) in multiple languages, consistent with (A) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph lence, sexual assault, or stalking that is the guidance issued by the Secretary of Housing (9); ground for protection under subsection (b) meets and Urban Development in accordance with Ex- (B) in subsection (d)(1)— the requirements under subsection (b); ecutive Order 13166 (42 U.S.C. 2000d–1 note; re- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘and that ‘‘(C) a record of a Federal, State, tribal, terri- lating to access to services for persons with lim- an applicant’’ and all that follows through ‘‘as- torial, or local law enforcement agency, court, ited English proficiency). sistance or admission’’; and or administrative agency; or ‘‘(e) EMERGENCY RELOCATION AND TRANS- (ii) in subparagraph (B)— ‘‘(D) at the discretion of a public housing FERS.—Each appropriate agency shall develop a (I) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘, and that an in- agency or owner or manager of housing assisted model emergency relocation and transfer plan cident’’ and all that follows through ‘‘victim of under a covered housing program, a statement for voluntary use by public housing agencies such violence’’; and or other evidence provided by an applicant or and owners or managers of housing assisted (II) in clause (iii), by striking ‘‘, except that:’’ tenant. under a covered housing program that— and all that follows through ‘‘stalking.’’; ‘‘(4) CONFIDENTIALITY.—Any information sub- ‘‘(1) allows tenants who are victims of domes- (C) in subsection (f)— mitted to a public housing agency or owner or tic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or (i) in paragraph (6), by adding ‘‘and’’ at the manager under this subsection, including the stalking to relocate or transfer to another avail- end; fact that an individual is a victim of domestic able and safe dwelling unit assisted under a (ii) in paragraph (7), by striking the semicolon violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or covered housing program and retain their status at the end and inserting a period; and (iii) by striking paragraphs (8), (9), (10), and stalking shall be maintained in confidence by as tenants under the covered housing program (11); the public housing agency or owner or manager if— (D) in subsection (o)— ‘‘(A) the tenant expressly requests to move; and may not be entered into any shared data- (i) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking the last ‘‘(B)(i) the tenant reasonably believes that the base or disclosed to any other entity or indi- sentence; tenant is threatened with imminent harm from vidual, except to the extent that the disclosure (ii) in paragraph (7)— is— further violence if the tenant remains within the (I) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and that ‘‘(A) requested or consented to by the indi- same dwelling unit assisted under a covered an incident’’ and all that follows through ‘‘vic- vidual in writing; housing program; or tim of such violence’’; and ‘‘(B) required for use in an eviction pro- ‘‘(ii) the sexual assault, domestic violence, (II) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘; except ceeding under subsection (b); or dating violence, or stalking occurred on the that’’ and all that follows through ‘‘stalking.’’; ‘‘(C) otherwise required by applicable law. premises during the 90-day period preceding the and ‘‘(5) DOCUMENTATION NOT REQUIRED.—Noth- request to move; and (iii) by striking paragraph (20); and ing in this subsection shall be construed to re- ‘‘(C) the tenant has provided documentation (E) by striking subsection (ee). quire a public housing agency or owner or man- as described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C) or (3) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this ager of housing assisted under a covered hous- (D) of subsection (c)(3) if requested by a public Act, or the amendments made by this Act, shall ing program to request that an individual sub- housing agency or owner or manager; be construed— mit documentation of the status of the indi- ‘‘(2) incorporates reasonable confidentiality (A) to limit the rights or remedies available to vidual as a victim of domestic violence, dating measures to ensure that the public housing any person under section 6 or 8 of the United violence, sexual assault, or stalking. agency or owner or manager does not disclose States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437d and ‘‘(6) COMPLIANCE NOT SUFFICIENT TO CON- the location of the dwelling unit of a tenant to 1437f), as in effect on the day before the date of STITUTE EVIDENCE OF UNREASONABLE ACT.—Com- a person that commits an act of domestic vio- enactment of this Act; pliance with subsection (b) by a public housing lence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalk- (B) to limit any right, remedy, or procedure agency or owner or manager of housing assisted ing against the tenant; otherwise available under any provision of part under a covered housing program based on doc- ‘‘(3) describes how the appropriate agency will 5, 91, 880, 882, 883, 884, 886, 891, 903, 960, 966, umentation received under this subsection, shall coordinate relocations or transfers between 982, or 983 of title 24, Code of Federal Regula- not be sufficient to constitute evidence of an un- dwelling units assisted under a covered housing tions, that— reasonable act or omission by the public housing program; (i) was issued under the Violence Against agency or owner or manager or an employee or ‘‘(4) takes into consideration the existing rules Women and Department of Justice Reauthoriza- agent of the public housing agency or owner or and regulations of the covered housing program; tion Act of 2005 (Public Law 109–162; 119 Stat. manager. Nothing in this paragraph shall be ‘‘(5) is tailored to the specific type of the cov- 2960) or an amendment made by that Act; and construed to limit the liability of a public hous- ered housing program based on the volume and (ii) provides greater protection for victims of ing agency or owner or manager of housing as- availability of dwelling units under the control domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- sisted under a covered housing program for fail- or management of the public housing agency, sault, and stalking than this Act or the amend- ure to comply with subsection (b). owner, or manager; and ments made by this Act; or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2759 (C) to disqualify an owner, manager, or other evidence relevant to the application, including ‘‘(bb) If an investigation or prosecution was individual from participating in or receiving the credible evidence submitted by a national of the commenced, the investigative officer shall— benefits of the low-income housing tax credit United States or an alien lawfully admitted for ‘‘(AA) obtain as much information as possible program under section 42 of the Internal Rev- permanent residence accused of the conduct de- about the investigation or prosecution; and enue Code of 1986 because of noncompliance scribed in subparagraph (A)(i) so long as this ‘‘(BB) consider that information as part of the with the provisions of this Act or the amend- evidence is not gathered in violation of section adjudication of the petition. ments made by this Act. 384 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immi- ‘‘(cc) If an investigation or prosecution is pending, the adjudication of the petition shall SEC. 602. TRANSITIONAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE grant Responsibility Act of 1996.’’. GRANTS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC (b) APPLICATION OF SPECIAL RULE FOR BAT- be stayed pending the conclusion of the inves- VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEX- TERED SPOUSE, PARENT, OR CHILD.—Section tigation or prosecution. If no investigation has UAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING. 204(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act been undertaken or if a prosecutor’s office has Chapter 11 of subtitle B of the Violence (8 U.S.C. 1154(a)(1)) is amended— not commenced a prosecution after the matter Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13975; as (1) in subparagraph (A)(iii), by inserting after was referred to it, that fact shall be considered added by section 611 of Public Law 108–21 (117 subclause (II) the following: by the investigative officer as part of the adju- Stat. 693)) is amended— ‘‘(III)(aa) Upon filing, each petition under dication of the petition. (1) in the chapter heading, by striking this clause shall be assigned to an investigative ‘‘(VI) If a petition filed under this paragraph ‘‘CHILD VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, officer for adjudication and final determination is denied, any obligations under an underlying STALKING, OR SEXUAL ASSAULT’’ and in- of eligibility. affidavit of support previously filed by the ac- serting ‘‘VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ‘‘(bb) During the adjudication of each petition cused national of the United States or alien under this paragraph, an investigative officer lawfully admitted for permanent residence shall DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR from a local office of United States Citizenship be terminated.’’; STALKING’’; and (2) in subparagraph (A)(iv), by adding at the (2) in section 40299 (42 U.S.C. 13975)— and Immigration Services shall conduct an in- person interview of the alien who filed the peti- end the following: ‘‘The petition shall be adju- (A) in the header, by striking ‘‘CHILD VIC- tion. The investigative officer may also gather dicated according to the procedures that apply TIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, STALKING, other evidence so long as this evidence is not to self-petitioners under clause (iii).’’; OR SEXUAL ASSAULT’’ and inserting ‘‘VIC- gathered in violation of section 384 of the Illegal (3) in subparagraph (A)(vii), by adding at the TIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VI- Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsi- end the following continuation text: OLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALK- bility Act of 1996. The investigative officer who ‘‘The petition shall be adjudicated according to ING’’; conducted the in-person interview shall provide the procedures that apply to self-petitioners (B) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘fleeing’’; to the investigative officer who is responsible for under clause (iii).’’; (C) by striking subsection (f); and the adjudication and final determination of eli- (4) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by inserting after (D) in subsection (g)— gibility a summary of the interview and any subclause (II) the following: (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘$40,000,000 other evidence gathered and a determination of ‘‘(III)(aa) Upon filing, each petition under for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011’’ the credibility of the interviewee and other evi- this clause shall be assigned to an investigative and inserting ‘‘$35,000,000 for each of fiscal dence gathered. officer for adjudication and final determination years 2013 through 2017’’; and ‘‘(cc) All interviews under this clause shall be of eligibility. (ii) in paragraph (3)— conducted under oath and subject to applicable ‘‘(bb) During the adjudication of each petition (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘eligible’’ penalties for perjury. under this paragraph, an investigative officer and inserting ‘‘qualified’’; and ‘‘(dd) The investigative officer who is respon- from a local office of United States Citizenship (II) by adding at the end the following: sible for the adjudication and final determina- and Immigration Services shall conduct an in- ‘‘(D) QUALIFIED APPLICATION DEFINED.—In tion of eligibility shall determine whether the person interview of the alien who filed the peti- this paragraph, the term ‘qualified application’ petitioner had filed previous applications or pe- tion. The investigative officer may also gather means an application that— titions for immigration benefits that had been other evidence so long as this evidence is not ‘‘(i) has been submitted by an eligible appli- denied and whether the petitioner had been the gathered in violation of section 384 of the Illegal cant; beneficiary of a previous petition filed pursuant Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsi- ‘‘(ii) does not propose any significant activi- to this section that had been denied. If either bility Act of 1996. The investigative officer who ties that may compromise victim safety; was the case, the investigative officer shall con- conducted the in-person interview shall provide ‘‘(iii) reflects an understanding of the dynam- sider the denials and the reasons for the denials to the investigative officer who is responsible for ics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as part of the adjudication of the petition. the adjudication and final determination of eli- assault, or stalking; and ‘‘(ee) The investigative officer who is respon- gibility a summary of the interview and any ‘‘(iv) does not propose prohibited activities, in- sible for the adjudication and final determina- other evidence gathered and a determination of cluding mandatory services for victims, back- tion of eligibility shall as part of the adjudica- the credibility of the interviewee and other evi- ground checks of victims, or clinical evaluations tion of the petition consult with the investiga- dence gathered. to determine eligibility for services.’’. tive officer at the local office of United States ‘‘(cc) All interviews under this clause shall be SEC. 603. ADDRESSING THE HOUSING NEEDS OF Citizenship and Immigration Services who had conducted under oath and subject to applicable VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, conducted the in-person interview of the alien penalties for perjury. DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL AS- who filed the petition. ‘‘(dd) The investigative officer who is respon- SAULT, AND STALKING. ‘‘(ff) Upon the conclusion of the adjudication sible for the adjudication and final determina- Subtitle N of the Violence Against Women Act process under this subparagraph, the investiga- tion of eligibility shall determine whether the of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043e et seq.) is amended— tive officer who is responsible for the adjudica- petitioner had filed previous applicaions or peti- (1) in section 41404(i) (42 U.S.C. 14043e–3(i)), tion and final determination of eligibility shall tions for immigration benefits that had been de- by striking ‘‘$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years issue a final written determination to approve or nied and whether the petitioner had been the 2007 through 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘$4,000,000 for deny the petition. The investigative officer shall beneficiary of a previous petition filed pursuant each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017’’; and not approve the petition unless the officer finds, to this section that had been denied. If either (2) in section 41405(g) (42 U.S.C. 14043e–4(g)), in writing and with particularity, that all re- was the case, the investigative officer shall con- by striking ‘‘$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years quirements under this paragraph, including sider the denials and the reasons for the denials 2007 through 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘$4,000,000 for proof that the alien is a victim of the conduct as part of the adjudication of the petition. each of fiscal years 2013 through 2017’’. described in clause (iii)(I)(bb), have been proven ‘‘(ee) The investigative officer who is respon- TITLE VII—ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR by a preponderance of the evidence. sible for the adjudication and final determina- VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ‘‘(IV) During the adjudication of a petition tion of eligibility shall as part of the adjudica- under this clause— tion of the petition consult with the investiga- SEC. 701. NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER ON ‘‘(aa) the petition shall not be granted unless tive officer at the local office of United States WORKPLACE RESPONSES TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL the petition is supported by a preponderance of Citizenship and Immigration Services who had VIOLENCE. the evidence; and conducted the in-person interview of the alien Section 41501(e) of the Violence Against ‘‘(bb) all credible evidence submitted by an ac- who filed the petition. Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14043f(e)) is cused national of the United States or alien ‘‘(ff) Upon the conclusion of the adjudication amended by striking ‘‘fiscal years 2007 through lawfully admitted for permanent residence shall process under this subparagraph, the investiga- 2011’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal years 2013 through be considered so long as this evidence was not tive officer who is responsible for the adjudica- 2017’’. gathered in violation of section 384 of the Illegal tion and final determination of eligibility shall Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsi- issue a final written determination to approve or TITLE VIII—IMMIGRATION PROVISIONS bility Act of 1996. deny the petition. The investigative officer shall SEC. 801. FRAUD PREVENTION INITIATIVES. ‘‘(V)(aa) During the adjudication of a petition not approve the petition unless the officer finds, (a) CREDIBLE EVIDENCE CONSIDERED.—Section under this paragraph, the investigative officer in writing and with particularity, that all re- 240A(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality who is responsible for the adjudication and quirements under this paragraph, including Act (8 U.S.C. 1229b) is amended by striking sub- final determination of eligibility shall determine proof that the alien is a victim of the conduct paragraph (D) and inserting the following: whether any Federal, State, territorial, tribal, or described in clause (ii)(I)(bb), have been proven ‘‘(D) CREDIBLE EVIDENCE CONSIDERED.—In local law enforcement agency has undertaken by a preponderance of the evidence. acting on applications under this paragraph, an investigation or prosecution of the abusive ‘‘(IV) During the adjudication of a petition the Attorney General shall consider any credible conduct alleged by the petitioning alien. under this clause—

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:33 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 ‘‘(aa) the petition shall not be granted unless related to any specified crime described in sub- tion 101(a)(15)(U)(i)(I) that was the basis for the the petition is supported by a preponderance of section (5)(B)(i).’’; and alien being admitted into the United States (or the evidence; and (B) in paragraph (5)(B)(i), by striking ‘‘abuse, otherwise provided nonimmigrant status) under ‘‘(bb) all credible evidence submitted by an ac- and stalking.’’ and inserting ‘‘abuse, stalking, section 101(a)(15)(U) was himself or herself an cused national of the United States or alien or an attempt to commit any such crime.’’. alien and has been physically removed to the lawfully admitted for permanent residence shall (b) PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO K NON- foreign state of which the alien with non- be considered so long as this evidence was not IMMIGRANTS.—Section 833 of the International immigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(U) is a gathered in violation of section 384 of the Illegal Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (8 national, and if the alien with nonimmigrant Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsi- U.S.C. 1375a) is amended in subsection (b)(1)(A), status under section 101(a)(15)(U) is not de- bility Act of 1996. by striking ‘‘or’’ after ‘‘orders’’ and inserting scribed’’. ‘‘(V)(aa) During the adjudication of a petition ‘‘and’’. (b) DURATION OF NONIMMIGRANT STATUS.— under this clause, the investigative officer who SEC. 804. REGULATION OF INTERNATIONAL MAR- Section 214(p)(6) of such Act (8 U.S.C. is responsible for the adjudication and final de- RIAGE BROKERS. 1184(p)(6)) is amended by striking ‘‘if the alien termination of eligiblity shall determine whether (a) IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL is eligible for relief under section 245(m) and is any Federal, State, territorial, tribal, or local MARRIAGE BROKER ACT OF 2005.—Not later than unable to obtain such relief because regulations law enforcement agency has undertaken an in- 90 days after the date of the enactment of this have been issued to implement such section and vestigation or prosecution of the abusive con- Act, the Attorney General shall submit to Con- shall be extended’’. duct alleged by the petitioning alien. gress a report that includes the name of the (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made ‘‘(bb) If an investigation or prosecution was component of the Department of Justice respon- by this section shall apply to applications for commenced, the investigative officer shall— sible for prosecuting violations of the Inter- adjustment of status submitted on or after the ‘‘(AA) obtain as much information as possible national Marriage Broker Act of 2005 (subtitle D date of the enactment of this Act, and to pre- about the investigation or prosecution; and of Public Law 109–162; 119 Stat. 3066) and the viously filed applications that are pending on ‘‘(BB) consider that information as part of the amendments made by this title. the date of enactment of this Act. adjudication of the petition. (b) REGULATION OF INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE SEC. 807. ANNUAL REPORT ON IMMIGRATION AP- ‘‘(cc) If an investigation or prosecution is BROKERS.—Section 833(d) of the International PLICATIONS MADE BY VICTIMS OF pending, the adjudication of the petition shall Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (8 ABUSE. be stayed pending the conclusion of the inves- U.S.C. 1375a(d)) is amended as follows: Not later than December 1, 2012, and annually tigation or prosecution. If no investigation has (1) By amending paragraph (1) to read as fol- thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security been undertaken or if a prosecutor’s office has lows: shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary not commenced a prosecution after the matter ‘‘(1) PROHIBITION ON MARKETING OF OR TO of the Senate and the Committee on the Judici- was referred to it, that fact shall be considered CHILDREN.— ary of the House of Representatives a report by the investigative officer as part of the adju- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—An international marriage that includes the following: dication of the petition. broker shall not provide any individual or entity (1) The number of aliens who— ‘‘(VI) If a petition filed under this clause is with personal contact information, photograph, (A) submitted an application for non- denied, any obligations under an underlying af- or general information about the background or immigrant status under paragraph (15)(T)(i), fidavit of support previously filed by the ac- interests of any individual under the age of 18. (15)(U)(i), or (51) of section 101(a) of the Immi- cused national of the United States or alien ‘‘(B) COMPLIANCE.—To comply with the re- gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)) lawfully admitted for permanent residence shall quirements of subparagraph (A), an inter- during the preceding fiscal year; be terminated.’’; and national marriage broker shall— (B) were granted such nonimmigrant status (5) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by adding at the ‘‘(i) obtain a valid copy of each foreign na- during such fiscal year; or end the following: ‘‘The petition shall be adju- tional client’s birth certificate or other proof of (C) were denied such nonimmigrant status dicated according to the procedures that apply age document issued by an appropriate govern- during such fiscal year. to self-petitioners under clause (ii).’’. ment entity; ‘‘(ii) indicate on such certificate or document (2) The mean amount of time and median SEC. 802. CLARIFICATION OF THE REQUIRE- amount of time to adjudicate an application for MENTS APPLICABLE TO U VISAS. the date it was received by the international such nonimmigrant status during such fiscal Section 214(p)(1) of the Immigration and Na- marriage broker; year. tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(p)(1)) is amended as ‘‘(iii) retain the original of such certificate or (3) The mean amount of time and median follows: document for 5 years after such date of receipt; amount of time between the receipt of an appli- (1) By striking ‘‘The petition’’ and inserting and cation for such nonimmigrant status and the the following: ‘‘(iv) produce such certificate or document issuance of work authorization to an eligible ap- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The petition’’. upon request to an appropriate authority plicant during the preceding fiscal year. (2) By adding at the end the following: charged with the enforcement of this para- (4) The number of aliens granted continued ‘‘(B) CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.—Each graph.’’. presence in the United States under section certification submitted under subparagraph (A) (2) In paragraph (2)(B)(ii), by striking ‘‘or 107(c)(3) of the Trafficking Victims Protection shall confirm under oath that— stalking.’’ and inserting ‘‘stalking, or an at- Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7105(c)(3)) during the pre- ‘‘(i) the criminal activity is actively under in- tempt to commit any such crime.’’. ceding fiscal year. vestigation or a prosecution has been com- SEC. 805. GAO REPORT. (5) A description of any actions being taken to menced; and (a) REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT.—Not later reduce the adjudication and processing time, ‘‘(ii) the petitioner has provided to law en- than 1 year after the date of the enactment of while ensuring the safe and competent proc- forcement information that will assist in identi- this Act, the Comptroller General of the United essing, of an application described in paragraph fying the perpetrator of the criminal activity or States shall submit to the Committee on the Ju- (1) or a request for continued presence referred the perpetrator’s identity is known. diciary of the Senate and the Committee on the to in paragraph (4). ‘‘(C) REQUIREMENT FOR CERTIFICATION.—No Judiciary of the House of Representatives a re- application for a visa under section port regarding the adjudication of petitions and (6) The actions being taken to combat fraud 101(a)(15)(U) may be granted unless accom- applications under section 101(a)(15)(U) of the and to ensure program integrity. panied by the certification as described in this Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. (7) Each type of criminal activity by reason of paragraph.’’. 1101(a)(15)(U)) and the self-petitioning process which an alien received nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(U) of the Immigration SEC. 803. PROTECTIONS FOR A FIANCE´ E OR for VAWA self-petitioners (as that term is de- FIANCE´ OF A CITIZEN. fined in section 101(a)(51) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C 1101(a)(15)(U)) during the preceding fiscal year and the number (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 214 of the Immigra- and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(51)). of occurrences of that criminal activity that re- tion and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) is (b) CONTENTS.—The report required by sub- amended— section (a) shall— sulted in such aliens receiving such status. (1) in subsection (d)— (1) assess the efficiency and reliability of the SEC. 808. PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN OF VAWA (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘crime.’’ and process for reviewing such petitions and appli- SELF-PETITIONERS. inserting ‘‘crime described in paragraph (3)(B) cations, including whether the process includes Section 204(l)(2) of the Immigration and Na- and information on any permanent protection adequate safeguards against fraud and abuse; tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154(l)(2)) is amended— or restraining order issued against the petitioner and (1) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘‘or’’ at related to any specified crime described in para- (2) identify possible improvements to the adju- the end; graph (3)(B)(i).’’; and dications of petitions and applications in order (2) by redesignating subparagraph (F) as sub- (B) in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by striking ‘‘abuse, to reduce fraud and abuse. paragraph (G); and and stalking.’’ and inserting ‘‘abuse, stalking, SEC. 806. TEMPORARY NATURE OF U VISA STA- (3) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the or an attempt to commit any such crime.’’; and TUS. following: (2) in subsection (r)— (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 245(m) of the Immi- ‘‘(F) a child of an alien who filed a pending (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘crime.’’ and gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1255(m)) is or approved petition for classification or appli- inserting ‘‘crime described in paragraph (5)(B) amended by striking ‘‘the alien is not described’’ cation for adjustment of status or other benefit and information on any permanent protection and inserting ‘‘the individual who was con- specified in section 101(a)(51) as a VAWA self- or restraining order issued against the petitioner victed of the criminal activity referred to in sec- petitioner; or’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2761 SEC. 809. PUBLIC CHARGE. for a national security purpose in a manner (6) by adding at the end the following: Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Na- that protects the confidentiality of such infor- ‘‘(9) provide services to address the needs of tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(4)) is amended by mation.’’. youth who are victims of domestic violence, dat- adding at the end the following: (b) GUIDELINES.—Subsection (d) (as added by ing violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or ‘‘(E) SPECIAL RULE FOR QUALIFIED ALIEN VIC- section 817(4) of the Violence Against Women stalking and the needs of children exposed to TIMS.—Subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) shall and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- not apply to an alien who— of 2005) of section 384 of the Illegal Immigration sault, or stalking, including support for the ‘‘(i) is a VAWA self-petitioner; Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of nonabusing parent or the caretaker of the child; ‘‘(ii) is an applicant for, or is granted, non- 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1367(d)) is amended by inserting and immigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(U); or ‘‘and severe forms of trafficking in persons or ‘‘(10) develop and promote legislation and ‘‘(iii) is a qualified alien described in section criminal activity listed in section 101(a)(15)(U) policies that enhance best practices for respond- 431(c) of the Personal Responsibility and Work of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 ing to violent crimes against Indian women, in- Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(u))’’ after ‘‘domestic vio- cluding the crimes of domestic violence, dating 1641(c)).’’. lence’’. violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and SEC. 810. AGE-OUT PROTECTION FOR U VISA AP- (c) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 180 days stalking.’’. PLICANTS. after the date of enactment of this Act, the At- SEC. 902. GRANTS TO INDIAN TRIBAL COALI- Section 214(p) of the Immigration and Nation- torney General and Secretary of Homeland Se- TIONS. ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(p)) is amended by add- curity shall provide the guidance required by Section 2001(d) of title I of the Omnibus Crime ing at the end the following: section 384(d) of the Illegal Immigration Reform Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. ‘‘(7) AGE DETERMINATIONS.— and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 3796gg(d)) is amended— ‘‘(A) CHILDREN.—An unmarried alien who U.S.C. 1367(d)), consistent with the amendments (1) in paragraph (1)— seeks to accompany, or follow to join, a parent made by subsections (a) and (b). (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘and’’ at granted status under section 101(a)(15)(U)(i), (d) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—Section 384(a)(1) the end; and who was under 21 years of age on the date of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immi- (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the pe- on which such parent petitioned for such status, grant Responsibility Act of 1996 is amended by riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and shall continue to be classified as a child for pur- striking ‘‘241(a)(2)’’ in the matter following sub- (C) by adding at the end the following: poses of section 101(a)(15)(U)(ii), if the alien at- paragraph (F) and inserting ‘‘237(a)(2)’’. ‘‘(D) developing and promoting State, local, or tains 21 years of age after such parent’s petition SEC. 813. GAO REPORT ON REQUIREMENTS TO tribal legislation and policies that enhance best was filed but while it was pending. COOPERATE WITH LAW ENFORCE- practices for responding to violent crimes ‘‘(B) PRINCIPAL ALIENS.—An alien described in MENT OFFICIALS. against Indian women, including the crimes of clause (i) of section 101(a)(15)(U) shall continue (a) REQUIREMENT FOR REPORT.—Not later domestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- to be treated as an alien described in clause than three years after the date of enactment of sault, stalking, and sex trafficking.’’; and (ii)(I) of such section if the alien attains 21 this Act, the Comptroller General of the United (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ‘‘individ- years of age after the alien’s application for sta- States shall submit a report to the Committee on uals or’’. tus under such clause (i) is filed but while it is the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee SEC. 903. CONSULTATION. pending.’’. on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives Section 903 of the Violence Against Women SEC. 811. HARDSHIP WAIVERS. a report regarding the adjudication of petitions and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 14045d) is amended— Section 216(c)(4) of the Immigration and Na- and applications under section 101(a)(15)(U) of (1) in subsection (a)— tionality Act (8 U.S.C. 1186a(c)(4)) is amended— the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. (A) by striking ‘‘and the Violence Against (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking the 1101(a)(15)(U)). Women Act of 2000’’ and inserting ‘‘, the Vio- comma at the end and inserting a semicolon; (b) CONTENTS.—The report required by sub- lence Against Women Act of 2000’’; and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘(1), or’’ section (a) shall— (1) assess the effectiveness of the requirements (B) by inserting ‘‘, and the Violence Against and inserting ‘‘(1); or’’; Women Reauthorization Act of 2012’’ before the (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period set out in Section 802 of this Act in ensuring that potential U visa recipients aid in the inves- period at the end; at the end and inserting a semicolon and ‘‘or’’; (2) in subsection (b)— and tigation, apprehension, and prosecution of criminals; (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by (4) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the striking ‘‘Secretary of the Department of Health following: (2) determine the effect of the requirements set out in Section 802 of this Act, on the number of and Human Services’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary ‘‘(D) the alien meets the requirements under of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of section 204(a)(1)(A)(iii)(II)(aa)(BB) and fol- U visas issued annually; and (3) determine the effect of the requirements set the Interior,’’; and lowing the marriage ceremony was battered by (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and stalk- or subject to extreme cruelty perpetrated by the out in Section 802 of this Act, on the number of individuals seeking U visas. ing’’ and inserting ‘‘stalking, and sex traf- alien’s intended spouse and was not at fault in ficking’’; and SEC. 814. CONSIDERATION OF OTHER EVIDENCE. failing to meet the requirements of paragraph (3) by adding at the end the following: Section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and (1).’’. ‘‘(c) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Attorney General Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(2)(E)(i)) is SEC. 812. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION FOR NA- shall submit to Congress an annual report on amended by adding at the end the following: ‘‘If TIONAL SECURITY PURPOSE. the annual consultations required under sub- the conviction records do not conclusively estab- (a) INFORMATION SHARING.—Section 384(b) of section (a) that— the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant lish whether a crime of domestic violence con- ‘‘(1) contains the recommendations made Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1367(b)) is stitutes a crime of violence (as defined in section under subsection (b) by Indian tribes during the amended— 16 of title 18, United States Code), the Attorney year covered by the report; (1) in paragraph (1)— General may consider any other evidence that ‘‘(2) describes actions taken during the year (A) by inserting ‘‘Secretary of Homeland Secu- the Attorney General determines to be reliable in covered by the report to respond to recommenda- rity or the’’ before ‘‘Attorney General may’’; making this determination, including sentencing tions made under subsection (b) during the year and reports and police reports.’’. or a previous year; and (B) by inserting ‘‘Secretary’s or the’’ before TITLE IX—SAFETY FOR INDIAN WOMEN ‘‘(3) describes how the Attorney General will ‘‘Attorney General’s discretion’’; SEC. 901. GRANTS TO INDIAN TRIBAL GOVERN- work in coordination and collaboration with In- (2) in paragraph (2)— MENTS. dian tribes, the Secretary of Health and Human (A) by inserting ‘‘Secretary of Homeland Secu- Section 2015(a) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Services, and the Secretary of the Interior to ad- rity or the’’ before ‘‘Attorney General may’’; Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. dress the recommendations made under sub- (B) by inserting ‘‘Secretary or the’’ before 3796gg–10(a)) is amended— section (b). ‘‘Attorney General for’’; and (1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ‘‘sex traf- ‘‘(d) NOTICE.—Not later than 120 days before (C) by inserting ‘‘in a manner that protects ficking,’’ after ‘‘sexual assault,’’; the date of a consultation under subsection (a), the confidentiality of such information’’ after (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting ‘‘sex traf- the Attorney General shall notify tribal leaders ‘‘law enforcement purpose’’; ficking,’’ after ‘‘sexual assault,’’; of the date, time, and location of the consulta- (3) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘Attorney (3) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘and stalk- tion.’’. General is’’ and inserting ‘‘Secretary of Home- ing’’ and all that follows and inserting ‘‘sexual SEC. 904. ANALYSIS AND RESEARCH ON VIO- land Security and the Attorney General are’’; assault, sex trafficking, and stalking;’’; LENCE AGAINST INDIAN WOMEN. and (4) in paragraph (7)— (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 904(a) of the Vio- (4) by adding at the end a new paragraph as (A) by inserting ‘‘sex trafficking,’’ after ‘‘sex- lence Against Women and Department of Justice follows: ual assault,’’ each place it appears; and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 3796gg–10 ‘‘(8) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(2), the (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; note) is amended— Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary (5) in paragraph (8)— (1) in paragraph (1)— of State, or the Attorney General may provide in (A) by inserting ‘‘sex trafficking,’’ after (A) by striking ‘‘The National’’ and inserting the discretion of either such Secretary or the At- ‘‘stalking,’’; and ‘‘Not later than 2 years after the date of enact- torney General for the disclosure of information (B) by striking the period at the end and in- ment of the Violence Against Women Reauthor- to national security officials to be used solely serting a semicolon; and ization Act of 2012, the National’’; and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 (B) by inserting ‘‘and in Native villages (as ‘‘(B) under the professional custodial, super- cilities operated by the Department of Homeland defined in section 3 of the Alaska Native Claims visory, or disciplinary control or authority of Security and to detention facilities operated Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602))’’ before the pe- the person engaging or attempting to engage in under contract with, or pursuant to an inter- riod at the end; the sexual act; and governmental service agreement with, the De- (2) in paragraph (2)(A)— ‘‘(C) at the time of the sexual act— partment. (A) in clause (iv), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the ‘‘(i) in the special maritime and territorial ju- ‘‘(3) COMPLIANCE.—The Secretary of Home- end; risdiction of the United States; land Security shall— (B) in clause (v), by striking the period at the ‘‘(ii) in a Federal prison, or in any prison, in- ‘‘(A) assess compliance with the standards end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and stitution, or facility in which persons are held adopted under paragraph (1) on a regular basis; (C) by adding at the end the following: in custody by direction of, or pursuant to a con- and ‘‘(vi) sex trafficking.’’; tract or agreement with, the United States; or ‘‘(B) include the results of the assessments in (3) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘this Act’’ ‘‘(iii) under supervision or other control by performance evaluations of facilities completed and inserting ‘‘the Violence Against Women Re- the United States, or by direction of, or pursu- by the Department of Homeland Security. authorization Act of 2012’’; and ant to a contract or agreement with, the United ‘‘(4) CONSIDERATIONS.—In adopting standards (4) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘this section States. under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Homeland $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 and 2008’’ ‘‘(2) PENALTIES.—Whoever violates paragraph Security shall give due consideration to the rec- and inserting ‘‘this subsection $1,000,000 for (1)(A) shall— ommended national standards provided by the each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014’’. ‘‘(A) be fined under this title, imprisoned for Commission under section 7(e). not more than 15 years, or both; and (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Sec- ‘‘(d) APPLICABILITY TO CUSTODIAL FACILITIES ‘‘(B) if, in the course of committing the viola- tion 905(b)(2) of the Violence Against Women OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND tion of paragraph (1), the person engages in and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act HUMAN SERVICES.— conduct that would constitute an offense under of 2005 (28 U.S.C. 534 note) is amended by strik- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days section 2241 or 2242 if committed in the special ing ‘‘fiscal years 2007 through 2011’’ and insert- after the date of enactment of the Violence maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the ing ‘‘fiscal years 2013 through 2017’’. Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, the United States, be subject to the penalties pro- SEC. 905. ASSISTANT UNITED STATES ATTORNEY Secretary of Health and Human Services shall vided for under section 2241 or 2242, respec- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRIBAL LIAI- publish a final rule adopting national standards SONS. tively.’’. for the detection, prevention, reduction, and (b) PENALTIES FOR SEXUAL ABUSE.— (a) APPOINTMENT.—The Attorney General is punishment of rape and sexual assault in facili- (1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 13 of title 18, United authorized and encouraged to appoint the As- ties that maintain custody of unaccompanied sistant United States Attorney Tribal Liaison States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: alien children (as defined in section 462(g) of the appointed in each judicial district that includes Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. Indian country to also serve as a domestic vio- ‘‘§ 250. Penalties for sexual abuse 279(g))). lence tribal liaison. ‘‘(a) OFFENSE.—It shall be unlawful for any ‘‘(2) APPLICABILITY.—The standards adopted (b) DUTIES.—The duties of a domestic violence person, in the course of committing an offense under paragraph (1) shall apply to facilities op- tribal liaison appointed under this section shall under this chapter or under section 901 of the erated by the Department of Health and Human include the following: Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3631) to engage in Services and to facilities operated under con- (1) Encouraging and assisting in arrests and conduct that would constitute an offense under tract with the Department. Federal prosecution for crimes, including mis- chapter 109A if committed in the special mari- ‘‘(3) COMPLIANCE.—The Secretary of Health demeanor crimes, of domestic violence, dating time and territorial jurisdiction of the United and Human Services shall— violence, sexual assault, and stalking that occur States. ‘‘(A) assess compliance with the standards in Indian country. ‘‘(b) PENALTIES.—A person that violates sub- adopted under paragraph (1) on a regular basis; (2) Conducting training sessions for tribal law section (a) shall be subject to the penalties and enforcement officers and other individuals and under the provision of chapter 109A that would ‘‘(B) include the results of the assessments in entities responsible for responding to crimes in have been violated if the conduct was committed performance evaluations of facilities completed Indian country to ensure that such officers, in- in the special maritime and territorial jurisdic- by the Department of Health and Human Serv- dividuals, and entities understand their arrest tion of the United States, unless a greater pen- ices. authority over non-Indian offenders. alty is otherwise authorized by law.’’. ‘‘(4) CONSIDERATIONS.—In adopting standards (3) Developing multidisciplinary teams to com- (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec- under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Health bat domestic and sexual violence offenses tions for chapter 13 of title 18, United States and Human Services shall give due consider- against Indians by non-Indians. Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol- ation to the recommended national standards (4) Consulting and coordinating with tribal lowing: justice officials and victims’ advocates to ad- provided by the Commission under section ‘‘250. Penalties for sexual abuse.’’. dress any backlog in the prosecution of crimes, 7(e).’’. including misdemeanor crimes, of domestic vio- SEC. 1002. SEXUAL ABUSE IN CUSTODIAL SET- SEC. 1003. CRIMINAL PROVISION RELATING TO TINGS. lence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalk- STALKING, INCLUDING (a) SUITS BY PRISONERS.—Section 7(e) of the CYBERSTALKING. ing that occur in Indian country. Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (42 (5) Developing working relationships and (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 2261A of title 18, U.S.C. 1997e(e)) is amended by inserting before maintaining communication with tribal leaders, United States Code, is amended to read as fol- the period at the end the following: ‘‘or the com- tribal community and victims’ advocates, and lows: mission of a sexual act (as defined in section tribal justice officials to gather information ‘‘§ 2261A. Stalking. 2246 of title 18, United States Code)’’. from, and share appropriate information with, ‘‘(a) Whoever uses the mail, any interactive NITED STATES AS DEFENDANT.—Section (b) U computer service, or any facility of interstate or tribal justice officials. 1346(b)(2) of title 28, United States Code, is (c) INDIAN COUNTRY.—In this section, the term foreign commerce to engage in a course of con- amended by inserting before the period at the ‘‘Indian country’’ has the meaning given such duct or travels in interstate or foreign commerce end the following: ‘‘or the commission of a sex- term in section 1151 of title 18. or within the special maritime and territorial ju- ual act (as defined in section 2246 of title 18)’’. (d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— risdiction of the United States, or enters or (c) ADOPTION AND EFFECT OF NATIONAL There are authorized to be appropriated such leaves Indian country, with the intent to kill, STANDARDS.—Section 8 of the Prison Rape injure, harass, or intimidate another person, or sums as may be necessary to carry out this sec- Elimination Act of 2003 (42 U.S.C. 15607) is place another person under surveillance with tion. amended— TITLE X—CRIMINAL PROVISIONS (1) by redesignating subsection (c) as sub- the intent to kill, injure, harass, or intimidate section (e); and such person and in the course of, or as a result SEC. 1001. CRIMINAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO of, such travel or course of conduct— SEXUAL ABUSE. (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- ‘‘(1) places that person in reasonable fear of (a) SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR OR WARD.— lowing: the death of, or serious bodily injury to such Section 2243(b) of title 18, United States Code, is ‘‘(c) APPLICABILITY TO DETENTION FACILITIES person, a member of their immediate family (as amended to read as follows: OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND defined in section 115), or their spouse or inti- ‘‘(b) OFAWARD.— SECURITY.— mate partner; or ‘‘(1) OFFENSES.—It shall be unlawful for any ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days person to knowingly engage, or knowingly at- after the date of enactment of the Violence ‘‘(2) causes or attempts to cause serious bodily tempt to engage, in a sexual act with another Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, the injury or serious emotional distress to such per- person who is— Secretary of Homeland Security shall publish a son, a member of their immediate family (as de- ‘‘(A) in official detention or supervised by, or final rule adopting national standards for the fined in section 115), or their spouse or intimate otherwise under the control of, the United detection, prevention, reduction, and punish- partner; States— ment of rape and sexual assault in facilities that shall be punished as provided in subsection (b). ‘‘(i) during arrest; maintain custody of aliens detained for a viola- ‘‘(b) The punishment for an offense under this ‘‘(ii) during pretrial release; tion of the immigrations laws of the United section is the same as that for an offense under ‘‘(iii) while in official detention or custody; or States. section 2261, except that if— ‘‘(iv) while on probation, supervised release, ‘‘(2) APPLICABILITY.—The standards adopted ‘‘(1) the offense involves conduct in violation or parole; under paragraph (1) shall apply to detention fa- of a protection order; or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2763 ‘‘(2) the victim of the offense is under the age (1) in subsection (a), in the undesignated mat- of employment, or other specified place is lo- of 18 years or over the age of 65 years, the of- ter following paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘any cated in Indian country; and fender has reached the age of 18 years at the term of years or life’’ and inserting ‘‘not less ‘‘(C) exclude or bar the person against whom time the offense was committed, and the of- than 10 years or imprisoned for life’’; and the order is sought from the Indian country of fender knew or should have known that the vic- (2) in subsection (b), in the undesignated mat- the Indian tribe involved in the proceeding or tim was under the age of 18 years or over the ter following paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘any any portion or area of that Indian country. age of 65 years; term of years or life’’ and inserting ‘‘not less ‘‘(5) EMERGENCY EX PARTE ORDERS.—If a peti- the maximum term of imprisonment that may be than 5 years or imprisoned for life’’. tion requests an emergency ex-parte protection imposed is increased by 5 years over the term of SEC. 1006. FEDERAL PROTECTION ORDERS. order and from the facts alleged in the petition imprisonment otherwise provided for that of- (a) FEDERAL PROTECTION ORDERS.—Chapter there appears to be a danger of a further, immi- fense in section 2261.’’. 110A of title 18, United States Code, is amended nent act of domestic violence against a victim, (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The item relating by inserting after section 2262 the following: the court may grant an emergency ex-parte pro- tection order against the person against whom to section 2261A in the table of sections at the ‘‘§ 2262A. Federal domestic violence protection the order is sought in accordance with the re- beginning of chapter 110A of title 18, United orders involving Indians and Indian coun- quirements of section 2265(b)(2). States Code, is amended to read as follows: try ‘‘(6) DURATION OF PROTECTION ORDER.—A pro- ‘‘2261A. Stalking.’’. ‘‘(a) PETITION FOR PROTECTION ORDER.— tection order under this section may be perma- SEC. 1004. AMENDMENTS TO THE FEDERAL AS- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A victim of an act of do- nent or of such other shorter duration as the SAULT STATUTE. mestic violence, or an Indian tribe as parens court determines necessary to protect a victim (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 113 of title 18, patriae on behalf of the victim of an act of do- from a further act of domestic violence by the United States Code, is amended— mestic violence, may petition a district court of person against whom the order is sought. (1) in subsection (a)— the United States to issue a protection order ‘‘(b) VIOLATION OF PROTECTION ORDER.—A (A) by striking paragraph (1) and inserting against the person (whether an Indian or a person who intentionally violates a protection the following: non-Indian) who is alleged to have committed order under this section shall be punished as ‘‘(1) Assault with intent to commit murder or the act of domestic violence if— provided in section 2262(b).’’. a violation of section 2241 or 2242, by a fine ‘‘(A) the victim is an Indian or a minor who (b) VIOLATION OF FEDERAL PROTECTION under this title, imprisonment for not more than resides with or is in the care and custody of an ORDER.—Section 2262(b) of title 18, United 20 years, or both.’’; Indian; States Code, is amended in the matter preceding (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘felony ‘‘(B) the victim resides or is employed at a paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘this section’’ and in- under chapter 109A’’ and inserting ‘‘violation of place located in the Indian country of the In- serting ‘‘this section or a protection order issued section 2241 or 2242’’; dian tribe that files the petition; and under section 2262A’’. (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘and with- ‘‘(C) the person against whom the order is (c) DEFINITIONS.—Section 2266 of title 18, out just cause or excuse,’’; sought is alleged to have committed an act of United States Code, is amended by inserting (D) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘‘six months’’ domestic violence in the Indian country. after paragraph (10) the following: and inserting ‘‘1 year’’; ‘‘(2) CONTENTS OF PETITION.—A petition filed ‘‘(11) ACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.—The term (E) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘1 year’’ and under this section shall contain— ‘act of domestic violence’ means an act or at- inserting ‘‘5 years’’; ‘‘(A) the facts that meet the requirements tempted act of violence or stalking, or a threat- (F) in paragraph (7)— under paragraph (1); ened act of violence, by a person against a (i) by striking ‘‘substantial bodily injury to an ‘‘(B) the name of each victim on whose behalf spouse or intimate partner, or a minor residing individual who has not attained the age of 16 the protection order is sought; with or in the care or custody of the spouse or years’’ and inserting ‘‘substantial bodily injury ‘‘(C) the name and, if known, the residential intimate partner. to a spouse or intimate partner, a dating part- address of the person against whom the order is ‘‘(12) INDIAN.—The term ‘Indian’ means a per- ner, or an individual who has not attained the sought; son who is a member of any Indian tribe, re- age of 16 years’’; and ‘‘(D) a detailed description of the alleged act gardless of whether that Indian tribe is the (ii) by striking ‘‘fine’’ and inserting ‘‘a fine’’; of domestic violence, including the date or ap- plaintiff Indian tribe under section 2262A. and proximate date and the location of the act of do- ‘‘(13) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘Indian tribe’ (G) by adding at the end the following: mestic violence; and has the meaning given the term in section 102 of ‘‘(8) Assault of a spouse, intimate partner, or ‘‘(E) the relief sought. the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act dating partner by strangling, suffocating, or at- ‘‘(3) ISSUANCE OF PROTECTION ORDER.—The of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a). tempting to strangle or suffocate, by a fine court may issue a protection order in accord- ‘‘(14) MINOR.—The term ‘minor’ means a per- under this title, imprisonment for not more than ance with this section and subsections (b) and son under the age of 18 years.’’. 10 years, or both.’’; and (c) of section 2265 and Rule 65(d)(1) of the Fed- (d) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- (2) in subsection (b)— eral Rules of Civil Procedure if the court finds MENT.—The table of sections for chapter 110A of (A) by striking ‘‘(b) As used in this sub- that such order is reasonably necessary to pro- title 18, United States Code, is amended by in- section—’’ and inserting the following: vide protection against violence, threats, or har- serting after the item relating to section 2262 the ‘‘(b) In this section—’’; assment against, contact or communication following: (B) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking ‘‘and’’ at with, or physical proximity to— ‘‘2262A. Federal domestic violence protection or- the end; ‘‘(A) a spouse or intimate partner who resides ders involving Indians and Indian (C) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at or is employed at a location in the Indian coun- country.’’. the end and inserting a semicolon; and try of the Indian tribe involved in the pro- (D) by adding at the end the following: ceeding; or The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ‘‘(3) the terms ‘dating partner’ and ‘spouse or ‘‘(B) a minor who resides with or is in the care tlewoman from Florida (Mrs. ADAMS) intimate partner’ have the meanings given those or custody of a spouse or intimate partner who and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. terms in section 2266; resides or is employed at a location in the In- CONYERS) each will control 30 minutes. ‘‘(4) the term ‘strangling’ means knowingly or dian country. recklessly impeding the normal breathing or cir- The Chair recognizes the gentle- ‘‘(4) SCOPE OF PROTECTION ORDERS.—Any pro- woman from Florida. culation of the blood of a person by applying tection order under this section may— pressure to the throat or neck, regardless of ‘‘(A) prohibit the person against whom the GENERAL LEAVE whether that conduct results in any visible in- order is sought from— Mrs. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I ask jury or whether there is any intent to kill or ‘‘(i) threatening to commit or committing an unanimous consent that all Members protractedly injure the victim; and act of domestic violence against or otherwise may have 5 legislative days within ‘‘(5) the term ‘suffocating’ means knowingly harassing the spouse or intimate partner or or recklessly impeding the normal breathing of a which to revise and extend their re- minor who resides with or is in the care or cus- marks and include extraneous mate- person by covering the mouth of the person, the tody of the spouse or intimate partner; nose of the person, or both, regardless of wheth- ‘‘(ii) communicating, directly or indirectly, rials on H.R. 4970, as amended, cur- er that conduct results in any visible injury or with the spouse or intimate partner or minor rently under consideration. whether there is any intent to kill or who resides with or is in the care or custody of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there protractedly injure the victim.’’. the spouse or intimate partner; and objection to the request of the gentle- (b) INDIAN MAJOR CRIMES.—Section 1153(a) of ‘‘(iii) knowingly coming within a specified dis- woman from Florida? title 18, United States Code, is amended by strik- tance from the spouse or intimate partner or There was no objection. ing ‘‘assault with intent to commit murder, as- minor who resides with or is in the care or cus- Mrs. ADAMS. I yield myself such sault with a dangerous weapon, assault result- tody of the spouse or intimate partner; ing in serious bodily injury (as defined in sec- time as I may consume. ‘‘(B) direct the person against whom the order Madam Speaker, I’m proud to stand tion 1365 of this title)’’ and inserting ‘‘a felony is sought to stay away from the residence, assault under section 113’’. school, or place of employment of the spouse or in support of this important and life- SEC. 1005. MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE. intimate partner, or any other specified place saving bill. Section 2241 of title 18, United States Code, is frequented by the spouse or intimate partner, re- According to national statistics, an amended— gardless of whether the residence, school, place average three women are killed by a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:28 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.003 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 current or former intimate partner a funding is spent on the victims of do- ference on Civil and Human Rights, the day, every day, and 24 people per mestic violence, dating violence, sex- National Task Force to End Sexual and minute are victims of rape, physical vi- ual assault, and stalking, and not on Domestic Violence Against Women, the olence, or stalking by an intimate Washington bureaucrats. American Civil Liberties Union, more partner. For me, these statistics are To achieve these goals, H.R. 4970 re- than 20 faith-based leaders of organiza- way too real. quires that the inspectors general of tions, the National Congress of Amer- Some of you may already know that DOJ and HHS conduct an annual audit ican Indians, and it goes on and on, po- at the age of 17 I dropped out of high of at least 10 percent of all VAWA lice chiefs, captains, detectives, lieu- school and joined the Air Force. I soon grant recipients and limits the use of tenants and prosecutors. married by 18 and had a young daugh- funds for OVW salaries and administra- I urge my colleagues to stand up for ter. For me, it was a blessing, but I tive expenses to 5 percent of the annual all victims of domestic violence and soon found out that the man I married authorization. H.R. 4970 also requires oppose this dangerous proposal that is had a penchant for drinking and was the Attorney General, in consultation on the floor today. very violent when he drank. I gave him with the Secretary of Health and Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- the chance to be the father I thought Human Services, to improve the co- ance of my time. he could be, and it didn’t happen. So I ordination of grants within the Depart- Mrs. ADAMS. I yield 2 minutes to the took my daughter, our clothing, and ment in order to eliminate duplication gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH), the we left. and overlap. chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Madam Speak- Like many women who leave an abu- Make no mistake about it: this is a er, first of all, let me thank the gentle- sive relationship, there were times that victim-centered bill which includes all woman from Florida, who is a member the only thing that kept me going was victims—an all-inclusive, victim-cen- of the Judiciary Committee herself, for knowing that I was responsible for my tered bill. Turning this reauthorization daughter, and she depended on me to yielding me time. into a political issue is not only wrong, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to co- make a better life for both of us where but it is dangerous. It is dangerous. We sponsor H.R. 4970, and I want to again we both felt safe. cannot allow domestic violence in this Years later, I experienced another thank my colleague from Florida, country to become a campaign issue. It SANDY ADAMS, for her work on this leg- side of domestic violence while work- must be a reflection of our best efforts islation. ing as a deputy sheriff for the Orange as Americans united against breaking H.R. 4970, the Violence Against County Sheriff’s Office. I encountered a cycle of violence and helping victims Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, many victims who had been abused, become survivors. provides funding for VAWA grant pro- whether it was from domestic violence, I hope my colleagues on both sides of grams for 5 years at the same levels as rape, or stalking. These victims were the aisle will join me today in sup- the Senate-passed bill. There are only a always victims. That’s what victims porting this life-saving legislation. few minor differences between this are, all inclusive. Back then, issues I reserve the balance of my time. House bill and the Senate bill. like domestic violence and sexual as- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I H.R. 4970 doesn’t include language to sault weren’t really discussed; they yield myself such time as I may con- provide special protected status to cer- were hidden behind closed doors, leav- sume. tain categories of people because they ing many of the victims to either I rise in strong opposition to H.R. are already covered under VAWA. H.R. underreport or not report at all. They 4970, the Violence Against Women Re- 4970 doesn’t include language to allow didn’t turn for help because they felt authorization Act, because it is a title Indian tribes to prosecute non-Indians helpless. So when the Violence Against that does not represent what it ought because that is unconstitutional. H.R. Women Act was enacted in 1994, it to underneath. 4970 does include provisions that pre- brought attention to an issue that was We’ve had these kinds of incidents vent fraud and abuse in the immigra- underreported, or maybe not even re- before. In the past, we’ve always been tion process. ported at all. able to set aside partisan differences This bill authorizes hundreds of mil- Eighteen years ago, VAWA estab- and work together to protect the most lions of dollars for valuable services to lished within the Department of Jus- vulnerable women of our society, victims of domestic violence, dating vi- tice and the Department of Health and abused and battered women. Today, un- olence, sexual assault, and stalking. Human Services a number of life-sav- fortunately, this bill sets aside 20 years Those who have supported VAWA in ing grant programs for State, local, of bipartisan progress in our efforts to the past should be eager to support this and Indian tribal governments. Since protect these women. legislation today. then, the act has encouraged collabora- The bill, as amended by the man- Violence against women doesn’t tion among law enforcement officers, ager’s amendment, rolls back existing occur along party lines, and neither judicial personnel, and public and pri- protections for battered immigrant should reauthorization of these pro- vate sector providers to provide help women. It fails to include provisions grams. Instead of working with Repub- for the victims of domestic and sexual from the bipartisan Senate-passed licans in a bipartisan effort to protect violence. It also addressed the needs of bill—which all the women in the Sen- women from domestic violence, rape, victims of domestic and sexual vio- ate voted for—which protect native and stalking, some Democrats have lence who are elderly, disabled, chil- women’s lives by authorizing limited chosen to place partisan posturing dren, youth, and individuals of ethnic tribal criminal domestic violence. It above the urgent needs of victims of vi- and racial communities, including Na- eliminates the language from the bi- olence. tive Americans. partisan Senate-passed bill that would If Members choose to oppose this bill Congress has twice reauthorized the help lesbian, gay, bisexual, and for political reasons, that’s their deci- VAWA grant programs with strong bi- transgender victims of domestic vio- sion; but there is no good reason to op- partisan support, once in 2000 and lence receive Violence Against Women pose this bill for substantive reasons. A again in 2006. Keeping with the bipar- Act services without facing additional vote against this bill, in my judgment, tisan nature of the act, the House bill, discrimination. is a vote against common sense and a H.R. 4970, reauthorizes the grant pro- vote against helping abused women. grams in VAWA for a third time at the b 1530 Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I same funding levels as our colleagues Now, I’m going to reserve my time yield myself 15 seconds to remind my in the Senate agreed to last month. here, but I want to just point this out: colleagues on the other side that the In addition to making several key there are more than 300 organizations— 200 or 300 organizations and people that improvements to the Senate bill, in- women’s organizations, law enforce- oppose this bill supported the previous cluding nearly doubling resources for ment organizations, church organiza- legislation. Now, come on. eliminating the backlog of unprocessed tions—that have registered their oppo- At this point, I yield 2 minutes to the rape evidence kits, the House bill sition to H.R. 4970 for the reason that gentlewoman from California, ZOE LOF- brings greater accountability to VAWA I’ve suggested. The National Organiza- GREN, a senior member of the com- grant administration by ensuring that tion for Women, the Leadership Con- mittee.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.059 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2765 Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Be- nation’s anti-trafficking law provided a legal That’s why we’re asking Speaker John fore today, every VAWA bill we’ve con- option for her to be granted permanent legal Boehner and the House leadership to make sidered over the last 20 years had three status by helping law enforcement to pros- sure that the Violence Against Women Act continues to protect vulnerable immigrant things in common: they’ve all been bi- ecute her trafficker. With the help of a non- profit legal service provider and the Salva- women who are victims of human trafficking partisan, they’ve all been written in tion Army, Nicole was able to petition on or domestic violence. They need our protec- consultation with the advocates and her own for legal status—and obtain it— tion. service providers on the front lines through a special ‘‘U’’ visa for immigrant Mrs. ADAMS. I yield 2 minutes to the against domestic violence, and they’ve victims of crime, allowing her to get back on gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. all increased protections for victims of her feet and begin rebuilding her life. CAPITO). She is a cosponsor of the legis- domestic violence. This week the House of Representatives is lation. This bill, even as amended, shares considering a proposal to reauthorize the Vi- Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I none of those attributes. It actually re- olence Against Women Act, first enacted in 1994, but in a new version that would signifi- would like to thank the sponsor of the duces protections that exist in current cantly undermine the same U visa program bill, my colleague from Florida, for her law for victims of domestic violence, that provided Nicole with safety and perma- work and her courage in bringing this rape, and sexual assault. It was devel- nency in the United States. forward. oped without any support or consulta- The U.S. government estimates that as I rise in support of H.R. 4970. Quickly, tion from the minority or from the do- many as 17,500 foreign-born victims are ille- I’d like to tell a story about a situation mestic violence advocates. And it is gally trafficked in from abroad each year, in my hometown where a young boy not bipartisan. and academic estimates suggest that at least was in the car with his mother. She Now, the bill’s opposed by every lead- 100,000 victims of human trafficking live in was being beaten by her boyfriend, or the United States today. ing domestic violence organization. It’s By force, fraud or coercion, traffickers her friend. She pulls the car over. He opposed by the National Association of keep victims enslaved in prostitution or steps out of the car to try to flag some- Evangelicals and the Willow Creek forced labor. body down to help his mother. He’s 11 Church, the U.S. Catholic Bishops Con- If the House proposal is enacted, thousands years old. He’s hit and killed in the ference, all the leading women’s like Nicole could remain enslaved, too afraid middle of a domestic violence situa- groups. It’s opposed by law enforce- to speak out because some of their most ef- tion. Tremendously tragic. fective safeguards will have disappeared. The We know that sexual and domestic ment officials with years of experience proposal introduced by Rep. Sandy Adams, fighting domestic violence. It’s opposed violence can happen to anyone at any R-Florida, would dramatically roll back im- age, race, income group, religion, or by tribal authorities, immigration ad- portant protections for battered immigrant vocates, LGBT groups. The list goes on women and their children. It could face a gender. Worldwide, one in four women and on. vote Wednesday afternoon. is abused. In 2001, in my own home So the question really is this: If ev- Several provisions would leave immigrant State, 13,000 domestic violence offenses eryone from the National Organization victims of human trafficking and domestic were reported to law enforcement; and for Women and Planned Parenthood to abuse no legal way to break the cycle of vio- half of these offenses were between lence in which they are trapped. the National Association of family members and household mem- Specifically, this version would remove the bers, like that young man on the inter- Evangelicals and the Catholic Church incentive of permanent safe haven in the have extreme concerns about this bill, United States for women who help bring state that night. To be safe in your who thinks this is a step in the right abusers to justice. By changing the U visa community, women first need to be direction? from permanent to temporary, the bill could safe in their own homes. And as far as I can tell, the only validate an abuser’s threat that a call to po- We have made great progress, I groups who openly support the bill and lice could result in deportation. Many think, with the Violence Against the amendments are groups like SAVE women would keep quiet rather than risk Women Act that was enacted in 1994; immigration consequences. but this current reauthorization builds and A Voice for Men, who align them- The bill would also allow abusive partners selves, not with battered women, but on the successes of the last decade and in domestic violence cases to provide input will prevent more women and families with the men who abuse them. as to whether their victim should qualify for I will insert into the RECORD an arti- immigration relief, stripping confidentiality from suffering. These women are our cle from Leith Anderson, the president provisions that currently protect victims. mothers, our daughters, our sisters, of the National Association of Abusive spouses, who are in a position to pe- our friends, and our colleagues. Evangelicals, and Lynne Hybels, the tition to adjust the status of their immi- VAWA is working to break the cycle of violence in this country. And by co-founder of the Willlow Creek Com- grant wives through marriage, can choose not to do so as a tool of abuse and fear. Abus- speaking and lending a hand to our munity Church. This is what they say: ers frequently deny guilt and falsely accuse Nicole came to the U.S. from Indo- neighbors, our friends, our family victims of fraud or abuse. members, we can break the cycle and nesia on a temporary fiancee visa, ex- We don’t want a bill that endangers some pecting to enjoy life as a spouse. In- take a vocal stand against abuse. of the women and children it purports to We’ve heard how this bill has been bi- stead was trafficked. help. Overall, this bill’s proposed changes to partisan in the past. It can be bipar- They oppose the bill. current law would discourage immigrant vic- tisan right now. It can be bipartisan [From CNN, May 16, 2012] tims from escaping abuse and reporting crimes, and make all of us less safe. today. We can work out the difference. PROTECT IMMIGRANT WOMEN FROM VIOLENCE Women—and, often, their children—come We can do the right thing. That’s what (By Leith Anderson and Lynne Hybels) to our churches for sanctuary and hope. We we’re here for, for that little boy on Nicole came to the United States from In- believe Adams’ proposal would put more that interstate that night. donesia on a temporary fiance´e visa, fully lives in danger. It would perpetuate abusers’ Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, Mr. expecting that she would enjoy life in a new use of immigration status as part of the NADLER has agreed to permit DALE KIL- country with the U.S. citizen she intended to cycle of exploitation. DEE, the gentleman from Michigan, be- marry. Instead, she found herself trapped as As evangelical Christians, we are com- a victim of sex trafficking. mitted to Jesus’ great commandment to love cause of an emergency, to be recog- Nicole (not her real name), like thousands God and to love our neighbor, with a par- nized out of order for 1 minute. of other women, was forced to engage in ticular concern for those who are most vul- Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman commercial sex acts against her will. We nerable. Through local churches and min- for his courtesy. heard about her when she received support istries, we extend that love when we provide Madam Speaker, I rise in strong op- from the Salvation Army STOP-IT Program counseling and support for victims of human position to this bill which is grossly in- in Illinois, which serves victims who have trafficking and domestic violence. In doing adequate in renewing vital protections been harmed by the sex trade. (The Salva- so, we point to the ultimate healing and res- for domestic violence victims. For the tion Army is a denominational member of toration that we believe is found only in first time, we have a VAWA authoriza- the National Association of Evangelicals.) Jesus. tion that actually makes women less Eventually, Nicole escaped from her traf- We also love our neighbor by speaking up ficker and assisted law enforcement in the when laws are proposed that could cause safe by taking away protections from prosecution of the crime committed against harm, intentionally or not. Loving our previously covered groups like Native her. neighbor not only means reaching out to Americans living on reservations. Though Nicole’s fiance´e visa had lapsed, those in need, but also means addressing sys- My Republican colleague will argue leaving her susceptible to deportation, our temic problems that harm those in need. that this bill protects Native women by

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:28 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.061 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 giving them access to Federal courts, ALLARD, for a unanimous consent re- unemployment benefits to victims forced to but in many cases the nearest Federal quest. leave their jobs due to circumstances stem- court is over 300 miles away. Do we (Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD asked and ming from domestic violence, allows victims to really expect a woman who has just was given permission to revise and ex- take unpaid leave to make court appearances been abused to get in a car and drive tend her remarks.) and seek necessary assistance, and it pro- 300 miles for protection? And even then Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. I rise in hibits employers or insurance providers from there is no guarantee that a Federal strong opposition to this bill. basing hiring or coverage on an individual’s prosecutor will do anything. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong op- history of abuse. These provisions ensure that Every community in the Nation, ex- position to H.R. 4970, the Violence Against domestic violence survivors have the financial cept for constitutionally recognized Women Act (VAWA). While I agree with my security they need to escape an abusive situa- tribal governments, has the authority colleagues that we must reauthorize VAWA, I tion. Failing to address these economic con- to protect its residents. The only log- cannot support this version of the bill given the cerns is just another way this legislation fails ical solution is to return local control numerous ways it fails to protect women and to adequately protect survivors of domestic vi- to tribal governments to stop domestic families. olence. violence before it escalates. Despite the significant progress we have It’s unfortunate that Republicans are playing Instead of voting on partisan H.R. made as a nation addressing violence against politics with women’s lives and pushing a bill 4970, we should be considering the Sen- women, nearly one-third of women in the U.S. that deviates so sharply from the kind of ate bill, S. 1925, which included protec- still report being physically or sexually abused VAWA reauthorization that victims of domestic tion for Indian women. by a husband or boyfriend in their lifetime. Do- violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and mestic violence, dating violence, sexual as- b 1540 stalking truly need. Hundreds of organizations sault, and stalking lead to severe social, across the country have opposed HR. 4970 on Mrs. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I health, and economic consequences for our the grounds that it harms our families and yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman communities, with the estimated cost of vio- communities. Unconscionably, the GOP ap- from California (Mrs. BONO MACK), who lence exceeding 70 billion dollars each year. pears more concerned about advancing a po- is a cosponsor of this important pro- Historically, each time VAWA has come up litical agenda than listening to the American victim legislation. for reauthorization, Congress has added bene- people. This is grossly insensitive to the lived Mrs. BONO MACK. Madam Speaker, I ficial provisions to the bill and passed it with experiences of those who tragically find them- rise in support of reauthorizing the Vi- strong bipartisan support. In 2005, we in- selves in abusive situations and count on our olence Against Women Act, which is cluded language referencing culturally and lin- support. just as I did in 2000 and once again in guistically specific services to help eliminate Victim safety is at the core of VAWA and al- 2005. It was a critically important bill barriers for many racial and ethnic minorities. ways has been. I cannot in good conscience back then, and it is a critically impor- My colleagues and I also successfully included vote to pass this version of VAWA, as it tant bill now. That’s why I am urging a new health title in the last VAWA reauthor- erases 18 years of bipartisan efforts to re- my colleagues today to stand up for all ization that strengthened our health care sys- spond to the needs of victims of domestic vio- women in America. tem’s capacity to prevent violence and de- lence. I urge my colleagues to join me in vot- I thank my colleague, SANDY ADAMS, velop effective interventions to abuse. ing this bill down so that we may consider an for her very hard work and dedication The version of VAWA before us today alternative VAWA reauthorization proposal that and also for sharing her personal expe- threatens to roll back those gains and limit improves protections for all survivors, including riences and turning them into a reason protections for victims, ultimately endangering immigrant women and other vulnerable popu- to champion this bill. their safety in life-threatening ways. H.R. 4970 lations. Yet, Madam Speaker, despite a lot of omits provisions in the Senate-passed bill that Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I hard work by advocacy groups, law en- ensure equal treatment and access to services now yield 2 minutes to a senior mem- forcement, churches, schools, and so for LGBT survivors. It denies justice for tribal ber of the committee, the gentleman many others around our Nation, vio- women abused by non-Indians, negating the from New York, JERROLD NADLER. lence against women continues to be reality that Native American women suffer do- Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, this an alarming problem—murder, sexual mestic violence at epidemic proportions, but is a partisan Republican bill that not violence, domestic violence. More than remain largely unprotected under current law. only rejects the bipartisan reforms to 1 million women in the U.S. will be vic- It also jeopardizes the personal security of vic- VAWA that were passed in the Senate timized this year alone, and it’s esti- tims who rely on public housing by forcing but that would roll back protections mated that one in four women in the some to choose between swiftly moving away for immigrant women that exist in cur- U.S. will experience domestic violence from an abuser and losing their housing sub- rent law. at some point in her lifetime. That’s sidy. For example, with respect to immi- one out of every four women. Equally egregious, H.R. 4970 eradicates gration, the House Republican bill, As a society, we can’t seem to find a protections that have benefited immigrant even as amended by the manager’s way to stop this terrible sickness, but women for nearly 20 years. The legislation amendment, favors abusers by elimi- this legislation gives victims and their creates barriers for immigrant crime victims nating the requirement that abuser- families a safe place to turn for help, seeking U-visas and silences those who fear provided evidence be investigated and such as to community violence preven- deportation. H.R. 4970 overturns the current corroborated before it can be used to tion programs; protections for victims ability of immigrant victims of domestic vio- deny victims protection. It also delays who are evicted from their homes be- lence to confidentially self-petition for perma- protection to battered victims by stay- cause of events related to domestic vio- nent residency, thereby returning power to ing adjudications during pending inves- lence or stalking; funding for victim abusive U.S. citizen and legal permanent resi- tigations or prosecutions. assistance services like grief crisis cen- dent spouses who wield their status as a tool The bill also fails to fully address the ters and hotlines; and programs to of dominance and control. Since VAWA’s in- astronomically high rates of domestic meet the needs of women of different ception in 1994, nearly 75,000 self-petitions violence against Native American races or ethnicities. have been approved for immigrant victims who women. A major cause is jurisdictional. A vote for this legislation is a vote to would have otherwise remained dependent on Tribal governments cannot take action protect women—not some women, but an abusive spouse to adjust their status. We against non-Native Americans who all women. cannot reverse course on this important self- commit acts of domestic violence even Madam Speaker, I am very proud to petition provision and turn our backs on immi- on tribal land. The Senate bill, which represent a facility sheltered from the grant women and families. passed with bipartisan support, would storm in my congressional district, and I am also disappointed that, yet again, provi- fix this problem. The House Republican I thank them for their hard work and sions to alleviate the economic factors that bill ignores this issue. for their dedication in helping victims keep victims in abusive relationships have not Finally, H.R. 4970 fails to make of domestic violence. been included. For the last 16 years, I have VAWA fully inclusive. The bipartisan Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I introduced legislation, the Security and Finan- Senate bill would add sexual orienta- would like to yield to the gentlewoman cial Empowerment Act (SAFE Act), to address tion and gender identity to the eligi- from California, LUCILLE ROYBAL- this issue. The SAFE Act extends eligibility for bility for grant programs under VAWA

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.063 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2767 so that groups could focus on victims Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am Party has declared war on women. amongst this underserved population. pleased now to yield 1 minute to the That’s not the case. This bill increases The Senate bill would also include sex- gentlelady from California, JUDY CHU, authorizations. It makes it more effec- ual orientation and gender identity as a member of the committee. tive, and it limits administrative ex- classes in the new VAWA antidiscrimi- Ms. CHU. As a former rape counselor, penses so that the money is spent on nation language. The House Republican I’ve gone to emergency rooms and have victims. It really is a victims’ rights bill fails to include these provisions. seen the damage that sexual assault bill. The bottom line is that House Repub- and domestic violence have caused. If those who are up here complaining licans have taken the issue of pro- That is why I was so relieved when the about this legislation and strongly op- tecting women from violence, which Violence Against Women Act passed. posing it cause its defeat, the first cas- used to be bipartisan, and have made it And for the last 20 years, Members of ualty of the war on women is going to partisan—just like everything else. Congress from both sides of the aisle be the most important bill that has Maybe women across America should have come together for legislation to protected women for the last 18 years, not be surprised, as this majority has protect women from violence. But not the Violence Against Women Act. been waging a war on them since the anymore. Madam Speaker, if the people on the beginning of this Congress. But, my Though the Senate passed a bipar- other side are successful, the blood of friends, we do not have to let this tisan bill to reauthorize VAWA, with the defeat of this bill will be on your stand. the support of 15 Republicans, includ- hands, not on ours. I ask my colleagues to join me in ing every female Republican Senator, Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I voting against this bill. Let us reject this Republican House bill differs yield myself 30 seconds to remind my this partisan VAWA reauthorization greatly. It declares war on women. The dear friend from Wisconsin, when he and work, as the Senate did, on passing manager’s amendment tries to make was chairman of the committee, in the a bipartisan measure—or better yet, some changes, but don’t be fooled. 2005 Judiciary Committee report, he simply pass the very good, bipartisan They are just small tweaks designed to said: Senate bill. We don’t need a retrogres- pull the wool over women’s eyes. They These protections are designed to ensure sive House bill that goes back on exist- are trying to sneak in a bill that still that abusers and criminals cannot use the ing protections. The Senate did a fine immigration system against their victims, fails to protect all women, that leaves as abusers are known for interfering or un- job on a bipartisan basis. We should LGBT victims out, and that prevents dermining their victim’s immigration cases pass its bill. Native American women from seeing and encouraging immigration officers to pur- Mrs. ADAMS. I am pleased to yield 2 their abusers prosecuted. sue removal actions against their victims. minutes to the gentlewoman from Mis- Let me be clear. This bill still rolls Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to souri (Mrs. EMERSON), who is also a co- back existing law. For instance, with the distinguished Member from Illi- sponsor of this important pro-woman this bill, there is new, expedited depor- nois, MIKE QUIGLEY. legislation. tation for any abused immigrant Mr. QUIGLEY. I agree, it’s not polit- Mrs. EMERSON. Madam Speaker, in woman coming forth who has had even ical, but the Senate had it right. every State and every congressional the slightest of errors in her report. If Every year we reauthorize this, we district—I dare say in every commu- she goes to an emergency room and is expand who we’re protecting. The sce- nity in our Nation—there is domestic in pain but has an error in her report, nery is moving behind us, as well. We violence. It’s a tragedy, and it’s often a then she would be deported. need to make sure we take those people silent tragedy in a home or in a situa- Let’s make sure that this bill does into consideration. Strive as you might tion where victims feel trapped. They not pass. I urge its defeat. to avoid trying to protect LGBT vic- need to know that the resources to Mrs. ADAMS. I yield 2 minutes to the tims, the Senate had it right, and we help them are there, and the people gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. SEN- should do that here. who commit these crimes need to un- SENBRENNER), who is a cosponsor of the According to a recent survey of serv- derstand that the penalties for their legislation and the distinguished chair- ice providers who work with LGBT vic- abuses are severe. We all need to send man of the Judiciary Subcommittee on tims, 85 percent work with victims who the message that this law is important Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Secu- have been denied services because of and that this Congress has zero toler- rity. his or her sexual orientation or gender ance for violence against women. Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Madam identity. Gender-neutral language is I’ve been to many shelters for vic- Speaker, I can’t believe what I am not sufficient. Gay men are not turned tims of domestic violence in Missouri. hearing on the other side of the aisle. away from shelters because they’re They can’t publish their addresses pub- I was the author of the last reauthor- men; they’re turned away because of licly. Still today, there is a network of ization of VAWA. It passed this House discrimination based on their sexual women who can get you to a safe place, 415–4. Many of the Members who are orientation. but you might not know who they are complaining about the inadequacy of Discrimination is real. Violence is vi- in your community until they save the present law weren’t around to try olence. Personal stories matter, but your life. to strengthen it, and they didn’t at- they should matter to everyone. Every Domestic violence, rape, sexual tempt to propose amendments. Instead, one of these people are citizens of our abuse, and sexual assault are rarely they seemed to have fallen for the con- country that deserve equal protection. discussed because they are such painful tagion that started on the other side of Discrimination is real, and we can’t and shameful subjects, but they afflict the Capitol by expanding the scope of pretend it doesn’t exist or hope that we women of all ages and from all walks of the law in a very controversial manner don’t have to have— life. We can bring some small relief to and by making an issue of whether a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The all of the victims of these atrocities by non-Indian can be prosecuted in a trib- time of the gentleman has expired. speaking with one voice today and not al court, which brings up huge con- Mr. CONYERS. I yield an additional trying to make this a political issue. stitutional issues because the Bill of 15 seconds to the gentleman. These crimes are not acceptable— Rights does not apply in tribal courts. Mr. QUIGLEY. I know there are folks ever. The criminals who commit them I don’t think it is the authors of this who don’t want to, in any way, have a deserve every bit of the stringent pun- bill, and particularly the gentlewoman pro-gay vote on it, but this is pro- ishments contained in this legislation, from Florida (Mrs. ADAMS), who have tecting human beings. It’s the right making any one of them think twice anything to do with making this a par- thing to do. It should have been in this before raising a hand in anger. Giving tisan bill. It is the people on the other part of the bill. I suggest everyone vote one woman the courage to escape grave side of the aisle on both sides of the ‘‘no.’’ danger in her own home or sending one Capitol who have decided to use this as Mrs. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I young person out into the world with a political issue. yield 10 seconds to myself just to point an understanding of the seriousness of out that the survey that we’ve heard these crimes all make today in the b 1550 about was received back, and the com- House and this bill worthwhile. I urge And there was one Member of the plaint was the lack of data that it re- the bipartisan passage of this bill. other body that said the Republican ceived. I will remind my colleagues on

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.066 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 the other side that this bill and the had those programs in place, Rita I support the tribal provisions of the current law protects all victims. wouldn’t have ended up in our house. Senate-passed VAWA and the provi- I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman She would have ended up in a place sions found in the SAVE Native Women from Ohio (Mrs. SCHMIDT), who is a co- that could have psychologically and Act, H.R. 4154, of which I’m a cospon- sponsor of the legislation. physically helped her. If we had had sor. I believe that those provisions are, Mrs. SCHMIDT. Madam Speaker, I these programs in place, my friend indeed, constitutional. But the protec- rise today in strong support of H.R. Karen wouldn’t have had to have been tions found in this bill will have a posi- 4970, the Violence Against Women Re- on the street, as well. tive effect in Indian country. These authorization Act of 2012. And I would I urge my colleagues to face this re- provisions aren’t perfect, but they im- like to commend my good friend, Mrs. ality head-on, and let’s vote for this prove current law considerably. I sup- ADAMS from Florida, for spearheading bill. It’s time we do it for our women. port the progress made in this bill. I this reauthorization. Mrs. ADAMS is a Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. former law enforcement officer and yield myself 15 seconds. 4970. We cannot improve a bill and knows the effects of domestic violence More than 300 organizations oppose strengthen tribal sovereignty if we all too well and the chronic problems this bill, including the American Red can’t get a bill to conference. Cross and the National Council Against that we are faced with in this country. Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am Domestic Violence. We’ve all heard the statistics. The pleased now to yield 2 minutes to the I ask the floor manager: Who sup- following are directly from the Na- gentlelady from Texas, SHEILA JACKSON ports it? tional Coalition Against Domestic Vio- LEE, a senior member of the House Ju- lence: I yield 1 minute to a distinguished member of the committee, HANK JOHN- diciary Committee. One in four women will experience Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Why do domestic violence in her lifetime; SON of Georgia, himself a former mag- istrate. we find ourselves here today having The health-related costs of intimate this kind of debate that calls upon the partner violence equals at least $5.8 bil- Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. higher angels of all Members, recog- lion annually; nizing that as I stand on the floor One in six women and one in 33 men 4970, the so-called VAWA bill, also known as the Violence Against Women today, some woman is losing her life. have experienced an attempted or com- She may be a Native American woman. pleted rape. Men aren’t immune from Reauthorization Act. It should be re- named WAWA, or ‘‘War Against That individual may be from the LGBT this either; community or the immigrant commu- Thirty to 60 percent of perpetrators Women Act.’’ This bill rolls back exist- nity. of intimate partner violence also abuse ing protections and is simply shocking the children in the household; in its callousness towards women and Why are we here today divided when Domestic violence is one of the most victims of abuse all we needed to do was to work in a bi- chronically underreported crimes, for Native American women, they are partisan manner? The Senate bill, good reason. women, too. Three out of five are vic- which tracked the process and the These are difficult statistics, Madam tims of domestic and sexual violence. strategy and the approach that we’ve Speaker, and they are certainly not They are murder victims at the rate of used in all of the reauthorizations of easy to think about, but that’s the re- 10 times the national average, but yet VAWA; we have always expanded it to ality we face in America. H.R. 4970 goes H.R. 4970 denies protections to help reach the needs of new victims. What a long way to help the victims, their those women. It also rolls back U visa do you say to a Native American families, and law enforcement in work- protections for certain immigrant woman when you limit the ability for ing to lower those statistics by pro- women who depend on their spouses for that woman to be protected? In fact, in viding authorization for 5 years, their immigration status. These particular, you make it that much enough time for agencies and depart- women are particularly vulnerable to harder, for what you do is that it au- ments to make plans and programs, as abuse. LGBT victims are excluded also. thorizes tribal governments to seek Instead of this flawed bill, we should well as carry them through. Penalties protection orders on behalf of victims be considering the bipartisan Senate for sexual assault and abuse are made with or without their protection or bill. And domestic violence does not stronger, improvements are made in permission, violating the core prin- recognize political parties. I urge emergency housing for victims, and ciples that such victims must have au- House Republicans to come back to the great strides are made to end the back- tonomy. Why that language? table with a bill that we can all be log of testing rape kits. With respect to the LGBT commu- I’ve been blessed to never have expe- proud to call the Violence Against nity, my friends on the other side will rienced this personally, but as a child, Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. say, They’re already protected. But we Mrs. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I I witnessed it. My mother had a friend realize that the clarity of the law gives yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from who ended up so violently attacked, so the protection that is necessary when Oklahoma (Mr. COLE). physically harmed, that she stayed at someone is desperate, because as the our house until she could finally get b 1600 Federal Government passes laws, it well enough, and my mother finally Mr. COLE. I thank the gentlelady for permeates to counties and cities and talked her into getting out of that en- yielding. hamlets that need to have the interpre- vironment. But that was the fourth or Madam Chairman, I rise today in tation to ensure that the law is equally the fifth time that that lady, Rita, support of H.R. 4970. The bill, as re- applied. So this is why we call for the ended up staying in our house. ported out of the Judiciary Committee, passage of the Senate bill and a bipar- When I was a young adult having lacked provisions protecting tribal tisan bill. children, a friend of mine, again, had women. But Chairman SMITH and his And my friends on the other side of the same issue happen to her. What I staff, along with Leader CANTOR and the aisle—seven Republicans wrote realized was we didn’t have anything in Congresswoman ADAMS, worked with Chairman SMITH and said, We want the Clermont County to help them, but we me to ensure that the protections for bipartisan bill. That’s what we’re ask- had a homeless shelter that was very tribal women were added and included ing for, not anything extraordinary. marginal. So I worked with the county in this bill. When you talk about providing for prosecutor. You know I’m a runner. This bill does not change any exist- rape kits and someone says on the For 15 years, we put on a 5K to put ing authority that tribal courts possess other side, We’ve increased it to 75 per- money in the pot to keep that home- but adds an additional tool in Federal cent to address the backlog—well, in less shelter open so that women had a court to combat violence against tribal actuality, they have not because place to go. women. The bill includes a mechanism they’ve taken money from some other Madam Speaker, we can’t continue to for tribes to petition a Federal court programs. So, Madam Speaker, all I go back on the backs of good volun- on the victim’s behalf, which is impor- can say is, Why are we here? Let us teers in America. We, as a government, tant to victims of limited means living stand united to help women. Let us not have to help these women, too. If we in remote locations. default on our allowance that we’ve

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.067 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2769 been given to serve the American peo- port. Every Republican woman in the Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Madam ple, and the women are desperate. Senate voted in favor of it. Instead of Speaker, in 2006, I, along with Senator Someone is dying as I speak. crafting a bill of similar strength, my CANTWELL, made sure that the Inter- Vote for the Senate bill. Let us do Republican friends in this body have national Marriage Broker Regulation this in a bipartisan way. insisted on taking back crucial protec- Act, or IMBRA, was enacted as part of Mrs. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I tions for abused victims throughout the last reauthorization of VAWA. It yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman our country. This Republican bill put regulations in place to protect for- from North Carolina (Mrs. MYRICK) makes it more difficult for immigrant eign women brought here through the who is also a cosponsor of this very victims to work with law enforcement mail-order bride industry to keep them good legislation. to report and help prosecute serious from falling prey to serial abusers. Mrs. MYRICK. I would like to thank and violent criminals. Pushing this legislation forward 6 the Judiciary Committee for bringing This Republican bill pretends the years ago was important to me because this bill forward and a special thanks LGBT community doesn’t exist and a young woman named Anastasia King, to SANDY ADAMS for the incredible would allow victim service organiza- a so-called mail-order bride, was found work she’s done on this bill. It took tions to discriminate against LGBT dead. She had been strangled to death tremendous courage on her part to victims when they seek help. by her husband and buried in a shallow produce a good bill in the face of tre- This Republican bill would further grave in 2000 in a wooded area in my mendous relentless partisan attacks. endanger the lives of Native American district. Her husband had a domestic Sandy has seen the challenges women women who suffer abuse in epidemic violence protection order issued face daily as a former law enforcement proportions in this country. This Re- against him from a previous wife. Indle officer. publican bill doesn’t expand protec- King killed Anastasia because he want- As a woman, I’m proud of this bill. It tions for women; it puts more women ed to get a new bride and didn’t want reauthorizes the Violence Against at risk by weakening current protec- to pay for a divorce. Women Act programs for 5 years and tions. The VAWA bill being considered in provides more than $600 million per America’s women deserve better. I the House today does not go far enough year to help prevent domestic violence encourage all of my colleagues to re- to strengthen those same protections and protect those victims of abuse. For ject this Republican bill and support that we established in 2006. It leaves almost two decades, VAWA provisions the Democratic alternative. out important amendments to IMBRA have helped women across the country, Mrs. ADAMS. I reserve the balance of that passed in the bipartisan Senate and Congress needs to continue these my time. bill, like putting penalties in place to important initiatives. Mr. CONYERS. I am pleased now to keep a man like Indle King from sim- Most of us know of domestic violence yield 1 minute to the distinguished ply lying about his violent history so situations that take place in our dis- gentlelady from Minnesota, BETTY as to lure another woman here to be tricts all the time, unfortunately. MCCOLLUM. abused and then discarded. We must use this reauthorization Again, unfortunately, this problem is Ms. MCCOLLUM. I oppose this bill. increasing all across the country. The For the first time, the Violence process to strengthen protections need for help is huge. So it’s very im- Against Women Act is now a divisive against abusers, not strengthen abus- portant that we provide the resources piece of legislation. We could be voting ers’ upper hand. We must use this reau- to the women who are being abused, on a bipartisan bill already passed by thorization process to reaffirm that and they can have a place to go and the Senate, but instead, the Tea Party VAWA’s protections are for all victims, someone to help them get through majority of the Republicans has chosen including tribal women and LGBT indi- what has to be an absolutely horrible to bring a bipartisan discriminatory viduals. Mrs. ADAMS. I continue to reserve experience in their life. Thank good- bill to the floor today, and it elimi- ness I have never experienced it. the balance of my time. nates protections for victims of violent Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Our bill offers significant improve- crime. ments. There is greater accountability yield myself 30 seconds. All women who experience violence This is the third time I have asked and transparency with the funding of have the right to be protected. They my friends on the other side to please these programs. We have strengthened need to know that their attackers will tell me why all of the women’s organi- the penalties against abusers, which is be tried in a court of law. And the pur- zations, law enforcement organiza- so important, and we’ve improved the pose of VAWA has always been to en- tions—some 200-plus—are against this services and protections for younger sure that all victims of violence are bill, and all of them were supporting victims. Lastly, we’ve streamlined and protected and that all their basic the previous bill. updated the immigration provisions in human rights are upheld no matter I yield to the distinguished manager the bill to address considerable fraud what one’s sexual orientation, eth- of the bill, a dear friend of mine, for a while still offering protections under nicity, or legal status in this country response. the Violence Against Women Act, the is. Mrs. ADAMS. Thank you, Mr. CON- statutes that are there to protect im- This country failed to protect all YERS. migrant victims. women, and that’s why this legislation I will tell you, shame on them. So I’m very proud to offer my sup- failed to get the support from the advo- Shame on them. This bill reauthorizes port for the bill, and I’m very proud to cates and from women all across this VAWA for 5 years at the same levels as be a cosponsor. I would urge all of my country. the Senate. It protects victims. colleagues on both sides of the aisle to I oppose this measure, and I encour- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The support this reauthorization. age my colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am Mr. CONYERS. I yield myself an ad- b 1610 pleased to yield 11⁄2 minutes to LINDA ditional 30 seconds. SA´ NCHEZ, a distinguished member of Mrs. ADAMS. I continue to reserve Since we’re shaming on every organi- the House Judiciary Committee. the balance of my time. zation that protects women, would you Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, how tell me who supports the Republican fornia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to much time is remaining on both sides? version of the bill? Name somebody. oppose this Republican bill that dan- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Mrs. ADAMS. If the gentleman would gerously leaves victims of domestic vi- EMERSON). The gentleman from Michi- yield, I can say that I do, and I know olence worse off than they are under gan has 131⁄4 minutes remaining, and that we have a list of them. current law. To say that this legisla- the gentlewoman from Florida has 91⁄2 I will tell you, Mr. CONYERS, that I tion builds on current law is patently minutes remaining. have sat quietly and tried to behave false. Mr. CONYERS. Thank you. here, but I am offended when I hear Our Senate colleagues passed a Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to that this does not protect victims. I am strong version of the Violence Against the gentleman from Washington, RICK offended when I hear that we are politi- Women Act with broad bipartisan sup- LARSEN. cizing something that was politicized

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.068 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 on the other side in the other Chamber why people object to the bill—that, partisan vote of 68–1, including the sup- and by the other side of the aisle. among many other provisions that will port of every single woman in the Sen- So I have very much concern about endanger women and take us back from ate, Democratic and Republican alike. that because, as someone who has been where we were. In doing so, they not only built on the in the situation, who has been on the I think that when you take a look at history of the past, but they made scenes of these crimes, we are trying to not just the groups that support the progress for the safety of American reauthorize something that is very im- Senate bill instead of this, but the women. portant to victims across our Nation— groups that support this bill, who em- In sharp contrast, sadly, while it was victims, not politics. And that’s where brace abusers, you know where you a strong bipartisan bill in the Senate, I stand on this issue. need to stand—and that’s not with this and our substitute that we requested The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, despite the sincerity of the author. from the Rules Committee was to be time of the gentleman has again ex- Mrs. ADAMS. I yield myself such able to put forth the Senate bill, so pired. time as I may consume. that would be the Senate Democrats Mr. CONYERS. I yield myself an ad- Let me first clarify. The bill requires and Republicans and House Democrats ditional 30 seconds. that U visa holders actually assist law all in agreement, unfortunately in I have asked why hundreds of organi- enforcement. Current law does not. sharp contrast, House Republicans zations are supporting it, and you say: Let’s make that very clear. The other have brought to the floor today a bill Shame on them. I ask who’s supporting thing is we do want them to cooperate that is controversial in that it will the Republican measure and you say: I because we do want those perpetrators weaken the protections we have given am. Well, I’m glad to know that. And I off the streets. We want to make sure to those who suffer domestic violence, think that just about tells everybody they’re off the streets so that no other sexual assault, or stalking. where the logic and the support for this victim is victimized. This legislation on the floor fails vul- bill is. There is none. It’s a Repub- In the earlier version of the bill, I nerable people—members of the LGBT lican—not a prank, but a serious blow was very concerned about: What about community, Native American women, to women. And that’s what the organi- the next victim? If we do this and we and immigrant victims. All people de- zations know, and that’s why, Madam don’t address this, what about the next serve to be protected from domestic vi- Floor Manager, they’re opposed to this victim? Which victim doesn’t make it olence. There should be no exceptions bill. out of that house? And I’ve heard my to this law. We can’t say women of Mrs. ADAMS. I continue to reserve colleagues on the other side talk about America, we’re passing a bill to protect the balance of my time. how we’re trying to do something be- you—not so fast in your applause if you Mr. CONYERS. I yield 2 minutes to cause of immigration. No. We’re trying happen to be a member of the LGBT ZOE LOFGREN, a member of the com- to do something to protect the victims community, an immigrant or other- mittee. and the next victims if we don’t get the wise, or a Native American woman. Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I circle of violence stopped. It always re- Because the Republican bill is a step think sometimes it’s helpful to get into peats itself. backward from the current law of the the nitty-gritty of legislation. This bill I reserve the balance of my time. land, more than 300 organizations have changes the law that exists today and Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am spoken out in opposition, from the reduces protection for immigrant pleased to yield 1 minute to our leader, American Bar Association to the women in key ways. Let me just talk NANCY PELOSI. YWCA. about one of the ways. Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman Local law enforcement officials have If you are an immigrant temporarily for yielding. I thank him for his leader- said that this Republican House bill here, or even without your documents, ship on this important issue, not only ‘‘will impede criminal investigations, and you are a victim of domestic vio- as this legislation comes to the floor, undermine prosecutions, and interfere lence and the police want to keep you but for the past couple of decades on with victim safety.’’ I repeat the here because you’re a witness or they the subject. I commend the maker of quotation. The local law enforcement need your help in a prosecution, the po- our motion to accept the Senate bill, officials have said this bill ‘‘will im- lice can obtain what is called a U visa Congresswoman GWEN MOORE, for her pede criminal investigations, under- so you get to stay here. That’s in the sincere leadership on this issue as well. mine prosecutions and interfere with current law. It was bipartisan. It was Madam Speaker, 18 years ago, Mem- victim safety.’’ done in the year 2000. bers of Congress came together—some Religious organizations such as the This bill changes that in important of us gathered in this Chamber right Lutheran Immigration and Refugee ways. Under current law, if you are a U now—came together to make history Service and the National Association visa holder, you have the possibility of with the original passage of the Vio- of Evangelicals have also expressed applying for a permanent visa. Why is lence Against Women Act. We helped strong opposition to certain provisions that important? Because otherwise, if ensure that no victim of domestic vio- of this legislation. you come forward to cooperate with lence has to suffer in silence. The many advocates and experts who the police, you could be voluntarily de- I want to especially salute our Vice work day in and day out on this issue, porting yourself and be separated from President, JOE BIDEN, who was chair- on the issue of domestic violence, have your children, and that is a deterrent man of the Judiciary Committee in the also opposed the House Republican to people coming forward to work with Senate at the time, who worked with version of the Violence Against Women the police. That’s why it was crafted our chairman and many Members on Act. Republicans have chosen not to the way it was. Even under the man- both sides of the aisle to pass that leg- listen to the professionals in the field ager’s amendment, there is a diminu- islation, again, making history. and are failing to give the many orga- tion of that possibility, and it would nizations serving battered women the lead to absurd results. b 1620 tools that they need. I’ll give you an example. The original Violence Against The Obama administration has said Under the manager’s amendment, Women Act took domestic violence out in their Statement of Administration you can only apply for the residence if of the shadows and shone bright sun- Policy that the legislation ‘‘rolls back your abuser had been deported to the shine on it. existing law and removes long-standing country where you are from. So a U In the years since, domestic violence protections for victims of domestic vio- visa is for 4 years. If your abuser is has decreased by more than 50 per- lence and sexual assault—crimes that serving a 5-year sentence, you have to cent—more than 50 percent. What a re- predominantly affect women.’’ That is be deported, and then your abuser will markable outcome. Twice in the inter- why the President’s senior advisers come after you the next year. It’s a vening years we have come together in have said that they would recommend stupid provision, unfortunately. I can’t a bipartisan way to reauthorize and that the President veto this bill. believe that that’s the intended result. strengthen the law. This year our col- Today, this House of Representatives I know Mrs. ADAMS is sincere, but leagues in the Senate acted similarly, has heard powerful statements from that’s what is in the bill. And that’s passing a strong bill with a strong bi- women Members of Congress about the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.070 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2771 need to pass a strong Violence Against 2. Advocates for Human Rights 60. Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Traf- Women bill. I hope that the safety of 3. African Services Committee ficking women will be high on the list of our 4. Alachua County Victim Services and 61. Colorado Coalition Against Sexual As- Rape Crisis Center sault colleagues as they determine their 5. Alaska Federation of Natives 62. Community Action and Human Services vote. 6. Alianza Latina en Contra la Agresio´ n Department For nearly 20 years, the Violence Sexual 63. Community Action Network Against Women Act has strengthened 7. Alliance for Immigrants Rights & Re- 64. Community Immigration Law Center communities and provided critical life- form—Michigan 65. Connecticut Legal Services Inc. saving support to victims of violence. 8. American Bar Association 66. Community Legal Services in East Palo Because of this law, more victims get 9. American Civil Liberties Union Alto the help they need and domestic vio- 10. American Federation of Labor 67. Community Refugee and Immigration 11. American Gateways Services lence rates have decreased. Not only 12. American Immigration Lawyers Asso- 68. Community Solutions has VAWA saved lives; it has saved ciation 69. Connecticut Legal Services, Inc. money. All Americans are entitled to 13. American Immigration Lawyers Asso- 70. Cris M. Sullivan, Ph.D., Professor, Eco- feel safe, including in their own ciation (AILA), Washington Chapter logical/Community Psychology, Associate homes—every one of us. Yet too many 14. American Jewish Committee Chair, Psychology Department women continue to live in fear. That is 15. American Public Health Association 71. Detective Sergeant Robert Mahoney, why we must strengthen, never weak- 16. Americans for Immigrant Justice, Inc. Peabody Police Department, Massachusetts 17. America’s Voice Education Fund 72. Detective Shelli Sonnenberg, Boise Po- en, the Violence Against Women Act. 18. Anindita Dasgupta, MA, Doctoral Can- lice Department, Idaho And I want to commend the members didate at the University of California, San 73. Detective Stacey Ivie, Alexandria Po- of the Judiciary Committee, my col- Diego lice Department, Virginia leagues on the House side, the Demo- 19. Anita Raj, PhD, Professor of Medicine 74. Domestic Violence in the African Amer- cratic side, who have brought such tre- and Global Public Health at the University ican Community mendous intellectual resource to this of California, San Diego 75. Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment legislation, listening to those who min- 20. Artemis Justice Center and Appeals Project ister to the needs of women who have 21. ASHA for Women 76. DREAM Activist Virginia 22. Asian American Legal Defense and Edu- 77. Education Not Deportation Project of been victims of domestic violence and cation Fund the United We Dream Network to those who are trying to protect it. 23. Asian Pacific American Legal Center, a 78. El Rescate Legal Services, Inc. I know that everyone in this body, Member of the Asian American Center 79. Empire Justice Center Democratic and Republican alike, have 24. Advancing Justice 80. Enlace Comunitario the same goal, which is the safety of 25. Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on 81. Equal Justice Center women. We not only want us to have Domestic Violence 82. Esperanza the same goal, we want us to have the 26. Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach 83. Esperanza Peace and Justice Center same goal for all women in America. 27. ASISTA 84. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amer- 28. Ayuda ica And that’s why we must strengthen, 29. Bangladeshi American Democratic Cau- 85. Evan Stark, Ph.D., MA, MSW, Professor never weaken, the Violence Against cus of Michigan and Director of Public Health, School of Women Act. 30. Bangladeshi American Democratic Cau- Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers Because this bill on the floor rolls cus University—Newark & Chair, Department of back current law and fails to protect 31. Boesche Legal Clinic, University of Urban Health Administration, UMDNJ— all victims of violence, I urge my col- Tulsa College of Law School of Public Health leagues to oppose it. 32. Boston University Civil Litigation Pro- 86. FaithAction International House gram 87. Families and the Law Clinic, Columbus OFFICE OF THE DEMOCRATIC LEADER 33. Break the Cycle School of Law, Catholic University of Amer- MAY 16, 2012. 34. California Coalition Against Sexual As- ica UPDATED: MORE THAN 300 ORGANIZATIONS sault 88. Families Against Mandatory Minimums OPPOSE HOUSE GOP VAWA BILL 35. California Partnership to End Domestic 89. Families for Freedom Today, the House will consider H.R. 4970, Violence 90. Family Counseling Services of Greater the House GOP Violence Against Women Act 36. Caminar Latino Miami, Inc. (VAWA) Reauthorization bill. The bill is 37. Campaign for Community Change 91. Farmworker Justice being considered under a closed rule. 38. Canal Alliance 92. Feminist Majority More than 300 organizations oppose the 39. Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coali- 93. First Focus House GOP bill, including such groups as the tion 94. Florida Coastal Immigrant Rights U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Coali- 40. Captain Maria Alvarenga Watkins, (Re- 95. Florida Coastal Immigrant Rights Clin- tion Against Domestic Violence, National tired) Metropolitan Police ic Network to End Domestic Violence, National 41. Department, Washington, D.C. 96. Franciscan Action Network Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, Break 42. Casa Cornelia Law Center 97. Freedom Network (USA) the Cycle, Legal Momentum, Leadership 43. Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ 98. Fuerza Latina Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Na- Network for Healthy Families and Commu- 99. Futures Without Violence tional Organization for Women, Feminist nities 100. Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Majority, YWCA USA, AAUW, Business and 44. CASA de Maryland, Inc. Network Professional Women’s Foundation, National 45. Casa de Proyecto Libertad 101. Georgia Asylum and Immigration Net- Women’s Law Center, Planned Parenthood 46. Casa Esperanza work (GAIN) 47. Center for Family Policy & Practice 102. Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Federation of America, American Bar Asso- 48. Center for Gender & Refugee Studies Rights ciation, NAACP, National Council of La 49. Center for Pan Asian Community Serv- 103. Gibbs Houston Pauw Raza, Human Rights Campaign, United ices, Inc. 104. Giselle Hass, PsyD, Adjunct Professor Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, 50. Center for Victim and Human Rights of Law at Georgetown University Law Cen- Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and Na- 51. CenterLink: The Community of LGBT ter, Center for Applied Legal Studies tional Congress of American Indians. Centers 105. Gulfcoast Legal Services The National Association of Evangelicals 52. Central American Resource Center 106. Haven Women’s Center of Stanislaus and the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee 53. Chief Brian Kyes, Chelsea Police De- 107. HAVEN, Oakland County Michigan Service are opposed to the immigrant provi- partment, Massachusetts 108. Hawai’i Coalition for Immigration Re- sions in the bill. 54. Chief Pete Helein, Appleton Wisconsin form The Administration has also issued a veto Police Department 109. Hawaii State Coalition Against Do- threat on the bill. 55. Christian Community Development As- mestic Violence sociation 110. Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society MAY 16, 2012. 56. Church World Service 111. Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society—Penn- A VOTE FOR H.R. 4970 IS A VOTE AGAINST VAWA 57. Clergy and Laity United for Economic sylvania DEAR COLLEAGUE: Please see below for the Justice 112. Helene Berman, RN, Ph.D., President more than 320 groups and individuals who 58. Coalition Against Religious Discrimina- of the Nursing Network on Violence Against have written in opposition to key provisions tion Women International of H.R. 4970: 59. Coalition for Humane Immigrant 113. Holy Cross Ministries of Utah 1. Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. Rights of Los Angeles 114. Human Rights Campaign

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.072 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 115. Human Rights Initiative of North 166. Michigan Muslim Democratic Caucus 221. New Mexico Asian Family Center Texas 167. Midwest Association of Farmworker 222. New Sanctuary Coalition of NYC 116. Human Rights Watch Organizations 223. New York Anti-Trafficking Network 117. Immigrant Defense Project 168. Midwest Association of Farmworker 224. New York State Coalition Against Sex- 118. Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota Organizations ual Assault 119. Immigrant Legal Center of Boulder 169. Mil Mujeres 225. North Carolina Coalition Against Do- County 170. Minnesota Coalition for Battered mestic Violence 120. Immigrant Rights Clinic, Rutgers Women 226. North Carolina Coalition Against Sex- School of Law—Newark 171. Mountain Crisis Services ual Assault 121. Immigration Equality 172. Mujeres Latinas En Accion 227. North Carolina Stop Human Traf- 122. inMotion, Inc. 173. Muslim Public Affairs Council ficking 123. InterCultural Advocacy Institute 174. My Sister’s Place (New York) 228. Northwest Immigrant Rights Project 124. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona 175. My Sister’s Place, Inc. (D.C.) 229. Officer Michael LaRiviere, Salem Po- 125. International Institute of the Bay Area 176. Nassau County Coalition Against Do- lice Department, Massachusetts 126. Intimate Partner Violence Assistance mestic Violence 230. Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence Clinic University of Florida 177. NAACP Legal Defense and Educational 231. Paso del Norte Civil Rights Project 127. Iowa Annual Conference of the United Fund, Inc. 232. Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Methodist Church 178. National Advocacy Center of the Sis- Center 128. Levin College of Law ters of the Good Shepherd 233. Physicians for Human Rights 129. Jacquelyn Campbell, Ph.D., RN, 179. National African Immigrant and Ref- 234. Progressive Leadership Alliance of Ne- FAAN, Anna D. Wolf Chair, The ugee Women’s Network vada 130. Johns Hopkins University School of 180. National Alliance to End Sexual Vio- 235. Political Asylum Immigration Rep- Nursing and National Director, Robert Wood lence resentation Project Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars 181. National Asian Pacific American Wom- 236. Public Justice Center 131. Jane Doe Inc. en’s Forum 237. Rachael Rodriguez, Ph.D., Associate 132. Jay G. Silverman, Ph.D. Professor of 182. National Association of Criminal De- Professor in the School of Nursing at Edge- Medicine and Global Health Division of Glob- fense Lawyers wood College al Public Health Senior Fellow, Center on 183. National Association of Evangelicals 238. RAICES Global Justice University of California at 184. National Association of Federal De- 239. Rainbow Services, Ltd. San Diego, School of Medicine Adjunct Asso- fenders 240. Refuge House, Inc. 241. Refugio del Rio Grande, Inc. ciate Professor of Society, Human Develop- 185. National Center for Transgender 242. Rhonda Giger, Prosecutor—City of ment and Health Harvard School of Public Equality Bothell, WA Health 186. National Center for Victims of Crime 243. Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy 133. Jewish Women International 187. National Coalition for LGBT Health Network 134. Just Neighbors 188. National Coalition Against Domestic 244. Ross Silverman LLP 135. Justice For Our Neighbors Violence 245. Rural Women’s Health Project 136. Justice For Our Neighbors—South- 189. National Coalition of Anti-Violence 246. Sargent Shriver National Center on eastern Michigan Programs Poverty Law 137. Kentucky Coalition for Immigrant and 190. National Coalition on Black Civic Par- 247. SEPA Mujer Inc., Servicios para el Refugee Rights ticipation Avance de la Mujer 138. Kentucky Domestic Violence Associa- 191. National Congress of American Indians 248. Sergeant Inspector Antonio Flores, tion 192. National Congress of American Indians San Francisco Police Department, California 139. Korean American Resource & Cultural Task Force on Violence Against Women 249. Service Employees International Center 193. National Council of Jewish Women Union 140. Korean Resource Center 194. National Council of Juvenile and Fam- 250. Services, Immigrant Rights and Edu- 141. La Fe Multi-Ethnic Ministries, Inter- ily Court Judges cation Network varsity Christian Fellowship/USA 195. National Council of La Raza 251. Sex Workers Project at the Urban Jus- 142. La Jolla Band of Luiseno Indians 196. National Council of Negro Women, Inc. tice Center 143. Latin American Association 197. National Domestic Violence Hotline 252. Sexual Assault Response Services of 144. Latin American Coalition 198. National Employment Law Project Southern Maine 145. Latina/o Bar Association of Wash- 199. National Hispanic Christian Leader- 253. Sexual Violence Center ington ship Conference 254. Sexuality Information and Education 146. LatinoJustice PRLDEF 200. National Hispanic Council on Aging Council of the U.S. 147. Leadership Conference of Women Reli- 201. National Immigrant Justice Center 255. Sierra County Victim Assistance Unit gious 202. National Immigration Forum 256. Sisters of Mercy Institute Justice 148. Legal Aid Service of Collier County 203. National Immigration Law Center Team 149. Legal Aid Society of Minneapolis 204. National Immigration Project of the 257. Sisters of Mercy of the Americas 150. Legal Aid Society of Rochester, New National Lawyers Guild 258. Sisters of Mercy South Central Com- York 205. National Korean American Service & munity 151. Legal Aid Society of the Orange Coun- Education Consortium 259. Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia ty Bar Association, Inc. 206. National Latina Institute for Repro- 260. Social Justice Action Network 152. Legal Aid Society—Employment Law ductive Health 261. Sojourners Center 207. National Latino Evangelical Coalition 262. South Asian Americans Leading To- 153. Legal Momentum 208. National Legal Aid & Defender Asso- gether 154. Legal Services for Children ciation 263. Southern Poverty Law Center 155. Leslye E. Orloff, J.D. Director, Na- 209. National Network to End Domestic Vi- 264. Stephanie J. Nawyn, Ph.D., Depart- tional Immigrant Women’s Advocacy olence ment of Sociology, Michigan State Univer- Project, American University Washington 210. National Organization for Women sity College of Law Foundation 265. Student Action with Farmworkers 156. Lieutenant Carole Germano, Danvers 211. National Organization of Sisters of 266. Supervising Deputy Sheriff Marcus Police Department, Massachusetts Color Ending Sexual Assault Bruning, St. Louis County 157. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee 212. National Resource Center on Domestic 267. Sheriff’s Office, Missouri Service Violence 268. Tahirih Justice Center 158. Lutheran Social Services of New Eng- 213. National Resource Center on Domestic 269. Tapestri, Inc land Violence and the Women of Color Network 270. The Advocates for Human Rights 159. Mary Ann Dutton, Ph.D., Professor, 214. National Task Force to End Sexual 271. The Bridge to Hope Department of Psychiatry, Georgetown Uni- and Domestic Violence Against Women 272. The Episcopal Church versity Medical Center 215. Nawal Ammar, PhD, Professor and 273. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center 160. Maryland Network Against Domestic Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and 274. The Kansas/Missouri Dream Alliance Violence Humanities at the University of Ontario In- 275. The Leadership Conference for Civil 161. Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee stitute of Technology and Human Rights Advocacy Coalition 216. Neighbors in Support of Immigrants 276. The Legal Aid Society 162. Maui International Language School 217. NETWORK, A National Catholic Social 277. The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo 163. Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Justice Lobby County 164. Michigan Coalition for Immigrant and 218. Network for Victim Recovery of DC 278. The P.E.A.C.E*. Initiative Refugee Rights 219. Nevada Hispanic Services Inc. 279. The Sentencing Project 165. Michigan Indo-American Democratic 220. New Bridges Immigrant Resource Cen- 280. The United Church of Christ, Justice Caucus ter and Witness Ministries

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.034 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2773 281. The Violence Intervention Program by targeting more funding to programs b 1630 282. The William Kellibrew Foundation that need it, and processing that needs 283. TN Coalition to End Domestic and I would say, as an aside, the last it, and also gives some new provisions speaker talked about Native Ameri- Sexual Violence which I helped work on with the Judi- 284. Transgender Law Center cans. The National Congress of Amer- 285. UC Davis Immigration Law Clinic ciary Committee to better serve our ican Indians of course says this matter 286. UFW Foundation Native Americans. does nothing to address the crux of the 287. Unidas, The National Latina LGBT This piece of legislation which pro- issue—the lack of local authority to Human Rights Organization vides services to all victims without handle misdemeanor-level domestic 288. Unitarian Universalist Association of discrimination has always enjoyed and dating violence when the perpe- Congregations broad bipartisan support. Unfortu- 289. United Methodist Church trator is non-Indian. It goes on to op- nately, because some in Congress saw pose this legislation. 290. United Migrant Opportunity Services an opportunity to use abuse victims as 291. United Migrant Opportunity Services/ I rise in sadness, Madam Speaker. I UMOS Inc. a prop in a political game, today we’re was the cosponsor of the original Vio- 292. United Women.org having a different discussion, and I feel lence Against Women Act in 1994. We 293. University of Miami, School of Nursing it’s shameful. House Republicans are passed a bipartisan bill that has helped & Health Studies not going to allow the Violence law enforcement significantly reduce 294. U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Against Women Act to get sidelined be- domestic violence, sexual assault, and 295. VIDA Legal Assistance, Inc. cause of politics. It’s simply too impor- stalking. 296. Vermont Immigration and Asylum Ad- tant. vocates While great progress has been made, One area of particular concern to unfortunately one in three American 297. Vermont Network Against Domestic people back home in South Dakota is and Sexual Violence women still experience violence by a 298. Violence Intervention Program provisions for Native Americans and partner, stalking, or sexual assault. 299. Virginia Coalition of Latino Organiza- Native American women. Native Amer- That’s why this bill is a perfect exam- tions ican women suffer from higher levels of ple of why we need to work together in 300. Virginia Organizing abuse than non-Indian women, but all a bipartisan fashion to reauthorize and 301. Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence too often they don’t get to see their strengthen the Violence Against Action Alliance perpetrators brought to justice. It’s 302. Voces de la Frontera Women Act. I will tell my friends the simply unacceptable. Senate did this. Why is it that we have 303. Voces Unidas for Justice This Violence Against Women Act to choose disunity and confrontation 304. Voices of Immigrants in Action/Rural improves upon many of the programs Women’s Health Project over consensus? I don’t know why that that are designed specifically to aid 305. Voices of Men is, particularly on an issue of this Native American women, and it also 306. Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevad- great importance to the American peo- includes new provisions to improve ans ple. 307. Walnut Avenue Women’s Center Congress’s response to potential prob- The Senate came together, 68 of 308. Washington Defender Association’s Im- lems they may run into. Furthermore, them—two-thirds of the United States migration Project to better ensure that Native American Senate, Republicans and Democrats, 309. Washington Immigration Defense women have improved recourse against overwhelmingly supported this. Every Group abusive individuals, I worked with the 310. Washington State Coalition Against woman in the United States Senate chairman of the Judiciary Committee Domestic Violence supported the Senate bill—everyone, and the staff to include language in 311. WeCount! Republican women and Democratic this bill to empower Native American 312. Who Is My Neighbor? Inc. women, who know firsthand the crisis 313. Willow Creek Community Church women to either petition individually 314. Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic that confronts our communities. the Federal courts or through their However, this version was reported Violence tribal courts for a Federal restraining by the Judiciary Committee with no 315. Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual order. Ensuring that these women have bipartisan support—and indeed bipar- Assault the ability to obtain a protection order 316. Women Against Abuse tisan opposition. Why do we have to do is a vital step towards stopping the 317. Women of Color Network that? We could have come together. We cycle of abuse that many of them suf- 318. Women’s Crisis Support—Defensa de should have come together. The Senate fer through. It impacts disproportion- Mujeres came together. There is no reason we 319. Women’s Law Project ately those in Indian Country over can’t, other than to make our points on 320. Women’s Refugee Commission other areas of the Nation. 321. Worker Justice Center of New York Those who have suffered from vio- a partisan basis. This bill is weaker than existing law, 322. Workers Rights Clinic lence and abuse have gone through it is regressive, and it sends the wrong 323. World Evangelical Alliance enough. Let’s not cause more harm by 324. World Relief putting politics before victims, and message about our values. The Senate’s 325. Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic version extends new protections to Na- Violence and Sexual Assault let’s support and reauthorize the im- proved Violence Against Women Act tive Americans and to all who are tar- 326. YWCA USA geted, regardless of sexual orientation. For further information on the over- today. Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Isn’t that our value, to protect every whelming opposition to H.R. 4970, please individual? ‘‘We hold these truths to be visit the Minority Judiciary Committee web yield myself 30 seconds. site: http://democrats.judiciary.house.gov Ladies and gentlemen of the House, self-evident, that all individuals are /issue/materials-opposing-republican-vio- in fact, the new tribal protection or- endowed by their Creator.’’ Shouldn’t lence-against-women-act-hr-4970 ders added by the manager’s amend- we protect all individuals, not exclude Or contact House Judiciary Democratic ment would reverse the Violence some? Staff, Ron LeGrand and Jenny Perrino. Against Women Act’s victim-centered Not only does the House version fail We strongly encourage all colleagues to approach and would require Native to include those protections, it also vote ‘‘no’’ on H.R. 4970 today. women to sometimes travel hours to makes it harder for law enforcement to Mrs. ADAMS. I yield 3 minutes to the obtain protection orders from a Fed- encourage immigrant victims to come gentlewoman from South Dakota (Mrs. eral district court. forward to seek help and justice. I met NOEM), who is also a cosponsor of the Madam Speaker, I am now pleased to with over 30 members of the law en- legislation. yield 4 minutes to the distinguished forcement community on Monday. We Mrs. NOEM. Madam Speaker, for whip of the House of Representatives, sat around and we talked about, gen- nearly 20 years the Violence Against STENY HOYER of Maryland. erally, gang violence, but we talked Women Act has supported programs Mr. HOYER. I thank the distin- about VAWA. We talked about the abil- that assist victims of domestic abuse, guished ranking member from Michi- ity of people to come forward and make stalking, and sexual assault. I’m proud gan who has been such an extraor- complaints, feel comfortable in doing to support the legislation that’s on the dinary fighter for the rights of all peo- that, and enhance the ability to get do- House floor today because it reauthor- ple in our country, and I rise in opposi- mestic defenders out of the cycle of vi- izes those programs, strengthens them tion to this bill. olence against domestic partners or

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:28 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.037 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 others. They all agreed that we ought bill. H.R. 4970 is opposed by groups that worse position than under current law, to make it easier, not harder. We make support immigrants because immigrant and excludes other vulnerable popu- it harder in this bill. This is not the women will find themselves victims of lations, such as tribal women, LGBTQ. right way to go. these crimes without the support that In short, any alleged improvements This version is opposed by hundreds they need. And the community of made by this bill cannot conceal the of groups. I’ve got a list here. I’m not LGBT Americans will find themselves overwhelming harm that it will cause. going to read it. Leader PELOSI sub- without the support they would get When I asked who supports this bill, mitted it for the RECORD. Hundreds of under the Senate version of this legis- the floor manager could name only one groups are opposed to this legislation, lation. person. She said, I do. And when I including the American Bar Associa- Once again, the House majority dem- asked her why do all of the women’s or- tion, and are urging a ‘‘no’’ vote. onstrates the dysfunction in Wash- ganizations and law enforcement orga- I’m going to vote ‘‘no’’ on this, and I ington, D.C. Instead of applauding the nizations oppose the bill, she made hope all my colleagues do as well so overwhelming vote in the Senate with some other comment about why that that we can adopt a bill that has over- a bipartisan vote that passed just re- was so. whelming bipartisan support and the cently by 68 votes in the Senate for a b 1640 support of these groups. Why do we Violence Against Women Act to be re- Ladies and gentlemen, we must turn confront these groups and say: Nope, authorized and putting that bipartisan back this unacceptable piece of legisla- you’re wrong, we know better; we know bill on this floor, our Republican col- tion. better; you’ve worked on this for years leagues in the House went the other I yield back the balance of my time. and decades, but we’re going to go our way. Mrs. ADAMS. I yield the balance of own way? Madam Speaker, it is time for us to my time to the gentleman from South The SPEAKER pro tempore. The put the Senate bill on the floor, get Carolina (Mr. GOWDY), my dear friend, time of the gentleman has expired. this work done, follow the lead of the a former Federal prosecutor and an Mr. CONYERS. I am pleased to yield American public that says: Get to original cosponsor of this bill. an additional 1 minute to the gen- work, make it happen, and protect Mr. GOWDY. Nell Lindsey was a tleman. women who are the victims of violence nurse at a local hospital. Her shift had Mr. HOYER. I thank the gentleman. in this country. ended, and it was time to go home. She This version is opposed, as I said, by Mrs. ADAMS. I continue to reserve couldn’t take her own car because her hundreds of groups representing vic- the balance of my time. husband had disabled the car so it tims, advocates, faith-based organiza- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, how wouldn’t work. This is the same hus- tions, as well as law enforcement. much time remains? band who had broken her jaw on a fam- Now, almost every one of us, every The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ily vacation, the same husband who one of us—or most, I imagine—has had tleman from Michigan has 11⁄4 minutes had knocked out her teeth in an some personal experience with this. In remaining. The gentlewoman from Applebee’s parking lot while her chil- our own families, ourselves, as lawyers, Florida has 53⁄4 minutes remaining. dren watched, the same husband who as doctors, as neighbors, as friends, as Mr. CONYERS. I yield 30 seconds to had called their oldest son a sexual-ori- fellow church members, we all know the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. entation epithet, and put beer in the the cost of this violence. Let us come LUJA´ N). baby bottle of their youngest child. together and act together. Mr. LUJA´ N. Madam Speaker, it’s So Nell Lindsey got a ride home from This should not be a vehicle for par- with great disappointment that I rise the hospital from work with a friend of tisan confrontation. Instead, we should today in opposition to this bill, not be- hers. And as they were headed home, adopt the Senate’s bipartisan version cause the issue of violence against they saw an ominous sight, Madam and ensure that law enforcement agen- women is not real, but because this Speaker. They saw the car of her es- cies have the tools they need to pre- House bill does not do enough to ad- tranged husband. Now, he had been or- vent domestic violence and provide vic- dress domestic violence and protect dered to stay away from her, Madam tims with the assistance they need. women. Speaker, but he didn’t care. And there Let us vote ‘‘no’’ on this legislation, Sadly, instead of taking action on a was a conditional bond to stay away and then let us move forward in a bi- bipartisan bill that has passed the Sen- from her, but he didn’t care. And there partisan, constructive, overwhelmingly ate that meets the need to protect was a court order, an order of protec- supported fashion like our colleagues America’s women, the Republican ma- tion to stay away from her, but he in the United States Senate did in a bi- jority has chosen confrontation over didn’t care. partisan way. compromise with a bill that is seri- And when Nell Lindsey and her friend Mrs. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I ously limited, particularly in the pro- saw that ominous sight of Marion yield myself such time as I may con- tections it offers to Native American Lindsey in a car, they did a very smart sume. women. thing, Madam Speaker. They headed I would just say that I agree that all It was my great hope that the House straight for the Inman Police Depart- victims need to be covered, and that is Republicans would rise to do the right ment. And they’re jumping over rail- what this piece of legislation does. We thing. Don’t hide behind excuses—do road tracks, and they’re running stop do not segment out. We do not pit vic- the right thing. Let’s close the loop- signs, and they’re running red lights. tim against victim. It is all victims. hole that allows abusers to get away And Nell gets out her cell phone and I reserve the balance of my time. with violence, especially against Na- she calls 911. And she says, Please help, Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I tive American women. It’s not right please help. yield now 1 minute to the distinguished that abusers game these loopholes to So they pull into the back parking gentleman from California (Mr. beat their victims. Reject this bill and lot of the Inman Police Department, BECERRA). take up the Senate version. and she still has the cell phone to her Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gen- Mrs. ADAMS. I reserve the balance of ear, and through the audiotape that we tleman for yielding. my time. played at trial, Madam Speaker, you Madam Speaker, 2 out of every 10 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- could hear Nell Lindsey saying, Please women in America will be a victim of tleman from Michigan has three-quar- help, please help. And then you heard rape in her lifetime. More than that ters of a minute remaining. four gunshots. And when they took her will experience severe physical vio- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker and body out of the back seat of that car, lence by an intimate partner. Madam Members of the House, this bill has she still had the cell phone in her hand. Speaker, which one of those women is been revealed to be reauthorizing cer- The system failed Nell Lindsey, not worthy of protection or support as tain grant programs, but it really Madam Speaker. She did everything we a result of this legislation? doesn’t. It undermines the safety of the tell battered and abused women to do. H.R. 4970 is opposed by tribal govern- most vulnerable victims of violence. It The courts couldn’t save her, the pros- ments because Native American women rolls back important protections for ecutors couldn’t save her. Her hus- will have less protection under this immigrant victims, putting them in a band’s on death row, but that doesn’t

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.074 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2775 save her. But even in her death, Madam Since its enactment in 1994, the Violence creased 28 percent from 2010. In El Paso, Speaker, she did something good be- Against Women Act (VAWA) has been im- Texas according to the El Paso Police Depart- cause she spawned changes in South proved with each renewal in 2000 and 2005. ment, police responded to 200 reports of sex- Carolina in the way that we treat vio- It has been done on a bipartisan basis. The ual assault and 4,500 domestic violence cases lence against women. Senate’s 2012 VAWA reauthorization bill just last year. And with the help of Violence passed by a 68–31 margin. These numbers indicate the severity of a Against Women grants, like the ones The same cannot be said for this bill, which widespread problem that can have devastating that are at jeopardy today, with the barely passed the House Judiciary Committee social and health-related consequences and help of those grants, and a woman by a 17–15 vote along mostly partisan lines. this bill will only weaken the confidentiality pro- named Lynn Hawkins, who I must con- Rather than addressing serious gaps in pro- visions for victims seeking protection from fur- cede, Madam Speaker, does not share tection and services, H.R. 4970 rolls back crit- ther violence. This bill reverses the ‘‘U’’ visa my political ideology in any way, ical safeguards that have long been part of program that encourages immigrant victims of shape, or form, but she put the polit- this law and repeals current law requiring crime to report and help prosecute serious ical sloganeering and the bumper abuser-submitted evidence to be corroborated criminal activity and now will create obstacles stickers behind and she said, let’s before it can be used against a victim. These for those seeking to report crimes. Now immi- change the system in South Carolina, safeguards were included as part of previous grant victims will be far less likely to share po- and we did it. It wasn’t in time to save reauthorizations and are included in S. 1925, tentially valuable information with police that Nell Lindsey, but it was in time to save the Senate’s 2012 bipartisan reauthorization could help solve crimes and prosecute offend- a graveyard full of other women in our bill. With these provisions stripped, H.R. 4970 ers. State. leaves countless women, including LGBT, im- Republicans in the House should drop their So I’m going to ask simply this, migrant, and American Indian victims at risk. misguided attempt to undermine the Violence Madam Speaker: Can we stop the elec- The bill puts abused immigrant women at in- Against Women Act that puts the safety and tion-year gimmicks? Can we stop these creased risk by imposing new, burdensome security of women at risk and instead should manufactured wars that pit one group procedural hurdles that would delay or deny reauthorize and strengthen the existing pro- of Americans against another group of protections and put victims in a more vulner- gram, as the Senate has already done. House Americans? able position than they would be under current Republicans should be ashamed of politicizing I spent 16 years prosecuting men who law. Law enforcement groups, including the such an important issue and for attempting to raped, stabbed, strangled, shot, and Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sher- roll back longstanding bipartisan protections killed women. I have a mother, a wife, iffs’ Association, the National District Attorneys for victims of domestic violence and sexual vi- a daughter, three sisters, and the im- Association, and National Association of Attor- olence. ages of countless women indelibly im- neys General support provisions in current law As the National Organization for Women printed on my mind because they were and in the Senate bill that protect immigrant has stated, this bill ‘‘disregards the biases and killed by men who claimed to care women and help police and prosecutors pur- disrespect that certain victims face when seek- about them. sue cases against dangerous perpetrators. ing help from the criminal justice system and This is not about politics to me. If The House Majority’s VAWA reauthorization access to lifesaving services, effectively giving you want to make women safer, then would abolish significant enhancements con- second-class treatment to Native American, change the way we draw juries, change tained in the bipartisan Senate bill. For LGBT immigrant women, and LGBT victims. The bill the discovery rules, improve the rape victims of domestic violence, H.R. 4970 fails to smacks of willful ignorance of the problem and shield statute. But stop focusing on prohibit discrimination and ensure equal ac- hostility to people deemed not to be ‘true’ vic- November’s election for just one after- cess to services. This bill would do away with tims.’’ I fully support this statement because noon and wonder with me what good we provisions designed to provide justice to the fact of the matter is, violence is violence, can accomplish if we will stop the po- American Indian women by eliminating provi- regardless of who the victim is. litical games, and if we could pick up sions empowering tribes with jurisdiction to As a husband, father, and grandfather to some humanity and embrace the fact prosecute non-Indian perpetrators on their four wonderful women, this issue is very im- that, even in a political environment lands. as dysfunctional as this one, we can Our Nation’s most vulnerable victims of vio- portant to me. If there is any issue where we find common ground when it comes to lence stand to lose from this reauthorization should all agree, it is to help stop domestic fighting for those who have no voice, should it become law. I am dismayed to see and sexual violence, and to protect all victims. who have nobody to stand up for them. that some could actually support legislation This should not be a political issue, but a mat- Madam Speaker, the political games that provides protections for abusers rather ter of protecting those whom are most vulner- have to stop, at least for a day. They than the abused. I urge my colleagues to re- able. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose have to stop. If this bill fails, it will be ject H.R. 4970. this partisan measure. because those on the other side were so Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today in Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam bent on making a point that they strong opposition to H.R. 4970, the Violence Speaker, today I rise in opposition to H.R. stopped caring about making a dif- Against Women Reauthorization Act. This con- 4970, and I encourage the majority to instead ference. troversial bill would weaken long-standing pro- take up the bipartisan version of the Violence Madam Speaker, the Senate bill is tections and fails to protect the most vulner- Against Women Act reauthorization that fundamentally and constitutionally able victims of violence. passed the Senate. I would like to thank my flawed. Further, to say, Madam Chair, Last month, the Senate passed a bipartisan colleague, GWEN MOORE for her steadfast and it continues to pit one group of Ameri- bill to reauthorize the Violence Against unyielding work on this issue, and I was proud cans against another group of Ameri- Women Act. Instead of supporting the bipar- to join her as a cosponsor of the version of cans solely for political reasons. Lady tisan Senate bill, House Republicans intro- the VAWA reauthorization that she introduced Justice doesn’t do that, and politicians duced a dangerous partisan bill that rolls back in the House. shouldn’t do it either. I urge support many vital protections for battered women and Since 1994, the Violence Against Women for this bill. shifts the power into the hands of abusers. Act has been reauthorized without con- Ms. HIRONO. Madam Speaker, I rise in op- This bill fails to protect battered immigrant troversy, almost entirely devoid of any partisan position to H.R. 4970, the House Majority’s spouses legally here, diminishes protections rancor or division. It is an essential piece of version of the Violence Against Women Reau- for the LGBT community, and neglects chal- legislation that seeks to protect the victims of thorization Act of 2012, which eliminates im- lenges facing Native American victims. It is a abuse and offer them much-needed support. portant protections for women that have been slap in the face to victims and those who have Since its original passage, and during each of supported on a bipartisan basis for many worked tirelessly to protect them. the previous reauthorizations, Congress has years. One out of every four women in the United continued to improve the VAWA by increasing The tragedy of domestic violence is a reality States is physically assaulted by an intimate protections for women every time it has come for many families in our country and around partner and more than 740,000 children and to the floor. the world. Unfortunately, it likely touches youth are treated in hospital emergency de- This year, both the bipartisan Senate bill someone we know. Domestic violence affects partments as a result of violence each year— and Congresswoman MOORE’s bill offer re- people at all income levels, ethnicities, and more than 84 every hour. In Texas, last year forms that make certain that when we pass a ages. the number of family violence fatalities in- law that protects all women, we mean all

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.076 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 women—with no exceptions. The reauthoriza- the highest rate of partner violence. One in to improve the bill. Instead of following a truly tion should include the new language pro- four girls and one in six boys are sexually democratic process to debate these important posed in those bills which would guarantee abused before the age of 18, half of whom are policy provisions, the majority finds it more im- that the law will not discriminate against any victims of incest. Nationwide, approximately portant to shield their side from uncomfortable woman based on her race, color, religion, na- three women are killed each day by a current votes. This procedure is inappropriate for leg- tional origin or sexual orientation. or former intimate partner. islation as important as VAWA and is clearly Madam Speaker, it is my hope that my Re- In addition to the physical and emotional inconsistent with the majority’s pledge for a publican colleagues will end this partisan trauma experienced by victims, domestic vio- more open Congress. gamesmanship on an issue that has always lence and sexual assaults impose a tremen- VAWA always has been, and should have been, and should always be a bipartisan one. dous economic cost on our nation. Rape is the remained, a bipartisan bill. I am deeply trou- I join my colleagues, as well as hundreds of most costly crime to its victims, totaling $127 bled that my Republican colleagues decided to organizations and groups, and women across billion a year in medical costs, lost earnings, roll back protections for victims of abuse and the country in opposing this bill. and diminished quality of life. The cost of inti- failed to include the responsible reforms con- I urge my colleagues on the other side of mate partner violence exceeds $5.8 billion, in- tained in the Senate bill that passed by a bi- the aisle to work with us to pass the bipartisan cluding $4.1 billion in direct health care ex- partisan vote of 68–31. We must pass a Senate bill which ensures equal protection to penses. Over 25 percent of domestic violence strong VAWA reauthorization, but this bill falls all women in the United States of America. victims report that they lost a job, at least in well short of that critical necessity. Mr. DICKS. Madam Speaker, I believe every part, because of this violence. In total, domes- I ask my colleagues to oppose this bill, and Member of the House supports the reauthor- tic violence is estimated to cost employers in I encourage the Republican leadership to ization of the Violence Against Women Act. the U.S. up to $13 billion every year. allow a vote on the bipartisan Senate bill. However, I oppose the bill we are considering To address this staggering problem, VAWA Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I today because it contains serious gaps in its established streamlined programs to provide cannot support the H.R. 4970, the Republican protections for Native American victims of do- law enforcement, judges and prosecutors, and bill that rolls back critical protections for do- mestic violence and it does not include lan- social service providers with the resources mestic violence victims. Until now, reauthoriza- guage to ban discrimination against lesbian, they need to hold offenders accountable and tion of the Violence against Women Act has gay, bisexual and transgendered victims in support the needs of victims. It allowed for co- involved a strong, bipartisan effort. In sharp grant programs under the bill. ordinated, community-based services for vic- contrast to this bipartisan history, the Repub- The bill fails to grant the tribal police and tims and strengthened housing protections. lican Leadership aggressively is pushing a bill courts, generally the closest legal authorities VAWA also created important prevention pro- that weakens current law, shifts power into the for an alleged incident of domestic violence grams for young people and improved the re- hands of abusers, delays or denies protection occurring on a reservation, the authority to ad- sponse to violence against Native American to battered spouses and victims of heinous dress an incident occurring on tribal lands. In- women and those in underserved commu- crimes such as rape and sexual assault, pre- stead, tribal residents in my district would be nities. The tangible results of VAWA are im- vents law enforcement from gaining the co- forced to rely on Federal courts, located sev- pressive and should make all Americans operation of many immigrant victims of serious eral hours away in Tacoma and Seattle, for proud. crimes, and leaves more dangerous criminals help and protection. This puts a terrible and Since 1994, reporting of domestic violence on the streets to strike again. This is unac- potentially dangerous burden on Indian victims has increased by as much as 51 percent, ceptable and undermines the intent of the bill in need of a protection order, many of whom while the number of individuals killed by an in- to protect all victims of domestic and sexual do not have the means to travel this distance. timate partner has decreased 34 percent for violence. Furthermore, the requirement forcing a victim women and 57 percent for men. States have In April 2012, the Senate passed by a vote to disclose her residential address called for in enacted important protections for victims of of 68 to 31 a bipartisan bill that advanced the Section 1006 of the bill may well put her in stalking and strengthened rape laws in re- Federal government’s commitment to pro- further jeopardy. sponse to VAWA. Many more victims of do- tecting all victims—a bill that strengthens cur- I am also deeply concerned about the bill’s mestic violence, dating violence, and sexual rent law. In sharp contrast to the bipartisan refusal to prohibit discrimination against LGBT assault are able to access critical services. An Senate bill, the Republican bill fails to include individuals in all VAWA programs. No victim of entire generation of justice system profes- key protections for Native American, immi- violence of any kind should be denied assist- sionals now understands that our society can- grant, and LGBT victims of domestic violence. ance simply because his or her sexual orienta- not tolerate these crimes. In just the first six Even with the Manager’s Amendment, the Re- tion. It is wrong that the bill further perpetuates years after enactment, VAWA saved an esti- publican bill undermines key protects for many this inequity, and I fear the reasons are purely mated $12.6 billion in net averted costs. domestic violence victims, making them less political. Yet, the bill before us today betrays the bi- safe and tarnishing our American value of pro- The answer to this problem is simple. A bi- partisan history of VAWA. It fails to contain im- tecting the vulnerable. It is no wonder that partisan compromise reauthorizing the Vio- portant reforms included in a Senate-passed over 100 organizations oppose the House Re- lence Against Women Act passed the other version of the bill that ensure LGBT, Native publican bill. body with 68 votes in favor, including 15 Re- American, and immigrant women receive the So, I stand with the diverse group of organi- publicans. It resolved these issues in a way protections they deserve. The bill lacks protec- zations—including the NAACP, the National that was acceptable to both sides, and I en- tions for LGBT survivors despite the fact that Women’s Law Center, the Human Rights courage the leadership in the House to allow studies have clearly shown that these individ- Campaign, and the U.S. Conference of May- this bill to come to the floor for a vote imme- uals are underserved explicitly because of ors to strongly oppose the House Republican diately. their sexual orientation or gender identity. It bill and to support the bipartisan Senate bill. I urge my colleagues to reject this flawed bill fails to provide American Indian women effec- As policymakers, we should be protecting our and to push for the consideration of a truly bi- tive recourse to bring justice against non-In- citizens, not decreasing their safety. partisan reauthorization bill before the week is dian abusers, even though these women face Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise in out. rates of victimization more than double that of opposition to this legislation, which is an af- Mr. MORAN. Madam Speaker, I rise in re- non-Indian women. And the bill, for the first front to women, their rights and their safety. luctant but strong opposition to H.R. 4970, a time ever, weakens protections in current law It is worth noting that the Violence Against needlessly partisan reauthorization of the Vio- for migrant victims of violence. The bill would Women Act was originally passed under a Re- lence Against Women Act (VAWA) that un- leave immigrant victims without meaningful ac- publican Congress. Its provisions that protect wisely undermines important protections for cess to protection, create processing delays immigrant women passed in 2000 and 2005— victims of domestic violence and sexual as- that will keep women in life-threatening situa- again during Republican majorities. sault. tions for longer periods of time, and under- Yet, today, we are voting on legislation that Initially enacted in 1994, VAWA acknowl- mine law enforcement efforts to investigate would gut these protections, delivering women edges the harmful and persistent impact that and prosecute violent crimes with the assist- seeking help into the hands of their abusers domestic violence, sexual assault, and dating ance of immigrant victims. —endangering their safety and their lives. violence has on our society. Nearly one in four Compounding the serious flaws in the legis- Immigrant women are disproportionately im- women are the victims of rape or abuse by a lation, Republicans forced the bill to the floor pacted by domestic violence. One study from partner during adulthood, with young women under a closed rule, allowing no opportunity New York City found that 51 percent of do- between the ages of 16 and 24 experiencing for Democratic Members to offer amendments mestic partner homicide victims were foreign-

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.056 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2777 born. Other research has suggested that, victim of domestic abuse should be denied tification for why this Congress should exclude among undocumented Latina women, the rate care because of their sexual orientation. As a certain groups of women from the protections of battering is as high as 34%. lifetime supporter of civil rights I cannot in afforded by VAWA. The bill that is being con- For immigrant women, there can be lan- good conscience support legislation which sidered before the House today does a dis- guage barriers preventing them from seeking would permit this to happen. service to victims of domestic abuse in the help. In many cases, abusers may try to use Further, three out of five Native American U.S., and falls drastically short of the original the threat of deportation to prevent their vic- women are victims of domestic violence in intent of the law. tims from leaving. their lifetime, which is a pressing national Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam The Violence Against Women Act is de- problem. The Senate bill addresses this con- Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 4970, the signed to help those who are most vulnerable cern by including provisions which would give Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and who need assistance. Instead, the provi- Native American tribal governments jurisdic- of 2012. The Violence Against Women Act, sions being offered by the Majority, today, tion to investigate and prosecute incidents of VAWA, has been instrumental in protecting would make it harder for those who have been violence, in addition to providing grants to as- women from domestic violence, sexual as- battered to escape abuse and find safety. This sist tribes in prosecuting such crimes. Yet sault, dating violence, and stalking. Domestic legislation weakens confidentiality protections H.R. 4970 does not adequately address these violence often has devastating consequences that prevent abusers from knowing their vic- concerns by not including any of these provi- for women, their families, and society as a tims are seeking help. Needless, duplicative sions in the legislation. Such crass indiffer- whole. interviews with DHS would make it harder for ence makes this legislation impossible to sup- VAWA provides essential grants including those who are abused to secure assistance port. educational programs for the prevention of do- through the immigration system. The legisla- The path forward to reauthorize VAWA is mestic violence in schools, battered women’s tion would also make it more difficult for those clear. The Senate sent a clear message by shelters, a national domestic violence hotline, cooperating with law enforcement to avoid de- passing a strong, bipartisan bill, and the grants to improve law enforcement and pros- portation. Collectively, these provisions effec- House should do the same. Let us stop fight- ecution of violent crimes against women, tively cut women off from help, making it hard- ing these needless partisan battles and in- among others. It also provides much needed er for them to avail themselves of the legal stead come together to reauthorize a program services for the protection of children from process. which has worked so well over the years. I maltreatment, sexual assault, and domestic vi- Make no mistake: despite what our Repub- urge my colleagues to join me in voting olence. lican colleagues say, these provisions will not against H.R. 4970 and support the Senate bill. A manager’s amendment was offered to ad- reduce immigration fraud. That argument is a Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. dress some immigrant protection issues with red herring. Indeed, there is not one shred of Madam Speaker, the Violence Against Women H.R. 4970, but did very little to change the evidence suggesting female immigrants are Act, VAWA, has historically provided a vast original bill. H.R. 4970 would change the re- misusing the Violence Against Women Act. network of support for victims of dating vio- quirements for abused immigrant spouses of How can we turn our back on women who lence, sexual assault, and stalking since its U.S. citizens and permanent residents by im- need assistance? What kind of a message initial passage in 1994. Declining instances of posing a higher standard of proof than re- does it send to pass this legislation? Are we domestic violence and increased awareness quired for asylum applications, and by allowing saying to those who suffer abuse they do not surrounding these forms of abuse are a testa- government adjudicators to break confiden- ‘‘count’’ because they are undocumented? ment to the success of VAWA’s programs, tiality and interview an accused abuser. The I say to my colleagues—let us send another and to the importance of its preservation. Un- revised bill would only prohibit basing deci- message. Reject this legislation. Pass a real less VAWA is reauthorized, these programs sions exclusively on the information provided Violence Against Women Act that does not di- will no longer be available to protect the by the abusive spouse. The bill would also de- vide us by playing politics, but extends help to countless victims of domestic violence and crease protections for immigrant victims by un- women who need it. abuse throughout the United States. dermining the U visa program, which allows Mr. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, it is with Today, as Congress seeks to reauthorize an immigrant victim of a serious crime to stay great disappointment that I rise in strong op- this landmark piece of legislation for the third in the U.S. to assist law enforcement in inves- position to H.R. 4970, the Violence Alainst time, VAWA is at serious risk of being stripped tigating and prosecuting the crime. The man- Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2012. of its most important provisions. The Senate ager’s amendment only provides a small por- I was proud to support the original Violence version of VAWA was adopted on April 26 tion of victims the opportunity to adjust their Against Women Act when Congress passed it with bipartisan support, and not only preserves legal status after their U visa expires. Battered with bipartisan support in 1994 because it cre- important protections for women but also ex- immigrant spouses would be less likely to re- ated landmark programs to help victims of do- pands those protections to LGBT individuals port abuse if they could still be deported and mestic violence, provided grants for law en- and Native American women. Conversely, their abusive spouses would be made aware forcement agencies, and established new cat- H.R. 4970 represents a partisan bill that rolls they are trying to seek help. egories of crimes such as stalking. VAWA is back existing protections and excludes entire H.R. 4970 ignores improving the safety of one of the true bipartisan success stories in groups of victims. co-ed students on college campuses. Provi- Congress and it has achieved a real, signifi- As long as H.R. 4970 excludes critical im- sions to strengthen requirements for univer- cant and lasting impact on our nation. Since provements and disregards the recommenda- sities to report on how they address sexual vi- VAWA first passed, the annual incidence of tions of key stakeholders, I cannot support this olence on campus, were removed from the domestic violence has decreased by 53 per- bill. In the previous reauthorization, VAWA bill. If college campuses are not protected cent. However, there is still much work to be was drafted in a bipartisan fashion and in- from sexual harassment, assault, or violence; done, as approximately one in five women cluded meaningful provisions for protecting students will not be able to learn and could have been raped in their lifetime, and 45 per- battered and abused individuals, and as such potentially miss out on true educational oppor- cent of the women killed in the United States I supported its passage. Unfortunately, H.R. tunities. die after being attacked by an intimate partner. 4970 completely fails to achieve the original The bill would not restore Native American Given the fact that violence against women objectives behind VAWA, and actually does tribal courts’ jurisdiction over crimes of domes- continues to be a serious problem in this more to harm women than it does to help tic violence or dating violence committed on country, it is disappointing to see the Repub- them overcome their aggressors. reservations and tribal lands in cases where lican majority pursue such a partisan and To show my support for VAWA, I have the victim is a tribal member but the defendant reckless path forward with this legislation. In- joined my colleagues as a cosponsor of H.R. is not. Those cases currently fall outside the stead of following the Senate’s lead, which 4271, an alternative to H.R. 4970 that contains jurisdiction of both tribal and state courts and passed an effective and bipartisan bill to reau- language more consistent with the original in- are rarely prosecuted on the federal level. thorize VAWA, the GOP has decided to play tent of the bill. H.R. 4271 is simply a better bill I believe it is important to provide preventa- politics with this important issue and has sig- that goes further to recognize the same preva- tive domestic violence programs as well as nificantly weakened protections for battered lence of abuse among Native American help those who have been affected by domes- women and instituted discriminatory policies. women and LGBT individuals, and ensures tic violence with programs that can help them Specifically, H.R. 4970 does not include key that all victims are protected regardless of recover and protect them in the future. Many provisions of the Senate bill which ensure that sexual orientation or national origin. of the domestic violence programs that we LGBT victims are not discriminated against in Madam Speaker, this attack on women have today would not be able to continue with- VAWA programs. We can all agree that no needs to stop immediately. I can find no jus- out the reauthorization of VAWA. H.R. 4970

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:33 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.048 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 mitigates VAWA’s 18-year history and aban- In a letter to the Judiciary Committee, law en- Madam Speaker, in the ancient Samoan dons many victims of domestic and sexual vio- forcement officials from across the Nation said culture, it is a great shame to the male sibling lence. the Republican bill, quote, ‘‘will turn back the if any harm or injury happens to the ‘‘sacred As a supporter of VAWA from the begin- clock on over 17 years’ of progress made by child’’. It is within this cultural context, and ning, I urge all my colleagues to oppose H.R. law enforcement in reducing violence against also with a deep sense of fairness and justice 4970 and to vote on a bill that would allow women and children in our communities.’’ that I urge my colleagues to pass the Senate these much needed programs and services to Madam Speaker, protecting women and reauthorization bill. The house bill H.R. 4970, continue so that we may work to stop domes- children from abusive situations should not be while it was written with good intention, does tic violence. a partisan issue. We should take up the Sen- not do justice for the women of this country. Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Madam Speaker, ate’s bipartisan bill and not further abuse Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, the House this week, the House of Representatives is ex- these poor victims. Republican version of this bill rolls back exist- pected to take up a bill reauthorizing the Vio- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, It ing protections for immigrants who are victims lence Against Women Act (VAWA), a tradition- is with great pleasure to rise today in support of domestic violence and strips provisions in ally noncontroversial bill that improves the in- of the Violence Against Women Act. In doing the Senate version that protect Native Ameri- vestigation and prosecution of violent crimes so, I am reminded of an old Samoan belief cans and LGBT abuse victims. against women. The bill works: We’ve seen a that the female siblings are the ‘‘tama sa’’ or Republicans have decided to use this non- 60 percent decrease in domestic violence sacred child in the family. They are to be partisan issue to push their war on women fur- since the bill first passed in 1994. treated with respect, care and love—offenders ther than many of us thought possible. This The Senate recently passed its version of of this ancient taboo often faced extreme con- new bill says that if a Native American or im- this bill in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote. sequences. Madam Speaker, I am in full sup- migrant—documented or not—is the victim of Unfortunately, the partisan House version rolls port of reauthorizing the Violence Against abuse, the government should turn a blind back some of its most critical components, Women Act (VAWA). eye. This is a cold, heartless vision of what limiting protections for certain classes of While I fully support reauthorization of an law enforcement means to the American peo- women. In fact, women’s advocacy groups like Act of Congress that since 1994 has been an ple, and it’s hard to find words strong enough the Maryland Network Against Domestic Vio- essential tool to protect victims of domestic to reject it. lence say this bill would discourage victims of and sexual violence, I do however have some The House bill eliminates an existing con- these heinous crimes from going to the police major concerns with H.R. 4970, legislation be- fidentiality clause known as the self-petitioning for help and actually increase abusers’ power. fore us today. Unlike the Senate reauthoriza- process that allows abused women to apply I can’t support this bill for a number of rea- tion bill, S. 1925, introduced by Senators PAT- confidentially, if appropriate, for protected im- sons, but chief among them are its failure to RICK LEAHY and MIKE CRAPO and was passed migration status. If the clause is removed from include provisions to help reduce violence by the Senate last month with strong bipar- current law, women legally in the country be- against young women on college campuses. tisan support, H.R. 4970 introduced by my col- cause of a pending marriage who suffer abuse league Ms. SANDY ADAMS, will effectively bring This issue, in particular, resonates as we mark would not be able to keep their applications more harm than protect victims of domestic vi- for permanent status private from their abus- the second anniversary of the tragic death of olence. ers. Boyfriends or husbands would be able to Yeardley Love, a Baltimore native and student Madam Speaker, unlike S. 1925, H.R. 4970 revoke the citizenship application, making the athlete at the University of Virginia who was offers no protection for Indian spouses abused abused woman revert to undocumented status beaten by her abusive ex-boyfriend. on tribal land. Under a 1978 Supreme Court and limiting her legal options. Yeardley’s mother, Sharon Love, recently decision, non-Indians cannot be prosecuted by Men shouldn’t be able to abuse women and visited Washington to encourage lawmakers to tribal courts for crimes committed on tribal control their access to law enforcement at the swiftly pass the VAWA reauthorization ap- land. Last July, the Justice Department rec- same time. This is a scary scenario that we proved by the Senate. That bill requires col- ommended that Congress give tribes local au- shouldn’t even have to contemplate. leges to provide clear protocols and discipli- thority to prosecute non-Indians in mis- Currently, Federal and State law enforce- nary policies for reports of domestic violence, demeanor domestic and dating violence ment officers have exclusive authority to pros- dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. It cases. ecute misdemeanor domestic violence crimes also requires colleges to help victims report Madam Speaker, the Senate reauthorization committed by non-Indians on Tribal lands, the incident to law enforcement and seek a bill, S. 1925, will do just that. It will recognize many of which are known to go unprosecuted protective order if they choose to do so, as certain tribes’ concurrent jurisdiction to inves- for logistical and other reasons. The Senate well as provide victims with options to change tigate, prosecute, convict, and sentence per- VAWA reauthorization bill lets Tribal law en- academic, living and transportation arrange- sons who assault Indian spouses, intimate forcement exercise jurisdiction over such ments. Finally, it provides prevention programs partners, or dating partners, or who violate cases, while the House version maintains the for students who could be abusers, victims protection orders, in Indian country. It recog- status quo. The unfortunate situation of and bystanders. nizes that tribal nations may be best able to abused Native women has been ignored for It is shameful that the architects of the address in their own communities—neither the far too long. The law should protect all women House bill have opted to remove these critical United States nor any State would lose any from abuse, wherever they live. Republicans components. I am urging House leadership to criminal jurisdiction as a result. found an awful lot of nerve to deny equal pro- bring the Senate version to a vote so we can Madam Speaker, H.R. 4970 on the other tection to millions of Native American women provide real protection to women of all ages hand, completely ignores this ongoing injustice for no reason I can tell. and races. against Indian spouses, wives or partners, on The Senate version includes a provision that Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speak- tribal lands. helps colleges and universities increase vio- er, House Republicans say they want to pre- I am also disappointed that certain provi- lence-prevention education and reduce dating vent violence against women, yet because of sions in H.R. 4970 would strip away some of abuse and sexual assault. The House version their ideological agenda, the bill on the floor the existing protection for immigrant victims of does not include that language. The Senate this week actually eliminates current protec- abusive relationships. As it stands now, VAWA version prevents any entity that receives Fed- tions for battered women, placing them in dan- allows battered immigrants to petition for their eral anti-abuse grants from turning away ger. own immigrant status, independent of their LGBT victims when they have suffered from Domestic violence does not respect any abusive spouses and thus freeing them from domestic violence or abuse. The House boundary; it does not discriminate on the basis their spouse’s abuse and control. If enacted version is silent on the issue. of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or polit- however, H.R. 4970 will allow immigration offi- According to a National Network to End Do- ical affiliation. cers to interview an alleged offender and con- mestic Violence report, ‘‘Domestic violence im- Turning Points, the only domestic violence sider the information obtained in making a de- pacts one in four American women over their intervention program in Prince William County, termination about the adjudication of a bat- lifetimes, and 15.5 million children are ex- served 6,000 clients last year. In Fairfax tered immigrant’s petition for status. This al- posed to domestic violence each year. Victims County, there were more than 8,000 cases of lows abusers to manipulate the immigration rely on services to escape violence and re- domestic violence reported, and we have seen process to cause further harm on the victim. build their lives. When victims of domestic vio- a 40 percent increase in homelessness due to Moreover, it will reveal confidential information lence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalk- domestic violence. necessary to protect the victim and her chil- ing take the difficult step to reach out for help, Yet House Republicans would make it hard- dren from the unwanted advances of an abu- many are in life-threatening situations and er for women to come forward to report abuse. sive spouse or partner. must be able to find immediate refuge.’’

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.049 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2779 Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in should present Congress with an opportunity lence to protect such victims from future vi- support of H.R. 4970, the Violence Against to set aside our many differences and work to- olence. This protection includes preventing Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, offered gether so that women and families across the notification of a victim’s efforts to seek as- sistance from law enforcement from being by Representative ADAMS of Florida. I wish to country can lead safer, healthier, and happier exposed or transmitted to the victim’s sus- extend my deep appreciation to Representa- lives. VAWA has transformed our Nation’s re- pected batterer. tive ADAMS for her leadership in introducing sponse to violence against women and this legislation and my heart goes out to her brought critically needed resources to states PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I have and all of the women across the country who and local communities so they can prosecute a parliamentary inquiry. have been victims of domestic violence. these crimes. Reauthorizing VAWA is essen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Each year, there are more than 200,000 vic- tial. For these reasons, I am both saddened tlewoman will state her inquiry. tims of sexual assault nationwide. Sixty-two and angered that the Republican House ma- Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, if the domestic violence deaths occurred in my jority has squandered this opportunity. final amendment that I’m offering here home State of Indiana within a recent twelve- All women, no matter what their background today were to be adopted, is it not the month period. As a husband to a wonderful or lifestyle, deserve to live free of violence and case that the bill will be amended and wife and a father of two precious daughters, I danger. Our Senate colleagues recognize this. that the House will then proceed to strongly support efforts to end sexual violence They passed a thoughtful reauthorization bill final passage right away? and domestic abuse. that helps women in need. The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) The Senate bill prohibits discrimination Chair stated on February 27, 2002, and was originally passed by Congress in 1994 to against gay or transgender individuals in May 10, 2012, if a motion to recommit address rising violent crime rates against VAWA programs. It ensures that immigrant with forthwith instructions is adopted, women, and in subsequent years we have wit- women can file domestic violence complaints the amendment is reported by the nessed a dramatic reduction in the incidence without fear for their safety. It extends vital chair of the committee and is imme- of domestic violence in this country. In 2006, protections to Native American women by per- diately before the House. I supported legislation to reauthorize VAWA, mitting non-Indian men who commit violent The gentlewoman from Wisconsin is which added improvements to enhance sen- crimes against them on tribal land to be pros- recognized for 5 minutes. tencing for repeat sex offenders and require ecuted through the tribal system. It also in- Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, this pretrial detention of child pornographers. cludes important improvements to better ad- motion to recommit simply clarifies While we have made progress in our fight dress the high rates of dating violence and that the preservation of confidentiality against domestic and sexual violence, there is sexual assault experienced by people in col- to protect the victims’ identity to still work to be done, and that is why this re- lege and other educational settings. avoid retaliation and even loss of life authorization legislation is so important. To- In contrast, the House Republican VAWA shall not be weakened as compared to day’s legislation continues our fight to prevent bill leaves out all of these protections. It deliv- current law. victims of these tragic crimes. It includes en- ers the reprehensible message that women in hanced tools for law enforcement to arrest the United States are not worthy of protection b 1650 abusers and those who violate protection or- if they are gay, Indian, or non-citizens and it We have debated the need to expand ders. It increases penalties for sexual assault flat out fails to make other needed updates to this bill beyond what the author has and abuse. It funds programs to aid domestic the law. put in. We have lost that debate be- violence victims seeking refuge from their Congress should not be in the business of cause the Rules Committee has put abusers, and it promotes awareness in an ef- choosing who is and is not deserving of safe- forth a closed rule, and we do not have fort to prevent these crimes from occurring in ty. Every woman should have access to pro- the opportunity to present the Senate the first place. tective services if and when she needs it. The version of the bill, which passed over- I urge my colleagues to support this reau- regressive policy in H.R. 4970 falls far short of whelmingly in the Senate 68–31. So we thorization of VAWA and to support our contin- this goal. I stand with President Obama and have lost that battle for the Violence ued efforts to combat sexual violence and do- women’s advocates across our country in op- Against Women Act to include all mestic abuse. posing this bill and I urge all my colleagues to women. Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speak- vote against it. In this motion, we are simply trying er, House Republicans say they want to pre- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time to reestablish one little sliver—one lit- vent violence against women, yet because of for debate has expired. tle piece—in this bill that we are hop- their ideological agenda, the bill on the floor Pursuant to House Resolution 656, ing the majority will recognize will this week actually eliminates current protec- the previous question is ordered on the greatly enhance the safety of all tions for battered women, placing them in dan- bill, as amended. women. This motion simply protects ger. The question is on the engrossment the victim’s identity to avoid retalia- Domestic violence does not respect any and third reading of the bill. tion and even the loss of life, and it boundary; it does not discriminate on the basis The bill was ordered to be engrossed makes sure it is not weakened as com- of ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or polit- and read a third time, and was read the pared to current law. Now, we are ical affiliation. third time. going to be told that the manager’s Turning Points, the only domestic violence MOTION TO RECOMMIT amendment does that, but it does not. intervention program in Prince William County, Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, I have Under current law, abused women are served 6,000 clients last year. In Fairfax a motion to recommit at the desk. able to seek help and come forward to County, there were more than 8,000 cases of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the authorities under the condition of con- domestic violence reported, and we have seen gentlewoman opposed to the bill? fidentiality; but H.R. 4970, as amended, a 40 percent increase in homelessness due to Ms. MOORE. Yes, ma’am, I am op- does a couple of things. For example, it domestic violence. posed to the bill in its current form. delays the protection of battered vic- Yet House Republicans would make it hard- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tims by staying adjudications before er for women to come forward to report abuse. Clerk will report the motion to recom- pending investigations or prosecutions In a letter to the Judiciary Committee, law en- mit. are completed. It creates a negative in- forcement officials from across the Nation said The Clerk read as follows: ference against the victim if law en- the Republican bill, quote, ‘‘will turn back the Ms. Moore moves to recommit the bill H.R. forcement does not open a formal in- clock on over 17 years’ of progress made by 4970 to the Committee on the Judiciary with vestigation or if prosecutors fail to law enforcement in reducing violence against instructions to report the same to the House prosecute the perpetrator. I can tell women and children in our communities.’’ forthwith with the following amendment: you that, notwithstanding the due Madam Speaker, protecting women and Page 30, after line 3, insert the following: process rights of abusers, current law children from abusive situations should not be SEC. 6. PROTECTING CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRI- provides a very delicate balance be- VACY OF VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE. a partisan issue. We should take up the Sen- Nothing in this Act shall be construed to tween the due process rights of abusers ate’s bipartisan bill and not further abuse eliminate, reduce, or otherwise limit any and the confidentiality of those accus- these poor victims. protection in effect on the day before the ers. Mr. STARK. Madam Speaker, reauthorizing date of enactment of this Act that provides The fact that the bill was amended in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) confidentiality to victims of domestic vio- this way restimulates me to remember

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.060 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 an incident in my own life when the the other side of the aisle have created The yeas and nays were ordered. balance of rights was tipped in favor of a phony war on women to score polit- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the abuser. I am reminded of a time ical points. These attacks are unfortu- ant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule XX, when I got into an automobile, with a nate and divisive. Domestic violence this 15-minute vote on the motion to man whom I thought to be a personal knows no political or socioeconomic recommit will be followed by 5-minute friend, to go get some fried chicken. He boundaries. Neither should legislation votes on passage of H.R. 4970, if or- pulled in behind some vacant buildings, to fund these important programs. dered, and suspension of the rules with and he raped me and choked me almost Critics of this bill outright dismiss regard to H.R. 2621, if ordered. to death. When I went to the hospital, the dozens of good, broadly bipartisan The vote was taken by electronic de- I was encouraged by an advocate—this things that this bill does in its nearly vice, and there were—yeas 187, nays was in the 1970s, long before there was 200 pages of text, and they have chosen 236, not voting 8, as follows: a Violence Against Women Act, long to focus their attention on a handful of [Roll No. 257] before there was a Rape Shield Act—to things it doesn’t do. So let’s be real YEAS—187 about what the bill does: take him to court. Ackerman Fattah Nadler Indeed, I was on trial because, like It reauthorizes the VAWA grant pro- Altmire Frank (MA) Napolitano this bill—and just like what I experi- grams for 5 years at the same levels as Andrews Fudge Neal enced—I had to prove as a victim that the Senate-passed bill. That’s over $680 Baca Garamendi Olver Baldwin Gonzalez Owens I was not being fraudulent in my accu- million a year in Federal funds to sup- Barrow Green, Al Pallone sations. Oh, they brought up how I was port these programs, and this is on top Bass (CA) Green, Gene Pascrell an unwed mother with a baby. Maybe I of the increase in funding for these pro- Becerra Grijalva Pastor (AZ) seduced him. They talked about how I grams that were adopted just last week Berkley Gutierrez Pelosi Berman Hahn Perlmutter was dressed, and they carried me by this House in the CJS appropria- Bishop (GA) Hanabusa Peters through all kinds of bureaucratic tions bill. Bishop (NY) Hastings (FL) Peterson hoops. Ultimately, he was found to be It sets aside specific funding for sex- Blumenauer Heinrich Pingree (ME) Bonamici Higgins Polis not guilty; although, I had done every- ual assault investigations, prosecu- Boren Himes Price (NC) thing that I was told to do in terms of tions, and victim services as well as re- Boswell Hinchey Quigley prosecuting this. I cannot stress the authorizes State rape prevention edu- Brady (PA) Hirono Rahall solemn nature of this issue. cation programs, programs to promote Braley (IA) Hochul Rangel Brown (FL) Holden Reyes It doesn’t surprise me that she had educational awareness to prevent vio- Burton (IN) Holt Richardson the cell phone in her hand but that she lence and to improve services for young Butterfield Honda Richmond lost her life because she couldn’t es- victims. The bill also improves emer- Capps Hoyer Ross (AR) Capuano Israel Rothman (NJ) cape this man. It doesn’t surprise me gency and transitional housing services Cardoza Jackson (IL) Roybal-Allard that she was shot four times behind the for victims. Carnahan Jackson Lee Ruppersberger police station. The most dangerous This bill provides greater protections Carney (TX) Rush time for a woman is when she is trying to Indian women by designating domes- Carson (IN) Johnson, E. B. Ryan (OH) Castor (FL) Jones Sanchez, Loretta to escape her perpetrator, when she is tic violence tribal liaisons within the Chandler Kaptur Sarbanes trying to do something about it, when U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and it creates Chu Keating Schakowsky she is trying to turn her life around, a new provision to allow victims of do- Cicilline Kildee Schiff mestic violence or Indian tribes on be- Clarke (MI) Kind Schrader hers and her children’s. Clarke (NY) Kissell Schwartz When the perpetrator is given the half of victims to seek protection or- Clay Kucinich Scott (VA) tools that this bill gives him to have ders from U.S. district courts against Cleaver Langevin Scott, David an abuser’s rights prevail over the Indian or non-Indian abusers. Clyburn Larsen (WA) Serrano Cohen Larson (CT) Sewell rights of the victim’s, she will have the When I made the decision to pack Connolly (VA) Lee (CA) Sherman cell phone in her hand, but she will lose what few belongings I could carry and Conyers Levin Shuler her life anyway because she cannot es- leave with my daughter to escape an Cooper Lewis (GA) Sires cape this man. The manager’s amend- abusive relationship, all I cared about Costa Lipinski Smith (WA) Costello Loebsack Speier ment does not fix this. We have heard was protecting my daughter and pro- Courtney Lofgren, Zoe Stark from 325 groups and organizations that viding her a safe and healthy life. In Critz Lowey Sutton oppose this bill and say that the man- my years of service in law enforce- Crowley Luja´ n Thompson (CA) Cuellar Lynch Thompson (MS) ager’s amendment does not fix it, so I ment, not once did a domestic assault Cummings Maloney Tierney urge my colleagues to support my or rape victim question where the help Davis (CA) Markey Tonko amendment. was coming from or which political Davis (IL) Matheson Towns I yield back the balance of my time. party or organizations endorsed the DeFazio Matsui Tsongas DeGette McCarthy (NY) Van Hollen Mrs. ADAMS. I oppose the motion. law that made that funding possible. DeLauro McCollum Vela´ zquez The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- The reason for that is this: This bill Deutch McDermott Visclosky tlewoman from Florida is recognized isn’t about Washington politics. It’s Dicks McGovern Walz (MN) for 5 minutes. Dingell McIntyre Wasserman about people’s lives. Doggett McNerney Schultz Mrs. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, If you vote against this bill today, Donnelly (IN) Meeks Waters Democrats in Congress and others have you will vote to deny help to millions Doyle Michaud Watt been accusing Republicans for months of victims. Opponents are willing to Edwards Miller (NC) Waxman for waging a war on women. We’ve been Ellison Miller, George Welch sacrifice helping millions of American Engel Moore Wilson (FL) called antivictim, elitist, homophobic, women escape their abusers in the Eshoo Moran Woolsey and racist. These ridiculous attacks name of political gamesmanship, so I Farr Murphy (CT) Yarmuth stop now—right here, right now. It’s a urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the NAYS—236 shame, really. We’ve always had a bi- motion to recommit and ‘‘yes’’ on the Adams Bilirakis Canseco partisan vote on this issue. It has al- final passage. Aderholt Bishop (UT) Cantor ways been a bipartisan issue, but this I yield back the balance of my time. Akin Black Capito year, it has turned into an election The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without Alexander Blackburn Carter Amash Bonner Chabot year politic. objection, the previous question is or- Amodei Bono Mack Chaffetz The Violence Against Women Act dered on the motion to recommit. Austria Boustany Coble was bipartisan legislation when it was There was no objection. Bachmann Brady (TX) Coffman (CO) enacted in 1994 and when it was reau- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bachus Brooks Cole Barletta Broun (GA) Conaway thorized by a Republican-controlled question is on the motion. Bartlett Buchanan Cravaack House in 2000 and in 2006. Instead of The question was taken; and the Barton (TX) Bucshon Crawford coming together to reauthorize grant Speaker pro tempore announced that Bass (NH) Buerkle Crenshaw Benishek Burgess Culberson programs to help victims of domestic the noes appeared to have it. Berg Calvert Davis (KY) violence, dating violence, sexual as- Ms. MOORE. Madam Speaker, on Biggert Camp Denham sault, and stalking, my colleagues on that I demand the yeas and nays. Bilbray Campbell Dent

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.079 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2781 DesJarlais King (IA) Ribble The question was taken; and the Becerra Green, Gene Pascrell Diaz-Balart King (NY) Rigell Speaker pro tempore announced that Berg Grijalva Pastor (AZ) Dold Kingston Rivera Berman Gutierrez Paul Dreier Kinzinger (IL) Roby the ayes appeared to have it. Biggert Hahn Pelosi Duffy Kline Roe (TN) RECORDED VOTE Bishop (GA) Hanabusa Perlmutter Duncan (SC) Lamborn Rogers (AL) Bishop (NY) Hanna Peters Duncan (TN) Lance Rogers (KY) Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I de- Blumenauer Hastings (FL) Pingree (ME) Ellmers Lankford Rogers (MI) mand a recorded vote. Bonamici Heinrich Platts Emerson Latham Rohrabacher A recorded vote was ordered. Boswell Higgins Poe (TX) Farenthold LaTourette Rokita Brady (PA) Himes Polis Fincher Latta The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Braley (IA) Hinchey Rooney Price (NC) Fitzpatrick Lewis (CA) Broun (GA) Hinojosa Ros-Lehtinen 5-minute vote. Quigley Flake LoBiondo Brown (FL) Hirono Roskam The vote was taken by electronic de- Rahall Fleischmann Long Butterfield Hochul Ross (FL) Rangel Fleming Lucas vice, and there were—ayes 222, noes 205, Capps Holden Flores Luetkemeyer Royce not voting 4, as follows: Capuano Holt Reyes Forbes Lummis Runyan Cardoza Honda Richardson Fortenberry Lungren, Daniel Ryan (WI) [Roll No. 258] Carnahan Hoyer Richmond Foxx E. Scalise AYES—222 Carney Huelskamp Rivera Franks (AZ) Mack Schilling Carson (IN) Israel Rohrabacher Adams Gowdy Nunnelee Frelinghuysen Manzullo Schmidt Castor (FL) Jackson (IL) Ros-Lehtinen Aderholt Granger Olson Gallegly Marchant Schock Chandler Jackson Lee Ross (AR) Akin Graves (GA) Palazzo Gardner Marino Schweikert Chu (TX) Rothman (NJ) Alexander Graves (MO) Paulsen Garrett McCarthy (CA) Scott (SC) Cicilline Johnson (GA) Roybal-Allard Amodei Griffin (AR) Pearce Gerlach McCaul Scott, Austin Clarke (MI) Johnson, E. B. Ruppersberger Austria Griffith (VA) Gibbs McClintock Sensenbrenner Pence Clarke (NY) Kaptur Rush Bachmann Grimm Gibson McCotter Sessions Peterson Clay Keating Ryan (OH) Bachus Guinta Petri Gingrey (GA) McHenry Shimkus Cleaver Kildee Sa´ nchez, Linda Barletta Guthrie Pitts Gohmert McKeon Shuster Clyburn Kind T. Barrow Hall Goodlatte McKinley Pompeo Cohen Kissell Sanchez, Loretta Simpson Barton (TX) Harper Gosar McMorris Posey Connolly (VA) Kucinich Sarbanes Smith (NE) Benishek Harris Gowdy Rodgers Price (GA) Conyers Langevin Schakowsky Smith (NJ) Berkley Hartzler Granger Meehan Quayle Cooper Larsen (WA) Smith (TX) Bilbray Hastings (WA) Schiff Graves (GA) Mica Reed Costa Larson (CT) Southerland Bilirakis Hayworth Schrader Graves (MO) Miller (FL) Rehberg Costello LaTourette Stearns Bishop (UT) Heck Schwartz Griffin (AR) Miller (MI) Reichert Courtney Lee (CA) Stivers Black Hensarling Scott (VA) Griffith (VA) Miller, Gary Renacci Critz Levin Stutzman Blackburn Herger Scott, David Grimm Mulvaney Ribble Crowley Lewis (GA) Sullivan Bonner Herrera Beutler Serrano Guinta Murphy (PA) Rigell Cuellar Lipinski Terry Bono Mack Huizenga (MI) Sewell Guthrie Myrick Roby Cummings Loebsack Thompson (PA) Boren Hultgren Sherman Hall Neugebauer Roe (TN) Davis (CA) Lofgren, Zoe Thornberry Boustany Hunter Shuler Hanna Noem Rogers (AL) Davis (IL) Lowey Tiberi Brady (TX) Hurt Sires Harper Nugent Rogers (KY) Davis (KY) Luja´ n Tipton Brooks Issa Smith (WA) Harris Nunes Rogers (MI) DeFazio Lynch Turner (NY) Buchanan Jenkins Speier Hartzler Nunnelee Rokita DeGette Maloney Turner (OH) Bucshon Johnson (IL) Stark Hastings (WA) Olson Rooney DeLauro Markey Upton Buerkle Johnson (OH) Sutton Hayworth Palazzo Roskam Deutch Matsui Burgess Johnson, Sam Thompson (CA) Heck Paul Walberg Ross (FL) Diaz-Balart McCarthy (NY) Burton (IN) Jones Thompson (MS) Hensarling Paulsen Walden Royce Dicks McClintock Calvert Jordan Tierney Herger Pearce Walsh (IL) Runyan Dingell McCollum Camp Kelly Herrera Beutler Pence Webster Ryan (WI) Doggett McDermott Tonko Campbell King (IA) Huelskamp Petri West Scalise Dold McGovern Towns Canseco King (NY) Huizenga (MI) Pitts Westmoreland Schilling Donnelly (IN) McNerney Tsongas Cantor Kingston Hultgren Platts Whitfield Schmidt Doyle Meehan Van Hollen Capito Kinzinger (IL) Hunter Poe (TX) Wilson (SC) Schock Edwards Meeks Vela´ zquez Carter Kline Hurt Pompeo Wittman Schweikert Ellison Michaud Visclosky Chabot Lamborn Issa Posey Wolf Scott (SC) Engel Miller (NC) Walz (MN) Chaffetz Lance Jenkins Price (GA) Womack Scott, Austin Eshoo Miller, George Wasserman Coble Landry Johnson (IL) Quayle Woodall Sensenbrenner Farr Moore Schultz Coffman (CO) Lankford Johnson (OH) Reed Yoder Sessions Fattah Moran Waters Cole Latham Johnson, Sam Rehberg Young (AK) Shimkus Frank (MA) Murphy (CT) Watt Conaway Latta Jordan Reichert Young (FL) Fudge Nadler Waxman Cravaack Lewis (CA) Shuster Kelly Renacci Young (IN) Garamendi Napolitano Welch Crawford LoBiondo Simpson Garrett Neal Wilson (FL) Crenshaw Long Smith (NE) NOT VOTING—8 Gonzalez Olver Wolf Culberson Lucas Smith (NJ) ´ Gosar Owens Woolsey Cassidy Johnson (GA) Sanchez, Linda Denham Luetkemeyer Smith (TX) Green, Al Pallone Yarmuth Filner Labrador T. Dent Lummis Southerland Hinojosa Landry Slaughter DesJarlais Lungren, Daniel Stearns NOT VOTING—4 Dreier E. Stivers b 1720 Cassidy Labrador Duffy Mack Stutzman Filner Slaughter Messrs. RUNYAN and FINCHER, Duncan (SC) Manzullo Sullivan Mrs. HARTZLER, Messrs. GRAVES of Duncan (TN) Marchant Terry b 1729 Ellmers Marino Thompson (PA) Missouri, MARCHANT, BROOKS and Emerson Matheson Thornberry So the bill was passed. MEEHAN changed their vote from Farenthold McCarthy (CA) Tiberi The result of the vote was announced Tipton ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Fincher McCaul as above recorded. Mr. BERMAN, Ms. PINGREE, Mrs. Fitzpatrick McCotter Turner (NY) Flake McHenry Turner (OH) A motion to reconsider was laid on DAVIS of California, Mr. RANGEL, Ms. Fleischmann McIntyre Upton the table. SPEIER and Ms. BROWN of Florida Fleming McKeon Walberg Stated against: changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Flores McKinley Walden Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Forbes McMorris Walsh (IL) So the motion to recommit was re- Fortenberry Rodgers Webster 258, I was away from the Capitol due to prior jected. Foxx Mica West commitments to my constituents. Had I been The result of the vote was announced Franks (AZ) Miller (FL) Westmoreland present, I would have voted ’’nay.’’ as above recorded. Frelinghuysen Miller (MI) Whitfield Gallegly Miller, Gary Wilson (SC) f Stated for: Gardner Mulvaney Wittman CHIMNEY ROCK NATIONAL Mr. HINOJOSA. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Gerlach Murphy (PA) Womack No. 257, had I been present, I would have Gibbs Myrick Woodall MONUMENT ESTABLISHMENT ACT Gibson Neugebauer Yoder The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- voted ‘‘aye.’’ Gingrey (GA) Noem Young (AK) Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall Gohmert Nugent Young (FL) finished business is the question on 257, I was away from the Capitol due to prior Goodlatte Nunes Young (IN) suspending the rules and passing the commitments to my constituents. Had I been NOES—205 bill (H.R. 2621) to establish the Chim- present, I would have voted ’’aye.’’ ney Rock National Monument in the Ackerman Andrews Bartlett The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Altmire Baca Bass (CA) State of Colorado, and for other pur- question is on the passage of the bill. Amash Baldwin Bass (NH) poses, as amended.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.045 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 The Clerk read the title of the bill. pursuant to the order; or be owned or (1) in paragraph (1)— The SPEAKER pro tempore. The controlled by, or to have acted or pur- (A) by striking ‘‘lending institutions not to question is on the motion offered by ported to act for or on behalf of, di- make’’ and inserting ‘‘lending institutions— ‘‘(A) not to make’’; the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) rectly or indirectly, any person whose (B) in subparagraph (A), as designated by that the House suspend the rules and property and interests in property are subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by strik- pass the bill, as amended. blocked pursuant to the order. ing ‘‘less.’’ and inserting ‘‘less; and’’; and The question was taken; and (two- The designation criteria will be ap- (C) by adding at the end the following new thirds being in the affirmative) the plied in accordance with applicable subparagraph: rules were suspended and the bill, as Federal law including, where appro- ‘‘(B) to accept private flood insurance as amended, was passed. priate, the First Amendment to the satisfaction of the flood insurance coverage A motion to reconsider was laid on United States Constitution. requirement under subparagraph (A) if the the table. I have delegated to the Secretary of coverage provided by such private flood in- the Treasury, in consultation with the surance meets the requirements for coverage f under such subparagraph.’’; Secretary of State, the authority to (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting after BLOCKING PROPERTY OF PERSONS take such actions, including the pro- ‘‘provided in paragraph (1).’’ the following THREATENING THE PEACE, SE- mulgation of rules and regulations, and new sentence: ‘‘Each Federal agency lender CURITY, OR STABILITY OF to employ all powers granted to the shall accept private flood insurance as satis- YEMEN—MESSAGE FROM THE President by IEEPA as may be nec- faction of the flood insurance coverage re- PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED essary to carry out the purposes of the quirement under the preceding sentence if STATES (H. DOC. NO. 112–109) order. All agencies of the United States the flood insurance coverage provided by Government are directed to take all such private flood insurance meets the re- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- quirements for coverage under such sen- fore the House the following message appropriate measures within their au- tence.’’; from the President of the United thority to carry out the provisions of (3) in paragraph (3), in the matter fol- States; which was read and, together the order. lowing subparagraph (B), by adding at the with the accompanying papers, referred I am enclosing a copy of the Execu- end the following new sentence: ‘‘The Fed- to the Committee on Foreign Affairs tive Order I have issued. eral National Mortgage Association and the and ordered to be printed: BARACK OBAMA. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation THE WHITE HOUSE, May 16, 2012. shall accept private flood insurance as satis- faction of the flood insurance coverage re- To the Congress of the United States: f Pursuant to the International Emer- quirement under the preceding sentence if gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER the flood insurance coverage provided by 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), I hereby report PRO TEMPORE such private flood insurance meets the re- quirements for coverage under such sen- that I have issued an Executive Order The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tence.’’; and (the ‘‘order’’) declaring a national ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair (4) by adding at the end the following new emergency with respect to the unusual will postpone further proceedings paragraph: and extraordinary threat to the na- today on the motion to suspend the ‘‘(5) PRIVATE FLOOD INSURANCE DEFINED.—In tional security and foreign policy of rules on which a recorded vote or the this subsection, the term ‘private flood in- the United States posed by the actions yeas and nays are ordered, or on which surance’ means a contract for flood insur- and policies of certain members of the the vote incurs objection under clause ance coverage allowed for sale under the Government of Yemen and others to 6 of rule XX. laws of any State.’’. threaten Yemen’s peace, security, and Any record vote on the postponed SEC. 4. PRIVATIZATION INITIATIVES. stability. question will be taken later. (a) FEMA AND GAO REPORTS.—Not later than the expiration of the 18-month period The order does not target the entire f beginning on the date of the enactment of country of Yemen or its government, NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE this Act, the Administrator of the Federal but rather targets those who threaten PROGRAM EXTENSION ACT Emergency Management Agency and the the peace, security, or stability of Comptroller General of the United States Yemen, including by obstructing the Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Speaker, I shall each conduct a separate study to assess implementation of the agreement of move to suspend the rules and pass the a broad range of options, methods, and strat- November 23, 2011, between the Govern- bill (H.R. 5740) to extend the National egies for privatizing the national flood insur- ment of Yemen and those in opposition Flood Insurance Program, and for ance program and shall each submit a report other purposes. to the Committee on Financial Services of to it, which provides for a peaceful the House of Representatives and the Com- transition of power that meets the le- The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- gitimate demands and aspirations of fairs of the Senate with recommendations the Yemeni people for change, or by ob- H.R. 5740 for the best manner to accomplish such pri- structing the political process in Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- vatization. Yemen. The order provides criteria for resentatives of the United States of America in (b) PRIVATE RISK-MANAGEMENT INITIA- the blocking of property and interests Congress assembled, TIVES.— in property of persons determined by SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (1) AUTHORITY.—The Administrator of the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Federal Emergency Management Agency the Secretary of the Treasury, in con- Flood Insurance Program Extension Act’’. may carry out such private risk-manage- sultation with the Secretary of State, SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF PROGRAM. ment initiatives under the national flood in- to: have engaged in acts that directly (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1319 of the Na- surance program as the Administrator con- or indirectly threaten the peace, secu- tional Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. siders appropriate to determine the capacity rity, or stability of Yemen, such as 4026) is amended by striking ‘‘the earlier of of private insurers, reinsurers, and financial acts that obstruct the implementation the date of the enactment into law of an Act markets to assist communities, on a vol- of the agreement of November 23, 2011, that specifically amends the date specified in untary basis only, in managing the full between the Government of Yemen and this section or May 31, 2012’’ and inserting range of financial risks associated with flooding. those in opposition to it, which pro- ‘‘June 30, 2012’’. (b) FINANCING.—Section 1309(a) of the Na- (2) ASSESSMENT.—Not later than the expi- vides for a peaceful transition of power tional Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. ration of the 12-month period beginning on in Yemen, or that obstruct the polit- 4016(a)) is amended by striking ‘‘the earlier the date of the enactment of this Act, the ical process in Yemen; be a political or of the date of the enactment into law of an Administrator shall assess the capacity of military leader of an entity that has Act that specifically amends the date speci- the private reinsurance, capital, and finan- engaged in the acts described above; fied in this section or May 31, 2012’’ and in- cial markets by seeking proposals to assume have materially assisted, sponsored, or serting ‘‘June 30, 2012’’. a portion of the program’s insurance risk provided financial, material, or techno- SEC. 3. USE OF PRIVATE INSURANCE TO SATISFY and submit to the Congress a report describ- MANDATORY PURCHASE REQUIRE- ing the response to such request for pro- logical support for, or goods or services MENT. posals and the results of such assessment. to or in support of, the acts described Section 102(b) of the Flood Disaster Protec- (3) PROTOCOL FOR RELEASE OF DATA.—The above or any person whose property tion Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)) is amend- Administrator shall develop a protocol to and interests in property are blocked ed— provide for the release of data sufficient to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:28 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.088 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2783 conduct the assessment required under para- SEC. 5. STUDIES OF VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY- Our Committee on Financial Services graph (2). BASED FLOOD INSURANCE OPTIONS. approved H.R. 1309 by a unanimous (a) STUDIES.—The Administrator of the (c) REINSURANCE.—The National Flood In- Federal Emergency Management Agency and vote of 54–0 in the committee, and it surance Act of 1968 is amended— the Comptroller General of the United States passed on the House floor by a vote of (1) in section 1331(a)(2) (42 U.S.C. 4051(a)(2)), shall each conduct a separate study to assess 406–22. As part of that process, we se- by inserting ‘‘, including as reinsurance of options, methods, and strategies for offering cured the input and support of groups insurance coverage provided by the flood in- voluntary community-based flood insurance representing the views of everyone surance program’’ before ‘‘, on such terms’’; policy options and incorporating such op- (2) in section 1332(c)(2) (42 U.S.C. 4052(c)(2)), from taxpayers to businesses to wild- tions into the national flood insurance pro- life defenders. And yet, after five addi- by inserting ‘‘or reinsurance’’ after ‘‘flood gram. Such studies shall take into consider- insurance coverage’’; ation and analyze how the policy options tional short-term extensions, the Sen- (3) in section 1335(a) (42 U.S.C. 4055(a))— would affect communities having varying ate has still not considered any legisla- (A) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ after ‘‘(a)’’; and economic bases, geographic locations, flood tion to reform the NFIP. Instead, all (B) by adding at the end the following new hazard characteristics or classifications, and we hear are excuses and rumors—that paragraph: flood management approaches. the administration doesn’t want Con- ‘‘(2) The Director is authorized to secure (b) REPORTS.—Not later than the expira- gress to look productive, that floor reinsurance coverage of coverage provided by tion of the 18-month period beginning on the time in the Senate is too precious, or date of the enactment of this Act, the Ad- the flood insurance program from private that Senate leaders simply don’t want market insurance, reinsurance, and capital ministrator of the Federal Emergency Man- agement Agency and the Comptroller Gen- to deal with possibly difficult amend- market sources at rates and on terms deter- ments. mined by the Director to be reasonable and eral of the United States shall each submit a appropriate in an amount sufficient to main- report to the Committee on Financial Serv- The time for excuses has run out. tain the ability of the program to pay claims ices of the House of Representatives and the This program is more than $17 billion Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban and that minimizes the likelihood that the in debt to the taxpayers. We owe it to Affairs of the Senate on the results and con- program will utilize the borrowing authority the homeowners, to the housing mar- clusions of the study such agency conducted provided under section 1309.’’; ket, and to taxpayers to begin the under subsection (a), and each such report (4) in section 1346(a) (12 U.S.C. 4082(a))— shall include recommendations for the best process of fixing this program, even if (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), manner to incorporate voluntary commu- we must do it 30 days at a time. by inserting ‘‘, or for purposes of securing re- nity-based flood insurance options into the Today, we are sending to the Senate insurance of insurance coverage provided by national flood insurance program and for a H.R. 5740. Should the Senate pass this the program,’’ before ‘‘of any or all of’’; strategy to implement such options that (B) in paragraph (1)— short-term extension bill, it will have would encourage communities to undertake around 6 weeks from today to take up (i) by striking ‘‘estimating’’ and inserting flood mitigation activities. ‘‘Estimating’’; and a flood reform measure and send it to (ii) by striking the semicolon at the end The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the House. In the meantime, this 30- and inserting a period; ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from day extension will initiate key ele- (C) in paragraph (2)— Illinois (Mrs. BIGGERT) and the gen- ments of our bipartisan House-passed (i) by striking ‘‘receiving’’ and inserting tleman from Georgia (Mr. DAVID reforms. It opens the door to private ‘‘Receiving’’; and SCOTT) each will control 20 minutes. sector participation by asking FEMA (ii) by striking the semicolon at the end The Chair recognizes the gentle- and the GAO to study the cost and fea- and inserting a period; woman from Illinois. (D) in paragraph (3)— sibility of private reinsurance, as well GENERAL LEAVE (i) by striking ‘‘making’’ and inserting as the private market’s capacity to ‘‘Making’’; and Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Speaker, I provide new options for homeowners. It (ii) by striking ‘‘; and’’ and inserting a pe- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- also says that private insurance cov- riod; bers may have 5 legislative days in erage can take the place of government (E) in paragraph (4)— which to revise and extend their re- coverage to meet the requirements of (i) by striking ‘‘otherwise’’ and inserting marks and to add extraneous materials lenders in flood-prone areas. The soon- ‘‘Otherwise’’; and on this bill. er we begin making these changes, the (ii) by redesignating such paragraph as The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sooner taxpayers can stop bearing the paragraph (5); and objection to the request of the gentle- full expense and risk of an outdated (F) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol- woman from Illinois? lowing new paragraph: There was no objection. flood program. ‘‘(4) Placing reinsurance coverage on insur- Over the next 6 weeks, the Senate ance provided by such program.’’; and b 1740 will have more than enough time to (5) in section 1370(a)(3) (42 U.S.C. 4121(a)(3)), Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Speaker, I pass long-term reform. Again, last by inserting before the semicolon at the end yield myself such time as I may con- July, the House passed H.R. 1309 by an the following: ‘‘, is subject to the reporting overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, 406–22. requirements of the Securities Exchange Act sume. of 1934, pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of I rise today to ask my colleagues for The House then sent this text to the such Act (15 U.S.C. 78m(a), 78o(d)), or is au- their support of H.R. 5740, the National Senate two additional times. In De- thorized by the Director to assume reinsur- Flood Insurance Program Extension cember, the House passed flood reform ance on risks insured by the flood insurance Act. as part of H.R. 3630, the Middle Class program’’. The program is set to expire on May Tax Relief and Job Creation Act, and (d) ASSESSMENT OF CLAIMS-PAYING ABIL- 31, and this critical legislation will last week the House passed the same ITY.— spare property owners and the housing flood measure as part of H.R. 5652, the (1) ASSESSMENT.—Not later than Sep- market from another lapse in the Reconciliation Act. tember 30 of each year, the Administrator of NFIP. It extends the National Flood But this isn’t like other partisan bat- the Federal Emergency Management Agency Insurance Program’s authorization for tles. It should not be that difficult. shall conduct an assessment of the claims- 30 days, until June 30. In addition, it Even the White House is with us. In paying ability of the national flood insur- would initiate several noncontroversial September 2011, President Obama re- ance program, including the program’s utili- zation of private sector reinsurance and rein- reforms to develop private sector op- leased a statement in support of our re- surance equivalents, with and without reli- tions in the flood insurance market. forms as part of his ‘‘Plan for Eco- ance on borrowing authority under section Like many of my colleagues—espe- nomic Growth and Debt Reduction’’ be- 1309 of the National Flood Insurance Act of cially my good friend and cosponsor of cause the House bill would spare tax- 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016). In conducting the assess- both this bill and our long-term reau- payers from billions in losses. ment, the Administrator shall take into con- thorization, the gentlelady from Cali- Senate Banking Committee Chair- sideration regional concentrations of cov- fornia, MAXINE WATERS—I am frus- man JOHNSON has secured committee erage written by the program, peak flood trated that the House must consider approval of his own version, S. 1940, zones, and relevant mitigation measures. yet another short-term extension. It along with strong bipartisan support. (2) REPORT.—The Administrator shall sub- mit a report to the Congress of the results of has been 10 months since the House And in February, 41 Senators—Repub- each such assessment, and make such report sent H.R. 1309, a comprehensive, bipar- licans and Democrats—sent a letter to available to the public, not later than 30 tisan reform and a 5-year reauthoriza- Senate leadership asking that Senate days after completion of the assessment. tion measure, to the Senate. leaders REID and MCCONNELL schedule

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.053 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 flood insurance reform for floor consid- Unfortunately, the National Flood cently sent a letter to Congress urging eration. Insurance Program is set now to expire approval of the extension. So here we There is simply no reason that in the May 31, just over 2 weeks from today, are, we’ve got to pass this 30-day exten- next few days we cannot sit down and and guess what? June 1 also happens to sion. reconcile any differences that remain mark the official start of the hurricane In conclusion, I just want to add between the House and Senate visions season in this country. This lets you that, thanks to Mrs. BIGGERT and to for flood reform, and today’s legisla- know how we have got to put pressure Ms. WATERS, we were able to do some- tion will give the Senate time to make on the Senate to act responsibly. Here thing that was vitally needed. As many that a possibility. It will also begin the we are attempting to pass a 30-day ex- of you know, my State of Georgia was process of fixing the NFIP and pro- tension just 2 weeks before the dev- devastated with floods; and one of the tecting taxpayers from unnecessary astating hurricane season starts. Ur- things that did come out of this is, dur- risk. gency is necessary here. This is why re- ing the hardship times, very difficult I urge my colleagues to support this authorizing of the National Flood In- for individuals to pay for the flood in- bill because this program is too impor- surance Program before it expires is es- surance in a lump sum. As we have tant to let lapse and too in debt to con- sential to our Nation’s efforts to pre- made part of our extension effort, they tinue without reform. vent and recover from flood disasters. can now pay in quarterly installments, With that, I reserve the balance of So I’m pleased that the bill that we and that’s a great thing. my time. have before us does extend the program With that, I reserve the balance of Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. for 30 days, but it is not a perfect bill, my time. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such as I said. I believe that many in this Mrs. BIGGERT. Madam Speaker, I time as I may consume. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from The National Flood Insurance Pro- Chamber—just about everybody in the Alabama (Mr. BACHUS), the chairman gram plays a very, very key role in our House of Representatives—would prefer of the Financial Services Committee. Nation’s efforts to prevent and recover to see the Senate take up and pass our Mr. BACHUS. I thank the gentlelady. from flood disasters. Floods are now bill for the 5-year extension, H.R. 1309. Short of that, I believe that many on We’re here on the floor discussing the number one natural disaster in the this bill for one reason and for one rea- United States in terms of lives lost and our side would prefer to take up a flood son only, and that’s that the Senate property damaged. extension bill that will provide a clean has not done their job. Now, here is exactly what the Na- extension. Ten months ago, Madam Speaker, tional Flood Insurance Program does: In addition, there is the possibility— First, it identifies areas of flood risk; count it, with 2 weeks to go, who this House passed a bipartisan, long- secondly, it encourages communities to knows—the Senate simply may not term reauthorization of the National implement measures to mitigate agree to an extension that only runs 30 Flood Insurance Program. Our bill against the risk of flood loss; thirdly, days and includes authorization provi- passed unanimously out of committee it provides financial assistance to help sions. We just learned last evening that and then passed the House, overwhelm- individuals recover more rapidly from the junior Senator from Oklahoma, ingly, with over 400 votes, Democrats flooding disasters, and it lessens the fi- Senator TOM COBURN, objected to the and Republicans joining together. nancial impact of flood disasters on in- majority leader’s request to take up Our bill not only included a 5-year re- dividuals, on businesses, and all levels and approve a clean, short-term exten- authorization of the program, a long- of government. sion bill that would extend the pro- term reauthorization, which is what’s In recent years, a series of short- gram until December 31, 2012. So here needed, but included many needed re- term reauthorizations and temporary we are, 2 weeks before the hurricane forms that reduce the burden on tax- suspensions of the NFIP have eroded season starts, and the flood program payers, increase private market par- confidence in the program among our runs out, and still no action from the ticipation, and help bring certainty to stakeholders—including State govern- Senate. the housing market. ment, tribal governments, local com- We did our job, Madam Speaker, but b 1750 munities, individual policyholders, the Senate’s failed to do their job. Sev- mortgage lenders, and the private in- I think it is also important to note enteen temporary extensions. Perhaps surance industry. In addition to dis- that while this body repeatedly has none of us should be surprised. After rupting the program’s day-to-day oper- voiced concern with spending, particu- all, it’s been 3 years since the Senate ations, short-term reauthorizations larly with spending that is not offset even bothered to pass a budget. Not to and temporary suspensions—like what with cuts, the Congressional Budget mention, at a time when millions of we’re doing here in 30 days—creates Office has indicated this bill will cost Americans are out of work, the Senate significant uncertainty regarding the $2 million over 5 years, an amount that has failed to vote on 27 job-creating Federal Government’s long-term com- is not offset in this bill. bills we passed out of the House, over- mitment to underwriting and indem- Despite some of these shortcomings, whelmingly. nifying flood losses. So in the absence I believe it is of utmost importance Now Majority Leader HARRY REID of such a commitment, our stake- that we avoid any lapse in the pro- has failed to find time to schedule floor holders are less likely to make the nec- gram. Any lapse, regardless of the du- time, even though the Senate, under essary investments that are needed to ration, would cause significant disloca- the leadership of Chairman JOHNSON successfully sustain, strengthen, and tion in our very fragile housing market and Ranking Member SHELBY, unani- grow the program, thereby under- for borrowers unable to complete mort- mously passed a bill almost identical mining the program’s effectiveness and gage closings, for insurance agents to the bill we passed 10 months ago. efficiency over time. that sell national flood insurance poli- But because of a dysfunctional Sen- As my colleague, Mrs. BIGGERT, men- cies as a part of their business, and for ate that’s not working, we’re once tioned earlier, Congress last passed a insurance companies that may be again faced with the risk of having the bill to extend the National Flood Insur- forced to reevaluate their voluntary flood insurance shut down, as the gen- ance Program authorization on Decem- participation, our National Flood In- tleman from Georgia said, right before ber 23, 2011—5 months ago—as a part of surance Program’s own Write Your hurricane season starts. I can’t think the full-year omnibus appropriations Own program. All are very vital. of a worse time. A shutdown of flood bill for fiscal year 2012. Even prior to Finally, we have a broad coalition of insurance, even a temporary one, this action, we in the House took deci- stakeholders who support the bill, who would do tremendous damage to our sive action to extend the flood insur- support the 5-year extension, including struggling economy and our Nation’s ance program the way it should be by industry insurance trade groups, flood- fragile housing market. approving a 5-year flood insurance re- plain managers, the Realtors who are Specifically, what does it mean? I’d form reauthorization bill last July that holding their annual conference in like to introduce a letter from the Na- passed this House on a strongly bipar- Washington, D.C., this week, many tional Association of Realtors. It is al- tisan Republican and Democratic vote other groups. In addition, FEMA’s Ad- ready delaying close to 1,300 house of 406–22. ministrator, Mr. Craig Fugate, re- closings every day. If it expires, it will

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:11 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.091 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2785 stop all development dead in its tracks While this bill, by no means, is a sub- be paid off. So not only is the Federal in 21,000 communities across America. stitute for the comprehensive set of re- Government improperly running a Let me close by saying I want to forms included in H.R. 1309, the Flood flood insurance program, it’s operating commend our colleague, Mrs. BIGGERT. Insurance Reform Act, a bipartisan bill a very bad flood insurance program. Congresswoman BIGGERT has done an which passed the House last year, I be- This program is not actuarially exceptional job on this important lieve that we must act to pass this bill sound. It charges some of the highest issue. I’d like to commend Congress- so that the flood insurance program risk areas subsidized rates and charges woman and Ranking Member MAXINE does not lapse. other areas of no risk astronomical WATERS. They’ve worked, over the last The flood insurance program provides rates to pay for those subsidies. year, for a long-term reauthorization. valuable protection for approximately b 1800 We’ve come together and done our job. 5.5 million homeowners. Unfortunately, You can use my home State of Michi- I would like to commend the Senate, the lack of a long-term authorization gan as a great example where our resi- but, unfortunately, the Senate is not has placed the program at risk. The dents have been forced into this pro- working. It’s time for the Senate to program lapsed three times in 2010. gram and have been charged thousands pass a 5-year bill, and it’s time for These lapses meant FEMA was not able of dollars every year even though we them to pass it immediately. That’s to write new policies, renew expiring have almost no risk of flooding. In why, although we have passed a 5-year policies, or increase coverage limits. Michigan, we actually look down at the reauthorization, we’re here. But we’re Given the current crisis in the housing water, not up at the water. We’ve paid only passing a 1-month extension be- market, this instability in the flood in- multiple times more in premiums than cause the best they can do is another surance program is hampering that we’ve ever received back in benefits. In extension—number 17—which would market’s recovery and must be ad- short, Mr. Speaker, the people of the put it into December, when we all dressed. great State of Michigan are getting know that’s a lame duck Congress and The current authorization for the fleeced by this program. we’re going to be confronted with tre- flood insurance program expires on Obviously, we are a compassionate mendous other issues at that time. May 31. The next day, hurricane season Nation. When we have a case of a nat- To the Senate I say: Let’s get going. begins. It is irresponsible to have our ural disaster, or what have you, we NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS,® Nation’s homeowners vulnerable to need to make sure that we step up and Washington, DC, May 16, 2012. flooding at any time, but to allow such give relief to our fellow Americans, but Hon. SPENCER BACHUS, a lapse during hurricane season is espe- what we are doing here today is simply Chairman, House Committee on Financial Serv- cially troubling. not fair. What we should have is a na- ices, House of Representatives, Rayburn Even though this bill only extends tional catastrophic fund so that every- Building, Washington, DC. DEAR CHAIRMAN BACHUS: The 1 million the program for 30 days, I hope that body pays, not just some who are being members of the National Association of RE- this brief window will give our counter- forced to subsidize others. That is not ALTORS® supports a temporary extension of parts in the Senate enough time to fair. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) pass their flood insurance reform bill So, Mr. Speaker, I would hope that authority to enable the Senate to finish so that this program has all of the re- my colleagues would join me in reject- work on its long-term reauthorization and sources it needs to fully serve home- ing the reauthorization of the National reform measure (S. 1940). The House is sched- owners and the communities in which Flood Insurance Program so that we uled to vote on H.R. 5740 to extend authority they live. can get to work on a way to allow the by 30 days to June 30, 2012. We urge a yes I strongly urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote on this private marketplace to move in and to vote. replace it. NFIP authority is set to expire on May 31, bill in the hope that the next flood in- 2012. Consequently, property buyers in more surance bill we vote on is a comprehen- Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. I yield than 21,000 communities across the United sive reauthorization bill. 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas States will no longer be able to obtain the Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield (Mr. HINOJOSA). Mr. HINOJOSA. Thank you, Con- flood insurance required by law for the pur- 21⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from gressman SCOTT. chase of a home or building. Each day that Michigan (Mrs. MILLER). Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong program authority lapses, more than 1,300 Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. home sales will be delayed or cancelled. Al- support of the National Flood Insur- Speaker, I certainly appreciate the lowing another lapse only exacerbates the ance Program, and I urge support on many serious economic challenges facing a gentlelady yielding time to me, espe- both sides of the aisle for the 30-day ex- nation that relies on a vibrant real estate cially because I am opposed to this bill. tension today, H.R. 5740. market for its economy. I would just have one question for my I would like to thank my friend, Con- Homebuyers, small business owners and colleagues, and I would ask this: What gresswoman MAXINE WATERS from Cali- local communities urge the House to vote in the world is the Federal Government yes on H.R. 5740 to keep the NFIP from laps- fornia, and my esteemed colleague, doing in the national flood insurance Congresswoman JUDY BIGGERT of Illi- ing. Your vote to extend authority will avoid business? further market disruption while Congress nois, for their work on this bill and on works toward long-term reauthorization and And I would give the sponsors cer- H.R. 1309, which I proudly cosponsored. reform. tainly of this legislation credit for the Ideally, we should be increasing cer- Sincerely, fact that they’re trying to reform what tainty for homeowners by reauthor- MAURICE ‘‘MOE’’ VEISSI, I think is an unnecessary Federal Gov- izing the program for 5 years, as ef- 2012 President, National Association ernment boondoggle. But rather than fected by H.R. 1309, which passed the ® of REALTORS . reforming this, I think we need to House last July with over 400 votes. Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. I yield eliminate this program. Now it waits for Senate action. I re- 2 minutes to the distinguished gentle- Let me just give you an example, Mr. spectfully urge our counterparts in the woman from California (Ms. WATERS). Speaker. Senate to pass a longer-term author- Ms. WATERS. I’d like to thank Rep- So many of us were very strongly op- ization. resentative SCOTT for his leadership on posed to ObamaCare, the government Since 2008, the National Flood Insur- this issue. I’d like to thank Chairman takeover of health care, because we ance Program has operated on several BACHUS for his support for all of the didn’t believe the Federal Government short-term extensions, which only in- work that has gone into flood insur- should be running the health care for crease uncertainty in the housing mar- ance reform. our entire Nation. But apparently we ket. As hurricane season approaches, I rise today in support of H.R. 5740, have no problem with the Federal Gov- Congress needs to act with all diligence the National Flood Insurance Program ernment running a National Flood In- to provide stability for the housing Extension Act of 2012. But more than surance Program. market and to give peace of mind to anybody, I’d like to thank Representa- This program was created in 1968. We homeowners. tive BIGGERT for her hard work on this started writing policies in 1972, and Mrs. BIGGERT. At this time, I yield bill and flood insurance reform, and today this program is almost $18 bil- 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illi- I’m pleased to cosponsor this legisla- lion in debt. And FEMA says that this nois (Mr. DOLD), a member of the com- tion. debt will never be paid for, never, never mittee.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.092 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2786 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 Mr. DOLD. I certainly want to thank We live in storm alley. Now, I can What this does is to create uncertainty my good friend from Illinois for her tell you from firsthand experience that in the market. For the individual who leadership and for her giving me some I represent a district in the State of may have a home in a floodplain or for time, and I want to thank the ranking Georgia where in 2010, I believe it was, a community that has many of its member, Ms. WATERS, for her leader- we had the worst flood in over 500 pieces of property in a floodplain, with- ship as well. years. I represent the Chattahoochee out having a long-term bill, it creates Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong River, which overflowed. I represent uncertainty for them. support of H.R. 5740. The history of one county in which we had 10 people b 1810 American flood disasters has clearly who lost their lives, and seven of those shown us two things: people were from one county in my dis- It creates uncertainty in the housing market, which has obviously gone First, an effective and proactive Na- trict, in Douglas County. Cobb County through some very strenuous times tional Flood Insurance Program with had losses. We got on, I guess we call since the 2008 financial crisis. This leg- paid-in premiums is a much better deal it, Air Force Two with Vice President islation, a long-term fix, would help for taxpayers than after-the-fact Fed- BIDEN, and we flew down with FEMA eral disaster assistance, which was the breed certainty in that market as well. and Homeland Security, and we toured As we look back at last summer, we inevitable Federal response to flood that place. I’m sure you all saw on CNN passed this legislation with both sides disasters before this program’s incep- and Fox and MSNBC—and on all the of the aisle coming together. It doesn’t tion; news stations—where Six Flags Over happen very often. It was one of those Second, any lapse in the program’s Georgia, the amusement park, was to- great moments in the House where it authorization irreparably damages our tally under water. was a vote of 406–22. Both Republicans mortgage and real estate markets, and So I can speak for my community and Democrats joined hands in passing avoiding that irreparable damage is and my area as those of us in the House this legislation. Now we’re just waiting particularly important right now when have spoken—over 400 strong. Why in for the Senate to act. It’s a bill that’s those markets are already so seriously the world the United States Senate is going to save $4.2 billion over the challenged. sitting on the reauthorization is a mys- Although reauthorization is essen- course of 10 years. It includes reforms tery amidst the cry coming from the that are going to save taxpayers money tial, we also recognize that the pro- American people. Now our season is on gram needs meaningful reforms. We by eliminating unnecessary rate sub- us. Hurricane season starts in 2 weeks. sidies and encouraging the develop- must gradually diminish taxpayer ex- Let me just tell you that I’ve heard ment of a private flood insurance mar- posure to flood losses while improving from one of the individuals on the the program’s solvency and self-suffi- ket. other side, and I wanted to respond to I support the short-term extension, ciency; and we must work with the pri- some of those concerns as to why this but I also encourage the Senate to act. vate sector to expand its role in pro- bill is so important. Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. tecting against flood disasters. Our reauthorization bill would re- Speaker, I reserve the balance of my IGGERT’s leader- Under Chairwoman B quire annual notifications to home- time. I would inquire if the lady from ship, a long-term reauthorization bill owners who are living in flood zones Illinois has any more speakers. with these necessary reforms, H.R. about the risks in their communities. Mrs. BIGGERT. I think we have just 1309, passed out of the Financial Serv- Many people move into these areas, one more speaker. ices Committee unanimously, 54–0, and and they don’t even know they’re in At this time, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to then the same bill received nearly flood zones. What we’ve got in this bill the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. unanimous bipartisan support right is that they will be notified every year. PALAZZO). down here where over 400 Members They need that information so they Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, once voted in its favor. With that kind of can make the adjustments. I men- again we find that good legislation overwhelming bipartisan support, I tioned the affordable insurance cov- that was passed by the House has been must say that it’s a little frustrating erage. I need not mention the flood taken hostage by the Senate. that we’re here once again discussing a maps, themselves, many of which all As we approach yet another deadline short-term reauthorization, largely be- throughout this country are outdated, on the reauthorization of the National cause the other body hasn’t considered that leave many of your constituents Flood Insurance Program, the Senate the long-term bill, even though the and my constituents—I hope the Sen- is refusing to take up our long-term so- long-term bill passed out of the Senate ate is hearing because they’re their lution. Banking Committee by voice vote. constituents as well—at risk for flood Ten months ago, we passed a 5-year One thing that seems clear is that damage without even their knowledge. bill that would bring much needed cer- the strategy of short-term authoriza- Let’s hope that this message gets tainty and stability to the people de- tions, the corresponding temporary across to the Senate that we need ac- pending on this program. The short- program lapses and uncertainty do not tion. The American people are crying term package before us today fails to work to minimize taxpayer risk or to for help, and we need to give it to them provide a long-term solution to a very expand the private sector’s role, but we immediately. We’ve got 2 weeks to do real long-term problem. must deal with the existing realities. it, and we dare not let this hurricane NFIP provides flood insurance to To properly reform and strengthen this season come upon us with the National more than 20,000 communities across program, we need to reauthorize this Flood Insurance Program’s having ex- this Nation, including more than 50,000 program on a long-term basis, and we pired. families in my district. Many of my need to do so promptly; but the Senate I reserve the balance of my time. constituents in Mississippi are still hasn’t acted, and we can’t tolerate any Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield dealing with the effects of Hurricane lapse in the program. 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from Wis- Katrina. They have experienced record So I strongly urge my colleagues to consin (Mr. DUFFY), a member of the flooding in recent years, and we are support H.R. 5740, which will avoid a Financial Services Committee. fast approaching another hurricane destructive program lapse while we Mr. DUFFY. I first want to recognize season. We have no other choice. We continue to work towards a long-term the gentlelady from Illinois (Mrs. must act now. It is out of necessity authorization. BIGGERT) and the gentlelady from Cali- that I support this short-term exten- Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. I yield fornia (Ms. WATERS) for their great and sion, but we must remain focused on a myself such time as I may consume to hard work on the reauthorization of longer-term solution for the sake of respond very briefly. the National Flood Insurance Program. those in the Gulf Coast States and There is a great urgency here. There While I rise today in support of this high-risk flood areas. They depend on is a very serious cry coming from the short-term extension, I have to be the National Flood Insurance Program. American people. That cry is saying, frank and honest and tell you that I am Between now and the next time this Help us, and the kind of help we need is disappointed that we haven’t found extension expires, I urge my colleagues to prepare for the storm before the hur- both Chambers coming together to re- in the Senate to revisit and embrace ricane is raging. authorize this program for 5 years. H.R. 1309, our 5-year solution.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.094 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2787 Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. term reforms now. With today’s bill, bill, H.R. 4310, the National Defense Speaker, I will close with my remarks. we begin that process. First, it extends Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. I’m hoping that perhaps Members of the program for an additional month to I reiterate my strong support for the the Senate may be watching C–SPAN spare property owners and the housing protection of women from acts of vio- and watching us in the House. If not, I market from another lapse. In addi- lence and my opposition to the reau- just simply urge their constituents to tion, it would initiate several non- thorization as currently written and give them a call and ask them to move. controversial reforms to develop pri- brought forth. It would be great to move on H.R. 1309. vate sector options in the flood insur- f Because even if you do this temporary ance market. This is all part of the 5- NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OFFER one, it’s 30 days and we’re right back year bill that we have. MOTION TO INSTRUCT CON- here in another 4 weeks at the time Reforming the NFIP is simply too FEREES ON H.R. 4348, SURFACE that hurricanes are raging. We are important to ignore. Our extension will TRANSPORTATION EXTENSION really playing with fire here, and we’re give the Senate time to act, and it will ACT OF 2012, PART II not doing the American people justice, begin the process of fixing NFIP to pro- and we’re not doing right here. tect taxpayers from unnecessary risk. Mr. BARROW. Mr. Speaker, under As the gentleman from Louisiana With that, I urge my colleagues to rule XXII, clause 7 (c), I hereby an- just mentioned, vivid in our minds has support H.R. 5740, and I yield back the nounce my intention to offer a motion got to be Katrina. We can talk about balance of my time. to instruct on H.R. 4348, the conference Andrew in Florida or you can talk Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I report to extend Federal highway pro- about Hazel up in New York. Our whole rise to express my disappointment that this grams. country is coastline, and flooding is House is once again considering a short-term The form of the motion is as follows: the worst natural disaster in our coun- extension to the National Flood Insurance Pro- Mr. Barrow moves that the managers on try in terms of loss of life, in terms of gram. the part of the House at the conference on property. Folks need this financial as- It has been nearly ten years since the pro- the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on sistance from this flood insurance pro- gram was last reauthorized, and the need for the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 4348 be instructed to insist on title II of the gram. reauthorization has only grown more pressing. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to House bill, regarding approval of the Key- While a lapse in the program would be detri- stone XL Pipeline. move and do the right thing. I urge the mental to countless homeowners, the program f American people to contact their Sen- cannot continue to be sustained through a ators and let them know we do not patchwork of short-term extensions. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA- need to be standing naked in the face Last July, the House of Representatives TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 of fierce hurricanes without help and passed a long-term extension of the program GENERAL LEAVE without support simply because the with broad bipartisan support. Shortly after, Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Speaker, I ask United States Senate failed to act in the Senate Banking Committee reported its unanimous consent that all Members the best interest of the American peo- own reauthorization which is now simply gath- may have 5 legislative days in which to ple. ering dust in the Senate. With the start of hur- revise and extend their remarks and in- With that, I yield back the balance of ricane season only weeks away, now is not clude extraneous material on H.R. 4310. my time. the time for the Senate’s typical complacency. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Floods affect every state in the Union, and MCHENRY). Is there objection to the re- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. all Americans deserve the comfort of knowing quest of the gentleman from Cali- ROSS of Florida). Members are re- they will be able to continue to benefit from fornia? minded to direct their remarks to the the security that the National Flood Insurance There was no objection. Chair and not to a perceived viewing Program has provided homeowners and lend- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- audience. ing institutions since 1968. ant to House Resolution 656 and rule Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield This program must be modernized and re- XVIII, the Chair declares the House in myself such time as I may consume. formed to meet the realities of American the Committee of the Whole House on I thank the gentleman from Georgia homeowners and taxpayers. I urge my Senate the state of the Union for the consider- (Mr. SCOTT) for managing this bill and colleagues to swiftly bring their reauthorization ation of the bill, H.R. 4310. for all of his mention of how important bill to the floor so that we can finally move a The Chair appoints the gentleman this is. I also would again like to thank long-term reauthorization forward. from Florida (Mr. ROSS) to preside over the gentlelady from California (Ms. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the Committee of the Whole. WATERS) for being a cosponsor. question is on the motion offered by 1820 Mr. Speaker, I wish we did not have the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. b to be here on the floor once again with BIGGERT) that the House suspend the IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE a short-term extension of the NFIP, rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5740. Accordingly, the House resolved but this program is too important to The question was taken. itself into the Committee of the Whole homeowners, to the housing market, The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the House on the state of the Union for the and to the communities in the flood- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being consideration of the bill (H.R. 4310) to prone areas for Congress to let it expire in the affirmative, the ayes have it. authorize appropriations for fiscal year at the end of the month. It is also too Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. 2013 for military activities of the De- in debt to continue without reform. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas partment of Defense, to prescribe mili- And despite our best efforts in the and nays. tary personnel strengths for fiscal year House, the Senate has been unwilling The yeas and nays were ordered. 2013, and for other purposes, with Mr. or unable to pass a long-term NFIP re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ROSS of Florida in the chair. authorization and reform bill. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- The Clerk read the title of the bill. As has been mentioned over and over, ceedings on this question will be post- The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the the House passed our 5-year NFIP reau- poned. bill is considered read the first time. thorization reform bill, H.R. 1309, last f The gentleman from California (Mr. July with an overwhelming bipartisan MCKEON) and the gentleman from PERSONAL EXPLANATION majority of more than 400 votes. It also Washington (Mr. SMITH) each will con- won unanimous support in the Finan- Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. trol 30 minutes. cial Services Committee. But the Sen- Speaker, I unintentionally voted ‘‘aye’’ The Chair recognizes the gentleman ate has not yet approved any version of on rollcall No. 253 when I intended to from California. flood reform. So here we are once again vote ‘‘no’’ on the motion to consider H. Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield on the verge of a lapse in NFIP. Res. 656, providing for consideration of myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the time has come to the bill, H.R. 4970, to reauthorize the Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of stop playing games with this impor- Violence Against Women Act of 1994, H.R. 4310, the National Defense Author- tant program and start enacting long- and providing for consideration of the ization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, which

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:28 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.096 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2788 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 overwhelmingly passed the Committee the availability of the ‘‘great writ’’ ha- and reconnaissance to make sure that on Armed Services. In keeping with the beas corpus to any person detained in we can continue to defeat the terrorist committee’s tradition of bipartisan- the United States pursuant to the networks that would threaten us. ship, Ranking Member SMITH and I AUMF. As we all know, the writ of ha- Those are the top priorities. worked collaboratively to produce this beas corpus is the ultimate protection We also make sure that our troops bill and solicited input from each of against any unlawful detention by the get the 1.7 percent pay raise they need our members. Executive. and get the support for both the indi- The legislation advances our national I am especially proud of the bipar- vidual troops and for their families security objectives, provides support tisan work done on defense industry re- that are necessary to continue to serve and logistical resources for our form. We have several provisions in our us. We must always remember that we warfighters, and helps the United bill that adopt bipartisan recommenda- have an all-volunteer military. We are States confront the national security tions to improve the relationship be- dependent upon the willingness of peo- challenges of the 21st century. The bill tween the Pentagon and the defense in- ple to volunteer. We must make sure authorizes $554 billion for national de- dustry. In a time of declining defense that we honor that service. We have fense in the base budget, consistent budgets, we can no longer afford to done that, and we have done it quite with the allocation provided by the conduct business as usual. This bill en- well, to the point where we have the House Budget Committee. It also au- courages small businesses to compete finest military the world has ever seen, thorizes $88.5 billion for overseas con- for Pentagon contracts and closely and the support from this Congress is tingency operations. scrutinizes every penny that the tax- critical to maintaining that. The legislation continues my prior- payers send to the Armed Forces. While there is much in this bill that ities set forth when I was elected chair- Finally, in light of the Pentagon’s I think is excellent and that I support, man. It contains no earmarks. It care- new national security strategy, it’s I will note just one caution as we go fully analyzes the Defense Department Congress’ constitutional obligation to forward: Our bill is $8 billion over the for inefficiencies and savings. It helps ensure this new force posture is not a Budget Control Act. It is over what the ensure the Pentagon’s new national de- hollow one. To that end, we provide Senate is going to mark up. At some fense strategy is not a hollow one. And modest increases in combat capabili- point, we are going to have to ration- despite historic cuts to our wartime ties, with a particular emphasis on our alize that and figure out how to make military, it plugs critical capability Navy fleet and critical intelligence, our national security strategy and our and strategic shortfalls opened in the surveillance, and reconnaissance plat- defense budget work in an era where President’s budget submission. forms. our budgets are coming down. The National Defense Authorization I thank the chairman and ranking We have a sizable deficit, and I be- lieve it’s critical that we put together Act for Fiscal Year 2013 achieves these member of the Rules Committee for a strategic plan and plan for the fu- goals by working to: working with us to bring this measure ture. It’s not enough to go year by Number one, ensure our troops de- to the floor. I urge all of my colleagues year. We don’t want to wake up 2 or 3 ployed in Afghanistan and globally, in- to support passage of this bill. In part- years from now and find out that we’ve cluding the National Guard who are nership with you, we look forward to funded more programs than we can af- the Nation’s first line of defense at passing the 51st consecutive National ford to complete. We need a strategic home, have the equipment, resources, Defense Authorization Act. vision, and we’re going to have to work authorities, training, and time they I reserve the balance of my time. to get to that number and get to that need to successfully complete their Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. cooperation with the Senate. Chairman, I yield myself 3 minutes. missions and return home safely; I also want to emphasize the impor- I want to thank Chairman MCKEON, Number two, care for our tance of an amendment that I plan to the committee members, and the staff warfighters, veterans, and their fami- offer that would change how we handle who, once again, did an outstanding bi- lies with the support they’ve earned indefinite detention in military cus- partisan job in putting together this through their service; tody. I do not believe the executive Three, provide critical strategic ca- bill. branch should have that power to in- pabilities in an era of austerity; One of the paramount duties of our definitely detain or place in military Fourth, mandate fiscal responsi- Congress is to provide for the common custody people captured or arrested bility, transparency, and account- defense and, most importantly, make here in the U.S. I believe the United ability within the Department of De- sure that our men and women who States Constitution and our due proc- fense; and serve us in uniform have all the sup- ess system provides plenty of protec- Finally, improve the relationship be- port they need to fulfill the missions tions. We have arrested and convicted tween the Defense Department and the that we ask them to do. I believe this over 400 terrorists using that system. supporting industrial base by elimi- bill meets that standard. We have not used the indefinite deten- nating red tape and incentivizing com- I thank the chairman for his willing- tion in military custody power given to petition. ness to work in a bipartisan fashion the President, and we have been able to Mr. Chairman, in 2012 we affirmed with me and my staff. I believe we have protect ourselves. It’s important that that the President is authorized to de- upheld the tradition of this committee we protect the Constitution and that tain certain al Qaeda terrorists pursu- and have shown that Congress can, in amendment is ruled in order, so I ant to the 2001 Authorization for Use of fact, work together to get things done, would hope that the full House would Military Force, or AUMF. Ten years and I always appreciate that oppor- pass it. after the horrific attacks of 9/11, it was tunity. I am very pleased with the bill. time for Congress to once again ensure Most importantly, this bill Again, I thank the chairman for his that our men and women in uniform prioritizes supporting the warfighter. outstanding work in making sure that have the authority they need to con- We still have around 70,000 U.S. troops this bill supports the men and women tinue to fight and win the war on ter- deployed in Afghanistan fighting the in uniform who so bravely serve us. I ror. war. We need to make sure they have believe it meets that objective. And I Foreign terrorist groups, such as al the equipment and support they need appreciate working with Mr. MCKEON, Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, still to do that. I believe this bill meets all of his staff, and all of the members pose a grave threat to all U.S. citizens. that mission. of the committee. As a result of last year’s bill, we’ve This bill also recognizes the threats With that, I reserve the balance of heard from a number of concerned citi- we face and adequately funds the need my time. zens wondering what this affirmation to meet those threats, most impor- meant in relation to the rights of U.S. tantly, the threat from terrorist and b 1830 citizens. As a result, in this year’s bill, nonstate actors like al Qaeda and their Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield we’ve incorporated Representatives affiliates. We have strong support for myself such time as I may consume. SCOTT RIGELL and JEFF LANDRY’s Right the Special Operations Command as I just wanted to respond to my good to Habeas Corpus Act, which affirms well as for intelligence surveillance friend, the ranking member, Mr. SMITH

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.098 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2789 from Washington. He’s correct, we are workforce and supplier base that would So I look forward to debate about all $8 billion over the amount that was in otherwise be lost and provide upgraded aspects of this bill. I’m proud to have the Deficit Reduction Act. In the budg- vehicles to the Army Heavy Brigade supported the bill in the full com- et the President submitted to us, it Combat teams. mittee markup. was $4 billion over. And we went about The committee bill would also retain the Air Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 $3.7 billion above that. But in the over- Force’s Global Hawk Block 30 unmanned in- minutes to my friend and colleague, all budget that we will pass out of the telligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance the vice chairman of the Armed Serv- House—and we did pass out of the aircraft to support the deployed warfighter ice Committee and chairman of the House, under Budget Chairman RYAN— rather than placing these aircraft in storage, as Subcommittee on Emerging Threats we increased the spending for defense the Air Force plan would do. and Capabilities, the gentleman from due to the priorities that we feel are In addition the committee bill would fund Texas (Mr. THORNBERRY). most important and the constitutional over 150 helicopters of varying types for the Mr. THORNBERRY. I commend requirement that we have to provide Army and approximately 70 fighter aircraft of Chairman MCKEON for his leadership in for the common defense. But we will varying types for the Navy, Marine Corps, and developing this bill throughout the cut in other areas of the budget so that Air Force. course of the year and appreciate the we comply fully with the Deficit Re- Mr. Chairman, I want to thank Chairman working relationship that he and the duction Act. MCKEON and Ranking Member SMITH for their ranking member have, as evidenced by At this time, Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 support in providing an excellent bill to support the fact that this bill was reported out minutes to my friend and colleague, the men and women of our armed forces. of committee by a vote of 56–5. And I the chairman of the Subcommittee of I strongly urge my colleagues on both sides certainly agree with the comments of Tactical Air and Land Forces, the gen- of the aisle to support this bill. Mr. ANDREWS. One of the bipartisan Mr. SMITH of Washington. I yield 2 goals of this committee is to make sure tleman from Maryland (Mr. BARTLETT). minutes to the gentleman from New Mr. BARTLETT. I rise in support of the taxpayers get every dollar of value Jersey (Mr. ANDREWS). possible for the money we spend for de- H.R. 4310, the National Defense Author- (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given ization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. I have fense, and that is a goal that I think we permission to revise and extend his re- are making good progress toward. the privilege of serving as the chair- marks.) man of the Tactical Air and Land Mr. Chairman, I want to rise to ex- Mr. ANDREWS. I thank our ranking press special appreciation to the mem- Forces Subcommittee. Our jurisdiction member and my colleagues for their in- includes approximately $65 billion of bers of the staff of the Emerging dulgence in letting me go a little out of Threats and Capabilities Sub- Department of Defense research, devel- turn here. opment, and procurement programs committee, especially Mr. LANGEVIN, By most counts, the United States our ranking member. within the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Department of Defense is the second To summarize that portion of the and the Air Force. largest organization in the world, be- bill, I think one could do it in three I want to first thank the subcommit- hind only the rest of the United States parts. One is to support the people and tee’s ranking member, SILVESTRE Federal Government, if you took out missions of the U.S. Special Operations REYES from Texas, and an incredible the Department of Defense. It is the Command while also providing objec- staff for their support in the hearing only organization of that size that tive oversight of what they do. Special process and in completing the markup doesn’t have audited financial state- Operations Forces are at the forefront of this bill. Under the leadership of ments. So in an organization that of protecting this country, but that Chairman MCKEON and Ranking Mem- spends over $500 billion a year, we can- also puts them at the forefront of a lot ber SMITH, the committee effort is not say to the taxpayers of our country of legal and policy issues, and that truly bipartisan. with certainty exactly what is spent makes communication between the The committee’s focus is to support where, by whom, and for what. Congress and the Special Operations the men and women of the Armed My friend, Congressman MIKE CON- Forces and their lawyers and other Forces and their families, providing AWAY from Texas, has made correction overseers especially important. the equipment they need and the sup- of this problem a special mission of his Secondly, our portion of the bill tries port they so deserve. Our first priority since he joined this institution. And I to sow and nurture the seeds of future is providing the equipment to support would like to thank him because he capability, such as our science and our military personnel serving in Af- chaired a panel that Chairman MCKEON technology programs. It’s always ghanistan and other areas where they and Ranking Member SMITH saw fit to tempting to cut research and develop- may be under threat of hostile actions. appoint in this Congress to look at how ment in tight budget times, but if you Over $2 billion in the President’s to fix that problem. The solution to the do that, then you are handicapping budget request is recommended to be problem, I think, is well on the way to yourself from having the capability authorized to address urgent oper- being achieved. Secretary Panetta and you need in the future. ational needs for the warfighter, to in- Mr. Hale, who’s the comptroller of the And, thirdly, this mark tries to take clude counter-improvised explosive de- Pentagon, worked diligently on this several steps forward on oversight and vice requirements. An additional $500 and made it a very high priority. And policy in the critical new domain of million is provided for the National the panel on which I was privileged to warfare of cyber. Obviously, we have Guard and Reserve Equipment Ac- serve had voluminous hearings to find talked a lot about that in recent weeks count. out the progress that we were making. on the floor of this House. The committee bill sustains the Na- Suffice it to say that we are impa- Finally, Mr. Chairman, I just make tion’s heavy armored production base tient—and we should be. But I do be- the point that we have lots of problems by maintaining minimum sustained lieve that the cooperative relationship around the world, but this bill comes production of upgrade modifications between the panel created by the chair- to the floor in a time of war. So as we for Abrams tanks, Bradley fighting ve- man and the ranking member and the come with these various amendments hicles, and Hercules recovery vehicles. Department of Defense is leading us to that cut this, that, and the other thing, The Army’s budget request would re- the day when we will have a clear-eyed we all need to keep in mind that there sult in a production break of 3 to 4 assessment of exactly what is being are still people out there trying to kill years for the upgrade of these heavy- spent on what, by whom, and when. as many Americans as they possibly armored vehicles, which would nega- There will be an amendment, in all can, as recent news reports reflect. We tively impact many small businesses. probability, offered later in this debate ought to be cautious about that. The committee believes maintaining which would codify the deadline for Mr. SMITH of Washington. I yield 2 a minimum sustained production is a reaching some of the milestones along minutes to the gentleman from Texas better alternative for taxpayer dollars that path. I will respectfully oppose (Mr. REYES), the ranking member of than closing production lines and then that amendment because I think codi- the Tactical Air and Land Sub- paying to reopen the production lines fication of this requirement will actu- committee. years later. Minimum sustained pro- ally retard our progress rather than en- Mr. REYES. I want to thank our duction would also retain the valuable hance it. chairman from California and the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.100 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2790 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 ranking member for, again, leading the for a reduced force structure is correct. tivities, that is also included in this way in a bipartisan effort. I categorically refuse to accept a di- bill. Increasing the regional missile de- Although probably not a perfect bill, minished Department of Defense and fense systems that we have that pro- under the circumstances, with troops believe that additional force structure tect our troops when they are, for ex- still deployed in war zones, I think a is necessary to support our combatant ample, in Europe, when they’re de- bipartisan agreement to this very im- commanders. ployed, and also our allies for the portant and critical legislation was We have also done our best to craft a short- and medium-range missile at- reached. I especially want to thank my bipartisan way forward on depot main- tacks that might happen, protecting chairman, Chairman BARTLETT, for tenance reform, returning the Nation long-term and cost-effective invest- working and continuing the tradition to a long-standing balance between the ments in our military space assets, of working on a bipartisan basis. I am public and private sectors. Although I these are all areas that we have agreed pleased that our portion of H.R. 4310 will admit this bill is not all things to upon. supports, I believe, all the high-pri- all people, we look forward to con- However, I am extremely concerned ority acquisition programs in the tinuing to improve these portions of about some of the other issue areas President’s budget. the bill in conference. where we do not agree. For example, Some examples are: it fully funds the This bill also takes several steps to provisions that impede nuclear weap- Army’s Ground Combat Vehicle pro- ensure our Navy readiness, including ons reductions, I think that is incred- gram at about $640 million. It provides the restoration of funding to retain ibly important to allow the adminis- $5.8 billion for Army helicopters, UAVs three Ticonderoga class guided missile tration to move forward, not only with and other aviation platforms and up- cruisers that the Navy proposed to re- New START Treaty, but also to look at grades. It also provides $1.6 billion for tire well before the end of their ex- other ways in which we can bring down 21 V–22 Ospreys, which are a critical pected service life. our arsenal if we don’t need it. component of supporting our troops Finally, in this year’s bill, we address The governance and management re- and their operations in Afghanistan the administration’s efforts to reduce forms that will undermine independent today. military and civilian workforce, while oversight related to health and safety, increasing its contractor full-time including nuclear safety. b 1840 equivalents. By building upon last The CHAIR. The time of the gentle- It further provides $2.2 billion for up- year’s effort to direct the DOD to cre- woman has expired. grading the Army’s tactical commu- ate a policy for total force manage- Mr. SMITH of Washington. I yield nications network. It increases funding ment, we direct GAO, in this year’s the gentlelady an additional 1 minute. for the Abrams tanks by $181 million. bill, to provide their assessment of Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- It also increases funding for Bradley what measures DOD is taking to appro- fornia. I thank my ranking member. fighting vehicles by $140 million. And priately balance its current and future These are very important to our peo- more than anything, it protects our in- workforce structure against its re- ple who work in this arena. What is dustrial base at this pivotal and crit- quirements. their safety going to be when they’re ical time to ensure that we don’t lose In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, I want working with nuclear weapons in the the expertise and the quality workforce to thank the members of the Armed complexes that we have? I think that that we have in this country and all Services Committee, especially my the standards and the way, the man- their capabilities. Readiness Subcommittee ranking agement way that the Republicans like But I guess the most important legis- member, Ms. BORDALLO, for their help to do are going to probably cause some lative provision in H.R. 4310 is legisla- in providing the unyielding support for inconsistent standards in protecting tion requiring the Air Force to con- the men and women who so heavily our workers—and risk people’s lives, tinue to operate the Global Hawk rely on our efforts, and our staff who quite frankly. Block 30 unmanned aerial system, work tirelessly to produce this prod- Increasing funding for nuclear weap- which just reached operational capa- uct. ons by more than $400 million over the bility in August of 2011. This is impor- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. President’s budget request when our tant because testimony before our Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- own Pentagon didn’t want that, or in- committee underscores what we have tlelady from California (Ms. LORETTA creasing funding for the ground-based known all along and in the 4 years I SANCHEZ), the ranking member on the midcourse defense program by over $350 was chairman of the Intelligence Com- Strategic Forces Subcommittee. million while there are still test fail- mittee, that we have to continue to Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- ures going out, when we have had 9 of emphasize ISR capability. This legisla- fornia. Mr. Chairman, I thank our 17 tests fail on us, then I don’t think tion, H.R. 4310, holds the Air Force to ranking member for the time, and I we should be continuing to invest in its plan from last year to continue to also want to thank Mr. TURNER, our the same system. We should look and operate both the Global Hawk and U–2 chairman on the Strategic Forces Sub- try to take care and find out what went systems through 2014. So I ask all committee, for his leadership, and all wrong. Members to support this critical piece of the members who work on the Stra- I look forward to trying to work of legislation. tegic Forces Subcommittee for all of these things out in the conference. Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 their work and contributions to this Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield minutes to my friend and colleague, year’s mark. 21⁄2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. I think that there are a lot of issue the chairman of the Subcommittee on FORBES), the chairman of the Sub- areas that we can agree upon, espe- Strategic Forces, the gentleman from committee on Readiness. cially in the Strategic Forces Com- Ohio (Mr. TURNER). Mr. FORBES. Mr. Chairman, I thank mittee, to make our Nation stronger Mr. TURNER. I thank Chairman the chairman for yielding and for his and to really look after our nuclear ar- MCKEON. leadership for the national defense of senal. Mr. Chairman, much of this bill is to- our country. I think there are particular provi- tally bipartisan. Two important provi- I rise in support of the fiscal year sions that I really like in this bill, for sions relate to missile defense and our 2013 National Defense Authorization example, the cost effective and ac- nuclear weapons infrastructure mod- Act. As you’ve heard, Mr. Chairman, countability on some of these things. ernization. Let me talk briefly about this bill reflects a bipartisan effort to And supporting nuclear nonprolifera- those two. address the many issues impacting the tion, for example, is a very important The first, in this bill we restore the readiness of our military. issue, and I think this bill does a good funding for our national missile de- This year’s bill prohibits funding job on that. Maintaining a safe and se- fense system, the budget for which the from being used to plan for another cure and reliable nuclear arsenal, I President has repeatedly slashed. This round of BRAC, which I believe would think that is also important. Fully au- bill also sets up a third missile defense be founded on a flawed premise that as- thorizing the environmental cleanup site for the east coast, adding another sumes the administration’s proposal that we have to do related to these ac- layer to homeland defense.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.101 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2791 The bill fully funds the nuclear mod- have access to is wrong and it’s dis- ticular, this bill blocks the proposed ernization program that President criminatory. But most importantly, increase in TRICARE fees proposed by Obama promised when he sought ratifi- that ceremony would not be in viola- the administration. The administra- cation of the New START Treaty. Na- tion of DOMA because DOMA only tion’s proposal places an unconscion- tional security demands Members states that a marriage is between a able burden on our oldest and most vul- make a choice—fully fund moderniza- man and a woman. It literally does not nerable veterans by increasing their tion or don’t implement New START. say anything else. fees by 345 percent over a 10-year pe- Also a focus of this bill is reform of The second provision that was passed riod. The bill recognizes our budgetary the National Nuclear Security Admin- in committee is even more troubling to limits, but also keeps faith with Amer- istration. If we didn’t strike the right me. This provision would seek to pro- ica’s veterans and servicemembers. balance after several bipartisan ses- tect the religious beliefs of chaplains This bill ensures that as we consider sions and hearings Ms. SA´ NCHEZ and I and servicemembers. The issue of pro- transition in Afghanistan, we ade- convened, we have a long process ahead tecting the religious beliefs of chap- quately understand associated risks. of us to work to get it right. lains was already addressed last year, Based on the Oversight and Investiga- As the National Academies, Strategic and the law on this is very clear: tions Subcommittee findings, this bill Posture Commission, and others have A military chaplain who, as a matter calls for periodic assessments of the found, NNSA is, quite simply, broken of conscience or moral principle, does factors resulting in such trends and the and cannot afford to be left unfixed. I not wish to perform a marriage may effectiveness of transfer agreements am absolutely committed to working not be required to do so. we’ve negotiated with foreign coun- with the minority and the administra- So this really comes down to pro- tries. This bill, through an amendment, tion to ensure a more efficient NNSA tecting discriminatory acts against also requires an assessment focused on that has the nuclear deterrent and gays and lesbians in uniform, which is similar trends for the Parwan Deten- safety as unchallenged priorities. I contrary to the military core values of tion Facility in Afghanistan. good order and discipline. I hope we look forward to an administration pro- Finally, this bill helps to preserve can resolve this issue in a way that posal on the subject. our Nation’s maritime dominance by does not allow discrimination against a I thank the gentlelady from Cali- authorizing new construction of up to group of servicemembers based solely fornia (Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ), our 10 destroyers and up to 10 submarines, on their sexual orientation. as well as preventing early retirement ranking member, for her support, lead- The CHAIR. The time of the gentle- of three cruisers. These assets will pro- ership, and contributions to our proc- woman has expired. ess thus far this year. I want to thank Mr. SMITH of Washington. I yield vide for our common defense, ensure we Chairman MCKEON for his leadership. the gentlelady an additional 30 sec- have the necessary resources for our Nuclear weapons and missile defense onds. strategic pivot to the Asia-Pacific, and are two very important issues for the Mrs. DAVIS of California. The other help to maintain a healthy ship- safety and security of our Nation. Our issue I want to raise—and several of building industrial base. subcommittee has taken a strong com- my colleagues have raised this al- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. mitment to these, and we look forward ready—is the fact that this bill is $8 Chairman, can you give us an update to this bill moving forward to the Sen- billion over the Budget Control Act. on the time left on each side. ate as we try to strengthen both our While we made a number of decisions The CHAIR. The gentleman from missile defense capability and our nu- to restore cuts from the President’s Washington has 17 minutes, and the clear deterrent. budget, we will need to resolve this dif- gentleman from California has 141⁄2 Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. ference at some point, and this means minutes. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- that programs will need to be cut. My Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. tlelady from California (Mrs. DAVIS) hope is that the pay and benefits of our Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- ranking member on the Personnel Sub- brave men and women will not be the tleman from Rhode Island (Mr. LAN- committee. bill-payer when we must reduce spend- GEVIN), who is the ranking member on Mrs. DAVIS of California. I thank ing in this bill. the Emerging Threats Subcommittee. Chairman MCKEON and Ranking Mem- Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given ber SMITH for their leadership, and minutes to my friend and colleague, permission to revise and extend his re- Chairman WILSON for making our sub- the chairman of the Subcommittee on marks.) committee work a bipartisan effort. I Oversight and Investigations, the gen- Mr. LANGEVIN. I thank the gen- also want to thank the staff for pro- tleman from Virginia (Mr. WITTMAN). tleman for yielding, and I would like to ducing this important piece of legisla- Mr. WITTMAN. I’d like to thank thank Chairman MCKEON, Ranking tion. Chairman MCKEON and Ranking Mem- Member SMITH, Chairman THORNBERRY, I am pleased the bill includes provi- ber SMITH for their leadership in mov- and the members of the committee, as sions that are important to our men ing H.R. 4310, the Fiscal Year 2013 Na- well as the staff, for their efforts in and women in uniform, such as a 1.7 tional Defense Authorization Act, as it crafting this year’s bipartisan National percent pay raise, improvements and overwhelmingly passed the House Defense Authorization Act, which af- additional efforts to combat sexual as- Armed Services Committee. firms our commitment to the dedicated sault, transition assistance for mem- The provisions of this bill aptly dem- men and women of our military, the in- bers leaving the service, and Impact onstrate our collective commitment to frastructure that enables their efforts, Aid funding for our military children. our Nation’s heroes—the men and and the research and development re- However, I am concerned because the women of our armed services who sac- quired to maintain our technological majority on this committee adopted rifice so much each and every day for edge. several amendments that distract from all of us. I’ve seen their efforts first- I am particularly pleased that H.R. the wonderful work that we have done. hand, having the opportunity to travel 4310 includes provisions I advocated to Two provisions deal with gays in the five times to Afghanistan, and I re- prevent the proposed cut in the produc- military. The first would prohibit cently had the opportunity to visit tion of the peerless Virginia-class sub- same-sex marriage ceremonies from wounded warriors in Bethesda and Bal- marines. These electric boats—which being performed on military installa- boa. Each visit reinforces how much are critical to our national security tions. this Nation owes the members of our and built in my district through all-volunteer force. Against this back- Quonset/Davisville by the hardworking b 1850 drop, I have worked to ensure that de- men and women that work there—are Mr. Chairman, we already had this cisions made in Congress fulfill the ap- being built ahead of schedule and under debate, and the American people sup- propriate oversight role in taking care budget. This bill preserves the two- port gays and lesbians openly serving of our troops and veterans and securing boat-per-year model that has enabled in our military. Denying a service- our Nation’s defense. such great efficiencies. member the ability to use a military The bill before us today lives up to I would also like to note the inclu- facility to hold a ceremony that others those solemn commitments. In par- sion of my amendment to accelerate

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.103 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 the deployment of the most promising women support our warfighters with member, Mr. MCKEON and Mr. SMITH, directed-energy initiatives. Just re- the tools they need to accomplish their for appointing the panel. cently, the Center for Strategic and goals and missions. I look forward to Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 Budgetary Assessments issued a report continuing my work on the House minutes to the gentleman from Florida that clearly showed that many directed Armed Services Committee with my (Mr. WEST), my friend and colleague, a energy technologies have matured to colleagues to ensure that our organic member of the Armed Services Com- the point that ‘‘cultural factors and base is ready and able to respond when mittee, and a man who has led troops the lack of resources, not technological our warfighters need them. in battle. maturity’’ are the most significant I urge all of my colleagues to join me Mr. WEST. Thank you, Chairman barriers to operational deployment. in support of this important bill and MCKEON, and thank you, Ranking These technologies have the potential pass it for the 51st year in a row. Member SMITH. to fundamentally shift how our mili- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. I stand today to offer my support for tary operates in the complex environ- Chairman, at this point, I yield 2 min- H.R. 4310, Fiscal Year 2013 National De- ments of the future and enables DOD’s utes to the gentleman from Wash- fense Authorization Act. To echo the comments of my col- objectives of a ‘‘smaller, lighter, more ington (Mr. LARSEN). league from Washington (Mr. LARSEN), agile, flexible joint force that can con- Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. I am very happy to see that the rec- duct a full range of military activi- Chairman, I rise this evening to high- ommendations from the Defense Busi- ties.’’ light the Defense Business Panel’s ness Panel will be included in this leg- Additionally, this legislation work over the past 6 months and dis- islation because we have to streamline prioritizes and supports the Depart- cuss our proposals for a series of pro- our processing and our contracting op- ment’s cybersecurity and IT efforts. curement, contracting, and export con- portunities as well for our small busi- Cyber has long been a chief focus of trol reforms that seek to help small nesses. mine; and while I’m encouraged that and medium-sized businesses access the I’m also very happy to know that the this legislation continues to address nearly $400 billion-a-year defense mar- End Strength Reduction Act was in- this critical issue, much remains to be ket. cluded in this legislation to make sure done. FBI Director Mueller has said Burdensome regulations and arcane that we have the proper procedures in that cybersecurity could soon be more auditing requirements are driving tearing down the reduction of our of a threat than terrorism, yet our many companies to quit the defense forces, and making sure we periodi- Federal Government still lacks a single market and are deterring new suppliers cally go back and reassess our national point of accountability for cybersecu- from entering the market. I am pleased security objectives to make sure that rity, and our critical infrastructure that many of the bipartisan rec- our end strength of our military meets lacks many basic protections. ommendations from the Defense Busi- those objectives. I am hopeful that the Rules Com- ness Panel’s report, ‘‘Challenges to I’m also very pleased to know that mittee will allow floor consideration of Doing Business with the Department of we continue to protect the well-earned two amendments I offered that would Defense,’’ have made it into this year’s TRICARE health care benefits for our enable a comprehensive approach to National Defense Authorization Act veterans and for military retirees, cybersecurity across the government and have received overwhelming sup- staying away from the tripling of those and secure the infrastructure on which port by the HASC committee members. health care rates. We will continue to our military and our Nation depend. To ensure the Pentagon uses small index that toward the COLA. On balance, this is a good bill. I businesses more, the FY13 NDAA re- We will continue to provide for the thank the chairman and the ranking quires the Department of Defense to proper support of our military families member for their hard work, as well as award 25 percent of the total value of and their children and the programs on the staff. all prime contracts each year to small our installations. Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 businesses. The panel heard from many But most importantly, I am very minutes to my friend and colleague, a companies around the Nation about happy to know that we will continue to member of the Armed Services Com- how to modernize our export control resource our soldiers, our sailors, our mittee, the gentleman from Illinois regime. Tomorrow we may be debating airmen, and our Marines, because as we (Mr. SCHILLING). an amendment that would grant the are standing here today debating this Mr. SCHILLING. I’d like to thank administration authority to remove piece of legislation, someone is out Chairman BUCK MCKEON for his hard commercial satellites and components there being the watchman on the wall. work and dedication to getting this put from the Munitions List to the Com- Someone is out there about to go on a together, and all of the staff members. merce Control List. I would strongly patrol, and they are trusting and de- I rise today in support of the Na- urge my colleagues to support this pending upon us to do the right thing tional Defense Authorization Act for amendment. through the amendment process of this Fiscal Year 2013. This bill shows our b 1900 legislation to ensure that they are support for our troops and allows them given the resources so they can provide to continue their mission in defending The panel focused on the steps that victory and once again provide for the our country. We are facing difficult fis- can be taken to commercialize innova- common defense of this great Nation. cal choices, but we must not penalize tive products that originate from small We must make sure that our military our brave men and women who are in businesses. This year’s NDAA will re- cannot be seen as a bill payer for fiscal harm’s way. store 1 percent funding for expenses for irresponsibility. And the most impor- I am particularly supportive of how the commercialization and readiness tant thing is, when you look at our this bill supports small businesses that program and will require program of- track record for predicting the next contract with the Department of De- fices to import SBIR Phase 2 programs conflict, it is not a good track record. fense, our organic base that ensures into programs of record, when appro- We must make sure that we do not our soldiers are equipped and ensures priate. destroy our military and decimate its that those who would do harm to our We accomplished much to help small capabilities and capacities while we’re Nation are not allowed within its bor- businesses over the panel’s 6 months of trying to rectify the fiscal situation ders. I am also pleased that it will pro- work, but we’ve only scratched the sur- here. Let’s stay focused on our primary vide insight on how TRICARE can be face. More can be done to help small responsibility of providing for the com- better suited to the needs of the chil- businesses contract with the DOD, and mon defense. dren of our warfighters, and that it will I look forward to working with my col- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. provide more flexibility for the DOD to leagues to implement these changes. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- bring our soldiers who are missing in Finally, I want to thank the gen- tleman from North Carolina (Mr. MCIN- action home from previous conflicts. tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHU- TYRE), the ranking member on the I am privileged to represent the Rock STER), who is the chairman of this Seapower Subcommittee. Island Arsenal in the Illinois 17th Dis- panel, for his leadership, and the chair- Mr. MCINTYRE. Mr. Chairman, as trict. These hardworking men and man of the full committee and ranking the ranking member of the Seapower

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.105 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2793 and Projection Forces Subcommittee, I strength reduction for the active Army at military installations across the want to thank Chairman AKIN for his and Marine Corps; also provide signifi- world. The cost of traditional fields has hard work in helping our subcommittee cant new regulations for combating skyrocketed, and those increased costs put together our portion of the FY 13 sexual assault within the military, and are eating away at readiness require- National Defense Authorization Act. extend access to family housing and ments. We need to make the invest- Throughout the process, there was a commissary and exchange benefits for ment in alternative fuels now, in order strong bipartisan effort to deliver what troops who are involuntarily separated. to free the Department from the shack- is truly needed by our men and women Additionally, we will extend some le of foreign fossil fuels in the future. in uniform. TRICARE benefits to members of the I strongly support the bill’s prohibi- There are a number of provisions Selected Reserve who are involuntarily tion on the retirement of the Global with which I’m particularly pleased: separated. And finally, make clear that Hawk aircraft. The Global Hawk is a The multiyear procurement authority the nonmilitary contributions to critical ISR asset, and the Air Force for up to 10 Virginia Class attack sub- health care benefits through a career of rationale for wanting to retire this air- marines. This provision also gives in- service represent prepayment of health craft and continue flying on aging air- cremental funding authority and re- care premiums in retirement. craft for the foreseeable future was stores advance procurement in FY 13 In conclusion, I want to thank Rank- lacking. As we refocus to the Asia-Pa- that will allow the Navy to procure a ing Member Congresswoman SUSAN cific region, commanders in the AOR second Virginia class submarine in FY DAVIS and her staff for her contribu- need more ISR assets, not less. I’m 13. tions in this process. We are joined, of glad we keep the Global Hawk Block 30 Also, the multiyear procurement au- course, by dedicated members of the aircraft flying. thority for up to 10 DDG–51 Arleigh subcommittee. Their recommendations The CHAIR. The time of the gentle- Burke Class Destroyers and the exten- are clearly reflected in this mark. woman has expired. sion of the Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier Finally, I want to appreciate the Mr. SMITH of Washington. I yield incremental funding from 5 years to 6 service and dedication of the sub- the gentlewoman an additional 30 sec- years. committee majority staff, John onds. The bill also contains several Lit- Chapla, Debra Wada, Jeanette James, b 1910 toral Combat Ship provisions. How- Mike Higgins, Craig Greene and Jim ever, I want to be clear that these pro- Weiss, along with my military legisla- Ms. BORDALLO. Again, Mr. Chair- visions do not indicate that the sub- tive assistant, Chad Sydnor, and Mili- man, along these lines, I believe the committee no longer supports the LCS tary Fellow, Marine Master Gunnery bill takes important steps to protect program. These provisions simply ask Sergeant Michelle King. the Air National Guard from unwar- the Navy to update the subcommittee I urge my colleagues to support H.R. ranted cuts in mission realignments. I on the program’s status, and ask the 4310. appreciate that the bill does not in- GAO to analyze the program and en- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. crease most TRICARE fees and copays sure that any issues that previously Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- and that it prohibits the department have occurred will have been addressed tlewoman from Guam (Ms. BORDALLO), from implementing new fees. and corrected. This will provide the the ranking member of the Readiness I want to thank Chairman FORBES for Navy the opportunity to address any Subcommittee. his strong partnership on the Readi- and all concerns that may still exist. Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise ness Subcommittee and also to thank I want to thank our committee for in support of the defense authorization members of the staff. its hard work, Chairman MCKEON and bill for FY13. The underlying legisla- Again, I support the bill, and I urge Ranking Member SMITH for their excel- tion continues to make sure that our my colleagues to support the measure lent work and leadership. I also want men and women in uniform are pro- as well. to thank the HASC staff, Tom Mac- vided with the resources to be well Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 Kenzie, Heath Bope, Phil MacNaughton trained and equipped. minutes to my friend and colleague, and Emily Waterlander, and the per- Although the war in Iraq is over and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. sonal staff, Justin Johnson, Blair Mil- we begin a drawdown of the surge LANDRY). ligan and Kaitlin Helms, for their ef- forces in Afghanistan, we continue to Mr. LANDRY. I would like to thank forts and expertise throughout this au- face challenges with our readiness. The Chairman MCKEON for working so dili- thorization process. bill supports the Department’s reset ef- gently with me to protect the civil lib- This is a bill we could and ought to forts, which are important to address- erties that we enjoy so much in our support, and stand up for our men and ing readiness challenges in our global country. women in uniform. I urge my col- commands, particularly in the U.S. Pa- Mr. Chairman, as we debate the pro- leagues to vote ‘‘yes.’’ cific Command. tection of these civil liberties in this Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 The bill provides authorization for bill, we need to ask ourselves: What are minutes to the gentleman from South more than $11 billion in funding for we trying to provide? We must protect Carolina (Mr. WILSON), my friend and military construction projects, includ- every citizen’s basic due process rights. colleague and the chairman of the Sub- ing family housing. And our bill does What are those basic due process committee on Military Personnel. not authorize an unwarranted round of rights? Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. base closures and realignments. Specifically, it would be the right to Chairman, thank you for your leader- The bill also continues this commit- notice, the opportunity to be heard, ship on behalf of the military families, tee’s support for the realignment of the right to a neutral forum, the right servicemembers, and veterans of our military forces in the Pacific, includ- to counsel when before the court, and country. ing the military buildup on Guam. As the right to an appeal. Some of my col- The Military Personnel titles of the we refocus on the Asia-Pacific region, leagues are proposing the creation of Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Au- our bill makes efforts to remove re- additional rights. Doing so does not thorization Act are a product of an strictions that are impeding the DOD’s further protect us under the Constitu- open, bipartisan process. These per- ability to move forward with the re- tion nor does it further the protections sonnel titles provide our warfighters, alignment. The revised agreement be- of our constituents. veterans, and military families the tween the United States and Japan is a They say we must allow foreign ter- care and support they deserve, addi- step in the right direction, and our bill rorists captured domestically to be tionally ensuring that proposed draw- helps move that effort forward. tried in criminal court, enveloping down plans do not cut to the heart of I’m greatly concerned by amend- them with all of the protections grant- the Army and Marine Corps. ments that were adopted at Full Com- ed to civil criminals. It gives them ac- Specifically, this year’s proposal will mittee markup that roll back efforts cess to our national security intel- first authorize a troop pay increase of by DOD to invest in biofuels. This in- ligence that ordinary Americans cur- 1.7 percent, and extend bonuses and vestment is needed for our long-term rently are denied. We incentivize them special pay; additionally, limit the end security needs, both operationally and to come to America. The base text of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.106 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 the bill makes it clear and precise that Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 Provisions in the bill also provide for anyone detained is afforded access to minutes to my friend and colleague, the intelligence, surveillance, and re- the basic rights of due process that I the gentleman from Texas (Mr. CAR- connaissance necessary for us to be mentioned earlier. Therefore, those TER). smart, and the bill provides for us to be basic rights are now enshrined. Mr. CARTER. Thank you, Mr. Chair- agile in air mobility. Those are good I urge Members to support the under- man. things. However, there are many parts lying bill, accompanied by the Goh- I rise in support of section 552 of H.R. of this bill that I find objectionable, mert-Landry-Rigell amendment, and to 4310. In fact, I rise in favor of the entire which has led to my ‘‘no’’ vote on this oppose any other attempts to create National Defense Authorization Act legislation. Let me quickly list those: additional rights for foreign terrorists. but specifically of this provision which Certainly, we’ve already talked Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. justly awards the victims of Fort Hood about, here on the floor, the issue of Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. and the Arkansas recruiting station due process. It needs to be addressed, There are no additional rights con- shootings with the Purple Heart. and I want to congratulate the ranking tained in this amendment. We have the Mr. Chairman, I have the distinct member of the committee for his work rights that are in the Constitution that honor of representing Fort Hood, in developing a very good proposal that are the due process. The gentleman’s Texas. We call it the ‘‘Great Place.’’ deals with the due process issue, which comment that additional rights are The day after the attack at Fort Hood, provides that every person in this being granted by this is patently false. I was there. At that point in time, I country has full access to the civil lib- The Constitution is clear. It provides began working on legislation to award erties in the Constitution; all persons in the United States the combat status to the victims so that The Afghanistan war is not taken same rights. All we are doing is going they could all receive the appropriate care of in this bill. In fact, there are back to the Constitution and repealing benefits that they deserve. provisions in this bill that, in all like- the authority of the President to cir- The shootings at Fort Hood and in lihood, would increase the number of cumvent those rights and reduce them. Little Rock left 14 dead and 44 wound- soldiers in Afghanistan by some 20,000 That’s a very critical point that we ed. These soldiers were at a deploy- and leave them there in perpetuity. We will talk further about tomorrow. ment processing center in Fort Hood cannot do this. We’ve got to bring this I am now pleased to yield 2 minutes and at a recruiting station in Arkansas war to an end very, very quickly, and to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. KUCI- when they were fired upon. Many of the bill does not go in that direction. NICH). them at Fort Hood were getting ready In fact, it goes in the opposite direc- (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given to go to war or were returning from tion. We just heard a discussion about permission to revise and extend his re- war for the reassignment to other as- Iran, and I will simply second that por- marks.) signments. In my opinion, the shooters tion of the bill as being out of place Mr. KUCINICH. I thank the gen- extended the battlefield from Iraq and and incorrect; tleman. Afghanistan to Fort Hood and Little There are also things in this bill that Yesterday, we debated H. Res. 568, Rock in order to claim their targets be- are a vast waste of money: missile de- which draws a red line for military ac- fore they reached their destinations in fense on the east coast, a missile sys- tion at Iran’s achieving a nuclear Iraq or Afghanistan. tem that doesn’t work to protect us weapons ‘‘capability,’’ a nebulous and While I am pleased to see the victims from a nonexistent threat. Why would undefined term that could include a ci- receive the Purple Heart, we should you spend $100 million this year and up vilian nuclear program. As a result, the continue to work towards awarding the to $5 million to $7 million in the suc- language in that bill makes a nego- victims combat status and the appro- ceeding 2 years? We ought not do that; tiated solution impossible. priate recognition that they may de- Some things are also to be found at Now, this bill, H.R. 4310, the National serve, including recognizing the civil- home. The Lawrence Livermore Labs Defense Authorization Act, in section ians who were killed. But make no mis- need to be protected. 1221 makes military action against take, at Fort Hood, they targeted sol- The CHAIR. The time of the gen- Iran a U.S. policy. Right in the bill, it diers. tleman has expired. talks about deployments and military Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, I ask Mr. GARAMENDI. Thank you, Mr. action. To create a plan, under article my colleagues to support this language Chairman. B of section 1222, it says that the Sec- but to continue to work towards retary of Defense shall prepare a plan awarding combat status for the victims b 1920 for the Fifth Fleet to conduct military as well. This is a bipartisan issue. I am Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, may I deployments. In section A of article II, very grateful to Chairman KING for get- inquire as to the time that is remain- it says that there should be ting on board with this issue and for ing. prepositioning, sufficient supplies of driving the force, as are all of our sol- The CHAIR. The gentleman from aircraft, munitions—bombs, fuel, and diers, and I am very grateful for the bi- California has 51⁄2 minutes remaining, other materials—for both air- and sea- partisan consideration this concept had and the gentleman from Washington based missions against Iran. So that on both sides of the aisle. I support the has 41⁄2 minutes remaining. sets the stage for war. Then section B National Defense Authorization Act. It Mr. MCKEON. Does the gentleman calls for an execution of the war, bol- is good for our country. have further speakers? stering United States’ capabilities to Mr. SMITH of Washington. I now Mr. SMITH of Washington. We do not launch a sustained sea and air cam- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from have further speakers at this point, paign against a range of Iranian nu- California (Mr. GARAMENDI). and I believe we’re prepared to close. clear and military targets. Mr. GARAMENDI. To the ranking Mr. Chair, I yield myself the balance They’re not threatening us. We’re member and the chair of the com- of my time. threatening them with this. Then we mittee, thank you for a long slog of First of all, I want to again thank call for a showdown in the Strait of hard work and for the production of a the chairman and thank the folks who Hormuz in section C. bill that has much good in it. worked on this bill. As you see from Now look. We’ve been through this Certainly, we have to provide for our the debate, there are a lot of controver- before. I led this Congress in October of military. We need a strong, agile, sial issues that wound up in this bill, 2002 to challenge the Bush administra- smart, and deadly national defense pro- issues of enormous importance, from tion’s march towards war against Iraq, gram. That’s certainly in this bill. We our policy towards countries like Af- and it proved that it was wrong to do also need to provide for our soldiers— ghanistan and Iran, to civil liberties that. There were no weapons of mass for the men and women—and those who and on. It takes a great deal of work on destruction. This is Iraq all over again, serve this country, and that’s in this behalf of the staff and a great deal of and we should at least have a separate bill. The issue of those who have served commitment to a bipartisan spirit to debate on whether or not we should be and who have come home remains an work through that, have fair debates, recommending an attack on Iran with- issue that we’ll probably take up in have the votes, carry on, and always out including it in this bill. other legislation. remember that underlying it all is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.108 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2795 making sure that we fund the defense bomber in Detroit in December of 2008. reinforcing the military’s legal authorities of this country, and we fund the troops He was stopped, arrested, interrogated, to combat terror. who are tasked with protecting it. I prosecuted, convicted, and sentenced to Importantly, at no point did last think our committee and our staff do life in prison. year’s bill detract from the rights of an outstanding job of dealing with We have a justice system and a law U.S. citizens. No one could possibly be those challenges. enforcement system in this country in favor of the unlawful detention of I want to talk again about the indefi- that is more than adequate to meet the innocent American citizens. And noth- nite-detention issue. The gentleman threat. We do not have to undermine ing could be further from the aim of who spoke a couple of minutes ago the Constitution to do that. That will the NDAA, which was to reinforce the raised some concerns, and I think it be the core of the argument. I look for- protection of American citizens from gives us a pretty good preview of what ward to those who are opposed to it ar- terrorist attacks. While we felt con- some of the opposition to that amend- guing why that doesn’t keep us safe. I fident that the NDAA in no way im- ment is going to be tomorrow. I just think it will be a great debate, and I’ll pacted this issue, we took the feedback want to counter those arguments. urge people to vote for it. But I hope we received seriously and analyzed the The first notion that ‘‘additional we’ll have that public debate on the issue. In particular, I worked very rights’’ are being granted as a result of floor tomorrow. It is an incredibly im- closely with my colleague, Chairman this is quite simply absurd. What this portant issue no matter which side of SMITH of the Judiciary Committee, as says is: the due process that’s in the it you’re on. It is an important issue well as numerous outside experts and Constitution is what you get if you are that is worthy of this full House having former U.S. Government officials. arrested. What we have done in this a full and robust debate, and I look for- In acknowledgement of the concerns body is empowered the President to get ward to doing that tomorrow. that have been raised, we felt that it rid of those rights in certain cases and Again, I recognize all of the impor- was important in this year’s bill to ex- indefinitely detain people without tant things that are in this bill. I’m plicitly reaffirm that anybody detained charge in many instances and without confident when we come to the amend- in the United States, pursuant to the trial. What we’re saying is that it is an ment process, we will have a bill wor- AUMF, can challenge the lawfulness of enormous amount of power to grant thy of support of this House, and I will their detention in U.S. Federal court. the Executive, and it is not necessary. then urge Members to support it so we The great writ of habeas corpus is a President Bush did not use that au- can fund the defense of this country citizen’s most fundamental protection thority for the last 5 years he was in and fund the brave men and women against any unlawful depravation of the administration, President Obama who serve our country in the Armed liberty. has not used it, and yet we have pro- Forces, and make sure they have all Some want to go further and have tected this country. To give away that the support they need to do what we this bill prohibit military detention basic due-process right, if you are ar- ask them to do in defending this coun- and interrogation of foreign terrorists rested—that you have the basic rights try. in the United States. And for all the in the Constitution—is no small thing, With that, I yield back the balance of blood and treasure we have spent tak- and it is not necessary. my time. ing the fight to the enemy to prevent Lastly, I want to talk about this ar- Mr. MCKEON. Mr. Chairman, I yield gument that somehow this will myself the balance of my time. terrorists from coming to the United incentivize terrorists to come to the Mr. Chairman, there has been a lot of States, I find this astonishing. Why U.S. I’ve heard a lot of arguments. work done on this bill, and I want to would we weaken our ability to fight That has got to be the dumbest one thank my ranking member—my part- foreign terrorists here at home? Why I’ve ever heard. First of all, it is sad to ner in this effort—and all of the staff would we take lawful options off the say there are many terrorists affiliated who have put in countless hours to get table for our national security offi- with al Qaeda who are trying very hard us to this point for the work that they cials? We must not forget that it is, in to come here and inflict harm on us have done. fact, foreign terrorist organizations right now. That’s why we have all As you can see from the opening de- like the al Qaeda of the Arabian Penin- kinds of efforts in this bill and in bate, we have many things that we sula who would like nothing more than Homeland Security to stop them. They agree on and some things that we dis- to deprive us our life and liberty. We are not going to become any less agree on. I feel good about that because must have all lawful options available incentivized to do that whether this I once heard that if two people agree on to us in order to effectively dismantle bill passes or not. Sadly, we must deal everything, one of them is an idiot. I and defeat them. with that. think that there will be things that we My understanding is that the Rules Second of all, they are certainly not have honest disagreements on, and Committee is meeting as we speak. going to want to come here and operate we’ll have much to talk about tomor- There have been, I think, about 240 as opposed to operating in someplace row. And I’m sure we’ll have many amendments submitted to be debated outside of the U.S. where we don’t have hours to do that. on the bill. Last year, I think they ap- as much reach. That argument has Mr. Chairman, for the second year, proved 150. I don’t know how many or nothing to do with this amendment. there have been misconceptions raised what amendments will be approved. This is a very straightforward argu- by the ACLU and others relating to We’ll find that out as we go through ment I think we should have. Is this a last year’s provision dealing with the the evening and tomorrow. But I know power that the President needs to have 2001 Authorization for Use of Military that we will have a good and healthy to keep us safe? It is not. It is undeni- Force. In 2012, we affirmed that the debate; and at the end of the day, the ably an enormous amount of power to President is authorized to detain cer- important thing that we must remem- go outside of the Constitution, to go tain belligerents who are part of or ber is that this committee’s responsi- outside of due process, and empower substantially supporting al Qaeda, the bility is to look out for the common the executive branch to indefinitely de- Taliban, or associated forces. This in- defense of this Nation. We do so by sup- tain somebody without the due process terpretation was not a new creation. It porting our troops, those who were on that we’ve developed over the course of has been used by both the Bush and the battlefield and those who are sta- 230 years. That is an enormous step for Obama administrations and has been tioned in various places around the this Congress to take. upheld by our Federal courts. world. We must see that they have ev- We have to ask ourselves the ques- The Wall Street Journal editorial erything they need to carry out their tion: Is it necessary? It clearly is not. board has described the NDAA’s affir- missions and to return home safely to We have arrested, prosecuted, and mation as a ‘‘modest law.’’ Former At- their loved ones and that their loved stopped countless terrorist attacks torneys General Meese and Mukasey ones that are left behind are given the over the course of the last 8 years. Over have noted that: things that they need, the support that 400 terrorists were arrested, convicted, Given the continuing threat posed by they need to continue to support their and imprisoned in this country, such as groups like al Qaeda in the Arabian Penin- loved ones who are out fighting for our Abjulmutallab, who was the underwear sula, the affirmation was a critical step in freedoms.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.110 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 With that, Mr. Chairman, I look for- reduces or otherwise affects the jurisdiction Shelf development, the inventory of re- ward to the debate tomorrow. I encour- of the Committee on Homeland Security, and sources has not been tracked in over 30 age all the Members of our conference that a copy of this letter and your response years. The U.S. Geological Survey and and our colleagues in the Congress to acknowledging our jurisdictional interest the Bureau of Ocean Energy Manage- will be included in the Committee Report support this very important bill to help and as part of the Congressional Record dur- ment estimate the U.S. has a 16 per- them carry out that important mis- ing consideration of this bill by the House. I cent share of the world’s undiscovered, sion. also ask that you support my request to technically recoverable, conventional Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- name members of this committee to any oil resources. The Middle East also has ance of my time. conference committee that is named to con- a 16 percent share. COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET, sider such provisions. Rather than saying what we can’t do, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Thank you for your consideration in this the President should be doing more to Washington, DC, May 11, 2012. matter. facilitate the safe discovery and devel- Sincerely, Hon. HOWARD ‘‘BUCK’’ MCKEON, opment of U.S. resources. Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, House PETER T. KING, Mr. Speaker, the President says he of Representatives, Washington, DC. Chairman. supports ‘‘an all-of-the-above strategy DEAR CHAIRMAN MCKEON: I write to con- for the 21st century that develops firm our mutual understanding regarding COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, every source of American-made en- H.R. 4310, the National Defense Authoriza- ergy.’’ The question now is whether he tion Act for Fiscal Year 2013. This legislation Washington, DC, May 11, 2012. contains subject matter within the jurisdic- Hon. PETER KING, is willing to prove it. tion of the Committee on the Budget. How- Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, f House of Representatives, Washington, DC. ever, in order to expedite floor consideration DOMESTIC OIL of this important legislation, the committee DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for your waives consideration of the bill. letter regarding H.R. 4310, the National De- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under The Budget Committee takes this action fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- only with the understanding that the com- I am most appreciative of your decision not uary 5, 2011, the gentlewoman from to request a referral in the interest of expe- mittee’s jurisdictional interests over this California (Ms. SPEIER) is recognized diting consideration of the bill. I agree that and similar legislation are in no way dimin- for 60 minutes as the designee of the ished or altered. by foregoing a sequential referral, the Com- mittee on Homeland Security is not waiving minority leader. The committee also reserves the right to Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, thank you seek appointment to any House-Senate con- its jurisdiction. Further, this exchange of ference on this legislation and requests your letters will be included in the committee re- very much. I will be joined during this support if such a request is made. Finally, I port on the bill. hour by my good friend and colleague would appreciate your including this letter Sincerely, from California, Congressman JOHN in the Congressional Record during consider- HOWARD P. ‘‘BUCK’’ MCKEON, GARAMENDI. ation of H.R. 4310 on the House Floor. Thank Chairman. I would like to just begin this discus- you for your attention to these matters. b 1930 sion on oil prices by recalling that in Sincerely, 2008, the constant refrain that was The Acting CHAIR (Mr. THOMPSON of PAUL RYAN, heard in this Chamber over and over Chairman. Pennsylvania). All time for general de- again was ‘‘Drill, baby, drill’’ by my bate has expired. colleagues on the Republican side. And COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, Under the rule, the Committee rises. the good news is that’s precisely what HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Accordingly, the Committee rose; Washington, DC, May 11, 2012. we’ve done. In fact, in USA Today, and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. ROSS Hon. PAUL RYAN, Citigroup analysts are quoted as saying Chairman, Committee on the Budget, House of of Florida) having assumed the chair, in a recent report, Energy independ- Representatives, Washington, DC. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Acting ence ‘‘is no pipe dream. The U.S. is al- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for your Chair of the Committee of the Whole ready the world’s fastest-growing oil letter regarding H.R. 4310, the National De- House on the state of the Union, re- and natural gas producer. Counting the fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. ported that that Committee, having output from Canada and Mexico, North I agree that the Committee on the Budget had under consideration the bill (H.R. has valid jurisdictional claims to certain America is ‘the new Middle East.’ ’’ 4310) to authorize appropriations for So it’s interesting to note that as provisions in this important legislation, and fiscal year 2013 for military activities I am most appreciative of your decision not much as we’ve been wringing our to request a referral in the interest of expe- of the Department of Defense, to pre- hands, there is oil being produced here diting consideration of the bill. I agree that scribe military personnel strengths for in the United States. In fact, a lot of by foregoing a sequential referral, the Com- fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes, oil is being produced in the United mittee on the Budget is not waiving its juris- had come to no resolution thereon. States. And we’re going to go over a diction. Further, this exchange of letters f few charts now to show how, in fact, will be included in the committee report on AN ALL-OF-THE-ABOVE ENERGY things are looking a little bit better. the bill. This first chart really shows what STRATEGY Sincerely, happened with oil production. When HOWARD P. ‘‘BUCK’’ MCKEON, (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania Chairman. George Bush was still the President of asked and was given permission to ad- the United States, the price of gas hit COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY, dress the House for 1 minute and to re- $4.10 a gallon. It was very high. And HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, vise and extend his remarks.) then gas prices hit rock bottom when Washington, DC, May 11, 2012. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. President Obama took office because of Hon. HOWARD ‘‘BUCK’’ MCKEON, Mr. Speaker, President Obama has the global financial crisis that hit. Chairman. Committee on Armed Services, House often claimed that we have 2 percent of When President Obama took office, of Representatives, Washington, DC. the world’s proven oil reserves, which there were fewer than 400 oil rigs oper- DEAR CHAIRMAN MCKEON: I am writing to is nothing but an excuse for inaction you concerning the jurisdictional interest of ating in the United States, falling the Committee on Homeland Security in when developing American-made en- below 200 rigs by mid 2009. Then, de- matters being considered in H.R. 4310, the ergy. As The Washington Post’s fact- spite safety reviews after the BP spill, National Defense Authorization Act for Fis- checkers noted, the President’s claim oil rigs operating in the United States cal Year 2013. is ‘‘true, but false.’’ False because quadrupled over the next 3 years. There Our committee recognizes the importance ‘‘proven oil reserves’’ is only one cat- are now more than 1,300—I repeat that, of H.R. 4310 and the need for the legislation egory of oil, a fraction of the overall 1,300—oil rigs operating in the United to move expeditiously. Therefore, while we oil in the ground. ‘‘Proven reserves’’ States, more than all operational oil have a valid claim to jurisdiction over cer- refers to amounts of oil where seismic tain sections of the bill, I do not intend to drilling in the rest of the world com- request a sequential referral. This, of course, studies have identified available re- bined. is conditional on our mutual understanding sources. So in the last 3 years of the Bush ad- that nothing in this legislation or my deci- Due to the long Presidential and con- ministration, we were producing 1.78 sion to forego a sequential referral waives, gressional bans on Outer Continental billion barrels of oil; but in the first 3

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:28 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.111 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2797 years of the Obama, we have already changed how deeply the gas pump drills penses and simultaneously make the produced 2 billion barrels of oil. The into your wallet, and we know that. available energy—the energy that is U.S. oil production has continued to in- b 1940 currently available—much more widely crease under President Obama and is available and at a lower cost because of now at an 8-year high. The price of oil is determined on a the market forces. So conservation is Jim Burkhard, who is Cambridge En- global market. More oil production in absolutely critical not only in oil and ergy Research Associates managing di- the United States does not mean con- gas but in all of the other energy that rector, said in Senate testimony in sistently lower prices at the pump. we consume in this Nation. February of this year, ‘‘A ‘great re- However, if we become less dependent Now the second thing, and then I’ll vival’ in U.S. oil production is taking on foreign oil, we will see some dra- circle back around quickly, is what I shape.’’ matic shifts take place in the country. call substitution. We can substitute en- So for all the hand-wringing from my So why does more drilling have so ergy forms for oil, and in doing so, in- colleagues on the other side of the little effect on gas prices? The answer crease our domestic availability for aisle, talking about what isn’t being is because oil is a global commodity. oil—and that’s diesel and gasoline. And done, the truth is a lot is being done, The United States owns less than 2 per- in the substitution we also reduce our and we now have more oil rigs oper- cent of the global reserves and pays the importation of oil. So substitution is ating in the United States—some same world market price that everyone really important. 1,300—than all the other places in the else does. So what is substitution? Well, substi- world combined. So, with that, let me introduce my tution is going electric. We can go to BP projects that the U.S. will get 94 good friend, Congressman JOHN electric cars, go to hybrids, which are a percent of its energy domestically by GARAMENDI, from the great area of Sac- combination of electric and gasoline. the year 2030. That’s going to be a huge ramento and the Valley. There are many different ways on the benefit for all of us. Economists at Mr. GARAMENDI. Thank you very transportation sector. But oil is also Citigroup argue that North America much, Congresswoman SPEIER, and used in the production of electricity. can be energy independent by 2020. thank you for bringing this very, very Natural gas is the big thing today, and That’s only 8 years away. We could be important issue to the attention of the it is a wonderful substitution for coal. energy independent by 2020. Citigroup American public this evening as we And we’ll come back to that. says, if that happens, we will create 3.6 spend this hour talking about gas Finally, biofuels. The point I want to million new jobs, and we will see the prices in the United States. do here leads me to this little chart unemployment rate cut by 2 percent. I was really struck by the charts that that I’ve used before, and it talks An interesting example is that of you put up. Wow. But they tell us that about where your tax money is going. North Dakota. Do you know what the the story is we don’t pump oil in Amer- Where is your tax money going? Well, unemployment rate is in North Dakota ica. Not so. We do. We really do. And I’ll tell you that about $5 billion of today? It’s 3 percent. In California, it’s they tell us that we’re going in the your tax money every year goes to the 11 percent. In North Dakota, it’s 3 per- wrong direction. But if you take a look oil industry. It goes to the oil industry cent. And North Dakota can now boast at those charts, we’re actually pro- to provide a subsidy that’s now been in having the lowest unemployment rate ducing more and more energy. Today, place for more than a century. And in in the country, and it is now the in the Resources Committee, on which doing so, it worked. That subsidy fourth-largest oil producer in the coun- I have the honor of sitting, we had a worked. It created one of the wealthi- try as well. debate about this. And our Republican est—not one of—the wealthiest indus- So we create new jobs. We reignite colleagues were saying that we’re not try in the entire world. That’s the oil manufacturing and chemical busi- producing as much. And so we show industry. And, again, I know you’re nesses. And guess what. American fam- them the energy institute’s statistics, going to pick this up and carry it a lit- ilies see a lot of savings, too. In fact, and they say they’re wrong. That’s an tle bit further. the price of natural gas has dropped independent agency and they collect But just here, our subsidies, our tax substantially. And if we keep going the the statistics, and in fact they’re right. dollars handed over $5 billion a year to way we’re going, it will drop some 80 And your charts clearly pointed out the Big Five, who earn billions and bil- percent, giving the American family a that we are in fact making it in Amer- lions of dollars of profit every quarter. $926 a year savings. ica. Why do we continue to do that when we Georgia Power is another great ex- This is my favorite chart. This is really starve the substitutions? ample. Their fuel costs dropped 19 per- what I’m often on the floor talking You look at here, this is the biofuel cent. And guess what. All of their util- about: Manufacturing in America and area. This is the green technologies— ity customers saw a decrease in their making it in America. It’s not often wind, solar energy, biofuels. This is electrical costs, in their utility bills, that we take this subject of making ethanol down here. You just compare by some 6 percent. So there is some our energy in America, building an this. The subsidies from $70 billion a good news in all of that. American energy machine, one that year going to coal and oil, that’s well The second chart looks at U.S. oil will supply the energy that our Nation beyond the Big Five. And over here on production versus gas volatility. World needs to meet a growing economy and this side we’re talking about some $12 market factors are really driving up oil the needs of our society. billion. And down here, some $16 billion prices. And if you look at this par- So very, very much what we’re talk- a year. ticular chart, you see that the oil pro- ing about here is making it in America. So what’s happened is that your tax duction stays pretty much the same. It There are so many different pieces to money continues to subsidize oil and goes up a little bit in 2010, as you can this. I’m going to just bring up two of coal and just a little teeny, tiny bit on see; but, for the most part, it stays those, and then we’ll carry on our dia- the substitutions, where the oppor- pretty consistent. But what does logue here. tunity for real energy independence change and changes dramatically up First of all, conservation. I think will exist. So we should keep this in and down, as if you are reading an you’re going to talk about this a little mind as we look at how we use your EKG, is the price of gas in this coun- later—about automobile conservation, tax dollars. try. So gas prices are going up and the gasoline in automobiles, which is Now there’s a huge fight going on down irrespective of the production of very, very important, but there’s so here in the Congress, appropriately so, oil. much other conservation that we must about changing this substitution; that The Associated Press conducted an be doing in housing, in commercial we ought to stop subsidizing the oil in- investigation over the past 36 years of buildings, in this building. This build- dustry, put some of that money over U.S. oil production and gas prices and ing is over 150 years old. We’ve got seri- here into the substitutes, that is the found that there is no statistical cor- ous lack of energy conservation here green technologies, and into paying off relation between how much oil comes within the Nation’s Capitol. our deficit or taking care of our seniors out of U.S. wells and the price at the But if we carry on a major effort on and our sick. There’s much, much more pump. More U.S. drilling has not conservation, we will reduce our ex- to be done on that.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.112 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 I would love to see your charts and on oil, whether that’s imported oil or wars. In March of 2008, a barrel of oil we’ll get into this in some, hopefully, oil that is pumped out of the ground cost $70 a barrel in the United States, elegant way. here in the United States, and move to and I guess worldwide also. So March Ms. SPEIER. The next chart that these alternatives. of 2008, it was $70 a barrel. Nothing we’re going to put up is one that you’ll b 1950 happened, no big change. The Straits of find particularly interesting. This is Hormuz were not shut down; Venezuela the Big Five oil companies and how Move to the alternatives, electricity and Nigeria and other countries contin- much money they made just in 2011. As and natural gas and the biofuels. All of ued to pump oil, as they had before. can you see, $137 billion last year—a 75 those will further reduce the demand But between March of 2008 and July percent increase in the profits over the for oil which will bring down the cost of 2008, what’s that, 4 months, 5 year before. And as you can see each of of a barrel of oil within this country months, the price went from $70 a bar- them: ExxonMobil, 31 percent increase; and around the world and, in so doing, rel to $147 and gasoline was very close Shell, a 54 percent increase; BP, 114 allow us to have a lower gasoline price; to $5 a gallon. So oil went from $70 to percent increase; Chevron, 42 percent and to do that, capture the subsidies. $147—doubled, doubled in price—in just increase; ConocoPhillips, 9 percent in- It’s not going to increase the cost of a a period of time from March, April, crease. gallon of gasoline at all. May, June until July of 2008. And then Ms. SPEIER. So we know that we’re These companies are doing extraor- the speculators broke and the price pumping more oil out of the ground in dinarily well and yet we’re still giving plummeted between July to November this country right now than ever before them $5 billion in subsidies. to $32 a barrel. in our history, more than is being I guess the question I have for you, Now this has nothing to do with the Congressman, is one of the things that pumped anywhere else in the world— 1,300 oil rigs. We know that we are still production of oil around the world. It we’re told by the industry often enough has nothing to do with major inter- is that if you take away our subsidies, giving the industry a huge subsidy, and we know that they’re making lots of national crises of any kind. Obviously, the cost of gas at the pump is going to we had a problem in the United States go up. And what is the answer to that money. Right? So what is going on? Is there, in fact, speculation? Is that driv- with our economy; but the consump- question? tion of gasoline remained about the Mr. GARAMENDI. Well, you have an- ing the price of gas up? Now, Bart Chilton, who is a Com- same, but the price of a barrel of oil other chart there that showed the oil doubled and then in the same year, that is pumped and the price of gaso- modity Futures Trading Commission commissioner, recently said that con- July to November, plummeted to $32 a line. Congresswoman SPEIER, you used barrel. this before. And you asked me: If we sumers are now paying what amounts If there is ever, ever a situation that take away the subsidies, will it in- to a Wall Street premium every time says somebody is speculating in this crease the cost of gasoline? The answer they fill up their car with gas. In fact, market, it’s this extraordinary change is, categorically: No. he said every time you fill up your First of all, it is an international Honda Civic, you’re paying a $7.50 Wall that occurred over a period of time market that sets the price of gasoline. Street tax, in effect. You’re paying from March to July to November. And I should add one little caveat to that. that because of the speculation that’s there’s no supply and demand, no inter- International market and speculation. going on in the market. If your car is national crisis that could even begin to And I’m going to come to the specula- a Ford Explorer, you’re actually pay- explain this extraordinary shift in tion in a little bit. ing an extra $10.41. So over the course prices. It is, I think, beyond a doubt Anyway, the international market of a year, it turns into real money. that all of this, this was the great gas- sets the price of gasoline that these Big You’re now talking about $700 more a oline crisis of 2008, was caused by spec- Five companies buy and the value of year that we’re paying because Wall ulation. Now, we need to do something the oil that they extract. So the barrel Street speculation is driving this price. about that. of oil is set internationally. Now if it’s Now, we’ve asked the Justice Depart- Here is an issue before the House of set internationally and you take out ment on three different occasions, the Representatives, and every day some- the speculation, it remains fairly con- President of the United States has where in the buildings here in Wash- stant. Here’s the production. And it has asked the Justice Department on three ington there are a group of Republicans gone up, but it’s been rather steady different occasions to look into, to in- that are doing their level best to elimi- over this period of time. vestigate the speculators. And we’re nate the one law that we have been The subsidy is to encourage the pro- waiting. We’re waiting for that par- able to put in place to control specula- duction of oil. Well, they’ve had the ticular review to take place because tion. This is the Dodd-Frank legisla- subsidy and so the production has been what we do know is that if we can get tion. The Dodd-Frank legislation has rocking along here. The price of oil is oil down to $70 a barrel, we’re going to very powerful tools to control specula- set internationally. What explains this bring gas down to $3 a gallon, which tion. And you can draw your own con- enormous variation in the price of fuel will be a huge benefit to the consumers clusions why our Republican friends at the pump? Well, it’s not production. in this country. would try to torpedo, to end, to evis- That’s from here. Is it the subsidies? Mr. GARAMENDI. The speculation cerate the Dodd-Frank legislation so The subsidies are a very, very small issue, this morning we had a fellow that the speculators can continue this part. You’re looking at a $137 billion from the Connecticut Petroleum Re- kind of activity. total profit. The subsidy is $5 billion. tailers Association come in and talk to Now, keep in mind that this is not So it’s inconceivable that the subsidy us about speculation. You and I didn’t ending. If we go to 2010, 2011, the cur- has much to do with the bottom line, have enough time to put this together, rent period, my guess is that we would other than adding $5 billion, which we talked about this beforehand, be- see something similar to this kind of would be, I guess, if you took the sub- cause we were both taken by the infor- speculation. So the Dodd-Frank legis- sidy out, it would be $132 billion. Oh, mation he provided. It is really not lation is the only tool we have avail- my, let’s whine about that. I don’t new information, but it is very inter- able today to deal with speculations think so. estingly put on the issue of specula- such as occurred in 2008 and is in all So the subsidy doesn’t have much to tion. Forgive me, general public and likelihood continuing today. do, if anything, with the price of gaso- forgive me, Ms. SPEIER, but I just de- Ms. SPEIER. An interesting point line. The price of gasoline, however, is cided to put this together on the back along the same lines, maybe 4 or 5 set by those companies. And that leads of this Make It in America chart be- years ago, the percentage of specula- directly to that bottom line there—this cause America was taken to the clean- tion in the oil market was 30 percent. $137 billion. They choose to set that ers in 2008. The speculators were involved in about price. This is what happened to the price of 30 percent. About 70 percent were end- Now what are we going to do about a barrel of oil in 2008. Now keep in users that were in the market. But in- it? Well, take the subsidies back and mind in 2008 the wars were going on, terestingly enough today, those num- begin to move away from dependence but there was no real change in the bers have just flipped so that the end-

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.114 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2799 users of gas, of gasoline, that are bet- So let’s look at this next chart. In sions—which is good for the environ- ting on the future are 30 percent, and 2005, America’s dependence on foreign ment and good for the climate change it’s the speculators that are 70 percent. oil peaked at about 60 percent. Then it issue—and, simultaneously, we’re able The other thing that the experts said dropped down in 2010 to 49 percent. to then see a path to an electric vehi- this morning, I don’t know if you were Then last year, it dropped down even cle, or at least a hybrid plug-in, hybrid there at the time, they were talking more to 45 percent. 2010 marked the electric vehicle. All very, very good. about Katrina. When Katrina hit, it first time U.S. dependence on foreign Biofuels will be part of that also. blew out all of those oil rigs in the oil fell below 50 percent in 13 years, and So it’s very, very powerful that we gulf. It shut down oil production for a our dependence on foreign oil is now at continue to increase. And let’s keep in period of time. And you know what the lowest level in 16 years. At this mind that there had been no increase happened to the price of oil? It went rate, the Energy Information Adminis- until the Obama administration came from $50 a barrel to $60 a barrel for tration predicts that the U.S. will slash in. I think it was over 20 years that the about 4 months, not from $70 a barrel its dependence on foreign oil to as low standards had been in place, and then to $147 a barrel. So over 4 months, it as 36 percent in the year 2035. President Obama came in and said, Lis- went up ever so slightly, but signifi- The U.S. transportation sector con- ten, we need to move to conservation. cantly nonetheless; and then it came sumed nearly 5 billion barrels of petro- And the result is the incredible sav- down. leum in 2009, accounting for over 70 ings. So this, this is ripe for an investiga- percent of the consumption in the I don’t want to wait until 2025. Let’s tion, I believe, because it would sug- United States. The lion’s share of do something about it today. gest that there is a lot of speculation that—45 percent of total consump- Ms. SPEIER. Well, we can certainly going on in the market today. tion—was in passenger vehicles and try to encourage it. I don’t know if you have any more Mr. GARAMENDI. I was there for light-duty trucks. So, what do we do about that gas guz- thoughts. that, and I was struck by the very Mr. GARAMENDI. I have a couple zling that’s going on? Well, the thing same statistic. As you look at what more things that I’ll pick up along the we do about that is to look at how we happened then, $10 here, a doubling in way. Let me just share one of them, can change how many miles to the gal- price. Consider for a moment what it since we’re on the gasoline issue. would mean to somebody that had pur- lon we get. To the President’s credit, You and I go back to our district chased back here in March a million his administration has put in place every weekend. A month ago, 2 months barrels of oil at $70 a barrel, and they these new corporate average fuel econ- ago, the rage was the price of gasoline. come up to July, that million barrels omy standards—known to all of us as I was doing town halls. I knew you of oil has doubled in value. So this is CAFE standards—that will nearly dou- were also, and so I was doing some re- why speculation occurs. It occurs be- ble the efficiency of the U.S. fleet of search about where the gasoline is and cause somebody by playing the market, automobiles, achieving a fleet-wide av- what it’s being used for and what the by speculating, is able to make a vast erage of 54.5 miles per gallon by the cost was. sum of money. year 2025. I came across a statistic from the En- There’s the other side of that coin— So what does that do once we get ergy Information Institute that was somebody lost a vast sum of money there at 2025? Well, it means that we, absolutely surprising to me. The talk coming down here. But the American as consumers, will save $1.7 trillion at on the radio and on television and the public, however, was the single biggest the pump over the life of the program. talk radio and talk television was that loser in all of this because as that went A family that purchases a new vehicle we have this enormous shortage of gas- up, the price at the pump also went up, in 2025 will save $8,200 in fuel costs oline, that the threat of a war in Iran and Americans paid more and more for when compared with a similar vehicle was responsible for driving it up, and the price of gasoline. It was about $5 a in 2010. So over the life of the program, somehow problems in Nigeria or Ven- gallon when it came up here. And it the standard will save 12 billion barrels ezuela—or wherever—were somehow didn’t go down from $147 to $32; that of oil and eliminate 6 billion metric shorting the market and that gasoline proportion didn’t happen. It did drop tons of carbon dioxide pollution. was in short supply. But the informa- from near $5 down to $3.50, in that area. So the solutions are really there for tion, the statistics were exactly the op- So the American public was stuck us. The solutions are that we move to posite. There was a glut of gasoline in with an exceedingly high price which these CAFE standards, that we address the United States, so much so—get continues to this day, which leads to the issues around speculation, and that this—so much so that the oil indus- those extraordinary profits which you we keep the robust drilling that is try—Chevron, Exxon, BP, all of the were showing just a few minutes ago. going on in this country right now so rest—were exporting 28 million gallons Now, I’m not saying the oil industry that we can continue to reduce our de- of gasoline a day. At the same time was involved in the speculation; but I pendence on foreign oil. they were exporting, they were driving will say this, the oil industry benefited Mr. GARAMENDI. Well, I took a look the price up towards $5 a gallon. from the speculation that left a very at that before we began this hour, and And we go, wait a minute. What’s high price for oil into the future. This I go, Oh, my, do I have to wait until this all about? You’re telling me we didn’t last very long. This went back 2025 to buy that vehicle? No, not really. have a shortage? If we have a shortage, up to $70, and today it’s over $100 a bar- There are pure electric vehicles that why are you exporting 28 million gal- rel. are available today that get not 54 lons of gasoline a day? And from the So we need to consider all of these miles per gallon but like infinite, by information I’ve been able to obtain, it things about what’s going on in the oil using electricity only. You can buy appears as though that export con- market. The bottom line of this is we those. Unfortunately for me, in my dis- tinues to this day—an export of 28 mil- need to change. And this is, I think, trict where a Saturday run around the lion gallons of gasoline a day out of the where you want to go. You want to district is 600 miles, it doesn’t make United States at the same time that talk about conservation. You’re the much sense yet, but it’s coming. the industry is saying, Oh, woe is us. leader here, take us where you want The battery technology is improving We have a short supply. Well, if it’s and I’ll follow. for automobiles. You can store that en- short supply, it’s because they are cre- Ms. SPEIER. So let’s talk about ergy or take down that energy at ating it to the deficit and to the harm what the solution is to protect Ameri- night. This is part of the electric grid of the American traveling public who cans from volatile gas prices and to and the changes that are occurring in has to buy that gasoline. kick our dependence on foreign oil. the electric grid all across this Nation. Now, one other thing—and check me That becomes the secret. Given the low price of natural gas on this; I was trying to recall all of the today—just over $2 per 1,000 Btus— information this morning—that in the b 2000 we’re seeing the electric utility indus- last quarter of 2011 and the first quar- I mean, by every focus, if we kick our try shifting from coal to natural gas. ter of this year, the United States, for dependence on foreign oil, we are going As they do that shift, we get an enor- the first time in—help me here, 40 to be so much better off. mous reduction in the carbon emis- years?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.116 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 Ms. SPEIER. Sixty years. one, two, three, four, five, or six more body tonight and will have many of my Mr. GARAMENDI. —60 years was a homes at night? colleagues joining me over the next net exporter of oil, a net exporter. We b 2010 hour to remember someone who has had achieved energy independence. We had a huge impact, not only on this were exporting more than we were im- To do that, we need to have research city and on this Nation, but on our porting for the last quarter of last year and understanding, not only on how we world, a gentleman who had a very per- and the first quarter of this year. I produce the energy in an environ- sonal impact on my life, who passed don’t know if that’s going to continue, mentally sound way that reduces the away on April 21, 2012, Charles W. but it flies right in the face of what the carbon emissions, but we also need to Colson. oil industry was telling us as the fake, know how to distribute that power and Chuck Colson, as many of us knew false crisis of the spring occurred. My when it’s going to be needed. That’s him, was a very intelligent man, a very guess is it was speculation. My guess is called the smart grid. well-spoken man, a passionate man it was greed on the part of the oil in- Now, to do that requires research. It who served people, who looked for ways dustry. requires us to invest in research to un- to honor them, recognizing the value of My solution is to end the subsidies, derstand how the grid works, how it every single person. His life dramati- bring that money back and use it on can be improved, how we can create the cally changed through a circumstance the green technologies and conserva- efficiency in the grid, how that power that he went through by going to pris- tion. My solution is to enforce the can be distributed to where it is needed on. And I’m going to pull out some in- Dodd-Frank laws and to make certain when it is needed. That takes money. formation here. speculators are not robbing the Amer- The Federal Government has, over the We were honored to have a service ican people day in and day out. Those last several years, provided that re- today, a memorial service at the Na- are two things we can do. And as you search money in the budget that we’re tional Cathedral that was a memorial said earlier, we will continue to debating here now. Well, we’re not de- and remembrance of Charles Colson’s produce energy in the United States, bating it. It actually passed. life. Charles Colson was born on Octo- and we’ll Make It In America. The blueprint for the current budget ber 16, 1931, in Boston, Massachusetts. I thank you so very much. I do have from this House reduces the energy re- He graduated from Brown University. another meeting. I’m going to have to search in the United States. So it may He served in the Marine Corps, went to run, but this is good. It’s good to get be some time, if our Republican col- law school at Brown, and then went on the information out there. Thank you leagues have their way about the en- to practice law. for bringing us together tonight. ergy research, before those three peo- At a very young age, in 1969, while he Ms. SPEIER. Well, thank you, Con- ple will be able to plug that thing in at was under 40, he was selected by Presi- gressman, for your great presentation the same time at night. dent Nixon to be Special Counsel to the and your passion around making it in Ms. SPEIER. Well, let’s hope we do it President, and served directly under America, which should be underscored, sooner than later so that they can be the President from 1969 until 1973. Dur- because one of the great things that driving their Tesla Roadsters. ing that time, he was known as a very happens in my district is a lot of inno- Mr. GARAMENDI. Thank you so very tough guy. He was known as Richard vation. much. Nixon’s hatchet man, and was very in- Tesla, which is an electric car com- Ms. SPEIER. Thank you. And I think telligent, understood policy, under- pany that is making it in America, at this point we have covered all of the stood politics, understood how to get building it right there in Fremont, has issues we wanted to cover during this things done, very driven, very focused, a showroom right outside my district. Special Order tonight. And I just want very tough. So he used his Marine And a gentleman came in to test-drive to leave my colleagues with this mes- Corps background, his tough upbring- the sports—the Roadster, which has a sage. Again, this was quoted in USA ing in Boston, and his sharp intellect hefty price associated with it, but very Today. Citigroup analysts declared in a to be a huge impact for President fast. recent report, energy independence in Nixon. Mr. GARAMENDI. Is this the one the United States is not a pipe dream. Well, he was also, in that time, in- that goes a gazillion miles an hour in 5 The U.S. is already the world’s fastest volved peripherally with Watergate, seconds? growing oil and natural gas producer. and through that, he felt that he was Ms. SPEIER. Yes. It goes very fast, Counting the output of Canada and called to be honest with his involve- and it’s all electric. Mexico, North America is the new Mid- ment in there and pled guilty and en- So he took it for a little spin, came dle East. tered a plea of obstruction of justice back and said, I want to buy it. The We’ve got many exciting things hap- and was sentenced to serve time in salesperson says, Well, you’re the first pening in the oil and gas industry. prison. And it was really as he was pre- person who has ever come in here and Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance paring for that time in prison that he literally bought it after just a test- of my time. started to examine his own life and to drive. The purchaser said, Well, my f see what he had done, why he had done neighbor on one side and my neighbor HONORING THE LIFE OF CHARLES it, and what life was all about. It was really through a writer that he on the other side have already bought COLSON one. had read, a book that had been given to Now, the funny thing about that The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. him, a book by a great author and story is not the keeping up with the RUNYAN). Under the Speaker’s an- great thinker, C. S. Lewis, ‘‘Mere Joneses so much, but the fact that in nounced policy of January 5, 2011, the Christianity.’’ And through that book, terms of the grid, having three electric gentleman from Illinois (Mr. and through the testimony of one of cars on the same block charging over- HULTGREN) is recognized for 60 minutes Chuck’s good friends, that Chuck night is going to create a little indiges- as the designee of the majority leader. Colson came to see his own failings, his tion. So that’s one of the good prob- GENERAL LEAVE own sin, his need for a Savior and his lems that we’re going to get as more Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, I ask need for a change. And it was really in people are driving electric cars. unanimous consent that all Members the friend’s driveway, as they were Mr. GARAMENDI. I was going to may have 5 legislative days in which to talking, that he heard his friend’s tes- head out the door, but your Tesla story revise and extend their remarks and in- timony of what Jesus Christ had meant caught me as I was about to leave. clude extraneous material on the topic to his friend, and the floodgates just The grid, we need to have a smart of my special order. opened up. grid. This is one of the things that is in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there All of a sudden Chuck Colson under- contention here. This is about energy objection to the request of the gen- stood what the fact of his need for a research. Now, we need to understand, tleman from Illinois? Savior, the fact that he needed to turn how can we make that grid smart There was no objection. his life around, that he was going to enough and robust enough that we will Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, it is have to pay a heavy price for his in- be able to charge, on any given block, with mixed feelings that I come to this volvement in Watergate, that he was

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.118 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2801 going to have to leave his friends and every time that he was talking, it was running for Congress, but it was really family, his young children, his wife, to a connection that he cared for people. through that program and through go to prison for a long period of time. He loved people. much that I had learned that I was He wasn’t even sure how long it was One of my favorite stories that I hear brought to start thinking about this, going to be. But it was that night, in over and over and over again about to pray about it, to talk to my wife, to that driveway that he gave his life to Chuck Colson is, as he would travel talk to my family, to talk to my kids Christ. And from that time on, before around the world and travel into the of how important this is and what a he entered prison in the early seven- worst of the worst prisons, that he pivotal time in our Nation this is right ties, through his death here in 2012, would go in there and meet with pris- now. So it was much through the im- Chuck Colson was an incredibly faith- oners. Oftentimes the warden wouldn’t pact that Chuck Colson had on my life ful servant of his Lord and Savior, even go into some of these areas and and that the ministry had on my life Jesus Christ. meet with prisoners. The wardens of that I decided to run for Congress. But more than that, he also was a these prisons would be afraid. And yet I was so excited to have Chuck servant to the least among us. He Chuck Colson would go in, unarmed, Colson here in the Cannon Caucus never forgot that service, that time in without guards right with him, but Room just several months ago to be prison, while he was there, and seeing would go up and meet with the pris- able to meet with Members of Congress the conditions that prisoners suffer oners, talk with them, touch them, hug and to make the connection again. I under, the fact that we are all of in- them, and just interact with them and had spent so much time with him in credible value, not because of what let them know that he was going to that year but hadn’t had a chance to we’ve done, not because of what we continue to be thinking about them, really connect with him since I had know, not because of how much money praying for them, caring for them, lov- been elected to Congress. He came up we can earn, but because of how we ing them, and that he would be back. to me and gave me a big hug and said, have been created and the sacrifice That made a huge impact on my life. I am so proud of you. He wrote me a that has been given for each and every Reading many of his books, he often little note just saying, again, of how one of us. He saw that, and he never talked about what is our role in gov- excited he was and how he wanted me forgot that. ernment, and how should we view the to continue to be faithful in all that we So through this time we’re going to challenges sometimes that we see? As talk about much of his life since that had been studying together and learn- Christians, how should we be involved ing together. He continued to challenge time of going to prison and coming out in government? of prison. As he came out of prison he me, and we talked about how we were, had opportunities where he could have b 2020 hopefully, going to work together for many years to come. gone immediately back into the pri- He talked very clearly about that—of vate sector after being one of the chief the respect of government but also of Unfortunately, there was his un- people in the White House. He cer- the importance of everybody from all timely death. It was a very sudden tainly had many connections, could faiths to be involved in government— death. He was speaking before a group have had a seven-figure income coming and to recognize that this is our re- of people and had a dizzy attack. With- out of prison, but he decided not to do sponsibility as citizens to be engaged in a short period of time, he had a that. and involved in the political process. blood clot in his brain, which had an Instead, he decided to start a min- So I had learned much about Chuck impact there. Over weeks, they tried to istry to fellow inmates. And it was Colson through his readings, through do everything that they could to save from that start that literally, hundreds hearing him speak. him and weren’t able to. Unfortu- and hundreds of thousands of inmates, I had a wonderful opportunity a cou- nately, we won’t be able to continue to millions of inmates around the world, ple of years ago when I had heard about work with him, but his legacy lives on have been impacted by the ministry of a program that he did, that he had in me and in so many others, in lit- Chuck Colson and Prison Fellowship started up about 10 years ago, called erally millions of others around the Ministries, and many, many other min- the Centurions Program. What this is world whom he touched. So that is why istries that have come out of that. is a program that Chuck Colson and it is such a privilege for us to be able Angel Tree is another one that I’ll Prison Fellowship Ministries puts on. to honor him tonight as to the direct talk about a little later on, of serving It’s a yearlong program of study—of impact that he had on us. the victims of crime that we don’t talk seminars, of training—of really talking Really, before I had the chance to get about very often, and that’s children of about how to be involved in our coun- to know him more personally, part of inmates, unintended victims. Angel try, to be involved in our government, the impact that he had was on the Tree is a service, a ministry that pro- to make an impact in our commu- studies that I was doing when I was in- vides gifts to kids whose parents are in nities. It involved dozens of books that volved in our State legislature back in prison, a wonderful ministry that’s we read in a year: going through what Illinois. My wife and I had had our provided gifts to millions of young impacts our culture, looking at movies, fourth child, and we were trying to children around the world. think of a good name for our new son. I am so honored tonight to be able to looking at music, looking at govern- ment, looking at education—every sin- We decided together that we would recognize, to honor, to talk briefly and name him Koleson. We call him Kole, to share this time with some good gle sector. Then we would come from all over but his name is Koleson, named after friends of mine and to be able to talk Chuck Colson. So it is such a privilege about someone who had a huge impact the country out to Washington, D.C., three times during that year, to spend and a reminder all the time as I’m now on my life, Chuck Colson. I am going to with my 8-year-old little boy, Koleson, hand it over to my friend STEVE a long weekend together. Chuck Colson of the legacy that he has, of the big PEARCE in a few minutes here. personally led those seminars, along shoes that he has to fill and, really, of But very personally, let me talk with wonderful speakers from around about the impact and my connection. I the country who had come to train the power that his name means to me had known about Chuck Colson for the men and women from all over the Na- of a man who had a huge impact on my last 25 years or so, 30 years, through tion to be more effective in their com- life. many of his books. He’s written well munities, to be more effective in their So, again, we will take this time over over 25 books. He’s been a speaker families, to be passionate about using these next minutes to honor a man we around the world. He had a weekly their gifts to impact others for good. could spend days talking about. I am so radio show called BreakPoint that I was privileged to be selected to be a privileged to have my colleagues here would talk about issues that were part of this Centurions Program in tonight, and I am going to turn it over going on in the world and, really, a 2009, and I went through that yearlong to my good friend from New Mexico, Christian world view to addressing process. Little did I know at that time, STEVAN PEARCE. issues that we were facing here. honestly, that I would have the oppor- Mr. PEARCE. I thank the gentleman But throughout all of his books, all tunity to serve in Congress. This was for bringing this issue before the of his speaking, all of his literature, before I even considered the idea of House.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.119 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 It is rare that a person can impact my life. Then in 2003, when I arrived would go out and be interrupting peo- your life in a very strong way. It is al- here at the Capitol when being first ple and thrusting myself into their most never that a person can impact elected to the U.S. House of Represent- consciousness, but that they would your life in a very strong way on dif- atives, I started going to just a very look and see there’s something dif- ferent ends of the spectrum. small lecture series, and it was hosted ferent. They would say: Maybe we can In 1970, I graduated from college. I by a gentleman named Chuck Colson. trust that viewpoint. had drawn a very low draft number ear- It didn’t take long to make the asso- So it is with sincere appreciation to lier in my college career. I had joined ciation; but he was bringing in some of my friend who is honoring Chuck the Air Force ROTC in order to avoid the best Christian worldview thinkers Colson with this time tonight—because going to Vietnam in the middle of my in the entire country, and I was able to I believe that the Nation has lost one college career; but, as an ROTC grad- experience Mr. Colson in a far different of the premier thinkers, one of the pre- uate, I then had an obligation to go to way than that remote acquaintance I mier people who would guide us along a pilot training. I attended pilot training had made in the early seventies. path, who would give us a wake-up call and then went overseas. I was assigned In this way, he was one of the most saying that we must find that salva- to the C–130s. We were stationed at compelling thinkers in the country. It tion, we must find that way back when Clark Air Base in the Philippines, but was he who said that he lived in the things have gone wrong. He was speak- most of our missions were in Vietnam. dark until he saw the light. It was he ing from his experience of having gone For the next year and a half, that’s who committed himself to a different so desperately wrong at a young age, where I was. view of the world, one that said that we being upheld and lifted into the very On one particular mission there in must have redemption, that we must White House in this country, and hav- that time of 1971 and 1972, I was a copi- have a savior, that there is no hope for ing stumbled so badly. lot who was flying into Cambodia. us as human beings if we are not to He could speak with experience say- Now, at that time, we were supposedly deal with those problems that each one ing we all have to come back. There not going into Cambodia, and we were of us faces in our lives. As he began to are things that every single one of us supposedly not going into Laos, but we develop his insights and began to be slip into that eventually we’re going to were in and out on several trips that one of the premier organizers of the want to change course. It’s through his day. That evening, when I got back to Christian worldview, bringing in lit- example, through his words, through the BOQ, to the quarters there at Korat erally people from around him, he es- his values, through his ideas that I Air Force Base, which I think is where tablished his pillars for glorifying God know there are many here in this Con- we were stationed at that time for 2 gress who have lived a different life be- weeks, I was interested to see that through the works that we do. Those pillars are: One, prepare well; cause of those ideas. President Nixon was on TV. The cam- He came to New Mexico a couple of two, keep an eye on the horizon rather era zoomed in very close to him, and he years ago. They had a large conference than up close to you; three, engage and described that American soldiers were on the weekend. Again, I remember the enlist others; four, run assessments; not in or around Cambodia, that that same clarity, the same profes- mission was not one that we as soldiers five, seek the abiding fruit, not just sionalism, the same looking toward the were fulfilling. that that is temporary; and, finally, horizon there at that conference in Now, having just been in and out have guidelines that you have applied. New Mexico as we heard in this build- around Cambodia the entire day, that It is in those principles of glorifying ing here. He was a constant. He was re- struck me as unusual that a President God that Mr. Colson really developed a freshing to speak so openly about his would say things that were completely presence that affected the world and af- problems. He was never able to let untrue, that I knew to be untrue. In fected my life significantly. He began them loose, never get them away from my heart, I began to believe that he to compel those of us attending this him, never get that stain off of him. could have said, I don’t think the lecture series in this House of Rep- But he embraced that, yes. That’s who American people have a right to know. resentatives, in one of the rooms be- he was and now he was different, that He could have said, It’s secret, and neath us, to enlist those around us, to he had lived in the dark until he had that’s classified information. But he be a light that shines out to others, to seen the light. came out with the camera looking him let our lives be different, to let our Each one of us, if we were to make square in the face, and he said that we lives be the equivalent of salt and those same understandings and give were not there. Now, maybe he did not light, which are rubbed, so to speak, those same acknowledgements, I be- know. I’ll give him that. into the fabric of the American mind- lieve, would live better and more trans- Yet, when I got back to the U.S. and set so that those around us will know parent lives with truth being a greater had found out about Watergate—that that they have embraced a lie. part of that life. And I think the Na- was beginning to unravel—the idea of b 2030 tion would be better off for us living, as who to vote for in those 1972 elections It was Mr. Colson who told me the it is for him having lived. was ever present on my mind. His oppo- We mourn his passing, but we also most dramatic thing. His perception nent, there was no chance I would vote glorify God that he was placed into our was—and I believe it is still—‘‘The for him. His opponent was Eugene midst that he might truly shine the greatest problem facing America,’’ he McCarthy. I would not vote for him, light of truth into the darkness that he said, ‘‘is truth.’’ We don’t know the but I ended up filling my ballot out found around him. that neither man was qualified or de- truth in this country anymore. It’s not My friend, I will stay around to hear served this office. I did not vote for a revered. As we don’t know the truth, what else we have. Thank you very President that year simply because of then we see the fragments of society much. my personal experience. Then in beginning to come loose around us. Mr. HULTGREN. I want to thank my watching this whole problem with Wa- I hear my own daughter and grand- colleague from New Mexico. I thank tergate, Chuck Colson, Haldeman, children say: Which side is right? you so much. those guys who were inside—the They’re all saying different things. Now I want to yield to my good Plumbers—it began to give me a sense When we as a Nation walk away from friend from North Carolina, MIKE that this was a very bad point in my the concept of truth, when we as elect- MCINTYRE. life and that Mr. Colson was a part of ed officials fail to honor our obliga- Mr. MCINTYRE. Thank you so much. that group that was willing to mislead tions to speak the truth as we know it, Mr. Speaker, I share with these dear a Nation, that was willing to say when our courts declare that there is friends today marking the passing into things that weren’t true. At the end of no truth, then the Nation truly does glory of Mr. Charles Chuck Colson. We the day, President Nixon, as you know, suffer. new Chuck as a dear friend and Chris- stepped down. He gave up his office be- He made that extraordinarily clear tian brother, author, radio commen- cause of misdeeds that a small group of and lived it in his life. It’s at that tator, and also one who challenged us them pulled together. point that I began to be compelled that all to think more about our world view. Now, it was with that background I should be more honest and trans- With his passing, our Nation has lost that I knew Chuck Colson for most of parent in my own faith. Not that I an uncommon leader, a true example of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.121 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2803 the transformative power of Jesus of the lecture series that my good Camp LeJeune, just on the edge of my Christ, and a reminder of the beauty of friend mentioned just a moment ago— congressional district. And he also second chances in life. While some will that I still remember he organized here talked about the practical ways that forever remember Mr. Colson for his on Capitol Hill and would invite Mem- faith can change your life. That’s the role in the Watergate scandal, I will re- bers of Congress to come and to think great legacy I know Chuck Colson member and honor him for the grace more deeply and challenge us to go be- would be pleased with today. We’re and perseverance with which he advo- yond the politics of the issue. talking about a man not only who was cated for the least of these in our soci- Then in his monthly newsletter a great author and speaker but a man ety: those that were marginalized, called ‘‘Jubilee,’’ he would have an edi- whose life changed lives and made a those who were seen as helpless. torial at the back that I regularly read difference. With his work through Prison Fel- and made sure that often I ripped that Thank you very much. lowship, the world’s largest organiza- out and put it in a file because his Mr. HULTGREN. I want to thank my tion for outreach to prisoners and thoughts were so provocative and chal- good friend and fellow Centurion. former prisoners and prisoners’ fami- lenging in terms of our own world view. Thank you so much, MIKE. I appreciate lies, and through his inspirational I also had the opportunity to get to you being here. books and commentaries, Chuck Colson know Chuck Colson and count him as a I yield to my other good friend, ROB- touched thousands of lives and advo- brother in Christ and as a friend, par- ERT ADERHOLT from Alabama. cated tirelessly for programs that ticipating not only in the lecture class- Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise would not only address the physical es here on Capitol Hill, but when he re- this evening, along with my colleagues, needs of those in our Nation’s prisons, wrote the book that he had written in to honor the life and legacy of Charles Colson, better known as Chuck Colson. but also their spiritual needs, as well. 1982, ‘‘Kingdoms in Conflict,’’ which Many people remember Chuck Colson In addition, Mr. Colson’s daily radio greatly touched my life as I thought as the hatchet man for President Rich- show ‘‘BreakPoint,’’ during which he about the possibility of one day maybe ard M. Nixon and also the first member would share a commentary on the life coming to this place. He rewrote that of the administration under Richard of Christ and also on the Christian book on ‘‘God and Politics,’’ and chal- lenged us to think about where we are Nixon to go to prison. world view on the issues of the day, But Chuck Colson is probably known was such a challenge and an inspira- in our faith as we deal with the tough times in the political world, so much so better as a central figure in the Chris- tion to me that as a young lawyer in tian community since his conversion to southeastern North Carolina, in my that my wife, Dee, asked me if for our 25th wedding anniversary that instead be a follower of Jesus Christ. Some at hometown of Lumberton, I actually the time of his conversion may have put copies of his ‘‘BreakPoint’’ com- of a gift or going on a trip, could we be in the Centurion Program that Chuck said it was a jailhouse conversion. mentaries out on the coffee table so However, if you knew and you looked that those clients and prospective cli- Colson had where he had 100 citizens from around this Nation participate at the life of Chuck Colson and saw the ents who came to our law office would life that he led following his release take time to hear from this lawyer, and spend an entire year studying the Christian world view on issues ranging from Maxwell Federal Prison Camp in Chuck Colson, whose life had been so Alabama, you would come to a far dif- transformed by the experiences he had from health care to business, from medicine to education, from law and ferent conclusion. gone through. Chuck Colson emerged from prison When I think about his insights, it’s government to issues within religion itself, and challenging us to study the with a new mission, and that mission because they were so challenging and was to mobilize the Christian Church so clear in their wisdom that they were biblical perspective and the Christian world view, and to think how we deal to minister to prisoners. This would so touching. His books challenge you perhaps be his greatest contribution to to think deeply about your own calling with those issues as Christians in the everyday world. the church and to the world. in life: What was God calling you to do, Chuck Colson was someone who rose and how could you take even the worst b 2040 to high places in the eyes of the world of experiences? I remember him de- So with those 100 citizens from across during his time here in Washington and scribing looking out on the south lawn the country, my wife and I spent a year in his political career. But it actually of the White House thinking he was studying under Chuck Colson’s guid- wasn’t until Chuck Colson hit rock just one door down from the President ance and went to three different semi- bottom that really his life was turned and the neatly manicured lawn. I re- nars that he hosted not too far from around. It wasn’t until he realized that member Chuck two or three times in here in Washington. What an inspira- he was living in darkness, that he was different testimonies describing that tion this man was because he didn’t in need of a savior, and that he was experience and thinking, You know, just teach and he didn’t just talk, but powerless to earn God’s favor that his I’ve made it. he walked the walk and he changed life actually turned around. But then Chuck Colson went from lives by God’s power in the process. If he were here with us tonight, I the White House to the very depths of I know some of you here with us think Chuck would unashamedly say understanding what it meant to be in today—so often, we shared the night that placing his trust in Christ, recog- prison. But instead of letting that ruin before the National Prayer Breakfast. nizing that Christ had paid the penalty his life after the Watergate scandal, he Before we came and led the spiritual for his sins was the best decision that came out of that with his life being heritage tours here at the Capitol that he ever made in his life. And I can say changed. His great book, ‘‘Born so many hundreds of people have now these things about Chuck Colson be- Again,’’ was a bestseller back in the done over the years, that we made it a cause I had the opportunity to get to 1970s when I was in college. And I still regular habit to go to Chuck Colson’s know Chuck Colson personally over the remember when my own father, who annual Prison Fellowship dinner that last several years, and I am honored to passed into glory last year, read that he had on the Wednesday night before call him a friend. book. Along with other experiences the Thursday National Prayer Break- Chuck Colson made many friends that happened to my own father, that fast in February. And we looked for- over his life and, of course, he will be book, ‘‘Born Again,’’ told a story that ward as much to that as being central missed greatly by so many around the my dad could identify with and that to the celebration of what the National world. And of course to Patty and his helped to change his life. Prayer Breakfast was all about because children, he will be sorely missed. Having heard Chuck Colson speak at we knew the night before, Chuck But, Mr. Speaker, I feel sure that Montreat, where my own dad made his Colson was having his annual dinner, Chuck has heard the words, Well done, own Christian commitment, and hear- usually honoring some great religious my good and faithful servant. ing Chuck Colson speak at other events leader or reformer in society before we So I thank you again, Mr. HULTGREN, with the late Dr. D. James Kennedy had our spiritual heritage tour back for the time you have yielded to me to down at Coral Ridge Ministries down in here at the Capitol. honor Chuck Colson. Florida, and being with Chuck so many He often also talked about his experi- Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you, Mr. times here on Capitol Hill, being part ence as a United States Marine at ADERHOLT.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.123 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 Now it’s my privilege to recognize a I don’t know if Chuck Colson ever of- So over the years I stayed in touch. good friend from Iowa, Congressman fered that prayer, but I think he would He didn’t know me personally during STEVE KING. agree with me that there was a time those years, but I listened to cassettes Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the gen- that he was tested; there was a time of his sermons, his lectures. That tells tleman. that he went through that test in the you how far back it goes—they were Mr. Speaker, I rise to also offer my pinnacle of power and through that cassettes. Then I listened to CDs of most appreciative words for the life test in prison, and there’s no question him speaking and his lectures and ser- and the gift to all of us that was the that the Lord used Chuck Colson, test- mons, and I would read his books. life of Chuck Colson. ed him for 40 years, used him for 40 Thank God he was so prolific that he A lot of us got to know Chuck Colson years. Chuck Colson was a gift to was moved to write such extraordinary as he came before our conference on oc- America and a gift to the world. books. casion, the Republican Study Com- I saw a little quote in an article writ- In fact, I came to realize with this mittee on occasion and professed his ten about him that I thought was use- kind of brilliance—and others have conversion. And when one listened to ful and informative: The light just pointed this out, but it struck me back Chuck Colson talk about how his con- emanated from Chuck Colson. You in the eighties—this is a modern-day version took place, how he hit rock knew that he understood. He wrote elo- Apostle Paul. He has that kind of intel- bottom, as the gentleman from Ala- quently about the depth of his faith lect, that kind of ability. And yet he’s bama just said, how he accepted Jesus and the meaning in our lives in this life able to discuss anything with anybody on any level. But his life is a living, Christ as his personal savior, and ac- and in the next and the power of re- cepted a new direction in life that had breathing, walking testimonial. demption. And this quote was written I love the quote that Steven Curtis lasted for 40 years, a man that was at about him. I will note the author be- the pinnacle of power in the world Chapman used in Chuck Colson’s own cause it’s useful. voice in ‘‘Heaven and the Real World,’’ found himself in prison for about 8 The author is Michael Gerson, who months in Alabama. where you hear Chuck’s voice say these wrote an article about him on April 22. And out of that prison, he came back things. Chuck said: He said, Chuck spent the last 40 years and hit bottom and was launched not I meet millions who tell me that they feel at the pinnacle of this world power, but of his life dazzled by his own implau- demoralized by the decay around us. Where he was at the center of the voice of the sible redemption. He knew it was a is the hope? The hope that each of us has is real power in the universe. And his gift. It was implausible that a person not in who governs us or what laws are as humble as Chuck Colson could be passed or what great things we do as a Na- inner voice, the spirit within Chuck tion. Our hope is in the power of God work- Colson, spoke to all of us. the recipient of this gift of grace, yet that gift shined from him like a lamp ing through the hearts of people. And that’s Upon learning of his death, I sent out where our hope is in this country. That’s a tweet in those days, and it read like on a lamp stand, not under a bushel where our hope is in life. basket. It was a light that shined this: As he pointed out on more than one Chuck Colson, from Watergate to evan- across this whole country, and it shone occasion, our hope—the Kingdom of gelical Christian to Prison Fellowship to into this United States Congress over God—will not arrive on Air Force One. heaven in 80 years. Rest in peace, Chuck. and over again. He was a core for the And any hope of that happening is just How now shall we live? values of our faith. He was a core for misplaced. How now shall we live, Chuck Colson, the values of our morality. He brought Well, I have a brother about 8 years who lived by the model that he had. It our thoughts together on the meaning younger, now a Baptist pastor near was a blessing to all of us that he went of our service, our service here in this Richmond, and Bill had acquired Chuck through the difficulty that he did. If he Congress and our service to the world. Colson’s new novel called ‘‘Gideon’s hadn’t been formed and shaped in that And I think he gave hope to many in Torch.’’ And as a man who had worked way, I don’t know that we would have despair, many of those that served in the White House, to have him write seen the Chuck Colson that we knew their time in prison or had been given a novel which, as you read it breath- that we’re saying good-bye to here to- hope and inspiration, grace and salva- lessly, you realize these things could night whose life we honor so much. tion because of their exposure to Chuck easily happen, every one of them, just His activities in Prison Fellowship Colson, the inspiration that he was. His as he spells out. It was an incredible set a standard that had not been seen life dazzles by his own redemption. We book. in this country or in the world. And the are dazzled by the life of Chuck Colson. When I met Chuck Colson, I asked recidivism rate of prisoners that didn’t b 2050 him, Are you going to write any other take part in the Prison Fellowship was novels? That was just a fantastic novel. extremely high. I haven’t committed Mr. HULTGREN. I want to thank my And he said, My publisher tells me peo- that number to my memory; but it colleague from Iowa. ple are not buying my fiction. They seems to me that those who went It’s now my privilege to yield to my want my nonfiction. And I want God to through the Prison Fellowship, those good friend from Texas, LOUIE GOH- use me however he can use me. If it’s who accepted Jesus as their savior— MERT. more productive, more helpful to peo- and I have met with them in the pris- Mr. GOHMERT. I appreciate my ple to write nonfiction, I’ll write non- ons in Iowa that were part of the Pris- friend yielding. fiction. on Fellowship effort—the recidivism Mr. Speaker, it’s such an honor to He also said writing ‘‘Gideon’s rate—by memory, not by research—was pay tribute to such a great man as Torch,’’ a novel, was far more difficult only 8 percent. Chuck Colson. I first read about Chuck than writing the nonfiction, which he It was a tremendous thing to mentor Colson, of course, after the Watergate does. I’m not sure that it’s still in so many prisoners in and out of prison event occurred and all of the events print, but I would hope that after his and the families of prisoners. He went surrounding it. And then I was in law passing there would be a resurgence of to the place where he had known de- school when I read his book, ‘‘Born requests and people would get that spair and gave hope in the very heart Again.’’ It sounded like this was a bril- book and greatly grow and benefit from of the place where Chuck Colson had liant man who really and truly had had it. known despair. And I think that the a conversion experience. Life had been I just wanted to share a couple of testing of Chuck Colson turned him materially changed. Then, again, there things from his book ‘‘God and Govern- into a man that was a gift to this coun- are those who as a judge I saw that ment.’’ He came to the Hill to provide try and a gift to the entire world. would get in trouble and grab a Bible this to many of us. As my friends here I remember a prayer that I offered and say, I’m changed, so go easy on me. know, one of the benefits of being in for years and years throughout the Things like that. But this really ap- Congress—and there are plenty of farm crisis, the years of the eighties, peared quite genuine with Chuck things that aren’t benefits—but one of the difficulties in the nineties. And it Colson. And I knew, as the Bible teach- the benefits is getting to become was: es, we’ll be known by our fruits. What friends with people you have as heroes. Lord, please be finished testing me and incredible fruits this man produced. And Chuck Colson was one of my he- start to use me. Amazing. roes. He was someone I truly looked up

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.125 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2805 to and I benefited from. And even be- And I just want to go through a ning with 556 children that first year, fore he knew me, he was a mentor. quick history of Prison Fellowship, Angel Tree has since exploded into a At page 69 he says: something that, again, has had an im- geyser of ministry opportunities reach- Whether or not God’s existence can be pact on millions of people around the ing more than 400,000 American chil- proved, the evidence can be rationally world. dren of prisoners every single year, and probed and weighed. (Author C.S.) Lewis In 1976, a Watergate crook found their families, with the transforming does so compellingly, and he cites moral law Prison Fellowship. In 1974, the Water- message of Jesus Christ. Over 6 million as a key piece of evidence. Clearly it is not gate scandal sent White House Special children have received gifts from Angel man who has perpetuated the precepts and Counsel Chuck Colson to Federal pris- Tree from their parents donated by values that have survived through centuries and across cultures. Indeed, he has done his on. A new Christian, he faced chal- someone else in the name of their par- best to destroy them. The nature of the law lenges and adversities that tested his ent. Again, the lost victim oftentimes restrains man, and thus its very survival pre- faith and self-respect. Paroled in 1975, of crime. supposes a stronger force behind it—God. Chuck could easily have opted to close In 1983, Justice Fellowship hits the Or consider the most readily observable that book on that dark time and move stage. As Prison Fellowship was ex- physical evidence, the nature of the uni- on with his life as inconspicuously as panding its ministry inside prisons, its verse. One cannot look at the stars, planets, possible. But Chuck knew that God leadership saw firsthand all of the and galaxies, millions of light years away, wanted him to hold on to his ties to signs of a justice system in chaos: over- all fixed in perfect harmony, without asking crowded and violent prisons, neglected who orders them. prison and continue to identify with For centuries it was accepted that God was his fellow prisoners, despite the skep- crime victims, communities shattered behind the universe because otherwise ‘‘the ticism and scorn of Chuck’s critics. by crime. In 1983, Justice Fellowship origin and purpose of life would be inex- was formed to promote biblical stand- b 2100 plicable.’’ This traditional supposition was ards of justice in our Nation’s justice unchallenged until the 18th century’s Age of So in 1976, with little more than a vi- system. Reason, when Enlightenment thinkers an- sion and the support of a few friends, Justice Fellowship volunteers suc- nounced with relief that the origins of the Chuck began Prison Fellowship to pro- cessfully implemented reforms across universe were now scientifically explainable. claim to inmates the love and power of the country: victim-offender reconcili- But in the past few decades, science has Jesus Christ. completely reversed itself on the question of ation programs; alternatives to incar- the origin of the universe. After maintaining In 1977, the next year after the found- ceration for nonviolent offenders; vic- for centuries the physical universe is eternal ing, Prison Fellowship goes behind tims’ rights legislation, and more. In and therefore needs no creator, science today bars. At first, through the support of 1995, former California legislator and has uncovered dramatic new evidence that the director of the Federal Bureau of ex-prisoner Pat Nolan took the helm of the universe did have an ultimate origin, Prisons, Prison Fellowship began Justice Fellowship and has since spear- that it began at a finite time in the past— transporting dozens of Christian pris- headed efforts to pass the Religious just as the Bible teaches. oners out of prison for intensive train- Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Chuck Colson will be missed. But ing through Washington Discipleship Act of 2000, the Prison Rape Elimi- thank God and thank Chuck Colson Seminars held in the nation’s capital. nation Act of 2003, and the Second that he has left us so much in the way Those prisoners then were returned to Chance Act of 2007. of wisdom that we can draw from in prison to evangelize and teach their In 1992, Operation Starting Line the days ahead. We will be remem- colleagues. But in 1977, Prison Fellow- sweeps North Carolina. In 1991, North bering his family and all of those who ship ran into a hurdle when a warden Carolina’s Secretary of Correction loved and miss Chuck in our prayers. from Wisconsin refused to furlough one Aaron Johnson was pondering the con- With that, I appreciate being yielded of his prisoners to attend the Wash- dition of his prisons and saw only one to on behalf of Chuck Colson. ington Discipleship Seminars. Instead, solution—spiritual transformation. In Mr. HULTGREN. Thank you, Con- he challenged: If your program is so an unprecedented move, he invited gressman GOHMERT. I appreciate it. good, why don’t you bring it inside the Prison Fellowship into every prison in I do thank my friends that have been prison? North Carolina to lead a contemporary here. There’s many others that wanted Chuck and his team were up for the version of an old-time revival meeting. to be here tonight and weren’t able to. task, and 3 weeks later, 93 inmates at- So in the fall of 1992, using teams of One of those was our colleague Con- tended Prison Fellowship’s first ever professional athletes, musicians, come- gressman MIKE PENCE from Indiana, in-prison seminar in Oxford, Wisconsin. dians, and powerhouse speakers, Prison who was unable to be here but wrote a That seminar paved the way for hun- Fellowship’s inaugural Starting Line letter. Many others also over the last dreds of thousands of prisoners across evangelistic campaign swept through couple of weeks have paid tribute to the country to receive biblically based all of North Carolina’s 90-plus prisons, the life of Chuck Colson. I would like teaching through in-prison seminars sharing the life-changing message of to recognize just a couple of them. and Bible studies over the past 33 Jesus Christ. Since North Carolina, One was Reverend Billy Graham, years. That first in-prison event also similar evangelistic events have spread evangelist. He said: reinforced the importance of training to prisons all across the country. And For more than 35 years, Chuck Colson, a local volunteers to go inside prisons in 1999, Prison Fellowship joined other former prisoner himself, has had a tremen- and build relationships with inmates. Christian organizations to launch Op- dous ministry, reaching into prisons and Today, Prison Fellowship ministry re- eration Starting Line, now an affili- jails with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. lies on a volunteer network of well When I get to heaven and see Chuck again, I ation of 37 ministries committed to believe I will also see many, many people over 20,000 volunteers. prison evangelism. there whose lives have been transformed be- In 1979, Britain catches the vision. In 1997, a new kind of prison ministry cause of the message he shared with them. Prison Fellowship International takes is born, Interchange Freedom Initia- He will be greatly missed by many, including off. tive, a values-based reentry program me. I count it a privilege to have called him In 1982, ex-bank robber reaches out to founded upon the teachings of Christ. friend. prisoners’ kids and starts Angel Tree. With the full endorsement of then-Gov- Again, that was Reverend Billy Gra- The same year that Chuck started ernor George W. Bush, Prison Fellow- ham. Prison Fellowship, a former bank rob- ship and the State of Texas partnered I do think it is amazing to look at ber named Mary Kay Beard was re- to launch the very first IFI program in some of the history of the impact and leased from prison in Alabama. And, as a prison unit near Houston. Inter- really the decisions that Chuck Colson in Chuck’s life, God graciously trans- change Freedom Initiative immerses made that we talked about. Before he formed the shame of prison into a gold- its inmates-all volunteer participants went to prison, his conversion, many en opportunity for ministry. In antici- in spiritual, educational, vocational, were skeptical about that, thinking it pation of Christmas 1982, Mary Kay or- and life skills training from an unmis- was a ploy to get a lighter sentence. ganized Angel Tree, a ministry to pro- takably Christian perspective. Today, Clearly, it wasn’t, when you look at vide gifts to prisoners’ children on be- IFI is active in both men’s and wom- the fruits of what happened afterwards. half of the incarcerated parents. Begin- en’s prisons in five states: Arkansas,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00089 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.128 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, and because of the surpassing value of knowing sonality to the maximum, but he Texas, and many other States are see- Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have learned from his grandson Max pa- ing the value of this, of really turning suffered the loss of all things, and I regard tience and understanding and love. around recidivism. That we’ve got to them as rubbish in order that I may gain So I am so grateful again for the re- Christ and be found in him. Not having a provide all of this for our inmates for righteousness of my own that comes from lationship that I’ve been able to build them to really have true life change. the law, but one that comes through faith in with Chuck Colson and with his family. After God parted the Jordan River, Christ, the righteousness from God based on We will miss him so dearly. allowing the Israelites to cross on dry faith. I want to know Christ and the power of I want to end this time again by land into their new home, He com- his resurrection and the sharing of his reading from one of Chuck Colson’s manded them to erect a memorial of sufferings by becoming like him in his death, books. I think this is so powerful. This, stones. These would stand as a re- if somehow I may attain the resurrection again, was part of the ceremony today, minder of the miracles God had done from the dead. Not that I have already ob- the memorial service over at the Na- tained this or have already reached this goal, tional Cathedral. This was from Chuck for them, Joshua explained. Today we but I press on to make it my own, because seldom use stones as reminders of Christ Jesus has made me his own. Colson’s book, it’s him talking in his God’s provision. Instead, we preserve book, ‘‘Loving God’’: My friend STEVE KING had talked God’s works in written accounts and Easter, 1980. As I sat on the platform wait- about this radical transformation in photographs. But the reason remains ing my turn at the pulpit, my mind began to his life, and this first pointed to that the same: to remember ‘‘the hand of drift back in time to scholarships, to honors radical transformation where he could the Lord is powerful’’—that was from earned, cases argued and won, great deci- have had everything in this world, was sions made from lofty government offices. Joshua 4:24—‘‘and by His hand, He right there next to the seat of power in My life had been the great American Dream leads us.’’ the Presidency and saw how fleeting fulfilled. But all at once I realized that it Since this time, Prison Fellowship that was. He could have had money and was not my success God had used to enable has continued to minister around the resources when he got out of prison and me to help those in this prison or in hun- world, but Chuck Colson also had other dreds of others like it. My life of success was a career in law or so many other activities I’ve already talked about, not what made this morning so glorious. All things, but instead decided to give and Congressman MCINTYRE talked my achievements meant nothing in God’s back to prisoners and to others as well. about the Centurion program, the im- economy. No, the real legacy of my life was Many would ask: Why would he do pact it had on our lives, a hundred citi- my biggest failure, that I was an ex-convict. that? Well, there was another passage My greatest humiliation, being sent to pris- zens each year going through the Cen- that was read today. This was read by on, was the beginning of God’s greatest use turion program. of my life. He chose the one thing in which He also started the Colson Center for one of his grandchildren. This is from Matthew 25: I could not glory for his glory. Christian Worldview, which again had Confronted with this staggering truth, I a huge impact and has been directly in- Jesus said, Then the king will say to those discovered in those few months in the prison volved in BreakPoint, which is a week- on his right hand, ‘‘Come, you that are chapel that my world was turned upside blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom down. I understood with a jolt that I had ly radio program that is on. prepared for you from the foundation of the He also was awarded 15 honorary doc- been looking at my life backwards. But now world; for I was hungry and you gave me I could see, only when I lost everything I torate degrees. And in 1993, Chuck food, I was thirsty and you gave me some- thought made Chuck Colson a great guy, had Colson was awarded the Templeton thing to drink, I was a stranger and you wel- I found the true self God intended me to be Prize for progress in religion. This is a comed me, I was in prison and you visited and the true purpose in my life. very prestigious award. It’s given to a me.’’ Then the righteous will answer him, It is not what we do that matters, but person who has made an exceptional ‘‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry what a sovereign God chooses to do through contribution to affirming life’s spir- and gave you food or thirsty and gave you us. God doesn’t want our success; he wants something to drink? And when was it that itual dimension. With the Templeton us. He doesn’t demand our achievements; he we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or demands our obedience. The kingdom of God Prize is a $1 million cash award. Chuck naked and gave you clothing? And when was is a kingdom of paradox, where, through the Colson could have taken that and spent it when we saw you sick or in prison and vis- ugly defeat of the cross, the Holy God is ut- it on his family. Instead, he donated it ited you?’’ And the king will answer to them, terly glorified. Victory comes through de- to prison ministry to impact prisoners’ ‘‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it for one feat, healing through brokenness, finding lives. He also continued to donate of the least of those who are members of my self through losing self. throughout his entire life all of the family, you did it for me.’’ Chuck Colson truly was one of my royalties that he received from his Then he will say to those on his left hand: ‘‘You are the accursed. Depart from me heroes, someone I will miss dearly, books along with royalties from speak- into the eternal fire prepared for the devils someone who impacted my family. I ing. and his angels, for I was hungry and you will think of him all the time when I In 2008, President George W. Bush gave me no food. I was thirsty and you gave look at my own son, Koleson, named honored Chuck Colson with the Presi- me nothing to drink. I was a stranger, and after Chuck Colson. But I just want to dent’s Citizen’s Medal. you did not welcome me; naked, and you did thank my friends for joining me to- So again, tonight we have taken just not give me clothing; sick and in prison, and night to honor this great man, honor a few minutes to honor a man who had you did not visit me.’’ this great life, and be challenged to- Then they will also answer: a huge impact on our lives. Many of us gether to follow the example that he in Congress have been impacted by him ‘‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hun- gry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick left for us. through his writings and teachings and or in prison and didn’t take care of you?’’ Thank you, Chuck. We’ll never forget through our friendship with him. He Then he will answer them: you. has also had a huge impact on pris- ‘‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it I yield back the balance of my time. oners around the world and the plight to one of the least of these, you did not do it Mr. PENCE. Mr Speaker, I rise today with a of prisoners, and recognizing that all to me.’’ heavy heart to pay tribute to a man we re- human life is valuable and needs to be membered just a few short hours ago at the b 2110 respected and honored and treated with National Cathedral here in Washington, DC. that respect that it deserves. Chuck Colson saw what his God had The Good Book says, ‘‘Render therefore to From the service today, there were a done for him, the incredible power of all their due . . . honor to whom honor.’’ couple of different things. There were a his redemption and transformation Charles W. Colson is certainly worthy of honor couple of different readings that were that happened in his life, and wanted and esteem. done at the service, and I would like to to share that with those of greatest The earthly life of this consequential Amer- close with this. need. He saw that as the weakest, the ican has come to an end and I mark this occa- First, one of the readings was from poorest, those in prison. sion with a sense of profound personal loss. Philippians, chapter 3. This was a very He was also dramatically impacted Chuck Colson rose to the heights of political important passage for Chuck Colson: by his grandson Max. Max is diagnosed power and fell to the depths of disgrace. But Yet whatever gains I had, these I have with autism. Again, Chuck saw the in- in his fall, he found redemption in the gospel come to regard as loss because of Christ. credible value of every single life. of Jesus Christ. Given a second chance, More than that, I regard everything as loss Chuck was a hard driver, a type A per- Chuck Colson devoted his life to carrying the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:15 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.129 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2807 Christian message of second chances to we look into this situation, we know think is their enemy? Who do they those in prison, and he saw countless lives that they see the U.S. as their enemy, think is their enemy? The United changed by his compassion and example. just as Japan saw us as their enemy be- States of America. While we not only His voice of moral clarity was an inspiration fore World War II—the Japanese mili- become susceptible to them, not only to millions of Americans and made him an in- tarists—just as Nazi Germany saw the do we put ourselves in an inferior posi- valuable counselor to leaders in government American people as their enemy, and tion by borrowing money from them, and business. I will always count it a privilege just as the communist governments but we also end up giving that money to have been able to call him my dear friend that threatened the world for over four back to them in aid programs. and mentor. His dedication to moral integrity, decades after World War II, just as they b 2120 serving his fellow man and his steadfast faith saw the United States as their enemy. have always and will always be an inspiration Yes, we are the enemy of tyrants and And that is what I would like to talk to me and my family. vicious regimes that are expansionary about tonight, the fact that how can Karen and I offer our deepest condolences and threaten the peace and the freedom we possibly borrow money from the to Patty, the whole Colson family and to all of the world. We can be proud of that. world’s worst human rights abuser, a who mourn the loss of Chuck Colson. The Chinese know that. The Com- country that looks at us as their enemy. Then we become vulnerable to f munist Chinese know that. That’s why they don’t like us. That’s why they that country. But at the same time CHINA consider us their enemy. while we are becoming vulnerable, we The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under China is the world’s largest human then increase our investment in the the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- rights abuser. China’s Government private sector of that country. But also uary 5, 2011, the Chair recognizes the smashes those who advocate freedom of we have spent hundreds of millions of gentleman from California (Mr. ROHR- the press, freedom of religion. Those dollars in aid programs to the com- ABACHER) for 30 minutes. who, of course, suggest that the Chi- munist Chinese regime. Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, nese Government should be account- Well, with that in mind, I asked the first let me suggest that I join with my able to its people are arrested and Congressional Research Service to as- colleagues in honoring the memory of thrown into jail, or murdered. semble a list of programs that the Con- Chuck Colson, a man who also meant a It arrests Chinese practitioners of gress funds that go directly to sup- lot to me as an individual. Those of us Falun Gong, for example. Falun Gong porting development and the economy who come from California and remem- is a Chinese religious movement which of China. It is a partial list because ber Richard Nixon coming out there stresses yoga and meditation. Beijing there are so many programs that, after over the years and remember the great has these devout and passive people, weeks of work, they could not even work that Chuck Colson did for our practitioners in a simple religion that find them all. This list that I am about prison community in California, we’re is meditation and yoga. These people to read is of projects that are funded very grateful for that. He taught us are arrested and they’re thrown into and have been funded over the last 3 really the true meaning of Christian prison where they are murdered. And years, at the same time, while the compassion. I personally was a bene- then the Chinese Government, after Obama administration was spending ficiary of that knowledge and that spir- murdering these people for their reli- $1.5 trillion more annually than we’re it that he helped us understand and de- gious convictions, sells their organs taking in. velop within our own hearts. So I and body parts. It doesn’t get much So while we’re spending more than would like to join my colleagues in more ghoulish than this. we’re taking in by $1.5 trillion, we are that. On the international scene, China is spending on programs that are going to But today I rise to call attention to responsible for promoting and facili- China, and it’s China who’s lending us the hundreds of millions of public dol- tating the proliferation of nuclear the money in order to spend that extra lars we have spent and continue to technology between North Korea, Paki- $1.5 trillion. This is an insane policy. spend in the form of foreign aid to the stan, Iran, and others. China is respon- And this spending on China is ongo- People’s Republic of China—better sible for empowering the Burmese ing. I’m just giving you the facts from known as Communist China to those of junta that imprisoned Aung San Suu the last 3 years, and it is ongoing. us who have spent years trying to fight Kyi for years. It has allied itself with To make sure we all understand ex- that oppressive regime. rogue regimes all over the world, like actly where we are spending or sending Our national debt is over $15.7 tril- Sudan and Venezuela and other re- our taxpayer money, I am going to lion and is growing. We are spending gimes that are tyrants in their own read a list of programs that we have $1.5 trillion more every year than we country and threaten the security of funded in China, and ask, as we are are taking in. Forty-three cents out of their neighbors and of the United going through this list, after every every dollar we spend is borrowed States. time I go through the money, couldn’t money, and Communist China is the China’s aggressive foreign policy and we have spent this money better in the single largest foreign holder of United hostile naval actions are threatening United States? Or wouldn’t it have States debt. the sovereignty of American allies like been better not to borrow it in the first The interest we pay on this ever- Japan and the Philippines. It is Com- place and add this to $1.5 trillion every growing debt is increasingly squeezing munist China that has stolen and is year for the last 3 years that we’ve out spending on other worthwhile pro- currently stealing most of our prized been putting our people into debt? grams. Why, then, are we borrowing military and commercial secrets. So every one of these things that I money from the Chinese Communist China has stolen the designs for every read, ask yourself that question: Is this Government—to be repaid, of course, one of our nuclear warheads. in the best interest of the United with interest—and then using that bor- Chinese cyberspies have stolen all of States? Is it in the best interest of our rowed money to finance programs in our trade secrets. All of the money we children who we’re putting more in which we are giving money to these put in to invest in research and devel- debt by borrowing and giving it to various programs that go to China, the opment they steal and utilize. No won- China and having to pay the interest? country from whom we are borrowing? der they’re as far ahead in their rocket They’re going to have to pay off the Remember, the government of this program as they are when they took loan and the interest to China in the aid recipient considers the United the technology from us; they stole it future. States its enemy. They are happy to from us. They have infected our crit- So here’s a partial list, and I’m going loan us the money and they are happy ical electronic technology infrastruc- to round off the figures to an under- that we are stupid enough to give it ture with malicious viruses and then standable number. And many of these back to them in terms of aid and, yes, they, of course, break into our classi- deal with ‘‘environment.’’ other types of programs, including giv- fied systems. Why are we trying to make the envi- ing it back to them in investments. It is China which has embarked on ronment in China better so that the We are strengthening the govern- the most significant arms buildup since people of China can basically out com- ment that considers us an enemy. As the Cold War. And I ask: Who do they pete us in our business dealings? That

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:20 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00091 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY7.062 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 should be part of the cost of production where they’re going broke because the versity. Don’t we have coal lique- in China. But, no, we are picking up water has been cut off to them in order faction environmental studies going on that cost. Not only that, our people are to protect some delta smelt. Our guys in the United States that could use investing in China and building their are going crazy and going broke, our that money for research to make sure factories. farmers are, but we’re going to find $2 that our coal burns more cleanly and Why did the EPA give, for example, million borrowed from China in order effectively here, rather than giving $141,000 to the Institute of Environ- to give back to China in order to aid that money and information to China’s ment and Sustainable Development in the Institute of Agriculture so that benefit and borrowing it from them in Agriculture to reduce greenhouse gases they can have sustainable livelihoods order to give it to them? in China? In China. in China. b 2130 Why did the EPA give $125,000 to the Why did USAID give $2 million to the Eastern Research Group that reduces Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, an Why did the Department of Energy greenhouse gases in China? NGO, for sustainable livelihoods in give $5.3 million to Brookhaven Na- tional Laboratory in the Daya Bay nu- Why did the National Science Foun- China? Think there are any Americans clear project in China? That’s over $5 dation give $63,000 to Siena College for that need sustainable livelihoods? Neutrino Physics at Daya Bay in Why did USAID give $2 million to the million. By the way, that’s $5 million China? Institute of Sustainable Communities to this nuclear facility. Let me just note that, in my district, And let me add, some of these will be to reduce greenhouse gases in China? we have a problem with a nuclear repeats because we did this, this is over Oh, yes. We need to make sure we pay power plant that’s going through some a 3-year period, because we have sev- all of China’s environmental expenses; very serious problems right now, San eral programs over the years where otherwise, they won’t accept global Onofre. We maybe could have used that we’re giving money to the same group government like our government ex- $5 million to help us correct the prob- in China; and that spending continues, pects us to accept. lems at the San Onofre plant. But no. let me add. Why did USAID give $749,000, almost We borrowed the money from China to Why did the EPA give $150,000 to $750,000, to the ICF International to re- give it back to them to solve their China for Coal Information Institute duce greenhouse gases in China? problems while our children will be Why did USAID give $500,000 to the for reducing greenhouse gases? forced to pay that debt off. We get no Why did the EPA give $100,000 to Asia Foundation for humanitarian as- benefit out of it except a load of debt Guizhou International Corporation sistance to China? on our children. Center for Environmental Protection Why did the USDA give $10,000 to Why did the Department of Energy for reducing greenhouse gases? That’s Texas Agriculture Experiment for bio- give almost $400,000 to the State Uni- in China, of course. logical control of forest insects in versity of Albany to study climate Why did the EPA give almost $300,000 China? Do our forests not need this? change in China? Oh, yes. to the Ministry of Environment Pro- Why are we borrowing money when Why did the Department of Energy tection in China for reducing health we can’t afford to do these things in give $300,000 to the Pacific Northwest risks? Don’t we have health risks in our own country? National Laboratory for the modeling the United States? Don’t we have some Why did the USDA give almost of regional climate change in China? needs of our own? Why are we giving $100,000 to Rutgers State University for Again, it’s using climate change as a this money to China? climate change adaptation in China? vehicle to give them money that we are Why did the EPA give $150,000 to Now isn’t that great? We’re paying borrowing from them in the first place, Tsinghua—I’m sorry I can’t pronounce for them to adapt to climate change. which we will then have to repay. this right—University Department of Then, of course, they’ll join the global Why did the Department of Energy Building Sciences for Environmental government which these same people give $256,000 to the Rensselaer Poly- Governance in China? are trying to force on us. But then we technic Institute for research at the Why did USAID give the Asia Foun- are under a mountain of debt, our chil- Daya Bay nuclear project in China? dation almost $2 million, it was $1.7 dren, in order to pay for their adapta- Again, another $250,000 to this Daya million, to build environmental gov- tion to climate change. Not, of course, Bay nuclear project. It could have been ernance in China? to say that anybody in the United the next year because this is over a 3- Why did USAID give $500,000 to the States, our farmers or any other indus- year period. These are some of these. American Bar Association to build en- try, doesn’t need to adapt to the dif- By the way, it’s not anywhere near all vironmental governance in China? ferent changes that go on in the cli- of them over the 3-year period, but all Don’t we have some things in the mate, even if they are natural changes of these are taken from a list over that United States where we could use a in our climate. 3-year period. Yes, we could have used $500,000 grant for some of our local Why did the Department of Energy some of that money to make sure that communities? Couldn’t they use some give $2.5 million to the University of we didn’t have a problem in our own help? Instead we sent it to China. But Michigan for the U.S.-China Clean En- districts. first, of course, we borrowed it from ergy Research Center? Shouldn’t we be Why did the Department of Energy China. So to give it to them, we’ll have developing our own clean energy in the give $210,000 to Rutgers State Univer- to repay China and the interest in United States? Instead, we borrow sity for Site Science for the Atmos- order to give it to them. money from China in order to spend it pheric Radiation Measurement Mobile Why did USAID give $300,000 to the in China, and then we have to pay debt, Facility in China? Why are we doing University of Massachusetts to im- interest on that debt, and pay back the that? Why are we providing them that prove the quality of judicial education debt. Our children will, of course, be type of a foundation, a scientific foun- in China? We’re giving them $300,000 in doing that. dation, so that they can prosper and so order to improve judicial education in Why did the Department of Energy that they won’t have to spend their re- China? give $2.5 million to West Virginia Uni- sources paying for that type of sci- Why did USAID give $200,000 to the versity for a U.S.-China Clean Energy entific infrastructure? University of the Pacific to advance Research Center? Again, a research Why did the Department of Energy the rule of law in China? center, perhaps the same research cen- give $135,000 to the University of Mary- Why did USAID give $55,000 to ter, but the next year. So that makes it land for the climactic effects of Nexant, an NGO, to be an adminis- $5 million that we’ve given to that re- aerosols in China? There you go— trator of China program evaluations? search center in China. aerosols. It’s an issue from way back Why did USAID give $2 million to Why did the Department of Energy then, which some of us think was not Winrock International Institute for give $1.2 million to West Virginia Uni- entirely reported, but now we are still Agriculture for sustainable livelihoods versity for Long-Term Environmental giving almost $150,000 to check out in China? I guess we don’t need any and Economic Impacts of Coal Lique- aerosols in China for their benefit. help in our farm belt. I guess our farm- faction in China? That’s $1.2 million to, Why did the Department of Energy ers don’t need my help in California yes, spend through West Virginia Uni- give over $500,000 to the University of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:20 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00092 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.133 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2809 Houston for a proposal to measure neu- sign & Research Institute to reduce that’s great. We have to pay for trino mixing at the Daya Bay nuclear greenhouse gases in China? Again, here everybody’s air pollution in the world. experiment in China? Again, over a we are spending money to help them We are borrowing money from China, half a million dollars while we’re hav- design houses in China. Wonderful. but we have to pay for their reduction ing trouble with our own nuclear pro- None of our designers need any help. of transboundary air pollution. gram. Why did the EPA give almost $300,000 Why did the EPA give almost $200,000 We should be developing our own new to the Eastern Research Group to re- to the Chinese Ministry of Environ- generation of nuclear power which will duce greenhouse gases in China? mental Protection to build environ- be safe—and we can do it—but we don’t Why did the EPA give over $100,000 to mental management capacity? have the money to do it. Why? We’re Guangzhou City, China, to reduce Why did the EPA give $120,000 to the giving millions of dollars to China and greenhouse gases? Tianjin Environmental Protection Bu- to others, money that should go to de- Why did the EPA give $110,000 to the reau for water pollution management? veloping our own new technology here. Guizhou International Cooperation Now, there is something we don’t need Of course, we are borrowing the money Center for Environmental Protection any money for around our country— from China in order to give it to them, to reduce greenhouse gases in China? water pollution. I live in a coastal dis- which leaves our children in debt, and Do we have no need for this money in trict. We could use that money for they’ll have to pay it all off with inter- the United States? Does our equipment water pollution. We’ve got sewer pipes est. not need to be more efficient? Should and water purification systems that Why did the Department of Energy we not be investigating putting money need to be upgraded. But no. We’re bor- give $70,000 to Colorado State Univer- into the development of cleaner energy rowing money from China to give it to sity for the climactic effects of sources here? With all this money China rather than having that money aerosols in China? we’re giving away, we could be devel- spent in the United States. Why did the Department of Energy oping clean energy sources, if nothing Why did the National Science Foun- give $19,000 to Pennsylvania State Uni- else, for the new generation of nuclear dation give $62,000 to Sienna College versity for factors influencing energy power plants, which is starving for re- for neutrino physics at, again, the use and carbon emissions in China? search money. No, we’re giving it to Daya Bay nuclear project in China? Isn’t that nice that we gave the Uni- China. Well, we’re not spending the money versity of Pennsylvania money to Why did the EPA give almost $100,000 here to develop our own clean nuclear study this for China so they will have to the China University of Petroleum energy. the information in China and will be in Beijing to reduce greenhouse gases b 2140 able to use it for their benefit rather in China? than studying things in the United Why did the EPA give $200,000 to Why did USAID give Management States to help us so we can do better California State University at Ful- Systems International almost $500,000 here. lerton to reduce greenhouse gases in to improve environmental governance Why did the EPA give over $500,000— China? in China? $550,000 to be exact—to the Virginia Why did the EPA give $85,000 to ICF Why did USAID give Vermont Law Polytechnic Institute to reduce green- International to build climate change School—get this—$1,725,000 for im- house gases in China? proved environmental governance in Why did the EPA give almost a half management capacity in China? China? a million dollars to the Research Tri- Why did the EPA give $135,000 to In- Why did USAID give the Institute for angle Institute to reduce greenhouse formation Institute to reduce green- Sustainable Communities half a mil- gases in China? This is basically mak- house gases in China? lion dollars to save energy and reduce ing equipment more efficient. Why Why did the EPA give over $50,000 to greenhouse gases in China? Can’t we aren’t we making our equipment more Advanced Resources International to put this use in these structures in the efficient? The Chinese should buy it reduce greenhouse gases in China? United States? from us rather than our having to relo- Why did the EPA give $31,000 to the Why did USAID give the University cate our manufacturing plants in Energy and Environmental Develop- of the Pacific a half a million dollars China. Yes, let them buy it from us— ment Research Center for biogas devel- how about that?—and give our own opment? for environmental governance in people jobs rather than borrowing Each and every one of these items I China? money so that they could have the am talking about is an item on which Why did USAID give the American technology. We are going in debt so we spent money out of the Federal Bar Association $500,000 for environ- that they can have the technology, and budget. We took it out of the tax- mental governance in China? our children will have to pay the debt payers’ pockets—or actually, we bor- Why did USAID give the University back with interest, and they will sell rowed it from China—and then left of Massachusetts $420,000 for environ- us the equipment. The Chinese will sell them with the debt in their pockets, mental governance in China? it to us in a generation. the IOU in their pockets, and we gave Why did USAID give the Organiza- Why did the EPA give $300,000 to the it to China rather than taking that tion for Economic Cooperation and De- Energy and Environmental Develop- money, those resources, and spending velopment $150,000 for development as- ment Research Center to reduce green- it in the United States to develop the sistance in China? house gases in China? technology here. Why did USAID give Management Why did the EPA give almost $250,000 Like I say, I’ve been struggling for Systems International $50,000 for devel- to the Research Triangle Institute years to get the new generation of nu- opment assistance? again—probably a second year of their clear power developed here. It has been Why did USAID give the Rockefeller grant—to reduce greenhouse gases in starved—it has not been given what it Philanthropy Advisors $2 million for China? needs—and we’re giving away these sustainable livelihoods in China? Don’t Why did the EPA give almost $200,000 hundreds of millions of dollars to the we have people in the United States to the China University of Petroleum Chinese, which we, of course, are bor- who need money like that? Don’t we in Beijing to reduce greenhouse gases rowing. In the end, we will pay them have people, indeed, here who need a in China? Can’t any of our people use for the technology because they will be sustainable livelihood? Why are we giv- this research money to help our coun- sending the manufactured items here. ing it to China and borrowing it from try and our technology become cleaner Why did the EPA give $30,000 to the them in order to give it to them and and more efficient? No. We’re giving it China Association of Rural Energy In- leaving our kids in debt? to China, and then they will sell that dustry to reduce greenhouse gases in Why did USAID give Rockefeller Phi- technology back to us after they manu- China? lanthropy Advisors $400,000 for sustain- facture it years ahead of us because we Why did the EPA give almost $800,000 able livelihoods in China? subsidize their R&D. to the China State Environmental Pro- Why did the USDA give the Univer- Why did the EPA give almost $200,000 tection Administration to reduce sity of Science and Technology of to the China Urban Construction De- transboundary air pollution? Well, China $150,000 for research? Don’t our

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:20 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.135 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 universities need money for research Why did USDA give Guangzhou Dxcel Ad- REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- for things that we can use here in the vertising $18,500 for Administrative Purposes VIDING FOR FURTHER CONSID- United States to make our life better? in China? ERATION OF H.R. 4310, NATIONAL Why did the USDA give the SB Group Why did USDA give Management and Engi- DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT Consultants $25,000 for education in neering Technologies International $40,994 to FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 China? improve forest health in China? Mr. BISHOP of Utah, from the Com- Why did the USDA give Management mittee on Rules, submitted a privi- and Engineering Technologies Inter- Why did USDA give Management and Engi- leged report (Rept. No. 112–485) on the national $40,000 to improve forest neering Technologies International $7,973 for resolution (H. Res. 661) providing for health in China? We don’t need any administrative purposes in China? further consideration of the bill (H.R. help with our forests here, do we? Why did USDA give Southern University Why did the USDA give Yangzhou $300,000 for improved Education in China? 4310) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 for military activities University $36,000 to improve biological Why did USDA give Colorado State Univer- controls in China? of the Department of Defense, to pre- sity $300,000 for improved Education in scribe military personnel strengths for Why did the USDA give Management China? and Engineering Technologies Inter- fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes, I will end my remarks tonight by national $8,000 for administrative pur- which was referred to the House Cal- suggesting that what we are doing is poses in China? endar and ordered to be printed. Why did the USDA give Utah State insane. America will never survive f University almost $400,000 for biomass with such a mindset with these mind- boggling giveaway programs where BILL PRESENTED TO THE research in China? I happen to know PRESIDENT American companies and people who we’re giving away money, we’re giving are investing in biomass research. Why this type of support to a country and a Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, are we giving almost $400,000 to help government that is totalitarian, that reported that on May 14, 2012, she pre- the Chinese in biomass research, which kills Christians and other religious sented to the President of the United will compete with our own companies people, who hates the United States States, for his approval, the following that are trying to develop this very im- and is our biggest potential enemy. bill. portant and unique energy source? That is not the Chinese people. That’s H.R. 2668. To designate the station of the Which by the way for the environ- the Chinese Government. United States Border located at 2136 South The Chinese dictatorship has cover Naco Highway in Bisbee, Arizona, as the mentalists who are watching, who ‘Brian A. Terry Border Patrol Station’. think that I may be making light of today, and the reason why these poli- f climate change, I support biomass and cies go on is they have cover from some other clean-energy programs that of our most powerful corporations. We ADJOURNMENT make sense. This one makes sense. Our have permitted overly subsidized Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I companies are investing in it, and yet American corporations to set up manu- move that the House do now adjourn. we’re borrowing money from China in facturing facilities in China, and now The motion was agreed to; accord- order to give it to them to do biomass they need to stand in the good graces ingly (at 2 o’clock and 29 minutes research to compete with our own peo- of the Chinese Government. When I a.m.), under its previous order, the ple and put them out of business. come up and say things like this, cor- House adjourned until today, Thurs- Why did the USDA give Tetra Tech porations in the United States try to day, May 17, 2012, at 10 a.m. for morn- EM $325,000 for administrative purposes provide cover for the Chinese dictator- ing-hour debate. ship. We should not be providing aid to for environmental programs in China? f Why did USAID give the Institute of the Chinese. We should not be encour- Sustainable Communities—get this— aging our corporations to go there and EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, another $500,000 to save energy and re- become vulnerable to the Chinese in ETC. duce greenhouse gases in China? Don’t order to make a quick profit. Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive we have the need in our communities I would suggest over the last 10 communications were taken from the to do things in a sustainable way in the years, since most-favored trading sta- Speaker’s table and referred as follows: United States? No. They don’t have tus has been given to China, we have 6021. A letter from the Congressional Re- that money now. It’s in China. We bor- put America in a very vulnerable spot. view Coordinator, Department of Agri- rowed it from China to give to them. We at the very least should reassess culture, transmitting the Department’s final Now we’re going to have to pay the bill our relationship with China, but at the rule — Importation of Pomegranates From back after we’ve given it to them. Chile Under a Systems Approach [Docket very least cut off any aid programs No.: APHIS-2010-0024] (RIN: 0579-AD38) re- Why did USAID give the University that go to this communist regime, this of the Pacific $500,000 for environ- ceived April 18, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. totalitarian regime that looks at us as 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- mental governance in China? Again a their enemy. culture. half a million dollars. 6022. A letter from the Congressional Re- Why did USAID give the American Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. view Coordinator, Department of Agri- Bar Association $500,000 for environ- culture, transmitting the Department’s final mental governance? rule — Importation of Fresh Pitaya Fruit Why did USAID give the University of Mas- f From Central America Into the Continental sachusetts $420,000 for Environmental Gov- United States [Docket No.: APHIS-2010-0113] ernance in China? RECESS (RIN: 0579-AD40) received April 18, 2012, pur- Why did USAID give the Organization for suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mittee on Agriculture. Economic Cooperation and Development ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair 6023. A letter from the Congressional Re- $150,000 for Development Assistance in declares the House in recess subject to view Coordinator, Department of Agri- China? the call of the Chair. culture, transmitting the Department’s final Why did USAID give Management Systems rule — Importation of Clementines From International $47,484 for Development Assist- Accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 45 min- Spain; Amendment to Inspection Provisions ance in China? utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. [Docket No.: APHIS-2010-0036] (RIN: 0579- Why did USAID give Rockefeller Philan- AD27) received April 18, 2012, pursuant to 5 thropy Advisors $2.4 million for Sustainable f U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ag- Livelihoods in China? riculture. Why did USAID give The Asia Foundation 6024. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- AFTER RECESS ment of Defense, transmitting a letter on the $1,025,000 to improve Disaster Management approved retirement of Lieutenant General in China? The recess having expired, the House John E. Sterling, Jr., United States Army, Why did USDA give the University of was called to order by the Speaker pro and his advancement to the grade of lieuten- Science and Technology of China $150,000 tempore (Mr. NUGENT) at 2 o’clock and ant general on the retired list; to the Com- for Research? 28 minutes a.m. mittee on Armed Services.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:20 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY7.137 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2811 6025. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- that organization; to the Committee on For- 6045. A letter from the Program Manager, ment of Defense, transmitting a letter on the eign Affairs. Department of Health and Human Services, approved retirement of Vice Admiral Ann E. 6035. A letter from the Presiding Governor, transmitting the Department’s ‘‘Major’’ Rondeau, United States Navy, and her ad- Broadcasting Board of Governors, transmit- final rule — Medicare and Medicaid Pro- vancement to the grade of vice admiral on ting the Broadcasting Board of Governors’ gram; Regulatory Provisions to Promote the retired list; to the Committee on Armed 2011 Annual Report, pursuant to Section Program Efficiency, Transparency, and Bur- Services. 305(a)(9) of the U.S. International Broad- den Reduction [CMS-9070-F] (RIN: 0938-AQ96) 6026. A letter from the Congressional Re- casting Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-236, pursuant received May 15, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. view Coordinator, Department of Agri- to 22 U.S.C. 6204; to the Committee on Over- 801(a)(1)(A); jointly to the Committees on culture, transmitting the Department’s final sight and Government Reform. Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. rule — Asian Longhorned Beetle; Additions 6036. A letter from the Chairman, Federal 6046. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, to Quarantined Areas in Massachusetts Energy Regulatory Commission, transmit- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, [Docket No.: APHIS-2010-0128] received April ting the Commission’s annual report for Fis- transmitting Memorandum of justification 18, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to cal Year 2011 prepared in accordance with for the President’s waiver of the restrictions the Committee on Agriculture. Section 203 of the Notification and Federal on the provision of funds to the Palestinian 6027. A letter from the Chief Counsel, De- Employee Antidiscrimination and Retalia- Authority; jointly to the Committees on partment of Homeland Security, transmit- tion Act of 2002 (No FEAR Act), Public Law Foreign Affairs and Appropriations. ting the Department’s final rule — Final 107-174; to the Committee on Oversight and 6047. A letter from the Acting Under Sec- Flood Elevations Determinations [Docket Government Reform. retary, Department of Defense, transmitting ID: FEMA-2012-0003] received April 18, 2012, 6037. A letter from the Acting Deputy As- the annual report on the National Security pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- sistant Administrator for Regulatory Pro- Education Program (NSEP) for 2011, pursu- mittee on Financial Services. grams, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmos- ant to 50 U.S.C. 1906; jointly to the Commit- 6028. A letter from the Secretary, Securi- pheric Administration, transmitting the Ad- tees on Intelligence (Permanent Select) and ties and Exchange Commission, transmitting ministration’s final rule — Fisheries of the Education and the Workforce. the Commission’s ‘‘Major’’ final rule — Fur- Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Com- f ther Definition of ‘‘Swap Dealer’’, ‘‘Security- munity Development Quota Program [Dock- Based Swap Dealer’’, ‘‘Major Swap Partici- et No.: 070718367-2061-02] (RIN: 0648-AV33) re- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON pant’’, ‘‘Major Security-Based Swap ceived April 19, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Participant‘‘ and ‘‘Eligible Contract Partici- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Natural Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of pant’’ [Release No.: 34-66868; File No. S7-39- Resources. 10] (RIN: 3235-AK65) received April 30, 2012, 6038. A letter from the Special Assistant, committees were delivered to the Clerk pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Alaska Rural Justice and Law Enforcement for printing and reference to the proper mittee on Financial Services. Commission, transmitting the January 2012 calendar, as follows: 6029. A letter from the Executive Director, Report to Congress and the Alaska State Mr. LUCAS: Committee on Agriculture. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Legislature; to the Committee on the Judici- H.R. 1840. A bill to improve consideration by transmitting the Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Re- ary. the Commodity Futures Trading Commission port; to the Committee on Energy and Com- 6039. A letter from the Secretary of the of the costs and benefits of its regulations merce. Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and orders (Rept. 112–482). Referred to the 6030. A letter from the Program Manager, transmitting the Commission’s final rule — Committee of the Whole House on the state Department of Health and Human Services, Revised Jurisdictional Threshold for Section of the Union. transmitting the Department’s ‘‘Major’’ 8 of the Clayton Act received April 19, 2012, Mr. ISSA: Committee on Oversight and final rule — Medicaid Program; Community pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Government Reform. H.R. 373. A bill to First Choice Option [CMS-2337-F] (RIN: 0398- mittee on the Judiciary. amend the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act AQ35) received May 1, 2012, pursuant to 5 6040. A letter from the Assistant Chief of 1995 to ensure that actions taken by regu- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on En- Counsel for Hazardous Materials Safety, De- latory agencies are subject to that Act, and ergy and Commerce. partment of Transportation, transmitting for other purposes; with an amendment 6031. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- the Department’s final rule — Hazardous Ma- (Rept. 112–483, Pt. 1). Referred to the Com- ment of Health and Human Services, trans- terials; Packages Intended for Transport by mittee of the Whole House on the state of mitting a proposal for the reauthorization Aircraft [Docket No.: PHMSA-07-29364 (HM- the Union. for the Medical Device User Fee Act 231A)] (RIN: 2137-AE32) received April 18, Mr. ISSA: Committee on Oversight and (MDUFA); to the Committee on Energy and 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Government Reform. H.R. 3433. A bill to Commerce. Committee on Transportation and Infra- amend title 31, United States Code, to pro- 6032. A letter from the Associate Bureau structure. vide transparency and require certain stand- Chief for Cybersecurity and Communications 6041. A letter from the Regulatory Ombuds- ards in the award of Federal grants, and for Reliability, Federal Communications Com- man, Department of Transportation, trans- other purposes; with amendments (Rept. 112– mission, transmitting the Commission’s mitting the Department’s ‘‘Major’’ final rule 484). Referred to the Committee of the Whole final rule — The Proposed Extension of Part — National Registry of Certified Medical Ex- House on the state of the Union. 4 of the Connected Voice Over Internet Pro- aminers [Docket No.: FMCSA-2009-0363] (RIN: [Filed on May 17 (legislative day of May 16), tocol Service Providers and Broadband Inter- 2126-AA97) received May 15, 2012, pursuant to 2012] net Service Providers [PS Docket No. 11-82] 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on received April 16, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Transportation and Infrastructure. Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Rules. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and 6042. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- House Resolution 661. Resolution providing Commerce. ment of Health and Human Services, trans- for further consideration of the bill (H.R. 6033. A letter from the Pricing Policy Divi- mitting the Department’s biennial report on 4310) to authorize appropriations for fiscal sion, Wireline Competition, Federal Commu- evaluation, research and technical assist- year 2013 for military activities of the De- nications Commission, transmitting the ance activities supported by ‘‘The Promoting partment of Defense, to prescribe military Commission’s final rule — In the Matter of Safe and Stable Families Program’’; to the personnel strengths for fiscal year 2013, and Connect America Fund; A National Committee on Ways and Means. for other purposes (Rept. 112–485). Referred Broadband Plan for Out Future; Establishing 6043. A letter from the Chief, Publications to the House Calendar. Just and Reasonable Rates for Local Ex- and Regulations, Internal Revenue Service, DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE change Carriers; High-Cost Universal Service transmitting the Service’s final rule — Ex- Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the Support; Developing a Unified Intercarrier amination of returns and Claims for refund, Committee on Rules, the Budget, and Compensation Regime; Federal-State Joint credit, or abatement; determination of cor- the Judiciary discharged from further Board on Universal Service; Lifeline and rect tax liability (Rev. Proc. 201 2-21) April Link-Up; Universal Service Reform — Mobil- 19, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to consideration. H.R. 373 referred to the ity Fund [WC Docket No. 10-90, GN Docket the Committee on Ways and Means. Committee of the Whole House on the No. 09-51, WC Docket No. 07-135, WC Docket 6044. A letter from the Program Manager, state of the Union, and ordered to be No. 05-337, CC Docket No. 01-92, CC Docket Department of Health and Human Services, printed. No. 96-45, WC Docket No. 03-109, WT Docket transmitting the Department’s ‘‘Major’’ f No. 10-208] April 19, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. final rule — Medicare Program; Extension of 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Certain Wage Index Reclassifications and PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Commerce. Special Exemptions for the Hospital Inpa- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public 6034. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, tient Prospective Payment Systems (PPS) bills and resolutions of the following Legislative Affairs, Department of State, for Acute Care Hospitals and the Hospital transmitting the Department’s report for the Outpatient PPS [CMS-1442-N] received May titles were introduced and severally re- period January 16, 2011 to January 15, 2012 on 3, 2012, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); ferred, as follows: the activities of the Multinational Force and jointly to the Committees on Energy and By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY (for herself, Mr. Observers (MFO) and U.S. participation in Commerce and Ways and Means. ELLISON, Mr. FARR, Mr. GRIJALVA,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:20 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L16MY7.000 H16MYPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H2812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 16, 2012 Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. JACKSON of Illi- of Pennsylvania, Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, tion to enact the accompanying bill or nois, Mr. LANGEVIN, Ms. NORTON, and Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. CARDOZA, Mr. CARNA- joint resolution. Ms. RICHARDSON): HAN, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Ms. CAS- By Ms. SCHAKOWSKY: H.R. 5781. A bill to require all newly con- TOR of Florida, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, H.R. 5781. structed, federally assisted, single-family Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. CLARKE of Michi- Congress has the power to enact this legis- houses and town houses to meet minimum gan, Ms. CLARKE of New York, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: standards of visitability for persons with dis- CLEAVER, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. COHEN, Clause 3 of Section 8 of Article 1 ‘‘To regu- abilities; to the Committee on Financial Mr. COOPER, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. COSTA, late Commerce with foreign Nations, and Services. Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. among the several States, and with the In- By Ms. WATERS: CRITZ, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. DAVIS of Il- dian Tribes.’’ H.R. 5782. A bill to suspend temporarily the linois, Ms. DEGETTE, Ms. DELAURO, By Ms. WATERS: duty on certain plastic device book style Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. GRI- H.R. 5782. covers; to the Committee on Ways and JALVA, Mr. GRIMM, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Congress has the power to enact this legis- Means. Ms. HAHN, Ms. HANABUSA, Mrs. lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. WATERS: HARTZLER, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, The constitutional authority on which this H.R. 5783. A bill to suspend temporarily the Ms. HIRONO, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. HOYER, bill rests is the power of Congress to lay and duty on certain textile device book style Mr. HUELSKAMP, Ms. JACKSON LEE of collect duties and to regulate Commerce covers; to the Committee on Ways and Texas, Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois, Ms. with foreign Nations, as enumerated in Arti- Means. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. cle I, Section 8. By Ms. WATERS: JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. By Ms. WATERS: H.R. 5784. A bill to suspend temporarily the LANGEVIN, Mr. LARSEN of Wash- H.R. 5783. duty on certain textile device covers and ington, Mr. LATHAM, Ms. LEE of Cali- Congress has the power to enact this legis- stands; to the Committee on Ways and fornia, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mrs. lation pursuant to the following: Means. MALONEY, Mr. MARINO, Mr. MARKEY, The constitutional authority on which this By Ms. WATERS: Ms. MATSUI, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New bill rests is the power of Congress to lay and H.R. 5785. A bill to suspend temporarily the York, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. collect duties and to regulate Commerce duty on certain plastic device covers and MCDERMOTT, Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. with foreign Nations, as enumerated in Arti- stands; to the Committee on Ways and MOORE, Mr. MORAN, Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. cle I, Section 8. Means. NUNNELEE, Mr. OLVER, Mr. PALLONE, By Ms. WATERS: By Mr. DOLD: Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. PETERS, Mr. H.R. 5784. H.R. 5786. A bill to suspend temporarily the PETERSON, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. POLIS, Congress has the power to enact this legis- duty on -Phenyl-7-(4,4,5,6-tetramentyl-1,3,2- Mr. RANGEL, Ms. RICHARDSON, Ms. lation pursuant to the following: dioxaborolan-2-yl)-quinoline (OSIP-690520, ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, The constitutional authority on which this quinolone boronate); to the Committee on Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. SCHILLING, Mr. SCOTT bill rests is the power of Congress to lay and Ways and Means. of Virginia, Mr. SERRANO, Ms. SE- collect duties and to regulate Commerce By Mr. JONES: WELL, Mr. STARK, Mr. THOMPSON of with foreign Nations, as enumerated in Arti- H.R. 5787. A bill to provide for congres- California, Ms. TSONGAS, Mr. WALZ of cle I, Section 8. sional oversight of United States agreements Minnesota, Ms. WILSON of Florida, By Ms. WATERS: with the Government of Afghanistan; to the Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. YARMUTH): H.R. 5785. Committee on Foreign Affairs. H. Res. 659. A resolution recognizing the Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. REICHERT (for himself, Mr. goals and ideals of National Foster Care lation pursuant to the following: ARSEN of Washington, Ms. HERRERA L Month; to the Committee on Ways and The constitutional authority on which this BEUTLER, Mr. HASTINGS of Wash- Means. bill rests is the power of Congress to lay and ington, Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, Mr. By Mr. PALLONE: collect duties and to regulate Commerce DICKS, Mr. MCDERMOTT, and Mr. H. Res. 660. A resolution expressing support with foreign Nations, as enumerated in Arti- SMITH of Washington): for designation of December 12, 2012, as Fos- cle I, Section 8. H.R. 5788. A bill to designate the facility of ter Children’s Day; to the Committee on By Mr. DOLD: the United States Postal Service located at Oversight and Government Reform. H.R. 5786. 103 Center Street West in Eatonville, Wash- Congress has the power to enact this legis- ington, as the ‘‘National Park Ranger Mar- f lation pursuant to the following: garet Anderson Post Office’’; to the Com- MEMORIALS Article 1, Section 8, which states that, mittee on Oversight and Government Re- ‘‘The Congress shall have power to lay and form. Under clause 4 of rule XXII, memo- collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises By Mr. POLIS (for himself, Ms. rials were presented and referred as fol- . . .’’ DELAURO, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. FIL- lows: By Mr. JONES: NER, and Mr. CARNAHAN): H.R. 5787. H.R. 5789. A bill to authorize the Secretary 206. The SPEAKER presented a memorial of the Senate of the State of Idaho, relative Congress has the power to enact this legis- of Agriculture to implement a certain in- lation pursuant to the following: terim final or final rule regarding nutrition to Senate Joint Memorial No. 104 requesting that the President and the Congress reverse This bill is enacted pursuant to the power programs under the Richard B. Russell Na- granted to Congress under Article I, Section tional School Lunch Act and the Child Nu- and reject the HHS regulation so that those who sponsor, purchase and issue health in- 8, Clause 11, and Article II, Section 2, Clause trition Act of 1966; to the Committee on Edu- 2 of the United States Constitution. cation and the Workforce. surance plans should not be forced to violate their deeply held moral and religious convic- By Mr. REICHERT: By Mr. BACA: H.R. 5788. tions; to the Committee on Energy and Com- H.R. 5790. A bill to provide for the transfer Congress has the power to enact this legis- merce. of the United States Postal Service surplus lation pursuant to the following: 207. Also, a memorial of the Senate of the with respect to certain retirement benefits, Article I, Section 8, Clause 7 and for other purposes; to the Committee on State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Res- ‘‘The Congress shall have Power to estab- Oversight and Government Reform. olution No. 103 urging the Congress to en- lish Post Offices and postroads’’ By Mr. FLAKE: dorse and enact a Community Forest Trust By Mr. POLIS: H.R. 5791. A bill to provide for reasonable pilot for Idaho; jointly to the Committees on H.R. 5789. and necessary access to Wilderness Areas for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Congress has the power to enact this legis- the restoration of water sources, supplies, or 208. Also, a memorial of the Senate of the lation pursuant to the following: infrastructure during a state of emergency State of Idaho, relative to Senate Joint Me- Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (relating to declared by the Governor of a State; to the morial No. 105 urging the Congress to reex- the power of Congress to provide for the gen- Committee on Natural Resources. amine, reform and reauthorize the Endan- eral welfare of the United States) and Clause By Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- gered Species Act; jointly to the Committees 18 (relating to the power to make all laws fornia: on Natural Resources and the Judiciary. necessary and proper for carrying out the H.R. 5792. A bill to require a report on im- f powers vested in Congress) plementation of a termination of the ground Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 (relating to combat exclusion policy for female members CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY the power of Congress to dispose of and make of the Armed Forces; to the Committee on STATEMENT all needful rules and regulations respecting Armed Services. Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of the territory or other property belonging to By Ms. BASS of California (for herself, the United States). the Rules of the House of Representa- Mr. ANDREWS, Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. By Mr. BACA: BARTLETT, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. BISHOP tives, the following statements are sub- H.R. 5790. of New York, Mrs. BLACK, Mrs. mitted regarding the specific powers Congress has the power to enact this legis- BLACKBURN, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. BRADY granted to Congress in the Constitu- lation pursuant to the following:

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Article 1, Section 8, Clause 7 of the United H.R. 1842: Ms. KAPTUR. H.R. 3839: Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia and States Constitution. H.R. 1860: Mr. SCHOCK and Ms. WILSON of Mr. HEINRICH. By Mr. FLAKE: Florida. H.R. 3849: Mr. ADERHOLT and Ms. SEWELL. H.R. 5791. H.R. 1955: Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. H.R. 3985: Mr. CICILLINE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1956: Mr. RENACCI. H.R. 4051: Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York and lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1957: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia and Mr. Mr. NUGENT. Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2. HECK. H.R. 4052: Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. GENE GREEN of The Congress shall have Power to dispose H.R. 1964: Mr. HURT. Texas, Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. CULBERSON, Ms. of and make all needful Rules and Regula- H.R. 2030: Mr. ALTMIRE, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. CHU, and Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. tions respecting the Territory or other Prop- NADLER, and Ms. DELAURO. H.R. 4066: Mr. ROSS of Florida. erty belonging to the United States; and H.R. 2051: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. H.R. 4070: Mr. SOUTHERLAND. nothing in this Constitution shall be so con- H.R. 2065: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia and Mr. H.R. 4077: Mr. COSTA. strued as to Prejudice any Claims of the CLARKE of Michigan. H.R. 4095: Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. United States, or of any particular State. H.R. 2077: Mr. MCCLINTOCK. H.R. 4124: Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. By Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 2104: Mr. ENGEL, Ms. LINDA T. H.R. 4134: Mr. COSTA, Mr. CHANDLER, Mr. ´ fornia: SANCHEZ of California, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. CARTER, and Mr. TERRY. H.R. 5792. CARNAHAN, Mr. COURTNEY, and Mr. ROKITA. H.R. 4155: Mr. MICHAUD. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2123: Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. H.R. 4160: Mr. ROE of Tennessee. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2139: Mr. ADERHOLT. H.R. 4192: Mr. HONDA. Article I, Section 8, Clause 14, to make H.R. 2238: Ms. DELAURO. H.R. 4202: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. ROTHMAN Rules for the Government and Regulation of H.R. 2299: Mr. KINGSTON. of New Jersey, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. ROSS of Ar- H.R. 2310: Mr. SCHIFF. the land and naval Forces. kansas, and Mr. SHERMAN. H.R. 2359: Ms. PINGREE of Maine. H.R. 4210: Mr. BUTTERFIELD and Ms. WILSON f H.R. 2492: Mr. WILSON of South Carolina of Florida. and Mr. LEVIN. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 4227: Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, Ms. H.R. 2514: Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. SCHAKOWSKY, and Mr. BISHOP of New York. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 2569: Mr. ROKITA. H.R. 4229: Mr. CLARKE of Michigan, Mr. were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 2637: Mr. HONDA. CANSECO, Mr. PLATTS, Mr. WALDEN, and Mr. H.R. 2672: Mr. BROUN of Georgia, Mr. tions as follows: FINCHER. LATTA, and Mr. PAUL. H.R. 451: Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio and Mr. H.R. 4235: Mr. BILIRAKIS. H.R. 2721: Mr. CUELLAR and Mr. WELCH. PRICE of Georgia. H.R. 4256: Mr. MCCLINTOCK. H.R. 2746: Ms. MCCOLLUM and Ms. NORTON. H.R. 595: Mr. MICHAUD. H.R. 2780: Ms. BERKLEY. H.R. 4269: Mr. LATTA. H.R. 639: Ms. BUERKLE. H.R. 2787: Ms. MCCOLLUM. H.R. 4271: Mr. HEINRICH and Mr. LEVIN. H.R. 733: Mr. LARSEN of Washington and H.R. 2866: Mr. DINGELL. H.R. 4295: Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. WOMACK. H.R. 2874: Mr. RIBBLE. H.R. 4323: Mr. GRIMM. H.R. 780: Ms. MATSUI. H.R. 2888: Mr. RANGEL. H.R. 4327: Mr. BENISHEK. H.R. 835: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. H.R. 2902: Mr. HONDA. H.R. 4342: Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. H.R. 860: Mr. HECK. H.R. 2978: Mr. AMODEI. H.R. 4362: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of Cali- H.R. 904: Mrs. BACHMANN. H.R. 2985: Mr. ISSA. fornia, Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. RIVERA, and Mr. H.R. 973: Mr. UPTON. H.R. 3087: Mr. SCHOCK. GALLEGLY. H.R. 1044: Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 3125: Mr. THOMPSON of California, Ms. H.R. 4367: Mr. QUIGLEY and Mr. LANKFORD. H.R. 1051: Mr. HALL. LEE of California, and Ms. MATSUI. H.R. 4377: Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas and Mr. H.R. 1066: Mr. NADLER. H.R. 3173: Mr. HIGGINS and Ms. LORETTA POE of Texas. H.R. 1085: Mr. SCHIFF. SANCHEZ of California. H.R. 4402: Mr. BISHOP of Utah. H.R. 1283: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 3187: Mr. HALL, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. H.R. 4471: Mr. TERRY, Mr. LANCE, Mr. H.R. 1327: Mr. RENACCI, Mr. STUTZMAN, Mr. SMITH of Washington, Mr. BARTON of Texas, STEARNS, Mr. HARPER, Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. DOLD, Mr. HUNTER, Mrs. ELLMERS, Mrs. Mr. KING of Iowa, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. CON- KINZINGER of Illinois, and Mr. SULLIVAN. NOEM, Mr. SCHILLING, Mr. BARLETTA, Mr. NOLLY of Virginia, Ms. GRANGER, and Mr. H.R. 4480: Mr. HARPER. MARINO, Mr. SULLIVAN, Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. HIGGINS. H.R. 4643: Mr. LONG and Mr. NEAL. TERRY, Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. REED, Mr. CUL- H.R. 3200: Mr. DENT. H.R. 4816: Mr. KEATING and Ms. MATSUI. BERSON, Mr. COBLE, Mr. GIBSON, Mr. BROOKS, H.R. 3238: Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. H.R. 4818: Mr. SOUTHERLAND. Mr. HERGER, Mr. FINCHER, Mr. FLEISCHMANN, H.R. 3288: Mr. POLIS. H.R. 4933: Ms. BALDWIN. and Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. H.R. 3308: Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. H.R. 5303: Mr. WALSH of Illinois. H.R. 1340: Mr. HUELSKAMP. H.R. 3337: Mr. MCGOVERN. H.R. 5331: Mr. HONDA, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. H.R. 1370: Mr. BUCHANAN and Mr. CAMP- H.R. 3444: Mr. BROOKS. STARK, and Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. BELL. H.R. 3497: Ms. BROWN of Florida, Mr. JONES, H.R. 5542: Mr. CICILLINE. H.R. 1394: Ms. HIRONO, Mr. MARINO, Ms. Mr. WALDEN, Ms. NORTON, Mr. NEAL, Mr. H.R. 5615: Ms. DELAURO. TSONGAS, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. CLAY, Mr. KING of New York, and Mr. CRITZ. H.R. 5646: Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. THOMPSON of California, Ms. BALDWIN, Mrs. H.R. 3506: Mr. ANDREWS, Ms. DEGETTE, and POMPEO, Mr. CANSECO, Mr. SMITH of New Jer- CAPPS, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Ms. PINGREE of Maine. sey, Mr. LATTA, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. Mr. LUJA´ N, Ms. DEGETTE, and Mr. NADLER. H.R. 3541: Mr. GOSAR. WALBERG, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 1404: Mr. RANGEL. H.R. 3591: Mr. TONKO, Mr. BRADY of Penn- LIPINSKI, Mr. MARCHANT, and Mr. JONES. H.R. 1410: Mr. BARTON of Texas. sylvania, Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, and H.R. 5684: Mr. RANGEL and Mr. MCGOVERN. H.R. 1418: Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Mr. HOLDEN. H.R. 5707: Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mr. Texas. H.R. 3596: Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. RAN- FRANK of Massachusetts, and Mr. POLIS. H.R. 1426: Mr. JONES and Mrs. MCCARTHY of GEL, and Mr. NEAL. H.R. 5710: Mrs. ELLMERS, Mr. HUIZENGA of New York. H.R. 3627: Ms. MATSUI and Mr. MORAN. Michigan, and Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. H.R. 1478: Mr. PAULSEN. H.R. 3643: Mr. MARCHANT and Mr. DENT. H.R. 5713: Mr. JONES. H.R. 1498: Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey, Mr. H.R. 3661: Mr. BACA, Mr. FILNER, Ms. H.R. 5719: Mr. MEEKS. HIGGINS, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. KING of New ESHOO, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. LUJA´ N, H.R. 5738: Mr. DINGELL. York, and Mr. TONKO. Mr. HIGGINS, and Mr. BOSWELL. H.R. 5740: Ms. WATERS. H.R. 1546: Mr. JONES, Mr. PRICE of North H.R. 3668: Mrs. LUMMIS, Mr. GERLACH, Mr. H.R. 5741: Ms. BERKLEY and Mr. VAN HOL- Carolina, and Mr. TERRY. YODER, Mr. STIVERS, Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. LEN. H.R. 1581: Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. ROONEY, SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. KING of New York, H.R. 5748: Mr. MORAN. and Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- H.R. 5750: Mr. DEUTCH. H.R. 1639: Mr. CLAY and Mr. QUAYLE. fornia, Mr. GOWDY, Mr. ROSKAM, Mr. TIPTON, H.J. Res. 13: Mr. LIPINSKI. H.R. 1653: Mr. HECK. Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. MARINO, Mr. JOHNSON of H.J. Res. 45: Mr. MCINTYRE. H.R. 1666: Ms. DEGETTE. Ohio, Mr. KELLY, Mr. BARLETTA, Mr. ISSA, H.J. Res. 47: Mr. HOYER. H.R. 1675: Ms. SEWELL, Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. Mr. YOUNG of Florida, Mr. KINZINGER of Illi- H.J. Res. 81: Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. PASTOR of Arizona, nois, Mr. GRIMM, Mr. GUTHRIE, and Mr. BUR- H.J. Res. 108: Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. AMODEI, and GESS. H. Con. Res. 101: Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. PETERSON. H.R. 3679: Mr. YARMUTH. H. Con. Res. 122: Mr. BARTON of Texas and H.R. 1697: Mr. THORNBERRY. H.R. 3785: Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. MARCHANT. H.R. 1733: Mr. COHEN. H.R. 3790: Mr. ACKERMAN. H. Res. 25: Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana and H.R. 1756: Ms. DELAURO. H.R. 3803: Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. WEST, Mr. Mr. MATHESON. H.R. 1792: Ms. PINGREE of Maine. RIGELL, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. THOMPSON of H. Res. 134: Mr. KEATING and Mr. ROHR- H.R. 1802: Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. BROOKS, ABACHER. Mr. BOSWELL, and Mr. PLATTS. and Mr. HURT. H. Res. 282: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona.

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Vol. 158 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2012 No. 70 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was Mrs. GILLIBRAND thereupon as- programs for generic drugs and biosimilars, called to order by the Honorable sumed the chair as Acting President and for other purposes. KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, a Senator from pro tempore. Mr. REID. Madam President, I would the State of New York. f object to any further proceedings with respect to this legislation at this time. PRAYER STOP THE STUDENT LOAN INTER- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- EST RATE HIKE ACT OF 2012—MO- TION TO PROCEED pore. Objection having been heard, the fered the following prayer: bill shall be placed on the calendar. Let us pray. Mr. REID. Madam President, I now OBSTRUCTIONISM Eternal God, sustainer of us all, give move to proceed to Calendar No. 365, S. today to our Senators reverence to re- 2343. Mr. REID. Madam President, it is al- alize Your presence, humility to know The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- most universally acknowledged that their own needs, trust to ask You for pore. The clerk will report the motion. Republican obstructionism has reached help, and obedience to accept Your The assistant legislative clerk read new heights in the Senate. There are guidance. Remind us all that all great as follows: separate articles written about it. things have their price. Motion to proceed to calendar No. 365, S. There are even now books written May we remember that there is no 2343, a bill to amend the Higher Education about it. Democrats would have to purity without vigilance, no friendship Act of 1965 to extend the reduced interest break a filibuster, I guess, to declare without loyalty, no joy without serv- rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans, and the sky blue or the Earth round, and ice, and no crown without a cross. Help for other purposes. passing the most commonsense and us to be willing to pay the price that Mr. REID. Madam President, fol- consensus legislation could take weeks we may enter into our reward. lowing my remarks and those, if any, or months. So with a mile-long list to We pray in Your sacred Name. Amen. of the Republican leader, the Senate do, we can’t afford to waste any time. f will begin debate on several motions to Yet today Republicans will force the Senate to waste a day on a series of po- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE proceed to Republican budget resolu- tions. Consent was asked last night, I litical show votes. We will spend hours The Honorable KIRSTEN E. GILLI- am quite sure, that the first hour be debating and voting on a handful of BRAND led the Pledge of Allegiance, as equally divided between the two lead- nonbinding budget resolutions even follows: ers, with the majority controlling the though we already have a legally bind- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the first half and Republicans the final ing budget. If one of the Republicans’ United States of America, and to the Repub- half. That is already done? budgets passed—which it won’t—by lic for which it stands, one nation under God, law, it is nonbinding. We have a bind- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- pore. The Senator is correct. ing budget resolution. f Mr. REID. There will be up to 6 hours The Senate could spend the day pass- APPOINTMENT OF ACTING of debate on the motions to proceed to ing tax cuts for small businesses that PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE the budget resolutions. Senators grow and hire people or even legisla- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The should expect five rollcall votes around tion to keep the Food and Drug Admin- clerk will please read a communication 4 p.m. if all time is used, and it prob- istration running. We could be consid- to the Senate from the President pro ably will be. ering the Paycheck Fairness Act, en- tempore (Mr. INOUYE). MEASURE PLACED ON CALENDAR suring American women receive equal The assistant legislative clerk read Mr. REID. Madam President, S. 3187 pay for equal work. We could be debat- the following letter: is at the desk and due for a second ing cybersecurity legislation, and the U.S. SENATE, reading. Pentagon says the No. 1 issue facing PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- this country today is cyber-insecurity. Washington, DC, May 16, 2012. pore. The clerk will read the bill by We could be working on a farm bill. To the Senate: title for the second time. Senators STABENOW and ROBERTS have Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, The assistant legislative clerk read done such an outstanding job saving of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby the country $23 billion and reducing appoint the Honorable KIRSTEN E. GILLI- as follows: BRAND, a Senator from the State of New A bill (S. 3187) to amend the Federal Food, the debt by that much. We should be on York, to perform the duties of the Chair. Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend that bill. We could be protecting 7 mil- DANIEL K. INOUYE, the user-fee programs for prescription drugs lion students from rate hikes on their President pro tempore. and medical devices, to establish user-fee Federal loans. We could even move a

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

S3181

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VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.000 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 series of appropriations bills to imple- back to work as long as Democrats and problem. What we do know is, we don’t like ment the budget we have already en- Republicans work together. On an yours. acted. Instead, we will debate and vote overwhelmingly bipartisan vote yester- You have to give the guy points for on a series of stunt budgets. day, we passed the Export-Import Bank candor—no plan of his own, but he Republicans aren’t interested in get- reauthorization that will support doesn’t like ours. What breathtaking ting anything done this year. They 300,000 jobs during the next year, and disregard for the problems we face. have said so from the very beginning. these jobs will help American compa- So if you are looking for a simple Their leader, my friend from Kentucky, nies sell their products overseas. But three-word description of the Demo- has said the No. 1 issue is to defeat every moment we waste refighting old cratic approach to the problems we President Obama. So they don’t mind battles or revisiting Republicans’ face, it is this: Duck and cover. Duck wasting a day of the Senate’s time on failed economic policies is time that and cover. They don’t have a budget of useless political show votes. could be better spent creating jobs. The their own. They are going to vote Republicans can say over and over time for show votes is over. Now it is against their own President’s budget that they are only forcing votes on time for the Senate to get back to later today, in all likelihood, and they four Republican budgets today because work putting Americans back to work. are going to vote against every budget Democrats failed to pass their own RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER Republicans put up. budget. That couldn’t be further from The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Now, the majority leader has tried to the truth. In August Congress passed pore. The Republican leader is recog- get around all this by suggesting that and President Obama signed a budget nized. the Budget Control Act we negotiated last fall should count as a budget since that reduces the deficit by more than THE BUDGET it sets the top-line amount we are $2 trillion. It is called the Budget Con- Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, going to spend. But he knows as well as trol Act. Twenty-eight Republican Sen- before I was Republican leader, I was I do that is not a budget. A budget is a ators, including my friend the minority probably best known as a lonely war- list of priorities. It reflects your values leader, voted for that last legally bind- rior against campaign finance reform as a party. It shows the tough choices ing budget. But since August those Re- on the grounds that it violates the first you are willing to make. It is not just publicans have developed a case of am- amendment right to free speech. Before dollar figures, it is a vision. It is the nesia. Why else would they walk that, I was probably best known—at responsibility of any majority party to around Washington claiming we don’t least in some quarters—for an ad that put one together, to stand and be have a budget? And unlike the hollow I ran in my first Senate campaign that Republican budget resolutions the Sen- counted. But since Democrats refuse to featured a pack of bloodhounds running do their duty by the Nation, Repub- ate will waste the day debating, the around looking for my opponent, who Budget Control Act actually has the licans will attempt to do it for them. had missed so many votes giving paid Later today we will vote on five dif- force of law. If Republicans were seri- speeches around the country that we ferent budget proposals: the Presi- ous about reducing the deficit, they thought we should call him out on it. dent’s, Congressman PAUL RYAN’s, Sen- wouldn’t be working so hard to undo Well, I can’t help but think back on ator PAT TOOMEY’s, Senator PAUL’s, that August law, which cuts more than that ad when it comes to Senate Demo- and Senator MIKE LEE’s. We will give $2 trillion from the deficit. crats and the Federal budget. Where in Democrats a choice and see if they Democrats agree that the across-the- the world is it? Where is the budget? have the courage to get behind any of board cuts to domestic spending and We have a nearly $16 trillion debt. We these proposals—or none of them—and defense programs—agreed to in the are borrowing more than 40 cents of we will learn a lot in the process. Budget Control Act—aren’t the ideal every dollar we spend. Entitlements By the end of the day we will know way to solve our Nation’s fiscal prob- are going broke. Millions are out of whether there is a budget that Wash- lems. But the cuts were designed to be work. And Senate Democrats can’t ington Democrats support, and the tough so lawmakers were forced to even put a plan on a piece of paper so American people will know without a reach a balanced deal. Unfortunately, we can have a vote. What are they doubt who is voting for solutions in Republicans refuse to be reasonable. doing over there? What are they doing? this town and who isn’t. They will They refuse to raise even a penny of Isn’t anybody over there embarrassed know who has a plan to fix the mess we new revenue or ask millionaires to con- by the fact that they haven’t offered a are in and who doesn’t. They will know tribute their fair share to help reduce budget in 3 years? It has been 3 years who would rather spend their time our deficit. And Democrats won’t agree since the Democrat-led Senate felt it criticizing others than doing the hard to a one-sided solution that lets the needed to put a budget together so the work of setting priorities and making superwealthy off the hook while forc- American people can see what their choices. ing the middle class to bear all the priorities are and what they plan to do Senate Democrats do not want to ex- hardship. The American people agree to fix this mess, 3 years in which they plain how they will fix the fiscal mess with this. have completely abdicated their re- we are in. They do not want to say how These four stunt budgets all take sponsibility as the majority party to they will preserve and strengthen enti- that one-sided approach, which pro- show the American people what they tlements. What they want to do is com- tects wealthy special interests at the stand for, to put their vision in black plain about others. They are putting expense of ordinary Americans, and and white for all the world to see. The their desire for campaign material they clearly illuminate the Repub- fact is they don’t have it. They don’t ahead of their responsibility to govern. licans’ priorities—to shower the have a budget. The tragedy is every year they do so, wealthy with tax breaks paid for by the As far as I can tell, their only plan is the problems we face only get worse. middle class. All four of the Republican to take shots at our plans and hope no- The debt gets bigger, entitlements get plans cut investments that help mid- body notices that they don’t have one closer to insolvency, and the American dle-class families get back on their feet of their own. They are so unserious, people have to go another year won- in order to increase tax breaks for busi- they won’t even vote for a budget that dering when things will ever change. nesses that ship jobs overseas. All four was written by a President of their own Some people up here think it is time plans would double the student loan party. It doesn’t get more irresponsible to do something now and we will know rate. It would put colleges out of reach than that. who those people are by their votes. for many students in order to protect I think Treasury Secretary Geithner Madam President, I now ask the tax loopholes for special interests. All summed it up pretty well when he was Chair execute the order with respect to four plans end Medicare as we know it, asked a few months ago what the ad- the five motions to proceed to the gutting seniors’ health benefits to lav- ministration planned to do to address budget resolutions provided for under ish more tax breaks on millionaires entitlements—the single biggest driver the order. and billionaires. of the national debt. Here is what the RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Yesterday the Senate showed it is Secretary of the Treasury had to say: The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- possible to advance policies that im- We’re not coming before you today to say pore. Under the previous order, leader- prove our economy and put Americans we have a definite solution to that long-term ship time is reserved.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.006 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3183 S. CON. RES. 41, H. CON. RES. 112, last time our colleagues on the other economic growth of about 3 percent—a S. CON. RES. 37, S. CON. RES. 42, side were in control, when they had it dramatic improvement. S. CON. RES. 44 EN BLOC—MO- all, the House, the Senate, the White But our Republican friends are not TIONS TO PROCEED House—from 2001 to 2006 they had both satisfied. They want to take us back. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Houses of Congress, until 2008 they had They want to take us back to those pore. Under the previous order, the the White House, so of course nothing failed policies that had the economy Senate will proceed to the en bloc con- could be changed in terms of the poli- shrinking at a rate of 9 percent, had us sideration of the following concurrent cies they put in place until we had a losing 800,000 jobs a month. We are not resolutions, which the clerk will re- new President. And what happened going to support that. We are going to port. when they had total control and their oppose that. One thing the Republican The assistant legislative clerk read policies were in place? Republican poli- leader got right is we are going to be as follows: cies led the United States to the brink voting against going back to those Motions to proceed to Calendar No. 357, S. of financial collapse. That is what hap- failed policies that put this economy in Con Res. 41; Calendar No. 354, H. Con. Res. pened. Do you know what they want to the ditch, that put us on the brink of 112; Calendar No. 356, S. Con. Res. 37; Cal- do now? They want to go back to those financial collapse. He is absolutely endar No. 384, S. Con. Res. 42; Calendar No. failed policies and do it all over again. right. We are going to oppose that. 395, S. Con. Res. 44. We cannot let them do that. That Our policies have begun to turn The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- would be a disaster for this country. It things in the right direction. Here are pore. Under the previous order, there would be a disaster for the world’s the positive signs for the U.S. econ- will be 6 hours of debate equally di- economy. I do not know what could be omy: 26 consecutive months of private vided between the two leaders or their more clear than when their policies sector job growth; 11 consecutive quar- designees, with the majority control- were in place they brought this Nation ters of real GDP growth; unemploy- ling the first 30 minutes and the Re- to the brink of financial collapse. I re- ment rate down; manufacturing has ex- publicans controlling the second 30 member those days. I remember being panded for 33 consecutive months; con- minutes. called to a special meeting in this sumer confidence is showing signs of The Senator from North Dakota. building with the leaders of the House Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, this improvement—in fact, the last con- and the Senate and the head of the sumer confidence reading is at a 4-year is a consequential discussion today. It Treasury Department under President is a question of the future economic high; U.S. auto manufacturers that Bush and the Chairman of the Federal were on the brink of bankruptcy under policy of the United States. That is Reserve, who told us if they did not what we are talking about here today. the Bush administration policies, the take certain actions the next day there Republican policies, are now returning I just heard the Republican leader say would be a financial collapse in the there is no budget. I don’t know how to to profitability; and State revenues are United States within days. I was in the say this, but sometimes I wonder if col- showing signs of improvement. room when the rescue for the major fi- leagues pay attention to what they are One way we can reality-test is how is nancial institutions in this country voting on here. Last year in August we our economy doing compared to our was designed and we were told, late on did not pass a budget resolution; in- major competitors. How are we doing a Saturday night, if we did not reach stead, we passed a budget law. compared to the Europeans? How are Anybody who has had 10th grade agreement by the next day the Asian we doing compared to Japan? How are civics knows a law is stronger than any markets would open Sunday night and we doing compared to the United King- resolution. A resolution is purely a they would collapse and our markets dom? On every one of those tests the congressional document. It never goes would open the next Monday and they United States comes out on top. Our to the President for his signature. A would collapse. economy is performing better than the law has to pass both bodies and be Barack Obama was not the President; European zone—all the European coun- signed by the President. Last year, in- George W. Bush was the President. The tries combined. We are doing better stead of a budget resolution, we did a Republican economic policies had been than Japan. We are doing better than budget law called the Budget Control put in place in 2001, in 2002, in 2003, and the United Kingdom. This chart shows Act. those policies were still in place when the story. Our economic growth is the The Budget Control Act set the budg- we came close to collapse. We do not best, compared to our major competi- et for the next 2 years, for this year forget. tors. and next. More than that, it set 10 Let’s go back to what happened with If there is any doubt that Republican years of spending caps, saving $900 bil- the private sector jobs picture. At the policies had us on the brink of finan- lion. In addition, the Budget Control end of the Bush administration we cial collapse, we can look to the study Act gave a special committee the au- were losing 800,000 jobs a month. Now that was done by Alan Blinder, the thority to reform the tax system and we are gaining 130,000 in the last former Deputy Chairman of the Fed- the entitlement system of the country, month. In the months before that, im- eral Reserve, and Mark Zandi, who ad- and it said: If you come to an agree- mediately preceding, we were gaining vised the McCain campaign on eco- ment, special committee, your action about 200,000 jobs a month. We have nomic policy. The two of them did an cannot be filibustered. You have to go had a gain, now that the economy has analysis of the Federal actions taken right to the floor for a vote. And if you started to turn around under this to deal with the fiscal crisis and the fi- do not agree, there will be an addi- President, of 4 million jobs created in nancial crisis. Here is what they con- tional $1.2 trillion of spending cuts put the private sector. clude: in place. There it is. The red line is the results of the last time the Republicans con- We find that its effects on real GDP, jobs The special committee did not agree, and inflation are huge, and probably averted so that additional $1.2 trillion of spend- trolled the policy here—job losses what could have been called Great Depres- ing cuts is now the law, in addition to every month. Finally, under this Presi- sion 2.0. the $900 billion of spending cuts. That dent things have begun to turn around. When our friends attack the Presi- is a total spending cut package of more Instead of losing jobs we are gaining dent and say he did not lead—really? than $2 trillion. That is the biggest jobs, and the same is true on economic He averted a depression. He prevented spending cut package in the history of growth. On economic growth the record a financial collapse, because that is ex- the United States. For our colleagues is very clear. In the last quarter of the actly where we were headed when the to say there are no spending limits in Bush administration the economy was Republicans were in control. place—really? What is the Budget Con- shrinking at a rate of almost 9 percent. Zandi and Blinder went on to write: trol Act, then? It is a law passed over- You can see it there, that long red bar—the economy in the last quarter of When all is said and done, the financial and whelmingly in the Senate. It passed in fiscal policies will have cost taxpayers a sub- the House. It was signed by the Presi- the Bush administration shrinking at a stantial sum, but not nearly as much as dent of the United States. rate of almost 9 percent. But that, too, most had feared and not nearly as much as if Why are they engaged in this diver- has turned around under this new policymakers had not acted at all. If the sion? I think I know why. Because the President and we are now averaging comprehensive policy responses saved the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.008 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 economy from another depression, as we es- Is that confusing? It says ‘‘in the anced plan: 62 percent say the best way timate, they were well worth their cost. same manner as for a concurrent reso- to reduce the Federal budget deficit is That is exactly right. But what do lution on the budget for fiscal year a combination of additional revenue our colleagues on the other side want 2012.’’ and spending cuts. Eight percent say to do? They want to take us to extreme The identical language is repeated we ought to just increase taxes. Seven- austerity. They want to slam on the for 2013: teen percent say just cut programs. brakes, even while this economy is in a The allocations, aggregates, and levels set I was part of the so-called Bowles- fragile recovery. We do not have to in subsection (b)(2) shall apply in the Senate Simpson Commission. There were 18 of wonder what would happen if we adopt- in the same manner as for a concurrent reso- us; 11 of the 18 supported the conclu- ed the policies they are presenting here lution on the budget for fiscal year 2013. sions that called for that kind of ap- on the floor of the Senate today. We do That is about as clear as it can be. I proach—additional revenue but also ad- not have to imagine it; we can just might add, the Budget Control Act, as ditional spending cuts. That is what look across to Europe because they are I indicated earlier, is stronger than any the American people say we ought to pursuing the policies that our col- resolution because a resolution is pure- do, but that is not what our friends on leagues on the other side advocate here ly a congressional document. It never the other side are proposing. They pro- today. What is happening? We have goes to the President for his signature. pose additional tax cuts, to dig the kind of an experiment going on because So the Budget Control Act that set the hole deeper before we start filling it in. what our Republican friends are push- budget for 2012 and 2013 has the force of Then they say: In addition to that, ing for is being done in Europe. What law, unlike a budget resolution that is we will have Draconian spending cuts are they experiencing? Here is a col- not signed by the President. because if we are going to have more The Budget Control Act also sets umn from the former German Chan- tax cuts that primarily go to the spending limits not just for 2 years but cellor Gerhard Schroeder, ‘‘Austerity wealthiest among us, and we are trying for 10 years. It caps spending for 10 Is Strangling Europe.’’ to reduce the deficit, that means we years, saving $900 billion. It also pro- have to have even more spending cuts. [T]he direction of European economic and vided the full enforcement mecha- Let me just say that the budgets our financial policy must change, away from nisms, including a deeming resolution pure austerity toward growth. Greece, Ire- Republican friends are going to be of- land, Portugal, Italy and Spain have made that allowed budget points of order to fering today have something in com- substantial progress in stabilizing their fi- be enforced for the appropriations bills mon. Every one of them ends Medicare nances. But the economic and political situa- that come in 2012 and 2013. as we know it. Every Republican budg- tion in these countries shows that austerity The Budget Control Act did some- et offered today ends Medicare as we alone is not the way to resolve the crisis. thing else. It created a supercom- know it. One of the Republican budgets Do we have a problem with debt? Ab- mittee, a reconciliation-like procedure being offered today cuts Social Secu- solutely. Do we need to deal with it? to address entitlement reform and tax rity by 39 percent. That is their an- Absolutely. I was part of the Bowles- reform backed up by a $1.2 trillion so- swer. If we are going to have more tax Simpson commission. I was part of the called sequester. ‘‘Sequester’’ is just a cuts for the wealthiest among us—and group of six. I have spent hundreds of fancy word for more spending cuts. many of them are not paying their fair hours negotiating with colleagues on The Budget Control Act that is the share of taxes—and if we are going to both sides to get a result. But the an- law said if the special committee didn’t give them additional tax cuts, trillions swer is not extreme austerity right reform the tax system, didn’t reform of dollars in some cases in these budg- now. Almost every economic analyst the entitlement system, that there ets they are presenting today, then says if you do that you will slam this would be another $1.2 trillion of spend- how are we going to make it up? Their country right back into recession. ing cuts imposed on top of the $900 bil- answer is end Medicare as we know it, Again, we do not have to look very far lion. We all know the special com- and that is in every one of their budg- mittee didn’t reach an agreement, so to find out if that is true, because ets. that additional $1.2 trillion of spending Great Britain has tried that approach. One of them has gone so far as to say: cuts is in place. That is a total of $2 What have they experienced? Here is an Let’s cut Social Security benefits 39 trillion in spending cuts. That is the article from the Wall Street Journal on percent. We will be voting on that later biggest spending cut package in the April 26: ‘‘U.S. Slips Back Into Reces- today, and we will see who stands be- history of the United States. hind that proposal. sion.’’ For our friends on the other side to That is exactly the formula that is Every Republican budget cuts taxes say there are no spending limits in for millionaires by at least $150,000 a being presented by our colleagues on place is just wrong. It is just wrong. We the other side of the aisle today. Let’s year. Are you listening? Every Repub- do have a problem. We have a big prob- lican budget being offered today cuts slam on the brakes. We are going to lem. This chart talks about the spend- taxes for millionaires by at least put this thing right back in recession. ing and revenue of the country over the $150,000 a year on average. Hey, they had their chance. They ran last 60 years and tells us why we have Every Republican budget being of- the economic policy of this country for a problem. The red line shows the fered today protects offshore tax ha- 8 years under the Bush administration, spending in the United States over that vens. and sure enough they had this country period. The green line shows the reve- What are offshore tax havens? This is on the brink of financial collapse. Now nues. We can see on the chart there is a picture of a building down in the Cay- they want to return to those same a big gap between the spending and the man Islands. It is an Ugland House. It failed policies. What a mistake that revenue, and that is why we have defi- is a little five-story building down in would be. cits. the Cayman Islands. That building We have heard the Republican leader Our friends on the other side like to claims to be the home of 18,857 compa- say there is no budget; we have no refer to one part of the equation. They nies, and they all say they are doing budget. As I indicated in the beginning just like to talk about spending. But business out of that little building of my remarks, we do have a budget the reality is deficits are created by down in the Cayman Islands—18,857 law that was passed last year. It is the gap between the revenue and the companies. called the Budget Control Act. Let me spending. We can see on this chart we They are not doing business out of read from the Budget Control Act be- are at or near a 60-year high on spend- that building. They are doing monkey cause maybe my colleagues missed it ing. We have come off the 60-year high business out of that building, and the when they were voting on it. Here is a little bit, and we are at or near a 60- monkey business they are doing is what it says in two places: year low on revenue. We have to work avoiding the taxes they owe in the The allocations, aggregates, and levels both sides of the equation. Again, we United States. Referring to spending levels— are at or near a 60-year high on the Every Republican budget protects set in subsection (b)(1) shall apply in the spending, and we are at or near a 60- those offshore tax havens. The first Senate in the same manner as for a concur- year low on revenue. House Republican budget plan we will rent resolution on the budget for fiscal year So what is to be done about it? The be voting on today is totally unbal- 2012. public says we ought to have a bal- anced. There is no revenue. In fact, it

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.009 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3185 is a lot more tax cuts, $1 trillion of ad- Republican colleagues want to take I thank the Chair and yield the floor. ditional tax cuts for the wealthiest in this country, and it is full speed in re- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- our country. They do cut some things verse. They want to go back to the pore. The Senator from Alabama. other than taxes; they cut health care failed policies that put this country on Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, by almost $3 trillion. They shift Medi- the brink of financial collapse the last the fundamental question we as a Na- care to a voucher system which will time they were in charge. tion have to ask is: What are we going end Medicare as we know it. They We will hear our colleagues on the to do now? What are we going to do for block-grant for Medicaid, going right Republican side say we can’t raise any the future? What is our plan for the fu- after the most vulnerable in our soci- revenue. We can’t raise any revenue, ture? The problem we have in this Sen- ety: children, the disabled, and those even though revenue is at or near a 60- ate is that the Democratic majority who have the least. They cut the safety year low right now. If we look histori- steadfastly and adamantly refuses to net for seniors, children, the disabled, cally at what it has taken to balance lay out their vision for the future while which will increase the number of un- the budget, the last five times we bal- investing a considerable amount of insured by more than 30 million. They anced the budget, revenue was at 19.5 time and effort in attacking anybody have large cuts to education, energy, percent to 20.6 percent of GDP. Under who does. They even voted down their and infrastructure. Cutting education the Republican plan, it never gets own President’s budget, as bad as it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to above 18.7 percent. So I don’t think is—the most irresponsible budget ever me. Talk about eating your seed corn, they are very serious about balancing submitted here, in my opinion. that is it. the budget. This is an odd situation we are in, After our House Republican col- Former Senate Budget Committee and I will say that our country has leagues put out their budget, the Chairman Judd Gregg said this about never been in more danger financially. Catholic bishops said this in the Wash- the need for more revenue: Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson— ington Post: Bishops say Ryan budget [W]e also know revenues are going to have Senator CONRAD served on their com- fails moral test. to go up, if you’re going to maintain a stable mittee—came before the Budget Com- The House Republican budget au- economy and a productive economy, because mittee, of which I am the ranking thored by Mr. RYAN fails the moral of the simple fact that you’re going to have member, and told us in a signed state- test. It certainly does. this huge generation that has to be paid for. ment—that this Nation has never faced Let’s go to the next slide. This plan That is the baby boom generation. a more predictable financial crisis. In cuts discretionary spending $1 trillion Former Senate Budget Committee other words, the course we are on beyond what the Budget Control Act Chairman Domenici also said we need today is unsustainable. They told us did. If you look at priorities, it kind of more revenue. He said: that. They told us it could happen leaps out at you. Health care is cut by A complete deficit reduction plan—one within as little as 2 years, and that was almost $3 trillion. It goes from $12.7 that can gain support from Republicans and over a year ago that they gave that trillion to $9.9 trillion. Democrats—will need to combine com- testimony. Then we go to the question of edu- prehensive spending cuts with structural en- We are in the danger zone finan- cation, where the United States is al- titlement reform and new revenues . . . cially. I know a lot of people would ready lagging. In fact, the United [A]dditional revenues will be needed if we like to say it is not so, but it is so. States ranks 25th out of 34 OECD coun- are serious about controlling our debt. Look at this chart. This chart shows tries in math. We are 25th in math. In One of the issues that has become the total debt of the eurozone, includ- science we are 17th out of 34. So we are more and more clear in recent months ing the U.K., and the United States. 25th out of 34 in math, and we are 17th is that income disparity is widening in Our debt exceeds that of the eurozone. out of 34 in science. The budget from America. This shows, since 1979, what We have a larger debt than they do. My the House Republicans says to cut edu- has happened to the top 1 percent in good friend Senator CONRAD, who is cation by 25 percent; cut it from $77 terms of their income and what has such a fine person, noted that Presi- billion to $58 billion. That is a 25-per- happened to the middle quintile and dent Bush presided over a period in cent cut in education under the House the lowest quintile. Everybody else has which our debt increased, and it did in- Republican plan. been pretty much stagnant since 1979. crease. The largest debt President Bush We have all seen gasoline prices ris- The top 1 percent has gone up like a ever had was $480 billion in 1 year, ing. We are thankful they have been rocket. I have nothing to be critical which was too large. President Obama easing back in recent days. But, none- about in terms of people doing well. We has never had a budget that was less theless, on May 14 gasoline averaged want everyone to succeed, not just part than a $1,200 billion deficit, and next $3.75 a gallon. What is the Republican of the population. year it will be over $1,000 billion again, answer to rising gasoline prices? Well, The hard reality is that since 1995, according to expert testimony. We are let’s cut those energy programs that the effective tax rate for the wealthiest on an unsustainable path. So I would are designed to reduce our dependence 400 taxpayers in this country has been note that our $15.5 trillion debt for the on foreign energy. Let’s cut them 60 cut from about 30 percent to 18 percent. United States is greater than the percent. That is what the House Repub- That is not fair. The Republican plan is eurozone and the eurozone has a larger lican plan does. It cuts programs to re- to give them more tax cuts. In fact, the population than we do. duce our dependence on foreign energy House Republican plan on revenue pro- Let’s look at this chart, which drives from $4.7 billion a year to $2 billion. vides an additional $1 trillion in tax that number home again, in case any- That is a 60-percent cut in programs to cuts for the wealthiest among us by body is worried about it. I am. It shows reduce our dependence on foreign en- giving millionaires an average tax cut the average debt per person in the ergy. of more than $150,000 a year. It does not countries we have been reading about If anybody has driven on the high- contribute one dime of revenue to def- that are in financial trouble, and it ways of America, we all know we have icit reduction. hits them sometimes surprisingly, and work to do there. If we look at spend- I want to end where I began. The last we never know quite how it is going to ing on infrastructure in our country time our colleagues on the other side hit. But look at this: The debt in versus our major competitors, we can were in charge, when they controlled Spain, which we know is in a rocky fi- see China is spending 9 percent of its everything here from 2001 to 2006 and nancial position, is $18,000 per person; GDP on infrastructure: roads, bridges, the White House until 2008, their Re- Portugal, $19,000; France, $33,000; airports, and rail. Europe spends 5 per- publican policies led the United States Greece, $38,000—Greece’s debt per per- cent, and the United States spends 2.4 to the brink of financial collapse. The son is $38,000, whereas the United percent on infrastructure. We ought to proposals they are making here today States is $44,000. Yes, we have a little do better than that. are to take us right back to those larger economy, but this is the danger So what is the Republican answer? failed policies. We shouldn’t let them zone. On transportation funding, they cut it do that. That would be a mistake for A few people were saying we could 34 percent. They cut it 34 percent. I our country and it would be a mistake have a financial problem in 2007 as a re- think we understand the direction our for the world. sult of the bubble in housing. They

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.010 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 warned us that might happen. A lot of I see some of my colleagues here House voted for the President’s budget. people said: Oh, no, not this time; it is today, and I ask unanimous consent to Last year we voted on the President’s different; we have it under control. Yet participate in a colloquy with my col- budget, as I assume we will again we had a financial crisis that we leagues for up to 20 minutes. today. Not a single Democrat or Re- haven’t recovered from yet. So I would The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- publican voted for the President’s say we do need to take action. pore. Without objection, it is so or- budget last year, and the position of We do not have a budget. If we have dered. the White House is they don’t care. It a budget, why did President Obama Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, I is an amazing situation to find our- comply with the United States Code see Senator BLUNT here, who was part selves in. and submit a budget this year? If we of the leadership in the House before he Whoever is in charge of the Senate in have a budget, why did the House pass came to the Senate. I know he has a the future needs to have a commitment a budget? If we have a budget, why did deep understanding of these issues and to the American people that we are four different Democratic Congressmen the place we are in as a Nation today. going to have a budget, we are going to and groups of Congressmen submit I also see Senator THUNE from South have an appropriations process, and we budgets in the House? If we have a Dakota, who is an active member of are going to get this spending under budget, why did Senator CONRAD seek the Budget Committee and part of the control. We have maxed out the credit to have a budget markup in the com- leadership here in the Senate. card; everybody gets that. The Senator mittee? He basically said: Well, we I am pleased to yield to Senator from Alabama showed this morning may not bring it up on the floor, but BLUNT and ask him how he feels this with his chart the figures representing the law says we should have a budget morning as we move forward today to our debt relative to the countries we and I am going to bring one up in com- bring up a series of budgets with no sort of laugh at, how irresponsible they mittee. The day before the committee plan from the majority party in the are—numbers that I think we ought to met, the Democrats met in conference Senate. look at pretty carefully. When our debt and told him not to do it. Mr. BLUNT. Madam President, I am per person is greater than the Greek So we were expecting to have an ac- embarrassed that we are not serious debt per person—I haven’t seen the tual markup of a budget presented by front page of a paper in a while that about this issue. Senator THUNE and I the Democratic leadership and we served in the House together while the didn’t have something about chaos in didn’t get it. Why? Senator REID said it Greece on it because they have let Senator from Alabama was leading in would be foolish to have a budget— their government get bigger than their these budget fights in the Senate, and foolish. What did he mean by that? economy can support. They have let we had a budget every year. We didn’t Why would the Democratic leader, at- their debt get bigger than the gross do- always every single year have a budget tacking Republicans this morning, say mestic product of their country by al- the House and the Senate could agree it is foolish for us to produce a budget? most two times, but now we have ex- on, but the House always had a budget Well, he said that because he meant it ceeded our debt by—our debt exceeds and the Senate always had a budget. would be foolish politically. It would our potential to produce goods and We always complied with the 1974 be not smart politically because the services in a year for the first time Budget Act that says we have to have Democratic leadership in the Senate ever. In fact, in the 3 years we haven’t a budget. It says we have to have a would have to lay out a vision for the had a budget, the debt of the country budget by April 15. future and the vision they wanted to has increased almost $5 trillion, as we Frankly, we can’t do our work with- sell and could agree on was one the have spent over $10 trillion in those 3 out a budget. We can’t get spending American people wouldn’t like. It years without a budget. It is unaccept- under control without a budget. We wouldn’t be smart. They would reject able. Everybody here knows it is unac- can’t appropriate the way we should it. We would add the numbers up and ceptable. And every American family, without a budget because the budget see how much they actually want to in- frankly, who thinks about it knows it sets forth how much money we are crease taxes, how much they are going is unacceptable. willing to spend on defense and how to increase the debt, how much spend- The Senator’s fight, along with what much money we are willing to spend on ing is going to increase. That is not I am sure has to be Chairman CONRAD’s military construction and how much leadership. It is an utter failure of frustration to not have a budget, could money we are willing to spend on en- leadership. not be a more important topic for us to ergy. If we don’t have that, we don’t In contrast, the Republican House be talking about today or for the produced a budget that changes the have a starting place. American people to be asking the ques- I have all the respect in the world for debt course of America. It puts us on a tion: Why not? Why are you refusing to sound financial path. One can agree our friend from North Dakota, Senator do your job? I know nobody in this with it or disagree with it. We will CONRAD, but to be the chairman of the Chamber knows as much about the have other budgets offered today from Budget Committee and to have to come budget, in my opinion, as the Senator the Republican side that will have sub- to the floor and talk about what is does. Your frustration of where this stantial support, that will change the wrong with the other budgets that have does not allow us to go to do the right debt course we are on, balance the been produced when his committee things is as great as anybody’s, maybe budget in a certain number of years, hasn’t produced one has to be frus- greater than anybody’s. But I think all and put us on a sound financial path. I trating for him, no matter how effec- of us know we should be doing the expect every one of those budgets to be tive he seemed when he was talking right thing here, which is to obey the opposed by every Member on the other about what was wrong with the people law, create a budget, and have a budget side of the aisle. Again, it appears they who had a plan. It is easy to find out that gets us to the place we know we will unanimously vote down President what is wrong with somebody’s plan, need to get to, where our economy, Obama’s budget and not offer one of particularly when one doesn’t have any once again, is right-sized to our gov- their own, directly contrary to the law. obligation, apparently, on their own ernment or, more importantly, our I know the majority leader this part to come up with a plan. government is right-sized to our econ- morning said: Well, filibuster is our We remember when the White House omy. problem. But we can’t filibuster a was asked a few weeks ago, when Sen- Mr. SESSIONS. Briefly, before I go to budget. The Congressional Budget Act ator REID said the Senate will not have Senator THUNE and get him engaged in is designed to ensure that a budget will a budget and what their position on this discussion, based on the Senator’s be passed. The Congressional Budget that was, they said: We don’t have a experience in the budgetary process, Act does not allow a filibuster. Only 51 position on that. I’m sure he is aware that about 60 per- votes are needed to pass a budget, so The President submitted a budget. cent of Federal spending is mandatory why is it being mentioned? Because Why did the President submit a budget entitlement spending. Does the Sen- they prefer to hide under the table and if he doesn’t want the Congress to act ator think we can develop a long-term not stand up and be counted and not on a budget? The House voted on his plan for the future that fails to address address the greatest trouble this Na- budget this year. It was 414 to 0. Not a that large portion that is growing fast- tion has, which is our debt. single Democrat or Republican in the er than the other part of the budget?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.012 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3187 Mr. BLUNT. No, we cannot. Last challenges facing this country, which means it is draining our economy of year, for the first time ever, all of the is what a budget is designed to do. economic growth and, therefore, lots of money that came in was less than the The President submitted a budget jobs. money that went out automatically to this year, which would suggest he The Congressional Budget Office said these programs, where, if you meet the thought we ought to be working on a about the President’s budget, if his definition for the program, you get the budget. The chairman of the Budget budget were to be enacted, it could cost money. It is at 60 percent now. It has Committee, as my colleagues have us up to 2.2 percent of economic growth not been that many years ago that it mentioned, even called a Budget Com- over the course of the next 10 years, was at 50 percent. It was not that many mittee markup, where we went there which would amount to 2.2 million years before that it was at 40 percent. and said: Bring amendments. We went, jobs. So we know the President’s effort So we have to deal with these issues we brought amendments, and we gave was not serious. He did at least put because they lead us to an inevitable opening statements. We gaveled it out something out there. But we need a se- place. Do we want to be Europe today and said we are not going to do it. rious discussion in the Senate about a a few years from now? Surely not. So here we are again on the floor of budget that will put us on a pathway Surely the answer is no. We cannot the Senate without a budget, having to not only to get spending and debt avoid that unless we have a plan. vote on other budgets presented by under control but to allow the econ- It is easy to talk about how bad the some of our colleagues, the House of omy to grow and expand and get Amer- other plan is. But what we all ought to Representatives, which passed a budget icans back to work. That is what is at be doing is coming up with a plan that this year earlier, and the President’s stake here. That is why we believe we gets us to where we all know we need budget. To be fair, the President at ought to have a budget. That is why we to be. least submitted a budget. It was a ter- are going to have an exercise today Mr. SESSIONS. I thank the Senator. rible budget if you are looking at the where at least we get a chance to vote I thank Senator THUNE for his leader- issues of spending and debt. In fact, I on some budgets as advanced by some ship and active participation in this de- think the reason it got voted down 414 of our colleagues in the House of Rep- bate. I ask the Senator, what is on his to nothing in the House of Representa- resentatives as well as here in the Sen- mind this morning, as we are heading tives is because it added $11 trillion to ate and the President’s budget. for votes on four different budgets? the debt. It takes our total debt at the The fact is, this is the third year in Mr. THUNE. I say to my colleague end of the 10-year period to $26 trillion a row where we have not followed the from Alabama, who is the ranking and spends $47 trillion over the next 10 law and gone through the process of member on the Budget Committee, I years and raises taxes by $2 trillion in getting a budget here on the floor of got on the Budget Committee in this a very fragile economy. It was a bad at- the Senate. For our colleagues on the session of Congress and have been on it tempt, but at least it was an attempt. other side to suggest it is not nec- now for 2 years. We have not written a It was an attempt that yielded zero essary simply because the Budget Con- budget either year. So it sort of begs votes in the House of Representative, trol Act was passed last summer not the question about whether the com- and it will be interesting to see if on only is inconsistent with the law, but mittee has any relevance around here the floor of the Senate today there will it begs the point about why did the anymore. be any Democrats who will vote for President submit his budget, why did But to the point about spending and their President’s budget proposal. they call a Budget Committee markup debt—we get down here and we talk But the point the Senator from Ala- in the first place? Clearly, somebody about it. I think it has been inter- bama and the Senator from Missouri around here thinks we ought to be esting. The former Chairman of the make is a good one, and that is simply doing our job. But we are not doing it. Joint Chiefs of Staff, ADM Mike this: We have a responsibility under So I would hope, as we debate this Mullen—who up until several months the law to spell out what we would do issue today, at least we will put in ago held that position—would come in to get this country on a more sustain- front of the American people the argu- front of Congress, in front of congres- able fiscal path. That is something ments we think need to be made with sional committees, and say the great- that is in the budget laws that the Sen- regard to getting spending and debt est threat to America’s national secu- ator from Alabama pointed out. Yet under control, addressing the long- rity is our national debt. There are a here we go on, year after year after term, the mandatory side of the budget lot of external threats the United year now—3 years in a row, over 1,100 my colleague from Missouri, Senator States faces. The world continues to be days—without the Senate doing its job BLUNT, mentioned. That is where we a dangerous place, with al-Qaida and and passing a budget. That is signifi- know the money is. That is what no- the Iranian nuclear capability and cant for a lot of reasons, not the least body wants to deal with. We keep China and North Korea. You can go of which is this is the fourth year in a squeezing a little bit more out of the right down the list. But for the top row where we are going to have a tril- discretionary side of the budget. We ranking military official in this coun- lion dollar deficit. Under this adminis- have to take that on if we are going to try to come before Congress and say tration, you have the highest deficit, save Social Security and Medicare and the greatest threat to America’s na- the second highest deficit, the third reform these entitlement programs. tional security is our national debt highest deficit, and the fourth highest That is what a budget process would speaks volumes about what our pri- deficit in history—4 consecutive years do. It does not take 60 votes under the ority ought to be. To think that we now of trillion dollar deficits. law. It takes 51. here in the Senate now for over 1,100 But we are concerned about the econ- To come down here and say Repub- days have not passed a budget is pretty omy. We need the economy to get licans will filibuster again is com- stunning in light of that reality; and growing again, to expand, to create pletely out of whack with what we also to say that somehow, because the jobs. That helps address all these know to be the facts around here and Budget Control Act last summer things. What is interesting about it— the law; that is, that it takes 51 votes passed, we did not need a budget misses and I know both my colleagues on the to pass a budget and a reconciliation the point. floor are well aware of this—there is a bill that could possibly follow. The reason we had the Budget Con- lot of research that has been done with I appreciate the leadership of my col- trol Act is because we did not pass a regard to developed countries that league from Alabama as the ranking budget. The Budget Control Act is start carrying these high debt loads. member on the Budget Committee. I what you get when you do not pass a All the analysis suggests when you get look forward today, at least, for the budget. You end up at the 11th hour a debt-to-GDP ratio of more than 90 chance for us to talk about a budget having to put something together to percent, it costs you about a point to a and what we ought to be doing for the deal with the issue of the debt limit, point and a half of economic growth future of this country since we do not which is what we were dealing with at every single year. Well, in our country, have a budget on the floor of the Sen- that time. It did put some caps on a percentage point of economic growth ate. spending, but it does not do anything means a million jobs. So our debt to Mr. SESSIONS. I could not agree to deal with the long-term structural GDP—which is now over 100 percent— with the Senator more. I would note,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.014 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 the reason we are here today is because straight now the Senate has decided it He said: Sure I have a problem with a budget was not produced. The Parlia- does not have to do the work the law failing to offer a budget. As a former mentarian of the Senate ruled that a requires it to do, as we dig this hole Governor, my responsibility was to put budget has not been produced and, deeper and deeper and deeper. The a balanced budget forward. therefore, under the rules of the Budg- longer we wait, the more difficult the Well, I see my colleague is here. I et Act, budgets that have been filed solution is going to be. Every single think our time is up. There might be a can be brought to the floor. That is day that passes, it is harder to solve couple of minutes for Senator THUNE. how we were able to force the votes this problem than it would have been Mr. THUNE. If the Senator will yield today. the day before. Now we have gone 3 for a minute, I assume in Alabama and Senator THUNE, briefly—and I will years without a budget and apparently Missouri and I know in South Dakota also ask Senator BLUNT, who is in our we are going to go through the rest of our States pass budgets. It can be done. leadership—isn’t it a fact that what this process without a budget. By the You can balance your budget. It would happened with the Budget Control Act time we get to the end of this year, we be nice if we had a requirement in the is that we had spent so much money, will be approaching that fourth year Constitution that would demand that we had reached the spending limit of without a budget. It is not as though the way many of our States do. Cer- America—the debt ceiling—and we had this would be a good idea, the law says tainly, there doesn’t seem to be the po- to have a last-minute effort to reach an we have to have one. And we should litical will here to do it absent that. agreement; the Republicans insisted have one. But it can be done, and hard decisions that we had to reduce spending, and we Mr. SESSIONS. Senator BLUNT has have to be made. South Dakota went got a reduction in spending from $47 been in the leadership in the House. He through it last year, made some hard trillion over the next 10 years to $45 is in the leadership of the Senate. Be choices, our Governor, our legislature. trillion? You would have thought that frank with us. What is it that would Those are the types of hard decisions was going to bankrupt America—that cause the majority party not to want that are going to have to made here, we would spend $45 trillion instead of to lead, not to want to lay out a plan but it takes a certain amount of polit- $47 trillion. for the future, and attack anybody who ical will and a willingness to make That is not a budget. It was a limit does lay out a plan? I know it is hard. hard decisions. As the Senator from on spending, and it was done because We all know this is a tough thing. But Alabama and the Senator from Mis- Republicans said: We are not going to doesn’t the Senator think a party that souri have both pointed out, there raise the debt limit until you at least aspires to lead the Senate should, in- doesn’t seem to be the willingness here cut some spending. That is all that stead of hiding under the table, stand to make those hard votes. As has already been pointed out, the could be accomplished. We avoided a up and say what they believe we should leader on the other side has said: What crisis, but it was a pretty tense time. do over the next decade financially? point is there in doing a budget? And Senator BLUNT. Mr. BLUNT. I think the law even re- the President of the United States and Mr. BLUNT. I would like to stay on quires it. I think the leader on the his folks, when they were asked wheth- this. Saying the Budget Control Act is other side, the majority leader, has er the Senate ought to do a budget, a budget—as Senator THUNE men- been pretty clear about it. It is bad pol- said: Well, we don’t have an opinion tioned, if that was the budget, why did itics to have a budget, bad politics to about that, which I think is really the President submit one? Nobody be- tell the American people officially lieves that is a budget. The Parliamen- ironic coming from the leader of the what we are for, bad politics for our free world about whether this country tarian said it was not a budget. But Members to have to go on record say- what it is—it would be as if your fam- ought to have a budget to work with. ing what they are for. But that being said, as our time ily sitting down to decide what money The President submitted a budget. winds down here, to argue, as our col- you are going to have to spend this There are 54 Members of the Presi- leagues have, that we don’t need one year said: OK, we have X number of dent’s party here in the Senate. Fifty- misses the point. The Parliamentarian dollars. Let’s go out and spend it. That one of them could pass this budget. It has ruled that the Budget Control Act is no budget, particularly when you would be the Senate-passed budget. was, in fact, not a budget. We need to had to borrow 40 percent of the X num- Then you would go to the House and do a budget here in the Senate. More ber of dollars you said you had. We are say: OK, let’s look at the House budget importantly, the American people ex- borrowing 40 percent of the money we and the Senate budget and see if we pect it and the taxpayers deserve it. are going to spend. The only number can agree on a budget. That is why we ought to be having a we have that we have agreed to is the But they actually have been pretty debate on what we are going to vote for maximum amount we will spend, know- transparent. You have to give them today, not what we are going to vote ing we do not have anywhere near that some credit for not trying to be dif- against. number, and we have not allocated ferent than they really are. They said: It will be interesting to see if any of that in any way. It would be politically foolish for us to our colleagues on the other side vote That is no budget. Everybody knows pass a budget because then people for any of the budget proposals we put that. Everybody also knows you cannot would know what every one of the 51 of forward today, including the President get there unless you have a way to get our Members is for, and they would of the United States; his budget will be there. Your family says: OK, we have have to say what they are for. voted on along with several other Re- done the budgeting for the year. We de- My guess is that nobody in the ma- publican budgets. I have a feeling we cided if we borrow almost as much jority will say they are for anything will be for some things. I have a feel- money as we make, and we spend that today—not for the President’s budget, ing, as you said earlier, that they are somewhere, that is our budget. We not for any budget we will submit. So not going to be for anything. have not decided where we are going to you go home and say: I am not for any Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, is spend it, we have not decided how we of that. You can’t accuse me of being the time up on this side? are going to spend it, and we have not for a bad plan because I am for no plan. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- even decided a reasonable way we are That is where we are. pore. The time has expired. going to get it, but we said: Here is the Mr. SESSIONS. Well, we need rev- Mr. SESSIONS. I yield the floor. number we are going to spend. Now, enue—they use that word but will not The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- family, let’s all go out and start spend- explicitly say whom they want to tax pore. The Senator from North Dakota. ing and we will meet here later this except a very few rich. The Buffett tax Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I year and see how it worked out. It would produce about $4 billion a year ask unanimous consent that the use of makes no sense at all, and everybody when we have a $1,200 billion deficit. calculators be permitted on the Senate knows that. I would note that Senator MANCHIN, a floor during consideration of the mo- Interestingly, we do not hear much former Governor of West Virginia, said tions to proceed to budget resolutions. about this. It is surprising to me that in today’s Politico that he would have The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- every day there is not a story about been impeached if he failed to produce pore. Without objection, it is so or- why for the first time ever for 3 years a budget as West Virginia’s Governor. dered.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.015 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3189 Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I deadline—their allocations, and I was Budget Control Act by 74 votes in the wish to go back to the point my col- just reading from them. Finance, $1,337 Senate—74 votes, a bipartisan vote—on leagues have made. It is fascinating to billion; Foreign Relations, $28,640 mil- August 2, 2011. It put in place the me. You did not hear them talk for one lion; Homeland Security, $102,276 mil- spending caps the chairman talked moment about the substance of their lion; the Judiciary Committee, $18,545 about. It laid out something that, proposals—not a moment. Did you no- million; Rules and Administration, $41 frankly, in my time since being here tice that? I wonder why that would be? million. It sounds a lot like a budget starting in 2001, has been done dif- I think I know. It is because their pro- doesn’t it? Because that is exactly ferently and, frankly, has a stronger posals would take us right back to the what it provided. It provided the spend- basis for it because instead of just hav- failed policies that brought this coun- ing limit this year and for next year. ing something passed by the House and try to the brink of economic collapse. That is in the Budget Control Act we the Senate, it was actually signed by That is what happened the last time passed in the Senate last year on a the President. It is law. It has the force they were in charge. They controlled strong bipartisan vote, passed the of law, and it is in a situation where it both bodies from 2001 until 2006, the House of Representatives, and signed has even more impact than it would White House until 2008. So none of into law by the President of the United normally. those policies they put in place when States. So, yes, we did not do the normal they controlled both Chambers could So when we hear over and over that process. What we did was one better be changed. And where were we at the there is no budget, no spending limits than the normal process, which is the end of 2008? Where were we? We were for this year, it is just not so. There Budget Control Act. It did pass. It did losing 800,000 jobs a month and the are spending limits for this year. There put in place the spending caps and set economy was shrinking at a rate of 9 are spending limits for next year. They up, as you know, a deficit reduction percent. And the proposals they have, are included in the Budget Control Act, commission and a requirement on cuts the substantive proposals they are which is a law. It was passed. It was that will take place in January. making here today, take us right back signed by the President. That Budget It is also true that what we do not to those same failed policies. Control Act limited spending for the have is a long-term plan. As the chair- It is no wonder you did not hear them next 10 years—put spending caps in man has talked about over and over saying one word about the budget pro- place. Budget resolutions rarely have again, we have to come together on a posals on which we are going to be vot- spending caps for more than 1 year. long-term deficit reduction plan. So we ing because they are the same failed The Budget Control Act had 10 years of agree on that. There are many people policies that put this country in the caps, saving $900 billion. That is the who have talked about that, worked on ditch. Instead, what you hear them say law. various proposals. The President has is that we on our side have no budget. I see the Senator from Michigan is on lead negotiations. Members in this Fascinating. the floor—a very valued member of the body have. And certainly the chairman Well, let me just put up again what Budget Committee. Welcome to this of the committee has continued to lead we passed last year in law called the debate. We have been hearing a lot those efforts. And we need to get that Budget Control Act. from the other side—interestingly done. But in terms of what we have on Let me again read from that law. It enough, I want to say to the Senator, a budget resolution that puts in place says: almost nothing about the substance of limits or caps, that has been done. The allocations, aggregates, and levels— their proposals. I assume that is be- Now, when we look at what is in cause they want to go back to the same Spending levels— front of us and the votes we are going failed policies that put this country in to be having today, it is very simple in in subsection . . . shall apply in the Senate the ditch we are still digging out of. in the same manner as for a concurrent reso- terms of values. The question is, Are lution on the budget for fiscal year 2012. All they want to talk about is not hav- you on the side of the middle class or ing a budget resolution—not one word In the next clause, it makes the on the side of millionaires in this coun- that instead of a budget resolution, we exact same statement for 2013, that the try? passed a budget law, as the Senator Budget Control Act that was passed You know, folks in my State, the well knows, the Budget Control Act. middle class, feel as though the system last year will serve in the same manner How much time will the Senator as a budget resolution. has been pretty much rigged against need? them. All they want is a fair shot. We Earlier this year, pursuant to that Ms. STABENOW. I will use 7 minutes have families in Michigan struggling to law, I gave the appropriators, which I or so. am required to do under the law, what Mr. CONRAD. I will allocate the Sen- make ends meet, and they are strug- they could spend, and here it is. I have ator 10 minutes. gling to send their kids to college. Over this chart being blown up. Ms. STABENOW. I thank the Sen- and over again, they look at what is Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, ator. going on here and scratch their heads. $13,397 million; Armed Services, $146,698 Madam President, first let me thank And why in the world would we con- million; Banking, Housing, and Urban the chairman of the Budget Com- tinue to focus on things that help a Affairs, $22,167 million; Commerce, mittee, who I have to say is going to be privileged few, those who have had the Science, and Transportation, $15,016 sorely missed. In fact, I am not sure we most benefits in the last decade? Why million; Energy and Natural Resources, are going to let him go. I think we are do we continue to see policies like $5,276 million. It sounds kind of like a going to lock the doors to his office these budgets that, in fact, focus on budget does it not? Doesn’t that sound and not let him leave. He has been such more tax cuts for millionaires and bil- kind of like a budget? Well, guess what, an incredible valued Member of the lionaires and ask middle-class families it is a budget. It is in the Budget Con- Senate and a leader for our country on to sacrifice more and more? They trol Act that we passed last year in- these issues. shake their heads and say: What is stead of a budget resolution. It is absolutely true that what we are going on here? You guys just do not get Again, anybody who has taken high really debating is whether we go back it, what is happening to the majority school civics knows a budget law is to policies that put us in the huge def- of families. stronger than any budget resolution. icit ditch in which we find ourselves or And what we are seeing once again is Why would that be the case? Because a whether we continue to go forward as a that rather than focusing on jobs and budget resolution is purely a congres- country. We need to keep going for- bringing the economy back on track, sional document. It never goes to the ward and going forward even more bringing jobs back to the United President for his signature. A budget quickly certainly. But in my State, we States, strengthening our ability to law, by definition, has to be signed by are seeing us begin to move forward, make things and grow things in this the President. So last year, instead of with manufacturing coming back and country, which has to happen if we are a budget resolution, we passed a budget innovation opportunities, and we need going to have a middle class and have law called the Budget Control Act. to continue to push for that. an economy, what we see our col- Pursuant to that law, I gave the appro- But let me stress as well what the leagues on the other side of the aisle do priators—earlier this year, before the chairman has said. We passed the is wanting to double student loan rates

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:31 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.016 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 and eliminate Medicare as we know it ing it back. But they are asking for this country. That is what this is all in order to give another round of tax help to make sure they can afford to be about. My colleague just said vote no cuts to millionaires and billionaires. able to have those loans, so they can on all of them and keep going, don’t go That makes absolutely no sense. dream big dreams and go to college and back. What I hear being said—and Instead of spending our time passing be successful. I thought that is what there is no ambiguity about it—is let’s jobs bills that we need to pass, by the our country was all about. When I was keep on the path we are on. This is way, including the farm bill, which af- growing up in the little town of Clare— good enough. Here is the letter: Let’s fects 16 million people in this country my dad was sick when I was in high be happy. We are in Washington, and when we talk about rural communities school—if I hadn’t had help with tui- we are having fun, I caught a fish and and agriculture and food processing tion and fees and scholarship and we had a party, send more money. and all of our efforts on food policy loans, I would not have been able to go Isn’t that what it is all about, isn’t across the country, instead of doing to college. The great thing about our this what we are hearing from the that, they want to spend their time fo- country is that a red-headed, freckled- other side? Send more money. We will cusing on something that will give face girl in Clare, who folks didn’t take care of things for you. We don’t more tax breaks to millionaires and know—folks somewhere decided that have to cut anything. We are not on an ask middle-class families one more maybe I ought to have a chance to go unsustainable path. Actually, we cut time—just one more time—to sacrifice. to college. Because of that, I have had spending over the next 10 years from Folks in my State are saying we have tremendous opportunities in my life. $47 billion to $45 billion. Aren’t we had enough of this. What we ought to We have a lot of young men and women great. That is a huge increase over the be doing is our to-do list—stopping out- working hard every day who deserve current level of spending; it increases sourcing and rewarding companies that the same opportunity. People who lost spending every year under the Budget bring jobs home; helping responsible a job and are going back to get train- Control Act—not nearly enough to homeowners refinance and take advan- ing deserve the same opportunity. change the debt course of the country. tage of today’s lower interest rates; All four of these plans end Medicare But that is OK. cutting taxes for small businesses that as an insurance plan, increase by thou- By the way, do you know what Presi- are creating jobs and investing in their sands of dollars costs to seniors, double dent Obama’s budget does? It wipes out companies; continuing critical invest- student loan rates, and all of it is to the sequester. Before the ink is even ments in clean energy manufacturing make sure that we give more tax dry on the Budget Control Act, the for the future; passing a farm bill for 16 breaks to millionaires and billionaires. agreement at the eleventh hour to re- million Americans whose jobs rely on I know at least one or more of these duce spending over the next decade by agriculture and our rural economy; and plans adds $150,000, I believe, in average $2 trillion, President Obama submits a we should focus on helping our vet- tax cuts. That is more than the aver- budget in February proposing to wipe erans coming home from the war find age person in Michigan makes in a out the sequester—all $1.1 trillion of it. good-paying jobs, thanking them for year—or the average person in Amer- What kind of commitment do we have their service. ica. We are saying to seniors, families, to control spending? Send more money; We have a lot to do. Instead, we are and students that we want you to pay that is the solution. Tax, spend, tax, in the same old failed debate that got more so we can give another tax cut to spend. I wish it weren’t so. I wish I us in the hole, that got us to the situa- the folks who have already gotten the could say differently. tion where there was a crisis on Wall majority of the benefits in the last 10 Well, let me ask this question: Do my Street, that got us to the point where years economically. colleagues not feel a responsibility to we lost millions and millions of jobs in Let me stress one more time before tell the American people what their fi- the past. Are we going to go backward ending, I think this goes to the values nancial plan for the future of America or forward? That is the question. represented in these budgets. Do we is? Do they have no responsibility? Do Right now, what are the differences want to say that retirees and older peo- they feel no sense of obligation, no when we look at the four different Re- ple in our country have the oppor- duty? All they want to do is attack publican plans? They are very similar. tunity to live long lives? Social Secu- anybody else’s plan who is trying to Here are three basic things that are the rity and Medicare are great American save this Republic from financial dis- same. They all end Medicare as an in- success stories. They literally brought aster—attack them because they might surance plan and increase costs by a generation out of poverty to live in want to reduce spending somewhere, thousands of dollars for seniors in our dignity, like my mom, who is almost and somebody might not like it be- country, which puts them back in a 86, to a place where she is healthy and cause they didn’t get quite as much plan that is before 1964, where seniors can play with her grandkids because from the government as they got be- would have to try to find private insur- she had the opportunity to be in a sys- fore. Are there no programs that we ance. Of course, as we get older, we all tem called Medicare, and will be able are prepared to reduce or eliminate spend more health care dollars; we to live longer. Those are good things, that are wasteful and not worthwhile? need more health care, so costs will be good values, not bad values. Is there nothing in this government? higher. It is tougher for older people to All four of these budgets—the Paul Maybe we stop GSA from having hot find affordable insurance. That is why budget would end Medicare in 2014; the tubs in Las Vegas; maybe we ought to we created Medicare in 1965. They want Lee budget would end it in 2017; the at least do that. How about the TSA, to go back prior to that time. Ryan budget in 2023; and the Toomey which has warehouses with millions of Second, they allow student loan rates budget in 2023. I cannot imagine that dollars of equipment in them that is to double. All the plans would double Americans want to go back to that sys- not even being used? What about the the cost of that. I don’t know about tem where seniors cannot count on the $500 million Solyndra loan and other anybody else, but in Michigan, where ability to have their doctor and get bogus loans to political cronies? And we are transforming the economy and their medicine and have the dignity of evidence is coming out that there is going to advanced manufacturing and a long and healthy life. more of that. Can’t we cut that? Or will new technology, we have folks in their Madam President, I urge our col- they say that is anti-energy? forties and fifties going back to school, leagues to vote no on every one of What they need to do is get off the and we have young people going to col- these resolutions which go backwards, backs of the energy producers and lege. They are not asking for more ex- and support our efforts to keep Amer- allow more energy to be produced. It pense. The average student debt in ica going forward and focus on those doesn’t take taxpayer money to Michigan is about $25,000. They are not things that will make our economic re- produce more energy and have decent asking to add to that anymore. All four covery even faster. regulations. Do you know what they of these proposals would do that—dou- I yield the floor. do? They send checks to Uncle Sam. ble the student loan interest rate. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- They pay royalties on offshore and By the way, these are loans where pore. The Senator from Alabama. Federal lands. They pay taxes on the people are taking out the money, and Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, we money they make. The people who they are responsible and they are pay- need to lay out a plan for the future of work at the oil companies pay taxes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 23:43 May 16, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.017 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3191 That is the way you get money, not by I am particularly worried that we a time of financial crisis, want to lay just taxing somebody. don’t have a sense in this body that we out a plan they can rally behind and I think the American people fun- have to make changes. We are going to ask the American people to rally be- damentally understand that a tax on have to look at the entitlement pro- hind to save our country? the rich is a tax on the private sector, grams. I have heard Senator CONRAD It is an absolute fact this country has and when you overtax the private sec- say this repeatedly. He served on the never, ever, ever, been in a financial tor, you get less of it. It is the private debt commission, and they said we condition as severe as this one. We sector that creates the wealth that have to do that. have never, ever faced the long-term pays the taxes that allows us to dis- Does the President propose any enti- systemic debt threat we face today. We tribute money here and go back to our tlement changes in his budget? No. Are have never been on a path so districts and act as though we are some the Democratic Members of the Senate unsustainable. Never. Nothing close to hero for returning people their money proposing entitlement changes? No. it. This is a threat to the future of that we took from them, and we want Who is? Congressman RYAN has pro- America, and the party that aspires to to be some specially credited person posed entitlement changes. He is pre- lead the Senate should lay out its plan. because we brought back some bacon pared to defend them as being the kind The President should be engaged. He to our district. The American people of changes that will preserve, protect, should be insisting we pass a budget understand this. They are not happy and sustain Medicare, Medicaid, and that has some meaning and would about this. Social Security. change the debt course of the country. The Budget Control Act is not close We cannot allow entitlement spend- Yet what do we have? Nothing but at- to what we need to do to put our coun- ing to continue to increase at rates tacks on Members of Congress who lay try on a sound path. It is not close. I four and five times the inflation rate. out plans that would actually do that. have to say that the President’s budget That is an unsustainable spending They do not want to bring up a budg- undoes half of that. When I said the course. When 60 percent of our budget et. Why? They say it is foolish. It Budget Control Act took spending is increasing at three or four times the would be foolish for us. Yes, it would be down from $47 trillion to $45 trillion, inflation rate, we are in big trouble, foolish to reveal ourselves. The Amer- President Obama’s budget that was and we can’t tax our way out of that. ican people might add up how many submitted a few weeks ago would add That is just a fact. Upper income peo- taxes we want to increase. They might $1.6 trillion back, so that would make ple are going to have to contribute add everything up and say: Your plan it go from $45 trillion to $46 trillion in more to Medicare. They just are. We doesn’t change the debt course. They spending over 10 years. don’t have the money. We can’t just may add things up and say: You spend This is the way they propose to oper- make it up and act like that is not re- too much. So we don’t want to do that. ate this government. That is what ality. It is reality. That would be foolish. their plan is. Why won’t they lay it So I think the budgets we will see I have never seen a situation where, out? Because they know the American from this side will be attacked vi- in a time of crisis, this Nation has had people will look at it and say: Good ciously as wanting to kill these pro- a failure of leadership as great as we grief, that is not what we want for this grams. They are not designed to kill are seeing today. Now maybe I don’t country. You guys have to get your these programs. They are designed to get this. Maybe something is wrong house in order. We expect you to cut put us on a financial path where we can with me. But I think everyone who some spending. We know there is be healthy and prosperous and sustain cares about the Republic should be pre- waste, fraud, and abuse in the capital. the benefits we have promised. But a pared to stand and vote on proposals to You better get busy. big chunk of Medicare is paid for out of put us on the right path. All we hear from my Democratic col- the General Treasury of the United We are not on the right path today. leagues is: Send more money. What is States, and people with big incomes We have a threat out there that could particularly troubling is the suggestion ought to contribute to some of that, put us in a financial crisis overnight. It that it is OK, we don’t have to make and they can do that. We can do that as could happen very quickly. When that any changes. But we do. We do have to a nation. occurs, it will be too late to fix it. make changes. So, Madam President, I think it is We saw the warnings that led to the Let me show you this chart. The rather odd that we have come to the 2007 financial crisis. That was a deeply changes will be difficult, but not so bad floor and called up—without debate, damaging event—that crisis. We as to have the country be damaged in without opportunity to amend—a se- haven’t gotten over it yet, and we any significant way. This is where our ries of budgets. Why? Because no budg- could have another one. Wouldn’t that spending level is today, $3.6 trillion. et has been produced in the Budget be terrible? These numbers don’t as- This is the next decade under the Budg- Committee, and under the rules of the sume we have a recession. They have et Control Act, where we cut spending. Senate members can bring up a budget. no real recession projected in the num- In that late-night confrontation before We don’t get to have amendments, but bers we will see. We need to avoid a the government was to shut down be- we can bring up one. Under the Budget debt crisis, another financial crisis, as cause we reached the spending limit Act, the Budget Committee should Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, on and could not borrow anymore money, have hearings, have a markup, offer the debt commission, told us to avoid. an agreement was reached to take $2 amendments, and bring the budget to We need to do that, and we are going to trillion out of spending over 10 years. the floor with a guaranteed 50 hours of have some leadership on both sides of That is what this chart is—after that debate, unlimited amendments, and the aisle, I believe. cut had been put in place. President then final passage within a certain So, Madam President, I will reserve Obama wants to wipe out half of it. So time. That is the way it works. It guar- the remainder of my time, and I yield it would add $8 trillion in new spend- antees priority to a budget because the the floor. ing. If you cut that to $6 trillion or $5 people who wrote the Budget Act in The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- trillion, we would balance the budget. 1974 knew how important a budget was. pore. The Senator from South Dakota. You would still show an increase; it They gave it priority. It can’t be fili- Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, Sen- would just maybe be a $4 trillion or a bustered. It can pass with 50 votes, ator MENENDEZ is here to be recognized $5 trillion increase in spending instead with the Vice President—51 votes oth- for 10 minutes, and we can do that at of $8 trillion. We could make a big dif- erwise can pass the budget—because we this point. ference there. need a budget, and we should be seek- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The path we are on is unsustainable. ing to do that. pore. The Senator from New Jersey. The path we are on leaves us in the To me, it is pretty frustrating to see Mr. MENENDEZ. Madam President, danger zone. The path we are on has our current situation. So I guess I will last year the Budget Control Act be- led us to have more debt than Europe conclude by asking: Does the majority came the law of the land, and it set dis- and more per capita than any country party not feel an obligation to tell the cretionary spending limits for security in Europe, and it is unsustainable. I am American people where they would like and nonsecurity spending for not just 1 worried about this. to lead the country; and do they not, in year but for 2 years. It puts us on a

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.019 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 path to reducing the deficit by more Let’s talk about the facts. Repub- that could—according to a study by the than $2 trillion over the next 10 years. licans are not only seeking to repeal Education Trust—ultimately take Pell We now hear claims from our friends the affordable care act, but they are grants away from 1 million students. on the other side of the aisle that we also dismantling Medicare, Medicaid, For those who aren’t kicked out of the don’t have a budget. I guess if one says and other vital programs. Under the system entirely, it will freeze the max- say it often enough people may believe Ryan budget, New Jersey’s health care imum Pell Grant award, despite tuition it. But it seems our Republican col- system would be devastated. The Re- costs rising far above the rate of infla- leagues have selective amnesia about publican plan would cut $39 billion in tion. To add insult to injury, the Ryan the Budget Control Act. health benefits from New Jerseyans budget would allow the interest rate on We have a budget. It is called the over the next decade, leaving families subsidized Stafford loans to double—a Budget Control Act, and it has the unable to find care and doctors unable debate that is all too familiar to this force of law, which is more than we can to provide it. Their plan will throw up- body. say for any of the proposals before us wards of 465,000 low-income families My Republican colleagues claim to today. So today’s debate makes me and seniors off Medicaid, kick more support lower rates, but then they fili- wonder if we are on a dance floor in- than 70,000 young adults off their par- bustered them, and now they are pro- stead of the Senate floor because we ents’ health insurance, and leave more posing a budget that would allow the have already taken one step forward than 3 million New Jerseyans—includ- interest rates to double. So for more and now it is two steps back. ing 877,000 children—worrying about than 60 percent of students who receive These Republican proposals call for whether they will hit their lifetime Pell grants while also taking out loans, extreme cuts on the backs of seniors, benefit limit and lose coverage as a re- the Ryan budget is a double whammy. students, and the most vulnerable in sult. Not only will they lose some or all of our society without asking any con- For seniors, the Republican plan ends their Pell grants, they will be forced to tributions from millionaires and cor- Medicare as we know it, leaving retir- pay double the interest on their loans, porations. That is not fair, it is not ees to worry about whether the system which will only increase with a reduc- balanced, and it doesn’t reflect the pri- they paid into their entire working tion in Pell grants. orities of New Jersey’s middle-class lives will really be there for them when Today receiving some form of higher families. they need it. Their plan would force education is almost a prerequisite for a I strongly believe we must get our seniors out of the Medicare they know 21st-century career. In fact, young Nation’s fiscal house in order, and I and instead provide an inadequate adults with only a high school diploma have always supported a fair and bal- voucher they claim will cover the pre- are almost three times as likely to be anced approach to reducing our defi- miums for private insurance. That unemployed and earn just over half as cits. But I cannot, in good conscience, claim, however, is false, leaving seniors much as those with a bachelor’s degree. But even as the demand for college support proposals in which working with an increase in out-of-pocket ex- graduates in the workforce increases, families, seniors, and students must penses of over $6,000 a year. endure billions in cuts while oil compa- It also means immediately higher so have the costs of tuition, making higher education all the more critical, nies—making $1 trillion in profits over costs for the more than 126,000 seniors as well as for the Nation to be the glob- the next decade—and billionaires are in New Jersey who have saved a com- al leader competitively. Yet it is more not asked to pay their fair share. bined $95 million on prescription drugs out of reach for millions of students if Supporters of the House Republican because every one of these Republican we follow these plans. How is that fair? budget, introduced by Congressman budgets will reopen the gap in prescrip- How is that balanced? It is not, and it RYAN, justify their radical changes to tion drug coverage we call the dough- just shows the misguided priorities Medicare and other programs by say- nut hole. The Republican budget also ing: We simply can’t afford it. But in that are behind these proposals. means 1 million seniors in New Jersey Middle-class families can’t afford it. the very same Republican budget in who have already accessed no-cost pre- Seniors can’t afford it. Students can’t which we can’t afford that, we see an ventive health services, such as cancer afford it. That is why we can’t afford to average tax cut of over $1⁄4 million to screenings, would now be forced to pay let it happen. millionaires, and that is on top of the for those screenings out of pocket. It Madam President, I yield the floor. six-figure tax break they are already also means 270,000 seniors and disabled The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- currently receiving from the Bush tax individuals in my home State who rely pore. The Senator from North Dakota. cuts. At the same time Republicans on Medicaid for services such as long- Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, just propose to add thousands of dollars of term care will be kicked out of the sys- to respond to my friend, the ranking increased costs on the backs of middle- tem. member of the committee—and I have class seniors, they somehow find the The most shocking about all of this a lot of respect for the ranking mem- money for another tax cut for million- is the radical Ryan budget seems to be ber. The truth is on the larger issue we aires that is worth more than four the least extreme of the Republican are not all that far apart. The larger times the entire average household in- budgets. For example, Senator PAUL’s issue is, as a nation, we are on an come of an American family. proposal calls for Medicare to end unsustainable course. This is as clear People who have worked hard to abruptly on January 1, 2014, while si- as it can be, and we have to deal with build personal wealth should be ap- multaneously decreasing Social Secu- it. We have a difference with respect to plauded for their success. At the same rity benefits and raising the eligibility what we have right now. I believe we time, many of them are willing to con- age to 70. Senator TOOMEY’s plan would do have a budget in place for this year tribute to help the Nation in this tough force seniors off Medicare and only pro- and next year. The place where I would economic time, if we ask. We know vide a modest voucher to purchase pri- agree with the gentleman is we don’t from experience that asking a fair vate coverage. It would slash Medicaid have the longer term plan. share from the wealthiest and most by nearly $1 trillion—$180 billion more The problem is, Are we really going successful, as we did during the Clinton than even the Ryan budget calls for— to get all sides to get off their fixed po- era of prosperity, will not break our and shift a massive and untenable bur- sitions right before a national election? economy. It just comes down to a mat- den on the States while leaving mil- That is a matter of judgment. I don’t ter of fairness. lions of families without coverage. believe that it is going to happen. What we are seeing today is our How is that fair and balanced? It is I was part of the Simpson-Bowles friends on the other side of the aisle not, and we should reject these pro- Commission. In fact, Senator Gregg taking yet another run at shifting our posals. and I were the ones who got the Com- Nation’s financial burdens onto middle- Here is another fact about the Ryan mission appointed, and he and I were 2 class families, seniors and students, all House budget. Instead of making col- of the 11—five Democrats, five Repub- while defending special breaks for their lege more affordable, more accessible, licans, one Independent—who voted in special interests. How is that fair? How and more achievable, the Ryan budget favor of the long-term plan that is that balanced? It is not. And we will do the exact opposite. It will cre- Bowles-Simpson put before the Amer- can’t let it stand. ate additional obstacles for students ican people that would have reduced

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.020 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3193 the debt from what it would otherwise Amidst all of this, we have rules in more precious? No. It is because the be by more than $4 trillion. Depending place. There is a Budget Act that we value of the dollar is shrinking. The on what baseline you use, even more have had in place since the 1970s that value of the dollar is shrinking because than that. That is the minimum we requires that this body put forward a we print all this new money to pay for need to do. budget. The problem is we have no this massive debt. It is unsustainable, I actually tried to convince the Com- budget and have had no budget for 3 and one way or another it is going to mission to do $5.6 trillion. That was my years. come to a head. proposal to the Commission, a $5.6 tril- Now, one would say: How can this be Will it come to a head through the lion package of deficit reduction and when we have a law that says the ma- destruction of our currency paying for debt reduction. Why did I pick that? jority party has to have a budget, and this debt? I don’t know, but we cer- We could balance the budget in 10 years yet we have no budget? They are in de- tainly need a budget. Ours will be a if we did. fiance of the law. Then if you were to budget that balances in 5 years. People But I do want to go back to this ques- come to us and say you want money say: Why don’t you compromise with tion about whether we have a budget spent on X item, we can’t even do any- the other side? right now, for this year. I say, with re- thing about it because there are no ap- We will, but they have to have a spect, I believe it is very clear we do. propriations bills. If we don’t have a budget. If ours balances in 5 years and The Budget Control Act—not a budget budget, we don’t have appropriations the other side will promote one that resolution but a law—said very clearly bills, and we can’t alter up or down the balances in 10, compromise would be the allocations, aggregates, and levels appropriations bills because we don’t 71⁄2. But if the other side doesn’t have a of spending shall apply in the Senate in have a budget to go by. budget or if the other side has a budg- the same manner as for a concurrent In fact, every bit of spending we do et—the President put forward a budget, resolution on the budget for fiscal year here is in defiance of our own rules be- and we will vote on that too. His never 2012. That identical language follows cause we are supposed to compare the balances. So we have infinity for their for 2013. spending bills to the budget, and we side, and we have 5 years on our side. So pursuant to the Budget Control have no budget. How do we get halfway from infinity to Act, in April I provided to the appro- Many of us have been promoting 5 years? priators and the authorizers these something new—this would be a bal- If we are going to compromise, they budget allocations for appropriations: anced budget amendment to the Con- have to come to the table. We have to For security discretionary budget au- stitution—because we don’t seem to be engage in a debate. Entitlements are 65 thority for 2013, $546 billion; for non- doing a very good job balancing the percent of the budget. They call it security discretionary budget author- budget. When you have less money mandatory spending, and nobody wants ity, $501 billion. That is a total, coming in, you spend less money. to do anything about it. Social Secu- onbudget, of $1,040,000,000,954; manda- Every American family has to do this. rity, Medicare, Medicaid is 65 percent tory spending, $815 billion, $671 billion, Why can’t Washington simply spend of the budget. If we don’t tackle enti- for a total of $1,862,671,000,000. what comes in? It shouldn’t be that tlement reform, we can’t fix it. We Then to the authorizing committees, complicated. But they aren’t obeying have a proposal on the table. I went through some of these numbers their own rules, so I think we need Social Security reform, we fix Social previously. The Agriculture, Nutrition, stronger rules. That would be an Security. The way we fix it is we and Forestry, $13,397 million; on enti- amendment to the Constitution that gradually let the age of eligibility rise tlements for that same committee, says we must balance the budget. to 70 over about 20 years, and we $124,580 million; on Armed Services, We had a vote on it. Forty-seven of means-test the benefits—not on the $146,698 million; on Banking, Housing, us on our side of the aisle voted for it, current people but on the next wave. and Urban Affairs, $22,167 million. and no one on the other side voted for My generation will have to wait longer. Again, I could go through every com- it. Our balanced budget amendment to Why? Is it because we want to change mittee, but there it is. The appropria- the Constitution would require that things? No. It is because we are living tions spending limits have been pro- the budget balance within 5 years. In longer. We all have a longer life expect- vided to the appropriators. The author- that vein, our office has put together a ancy, and then we had smaller families. izing committees have been given their budget that does balance in 5 years, This isn’t anybody’s fault. It is not the designations. So for this year and next, and it actually, over a 10-year period, Democrats’ fault and it is not the Re- it is clear we have spending limits put would reduce the deficit by $2 trillion. publicans’ fault. We just had a bunch of in place. What we don’t have is the Ours is the only budget that will bal- large families born after World War II. longer term plan. That is where I ance in 5 years and begin paying down They are all retiring, and each subse- would agree with the gentleman. The the debt over 10 years. quent generation had less children. It question is, Is there any prospect of the Right now, Congress has an approval is a demographic fact. Combine that two sides coming together, getting off rating of 11 percent. Maybe that has with the fact that we are living longer, their fixed positions right now? I doubt something to do with the fact that we and we have to make changes. that very much. aren’t doing our job. We aren’t passing But we have a proposal on the table. Madam President, Senator PAUL is a budget, much less a balanced budget We will fix Social Security. How do we here and he has this time. amendment. If people vote for our compromise if the other side will not The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- budget, we would balance in 5 years come up with a proposal? pore. The Senator from Kentucky. and begin paying down the debt. I Social Security is $6 trillion in the Mr. PAUL. Madam President, we are think the stock market would be ec- hole. Medicare is $35 to $40 trillion in currently borrowing $50,000 a second. static to hear this. the hole. We have a solution. We will We borrow $4 billion a day, and we are How do you do this? In order to bal- give every senior citizen in the country borrowing over $1 trillion every year. ance the budget, we have to tackle en- the same health care plan I have. The The situation has gotten out of con- titlement reform. Currently, Social Se- same health care plan that every Sen- trol, and I think the situation of our curity is $6.2 trillion short of money. ator and Congressman has, we are will- deficit and our country threatens our The taxes people pay into Social Secu- ing to give it to them. Do you know country. In fact, I think it is the No. 1 rity are less than what we pay out. So- whose idea this was? Senator JOHN threat to our national security, and cial Security is essentially insolvent. KERRY from Massachusetts, a Demo- our security as a nation is this over- You ask: Well, how come my check crat. We have taken his idea and put it whelming burden of debt. keeps coming? forward, but we can’t get anybody on Many economists have said this bur- Your check will always keep coming. that side to talk to us. They have given den of debt is actually causing us to As the bankruptcy grows deeper and up. It is an election year. They are not lose 1 million jobs a year. It crowds out deeper, your checks will come—they going to do anything this year. They private investment because we have to won’t buy anything. You are already didn’t do anything last year. take care of financing this enormous seeing this at the pump. Gasoline So we haven’t done anything to fix debt. prices have doubled. Is it because gas is entitlements. We have done nothing to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.022 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 fix Social Security, nothing to fix tax rates, unemployment is cut in half. is because it is the only thing that is Medicare. How do you compromise When we had an upper rate of 90 per- going to save Social Security, the only with a side that has no proposition, cent and Kennedy lowered it to 70 per- thing that will save our country, is we that won’t put anything forward? But cent, unemployment was cut in half. have to make difficult decisions. I we have a 5-year plan that balances in When Reagan lowered the top rate think that is what needs to happen. 5 years, and we fix Social Security. We from 70 percent to 50 percent, unem- People need to say: Are you willing save Social Security in perpetuity— ployment was cut in half. When Reagan to make the tough decisions? Are you which, I laughingly say, is a long time. lowered it again from 50 to 28, unem- willing to stand up and say this is how We also fix Medicare. We save Medi- ployment was cut in half. we would fix Social Security; this is care. Medicare is facing a $35 to $40 But we as a country have to decide how we would save the system; this is trillion deficit, and we are willing to that we do not want to punish rich peo- how we would correct this deficit that save it. But the other side has to come ple, that we do not want to go out and is dragging us all down? to the table, and nobody is showing up punish corporations. We work for these One side is willing to do that. I am to debate these issues. No one is pro- people. We want them to do better. The willing to do that and I hope my fellow posing any budget on the other side. No oil and gas industry employs 9.2 mil- Senators will today consider voting to one is proposing any entitlement re- lion people and pays $86 million a day balance the budget. form. in taxes. We want them to do better. I yield my time. In our budget we save Social Secu- Let’s not punish them with more taxes The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- rity, we save Medicare, and we go one and regulations. Let’s make their taxes pore. The Senator from North Dakota. step further. We have tax reform that lower and their regulatory burden Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, we would help the country and would lower so they can drill for more oil in are waiting for a number of Senators make it fair. our country and employ more people in who have sought time. They will be Some on the other side say, well, our country. These are the decisions we coming to the floor and we will hear let’s get rid of all those loopholes for have to make as we go forward. from them momentarily. special interests. We do it. We do a flat We have a budget that can balance in Let me say Senator PAUL is sincere. tax: 17 percent for all businesses, 17 5 years. It is what our country needs. I One place I agree with him is that the percent for all personal. You get to de- think people would react, and the mar- country has to face up to our deficit duct your kids and your house, and ketplace in particular would react in a and debt situation. As I indicated ear- that is it. No other deductions. No tremendous fashion if we would move lier, I was part of the Simpson-Bowles other special interest exemptions. No forward and vote for a budget. commission. We agreed to, and voted other special credits for any special The Republicans will have four or on, significant reforms, spending cuts, business or special enterprise. A flat 17 five budgets presented. Some of them but we also used some additional rev- percent for everybody. We would see a balance in 5, some of them balance in 8, enue to have a balanced plan. boom in this country like we have some of them balance in 28. But we are I believe that has to be the test for never seen if we would do it. at least trying. We are showing up and any of the proposals that are made What would compromise be? Maybe we are presenting budgets that would here. As I see the proposals coming the other side wants 25 percent, and I balance at some finite period of time. I from our Republican colleague, they want 17 percent, and we go in the mid- tell people if it is never going to bal- flunk that test because they are not dle and we do 22 percent. That would be ance, it should not even be presented. balanced. There is nothing on the rev- compromise. But how do we com- If it is not going to balance in your enue side. In fact, in all of their plans, promise with the other side when there lifetime—if you say it is going to bal- there are deep additional tax cuts is no budget? There is no entitlement ance in somebody else’s lifetime when aimed at the wealthiest among us. reform proposed from the other side. somebody else is going to be here in None of the Republican plans have less There is no tax reform proposed from Congress—you have abdicated your re- than a $150,000 tax cut, on average, for the other side. How do we compromise sponsibility. We can do better than people with earnings of over $1 million if there is no other side? this. The American people expect us to a year. If the other side has decided not to do better than this. The American peo- Senator PAUL’s plan is truly radical. show up this year—if this year is going ple expect us to show up and do our job. He didn’t mention a lot of the ele- to be a waste of time and everybody is We will today vote on these budgets. ments, but his plan includes massive going to just run for office, maybe we What I ask of the American people is: tax cuts for the wealthiest among us. shouldn’t be paid this year. Maybe you Look and see how your Representatives He scraps the entire tax system and shouldn’t pay your Congressman, vote. Look and see how your Senators goes to a 17-percent flat tax. That is a maybe you shouldn’t pay your Senator vote. Look and see whether your Sen- massive tax cut for those of us who this year if we are not going to have ators believe in balancing the budget have higher income—massive tax cut. I proposals from both sides. or if they think it doesn’t matter; we can tell you it would be a massive tax This means we should be talking will just print up more money. cut for my family. about entitlement reform, talking But realize if their answer is to print He also cuts discretionary spending, about tax reform, talking about budg- up more money, if their answer is defi- education, and energy, by huge ets, and there would be give-and-take. cits do not matter, if that is their an- amounts. I will go into that in a bit. He The only way to get give-and-take in swer, I want you to get mad and I want cuts health care by almost $4 trillion. our country is people need to show up you to get angry and I want you to get He replaces the current progressive for the debate. We need to do our job. even. Every time you go to the gas system with a 17-percent flat tax. He Why is there not a committee in Wash- pump and pay $4 for gas I want you to eliminates the estate tax—eliminates ington, not any committee—why is know why gas prices are rising. Not be- it. He eliminates taxes on capital gains there not any committee meeting cause gas is more precious but because and dividends—eliminates them. My every day on how to fix Social Secu- your dollar is less valuable, and that is goodness, think about what that would rity? Nobody is talking about it. Why because of the massive debt we run and mean. People such as Warren Buffett is there no committee discussing Medi- the irresponsibility up here that no- would pay almost nothing in taxes. The care reform meeting every day, Repub- body is willing to tackle it. richest people among us would pay al- licans and Democrats, talking, figuring There are some on our side willing to most nothing in taxes, because he out a way out of this? There is no such make the tough decisions. Is it easy to eliminates taxes on capital gains and committee. stand here and say to the people in dividends. Why is there not a committee on tax Kentucky and the people in America But he is not so generous when it reform, discussing how we could make that the only way to save Social Secu- comes to lower income people. He our Tax Code simpler and make it easi- rity is letting the age of eligibility raises taxes on lower income people by er for people to figure out and make rise? Do you think that is popular? Do ending the earned-income tax credit the rates lower so we could spur the you think I am saying that to pander and the child tax credit. He eliminates economy? Every time we have lowered and try to get votes? I am saying that it.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.023 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3195 Perhaps most stunning, his answer to publican Senate leader voted for it, so next 18 years 10,000 a day. Boomers saving Social Security is to cut the it was not as though it wasn’t a bipar- have arrived. After paying into Social benefits 39 percent. The plan does not tisan effort, it was all the way, and the Security and Medicare for a lifetime include a dime of revenue for Social President signed it and it guides our they walk up to the window and say Security. That is what Senator PAUL spending. now it is my turn. It is understandable. has before this body. Really? Is that Let me speak for a moment about The demographics are growing for what we should do? Massive tax cuts those ‘‘thrilling days of yesteryear,’’ as those who are covered by these manda- for the wealthiest among us and make they used to say on the old radio serial, tory programs, and the costs have been up for it by cutting Social Security going back to 2001, if you can stick growing right along with them—a 30- benefits 39 percent. That is the Paul with me for a minute. That was the percent increase. plan. He increases the retirement age last time the United States of America Take a look at revenues, compared three times faster than the Fiscal Com- had a balanced budget. Who was Presi- with when we were last in balance. mission plan and he shifts to some- dent at the time? It was President Revenues have gone down 13 percent. thing he calls ‘‘progressive indexing’’ Clinton, who left that budget for Presi- Senator CONRAD and I were on the for those earning above $33,000, which dent Bush. That represented, I think, Bowles-Simpson commission and 18 of cuts their benefits even deeper over two or three successive years of bal- us sat there for a year-plus and lis- time. anced budgets. tened to all this testimony about ev- I respect his desire to do something I said to my staff: Take a look at the erything. Here is where we came down. about deficits and debt, but the answer last time our budget was in balance, He and I both voted for it. We believe is not massive tax cuts. Eliminate the take a look at today, and compare the premise of the Simpson-Bowles estate tax? Eliminate capital gains spending and revenue between those commission is the right premise—ev- taxation? No taxes—wow. Warren two periods of time. I think the Sen- erything must be on the table. Every- Buffett should send him a thank-you ator from North Dakota told me once thing. letter. And cut Social Security 39 per- something like 19.6 percent of GDP in What do you mean by everything? cent? that year of balance was being spent, Spending cuts must be on the table, I can go into the other details. He 19.6 percent was being raised in rev- both on the defense side and the non- cuts energy dramatically. He cuts edu- enue, and there was the balance. defense side. In addition, we have to cation. What is his education cut? I Now we have drifted to the point put the entitlement programs on the think we have it there. We will go into where I think spending is around 24 table. My friends, we cannot ignore the specifics of the massive cuts so we percent, is that close? And the actual this conversation. We are 11 or 12 years can have more tax cuts for the wealthi- revenue is down to 14 percent. The 10- away from Medicare going bankrupt. est among us, trillions of dollars, and percent delta equals the deficit. We have to have a serious conversation then cut Social Security 39 percent. But in specifics, what has happened about this, and we have to look seri- That is breathtaking. We will see how in that period of time? Thanks to Sen- ously at the question of revenue. many colleagues are going to stand up ator INOUYE, chairman of the Appro- We cannot ignore the fact that we and support that in a vote later today. priations Committee, here is a chart have seen a decline in the revenue com- Senator DURBIN is here. I thank him which tells the story. The blue line, of ing into the Federal Government since very much for his involvement. He has course, this bar, represents the spend- we last had a budget imbalance. We not only served on the Simpson-Bowles ing and revenue in fiscal year 2001, the have to put all that on the table. I commission but also served on the last time we had a balanced budget, added another part that fits right into group of six and has spent literally and the red bar represents fiscal year the revenue conversation, the Tax hundreds of hours trying to find a way 2012. I asked them to compare it and Code. This is not Holy Writ. The Tax on a bipartisan basis working together here is what we found. The security in Code is a compilation of laws passed to come up with a plan that is balanced there represents, of course, military over a long period of time that takes and fair, to get us back on the track spending, primarily military spending. about $1.2 trillion out of the Treasury and save trillions of dollars on the In the period of time we were last in every year for deductions and credits debt. I applaud him for it. He has balance until today we have seen and exclusions and special treatment. shown enormous courage and also ex- roughly a 60-percent increase in mili- They asked us at one of these meet- traordinary energy trying to get our tary spending—understandable, two ings about the Tax Code: What do you country back on track. wars, all the buildup that has been part think is the most expensive provision The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- of it—OK? A 60-percent increase. in the Tax Code that takes the most pore. The Senator from Illinois. Now let’s take a look at nondefense money out of the Treasury? I said, Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, I spending. That would be everything mortgage interest for sure. Wrong. The thank Senator CONRAD. Let me say the from medical research, building high- most expensive is the employers’ exclu- retirement of Senator CONRAD from ways or helping to build highways, edu- sion of health insurance premiums. So North Dakota is a great loss to the cation, basic health care. What has imagine when we get into the debate Senate and to the Nation. We have happened in real dollars since we were about tax reform and the first item up only six or seven months left to do last in balance in that nonsecurity dis- is the biggest item up, employers’ ex- something significant. It will be easier cretionary spending? Flat. Zero in- clusion of health insurance premiums. to do it when KENT CONRAD is working crease. But if you listen to the debate Imagine that conversation. If we say with us. I hope we can achieve it. over the last 2 years here, you would your employer can no longer take the I also want to say for those who have think it was all the increase—all the full deduction, what does it mean to come to the floor over and over to say increase we have seen in our deficit is you as an employee in terms of your it is time for a budget resolution, it attributable to these nonsecurity pro- out-of-pocket expense, in terms of your bears repeating that we passed the grams. Those are the ones we have health insurance coverage? So I am not Budget Control Act, which is a law. A been cutting away at. I think they rep- going to suggest tax reform is an easy resolution is just that, a resolution resent 12 percent of the budget. We exercise. It is hard, but it has to be passed by the House and Senate, rec- keep cutting away all these nondefense part of the conversation. ommending our spending levels. A programs but they have not added to Here is where we come down: We are budget law passed by Congress, signed our deficit since we last were in bal- having an exercise today, which is not by the President, has the force of law ance. worthless, it is important. It is an ex- and it in fact is going to determine our Now look at mandatory programs. ercise in discussing the budget. What spending levels for the next year. The Mandatory programs, obviously Medi- Senator CONRAD has spelled out are dif- people who come to the floor and say care and programs such as that, have ferent visions of things. What we find isn’t it about time we had a budget res- seen an increase of about 30 percent be- coming from the other side of the aisle olution so we knew what we were going cause yesterday 10,000 Americans is primarily talk about more tax cuts— to spend next year—we do. We passed it reached the age of 65, today 10,00 more, particularly for the higher income peo- on a bipartisan basis. In fact, the Re- and tomorrow 10,000 more, and for the ple—in the belief that that is how you

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.025 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 spark an economy and get it to go. I the debt ceiling, America will have de- try understand we have to do this in a disagree with that premise. I think the faulted on its debt for the first time in bipartisan way. If Senator CONRAD and way to move this forward is for work- history. That is totally irresponsible. Senator Judd Gregg had prevailed in ing families and middle-income fami- It is an invitation for the downgrading 2010, we could have forced actual spend- lies to have more spending power. I of our credit rating and the upgrading ing reductions and tax reform in a bi- don’t believe we can give more money of the interest rates we pay and the up- partisan effort. I sure wish we had pro- to the richest people in America and grading of the deficit we owe. I hope ceeded with it. And as one who sup- expect the economy to take off. the statements made by the House ported it, I still think that would have Also we find that many of the enti- Speaker in the last couple of days don’t been preferable. tlement programs, which have now be- reflect the position of his party when it For 7 years before being elected to come critical safety net programs, are comes to the debt ceiling. That would the Congress, I had the honor of serv- victims of the budget resolutions that be a totally irresponsible act in terms ing senior citizens. I ran the Senior come to the floor. I cannot imagine of our economy. Citizens Legal Aid Office, I served as what life would be like for 40 million I will join Senator CONRAD today in the public advocate on our State’s Americans on Social Security with a voting against the budget resolution nursing home board, and I taught ger- 39-percent cut—as Senator PAUL sug- that has come to the floor. But I will ontology at several of our universities. gested—in Social Security benefits. say this: I am glad we are having this What I enjoyed most was the per- Too many of these people are living on conversation. We need to have more of sonal contact I had with senior citizens their Social Security checks and bare- them, and we need to have a bipartisan as a voluntary board member of our ly getting by. A 39-percent cut is cruel effort with both parties to make sure senior nutrition program. It is known and unrealistic. I don’t think it is we deal with the current spending in a as Loaves and Fishes, and through it I going anywhere. And the notion from responsible way. And equally impor- could bring meals to seniors at their others that we can keep cutting taxes tant, we need to find a way to get past homes on a number of occasions as part from the highest income categories, let the December 31 cliff in a way that will of the Meals on Wheels Program. Meals me say, we will never balance the budg- build the economy and not take away on Wheels is one part of government et doing it. Never. If we don’t balance from it. that truly understands the connection the budget, we could jeopardize our I yield the floor. between the heart and the head. It economic recovery. Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator touches the heart because I saw when We have a cliff we are going to face for his leadership and the extraor- we bring a nutritious meal to seniors, on December 31. It is a big deal. I can- dinary effort he has made to get us we can spend time visiting with them not remember a time when I have been back on track. I thank him for sup- at home. Often they will tell us that we in the House or Senate when so many porting Simpson-Bowles and the group are the only visitor they will have dur- things are going to happen in one day. of six that is now the group of eight. ing that day. It causes us to use our But on December 31, all of the Bush tax Senator DURBIN has spent hundreds of head and a sharp pencil. We can see cuts expire on the highest income lev- hours in good-faith negotiations to without Meals on Wheels, as sure as els as well as the lower and middle-in- bring both sides together so we actu- the night follows the day, some of come levels. For example, I think the ally get a result and not the political those seniors are not going to be able 10-percent tax rate goes away, and the charade that so often goes on around to stay in the community. They will child tax credit is cut in half. All of here, but serious solutions to serious end up needing institutional services, these things mean more taxes for every problems. and those services are more costly. American paying into income tax. Secondly, we are going to see the end Senator WYDEN is a very valuable And, of course, seniors will often be of the payroll tax cut—the 2-percent member of the Budget Committee and less happy with those kinds of institu- cut we have had for 2 years that the is here on the floor. No Senator has tional programs. President put in place. proposed more serious solutions to I bring up Meals on Wheels today be- I could go through the litany. The America’s problems than Senator cause several of the proposals that are bottom line is this: We need to start WYDEN, and he has done it without the offered by colleagues on the other side that honest conversation about the def- benefit of having a committee staff of the aisle are not going to be bipar- icit now, and we need to put something that he controls. He does it based on tisan because they substantially cut on the table ready to be discussed. The his own hard work and the work of his the part of the budget that funds Meals group of eight—there are four Demo- office staff. He has proposed major tax on Wheels. Through our research we crats and four Republicans—has been reform, major health care reform, and specifically found that in several in- meeting for a long time. We are trying he has done it in a bipartisan way. In stances it will be between 17 and 59 per- to put together a bill, something that many ways, I think he has set an exam- cent in just the upcoming year. could actually become law. I don’t ple for everybody in this Chamber. Putting Meals on Wheels at risk like think it is the last word, but it may be How much time does the Senator that defies common sense. I have al- the first word in the debate. If we can- need? ready indicated from a compassion not get anything done before the elec- Mr. WYDEN. Approximately 12 min- standpoint alone it warrants support. tion, let’s hope that the day after the utes. But even if Meals on Wheels doesn’t election we can put this on the table The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. grab your heart the way it does for me, and say: Here is our starting point. FRANKEN). The Senator from Oregon. it certainly ought to get the attention Let’s solve the problem on a bipartisan Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, without of your head because it is the kind of basis, put everything on the table, and turning this into a bouquet-tossing program that lets seniors have more of do it in a thoughtful, balanced way. contest, I want Senator CONRAD to what they want, which is to be at home I think that is what the American know how much I appreciate his lead- at less price to the taxpayers. It defies people are looking for. They really are. ership. I also want to make sure people common sense to not be bipartisan in They are beyond the charades of: Oh, understand the record. If the Congress terms of approaching something like this won’t touch me, let’s hit somebody had passed the bipartisan proposal the Meals on Wheels. else. I think everybody realizes we are Senator put together on the budget I think what is common sense is in the soup together. If we come out of with Senator Judd Gregg, the Conrad- what Chairman CONRAD and other col- this together, think about where we Gregg proposal—a Democrat joined leagues have touched on, and that is will be as other Nations around the with a Republican—in 2010 we could tackling the big issues in a bipartisan world are struggling to survive eco- have forced an actual effort to put to- way. Certainly when it comes to Medi- nomically. I could go through the list gether a comprehensive tax reform and care, that is what is needed. I would in Europe, but we know it well. We spending agreement. As we know—and only say, having worked in this area, don’t want to put ourselves even close I don’t need to go over the history— we ought to start with the fact that we to that position. some of the sponsors of the proposal are looking at—I am not the first to The debt ceiling expires December 31, were not even willing to go along. But describe this—a demographic tsunami. or soon thereafter. If we do not renew I think it is important that the coun- For the next 20 years we are going to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.026 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3197 have 10,000 seniors turning 65 every sin- Medicare and its purchasing power he has done on the Budget Committee. gle day—10,000 seniors turning 65 every with some of what we are going to see I thank him for the extraordinary work single day. later this afternoon that actually pro- he has done as an individual Senator to Fortunately, we have made a com- poses to end traditional Medicare with- propose bipartisan tax reform, bipar- mitment in this country to those sen- in the space of 2 years. tisan Medicare reform, and the kinds of ior citizens, and it is called the Medi- Third, Medicare reform—and we went thoughtful solutions we so desperately care guarantee. That is the commit- into this in a very good hearing that need. ment we have made to older people. It was held in Chairman CONRAD’s Budget I see Senator LAUTENBERG is here. We is a commitment to good quality, af- Committee—is going to require com- are glad to have the Senator. How fordable health care. And if absolutely prehensive consumer protection. I have much time would the Senator like? nothing is done, it is a commitment at been involved in this since the days Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I risk. If nothing is done, the Medicare when I would go visit senior citizens ask for recognition from the Presiding guarantee is in peril. My own sense is and they would bring out a shoe box Officer to move ahead with my state- that if nothing is done, Medicare—as full of health insurance policies that ment. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Senator CONRAD pointed out, it is al- weren’t worth the paper on which they ator from North Dakota. ready facing cuts with sequestration— were written. It was a Medigap scandal that we finally fixed in 1990. I have Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I wish will face a steady diet of benefit cuts to inform the Senator from New Jersey and cost shifting until we do not recog- seen how these rip-off artists try to ex- that Senator ALEXANDER is scheduled ploit our seniors. So at Chairman CON- nize the Medicare guarantee as it to be here at 12:30 or thereabouts, so if stands today. That is unacceptable to RAD’s hearing we talked about com- prehensive consumer protections and the Senator could consume about that me. It ought to be unacceptable to amount of time, we can make this all every Member of the Senate. specifically ensuring that any Medi- care reform would have to have a work. As Chairman CONRAD has noted, Mr. LAUTENBERG. We will give the strong risk-adjustment program so Medicare reform is going to have to be Senator a good greeting. bipartisan. The reason I believe that is that if, for example, any network of Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator. that if it is not, much like we saw with health care providers or an insurer The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- health care reform, if it is done on a took mostly healthy people, their con- ator from New Jersey. partisan vote, as soon as the ink is dry tribution from the government would Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, on the signature of the passed bill, the be far less than the contribution that one thing we know is that a budget other side will move to undo it or re- would be afforded for a program that isn’t just a collection of numbers, it is peal it or radically alter it. I say the took a greater number of older people an expression of principles and prior- Medicare guarantee is too important with health challenges. ities and direction. for that, and that is why I, with other So I bring this up only by way of say- While I have the floor, I will take a colleagues on both sides of the aisle ing I am committed to bipartisan moment to say to our friend and col- and the help of the chairman, have Medicare reform. I think Medicare is league from North Dakota that he has been working to get bipartisan Medi- really sacred ground. It can only be been one of the strongest chiefs of the care reform ready and teed up for en- preserved and protected by ensuring Budget Committee. I sat on the Budget actment at the first possible oppor- that we take the steps I have just out- Committee for a long time. I think it is tunity. It is outlined on my Web site, lined—three or four of them this after- fair to say, Republican or Democrat, Bipartisan Options for Reform. I am in- noon—which ensure that we put seniors the Senator from North Dakota de- terested in working with every col- and their well-being before ideology serves the thanks and respect from ev- league here in the Senate to pursue it. and politics. This afternoon we are erybody here for the detail and for the Here is what it is going to take: First going to hear several alternatives of- arduous task he took on to make sure and foremost, it will protect the most fered by colleagues from the other side our budgets were clear. No matter how vulnerable seniors, what are called the of the aisle that, in my view, don’t do often the challenges came, Senator dual eligibles, which are seniors who that, don’t meet that test. In effect, we CONRAD would stand and give the back- are eligible for both Medicare and Med- are going to be dealing with ideology ground and give the details that got icaid. The protections for those dual rather than the kinds of principles I him to a point of view, and we are eligibles must be ironclad. have outlined here today that I think grateful, and we will certainly miss his Unfortunately, a number of the offer- can win support from colleagues on presence here. The budgets the Republicans have ings we are going to see from col- both sides of the aisle and that people put forward today confirm their true leagues on the other side do not ensure can see on my own Web site have at- tracted the support of influential Re- priorities. ironclad protections for these vulner- I had a good business career before able seniors—the dual eligibles—and by publican voices. So we have a test to meet. It is a test coming to the Senate, and I remember block-granting Medicaid, they put at that builds on a bipartisan approach to that during the Second World War we risk the most vulnerable seniors, the a program that is sacred—I ask unani- raised taxes on high incomes and on ex- seniors who need nursing home care mous consent for 1 additional minute. cess profits because the country needed that is paid for by Medicaid, and since The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the revenues. We needed to make in- Medicaid is a Federal-State program, objection, it is so ordered. vestments. by block-granting it, we put at risk the Mr. WYDEN. —and that is built Again, the budgets the Republicans most vulnerable seniors. That is cer- around a Medicare guarantee that have put forward today confirm their tainly not in line with what people will must be protected and preserved. A true priorities. What are they? They see on my Web site that outlines bipar- number of the proposals we will get really are pushing, working hard to tisan approaches on which Democrats from the other side this afternoon make sure people who make millions and Republicans can come together for don’t meet that test. can get tax breaks. It is a little hard to Medicare reform. I want colleagues to know that I am understand, with the shortages we have The second part of Medicare reform committed to working with them to and needing to invest in more pro- is to ensure that we protect traditional produce what America wants in this grams, that they are worried about Medicare. Traditional Medicare man- Congress; that is, bipartisan Medicare those who make more than $1 million a dates that the government pay doctors reform that ensures that this very spe- year. I have had a good business career, and other providers for services, as well cial program prospers in the days and I want to make sure our country is as providing private sector choices that ahead. We are up to it. We are up to it strong, and I want to make sure my have to offer coverage that is at least if we build on the bipartisan example contribution is included among those as good as traditional Medicare. By Senator CONRAD started years ago with who should be paying. doing that, we force traditional Medi- Senator Gregg. What Republicans do not seem to care and the private choices to hold With that, I yield the floor. care about in their budgeting is sen- each other accountable. It is going to Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator. I iors, children, and middle-class Ameri- be pretty hard to protect traditional thank him for the extraordinary work cans. At a time when our economy is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.027 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 fighting against strong headwinds and I don’t know whether Head Start is a diabetes. Imagine telling a parent of a too many Americans are out of work, familiar operation in our country, but sick child that we could not help find the Republicans are offering the same it is one of the most valuable. I believe the money to help him get back with old prescriptions: tax cuts for the rich there are about a million children who his friends out in the play yard or the and austerity for everyone else. participate in the program. Look at schoolroom or going to school on a reg- Now, I have seen this country of ours the face of this child, looking through ular basis. Is that where America through adversity many times, and I a narrow prism. There are 200,000 of wants to be? Right now we are finding have seen it come out stronger on the these children who will be told: Stay across the country that there is a other side. But our recoveries have home. There is no room for you. We greater likelihood that autism will never been spurred by starving the can’t afford to pay for you. enter into a family’s difficulties with a middle class while giving tax breaks to I recently went to a Head Start child being born with autism. How can the wealthy. Prosperity has never school in New Jersey and I met the we say no when we see, in my State trickled down from the wealthy few. children. I am such a professional alone, that 1 in 29 male babies has au- Prosperity has always grown up from a grandfather that all little kids look tism? That is a plague. That is a ter- broad middle class. We can’t build a beautiful to me. I met the children. rible statistic. building starting with a chimney, and What they were learning was that Then we want to talk about cutting we can’t build a society’s strength by learning is fun. Words mean something. back on health research? In their budg- starting from the top. It has to have a Pictures mean something. They were ets, instead of helping seniors retire foundation at the bottom that is prepared, when they got to kinder- with dignity, Republicans have pro- strong and has the ability to support garten or first grade, to say that learn- posed to end Medicare as we know it, the needs of our total society. ing is good. giving seniors a voucher instead of But a strong middle class depends on I met a child there. The children guaranteed care. If that voucher can- a first-rate educational system—and lined up to greet me. This is a school not cover the cost of needed medical forgive the personal annotation here that is bilingual. services, Republicans say: Hey, too for a moment more. When I got out of I said: What is your name? bad; you are on your own. We have the Army—I was a high school grad- The little boy standing in front of me heard comments from them saying: uate. I enlisted when I was 18, and I said: My name is Julio. Well, so what if you are poor. It does was lucky. I was able to get an edu- So I put my hand out to shake his not matter. cation paid for by the government. I hand, and he pushed it aside and in- I look at this chart that says: ‘‘Ends was one of 8 million soldiers—service stead he wrapped his arms around my Medicare As We Know It To Provide people—who got our education paid for legs and gave me a hug. All the little Tax Cuts For The Wealthy.’’ They want virtually because of the fact that we kids who followed thought he was the to say that to people who need the had served in the military. As a result, leader, so they all gave me hugs. It was care, who are fortunate enough now half of those who were in uniform—8 one of the best days I have had, to see under present conditions to be able to million out of 16 million—got a college what happens when we treat these lit- have long-term care with a disease that education. tle kids to an opportunity to learn. I can tell my colleagues that it en- is terminal. Imagine slashing funding for a program abled me, working with two colleagues, The Republican plan would also cut that will help children learn how to to start a company that the three of us Medicaid. Medicaid is a program for founded, a company that took years learn. those less able to provide for them- These cuts are shortsighted. They are and years to build. Slowly and ener- selves because of low income or no in- cruel. Ten million college students getically it began to develop. Today come. The Republican plans also want could see their Pell grants cut by more that company produces the labor sta- to cut that by more than $800 billion tistics every month for the worldwide than $1,000 in 2014—very painful. over 10 years. Medicaid provides vital With less support and rising costs for knowledge of what is happening with resources such as pregnancy services higher education, young people would working people, what their wages are, for expectant mothers and nursing be forced to take on more debt in order what employment is like. The name of home care for seniors. the company is ADP. We have 50,000 to attend college because we see col- We created Medicare and Medicaid employees now. We were three poor lege tuition is going up rapidly across because it was decided in this country boys with nothing going for us except the country. as a society that we have to be there The Republican budgets address stu- the willingness to work hard, and that for seniors and the poor when they get is the value. What did we get? It was dent debt too. They would let the in- sick. But now the Republicans are pro- determined that was the greatest gen- terest rate on the new student loans posing to break that promise. They eration. Why? Because an education double, increase by twice. It is an out- seem to do it without shame. was given to so many who could learn rage. Why are Republicans putting ob- Republicans are not even exempting but didn’t have the ability to get to stacles in front of young people seeking the hungry from their cuts. They college. an education? I never would have been would eliminate food stamps for up to What we need is a society with af- able to attend, as I said, Columbia Uni- 10 million Americans over the next fordable and accessible health care and versity without that government help decade. a tax system where everyone pays their for me and the services that ADP pro- In their obsession with austerity, fair share. vides. It enabled me to cofound one of they cut through far more than the fat The Republican budgets include vi- America’s most successful companies. in the budget. They cut into the bone. cious cuts to the middle class. Just The investment this country made Many on the other side—and I do not look at what they do to education. when we came home from World War II say all; a lot of people on the other side They slash funding for education by $19 helped to create the momentum and di- are good people concerned about their billion. They want to do that now when rection of this country with decades of constituents, concerned about what we desperately need the skills and the prosperity. happens—but many on that side say knowledge that education brings and But instead of offering a helping balancing the budget is the mission, the opportunity for invention and cre- hand to this generation of students, the only mission. And in order to do it, ation. They want to take away $19 bil- the Republican proposals close the door they want to make sure that includes a lion. That is not going to help us get in their faces. Government investments high priority for tax breaks for the out of the hole we are in. in science, technology, and medical re- millionaires. The Ryan budget coming from the search are cut by more than $100 bil- We could reduce our deficit if we re- House of Representatives would cut lion over the next 10 years. Medical re- quired the wealthiest among us to pay education, as I pointed out, by $19 bil- search funding alone could take a hit at least the same tax rate as middle- lion. They don’t want us to see the spe- of nearly $6 billion by 2014. class Americans on all of their income. cific programs they cut, but let’s look What does that do? It delays research But, instead, a Republican budget at the devastating consequences if on new treatments for diseases such as would give millionaires an average tax their cuts were distributed evenly. cancer, childhood asthma, and juvenile cut of almost $400,000 a year. Their

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.029 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3199 plan shreds the safety net for seniors TOOMEY for 15 minutes on the budget, This is an irresponsible proposal, and and the poor while padding the mat- and if Senator COONS comes after that instead of playing politics we should be tress for the rich. point he be recognized for a minute on working together on a plan to address I ask my colleagues, please get your a separate matter, and then we come the debt, which is the most urgent priorities straight. America needs your back to Senator WHITEHOUSE for 8 min- problem facing our country and, ac- help across the board. Your families, utes. If we could lock those in I think cording to former Chairman of the your neighbors, your State, all need that would help all Members. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike your help. Millionaires do not need The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Mullen, the biggest threat to our na- more tax cuts, and they certainly objection? tional security. should not get them at the expense of Without objection, it is so ordered. The Simpson-Bowles fiscal commis- seniors, children, and the middle class. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, am sion plan, the Domenici-Rivlin plan, With that, I yield the floor. I now recognized for 5 minutes? and the Gang of Six proposal all offer Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I thank The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- bipartisan blueprints for how to ad- the Senator. ator from Tennessee is recognized for 5 dress it. Each of these proposals would Senator ALEXANDER is next. I wonder minutes. reform the Tax Code and restructure Mr. ALEXANDER. Thank you, Mr. if we could enter into a quick time entitlement spending—the main source President. Please let me know when 30 agreement to get the next Senators of our dangerous Federal debt—so that slotted. That might help us manage the seconds is remaining. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The seniors can count on Medicare and So- floor, I would say to my colleague, Sen- Chair will do so. cial Security and taxpayers can afford ator SESSIONS. them. FOREIGN STUDENT LEGISLATION Mr. SESSIONS. Right. I believe Sen- Mandatory entitlement spending, Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, ator TOOMEY is here and would be pre- which is 58 percent of the Federal budg- Senator COONS will come to the floor in pared to go next after Senator ALEX- a few minutes. He and I have been et, is growing at nearly 3 times infla- ANDER. working together on legislation that tion and bankrupting our country. Dis- Mr. CONRAD. We have Senator REED many Senators on both sides of the cretionary spending, which funds our slotted in between. aisle support. national defense, our highways, our na- I wonder if we could propose—I say to Very simply, it pins a green card on tional parks, and National Labora- Senator ALEXANDER, how much time the lapel of any foreign student who is tories, is only 36 percent of the Federal would you like? involved in science, engineering, tech- budget and is growing at the rate of in- Mr. ALEXANDER. Well, Mr. Presi- nology graduate programs who gets a flation. Focusing our budget cutting on dent, what I wish to request is—Sen- degree and who wants to stay in the discretionary spending is just a way for ator COONS and I were hoping to intro- United States and work. What we Congress—to use the President’s duce a piece of legislation on another would like for them to do, instead of words—to kick the can down the road. matter and talk about it. I think, given going home to create the next Google The real work is reducing the growth the focus on the budget here, I am in India or China or some other coun- of mandatory spending. going to suggest to Senator COONS, who try, is to stay here and create it here. Although the Senate is not debating will be coming here at 12:45, that we The legislation has broad support. It its own budget resolution, going 1,113 just mention our bill. If he could have is a recommendation of the American days without passing a budget, we are time to do that, and then we would Competes Act which I worked on and debating several proposals. I do not stay focused on the budget, and we will many others did in 2005 and 2007. We agree with every one of these, but I do talk about the other matter tomorrow. will come to the floor and talk about support the House-passed budget be- So what I wish to do, if I may sug- that tomorrow. But I wanted to salute cause it is a serious proposal to cut gest, is ask that I have 5 minutes to Senator COONS for his leadership on out-of-control spending and help solve speak on the budget and maybe 5 min- this issue and recognize it. our fiscal crisis. utes to speak on the other matter, for Now I will turn to the budget with I will also support the proposal of- Senator COONS to be recognized for 5 my remaining time. fered by Senator TOOMEY. Even though minutes, and that would take all of the Former Federal Reserve Chairman it cuts nondefense discretionary spend- time I would ask for. Alan Greenspan recently said the worst ing to 2006 levels, which I believe is too Mr. CONRAD. The problem is, we are mistake President Obama made was low, it reforms mandatory entitlement oversubscribed by that. It is difficult not embracing his own fiscal commis- spending, it closes tax loopholes, it to—we have not been yielding for sion’s recommendations to reduce our lowers tax rates, and it would save things that are not budget related, I debt by $4 trillion over the next 10 Medicare for future generations. would say to the Senator. So I wonder years. Senator TOOMEY and I have also dis- if it would be agreeable if the Senator Today, our national debt is more cussed the possibility of allowing would take 5 minutes on the budget, we than $15.6 trillion, which is nearly $1.9 States to have the option of choosing come back to Senator REED, if he could trillion higher than it was when the per capita caps on their average Med- take 5 minutes on the budget, and then fiscal commission released its rec- icaid expenditures per beneficiary as we go to Senator TOOMEY for 15 min- ommendations and $6.4 trillion higher an alternative to traditional block utes on the budget because he has a than when President Obama was sworn grants, and I am encouraged by these substantive budget alternative that de- in. In January 2013, the first thing the discussions. serves additional time. next President will have to do is to ask Last August, I supported the Budget Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I the Congress to increase the debt ceil- Control Act because it was an oppor- think that is a reasonable request. I ing. The fundamental problem is that tunity to take an important step in the wonder if I might ask on behalf of Sen- Washington does not know how to bal- right direction. ator COONS that if he should come to ance its checkbook. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the floor during that period, he be rec- The President has proposed a budget ator has 30 seconds remaining. ognized for 1 minute to simply stand up that raises taxes by $1.9 trillion over Mr. ALEXANDER. Thank you, Mr. and say he was planning to do this, but the next 10 years and still spends more President. we will defer the introduction of our than it takes in every year, instead of The House-passed budget and the bill until tomorrow out of respect for endorsing the fiscal commission’s rec- budget proposed by Senator TOOMEY the budget discussion. ommendations—or any other plan to are opportunities to take the next step Mr. CONRAD. I appreciate that very address our Nation’s fiscal crisis. Ac- after the Budget Control Act. I look much. cording to the Congressional Budget forward to working with them to adopt Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Office, under the President’s budget, a responsible budget that grows the sent that Senator ALEXANDER be recog- interest on our debt will triple over the economy and reduces our debt. nized for 5 minutes on the budget, Sen- next 10 years, and by 2022 we will be Mr. President, I yield the floor. ator REED of Rhode Island for 5 min- spending more in interest than we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- utes on the budget, then Senator spend on national defense. ator from Rhode Island.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.032 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 STUDENT LOAN INTEREST The claim was rated by this organiza- ment virtually if we do not change the Mr. REED. In 46 days, the interest tion as false. We are closing a loophole course we are on. rate on subsidized student loans will be that benefits the wealthy and some of The deficit we have in 2012, $1.3 tril- doubled. Zeroing in on these budgets the most powerful interests in this lion, is the fourth consecutive year that are before us, all of them seem to country in order to allow middle-in- with a deficit of over $1 trillion. We are support the essence of the Ryan budg- come families to send their children to now routinely running deficits that are et, which is to allow this to happen. In school. I cannot think of anything 7, 8, 9 percent of GDP. Of course, every fact, the Ryan budget in the House not more sensible or anything more fair. year we run a deficit, the excessive only allowed a doubling of student in- I will just return to the final point spending over the tax revenue has to be terest rates, it also recommended about these budgets. As I read them, funded by more borrowing. So we have eliminating the in-school interest sub- they, by and large, echo the Ryan the mounting debt that is now at stun- sidies for student loans, putting mid- budget, which allows for a doubling of ning levels. For much of the post-war dle-class families at a particularly se- the interest rate on students and does era, after the big repayment of debt vere disadvantage. other things that will harm middle-in- after World War II, the national debt We have 46 days to stop this increase come and middle-class people all to fluctuated somewhere around 40 per- on the interest charges to middle-in- benefit the wealthiest through addi- cent of our total economic output. come students. We have to act. We tional tax cuts. That is not good fiscal Today our actual debt held by the have seen denial, delay, and disruption. policy, not good educational policy. It public is 73 percent of our total eco- We have not seen the cooperation we is not good policy for the growth of nomic output, and that is just the pub- licly held debt. That does not include need to help students and families this country, to invest in education, the liabilities within the government, throughout this country. and it is not fair. I would hope that we which, if you add that, is up to 100 per- The budget before us not only allows would reject them. cent of our total economic output. This this interest rate to double, but it will I yield the floor. also, through its tax policies, favor the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- has never ended well for a country that wealthiest and not those who are ator from Delaware. last chose to run up massive deficits struggling in the middle simply to get Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I rise to and massive debt. I would argue that we are seeing exactly how this typi- ahead or simply to stay where they join my colleague, Senator ALEXANDER, are. One of the other interesting as- in briefly making reference to a bill cally plays out. We are seeing it across pects of the proposal is that as we look which we introduced today and which the Atlantic in Europe where countries at this student rate interest doubling, we will speak about in more detail on are a little further down this road than we are today, having run big structural my colleagues on the other side have the Senate floor tomorrow. said: We will fix it. We are for fixing it. At the moment, the Senate is en- deficits for longer than we have, and But, again, ask yourself: If they are for gaged in an important and purposeful having accumulated more debt as a it, why are they voting for several debate on the budget. I support Chair- percentage of GDP than we have thus far. budgets today that would, in fact, sup- man CONRAD and his leadership of our We see what has happened, especially port the doubling? It seems to be an in- Budget Committee. We will cast a se- in countries such as Greece where it is congruity I cannot understand. ries of other important and difficult particularly acute, and other coun- In addition to that, they said: Well, if votes on budget matters later today. we are going to go ahead and stop this tries, especially on the periphery of Eu- But I take 1 minute to say that at a rope, that arguably are not terribly far doubling of the rate, let’s do it by pay- time when there is not enough biparti- ing for it with the prevention fund, behind. This is completely unsustain- sanship, I am grateful to Senator able, and I think what we are wit- which is a program in health care that ALEXANDER for his leadership and for nessing today on the Senate floor is I think, over time, is not only going to working with me on an issue that will, that there is one party in this Chamber help families all across this country, I hope, move forward—the debate on that is addressing the problem. There but it is going to begin to do what we how we make the promise and the op- is one party that is proposing very spe- have all said we have to do, bend that portunity of America open to more real cific solutions. cost curve for health care. job creators. It is perfectly reasonable to have ob- Instead of a debate about how to pay The record shows that a significant jections and disagreements with any for this in a responsible way—and we number of the most innovative and number of elements in my budget reso- are certainly open to proposals if they fastest growing companies in America lution or Senator PAUL’s or Senator have them, other than this prevention were founded by immigrants. Immi- LEE’s or the Ryan budget. But what I fund, which I think is a nonstarter— grants have long contributed signifi- do not understand is how the majority they have suggested that our proposal, cantly to our culture, to our strength, party, the party that is actually in which is to close an egregious loophole and to our competitiveness. I think control of this Chamber, can think in the Tax Code, is somehow a tax in- this particular bill, which opens a new that it is OK not to have an alter- crease or somehow does not do the job. class of visa for students from outside native, not to offer a vision, not to But Politifact, which is an objective the United States who would pursue offer a solution to the biggest problem body that looks at these various master’s or doctoral programs in we face as a nation and one that is im- charges, has evaluated one claim that, STEM, is an important step forward. minent; one that if left unaddressed in fact, our offset is a tax increase. There are many other issues in immi- certainly will result in a crisis. It is Here is what they say: gration we need to resolve. There are just a question of when. Actually, the bill changed tax rules only many other elements we need to re- So I think this is an unacceptable ab- for S-corporations, and only on professionals form. But I am grateful for the chance dication of responsibility. But that is like lawyers and accountants who could be to work with Senator ALEXANDER on where we are. I would argue that what taking advantage of the tax code to avoid this bill and will address it further to- paying payroll taxes. The Democrats took got us into this problem is too much the additional step of saying the rule change morrow. spending. Look at the numbers. They would only apply to individuals who reported I yield the floor. speak volumes. Since 2000, Federal more than $200,000 in income. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. spending has more than doubled. We The bill’s intent was to close a loophole on UDALL of New Mexico). The Senator took spending, which was as recently people who are avoiding payroll taxes, taxes from Pennsylvania. as 2007 only a little over 19 percent of that they are supposed to pay anyway. Mr. TOOMEY. Mr. President, I rise to our total economic output, and grew The Republican criticism ‘‘gives the speak on the budget resolution I have that to 24 percent of our economic out- impression that all kinds of mom-and- introduced and on which we will have a put. That is a tremendous surge, not pop operations might be subject to vote later today, at least on a motion just in the absolute dollars in spending new, additional taxes, when actually to proceed. I want to start with under- but in the relative size of spending rel- the bill is aimed squarely at high-in- scoring the magnitude of the challenge ative to our economy. come professionals who are taking ad- we face. We have a full-blown crisis President Obama’s budget is not a se- vantage of a loophole. that awaits. It could arrive at any mo- rious attempt to deal with this. It was

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.034 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3201 put on the floor of the House of Rep- I do that in part by reducing the care benefits that they obtain. Some resentatives and got precisely zero total level of spending relative to GDP means testing already occurs within votes. It failed 414 to 0, meaning not a as compared to the alternative budg- Medicare. But I happen to agree with single Democrat wanted to vote for the ets, specifically the President’s alter- the President that it is reasonable, es- President’s proposal. I can understand native or CBO’s. I cannot compare it to pecially under these circumstances, to why. The President’s proposal is to in- the Senate’s Democratic alternative ask the wealthiest members of our so- crease spending, increase taxes, and in- budget because that does not exist. We ciety to pay a little more for the bene- crease debt. have no idea what the Senate Demo- fits they are getting from the govern- The President’s proposal claims to cratic proposal is, but I have one. ment. level off debt as a percentage of GDP So I will elaborate on that a little So my budget adopts the President’s for a brief time but then starts to grow bit. My proposal is that we get spend- proposal of expanding means testing, again. The reason the President abso- ing down to about 18.3 percent of GDP. expanding the contribution we would lutely refuses to offer a budget resolu- That is about the same level revenue ask from the wealthiest Americans for tion that solves this problem is because has been historically, which thereby their Medicare benefits. he refuses to deal with the real under- brings our budget into balance. Some I also include in my budget long-term lying driver of this, which we all know of my colleagues have suggested there reform for Medicare that makes it are the big entitlement programs. are Draconian spending cuts that will more viable. This has been much ma- The current structure of these pro- get us there. Well, let me be very spe- ligned despite the fact that one of our grams is unsustainable. If anyone cific about what spending cuts are nec- Democratic colleagues, Senator doubts it, look at what CBO has shown essary to achieve this. WYDEN, supports this approach as well. us and has told us. By 2021, 9 years In 2013, spending in my budget is 2.9 I wish to emphasize that this is a dif- from now, if we take three categories percent below what it is in 2012, which ferent plan than what it was last year. of Federal spending: the Social Secu- means the Federal Government will Last year there was a criticism that rity Program, interest on our debt, and spend—under my budget, it would any premium support model that es- health care entitlements, those three spend 97.1 percent of everything it tablishes the amount of money given things combined will consume almost spent the previous year. People can de- to seniors to purchase health care at a 90 percent of all of the revenue we can cide whether that constitutes Draco- fixed dollar amount was a flawed ap- realistically hope to collect, if the last nian cuts. proach because what if health care several decades are any indication of Now, here is the amazing thing. After costs rose more rapidly than that what we are going to collect. that, on average, over the 10-year win- amount could afford to pay for? That is How could it possibly be that we dow, my budget calls for Federal spend- a valid concern. would continue down this path where ing to increase—in fact, to increase at There is a different dynamic, a dif- those three categories are going to con- about a rate of 3 percent per year ferent mechanism in the House-passed sume virtually the entire budget? I nominally. See, this is my point. This budget, and in my budget, and I think would also observe it is a simple mat- is a solvable problem. All we need to do it is part of the reason a Democratic ter of arithmetic that no significant is cut out some of the excess, restruc- Senator has embraced this, and Alice Federal Government program can grow ture certain programs, and allow the Rivlin, a former senior member of the faster than the economy for very long government spending to grow. It just Clinton administration, supports this. because everything has to be paid for cannot grow quite as rapidly as it is You set the premium based on the sec- by the economy. In fact, it has to be currently projected to do. ond lowest bid for the health care serv- paid for by some fraction of the econ- If we get that under control, we can ices we want to provide, thereby ensur- omy. If we have a big program that is put ourselves on a sustainable path. ing that a senior citizen would have consistently growing much faster than Another part of this is to have poli- enough money to purchase that plan. the economy, well, it will consume ev- cies that maximize economic growth. I Not only that but we go further and in- erything. Then these programs will col- mean that is an important goal in and clude the traditional fee-for-service lapse, and then what are we going to of itself, but it is also a path to restor- Medicare system to which seniors are do? ing balance because stronger growth currently accustomed—we include that Rather than waiting for that day to generates more revenue for the Treas- as one of the plans that could bid. So it come, some of us are proposing specific ury. is absolutely the case that any senior solutions for this problem. Medicare is Well, my budget would do that with- citizen who wanted to stay with the growing much faster than the econ- out raising taxes. What I would do is traditional fee-for-service Medicare omy. Medicaid is growing, arguably, at have progrowth tax reform. That is Program could do so under the reform least two times as fast as the economy. comparable in spirit and in the right plan. Other mandatory health care pro- direction. It goes to all of the bipar- I happen to believe that in an innova- grams, if President Obama gets his tisan commissions that have looked at tive marketplace, there will be more way, will grow even faster. this, whether it is Simpson-Bowles or attractive options. I happen to know This is all completely unsustainable, Rivlin-Domenici or any of the others. I that under this system, a lot of sen- and we are going to fix this problem. know there is broad bipartisan con- iors—my parents included—have to The question is whether we fix it while sensus on the principle that we would wait forever to see a doctor, and part of we have this window of time, when we have stronger economic growth if we the problem is the dysfunctional sys- are still able to borrow the massive simplified the code, broaden the base tem we have now. It is already costing sums that we are borrowing, or will we on which we apply taxes, and then us access and quality in health care. wait until we have a full blown crisis, apply those taxes but at lower mar- I think this reform will make Medi- the bond market shuts us down, and ginal rates. That is what my budget care a better program for the people then we have sudden Draconian and calls for. It should not be all that con- who need it. Yes, we will ask the very disruptive and painful decisions to troversial to move in this direction of wealthy to pay a little more for it. make. tax simplification, lowering marginal That is reasonable. Those seniors who I would rather do this while we have rates, and offsetting the lost revenue want to stay in traditional Medicare this moment, change the course we are by reducing the value of deductions can do that too. In the process, you can on, and establish a sustainable fiscal and loopholes and writeoffs. That is put this on a sustainable path. It has path. So I have submitted a budget for what my budget asks for. some bipartisan support. Mr. Presi- the second consecutive year that puts There are a couple of areas that I dent, we don’t really know the extent us on a path to balance. My budget bal- think are important where there is bi- of that because our Democratic col- ances within the 10-year historical win- partisan support for elements within leagues refuse to put a budget or mark dow of the budget resolutions. It actu- my budget. One is, the President of the up a budget in committee, present one ally balances in the eighth year and United States suggested in his budget on the floor. runs a very modest budget surplus in that very wealthy senior citizens con- I will close with this request, which the ninth year. tribute a little bit more for the Medi- is to vote for the motion to proceed.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:38 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.035 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 Let’s get on to my budget and have a I did note in his remarks his ref- protecting and enlarging tax giveaways debate about this, and let’s see where erences to the magnitude of this chal- for the ultrarich. people are. I don’t know how we are lenge, to the full-blown crisis he per- Let’s make no mistake about what ever going to reach the compromise we ceives, to the completely unsustainable this would do to middle-class families. need to reach to put us on a sustain- nature of our outward debt, that this is The House Republican budget would able path if one party is consistently too big and too important not to ad- start by cutting taxes for big corpora- putting out a whole range of ideas and dress, and that this is the single most tions and the ultrarich, adding $4.6 tril- the other party refuses. How do you ne- pressing problem our country faces—all lion to our national debt. To pay for gotiate with somebody who doesn’t of which might lead one to conclude these extra tax cuts, the Republicans have a position? How do you have that that this would be the most important would decimate programs on which discussion? thing they would pursue. Yet we know regular American families at some I don’t know how many of my Demo- it is less important to them to address point in their lives come to rely. They cratic colleagues agree with the Presi- our debt problem than it is to protect start by ending Medicare as we know dent of the United States and my own oil and gas subsidies for Big Oil at a it. Beginning for workers who retire in thought that we ought to ask wealthy time when their profits are unprece- 2023, the House Republican budget seniors to pay a little more for Medi- dented; it is less important than pro- would make it a voucher system, care benefits. If we get on the bill, we tecting tax loopholes that allow high- which, according to the nonpartisan could have a debate and have amend- income individuals to incorporate CBO, will add an estimated $6,000 in an- ments. I think this is too big and too themselves and avoid paying FICA nual out-of-pocket costs for each re- important an issue not to address. The taxes; it is less important to them than tiree by 2050. In Rhode Island, the aver- way to address it is to vote yes on the protecting special tax rates that allow age annual Social Security benefit is motion to proceed to get on a budget people making $100 million a year to about $13,600. It is hard to imagine how resolution, and then let’s have that dis- pay a lower tax rate than a family future seniors living on a fixed Social cussion and let the American people making $100,000 a year. So it seems Security income will be able to main- see it. Let’s take their ideas and all of that when you actually look at prac- tain health care coverage with that the ideas we have and see if we can tice—what their priorities are—this kind of extra cost dropped on them in- make some progress. isn’t quite the priority they claim it is. dividually. At the same time that they There is an unambiguous fact that I I agree there are other priorities we would slash Medicare, the House Re- want to underscore. There is one party face as a country. This July, unless we publican budget gives those making showing up at this debate—the three move quickly, student loan interest over $1 million per year an average tax Republican Senators who are proposing rates will double, which will hurt our cut of over $150,000. budget resolutions, comprehensive doc- economy, our growth, and it will hit If you are getting older or you are a uments that address the entitlement families across this country. We working family and you are going to reform we need, the discretionary brought forward a plan to keep those need Medicare one day, you will get an spending limit we need, and the tax re- rates down, but our colleagues filibus- end to Medicare as we know it. If you form that will help grow this economy tered it. Our Nation’s highway program are making over $1 million, you get an and generate the revenue we need. We will expire next month, jeopardizing average tax cut of over $150,000. Those have done that. As I say, it is perfectly millions of jobs. We voted overwhelm- are not real priorities for the people I fair and legitimate to criticize any as- ingly on a bipartisan basis to reauthor- represent in Rhode Island. pect of any of that, but I think there is ize the highway bill and move forward It doesn’t stop there. They repeal the an obligation especially of the major- on it, only to have our bipartisan high- affordable care act, which would reopen ity to offer its view, its alternative. way bill stalled by House Republicans. the doughnut hole. The affordable care I urge my colleagues to vote in favor Republicans may talk about jobs, but act has helped nearly 15,000 Rhode Is- of this motion to proceed and allow us they are busily stalling the most im- landers save an average of $554 each to get on with addressing the single portant jobs bill we have. That stalling last year just by closing the doughnut most pressing problem facing our coun- and delay will cost jobs because of the hole partway, and soon it will be all try, which is restoring a fiscally viable summer building season in so many of the way. That made a difference to peo- path that allows us to have strong eco- our States. ple such as Olive in Woonsocket, whose nomic growth. One thing that has not been urgent The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- husband fell into the doughnut hole has been to pass a budget. Why is that? ator from North Dakota. last July. Thanks to the new law, they Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I think Well, it is because we already have one. saved $2,400. Under the House Repub- we allocated 8 minutes to Senator This whole exercise today rests on a lican budget, they would be stuck pay- false premise. The false premise is that WHITEHOUSE. ing that $2,400 as an out-of-pocket cost The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- we have no budget. Last summer Con- to the big drug companies. ator is correct. gress passed and the President signed The radical House budget would slash Mr. CONRAD. That was part of a into law the bipartisan Budget Control funding for Pell grants, and it would unanimous consent agreement so that Act, which sets binding discretionary increase interest on student loans. We we could manage the time on the floor spending levels for a decade and estab- have all heard people say here that better. We have, I say to the Senator, lishes budget levels for the current fis- they don’t want to encourage the in- 60 minutes left on our side. I think cal year and next, which our appropria- crease in student loan rates we are fac- they have 100 minutes left on their tions committees are now working ing. But while they say that, they, of side. We have seven Senators left. under—Republicans and Democrats to- course, are filibustering our effort to Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Eight minutes gether. But you would not know this do that. In their budget, they build in just about works, from the math. when listening to Senate Republicans. the increase in the interest rate. So The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Instead of focusing on real issues, they speak from two notions. ator from Rhode Island. where real jobs are at stake, they are The House budget requires only $1 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. I thank the wasting a day of floor time on extrem- trillion in additional and unspecified chairman, Senator CONRAD, for his ist tea party budgets. They also plan to cuts, and that will be Draconian. Sen- leadership on this important issue. force a vote on what they describe as ator PAUL’s budget, which we may take I would note for the record that with the ‘‘Obama budget.’’ up today, would also slash middle-class the conclusion of Senator TOOMEY’s re- I plan to vote against all of the mo- programs, including Social Security. marks, following Senator REED, I think tions to proceed for the simple reason He includes an eventual 39 percent cut for the first time in the history of the that we already have a budget in place to Social Security benefits and would Senate we had back-to-back presen- that we voted on and agreed to for next end Medicare for all seniors in 2014. If tations by two separate Senators who year. Today’s votes are nothing more you want to put an end to Medicare in were graduates of LaSalle Academy in than a Republican attempt to promote 2014, the Paul budget looks like a real- Providence, RI—noteworthy, perhaps, a radical and unwelcome agenda of ly great opportunity for you. But that in Rhode Island. slashing middle-class programs while is not what I think anybody really

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.036 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3203 wants in this country. I think almost What we will have today is debate on them up in a budget resolution and every American wants to see Medicare five concepts. I am happy to vote for bring them to the floor. That is the one strengthened and supported. some of them, and will certainly vote thing we are not seeing today—a pro- We should move on from this unnec- against others, but make no mistake posal by the Democratic majority. essary budget messaging exercise and about it, this is not the process called It only takes 51 votes to pass a budg- resume our work to keep student loan for by the Federal statute and it et. There is no two-thirds rule on a rates down and support good-paying doesn’t comply with the law and budget resolution. There is no fili- highway jobs—bills that are being de- doesn’t serve the purposes of advancing buster on a budget resolution. My layed that we need action on now. public policy in the United States of Democratic colleagues, many of whom When we turn to a real debate about America. We are long overdue for a real are dear friends of mine, have 53 Mem- deficit reduction, I hope my colleagues budget debate that puts something in bers in this caucus. They have the will unshackle themselves from the tea place. votes. We know a budget is required party and put forward a budget that As I mentioned a moment ago, we every year. Yet with a 53-vote major- doesn’t put Big Oil subsidies ahead in have passed the 3-year mark now—1,100 ity, and with only 51 votes required, priority of taking care of our real days—since Senate Democrats fulfilled they do not bring a budget to the floor budget problems. They have to get over one of their basic obligations, as I men- for us to consider so we can know what putting the priorities first of pro- tioned, laid out in Federal statute. A their budget priorities are. tecting Big Oil subsidies. recent column in the Washington There are plenty of excuses from With that, I yield the floor. Times pointed out that the iPad had across the aisle for not complying with Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator not yet even been introduced when the the clear mandate, but there is no ex- from Rhode Island. I thank him for his last budget was passed on the floor of cuse. It is inexcusable that the major- contributions on the Budget Com- this Senate. But since that time, in 3 ity party in this Chamber refuses to mittee. I don’t think there has been years, Federal spending has topped a fulfill this statutory responsibility any stronger voice for fundamental staggering $10 trillion. when the warning signs of fiscal calam- health care reform along the lines of Every day our country’s debt grows ity are at our doorstep. dealing with the system we currently closer to $16 trillion. This is money my You know, it is no wonder our popu- have that, by most accounts, is costing generation will not be able to pay. We larity rating as a Congress is down us hundreds of billions of dollars and have our pages here on the floor. Even around 10 or 11 percent when this Fed- not adding to the quality of health their generation will not be able to pay eral statute explicitly requires us to do care. Nobody has been a stronger voice off this $16 trillion in debt. It will be this by April of each year and we do on the Budget Committee or off of it on left to their children and grand- not do it. It is no wonder we are held in such low regard by the public. Inaction that subject. I appreciate the Senator’s children. Annual deficits continue to ultimately bequeaths a burden of debt leadership. soar, adding to that debt—over $1 tril- to our children and grandchildren. We have Senator WICKER next. Does lion each year during President We certainly cannot blame the inac- the Senator have an estimate as to how Obama’s time in office—even though tion on an absence of ideas. As has much time he may consume? the President promised in 2009 he been stated by my friend from Rhode Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I have would cut the deficit in half during his Island, we have five proposals before us been told I have 10 minutes allocated, first term, a promise that certainly has today. President Obama’s will probably and I shall use probably less than that not been fulfilled. Instead, his latest get zero votes. The House Republican allocation. budget relies more on spending, new blueprint will be considered, and budg- Mr. CONRAD. Very well. Senator taxes, and accounting gimmicks, and it ets from Senators LEE, PAUL, and WICKER. leaves insolvent entitlement programs TOOMEY. Yet the Senate Democrats, re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- without meaningful reform. grettably, stay on the sidelines. They ator from Mississippi. I noticed the previous speaker stated have the votes, but we do not have Mr. WICKER. I thank the Chair for he would not be voting for President their proposal on the floor—one they recognizing me and I appreciate the Obama’s budget proposal. I think it is are willing to put forward and tell the time. because it is such a false and weak pro- American people they own. I want to agree with my friend from posal. I expect the Obama budget today My friend the budget chairman has Rhode Island to this extent: He said would get the same response it got on suggested the upcoming election stands this debate is based on a false premise. the floor of the Senate during these in the way. In April he said: And I agree with him in this respect. messaging votes last year when it This is the wrong time to vote in com- This is not a reality debate about a failed to get a single vote. As I under- mittee. This is the wrong time to vote on the budget resolution. These are show stand it, it failed to get a single vote in floor. I don’t think we will be prepared to votes. These are messaging votes we the House of Representatives. Not one vote before the election. have today. Republican or Democrat in the House I want to make it clear, I have the One can argue all he or she wants of Representatives earlier this year highest affection and regard for the that we have a budget in place that we was willing to step forward and em- chairman of the Budget Committee, voted on last year, but there is no get- brace the Obama budget proposal, and but I do believe what he is saying, in ting around 2 U.S.C. 631, which is the it got a big fat zero when it was put to other words, is that we have a job to budget law of the United States of a messaging vote in the House of Rep- do, we have a law to comply with, but America, passed back in 1974. That resentatives. So we are watching a dis- we are not going to bring it up at this budget law requires Congress each year astrous trajectory and we need to time because of political concerns. I to pass a budget resolution. As a mat- change it now. think political concerns are keeping ter of fact, it says on or before April 15 Families, businesses, and organiza- our friends on the other side from say- of each year, Congress completes ac- tions in my home State of Mississippi, ing where they stand on the budget tion on a concurrent resolution on the and in every State across the country, issues. I think political concerns are budget. know the importance of having a sen- keeping them from making the hard The last time this Senate did that sible budget and living within that choices. was in 2009. We missed the April 15 budget; likewise, taxpayers deserve to I can imagine the American taxpayer deadline in 2010, the leadership of this see a blueprint of where their money is would like to know when will be the body missed that deadline in 2011, and going and how much will be spent. right time for the Senate to begin com- they missed it again this year. It has Washington must be held accountable. plying with Federal law and the right been that long since this body, under We heard talk on the other side of time for a budget that takes fiscal re- the leadership of my friends across the the aisle about priorities that our sponsibility seriously. They know aisle, have complied with the explicit Democratic friends wish to see enacted. kicking the can down the road will not terms of the Federal statute and The Democratic majority in the Budg- make the debt problem go away. brought a budget to full consideration et Committee needs to bring those pri- I noticed recently our Commander in on the floor. orities forward. They need to wrap Chief told a Russian leader that after

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.037 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 the election he would have more flexi- son, a former Senator and deficit hawk such as TOM COBURN and myself and bility on a national security issue—the from Wyoming. others, Senator CONRAD and Senator issue of national military defense. He There were 18 good people, including GRASSLEY and others, and to join us in said, I need to have some time, because some from this Chamber, who went to going to work on a to-do list provided after the election I will have more work on a real deficit reduction plan— to us by GAO, the Government Ac- flexibility. Please pass that along to Democrats and Republicans—and 11 countability Office. That to-do list is Vladimir. I suppose my friends on the out of the 18 ended up voting for this just full of ways to avoid wasting other side of the aisle believe they will kind of plan. It was not a 50–50 deal on money, and it includes ways to save have more flexibility on spending deficit reduction, but $3 on the spend- money by reducing improper payments. issues and budget issues and taxation ing side for every $1 on the revenue We are down from $119 billion last year issues after the election. side, with $4 trillion to $5 trillion in to $115 billion this year, finally heading The truth is Republicans and Demo- deficit reduction over a 10-year period in the right direction, reducing fraud crats have differences on a number of of time. in Medicare and Medicaid. issues, but that should not deter a con- As my friend mentioned, we are see- Some very good stuff is being done centrated effort to lower the deficit ing a lot of different ideas. We have a there to help reduce the fraud losses. and curb runaway spending. I hope this bunch here on the floor. The adminis- We have all this surplus property, a lot week we can focus on constructive dia- tration submitted their budget as well, of which we don’t need. The idea is to logue. I would have hoped we would and, frankly, none of them come close get rid of that, and we are beginning to have an honest process and do what is to being as good as Bowles-Simpson. do that. We have too many bad infor- right and necessary to put this coun- Alice Rivlin has done good work. Pete mation technology projects and too try’s fiscal house back in order. Domenici, our former colleague here in many information processing centers. Mr. President, I yield the floor. the Senate from New Mexico, has done We are getting rid of a bunch of those The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- a good one. But in the end, they all we don’t need. There is actually some come back to pretty much the same ator from Delaware. good work that is beginning to be done. place. Bowles-Simpson says we are Mr. CARPER. I thank the Chair. We can do more, and we ought to do going to raise $1 in revenue for every $3 Mr. CONRAD. If I may, if the Senator more. could do his presentation in about 8 on the spending side. Lastly, I would suggest we ought to The grand compromise was Demo- minutes, we have six speakers left and consider making the President’s rescis- crats agreeing to entitlement programs we have 50 minutes. sion powers real. Senator MCCAIN and I reform—not to get rid of them but Mr. CARPER. I will be happy to do and about 40, almost 45, Democrats and make sure they are going to be around so. Republicans have proposed that we Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator. for our children and grandchildren. And on the revenue side, we actually make the President’s rescission powers Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, in lis- real. The President could sign an ap- tening to the presentation of my friend raise revenues by reducing the rates on the individual side and the corporate propriations bill under current law, from Mississippi, I am reminded of the send us proposals to rescind or reduce words of Harry Truman when he said side, and we eliminated by half the so- called ‘‘tax expenditures’’ in the Tax spending within that appropriations something to the effect: The only thing bill that he has just signed into law, new in the world is the history we for- Code—tax credits, tax reductions, tax loopholes, tax breaks. We got rid of and we don’t even have to vote on the got or never learned. rescission. We don’t even have to take I want to go back in history. I want about half of them. So the Bowles-Simpson deficit com- it up or look at it. For the most part, to go back about 15 years. We had gone mission plan enjoys the support of al- we don’t. What JOHN MCCAIN and I and from 1968 to 1997 and never balanced a most half the Senate—almost half the almost half the Senate, Democratic budget. All those years—almost 30 Senate. Pretty much an equal number and Republican, have said is, when a years. Then President Clinton said to of Democrats and Republicans. We President signs an appropriations bill Erskine Bowles, his Chief of Staff, fig- have a budget in place right now. We into law and sends it to us, he can send ure out a way to maybe negotiate a have a budget in place for 2012. We have us a rescission message as well that we balanced budget deal with Republicans a budget that is going to be effective have to vote on, we actually have to in the House and in the Senate and see for 2013. Right now, we are seeing a def- vote on it. And it doesn’t affect taxes. what kind of deal you can get. So Er- icit reduction of $600 billion in defense It is not a deal that affects entitlement skine went out and negotiated and spending implemented over a 10-year programs but on appropriations, and came up with a deal. It was the deficit period of time. Right now, we are see- we would try this for 4 years. reduction deal that lead to not one but ing a deficit reduction of $600 billion in With a simple majority, we literally three balanced budgets by the end of domestic discretionary spending imple- vote on the President’s proposal. If it that decade. Interestingly enough, half mented over a 10-year period of time. doesn’t get a simple majority in the of the debt reduction was on the spend- And if we don’t come up with an agree- Senate—51 votes—or a simple majority ing side and half the debt reduction ment, such as Bowles-Simpson, we will in the House—218 votes—then it goes was on the revenue side. see $600 billion more of deficit reduc- away. But at least we have to take re- Now fast forward to 2001, a new Presi- tion on the defense side, another $600 sponsibility to be held accountable to dent, a change in administration, and billion on the nondefense side, and vote on it. The President would per- as far as the eye could see not just bal- some entitlement program changes as haps have some extra responsibility anced budgets but plenty of black ink— well. and the opportunity to make meaning- surpluses as far as the eye could see. A much better plan than doing that— ful reductions. Eight years later, we had another even though that adds up to about $2 Mr. President, how am I doing on change in administration, and a new trillion worth of deficit reduction for time? President was handed over a $1 trillion this year and the coming fiscal year— The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- deficit, the worst recession since the is the kind of comprehensive balanced ator has 30 seconds. Great Depression, and we are still try- plan we have been given by the deficit Mr. CARPER. I want to close and say ing to dig our way out of that. When we commission. My hope is, at the end of to my friend, Senator CONRAD, I know tried to pass legislation here to create the day, when we have the opportunity the Senator, as much as I, favors a deficit commission a couple of years to debate here—later this year, when Bowles-Simpson, and I want to thank ago and failed—we were short of votes, the elections are behind us—people will the Senator for the work he is doing in and our Republican friends who had co- actually turn around and say, let’s try bringing attention to it again and say- sponsored that measure, as I recall, to figure out the right thing to do, and ing this is still the best plan in the ended up not voting for it—this Presi- then do it. This is the right thing to do. room. I think it is still the best plan dent used his own executive powers to In the meantime, let’s not waste the out there. say we are going to have a deficit com- next 6, 7, or 8 months. So the idea is when we get to the day mission and he asked Erskine Bowles I would suggest to my colleagues to or the week after the election, we will to head it up, along with Alan Simp- join the bipartisan efforts of people be ready to move and to take it up and,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.039 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3205 hopefully, to embrace and endorse Obama’s budget, spending never gets We are going to vote on five different large parts of it. below 22 percent. In dollar terms, budget proposals. Three are being of- Mr. President, I yield the floor. spending goes up from the present $3.8 fered by Senate Republicans, one is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- trillion to $5.8 trillion in the year 2022. Budget Chairman RYAN’s budget, and ator from North Dakota. So it is very clear President Obama is the final resolution is President Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I thank built to spend. Obama’s budget. Not only have Senate the Senator, and I thank him for his President Obama’s budget is also Democrats failed to even propose a leadership on these issues. Nobody has harmful to our fragile economy be- budget, they will likely vote in lock- been more serious about getting defi- cause it would impose a $1.9 trillion tax step against each of the five budget cits and debt under control than the increase. Maybe the President’s pur- proposals. Senator from Delaware, Mr. CARPER. pose in imposing this huge tax increase We are likely to see Senate Demo- Mr. President, how much time would is an effort to reduce the Nation’s debt. crats come to the floor one by one and Senator GRASSLEY like to use? Unfortunately, that is not what he has cast roughly 265 votes against the con- Mr. GRASSLEY. Ten minutes or a planned in his budget. He wants to sideration of any budget. Is that lead- little less. spend every dollar. ership? Is that conviction? They are in Mr. CONRAD. Perhaps we can ask for His budget runs deficits totaling $6.4 the majority. When it comes to pro- a unanimous consent request to lock in trillion over the next 10 years. Debt posing and supporting a budget, they these next Senators so people know held by the public increases from 74.2 are the party of no and the party of ob- who is waiting. percent of our economy today to 76.33 struction. Democrats are the party fili- Mr. GRASSLEY. I am not prepared percent in 2022. Of course, we need to bustering consideration of budget blue- to speak for our side. remember that the historical average prints. My friend, the budget chairman, Mr. CONRAD. We can do it. We have since World War II has been about 43 was quoted recently as saying: been doing this and I think it works percent of the economy. This is the wrong time to vote in com- If people believe President Obama is out well. mittee. This is the wrong time to vote on the putting us on a path to fiscal sustain- So I ask unanimous consent that floor. I don’t think we will be prepared to ability, I would suggest that they look vote before the election. Senator GRASSLEY be recognized for 10 at the annual deficits over the next 10 minutes, followed by Senator CARDIN How many more trillions do we need years. They never drop below $575 bil- for 8, followed by Senator CRAPO for 10 to add to the national debt before it is lion, and they actually go up at the end minutes. time to vote on a budget resolution? If of his budget, rising to $704 billion in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without now is not the time to lead, propose 2022. President Obama’s budget puts objection, it is so ordered. bold solutions and take action, when America on the course of deficits and The Senator from Iowa is recognized. is? debt as far as the eye can see into the Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, The American people are going to future. adopting a budget for the country is pay a heavy price for the unwillingness The President also took a pass on and inability of the Senate majority to one of the most basic responsibilities proposing any real changes to our enti- and fundamental functions of the Con- lead and to offer solutions. Once again, tlement programs, which are a real the Senate majority and its leadership gress. driver of future deficits and debt. The Budget Act of 1974 requires Con- and President Obama are content to be Again, he is absent from the discus- absent from the discussion. Three gress to adopt a budget by April 15 sion. He has no solution. He has chosen each year. It is a requirement that this years without this sort of debate is not to lead. But where is the leadership proof of that. There are no solutions; Senate majority has ignored time and from the Senate majority? Where is again. In fact, the Senate hasn’t adopt- there is no leadership. There is only their budget? Why have they not pro- failure and punting until after the next ed a budget since April 29, 2009. posed a budget in more than 3 years? More than 3 years have passed since election. The budget chairman has said repeat- We have a moral obligation to offer the Senate last adopted a budget. Dur- edly that we already have a budget in serious solutions for today—most im- ing that time, more than $4 trillion has place for this year and even for next portantly for future generations. been added to our Nation’s debt. In year. The chairman and majority lead- I yield the floor. President Obama’s Presidency, we have er believe the Budget Control Act was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- added $5 trillion to the national debt. a budget resolution. The Budget Con- ator from Maryland. So we are in the midst of the fourth trol Act is not a budget. President Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, the consecutive year of $1 trillion deficits. Obama clearly agreed when he pro- budget document is a very important All the while, the Senate Democratic posed his budget. House Republicans document. majority has failed to propose a budget and Democrats alike agreed when they It speaks to the priorities of our Na- blueprint that would lay out their pri- voted on seven budget resolutions of- tion, and it gives instructions to our orities for deficit reduction, economic fered by both Republicans and Demo- committees to report out legislation growth, and a path to balance. It is no crats. The Democratic leadership in consistent with that of the budget res- wonder, then, our Nation is driving to- the Senate stands alone in their belief olution. It gives instructions to the Ap- ward a fiscal cliff of deficits and debt. that the Budget Control Act was a propriations Committee to pass appro- There is no one in the Democratic lead- budget resolution. Is it because they priations bills and to other committees ership willing to take hold of the wheel have no ideas on how to balance the as it may affect revenues or mandatory of this vehicle. budget, contain out-of-control spend- spending. In February, President Obama re- ing, grow the economy, or create jobs? We have that budget document for leased his budget. The President’s 2013 If the Democratic majority can’t the fiscal year that begins October 1 of budget would expand the scope of gov- muster the will to present their own this year. That was included in the ernment by spending more money, in- budget, why don’t they offer President Budget Control Act which passed this creasing taxes on job creators, and con- Obama’s budget? body by 74 votes. It has the force and tinue on the path of enormous deficit I am sure we will hear the argument effect of law. and record debt. that the resolution our side is offering So our appropriations committees While President Obama claims his is not a fair depiction of President know the numbers for the appropria- budget will create an America built to Obama’s budget. That is the rhetoric tions bills for the year that begins Oc- last, the only thing his budget builds, we will likely hear so that they can tober 1, and the other committees it seems to me, is higher deficits and vote against it. The fact is they are know what the requirements will be. debt—a bigger and more intrusive gov- going to vote against it for one reason, The question is whether we should ernment and economic decline for fu- just like a year ago; that is, because it have a longer term commitment on ture generations. is President Obama’s budget. They dealing with our budget problems. During the past 60 years spending has don’t want to be on record voting for We do need a bipartisan, credible pro- averaged about 21 percent of GDP. Over any budget. That will be the most re- gram that involves not only the Demo- the 10-year window of President markable outcome of today’s exercise. crats and Republicans in the Senate,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.040 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 but also the Democrats and Repub- competitive, we need to rebuild Amer- seems as if the current majority are licans in the House, and the President ica to meet the global challenges. the only ones who do not think passing of the United States. We need to avoid It would reduce our commitments in a budget is part of our job. sequestration, and we need the predict- education. An educated workforce is I have to stop here for a moment and ability for our economy and for those America’s future. Investing in our chil- commend the chairman of the Senate who act upon our actions to know what dren is what we should be doing. The Budget Committee, Senator CONRAD. I the rules will be. We need to have a re- quality of K–12 would suffer, even pre- know he has fought mightily to get a sponsible plan to deal with the long- K—what they do with Head Start—and budget to this floor. But the politics he term deficit that is balanced and fair, I already mentioned the cost of student faces have not allowed him to do so. As that involves more revenue and spend- loans in postsecondary education of today, for 1,100 days we have not ing cuts, that allows our recovery to would go up. For our seniors, they been able to see a budget proposal continue, and is bipartisan. would be thrown into a voucher pro- reach the Senate floor from our com- I compliment Senator CONRAD for his gram in Medicare at the mercy of pri- mittee. leadership in giving us an opportunity vate insurance companies and asked to I have worked with Senator CONRAD to move in that direction. I think Sen- pay more when they are already over- long and hard and will continue to do so, trying to get a broad, bipartisan so- ator CONRAD showed tremendous lead- burdened by the costs of their health ership on behalf of the Democratic care. lution brought forward. But today we members of the Budget Committee to Under the Toomey budget, they need to take action on the Senate floor. Everyone else has a budget. The forgo bringing forward a partisan budg- would block-grant Medicaid, throwing President has offered a budget. The et and instead said: Let’s take a look that burden onto our States. Our chil- House Republicans have offered a budg- at a long-term budget that can get bi- dren and families would suffer. et. The House Democrats have offered a partisan support, that has been tested, Under the Paul budget, Social Secu- budget. The Senate Republicans have that has been out there, and that is rity benefits would be reduced on aver- introduced several budgets, which we age by 39 percent. Social Security is a called Bowles-Simpson. will vote on here today. We are talking about the broad out- vital lifeline for the people of this Every American family and every line. A budget document gives broad country. Turning it into a program American business has to develop a instructions to the committee. It is the that becomes a political football is not budget. Previous Congresses, including so-called macro numbers. I think the what we need for this country. For our those that enacted the Congressional chairman has provided us the leader- students, the cost of a college edu- Budget Act last year, clearly saw the ship on that issue. But do not get con- cation would be increased. importance of Congress enacting a fused, we have a budget for the fiscal We need to put forward a credible budget every year. In fact, it was that year that begins October 1. We have it plan to reduce the deficit. We need to congressional budget act that we were earlier than we have ever had it, and it do this—and we have done it before. able to get in place last year that put has the force and effect of law. When Bill Clinton was President of the into effect the mechanism we are em- Each of the four Republican plans United States and I was serving in the ploying today which says if the major- that we will be voting on moves us in House of Representatives, we passed a ity party leadership fails to bring a the wrong direction to accomplishing plan that balanced our Federal budget budget forward by the statutory dead- those goals. They use almost all of the and actually created a surplus. How did line, then any Senator has the right to spending cuts that are included in we do it? We did it through a balanced call for consideration of any budget on these budgets for additional tax cuts. approach. We did it through cutting the Senate Calendar. It benefits primarily those who do not spending and raising the revenues so Let’s look at the budgets we will be need an additional tax cut. The House we paid our bills. What were the re- voting on today. First we have the Republican budget would provide $1 sults? Our economy took off, creating President’s budget. At a time when our trillion in tax cuts for the wealthiest millions of jobs. That is what we need national debt is more than $15.6 tril- among us, giving millionaires an aver- to do again. lion, well more than 100 percent of our age tax cut of $150,000. At the same How do we get this done? Let’s get gross domestic product, the President’s time, that budget would ask our col- working together. Let’s have Demo- budget seemingly makes no acknowl- lege students to pay more by allowing crats and Republicans work together in edgment of the dramatic and predict- interest rates on their loans to in- order to come up with a balanced ap- able fiscal crisis we face. Instead of em- crease, and they would ask our seniors proach that has spending cuts and bracing the comprehensive work of his to pay more by paying more for their those who can afford to pay more own fiscal commission, the Bowles- Medicare benefits. should be paying more because it is not Simpson commission on which I served, They have it backward. Those who fair to future generations for us to or any of the other key bipartisan pro- have sacrificed the most during these spend money today and ask our chil- posals that are available such as the economic times under Republican dren and grandchildren to pay for it to- Ryan-Wyden proposal or the Domenici- budgets would be asked to pay more. morrow. Rivlin plan or even coming up with a Those who have benefited the most Let us protect the programs that are true reform plan of his own, the Presi- during that period of time would get important for economic growth, for the dent’s budget regrettably remains additional tax cuts. That is not what dignity of our seniors, and for the wel- within the old discredited framework we should be doing. It would hurt our fare of our children. It starts with re- of trying to tax and spend our way into economic recovery. jecting the extreme partisan budgets prosperity. It is irresponsible to make the types that our Republican colleagues are of- The President’s budget would raise of cuts that are in the Republican fering on the floor. I urge my col- taxes by $2 trillion. This is in addition budget that deal with American inno- leagues to reject those budget resolu- to the $1.2 trillion of tax increases in vation. Take a look what it would do tions. the health care law which are just be- for basic research in this country, I yield the floor. ginning to take effect and will con- which I hope we all agree is necessary The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tinue to roll out over the next few for America to continue to lead the ator from Idaho is recognized. years. Perhaps even more remarkable, world in innovation. In my own State Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I appre- the President’s budget actually in- of Maryland I look at the jobs we cre- ciate the efforts by our Republican creases spending by $1.2 trillion more ated in the biotech field, through cy- leader, MITCH MCCONNELL, and by the than current law. So another $1.2 tril- bersecurity. Basic research is critically ranking member of our Senate Budget lion in new spending, another $2 to $3 important to advance those job oppor- Committee, JEFF SESSIONS, to give the trillion in new taxes, no structural en- tunities and economic opportunities Senate a chance today to do its job. It titlement reform, and no discretionary for America. It would reduce our com- has been more than 3 years since the spending reform. mitments to building our infrastruc- Senate has passed a budget, almost Even though it is widely acknowl- ture—our transit systems, our roads, 1,100 days, $4 trillion in increased debt edged that the current paths of our en- our energy grids. If we are going to be since we last had a budget. Yet it titlement programs are unsustainable

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.041 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3207 and even though they are on track to place and we made clear that our I also appreciate the leadership of soon become insolvent, the President’s spending patterns in the Federal budg- Senator MCCONNELL and Senator SES- budget has no comprehensive reforms et would be brought under control. In SIONS, who have given the Senate the to our entitlement programs—none. addition, recognizing the importance opportunity today to debate this issue The modest amount of health care sav- and need for strong growth, we con- and have votes, at least, on meaningful ings he does propose would not even be cluded that our Tax Code must be re- proposals that move us down the path enough to offset the extension of the formed and not on the traditional bat- I have discussed, and put us onto a doc fix or the other increases in the tleground of whether to raise taxes on pathway for economic prosperity and health care spending he proposes. one group or lowering taxes on another growth for all. This is a dangerous approach, and it but in a complete paradigm shift to America is at a terrible crisis point. should be noted that this budget failed focus on the reforming of both our cor- Our national debt is now exceeding by a vote of 0 to 414 in the House. Yet porate and individual tax codes. over 100 percent of our GDP and threat- we have no other pending proposal If you went about trying to create a ens our economy. We must take action. from the other side to consider. Tax Code that was more unfair, more We cannot let another year go by with- Today the Senate will also have an complex, more expensive to comply out adopting a budget on the floor of opportunity to reject the President’s with, and more anticompetitive to our the Senate. approach to the Federal budget, and I own American business interests, you I yield the floor. expect it will do so, just as it did last would be hard pressed to do it different The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. time. Because the Democratic majority or worse than we have done with our CARDIN). The Senator from North Da- kota. here in the Senate has failed to own Tax Code. We concluded that we Mr. CONRAD. I would say to Senator produce their own budget, we will also ought to reform that code to develop a BOXER the situation we find ourselves have the opportunity to vote on some strong, dynamic tax code for America to go forward with. That is why we pro- in is we only have 34 minutes left on important budget proposals offered by our side. I will yield 7 minutes to Sen- the House Budget Committee chairman posed broadening the base, reducing the rates, and reforming the way we ator BOXER. and by our own colleagues here in the Senator MURRAY is here now. Senate, Senators TOOMEY, PAUL, and tax in America by simplifying our Tax Code and making America a strong, Mrs. BOXER. I will wait. LEE. Each of these proposals would in- Mr. CONRAD. We have a situation in powerful, and robust economy as it his- clude true comprehensive reforms to which our time is rapidly fleeting. torically has been. our entitlement programs to prevent They have much more time left on Then we put together what is critical the impending insolvency and to pro- their side than we do on ours. for any plan to succeed, and that is an tect the programs for current and fu- Could the Senator do her presen- enforcement mechanism. Congress has ture generations, and would put us on a tation in 7 minutes? a perfect record of violating its own sustained pathway to balancing our Mrs. MURRAY. I will attempt to do budgets. Congress has a record of ig- Federal budget. my best. noring the budgets, simply getting 60 These budgets also call for com- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask votes to waive the Budget Act when- prehensive tax reform which takes us unanimous consent that Senator MUR- ever Congress wants to spend in excess out of the old paradigm of Congress de- RAY be allowed to speak for 7 minutes of a budget. Literally in every budget bating whether to raise or cut taxes followed by Senator BOXER for 7 min- for the last two decades or more, Con- and, instead, these proposals would utes. gress has done so; Republican or Demo- each in their own way dramatically The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cratic, the Congresses have done so. streamline the Tax Code, reduce the objection, it is so ordered. What we put together in our negotia- The Senator from Washington is rec- tax rates, and unleash significant eco- tions was an enforcement plan that ognized. nomic growth in our economy. A by- would keep Congress within the walls Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I wish product of this robust economic growth of the budget we adopt. It would have to thank Senator CONRAD for his lead- would be an increase in revenues to a series of points of order to protect ership on this issue. At the end of last help us deal with our pending debt cri- against the declaration of emergencies week, the Republicans in the House of sis. unjustifiably and would then force even Representatives passed legislation that I again commend the chairman, Sen- emergency spending, that usually is continues their mad dash away from ator CONRAD, for his effort to bring for- conducted outside the budget, to be the bipartisan Budget Control Act and ward a comprehensive plan, a solu- done in the face of a sequestration reflects the upside-down priorities that tion—one that originated with Bowles- backed up by 67-vote points of order on are guiding their party and stands ab- Simpson on which he and I sat and one the floor of the Senate. This kind of solutely no chance of passage in the which has then been worked on by the strong enforcement is also critical to Senate. so-called Gang of Six for a significant what we must do to protect our Nation. I think it would be very helpful at amount of time now to improve and We need a comprehensive plan, we this point to remind my colleagues of bring forward, and one which the chair- need to have entitlement reform, we the recent history that has brought us man is prepared to move when the op- have to have discretionary spending re- to this point. portunity is available. I have encour- form, and we need to have budget en- In August of last year Democrats and aged him to do it now. I believe we forcement that is solid. We need to Republicans came together, and we ought to have it on the floor today for strengthen our revenue stream and en- agreed to the Budget Control Act to this debate. But whenever the time be- force our Tax Code by lowering taxes. cut spending and put in place a process comes available, it is a proposal such That gives American businesses the op- for additional deficit reduction. The as this that we need to be dealing with. portunity to compete aggressively purpose of that bipartisan agreement We need to develop the bipartisan sup- across the globe. was to move toward serious deficit re- port that is necessary to pass it. If we do so, we will see a strong rev- duction and to give some consistency What is it? First of all, as we worked enue component to our reform meas- to the Federal budget so the American on the Bowles-Simpson commission, we ures, and we will see strong growth people would not be threatened with a made some basic decisions. We con- coming out of the fact that we put to- government shutdown every few cluded that spending was the major gether effective spending controls. But months. That bipartisan deal sets the problem—that is where the major part we have to get there. We have to do it. levels for next year’s discretionary of the solution should be—but that rev- I appreciate the opportunity to work spending, which allows Congress to do enue was also critical to the solution with Senator CONRAD as we try to put its jobs and work to allocate Federal and that growing our economy was an this kind of broad, comprehensive re- resources toward investments in jobs, important part of anything Congress form package together and build bipar- infrastructure, innovation, maintain- should do. We first discussed putting tisan support for it. But I am very dis- ing our commitment to our service- together a strong approach to entitle- couraged still that we cannot get a members and their families, and pro- ment reform, structural entitlement budget proposal onto the floor of the tecting and supporting the middle-class reform. We put strong spending caps in Senate that we can work on. families and so much more.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.043 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 That was the agreement we came to. to put them forward to get to a bipar- shows House Republicans are slashing Speaker BOEHNER shook on it, Minority tisan deal and a balanced deal. But as these programs almost three-quarters Leader MCCONNELL shook on it, Major- much as we offered, we couldn’t get our of the way to what would be cut under ity Leader REID signed it, joined many Republican colleagues to give an inch sequestration. of my colleagues in voting for it, and when it came to taxes on the wealthi- Since they need to find a way to pay then President Obama signed it into est Americans and the biggest corpora- to undo the automatic cuts they don’t law. It became the law of the land. I tions even though the rich are paying like, their bill cuts even deeper into would add it is binding and replaces the lowest tax rates today in genera- programs millions of families across and carries more weight than a budget tions. They were fundamentally op- America count on. resolution. It makes the budget resolu- posed to any plan that would call on According to that same CBPP report, tions we are debating today nothing the wealthy to pay a penny more in the Republican legislation would cut more than political theater. taxes. food assistance to the most vulnerable Senate Democrats fully intend to In poll after poll Americans over- families, Medicaid, the Children’s honor our word and stick to the bipar- whelmingly say they want to see a bal- Health Insurance Program, and block tisan budget levels for next year, and anced approach to tackling the deficit grants for States to run programs to Senate Republicans in our Appropria- and debt that puts everything on the help families and workers get back on tions Committee, including the minor- table, including revenue. Every single their feet. ity leader, recently voted to stick to bipartisan group that has come to- So House Republicans are actually those levels as well. I was disappointed gether to tackle this—from Simpson- increasing defense spending, protecting that less than 9 months after we shook Bowles, Domenici-Rivlin, Gang of 6— the wealthiest Americans and biggest hands on that deal House Republicans has included a balanced approach that corporations, and throwing the entire turned right around and broke it. They reduces spending and raises revenues. burden on the backs of middle class put appeasing their extreme base ahead That is the only real and fair way to families and the most vulnerable of the word they gave to us and the tackle this challenge, and it simply Americans. That’s not just bad policy, it is sim- American people. They demonstrated doesn’t make any sense to solve this ply wrong. clearly that a deal with them isn’t problem with cuts alone. If Democrats were willing to accept a So as we watch House Republicans worth the paper it is printed on. wildly imbalanced deficit reduction rolling back the automatic cut they Despite House Republicans reneging plan to avoid the automatic cuts, we on the deal, the Budget Control Act is don’t like and acting as though the bi- would have done that in the Joint Se- the law. It is signed, and we have so partisan Budget Control Act never hap- lect Committee. But we didn’t then, many challenges ahead of us as a na- pened, I say to them today what I said and we won’t now. tion we cannot afford to relitigate bi- to the Republicans in the joint select Any bipartisan deficit reduction partisan deals every time members of committee: We will not allow the debt plan, whether the goal is to reduce the the extreme end of the Republican and deficit to be reduced on the backs deficit in a better way than the seques- Party make some noise in a meeting. of our middle-class and most vulner- ters or to put our country on sound fis- House Republicans are not only trying able Americans without calling on the cal footing over the long term, has to to relitigate that Budget Control Act, wealthiest to contribute as well. It is be balanced. It has to be fair. And it they want to pretend it never hap- not fair, it is not what the American has to work for middle class families pened. people want, and it is not going to hap- across America. That means respon- As part of that deal, in addition to pen. We are facing these automatic sibly cutting spending. It means mak- the $1 trillion in discretionary spend- cuts because Republicans continue to ing sure entitlement programs that ing cuts, a joint select committee on protect the rich above all else. Unless seniors and the most vulnerable fami- deficit reduction was formed to reduce that changes before the end of the lies depend on are strengthened and se- the deficit by at least an additional $1.2 year, our country is going to have to cured for the next generation. It means trillion. In fact, if they couldn’t come face the consequences of intransigence. examining where we can save money on to an agreement, the bipartisan Budget Republicans in the House of Rep- the defense side. And it means raising Control Act put in place automatic resentatives are not only acting as revenue from the wealthiest Americans spending cuts, or sequestration, which though the BCA never happened, they and biggest corporations who are pay- spread evenly across defense and non- are highlighting the moral and intel- ing close to the lowest levels in genera- defense spending. lectual bankruptcy of a party that al- tions. We all knew at the time the seques- lows itself only to think in terms of Because budgets aren’t just numbers tration was not the ideal way to reduce cutting, shrinking, eliminating, and on a page. They aren’t just about spending, but we wanted to have that never in terms of investing and grow- charts and formulas and trajectories. in place so that painful cuts were ing and fairness. The legislation they Those are important but budgets are prominent and would help both sides to passed would roll back sequestration also about real people, with real lives. come to a bipartisan compromise. for next year by simply taking funding They are about investments in our I was called on by the majority lead- from programs middle-class families families, our communities, and our er to cochair that committee with Re- and the most vulnerable Americans economy. They are about the kind of publican Representative JEB HEN- count on and shifting it to defense. country we want to be now and in the SARLING, and I am proud of that com- They want all of the deficit reduction our future. And above all, budgets are mittee’s hard work. I was extremely from the Budget Control Act without about the choices and priorities of a disappointed in the end that committee any bipartisan compromise or shared nation. was not able to come up with a bipar- sacrifice. Democrats are willing to make com- tisan deal. Since they refuse to consider raising promises. We are willing to have those I want to be clear—because this is taxes on the wealthy, the only way tough conversations and come to the very relevant today—we weren’t able they can increase spending on defense difficult agreements we know are nec- to get a deal because Republicans re- is by absolutely devastating critical essary. We are willing to put every- fused to even consider tax increases on government investments in our fami- thing on the table. the wealthiest Americans. The talks lies and in our future. And I truly hope Republicans decide fell apart around that issue and that According to a report from the Cen- they are ready to do the same and end issue alone. ter on Budget and Policy Priorities, their commitment to protecting the I came to the table with many of my the House legislation would not only rich from paying a penny more in colleagues with proposals for serious roll back sequestration on the defense taxes. Because while so many families compromises on spending and a will- side, it would increase overall defense continue to struggle, I think it’s more ingness to move forward with smart spending by over $8 billion. than fair to ask the richest Americans changes to strengthen entitlements. And while they may say they are to pay their fair share. We knew many of these compromises rolling back the automatic cuts on While we scour programs that so would be painful, but we were willing non-defense spending too, this report many middle class families rely on for

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.044 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3209 fat to trim, I think it makes sense to onciliation, which is dangerous in what cut taxes on the richest people. Robin scour the tax code in just the same way they did. They stood with all of their Hood in reverse. Isn’t that sweet? Isn’t and eliminate the egregious loopholes heart, with all of their soul, with all of that kind? Not. So they bring America that the wealthiest Americans and big- their power and their fervor to fight for to its knees. They walk away from the gest corporations take advantage of. the 1 percent. They are fighting for the Budget Control Act. Do we know why And while oil and gas companies are millionaires, the multimillionaires, the they don’t like it? Because it forces making record profits, I think it just billionaires, and the trillionaires; that spending cuts across the board. I don’t makes sense to end the handouts they is who they are fighting for. They are like that, but we are serious about def- get every year from U.S. taxpayers. giving them back an average of $150,000 icit reduction. So Democrats stand ready to work a year. Over the 10-year period that av- In my closing remarks I will say this: with Republicans on this. But what erage millionaire can write a big kiss In the last 40 years, one party balanced House Republicans did last week has to the Republicans if this ever becomes the budget. In the last 40 years, one moved us in the wrong direction, and law because they would get back $1.5 party created a surplus. That happens makes it even harder to get to the bi- million over the 10-year period. to be the Democratic Party and a partisan deficit reduction deal they say How do they pay for this largess? Democratic President named Bill Clin- they want. How do they pay for this warm, fuzzy ton. How did we do it? We met each So I urge them to end this partisan- hug to the people who have everything? other halfway. We said that when we ship. They cut the heart out of the middle are faced with a crisis, we have to put Stop allowing a small and extreme class. I will give some examples. They everything on the table and everybody minority of members to dictate policy would allow student loan rates to dou- makes a little bit of a sacrifice. It is no for an entire chamber of Congress. Stop ble so students would have to pay not big deal. We ask the people who have protecting the wealthiest Americans a 3-percentage point interest rate on the most to do a little more, and we from sharing in the sacrifices so many their student loans but over 6 percent. find ways to cut spending. That is what Americans are making every day, and They will cut the heart and soul out we did in the Clinton years. Do we to truly work with us to get this done of America’s infrastructure. Did you know what happened? We created I for the American people. ever look at the construction industry think 23 million new jobs. We created As soon as that happens, Democrats lately? Well, there are 1.4 million un- 23 million new jobs. We balanced the stand ready to get to a balanced and bi- employed construction workers. We budget, we created a surplus, and now partisan deal. need to make sure they are building we have to listen to the demagogues The choices we make as a body in the the roads, highways, and the 70,000 over there lecture us about how to bal- coming months will affect every single bridges that are deficient. Half of our ance the budget. Wrong. We know how American. As we have said from the roads don’t meet the standards. We to do it. They don’t know how to do it. start, we will put everything on the need to rebuild America, as the Presi- All they know how to do is stand up table, but that word is ‘‘everything.’’ dent said—not Afghanistan, not Paki- and attack our President when our We cannot come to a solution in Amer- stan. Thank you very much. Iraq? The President inherited this terrible deficit ica unless everybody contributes and blood of our people is on the ground from George W. Bush, who took a sur- there is shared sacrifice. That is the over there. It is time to spend that plus—Bush did—and turned it into defi- principle we have been fighting for, it money here as our President has said. cits as far as the eye can see. And we is the one we will continue to fight for, They continue all that war spending, were losing—I ask unanimous consent and that is what the American people they add to that war spending, and for 30 additional seconds. want. I am proud to stand with my they expect everybody else to stand The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without party to continue to fight for that. back and quietly accept a doubling of objection, it is so ordered. I yield the floor. their student loan rate and a cut in the Mrs. BOXER. We were losing how The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- transportation program. many jobs a month? We were losing ator from California is recognized. They end Medicare, period. They are 800,000 jobs a month when our Presi- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise to going to turn it into a voucher system, dent took over. The country was fall- say that it is stunning to see the Re- and our elderly are going to have to ne- ing apart. publican Party running away from a gotiate to try and find a way to pay for He saved the auto industry—it is bill they supported and a deal they cut. health insurance, and it will cost them back on top—when others said: Let The deficit reduction deal was led by thousands of dollars more. them go bankrupt. He started the job Senator CONRAD. The Budget Control One of these budgets actually cuts creation. It is not good enough, but I Act is the law of the land. Instead they Social Security by 39 percent. Imagine will tell my colleagues one thing: If we are offering up a series of budgets that a Social Security recipient living on are going to make it better, we better I believe will destroy this country. $18,000 getting a cut of almost 40 per- start working together. Why do I say that? Because they de- cent. Let’s live by the Budget Control Act stroy the middle class and they give to So this is what they are doing, I say that is the law of the land, and let’s use the millionaires and the billionaires. to my colleagues. They eliminate the that time to find a long-term solution, That is a recipe for a third world na- Department of Education. They elimi- as we did in the Clinton years. tion, the haves and the have-nots. I nate the ability for many people to pay Thank you very much. I yield the hope the American people wake up and for their energy assistance in the win- floor. pay attention because a budget is a ters. They walk away from alternative The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- statement of who we are as a people. energy, which is going to free us from ator from Alabama. I was proud to serve on the Budget foreign oil and make us safer. That is Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I wish Committee. I wish I was still on there, what they do, and they do it all in the to make a reference to the Budget Con- but I had other options for my State. I name of tax breaks for the people in trol Act. One of my colleagues said we decided to leave the Budget Committee America who—I am very proud of are running away from the Budget Con- and go on the Commerce Committee. them. They made it. In my State, a lot trol Act. I would suggest that is not ac- That is one tough committee, and we of those folks who have made it have curate. In truth, the Budget Control are going to miss Senator CONRAD. His written to me and said: Senator, we Act was a cap on spending, and the Re- leadership is exemplary, and he has ex- want everybody to have the chance we publicans have proposed that we spend plained why the replacement budgets had. less than that, as any economist would the Republicans have offered are un- The only passion of Republicans is tell us we need to do because it wasn’t workable. Some of them don’t even for those who have. They practice sufficient. make any sense. Robin Hood in reverse. In one of the The difficulty arises, however, when This is serious business because one budgets, they even—I think it is the we consider what President Obama pro- of them did pass the House. Not only Ryan budget—tax the poorest people. posed with regard to the Budget Con- did it pass the House, but then they They tax the poorest people. They raise trol Act. It is amazing. In August passed another law, and we call it rec- taxes on the poorest people, and they President Obama signed the Budget

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.002 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 Control Act as an agreement to raise get our spending under control. We are been handed by the deficit commission. the debt ceiling by $2.1 trillion in ex- so bad on spending that we are taking It was scary. It is now scarier. But he change for reducing spending by $2.1 10 years’ worth of revenue to pay for 2 didn’t. Instead, he gave us another trillion. He signed that, it went into ef- years’ worth of projects, and those are stimulus budget. I think if he had fect, and it is the current law today. projects that will continue after that. I painted the bleak picture in the State But when he proposed his budget in don’t know what we do after the 2 of the Union that was handed to him by January of this year that we will vote years. How far out can we borrow the deficit commission, if he had paint- on later today—and I expect it will not money that may not even come in be- ed that same picture and not placed a get a single vote, and it should not— cause it might not even be budgeted? A solution out there but painted the pic- President Obama’s budget wiped out budget is supposed to do just that—it is ture so America would understand half of those savings. So $1 trillion of supposed to put spending under con- where we are with the debt and the def- those savings were wiped out, and he trol. But instead, for the third year in icit—if he had done that, he could have replaced it with almost—he added more a row, it looks as if the Senate major- come out with a budget that was par- spending in addition—Mr. President, I ity will refuse to pass a plan to help fix allel to what Simpson-Bowles had, and am having a little trouble thinking the fiscal crisis we face. I think we would have had a solution here. In the 3 years since the Senate ma- over a year ago. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- jority passed a budget, our country has We have a nearly $16 trillion debt ate will be in order. The Senate will spent approximately $10.4 trillion. We that keeps growing. It is unaffordable, suspend for a moment. have accumulated around $4.5 trillion and we need to make a change. What The Senator from Alabama. in gross debt, which translates to an will happen if we don’t act and if we Mr. SESSIONS. So I think the dra- additional $15,000 for every man, don’t cut spending? We won’t be able to matic event that has gone woman, and child—$15,000 for every afford the military we need. People unappreciated is that the President’s man, woman, and child—which brings will have drastically reduced Social Se- budget eviscerates the Budget Control it up to about $49,000 total for every curity checks. Roads won’t be fixed. Act and puts us back on full speed tax man, woman, and child. Since we last All of our money will go toward paying and spend. adopted a budget, we have spent more interest on the debt. I see my colleague Senator ENZI is than $626 billion on net interest pay- People shouldn’t doubt that this is here, a senior member of the Budget ments to service the debt alone. These real. There were riots in the streets in Committee who has been involved in so are unsustainable levels of spending. Greece when their government was many important issues. He is an ac- Yet the majority continues to ignore forced to deal with the realities of countant, a small businessman, and he the problem and refuses to take these debt. In the United States, we owe understands the real world and the numbers seriously and consider, much $49,000 for every man, woman, and value of a dollar. I yield to Senator less pass, a budget. child. In Greece, they only owe $39,000 ENZI. The majority argues that we have a and had to make drastic cuts, and they The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- budget in place because of the passage had riots in the streets. Now they have ator from Wyoming. of the Budget Control Act, which also stepped back with the recent elections Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I thank the governed our spending in fiscal year and are trying to turn away from the ranking member of the committee for 2011. But if that truly governed what reality of their debt. Does that sound all of his work on this issue and the we are doing, why did the President familiar? suggestions he has as to the impor- even submit a budget to us? If that was I have news for my colleagues. Our tance of what we are doing today. the budget, he shouldn’t have gone to debt per person, as I mentioned, is I rise today to discuss our Nation’s all the effort to put his own budget to- more than Greece’s debt per person. It budget situation and the budget pro- gether. But he felt he needed to put a is more than Italy’s debt per person. In posals we will vote on later today. budget together. fact, the United States owes more than While I am pleased that my colleagues In fiscal year 2011, the government all of the Euro countries and the have put forth a number of good ideas, brought in slightly more than $2.3 tril- United Kingdom put together. this debate is long overdue. lion in revenue. At the same time we My Republican colleagues and I have The Congressional Budget Act sets a collected $2.3 trillion, we spent $3.6 put forth a series of budgets that would statutory deadline of April 1 for the trillion. In other words, we overspent help to improve the fiscal situation. I Senate Budget Committee to report a by $1.3 trillion. That is more than 50 drafted legislation that would reduce budget resolution and a deadline of percent of the revenue we were expect- spending by 1 percent per year until we April 15 for completion of a congres- ing. We are on pace for another $1 tril- reach balance. By reducing spending by sional budget. Despite these statutory lion deficit this year. The Budget Con- 1 percent, we can achieve balance by deadlines, it has been more than 3 trol Act may include some spending fiscal year 2017. That is a 1-percent re- years since the Senate passed a budget, limits, but with record trillion-dollar duction per year to 2017, and most of and the majority party once again re- deficits, the Budget Control Act cannot the people I have talked to—and I have fuses to debate this important topic replace an actual budget that puts in talked to a lot of people in Wyoming through the normal budget process. We place long-term spending cuts and and some other places around the coun- did not mark up a budget in the Senate helps get our country back on the path try—have said 1 percent is not bad. One Budget Committee, and we have not to balance. Again, if that Budget Con- percent is definitely not bad if we com- been given the opportunity to offer trol Act really took care of everything, pare it to the possibility of a 19-percent amendments to any of the budgets that the President would not have needed to cut when we step off the cliff. are before us on the Senate floor. That submit a budget. He did. The House of Representatives passed is disappointing. I applaud the President for appoint- a budget last year that cut spending by With a national debt approaching $16 ing a deficit commission. We tried to $5.8 trillion. This year the House trillion, and it is hard for me to even pass that as a bill. It came close, but it passed a second budget that would re- say $16 trillion—I saw a kid with a t- didn’t make it. He saw there was a duce the deficit by $4.4 trillion, in com- shirt that said, ‘‘Please don’t tell him need, and he appointed a commission. parison to the President’s budget over what comes after $1 trillion.’’ With $16 The commission was cochaired by Er- the next decade, which does nothing to trillion in debt, we cannot afford to skine Bowles and Senator Alan Simp- improve the short- or long-term eco- continue operating without a budget son. They painted a pretty bleak pic- nomic outlook of the country. In fact, that is a blueprint to put the country ture for our country. More than a year President Obama’s budget would make on a sustainable path in both the short and a half has gone by since they things worse. term as well as the long term, and we painted that bleak picture, and it has Senator TOOMEY has put together a better be looking at that long term as gotten worse, not better. I really ex- detailed budget plan that would bal- well. pected at the State of the Union that ance the budget within 8 years. It We cannot continue to simply spend year that the President would have would enact corporate tax reform, and money we don’t have without a plan to painted the same bleak picture he had it would adopt important changes to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:40 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.049 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3211 the entitlement programs that are the We are in too serious a situation to debt commission reported, when the drivers of the Nation’s unsustainable continue ignoring the budget problems President came before the joint session debt. we face. At a time when the national of Congress to give the State of the Senator PAUL has put forth a budget debt breaks down to more than $49,000 Union. Was the Senator surprised and that would balance within 5 years. Of for every person in Wyoming and disappointed that the President vir- course, it eliminates four departments across this country, we cannot afford tually ignored the debt commission and reduces spending by $8 trillion over to continue business as usual. We can- and did not take the opportunity to ex- the next 10 years. It seems radical, but not continue punting the tough deci- plain to the whole audience of the we are facing a cliff, and he is willing sions simply because the tough deci- American people that we are on an to put a budget out there. sions might impact our reelection cam- unsustainable course that could lead to Senator LEE has also introduced a paigns. The decisions that are painful financial catastrophe? budget that balances our budget by fis- today will be even more painful in the Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, I was both cal year 2017 by cutting spending by future. surprised and disappointed. I thought $7.1 trillion over the next 10 years, and We talk about pay-fors here when he had a unique opportunity, and it had it, too, reforms Medicare and Social people want to do a new program or been handed to him on a platter that Security. continue an old program with addi- he designed. He appointed these people, Why do we have to reform Medicare? tional expenses, but we better start in- and they put a lot of hours into it, in- Well, in the health care reform bill we cluding the debt. Our debt is greater cluding the Senator from North Da- 1 took $ ⁄2 trillion out of Medicare. It was than the value of everything we kota, who is here on the floor, and already going broke but, don’t worry, produce in this country in a year. That came up with a plan. It was not a we put in a special panel that will tell is the gross national product. The debt pleasant plan by anybody’s imagina- where cuts can come from each and is greater than the gross national prod- tion. It was an important plan by every year, and if we don’t suggest dif- uct. There are a lot of stories about everybody’s—well, evidently not every- ferent cuts, those go into effect with- what happens when your debt gets body or we would have adopted it by out a vote of the U.S. Senate. The only greater than the gross national prod- now. But it had some critical things in places they can cut are doctors, hos- uct, and none of them is good. there that should be taken care of, that pitals, nursing homes, home health I have heard from a lot of people in should be considered in a budget, and care, and other providers. If you do not Wyoming about the national debt and should have leadership coming from have a doctor, I do not think you have the lack of a budget for more than 3 the White House. That is where leader- much medical care. years. While they have differing view- ship on budgets happens. There are going to have to be reforms points on the best solution, they have I remember being in the Wyoming in Medicare. We have already forced one common message: Do something. legislature. We have a requirement that. For Social Security, there are not Do something, and do it as soon as pos- that you have to balance the budget as many people working now as will each and every year, and we do that. If soon be on Social Security, and that sible. I am concerned that, after votes, you find out there is going to be a def- creates problems. I do not agree with we will end up in the same place we icit before the legislature meets—and everything that is included in these started—without a budget and without they only meet for 20 days in the budg- budgets I have mentioned, but I want a fiscal plan to get our Nation’s debt to commend my Republican colleagues and deficit in check. I do not know et year—if you know about it before for making tough choices and putting about you, but it is keeping me up that time, then the legislature has to forth solutions. nights. make those cuts. One of the things I While they have been doing that, Some of my colleagues have offered noted was when we made the cuts, the President Obama and the Senate ma- plans to make that happen. Those who people in the administration picked jority have ignored the problem and re- control the Senate appear content to out something that was painful and fused to acknowledge the need to cut sit on the sidelines and criticize. While made that cut so the constituents out spending. They have demonized Repub- that happens, we continue to add tril- there would say: Oh, that really hurt. licans and suggested it is our intention lions of dollars to our national debt. I Those stupid legislators picked the to harm seniors, poor people, and chil- would encourage my colleagues on the wrong things. Well, it was not the leg- dren. One advertisement showed a pic- other side of the aisle to think about islators who picked the wrong things. ture of House Budget Chairman RYAN what that means to future generations It was the people in charge of each of pushing an elderly woman off a cliff. and join us in finding a plan to fix our those trying to make sure the legisla- That kind of rhetoric does not help fiscal woes. ture felt pain. anything, that rhetoric is over the top, I know that is what they are think- If that deficit is noted outside of the while their solutions have been non- ing about because I have been in meet- time of the few days that the legisla- existent. ings off of the Hill where they have ture meets, then the Governor has to Last year, President Obama’s budget talked about this same thing. But we make the cuts. Virtually everybody in was such an empty proposal that it have to solve it; we cannot just talk the administration worked for the Gov- failed by a vote of 0 to 97 in the Senate. about it. We cannot give it lip service ernor. So when he made the cuts, they In the House this year, his latest budg- when we are off of the floor and excuse took the priorities and they chopped et failed by a vote of 0 to 414. I suspect it when we are on the floor. off the lowest priorities, so it was not it may face the same fate when it is I yield the floor. noticeable around the State, and it considered later today—the same one The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- works out well. That is leadership. they voted on. Not a single Member of ator from Alabama. That is tough leadership because the either party was willing to support the Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, before Governor does not like to have to be President’s budget proposal. How is Senator ENZI leaves the floor, he made the one who is held up for all the scru- that for leadership? reference to the fact that in the Euro- tiny of what is spent. In some of the countries that have a pean parliamentary system, when a That is what the President has to do. parliamentary form of government, Prime Minister proposes a budget that That is the President’s job, to get this they have heard about these votes and fails, that would be cause for collapse budget back in balance. There are some are terribly shocked because in their of the government and a new election. examples around the world where, country it would call for a special elec- He also correctly recalled how the when they put the budget on a path to tion and a new Prime Minister. deficit commission that was appointed balancing, the economy comes up. We will be voting on five budgets by President Obama came back with a Mr. SESSIONS. Yes. later today—four from Republican number of recommendations that Mr. ENZI. That gives people a little Members and President Obama’s budg- would have gone far farther than the bit of confidence of what can happen. et. Absent from the discussion is a President’s budget in dealing with our Right now, there is not a lot of con- budget produced by the Senate major- debt course. fidence around this country, so the ity that is shirking their responsibility But I would ask the Senator about economy is dropping. But a good budg- to govern. that moment he mentioned, after the et, that follows a plan, that gets us in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.050 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3212 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 fiscal stability, would make a huge dif- think—and I am not alone; I think form. What I am sort of hearing in the ference for this country and stimulate some people on both sides feel this—the wind around here is, do not count on it. business. best thing we can do for our economy I hope so. Senator CONRAD and I, it is Mr. SESSIONS. I could not agree and economic growth is to adopt a bi- going to be our last couple of months more. I do believe the debt course we partisan long-term program that will on this particular stage. There is noth- are on, which is unsustainable—every reduce and hopefully eliminate our ing I know he would like more to be expert and the witnesses who come be- debt. Why? Because it will restore con- part of, and I can tell you nothing I fore the Budget Committee on which fidence in the American economy. would like more to be part of, than Senator ENZI and I serve have told us it We all know that jobs do not come doing a bipartisan, long-term debt re- is unsustainable, and if we get off of it from government. They should not duction program. and tighten our belts and do things come from government or in govern- But I am fearful that it is asking an such as Governor Bentley in Alabama ment. Jobs that people want, need, awful lot of the system in a short pe- is doing, Governor Christie has had to come from the private sector. The last riod of time, and the tendency will be do, Governor Brown is now facing in time I looked, the private sector— to protect us from falling off the cliff California—they let that State go so American business—was sitting on by extending everything that is going far out of control, it is going to be dif- somewhere between $2 trillion and $3 to expire at the end of the year: stop- ficult to bring it back—but they have trillion of liquid assets that they are ping the sequestering, stopping the end to make tough choices. If we do that, I not spending. Why aren’t they spending of the Bush tax cuts. I hope I am believe we will get some positive im- it? They have very little confidence in wrong. I know there are some bipar- pact on the economy from the con- the future—not just confidence about tisan groups that I have been part of fidence that restores. how the economy is going to be, but that are working to get ready for that I say to Senator CONRAD, I see Sen- what we are going to do, what the gov- point. ator LIEBERMAN is here. I would be ernment is going to do. That is important work, because it willing to yield if you are ready to use I think if we adopted a long-term bi- cannot spring out of nowhere. But our some time now. partisan debt reduction program that country’s future is at stake, the future Mr. CONRAD. Could I say to my col- gave them some sense of security about of the greatest economy in the history league, we have 17 minutes left on this what taxes and spending policies were of the world, because of our irrespon- side. We have four Senators left to going to do for some years ahead, they sibility is the only thing I can say, and speak. The Senator has, I think, prob- would start to invest that $2 trillion to we have been part of it. I take blame ably 54, 53 minutes left—something $3 trillion again, and that would create for part of it. We are not doing what like that. hundreds of thousands of jobs that peo- the country needs us to do. So I say to Senator LIEBERMAN, if ple desperately need, who are trying so I am going to vote against the mo- you could take about 4 minutes, if that hard to get back to work. tions to proceed, because each of them, Look, basically we know what we would work for you. the proposals before us do not achieve have to do to make this happen. To Mr. LIEBERMAN. I was hoping for anything near what we need to do in 1 4 state it bluntly, it has to be a combina- 4 ⁄ minutes. OK. I will do my best. terms of a balance—entitlement re- tion of tax reform and entitlement re- Mr. CONRAD. Sold. form, tax reform. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I will form. We have to raise revenues so I do want to say one other thing yield 4 minutes to the Senator from they get back up to 18, 19, 20 percent which I hope we can get to soon. To say our side. and we have to bring spending down— the obvious, but sometimes it is impor- Mr. LIEBERMAN. I thank the Sen- most of the spending increases are tant to say it, the existing budget proc- ator. coming from entitlements—to about 18 ess has broken down. It does not work. Mr. SESSIONS. He will have a flat 8 or 19 percent of GDP so we can be in It is not related to the reality of the minutes. balance. It is not very mysterious how economic or political times we are in. Mr. LIEBERMAN. That is very gen- we are going to do this. But the polit- So the budget process does not work. erous of my friend. ical will is not there now to make Let me cite a couple of statistics. Not The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- those tough decisions. ator from Connecticut. Today is a classic moment. We have since early in 2009 has the Congress Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I these budget resolutions that are be- managed to actually pass a real annual thank the Senator from North Dakota fore us as a matter of privilege. They budget resolution. I know the Budget and the Senator from Alabama. are privileged matters. I have wanted Control Act does some of the things a I have been listening to some of the to vote to proceed to some of them just budget resolution would do, but not all statements that are being made. They to get on the subject matter, hoping of them, and it does not do what the are quite sincere. They are quite inter- that maybe the door would be opened Budget Reform Act of 1974 called on us esting. But I am afraid, in the end, for direction to various committees to to do. they are not going to signify very come back with long-term solutions, as Listen to this. Only four times in the much except good intentions. I have talked about. last 35 years—four times in 35 years— We have ourselves in a position here We all know the Bowles-Simpson have the appropriations bills been com- where we all know the country has a model is the one we are going to even- pleted prior to the beginning of a new terrible problem. We are spending a lot tually get to. The question is, how fiscal year. What business or what more than we are bringing in. The sim- close do we get to the fiscal cliff—or other government entity could operate plest way to explain it is, the last time has our country gone over the cliff, like that? I looked—I think I am still close on falling down—and, finally, we rush in The last time Congress successfully this—revenues of the Federal Govern- here and in a panic rescue it with passed all of the appropriations bills ment are about 15 or 16 percent of gross something like Simpson-Bowles? prior to the beginning of a new fiscal domestic product and the spending of The closest Senate proposal that year was 1996. We know it because we the Federal Government is about 25 would do what we need to do is the one have been here. Over and over again, percent of gross domestic product. my friend from North Dakota has ta- Congress slides from one temporary There you have a yawning, enormous bled in the Budget Committee. I wish short-term appropriations bill to the deficit, which adds up now to a long- we could vote on it. I do not know how next, months into the fiscal year, until term debt of over $15 trillion. many votes we would get, but I wish we we finally throw it into one big hodge- We cannot go on like this and be a could at least start the process. podge, which is not responsible govern- great country. We cannot go on like I know everybody says we are going ment, and a lot gets hidden in it. this and have any hope of economic re- to come back after the election and I want to raise the question—I know covery. I happen to agree—I should say there is going to be a burst of courage, my friends on the Budget Committee in gratitude for the extra time Senator I guess because the election is over, have thought about it. I sense my time SESSIONS has given me—I happen to and we are going to do the Simpson- is up. I wonder whether we need a com- agree with the last thing he said. I Bowles tax reform and entitlement re- mission to take a look in a short period

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:35 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.052 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3213 of time, 6 months, at the budget proc- Japan, he goes on to note, ‘‘once a tively low public-debt nation, Japan appar- ess we are following now and make rec- comparatively low public-debt nation, ently bought the Keynesian message many ommendations for a new process that apparently bought into the Keynesian years ago. The consequence for today is a will work. Maybe it is a lack of polit- message many years ago.’’ That is the ratio of government debt to GDP around 210%—the largest in the world. ical will and an inability to take on ‘‘spend’’ message. ‘‘The consequences This vast fiscal expansion didn’t avoid two these tough issues now, but maybe it is for today is a ratio of government debt decades of sluggish GDP growth, which aver- the process, and maybe that is some- to GDP around 210 percent, the largest aged less than 1% per year from 1991 to 2011. thing sooner than later we can work in the world.’’ No doubt, a committed Keynesian would say together on. I ask unanimous consent to have that Japanese growth would have been even I thank Senators CONRAD and SES- that article printed in the RECORD be- lower without the extraordinary fiscal stim- SIONS for allowing me to speak as long cause I think it helps give us some ulus—but a little evidence would be nice. as I was able to. guidance that at some point bringing Despite the lack of evidence, it is remark- I yield the floor. spending under control and tightening able how much allegiance the Keynesian ap- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- proach receives from policy makers and our deficit clearly would achieve more economists. I think it’s because the Keynes- ator from Alabama. financial benefit than continuing to Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I ian model addresses important macro- borrow and spend or create new taxes would share something that was in last economic policy issues and is pedagogically that depress the economy. beautiful, no doubt reflecting the genius of week’s Wall Street Journal, because it There being no objection, the mate- Keynes. The basic model—government steps deals with an issue that is important rial was ordered to be printed in the in to spend when others won’t—can be pre- and not to be dismissed, and that is RECORD, as follows: sented readily to one’s mother, who is then should we begin to make reductions in likely to buy the conclusions. [From the Wall Street Journal, May 9, 2012] spending today. I think Mr. Barro pro- Keynes worshipers’ faith in this model has vides some real valuable insight to STIMULUS SPENDING KEEPS FAILING—IF AUS- actually been strengthened by the Great Re- that. TERITY ISSOTERRIBLE, HOW COME GER- cession and the associated financial crisis. MANY AND SWEDEN HAVE DONE SO WELL? With regard to Senator LIEBERMAN, I Yet the empirical support for all this is as- do think that the budget process can (By Robert J. Barro) tonishingly thin. The Keynesian model asks work. It should be able to work. But it The weak economic recovery in the U.S. one to turn economic common sense on its head in many ways. For instance, more sav- will not work if we do not try to make and the even weaker performance in much of Europe have renewed calls for ending budget ing is bad because of the resultant drop in it work. Under certain circumstances, austerity and returning to larger fiscal defi- consumer demand, and higher productivity is it is hard to get a bipartisan budget if cits. Curiously, this plea for more fiscal ex- bad because the increased supply of goods you do not have everybody together. pansion fails to offer any proof that Organi- tends to lower the price level, thereby rais- So maybe it is worth examining wheth- zation for Economic Cooperation and Devel- ing the real value of debt. Meanwhile, trans- er we can make improvements there. opment (OECD) countries that chose more fer payments that subsidize unemployment But Mr. Barro deals with this ques- budget stimulus have performed better than are supposed to lower unemployment, and tion. He writes: those that opted for more austerity. Simi- more government spending is good even if it goes to wasteful projects. The weak economic recovery in the U.S. larly, in the American context, no evidence Looking forward, there is a lot to say on and the even weaker performance in much of is offered that past U.S. budget deficits economic grounds for strengthening fiscal Europe have renewed calls for ending budget (averaging 9% of GDP between 2009 and 2011) austerity in OECD countries. From a polit- austerity and returning to larger fiscal defi- helped to promote the economic recovery. ical perspective, however, the movement to- cits. Curiously, this plea for more fiscal ex- Two interesting European cases are Ger- ward austerity may be difficult to sustain in pansion fails to offer any proof that Organi- many and Sweden, each of which moved to- some countries, notably in France and zation for Economic Cooperation and Devel- ward rough budget balance between 2009 and Greece where leftists and other anti-aus- opment countries that chose more budget 2011 while sustaining comparatively strong terity groups just won elections. stimulus have performed better than those growth—the average growth rate per year of that opted for more austerity. real GDP for 2010 and 2011 was 3.6% for Ger- Consequently, there is likely to be increas- many and 4.9% for Sweden. If austerity is so ing diversity across countries in fiscal poli- He continues. These are the devel- terrible, how come these two countries have cies, and this divergence will likely make it oped countries in the world, OECD done so well? increasingly hard to sustain the euro as a countries. The OECD countries most clearly in or common currency. On the plus side, the dif- He goes on: near renewed recession—Greece, Portugal, fering policies will provide better data to Two interesting European cases are Ger- Italy, Spain and perhaps Ireland and the analyze the economic consequences of aus- many and Sweden, each of which moved to- Netherlands—are among those with rel- terity. ward rough budget balance between 2009 and atively large fiscal deficits. The median of Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I fiscal deficits for these six countries for 2010 2011— would share a few thoughts in general That is after the financial crisis— and 2011 was 7.9% of GDP. Of course, part of this pattern reflects a positive effect of weak about where we are. Our colleagues on while sustaining comparatively strong economic growth on deficits, rather than the the Democratic side have said they growth—the average growth rate per year for reverse. But there is nothing in the overall want more taxes. They have not told us real GDP for 2010 and 2011 was 3.6% growth OECD data since 2009 that supports the what taxes, how much, and where they for Germany and 4.9% for Sweden. If aus- Keynesian view that fiscal expansion has terity is so terrible, how come these two would be. But they have told us that. promoted economic growth. Senator CONRAD has said that. countries have done so well? For the U.S., my view is that the large fis- The OECD countries most clearly in or He has also been open and bold about cal deficits had a moderately positive effect near renewed recession—Greece, Portugal, on GDP growth in 2009, but this effect faded the need to cut spending. So he wants Italy, Spain and perhaps Ireland and the quickly and most likely became negative for more tax increases than I would like Netherlands—are among those with rel- 2011 and 2012. Yet many Keynesian econo- and he wants substantial spending atively large fiscal deficits. mists look at the weak U.S. recovery and cuts, but that is his view. He stated it The deficits for these six countries conclude that the problem was that the gov- publicly. But I will have to say, that is for 2010 and 2011 were 7.9 percent of ernment lacked sufficient commitment to not the position of the Democratic ma- GDP. Germany and Sweden did not fiscal expansion; it should have been even jority in the Senate because they have raise taxes but cut spending. He goes larger and pursued over an extended period. refused to put it on paper. on to say: This new point is dangerously unstable. Every time heightened fiscal deficits fail to Senator CONRAD was going to have a Every time heightened fiscal deficits fail Budget Committee mark up. We were to produce desirable outcomes, the policy ad- produce desirable outcomes, the policy ad- vice is to choose still larger deficits— vice is to choose still larger deficits. If, as I going to mark up a budget. He was believe to be true, fiscal deficits have only a going to lay out a plan. I guess it Borrow, tax, and spend. He goes on to short-run expansionary impact on growth would be somewhat ‘‘Simpson- say: and then become negative, the results from Bowlesish.’’ But it was not offered be- If, as I believe to be true, fiscal deficits following this policy advice are persistently cause the leadership and I suppose the have only a short-run expansionary impact low economic growth and an exploding ratio on growth and then become negative, the re- of public debt to GDP. members of the Democratic Conference sults from following this policy are persist- The last conclusion is not just academic, agreed that they do not want to be on ently low economic growth and an exploding because it fits with the behavior of Japan record. They would rather do like last ratio of debt to GDP. over the past two decades. Once a compara- year. And what happened last year?

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.053 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 They voted against the Toomey budg- $450-some-odd billion. The last 3 years the clear priorities and accountability et; they voted against the Ryan budg- under President Obama, the deficits of a budget, we continue to careen to- et; they voted against the Rand Paul have averaged over $1.3 trillion a year. ward the economic cliff, with our mas- budget; and voted against the Presi- Next year, beginning September 30, the sive debt and trillion-dollar deficits dent’s budget. next fiscal year, it is projected to be threatening the prosperity of Ameri- They wiped their hands. They did not over $1 trillion again. cans from every walk of life. To put it vote for anything to cause any pain to This is an unsustainable course. We simply, we must change course. anybody. And presumably they thought are looking here for some reality and Restoring the American dream will that was better than actually being en- leadership. I think it is a stunning, require more than clever bumper stick- gaged in leading and telling the Amer- amazing development when we have er slogans. While optimism is an im- ican people what they planned to do to the President of the United States at a portant part of the American dream, change the debt course we are on. That time of financial systemic crisis and hope simply is not a strategy for the is the deal. danger who has the opportunity to kind of course correction our country Well, I would say a couple of things. lead, who does not lead, who has an op- desperately needs. If I were talking to a group of Amer- portunity to tell the American people Doing nothing is no longer an option, ican citizens today, I would say this: why we need to change the course we although this President and this Con- Do not send one more dime to Wash- are on, the fact that it is going to take gress have attempted, by not having a ington, DC until they show you a budg- some belt tightening and some pain budget, to convince the American peo- et, how they are going to spend it. I and some sacrifice—not so much, but ple that doing nothing is somehow the mean, why should they? We get in some. only option. Ignoring our broken enti- trouble; we overspend; we place the Na- We are going to have to do it. And if tlement programs, maintaining our tion at risk. And all we want to say is: we do it, the country will be on a good complex Tax Code, and pretending we Send more money. You cannot cut, we path. We can save this country. We can don’t have a spending problem ensures are going to throw people into the avoid a debt crisis that could happen to that our economy will never truly re- streets, and push older people off the us, because indeed our debt per person cover and that the American dream cliff in a wheelchair. in America is higher than that of will not be restored. No, I do not think so. I think the Greece, higher than that of any other The good news for Americans is that American people need to hold this Con- country in Europe. We are in a dan- many of us do have solutions to con- gress, this government, to account. gerous area. We need to get off of it. I front and correct the country’s most They need to say, we are not sending am amazed the President has not led. pressing challenges. In today’s debate you any more money until you get I think it is a development of the and discussion, the Nation has seen your house in order. And we are not most stunning nature that he would, as that changing course and balancing our paying for hot tubs in Las Vegas. We the law requires, submit the budget he budget doesn’t have to take 30 years, are not throwing away $500 million on submitted. It is irresponsible. It did nor does it have to require the kinds of a Solyndra loan project that never had not get a single vote in the Senate last drastic cuts that could devastate a chance to succeed and was benefiting year. It went down 97 to 0. It was voted America’s most vulnerable citizens. cronies of the White House. We are not down 414 to 0 in the House this year. I As we conclude this debate, I remind going to pay for the TSA to have ware- suspect in an hour or so it will go down my colleagues of the old adage that houses filled with millions of dollars in again on the floor of the Senate by ‘‘you can make excuses or you can equipment not being used. unanimous vote. That speaks a lot. make progress, but you cannot make You do not have your act together. That says a lot, indicates the sad state both.’’ Given the gravity of our current We want you to get your act together. of affairs which we are in. situation, we should also recognize We want to see some management. We It is deeply disappointing. that our present path is unsustainable. want to see some leadership. Who is I see Senator LEE from Utah here, A course correction is coming; the the top manager in America? It is not who is a new Member of the Senate. If question we will be held accountable the chairman of the Budget Com- Senator CONRAD doesn’t have an objec- for answering is whether that correc- mittee, or the ranking member of the tion, I will yield to him and note that tion comes by choice or as a con- Budget Committee, it is the Chief Ex- Senator LEE campaigned throughout sequence of making excuses and doing ecutive. The President heads the exec- his State. He talked to thousands of nothing. utive branch. Every Cabinet member, people. He was elected in this last The Saving the American Dream subcabinet member, sub-sub-sub cabi- cycle. He felt the mood of the people of Plan, which I have proposed, puts us on net member works for the President. his State and America, their concern a sustainable and affordable path to- We had a situation where it has be- about the debt course we are on. He has ward economic growth. It reforms our come clear that for over a year, people worked extremely hard and has laid Tax Code to make paying taxes a sim- illegally in the country earning money out a proposal that he would like to ex- ple, transparent, and equitable process are filing income tax returns and gain- plain and ask us to support. that regular people can perform on ing as much as $4 billion a year in child I thank the Senator for his leader- their own. It empowers families to save tax credit money, a direct payment ship and his commitment and his hard by making savings tax free, which in from the United States for children work since he has been in the Senate. turn lowers their tax burden in a way who do not even live in the country. Mr. CONRAD. Might I inquire of Sen- that helps them and our economy. It The Inspector General for the U.S. ator LEE, how much time would the establishes a single tax rate. It elimi- Treasury Department said this should Senator require? nates the payroll tax, helping all have been ended, and the IRS is not Mr. LEE. Ten or twelve minutes. Americans—especially those at the ending it. Congress ought to pass a law Mr. CONRAD. Can we have an agree- lowest income level—and it abolishes about it. The House has done so. This ment for 15 minutes? Is that reason- the death tax permanently. Under this Senate has not acted. Those are the able? plan, Americans will no longer be kinds of things that are happening. I Mr. LEE. Yes. forced to navigate the complex web of would think the President of the Mr. CONRAD. And if the Senator countless loopholes—for people who United States, as soon as he learned completes his statement before then, don’t need them—contained within a that, would say: Stop it today. If you he can yield back—either way. tax code that is longer than the works care about the money of the American The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of Shakespeare. people, if you care about the fact that ator from Utah. In addition to placing an enormous we are now spending about $3.6 trillion Mr. LEE. Mr. President, the true burden and imposing immense uncer- dollars a year, taking in $2.3 trillion a greatness of our Nation lies in the tainty on our people, such a tax system year, so a deficit of $1.3 trillion. power and promise of the American hides the true size and cost of govern- Oh, they say that President Bush in- dream. Unfortunately, for many indi- ment. This plan is simple, and it pro- creased the deficit. And he did. But the viduals and families, this dream has be- vides certainty for individuals and for highest deficit he ever had was about come a national nightmare. Without businesses.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.055 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3215 Opponents of reform will play petty We need every American to join us in This legislation passed the Senate and politics and prey on false fears about finding the solutions that will enable the Republican-controlled House with the government’s ability to help the us as a nation to change course. The wide margins. And this was not a deal helpless. They claim that any course Saving the American Dream Plan is that we passed years ago that we have correction in entitlement or social about empowering individuals to define somehow forgotten about—we passed service spending will damage the social their own dream and ensuring they the Budget Control Act less than 10 safety net. The truth is that doing have every opportunity to make that months ago. These budget resolutions nothing will absolutely and completely dream reality. diverge greatly from the deal that we destroy the safety net. If we do not This is the greatest civilization the all agreed on. We passed that legisla- change course, the collapse of safety world has ever known—not because tion to avoid a debt default, to give us net services for our most vulnerable government made it great but because some certainty. But here we are 10 Americans is certain, and it is certain Americans continually reject the sta- months later, rehashing much of the to hurt most those who have the least. tus quo, choose to change course when same debate. This plan saves Social Security by needed, and demand economic freedom, Going through the motions of consid- transitioning to a real insurance plan while ensuring individual liberty and ering a budget resolution would not be that provides income security for sen- the right to pursue happiness. a productive use of our time. Proce- iors and prevents sudden poverty as a This budget preserves the clear prior- dural rules require that we spend up to result of unforeseen events. The afflu- ities and accountability we must have 50 hours on a budget resolution. And on ent elderly, such as Warren Buffett, to jump-start the economy, create real top of that, they force us into a ‘‘vote- will see a decrease in benefits. This jobs, strengthen the safety net, and re- a-rama’’ on all amendments that are plan will allow people like Mr. Buffett store the American dream. offered. So that means that we would to help in a way that is actually good I thank the Chair. lose a week or 2 on an exercise that is for our economy and job creators. Mr. FRANKEN. Mr. President, I moot because we already have budget The Saving the American Dream would like to echo what so many of my caps. That is time we would not have Plan also ends the government take- colleagues have already explained: that to focus on things that will provide over of health care and puts dollars and voting on a budget today would serve needed help to my Minnesota constitu- decisions back into the hands of fami- no purpose. We keep hearing from our ents: creating jobs, helping small busi- lies and individuals and their doctors. friends on the other side of the aisle: nesses, keeping interest rates low on Just like school choice allows parents ‘‘We haven’t passed a budget in a thou- student loans, and passing a long-term to make sure their kids don’t get stuck sand days.’’ While this is technically highway bill. in a failing school system, this plan en- true, this is a technicality without a But instead, the minority is insisting sures families don’t get stuck in a fail- difference, and ignores one essential that we spend precious time debating ing health care system. detail: we passed something else which, whether or not we should pass a budget Finally, this plan acknowledges that for all intents and purposes, accom- resolution. And so here we are with we have a spending problem and works plishes exactly the same thing as a five pending budget resolutions, and it to reduce the size of government, budget the Budget Control Act of 2011. is hard to tell which among them is the eliminate waste, lower the future bur- First let’s look at what a budget res- most detrimental to our country, be- den on taxpayers, encourage productive olution actually is. According to the cause they are all very dangerous. economic activity, and enhance indi- Congressional Research Service, a Senator PAUL’s proposal eliminates vidual liberty and choice. It reins in budget resolution: the U.S. Departments of Education, spending by a total of $9.6 trillion over sets forth aggregate levels of spending, rev- Energy, Commerce, and Housing and 10 years when compared to President enue, and public debt. It is not intended to Urban Development and turns impor- establish details of spending or revenue pol- Obama’s budget and by $7.1 trillion as icy and does not provide levels of spending tant safety net programs like child nu- against the CBO baseline. for specific agencies or programs. Instead, trition and Medicaid into block grants, Supporters of the status quo will its purpose is to create enforceable param- resulting in their funding being have every excuse as to why this budg- eters within which Congress can consider slashed. et or that budget won’t work, but now legislation dealing with spending and rev- Most of the proposals fundamentally is the time to stop making excuses and enue. change Medicare from a program that start making progress. Today we will A budget resolution is a document in- guarantees health care to seniors to vote on five budget proposals, but this tended to guide Congress, and never one that gives seniors some money— is only the beginning of the discussion. goes to the President for his signature. but not enough money—to buy health I can say confidently that Republicans The Budget Control Act actually went insurance in the private market. This have done a tremendous amount of much further than a budget resolu- breaks the promise we have made to work to craft proposals to begin to tion—it actually set spending caps for Americans—that if they work hard and change our course and move our coun- the next 10 years and put them into pay into the system, their health care try in the right direction, in a sustain- law—a law signed by the President. will be covered when they retire. able direction. The spending caps alone produce $900 Yet these massive cuts to programs The President’s budget reflects the billion of cuts. In addition, the Budget which benefit millions of Americans status quo: Do nothing, keep our com- Control Act created the Super Com- seem designed to bankroll new tax cuts plex Tax Code and broken entitlement mittee and, because the committee that benefit only the wealthiest few. programs, and ignore spending. As for failed to produce a deficit reduction The Urban Institute and Brookings In- Senate Democrats, for 3 straight years plan, the Act calls for automatic cuts— stitution’s joint Tax Policy Center es- they have refused to participate in this through a so-called ‘‘sequestration’’— timates that Senator TOOMEY’s pro- discussion except to criticize ideas of an additional $1.2 trillion. posal gives people making more than a they don’t like. Leadership is what So Congress has passed over $2 tril- million dollars a year an average tax leadership does. For the past 1,113 days, lion in spending cuts—the biggest cut of $92,000. And that plan looks rea- our country has suffered from a lack of package of spending cuts in American sonable compared to Senator PAUL’s, leadership. history. Yet some of my colleagues are which not only cuts the top tax rates I ask my colleagues, if you cannot now calling on Congress to also pass a in half for wealthy Americans but in- vote for these budget plans today, will budget resolution, despite the fact that creases taxes on working families. you at least do the right thing for the the Budget Control Act has the force of And all the while, these plans would country and put aside election-year law, and has spending caps, whereas a sacrifice programs that assist children, politics, show true leadership, and budget resolution has none of that and seniors, and the poor in favor of those work with us to explore and implement in fact, the Budget Control Act states tax giveaways to the wealthy. That is real solutions? We cannot stand by the clearly that it ‘‘shall apply in the same how these plans can be summarized. If status quo. We cannot decide by de- manner as for a concurrent resolution there were a reason to vote on these fault to do nothing. The American peo- on the budget. proposals, which I do not think there ple expect more, and they deserve bet- In addition, the Budget Control Act is, then they would all deserve our full- ter. is something that we all agreed to. throated opposition.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.056 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3216 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 But, as we have pointed out repeat- Perhaps the clearest statement of all Mr. CONRAD. OK. I ask unanimous edly, passing a budget resolution is of Republican intentions is the budget consent that Senator HARKIN speak for simply not needed after we have al- passed in the House, one of the pro- 4 minutes and Senator JOHNSON for 10 ready passed spending caps in the posals we will vote on today. This minutes. Budget Control Act. That would be budget eliminates the decades-long The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without about as productive as asking for some- guarantee of health care for our sen- objection, it is so ordered. one to draft up blueprints after they al- iors, replacing Medicare with a voucher Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I wish to ready had built your house. program that would cause sky- address these budget proposals in one Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, our Na- rocketing out-of-pocket costs for sen- context. First of all, we have to dismiss tion faces enormous and worrisome fis- iors. the so-called Sessions budget that is cal challenges. There is no question we There is more. The Ryan budget pro- supposedly the Obama budget—it is must reduce our budget deficit in the poses to cut billions and billions from not. That is not even serious. Beyond medium-term and prepare for a longer- domestic programs, but gives us no that, we have four Republican budgets. term future in which an aging popu- specifics as to how those cuts would be Here is the one thing people have to lation stresses Medicare and Social Se- accomplished. It proposes almost no keep in mind, especially now: Each one curity funds. And we face, at the begin- specific spending cuts, though it prom- of those budgets will double the inter- ning of January, the prospect of auto- ises massive savings. We can see just est rate on student loans beginning on matic, unprioritized, and unwise budg- how devastating these cuts would be if July 1 of this year—every single one of et cuts that would do tremendous harm we assume, in the absence of specific them. to just about every program in the gov- proposals, that they would be distrib- We were here in the last couple of ernment, from domestic programs to uted evenly across the budget. If that weeks trying to bring up a bill to pre- our military, and would in the process were the case, we would lose more than vent those interest rates from going threaten our economic recovery. $100 billion in funding over the next up, to keep it at 3.4 percent rather than The way to address those enormous going to 6.8 percent. The Republicans challenges is by coming together to ad- decade for science, including the search for new cures and other new tech- filibustered that. We could not even dress the sources of our budget deficit. bring it up for discussion, debate, and The solutions must include prudent, nologies. We would have space for 2 million fewer Head Start students to amending. But the Republicans kept prioritized spending cuts. They will un- saying, oh, they want to keep the in- doubtedly include reforms to entitle- get a jump on their education. More than 9 million college students would terest rate at 3.4 percent. Well, quite ment programs to ensure their long- frankly, I don’t see how they can say term viability. And, as just about any lose $1,000 in Pell grant funding to af- that and then vote for each one of objective observer has repeatedly ford college. these budgets because each one that pointed out, the solutions must include This budget would slash spending to will be voted on in about an hour and restoration of revenues lost to the educate our children and to train our a half, if it passes, will double the in- Treasury through unjustified tax cuts workers. It would cut funding to sup- terest rate on student loans on July 1. for the wealthiest and unjustified tax port new sources of energy and to pro- At the same time, they continue to fili- loopholes. tect our national parks and historic Democrats have repeatedly dem- sites, and for environmental protection buster our bill to even bring it on the onstrated a willingness to address and other natural resource programs. floor. My friends on the other side of these areas—even in painful ways that It would slash funding to pave our the aisle are telling students across the have a real impact on programs about roads and bridges and meet other country they don’t want to see the in- which we feel strongly. President transportation needs. terest rate double, but their budget has Obama has repeatedly reached out to And the Ryan plan does not address it. Republicans in trying to craft a bipar- what budget experts of all ideological Our former colleague and now the tisan agreement that deals with spend- stripes tell us we must address: the Vice President of the United States ing, entitlements and revenues. Sen- need for additional revenues. Rather JOE BIDEN, when he was a Senator, said something I think very savvy one time: ator CONRAD and many others on this than restore revenue, this budget is side of the aisle have said they will premised on the notion that high-in- Don’t tell me what you value; show me work with our Republican colleagues come earners haven’t gotten enough in your budget, and I will tell you what to deal comprehensively with the def- tax cuts—and so it slashes the top tax you value. icit. bracket. Mr. President, my friends on the Rather than seeking compromise, Re- If you are not willing to address reve- other side may say in public that they publicans seem determined to draw un- nues, you are not serious about ad- want to prevent the student loan rate compromising lines in the sand. Today dressing the deficit. The Ryan budget hike, but their actual budget tells a we will vote on extreme budget pro- and the other Republican proposals be- very different story. Likewise, their posals that would sacrifice vital pro- fore us fail that test. I hope we can dis- ongoing filibuster of our Stop the Stu- grams like education, transportation pense with these proposals and get to dent Loan Interest Rate Hike Act tells and research in order to protect tax the challenging work of dealing with a different story. Again, they have breaks for millionaires and billion- the deficit. blocked us from proceeding to the bill. aires. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- If we had proceeded, we could have had The Republican proposals before us ator from North Dakota. a serious discussion about how we pay today demonstrate that our efforts to Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, Senator for it. They could have offered amend- deal constructively with the deficit HARKIN is here, and Senator HARKIN ments that we could have voted on. In- have so far fallen on deaf ears. Rather needs about 4 minutes; is that right? stead, they chose to obstruct the entire than offer prudent, thoughtful spend- Mr. HARKIN. Yes. process, and yet repeatedly on this ing cuts, these proposals would gut Mr. CONRAD. How much time do we floor Republicans, one after the other, programs that Americans have repeat- have? came up and said they want to stop the edly told us to preserve. Rather than The PRESIDING OFFICER. Thirteen increase in interest rates from going recognize the obvious fiscal reality minutes 20 seconds. from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. Don’t that revenue must be part of the equa- Mr. CONRAD. On the other side? tell me what you value; show me your tion, these proposals demonstrate a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Twenty- budget. I will give them credit for this: continued, ideologically motivated re- four minutes 46 seconds. They have shown us their budget, and fusal to even consider what must obvi- Mr. CONRAD. This might be a useful in it is a doubling of the interest rate ously be part of any serious attempt to time to get another consent. If we can on student loans beginning July 1. address the deficit. Rather than reform have Senator HARKIN for 4 minutes, I want to be clear that anybody who entitlement programs so we can main- how much time does Senator JOHNSON votes for any one of these budgets is tain our commitment to seniors, these need? voting to double the student loan in- proposals would upend that commit- Mr. JOHNSON of Wisconsin. Not terest rate on July 1 regardless of what ment. more than 10 minutes. may be said, regardless of crocodile

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.048 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3217 tears that may be shed on interest Government spent a total of $16 trillion cently? That economic model is col- rates and what is happening. The budg- over that 10-year period. Over the last lapsing. ets we are voting on today tell the true 10 years, from 2002 to 2011, the Federal This is why Senator LEE’s proposal is story: Republicans are willing—not Government spent $28 trillion. important. If we take a look at spend- only willing, but they are going to, if Now, the debate moving forward is— ing and revenue generation over the they vote for these budgets, double the according to the just released Obama last 50 years, we can see spending from interest rates on student loans begin- budget—the President would like to 1959 through 2008 averaged 20.2 percent. ning on July 1. There is just no getting spend $47 trillion over the next 10 Over the last 3 years we have increased around that, and that is a shame. years. The House budget would spend that to 24 percent. Revenue generation We have to stop that interest rate $40 trillion. I guess what I like about has been 18.1 percent over that same hike on July 1. That is why it is impor- Senator LEE’s budget is that he would time period. tant to vote down these proposed budg- come in and spend about $37 trillion By the way, as much as our friends ets this afternoon. and put us on a more aggressive path on the other side of the aisle want to I yield the floor. toward fiscal sanity. While we hear punish success and increase the top The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- about Draconian cuts all the time, one marginal tax rates, the problem with ator from Wisconsin is recognized. doesn’t have to be a math major to re- that is it simply doesn’t work. During Mr. JOHNSON of Wisconsin. I ask alize that moving to $37 trillion, $40 my lifeline, the top marginal tax rates unanimous consent to speak for no trillion, or $47 trillion is not a cut from have been 90 percent, 70 percent to 50 more than 10 minutes. $28 trillion. All we are trying to do is percent to 28 percent, 35 percent, 39.6 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. reduce the rate of growth. percent, and now back to 35 percent. In MERKLEY). Without objection, it is so The other thing I like about Senator all that time period the average tax re- ordered. LEE’s budget can be illustrated in ceipts—the maximum amount the Fed- Mr. JOHNSON of Wisconsin. Mr. terms of this chart, which shows the eral Government could extract from President, before I start talking a bit total Federal debt. I started this chart our economy—has averaged very tight- about the budget of my friend Senator in 1987, the tail end of Ronald Reagan’s ly around that mean of 18.1 percent. LEE, I want to respond to the com- administration, when our total Federal If we ever have any chance of living ments of the Senator from Iowa in debt was $2.3 trillion. I want to point within our means, we better get Fed- terms of interest rates. out that it took us 200 years to incur eral spending down to about that level. Instead of talking about student $2.3 trillion. Of course, last year, in the That is what Senator LEE’s budget rates, let me talk a little about Amer- debt ceiling agreement, this Congress does. ica’s average borrowing cost. Cer- gave the President the authority to in- So, again, I thank my friend Senator tainly, what I have done is delved into crease our debt ceiling by $2.1 trillion. LEE, as well as Senator TOOMEY, and the budget and taken a look at the his- We will go through that in less than 2 Senator PAUL for putting forward seri- tory, and from 1970 to 1999—over that years. That is a problem. ous proposals. I thank all Republicans 30-year period—the average borrowing Of course, if we take a look at Presi- in Congress who are actually voting for cost in the United States was 5.3 per- dent Obama’s budget, we can see how something because, Mr. President, Re- cent. By the way, that was when Amer- quickly our national debt has in- publicans are proving we are willing to ica was a far more creditworthy na- creased. But according to President be held accountable to the American tion, when our debt-to-GDP ratio Obama’s budget, in the year 2022 our people by putting a plan on the table ranged from about 40 percent to 67 per- total Federal debt would be $25.9 tril- and showing the American people what cent. Now our debt-to-GDP ratio is lion, up $10 trillion from what it is we would do to try to get our fiscal over 100 percent. today. Senator LEE’s budget would re- house in order. Over the last 3 years our average bor- sult in a total debt of about $19.1 tril- With that, Mr. President, I yield the rowing cost has been kept artificially lion. Even more importantly, he sta- floor. low, at 1.5 percent. So my concern is by bilizes and then reduces a very impor- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- not seriously addressing the problem, tant metric, our overall debt-to-GDP ator from Vermont. Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I will not by not actually passing a real budget ratio. That is what investors take a take more than a few minutes, as I that starts reining in the growth in look at in terms of our creditworthi- have explained to the senior Senator government, we are going to go from ness. that 1.5 percent and revert back to that The other thing I like about Senator from North Dakota. I appreciate his courtesy, and I ask unanimous consent average mean borrowing cost of 5.3 per- LEE’s budget is by 2022 it will reduce cent. If we do, that 3.8-percent differen- Federal spending to 17.8 percent of the that my statement be made as in tial would add $600 billion to $700 bil- size of our economy. If you are like me morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. lion per year to America’s interest ex- and you think the root cause of our Withought objection, it is so ordered. pense, and that would crowd out 60 to economic problem is the size, the (The remarks of Mr. LEAHY are print- 70 percent of all discretionary spend- scope, and all the rules and regula- ed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Morning ing. That is the interest rate that I am tions, all of government’s intrusion Business.’’) concerned about. into our lives and the resulting cost of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- That is the day of reckoning I am government, this is the key metric: ator from New York. concerned about, when global investors How large is the Federal Government Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, before look at the United States and say: You in relationship to the size of our econ- he leaves, I want to say that the Sen- know what. We are not going to loan omy? ator from Vermont has done an incred- you any more money. Or what is more Currently, the Federal Government ible job on the Violence Against likely to occur, they will say: We will takes 24 cents of every dollar that is Women Act. He has put together a bi- loan you money but at a far higher generated by our economy. If we add in partisan coalition, and I would like to rate. State and local governments, total second his words that the House pass Having made that statement, I would government in the United States con- our bill. It is a careful compromise, and like to talk a little about the budget of sumes 39.2 percent. Put another way, 39 it is a delicately crafted compromise. my friend, Senator LEE, and the things cents of every dollar filters through The PRESIDING OFFICER. Will the I like about it. One of the things I like some level of government. Senator suspend? How much time does to do is take a look at history. I know I don’t know about anyone else, but I the Senator from North Dakota yield a lot of us say we don’t have a tax don’t find government particularly ef- to the Senator from New York? problem, and we don’t. It is not that we fective or efficient. To put that in per- Mr. CONRAD. How much time do I tax the American public too little, it is spective, for example, the cost of gov- have remaining? that we spend too much. And this is ernment for Norway last year—one of The PRESIDING OFFICER. There is some pretty graphic proof. the European-style socialist nations— 4 minutes remaining. This reflects our 10-year spending was 40 percent. For Greece, it was 47 Mr. CONRAD. I give the Senator 3 levels. From 1992 to 2000, the Federal percent. Anybody hear of Greece re- minutes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.057 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 Mr. SCHUMER. I thank my colleague ber because we know we have the high will be $1,200 billion, and the Buffett for the time. ground. rule would raise about $4 billion a year. Again, I want to compliment the I thank the Chair, and I yield my re- What kind of responsible leadership is Senator from Vermont and agree with maining time back to my friend and that, for the President of the United him and hope we can move the bill for- colleague from North Dakota. States to be traveling this country at a ward. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- time when we have never faced a more But, Mr. President, I am here to talk ator from Alabama. significant financial threat to Amer- about the budget. All afternoon I have Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, the ica—we never, ever have been on a debt heard my colleagues on the other side Budget Control Act is not a budget, it course as dangerous as the one we are of the aisle repeat over and over that is just a containment of spending. A on today. It is systemic. It is deep. We we haven’t passed a budget. As my clever attempt was made to make it have to make serious changes, and he friend from North Dakota knows, that look like a budget, but it is not a budg- goes around saying the Buffett rule is is clearly not the case. et. If it was a budget, why did the going to stabilize the debt? He also said Last August, President Obama signed President submit a budget this year? his budget last year would lead us to a budget for this year that reduces the Why did the House pass a budget? Why balance when the lowest single deficit deficit by $2 trillion. It is called the were four budgets produced in the year in 10 would be a deficit of $748 bil- Budget Control Act. It was passed 74 to House by Democratic House Members? lion. 26, bipartisan, with many Republicans In today’s Politico, an article quotes So I don’t know what kind of leader- voting for it on August 2, 2011. Senator LIEBERMAN, who just spoke ship we are getting. It is not good lead- Despite what we hear on the floor and who caucuses with the Democrats. ership. It is worse than no leadership today, after the Budget Control Act I don’t think [Democrats] will offer their because when a budget is prepared with passed, several Senate Republicans, in- own budget and I’m disappointed in that. great effort by Congressman PAUL cluding Senators GRASSLEY, ALEX- Senator MANCHIN of West Virginia, a RYAN in the House, and his budget will ANDER, and COLLINS, admitted it con- Democrat, said he would have been actually change the debt course of stitutes a budget. So watching this de- ‘‘impeached’’ if he had failed to America and minimize the pain we all bate on the Senate floor is a sort of produce a budget as West Virginia’s have to suffer and create some growth through-the-looking-glass experience. Governor, though he conceded there and prosperity, the President invites We are watching our colleagues call for are differences with the State budget him over to a conference, sits him something they acknowledge already process. down there, and then attacks it, and he happened and they supported. This is Sure I have a problem with [failing to offer has been attacking the budget ever nothing more than petty politics. We a budget]. As a former governor, my respon- since. Why is this? Why will not our should be focused on jobs and the econ- sibility was to put a budget forward and bal- colleagues support any budget? omy. Instead we are forced to spend ance it, so anyone who comes from the exec- I fully expect my Democratic col- hours debating something that already utive mindset has a problem with that. I leagues to vote against all of these happened. It doesn’t make sense. don’t care if you’re Democrat or Republican. budgets and not vote for one. Think But let’s put that aside for a moment ‘‘A problem with that’’ means a prob- about that. They will vote against and look at the extreme plans we are lem with not having a budget. four, not vote for one. Well, because voting on today. The only real dif- Senator MARK PRYOR, a Democrat you don’t have the fingerprints on any- ferences between the four Republican from Arkansas: thing that results in cutting spending, budgets—the only real difference be- The budget process is just not working nobody that benefits from spending is tween the four Republican budgets—is around here. We’ve had three years with going to be mad with you. Everybody how quickly they race to end Medicare President Obama where we’re not able to get who wants more money and doesn’t as we know it. The Republican budgets a budget resolution passed. want to have a dime reduced in the all cut taxes on the wealthiest Ameri- That 3 years includes this one. take they get from the taxpayers’ cans and leave the middle class to foot So we don’t have a budget, we have a trough and the debt we borrow—they the bill. They all allow student loan spending cap. And our Democratic col- don’t have any reduction in that, and rates to double. They all provide tax leagues—bless their hearts—have been then they can’t be mad at me. But that breaks for millionaires and billion- whining that the House proposed a is not a responsible course. aires. And they all put the middle class budget that came below the Senate’s This is not a little matter. This is last instead of first. Budget Control Act caps in some areas, what Admiral Mullen, the former When I first examined the Ryan so they say that was breaking the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, budget passed by the House GOP this budget. said just 2 years ago: year, I thought it was the height of ir- I would just advise them that when The biggest threat we have to our national responsibility. But now that we have they vote on the President’s budget— security is our debt. seen three other Republican budgets, and I assume they will all vote against In an important statement by 10 we know they make the Ryan budget it; they did last year—the President’s former Chairs of the Council of Eco- almost seem reasonable by comparison, budget wipes out half the savings in nomic Advisers, who served in Repub- and that is no small feat. the Budget Control Act. lican and Democratic administrations, I have nothing against the wealthy. I The President signed the Budget Con- they wrote in March of 2011: am glad they make money. That is the trol Act last August to raise the debt At some point, bond markets are likely to America way. God bless them. Many ceiling. We agreed to cut spending $2.1 turn on the United States, leading to a crisis are living the American dream. But in trillion—not nearly enough, but we cut that could dwarf 2008. order to keep that dream alive and get that and it was a decent step forward Bond markets will turn. That is what our country on firmer fiscal footing, I in the right direction, and the Presi- they have done on Greece. think we need a little shared sacrifice. dent proposes a budget this year that The Simpson-Bowles Commission’s The bottom line is any budget that takes half of it out. Give me a break. Erskine Bowles and Alan Simpson, in jeopardizes the middle class while fill- There is no sense of wanting to have a testimony to our committee, said: ing the pockets of the wealthy with budget, to adhere to one, and to con- This nation has never faced a more predict- greater tax breaks is ultimately unten- tain spending. What do they want? able financial crisis. able and will never pass the Senate. More taxes. The same thing as the Council of While we are certainly open to com- The President said, ‘‘The Buffett rule Economic Advisors said: You are on a promise, Democrats will not tolerate will help stabilize the debt.’’ That is debt path that is unsustainable. an assault on the middle class. It isn’t what the President said; that is, tax in- Chairman Bernanke, Chairman of the fair and it isn’t right. creases on the rich would help stabilize Federal Reserve—always cautious We hope the coming debate will yield the debt. Well, the Buffett tax would about what he says—talking about the a sound serious agreement. But if it raise about $4 billion a year. This year Congressional Budget Office’s projec- doesn’t, Democrats are happy to take the deficit will be $1,200 billion, not $4 tions of surging debt year after year, this contrast of priorities into Novem- billion. That is not going to fix it. It says:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.079 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3219 The CBO projections, by design, ignore the again, almost $47 trillion, where we creasing at two, three times the rate of adverse effects that such high debt and defi- were before the agreement was inflation. That is what puts us on an cits would likely have on our economy. But reached. Now, that is not responsible unsustainable course. if government debt and deficits were actu- The President’s budget goes against ally to grow at the pace envisioned by this leadership. And he had a big tax in- scenario, the economic and financial effects crease. Tax and spend—that is what everything the experts said, against would be severe. that budget is. And the American peo- the debt commission he appointed, and And I recall at one point he said in ple shouldn’t be happy with us. refuses to confront these surging enti- his testimony: You see these debts It was noted also that Senator HAR- tlement costs. That is a disappoint- being projected out there year after KIN said, well, this isn’t the President’s ment because we have nothing from year, surging at this high level? You budget, that Senator SESSIONS offered the other side on how they would deal are never going to get there. some joke, or something to that mat- with them. What he meant was that we would ter. But it is the President’s budget. It But the Members on this side have have a financial crisis before that hap- has the numbers in it that the Presi- offered budgets, and Congressman pened. dent had. They directly reflect the RYAN offered a budget. They do begin I would say to my colleagues, this is President’s request. If any Senator to deal with this painful but difficult a time of challenge for the Senate and wants to come forward and show any situation concerning the entitlement the Congress of the United States. Will number we put in there that is dif- programs. I note the Budget Control we rise to the challenge and actually ferent from the President’s numbers Act they have been calling a budget do something? We can talk about it. when he laid out his budget, then I had nothing to do with over 50 percent We can have secret meetings and secret would like to see it. Maybe we could of the budget. It did not deal with meetings and secret meetings. That is correct it. But I don’t think there is an those expenditures, it did not deal with not fixing it. We can have these last- error. I think we scrupulously followed the entitlements. That is another rea- minute decisions, like last summer the President’s budget proposal re- son it is not a budget. It is a cap on dis- when the government was about to vir- quest, and when people vote on it, they cretionary spending. That is all that tually shut down because the debt can know they are voting exactly on was. It was a step in the right direction limit had been reached, and reach some what he proposed. I don’t think any- but not a budget plan that would help secret agreement that is brought up on body will dispute the numbers we have us have a prosperous future. This is an important day. I think it the floor for a vote and is not very well in the budget. written. Or we can do what the law re- Also, I note that some of our Demo- will cause the American people and all of us in Congress to confront the re- quires. In the United States Code, the cratic colleagues are not happy about ality of a danger we face from debt. No Congressional Budget Act of 1974. It re- having no budget produced by the matter how we vote this day, this next quires that we pass a budget. We can’t Democratic side. They feel bad about hour—even if we vote in what I think is guarantee exactly how it will all come it, and I understand that. But I would the wrong way—hopefully this whole out, but we ought to attempt to com- have thought we would have had some process would have caused all of us to ply with the law, at least. We haven’t Members come down and complain confront the reality of the danger to attempted to do that. about it, to say that they didn’t think the American Republic, the growing I am worried about our future. I am the Democratic leadership, the Demo- debt. worried about where we are heading. cratic conference should have blocked I would say from my experience it And I do think the American people Senator CONRAD and the Budget Com- will be tough to deal with it, but I ab- have a right to be upset with us. They mittee from having a budget, that they solutely believe we can. It is not out- are not happy with us. They should not should be handling this differently. But side of the possibility and ability of be happy with us. When their Congress we haven’t had that, so I guess every- this country to reverse our course. The has allowed this country to reach a body is basically happy on the Demo- kind of cuts we will need to have will state where we are taking in $2.3 tril- cratic side not to have to cast any not be such that will damage in any lion and spending $3.6 trillion, when 35, tough votes. significant way the strength and 40 percent of what we spend is bor- Mr. President, how much time is re- rowed money, the American people health of America. maining on this side? The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time have a right to be unhappy about that. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- of the Senator has expired. They absolutely do. We are not pro- ator has 4 minutes. Mr. SESSIONS. I yield the floor. tecting their interests, their children’s Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, as we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- interests, their future, or the economy. come to a conclusion of this debate, ator from North Dakota. And it is stunning to me that the Senator HARKIN said something that Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I would leader of the free world, the President was pretty insightful. He said: Show ask Senator SESSIONS, if I might, for 2 of the United States, the Chief Execu- me your budget, and I will show you additional minutes because of the time tive, isn’t pounding away at the Con- what you value. Senator LEAHY consumed? gress to bring spending under control Refuse to show me your budget, I will Mr. SESSIONS. I appreciate that and and to reduce the debt we have. In- say, and I can say you are refusing to will agree to those 2 additional min- stead, he seems to never want to talk show what is important to you. utes. about it. He only talks about invest- One of the things that has been The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ments—more investments. brought up is the war costs. The war on objection, it is so ordered. In fact, that budget he produced this terror in Iraq and Afghanistan has been Mr. CONRAD. I thank the Senator year, what did it do to the spending expensive, no doubt about it. Last year for his courtesy. levels we agreed to last August? Before the total for both wars over 10 years Mr. President, the place we agree is the budget control agreement of last reached $1.3 trillion—10 years—both we have a long-term problem for this August, the U.S. Government was on wars. That was the deficit last year country that we must address. I at- path to spend $47 trillion over 10 years. alone, $1.3 trillion. This year the war tempted to lay before the Budget Com- What it effectively did was it reduced costs are declining. The year we are in, mittee, and did lay before the Budget that spending to $45 trillion—still sub- we are spending $118 billion on the war. Committee, the Bowles-Simpson plan. stantially more each year than we are Our deficit will be $1,200 billion. So It is the one plan that has had bipar- spending now. There is growth every eliminating all war costs would be less tisan support. I hope before the year is year under that proposal—too much than 10 percent of the amount of our over that we can go back to it because growth, too much debt. But it was a deficit. I think it holds the greatest potential. step. So this year when he proposed his I say that so we understand what has A key difference Senator SESSIONS budget, he proposed spending another happened. Over 50 percent of our spend- and I have is whether we have a budget $1.4 or $1.5 trillion, new, on top of that. ing is in mandatory entitlement pro- for this year and next. I believe it is After he signed the agreement that we grams—Medicare, Medicaid, Social Se- clear we do. The Budget Control Act would cap spending at $45 trillion, this curity, food stamps, retirement bene- that passed last year says that the al- would take spending up to $46.6 trillion fits. Those are huge and they are in- locations and spending levels set ‘‘shall

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:54 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.062 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3220 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 apply in the Senate in the same man- Maybe somebody will vote for it. Let The PRESIDING OFFICER. There ner as for a concurrent resolution on me tell you why we should not. It does will now be 2 minutes of debate equally the budget.’’ That is for both 2012 and not change the debt course. It violates divided prior to a vote on the motion 2013. the budget agreement the President to proceed to H. Con. Res. 112. I believe our Republican friends want signed and Congress passed last year, The Senator from Alabama. to focus on that because they do not by increasing spending over that level Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, at want to focus on the specifics of their by $1.5 trillion. It throws off another a time when our Nation has never, ever budget plans. Recall, the last time they $1.8 trillion in tax increases, essen- faced a deeper, more dangerous sys- were in charge, when they controlled tially using tax increases to offset new temic debt threat than we face today, everything—the House and the Senate spending programs, not to pay down the Republican House, under the lead- and the White House—the Republican the debt. It is the most irresponsible ership of Congressman PAUL RYAN, has policies led us to the brink of financial budget submitted. I urge my colleagues produced a budget that would change collapse. The proposals they are ad- to vote no. the debt course of America, create eco- vancing today are a return to those The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time nomic growth, put us on a path to fi- failed policies. Remember what hap- of the Senator has expired. The Sen- nancial stability, and do the things pened when they were in charge. We ator from North Dakota. that a responsible budget should do. were losing 800,000 jobs a month and Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, this is The President’s budget utterly failed in the economy was shrinking at a rate of the budget. This is what Senator SES- that regard and has gotten no support. almost 9 percent a year. That is why SIONS has presented as being the Presi- This budget will do the job. they do not want to focus on the sub- dent’s budget. Do you see a difference? People can disagree with this or that stance of their plans. This is what Senator SESSIONS de- portion of it. I think this budget is a Let’s focus on the substance for a scribes as the President’s budget. This historic step in the right direction for moment. Every Republican budget ends is the President’s budget. I think it is this great Republic, and I urge my col- Medicare as we know it. One Repub- readily apparent, there is a big dif- leagues to support it. lican budget cuts Social Security bene- ference between the President’s budget, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fits by 39 percent. Every Republican which I hold in my hands, and what ator from North Dakota. budget cuts taxes for millionaires by at Senator SESSIONS has presented as Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, this least $150,000 a year. And every Repub- being the President’s budget. This is budget plan, the House Republican lican budget protects offshore tax ha- not the President’s budget, so of course plan, ends Medicare as we know it. All vens. we are not going to support it. It is not the while, it provides $1 trillion of ad- I have shown on the floor many times what the President proposed. ditional tax cuts to the wealthiest a picture of this little building in the I yield back our time. among us. It gives millionaires, on av- Cayman Islands that claims to be the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The erage, an additional tax cut of $150,000 home of 18,857 companies. It is not question is on agreeing to the motion. a year. In addition, it cuts health care their home. They are not doing busi- The yeas and nays have been ordered. by $3 trillion and increases the number ness out of this little five-story busi- The clerk will call the roll. of uninsured in our country by 30 mil- ness in the Cayman Islands. They are The assistant bill clerk called the lion people. doing monkey business. The monkey roll. I urge my colleagues to reject this business they are doing is avoiding the Mr. KYL. The following Senator is budget proposal. taxes they owe. Every Republican necessarily absent: the Senator from Mr. HARKIN. Would the Senator budget protects this scam. That should Illinois (Mr. KIRK). yield for a question? not be allowed to continue. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. KLO- Mr. CONRAD. Yes. I hope my colleagues reject these BUCHAR). Are there any other Senators The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- proposals. I hope we will vote no, and in the Chamber desiring to vote? ator from Iowa. The result was announced—yeas 0, then get onto the serious business of a Mr. HARKIN. Does this budget per- nays 99, as follows: bipartisan plan to get America back on mit the interest rates on student loans track, the Simpson-Bowles plan that I [Rollcall Vote No. 97 Leg.] to double on July 1? presented to the Budget Committee. NAYS—99 Mr. CONRAD. It does. I yield the floor. I believe all time Akaka Franken Mikulski Mr. HARKIN. I thank the Senator. has expired? Alexander Gillibrand Moran The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Ayotte Graham Murkowski Barrasso Grassley Murray question is on agreeing to the motion. ator is correct. Baucus Hagan Nelson (NE) Mr. SESSIONS. Madam President, I The question is on the motion to pro- Begich Harkin Nelson (FL) ask for the yeas and nays. Bennet Hatch Paul ceed to S. Con. Res. 41. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Mr. SESSIONS. I ask for the yeas Bingaman Heller Portman Blumenthal Hoeven Pryor sufficient second? and nays. Blunt Hutchison Reed There appears to be a sufficient sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Boozman Inhofe Reid ond. sufficient second? Boxer Inouye Risch The clerk will call the roll. There appears to be a sufficient sec- Brown (MA) Isakson Roberts Brown (OH) Johanns Rockefeller The bill clerk called the roll. ond. Burr Johnson (SD) Rubio Mr. KYL. The following Senator is The yeas and nays were ordered. Cantwell Johnson (WI) Sanders Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, we Cardin Kerry Schumer necessarily absent: the Senator from have 1 minute on each side? Carper Klobuchar Sessions Illinois (Mr. KIRK). Casey Kohl Shaheen The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Chambliss Kyl Shelby objection, it is so ordered. Coats Landrieu Snowe any other Senators in the Chamber de- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, the Coburn Lautenberg Stabenow siring to vote? President’s budget is now before us. Cochran Leahy Tester The result was announced—yeas 41, Collins Lee Thune nays 58, as follows: Last year it failed in this body 97 to 0. Conrad Levin Toomey It failed in the House, the budget that Coons Lieberman Udall (CO) [Rollcall Vote No. 98 Leg.] he offered this year, 414 to 0. I expect it Corker Lugar Udall (NM) YEAS—41 Cornyn Manchin Vitter will receive no votes today. That is a Crapo McCain Warner Alexander Corker Inhofe stunning development for the Presi- DeMint McCaskill Webb Ayotte Cornyn Isakson dent of the United States in his fourth Durbin McConnell Whitehouse Barrasso Crapo Johanns Enzi Menendez Wicker Blunt DeMint Johnson (WI) year in office, to produce a budget for Feinstein Merkley Wyden Boozman Enzi Kyl the future of our country at a time of Burr Graham Lee fiscal danger, great financial and eco- NOT VOTING—1 Chambliss Grassley Lugar Kirk Coats Hatch McCain nomic danger to our country, to not re- Coburn Hoeven McConnell ceive a single vote. The motion was rejected. Cochran Hutchison Moran

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.064 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3221 Murkowski Rubio Toomey and energy. In fact, this proposal cuts divided prior to a vote on the motion Portman Sessions Vitter discretionary spending $1 trillion below to proceed to S. Con. Res. 42 introduced Risch Shelby Wicker Roberts Thune the Budget Control Act, which cut $900 by the Senator from Kentucky, Mr. NAYS—58 billion. In addition, this cuts $3 trillion PAUL. in health care by ending Medicare as The Senator from Kentucky. Akaka Hagan Nelson (FL) Baucus Harkin Paul we know it and by block-granting Med- Mr. PAUL. Madam President, like Begich Heller Pryor icaid, holding hostage those who are the previous three Republican budgets, Bennet Inouye Reed the most vulnerable among us, children this budget is silent on student inter- Bingaman Johnson (SD) Reid and the disabled. Blumenthal Kerry est rates. Anyone who asserts other- Rockefeller I urge my colleagues to resist this Boxer Klobuchar Sanders wise for good political theatre should Brown (MA) Kohl Schumer proposal. know that it is untrue. This budget has Brown (OH) Landrieu Shaheen Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, will Cantwell Lautenberg nothing to do with student interest Snowe my colleague yield for a question? Cardin Leahy rates. I think we should have a debate Carper Levin Stabenow Mr. CONRAD. I am happy to yield. on a little higher plane. Tester The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Casey Lieberman We are borrowing $50,000 a second. We Collins Manchin Udall (CO) ator from Iowa. Udall (NM) are borrowing $4 billion a day, over $1 Conrad McCaskill Mr. HARKIN. Does the Toomey budg- Coons Menendez Warner trillion a year. While America burns et we are about to vote on increase stu- Durbin Merkley Webb through a century of wealth, the Presi- Feinstein Mikulski Whitehouse dent loan interest rates on July 1 from dent fiddles. The President’s friends Franken Murray Wyden 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent? Gillibrand Nelson (NE) Mr. CONRAD. It does permit that. fuss and they produce no budget. NOT VOTING—1 Mr. HARKIN. Well, I hope every Sen- This budget balances in 5 years. It Kirk ator who votes on this knows, if they saves Social Security. It saves Medi- care. It reforms and simplifies the Tax The motion was rejected. are voting for this budget, they are voting to double student loan interest Code. I urge my colleagues to act now The PRESIDING OFFICER. There and vote for a budget that balances. Do will now be 2 minutes of debate equally rates on July 1. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The something to save America from this divided prior to a vote on the motion looming debt crisis. to proceed to S. Con. Res. 37. question is on agreeing to the motion. The Senator from Pennsylvania is Mr. CONRAD. I ask for the yeas and I yield the floor. recognized. nays. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a ator from North Dakota is recognized. vote we are about to cast is on a mo- sufficient second? Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, this tion to proceed to the budget I have in- There appears to be a sufficient sec- plan has massive tax cuts for the troduced, one of the important features ond. wealthiest among us. This plan cuts of which is within the customary 10- The clerk will call the roll. discretionary spending $2 trillion below The legislative clerk called the roll. year budget window this budget would the Budget Control Act that cut $900 Mr. KYL. The following Senator is balance. It does not happen overnight. billion. This plan ends Medicare in 2 necessarily absent: the Senator from It takes 8 years to get there. But it years. This plan repeals health care re- Illinois (Mr. KIRK). does, in fact, balance, and it does it by form. Thirty million more people The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there would be uninsured. essentially containing the rate of any other Senators in the Chamber de- Perhaps most stunningly, this plan growth in spending. Only in the first siring to vote? cuts Social Security benefits 39 per- year is there a spending cut, and that The result was announced—yeas 42, cent. One can say it balances, but it is less than 3 percent. Every year nays 57, as follows: balances at an extraordinary cost. And thereafter spending grows in this budg- [Rollcall Vote No. 99 Leg.] et, but it grows a little more slowly the cost is borne by those least able to YEAS—42 than the alternative. It grows at a sus- bear the cost. I urge my colleagues to Alexander Enzi McConnell reject this plan. tainable pace so that with normal eco- Ayotte Graham Moran nomic growth we will reach a balance Barrasso Grassley Murkowski Mr. HARKIN. Would the Senator within 8 years and a modest surplus Blunt Hatch Paul yield for a question? thereafter. Boozman Hoeven Portman Mr. CONRAD. I would be happy to. Burr Hutchison Risch It does call for some of these struc- Chambliss Inhofe Roberts Mr. HARKIN. Madam President, I tural entitlement reforms we need. Coats Isakson Rubio ask the same question of the distin- Specifically, it would call for adopting Coburn Johanns Sessions guished chairman: Would this budget the bipartisan Medicare reform plan Cochran Johnson (WI) Shelby Corker Kyl Thune have the interest rates double on stu- that I would remind everyone permits Cornyn Lee Toomey dent loans on July 1 from 3.4 percent to senior citizens to continue to choose Crapo Lugar Vitter 6.8 percent? the traditional fee-for-service Medicare DeMint McCain Wicker Mr. CONRAD. Well, it is hard to see they have now—if that is their choice— NAYS—57 how it would not. Let me say, in edu- but it does make other options we Akaka Gillibrand Murray cation, it cuts education 59 percent. think would be more cost effective Baucus Hagan Nelson (NE) The PRESIDING OFFICER. The available as well. Begich Harkin Nelson (FL) Bennet Heller Pryor question is on agreeing to the motion. It also adopts the President’s rec- Bingaman Inouye Reed Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, I ommendation by asking the wealthiest Blumenthal Johnson (SD) Reid ask for the yeas and nays. Americans to pay a little more for the Boxer Kerry Rockefeller The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a Medicare benefits they enjoy. It asks Brown (MA) Klobuchar Sanders Brown (OH) Kohl Schumer sufficient second? for tax reform that we all know we Cantwell Landrieu Shaheen There is a sufficient second. need to generate economic growth, and Cardin Lautenberg Snowe it puts our budget on a sustainable Carper Leahy Stabenow The clerk will call the roll. path. Casey Levin Tester The assistant legislative clerk called Collins Lieberman Udall (CO) the roll. I urge Members to vote in favor of Conrad Manchin Udall (NM) this motion. Coons McCaskill Warner Mr. KYL. The following Senator is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Durbin Menendez Webb necessarily absent: the Senator from Feinstein Merkley Whitehouse Illinois (Mr. KIRK). ator from North Dakota. Franken Mikulski Wyden Mr. CONRAD. Madam President, this The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. is another unbalanced plan. There is NOT VOTING—1 WHITEHOUSE). Are there any other Sen- very little in the way of revenue to re- Kirk ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? duce deficits and debt but deep spend- The PRESIDING OFFICER. There The result was announced—yeas 16, ing cuts in priorities such as education will now be 2 minutes of debate equally nays 83, as follows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.004 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 [Rollcall Vote No. 100 Leg.] tably impair our ability to fund every- NAYS—82 YEAS—16 thing from defense to entitlements. So Akaka Gillibrand Murkowski Barrasso Johnson (WI) Sessions sticking to this course isn’t the solu- Alexander Graham Murray Coburn Lee Shelby Ayotte Hagan Nelson (NE) tion. It can’t be the solution. And if Baucus Harkin Crapo McConnell Thune Nelson (FL) followed as a solution, it will have an Begich Heller DeMint Moran Vitter Portman Enzi Paul impact that will prove devastating to Bennet Hoeven Pryor Hatch Risch America’s most vulnerable popu- Bingaman Hutchison Reed Blumenthal Inouye Reid NAYS—83 lations. It is for exactly that reason I Blunt Isakson Roberts have proposed this budget—a budget Boozman Johanns Akaka Franken Merkley Rockefeller Boxer Johnson (SD) Alexander Gillibrand Mikulski that balances within 5 years, a budget Brown (MA) Kerry Rubio Ayotte Graham Murkowski that simplifies the Tax Code, a budget Brown (OH) Klobuchar Sanders Baucus Grassley Murray that puts health care decisions back Burr Schumer Begich Hagan Kohl Nelson (NE) Cantwell Shaheen Bennet Harkin into the hands of individual families, Kyl Nelson (FL) Cardin Shelby Bingaman Heller individuals themselves, and their doc- Landrieu Portman Carper Snowe Blumenthal Hoeven Lautenberg Pryor tors, where those decisions properly be- Casey Stabenow Blunt Hutchison Leahy Reed Chambliss Tester Boozman Inhofe long. Levin Reid Cochran Boxer Inouye We don’t have much time. We have to Lieberman Toomey Roberts Collins Brown (MA) Isakson Lugar Udall (CO) Rockefeller get this done. I urge my colleagues to Conrad Brown (OH) Johanns Manchin Udall (NM) Rubio support this budget. Coons Burr Johnson (SD) McCain Warner Sanders Corker Cantwell Kerry I yield the floor. McCaskill Webb Cornyn Cardin Klobuchar Schumer McConnell Whitehouse The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Durbin Carper Kohl Shaheen Menendez Wicker Feinstein Casey Kyl Snowe ator from North Dakota. Merkley Wyden Franken Chambliss Landrieu Stabenow Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, this Mikulski Coats Lautenberg Tester budget proposal has the most serious NOT VOTING—1 Toomey Cochran Leahy mistakes I have seen in 26 years of Collins Levin Udall (CO) Kirk Conrad Lieberman Udall (NM) dealing with budgets in this Chamber. The motion was rejected. Coons Lugar Warner This budget starts with an $8 trillion The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Corker Manchin Webb mistake on the size of the deficit. Cornyn McCain Whitehouse the previous order, the motion to re- Durbin McCaskill Wicker I have put up the calculation. This consider is considered made and laid Feinstein Menendez Wyden budget has Federal revenues of $27.5 upon the table. NOT VOTING—1 trillion, budget outlays of $37.2 trillion, f for a difference of $9.750 trillion. But it Kirk claims deficits of $1.750 trillion. That is STOP THE STUDENT LOAN INTER- The motion was rejected. an $8 trillion mistake. EST RATE HIKE ACT OF 2012—MO- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- No. 2, it has a $5.7 trillion mistake TION TO PROCEED—Continued jority leader. with respect to budget authority. If we The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Mr. REID. Mr. President, if I can add up the individual budget function ator from Iowa. have everyone’s attention, we have one totals, they are $5.7 trillion less than (The remarks of Senators GRASSLEY more vote this evening. The Repub- the aggregate budget authority totals and LANDRIEU pertaining to the sub- lican leader and I have worked out in what is being offered by the Senator. mission of S. Res. 462 are printed in to- something tentatively—I think we will No. 3, this requires some committees day’s RECORD under ‘‘Submitted Reso- be able to put it in writing in just a few lutions.’’) minutes—where we will have two votes to cut more spending than they have available to them in their resources. Ms. LANDRIEU. tomorrow at noon on the two Fed I yield the floor. For example, the HELP Committee is nominees. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. BEN- instructed to save $2.7 trillion, and I think most people know I moved NET). The Senator from Kansas. last night to the FDA bill. I hope we they only have $510 billion available to Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I ask won’t have to file cloture on that and them to cut. unanimous consent to address the Sen- that we can just move to it and start This budget is shot full of basic fun- ate as in morning business. the amendment process. That is what damental mistakes. It should not even The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the people want, that is what we want, be considered as a budget on the floor. objection, it is so ordered. and that is what we are willing to do, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY so I hope we can do that. It is a wide- ator’s time has expired. Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, today we ranging bill, extremely important for The question is on agreeing to the considered five separate budget pro- the country, with relevant amend- motion. posals for the Federal Government. At ments. There are a lot of them to do, so Mr. LEE. I ask for the yeas and nays. first glance, that would appear to be I hope we can have an agreement to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a the fiscally responsible thing to do. that effect. sufficient second? The families and small business owners The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under There appears to be a sufficient sec- I talk to back home in Kansas do that the previous order, there will now be 2 ond. every year. They operate with a budg- minutes of debate equally divided be- The clerk will call the roll. et, and we know the Federal Govern- fore the vote on the motion to proceed The legislative clerk called the roll. ment needs to do so as well. However, to S. Con. Res. 44 introduced by the Mr. KYL. The following Senator is this Chamber has not passed a budget Senator from Utah, Mr. LEE. necessarily absent: the Senator from in 1,113 days. That is more than 3 The Senator from Utah. Illinois (Mr. KIRK). years. Mr. LEE. Mr. President, I remind my In my first speech on the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there colleagues of the old adage that you floor as a new Member of the Senate a any other Senators in the Chamber de- can make excuses or you can make little more than a year ago, I indicated siring to vote? progress but you cannot make both. to my Senate colleagues that my Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, the The result was announced—yeas 17, greatest concern for our country is our Senator deserves to be heard. nays 82, as follows: Nation’s out-of-control spending. I am Mr. LEE. I remind my colleagues of [Rollcall Vote No. 101 Leg.] here today because I still have that the old adage that you can make ex- YEAS—17 concern. We spend too much money, cuses or you can make progress but Barrasso Grassley Paul and we no longer can delay the difficult you cannot make both—at least not si- Coats Hatch Risch decisions necessary to correct that multaneously. Coburn Inhofe Sessions Crapo Johnson (WI) problem. Our current course is unsustainable. Thune Our national debt stands at more DeMint Lee Vitter Maintaining the status quo will inevi- Enzi Moran than $15 trillion. This enormous

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.006 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3223 amount of debt is slowing our eco- simply make sound bites out of pro- after a very open and transparent floor nomic recovery and threatening the posals that Members of the Senate and process in which around 40 amend- prosperity of our future generations, the House care very seriously about. ments were agreed to either by vote or who will have to pay for our fiscal irre- We have to work together to put for- agreement, and it has the support of sponsibility. ward commonsense solutions that will everybody from the U.S. Chamber of Writing and passing a budget is one preserve these programs for future gen- Commerce to labor, from the pavers to of the most basic responsibilities of erations. This is not about ending the environmentalists. So it is a good Congress. It is required by law. The those entitlement programs. In fact, piece of legislation. It was done right. budget sets forth priorities and guide- the reports that recently came from The problem is that it is running up lines for the fiscal year and begins the nonpartisan sources tell us that both against a time deadline. As my director process of determining how much Medicare and Social Security will face of transportation tells me, if we delay money should be spent and which pro- significant shortfalls in the near fu- this too long, he has to start dropping grams should be cut back, eliminated, ture. Therefore, this is about taking projects off of this summer’s highway or even further supported. Without a care of those programs to see that they work period because the time is slip- budget, the annual appropriations are available for those who need them ping away as we dawdle here in Con- process—and I am a member of the in the future. I want to be able to tell gress on this bill. Senate Appropriations Committee, and every young person—when they ask, It is not just the Rhode Island De- I want the appropriations process to will I be able to get Social Security partment of Transportation saying work, but in many ways that appro- when I retire, I want that answer to be this. Standard & Poor’s Global Credit priations process continues to be on yes. If we don’t deal with the issues, Portal has a report, ‘‘Increasingly Un- hold. This is not the way to run our the answer cannot honestly be yes. predictable Federal Funding Could country. To put our country back on In Congress, we have a solemn obliga- Stall U.S. Transportation Infrastruc- its path to fiscal responsibility, we tion to be good stewards of taxpayer ture Projects.’’ must set the budget. We set budget dollars. Our spending debate is often- It says within the report: limits, and then we have to stick to times seen as something that is philo- As the construction season begins in the them. sophical or academic or more likely northern half of the country, this continuing Any serious conversation about the just a partisan argument, but the truth uncertainty in funding could force states to budget and Federal spending must in- is that out-of-control borrowing and delay projects rather than risk funding clude a candid assessment of our Na- spending has a very real consequence changes or political gridlock come July. tion’s entitlement programs. Those on the daily lives of every American So we need to get this done, and I programs include Social Security and and certainly on the economy in which have heard at this point that the House Medicare. Mandatory spending makes we live and operate. It is about wheth- Republican conferees intend to hold up 56 percent of the Federal budget—if er Americans can find a job, make pay- the conference on this bill through late we had one. This percentage will only ments on their homes and automobiles, June, and if we do that, that will cost increase in years ahead as more Ameri- and whether their children will have a jobs in America, that will cost jobs in cans retire and fewer workers are there bright future and the opportunity to Rhode Island, that will cost jobs to replace them. Without addressing pursue what we all call the American around the country because our trans- our long-term commitments, our at- dream. portation directors are going to have tempts to significantly change our When we continue to fail to balance to take work scheduled for the summer country’s fiscal outlook will be lim- the budget, when we don’t put our- and postpone it, and that is a very un- ited. selves on the path toward a balanced fortunate turn of events. It has nothing As I said, I am a member of the Sen- budget, it means increasing inflation, to do with the merits. ate Appropriations Committee, where with higher interest rates and an un- Unfortunately, the House was not our appropriations process deals with certain economy, which results in able to pass a highway bill of any kind, about 30 percent of spending on an an- fewer business investments and fewer which is unfortunate because it is not nual basis. We have done a reasonable jobs. the most complicated task. It is some- job—I hate to be overly complimentary The greatest opportunity we have to thing we have been doing for decades to Congress—at holding the line on dis- improve the lives of Americans is to around here. They couldn’t get that cretionary spending, that 30 percent we erect an environment where employers done, and so what they have done now deal with every year. It has been pretty feel comfortable in investing in the fu- is gone to conference on the Senate bill flatlined over the last several years, ture and create jobs so people can go without a bill of their own, and this ap- but you cannot solve our country’s fis- back to work. When they go back to pears to be causing delay. So I am here cal problems by only dealing with the work, they can put food on their fam- to urge that we all encourage the 30 percent that we include in the appro- ily’s table, they can save for their chil- House Members of the highway con- priations process. We have to deal with dren’s education, they can save for ference committee to expedite their the remaining portions of our budget. their own retirement, and most impor- work as much as they can. Apparently The challenge of not only the appro- tantly, every person in America will there is a 2-week period that the House priations process to determine how once again be able to pursue the Amer- is taking off, and if it is delayed by 2 much money we spend every year but ican dream. weeks so that Members can go home, I the broader issues of so-called entitle- I yield the floor. don’t think that is a profitable use of ment spending cannot be ignored any The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- our time. longer. Of the five budgets we consid- ator from Rhode Island. There is a great deal of loose talk ered earlier today, four of them—all SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ACT around here about jobs. We have even but President Obama’s budget—con- Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I had bills that didn’t relate to jobs tained serious proposals to these enti- would like to address a slightly dif- called jobs bills because of gimmickry tlements. I can critique every one of ferent topic, which is the continuing in the title. But this is a real jobs bill. the four budgets that move in the right conference on the highway bill. We This is 3.9 million jobs for the country, direction of balancing the budget. passed a very good highway bill in the and it is 9,000 jobs for Rhode Island, as There are things I would do differently, Senate. We passed it on time for the calculated in years of work—job years. but I commend my colleagues for offer- March 31 deadline when the highway We are just wasting that if we don’t get ing serious solutions to serious prob- trust fund was going to expire. We this done on time. lems. passed it in bipartisan fashion, with 75 So if people really want to do some- It has bothered me greatly that when Senators supporting it. We passed it thing about jobs, they can get the Members of the House or Members of after it came unanimously out of the highway bill moved along rapidly so the Senate offer a serious budget, they Environment and Public Works Com- that the work can be done in this sum- are immediately attacked from a polit- mittee with the support of the chair- mer work session. ical point of view as if we can continue man, Senator BOXER, and the ranking I yield the floor, and I suggest the ab- to ignore the problems we face and member, Senator INHOFE. We passed it sence of a quorum.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.071 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The in Afghan society, including education, a truly independent body. Currently, clerk will call the roll. health, the economy, and the well- the President selects the commis- The assistant legislative clerk called being of women and girls. In examining sioners, creating the suspicion that the the roll. these factors, it is clear to me that a body is biased. In accordance with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- responsible drawdown of U.S. and international standards, the commis- ator from Pennsylvania. international forces in Afghanistan sioners should be selected by a body Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask must be concurrent with not only that reflects the broad consensus of the unanimous consent that the order for progress on security and an increase in Afghan people, not just the President. the quorum call be rescinded. well-trained Afghan national security A statutory check on executive author- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without forces but with a strong commitment ity is needed to ensure the impartiality objection, it is so ordered. to a transparent political process in Af- of the body in the years to come and AFGHANISTAN ghanistan. enhance public confidence in the elec- Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise to- We should work to ensure that there toral system overall. night to speak about the war in Af- will not be a crumbling of institutions Fourth, President Karzai has issued a ghanistan. I have spoken on the Senate similar to that seen prior to Afghani- Presidential decree which allows him floor many times over the last number stan’s civil war in the 1990s. In fact, to nominate the 5 national and 133 pro- of years about the war. I have done so without representative political insti- vincial commissioners of the Electoral because I believe the American people tutions, I am concerned that the train- Complaints Commission. This body and our servicemembers in the field de- ing of the Afghan national security also needs to be independent from the serve a policy worthy of their efforts forces could, in fact, be counter- executive branch to remove any per- and their sacrifice and a thorough ex- productive and that we would end up ception of bias. During the last elec- amination of the issues at hand. I have developing a force that answers to a tion, there was a lack of transparency done so also because when it comes to dysfunctional political system. in the handling of these electoral com- matters of war, the Senate has an im- Politics and governing institutions plaints. Afghan authorities need to portant responsibility to ask tough matter a great deal, and there are tan- take steps now to ensure that the na- gible steps the United States can take tional and provincial commissioners questions of any administration. I believe we are entering a critical to support Afghanistan’s political de- are fair and transparent in their work. phase in our engagement in Afghani- velopment in the short term. Let me be As it stands now, the political opposi- stan which will have implications for clear. We should be under no illusions tion does not trust the Electoral Com- that Afghanistan’s political system our eventual drawdown of troops in the plaints Commission to equitably deal will, nor necessarily should, reflect our year 2014. with inevitable disputes that emerge Earlier this month the President Western model developed over cen- from the process. Throughout this process, the United spoke to us from Kabul on the new turies. But there are universal prin- States should emphasize the impor- Strategic Partnership Agreement ciples that should apply in Afghani- stan, including the inclusion of all key tance of international standards in the known by the acronym SPA. Of course, political groups and transparency in conduct of elections and stand ready to this is an agreement with Afghanistan. elections and governance. In fact, the support a process that is based on those He described a transition plan which adoption of these universal principles universally accepted principles. We focuses on protecting and promoting is perhaps the only antidote to contin- know at the Bonn conference in 2011 shared Democratic values, advancing ued decades of conflict. Afghanistan pledged—pledged—to long-term security, reinforcing re- First, the 2014 transition to Afghan strengthen and improve its electoral gional security and cooperation, social leadership will require the active par- process. We must hold them to that and economic development, and ticipation of the constellation of eth- commitment. The United States should strengthening Afghan institutions and nic groups in Afghanistan. They will condition its aid in support of the ad- governance. need to have some confidence in the ministration of the 2014 election based I agree with the general approach political process or Afghanistan could on these reforms. Let’s send a very laid out in the Strategic Partnership very easily again descend into civil clear message: We will not be a party Agreement, but I have several out- conflict, similar to that seen in the to funding the administration of an standing questions and concerns re- aftermath of the Soviet withdrawal in election similar to those conducted in garding U.S. engagement in Afghani- the 1990s. The opposition represented in the years 2009 and 2010. The administra- stan. I wish to describe some of these what was formerly known as the tion must begin to act now. Electoral concerns and lay out specific steps the Northern Alliance will likely be among reforms take time to adopt and imple- administration should take with re- the most skeptical. The United States ment. The clock is ticking. spect to the war to ensure that U.S. se- can play an important role in bringing While political challenges abound in curity interests and the tangible secu- the interested parties together for dia- Afghanistan, the Parliament has rity, political, and economic gains in log to identify areas of concern and a emerged as an important check on the Afghanistan are, in fact, protected. path forward looking toward 2014 and executive and over the past several I have participated in more than 20 beyond. years has begun to exercise more of a hearings on Afghanistan and Pakistan Second, Presidential elections are voice in governance. We have seen sev- with the Senate Committee on Foreign scheduled to take place in 2014. Accord- eral examples in recent years where Relations. I have personally chaired ing to the Constitution, President the Parliament has weighed in on im- four hearings on aspects of our engage- Hamid Karzai is limited to two terms portant issues. Moreover, 27 percent of ments in the region. I have visited Af- and should step down. President Karzai the Afghan Parliamentarians are ghanistan and Pakistan three times, has seen his country through a very women—a stunning statistic compared most recently in August 2011, with the difficult and historic time. Afghani- to where we were 10 years ago. The Presiding Officer, Senator BENNET, stan’s elections—the foundational act Parliament’s upward trajectory is a along with Senator BLUMENTHAL and in a democratic system—have histori- promising pillar of the democratization Senator WHITEHOUSE. When we were cally not met international standards process, but more can be done. The there, we met with, as I have done on and have established the basis for an United States can play an important other visits, U.S. military and civilian unresponsive government, unrespon- role in exposing Afghan Parliamentar- leaders, as well as senior government sive government officials, and, unfortu- ians to legislative experiences from officials in both countries. nately, widespread corruption. A peace- other and different developing democ- Through this engagement, I have ful transition of power in Afghanistan racies and the opportunity to meet sought to examine U.S. goals and is not only good for the country and their counterparts in other Par- progress in this war within three broad good for its democratic institution, it liaments. areas: first, the formation of represent- is vital to our own transition out of Af- During our trip to Afghanistan last ative political institutions; second, the ghanistan. August, I and Senators WHITEHOUSE, overall security environment; and Third, Afghanistan’s Independent BENNET, and BLUMENTHAL had the for- third, the development of key sectors Electoral Commission needs to become tunate opportunity to travel to five of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.072 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3225 the ISAF regional commands. We saw of the attacks by militants took place The foundational basis for develop- firsthand the progress made by our air- in Regional Command East, an area ment in any society is the educational men, soldiers, marines, and sailors on where the Haqqani network is most ac- system. We know that in 2002 only the ground. Due to their efforts, the tive. I believe that the Afghan National 900,000 students were enrolled in enemy has lost territory and influence. Security Forces will be capable by 2014 school. Just 9 years later, 2011, more According to the Pentagon, the number of providing security in much of the than 8 million children were enrolled of attacks by militants dropped in 2011 country, but we need to maintain a ca- in school, 35 percent of whom were for the first time in 5 years. pability to attack and disrupt terrorist girls. This will have a long-term, long- There has been undeniable progress groups in the country that seek to lasting effect on Afghan society, and in pushing back the Taliban, but these project force outside of Afghanistan’s the United States should be proud of military gains are delicate and will be borders and do harm to U.S. interests. this element of our engagement and short-lived without an Afghan force Central to the political effort is the should seek to protect those gains. I that can assume more responsibility ongoing effort to reconcile with the and other Senators, when we saw this, for security. I discussed these issues Taliban. I have a high degree of skep- were pleased to see that the partner- with LTG William Caldwell, the former ticism that this can work, at least in ship agreement prioritized the access commander of the NATO effort to train the short term. The Taliban has shown to, and the enhanced quality of, edu- the Afghan forces. Lieutenant General little interest in compromise, and re- cation. Caldwell has been ably replaced by cent events show that this group is We have also seen significant strides LTG Daniel Bolger. We have seen sig- willing to target civilians and to con- in the field of health care. In 2002, only nificant progress in the training and duct devastating terror attacks against 9 percent of Afghans had access to deployment of the Afghan Special the Afghan people. Ultimately, there basic health services. Today that num- does need to be a political end to this Forces Units which, according to the ber has grown to 64 percent of the pop- conflict, as there is in all wars. But Pentagon, have made ‘‘impressive ulation. More children live to see their how we get there is important, and the strides towards becoming an inde- fifth birthday than ever before in Af- administration must set clear guide- pendent and effective force.’’ We have ghanistan. Health care too was empha- lines. In the meantime, I support main- also seen growing independence of the sized in the agreement that the Presi- taining pressure on the Taliban until it Afghan regular units. As of the end of accepts the Afghan Constitution and dent talked about recently, and it fo- March, 13 ANA kandaks have been des- agrees to peacefully participate in the cused on basic health services and spe- ignated as able to operate independ- political process. cialized care for women and children. ently with advisers. In September of During our visit to Afghanistan last These are real achievements, but 2011, there was only one kandak with August, we also had the honor to meet they are very fragile. Also fragile are the overall gains that designation. We have gone from 1 with several of Pennsylvania’s service- made for women and girls in Afghani- unit to 13 in a rather short period of members. Since 2001, Pennsylvania has stan. I was privileged, as I know Sen- time, so we know there is progress. lost 80—80—servicemembers, and 589 ator BENNET, Senator WHITEHOUSE, and But despite this progress, however, have been wounded. These courageous Senator BLUMENTHAL were privileged, challenges in training the Afghan Na- individuals gave what President Lin- tional Security Forces, in fact, remain. coln called the ‘‘last full measure of de- to meet with a group of Afghan women First, the Afghan security forces still votion’’ to their country. We owe them leaders during our August 2011 trip. We do not have an elite Pashtun officer a debt of gratitude, and we owe a debt were all tremendously inspired by their corps and only 6.6 percent of the en- of gratitude, as well, to their families determination to continue to fight for listed recruits are southern Pashtuns. and to veterans returning from the women’s rights in the face of blatant This is a significant shortfall that field. I, like a lot of our colleagues, oppression and violence. In 2010, I cochaired a Senate Foreign must be addressed if the security forces have visited with our wounded warriors Relations Committee hearing on the are going to develop the cohesion nec- and their families at Bethesda, Walter essary to ably represent the ethnic Reed, and other places, and we keep plight of women in Afghanistan. We makeup of the country and address on- them in our thoughts and prayers must preserve the progress that women going security challenges in the south. every day. The courage and commit- and girls have achieved in the past 10 Second, NATO currently requires ment of these young Americans is hard years. Empowered women have an im- 2,774 trainers to conduct its training to describe in a speech and it is hard to mensely positive impact on their com- mission but faces a shortfall of 440 po- illustrate, but it does demonstrate the munities, investing resources in edu- sitions. While this capability has im- best of who we are as a country, and we cation, health care, and other basic proved, the training shortfall remains see that every day. needs. They also dissuade young men stubbornly high and has an adverse im- We know in the area of development from turning to militancy. In 2011, Sec- pact on NATO’s ability to adequately as well, there are enormous challenges retary Clinton told a group of Afghan train the Afghans in a timely manner. across a lot of sectors in Afghanistan women—and I am quoting—‘‘We will Our NATO partners can and should do that will likely extend for years. Prior not abandon you, we will stand with more to help address this deficit. to the civil war, Afghanistan was one you always.’’ We as a nation have an Finally, I have concerns about the of the poorest countries in the world. obligation to stand by that commit- long-term pricetag associated with the After decades of war, Afghanistan’s ment to the women and girls of Af- Afghan National Security Forces. minimal infrastructure was destroyed. ghanistan. It is not only the right While investing in these forces will be The challenges today to significant thing to do, it is in our national secu- a fraction—a small fraction—of the progress are indeed substantial. Gov- rity interest to do this as well. $100 billion to $120 billion a year cur- ernment corruption obstructs any seri- I agreed, like many did, with the rently spent in Afghanistan by our gov- ous effort at rule of law and any basic findings of a 2011 report by the Senate ernment, we must work to ensure that respect for contracts, which is a funda- Foreign Relations Committee, which the force is right-sized to the security mental element of business growth. made three main recommendations challenges in the country and that The precarious security environment with respect to U.S. assistance to Af- there are strict accountability meas- also serves to deter any international ghanistan. First, it called for a ures in place to ensure that the Afghan investment. Poppy growth, fueled by multiyear civil assistance strategy for National Security Forces abide by all the heroin trade, remains rampant. the country. Second, the report called U.S. standards in terms of human Women continue to be subjected to un- for a ‘‘Reevaluation of the performance rights and the Geneva Conventions. speakable violence and discrimination of stabilization programs in conflict While we have made progress on the across the country. zones.’’ Third, it called for a focus on battlefield, the Taliban and terrorist Amid these daunting challenges, the sustainability. The report argued that groups like the Haqqani network re- United States should prioritize a few all U.S. assistance projects should main capable of spectacular attacks key areas for developmental progress, meet three basic criteria: They should across the country and, as we know, in so as to mitigate the challenges lead- be ‘‘necessary, achievable, and sustain- Kabul, the capital. Thirty-four percent ing to 2014. able.’’ This simple concept is critically

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.080 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 important. A great deal of funding and ment of Pakistani society that we can- believed that the Army War College resources has been expended in Afghan- not consider allies. This is why I was established in 1903, ‘‘not to pro- istan, much of it on important and nec- strongly support the conditionality mote war, but to preserve peace by in- essary programs. But with the with- built into U.S. assistance to Pakistan, telligent and adequate preparation to drawal of international troops and a which requires that the Pakistani au- repel aggression.’’ commensurate decrease of funds going thorities make significant progress in That is what Secretary Root said all into the country, there is a distinct countering terrorism and attacking those years ago. As we look forward to possibility that Afghanistan could ex- IED networks. If they do not take steps 2014 and a long-term relationship with perience an economic depression which to address these issues, this assistance the people of Afghanistan, all of our could have dramatic security implica- will be significantly cut, and it should support for representative political in- tions. There is time now to address this be. stitutions, improving the security en- problem by conducting a careful review For more than 2 years I have worked vironment, and Afghan social and eco- of all U.S. assistance to the country. to address this critical problem of im- nomic development are intelligent and Those programs that are not sustain- provised explosive devices, which are adequate preparation to repel aggres- able should be phased out. While this responsible for the majority of deaths sion. The next year and a half will be very may have painful short-term con- and injuries among our servicemem- consequential. If the United States sequences, it will be better for the bers in Afghanistan. The primary ex- works to strengthen representative in- long-term viability of the Afghan econ- plosive ingredient in IEDs used in stitutions, bolsters the Afghan security omy. southern Afghanistan is calcium am- forces, and maintains sustainable de- The United States and the inter- monium nitrate, CAN. It is also used as velopment assistance, all will pay divi- national community should consist- a fertilizer and is produced in factories dends for our peace and security for ently reemphasize that while there will in Pakistan. I have been adamant that years to come. be a transition in 2014, this does not the Pakistani Government must sig- I yield the floor, and I suggest the ab- mean the wholesale withdrawal and nificantly increase its commitment to sence of a quorum. disengagement from Afghanistan. The regulating the bomb components and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Strategic Partnership Agreement has preventing them from being smuggled clerk will call the roll. helped send this message. The United across the border into Afghanistan. The legislative clerk proceeded to States will still have significant secu- In June 2010 I introduced S. Res. 570, call the roll. rity concerns in the country and which called for an increased effort by Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask should maintain a strong counterter- Pakistan to effectively monitor and unanimous consent that the order for rorism capability. Work will still re- regulate the manufacture, sale, trans- the quorum call be rescinded. main in providing support and assist- port, and use of ammonium nitrate fer- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ance to the Afghan National Security tilizer in order to prevent its entrance objection, it is so ordered. Forces. The international community into Afghanistan. The resolution f passed the Senate unanimously on can also continue to play a key role in MORNING BUSINESS helping Afghan society to develop. June 28, 2010. All of this falls squarely within our During our recent visit to Pakistan, I Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask national security interests, and all par- discussed this issue with several senior unanimous consent that the Senate ties in Afghanistan and in the region government officials, as did Senator proceed to a period of morning business should hear this message. BENNET, Senator WHITEHOUSE, and Sen- with Senators permitted to speak Finally, I will end with a few com- ator BLUMENTHAL. The Pakistani lead- therein for up to 10 minutes each. ments about Pakistan. I continue to ers expressed an interest in countering The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without believe that Pakistan is too important the proliferation of bomb components objection, it is so ordered. to U.S. interests for us to sever ties or and presented to us an action plan for f significantly diminish the relationship. interdicting these materials. However, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN We know we have had trouble in our re- the proof of their commitment has yet REAUTHORIZATION ACT of 2012 lationship, but we know a couple of to be seen through the implementation Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, last other things as well. Pakistan has lots of this plan. month, the Senate came together and of nuclear weapons. It is a hotbed of Is- In December of 2011, I introduced an passed the Leahy-Crapo Violence lamic extremism. It also provides the amendment to the National Defense Against Women Reauthorization Act of best logistics routes for our supplies Authorization Act that would require 2012. Our legislation takes some much headed into and out of Afghanistan, the Secretary of Defense to certify that needed steps to help the most vulner- and Pakistan will play an essential Pakistan is demonstrating a con- able victims of domestic and sexual vi- role in ensuring the transition to a tinuing commitment to and making olence, and it was passed with signifi- peaceful Afghanistan. significant efforts toward the imple- cant bipartisan support. The Leahy- Despite the seemingly insurmount- mentation of a strategy to counter Crapo Violence Against Women Act able challenges and at times divergent IEDs. This provision, unfortunately, was an example of what we accomplish strategic interests, we must continue was removed during the conference when we put politics aside and work to to find a way forward and work to- committee. The final version of the bill find real solutions to real problems fac- gether where our interests do overlap. requires the Secretary of Defense to ing real Americans. Pakistan has made significant sac- produce a report on Pakistan’s efforts Few laws have had a greater impact rifices in countering extremism within to counter IEDs. on the lives of women in this country its borders, mostly against forces that I continue to believe combating the than the Violence Against Women Act represent a direct threat to the state threat posed by IEDs is one area where (VAWA). By shining a light on the in- itself. It has yet to go after the our interests do in fact overlap with sidious crimes of domestic and sexual Haqqani network in a serious way. It Pakistan. At this time of frayed rela- violence, this law(s initial passage continues to provide a haven for the tions, IEDs continue to kill Pakistanis, nearly 20 years ago sent a powerful Quetta Shura Taliban, which is the Afghans, and, of course, Americans on message that violence against women headquarters of those seeking to desta- the battlefield. By working together would no longer be tolerated. The days bilize the Afghan State. against this common threat, we can of dismissing these crimes with a joke Pakistan has not taken adequate begin to rebuild confidence in the rela- or a shrug were over. The resources, measures to confront the proliferation tionship and make progress toward training and law enforcement tools and trade in illicit bombmaking mate- more vexing strategic issues that affect provided by VAWA transformed the rials which have killed thousands of its our countries. criminal justice and community-based own citizens and hundreds and hun- In September of 2010, I gave a speech response to abuse. It gave support and dreds of our U.S. troops across the bor- on Afghanistan and Pakistan at the protection to the victims who for gen- der in Afghanistan. Taking all of this Army War College in Carlisle, PA. erations had been blamed, humiliated into account, there is a significant ele- Former Secretary of War Elihu Root and ignored.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.081 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3227 With each reauthorization of this bling provisions are those that dras- lence Against Women Act. I was en- landmark law, Congress has repeatedly tically undercut important, long- couraged to see the lead sponsor of the shown its bipartisan commitment to standing protections that are vital to Republican alternative, the distin- ending domestic and sexual violence by the safety and protection of battered guished senior Senator from Texas, do building on the protections in the ini- immigrant victims. just that and join with us to support tial legislation and expanding the As a result of this misguided effort, the bipartisan Senate bill upon final reach of VAWA to meet the remaining the House bill is strongly opposed by passage. I commended Senator unmet needs of victims. many of the leading organizations that HUTCHISON for doing so. Likewise, we The bill that I introduced with Sen- know these issues best, including the were buoyed by the support on final ator CRAPO, and which passed the Sen- National Network to End Domestic Vi- passage by the Senior Senator from Ar- ate with an overwhelming bipartisan olence, the National Coalition Against izona, the Senators from Tennessee, majority just last month, is based on Domestic Violence, the National Alli- Senator COATES of Indiana, Senator the successful tradition of preserving ance to End Sexual Violence, the HOEVEN of North Dakota, Senator and enhancing protections. It is based American Bar Association, the YWCA, PORTMAN of Ohio and Senator VITTER on months of work with survivors, ad- the Leadership Conference on Civil and of Louisiana. vocates, and law enforcement officers Human Rights and many, many more. Despite all this, House Republicans from all across the country and from The thousands of local advocates and seem determined to destroy this bipar- across the political spectrum. We pur- service providers around the country tisan effort. As evidenced by the vote posely avoided proposals that were ex- that make up the National Network to they are forcing today, they are intent treme or divisive and selected only End Domestic Violence warned in a let- on proceeding with their bill to roll those proposals that law enforcement ter to the House Judiciary Committee back victim protections and insistent and survivors and the professionals that H.R. 4970 would (weaken, rather that it be done without the oppor- who work with crime victims every day than enhance, protections for victims tunity to consider the better, Senate- told us were essential. That is why the of domestic violence.( Sue Else, the passed bill or, for that matter, any provisions in the Senate bill have such President of that organization, la- other amendments to their ill-con- widespread support. More than 1,000 mented: ceived effort to undercut the Violence Federal, state, and local organizations Against Women Act. This is an unprecedented departure from The House Republican bill not only have endorsed it, including service pro- this effective law(s original intent. Thou- viders, law enforcement, religious or- sands of victim advocates across the country fails to protect more victims, but actu- ganizations and many, many more. recommended substantial improvements for ally weakens existing protections. I The inclusive, open process of draft- the latest reauthorization, and the U.S. Sen- fear that it puts more lives at risk. ing this legislation is also why the Sen- ate accepted those recommendations in a bi- In its Statement of Administration ate bill always had strong bipartisan partisan way. It is alarming that the House Policy, the Obama administration cor- support. It was a bipartisan effort from Judiciary Committee has not done the same. rectly opposes the House bill, H.R. 4970, the beginning with eight Republican The American Bar Association has as a measure that ‘‘would undermine Senators cosponsoring the bill and stated: the core principles of the Violence Against Women Act.’’ It notes the seven more joining Democratic and Unlike the recently passed Senate bill (S. House Republican bill ‘‘retreats’’ from Independent Senators in voting to pass 1925), which reflects discussions with more the progress represented by the protec- the bill. We were able to move able to than 2,000 advocates and experts across the tions included in the bipartisan Sen- move to the bill without a filibuster, to country, H.R. 4970 represents a retreat from the fight against domestic and sexual vio- ate-passed bill and ‘‘weakens’’ critical consider amendments, which were re- lence. It fails to add critical improvements protections for victims. The House pro- jected, and to pass the bill with almost to address the needs of underserved popu- visions ‘‘senselessly remove existing 70 votes. We adopted a bill of which the lations, like victims who are members of legal protections, undermine VAWA’s Senate can be proud, because it serves faith communities and those who are denied core purpose of protecting victims of services because of their sexual orientation the interests of the American people sexual assault and domestic violence, while improving support and protec- or gender identity, and strips critical protec- tions from existing law. frustrate important law enforcement tion for victims of domestic violence objectives, and jeopardize victims by The YWCA, the largest provider of and sexual assault. placing them directly in harm’s way.’’ I am alarmed the other body—the services for battered women in the It concludes with a threatened veto House—has chosen a different path. In- country, calls the House bill a ‘‘dan- recommendation since the House meas- stead of building on the broad bipar- gerous bill that puts the lives of mil- ure ‘‘rolls back existing law and re- tisan support for the Senate-passed Vi- lions of women across the nation at moves long-standing protections for olence Against Women Reauthorization risk.’’ These organizations represent victims of domestic violence and sex- Act, Republican members of the House those on the front lines against domes- ual assault.’’ Never before, in either Judiciary Committee last week took tic and sexual violence. They are moti- Republican or Democratic administra- up a bill, H.R.4970, that they crafted in vated by their desire to see all victims tions, Republican- or Democrat-con- back rooms without the input of those get the help they need. trolled Houses or Senates, has the Vio- who dedicate their lives to helping vic- Likewise, a number of faith-based or- lence Against Women Act been used to tims. This afternoon the House Repub- ganizations, such as the U.S. Con- increase the dangers to women and so lican leadership brought that same bill ference of Catholic Bishops, the Na- consciously disregard the unmet needs to the floor, with only minor modifica- tional Association of Evangelicals, and of our most vulnerable victims. Never tions that do little to respond to the nearly 20 other religious institutions before. urgent concerns of victims, and is forc- have joined a letter stating that they Last week the White House Advisor ing an up or down vote while blocking are ‘‘deeply troubled’’ by the ‘‘many on Violence Against Women noted that any attempts to modify the legislation provisions [in the House bill] that actu- the House Republican bill ‘‘adds bur- in response to the concerns raised by ally would roll back protections in cur- densome, counter-productive require- victims and service providers around rent law for battered non-citizens, ments that compromise the ability of the country. Their legislation not only making them more vulnerable and, in service providers to reach victims, fails fails to include the critical improve- some cases, endangering their lives.’’ to adequately protect Tribal victims, ments in the Senate bill that would in- House Republicans are headed down lacks important protection and serv- crease protections for Native-American the wrong path. In fact, when the Sen- ices for LGBT victims, weakens re- women, gay and lesbian victims, bat- ate rejected their alternative to our bi- sources for victims living in subsidized tered immigrant women, and victims partisan bill last month by a strong bi- housing, and eliminates important im- on college campuses or victims in sub- partisan vote of only 37 in favor and 62 provements to address dating violence sidized housing, it actually rolls back opposed, I had hoped that would end and sexual assault on college cam- existing protections leaving many vic- the partisanship and the gamesman- puses.’’ She is right. tims more vulnerable to sexual and do- ship and we would be able to move for- The closed process by which the mestic abuse. Among the most trou- ward together to reauthorize the Vio- House Republican leadership insisted

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:07 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.083 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 its ill-conceived bill be rubberstamped brought critically needed resources to States law enforcement, prosecutors, shelters, aca- breaks House Republican promises to and local communities to address these demic and medical institutions need VAWA’s allow amendments and proceed by an crimes. tools—its laws and programs—to help keep H.R. 4970 retreats from this forward victims safe. All of us are alarmed that HR open amendment process. The House progress by failing to include several critical 4970 takes the wrong direction and will be Republican bill’s roll back of protec- provisions that are part of the Senate-passed dangerous for victims. tions breaks the promise of the Vio- VAWA reauthorization bill. For instance, We are particularly concerned with provi- lence Against Women Act to protect H.R. 4970 fails to provide for concurrent spe- sions that erode critical safety measures for victims of domestic violence and sex- cial domestic violence criminal jurisdiction immigrant victims seeking safety and jus- ual assault. Never before has the Vio- by tribal authorities over non-Indians, and tice, fail to fix a jurisdictional issue for vic- tims on tribal lands who are beaten by non- lence Against Women Act been used to omits clarification of tribal courts’ full civil jurisdiction regarding certain protection or- tribal perpetrators with near impunity, and increase the dangers to women and so ders over non-Indians. Given that three out turn a blind eye to lesbian, gay and other consciously disregarded the unmet of five Native American women experience marginalized communities. If enacted, this needs of our most vulnerable victims. domestic violence in their lifetime, these bill would jeopardize victims’ lives and em- A recent New York Times editorial omissions in H.R. 4970 are unacceptable. The bolden perpetrators of violence. HR 4970 also entitled ‘‘Backwards on Domestic Vio- bill also fails to include language that would wrongly grows bureaucracy through the lence’’ had it right: ‘‘House members prohibit discrimination against LGBT vic- costly and excessive auditing of small non- tims in VAWA grant programs. No sexual as- profits. Resources would be better spent on both sides of the aisle who are seri- training and supporting those important or- ous about combating domestic violence sault or domestic violence victim should be beaten, hurt, or killed because they could ganizations that provide these lifesaving must work to defeat this atrocious not access needed support, assistance, and services and advocacy. And finally, the bill.’’ That sentiment was reinforced by protection. In addition, H.R. 4970 does not in- emergency housing transfer section in this a recent Los Angeles Times editorial clude important improvements to the Clery bill, which is intended to help victims flee which stated: ‘‘Republicans in the Act found in the Senate-passed bill that violent, dangerous perpetrators without be- House should drop their attempts to would address the high rates of dating vio- coming homeless, is weakened by allowing lence and sexual assault experienced by the adoption of transfer policies to be ‘‘vol- undermine the Violence Against untary’’ by owners, managers and public Women Act and instead move swiftly young people in college and other higher education institutions. The bill also weakens housing agencies. to reauthorize and strengthen the ex- The U.S. House of Representatives has the critical new provisions in the Senate-passed opportunity to develop and pass a bipartisan isting program, as the Senate has al- bill that would improve safety for victims ready done.’’ VAWA that meets the needs of victims. HR living in subsidized housing. 4970 is not such a bill. We look forward to Today The Washington Post reports H.R. 4970 also takes direct aim at immi- working with the House Judiciary Com- on another study by Human Rights grant victims of domestic violence and sex- mittee and all Members of Congress to de- ual assault by removing critical protections Watch documenting sexual violence velop a bill that is reflective of the needs of currently in law. H.R. 4970 allows abusers to and harassment of female farmworkers. all victims. Please contact Paulette Sullivan be notified when a victim files a VAWA self- Congress should not be turning its Moore, NNEDV’s Vice President of Policy, at petition for relief, and it eliminates the path backs to these battered and abused [email protected] with any questions. to citizenship for U visa holders—victims of Sincerely, women. We should be moving forward serious crimes such as torture, rape, and do- SUE ELSE, promptly to adopt the provisions of the mestic violence—who are cooperating with President. Senate-passed bill to protect the most law enforcement in the investigation or pros- vulnerable among us, women who are ecution of these crimes. These proposals MAY 7, 2012. senselessly remove existing legal protec- doubly victimized by abusers and by Hon. LAMAR SMITH, the fear that they have no recourse. tions, undermine VAWA’s core purpose of Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House I thank Senators MURRAY, MENENDEZ protecting victims of sexual assault and do- of Representatives, Washington, DC. mestic violence, frustrate important law en- and SHAHEEN for their strong state- Hon. JOHN CONYERS, ments in support of the Senate-passed forcement objectives, and jeopardize victims Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary, by placing them directly in harm’s way. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Violence Against Women Reauthoriza- The Administration urges the House to DEAR CHAIRMAN SMITH AND RANKING MEM- tion Act yesterday. I am disheartened find common ground with the bipartisan BER CONYERS: On behalf of the undersigned by the decision of the House Repub- Senate-passed bill and consider and pass leg- faith leaders and faith-based organizations lican leadership to try to push through islation that will protect all victims. H.R. concerned about victims of domestic vio- their destructive bill over the clear ob- 4970 rolls back existing law and removes lence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and jections of those very victims it is sup- long-standing protections for victims of do- other forms of violence, we write to express posed to serve. I urge the supporters of mestic violence and sexual assault—crimes our concerns about Title VIII of H.R. 4970, that predominately affect women. If the legislation to reauthorize the Violence the bipartisan Senate bill to continue President is presented with H.R. 4970, his our efforts to see that this carefully Against Women Act (VAWA), which we un- senior advisors would recommend that he derstand the House Committee on the Judi- crafted legislation that meets the veto the bill. ciary plans to mark up tomorrow. needs of so many people is finally Faith communities are on the front lines, passed into law. NATIONAL NETWORK TO END identifying victims, providing refuge, refer- I ask unanimous consent to have DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ring victims and their families for services, printed in the RECORD the Statement Washington, DC, May 7, 2012. and offering hope and healing. In times of of Administrative Policy, the edi- Hon. LAMAR SMITH, crisis, victims often turn to faith commu- House Judiciary Committee, House of Represent- torials from the New York Times and nities and leaders for support and moral atives, Washington, DC. guidance because they see places of worship the Los Angeles Times, and the letters Hon. JOHN CONYERS, as a sanctuary from the horrors they have to which I have referred. Ranking Member, House of Representatives, experienced. Through our ministry with vic- There being no objection, the mate- Washington, DC. tims, we have learned that abusers often ex- rial was ordered to be printed in the DEAR CHAIRMAN SMITH AND RANKING MEM- ploit a victim’s immigration status, leaving RECORD, as follows: BER CONYERS: The National Network to End individuals extremely vulnerable and afraid Domestic Violence, which represents all of STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY to report the abuse to law enforcement, as- our nation’s state and territorial domestic sist in the prosecution of crimes, and seek H.R. 4970—VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN violence and dual domestic violence-sexual services. REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2012 assault coalitions, their 2,000 member pro- Congress created VAWA in 1994, and it has (Rep. Adams, R–FL, and 40 cosponsors, May grams and the millions of victims they serve voted twice since then to reauthorize the 15, 2012) every year, opposes HR 4970, a bill intro- law, each time with broad bipartisan sup- The Administration strongly opposes H.R. duced by Representatives Sandy Adams (R– port. However, we are deeply troubled by 4970, a bill that would undermine the core FL) and Eric Cantor (R–VA) to reauthorize Title VIII of H.R. 4970, as introduced. Title principles of the Violence Against Women the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VIII contains many provisions that actually Act (VAWA). VAWA is a landmark piece of VAWA was initially passed in 1994 and sub- would roll back protections in current law legislation that first passed the Congress in sequently reauthorized in 2000 and 2005 to for battered non-citizens, making them more 1994 and has twice been reauthorized with meet the needs of victims. HR 4970 fails to vulnerable and, in some cases, endangering overwhelming bipartisan support, each time meet, and in fact, weakens, rather than en- their lives. We urge you to strike these pro- with important improvements to strengthen hances, protections for victims of domestic visions from the bill before the measure is VAWA. The Act transformed the Nation’s re- violence. The network of survivors and advo- brought before the full House of Representa- sponse to violence against women and cates who work on a daily basis with courts, tives for a vote.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.084 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3229 VAWA is an effective tool in combatting H.R. 4970 does not continue this tradition Under H.R. 4970, immigrant women will be the devastating crimes of domestic violence of improvement. Unlike the recently passed required to conduct interviews for U-visa pe- and providing lifesaving programs and serv- Senate bill (S. 1925), which reflects discus- titions in person, which does not take into ices. We urge Congress to preserve and im- sions with more than 2,000 advocates and ex- consideration the unfortunate reality of prove protections for vulnerable immigrant perts across the country, H.R. 4970 represents many victims of violence where their move- victims. a retreat from the fight against domestic ment is strictly limited or closely monitored Sincerely, and sexual violence. It fails to add critical by their abusers. In addition, H.R. 4970 would Noel Castellanos, CEO, Christian Commu- improvements to address the needs of under- eliminate key confidentially measures by al- nity Development Association; Rev. John L. served populations, like victims who are lowing USCIS officers to notify and inter- McCullough, Executive Director and CEO, members of faith communities and those view the abusers. Not only will this keep im- Church World Service; Wendy Tarr, Director, who are denied services because of their sex- migrant victims from reporting abuse, but it Clergy and Laity United for Economic Jus- ual orientation or gender identity, and strips will put their lives at risk if they do proceed tice; Alex Baumgarten, Director of Govern- critical protections from existing law. to apply for a U-visa. Studies indicate that ment Relations, The Episcopal Church; Luis The provisions of H.R. 4970 that signifi- the two most heightened periods of danger Cortes, President, Esperanza; Alexia cantly undermine protections available to for victims of abuse are when they are preg- Salvatierra, Director of Justice Ministries, vulnerable immigrant victims of violence are nant and when they decide to leave an abu- Southwest California Synod Evangelical Lu- of particular concern. Before enactment of sive situation—disregarding the importance theran Church in America; Patrick Carolan, VAWA, abusive U.S. Citizens and Legal Per- of confidentiality and informing the abuser Executive Director, Franciscan Action Net- manent Residents (LPRs) were able to use of the victims’ intent to leave will undoubt- work; Gideon Aronoff, President and CEO, the immigration laws as a mechanism to fur- edly lead to greater danger for the very peo- Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society; Orlando ther abuse and control their immigrant ple that this bill purports to assist. Crespo, National Director, La Fe Multi-Eth- spouses and children. Perpetrators of domes- H.R. 4970 disregards the epidemic rates of nic Ministries, Intervarsity Christian Fel- tic violence routinely would thwart, or violence in Indian Country by allowing lowship/USA; Janet Mock, CSJ, Executive threaten to thwart, the visa petitioning batterers to avoid prosecution on Tribal Director, Leadership Conference of Women process. In creating a special application lands. By doing so, the bill fails to hold per- Religious. process for battered spouses and children of petrators of violence accountable for their Linda Hartke, President and CEO, Lu- U.S. Citizens and LPRs, lawmakers recog- actions and sends a clear message to Native theran Immigration and Refugee Service; nized that many victims of domestic abuse victims of violence to remain silent and en- Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach, Director, were unwittingly victimized by the immigra- dure abuse. Without explicitly addressing Mennonite Central Committee, U.S. Wash- tion system as well. the issue of accountability, Native victims ington Office; Salam Al-Marayati, President, The current VAWA green card application will continue to remain fearful of reporting Muslim Public Affairs Council; Leith Ander- process involves a ‘‘self-petition,’’ so that crimes of abuse. H.R. 4970 also strips all sup- son, President, National Association of the abuser is not involved at all in the proc- port for LGBT victims of abuse, claiming Evangelicals; Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, Presi- ess and prohibits the government from re- that they are not the ‘right’ victims. The dent, National Hispanic Christian Leadership leasing information about the existence of a YWCA supports all women and victims of Conference; Rev. Gabriel Salguero, Presi- VAWA immigration case to the abuser or abuse regardless of sexual orientation, immi- dent, National Latino Evangelical Coalition; others. H.R. 4970 removes those critical pro- gration status, or race, and does not stand Jim Wallis, President and CEO, Sojourners; tections. A forced choice between deporta- for isolating entire subsets of the commu- Johnny Young, Executive Director, Migra- tion or safety from an abusive spouse or traf- nity that face unique barriers to accessing tion and Refugee Services, U.S. Conference ficker is the precise evil that the original services. By excluding the LGBT community of Catholic Bishops; Lynne Hybels, Willow self-petitioning provisions of the VAWA were in the bill, H.R. 4970 it prevents providers Creek Community Church; Deborah Fikes, intended to eliminate. H.R. 4970 creates ob- from serving ALL women, and no one should Executive Advisor, World Evangelical Alli- stacles for immigrant victims seeking to re- be denied help based on their sexual orienta- ance; Stephan Bauman, President and CEO, port crimes and increases the danger to vic- tion. World Relief. tims by eliminating important confiden- H.R. 4970 fails to provide inclusive provi- tiality provisions. sions that address the unique needs of under- AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, Because it fails to improve upon our na- served communities, which would in turn en- Washington, DC, May 7, 2012. tion’s response to domestic violence and sex- danger the lives of millions of women across COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, ual assault by ensuring that all populations the nation. The YWCA supports legislation U.S. House of Representatives, are protected and in fact rolls back critical that is trauma informed, victim centered, Washington, DC. protections in existing law, the ABA urges and evidence based, and is opposed to any DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the you to oppose H.R. 4970. VAWA is a critical American Bar Association, with nearly tool in the arsenal to address domestic and provisions that force victims to negotiate 400,000 members, I write to express our oppo- sexual violence, and it must be improved their safety when seeking assistance from sition to H.R. 4970, the Violence Against during this reauthorization process to ad- abusive situations. Women Act reauthorization bill introduced dress the needs of all victims and hold more In short, we urge you to oppose H.R. 4970. Please contact Desiree Hoffman, Director by Rep. Sandy Adams (R-FL), which is offenders accountable. of Advocacy and Policy at scheduled to be considered by the House Ju- Sincerely, [email protected] or Qudsia Jafree, Field diciary Committee on May 8, 2012. We urge THOMAS M. SUSMAN, and Policy Coordinator at [email protected] members of the committee to oppose the Director, Governmental Affairs Office. should you have questions. bill. Sincerely, VAWA has been the single most effective MAY 7, 2012. ESIREE OFFMAN federal effort to respond to the epidemic of DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As the largest pro- D H , domestic violence, dating violence, sexual vider of battered women’s services in the YWCA USA, Director of Advocacy and Policy. assault and stalking in this country. The act United States, with over 1300 locations in 47 [From the New York Times] has ensured that legal and social services are states, the YWCA is deeply invested in the available to survivors, and that law enforce- safety and health of all women. The YWCA BACKWARD ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ment, prosecutors, judges, attorneys and ad- serves over half a million women each year In an all-too-rare show of bipartisanship, vocates are well-trained and equipped with through its anti-violence programs, pro- 15 Senate Republicans joined with the Demo- cutting-edge resources to effectively address viding much needed access for victims of vio- cratic majority last month to reauthorize these crimes in their own communities. lence to 24-hour crisis hotlines, emergency the Violence Against Women Act, the land- Reauthorization of VAWA is critical, pro- shelter, counseling services, legal assistance, mark 1994 law that is key to efforts against viding Congress with the opportunity to child care, economic empowerment programs domestic violence, sexual assault and stalk- amend the act in order to combat domestic and transitional housing. The YWCA strong- ing. and sexual violence more effectively. For ex- ly opposes any legislation that puts victims’ Unfortunately, the lopsided 68-to-31 Senate ample, in 2000, Congress created the Legal lives at risk, and as such, opposes H.R. 4970 vote halted G.O.P. opponents only tempo- Assistance to Victims grant program. It also to reauthorize the Violence Against Women rarily. The House Judiciary Committee last created the U visa for immigrants who are Act (VAWA) introduced by Rep. Sandy week approved its version of the reauthoriza- victims of serious crimes and who have co- Adams (R-FL). tion bill, which not only omits improve- operated with authorities in the prosecution For nearly 18 years, VAWA has provided a ments the Senate bill made to the law but of the perpetrator, and it authorized funding national, streamlined response to address do- also removes existing protections for immi- for increased protection of older individuals mestic violence, sexual assault, dating vio- grant women, putting them at greater risk and individuals with disabilities. And in 2005, lence and stalking. H.R. 4970 cuts back on of domestic and sexual abuse. it became unlawful to deny an individual critical provisions outlined in S. 1925, passed The Senate’s measure ensures that victims housing assistance simply because the indi- last month, that protect some of the most are not denied services because they are gay vidual is a victim of domestic violence, dat- vulnerable women in our communities, and or transgender. It also strives to ensure that ing violence, sexual assault or stalking. Con- as a result, is a dangerous bill that puts the domestic violence crimes committed by non- gress also created a new grant program to lives of millions of women across the nation Indian men in tribal communities are pros- improve court responses to these crimes. at risk. ecuted. The Senate bill also would modestly

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.020 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 expand the availability of special U-visas for In fiscal 2011, immigration officials denied riculture Committee makes very sig- undocumented immigrants who are victims nearly a third of those petitions. nificant progress in simplification, ac- of domestic violence. That move was sup- The House reauthorization bill also seeks countability, and taxpayer savings. ported by law enforcement to encourage vic- to undercut a provision that allows undocu- Using feedback I received from over tims to come forward and testify against mented immigrants who assist in prosecu- their abusers. tions of serious crime for U visas, and ulti- 20 listening sessions statewide, I The regressive House alternative removes mately obtain green cards. The proposed worked to secure Colorado’s top farm these and other improvements, including changes would allow victims to obtain tem- bill priorities. In particular, I am en- new protections for students on college cam- porary visas only. Surely, even those law- couraged by the farm bill’s revamped puses. The House measure would eliminate a makers who embrace anti-immigrant legisla- conservation title. It maintains vital confidentiality requirement in current law tion can appreciate that U visas help protect authorities for land and water protec- that protects the identity of immigrant American citizens too, by encouraging wit- tion while also consolidating over 20 women who file domestic violence com- nesses to step forward without fear of depor- existing conservation programs to pro- plaints against a spouse who is a citizen or tation. That’s why the program enjoys the legal resident and allows the women to apply backing of many law enforcement groups. vide producers and landowners with for legal status on their own. The House will vote on Wednesday. It much needed flexibility. House Republicans claim there is a big should reauthorize VAWA without limits, as I also strongly support efforts by the fraud problem in this area, but there is no it has in the past, and demonstrate that Senate Agriculture Committee to hard evidence of that. And their plan to end helping battered women, those who are im- strengthen the Federal crop insurance the centralized handling of these issues by a migrants, isn’t a partisan issue. program. Time and time again, Colo- Vermont-based office would undermine the f rado farmers have told me that afford- government’s ability to detect untruthful stories. THE FARM BILL able crop insurance is the single most House members on both sides of the aisle important risk management tool the Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I rise to USDA can provide to producers for ad- who are serious about combating domestic highlight for my colleagues how Con- violence must work to defeat this atrocious dressing today’s economic and ecologi- bill. If that fails, the Senate will need to in- gress now has a critical opportunity to cal challenges. sist on fixing it during the reconciliation support the competitiveness and pros- According to Colorado State Univer- process. perity of American agriculture. We sity, agriculture contributes $40 billion need to move the farm bill forward. It toward the State economy annually. Of [From latimes.com, May 15, 2012] is fitting that this week marks the course, the benefits of a strong farm PARTISANSHIP AND THE VIOLENCE AGAINST 150th anniversary of the founding of economy extend far beyond the farm. It WOMEN ACT the U.S. Department of Agriculture, means stronger energy, transportation, The House needs to reauthorize the law, the Federal Department solely dedi- and retail sectors. It also allows us to without limits, as it has in the past, so Re- cated to meeting the needs of Amer- publicans can demonstrate that helping bat- provide food assistance to the most ica’s farmers, ranchers, and rural com- vulnerable populations at home and in tered women is more important than polit- munities. ical games. countries suffering from famine due to The political climate in Congress is so nox- Agriculture is at the heart of Colo- drought and conflict. ious these days that even a law that origi- rado’s history and cultural fabric. It In short, reauthorizing the farm bill nally passed with overwhelming bipartisan also continues to be one of our most is one the most important things this support because it provided much-needed significant economic drivers. At a time Congress can do to provide farmers and help to abused women is now a partisan when many sectors are struggling to ranchers with the certainty they need issue. That’s shameful. Republicans in the find growth, Colorado farmers and House should drop their attempts to under- to plan for the future. It will help to ranchers are more productive than keep rural America growing and thriv- mine the Violence Against Women Act and ever, finding innovative ways to har- instead move swiftly to reauthorize and ing, and it will help to invigorate an strengthen the existing program, as the Sen- ness growing consumer demand for ag- economy just now getting back on its ate has already done. ricultural products both at home and feet. Acting on this legislation during First enacted in 1994, the law has been re- in overseas markets. USDA’s 150th year would make the ac- newed twice without a fight. Last week, As evidence of this success, agri- complishment even better. however, some of the same GOP lawmakers culture is the one sector of the U.S. who once endorsed the law retreated, voting economy that boasts a trade surplus. f in committee to strip out provisions de- During the first 2 months of 2012, Colo- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS signed to protect immigrants. Under VAWA rado exports of agricultural products as it has long existed, if an immigrant mar- ried to a U.S. citizen or a green-card holder— grew by 25 percent over the same pe- riod in 2011, led by an 80-percent in- TRIBUTE TO FATHER RICHARD J. and therefore eligible to stay in the country KELLEY permanently—can show evidence of abuse, he crease in dairy exports. This good news or she may file independently without hav- comes on the heels of several consecu- ∑ Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, today I ing to rely on the abusive spouse. VAWA’s tive years of double-digit increases in wish to recognize and honor my friend, gender-neutral protections apply to legal and Colorado agriculture exports. Father Richard J. Kelley, a Catholic illegal immigrants and allow the victim to The USDA is part of this success priest who has devoted decades of serv- file confidentially. story. Colorado farmers and ranchers ice in parishes across New Hampshire. Confidentiality is crucial. As the Repub- lican-led House Judiciary Committee noted work closely with local USDA employ- It is my privilege to congratulate him in its 2005 report to reauthorize VAWA and ees to support the productivity of their as he celebrates his 40th anniversary of expand protections, without such guaran- operations and to maintain the health ordination to priesthood. tees, an abuser could try to derail a spouse’s of their land and water resources. It is Father Kelley was born in Boston, green-card application or push to have him a vital partnership. And with expira- MA, on May 10, 1943. He was raised in or her deported. A battered woman whose ap- tion looming on many programs impor- Needham and West Roxbury and grad- plication depends on her abusive husband tant to Colorado agriculture, I can uated from Catholic Memorial High certainly might think twice about filing if think of no better way to commemo- School in 1961. His seminary studies she knew her abuser would be notified that she was seeking help without him. rate the USDA’s 150th anniversary took place at the Holy Apostles Semi- Eliminating the confidentiality provision than by reauthorizing the farm bill. nary in Cromwell, CT, and Catholic is one of several changes House Republicans Over the last several months, the University in Washington, DC. would like to make to weaken the law. They Senate and House committees on agri- In addition to his commitment to the argue that the changes are necessary to com- culture have come together to craft a Catholic Church, Father Kelley has al- bat fraud, in which immigrants falsely claim bipartisan farm bill that not only pro- ways reached out to help those in need. to have been abused in order to obtain visas. vides America’s farmers, ranchers, and Before his ordination to priesthood, he But where are the data and studies that rural communities with the tools they spent time performing inner-city social fraud is a problem? Immigrant victims who petition for visas under VAWA are already need to keep growing but also makes a work in Kansas City, MO. Shortly required to supply ample evidence of abuse, significant contribution toward impor- thereafter, Father Kelley was ordained such as police reports or medical records. tant national deficit reduction goals. to priesthood on May 20, 1972, at the St. And applications undergo intense scrutiny. The farm bill passed by the Senate Ag- Joseph Cathedral in Manchester, NH.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.008 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3231 Since offering his first Mass at St. of the Law in 1956. After law school, he the University of Maine Farmington Joseph Church in his hometown of began his legal career as a deputy dis- was named to U.S. News and World Re- Needham, Father Kelley has spent trict attorney in Fresno County before port’s best college list for the first many years serving parish churches in working as an associate at Hansen, time. This year, UMF celebrated 15 cities and towns across New Hamp- McCormick, Barstow and Sheppard consecutive years of receiving that shire. As an associate pastor, he led from 1958 to 1961 and as partner at hard-earned and well-deserved recogni- Seacoast parishioners at Our Lady of McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Coyle tion. the Miraculous Medal Parish in Hamp- and Wayte from 1961 to 1982. Another way is to consider the deep ton and St. Michael Parish in Exeter. Judge Coyle was nominated to the affection alumni and people through- He also served at St. Joseph Cathedral Eastern District bench by President out Maine have for this remarkable in- in Manchester. Reagan, confirmed by the Senate on stitution. As just one example, in 2007 On October 7, 1985, Father Kelley was March 31, 1982, and served as chief UMF opened its new Education Center appointed to his first pastorate at St. judge of the district from 1990 to 1996, that integrates technology with teach- Catherine Parish in Charlestown, fol- when he took senior status and contin- ing and learning. This major expansion lowed by over a decade of service at St. ued to take cases until 2006. was made possible only through the Patrick Parish in Jaffrey. So many Judge Coyle played an instrumental generosity of countless individuals, New Hampshire parishes have been role in the construction of new Federal businesses, and organizations. Over the blessed to have Father Kelley’s guid- courthouses in Sacramento and Fresno. years, this kind of overwhelming sup- ance, and his message of faith and de- For 13 years, he led the effort to build port has enabled this small school of votion has touched many lives. the Fresno courthouse, often seen shut- just 2,000 students to keep pace with Since 2000, Father Kelley has served tling from his chambers to the con- the top colleges and universities in the as the Pastor of St. Christopher Parish struction site with his hard hat in country. in my hometown of Nashua. In addition hand. His passion for this project once Responding to the needs of an ever- to his role as leader of the parish, Fa- prompted him to ride in a suspended changing society is one of the richest ther Kelley is also a familiar face to platform to some 300 feet above the traditions a college can have. The tra- the students at St. Christopher’s ground to get a glimpse of the view ditions Dr. Kalikow has upheld began a Catholic School, where his patience, that is now enjoyed by the building’s century and a half ago when the people kindness, and humility serve as an in- occupants and visitors. After taking in of rural Franklin County joined to- spiring example. the views of his beloved hometown and gether to establish Maine’s first public The impact of Father Kelley’s 40 the breathtaking Sierra and beautiful institution of higher education. When years of service can perhaps best be Coastal Range, Judge Coyle compared the first class of 31 students matricu- witnessed every Christmas. He receives his experience to ‘‘riding on a cloud.’’ lated at the new Farmington Normal hundreds of holiday cards from parish- I am proud to have introduced legis- School in 1864, they did so in a setting ioners and friends he has met through- lation that led to the naming of the that was described by a University of out his lifetime. He hangs up each one Federal courthouse in downtown Fres- Maine historian as ‘‘rough, crude, and to decorate the walls and doors of his no as the Robert E. Coyle United plenty humble.’’ office, completely covering each sur- States Courthouse. The nine-story Under Dr. Kalikow’s leadership, UMF face and eventually spilling into the building stands as a reminder to the has upheld another noble tradition hallways. This seasonal collage reflects community and people of California of that of contributing to the entire re- the many valued friendships he has cul- the dedicated work of Judge Robert E. gion by adding to its cultural life, tivated throughout his career. Coyle. teaching in local classrooms, coaching Father Kelley’s impact continues to Judge Coyle was always admired for youth athletics, and helping young- reach far beyond the parish walls. In his sharp intellect, collegiality, and sters learn everything from swimming addition to his responsibilities at St. gentlemanly ways. A giving person, he to foreign languages. From the Health Christopher’s, he has assisted other lent his time and talents to a number and Fitness Center to the Mantor Li- community members through his serv- of community causes, including service brary, the doors of UMF are open to ice as the Nashua Police Department on the board of trustees of the United the community. chaplain, as a former board member of Way Advocate. In his leisure time, he In her last lecture, Dr. Kalikow drew Harbor Homes, and through his contin- enjoyed spending time at the family a strong connection between the Amer- ued support of Catholic Memorial High cabin above Bass Lake. ica we know today as a place of unsur- School. I extend my deepest sympathies to passed equality, freedom, and oppor- I am honored to recognize Father his wife of 59 years, Faye; his son and tunity and the ‘‘rough, crude, and plen- Richard Kelley as his many friends daughter-in-law, Robert and Kim; and ty humble’’ foundation of public higher help him mark his 40th anniversary of his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara education laid in Farmington, ME, and ordination to priesthood. His loyalty and Michael Vellone; and his grand- other frontier communities across the and dedication to the Catholic Church children, Hunter, Sydney, Morgan, and Nation so many generations ago. These and to his parishioners is unwavering— Matthew. ordinary citizens knew that education St. Christopher’s is blessed and fortu- Judge Coyle will be greatly missed.∑ was a necessary condition of creating a nate to have his guidance. I am grate- f successful society, she said, and we ful for Father Kelley’s leadership and today are the beneficiaries of their in- TRIBUTE TO DR. THEODORA his many years of service to the Catho- vestment. KALIKOW lic Church in communities across New Mr. President, Dr. Theo Kalikow has Hampshire.∑ ∑ Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, on increased that investment through an f April 23, 2012, Dr. Theodora J. Kalikow ongoing commitment to teaching and gave her last lecture as president of the learning. On behalf of the people of REMEMBERING JUDGE ROBERT E. University of Maine Farmington and Maine, I thank Dr. Kalikow for her COYLE received a standing ovation from an contributions to our State and wish her ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my overflow audience at the campus’s larg- all the best in the years to come.∑ colleagues to join me in honoring the est auditorium. In that same spirit, I f memory of Judge Robert E. Coyle, a rise today to express my gratitude to a talented jurist, a respected member of great leader and good friend for 18 CONGRATULATING ANGELA the community, and a kind and gentle years of outstanding service to the peo- FOREMASTER man. Judge Coyle passed away on May ple of Maine. ∑ Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I 7 in Fresno at age 82. There are many ways to describe wish to congratulate a student from A Fresno native, Robert Coyle re- what Theo as she is known to col- my home State for being recognized as ceived his B.A. from Fresno State Col- leagues, students, and friends has one of Nevada’s top youth volunteers of lege in 1953 and his J.D. from the Uni- meant to our State. One is to note that 2012. Angela Foremaster, a senior at versity of California, Hastings College in 1998, her fourth year as president, Legacy High School in Las Vegas, was

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:07 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.001 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3232 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 honored with the Prudential Spirit of and lasting impressions on young while demonstrating enormous poten- Community Award for her advocacy on Brian. tial for curbing our exorbitant energy behalf of foster children and homeless When he returned home to attend the costs. Today I wish to recognize Up- teens in the Greater Las Vegas area. I University of Vermont, Brian joined right Frameworks for their compassion am proud to recognize Ms. Foremaster the Vermont Air National Guard and and tireless efforts to improve energy flew F–4s and then F–16s, eventually for this accomplishment as she serves efficient building techniques. as a role model for students across the rising to the rank of lieutenant colo- nation striving to make a difference in nel. In 1998, he joined the U.S. Air Owner and founder Josh Wojcik the lives of America’s youth. Force Reserve where he now holds the began Upright Frameworks in 2008, Having five adopted siblings, Ms. rank of colonel and serves as an emer- after moving back home to Maine fol- Foremaster understands the impor- gency preparedness liaison officer. lowing a 9-year term in environmental tance of supporting organizations that Brian’s service has touched thou- policy in New York. As a trained envi- find adoptive families for children who sands of Americans outside of ronmentalist and graduate from the wait in foster care. She has dedicated Vermont. Following the September 11 Structural Insulated Panel, SIP, more than 1,000 hours to foster organi- attacks, Brian procured and coordi- School in West Virginia, Josh is dedi- zations around Nevada to assist their nated the distribution of badly needed efforts to provide a supportive commu- cell phones and radios for emergency cated to ensuring that buildings take nity for children. One winter, as she responders at Ground Zero. For his ac- full advantage of energy efficiency. helped a group prepare for the holiday tions he was awarded a Meritorious Josh developed the idea for Upright season, Ms. Foremaster noticed that Service Medal. When Hurricane Frameworks while assisting his father, they weren’t providing children with Katrina hit the gulf coast in 2005, Brian Tom Wojcik, a long-time Mainer Build- stockings for Christmas. This experi- mobilized and ensured that civilian re- er, on construction projects through- ence encouraged her to hang flyers, sponders had the support they needed. out the State. As individuals contin- asking for donations and small gifts to For his achievements at the Hurricane ually inquired about energy efficiency help her fill stockings for adoptive Operations Center, he earned another and going ‘‘green,’’ Josh saw an oppor- children and displaced teens. Ms. Meritorious Service Medal and the Air tunity to utilize his skills in Maine. Foremaster was thrilled to receive gen- Force Commendation Medal. erous donations that enabled her to fill Admirable as they are, Brian’s Despite the challenging construction 250 stockings to help bring the holiday achievements are not surprising con- market, today Upright Frameworks spirit to kids in needs. sidering his roots in a family who val- employs 12 individuals. As a new inno- I am so appreciative that Ms. ues service and duty to country. His vative construction solution, this Foremaster is raising awareness of the mother Janice worked as an operating small firm specializes in installing needs of our country’s struggling room nurse at what was then the Med- structural insulated panels which have youth. In this tough economic period, ical Center Hospital of Vermont. His been on the forefront of energy effi- father Clem was a colonel in the America’s children deserve our atten- ciency. For existing structures, the tion more than ever. Since coming to Vermont Guard where he served full- company performs energy audits and Congress, I have supported legislation time as a personnel officer. His brother that assists individuals who have fallen Michael is the adjutant general of weatherization retrofits to ensure that on hard times, recognizing the impor- Vermont. buildings have the most cost-effective tance of temporary safety nets. It is of Brian is also a tireless promoter of energy systems in places. paramount importance in this dis- the Vermont business community. He When Josh learned of the Hartfords’ tressed economy that we keep the was the motivational force behind the struggle, he was determined to help. needs of our most vulnerable at the Vermont Aerospace and Aviation Asso- With an existing home such as the ciation. He also served as the unofficial forefront while focusing on solutions to Hartfords, the first step was to evalu- our nation’s long-term economic prob- Vermont ‘‘ambassador’’ to Quebec a po- ate the project and determine the most lems. sition he took on with such fervor that I ask my colleagues to join me today some Quebec officials called him Mr. cost-effective method to reduce energy in congratulating a young Nevadan for Ambassador. costs. For Josh, reducing the heat loss her incredible determination to assist I am proud of all that Brian has ac- in the attic was paramount to address- our nation’s youth. The citizens of Las complished for Vermont and our coun- ing energy efficiency. In collaboration Vegas are fortunate to have such a gen- try. While he may be retiring from the with several other local Maine busi- erous volunteer who selflessly gives Air Force, I know that his service to nesses and donations from across the back to her community and exempli- both State and Nation is far from over. country, Josh was able to effectively fies the very best America’s youth has I wish him, his wife Penny, and his make a difference by reducing air leak- ∑ ∑ to offer. family all the best. age in the Hartfords’ home by an as- f f tonishing 63 percent. This drastic re- COLONEL BRIAN DUBIE RECOGNIZING UPRIGHT duction will allow the couple to sub- ∑ Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would FRAMEWORKS stantially reduce their home heating like to take a moment to pay tribute ∑ Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, in Feb- costs for years to come. to Col. Brian Dubie, a fifth-generation ruary, the New York Times ran a While energy costs are still a major Vermonter who is retiring on June 2 heartbreaking story about Robert and issue facing my State, I applaud Up- Wilma Hartford, two elderly Peru, ME after a long and distinguished career in right Frameworks’ ability to achieve the Vermont Air National Guard and residents unable to pay for basic heat- real results with their creative use of Air Force Reserve. Brian served as ing during the State’s bitter cold win- Vermont’s 78th Lieutenant Governor ter, and a heating oil dealer’s personal energy efficiency to alleviate the bur- and has devoted his life to serving his struggle to assist them. As a result, the dens of home-heating costs. This com- State and his country. outpouring of support for this couple pany’s selfless commitment to helping Upon graduating high school in Essex was astonishing, as neighbors, gen- fellow Mainers in need truly warms my Junction, Brian enrolled in the U.S. erous New York Times readers across heart. I am proud to extend my praise Air Force Academy. Even though the the country, and local small businesses to Josh Wojcik and everyone at Up- flight he took to Colorado was his first sought to help. One such business, Up- right Frameworks for their dedication time on an airplane, Brian already right Frameworks in Wilton, ME, was and offer my best wishes for their con- knew that he loved aviation. Growing happy to lend a hand. This small firm’s tinued success in building a new energy up, his father an officer in the Vermont assistance to the Hartfords during future and improving the daily lives of Guard would bring the family to watch their time of need illustrates the gen- Mainers.∑ the planes take off and land from Bur- erosity of Mainers, consistently rising lington. Those excursions made vivid to the occasion to help a neighbor,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.074 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3233 REPORT RELATIVE TO THE Secretary of State, the authority to MEASURES REFERRED ISSUANCE OF AN EXECUTIVE take such actions, including the pro- The following bills were read the first ORDER WITH RESPECT TO mulgation of rules and regulations, and and the second times by unanimous BLOCKING THE PROPERTY OF to employ all powers granted to the consent, and referred as indicated: PERSONS THREATENING THE President by IEEPA as may be nec- H.R. 205. An act to amend the Act titled PEACE, SECURITY, OR STA- essary to carry out the purposes of the ‘‘An Act to authorize the leasing of re- BILITY OF YEMEN—PM 48 order. All agencies of the United States stricted Indian lands for public, religious, The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- Government are directed to take all educational, recreational, residential, busi- fore the Senate the following message appropriate measures within their au- ness, and other purposes requiring the grant from the President of the United thority to carry out the provisions of of long-term leases’’, approved August 9, the order. 1955, to provide for Indian tribes to enter States, together with an accompanying into certain leases without prior express ap- report; which was referred to the Com- I am enclosing a copy of the Execu- tive Order I have issued. proval from the Secretary of the Interior, mittee on Banking, Housing, and and for other purposes; to the Committee on Urban Affairs: BARACK OBAMA, Indian Affairs. THE WHITE HOUSE, May 16, 2012. H.R. 1864. An act to limit the authority of To the Congress of the United States: f States to tax certain income of employees Pursuant to the International Emer- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE for employment duties performed in other gency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. States; to the Committee on Finance. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), I hereby report At 9:33 a.m., a message from the H.R. 3534. An act to amend title 31, United that I have issued an Executive Order House of Representatives, delivered by States Code, to revise requirements related (the ‘‘order’’) declaring a national Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- to assets pledged by a surety, and for other emergency with respect to the unusual nounced that the House has passed the purposes; to the Committee on Homeland Se- and extraordinary threat to the na- following bill, in which it requests the curity and Governmental Affairs. tional security and foreign policy of H.R. 3874. An act to provide for the convey- concurrence of the Senate: ance of eight cemeteries that are located on the United States posed by the actions H.R. 4045. An act to modify the Depart- National Forest System land in Black Hills and policies of certain members of the ment of Defense Program Guidance relating National Forest, South Dakota; to the Com- Government of Yemen and others to to the award of Post-Deployment/Mobiliza- mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. threaten Yemen’s peace, security, and tion Respite Absence administrative absence H.R. 4240. An act to reauthorize the North stability. days to members of the reserve components Korean Human Rights Act of 2004, and for The order does not target the entire to exempt any member whose qualified mo- other purposes; to the Committee on Foreign bilization commenced before October 1, 2011, Relations. country of Yemen or its government, and continued on or after that date, from the but rather targets those who threaten changes to the program guidance that took f the peace, security, or stability of effect on that date. Yemen, including by obstructing the MEASURES DISCHARGED implementation of the agreement of At 2:04 p.m., a message from the The following bill was discharged November 23, 2011, between the Govern- House of Representatives, delivered by from the Committee on Energy and ment of Yemen and those in opposition Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- Natural resources, and referred as indi- to it, which provides for a peaceful nounced that the House has passed the cated: transition of power that meets the le- following bills, in which it requests the H.R. 2947. An act to provide for the release gitimate demands and aspirations of concurrence of the Senate: of the reversionary interest held by the the Yemeni people for change, or by ob- H.R. 205. An act to amend the Act titled United States in certain land conveyed by structing the political process in ‘‘An Act to authorize the leasing of re- the United States in 1950 for the establish- Yemen. The order provides criteria for stricted Indian lands for public, religious, ment of an airport in Cook County, Min- the blocking of property and interests educational, recreational, residential, busi- nesota; to the Committee on Agriculture, in property of persons determined by ness, and other purposes requiring the grant Nutrition, and Forestry. of long-term leases’’, approved August 9, the Secretary of the Treasury, in con- 1955, to provide for Indian tribes to enter f sultation with the Secretary of State, into certain leases without prior express ap- to: have engaged in acts that directly proval from the Secretary of the Interior, MEASURES PLACED ON THE or indirectly threaten the peace, secu- and for other purposes. CALENDAR rity, or stability of Yemen, such as H.R. 365. An act to encourage, enhance, and integrate Blue Alert plans throughout the The following bill was read the sec- acts that obstruct the implementation ond time, and placed on the calendar: of the agreement of November 23, 2011, United States in order to disseminate infor- S. 3187. A bill to amend the Federal Food, between the Government of Yemen and mation when a law enforcement officer is se- riously injured or killed in the line of duty. Drug, and Cosmetic Act to revise and extend those in opposition to it, which pro- H.R. 1864. An act to limit the authority of the user-fee programs for prescription drugs vides for a peaceful transition of power States to tax certain income of employees and medical devices, to establish user-fee in Yemen, or that obstruct the polit- for employment duties performed in other programs for generic drugs and biosimilars, ical process in Yemen; be a political or States. and for other purposes. military leader of an entity that has H.R. 3534. An act to amend title 31, United f engaged in the acts described above; States Code, to revise requirements related have materially assisted, sponsored, or to assets pledged by a surety, and for other purposes. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES provided financial, material, or techno- H.R. 3874. An act to provide for the convey- logical support for, or goods or services The following reports of committees ance of certain cemeteries that are located were submitted: to or in support of, the acts described on National Forest System land in Black above or any person whose property Hills National Forest, South Dakota. By Mr. LIEBERMAN, from the Committee and interests in property are blocked H.R. 4240. An act to reauthorize the North on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- fairs, without amendment: pursuant to the order; or be owned or Korean Human Rights Act of 2004, and for other purposes. H.R. 2415. A bill to designate the facility of controlled by, or to have acted or pur- the United States Postal Service located at ported to act for or on behalf of, di- The message also announced that 11 Dock Street in Pittston, Pennsylvania, as rectly or indirectly, any person whose pursuant to section 201(b) of the Inter- the ‘‘Trooper Joshua D. Miller Post Office property and interests in property are national Religious Freedom Act of 1998 Building’’. blocked pursuant to the order. (22 U.S.C. 6431 note), as amended, and H.R. 3220. A bill to designate the facility of The designation criteria will be ap- the order of the House of January 5, the United States Postal Service located at plied in accordance with applicable 2011, the Speaker appoints the fol- 170 Evergreen Square SW. in Pine City, Min- lowing member on the part of the nesota, as the ‘‘Master Sergeant Daniel L. Federal law including, where appro- Fedder Post Office’’. priate, the First Amendment to the House of Representatives to the Com- H.R. 3413. A bill to designate the facility of United States Constitution. mission on International Religious the United States Postal Service located at I have delegated to the Secretary of Freedom for a term ending May 14, 1449 West Avenue in Bronx, New York, as the the Treasury, in consultation with the 2014: Mr. Elliot Abrams of Virginia. ‘‘Private Isaac T. Cortes Post Office’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.014 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 EXECUTIVE REPORT OF S. Res. 462. A resolution recognizing Na- S. 2134 COMMITTEE tional Foster Care Month as an opportunity At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, to raise awareness about the challenges the name of the Senator from Vermont The following executive report of a faced by children in the foster care system, (Mr. LEAHY) was added as a cosponsor nomination was submitted: acknowledging the dedication of foster care By Mr. LIEBERMAN for the Committee on parents, advocates, and workers, and encour- of S. 2134, a bill to amend title 10, Homeland Security and Governmental Af- aging Congress to implement policy to im- United States Code, to provide for cer- fairs. prove the lives of children in the foster care tain requirements relating to the re- *Joseph G. Jordan, of Massachusetts, to be system; to the Committee on Health, Edu- tirement, adoption, care, and recogni- Administrator for Federal Procurement Pol- cation, Labor, and Pensions. tion of military working dogs, and for icy. By Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for him- other purposes. self, Mr. BINGAMAN, Ms. MURKOWSKI, *Nomination was reported with rec- S. 2165 ommendation that it be confirmed sub- and Mr. PORTMAN): At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the ject to the nominee’s commitment to S. Res. 463. A resolution designating May 19, 2012, as ‘‘National Kids to Parks Day’’; names of the Senator from Maryland respond to requests to appear and tes- considered and agreed to. (Mr. CARDIN) and the Senator from tify before any duly constituted com- By Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota (for Utah (Mr. HATCH) were added as co- mittee of the Senate. himself and Mr. THUNE): sponsors of S. 2165, a bill to enhance f S. Res. 464. A resolution commemorating strategic cooperation between the the 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND Base; considered and agreed to. United States and Israel, and for other JOINT RESOLUTIONS By Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for himself purposes. The following bills and joint resolu- and Mr. BENNET): S. 2189 tions were introduced, read the first S. Res. 465. A resolution recognizing that At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the the Governor of the State of Colorado has name of the Senator from Wisconsin and second times by unanimous con- proclaimed 2012 as the ‘‘Year of Water’’; con- (Mr. KOHL) was added as a cosponsor of sent, and referred as indicated: sidered and agreed to. S. 2189, a bill to amend the Age Dis- By Mrs. GILLIBRAND: f S. 3188. A bill to increase the authorized crimination in Employment Act of 1967 number of Weapons of Mass Destruction ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS and other laws to clarify appropriate Civil Support Teams; to the Committee on S. 577 standards for Federal antidiscrimina- Armed Services. tion and antiretaliation claims, and for At the request of Mr. VITTER, the By Mr. PORTMAN: other purposes. S. 3189. A bill to amend the Controlled Sub- name of the Senator from Alabama stances Act to place synthetic drugs in (Mr. SESSIONS) was added as a cospon- S. 2234 Schedule I; to the Committee on the Judici- sor of S. 577, a bill to amend the Inter- At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, ary. nal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify eli- the name of the Senator from Montana By Mr. PORTMAN: gibility for the child tax credit. (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor S. 3190. A bill to amend the Controlled Sub- S. 960 of S. 2234, a bill to prevent human traf- stances Act to place synthetic drugs in ficking in government contracting. Schedule I; to the Committee on the Judici- At the request of Mr. KERRY, the ary. name of the Senator from New York S. 2241 By Mr. BROWN of Ohio (for himself (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- At the request of Mrs. MURRAY, the and Mr. ALEXANDER): sponsor of S. 960, a bill to provide for a name of the Senator from Rhode Island S. 3191. A bill to improve provisions of title study on issues relating to access to in- (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of 23, United States Code relating to the use of travenous immune globulin (IVG) for S. 2241, a bill to ensure that veterans HOV facilities; to the Committee on Envi- have the information and protections ronment and Public Works. Medicare beneficiaries in all care set- By Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself, Mr. tings and a demonstration project to they require to make informed deci- COONS, Mr. LUGAR, and Mr. ISAKSON): examine the benefits of providing cov- sions regarding use of Post-9/11 Edu- S. 3192. A bill to amend the Immigration erage and payment for items and serv- cational Assistance, and for other pur- and Nationality Act by establishing an F-4 ices necessary to administer IVG in the poses. nonimmigrant visa for aliens pursuing an ad- home. S. 2245 vanced degree in mathematics, engineering, technology, or the physical sciences in the S. 1299 At the request of Mr. BARRASSO, the United States, to authorize such aliens to be- At the request of Mr. MORAN, the names of the Senator from South Caro- come permanent residents if they obtain em- name of the Senator from Montana lina (Mr. DEMINT) and the Senator ployment in the United States related to (Mr. BAUCUS) was added as a cosponsor from Alabama (Mr. SHELBY) were added their field of study, and for other purposes; of S. 1299, a bill to require the Sec- as cosponsors of S. 2245, a bill to pre- to the Committee on the Judiciary. retary of the Treasury to mint coins in serve existing rights and responsibil- By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. commemoration of the centennial of ities with respect to waters of the AKAKA, and Mrs. BOXER): United States. S. 3193. A bill to make technical correc- the establishment of Lions Clubs Inter- tions to the legal description of certain land national. S. 2250 to be held in trust for the Barona Band of S. 1335 At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the Mission Indians, and for other purposes; to At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the names of the Senator from Maryland the Committee on Indian Affairs. name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. (Mr. CARDIN), the Senator from Hawaii By Mrs. HAGAN: KYL) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. INOUYE), the Senator from Con- S. 3194. A bill to require the establishment of a small business common application and 1335, a bill to amend title 49, United necticut (Mr. LIEBERMAN) and the Sen- web portal for purposes of Federal small States Code, to provide rights for pi- ator from California (Mrs. BOXER) were business assistance programs, and for other lots, and for other purposes. added as cosponsors of S. 2250, a bill to purposes; to the Committee on Small Busi- S. 1929 prevent homeowners from being forced ness and Entrepreneurship. At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, to pay taxes on forgiven mortgage loan By Mr. INHOFE: the names of the Senator from Nevada debt. S. 3195. A bill to suspend temporarily the S. 2296 duty on certain fishing reels; to the Com- (Mr. REID), the Senator from Oregon mittee on Finance. (Mr. MERKLEY), the Senator from Ar- At the request of Mrs. HAGAN, the f kansas (Mr. BOOZMAN), the Senator name of the Senator from Connecticut from Florida (Mr. NELSON), the Senator (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a co- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN), the Senator sponsor of S. 2296, a bill to amend the SENATE RESOLUTIONS from Hawaii (Mr. INOUYE) and the Sen- Higher Education Opportunity Act to The following concurrent resolutions ator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) were restrict institutions of higher edu- and Senate resolutions were read, and added as cosponsors of S. 1929, a bill to cation from using revenues derived referred (or acted upon), as indicated: require the Secretary of the Treasury from Federal educational assistance By Ms. LANDRIEU (for herself and Mr. to mint coins in commemoration of funds for advertising, marketing, or re- GRASSLEY): Mark Twain. cruiting purposes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:59 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.023 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3235 S. 2371 (Mr. TESTER) and the Senator from For the County and Homeowners, the At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the Connecticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) were findings section is the most important name of the Senator from Wyoming added as cosponsors of S. Res. 434, a part of the bill. (Mr. ENZI) was added as a cosponsor of resolution supporting the goal of pre- This section addresses the ongoing S. 2371, a bill to amend the National venting and effectively treating Alz- water dispute between the tribe and its Labor Relations Act to permit employ- heimer’s disease by the year 2025, as ar- neighbors. ers to pay higher wages to their em- ticulated in the draft National Plan to The fourth finding is particularly im- ployees. Address Alzheimer’s Disease from the portant if—the tribe uses the land to bring additional water into the area, S. 2374 Department of Health and Human Services. the effort is only authorized if it also At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the addresses the water needs of the neigh- S. RES. 446 name of the Senator from Pennsyl- boring off-reservation property. vania (Mr. TOOMEY) was added as a co- At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the Homeowners in the area have noticed sponsor of S. 2374, a bill to amend the name of the Senator from Missouri diminished groundwater supplies in re- Helium Act to ensure the expedient (Mrs. MCCASKILL) was added as a co- cent years, and they have looked to the and responsible draw-down of the Fed- sponsor of S. Res. 446, a resolution ex- tribe to help resolve the issue. In this eral Helium Reserve in a manner that pressing the sense of the Senate that arid part of the State, this is a signifi- protects the interests of private indus- the United Nations and other intergov- cant concession on the part of the try, the scientific, medical, and indus- ernmental organizations should not be Tribe, and it is the cornerstone of the trial communities, commercial users, allowed to exercise control over the entire agreement. and Federal agencies, and for other Internet. I am hopeful that we can quickly purposes. f pass this legislation and undo this un- S. 2554 STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED fortunate mistake. By enacting the At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS Barona Land Transfer Clarification name of the Senator from California Act, all parties will gain some cer- By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a co- tainty that their issue will be resolved. Mr. AKAKA, and Mrs. BOXER): sponsor of S. 2554, a bill to amend title Finally, I am proud that my col- S. 3193. A bill to make technical cor- I of the Omnibus Crime Control and league from California Senator BOXER, rections to the legal description of cer- Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the and Senate Indian Affairs Committee tain land to be held in trust for the authorization of the Bulletproof Vest Chairman DANIEL AKAKA have joined Barona Band of Mission Indians, and me as original cosponsors. Partnership Grant Program through for other purposes; to the Committee Once this legislation is sent over to fiscal year 2017. on Indian Affairs. the House, I know that Congressman S. 3180 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I HUNTER and the San Diego Delegation At the request of Mrs. GILLIBRAND, rise today to introduce legislation that stand ready to join our fight to resolve the names of the Senator from Alaska will correct an error in the Native this issue. (Ms. MURKOWSKI) and the Senator from American Technical Corrections Act of This strong, bi-partisan, bi-cameral Alaska (Mr. BEGICH) were added as co- 2004. support gives me confidence that this sponsors of S. 3180, a bill to require the The intent of section 121 of the 2004 simple, straightforward piece of legis- Department of Defense to develop a law was to put a parcel on the northern lation is one that the Senate can pass plan to track and respond to incidents edge of the Barona reservation, in San very quickly. of hazing in the Armed Forces. Diego County, into trust for the tribe. Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- S. RES. 399 Unfortunately the bill identified a par- sent that the text of the bill be printed in the RECORD. At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the cel on the southern edge of the reserva- There being no objection, the text of name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. tion and put that in trust. the bill was ordered to be printed in HELLER) was added as a cosponsor of S. The mistake is compounded by the the RECORD, as follows: Res. 399, a resolution calling upon the fact that the land north of the reserva- S. 3193 President to ensure that the foreign tion is owned by a non-Indian property owner. The landowner now cannot sell Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- policy of the United States reflects ap- resentatives of the United States of America in propriate understanding and sensi- or modify his property without permis- Congress assembled, tivity concerning issues related to sion from the tribe and the Department SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. human rights, crimes against human- of the Interior. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Barona Band ity, ethnic cleansing, and genocide doc- The Barona Band of Mission Indians of Mission Indians Land Transfer Clarifica- umented in the United States record Land Transfer Clarification Act cor- tion Act of 2012’’. relating to the Armenian Genocide, rects this mistake. SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSES. and for other purposes. The bill removes the private property (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds that— (1) the legal description of land previously S. RES. 402 on the northern side of the reservation from trust status; and the bill places taken into trust by the United States for the At the request of Mr. COONS, the benefit of the Barona Band of Mission Indi- name of the Senator from Wisconsin the correct parcel in trust for the ans may be interpreted to refer to private, Barona tribe on the southern edge of (Mr. JOHNSON) was added as a cosponsor nontribal land; of S. Res. 402, a resolution condemning the reservation. (2) there is a continued, unresolved dis- The Barona Land Transfer Clarifica- Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance agreement between the Barona Band of Mis- tion Act closely follows an agreement sion Indians and certain off-reservation prop- Army for committing crimes against brokered by Congressman DUNCAN HUN- erty owners relating to the causes of dimin- humanity and mass atrocities, and sup- TER and his staff. Congressman HUN- ishing native groundwater; porting ongoing efforts by the United (3) Congress expresses no opinion, nor TER, and former Congressman Duncan States Government and governments should an opinion of Congress be inferred, re- Hunter, Sr. before him, brought the in central Africa to remove Joseph lating to the disagreement described in para- Band, the County of San Diego and the Kony and Lord’s Resistance Army com- graph (2); and neighboring homeowners to the negoti- manders from the battlefield. (4) it is the intent of Congress that, if the ating table. land described in section 121(b) of the Native S. RES. 429 The agreement they reached, em- American Technical Corrections Act of 2004 At the request of Mr. WICKER, the bodied in this legislation, is a product (118 Stat. 544) (as amended by section 3) is name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. of compromise. The end product is used to bring water to the Barona Indian RUBIO) was added as a cosponsor of S. something that everyone agrees is bet- Reservation, the effort is authorized only if the effort also addresses water availability Res. 429, a resolution supporting the ter than the status quo. That is how goals and ideals of World Malaria Day. for neighboring off-reservation land located compromise works. along Old Barona Road that is occupied as of S. RES. 434 The Tribe supports the legislation. the date of enactment of this Act by pro- At the request of Mr. WARNER, the The Homeowners and the County have viding guaranteed access to that water sup- names of the Senator from Montana reviewed and approved the language. ply at a mutually agreeable site on the

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southwest boundary of the Barona Indian S. RES. 462 ensure that more children in foster care are Reservation. Whereas National Foster Care Month was provided with safe, loving, and permanent (b) PURPOSES.—The purposes of this Act established more than 20 years ago to bring placements; are— foster care issues to the forefront, highlight Whereas Federal legislation over the past 3 (1) to clarify the legal description of the the importance of permanency for every decades, including the Adoption Assistance land placed into trust for the Barona Band of child, and recognize the essential role that and Child Welfare Act of 1980 (Public Law 96– Mission Indians in 2004; and foster parents, social workers, and advocates 272), the Adoption and Safe Families Act of (2) to remove all doubt relating to the spe- have in the lives of children in foster care 1997 (Public Law 105–89), the Fostering Con- cific parcels of land that Congress has placed throughout the United States; nections to Success and Increasing Adop- into trust for the Barona Band of Mission In- Whereas all children deserve a safe, loving, tions Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–351), and dians. and permanent home; the Child and Family Services Improvement SEC. 3. LAND TRANSFER. Whereas the primary goal of the foster and Innovation Act (Public Law 112–34) pro- Section 121 of the Native American Tech- care system is to ensure the safety and well- vided new investments and services to im- nical Corrections Act of 2004 (Public Law being of children while working to provide a prove the outcomes of children in the foster 108–204; 118 Stat. 544) is amended— safe, loving, and permanent home for each care system; (1) by striking subsection (b) and inserting child; Whereas May is an appropriate month to the following: Whereas there are approximately 408,000 designate as National Foster Care Month to ‘‘(b) DESCRIPTION OF LAND.—The land re- children living in foster care; provide an opportunity to acknowledge the ferred to in subsection (a) is land comprising Whereas there were approximately 254,000 child-welfare workforce, foster parents, ad- approximately 86.87 acres in San Diego Coun- youth that entered the foster care system in vocacy community, and mentors for their ty, California, and described more particu- 2010, while over 107,000 youth were eligible dedication, accomplishments, and positive larly as follows: T. 14 S., R. 1 E. San and awaiting adoption at the end of 2010; impact they have on the lives of children; Bernardino Meridian; Section 21, SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4, Whereas children in foster care experience and excepting the north 475 ft.; W1⁄2 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4, an average of 3 different placements, which Whereas much remains to be done to en- excepting the north 475 ft.; E1⁄2 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4, often leads to disruption of routines and the sure that all children have a safe, loving, excepting the north 350 ft.; Together with need to change schools and move away from nurturing, and permanent family, regardless that portion W1⁄2 SE1⁄4, lying southwesterly siblings, extended families, and familiar sur- of age or special needs: Now, therefore, be it of the following line: Beginning at the inter- roundings; Resolved, That the Senate— section of the southerly line of said SE1⁄4 Whereas youth in foster care are much (1) recognizes National Foster Care Month Section 21 with the westerly boundary of more likely to face educational instability as an opportunity to raise awareness about Rancho Canada De San Vicente Y Mesa Del with 65 percent of former foster children ex- the challenges faced by children in the foster Padre Barona as shown on United States periencing at least 7 school changes while in care system, acknowledging the dedication Government Resurvey approved January 21, care; of foster care parents, advocates, and work- 1939; thence northwesterly along said bound- Whereas children of color are more likely ers, and encouraging Congress to implement ary to an intersection with the westerly line to stay in the foster care system for longer policy to improve the lives of children in the of said SE1⁄4; containing 68.75 acres more or periods of time and are less likely to be re- foster care system; less; Section 28, NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4, excepting the united with their biological families; (2) encourages Congress to implement pol- east 750 ft.; containing 17.02 acres more or Whereas foster parents are the front-line icy to improve the lives of children in the less.’’; and caregivers for children who cannot safely re- foster care system; (2) by adding at the end the following: main with their biological parents and pro- (3) supports the designation of May as Na- ‘‘(d) CLARIFICATIONS.— vide physical care, emotional support, edu- tional Foster Care Month; ‘‘(1) EFFECT ON SECTION.—The provisions of cation advocacy, and are the largest single (4) acknowledges the special needs of chil- subsection (c) shall apply to the land de- source of families providing permanent dren in the foster care system; scribed in subsection (b), as in effect on the homes for children leaving foster care to (5) recognizes foster youth throughout the day after the date of enactment of the adoption; United States for their ongoing tenacity, Barona Band of Mission Indians Land Trans- Whereas children in foster care who are courage, and resilience while facing life chal- fer Clarification Act of 2012. placed with relatives, compared to children lenges, ‘‘(2) EFFECT ON PRIVATE LAND.—The parcel placed with nonrelatives, have more sta- (6) acknowledges the exceptional alumni of of private, non-Indian land referenced in sub- bility, including fewer changes in place- the foster care system who serve as advo- section (a) and described in subsection (b), as ments, have more positive perceptions of cates and role models for youth who remain in effect on the day before the date of enact- their placements, are more likely to be in care; ment of the Barona Band of Mission Indians placed with their siblings, and demonstrate (7) honors the commitment and dedication Land Transfer Clarification Act of 2012, but fewer behavioral problems; of the individuals who work tirelessly to pro- excluded from the revised description of the Whereas an increased emphasis on preven- vide assistance and services to children in land in subsection (b) was not intended to tion and reunification services is necessary the foster care system; and be— to reduce the number of children that are (8) reaffirms the need to continue working ‘‘(A) held in trust by the United States for forced to remain in the foster care system; to improve the outcomes of all children in the benefit of the Band; or Whereas more than 27,900 youth ‘‘age out’’ the foster care system through parts B and E ‘‘(B) considered to be a part of the reserva- of foster care without a legal permanent con- of title IV of the Social Security Act (42 tion of the Band.’’. nection to an adult or family; U.S.C. 601 et seq.) and other programs de- Whereas children who age out of foster signed to— f care may lack the security or support of a (A) support vulnerable families; SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS biological or adoptive family and frequently (B) invest in prevention and reunification struggle to secure affordable housing, obtain services; health insurance, pursue higher education, (C) promote adoption and guardianship in SENATE RESOLUTION 462—RECOG- and acquire adequate employment; cases where reunification is not in the best interests of the child; NIZING NATIONAL FOSTER CARE Whereas foster care is intended to be a temporary placement, but children remain (D) adequately serve those children MONTH AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO in the foster care system for an average of 2 brought into the foster care system; and RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THE years; (E) facilitate the successful transition into CHALLENGES FACED BY CHIL- Whereas volunteers, guardians, mentors, adulthood for children that ‘‘age out’’ of the DREN IN THE FOSTER CARE SYS- and workers in the child-protective-services foster care system. TEM, ACKNOWLEDGING THE community play a vital role in improving Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, as DEDICATION OF FOSTER CARE the safety of the most valuable youth and cofounders and cochairs of the Senate work hard to increase permanency through PARENTS, ADVOCATES, AND Caucus on Foster Youth, Senator LAN- WORKERS, AND ENCOURAGING reunification, adoption, and guardianship; Whereas due to heavy caseloads and lim- DRIEU and I offer a resolution to recog- CONGRESS TO IMPLEMENT POL- ited resources, the average tenure for a nize May as National Foster Care ICY TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF worker in child protection services is just 3 Month. CHILDREN IN THE FOSTER CARE years; The resolution is an opportunity to SYSTEM Whereas on average, 8.5 percent of the posi- raise awareness about the challenges Ms. LANDRIEU (for herself and Mr. tions in child protective services remain va- faced by children in the foster care sys- cant; GRASSLEY) submitted the following res- Whereas States, localities, and commu- tem. It is also a time to acknowledge olution; which was referred to the nities should be encouraged to invest re- the dedication of foster care parents, Committee on Health, Education, sources in preventative and reunification advocates, and workers who are chang- Labor, and Pensions: services and postpermanency programs to ing the lives of children every day.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:02 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.027 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3237 National Foster Care Month was es- laboration between courts and child Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I ap- tablished more than 20 years ago to welfare agencies. preciate the eloquent statement our bring foster care issues to the fore- In 2008 I introduced the bill that be- colleague from Iowa has put into the front. Today we continue to see almost came the Fostering Connection to Suc- RECORD and his passionate advocacy on a half million children who are unable cess and Increasing Adoption Act. This behalf of this special group of children to remain at home because of abuse or bipartisan bill made it easier for chil- in America. From his position as senior neglect or because of other family dren to stay in their own communities member on the Finance Committee, issues. and be adopted by their own relatives, both serving as chair and as ranking During this separation, foster youth including grandparents, aunts, and un- member, his support has been essential face loneliness, instability, and grief. cles. It provided incentives for States to their well-being. In a committee Unfortunately, children in foster care to move children from foster care to that has a lot of important issues, from experience an average of three dif- permanent adoptive homes, and it tax reform to international trade, the ferent placements which often lead to made all children with special needs el- Senator from Iowa, Mr. GRASSLEY, disruption of routines. Some are re- igible for Federal adoption assistance. never fails to keep the needs of foster quired to change schools and move The law also broke new ground by es- care children and their families and the away from siblings, extended families, tablishing opportunities to help kids support community on the front of and familiar surroundings. They face who age out of the foster care system that agenda. I could not have a better educational instability and, as a result, at age 18 by giving States the option to partner, and I am very grateful for his score lower on all academic measures extend their care in helping them pur- partnership on this issue and his than peers. sue educational and vocational train- friendship. Foster youth have to overcome ing. I also want to recognize some of our misperceptions and stigmas and deal Last year, to try to prevent children colleagues from the House: Representa- with emotional pain and trauma that from having to enter the foster care tive KAREN BASS, Representative TOM comes from such separation. It be- system in the first place, I worked to MARINO, Representative MICHELE comes a reality for many children reauthorize grants that support fami- BACHMAN, and Representative JIM every day. In 2010, about 254,000 chil- lies who struggle with substance abuse MCDERMOTT, who worked very closely dren entered into care. While many are and improve the safety, permanency, with Senator GRASSLEY and myself. As reunified with their families or adopted and well-being of children who are not you can see, this is across party lines, into new ones, more than 107,000 chil- in their homes or are likely to be re- across geographic lines, and across dif- dren were awaiting adoption at the end moved from their homes because of ferent political philosophies. of 2010. substance abuse by parents. We want to say one thing very loud The Senate Caucus on Foster Youth Children in the foster care system and clear to the country: Foster chil- is providing a voice for these foster yearn for permanency, and these dren are not criminals. They are not young people. Senator LANDRIEU and I grants help keep families together delinquents. They are children who are founded this caucus in 2009 to raise when possible so the children are not in desperate need of love and care and awareness of issues challenging foster subject to the many difficulties they support. Our foster care system in youth, including educational stability, face in the foster care system. many ways works beautifully and in substance abuse, sexual exploitation, But Congress, as you know, must be some ways needs, of course, to be fixed, and the overprescription of psycho- vigilant. We must always keep our eyes repaired, and strengthened. But overall tropic drugs. on the prize; that is, a safe, loving and the foster care system should, at all We hear from youth about policies permanent home for every child. We times, be temporary. It is a temporary that affect their quality of life. Among must always stress prevention as well place for children to go to be protected other activities, the caucus sponsors a as reunification and the reunification and healed and nurtured until they can speakers series to bring the best ideas services because these two key compo- be returned to their birth family or to from the field to us policymakers in nents are necessary to reduce the num- their extended family with sibling Washington, DC. ber of children who are forced to re- groups intact or until they can be proc- Today I invite my colleagues to join main in foster care. essed to a kinship adoption, which Sen- us on this caucus, to get involved and Finally, let me take a moment to pay ator GRASSLEY has been a tremendous to make a difference. Senator LAN- tribute to many volunteers, guardians, advocate for, or to a domestic adop- DRIEU and I created the foster care cau- mentors, and workers in the child pro- tion. cus in the Senate to focus on all youth tective service community. Every per- I cannot add anything to the very ex- in the system, but we have particular son in this field plays a vital role in cellent and comprehensive statement focus on older children who may lack improving the safety of our most vul- the Senator made. I would like to add the security or support of a biological nerable youth, and our country is bet- just a few points. Because of the work or adoptive family. These kids tend to ter off for that. They are dedicated and many of us have done—and we do not age out of the foster care system, then important to thousands of children and hear good news around here that often, struggle in creating a stable life that can be very positive influences for fam- so I want to share that in the last 20 many of us often take for granted. ilies across the country. years, because of the work that our More than 27,900 youth age out of fos- This month of May is the time to pay group has done, and others in the Con- ter care without a legal, permanent tribute to the community. It is time to gress, we have doubled the amount of connection to an adult or family. We remember these young people. More children being adopted out of the foster must focus on how to reduce this num- important, it is time to encourage oth- care system. That is a tremendous vic- ber from year to year. We have made ers to get involved and, hence, make a tory because of the legislation that has great strides over the years, and we difference. It is my hope that this been passed, the focus across party have done so in a bipartisan manner. awareness will extend beyond me, and lines. In 2006, the Senate Finance Com- people will recognize the need to step In 1990 we only adopted 14,000 chil- mittee held the first hearings on child up and to fight for these vulnerable dren out of foster care. In the last year welfare in more than a decade. The youth on a daily basis. I encourage of record, 2010, we adopted 53,000. It is hearings led to passage of the Child and Members to cosponsor our resolution, a tripling of adoptions out of foster Family Services Improvement Act, and I especially appreciate the co- care. which improved programs designed to operation and working relationship I I do not have the numbers in front of help troubled families, provided grants have had with Senator LANDRIEU on me for reunifications, but Senator for States and community organiza- this subject of adoption, foster care, GRASSLEY and I know that number has tions to combat methamphetamine ad- and, in particular, for aging-out young increased as well. We are making diction and other substance abuse, and people. progress in the bills we are proposing increased case worker visits for chil- I yield the floor. and passing, the appropriations that we dren in foster care. It also supported The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- are investing. It has not been a lot grants to strengthen and improve col- ator from Louisiana. more money over the last few years. It

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:02 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.058 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 has just been a real strategic focus adopt a child out of foster care, there Whereas communities across the United which I would like to believe our cau- would be no more orphans in our coun- States offer a variety of natural resources cus and the adoption caucus as well, try. and public land, often with free access, to in- the foster care caucus, has helped to Again, if one family out of every four dividuals seeking outdoor recreation; Whereas the people of the United States produce. churches stepped up for the children should encourage young people to lead a We have had more adoptions out of available for adoption, we would have more active lifestyle, as too many young foster care. We have had more reunifi- no more orphans in America. Then we people in the United States are overweight cations out of foster care. We have could focus on recruiting quality foster or obese; shortened the time that children are in families who can help these children to Whereas National Kids to Parks Day is an foster care. But we have, and in this find their way—to find their way back opportunity for families to take a break month of May still have, many chal- to their biological families with their from their busy lives and come together for a day of wholesome fun; and lenges. That is why Senator GRASSLEY sibling groups intact or find their way and I urge our colleagues to join us in Whereas National Kids to Parks Day aims to a new family who will love them and to broaden the appreciation of young people this resolution, S. Res. 462. Be a co- nurture them and protect them and for nature and the outdoors: Now, therefore, sponsor. Step up and say by your co- support them forever. be it sponsorship that you care about this That is what families do. We do not Resolved, That the Senate— issue, that you want to help us con- support our children until they are 18 (1) designates May 19, 2012, as ‘‘National tinue to make progress. and let them go on their merry way. Kids to Parks Day’’; I want to remember our former col- We are with them until the last breath. (2) recognizes the importance of outdoor league, John Chafee, who, when he was That is what parents do. We are with recreation and the preservation of open in the Senate, was an extraordinary ad- spaces to the health of the young people of our children forever. Every child in the United States; and vocate for foster care children. We this world deserves a forever family. (3) calls on the people of the United States named the John Chafee Foster Care Senator GRASSLEY and I have come to observe the day with appropriate pro- Independence Program in his honor. As together. We work to strengthen our grams, ceremonies, and activities. Senator GRASSLEY said, we are making foster care system. We know it is bro- progress with helping our children who ken in places. We know it can be fixed. f age out when we failed to reunite them We work on fixing it every day. SENATE RESOLUTION 464—COM- with their birth family, we failed to I thank our colleagues who have MEMORATING THE 70TH ANNI- find them an adoptive home. They are joined us in just recognizing Foster VERSARY OF ELLSWORTH AIR aging out, but we are trying to give Care Month. As Senator GRASSLEY said FORCE BASE them more help and support. That is in his conclusion, and I will say in Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota (for still a challenge. mine, we want to thank everyone who himself and Mr. THUNE) submitted the Some of our Members are working on helps on this every month of the year, following resolution; which was consid- foster children and school choice. If not just May. We want to thank the ered and agreed to: children are brought into the foster teachers who reach out especially to care system and they are separated the foster children they know are in S. RES. 464 from their families, it is quite trau- their classrooms. We want to thank the Whereas on January 2, 1942, the War De- matic. Of course it is for their own judges who process their cases quickly. partment established Rapid City Army Air good. Sometimes their families are I particularly want to thank the Base in South Dakota as a training location being abusive. Sometimes their fami- for B–17 Flying Fortress crews; CASA workers. I am a big believer in Whereas thousands of pilots, navigators, lies are being grossly negligent. Unfor- CASA, Court Appointed Special Advo- radio operators, and gunners were trained at tunately, in this day and age some- cates. I think it is a great organization Rapid City Army Air Base and went on to times their families are deported and for all the volunteers who worked to support the allied efforts in World War II; they are in the home alone. We want to help make our foster care system in Whereas on June 13, 1953, President Dwight make sure the children get to stay at America better. D. Eisenhower visited the base and dedicated least in the school of their choice. It is Again, this is S. Res. 462. it in memory of Brigadier General Richard one thing to be pulled from your fam- I would like to thank our counter- E. Ellsworth; ily; it is another thing to have to lose Whereas during the Cold War, Ellsworth parts in the House. Air Force Base maintained 2 legs of the stra- your family 1 day and your school the It has been a real joy and pleasure to tegic triad, strategic bombardment, and next day and all of your teachers, all of work with Senator GRASSLEY these intercontinental ballistic missiles, earning your friends. many years on helping to promote the the title ‘‘The Showplace of Strategic Air There is legislation pending that very best practices in the country on Command’’; would give foster children the oppor- reforming our foster care system in Whereas 2012 marks the 25th year of the B– tunity to stay in the school they are in America and trying to help who we can 1B Lancer mission at Ellsworth Air Force when they enter care, if that is their around the world. Base; Whereas in 1999, B–1Bs from Ellsworth Air choice. That would be a great reform. f We also want to continue to promote Force Base flew over 100 combat missions in SENATE RESOLUTION 463—DESIG- support of NATO forces in Operation Allied kinship adoption, reaching out to the Force in Kosovo; extended family, trying to keep chil- NATING MAY 19, 2012, AS ‘‘NA- TIONAL KIDS TO PARKS DAY’’ Whereas Ellsworth Air Force Base has dren placed in their extended families played a crucial role in support of Operation who are willing and responsible to raise Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for himself, Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Op- them—but not placing children with Mr. BINGAMAN, Ms. MURKOWSKI, and eration Enduring Freedom, deploying over kin if the kin or the relatives are not Mr. PORTMAN) submitted the following 10,000 personnel and flying over 6,000 combat responsible and not willing; that is not resolution; which was considered and sorties in those operations; a solution. agreed to: Whereas the first ever B–1B global strike Finally, we want to promote quality mission launched from the United States S. RES. 463 came from Ellsworth Air Force Base on foster families. This is a problem that Whereas the second annual National Kids March 30, 2011, striking targets in Libya be- is easily solvable. It seems like it is a to Parks Day will be celebrated on May 19, fore refueling, rearming, and hitting addi- lot, this number, 450-some-odd thou- 2012; tional targets in Libya on the return; sand children. But it represents only Whereas the goal of National Kids to Parks Whereas, for 70 years, Ellsworth Air Force one-half of 1 percent of all children in Day is to empower young people and encour- Base has served as an integral part of the de- America. This is not a big number. It age families to get outdoors and visit the fense strategy of the United States and sounds like it when we say 450,000, but parks of the United States; served as the proud home to thousands of the percentage, one-half of 1 percent— Whereas, on National Kids to Parks Day, bomber pilots, navigators, radio operators, individuals from rural and urban areas of the gunners, missile launch control facility per- we calculated it 1 day on just the back United States can be reintroduced to the sonnel, and aircraft and missile maintenance of a napkin. If one family for every splendid National Parks and State and personnel; four churches in America would say neighborhood parks that are located in their Whereas, the personnel from Ellsworth Air yes to taking in a foster child or to communities; Force Base have a history of compiling some

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:02 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.059 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3239 of the highest marks in competitive readi- Water’’ in the State of Colorado: Now, there- duct a hearing entitled, ‘‘Growing ness and maintenance exercises and competi- fore, be it Long-Term Value: Corporate Environ- tions; Resolved, That the Senate recognizes that mental Responsibility and Innova- the Governor of the State of Colorado has Whereas, for the past 65 years, Ellsworth tion.’’ Air Force Base has— proclaimed 2012 as the ‘‘Year of Water’’ in (1) been home to the 28th Bomb Wing and the State of Colorado. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without some of the most impressive aircraft in the f objection, it is so ordered. United States, including the B–17 Flying Fortress, the B–29 Superfortress, the RB–36 AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO f Peacemaker, the B–52 Stratofortress, the MEET PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR KC–135 Stratotanker, KC–97 Stratofreighter COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND and the B–1B Lancer; and TRANSPORTATION Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask (2) for parts of 4 decades, served as an im- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Chantel portant cog in the missile defense system of Boyens, a detailee to the Budget Com- the United States, featuring the Titan and unanimous consent that the Com- Minuteman missile systems; mittee on Commerce, Science, and mittee, be given floor privileges for the Whereas Ellsworth Air Force Base con- Transportation be authorized to meet pendency of the debate on the budget tinues to evolve and is preparing to welcome during the session of the Senate on resolutions and S. 2516, the Food and the MQ–9 Reaper mission later in 2012; and May 16, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. in room SR– Drug Administration Safety and Inno- Whereas, Ellsworth Air Force Base and the 253 of the Russell Senate Office Build- vation Act. communities of Rapid City and Box Elder, ing. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- South Dakota have and will continue to The Committee will hold a hearing pore. Without objection, it is so or- enjoy a long standing, mutually beneficial dered. relationship: Now, therefore, be it entitled, ‘‘Oversight of the Federal Resolved, That the Senate— Communications Commission.’’ Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask (1) recognizes the contributions of Ells- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without unanimous consent that Laura Sands worth Air Force Base to the security of the objection, it is so ordered. and Katrine Lazar of my staff be grant- United States; COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS ed floor privileges for the duration of (2) commemorates 70 years of excellence Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask today’s proceedings. and service by Ellsworth Air Force Base to unanimous consent that the Com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the United States; and objection, it is so ordered. (3) encourages the people of the United mittee on Foreign Relations be author- States to recognize and honor the dedicated ized to meet during the session of the f and exemplary service of the airmen and Senate on May 16, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. their families, past and present, stationed at The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without UNANIMOUS CONSENT AGREE- Ellsworth Air Force Base. objection, it is so ordered. MENT—EXECUTIVE CALENDAR f COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask SENATE RESOLUTION 465—RECOG- AND PENSIONS unanimous consent that at 10:30 a.m. NIZING THAT THE GOVERNOR OF Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask on Thursday, May 17, 2012, the Senate THE STATE OF COLORADO HAS unanimous consent that the Com- proceed to executive session to con- PROCLAIMED 2012 AS THE ‘‘YEAR mittee on Health, Education, Labor, sider Calendar Nos. 646 and 647; that OF WATER’’ and Pensions be authorized to meet, there be 90 minutes for debate equally during the session of the Senate, to Mr. UDALL of Colorado (for himself divided in the usual form to run con- conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Identifying currently on both nominations en bloc; and Mr. BENNET) submitted the fol- Opportunities for Health Care Delivery lowing resolution; which was consid- that upon the use or yielding back of System Reform: Lessons from the ered and agreed to: time, the Senate proceed to vote with- Front Line’’ on May 16, 2012, at 10 a.m. S. RES. 465 out intervening action or debate on the in room SD–430 of the Dirksen Senate Whereas water is a precious and limited nominations in the order listed; that Office Building. the nominations be subject to a 60-vote natural resource; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Whereas a clean and sustainable water sup- threshold; the motions to reconsider be ply is essential to the high quality of life en- objection, it is so ordered. considered made and laid upon the joyed by Coloradans; COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND table with no intervening action or de- Whereas a clean and sustainable water sup- GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS bate; that no further motions be in Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask ply is essential to the success of all aspects order to the nominations; that any of the economy of the State of Colorado, in- unanimous consent that the Com- statements related to the nominations cluding the agricultural, municipal, indus- mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- trial, and recreational economies; be printed in the RECORD; that the ernmental Affairs be authorized to President be immediately notified of Whereas as a headwaters State, the health meet during the session of the Senate of the water in the State of Colorado has a the Senate’s action and the Senate on May 16, 2012, at 10 a.m. then resume legislative session; fur- direct impact on neighboring States; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Whereas the population of the State of Col- ther, that the cloture votes with re- objection, it is so ordered. orado is predicted to double by 2050; spect to these nominations be vitiated. Whereas educating the public about lim- COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ited water resources will be critical in meet- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask objection, it is so ordered. ing the increasing demands placed on water unanimous consent that the Com- in the future; mittee on the Judiciary be authorized f Whereas 2012 marks the— to meet during the session of the Sen- (1) 100th anniversary of the construction of RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY the Rio Grande Reservoir; ate, on May 16, 2012, at 10 a.m., in room (2) 90th anniversary of the Colorado River SD–226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask Compact of 1922; Building, to conduct a hearing entitled unanimous consent that the Senate (3) 75th anniversary of the creation of the ‘‘Oversight of the Office of the Federal proceed to the immediate consider- Colorado Water Conservation Board; (4) 75th anniversary of the creation of the Bureau of Investigation.’’ ation en bloc of the following resolu- Colorado River Water Conservation District; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tions which were submitted earlier (5) 75th anniversary of the creation of the objection, it is so ordered. today: S. Res. 463, S. Res. 464, and S. Northern Colorado Water Conservancy Dis- SUBCOMMITTEE ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND Res. 465. trict and the Colorado-Big Thompson ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Project; objection, it is so ordered. The Senate (6) 50th anniversary of the Fryingpan-Ar- Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask kansas Project, administered by the South- unanimous consent that the Sub- will proceed to consider the resolutions eastern Colorado Water Conservancy Dis- committee on Children’s Health and en bloc. trict; Environmental Responsibility of the S. RES. 463 (7) 10th anniversary of the Colorado Foun- Committee on Environment and Public Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Presi- dation for Water Education; and (8) 10th anniversary of the Lower Arkansas Works be authorized to meet during dent, I rise today in support of a pretty Valley Water Conservancy District; and the session of the Senate on May 16, common sense goal—getting more kids Whereas the Governor of the State of Colo- 2012, at 10 a.m. in room SD–406 of the outside and engaged in the great out- rado has proclaimed 2012 as the ‘‘Year of Dirksen Senate Office Building to con- doors.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:42 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY6.034 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE S3240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 16, 2012 In America today, I am sad to say enjoy and protect our Nation’s special This is something that, unfortunately, that one in three children are over- places. cannot be said at every military instal- weight or obese. Kids between the ages I would like to thank Senator BINGA- lation. This symbiotic relationship has of 8 and 18 spend an average of 7 and a MAN, Senator MURKOWSKI and Senator displayed itself in numerous ways, such half hours a day using some sort of en- PORTMAN for joining me in submitting as in 1972 when base personnel assisted tertainment media such as TVs, com- this resolution. in the recovery and relief efforts when puters, video games, cell phones and I would like to close by asking my historic flooding struck Rapid City. movies. I believe this is a major reason colleagues to support my National Kids When snowstorms crippled the region why only 1⁄3 of all children get the rec- to Parks Day resolution. in 1949 and 1950, Ellsworth personnel ommended level of physical activity S. RES. 464 airlifted food and hay bales to stranded every day, contributing to high obesity Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. ranchers and livestock. Today, per- rates. President, today I wish to mark the sonnel from Ellsworth contribute to The grave effects of childhood obe- 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air many charitable efforts in the commu- sity on our children’s quality of life are Force Base. For the past seven decades, nity, such as helping with the United troubling, and the impacts on our econ- my home State of South Dakota has Way’s annual Day of Caring and the omy distressing. But the effect on our had the distinct honor of being home to Children’s Miracle Network. national security is equally alarming. Ellsworth Air Force Base. This week- As I reflect on this anniversary, I’m With current obesity rates, I have seri- end, I will gather in Rapid City with reminded of all of the dedicated Air- ous concerns that our military will Air Force Chief of Staff General Norton men, past and present, that have have difficulty finding soldiers phys- Schwartz, 28th Bomb Wing Commander served at Ellsworth Air Force Base. ically qualified to serve in the near fu- Colonel Mark Weatherington, Governor The Air Force is only as strong as its ture. Dennis Daugaard, Senator JOHN THUNE, members, and Ellsworth has seen many A healthier Nation is a stronger Na- Congresswoman KRISTI NOEM, past and talented, patriotic individuals over the tion, and encouraging greater physical present Airmen, and proud South Da- past 70 years. Many former Wing Com- activity in America’s youth by getting kotans to celebrate this anniversary. manders have gone on to serve in top more kids outdoors will help stop this A lot has changed since the Rapid positions in the Air Force, including as disturbing trend. City Army Air Base opened in 1942. At commanders of U.S. Transportation That is why I am proud to submit a the time, the base served as a training Command, Air Education and Training bipartisan resolution today which rec- location for B–17 Flying Fortress crews Command, and Air Force Global Strike ognizes May 19, 2012, as the second an- and thousands of pilots, navigators, Command. nual National Kids to Parks Day. I led radio operators, and gunners trained Mr. President, for the past 70 years this effort last year, and was extremely there during World War II. Over the Ellsworth Air Force Base has made sig- pleased to see the many thousands of years, the base has adapted and grown nificant contributions to the State of families that made it out to a national, to support new missions but a reminder South Dakota and the security of the State, or local park to enjoy the great of its early days remains in the PRIDE United States. I commend Ellsworth outdoors. hangar. This historic building was Air Force Base on this occasion and So far, over 70,000 people across the completed in 1949 to house the RB–36 know that the base, and the brave men country have signed the pledge to get Peacemakers and later was home to and women who serve there, will con- outside on National Kids to Parks Day. the 44th Strategic Missile Wing and the tinue to make invaluable contributions Enjoying the outdoors has been a 77th Bomb Squadron. for decades to come. lifelong passion for me. Growing up in The 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air S. RES. 465 the American southwest, my parents Force Base has been home to such im- Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Presi- would take our family on frequent pressive aircraft as the B–17 Flying dent, today I am submitting a resolu- trips to the nearby parks and helped Fortress, B–29 Superfortress, the RB–36 tion concerning water in the State of inspire me to become a mountain guide Peacemaker, the B–52 Stratofortress, Colorado. This resolution recognizes with Outward Bound. At Outward and, for the past 25 years, the B–1B the importance of water to the State of Bound I developed a strong love not Lancer. All these planes have graced Colorado and the contributions of just for being outdoors, but for sharing the skies of western South Dakota, of- many of the organizations that have the outdoors with others. fering South Dakotans a visual and innovated and cooperated over the past In Congress, I have similarly tried to audial reminder of the power of the century to develop, protect and con- ensure that open spaces in both urban United States Air Force. Ellsworth has serve this scarce resource. I want to and rural areas are preserved so that played an important role in every thank my colleague from Colorado families in Colorado and across Amer- major conflict since World War II, in- Senator BENNET for cosponsoring the ica have ample opportunity to get out cluding flying over 6,000 combat sorties resolution. and take advantage of our greatest in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, In the arid West, water is our most natural resources, our parks, and open Operation New Dawn, and Operation precious natural resource. It is woven spaces. Enduring Freedom. On March 20, 2011, into our history as a source of life, a Preserving open spaces is critical to history was made as the first ever B–1B source of recreation and even economic our ability to enjoy the outdoors, combat sorties launched directly from growth. But as a limited resource, it is which is essential not just to public the United States to strike targets also a source of conflict. As the old health but to our economy as well. In overseas were launched at Ellsworth saying in the West goes, whiskey is for Colorado, a big part of our economy is and hit targets in Libya. Ellsworth drinking and water is for fighting. dependent on having open spaces—from continues to evolve and as we reflect However, I rise today to highlight skiing to whitewater rafting, hiking, on the past, we also look to a bright fu- not our disagreements but our coopera- and mountain biking—protecting land ture for the base, including the arrival tion. Generations of Coloradans have for outdoor recreation keeps us and our later this year of the MQ–9 Reaper mis- joined together and worked hard to economy healthy. sion. solve Colorado’s water challenges, be- In this same spirit, on Saturday fam- Ellsworth Air Force Base is the larg- cause a resource as valuable as water ilies all across the Nation will get out- est employer in western South Dakota must ultimately unite us. side to celebrate National Kids to and has had a significant economic im- The year 2012 is a particularly sig- Parks Day and America’s commitment pact on our State. The impact of the nificant year for water in Colorado, as to getting kids outdoors. base on our State goes beyond the eco- it marks numerous anniversaries that Getting kids outdoors won’t com- nomic, however; the base and its per- have had an enormous impact on how pletely solve our childhood obesity sonnel are a part of the fabric of our water is managed in my state. problem, but it may help them get ex- state. Rapid City, Box Elder, and com- It is the 100th anniversary of the con- cited about being active and healthy munities throughout the Black Hills struction of the Rio Grande Reservoir, outdoors. It may help inspire the next have enjoyed a friendly and mutually 90th anniversary of the Colorado River generation of American stewards to beneficial relationship with the base. Compact of 1922, 75th anniversary of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:02 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G16MY6.075 S16MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with SENATE May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3241 the creation of the Colorado Water Resolved, That the Senate— (1) recognizes the contributions of Ells- Conservation Board, 75th anniversary (1) designates May 19, 2012, as ‘‘National worth Air Force Base to the security of the of the creation of the Colorado River Kids to Parks Day’’; United States; Water Conservation District, 75th anni- (2) recognizes the importance of outdoor (2) commemorates 70 years of excellence recreation and the preservation of open and service by Ellsworth Air Force Base to versary of the creation of the Northern spaces to the health of the young people of the United States; and Colorado Water Conservancy District the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United and the Colorado-Big Thompson (3) calls on the people of the United States States to recognize and honor the dedicated Project, 50th anniversary of the to observe the day with appropriate pro- and exemplary service of the airmen and Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, 10th an- grams, ceremonies, and activities. their families, past and present, stationed at niversary of the Colorado Foundation Ellsworth Air Force Base. S. RES. 464 for Water Education and 10th anniver- S. RES. 465 sary of the Lower Arkansas Valley (Commemorating the 70th anniversary of (Recognizing that the Governor of the State Water Conservancy District. Ellsworth Air Force Base) of Colorado has proclaimed 2012 as the In fact, Colorado Governor John Whereas on January 2, 1942, the War De- ‘‘Year of Water’’) Hickenlooper has designated 2012 as the partment established Rapid City Army Air Whereas water is a precious and limited Year of Water in Colorado. Base in South Dakota as a training location natural resource; I am proud of efforts underway in the for B–17 Flying Fortress crews; Whereas a clean and sustainable water sup- state to raise awareness about the im- Whereas thousands of pilots, navigators, ply is essential to the high quality of life en- portance of water. For example, a radio operators, and gunners were trained at joyed by Coloradans; Rapid City Army Air Base and went on to Whereas a clean and sustainable water sup- statewide celebration named Colorado support the allied efforts in World War II; ply is essential to the success of all aspects Water 2012 will help to engage and edu- Whereas on June 13, 1953, President Dwight of the economy of the State of Colorado, in- cate Coloradans about past achieve- D. Eisenhower visited the base and dedicated cluding the agricultural, municipal, indus- ments and highlight the challenges we it in memory of Brigadier General Richard trial, and recreational economies; face in the future management of E. Ellsworth; Whereas as a headwaters State, the health water. Colorado Water 2012 will con- Whereas during the Cold War, Ellsworth of the water in the State of Colorado has a tinue throughout the year, and I look Air Force Base maintained 2 legs of the stra- direct impact on neighboring States; forward to participating in the edu- tegic triad, strategic bombardment, and Whereas the population of the State of Col- intercontinental ballistic missiles, earning orado is predicted to double by 2050; cation and engagement of our citizens. the title ‘‘The Showplace of Strategic Air Whereas educating the public about lim- I hope that this resolution can in Command’’; ited water resources will be critical in meet- some small way add to the apprecia- Whereas 2012 marks the 25th year of the B– ing the increasing demands placed on water tion of water issues in the United 1B Lancer mission at Ellsworth Air Force in the future; States Senate and to efforts underway Base; Whereas 2012 marks the— in Colorado. Whereas in 1999, B–1Bs from Ellsworth Air (1) 100th anniversary of the construction of Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask Force Base flew over 100 combat missions in the Rio Grande Reservoir; unanimous consent the resolutions be support of NATO forces in Operation Allied (2) 90th anniversary of the Colorado River Compact of 1922; agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, Force in Kosovo; Whereas Ellsworth Air Force Base has (3) 75th anniversary of the creation of the the motions to reconsider be laid upon played a crucial role in support of Operation Colorado Water Conservation Board; the table en bloc, with no intervening Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Op- (4) 75th anniversary of the creation of the action or debate, and any statements eration Enduring Freedom, deploying over Colorado River Water Conservation District; related to the resolutions be printed in 10,000 personnel and flying over 6,000 combat (5) 75th anniversary of the creation of the the RECORD at the appropriate place as sorties in those operations; Northern Colorado Water Conservancy Dis- if read. Whereas the first ever B–1B global strike trict and the Colorado-Big Thompson The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mission launched from the United States Project; objection, it is so ordered. came from Ellsworth Air Force Base on (6) 50th anniversary of the Fryingpan-Ar- kansas Project, administered by the South- The resolutions were agreed to. March 30, 2011, striking targets in Libya be- fore refueling, rearming, and hitting addi- eastern Colorado Water Conservancy Dis- The preambles were agreed to. tional targets in Libya on the return; trict; The resolutions, with their pre- Whereas, for 70 years, Ellsworth Air Force (7) 10th anniversary of the Colorado Foun- ambles, read as follows: Base has served as an integral part of the de- dation for Water Education; and S. RES. 463 fense strategy of the United States and (8) 10th anniversary of the Lower Arkansas (Designating May 19, 2012, as ‘‘National Kids served as the proud home to thousands of Valley Water Conservancy District; and to Parks Day’’) bomber pilots, navigators, radio operators, Whereas the Governor of the State of Colo- rado has proclaimed 2012 as the ‘‘Year of Whereas the second annual National Kids gunners, missile launch control facility per- Water’’ in the State of Colorado: Now, there- to Parks Day will be celebrated on May 19, sonnel, and aircraft and missile maintenance fore, be it 2012; personnel; Resolved, That the Senate recognizes that Whereas the goal of National Kids to Parks Whereas, the personnel from Ellsworth Air the Governor of the State of Colorado has Day is to empower young people and encour- Force Base have a history of compiling some proclaimed 2012 as the ‘‘Year of Water’’ in age families to get outdoors and visit the of the highest marks in competitive readi- the State of Colorado. parks of the United States; ness and maintenance exercises and competi- Whereas, on National Kids to Parks Day, tions; f Whereas, for the past 65 years, Ellsworth individuals from rural and urban areas of the DISCHARGE AND REFERRAL—H.R. United States can be reintroduced to the Air Force Base has— splendid National Parks and State and (1) been home to the 28th Bomb Wing and 2947 neighborhood parks that are located in their some of the most impressive aircraft in the Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask United States, including the B–17 Flying communities; unanimous consent that H.R. 2947 be Whereas communities across the United Fortress, the B–29 Superfortress, the RB–36 Peacemaker, the B–52 Stratofortress, the discharged from the Committee on En- States offer a variety of natural resources ergy and Natural Resources and be re- and public land, often with free access, to in- KC–135 Stratotanker, KC–97 Stratofreighter dividuals seeking outdoor recreation; and the B–1B Lancer; and ferred to the Committee on Agri- Whereas the people of the United States (2) for parts of 4 decades, served as an im- culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. should encourage young people to lead a portant cog in the missile defense system of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without more active lifestyle, as too many young the United States, featuring the Titan and objection, it is so ordered. Minuteman missile systems; people in the United States are overweight f or obese; Whereas Ellsworth Air Force Base con- Whereas National Kids to Parks Day is an tinues to evolve and is preparing to welcome ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 17, opportunity for families to take a break the MQ–9 Reaper mission later in 2012; and 2012 Whereas, Ellsworth Air Force Base and the from their busy lives and come together for Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask a day of wholesome fun; and communities of Rapid City and Box Elder, Whereas National Kids to Parks Day aims South Dakota have and will continue to unanimous consent that when the Sen- to broaden the appreciation of young people enjoy a long standing, mutually beneficial ate completes its business today, it ad- for nature and the outdoors: Now, therefore, relationship: Now, therefore, be it journ until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May be it Resolved, That the Senate— 17; that following the prayer and the

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CONGRATULATORY REMARKS TO a democracy in these troubled times is no Mr. Speaker, in closing, Bob Campbell has PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU mere accomplishment. Taiwan, led by Presi- demonstrated passion and excellence in help- dent Ma Ying-jeou, has achieved a democracy ing governments address and resolve critical HON. TIM SCOTT unrivaled. His efforts to bring peace to the re- policy, financing, and operational issues. His OF SOUTH CAROLINA gion have been both courageous and mean- insights have helped governments across the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ingful. country achieve better results for the citizens they serve. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 I urge my colleagues to join me in congratu- lating President Ma Ying-jeou and I wish him On behalf of the people of the 10th Con- Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, well in his future endeavors. gressional District, I would like to thank Bob for his years of service and wish him contin- I rise to congratulate President Ma Ying-jeou f of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on his inau- ued success in the years to come. guration on May 20th, 2012. RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT f The Republic of China (Taiwan) is the first OF ROBERT N. CAMPBELL III, nation in the ethnic Chinese world where de- VICE CHAIRMAN OF DELOITTE & IN HONOR OF FRANCISCO mocracy has taken root. Today Taiwan cele- TOUCHE USA LLP ‘‘FRANK’’ ALVAREZ brates freedom and democracy. We hope China will one day transform itself into a HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA democratic and free country based on the ex- OF CALIFORNIA OF TEXAS ample set by Taiwan. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES For the past four years, under the leader- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 ship of President Ma, the relationship between Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Taiwan and China has improved dramatically, Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of my dear friend, Mr. Francisco with increased economic and cultural ex- recognize the retirement of Robert N. Camp- ‘‘Frank’’ Alvarez. He passed suddenly this changes as well as reduced military tension bell III, Vice Chairman of Deloitte & Touche week and his passing is a devastating loss to across the Taiwan Strait. USA LLP and National Sector Leader of our entire community. Frank served as the Taiwan and the United States have always Deloitte’s U.S. State Government practice. Deputy District Attorney for the Stanislaus had a strong partnership, built on cooperation, Bob will soon retire after 39 years with County District Attorney’s office. trust and shared values. In 1979 the U.S. Deloitte. Frank was born July 13, 1954, in East Los Congress enacted the Taiwan Relations Act During his tenure with Deloitte, Bob has Angeles. Mr. Alvarez served four years in the (TRA), the cornerstone of our bilateral relation- worked closely with government leaders to ad- Air Force as a teletype repairman before start- ship. While the U.S. and Taiwan do not have dress and resolve their critical policy, financ- ing his law career. He began working at the formal ties, relations between the two sides ing, and operational issues. He has advised District Attorney’s office in 1990. He pros- have continued to strengthen. For instance, leaders of major federal agencies, over 40 ecuted a number of misdemeanor and felony the support of the U.S. Congress for Taiwan states and several major local governments on crimes from domestic violence to consumer has never faltered. We trust that the relations a variety of issues spanning human services, fraud. Frank secured the first conviction will grow in areas including trade, science and higher education, K–12 education, student against a gang member who violated the technology, educational exchange, military loan finance, employment, economic develop- south Modesto gang injunction as a pros- sales based on the Taiwan Relations Act. ment, public health care, Medicaid, mental ecutor for the gang unit; however, he spent On the occasion of Mr. Ma’s second inau- health, developmental disabilities, revenue and the better part of his career—10 years—in the gural, we celebrate with him and his people by taxation, and central finance and administra- juvenile division. affirming our appreciation for their successes tion. ‘‘While he always made sure the young peo- ple were accountable for their actions, he was and by expressing our continued commitment Mr. Campbell is a frequent writer and also very much focused on rehabilitation,’’ said to Taiwan’s security and well being. speaker on public policy and management Ruben Villalobos, a defense attorney and a f issues. He recently co-authored the book friend of Mr. Alvarez’s. ‘‘There are a lot of States of Transition addressing the big issues CONGRATULATING TAIWAN PRESI- young people who moved beyond their crimi- currently facing our nation’s governors. In re- DENT MA YING-JEOU ON HIS nal behavior because of Frank.’’ SECOND PRESIDENTIAL INAU- cent years he has been quoted in Washington In addition to his work at the District Attor- GURATION Technology, Federal Times, Government ney’s office, Frank Alvarez served the commu- Technology, Consulting Magazine, Computer nity both as an advocate and also as the HON. BLAKE FARENTHOLD World, The Hill, USA Today, and other leading Commander of the American GI Forum. As a publications. He has also addressed a number OF TEXAS veteran, Frank knew how important service to of conferences and associations including the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES our nation is. His life was an example to oth- National Association of Auditors, Comptrollers Wednesday, May 16, 2012 ers. He was selfless and never hesitated to and Treasurers, the Council of State Govern- help a young person realize their goals and Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise ments, and Governing Magazine’s Govern- strive for success. Frank was known through- today to congratulate President Ma Ying-jeou ment Performance Conference. out our community for his outstanding commu- on his second presidential inauguration. The During his tenure at Deloitte, Bob has held nity service. United States of America is proud of its rela- a variety of senior leadership roles and was He has also served on a number of boards tionship with Taiwan, originally created by the awarded the firm’s annual Curtis Award for and committees, including the Girl Scouts, the Taiwan Relations Act, which gives the United Partnership Values. Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, the States an important legal commitment to their Bob received a Bachelor’s degree with hon- Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Men- country’s vibrant democracy. ors majoring in business and history from Aus- tal Health Board and the Turlock Unified Taiwan has made remarkable progress in tin College in 1971 and a Master’s Degree School District Criminal Justice Committee. so many ways. It is now one of the world’s 20 from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Since 1992, he participated in the Stanislaus freest economies. Their strong commitment to Affairs, University of Texas in 1973. He has County Mock Trial competition and has helped structural reform and openness to global com- served on various community boards and organize the Fourth of July parade, Veterans merce have enabled it to become a global committees and is presently a member of the Day parade and Cinco de Mayo parade. leader in economic freedom. Advisory Board of the LBJ School of Public Af- He recently was appointed as a member on Democracy is hard to come by as witnessed fairs and on the Chancellors Council Executive the California Mexican-American War Memo- by the turmoil in the Middle East. To maintain Committee of the University of Texas System. rial and was the commander of the American

∑ 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.

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Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to GI Forum vice commander. ‘‘He never was as- edly emphasized the singular importance of interact with some of the brightest students in suming. He could deal with people from all contributing to Israel’s defense and well-being, the 22nd Congressional District who serve on walks of life, from homeless people to dig- most recently only last week when we over- my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I nitaries.’’ whelmingly passed H.R. 4133, affirming the have gained much by listening to the high Mr. Alvarez is survived by his wife, Sandra; strategic relationship between Israel and the school students who are the future of this daughter, Tanya; brothers Carlos, Alex and United States. great Nation. They provide important insight Luis; and sister, Sylvia, as well as nine nieces into the concerns of our younger constituents and nephews. Sadly, the resolution before us does not and hopefully get a better sense of the impor- Please join me in honoring the life of Frank contribute in any appreciable way either to tance of being an active participant in the po- Alvarez and his dedication to our nation and Israel’s security or to the goal of compelling litical process. Many of the students have writ- community. He will be missed by all of us as Iran’s cooperation on their nuclear program. ten short essays on a variety of topics and I we look to comfort his family during this dif- The ambiguous language of H. Res. 568 ef- am pleased to share these with my House col- ficult time. fectively redefines the circumstances that leagues. f could be used to justify a military strike Rima Patel is a junior at Dawson High against Iran. This could make it harder to School in Brazoria County, Texas. Her essay CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT MA topic is: In your opinion, what role should gov- reach an agreement through negotiations, AND THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN ernment play in our lives? since it could be argued that Iran—and indeed The government is a colossal term which is HON. DOUG LAMBORN any country with a civilian nuclear program— defined in a variety of ways by different peo- OF COLORADO already possesses ‘‘nuclear weapons capa- ple in different places. Government means a multitude of things depending on country, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bility.’’ The consensus in the U.S. and Israeli intelligence community remains that Iran has region, and geography. Many people are shut Wednesday, May 16, 2012 out in the darkness by their government and not made the decision to move ahead with the Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, on May 20, have to struggle to learn even the basics development of a nuclear weapon. truths of life because their government is so 2012 the Honorable Ma Ying-jeou will be secretive. Living in a democratic country, I sworn in for a second term as President of the Furthermore, the resolution declares that, of all possible responses should Iran make that believe that since the idea of democracy was Republic of Taiwan. President Ma has already conceived in the western hemisphere, the ul- served four years as president and his tireless decision, our government cannot consider timate goals of the government should be: to dedication to public service has been re- containment. By combining these two provi- serve as a guardian, to be a force that leads warded by the people of Taiwan with a well- sions, even in a non-binding resolution, the people, and to always highlight the people deserved reelection this January. Congress risks accelerating a drive to war. before itself. I also believe that govern- During President Ma’s first term, Taiwan has ment’s responsibility comes directly from Since President Obama took office, the the people because they are the ones who been accepted as an Observer in the World United States has carefully built a comprehen- vote and put trust into the people who will Health Organization, reduced tensions with the sive regime of multi-lateral sanctions in re- be leading them. However it seems in this People’s Republic of China, and crafted 16 sponse to Iran’s intransigence. After extensive day and age that people often times do not trade agreements. I rise to congratulate Presi- make decisions based on issues that they be- dent Ma on his election and the people of Tai- diplomatic efforts by this administration, Iran lieve in but more so on the public image the wan for their decades of dedication to democ- agreed to reengage with the international com- candidates display. Slowly it seems as if the racy and freedom. munity, and the second major negotiations democratic ideals of our nation are shat- As demonstrated over the decades, the session will take place in Baghdad on May 23. tering, the public who should be the true force behind the government, is fading away United States of America and Taiwan enjoy a The United States and our partners enter into the distant background. I believe it is close and strong relationship based on shared the dialogue with Iran from a position of the government’s job to not let their power democratic values and free market economies. strength and unity, while reports indicate Iran’s grow unchecked and restore the people with Today, Taiwan remains a major trading part- leadership is divided and weak. With the P5+1 the power that belongs to them. We’ve often ner and friend. heard the term that those who serve in the Our strong economic and cultural ties go negotiations, we have a unique opportunity to government are public servants meaning back nearly a hundred years. I know this demonstrate our resolve to achieve the goal of they are there to uphold the people and as- strong bond will continue for another 100 full compliance by Iran with IAEA expecta- sist them with their needs. Therefore the tions, while reversing the clock on Iran’s nu- government needs to aid people in obtaining years, and, under President Ma’s leadership, a secure life and perhaps giving people a path thrive in the immediate future. clear efforts and building toward a permanent to go down. The people in the government As a member of the Congressional Caucus agreement that ensures Iran will never de- are the leaders that people look up to so that on Taiwan, I offer my sincere congratulations velop a nuclear weapon. means they need to be uncorrupt, trust- worthy, and above all dedicated to the peo- to President Ma and the people of Taiwan and The United States built a global alliance look forward to our continued cooperation. ple. It is this that people look for in the gov- against Iran with the support of close, like- ernment someone who fosters development f minded allies Britain, Germany and France. and expands the nation in the most positive EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE RE- But our efforts also rely heavily on Russia and way. The government should not barge into GARDING IMPORTANCE OF PRE- China, partners that have at times seen this people’s life and try to control people who have different ideas but should instead spark VENTING IRAN FROM ACQUIRING issue very differently. It is critical that we A NUCLEAR WEAPONS CAPA- enthusiasm for the people to be ideal citi- maintain a consistent and reasoned approach zens. Its seems that in a decade where TVs BILITY towards Iran that will help us maintain this net- and computers are so prominent, that the work of partners. government has simply forgotten to keep the SPEECH OF public educated at every step. It is not the As we wind down two wars in the region, it job of the government to protect people from HON. JAMES P. MORAN is urgent that we make the most of our exten- the truth but instead it is their job to help OF VIRGINIA sive diplomatic efforts and the platform of guide the people through the truth. The gov- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES stringent sanctions the world community has ernment should not conform the masses of Tuesday, May 15, 2012 people but instead take into account the dif- imposed on Iran. We must capitalize on the ferent beliefs, and create a unity. It is my vi- Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, Iran’s failure to opportunity presented by the Baghdad talks. sion, hope, and belief that one day the gov- comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions This resolution is inconsistent with that aim. ernment shall be the upmost example of

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BLAINE LUETKEMEYER cantly smaller in comparison to the overall chanical problems on my flight en route to Washington, DC from Lafayette, Louisiana, I OF MISSOURI APA population, has also grown at a rapid rate over the past decade. According to the was unable to return in time for votes on the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2010 Census, the Native Hawaiian and Pacific day of May 15, 2012. Had I been present to Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Islander, NHPI, population grew to over 1.2 vote, my voting record would reflect the fol- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, on roll- million, an increase of 40 percent over the lowing: H.R. 365—‘‘yea;’’ H.R. 3874—‘‘yea;’’ call No. 252, due to other representational ob- past decade. H.R. 205—‘‘yea.’’ ligations in Hannibal, Missouri, I had to miss The NHPI population in the U.S. traces their f this vote. roots to several island cultures in the Pacific. IN REMEMBRANCE OF CAPTAIN Had I been present, I would have voted They include Native Hawaiians, Samoans, Ta- THOMAS GRAMITH, USAF ‘‘yea.’’ hitians, Tongans, and Tokelauans; Chamorros, f Marshallese, Palauans, Chuukese, Mariana Is- landers, Saipanese, Carolinians, Kosraeans, HON. DOUG LAMBORN ARMENIAN REMEMBRANCE DAY Pohnpeians, Yapese, and the people of OF COLORADO Kiribati; as well Fijians, Solomon Islanders, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. DOUG LAMBORN Papua New Guineans, and the people of Wednesday, May 16, 2012 OF COLORADO Vanuatu—all who have made their home in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES this great Nation. Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Captain Thomas Gramith of the Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Pacific Islander heritage runs deep in NHPI communities across the Nation and the an- 336th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Air Force Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to cient cultural values of service to the family Base, United States Air Force. mark the 97th Commemoration of the Arme- and the village carry on in NHPI’s service to Captain Gramith died in an F–15E crash nian Genocide. Today, I remember the one- our Nation. In any arena of society in which while providing air support to ground troops and-a-half million Armenians that endured un- Pacific Islanders have attained success, one during Operation Enduring Freedom near speakable suffering and loss at the hand of common thread we see is their unending de- Ghazni Province in Afghanistan. the Ottoman Empire during the first World votion to giving back to the community. Captain Gramith is survived by his wife Angie, their daughters Stella and Eva, and his War. Just last Friday, I had the honor of speaking Only with a thorough examination of history father and step-mother Frederick and Cynthia at the funeral of a beloved son of Samoa and and open acknowledgement of the past will and his mother and step-father Patricia and NFL Great, Junior Seau, who not only shined the plight of the Armenians be fully under- Robert. on the football field but who also devoted stood. As my colleagues know, last month Captain Gramith was an honorable and much of his time off the field to helping under- was Genocide Awareness month. In addition dedicated airman who died serving his coun- privileged youth through the Junior Seau to the genocide of Armenians, the 20th cen- try. His commitment to his country will stand Foundation. tury bore witness to the loss of 6 million Jews as an inspiration to all Americans. To his fam- I was fortunate enough to have been able to and 400,000 other persons deemed ‘‘non-de- ily and friends, I offer my humble thoughts and meet Junior and one memorable occasion was sirable’’ by the Nazis, and the modern-day prayers. May God bless them in this time of right here in the Nation’s capital. In 2005, I horrors in Cambodia and Rwanda. All too remembrance. had the privilege of attending an award cere- often, we have not learned from past geno- mony at the White House to witness President f cides. George W. Bush present to Junior the distin- As the Universal Declaration of Human CONGRATULATING THE OUR LADY guished President’s Volunteer Service Award Rights states ‘‘No one shall be subjected to OF LOURDES ACADEMY CON- for his work in helping youth through the Jun- torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treat- STITUTION TEAM ior Seau Foundation. I remember Junior’s ment or punishment’’ and that ‘‘Everyone has genuinely humble spirit evident of his contin- the right to life, liberty and security of person.’’ HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN uous connection to his roots and humble be- Though nothing changes the fact that mass OF FLORIDA ginnings. killings and unspeakable acts of brutality oc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES And many others follow in these steps. curred, today I wish to learn from the past to Wednesday, May 16, 2012 better bring about hope for a brighter, more Even stars such as Dwayne ‘‘The Rock’’ John- peaceful future and reconciliation of the peo- son, who by the way was recently awarded Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would ple of Armenia and Turkey. ‘‘Action Star of the Year’’ at the prestigious like to congratulate the Our Lady of Lourdes CinemaCon Awards Ceremony, are heavily in- f Academy Constitution Team for yet another vested in enriching the lives of those less for- remarkable performance in the annual We the HONORING ASIAN-PACIFIC tunate. People Competition. Having won the right to AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Pacific Islanders also have paid the ultimate represent the State of Florida by winning the sacrifice in defending the freedoms of our Na- State Championship in January, Lourdes HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA tion. As a Vietnam veteran, I would be remiss came to Washington DC and placed an im- OF AMERICAN SAMOA if I do not say something to honor and respect pressive 7th place nationally. the hundreds of thousands of Asian-Pacific IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES For 25 years, the We the People Competi- Americans who serve and have served in our tion has helped further civic education and Wednesday, May 16, 2012 armed forces. awareness by testing students’ depth of Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise In closing, as we celebrate Asian-Pacific knowledge and ability to apply constitutional today to honor the Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month this May, let us also honor our principles to both historical and current issues. community on the 20th anniversary of Asian- Asian-Pacific Americans who display the virtue The competition, conducted on the campus of Pacific American Heritage Month. of servanthood in every arena of society, and George Mason University and in hearing The achievements and successes of Asian- especially those who have dedicated their rooms of the U.S. House of Representatives, Pacific Americans demonstrate, above all, that lives to serving our Nation in the U.S. Armed takes the form of simulated congressional the greatness of our Nation lies in its diversity. Forces, including those from my district of hearings. Students testify as constitutional ex- And no other community in the U.S. rep- American Samoa. Let us pay tribute to their perts before panels of judges acting as con- resents the diversity of our great Nation more sacrifice as we celebrate our heritage and gressional committees who then score the than the Asian-Pacific American community. freedoms. groups.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.002 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 2012 The hard work and research put in by the IN CELEBRATION OF ASIAN PA- JHA-MIER RYAN team is a testament to their commitment to CIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE civic education, as well as to the guidance and MONTH instruction of their teacher Rosalie Heffernan. HON. ED PERLMUTTER I know I join all of South Florida in expressing OF COLORADO our pride and admiration for the Our Lady of HON. DORIS O. MATSUI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Lourdes Academy Constitution Team and their OF CALIFORNIA Wednesday, May 16, 2012 remarkable accomplishment. Congratulations to: Paula Abarca, Emily Bezold, Michelle IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Bueno, Gabriela Corzo, Oliva Diaz de Villega, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 today to recognize and applaud Jha-Mier Amelia Garcia, Patricia Garcia-Linares, Ryan for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Gabriela Hildalgo, Anne-Marie Hunter, Alex- Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Jha- andra Lazcano, Maria Mendoza, Fabiola commemorate May as Asian Pacific American Mier Ryan is an 11th grader at Jefferson Sen- Navarro, Caitlin Opperman, Rachel Perez, Heritage Month. ior High and received this award because his Kelsey Quigley, Brigette Quintana, Cristina Against the background of this year’s determination and hard work have allowed him Sanchez, Veronica Sanchez, Kiara Taquechel, theme, ‘‘Striving for Excellence in Leadership, to overcome adversities. Tiffany Valenti and Clarisse Vamos! Diversity and Inclusion,’’ this month provides The dedication demonstrated by Jha-Mier us an excellent opportunity to reflect upon, Ryan is exemplary of the type of achievement f and honor, the many contributions Asian that can be attained with hard work and perse- American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have verance. It is essential students at all levels IN REMEMBRANCE OF CAPTAIN made to our Nation. From fighting in our strive to make the most of their education and MARK MCDOWELL, USAF armed services, to building the trans- develop a work ethic which will guide them for continental railroad, to helping America lead the rest of their lives. HON. DOUG LAMBORN the world in scientific discoveries, AAPIs have I extend my deepest congratulations to Jha- played an integral role in our country’s great- Mier Ryan for winning the Arvada Wheat OF COLORADO est achievements. Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES As America’s fastest growing population, I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- cation and character in all his future accom- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 more and more AAPIs are performing integral roles in forward-thinking companies and in plishments. Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to American innovation. And, we are continually pay tribute to Captain Mark McDowell of Colo- seeing a greater number of AAPIs elected to f rado Springs and the United States Air Force. serve in public office and appointed to the A TRIBUTE TO UNITEDHEALTH- Captain McDowell died in an F–15E crash Federal judiciary. AAPIs are making great CARE COMMUNITY PLAN OF while providing air support to ground troops progress; however, there are still obstacles PENNSYLVANIA during Operation Enduring Freedom near that must be overcome for AAPIs and other minority populations. Ghazni Province in Afghanistan. HON. ROBERT A. BRADY Captain McDowell is survived by his wife We must continue to work together to en- and parents. Captain McDowell was an honor- sure that our country does not repeat injus- OF PENNSYLVANIA able and dedicated airman who died serving tices of the past. We must continue to fight IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES back on issues like racial profiling, housing his country. We will never forget his example Wednesday, May 16, 2012 and his dedication. To his family and friends, discrimination, and disparities in health care. I offer my sincere thoughts and prayers. May We must continue to ensure that AAPI voices Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I God bless them throughout the days ahead. and ideas are heard. rise today to recognize the UnitedHealthcare Our country has always been the land of Community Plan of Pennsylvania, which f opportunity. Our strength has been derived serves over 280,000 Pennsylvania residents from the diverse cultures, traditions, and per- through Medicaid, Medicare and the Children’s JESSICA ALLEN spectives of the people that make up our soci- Health Insurance Program (CHIP). ety. As we look to our country’s future, we The UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of must ensure that all of the cultures and peo- Pennsylvania has been under operation for HON. ED PERLMUTTER ples that call America home are represented more than 20 years, serving the healthcare OF COLORADO and promoted. needs of low-income Philadelphians. On May 4, 2012, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress, in par- opened a new multicultural community office Wednesday, May 16, 2012 ticular, the Congressional Asian Pacific Amer- in South Philadelphia to make its services more accessible to its members and to the Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise ican Caucus, to provide greater opportunity and equality so that AAPIs, and our Nation as larger community. UHC has staffed the new today to recognize and applaud Jessica Allen office with employees from a variety of ethnic for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service a whole, can continue down a path of pros- perity and success. groups to show the diversity of the sur- Ambassadors for Youth award. Jessica Allen rounding-community. is a 12th grader at Arvada Senior High and re- f At the UnitedHealthcare Multicultural Office ceived this award because her determination in Philadelphia, residents of the community will and hard work have allowed her to overcome PERSONAL EXPLANATION be able to apply for low or no-cost health in- adversities. surance, renew their health coverage, gain The dedication demonstrated by Jessica more understanding of their health benefits, Allen is exemplary of the type of achievement HON. TRENT FRANKS and attend special events such as health and that can be attained with hard work and perse- wellness workshops, citizenship and English OF ARIZONA verance. It is essential students at all levels as a Second Language (ESL) classes, and strive to make the most of their education and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES free health screenings. develop a work ethic which will guide them for Wednesday, May 16, 2012 It is with great honor that I recognize the the rest of their lives. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Pennsyl- I extend my deepest congratulations to Jes- Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, had vania and the new UnitedHealthcare Multicul- sica Allen for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on tural Office in Philadelphia as valuable re- Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have rollcall vote No. 250. Had I been present, I sources of the state of Pennsylvania. I am no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall vote No. proud to have such a wonderful organization and character in all her future accomplish- 251. Had I been present, I would have voted in my state and community, and I look forward ments. ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall vote No. 252. to watching it continue to succeed and grow.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.006 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E813 JWAN SAWAQUED also the start of the National MPS Run/Walk doubt that she has been an important leader season along with other local community ac- in the Democratic Party in South Florida, and HON. ED PERLMUTTER tivities to raise awareness along with money I do not want her achievements to go unrec- OF COLORADO for research and for family assistance pro- ognized. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES grams. I commend the National MPS Society It is a privilege to represent an individual and their many volunteers for an unwavering who has done so much for Broward County Wednesday, May 16, 2012 commitment to bring about awareness of this and the City of Tamarac. I applaud her efforts, Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise disease and to continue to advocate for fed- and even though her term has come to a today to recognize and applaud Jwan eral legislation to streamline the regulatory close, I look forward to her continued good Sawaqed for receiving the Arvada Wheat processes and to speed effective treatments work for years to come. Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. and cures for their loved ones. More must be Congratulations to Diane Glasser, together Jwan Sawaqed is an 8th grader at Moore Mid- done to find cures and effective treatments, with her children and her grandchildren, as dle School and received this award because but let us reflect on the importance of this day. they celebrate this well deserved honor. her determination and hard work have allowed I ask that all of my colleagues join me in com- f her to overcome adversities. memorating National MPS Awareness Day. JONNALYNN SELL The dedication demonstrated by Jwan f Sawaqed is exemplary of the type of achieve- ment that can be attained with hard work and JOSEPH TRUJILLO HON. ED PERLMUTTER perseverance. It is essential students at all OF COLORADO levels strive to make the most of their edu- HON. ED PERLMUTTER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cation and develop a work ethic which will OF COLORADO Wednesday, May 16, 2012 guide them for the rest of their lives. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I extend my deepest congratulations to Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Jwan Sawaqed for winning the Arvada Wheat today to recognize and applaud Jonnalynn Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Sell for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- today to recognize and applaud Joseph Trujillo Service Ambassadors for Youth award. cation and character in all her future accom- for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Jonnalynn Sell is an 8th grader at Mandalay plishments. Ambassadors for Youth award. Joseph Trujillo Middle School and received this award be- cause her determination and hard work have f is an 8th grader at Moore Middle School and received this award because his determination allowed her to overcome adversities. RECOGNIZING NATIONAL MPS and hard work have allowed him to overcome The dedication demonstrated by Jonnalynn AWARENESS DAY adversities. Sell is exemplary of the type of achievement The dedication demonstrated by Joseph that can be obtained with hard work and per- HON. KENNY MARCHANT Trujillo is exemplary of the type of achieve- severance. It is essential students at all levels OF TEXAS ment that can be attained with hard work and strive to make the most of their education and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES perseverance. It is essential students at all develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 levels strive to make the most of their edu- cation and develop a work ethic which will I extend my deepest congratulations to Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I would like guide them for the rest of their lives. Jonnalynn Sell for winning the Arvada Wheat to recognize the National MPS Society for I extend my deepest congratulations to Jo- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. their 37 years of supporting families while seph Trujillo for winning the Arvada Wheat I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- searching for cures for this genetic disease. Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. cation and character in all her future accom- Mucopolysaccharidosis or MPS is a group of I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- plishments. genetically determined lysosomal storage dis- cation and character in all his future accom- f eases that render the human body incapable plishments. HONORING MAH-RULCH of producing certain enzymes needed to break f MUHAMMAD down complex carbohydrates. The damage caused by MPS on a cellular level adversely HONORING DIANE GLASSER, CEO affects the body and damages the heart, res- OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF HON. PETE OLSON piratory system, bones, internal organs, and PALM BEACH COUNTY OF TEXAS central nervous system. MPS often results in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES intellectual disabilities, short stature, corneal HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH Wednesday, May 16, 2012 damage, joint stiffness, loss of mobility, OF FLORIDA Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to speech and hearing impairment, heart dis- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ease, hyperactivity, chronic respiratory prob- interact with some of the brightest students in lems, and, most importantly, a drastically Wednesday, May 16, 2012 the 22nd Congressional District who serve on shortened life span. Symptoms of MPS are Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I usually not apparent at birth and without treat- honor of Diane Glasser, the National and have gained much by listening to the high ment; the life expectancy of an individual af- State Party Committeewoman and Vice Mayor school students who are the future of this fected begins to decrease at a very early of the City of Tamarac. As she concludes her great Nation. They provide important insight stage in their life. Research towards com- term as Vice Mayor, we reflect on her years into the concerns of our younger constituents bating MPS has resulted in the development of dedicated community and public service and hopefully get a better sense of the impor- of limited treatments for some of the MPS dis- which set a brilliant example for our future tance of being an active participant in the po- eases. generations. It is truly an honor to represent litical process. Many of the students have writ- I ask my colleagues and their staff to join her in the United States Congress. ten short essays on a variety of topics and I me in recognizing May 15, 2012 as National Ms. Glasser has been integral in the signifi- am pleased to share these with my House col- MPS Awareness Day. This is an important cant growth and progress that the City of leagues. time during which the MPS disease commu- Tamarac has made over the past 20 years. Mah-rulch Muhammad is a senior at nity will help increase the awareness of this She is a truly active and inspirational leader. Clements High School in Fort Bend County, devastating disease, as well as supporting re- She is involved in many civic and national or- Texas. Her essay topic is: In your opinion, search to improve treatments, find cures and ganizations, such as the AARP, Hadassah, why is it important to be involved in the polit- receive early diagnosis. The MPS families are JAFCO, and University Hospital. Within the ical process? encouraged to reflect and support each other City of Tamarac alone, she has been a Char- The importance of participating in the po- litical system is directly related to one of and to reach out to those families who have ter Board Member, City Commissioner, and our key goals as a country: to ensure and lost loved ones to MPS. By wearing their pur- Vice Mayor. Ms. Glasser epitomizes public preserve democracy. While the interpreta- ple ribbons and sharing these ribbons within service, and it is unfortunate that I can only tion of democracy varies in everyone’s indi- their community, they are increasing public mention just a few in a long list of her tremen- vidual perceptions, the main idea is the awareness about this disease. This date is dous accomplishments. I can affirm beyond a same: government by the people.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY8.011 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 2012 In other words, in a democratic society, mense success that the members of the Local JESSICA GREENBURY the public has an active voice in influencing 25 chapter of the International Brotherhood of public policy and decisions. Only through ef- Electrical Workers have achieved. The 2,600 fective participation, however, is it possible HON. ED PERLMUTTER for this to happen. The final decisions end up members of Local 25 have, for 80 years, dedi- OF COLORADO cated themselves to the service of their com- affecting the public, so it is important that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES they speak up and make sure their voices are munity and achieving excellence within the heard. Only when the people are involved in electrician profession. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 the political process can their needs be ad- IBEW Local 25’s service to Long Island Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise dressed by today’s leaders, and consequently began in 1932, when some of the finest crafts be put into public policy. today to recognize and applaud Jessica The policies that are eventually enacted people in the world wanted to better facilitate Greenbury for receiving the Arvada Wheat and integrated into our society primarily af- their remarkable skills. IBEW is deeply com- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. fect the public. Therefore, the public ought mitted to the ongoing training of its members. Jessica Greenbury is an 8th grader at Moore to have a say in the process, as true demo- Seasoned associates of Local 25 eagerly pass Middle School and received this award be- cratic principles outline. This right does not down their accumulated knowledge to the cause her determination and hard work have come into place, however, if proper action younger generations of electricians in a fair, allowed her to overcome adversities. and self input is not inserted. There are equal opportunity setting. many options available for the public to be The dedication demonstrated by Jessica involved in the political process, such as vot- Local 25 is of vital importance to the Long Greenbury is exemplary of the type of ing, donating to campaigns, or joining inter- Island community, and I am proud of their her- achievement that can be attained with hard est groups. When people fail to use the op- itage and remarkable skill sets. The mission of work and perseverance. It is essential stu- tions of political participation before them, this coalition of tradesmen is to produce the dents at all levels strive to make the most of they are slowly taking power out of their finest skilled electricians in the world who will their education and develop a work ethic own hands, inviting the ability for the na- produce the highest quality electrical installa- which will guide them for the rest of their lives. tion’s liberties to be taken away. tions. I believe the great members of Local 25 Every individual is unique and lives under I extend my deepest congratulations to Jes- different circumstances. Income, race, gen- have achieved that goal. sica Greenbury for winning the Arvada Wheat der, and opinions vary greatly from person Mr. Speaker, I honor the fine members of Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. to person. Due to this factor, it would be im- IBEW Local 25 for their invaluable and con- I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- possible for a certain select number of people tinuing contributions to our community. It is my cation and character in all her future accom- from one majority to vote during elections great hope that they will continue to serve as plishments. for policies that they support, and have an inspiration for others through their work f these votes reflect the nation’s inclination. and ongoing devotion to the great State of The idea that policies favor a select few does PERSONAL EXPLANATION not seem fair, and leans towards the idea New York. that we are fading away from the idea of de- f mocracy. The numbers of those who lack IN HONOR OF THE ONE HUNDRED HON. STEPHEN LEE FINCHER participation in the political process add up OF TENNESSEE and create a hole in how much today’s gov- YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MARINE ernment reflects the will of the people. CORPS AVIATION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Being involved in the government is an in- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 herent part of democracy in that it places the individual into the political process. If HON. JOHN KLINE Mr. FINCHER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. the public separates itself, and does not OF MINNESOTA 250, 251, 252, I was unavoidably detained. allow its concerns to be addressed, then the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ problems that the everyday citizen faces Wednesday, May 16, 2012 on all three. won’t be fixed. If one’s concerns are ignored, then it creates a feeling of apathy within the Mr. KLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- f nation towards the government for not ad- ognize May 2012 as the one hundred year an- A HISTORY OF THE EXPANSION OF dressing their needs. All of this would be the niversary of United States Marine Corps Avia- PRESIDENTIAL POWER result of a simple communicational gap. The tion. The Marine Corps stands as a symbol of public’s involvement in the political process America’s strength and honor, and its history is the key to closing the gap between them- serves as a reminder of the commitment and HON. WALTER B. JONES selves and the government. Once that gap is OF NORTH CAROLINA connected, we are one step closer to democ- sacrifice so many Americans have made in racy. It is important that everybody is in- defense of this nation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES volved in the political process, given that What began in 1912 when Marine Corps 1st Wednesday, May 16, 2012 every individual’s opinion matters and Lt Alfred A. Cunningham reported for flight makes up the viewpoint of the nation as a Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I submit the fol- training has extended through the ongoing op- lowing letter to the editor of the NY Times that whole. erations around the world. A program that f was published on 24 April 2012. The letter started with less than 40 men now consists of was written by noted constitutional lawyer, Mr. PERSONAL EXPLANATION hundreds of skilled pilots, expert engineers, Bruce Fein, Esq. It talks about the unchecked and experienced ground crews. In support of power the office of the President of United HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER their brothers and sisters on the ground, they States has acquired since WW II. have flown over the hedgerows of Europe, the OF MISSOURI [From the New York Times, April 27, 2012] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES jungles of East Asia, the deserts of the Middle East, and every ocean in between. From A HISTORY OF THE EXPANSION OF PRESIDENTIAL POWER Wednesday, May 16, 2012 transportation of the President, to air-to- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, on roll- ground fire support, to medical evacuation on (By Bruce Fein) call No. 251, due to other representational ob- the battlefield, the capabilities of Marine Corps The unilateral actions of President Obama ligations in Hannibal, Missouri, I had to miss Aviation are second to none. in the domestic arena to circumvent Con- this vote. gress are more than matched by the presi- In honor of Marine Aviators past and dent’s unilateralism in foreign affairs. Had I been present, I would have voted present, I have introduced H.R. 1621, legisla- ‘‘yea.’’ Among other things, President Obama has tion that pays tribute to Marine Corps Aviation unilaterally commenced war, authorized the f with a commemorative coin. These coins will assassination of American citizens abroad RECOGNIZING IBEW LOCAL 25 serve as a tribute to the capabilities pioneered and denied the writ of habeas corpus to de- by our earliest Marine aviators, and refined tainees not accused of a crime. over the years to make the Marine Corps a Executive branch power at the expense of HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP force capable of protecting our nation ‘‘in any Congress and the Constitution’s checks and OF NEW YORK balances has mushroomed since World War clime and place.’’ As a helicopter pilot and 25- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES II. Examples include President Truman’s year Marine veteran, I am proud to have Wednesday, May 16, 2012 undeclared war against North Korea; Presi- borne the title—Marine Aviator—and stand dent Eisenhower’s executive agreements to Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I here today to honor one hundred years of Ma- defend Spain; President Johnson’s Gulf of rise today to recognize and honor the im- rine Corps Aviation. Semper Fidelis. Tonkin Resolution regarding Vietnam;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.012 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E815 President Nixon’s secret bombing of Cam- portation networks have enabled us to react KASSIE ORONA bodia and assertions of executive privilege; with speed and efficiency during a crisis. President Clinton’s undeclared war against Our roads, rails, runways, and shipyards HON. ED PERLMUTTER Bosnia; and President Bush’s countless presi- have formed the foundation for a thriving glob- dential signing statements, Terrorist Sur- OF COLORADO veillance Program, waterboarding and Iraq al marketplace. Letting these vital infrastruc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tures diminish in quality hampers our ability to war. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 The Constitution gave Congress the power maintain a thriving global marketplace. Re- to declare war because the president is in- committing to investing and building modern Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise clined to aggrandize executive power when day infrastructure, as we did in the 1950s, we today to recognize and applaud Kassie Orona faced with conflict or danger. As James can once again galvanize our economy and for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Madison wrote to Thomas Jefferson: ‘‘The soar to new heights like that of the eagle. Ambassadors for Youth award. Kassie Orona constitution supposes, what the History of Transportation has a high priority for me as is a 12th grader at Standley Lake High and re- all Governments demonstrates, that the Ex- ecutive is the branch of power most inter- a member of Committee on Transportation ceived this award because her determination ested in war, and most prone to it. It has ac- and Infrastructure and ranking member of and hard work have allowed her to overcome cordingly with studied care vested the ques- Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, adversities. tion of war in the Legislature.’’ Response, and Communications. Crumbling The dedication demonstrated by Kassie The steady escalation of unchecked presi- bridges put our safety at risk, and antiquated Orona is exemplary of the type of achieve- dential power has transformed the Republic infrastructure limits our capacity to respond to ment that can be attained with hard work and whose glory was liberty into an empire threats, emergencies, and hazards at home perseverance. It is essential students at all whose glory is perpetual war and domina- levels strive to make the most of their edu- tion. and abroad. These situations diminish our se- curity, our prosperity, and our resilience, and cation and develop a work ethic which will f we must do more to address them. guide them for the rest of their lives. KAYLA NAKATA The need for strong and sustainable trans- I extend my deepest congratulations to portation networks has never been greater. Kassie Orona for winning the Arvada Wheat HON. ED PERLMUTTER The state of our roads and railways creates a Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. competitive disadvantage that discourages in- I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- OF COLORADO vestment and slows the pace of progress. Our cation and character in all her future accom- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nation invests only 2.4 percent of our GDP plishments. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 where as Europe and China invests 5 percent f Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise and 9 percent respectively into creating com- HONORING THE 40TH today to recognize and applaud Kayla Nakata petitive infrastructure. We are greatly lagging ANNIVERSARY OF USDA APHIS for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service behind and investing would save 1.8 million Ambassadors for Youth award. Kayla Nakata jobs and create up to 1 million more jobs. is an 8th grader at Moore Middle School and Through the American Recovery and Rein- HON. FRANK D. LUCAS received this award because her determination vestment Act and the Transportation Invest- OF OKLAHOMA and hard work have allowed her to overcome ment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES adversities. Discretionary Grant program, all 50 States Wednesday, May 16, 2012 The dedication demonstrated by Kayla have launched new highway and infrastructure Nakata is exemplary of the type of achieve- projects, and many have funded passenger Mr. LUCAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ment that can be attained with hard work and rail development that will modernize our cities recognize the 40th anniversary of the U.S. De- perseverance. It is essential students at all and help put more construction workers back partment of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant levels strive to make the most of their edu- on the job. But this is not enough; I remain Health Inspection Service. While many Ameri- cation and develop a work ethic which will committed to upgrading our infrastructure, en- cans may not have heard of APHIS, the Agen- guide them for the rest of their lives. suring the safety and security of our transpor- cy’s mission is so far-reaching that most are I extend my deepest congratulations to tation systems, bringing diverse, sustainable touched by its regulatory activities or policies Kayla Nakata for winning the Arvada Wheat transit opportunities to communities across our every day. We in the Agriculture Committee Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. country, and investing in innovative solutions understand that when we learned last month I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- to address the transportation challenges of of the cow with bovine spongiform cation and character in all her future accom- today and tomorrow. encephalopathy (BSE) that it was APHIS’ swift plishments. On National Defense Transportation Day response and scientific approach that reas- sured our trading partners that U.S. beef is f and during National Transportation Week, we celebrate that rich legacy and recommit to safe and kept trade moving. We understand NATIONAL DEFENSE TRANSPOR- building robust infrastructure that will accel- that it is APHIS whose work every day keeps TATION DAY AND NATIONAL erate our economy in the years ahead. An our country free from many invasive insects TRANSPORTATION WEEK economy built to last depends on a world- and diseases like the destructive Mediterra- class infrastructure system. I call upon all nean fruit fly. Every day, we hear and see the HON. LAURA RICHARDSON Members to recognize the importance of our positive strides this Agency is making in sup- OF CALIFORNIA Nation’s transportation infrastructure and to port of U.S. agriculture. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES acknowledge the contributions of those who Since APHIS was formed in 1972, it has evolved into a multi-faceted Agency with re- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 build, operate, and maintain these critical in- frastructures. sponsibilities that include protecting and pro- Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise f moting U.S. agricultural health from foreign today to recognize National Defense Transpor- animal and plant pests and diseases, regu- tation Day and National Transportation Week. PERSONAL EXPLANATION lating genetically engineered organisms, ad- America has always been a leader in transpor- ministering the Animal Welfare Act, and car- tation development from the submarine to the HON. ROBERT J. DOLD rying out wildlife damage management activi- steam engine that connected two great OF ILLINOIS ties. To carry out its mission, APHIS employ- oceans and the first flight at Kitty Hawk to the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ees work to create and sustain opportunities mighty interstates that connect our cities. for America’s farmers, ranchers and producers Transportation is our nation’s lifeblood and Wednesday, May 16, 2012 and to safeguard the nation’s agriculture, fish- has been a driving force of our economy. On Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, due to district busi- ing and forestry industries. For that, I applaud May 18 is National Defense Transportation ness, I was unavoidably back in my Congres- them and join in celebrating this Agency’s his- Day and May 13–19 is National Transportation sional District on May 15, 2012. Had I been tory. Week. present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on H.R. During the early 1970s, APHIS was put to A nation’s ability to transport first respond- 365, the National Blue Alert Act of 2011, ‘‘yea’’ the test when it spearheaded an enormous ef- ers, servicemembers, and materials to the on H.R. 3874, the Black Hills Cemetery Act, fort to control an outbreak of exotic Newcastle front lines of any crisis is the key to saving and ‘‘yea’’ on H.R. 205, the HEARTH Act of disease in Southern California that threatened lives and protecting our freedoms. Our trans- 2011. the Nation’s entire poultry and egg supply.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.017 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 2012 APHIS mobilized thousands of workers in a while decreasing overall pesticide use and soil HONORING MILFORD HIGH response that included an investigation of over erosion. SCHOOL’S WE THE PEOPLE 77 million birds, administration of 113 million STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM APHIS’ role in protecting and promoting the doses of vaccines, and maintenance of a quarantine zone spanning 45,000 square health of U.S. agriculture is also critical in the miles. Success was achieved in 1974 and international trade arena. As part of the move HON. CHARLES F. BASS marked the first time any country had eradi- to support growth in international trade while OF NEW HAMPSHIRE cated such a widespread outbreak of the fulfilling APHIS’ mission to protect American IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES deadly disease, and it provided a blueprint for agriculture, APHIS inspectors began future animal disease control efforts. Using preclearing imports destined for the United Wednesday, May 16, 2012 lessons it learned from the earlier outbreak, States before they left their country of origin in Mr. BASS of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, APHIS again lead a taskforce of Federal, the 1980s. APHIS also began employing other I rise today to honor the members of Milford State, and private veterinarians in 2002 to ef- approaches to ensure that imported commod- High School’s We the People state champion- fectively stamp out an exotic Newcastle dis- ities were free of pests and diseases—X-ray ship team. ease outbreak in California and other Western detection devices began screening baggage We the People is a national competition that States. This time, however, APHIS and its tests students’ knowledge of the Constitution partners eradicated this devastating disease in for illegal material, and APHIS’ ‘‘Beagle Bri- gade,’’ established in 1984, sniffed out prohib- and the Bill of Rights. Teams from all over the one-third the time and at one-half the cost of country compete for various prizes and ited foods in passenger luggage. Throughout prior outbreaks, protecting the health of the awards. With the help of their teacher, Dave country’s poultry resources, worth more than the years, APHIS’ ability to quickly respond to Alcox, and after many months of dedication $23 billion. outbreaks of foreign plant pests and diseases, and hard work, the Milford High School team Through the National Boll Weevil Eradi- helps assure our trading partners that U.S. placed first in New Hampshire’s We the Peo- cation Program launched in the late 1970s, products are safe and that the United States ple State Championship. In doing so, they APHIS and its partners eradicated boll weevil is a model for protecting the health and abun- earned a spot to compete in the National from 16 of 17 cotton-producing States, with dance of agriculture. Championship here in Washington, DC earlier the last, Texas nearing completion of its eradi- this month, where they placed 30th overall cation efforts. This three-decade effort has Today, APHIS continues to enhance its ani- and first in the Unit 3 division out of more than succeeded through the participation and co- mal welfare efforts, overseeing the care and 50 teams. I want to congratulate the following operation of industry, State and Federal agri- treatment of animals regulated under the Ani- students for their accomplishments and inspir- culture agencies, and APHIS in sharing costs mal Welfare Act at licensed and registered fa- ing commitment to their team: and developing and improving eradication cilities throughout the United States and its strategies to meet every challenge. APHIS Kelsey Bailey; Jack Betelak; Cara Brewer; territories. APHIS’ risk based inspection sys- Jess Byrne; Laura Elser; Mathias Christensen; continues its myriad of programs dedicated to tem enables the Agency to focus its resources keeping harmful and invasive plant pests and Josh Clemens; Paige Craven; Emily Curry; on the most problematic facilities and pursue diseases out of this country and eradicating Bekah Curtis; Molly Desmond; Adam them quickly should they arrive. Recently, enforcement against violators. Drescher; Robby Finan; Ryan Fitzgerald; Me- APHIS and its State and industry partners Lastly, I applaud APHIS for continuously lissa Gray; Sarah Halstead; Ryan Hull; Kyle have nearly eliminated European grapevine seeking to work together with its partners and Joyce; Hannah Ladeau; Ally LaForge; Katie Lannin; Julia Lengvarska; Tom Lundstedt; moth infestations, keeping domestic com- stakeholders to achieve success in its pro- Comfort Dum Maude; Zach O’Neill; Jon merce and foreign markets open for grapes, grams. APHIS is an Agency that recognizes stone fruit, berries, and other commodities that Penniman; Jason Porter; Nick Simo; James that it must actively work with States, Tribal Smith; Natasija Vucicevic; and Brittney White. would otherwise have been threatened by the Nations, industry and other stakeholder groups pest. Mr. Speaker, the people of New Hampshire to help manage the many issues that affect APHIS assumed a new mandate for wildlife join me in congratulating these students on a damage management in 1985, after Congress U.S. agriculture. This coordinated effort has job well done, and I wish them all the best in transferred the Animal Damage Control pro- enabled the Agency to be successful in pro- what I know will be a very successful future. gram from the Department of the Interior to tecting our valuable agricultural and natural re- USDA. Through this program, APHIS provides sources. We have seen the results of this ap- f Federal leadership and expertise to resolve proach, for example, as the Agency has imple- JOSE AVILA wildlife conflicts to allow people and wildlife to mented the Plant Pest and Disease Manage- coexist. APHIS has provided critical support to ment and Disaster Prevention provisions of U.S. agricultural producers over the years find- the 2008 Farm Bill. This joint effort by APHIS, HON. ED PERLMUTTER ing practical, humane, effective, and environ- states, industry, academia, and other stake- OF COLORADO mentally safe solutions when wildlife attack holders has yielded great benefits—helping livestock or damage crops. But the program’s IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES eradicate devastating plant diseases such as impact extends beyond agriculture to urban Wednesday, May 16, 2012 areas, where they work to reduce wildlife haz- Plum Pox in Pennsylvania, increasing surveys ards at the Nation’s airports and military air- to find foreign pests before they can become Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise bases, eradicate invasive species such as the established in the United States, educating the today to recognize and applaud Jose Avila for Giant Gambian rat, and combat wildlife rabies. public on reducing the spread of these pests, receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service APHIS’ role in the Federal biotechnology and enhancing research so we have better Ambassadors for Youth award. Jose Avila is era began in 1986 with the ‘‘Coordinated tools to protect our country from threats to our an 11th grader at Jefferson Senior High and received this award because his determination Framework for Regulation of Biotechnology,’’ agricultural and natural resources. which outlined a comprehensive U.S. Govern- and hard work have allowed him to overcome ment regulatory policy for ensuring the safety As you can see, through the decades, adversities. of biotechnology research and products. In APHIS has continued to modernize in dem- The dedication demonstrated by Jose Avila November 1987, using new policies for regu- onstrating its vitality and significance to farm- is exemplary of the type of achievement that lating the introduction of genetically engi- ers, exporters and importers, and consumers. can be attained with hard work and persever- neered organisms that might pose risks to APHIS’ leadership in protecting and promoting ance. It is essential students at all levels strive plants, APHIS for the first time approved a the health of U.S. agriculture has served the to make the most of their education and de- field test, for a tobacco resistant to the herbi- United States well. For that, I want to con- velop a work ethic which will guide them for cide bromoxynil. Since then, the Agency has gratulate APHIS and its hard working employ- the rest of their lives. overseen nearly 30,000 field trials at over ees for a highly successful 40 years, and ap- I extend my deepest congratulations to Jose 86,000 different locations and approved over plaud their continued commitment to the Avila for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge 80 products for nonregulated status—many of Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have American people and U.S. agriculture. which have subsequently been further devel- no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication oped and released as varieties used in agri- and character in all his future accomplish- culture benefitting farmers and consumers ments.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.020 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E817 TAIWAN PRESIDENT MA YING- plary model for other colleges to emulate. It has been my joy to watch the success of JEOU’S SECOND INAUGURATION Four years later, he accepted the position of the Taiwanese people in overcoming great ob- EOF Director at Brookdale Community College stacles and I know that President Ma will con- HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON successfully raised the quality of service and tinue his record of achievement in this, his level of expectation produced by the depart- second term. We admire Taiwan’s flourishing OF IDAHO ment. Dr. Trammell was appointed Research market economy and vibrant democracy. Their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and Development Officer for Brookdale Com- successes are directly attributable to the wis- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 munity College in 1984, serving as a member dom and industry of the people of Taiwan. Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, this coming of the President’s staff. He was subsequently Today nearly everyone in Taiwan is middle Sunday, May 20, Taiwan will inaugurate Presi- appointed to the position of Vice President for class and enjoys good nutrition, good health, dent Ma Ying-jeou for a second term after his Development, Community and Governmental excellent schools, low crime rates and safe overwhelming election victory earlier this year. Relations, the position which he holds today. neighborhoods. Politically, people are free to Congratulations to President Ma and to all the In his current capacity, Dr. Trammell is re- voice their opinions. Press freedom and people of Taiwan. They embody the vision of sponsible for the institution’s governmental re- human rights are guaranteed by the ROC’s a representative democracy that founding fa- lations, resource development, the Brookdale Constitution. ther Sun Yat-sen imagined. Foundation and Alumni Association as well as It is my hope that many countries in Asia The value of the United States-Taiwan part- external affairs. Dr. Trammell is a proud Alum- will follow the example of this great island as nership cannot be overstated. Taiwan is the nus of Monmouth College where he earned a a model of democracy and freedom. My col- ninth largest trading partner of the United Bachelor of Arts degree in Art with a minor in leagues and I greatly admire the accomplish- States and the sixth largest agricultural market Education and a Master of Science in Student ments that have taken place since the end of for products grown and produced here in the Personnel Services. He received his doctorate martial law and the establishment of democ- United States. Additionally, Taiwan has long in Psychology (Psy.D.) from Rutgers Univer- racy in the 1980’s. I wish the Taiwanese the been an important contributor towards eco- sity. best in the challenges ahead, particularly in Dr. Trammell is a member of several profes- nomic and political security across Asia, bene- handling cross-strait relations. I hope all of my sional and community organizations. He fitting the entire region. colleagues here in the House of Representa- serves as a member of the Legislative Affairs tives will be continually supportive as the Tai- Taiwan and the United States uphold a and Governance Committees of the New Jer- wanese pursue a peaceful solution to the peaceful partnership through both trade agree- sey Hospital Association and was elected in China issue. I believe that peace and stability ments and meaningful personal relationships. I 2010 to the Regional Policy Board of the within the Taiwan Strait are in the best interest was lucky enough to take a trip to Taiwan American Hospital Association. Dr. Trammell of the global community. when I was a state legislator, and it is a beau- is also the Immediate Past Chairman of the I have always cherished Taiwan’s close tiful country with a vibrant culture. I hope Monmouth Family Health Center Corporation friendship with the United States and I admire someday to return. Board of Directors and the Immediate Chair- Taiwan’s recent economic and democratic The strength of Taiwan comes from its peo- man of the Board of Trustees to Monmouth achievements. We look forward to working ple. The people continue to benefit from self- Medical Center. His impressive involvement in with the government and people of Taiwan in governance and free-elections, and the open community activities resulted in the presen- further strengthening and clarifying the com- society and democracy of Taiwan allows for tation of the 1993 Private Industry Council mercial, cultural and other relations between innovation and growth that puts it on a com- Partnership Award for Education, the 2004 the United States and Taiwan, particularly Tai- petitive footing with the most powerful and Red Bank Men’s Club Excellence in Education wan’s defense needs and Taiwan’s meaningful largest countries in the world. Award and the 2008 SCAN John Wanat Lead- participation in international organizations. Congratulations to the people of Taiwan and ership Award, among others notable acco- Again, congratulations, President Ma. President Ma Ying-jeou on his second inau- lades. Most impressively, he currently holds f guration. an 8th degree black belt and has trained in f the martial arts for 43 years. Dr. Trammell cur- HONORING PRESIDENT MA YING- JEOU OF TAIWAN IN RECOGNITION OF DR. WEBSTER rently resides in Middletown, New Jersey with TRAMMELL his wife, Kathleen. He is the proud father of three children, Ian, Heather and Emily and HON. RANDY HULTGREN grandfather to Llewelyn and Evan. OF ILLINOIS HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NEW JERSEY congratulating Dr. Webster Trammell for re- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ceiving the honor bestowed by the Long Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, Taiwan’s Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Branch Concordance. His outstanding service to students and community continue to touch President Ma Ying-jeou celebrates his second Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the lives of many throughout Monmouth Coun- inauguration on May 20. With determination recognize the efforts of Dr. Webster Trammell. ty, New Jersey. and courage, he has done what most pundits Dr. Trammell has served in numerous posi- f thought was impossible. tions in the education field and currently holds Through his initiatives with China he has the position of Vice President of Development, CONGRATULATING TAIWAN’S achieved lessening tensions between the two Community and Government Relations at PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU ON governments while maintaining the integrity of Brookdale Community College. His efforts to HIS RE-ELECTION Taiwan’s people and their free and democratic serve and educate students will be recognized society. during the Long Branch Concordance celebra- HON. DAN BURTON These strategic steps, assumed by many to tion. His actions are truly worthy of this body’s OF INDIANA fail, have in fact produced excellent results. recognition. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Taiwan, long a major world trader, has opened Dr. Webster Trammell has demonstrated up trade channels with mainland China which through his work and actions his willingness Wednesday, May 16, 2012 have been accompanied by tourists from the and dedication to serve others. Dr. Trammell Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise mainland. All this has been achieved while has been actively involved in educational ad- to join my colleagues in congratulating Presi- maintaining Taiwan’s security. ministration since 1969. He served as Assist- dent Ma Ying-jeou for winning this year’s pres- Peace in the Taiwan Strait, which President ant Director and Director of Student Activities idential election in Taiwan, the Republic of Ma has worked toward, is of great importance and Director of Housing before being named China, ROC. He will be officially inaugurated to us as a Nation; for peace, among other hu- Assistant Dean of Students. In 1974, Dr. as the fifth freely elected president of the Re- manitarian advantages, lessens the need for Trammell accepted the position of Director of public of China on May 20, reminding the the United States to deploy more of our mili- the Educational Opportunity Fund, EOF, at world once again that Taiwan is a nation to be tary resources to the region. Monmouth College, where he succeeded in admired for her unwavering commitment to I congratulate President Ma and wish him restructuring the program to become an exem- democracy and freedom. well in his second term.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.022 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E818 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 2012 JOE TINER had fallen nationally. In 1989, the first an- HONORING THE BLUE STAR nual candlelight vigil was held at Judiciary MOTHERS OF AMERICA Square in Washington, D.C. to honor the HON. ED PERLMUTTER men and women who sacrificed their lives. OF COLORADO HON. PATRICK MEEHAN In 1991, President George H. Bush dedi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PENNSYLVANIA cated a National Memorial for these fallen IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, May 16, 2012 men and women, honoring them for eternity. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise This Memorial honors federal, state and today to recognize and applaud Joe Tiner for local law enforcement officers who have Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service honor the Blue Star Mothers of America. The and protection of our nation and its people. Ambassadors for Youth award. Joe Tiner is a Blue Star Mothers of America was founded in 12th grader at Arvada Senior High and re- On the walls of this memorial are the 1942 in order to bring together the mothers of ceived this award because his determination names of more than 19,000 officers who have children serving in the United States Armed and hard work have allowed him to overcome given their lives in the line of duty through- Forces. In 1960, the nonprofit organization out U.S. history. Today we celebrate the adversities. was chartered by the Congress of the United lives of all these brave public servants. The dedication demonstrated by Joe Tiner States. The Blue Star Mothers continue to pro- is exemplary of the type of achievement that Each spring since that first fateful day in vide support for active duty service personnel, can be attained with hard work and persever- 1982, we have gathered nationwide to cele- promote patriotism, assist veteran’s organiza- ance. It is essential students at all levels strive brate and venerate these men and women for tions and homeland volunteer efforts. Not only their bravery. I ask that you join me today to make the most of their education and de- is the organization for mothers, but family in commemorating and remembering law en- velop a work ethic which will guide them for members and friends may become associate forcement officers past and present. These members, and fathers of military personnel the rest of their lives. are diligent and loyal men and women. They may join the Father’s Association. During I extend my deepest congratulations to Joe are devoted to their responsibilities and are Tiner for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge dedicated in their service to their commu- World War I, the Blue Star Service Flag was Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have nities. Their reputation for preserving the designed by Captain Robert L. Queissar and no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication rights and security of all citizens should be went on to become an unofficial symbol of a and character in all his future accomplish- honored along with their sacrifice today. child in service. Today this same flag is an of- ments. Many officers have come from a home ficial banner authorized by the Department of Defense for display by families and associa- f where their mother, father, brother or sister served their community in the same capac- tions who have members serving in the Armed HONORING NATIONAL POLICE ity. Family members often serve as an inspi- Forces during a period of war. I ask that the WEEK ration for their siblings, children and peers U.S. House of Representatives honor the to serve as an officer. These inspired few month of May as Blue Star Mothers Month, HON. KENNY MARCHANT that have the desire to protect and safeguard keeping in mind that sons and daughters con- our communities are truly remarkable. It is OF TEXAS tinue to fight for our freedoms and protect this that inspiration to protect and dedicate one- great Nation both domestically and abroad. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES self to a community that brings us here f Wednesday, May 16, 2012 today. RECOGNIZING USTAD RAHAT Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today These men and women who serve with one FATEH ALI KHAN to share with you remarks I made earlier this another are a family. This is a family that I week at home in North Texas in recognition of am very proud to support. They have a deep National Police Week. I was honored to be partnership with their community and each HON. MICHAEL G. GRIMM present with many constituents of the 24th other. When a fellow officer falls in the line OF NEW YORK of duty, they do not lose a colleague, but a District of Texas alongside the Addison, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES brother or sister. These brothers and sisters Carrollton, Coppell and Farmers Branch, may have different badges or different oaths, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Texas police departments remembering those but their valor in the line of duty is what Mr. GRIMM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to brave men and women who gave the ultimate binds them together. This partnership and recognize Mr. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sacrifice in protecting our communities and this family are being remembered nation- who is considered to be the ‘‘Heart and Soul neighborhoods. It was my honor to speak to wide today. of Sufi Music.’’ this group and it is my privilege to express Every day, officers put themselves in Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was born on January again my gratitude to the men and women harm’s way to protect the citizens and fami- 1, 1974 in Faisalabad, Pakistan to a prominent who serve as peace officers and protect us lies they serve. These men and women are family of Classical musicians. He carries on each day. the continuous barrier between lawlessness the 700 year-old tradition of Qawwali, a form ADDRESS GIVEN AT MEMORIAL CEREMONY, and peace. of Muslim Sufi devotional music. MAY 15, 2012, LIBERTY PLAZA, FARMERS As a former city councilman, mayor, state Rahat Fateh Ali Khan began his formal BRANCH, TEXAS representative and now Member of Congress, training in music at the age of seven and had Friends, it is with both pride and sadness I have had the privilege of working with our his first performance by the age of nine. By that I am here before you today to recognize community law enforcement for quite some National Police Week. We come together 1997 he was considered the leader of Muslim time. I have the honor of calling countless Sufi music. As a result of his talent and devo- today to recognize and honor those men and police officers my friends. I will continue to women nationwide who gave the ultimate tion he has built a bridge between the East be proud of their deeds and accomplishments sacrifice as officers of the peace. We must in protecting North Texas, my family and and the West—in March of 1998 he performed give thanks to them and the entire law en- my friends in all of you. with Eddie Vedder in Los Angeles and has ap- forcement family for their selfless actions in peared many times in New York City to much keeping our communities safe. The honor these officers receive must be critical acclaim. He has also worked on many National Police Week is a time for all of us derived not only from their personal deeds, movie soundtracks such as Dead Man Walk- to come together to understand the impor- but the countless acts of violence and crime tant role these officers play in protecting the they have prevented. Today and every day ing with Sean Penn, The Four Feathers with rights and freedoms of our community. It is we should remember that with courage, American composer James Horner and lastly a time for citizens to reflect and understand these fallen officers that we call to mind with Mel Gibson in Apocalypto. He is also a the duties, responsibilities, and sacrifices of have made the ultimate sacrifice in service renowned Bollywood playback singer. How- our law enforcement officers. These men and to their community. ever, more important than his artistic acclaim, women provide a vital public service, risking It is with a heavy heart that we celebrate Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has been his been rec- their lives on a daily basis to protect our ognized numerous times over due to his self- own. the lives of these men and women today. Let Today, May 15th, 2012, marks the 20 year us not forgot the service and duty they have less participation in benefit concerts all over anniversary of the first National Peace Offi- done for us. And let us pay respect to the the world. cers’ Memorial Day Service. That first serv- survivors of our fallen heroes, and we hum- Mr. Speaker, please join me, my constitu- ice was held in Washington, D.C., on Capitol bly thank their friends and loved ones for ents and music lovers from around the world Hill to commemorate the peace officers who their sacrifice. as I recognize Mr. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K16MY8.018 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E819 Khan, as he is the heart and soul of the world PERSONAL EXPLANATION celebrate the seniors in our communities. This music community with billions of fans all over month the theme is ‘‘Never Too Old to Play’’, the globe. HON. STEVE COHEN which emphasizes how important it is for older f OF TENNESSEE Americans to stay active and engaged in their communities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SECOND INAUGURATION OF TAI- Communities are encouraged to organize WAN PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU Wednesday, May 16, 2012 social events like trivia night, painting a mural Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, my car battery or a team photo scavenger hunt to encourage HON. JOE BARTON died and I was detained from voting on Tues- seniors to get involved. Just this past week I OF TEXAS day, May 15, 2012. If present, I would have hosted a senior luncheon in my district. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES voted yea on the following rollcall votes: roll- This annual event is not only an opportunity to listen to my constituents concerns over a Wednesday, May 16, 2012 call No. 250; rollcall No. 251; and rollcall No. 252. great meal, but it is a time for seniors to get Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Tai- together and enjoy themselves. We had per- f wan President Ma Ying-jeou will be inaugu- formances from local entertainment groups, rated for the second and final time on Sunday, JEANNINE LESANTE speeches and karaoke. It was a wonderful May 20th. In addition to its continued demo- MAZURKIWECZ time for all involved. cratic development, Taiwan has undergone I have also introduced H.R. 3794, the Ex- numerous unprecedented economic, travel HON. LOU BARLETTA panding Opportunities for Older Americans Act and tourism changes—between itself and of 2011. This bill would amend the Older OF PENNSYLVANIA mainland China—since President Ma first took Americans Act of 1965 to include government IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES office four years ago. funding to hire seniors who still wish to be In July 2008, just over two months after tak- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 working and active. Although seniors have al- ready given so much, I truly believe they have ing office, President Ma launched the first reg- Mr. LOU BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ularized direct flights across the Taiwan Strait much more to offer. honor Jeannine Lesante Mazurkiwecz, who Older Americans Month is also a great time since the end of the Chinese Civil War in will be recognized with the 2012 Greater Ha- to bridge the generation gap. Children to 1949. Such flights now number 558 per week, zleton Chamber of Commerce Athena Award. young adults can learn so much from the older having greatly eased the burdens of Tai- Each year, the Athena Award is presented to generation, but they rarely interact in everyday wanese living and working in mainland China. a Greater Hazleton businesswoman for out- life. There is so much valuable knowledge the It’s also made life much easier for American standing professional achievement. Jeannine’s young people from this country can receive tourists and businesspeople crossing the Strait selfless dedication to her career and commu- from the older generation, and this is an op- instead of having to change planes in Hong nity makes her an ideal recipient of this award. portunity for people of all ages to get out there Kong, or another third party port, as they once Jeannine graduated from King’s College and interact together. did. with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Com- This month also gives me a chance to ad- And in 2010, Taiwan enacted its Economic munications. Upon completion of an unpaid in- dress an issue of key importance; caring for and Cooperation Framework Agreement ternship at WBRE, a regional television sta- seniors with chronic illness and preventing un- (ECFA) with mainland China that zeroed out tion, she declined a full-time job to invest her necessary hospitalizations. In-home care can tariffs on a number of Taiwan exports to the time and talents in her local, family-owned tel- make a huge difference in recovery from ill- mainland. Further ECFA liberalizations will fol- evision news station, Greater Hazleton’s First ness and inpatient hospital treatments. Being low. ECFA’s allowed Taiwan companies to tap Local News 13/Sam-Son Productions. Since around family and in the comfort of one’s own mainland consumer markets while allowing News 13’s founding in 1994, Jeannine has home makes these traumatic experiences that them to stay in Taiwan and trade from their worked in a variety of positions. Recently, much less painful. own home base. ECFA’s further offered Tai- Jeannine was promoted into administration. Mr. Speaker, the majority of the skilled wanese greater consumer choice at more af- Through her various responsibilities, Jeannine home healthcare providers in my district de- fordable prices, while additionally uncovering has led her team at News 13 to the top of liver high-quality, clinically effective and highly opportunities for U.S. companies that have op- news and information coverage. efficient care. In-home care is so important for erations on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. It’s Jeannine is also active within the commu- the seniors who would otherwise be forced thus no wonder the American Chamber of nity, from teaching classes at King’s College into hospitals without it. Commerce in Taipei has, after years of calling to assisting all types of organizations such as As an elected official I want to make sure for such changes, wholeheartedly applauded the American Red Cross and the Hazleton that Medicare funds in my district are going to President Ma’s economic openings. Slowly but Blind Association. Additionally, she is the co- those who qualify and deserve it, so we can surely, Taiwan’s steadily reinserting itself into founder of the Making a Difference Foundation continue to provide the best care for our sen- the global economic supply chain, strongly and currently holds the position of Assistant iors. With such a tough economic outlook making its case for a resumption of Trade and Director of Corporate Relations with Profes- throughout the nation it is of vital importance Investment Framework Agreement talks with sionals Organized & Working to Enrich the that we are not handing money over to crimi- the United States. Region (POWER) of Hazleton. Furthermore, nals who are trying to play the system. The influx of mainland Chinese tourists to Jeannine finds time to mentor students at the Mr. Speaker, after decades of paying taxes Taiwan, allowed since 2008, has boosted the McCann School of Business and Technology and working hard so that they will have secu- island’s economy while also exposing main- and has been a volunteer to local brownie rity in retirement, the seniors of America de- landers to Taiwan’s free society and vibrant troops. serve our full support. I hope every community democracy. This fact was most notable during Mr. Speaker, Jeannine is truly a pillar of her takes this month to plan at least one event Taiwan’s January 14th presidential and legis- community in the Greater Hazleton Area. I supporting the older generation, and bringing lative elections won by President Ma and his commend Jeannine for her many years of people of all ages together. Kuomintang (KMT) Chinese party. Visiting committed service to the community and our This month I honor the seniors of the 37th mainlanders were mesmerized by Taiwan’s country. district of California, as well as all seniors across the country. Thank you for all you do, televised debates and dueling public events, f and their some of their cohorts back home and do not forget, ‘‘It is never too old to play’’. even took to blogging about it. Last year, 1.8 HONORING MAY AS OLDER f AMERICANS MONTH million mainland Chinese tourists visited Tai- RECOGNIZING THE RIVERHEAD wan. That’s 30% of all 6.08 million tourists BLUE WAVES who visited Taiwan in 2011. HON. LAURA RICHARDSON On this, his second inauguration, I ask my OF CALIFORNIA colleagues to not only congratulate President HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NEW YORK Ma on his inauguration, but also on his open- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ings to mainland China that have not just ben- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 efited Taiwan companies and consumers, but Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, today I Wednesday, May 16, 2012 also U.S. economic interests and enterprises rise to honor May as Older Americans Month. Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I in the region. Since 1963 our Nation has come together to rise to congratulate the Riverhead Blue Waves

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.028 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 2012 Girls Basketball Team on their history-making ernment should focus on protecting the peo- The United States and all our allies must re- 2011–2012 season. ple, instead of controlling the people. spond to this threat immediately. The stability The Blue Waves of Riverhead, New York Helping secure jobs and keeping companies of the entire Middle East region hangs in the in business is something the U.S. govern- balance as Iran seeks this technology. Iranian went all the way to the state Class AA Final ment has been promoting heavily in the past Four tournament in Troy, New York, a first in few years. With the passing of the ‘bail-out’ President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has openly the team’s history and a truly remarkable bill, numerous corporations, that would have threatened both the United States and Israel achievement. Along the way they won the otherwise failed, were saved by the govern- in the recent past and as a result, swift and 2012 Long Island Championship in a 56–50 ment’s decision to give them enough money harsh sanctions must be put in place against victory over the Baldwin Bruins amidst waves in order to stay afloat. Consequently, mil- the Iranian regime. of cheering fans known as the ‘‘Blue Krew.’’ lions of people were able to keep their jobs. The United States’ security and interests are They also won the Suffolk County Class AA But what does that say about our govern- clearly in danger. Satellite intelligence pro- ment? Is it humanitarian that our govern- championship, and the Suffolk County Section ment reacts in order to save those companies vides us with enough information to con- XI championship, finishing the season with a and jobs? No, in fact this shows that our gov- fidently assess that Tehran is concealing their 23–2 record. ernment is pushing forth its own agenda of true actions. International inspectors have Their coach, Dave Spinelli, was named Suf- what will be produced in America. been denied entry into the facilities, a trouble- folk County Coach of the Year, and senior The fine line between government pro- some act if there is nothing to hide. The con- guard Jaylyn Brown was named a first-team tecting and controlling is the difference in tainment and appeasement of Iran must not All-Long Island player. The team was named outcome. Protecting, will ultimately pro- be considered. Instituting aggressive sanctions a New York State Scholar Athlete team for the mote a healthier economy; while controlling, against this radical regime is a prudent and will produce quicker results, yet negative, seventh consecutive year with a team grade- long-term effects. For instance, by giving necessary course of action. point average this year of 93.1. money to banks that made numerous bad f Hailed as hometown heroes, the athletes loans, was essentially saying that it was ‘ok’ were honored with a parade down East Main to make bad business decisions. Also, by giv- H.R. 5746, A BILL TO AMEND THE Street sponsored by the Riverhead Central ing money to the auto industry, was essen- INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF School District and the Town of Riverhead on tially saying that it was ‘ok’ to make prod- 1986 TO MODIFY CERTAIN RULES April 29th, and the entire day was designated ucts that people didn’t want. Yes, the gov- APPLICABLE TO REAL ESTATE ernment was able to save many businesses, a day of celebration. Riverhead School Board INVESTMENT TRUSTS; TO THE and countless jobs; but do we want failed vice president Greg Meyer said the team businesses to operate in America? The an- COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND acted as a catalyst for the entire community. swer is, ‘‘no’’! MEANS ‘‘The girls played their hearts out for their Instead of looking at every business failure team and for this community, and the resi- as a sign of weakness of the government, we HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI dents of Riverhead and the rest of the school need to see to the failures and embrace them district came together to support the team in too. Without the fear of failure, there is no OF OHIO a major way.’’ drive for success. Therefore, we need to have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES failures, recessions, and yes, even job losses Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have such a tal- in order to drive people to succeed and make Wednesday, May 16, 2012 ented and dedicated group of young athletes our country better. I believe that the govern- Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, along with my col- in my congressional district. They dem- ment has done us more harm than good in league from Massachusetts, Representative onstrated commitment, teamwork, leadership attempting to control the recession. By step- Neal, and Representatives SAM JOHNSON, and serve as role models for their community, ping back and letting the business cycle run CHARLES RANGEL, DEVIN NUNES, PETE STARK, proving that with hard work and a good de- its course, only then can government truly DAVE REICHERT, JOHN LEWIS, PETER ROSKAM, fense, dreams do come true. guide our country to a more productive America. EARL BLUMENAUER, JIM GERLACH, RON KIND, f AARON SCHOCK, JOSEPH CROWLEY, LYNN JEN- f HONORING MADISON WEAVER KINS and ERIK PAULSEN, I rise today to intro- PERSONAL EXPLANATION duce the Update and Streamline REIT Act (U.S. REIT Act). Congress created real estate HON. PETE OLSON HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER investment trusts (REITs) in 1960, with the OF TEXAS goal of providing Americans from all walks of OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES life a transparent and liquid way to access the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, May 16, 2012 income and diversification benefits of invest- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 ments in commercial real estate. Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, on roll Periodically over the past fifty years, Con- interact with some of the brightest students in call No. 250, due to other representational ob- gress has enhanced and improved the REIT the 22nd Congressional District who serve on ligations in Hannibal, Missouri, I had to miss rules as the real estate industry and market- my Congressional Youth Advisory Council. I this vote. place has evolved, typically with non-con- have gained much by listening to the high Had I been present, I would have voted troversial legislation that attracts significant bi- school students who are the future of this ‘‘yea.’’ partisan support. In that vein, the last REIT great nation. They provide important insight f update was introduced in 2007. into the concerns of our younger constituents A number of publicly traded REITs are and hopefully get a better sense of the impor- EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE RE- headquartered in my home state of Ohio, and tance of being an active participant in the po- GARDING IMPORTANCE OF PRE- listed REITs as a whole have invested over $8 litical process. Many of the students have writ- VENTING IRAN FROM ACQUIRING billion dollars to date in Ohio malls, office ten short essays on a variety of topics and I A NUCLEAR WEAPONS CAPA- buildings, health care, hotel, self-storage and am pleased to share these with my House col- BILITY other properties. This investment by REITs leagues. creates jobs, improves local economies; and Madison Weaver is a senior at Clements SPEECH OF helps to support and beautify our commu- High School in Fort Bend County, Texas. His HON. TOM REED nities. essay topic is: In your opinion, what role The U.S. REIT Act has been developed should government play in our lives? OF NEW YORK IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES over a lengthy period. It has considerable bi- Government is defined as the political di- partisan support and is largely revenue neu- rection and control exercised over the ac- Tuesday, May 15, 2012 tral. If enacted, it would increase flexibility and tions of the members, citizens, or inhab- itants of communities, societies, and states. Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remove certain redundant and unnecessary In other words, the government is the ulti- voice my support for H. Res. 568. It is impera- restrictions on REIT activities, in order to en- mate source of authority in our country. tive that the United States takes necessary able REITs to continue to achieve the goals However, I believe that this power should be steps to ensure that Iran is unable to acquire on behalf of their shareholders set for them by used with restraint. I also believe that gov- the capability to produce nuclear weapons. Congress over fifty years ago.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.033 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E821 H.R. 5746, A BILL TO AMEND THE Chuck Colson rose to the heights of political plishments helping four siblings reunite with INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF power and fell to the depths of disgrace. But their parents in a safe environment with two of 1986 TO MODIFY CERTAIN RULES in his fall, he found redemption in the gospel the siblings attending summer camp on schol- APPLICABLE TO REAL ESTATE of Jesus Christ. Given a second chance, arships, a four-year-old child who spent the INVESTMENT TRUSTS; TO THE Chuck Colson devoted his life to carrying the first three years of her life in five different fos- COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND Christian message of second chances to ter homes was able to be adopted into a lov- MEANS those in prison, and he saw countless lives ing family, and an abandoned 16-year-old was changed by his compassion and example. able to find a part-time job, educational assist- HON. RICHARD E. NEAL His voice of moral clarity was an inspiration ance, and a path to independent living. OF MASSACHUSETTS to millions of Americans and made him an in- CASA of Morris and Sussex County’s is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES valuable counselor to leaders in government proud that their 25 years of work has always Wednesday, May 16, 2012 and business. I will always count it a privilege focused on the tenet of ‘‘every child can thrive to have been able to call him my dear friend in the safe embrace of a loving family.’’ CASA Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to high- and mentor. His dedication to moral integrity, has been able to provide the opportunity for light a bill that I’m introducing with my good serving his fellow man and his steadfast faith abused and neglected children of Northern friend and colleague from Ohio, Representa- have always and will always be an inspiration New Jersey to overcome their circumstance tive TIBERI, the Update and Streamline REIT to me and my family. and mature into successful and caring adults. Act (or U.S. REIT Act). I think it’s important to Karen and I offer our deepest condolences Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues note that the precursor to today’s REITs to Patty, the whole Colson family and to all to join me in recognizing Court Appointed began as Massachusetts business trusts over who mourn the loss of Chuck Colson. Special Advocates of Morris and Sussex a hundred years ago. In 1960, an Act of Con- gress democratized investment in real estate, f Counties on their 25th anniversary. an asset class that had traditionally only been 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE f available to institutional investors and the COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL AD- wealthy, by authorizing the creation of REITs, VOCATES OF MORRIS AND SUS- HONORING THE ORIGINAL FLOR- widely-held entities that own and operate SEX COUNTY IDA HALL OF FAME HIGHWAY- large-scale, income-producing real estate. MEN Since the Congressional authorization of REITs in 1960, Congress periodically has up- HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN dated the REIT rules in a bipartisan manner to OF NEW JERSEY HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON enable the industry to adapt to a changing IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES marketplace and to evolve consistent with its Wednesday, May 16, 2012 original mandate. The U.S. REIT Act would Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise continue that tradition. Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise Among other things, consistent with a provi- today to honor the Court Appointed Special today to recognize and honor the Original sion in the Obama Administration’s FY 2012 Advocates for Children of Morris and Sussex and FY 2013 Budgets, and Congressional re- Counties as they celebrate their 25th anniver- Florida Hall of Fame Highwaymen. They are a peal of a similar rule for publicly offered mu- sary. group of 26 named and listed landscape art- tual funds in 2010, the U.S. REIT Act would Court Appointed Special Advocates, CASA, ists who have been called ‘‘The Last Great repeal the preferential dividend rule for ‘‘pub- was created in 1977 to address the issue of American Art Moment of the 20th century.’’ licly offered’’ REITs. Publicly traded REITs as abused and neglected children within the court These self-taught and self-mentoring African a whole have invested over $18 billion to date system. The founder, David Soukup, a Seattle American Artists were able to define them- in a variety of Massachusetts properties, in- Superior Court Judge, raised concerns over selves against the many racial and cultural cluding malls, office buildings, health care, making decisions on behalf of abused and ne- barriers of the time in which they painted, and hotel, self-storage and other properties. As a glected children without enough information. created a body of work of over two hundred former mayor, I recognize that these compa- To gain more knowledge he called for volun- thousand paintings. nies and their tenants are the bedrock of local teers to investigate the cases, make rec- The Original Florida Hall of Fame Highway- economies, improving communities, adver- ommendations and speak on behalf of the men, from Fort Pierce, Florida, began painting tising locally, and generating property and child about what would be in his or her best in the early 1950s and created large numbers sales taxes that support local schools districts interest. of relatively inexpensive landscape paintings, and first responders. It quickly became clear that CASA volun- which were done using construction materials I am proud to have been a co-sponsor of teers provided the abused or neglected chil- rather than art supplies. As no galleries would legislation over the years that have refined the dren a constant adult presence that supported accept their works, they sold them in towns REIT rules to ensure that REITs can continue them by advocating for their needs within the and cities and along roadsides throughout to provide the benefits envisioned by Con- court system. According to the CASA mission Florida, often still wet, out of the trunks of their gress to investors from all walks of life, and I statement, CASA’s intent is to ‘‘speak up for cars. am proud to co-sponsor this legislation. the best interests of children who have been Following the death of one of their members I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- removed from their homes due to abuse and in 1970, the remaining members created fewer porting the U.S. REIT Act. neglect. We recruit, train, and supervise com- works and productivity waned. However, after f munity volunteers who provide a voice in court being re-discovered in the 1990s, they have to assure each child a safe, permanent, and become celebrated for their idyllic landscapes HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY nurturing home.’’ of natural settings in Florida. OF CHARLES W. COLSON CASA of Morris County began in 1987 by In 2004, the 26 Original Florida Hall of the National Council of Jewish Women and Fame Highwaymen were inducted into the HON. MIKE PENCE later merged with the Sussex County chapter Florida Artist Hall of Fame. In addition to be- OF INDIANA in 1996. In the last fiscal year the CASA of coming part of Florida’s culture and history, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Morris and Sussex Counties served 354 chil- they have also received international recogni- Wednesday, May 16, 2012 dren helping 108 reach permanency, which in- tion. Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with cludes reunification with birth parents, adop- Eight of the original members are now de- a heavy heart to pay tribute to a man we re- tion, kinship legal adoption, or independent liv- ceased, but the remaining members, most membered just a few short hours ago at the ing. Out of the 15 CASA chapters in New Jer- now into their 70s and 80s, continue to paint, National Cathedral here in Washington, DC. sey, the Morris and Sussex Counties chapter to this day. Despite racial barriers and obsta- The Good Book says, ‘‘Render therefore to serves the largest percentage of children in cles, their success and longevity are remark- all their due. . .honor to whom honor.’’ Charles out-of-home placement. able. W. Colson is certainly worthy of honor and es- For 25 years, the CASA of Morris and Sus- Please join me in honoring the Original Flor- teem. sex Counties has kept children from falling ida Hall of Fame Highwaymen, for their dedi- The earthly life of this consequential Amer- through the cracks of the court system and cation to their craft and their contributions to ican has come to an end and I mark this occa- helped them gain a stable family structure. In art in the State of Florida and around the sion with a sense of profound personal loss. the past year, CASA lists among their accom- world.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:43 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.037 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E822 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 2012 THE SECOND INAUGURATION OF Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have experienced earlier snow melting, which des- PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU found success in all walks of life. In govern- iccates our reservoirs, contributing to in- ment alone, we recognize Senator INOUYE, creased demand for water for personal and HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS president pro tempore, who chairs the U.S. agricultural use, and increased flooding risk. OF FLORIDA Senate Committee on Appropriations; Patsy The agricultural community, water resource IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color in managers, and power suppliers across Colo- Congress, whose Title IX legislation ensured rado rely on the monitoring, observation, and Wednesday, May 16, 2012 education equity for women and girls; and analysis supported by this funding line to in- Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I Prince Jonah Ku¯hio¯ Kalaniane‘ole, whose form decisions that directly affect the health of am truly honored to recognize the second in- leadership led to the creation of the Depart- the economy. auguration of President Ma Ying-jeou, which ment of Hawaiian Home Lands with the pas- The importance of this need was recognized will take place on May 20, 2012. I join with the sage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, in a Memorandum of Understanding between people of Taiwan in celebrating this historic 1920. the Western Governors Association and occasion. These distinguished leaders aren’t just a NOAA to provide climate information to west- Since the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the source of pride for the AAPI community, they ern states to help them mitigate disaster situa- United States and Taiwan have focused on also inspire a Nation. I am proud to celebrate tions stemming from flood, drought, and fires. creating a harmonious bilateral relationship. the accomplishments of all Asian and Pacific This Climate Competitive Research, Sus- While our two countries have continued to Islander Americans and look forward to seeing tained Observations and Regional Information share strong relations, we have been able to the trailblazers of the future. program also supports critical ocean observing further strengthen our ties under President f systems, as data has shown that the highly Ma’s leadership. dynamic relationship between oceans and the I am pleased to note several positive devel- PERSONAL EXPLANATION atmosphere affects weather and climate shifts opments that taken place over the course of over land. It also supports satellite calibration President Ma’s first term, including being rec- HON. MIKE McINTYRE and validation which inform the most accurate ognized by the World Health Organization as OF NORTH CAROLINA satellite observations. an observer to the World Health Assembly. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Importantly, many American businesses rely on this funding to create and manufacture en- This important recognition has given Taiwan Wednesday, May 16, 2012 an avenue in which to address the health vironmental observing equipment. issues affecting its country. Mr. MCINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I was unable I recognize that we must make difficult Furthermore, the United States has in- to vote on May 15, 2012. Had I been present, choices in our current fiscal environment. Sup- creased trade relations with Taiwan, and U.S. I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall Nos. 250, porting this program will continue our invest- agricultural and food products now account for 251, and 252. ments in research, observations, and modeling over 30 percent of Taiwan’s agricultural im- f to help States and businesses manage envi- ports. These gains could not have been ronmental risk and reduce future expenses SUPPORTING NOAA’S CLIMATE achieved independently, and such positive from natural disasters. COMPETITIVE RESEARCH, SUS- outcomes would not be possible without the I urge my colleagues to consider restoring TAINED OBSERVATIONS AND RE- collaboration and cooperation of President funding to NOAA’s Climate Competitive Re- GIONAL INFORMATION PROGRAM Ma’s government. search, Sustained Observations and Regional Mr. Speaker, again I want to congratulate Information program before this spending bill President Ma on his second term in office. I HON. JARED POLIS is enacted into law. look forward to continuing my work with the OF COLORADO f President and his government to ensure a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES peaceful and prosperous Taiwan. RECOGNIZING THE REPUBLIC OF Wednesday, May 16, 2012 CHINA (TAIWAN) AND ITS PRESI- f Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sup- DENT, MA YING-JEOU IN COMMEMORATION OF ASIAN/PA- port of NOAA’s Climate Competitive Research, CIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE Sustained Observations and Regional Informa- HON. PETER J. ROSKAM MONTH tion program, which was unfortunately cut by OF ILLINOIS $26 million from the President’s Fiscal Year IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2013 budget request in the Commerce, Jus- HON. MAZIE K. HIRONO Wednesday, May 16, 2012 OF HAWAII tice, Science FY13 Appropriations bill. While I appreciate the funding included in Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES this bill for NOAA’s satellite programs, NASA, recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Wednesday, May 16, 2012 NIST, and NSF, and thank my colleagues who its President, Ma Ying-jeou, on the impending Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in com- supported these programs, I urge them to inauguration of his second term on May 20, memoration of Asian/Pacific American Herit- work with me to restore the $26 million cut in 2012. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting age Month. this important climate research program. President Ma in October of 2011, and I wish This month recognizes that our country’s In March, I joined 28 of my House col- him and the Taiwanese people well during his strength comes from the diverse talents, cul- leagues in writing to the House Appropriations second term of office. tures, and ideas of its people. In Hawaii, it is Subcommittee on Commerce, Science and The friendship enjoyed by the United States this very diversity that helps drive our State Justice in support of the full budget request for and Taiwan rests upon a strong foundation of forward and is the basis of our rich local cul- this program. democracy, trade, and security. Through the ture. NOAA’s competitive climate program con- elections held on January 14, 2012 and the in- We honor the indigenous people of Hawaii tributes to local, regional, national, and global auguration on May 20, Taiwan is reaffirming and the Pacific islands and the Asian immi- weather and water outlooks. These are relied that commitment to democracy and that is grants who have come to America seeking op- upon by key decision makers in cities and something that should be held up as an exam- portunity and freedom. Key anniversaries in States throughout the country in areas such ple for others in the region and the world at the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Is- as agriculture and power generation. The large. landers occur in May, including the arrival to State of Colorado is not only the home to President Ma’s first term was marked by the U.S. of the first Japanese immigrants in world-class research institutions whose re- many successes, including securing observer 1843. searchers are supported by this funding, but it status with the World Health Assembly and in- As an immigrant myself, I know firsthand the is also a user of this information for vital nat- creasing trade and reducing tensions in the challenges—and the opportunities—that so ural resource governance decisions. East Asia region. I look forward to working many faced when they came to America. The southwest has experienced persistent with my colleagues in the House of Rep- My mother, brothers, and I arrived with little drought conditions over the last three dec- resentatives to ensure that the U.S.-Taiwan more than the clothes on our back and my ades. Temperatures in Colorado have in- relationship grows and strengthens and that mother’s determination to build a better life for creased two degrees during the same time, a Taiwan remains a safe, strong, and stable ally her children. trend that will likely persist. Colorado has also in the region.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A16MY8.040 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E823 Please join me in congratulating President PERSONAL EXPLANATION 11 a.m. Ma and in wishing him a successful second Armed Services term as he guides the Republic of China (Tai- Readiness and Management Support Sub- wan) for the next four years. HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH committee OF KENTUCKY Business meeting to markup those provi- f sions which fall under the subcommit- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEQUESTER REPLACEMENT tee’s jurisdiction of the proposed Na- RECONCILIATION ACT OF 2012 Wednesday, May 16, 2012 tional Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I was unable SPEECH OF SD–G50 to cast the recorded vote for rollcall No. 235. 2 p.m. HON. AARON SCHOCK Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘no’’ Armed Services OF ILLINOIS on this measure. Emerging Threats and Capabilities Sub- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES committee Thurday, May 10, 2012 f Closed business meeting to markup those provisions which fall under the sub- Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, the recent vote committee’s jurisdiction of the pro- in support of the H.R. 5652—Sequester Re- SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS posed National Defense Authorization placement Reconciliation Act was a necessary Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, Act for fiscal year 2013. vote to deliver on our promise to bring an end agreed to by the Senate on February 4, SR–232A to the fiscal nightmare in Washington. We 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- 2:30 p.m. promised to restore a better future for of chil- tem for a computerized schedule of all Appropriations dren and grandchildren and the action we re- State, Foreign Operations, and Related meetings and hearings of Senate com- Programs Subcommittee cently took delivers on that promise. mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- Business meeting to markup proposed Section 204 of H.R. 5652 reversed two tees, and committees of conference. budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for Medicaid provisions affecting the U.S. terri- This title requires all such committees Department of State, Foreign Oper- tories—increases in both the federal match to notify the Office of the Senate Daily ations, and Related Programs. rate and the cap on federal Medicaid spend- Digest—designated by the Rules Com- SD–138 ing—created in Obamacare. While I fully sup- mittee—of the time, place, and purpose Intelligence port a repeal of Obamacare, I also understand of the meetings, when scheduled, and To hold closed hearings to examine cer- the rationale for these provisions addressed a any cancellations or changes in the tain intelligence matters. disparity in the treatment of U.S. territories meetings as they occur. SH–219 3:30 p.m. under Medicaid going back decades. Prior to As an additional procedure along the changes, Puerto Rico paid 80 percent of Armed Services with the computerization of this infor- Airland Subcommittee its share of Medicaid, even though it has a mation, the Office of the Senate Daily Closed business meeting to markup those population of almost 4 million and a poverty Digest will prepare this information for provisions which fall under the sub- level percentage similar to the state of Mis- printing in the Extensions of Remarks committee’s jurisdiction of the pro- sissippi. Unlike the 50 states, where no U.S. section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD posed National Defense Authorization state pays more than 50 percent of its share, on Monday and Wednesday of each Act for fiscal year 2013. the territories operate under a different reim- week. SR–232A 5 p.m. bursement formula. The adjustment in the Meetings scheduled for Thursday, Medicaid payments to territories helped to Armed Services May 17, 2012 may be found in the Daily Personnel Subcommittee close this gap. Digest of today’s RECORD. It is imperative for Members to recognize Closed business meeting to markup those the importance of increased Medicaid funding provisions which fall under the sub- MEETINGS SCHEDULED committee’s jurisdiction of the pro- to the territories, especially given the deep re- posed National Defense Authorization MAY 21 spect we share for our fellow U.S. citizens. I Act for fiscal year 2013. urge my colleagues to ensure equitable Med- 2:30 p.m. SR–232A icaid funding to the territories as we move for- Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ward during this necessary budgetary negotia- fairs MAY 23 Oversight of Government Management, the tions. 9:30 a.m. Federal Workforce, and the District of f Columbia Subcommittee Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee STATEMENT ON H.R. 4970 To hold hearings to examine national se- curity, focusing on foreign language Closed business meeting to markup those capabilities in the Federal government. provisions which fall under the sub- HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING SD–342 committee’s jurisdiction of the pro- OF MASSACHUSETTS posed National Defense Authorization IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY 22 Act for fiscal year 2013. SR–232A 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2012 10 a.m. Armed Services Judiciary Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, although I sup- SeaPower Subcommittee port the Services, Training, Officers, Prosecu- Closed business meeting to markup those Administrative Oversight and the Courts tors (STOP) grant program, I regretfully had to provisions which fall under the sub- Subcommittee vote no on final passage of the Violence committee’s jurisdiction of the pro- To hold hearings to examine protecting our children, focusing on the impor- Against Women Act Reauthorization (VAWA). posed National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013. tance of training child protection pro- Even with the changes in the manager’s fessionals. amendment, the bill that came to the floor SR–232A 10 a.m. SD–226 today remains a partisan, extremist bill that Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Appropriations provides far fewer protections for domestic vi- To hold hearings to examine imple- Department of Defense Subcommittee olence victims than the strong, bipartisan Sen- menting derivatives reform, focusing To hold hearings to examine the fiscal ate-passed bill. on reducing systemic risk and improv- year 2013 Guard and Reserve budget This bill would put victims of domestic vio- ing market oversight. overview. lence in greater danger by rolling back key SD–538 SD–192 protections in current law and by excluding en- Energy and Natural Resources Finance tire populations of women, particularly in the To hold hearings to examine the report To hold hearings to examine progress in produced by the American Energy In- health care delivery, focusing on inno- LGBT and Native American communities, from novation Council titled ‘‘Catalyzing vations from the field. these valuable victim protections. Even though American Ingenuity: The Role of Gov- SD–215 VAWA is a critical grant program, I could not ernment in Energy Innovation’’ and re- Foreign Relations support the House GOP version, as such I lated issues. To hold hearings to examine The Law of voted ‘‘nay.’’ SD–366 the Sea Convention (Treaty Doc. 103–

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K16MY8.021 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 16, 2012 39), focusing on the United States Na- 2:30 p.m. MAY 25 tional Security and Strategic Impera- Armed Services 9:30 a.m. tives for Ratification. Closed business meeting to markup the Armed Services proposed National Defense Authoriza- SD–419 Closed business meeting to continue tion Act for fiscal year 2013. Veterans’ Affairs markup of the proposed National De- To hold hearings to examine seamless SR–222 Judiciary fense Authorization Act for fiscal year transition, focusing on a review of the 2013. Integrated Disability Evaluation Sys- To hold hearings to examine certain nominations. SR–222 tem. SD–226 SD–562 JUNE 7 10:30 a.m. MAY 24 2:15 p.m. Homeland Security and Governmental Af- 9 a.m. Indian Affairs fairs Intelligence To hold an oversight hearing to examine To hold hearings to examine the Secret Closed business meeting to consider Universal Service Fund Reform, focus- Service, focusing on trust and con- pending calendar business. ing on ensuring a sustainable and con- fidence. SH–219 nected future for native communities. SD–G50 9:30 a.m. SD–628 2 p.m. Armed Services Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Closed business meeting to continue JUNE 28 Security and International Trade and Fi- markup of the proposed National De- nance Subcommittee fense Authorization Act for fiscal year 10 a.m. To hold hearings to examine reviewing 2013. Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions the United States-China strategic and SR–222 To hold hearings to examine creating economic dialogue. 2:15 p.m. positive learning environments for all SD–538 Indian Affairs students. To hold an oversight hearing to examine Room to be announced programs and services for native vet- erans. SD–628

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\M16MY8.000 E16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS Wednesday, May 16, 2012 Daily Digest Senate 2013, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary Chamber Action levels for fiscal years 2014 through 2022. Routine Proceedings, pages S3181–S3242 Pages S3183–3220 Measures Introduced: Eight bills and four resolu- During consideration of this measure today, Senate tions were introduced, as follows: S. 3188–3195, and also took the following action: S. Res. 462–465. Page 3234 By a unanimous vote of 99 nays (Vote No. 97), Measures Reported: Senate did not agree to the motion to proceed to H.R. 2415, to designate the facility of the United consideration of the resolution. Page S3220 States Postal Service located at 11 Dock Street in Budget Resolution: Senate began consideration of Pittston, Pennsylvania, as the ‘‘Trooper Joshua D. the motion to proceed to consideration of H. Con. Miller Post Office Building’’. Res. 112, establishing the budget for the United H.R. 3220, to designate the facility of the United States Government for fiscal year 2013 and setting States Postal Service located at 170 Evergreen Square forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years SW in Pine City, Minnesota, as the ‘‘Master Ser- 2014 through 2022. Pages S3220–21 geant Daniel L. Fedder Post Office’’. During consideration of this measure today, Senate H.R. 3413, to designate the facility of the United also took the following action: States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue By 41 yeas to 58 nays (Vote No. 98), Senate did in Bronx, New York, as the ‘‘Private Isaac T. Cortes not agree to the motion to proceed to consideration Post Office’’. Page S3233 of the resolution. Pages S3220–21 Measures Passed: Budget Resolution: Senate began consideration of National Kids to Parks Day: Senate agreed to S. the motion to proceed to consideration of S. Con. Res. 463, designating May 19, 2012, as ‘‘National Res. 37, setting forth the congressional budget for Kids to Parks Day’’. Page S3241 the United States Government for fiscal year 2013, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for 70th Anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base: fiscal years 2014 through 2022. Page S3221 Senate agreed to S. Res. 464, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base. During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: Page S3241 By 42 yeas to 57 nays (Vote No. 99), Senate did Year of Water: Senate agreed to S. Res. 465, rec- not agree to the motion to proceed to consideration ognizing that the Governor of the State of Colorado of the resolution. Page S3221 has proclaimed 2012 as the ‘‘Year of Water’’. Page S3241 Budget Resolution: Senate began consideration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. Con. Measures Considered: Res. 42, setting forth the congressional budget for Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act: the United States Government for fiscal year 2013, Senate began consideration of the motion to proceed revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal to consideration of S. 2343, to amend the Higher year 2012, and setting forth the appropriate budg- Education Act of 1965 to extend the reduced inter- etary levels for fiscal years 2013 through 2022. est rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans. Pages S3221–22 Pages S3181–82, S3222–26 During consideration of this measure today, Senate Budget Resolution: Senate began consideration of also took the following action: the motion to proceed to consideration of S. Con. By 16 yeas to 83 nays (Vote No. 100), Senate did Res. 41, setting forth the President’s budget request not agree to the motion to proceed to consideration for the United States Government for fiscal year of the resolution. Pages S3221–22 D473

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Budget Resolution: Senate began consideration of Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3234–35 the motion to proceed to consideration of S. Con. Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Res. 44, setting forth the congressional budget for Pages S3235–39 the United States Government for fiscal year 2013 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for Additional Statements: Pages S3230–32 fiscal years 2014 through 2022. Page S3222 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S3239 During consideration of this measure today, Senate also took the following action: Privileges of the Floor: Page S3239 By 17 yeas to 82 nays (Vote No. 101), Senate did Record Votes: Five record votes were taken today. not agree to the motion to proceed to consideration (Total—101) Pages S3220, S3220–21, S3221, S3222 of the resolution. Page S3222 Adjournment: Senate convened at 9:30 a.m. and Cook County Airport Land—Referral Agree- adjourned at 6:56 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thurs- ment: A unanimous-consent agreement was reached day, May 17, 2012. (For Senate’s program, see the providing that the Committee on Energy and Nat- remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s ural Resources be discharged from further consider- Record on page S3242.) ation of H.R. 2947, to provide for the release of the reversionary interest held by the United States in certain land conveyed by the United States in 1950 Committee Meetings for the establishment of an airport in Cook County, Minnesota, and the bill then be referred to the Com- (Committees not listed did not meet) mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Page S3241 APPROPRIATIONS: ENVIRONMENTAL Message from the President: Senate received the PROTECTION AGENCY following message from the President of the United Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Depart- States: ment of the Interior, Environment, and Related Transmitting, pursuant to law, a report relative to Agencies concluded a hearing to examine proposed the issuance of an Executive Order with respect to budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for the Envi- blocking the property of persons threatening the ronmental Protection Agency, after receiving testi- peace, security, or stability of Yemen; which was re- mony from Lisa P. Jackson, Administrator, and Bar- ferred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and bara J. Bennett, Chief Financial Officer, both of the Urban Affairs. (PM–48) Page S3233 Environmental Protection Agency. Stein and Powell Nominations—Agreement: A unanimous-consent-time agreement was reached pro- APPROPRIATIONS: U.S. NORTHERN viding that at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 17, COMMAND AND U.S. SOUTHERN 2012, Senate resume consideration of the nomina- COMMAND tions of Jeremy C. Stein, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Depart- Reserve System, and Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, ment of Defense received a closed briefing on pro- to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the posed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for Federal Reserve System; that there be 90 minutes for Northern Command and Southern Command Pro- debate equally divided in the usual form to run con- grams from General Charles H. Jacoby, Jr., USA, currently, on both nominations, en bloc; that upon Commander United States Northern Command, and the use or yielding back of time, Senate vote, with- General Douglas M. Fraser, USAF, Commander, out intervening action or debate, on confirmation of United States Southern Command, both of the De- the nominations in the order listed; that the nomina- partment of Defense. tions be subject to a 60 vote threshold; that no fur- ther motions be in order to the nominations; pro- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION vided further, that the cloture votes with respect to Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: the nominations be withdrawn. Page S3239 Committee concluded an oversight hearing to exam- Messages from the House: Page S3233 ine the Federal Communications Commission, after receiving testimony from Julius Genachowski, Chair- Measures Referred: Page S3233 man, and Robert M. McDowell, Mignon L. Clyburn, Measures Placed on the Calendar: Jessica Rosenworcel, and Ajit Pai, each a Commis- Pages S3181, S3233 sioner, all of the Federal Communications Commis- Executive Reports of Committees: Page S3234 sion.

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CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL H.R. 2415, to designate the facility of the United RESPONSIBILITY AND INNOVATION States Postal Service located at 11 Dock Street in Committee on Environment and Public Works: Sub- Pittston, Pennsylvania, as the ‘‘Trooper Joshua D. committee on Children’s Health and Environmental Miller Post Office Building’’; Responsibility concluded a hearing to examine grow- H.R. 3220, to designate the facility of the United ing long-term value, focusing on corporate environ- States Postal Service located at 170 Evergreen Square mental responsibility and innovation, after receiving SW in Pine City, Minnesota, as the ‘‘Master Ser- testimony from Todd Brady, Intel Corporation, geant Daniel L. Fedder Post Office’’; Washington, D.C.; Len Sauers, The Procter and H.R. 3413, to designate the facility of the United Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio; Parker J. States Postal Service located at 1449 West Avenue Smith, Eastman Chemical Company, Memphis, Ten- in Bronx, New York, as the ‘‘Private Isaac T. Cortes nessee; and D. Mitchell Jackson, FedEx Corporation, Post Office’’; and Kingsport, Tennessee. The nomination of Joseph G. Jordan, of Massa- chusetts, to be Administrator for Federal Procure- NOMINATIONS ment Policy, Executive Office of the President. Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the nominations of Peter Wil- HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM REFORM liam Bodde, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Piper Anne Committee concluded a hearing to examine identi- Wind Campbell, of the District of Columbia, to be fying opportunities for health care delivery system Ambassador to Mongolia, who was introduced by reform, focusing on lessons from the front line, after Representative Hochul, and Dorothea-Maria Rosen, receiving testimony from G. Al Kurose, Coastal of California, to be Ambassador to the Federated Medical, Inc., Providence, Rhode Island; Marcia States of Micronesia, all of the Department of State, Guida James, Humana Inc., Louisville, Kentucky; after the nominees testified and answered questions and James C. Capretta, Ethics and Public Policy in their own behalf. Center, Washington, D.C. BUSINESS MEETING FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- OVERSIGHT fairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the fol- lowing business items: Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded an S. 1910, to provide benefits to domestic partners oversight hearing to examine the Federal Bureau of of Federal employees, with an amendment in the na- Investigation, after receiving testimony from Robert ture of a substitute; S. Mueller, III, Director, Federal Bureau of Inves- S. 1515, to permit certain members of the United tigation, Department of Justice. States Secret Service and certain members of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division who DRUG THREATS IN WEST AFRICA were appointed in 1984, 1985, or 1986 to elect to United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics be covered under the District of Columbia Police Control: Caucus concluded a hearing to examine drug and Firefighter Retirement and Disability System in threats in West Africa, focusing on drug trafficking the same manner as members appointed prior to and United States efforts to counter emerging nar- 1984, with an amendment in the nature of a sub- cotics-related threats, after receiving testimony from stitute; Thomas Harrigan, Deputy Administrator, Drug En- S. 2218, to reauthorize the United States Fire Ad- forcement Administration, Department of Justice; ministration; William R. Brownfield, Assistant Secretary for Inter- S. 1100, to amend title 41, United States Code, national Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and to prohibit inserting politics into the Federal acqui- Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary for African Af- sition process by prohibiting the submission of polit- fairs, both of the Department of State; and William ical contribution information as a condition of re- F. Wechsler, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense ceiving a Federal contract, with an amendment; for Counternarcotics and Global Threats.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 07:23 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MY2.REC D16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with DIGEST D476 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 16, 2012 House of Representatives H. Res. 656, the rule providing for consideration Chamber Action of the bills (H.R. 4970 and H.R. 4310), was agreed Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 12 pub- to by a yea-and-nay vote of 235 yeas to 186 nays lic bills, H.R. 5781–5792; and 2 resolutions, H. with 1 answering ‘‘present,’’ Roll No. 255, after the Res. 659–660 were introduced. Pages H2811–12 previous question was ordered by a yea-and-nay vote Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2813–14 of 235 yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 254. Pages H2726–44 Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: A point of order was raised against the consider- H.R. 1840, to improve consideration by the Com- ation of H. Res. 656 and it was agreed to proceed modity Futures Trading Commission of the costs with consideration of the resolution by a yea-and-nay and benefits of its regulations and orders (H. Rept. vote of 239 yeas to 183 nays, Roll No. 253. 112–482); Pages H2726–31 H.R. 373, to amend the Unfunded Mandates Re- form Act of 1995 to ensure that actions taken by Moment of Silence: The House observed a moment regulatory agencies are subject to that Act, and for of silence in honor of all law enforcement officers other purposes, with an amendment (H. Rept. who have lost their lives in the line of duty. 112–483, Pt. 1); Page H2743 H.R. 3433, to amend title 31, United States Suspensions—Proceedings Resumed: The House Code, to provide transparency and require certain agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following standards in the award of Federal grants, and for measures which were debated yesterday, May 15th: other purposes, with amendments (H. Rept. Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012: H.R. 112–484); and 4119, amended, to reduce the trafficking of drugs H. Res. 611, providing for further consideration and to prevent human smuggling across the South- of the bill (H.R. 4310) to authorize appropriations west Border by deterring the construction and use of for fiscal year 2013 for military activities of the De- border tunnels, by a 2/3 yea-and-nay vote of 416 partment of Defense, to prescribe military personnel yeas to 4 nays, Roll No. 256; Pages H2744–45 strengths for fiscal year 2013, and for other purposes Amending the Mesquite Lands Act of 1986 to (H. Rept. 112–485). Page H2811 facilitate implementation of a multispecies habitat Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he conservation plan: H.R. 2745, amended, to amend appointed Representative Barton (TX) to act as the Mesquite Lands Act of 1986 to facilitate imple- Speaker pro tempore for today. Page H2717 mentation of a multispecies habitat conservation plan Recess: The House recessed at 10:47 a.m. and re- for the Virgin River in Clark County, Nevada; and Page H2745 convened at 12 noon. Page H2722 Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the guest chap- Chimney Rock National Monument Establish- lain, Reverend Tom Ellsworth, Sherwood Oaks ment Act: H.R. 2621, amended, to establish the Chimney Rock National Monument in the State of Christian Church, Bloomington, Indiana. Page H2722 Colorado. Pages H2781–82 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012: The House passed H.R. 4970, to reauthorize Committee Filing Authority: Agreed that the the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, by a re- Committee on Appropriations have until 6 p.m. on corded vote of 222 ayes to 205 noes, Roll No. 258. May 25, 2012 to file four privileged reports on bills making appropriations for the Department of Home- Pages H2726–44, H2745–81 land Security; military construction, the Department Rejected the Moore motion to recommit the bill of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies; the Depart- to the Committee on the Judiciary with instructions ment of Defense; and the Department of State, for- to report the same to the House forthwith with an eign operations, and related programs. Page H2745 amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 187 yeas to 236 nays, Roll No. 257. Pages H2779–81 Notice of Intent to Offer Motion: Representative Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the na- Rahall announced his intent to offer a motion to in- ture of a substitute recommended by the Committee struct conferees on H.R. 4348. Page H2745 on the Judiciary now printed in the bill, modified Suspension—Proceedings Postponed: The House by the amendment printed in H. Rept. 112–481, debated the following measure under suspension of shall be considered as adopted. Page H2726 the rules. Further proceedings were postponed:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 07:23 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MY2.REC D16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with DIGEST May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D477 National Flood Insurance Program Extension BUDGET ALLOCATIONS; AND Act: H.R. 5740, to extend the National Flood Insur- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES ance Program. Pages H2782–87 Committee on Appropriations: Full Committee held a Notice of Intent to Offer Motion: Representative meeting to consider Revised Suballocation of Budget Barrow announced his intent to offer a motion to in- Allocations for Fiscal Year 2013; Full Committee struct conferees on H.R. 4348. Page H2787 held a markup Homeland Security Appropriations National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Bill for Fiscal Year 2013; and Military Construction, Year 2013: The House began consideration of H.R. Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropria- 4310, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2013 tions Bill for FY 2013. The Revised Suballocation of for military activities of the Department of Defense the Budget Allocations for Fiscal Year 2012 was and to prescribe military personnel strengths for fis- agreed to. The Homeland Security Appropriations cal year 2013. Further proceedings were postponed. Bill for Fiscal Year 2013; and Military Construction, Pages H2787–96 Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropria- H. Res. 656, the rule providing for consideration tions Bill for FY 2013 were ordered reported, as of the bills (H.R. 4970 and H.R. 4310), was agreed amended. to by a yea-and-nay vote of 235 yeas to 186 nays EXPLORING STATE SUCCESS IN with 1 answering ‘‘present,’’ Roll No. 255, after the EXPANDING PARENT AND STUDENT previous question was ordered by a yea-and-nay vote OPTIONS of 235 yeas to 187 nays, Roll No. 254. Pages H2726–44 Committee on Education and the Workforce: Sub- A point of order was raised against the consider- committee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Sec- ation of H. Res. 656 and it was agreed to proceed ondary Education held a hearing entitled ‘‘Exploring with consideration of the resolution by a yea-and-nay State Success in Expanding Parent and Student Op- vote of 239 yeas to 183 nays, Roll No. 253. tions’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Pages H2726–31 BROADBAND LOANS AND GRANTS Recess: The House recessed at 9:45 p.m. and recon- vened at 2:28 a.m. on Thursday, May 17th. Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Page H2810 Communications and Technology held a hearing en- titled ‘‘Broadband Loans and Grants’’. Testimony Presidential Message: Read a message from the was heard from Larry Strickling, Assistant Secretary President wherein he submitted to the Congress an for Communications and Information & Adminis- Executive Order he has issued with respect to the ac- trator, National Telecommunications and Informa- tions and policies of certain members of the Govern- tion Administration (NTIA), Department of Com- ment of Yemen and others—referred to the Com- merce; Jonathan Adelstein, Administrator, Rural mittee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed Utility Service (RUS), Department of Agriculture; (H. Doc. 112–109). Page H2782 Todd Zinser, Inspector General, Department of Quorum Calls—Votes: Five yea-and-nay votes and Commerce; and David Gray, Deputy Inspector, Gen- one recorded vote developed during the proceedings eral, Department of Agriculture. of today and appear on pages H2731, H2743, H2743–44, H2744, H2780–81, H2781. There were WHERE THE JOBS ARE: PROMOTING no quorum calls. TOURISM TO AMERICA Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on journed at 2:29 a.m. on Thursday, May 17th. Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade held a hearing entitled ‘‘Where the Jobs Are: Promoting Tourism to America’’. Testimony was heard from Representa- Committee Meetings tive Mazie K. Hirono; Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale, Assist- ant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services, Inter- FORMULATION OF THE 2012 FARM BILL: national Trade Administration, Department of Com- COMMODITY PROGRAMS AND CROP merce; and public witnesses. INSURANCE Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on General MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee hearing entitled ‘‘Formulation of the 2012 Farm began a markup of H.R. 4471, the ‘‘Gasoline Regu- Bill: Commodity Programs and Crop Insurance’’. lations Act of 2012’’; and H.R. 4480, the ‘‘Strategic Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Energy Production Act of 2012’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 07:23 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MY2.REC D16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with DIGEST D478 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 16, 2012 THE IMPACT OF THE DODD–FRANK ACT: STATUS OF THE PROCESSING OF THE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A SYSTEMICALLY CAMP ASHRAF RESIDENTS IMPORTANT FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Over- Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Fi- sight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ‘‘Sta- nancial Institutions held a hearing entitled ‘‘The Im- tus of the Processing of the Camp Ashraf Residents’’. pact of the Dodd-Frank Act: What It Means to be Testimony was heard from Daniel Fried, Special Ad- a Systemically Important Financial Institution’’. Tes- visor on Ashraf, Department of State. timony was heard from Lance Auer, Deputy Assist- ACCESS CONTROL POINT BREACHES AT ant Secretary for Financial Institutions, Department OUR NATION’S AIRPORTS: ANOMALIES OR of Commerce; Michael Gibson, Director, Division of SYSTEMIC FAILURES Banking Supervision and Regulation, Board of Gov- ernors of the Federal Reserve System; and public Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on witnesses. Transportation Security held a hearing entitled ‘‘Ac- cess Control Point Breaches at Our Nation’s Air- OVERSIGHT OF THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT ports: Anomalies or Systemic Failures?’’. Testimony INSURANCE CORPORATION’S was heard from John P. Sammon Assistant Adminis- STRUCTURED TRANSACTION PROGRAM trator, Office of Security Policy and Industry En- gagement, Transportation Security Administration; Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Charles K. Edwards, Acting Inspector General, De- Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled partment of Homeland Security; and public wit- ‘‘Oversight of the Federal Deposit Insurance Cor- nesses. poration’s Structured Transaction Program’’. Testi- mony was heard from Bret D. Edwards, Director, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LEAHY–SMITH Division of Resolutions and Receiverships, Federal AMERICA INVENTS ACT Deposit Insurance Corporation; Jon T. Rymer, In- Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a spector General, Office of Inspector General, Federal hearing entitled ‘‘Implementation of the Leahy- Deposit Insurance Corporation; and public witnesses. Smith America Invents Act’’. Testimony was heard from David Kappos, Under Secretary of Commerce INCREASING MARKET ACCESS FOR U.S. for Intellectual Property, Director of the United FINANCIAL FIRMS IN CHINA States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), De- Committee on Financial Institutions: Subcommittee on partment of Commerce; and public witnesses. International Monetary Policy and Trade held a hear- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES ing entitled ‘‘Increasing Market Access for U.S. Fi- nancial Firms in China: Update on Progress of the Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee held a Strategic and Economic Dialogue’’. Testimony was markup of H.R. 5512, ‘‘Divisional Realignment Act heard from public witnesses. of 2012’’. H.R. 5512 was ordered reported, without amendment. ASSESSING U.S. FOREIGN POLICY MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES PRIORITIES AND NEEDS AMIDST ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN SOUTH ASIA Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee held a markup of the following measures: H.R. 1192, the Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Mid- ‘‘Soda Ash Royalty Extension, Job Creation, and Ex- dle East and South Asia held a hearing entitled ‘‘As- port Enhancement Act of 2011’’; H.R. 3973, the sessing U.S. Foreign Policy Priorities and Needs ‘‘Native American Energy Act’’; H.R. 4043, the Amidst Economic Challenges in South Asia’’. Testi- ‘‘Military Readiness and Southern Sea Otter Con- mony was heard from Robert O. Blake, Assistant servation Act’’; H.R. 4381, the ‘‘Planning for Amer- Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, De- ican Energy Act of 2012’’; H.R. 4382, the ‘‘Pro- partment of State; Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Ad- viding Leasing Certainty for American Energy Act of ministrator for Asia, U.S. Agency for International 2012’’; H.R. 4383, the ‘‘Streamlining Permitting of Development; Daniel Feldman, Deputy Special Rep- American Energy Act of 2012’’; and H.R. 4402, the resentative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Depart- ‘‘National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production ment of State; and Alexander Thier, Assistant to the, Act of 2012’’. The following measures were ordered Administrator and Director, Office of Afghanistan reported, as amended: H.R. 1192, H.R. 3973, H.R. and Pakistan Affairs, U.S. Agency for International 4043, H.R. 4381, H.R. 4382, H.R. 4383, and H.R. Development. 4402.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 07:23 May 17, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D16MY2.REC D16MYPT1 tjames on DSK6SPTVN1PROD with DIGEST May 16, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D479 OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S GREEN ignees, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall ENERGY GAMBLE not be subject to a demand for division of the ques- Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- tion. The original proponent of an amendment in- committee on Regulatory Affairs, Stimulus and Gov- cluded in such amendment en bloc may insert a ernment Spending held a hearing entitled ‘‘The statement in the Congressional Record. Finally, the Obama Administration’s Green Energy Gamble: rule provides one motion to recommit with or with- What Have All the Taxpayer Subsidies Achieved?’’. out instructions. Testimony was heard from Rep- Testimony was heard from public witnesses. resentatives Bartlett, Smith (WA), Franks (AZ), Lan- gevin, Wittman, Bordallo, Coffman (CO), Speier, HATCH ACT: OPTIONS FOR REFORM Garamendi, McGovern, Polis, Young (AK), Markey, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- Gingrey (GA), Jackson Lee (TX), Murphy (PA), Lee committee on Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service (CA), Gohmert, Schiff, Mulvaney, Welch, Pearce, and Labor Policy held a hearing entitled ‘‘Hatch Act: Yarmuth, Rivera, Tonko, Chu, and Amash. Options for Reform’’. Testimony was heard from Carolyn Lerner, Special Counsel, U.S. Office of Spe- U.S. TRADE STRATEGY: WHAT’S NEXT FOR cial Counsel; Irvin Nathan, Attorney General, Dis- SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTERS trict of Columbia; and public witnesses. Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘U.S. Trade Strategy: What’s Next NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION for Small Business Exporters?’’. Testimony was heard ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 from Miriam Sapiro, Deputy United States Trade Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on Representative, Office of the United States Trade H.R. 4310, the ‘‘National Defense Authorization Representative; and public witnesses. Act, Fiscal Year 2013’’ (amendment testimony). The Committee granted, by a record vote, a rule pro- CREATING AMERICAN JOBS AND viding for further consideration of H.R. 4310 under ASSURING THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF a structured rule. The rule provides no additional AMERICA’S WATERWAYS general debate. The rule makes in order as original Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- text for purpose of amendment an amendment in the committee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transpor- nature of a substitute consisting of Rules Committee tation held a hearing entitled ‘‘Creating American Print 112–22 and provides that it shall be consid- Jobs and Assuring the Safety and Security of Amer- ered as read. The rule waives all points against the ica’s Waterways: A Review of the Coast Guard’s 5- amendment in the nature of a substitute. The rule year Capital Improvement Plan’’. Testimony was makes in order only those amendments printed in heard from Vice Admiral John Currier, Deputy the Rules Committee report accompanying the reso- Commandant for Mission Support, United States lution and amendments en bloc described in section Coast Guard. 3 of the resolution. The rule provides that the amendments printed in the report may be offered OPTIMIZING CARE FOR VETERANS WITH only in the order printed in the report, may be of- PROSTHETICS fered only by a Member designated in the report, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the Health held a hearing entitled ‘‘Optimizing Care for time specified in the report equally divided and con- Veterans with Prosthetics’’. Testimony was heard trolled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not from Linda A. Halliday, Assistant Inspector General be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject for Audits and Evaluations, Office of the Inspector to a demand for division of the question. General, Department of Veterans Affairs; Lucille The rule waives all points of order against the Beck, Acting Chief Consultant, Prosthetics and Sen- amendments printed in the report or against amend- sory Aids Service, Veterans Health Administration, ments en bloc described in section 3 of the resolu- Department of Veterans Affairs; and public wit- tion. Section 3 of the resolution provides that it shall nesses. be in order at any time for the chair of the Com- mittee on Armed Services or his designee to offer EXAMINING OPERATIONS AND amendments en bloc consisting of amendments OVERSIGHT OF TAX–EXEMPT printed in the report not earlier disposed of. Amend- ORGANIZATIONS ments en bloc shall be considered as read, shall be Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and con- Oversight held a hearing entitled ‘‘Examining Oper- trolled by the chair and ranking minority member ations and Oversight of Tax-Exempt Organizations’’. of the Committee on Armed Services or their des- Testimony was heard from public witnesses.

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and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend the authorization Joint Meetings of the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program TAXATION OF LABOR AND TRANSFER through fiscal year 2017, S. 2276, to permit Federal offi- PAYMENTS cers to remove cases involving crimes of violence to Fed- eral court, S. 2076, to improve security at State and local Joint Economic Committee: Committee concluded a courthouses, S. 2370, to amend title 11, United States hearing to examine how the taxation of labor and Code, to make bankruptcy organization more efficient for transfer payments affect growth and employment, small business debtors, and the nominations of David after receiving testimony from Richard Rogerson, Medine, of Maryland, to be Chairman, James Xavier Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; An- Dempsey, of California, Elisebeth Collins Cook, of Illi- drew G. Biggs, American Enterprise Institute, nois, Rachel L. Brand, of Iowa, and Patricia M. Wald, of Washington, D.C.; and Simon Johnson, Massachu- the District of Columbia, all to be a Member of the Pri- setts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Man- vacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, 10 a.m., agement, Cambridge. SD–226. f House COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on General MAY 17, 2012 Farm Commodities and Risk Management, hearing enti- (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) tled ‘‘Formulation of the 2012 Farm Bill: Commodity Programs and Crop Insurance’’ public witness day, 10 Senate a.m., 1300 Longworth. Committee on Appropriations: business meeting to markup Committee on Appropriations, Full Committee, markup of proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2013 for Mili- Defense Appropriations Bill for FY 2013, 10 a.m., 2359 tary Construction and Veteran Affairs, and Related Agen- Rayburn. cies and Department of Homeland Security, 10:30 a.m., Full Committee, markup of State, Foreign Operations, SD–106. and Related Programs Appropriations Bill for FY 2013, Subcommittee on Department of Defense, to receive a 10 a.m., 2359 Rayburn. closed briefing on proposed budget estimates for fiscal Committee on Energy and Commerce, Full Committee, con- year 2013 for European Command and Special Operations tinue markup of H.R. 4471, the ‘‘Gasoline Regulations Command Programs, 2 p.m., SVC–217. Act of 2012’’; and H.R. 4480, the ‘‘Strategic Energy Pro- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- duction Act of 2012’’, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. committee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Committee on Financial Services, Full Committee, hearing Guard, to hold hearings to examine the United States re- entitled ‘‘Examining the Settlement Practices of U.S. Fi- sponse to tsunami generated marine debris, 10:30 a.m., nancial Regulators’’, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. SR–253. Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing and Community Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hear- Opportunity, hearing entitled ‘‘U.S. Insurance Sector: ings to examine S. 2146, to amend the Public Utility International Competitiveness and Jobs’’, 2 p.m., 2128 Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to create a market-ori- Rayburn. ented standard for clean electric energy generation, 9:30 Committee on Foreign Affairs, Full Committee, hearing a.m., SD–366. entitled ‘‘Iran Sanctions: Strategy, Implementation, and Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the Enforcement’’, 10 a.m., 2127 Rayburn. Social Security Administration, focusing on saving tax- Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and payer dollars and serving the public, 10 a.m., SD–215. Trade; and Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, joint Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- hearing entitled ‘‘The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agree- ine the nominations of Edward M. Alford, of Virginia, to ment: Challenges and Potential’’, 2 p.m., 2360 Rayburn. be Ambassador to the Republic of The Gambia, Mark L. Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, hearing Asquino, of the District of Columbia, to be Ambassador entitled ‘‘Cuba’s Global Network of Terrorism, Intel- to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Douglas M. Grif- ligence, and Warfare’’, 3 p.m., 2172 Rayburn. fiths, of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Mo- Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Over- zambique, and David J. Lane, of Florida, for the rank of sight, Investigations, and Management, hearing entitled Ambassador during his tenure of service as U.S. Rep- ‘‘Department of Homeland Security: An Examination of resentative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Ethical Standards’’, 9:30 a.m., 311 Cannon. Agriculture, all of the Department of State, 2:30 p.m., Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime, SD–419. Terrorism, and Homeland Security, hearing on H.R. Committee on Indian Affairs: to hold an oversight hear- 2168, the ‘‘Geolocational Privacy and Surveillance Act’’, ing to examine fulfilling the Federal trust responsibility, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. focusing on the foundation of the government-to-govern- Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforce- ment relationship, 2:15 p.m., SD–628. ment, hearing on H.R. 3039, the ‘‘Welcoming Business Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider Travelers and Tourists to America Act of 2011’’, 1 p.m., S. 2554, to amend title I of the Omnibus Crime Control 2141 Rayburn.

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Subcommittee on the Constitution, hearing on H.R. Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Trade, 3803, the ‘‘District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn hearing entitled ‘‘Supporting Economic Growth and Job Child Protection Act’’, 4 p.m., 2141 Rayburn. Creation Through Customs Trade Modernization, Facilita- Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Fish- tion, and Enforcement’’, 10 a.m., 1100 Longworth. eries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs, hearing on Subcommittee on Human Resources, hearing entitled H.R. 3065, the ‘‘Target Practice and Marksmanship ‘‘State TANF Spending and Its Impact on Work Require- Training Support Act’’; and H.R. 3706, to create the Of- ments’’, 2 p.m., 1100 Longworth. fice of Chief Financial Officer of the Government of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Full Virgin Islands, and for other purposes, 2 p.m., 1334 Committee, hearing entitled ‘‘Intelligence Authorization Longworth. Act for Fiscal Year 2013’’; and ‘‘Committee Report: Per- Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public formance Audit of Defense Intelligence Surveillance, and Lands, hearing on H.R. 1103, the ‘‘American Memorial Park Tinian Annex Act’’; H.R. 3100, the ‘‘San Antonio Reconnaissance’’, 10 a.m., HVC–304. Portions of this Missions National Historical Park Boundary Expansion hearing will be closed. Act’’; H.R. 3365, the ‘‘Federal Land Transaction Facilita- tion Act Reauthorization of 2011’’; H.R. 4400, the Joint Meetings ‘‘Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr. Salt Pond Visitor Center’’; and Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: to re- S. 270, the ‘‘La Pine Land Conveyance Act’’, 2 p.m., ceive a briefing on Ukraine’s upcoming elections, focus- 1324 Longworth. ing on political parties, civil society and domestic observ- Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee ers ahead of the elections, the electoral framework, as well on Technology and Innovation, hearing entitled ‘‘Work- as the broader political context, 2 p.m., 210, Cannon ing for a Fire Safe America: Examining United States Fire Building. Administration Priorities’’, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn.

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Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: The Majority Leader will be Program for Thursday: Resume consideration of H.R. recognized. The Majority Leader intends to begin consid- 4310—National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal eration of the motion to proceed to consideration of S. Year 2013. 3187, FDA User Fee. At 10:30 a.m., Senate will resume consideration of the nominations of Jeremy C. Stein, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Re- serve System, and Jerome H. Powell, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Re- serve System, and vote on confirmation of the nomina- tions at approximately 12 p.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., N.J., E821 Neal, Richard E., Mass., E821 Grimm, Michael G., N.Y., E818 Olson, Pete, Tex., E810, E813, E820 Barletta, Lou, Pa., E819 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E822 Pallone, Frank, Jr., N.J., E817 Barton, Joe, Tex., E819 Hirono, Mazie K., Hawaii, E822 Pence, Mike, Ind., E821 Bass, Charles F., N.H., E816 Hultgren, Randy, Ill., E817 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E812, E812, E813, E813, E813, Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E814, E819 Jones, Walter B., N.C., E814 E814, E815, E815, E816, E818 Boustany, Charles W., Jr., La., E811 Keating, William R., Mass., E823 Polis, Jared, Colo., E822 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E812 Kline, John, Minn., E814 Reed, Tom, N.Y., E820 Burton, Dan, Ind., E817 Lamborn, Doug, Colo., E810, E811, E811, E812 Richardson, Laura, Calif., E815, E819 Cardoza, Dennis A., Calif., E809 Lucas, Frank D., Okla., E815 Roskam, Peter J., Ill., E822 Cohen, Steve, Tenn., E819 Luetkemeyer, Blaine, Mo., E811, E814, E820 Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Fla., E811 Deutch, Theodore E., Fla., E813 McCaul, Michael T., Tex., E809 Schock, Aaron, Ill., E823 Dold, Robert J., Ill., E815 McIntyre, Mike, N.C., E822 Scott, Tim, S.C., E809 Faleomavaega, Eni F.H., American Samoa, E811 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E813, E818 Simpson, Michael K., Idaho, E817 Farenthold, Blake, Tex., E809 Matsui, Doris O., Calif., E812 Tiberi, Patrick J., Ohio, E820 Fincher, Stephen Lee, Tenn., E814 Meehan, Patrick, Pa., E818 Wilson, Frederica S., Fla., E821 Franks, Trent, Ariz., E812 Moran, James P., Va., E810 Yarmuth, John A., Ky., E823

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