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

Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 No. 90 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was ance, and Social Security disability in- severely limit the ability of States to called to order by the Speaker pro tem- surance benefits. request these waivers. Estimates sug- pore (Mr. HOLLINGSWORTH). The Trump budget also decimates the gest that in any given month, this pro- f Supplemental Nutrition Assistance posal would restrict access to SNAP for Program, known as SNAP, our Nation’s up to 1 million Americans struggling to DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO first line of defense against hunger. It find work. Mr. Speaker, kicking people TEMPORE cuts the program by $193 billion over 10 off of SNAP doesn’t help them find a The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- years. That is a 25 percent reduction. job. It only makes them hungrier, fore the House the following commu- President Trump makes these ruthless weaker, and even less likely to qualify nication from the Speaker: cuts by cutting eligibility and reducing for work. It is simply a rotten thing to benefits. He also adds a new require- do. WASHINGTON, DC, Now, quite frankly, I was a little sur- May 24, 2017. ment that States pay 25 percent of the I hereby appoint the Honorable TREY HOL- cost of the benefits. prised by the magnitude of these cuts LINGSWORTH to act as Speaker pro tempore It may be a nice sound bite to sug- given the fact that President Trump’s on this day. gest that States should share the cost Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny PAUL D. RYAN, of providing SNAP benefits to their Perdue, testified before the House Speaker of the House of Representatives. residents, but the reality is that State Committee on Agriculture last week in f budgets are already stretched incred- strong defense of SNAP. He said: ‘‘ . . . we have no proposed changes. You MORNING-HOUR DEBATE ibly thin, and communities are already suffering from a decrease in Federal in- don’t try to fix things that aren’t bro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- vestment in States. The Trump budget ken.’’ How are we to trust this administra- ant to the order of the House of Janu- compounds this problem by elimi- tion’s promises on anything when they ary 3, 2017, the Chair will now recog- nating dozens of programs that fami- tell us one thing on Wednesday and re- nize Members from lists submitted by lies in States across the country rely the majority and minority leaders for lease a budget that does the exact op- on. This will only exacerbate the stress posite not even a week later? morning-hour debate. on State budgets to deliver basic serv- The Chair will alternate recognition During the past 2 years, the House ices to their residents. Committee on Agriculture has held 21 between the parties, with each party If that isn’t bad enough, President hearings on SNAP. As the ranking limited to 1 hour and each Member Trump would allow States to cut ben- member of the Subcommittee on Nutri- other than the majority and minority efit levels to manage the costs they tion, I have participated in each one of leaders and the minority whip limited would incur under this cruel budget. them. What we have learned from our to 5 minutes, but in no event shall de- This means that families living in cer- witnesses, both Democrats and Repub- bate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. tain States would see their already licans, is that SNAP works. It is one of f too-modest benefits drop through no the most effective and efficient pro- fault of their own. TRUMP BUDGET CUTS grams run by the Federal Government. At the same time, President Trump It expands in times of economic hard- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The is proposing new fees on retail stores ship and contracts as our economy re- Chair recognizes the gentleman from applying to accept SNAP benefits. We covers. Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for 5 know access to food is a huge concern, With a modest food assistance benefit minutes. especially in rural areas and in cities, of about $1.40 per person per meal, Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, yes- and such a wrongheaded approach will SNAP alleviates hunger and reduces terday President Trump released the further limit the ability of families on poverty. It supplements the food budg- most reckless and heartless budget I SNAP to shop for nutritious food. ets of families and helps them make have ever seen in my life. It slashes In addition, President Trump’s budg- ends meet. Innovations in the program virtually every worthwhile program: et makes it even more difficult for have helped to spur the consumption of programs that help the middle class, able-bodied adults without dependents healthier food. I would like to remind seniors, and veterans. But what I find to receive modest food benefits. Cur- my colleagues that two-thirds of the particularly offensive and troubling is rent law allows States to waive the people on SNAP are children, seniors, that his budget is a radical assault on time limits imposed on these vulner- or disabled. The majority of people on people living in poverty or right on the able adults, which include veterans, by the program who are able to work do edge. It guts Medicaid, housing assist- the way, but President Trump wants to work.

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.000 H24MYPT1 H4508 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 If you want to talk about reforming until you start doing something for it. It is dead on arrival in Congress be- the program and how do we look to the somebody else.’’ cause Democrats and Republicans both future, we need to focus on how to Well, the Lions Club redoubled its understand that we can’t provide eco- make the program even better. We commitment to help others when a nomic security to the American people need to make sure that anyone who young advocate for the disabled spoke and keep them safe from threats if we needs this benefit has access to it. We at the 1925 Lions Clubs International gut our investments in doing both. need to support and expand innovative convention. This woman challenged the That is what the President’s budget programs that help increase the pur- Lions to become ‘‘knights of the blind would do. chasing power of SNAP. We need to in- in the crusade against darkness.’’ Of As The Washington Post eloquently crease SNAP benefits so that families course, this woman was Helen Keller. pointed out, the Trump budget ‘‘is fun- that are helped by the program can ac- Helen Keller developed a fever at 18 damentally at odds with what Trump tually access more nutritious food that months of age that left her blind and told voters.’’ President Trump prom- lasts through the month. deaf. After working with an excep- ised middle class American workers he Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump is used tional teacher, Helen Keller learned would fight for them and their fami- to dining with billionaires at Mar-a- sign language and braille, and a few lies. If implemented, his budget would Lago and Trump Tower, so I am not at years later she learned to speak. make it harder for them to send their all shocked by his lack of knowledge The Lions accepted Helen Keller’s kids to college, access job training to about our antihunger safety net or by challenge and ever since have worked get ahead, or even just stay in the mid- his lack of interest in helping the most on several projects to prevent blind- dle class, and devastate seniors’ long- vulnerable in our society. It is clear ness, restore eyesight, and improve eye term care. The dramatic cuts he makes from his budget that he does not have care for folks all around the world. to nutrition assistance, elimination of a clue. Sight became one of the Lions’ defin- heating assistance during the winter I urge my colleagues to join me in re- ing causes. Many are familiar with its months and Meals on Wheels will hit jecting this reckless and heartless pro- eyeglasses recycling program where in- low-income Americans and seniors posal that will devastate so many fami- dividuals can donate reading glasses hard, particularly in rural commu- lies that we represent. We must, in- they no longer need. nities. stead, support efforts to strengthen Mr. Speaker, service to others is And those, Mr. Speaker, are just a se- SNAP and end hunger now. We are sup- what makes Lions Clubs International lection. He is breaking his campaign posed to end hunger now, not make it such a powerful force of good in the promise not to cut Medicaid and Social worse. world. I am grateful that Lions Clubs Security, taking $1.4 trillion out of f around the globe serve millions annu- Medicaid over the next 10 years, with- ally. I am so proud to be a member of out offering a policy to achieve those CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE an organization that not only lives up cuts, and slashing funds for the Social LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL to its remarkable ideals but exceeds Security disability insurance programs The SPEAKER pro tempore. The them time and time again. that serve 10 million Americans. Chair recognizes the gentleman from Congratulations to the Lions Clubs Frankly, the President made fun of Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON) for 5 International on their centennial anni- those with disabilities during the minutes. versary. course of the campaign, and now he Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. f cuts billions of dollars from the ability Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak of the disabled to maintain some de- BROKEN PROMISES OF THE about an organization that is near and gree of dignity and health. dear to my heart, the Lions Clubs TRUMP BUDGET President Trump also pledged that International. I am a member of my The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the American taxpayer would not hometown organization, the Howard Chair recognizes the gentleman from pay—would not pay—for the border Area Lions Club. I am proud that for Maryland (Mr. HOYER) for 5 minutes. wall he wants to build. Of course, his many years it has been the largest Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, yesterday budget asks the U.S. taxpayer to pay Lions Club in Pennsylvania, despite President Trump laid out his budget for that wall. When it comes to keeping being in a very rural area. Last year request for next year. It represents the Americans safe from threats overseas, marked our club’s 40th anniversary. most draconian disinvestment in our President Trump’s budget fails miser- The Howard Area Lions Club has con- country by any President in modern ably as well, cutting the budgets for di- sistently earned the recognition as the history, and it is littered with broken plomacy and foreign aid that com- largest Lions Club in Pennsylvania. promises and fundamental errors in plement the work of our military in There are probably many factors that simple math. combating ISIS and other terror have led them to this title, but none It is a budget that makes very clear groups. Additionally, it punishes mid- more significant than their commit- that this President is not fighting for dle class Federal employees in every ment to the Lions Club motto: We working Americans and their families, congressional district in our country serve. The members of this club have and, in fact, he is breaking his prom- for choosing to serve their country by served as the chartering organization ises to make their lives better. It is cutting their pay and retirement bene- for the Howard Scout Troop 353. I have shockingly devoid of the basic policy fits. been honored to serve as a Scoutmaster details necessary to back up its deficit- One after another, the budget breaks of that troop since they first assumed cutting bravado. It includes an ac- the President’s promises. At every this responsibility. counting discrepancy so large—over $2 turn, it undermines our long-term se- The idea of the Lions Club began 100 trillion—that it can only be character- curity and prosperity by ignoring the years ago in Chicago. A 38-year-old ized as willfully hiding the ball from critical lessons from past Republican businessman named Melvin Jones told the American public, an exercise in ex- administrations when it comes to basic members of the local business club that treme incompetence, or both. economics. Like past Republican budg- they should reach beyond their busi- The purpose of a budget is to lay out ets, the Trump budget relies on dis- ness issues and address the betterment the most complete description of a credited theories of how economic of their communities and the world, President’s governing vision for the growth would result from tax policies. and they agreed. Three years later, the country. By that measure and many Unlike past attempts, however, the Lions Club became an international or- others, this budget is an embarrass- Trump budget double counts its fan- ganization. Melvin Jones inspired gen- ment. It is no wonder that it has al- tasy supply side boost in an accounting erations of people to become civic- ready been panned by Members on both error so large it could pay for the Pen- minded individuals dedicated to using sides of the aisle in this House. My Re- tagon 3 years over. their talents and their ambition to im- publican friend, Representative MIKE Mr. Speaker, we know this budget prove their communities without fi- SIMPSON, was absolutely right when he will go nowhere in Congress. I believe nancial reward. Melvin Jones had a said of proposals like this one that the there will not be a Republican in the personal code: ‘‘You can’t get very far House can’t pass this budget. Nor will House of Representatives, Mr. Speaker,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.002 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4509 who will offer this budget on the floor those great Americans who have given member of the Joint Legislative Com- of this House. It does tell us, however, their lives for the freedoms that we mission on Government Operations. He a lot about this President and his pri- enjoy. introduced the legislation that changed orities. Former Vice President Biden This Nation can never forget those the election law in North Carolina to has been known to say: ‘‘Don’t tell me who preserved our Nation and died way allow a 40 percent threshold to avoid a what you value. Show me your budg- too soon. God bless all those who have runoff in a primary. et.’’ died in defense of this great Nation, In 1993, Senator Hunt was appointed President Trump has now shown us and God bless America. by then-Governor Jim Hunt to the his budget, and none of us should be The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- prestigious North Carolina Utilities surprised. So now it is up to Democrats bers are reminded that it is not in Commission, where he would serve as and Republicans in this House and in order to refer to an occupant in the its chair. Ralph Hunt, Sr., retired from the Senate to work together to agree gallery. the North Carolina Utilities Commis- on a budget resolution and move appro- f sion in 2001 and returned to the State priations bills through regular order. Senate very briefly from 2004 to 2005. REMEMBERING SENATOR RALPH Let us hope we can do that. The Amer- Ralph’s career in public service A. HUNT, SR. ican public would expect us to do that, should serve as a marker we can all and our country needs us to do that. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The strive to meet. He was a visionary who We must not disinvest in those Chair recognizes the gentleman from helped bring the Durham community things that have made America great North Carolina (Mr. BUTTERFIELD) for 5 to be the economic leader that it is and will enable us to lay the ground- minutes. today. Ralph Hunt, Sr., achieved many work for another century of American Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I great things in his life, but his greatest leadership. rise today to honor the life and work of a dear friend, a North Carolina giant, achievement, Mr. Speaker, was his lov- f the Honorable Ralph A. Hunt, Sr.: a ing family: his dear wife of more than b 1015 community leader, businessman, edu- 50 years, Rebecca; and his three chil- dren, Ralph, Jr., Reginald, and Regina. REMEMBERING U.S. MARINE cator, former North Carolina State Senator; and a devoted husband, fa- Mr. Speaker, the city of Durham, the CORPS LANCE CORPORAL MARC county of Durham, and the State of LUCAS TUCKER ther, grandfather, and friend. Mr. Speaker, Ralph Hunt was a resi- North Carolina all shine brighter be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The dent of Durham County, North Caro- cause of the life and work of Senator Chair recognizes the gentleman from lina, a county that Congressman DAVID Ralph Hunt, Sr. We will miss him dear- ELLY Mississippi (Mr. K ) for 5 minutes. PRICE and I proudly represent. He was ly, but his legacy lives on. Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. my constituent. Everything God gave to Ralph, he Speaker, I am humbled to rise today in Mr. Speaker, Ralph Hunt was also a gave it back to his family and to his the memory of United States Marine native of my congressional district, community. I said those words at his Corps Lance Corporal Mark Lucas having grown up in an adjoining coun- memorial service the other day, and I say it now from the well of the U.S. Tucker, who was killed on June 8, 2005, ty called Granville County, North House of Representatives: Everything in a nonhostile vehicle accident on Al- Carolina. He was the seventh of eight that God gave to Ralph Hunt, Sr., he ternate Supply Route Uranium in Iraq. children born in 1932 to Johnnie and gave it back to his family and to his Lance Corporal Tucker, a Pontotoc, Amanda Harris Hunt. Mississippi, native, was assigned to the As a young student at Mary Potter community. Mr. Speaker, in just a few moments, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd High School in Oxford, North Carolina, after the next Republican speaker, my Force Service Support Group, III Ma- which was the only high school for Af- dear friend and colleague, Congressman rine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, rican Americans during those days, DAVID PRICE, who was also a dear Japan, attached to the 2nd Force Serv- Ralph grew up during the period of friend of Ralph Hunt, Sr., will give ad- ice Support Group, II Marine Expedi- legal and forced segregation in the ditional remarks in tribute to this tionary Force, Forward. South, which helped lay the foundation great leader. Lance Corporal Tucker’s mother, for Ralph and others like him to get an Donna Bagwell, is seated in the gallery education. Mary Potter High School f today. She said her son wanted to be a was a nationally renowned high school HONORING CAPTAIN AMY LYNN marine from the time he was a little for African Americans. SVOBODA boy. He wanted to follow in the foot- Ralph Hunt, Sr., went on to further steps of his grandfather, who also The SPEAKER pro tempore. The his education at Johnson C. Smith Uni- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from served in the Marine Corps. versity in Charlotte, North Carolina, In 2003, Lance Corporal Tucker en- Arizona (Ms. MCSALLY) for 5 minutes. which is a Presbyterian school. He was Ms. MCSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise listed in the United States Marine drafted into the United States Army today to honor the life of Captain Amy Corps. In 2005, he volunteered to go to during his junior year in school, but he Lynn Svoboda, my friend, A–10 squad- Iraq to protect our Nation in Operation was honorably discharged 2 years later ron mate, and pioneer. Iraqi Freedom. from the United States Army. Amy grew up in Illinois and grad- Mrs. Bagwell said her son planned to He then returned to North Carolina uated from the Air Force Academy in stay in the United States Marine Corps to complete his college education, 1989, serving as a co-captain of the until retirement and make it a career. earning a degree in mathematics in volleyball team. She attended pilot ‘‘He loved America,’’ Mrs. Bagwell said, 1956. After spending many years as an training, then served as a T–37 instruc- ‘‘He loved the Marine Corps and every- educator at Mary Potter High School tor pilot before coming to Davis- thing about it.’’ and Hillside High School, Ralph was Monthan Air Force Base to become an Lance Corporal Tucker is survived by elected to the Durham City Council. He A–10 pilot in 1996. his parents, Kelly and Donna Bagwell, was one of only two African Americans Amy was 1 of only 14 female fighter and Mark Tucker; and siblings, Christy serving on the city council at that pilots in the Air Force at the time, and Irby, Pam Bolen, and Terry Bagwell. time. His fellow council members se- I got to know her when she joined me Lance Corporal Tucker demonstrated lected him to serve as mayor pro tem- in the 354th Fighter Squadron Bulldogs the characteristics that make us all pore. as the second female pilot ever in that proud to be Americans, and we honor Ralph was then elected to the North unit. his service and his life. Carolina State Senate in 1985 and Amy was quickly well-respected as a Semper fi, Lance Corporal Tucker. served many years. During his tenure, pilot and an officer, and well liked by MEMORIAL DAY Senator Hunt was a true statesman so many. Her positive personality was Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. who led with conviction. He served as infectious, and her dedication to excel- Speaker, I rise, as we enter this Memo- chairman of the Senate Finance Com- lence was a model to us all. She specifi- rial Day weekend, to recognize all of mittee, served as majority whip, and a cally inspired me as an example of how

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.004 H24MYPT1 H4510 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 to be a woman warrior without losing the way for the thriving downtown we Badia for his commitment to expand herself in the tough environment of a see today. educational opportunities for our south fighter squadron. It was a relief and a Ralph, of course, is best known, as Florida students. blessing to finally have a wing woman. my colleague has noted, for his service Pepe’s latest philanthropic venture On the dark, moonless night of May in the North Carolina Senate from 1985 allowed for the establishment of a 27, 1997, during a tactical training mis- to 1993, and again from 2004 to 2005. He scholarship at my alma mater, Miami sion with night vision goggles on the held various leadership positions in our Dade College, in the name of its presi- Barry Goldwater Air Force Range, caucus, and he mentored a new genera- dent, Eduardo Padron. Amy paid the ultimate sacrifice while tion of progressive elected officials. Pepe Badia came to Miami at a serving her country. I was on the range The North Carolina Senate still bears young age, just like I did and so many that night, and I remember like it was the mark of his leadership. others at that time, fleeing the regime yesterday the deafening silence when I In the intervening years, between of Castro. His father began a new busi- called her repeatedly on the radio in those years of service in the Senate, he ness in a small storefront in Miami, the hopes that she ejected before her served with distinction on the North where he and Pepe, by themselves, A–10 crashed. Our hopes were dashed, Carolina Utilities Commission. More packaged spices by hand and distrib- and Amy’s extraordinary life was recently—and I respect the fact that uted them to local bodegas around the snuffed out with so much potential Ralph took this on late in his life—he city. Today, that small storefront has ahead. assumed the challenge of chairing the grown into an international giant Her service and sacrifice is not for- Durham Committee on the Affairs of known as Badia Spices. gotten. After the tragic accident, the Black People at a critical juncture for Pepe Badia has used his success to Air Force finally invested in changing that organization. In fact, Ralph al- truly make a difference in our commu- the lighting in all A–10 cockpits to be ways stepped up to the plate and al- nity, regularly donating portions of fully NVG compatible, likely saving ways took on challenges when he was sales to many local and national char- lives. Those of us who served with her needed. He was an exemplary citizen. ities and scholarships. continue to be inspired by her example He was also a devoted husband, a lov- I join with the Miami Dade College and her legacy. Generations of young ing father and grandfather, and a com- familia, but, truly, all of south Florida, girls will fly in the jet stream that she munity leader who will long be remem- in thanking Pepe Badia for making our forged as a pioneering aviator. bered in Durham and throughout our paradise an even groovier place in I cannot believe that it has been 20 State. which to live. years since that night. On Saturday, As we mourn his passing, we give WISHING JAY KISLAK A HAPPY 95TH BIRTHDAY we will honor Captain Svoboda’s serv- thanks for his life of strong citizenship Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I ice, bravery, and sacrifice with her and service. would like to honor and wish a happy family and friends, just 2 days before f 95th birthday to Jay Kislak, a valued Memorial Day. CREATING AWARENESS ON member of our south Florida commu- Thank you, Amy, for your willing- POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION nity who has dedicated himself to pre- ness to fight for our freedoms. We will The SPEAKER pro tempore. The serving the history of our great Nation. Jay Kislak began his career as a real never forget the price that you paid. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from estate agent at the young age of 18, a f Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) for 5 min- trade he learned from his father who utes. REMEMBERING SENATOR RALPH instilled within him the value of hard A. HUNT, SR. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight a problem that work, persistence, and attention to de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The impacts one in every nine women in tail. Chair recognizes the gentleman from Jay left his hometown of Hoboken, our Nation today: postpartum depres- North Carolina (Mr. PRICE) for 5 min- New Jersey, to pursue higher education sion. utes. As you can see on this poster, the at the University of Pennsylvania Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. condition can impact any mother, re- Wharton School of Finance. Jay Kislak Speaker, I rise today to join my col- gardless of background or regardless of graduated early to enlist in the United league, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, in honoring circumstance. Warning signs often in- States Navy, serving as a naval aviator the life of a towering figure in North clude: feeling overwhelmed, changes in for 3 years of Active Duty, followed by Carolina politics, Senator Ralph Hunt, sleep patterns, unexplained anger, 10 years of service in the Naval Re- Sr., of Durham. weeping or sadness, difficulty concen- serve. I first got to know Senator Hunt trating, unexplained changes in appe- The great State of Florida welcomed early in my political career when I was tite, and feeling anxious or nervous. Jay Kislak and his family in 1953 with chairman of the North Carolina Demo- Fortunately, if you are a new moth- a promise of a better future, and it cratic Party. Ralph was already a busi- er—and you don’t have to go through beckoned the young entrepreneur to ness and community leader in Durham, this alone, remember this—there are seek our new business ventures. It was having served in the U.S. Army, taught great organizations in my community in south Florida that Jay grew his fa- in Durham city schools, started a ca- in south Florida, like Postpartum Sup- ther’s humble business into the na- reer in business, and served as one of port International. They have dedi- tional real estate giant that it is the first African-American members of cated staff and volunteers who are today, with residential and industrial the city council, where he served from ready to listen, to help, and to provide properties spanning from Florida to 1975 to 1985, including 3 years as mayor you with the resources and the refer- Nevada. pro tempore. rals that you need to overcome this Jay Kislak’s immense success al- Ralph was a genial, energetic, and be- condition and get back to enjoying lowed him the opportunity to explore loved leader. He was also a tireless ad- your family. his true passion: the history and cul- vocate for the needs of the people of I would like to encourage every new ture of the early Americas. Jay, along Durham—all of the people. It is no co- mom in south Florida who may be ex- with his wife, Jean, established the Jay incidence that the city has undergone a periencing any of these conditions to I. Kislak Foundation to advance renaissance over the course of Ralph’s please get the help that you need now knowledge and understanding of world long career. He served as executive di- by calling 1–844–642–6667. Together, we cultures and history. The Kislak Foun- rector of the Durham Business and can end postpartum depression in dation’s impressive collections include Professional Chain for over a decade. south Florida and, indeed, around our one-of-a-kind maps, books, letters, He provided leadership to the Mutual Nation. paintings, and many other artifacts. Savings and Loan Association, which In the 50 years that Jay dedicated to provided vital access to capital for b 1030 collecting these rare treasures, he as- many Durham residents; and to the HONORING PEPE BADIA sembled one of the world’s best and Downtown Durham Revitalization Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I most significant private collections of Foundation board, which helped pave would like to recognize Joseph ‘‘Pepe’’ documents and artifacts related to the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.006 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4511 early Americas. Recognizing the sig- three Memorial Day ceremonies in my National Foster Care Month is a time nificance of his impressive collection, district. We will pause to memorialize to celebrate the selfless men and Jay made an extraordinary gift in the and thank those American servicemen women who embrace children in the year 2004 to our Library of Congress and -women who have made the ulti- foster care system and recommit to and to the American people with a con- mate sacrifice and to mourn the loss helping more youth find permanent tribution of 4,000 items, which are now with their families. families so they can, too, experience on display permanently. The Library of Words, for me, never seem adequate stability and the freedom to fulfill Congress estimates that over 3 million to express a profound thank-you, hav- their limitless potential. visitors have visited this magnificent ing members of families and my own Mr. Speaker, the foster care system exhibit made possible by the generous family that have served and that have has always and will always be near and donation of the Jay I. Kislak Founda- made those sacrifices, for these men dear to my heart. My wife, Angie, and tion. and women are our heroes. They gave I adopted two children, Austin and Jes- Because of Jay’s extensive back- America the most precious thing they sica, then 8 and 9, respectively, ground in and knowledge of our great had: the last full measure of devotion through the foster care system. Nation’s history, he has served on nu- to country. Because they did, we are The idea that children belong in sta- merous boards and has held many lead- who we are today: a free and pros- ble families is not only one of the most ership posts in our community. perous nation that is reflected around bipartisan issues I have the privilege of Throughout all of his success, Jay the world in most positive ways. working on, but it is one that is impor- Kislak never ceases to give back to our Our valley and our Nation owe an im- tant to me and dear to me. Nothing is local institutions. His latest contribu- measurable debt of gratitude to these more important to a child’s upbringing tion to south Florida is the establish- individuals and their families who so and long-term success than a loving ment of two new permanent exhibits at selflessly answered the call of duty, and stable home. the University of Miami’s Otto Richter and our Nation can never, ever say The bedrock of the American story is Library and at Miami Dade College’s thank you enough. a strong and supportive family. We Freedom Tower. Their sacrifice, bravery, therefore, must do everything we can to care for I join with many in saying thank you must never, ever be forgotten. We must all of our youth so they can be free to Jay Kislak and his family for his continue to work on behalf of veterans from harm and set up for success so decades of hard work and dedication and their families. Whether it is cut- that they might pen our country’s un- that he has given to bring the world ting through red tape with their vet- written future. Today I have the honor of being shad- these magnificent historical artifacts. erans’ claims or helping with assist- Thank you, Jay Kislak, and many owed for the day by Kimberly Grosse of ance programs or educational benefits, more years. Omaha, Nebraska. Kim was in foster we can always and should do more. care for 8 years. Starting off in a group f As President John F. Kennedy said: home, she was later placed at Boys ‘‘As we express our gratitude, we must ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH Town, where she graduated from high never forget that the highest apprecia- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The school. Chair recognizes the gentleman from tion is not to utter words, but to live Kim currently works as a commu- California (Mr. COSTA) for 5 minutes. by them.’’ So each day, not just on Me- nications specialist, dispatching med- Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today morial Day, we must work to ensure ical EMS helicopters. She also volun- to speak about Asian Pacific Heritage that our veterans and soldiers who teers her time as a court-appointed Month. today are on Active Duty in harm’s special advocate for kids currently in In May of each year, we come to- way all around the world and their the foster care system. Kim, like so gether to celebrate the Asian and Pa- families receive the benefits that they many other alumni of the system, pays cific heritage cultures that have made have earned. it forward with her dedicated support. up America for generations. It is time On Monday, we will honor and we She is a shining example of determina- to recognize those important signifi- will remember and we will pledge never tion and perseverance in all aspects of cant roles that Asian Americans play to forget, and we will say, in our most her life. I know that this young lady in our American story. humble way, thank you. has an extremely bright future ahead. We are very lucky in the San Joaquin f I also appreciate my colleagues from Valley to have a community rich with NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH both sides of the aisle—Representatives culture and ethnic diversity. Our KAREN BASS, DIANE BLACK, TRENT Asian-American and Pacific Islander The SPEAKER pro tempore. The FRANKS, JIM LANGEVIN, BRENDA LAW- neighbors are an integral part of that Chair recognizes the gentleman from RENCE, and TOM MARINO—for their lead- richness. Nebraska (Mr. BACON) for 5 minutes. ership in the Foster Care Caucus. I am From the Chinese Americans, who Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to grateful to fellow Members who help helped build the transcontinental rail- celebrate May as National Foster Care advocate for this important cause. road in the 1860s, to the Japanese Month. I also welcome those currently Now, let’s continue to embrace the American farmers, who cultivated our in and alumni of our foster care sys- spirit that every child matters and valley in the early 1900s, to the Hmong tem, along with our supporters, who continue to work toward providing all and Vietnamese Americans who joined are visiting Capitol Hill today. of our sons and daughters an equal op- our community beginning in the late Foster Care Month is a very small portunity to lead productive and ful- 1970s and 1980s after the Vietnam War, way to acknowledge the youth that are filling lives, not limited to anything these Asian communities all have an a part of the system, along with all of but their hopes, dreams, imagination, important story that have added value those who make an enormous dif- and perseverance. I salute all of those to our country. ference in their lives. This month is who are supporters of the foster care As we reflect upon Asian Pacific Her- about improving the foster care system system. itage Month, I am proud to join all and providing support to the individ- I also just want to add, I know, first- Asian Americans and the Pacific Is- uals who selflessly make this system hand, when you see your foster chil- landers in my district and across our work. dren grow to be healthy, successful, country in celebration. So let me The success of our country depends independent, and loving adults that thank all of our Asian Americans for upon the well-being of our youth today. you gain a tremendous sense of satis- their contributions to our country. We know, through much social re- faction and thankfulness. CELEBRATING MEMORIAL DAY search, that family stability is directly f Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to linked to less behavioral and academic speak about the significance of Memo- problems. We have the duty as a nation PRESIDENT TRUMP’S BUDGET IS A rial Day this coming weekend, which to empower all children so they can SHORTSIGHTED PLAN we will celebrate across our Nation. have the same sense of promise and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The This weekend, I will have the honor possibility as any other, regardless of Chair recognizes the gentleman from and the privilege to participate in their circumstances. Florida (Mr. LAWSON) for 5 minutes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.008 H24MYPT1 H4512 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 Mr. LAWSON of Florida. Mr. Speak- Wall Street doesn’t receive those cuts. was assigned to the domestic relations er, once again, President Trump’s The people who receive the cuts are the warrant unit. He also served as a self- budget calls for extreme cuts to vital ones who need it the most. defense tactics instructor. As the sher- programs that are funding for the Na- An inspiring and most hopeful past iff’s office noted in the announcement tion’s poor, for healthcare, food President once said that the defining of his tragedy, Keith was liked by all stamps, student loans, and disability challenge of our time is making sure who met and worked with him and will payments. It is a very shortsighted that our economy works for every be sorely missed by all. plan that seeks to break the situation working American. Mr. Speaker, the loss of any member that exists for those who can least af- This budget cut does not put us on of our law enforcement community is ford it, while giving tax breaks to the the path of tackling these challenges. I heartbreaking, but the loss of Deputy wealthy in our country. believe that our Nation’s budget should Clymer, as we recognize National Po- In my district, one in every four Flo- reflect our own values as a society, but lice Week, both here in our Nation’s ridians have been on food stamps for it does not align with the values of the Capital and around my district, draws some point over the last 12 months. Fifth Congressional District, and, special focus to those who serve and This is twice the national average. It is therefore, I intend to strongly oppose protect our communities. really unconscionable for the President this budget. My thoughts and prayers are with his to propose cutting nutrition benefit We need to remember that all of the sons, his family, and all those who programs by $192 billion because that issues we debate on this floor, from Keith impacted, both personally and would mean less to those in north Flor- healthcare to the President’s budget, professionally. He lived his life serving ida who need it the most. to America’s role in the Middle East, and protecting us. For that, Mr. Speak- SNAP programs that benefit the and our borders, foreign policies, those er, we are eternally grateful. needy are so important. We have kids issues have an effect on all of our con- f in north Florida, which I have had the stituents. While some of our colleagues NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH personal opportunity to witness, in seem to only want to have political school programs, and probably the only perks, sound bites in the media back The SPEAKER pro tempore. The meal that they are going to get is at home, I implore them to remember this Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from school where they come and don’t have simple fact: The work we do here mat- Florida (Ms. CASTOR) for 5 minutes. an opportunity to get another meal at ters to every person in America, not to Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, home. just those who vote for us. I rise today in recognition of National We put hardworking Floridians in a It is important that as we approach Foster Care Month, and I am pleased to no-win position, having to choose be- this budget, Mr. Speaker, that we welcome Yves Luma and Anabel San- tween paying their light bills or afford- think about those who are less fortu- chez-Senofonte for the Sixth Annual able healthcare. This is totally unac- nate. Congressional Foster Youth Shadow ceptable in America. f Day. I would also salute Congresswoman This budget calls for slashing $800 HUMAN TRAFFICKING billion from Medicaid over the next KAREN BASS, who is the most out- decade and $72 billion for disability The SPEAKER pro tempore. The spoken, energized advocate for foster benefits, which are so important. There Chair recognizes the gentleman from youth anywhere in America. I am very is no way that we should be encour- Pennsylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK) for 5 proud of Yves and Anabel. They are an aging people who are disabled to go out minutes. inspiration for all of us. and work to earn their benefits. Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I Yves has persisted in the face of true Did you know, Mr. Speaker, that al- rise today to bring attention to the adversity and is now a first-generation most 40 percent of low-income women statistics of human trafficking, and college student at Florida State Uni- in America who are between the age of they are shocking: an estimated 21 mil- versity. She was born in Haiti, faced 15 and 49 years use Medicaid to pay for lion victims globally, a quarter of challenges at a young age that most of their healthcare needs? them children, and the majority of us will never understand. Not being And in my home State, Florida, 50 them women, resulting in a $150 billion able to count on a stable home environ- percent of those pregnancies are paid criminal industry predicated on the de- ment in Haiti, Yves, with her younger for by Medicaid. Who will make up the struction of lives. siblings, moved around between ex- difference? The need will not magically This criminal conduct may seem a tended family and friends before mov- disappear, as most people think. world away, but it is not. It exists ing to the United States. This is a shortsighted budget and one right here in our own backyards. Just Once in the United States, Yves did that eliminates programs that particu- last year, the human trafficking hot- not have a consistent home. Yet larly are geared toward protecting the line reported 151 cases of human traf- through everything, she persevered, poor. That is what our job should be in ficking in our State of Pennsylvania. working to provide for her younger sib- government: to make sure that we pro- This week the House can—and must— lings while continuing her high school tect those and speak for those who can- act in a bipartisan fashion to support education at Plant High School and not speak for themselves. and bolster antihuman trafficking pro- Blake High School in Tampa. She car- At this time, when we need to be grams, upgrading our Nation’s response ried a heavy burden without parents working to make college more afford- to this crime. that no child should have to endure. able and accessible in order to prepare By empowering nonprofits like NOVA Due to the hard work and help of her the next generation of tomorrow’s and the Bucks Coalition Against Traf- school social workers, Yves was re- leaders, this is counterproductive to be ficking, and ensuring our local law en- ferred to Starting Right, Now, a cutting financial assistance to these forcement’s ability to identify and Tampa-based group home for homeless students. prosecute those cases, these bills will youth who value and desire a higher provide services to victims of human education. It was this support system b 1045 trafficking and aid in apprehending the and the help of a lot of others that en- The President is proposing deep cuts world’s worst offenders. abled Yves’ talent and drive to cata- to our Nation’s poorest urban and rural HONORING THE LIFE OF SHERIFF’S DEPUTY pult her to a promising future. communities, which would shrink the KEITH CLYMER Anabel is 21 years old, also a student supply of affordable housing and in- Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I at Florida State University, getting a crease homelessness and other hard- rise today to honor the life of Bucks BA in economics and sociology. Anabel ships across this country. County Sheriff’s Deputy Keith Clymer grew up in Miami, where she spent I personally have been touring areas of Kintnersville, who our community most of her life in foster care. She was in my district where HUD has failed lost last week when his motorcycle was taken from her mother three times be- these communities. The budget con- struck by another vehicle. fore permanently being removed from tinues corporate welfare to Wall Deputy Clymer joined the Bucks her custody. At that point, she entered Street, and what is so amazing is that County Sheriff’s Office in 2013, and he a group home at about 5 years old. She

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.010 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4513 went to a number of group homes be- versary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, remember the historic battle and, more fore moving in with her parents who which took place in May 1942, and the importantly, those who served on the adopted her. heroic actions of sailors and naval avi- original Lexington, fought in the Battle Foster care was hard because she was ators like William E. Hall. The Battle of the Coral Sea, and helped ensure separated from her brothers, but she of the Coral Sea was the world’s first that the Japanese and Axis powers had her sister. But sometimes having battle in which aircraft carriers en- would never overtake the South Pa- that sister around made it tough as gaged each other; the first sea battle in cific. well because the sister didn’t know which neither side could see each CONGRATULATIONS TO CALALLEN HIGH SCHOOL’S how to read and had severe temper tan- other; and the battle that paved the PHIL DANAHER trums around her foster care parents, way for the American victory at the Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I and they were usually taken away be- Battle of Midway. rise to recognize the incredible career cause of something her little sister did. With the Japanese fleet moving to of the winningest Texas high school So Anabel liked to slide under the strengthen its position in the South football coach in history, Calallen High radar and focus on school, but she is re- Pacific and capture Port Moresby, School’s Phil Danaher. silient as well. Now at FSU and work- Papua New Guinea, the United States, Coach Danaher was born in Missouri, ing in Tallahassee, she is an Uncon- using intercepted signal intelligence, but his family quickly moved to south quered Scholar. And Unconquered moved to block the Japanese ships as Texas. He played football at Harlingen Scholars either have to have experi- they crossed the Coral Sea. U.S. Admi- High School before receiving a scholar- enced homelessness, foster care, or ral Nimitz ordered two aircraft car- ship to play at Angelo State Univer- group homes, but now she is on the riers, the USS Yorktown and the USS sity. path to graduate school. And as a les- Lexington and a number of smaller war- After graduating in 1971, Coach son for all of us, she advises that: ‘‘I ships into the area. For 4 days, the op- Danaher became an assistant coach in believe that to get the results you posing navies deployed aircraft on San Antonio. In 1974, he landed his first want, you must insert yourself into the bombing runs against enemy ships. head-coaching job in Dilley, Texas, and conversation.’’ That is right around On May 7, 1942, Lieutenant Hall flew 4 years later, he moved on to become here, Anabel, and we look forward to a SBD Dauntless dive bomber and at- the head coach at Hamshire-Fannett learning a lot from you here today and tacked the Japanese aircraft carrier High School. in the future. Shoho until it sank. On May 8, Lieuten- In 1984, Coach Danaher took on the Yves and Anabel are just two of more ant Hall defended the USS Lexington challenge of turning around the foot- than 400,000 youth in foster care in against a Japanese air force attack. ball program at Calallen High School, America. It is important to recognize Despite piloting a bomber ill-equipped which had not reached the playoffs in the programs, initiatives, and people for aerial combat, and dealing with nu- 28 years. Thirty-three years later, who contribute to the success of chil- merous bullet wounds and shrapnel in Coach Danaher has led the Wildcats to dren in the foster care system, but it is his skull, Lieutenant Hall shot down 32 straight playoff appearances; 19 dis- tough when they age out. trict championships; 11 trips to the It is really an honor to have these three Japanese planes before landing safely back on the deck of the Lady State semifinals; and 2 State cham- young people here to shadow us on the pionships. Hill today, to share their life experi- Lex. When the smoke lifted, more than 650 In Coach Danaher’s 43 seasons of ences directly with Congress, to help brave American sailors had died. The coaching, his overall record stands at inform policy that will help them suc- 432 wins, 108 losses, and 4 ties. Coach ceed. Their firsthand knowledge experi- enemy destroyed 69 U.S. aircraft. The Yorktown was severely disabled, and Danaher’s record-breaking success is a ence, and ultimate success, is a great testament to his hard work and the resource, and the best evidence of our the USS Lexington had to be scuttled after taking critical damage. However, thousands of lives he has touched while Nation’s commitment to providing coaching the Wildcats. basic protections to make this the the U.S. forces critically damaged many Japanese ships, forcing them to Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratula- great country that it is. tions to Coach Danaher, his family, Every child deserves a safe, sup- turn back without capturing Port and everyone at Calallen High School. portive family, but when that doesn’t Moresby. happen, it is incumbent upon all of us Furthermore, the loss of two Japa- f to help them succeed. And I can’t help nese ships led to a smaller Japanese b 1100 force at the Battle of Midway, which is but think, the day after President NATIONAL FOSTER YOUTH MONTH Trump submitted a budget, that really considered a key factor for the United will take us backwards, in this case, States’ victory there, and turning the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and we are not going to let that hap- tide of World War II. It is considered by Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from pen. We are going to stand up and sup- historians to be ‘‘the most stunning California (Ms. BASS) for 5 minutes. port our foster care kids and all chil- and decisive blow in the history of Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, May is the dren across America, but that budget is naval warfare.’’ month when people come together not going to be helpful. For his ‘‘extreme courage, and con- across the country to acknowledge the In any event, I want to thank Yves spicuous heroism in combat, above and half million young people in the Na- and Anabel for joining us today and for beyond the call of duty as a pilot,’’ tion’s child welfare system. This is Na- having the strength to share their per- Lieutenant Hall was presented the tional Foster Youth Month. spectives and insights. Their resiliency United States military’s highest honor, The child welfare system is designed is moving, and I hope my colleagues the Medal of Honor. to protect children whose parents or can mirror their bravery and find the While the original USS Lexington caretakers have abused or neglected will to support capable, bright, young ended up on the ocean floor, its legacy them. people like Yves and Anabel, and pro- lived on in a new aircraft carrier, also I am proud to say that Members of vide them with the tools they need to named the Lexington, which served the the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on be successful. U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1991. The new Foster Youth are hosting over 100 Lexington now serves as a floating mu- young adults from 98 different congres- f seum in Corpus Christi Bay where visi- sional districts from the National Fos- RECOGNIZING 75TH ANNIVERSARY tors can explore and learn about its ter Youth Institute. I thank all of the OF THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL storied past in conflict zones across the Members of Congress who are allowing SEA AND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM world. a young adult to shadow them this E. HALL Additionally, Lieutenant Hall’s morning. They are here today on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The daughter Gwen, a Navy veteran herself, Hill shadowing Members of Congress to Chair recognizes the gentleman from serves as a volunteer on the ship to share their stories, their challenges, Texas (Mr. FARENTHOLD) for 5 minutes. share the history of its namesake in their successes, and to help us under- Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I the Battle of the Coral Sea and her fa- stand how to improve the child welfare rise today to recognize the 75th anni- ther’s action. Now, 75 years later, we system.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.012 H24MYPT1 H4514 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 On Monday evening, the National Those were very important issues ernment positions, serving in the ad- Foster Youth Institute had a forum in and they all raise areas of policy that ministrations of a U.S. President, a which we were able to hear from many need to be addressed. Governor, and mayor. He also served as of the youth. They raised several I am very honored and fortunate to vice chancellor of the California Com- issues. The young adults have already have three outstanding young individ- munity Colleges, the largest higher accomplished a lot in their life, and uals with me. I want to tell you about education system in the Nation. many are here to learn about the Cap- them. More importantly, Dr. Burnett’s in- itol, their Members of Congress, the Doniesha Thomas is from Los Ange- volvement in the community outside of legislative process, but also to teach les. She was in foster care for 20 years. work has left a lasting impression on us. She aged out of the system, but during those who know him. He has mentored Here are several of the issues that the time she was in foster care, she was veterans, personally funded student the young folks raised on Monday: moved seven different times. trips to Washington, and dedicated re- One individual raised the challenge She grew up in Los Angeles. She was sources to various programs through- of being raised in the system and being in a foster home with her sister and out the region. separated from his siblings. He said brother. She was fortunate that her Dr. Burnett’s generosity and commit- that he had six siblings, and even had a siblings were able to be kept together. ment to his community and career has twin. It was very sad and upsetting to She described her experience in the fos- transformed the lives of countless indi- him when his twin was sent to one city ter home wasn’t the best. She said viduals at Saddleback College and and he had to live in another city. It that, sadly, her foster mother was abu- throughout Orange County. took him many months to reestablish a sive mentally, physically, and emo- Mr. Speaker, I thank Dr. Burnett for relationship with his siblings. tionally. his decades of work and dedication to Another individual told us about her She eventually left the home and service of the people of California, and parents having a drug problem. She then had to move from place to place, I wish him well during his much-de- didn’t understand why she was re- but she persevered and is currently a served retirement. moved and why her parents weren’t college student at Los Angeles Trade f helped. In fact, she felt as though the Tech. She is majoring in the adminis- PRESIDENT’S PROPOSED BUDGET court system used her as leverage over tration of justice and minoring in para- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The her parents in a way, to tell her par- legal studies. It is her dream to be a Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from ents that they should sober up if they probation officer for juveniles. She also New Jersey (Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN) for wanted to retain custody. She then hopes to one day open up a group home 5 minutes. told us that the result was both of her so that, growing up in the system and Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. parents passed away. She believed that knowing what the problems are, she Speaker, first of all, I want to an- they passed away from their addiction, can start a program where she address- nounce that my foster shadow, and that one of the things that made es those problems. Shaderra Riddick, who is a Rutgers their addiction worse was the fact that The second individual, Leonardo Ji- student studying anthropology, is with she had to be removed from the par- menez, is 21 years old. He is also from me today in the gallery. I am delighted ents. Los Angeles. He was recently aged out to have her with me, and I offer these Another individual raised the issue of of foster care. He decided to participate remarks on her behalf. sex trafficking. We have been dis- in the program because, as he gets Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask a cussing legislation in the House. We older, he wants to learn to be a part in simple question to my colleagues here have passed several bills related to sex helping foster youth in his community. who support President Trump’s budget trafficking. But one of the things that The last individual is Michael proposal: What kind of America do you many Members of Congress have grown Rogalski. He is from Ohio. He was in envision? to be aware of over the last few years foster care for 5 years and had 13 dif- What kind of America do you envi- is that a large percentage of underage ferent placements, but he is succeeding sion when you support proposed tax girls, and some boys, who get caught in Ohio, working in the area of child plans that line the pockets of Wall up in sex trafficking are actually foster support. Street investors, yet raise taxes for the youth that have fallen through the Mr. Speaker, I hope that we remem- working men and women struggling to cracks. ber the foster youth in our country this make ends meet. Any time a foster youth falls through month. What kind of America do you envi- the cracks, the government is respon- f sion when you support rewarding cor- sible. When we remove children from porations that willfully and admittedly their parents, we, meaning the govern- HONORING DR. TOD BURNETT ON HIS RETIREMENT evade American tax laws by stashing ment, become the parents and we are profits overseas and, even with pro- responsible for them. So we are work- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The posed tax amenities, still punish their ing on legislation to improve that. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from rank-and-file employees that can’t Another individual raised the issue California (Mrs. MIMI WALTERS) for 5 save because they are paid below a liv- that she was adopted, but the adoption minutes. ing wage? didn’t work out. She asked: Why don’t Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. What kind of America do you envi- social workers follow up after a child Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of sion when you proudly support the has been adopted, just to make sure Dr. Tod Burnett, who is retiring as elimination of Federal agencies that that everything is okay? That adoption president of Saddleback College in Mis- protect our workers from discrimina- didn’t work out, and she had a lot of sion Viejo, California. tion or subject our children to an envi- challenges afterwards. Since 2008, when Dr. Burnett was ronment that is unhealthy and harmful Another individual told us, in no un- named the ninth president of to their health? certain terms, that, although many Saddleback, he has transformed the The President’s budget proposal re- young people come to the Capitol and college into one of the top higher edu- leased yesterday is built on heartless volunteer in internships, foster youth cation institutions in California and cuts to Medicaid; SNAP; Social Secu- would love to be here and participate the country. rity disability insurance benefits; addi- in internships as well, but when foster Over the last 9 years, Dr. Burnett es- tional income for poor seniors, disabled youth turn 18 and become an adult, tablished partnerships with local adults, and children; and public assist- we—essentially meaning the govern- school districts, supported adult edu- ance for needy families. ment again—wash our hands of them cation programs, and pioneered the de- It threatens regular Americans’ abil- and put them out on the street. How velopment of comprehensive support ity to buy a home and the ability for can a young person volunteer? They services for veterans, Active-Duty that home to even be an investment need to be paid. She raised the issue military, and their families. worth the risk. that we should have interns at the Cap- Prior to his time at Saddleback, Dr. Mr. Speaker, sadly, this budget is the itol, but they should be paid. Burnett was appointed to several gov- latest in a series of actions that begs

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.014 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4515 the question: What kind of America do came in during the week before and the largest financial institutions as ‘sys- my Republican colleagues and the week after. temically important,’ Dodd-Frank cre- President envision for our future? One I opposed that big bank bailout, but, ates a market expectation that des- where the investor class thrives, but of course, extremely big business won ignated firms are too big to fail and the majority of working-class Ameri- again and the Congress voted for the generates funding and other competi- cans suffer? One where our environ- bailout. tive advantages for the largest U.S. ment provides temporary profits, but Three years ago, in 2014, I wrote the banks.’’ irreparable harm? One where we make following in a newsletter to my 760,000 Liberals, Madam Speaker, often a promise to seniors while they work constituents: claim that they are for the little guys, hard to build and sustain our economy, ‘‘A few weeks ago, George Mason and most Federal laws are well in- but, upon retirement, snatch away University released a report saying tended. But there is a saying to ‘‘be- their investments, along with any safe- that ‘since the financial crisis, U.S. ware of the tyranny of good inten- ty net? banking assets and deposits have con- tions.’’ Every industry that is highly Mr. Speaker, I envision a different tinued to consolidate in a handful of federally regulated almost ends up in America. I envision an America where large banks.’ The five largest banks the hands of a few big giants. an honest day’s work, no matter where now hold 44 percent of U.S. banking as- Federal regulators should start try- you clock in, deserves a living wage. I sets compared to 23.5 percent in early ing to help out the smallest business envision an America where my grand- 2000. Liberals in Congress passed the instead of always ending up helping ex- daughter, Kamryn, will make the same Dodd-Frank law, which I opposed, sup- tremely big business. That is some- amount as your grandson for the same posedly to get back at the banks that thing that happens in almost every work. I envision an America where we caused our most recent financial trou- business and industry in this country, double down on our investment in pub- bles. The George Mason report also and it needs to be reversed. lic education, and where we double said the Dodd-Frank law is ‘dispropor- f down on our investment in this coun- tionately burdensome to small banks’ REMEMBERING RICHARD WILBUR try’s future. I envision a country where and ‘creates a market expectation that COLLINS III designated firms are too big to fail.’ commonsense gun legislation limits The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Columnist Veronique de Rugy wrote the opportunity for tragedy to strike Chair recognizes the gentleman from in our schools and churches at the that ‘the number of small banks has Maryland (Mr. BROWN) for 5 minutes. hands of hatred and bigotry. dropped dramatically over the years,’ Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Madam The America I am working toward is and this has been ‘driven by regulatory Speaker, Richard Wilbur Collins III an America that celebrates the rich- burdens that make it hard and expen- was ready to graduate from Bowie ness of our diversity, seeks to right sive for small banks to survive.’ I have State University yesterday. He just past wrongs, an America to be envied. been told by several east Tennessee finished Army ROTC, was airborne Mr. Speaker, I refuse to concede that bankers that, unfortunately, their fast- qualified, and was just commissioned a we were too divided along this aisle est-growing departments have been second lieutenant in the United States that we can’t create new, good-paying their regulatory compliance sections. Army’s intelligence branch. His father jobs, educate our kids, train our work- The more any business or industry is a Navy veteran, and Richard wanted ers, create jobs for those workers, and comes under Federal regulation, the to follow in his footsteps and commit create an America ripe with new oppor- more it ends up being dominated by ex- his life to serving our Nation. He was tunity for all. tremely big business.’’ ambitious and driven. His calling was Mr. Speaker, the America I envision, Now, to update what I wrote in 2014. to protect our country and to do what the America I believe in, the America According to the Congressional Re- is right and just. that we deserve is within our reach. search Service, 1,744 banks have ceased He loved soccer and lacrosse. He was Unfortunately, that America is threat- to exist since the passage of Dodd- the top runner in his ROTC unit. His ened, ignored, and displaced with this Frank. Many of those have been forced Facebook page was filled with selfies President’s budget proposal. to merge with a bigger bank because with his friends. He was active in his So, again, I ask this question of the they simply were not able to keep up church. His friends and family said President and of my Republican col- with all the rules, regulations, and red that he had a loving and giving heart leagues who will support this callous tape of Dodd-Frank and the resulting and would go out of his way to try and and shameful budget proposal: What compliance costs. help others. kind of America do you envision, and b 1115 On Saturday morning, while waiting when will you stand up and fight for for an Uber ride with two friends at the the America we all deserve? Even worse, 203 small banks have University of Maryland, he was ap- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. failed—been forced out of business by proached by another student who de- MIMI WALTERS of California). Members Big Government—with a resulting huge manded that he ‘‘Step left. Step left if are reminded to address their remarks loss of jobs and lost investment by you know what is best for you.’’ Rich- to the Chair and that it is not in order stockholders. In addition, nationally, ard simply replied, ‘‘no.’’ The other to introduce occupants in the gallery 160 credit unions have closed. Either student stabbed him in the chest and to the House. they failed or were forced to consoli- fled. Richard died in the hospital. His f date with a bigger credit union. Thus, bright future was stolen. His parents Dodd-Frank, as most Federal regu- were robbed of their son. Our hearts BIG BANK BAILOUTS latory legislation, ended up helping the are broken. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The big giants and hurting the little guys— This tragedy exposes a dangerous ris- Chair recognizes the gentleman from the smallest banks and credit unions. ing tide. This incident was not some Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) for 5 minutes. In a study by Hester Peirce and Rob- random act of violence. It was a hei- Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Madam ert Greene, the authors wrote: ‘‘Regu- nous, despicable, and unprovoked crime Speaker, in my 29 years in Congress, latory compliance can be a particular of hate. the issue on which I heard the most challenge for small banks with limited Richard Collins’ murderer—who was from constituents in the shortest time compliance expertise. Regulatory ex- from a middle class family, who hung was on the big bank bailouts of several penses absorb a larger percentage of out at the student union and library— years ago. small banks’ budgets than of their was a member of a racist neo-Nazi When that was before us, I received larger counterparts’ budgets. As finan- group called Alt-Reich Nation. He was 6,600 emails in one weekend just in my cial regulation has increased, so has not some outsider. He was a home- Washington office from Friday, when banking concentration. The Dodd- grown terrorist who was radicalized on the office closed, until Monday, when Frank Act, passed in 2010, imposes a the university campus. we opened back up. This, of course, was new set of regulations that are dis- What is most troubling is this isn’t in addition to the many thousands of proportionately burdensome to small the first incident of hate at the Univer- phone calls, letters, and emails that banks. Moreover, by designating the sity of Maryland. This academic year

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.015 H24MYPT1 H4516 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 alone, there have been anti-immigrant through an early alert system, a final success or failure of our course. chalkings, racist fliers, threats, and, counter-messaging response team, and Since this country was founded, each less than a month ago, there was a counselors on call; generation of Americans has been sum- noose found inside a campus fraternity Or promote more diverse voices in moned to give testimony to its na- house. the faculty and staff. tional loyalty. The graves of young But this isn’t just a troubling trend Pretending that the murder of Rich- Americans who answered the call to at the University of Maryland. There ard Collins in cold blood is an isolated service surround this globe. has been an unprecedented spike in incident will only make the situation ‘‘Now the trumpet summons us racist and hate activity on campuses worse. Diversity and unity—that again—not as a call to bear arms, since November. Posters at the Univer- American melting pot that is the foun- though arms we need—not as a call to sity of Texas implored students to re- dation of our Nation—can only happen battle, though embattled we are—but a port any and all illegal aliens, that when the country does a better job con- call to bear the burden of a long twi- America is a White nation. Another fronting hate in all forms. We cannot light struggle, year in and year out, flier, with swastikas, at UCLA read, in simply start when students arrive on ‘rejoicing in hope, patient in tribu- part: ‘‘the hordes of our enemies from campus. lation’—a struggle against the common the Blacks to the Jews are deserving of In the absence of real change, we enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, dis- fates of violence.’’ take to the streets; we protest; we hold ease, and war itself.’’ Hate watch groups have tracked 150 vigils. But Richard Collins deserves Kennedy was speaking of the Nation racist incidents on college campuses in better. Our children deserve better. Let when he said: ‘‘Can we forge against 33 States since the fall. Just a year us work together, and let’s not wait for these enemies a grand and global alli- ago, it was such a rarity that no one another tragedy. ance, North and South, East and West, was even counting. Farewell and Godspeed, Lieutenant that can assure a more fruitful life for Peddlers of hate are specifically tar- Collins. all mankind?’’ geting college campuses, declaring that f Then he said to all Americans: ‘‘Will their time has come, and trying to lure A CALL TO NATIONAL SERVICE you join in that historic effort?’’ students with slogans like ‘‘serve your ‘‘And so, my fellow Americans, ask people’’ and ‘‘our destiny is ours.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The not what your country can do for you— They are working to translate their on- Chair recognizes the gentleman from ask what you can do for your country.’’ line activism to real-world action, and Connecticut (Mr. LARSON) for 5 min- What we propose in this legislation young people are prime targets, in utes. tomorrow we are rolling out is that part, because they are still figuring out Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam what you can do for your country is who they are and what they believe. Speaker, while I put up a couple of serve it. Whether in the military, the One would have to be purposefully charts here, the most noticeable one is Reserves, or the National Guard, or obtuse to not see a direct line from the I want to make everybody aware that whether in the Peace Corps, recent elections to the emboldening of tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. we will AmeriCorps, or VISTA, you can serve these perpetrators across the country. unveil ACTION, a call to national serv- your country; and what your country Longtime White supremacist Jared ice. It will be carried live streaming on can do for you in return is to help you Taylor described the November elec- YouTube tomorrow morning, May 25, get through college and pay off your tion result as a ‘‘sign of rising White at 9 a.m. debt that you have incurred. consciousness’’ and that ‘‘now is the The first poster that I have up here is Rise with us, America, and join us to- time to press our advantage in every of General McChrystal. Tomorrow morrow as we go on the march and way possible.’’ morning, JOHN LEWIS, DORIS MATSUI, make sure that, in the legacy of Presi- So, today, I am calling on the admin- JOE KENNEDY, our Senate lead Senator dent Kennedy, we continue to move istration—that has repeatedly failed to JACK REED from Rhode Island, and this Nation forward. denounce the hate crimes directed at General McChrystal, among others, f Jews, members of the LGBT commu- will be at our bill introduction and nity, or immigrants—to denounce the rollout. RECESS hate-fueled killing of a Black soldier, General McChrystal has said that we The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Second Lieutenant Richard Collins. need to create a culture of service, ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair The reaction to Collins’ murder is where we are all vested in our Nation’s declares the House in recess until noon often formulaic. We extend our condo- future and feel a shared sense of re- today. lences and sympathies, call the killing sponsibility not only to our Nation, but Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 29 a senseless tragedy, and proclaim that to each other. minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- we won’t tolerate these incidents. That General McChrystal also said, as was cess. is not good enough. If this escalation of outlined in The Atlantic Monthly, that hate is going to end in Maryland and you don’t have to wear a military uni- f across the country, it will be because form to serve your country. But cer- b 1200 tainly wearing a military uniform in all of us take a stand not only against AFTER RECESS the hard right and hate festering on serving your country is an honor, and campus, but to leaders who have been we commend those men and women The recess having expired, the House too content to remain silent and look who serve for what they do for our was called to order by the Speaker at the other way. country. But many among them, in- noon. Hate speech is not protected. Encour- cluding reservists and the National f aging open academic debate cannot Guard, are not often eligible for the GI PRAYER lead to inaction that creates a breeding Bill, yet they have done tours of duty ground for prejudice, discrimination, and served their Nation extraordinarily Pastor Becky Tirabassi, Viewpoint and violent hatred on our college cam- well. Church, Newport Beach, California, of- puses or anywhere. This Monday, Memorial Day, would fered the following prayer: Campuses should adopt successful be the 100th birthday of John Fitz- Father, I pray for the immediate out- strategies: gerald Kennedy. It is hard to believe pouring of Your Holy Spirit on our Na- Consider zero-tolerance policies for that so youthful, so vital, so gracious, tion and leaders. hateful speech and acts of racism. so eloquent, and so charismatic a lead- I pray that not one of us will miss Maybe if students know that they will er was taken from us at such a young hearing Your voice today. be expelled for spreading racial slurs age. Yet it was he who gave us this I pray that we would not neglect to online, they will think twice; great vision when, in his inaugural ad- ask for Your wisdom. Replicate the University of Massa- dress, he said to the citizens of this I pray that we would not make deci- chusetts. They have a hate SWAT team country: ‘‘In your hands, my fellow sions without asking Your guidance. that counters hateful messages citizens, more than mine, will rest the Will You go before and behind us?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.017 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4517 Will You give us our marching or- in Uganda. For that safe return, we are innovation that is part of the solution ders? all grateful. for renewed ag economy. In this hour of our great need, begin Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to Time and time again, President again to help us, as You have in years join me in welcoming Pastor Becky Trump made a great big promise gone by. Tirabassi, and thank her for offering spelled out on his red ball cap. Now I Father, You are the God who does today’s opening prayer in the U.S. am left wondering how a budget that immeasurably more than all we could House of Representatives. would devastate Main Street and our family farmers would make anything ask or imagine. f Today, give us the humility to ask great again. for Your help, and the grand moral ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Mr. President, middle America is not courage to be agents of change for the PRO TEMPORE. just flyover country. We value those good of others and the honor of Your who look us in the eye, tell us the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. truth, and then do what they say they name. BOST). The Chair will entertain up to 15 In Your powerful name we ask these are going to do. further requests for 1-minute speeches So, President Trump, I ask you: Does things. on each side of the aisle. your budget live up to what you spelled Amen. f out on your ball cap? f The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- RECOGNIZING DR. DAVID RAINES THE JOURNAL bers are reminded to direct their re- (Mr. ABRAHAM asked and was given marks to the Chair. The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- permission to address the House for 1 f ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- minute.) CONGRATULATING ANNIE ceedings and announces to the House Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise RICHARDSON his approval thereof. today alongside my good friend, Con- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- gressman MIKE JOHNSON, to recognize (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina nal stands approved. Dr. David Raines, a Louisiana legend in asked and was given permission to ad- f the field of gastroenterology. dress the House for 1 minute and to re- vise and extend his remarks.) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Dr. Raines has worked with patients across the United States, including a Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman Speaker, I am grateful to express ap- gastroenterology fellowship serving from Virginia (Mr. CONNOLLY) come preciation for Annie Richardson, press our Nation’s veterans at Walter Reed forward and lead the House in the assistant of South Carolina’s Second Army Medical Center here in Wash- Pledge of Allegiance. Congressional District. ington. Mr. CONNOLLY led the Pledge of Al- A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Dr. Raines is a pioneer in the field of legiance as follows: Annie has called South Carolina’s Sec- gastroenterology, and is almost single- ond Congressional District home since I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the handedly responsible for bringing free- United States of America, and to the Repub- 2004. A distinguished graduate of Ham- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, standing endoscopy centers to Lou- mond School and Presbyterian College, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. isiana. Because of him, patients can Annie has faithfully served on the staff get these important lifesaving proce- f of the Second Congressional District. dures in cost-efficient and convenient Her expertise in photography, graphic WELCOMING PASTOR BECKY outpatient facilities. design, and videography has made a TIRABASSI Dr. Raines is admired among his positive difference, and her sunny dis- The SPEAKER. Without objection, peers, me being one of those and Con- position is always recognized by con- the gentleman from California (Mr. gressman JOHNSON being another, not stituents visiting the office. ROHRABACHER) is recognized for 1 only for his professional accomplish- It is with mixed blessings, but great minute. ments, but also for the way he has happiness, that I bid Annie farewell. There was no objection. cared for others, including mentoring She is moving on next week to serve as Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, it new doctors attending and entering his the digital assistant for the House Re- is a great honor today to introduce to field. publican Conference; fortunately, to be the House our guest chaplain, Becky Congressman JOHNSON and I wanted working with conference chair CATHY Tirabassi, co-pastor of the Viewpoint to take a moment today to thank Dr. MCMORRIS RODGERS. I know she will do Church in Newport Beach, California. Raines for his career of service to pa- a remarkable job supporting the con- Becky became a licensed pastor in tients throughout Louisiana. He has ference. 2014, when she and her husband, Dr. saved many lives, and our State is a I know her father, Phil, and brother, Roger Tirabassi, founded the Viewpoint better place because of him. Emmett, join me in recognizing her achievements. She has served with dis- Church. Today, she and her husband f give spiritual guidance and personal tinction in the tradition of her late be- counseling to members of the View- TRUMP BUDGET AND RURAL loved mother, Holly Richardson, who point Church, but also to people AMERICA will always be cherished as a devoted throughout Orange County needing (Mrs. BUSTOS asked and was given staff member of Senate President pro personal and spiritual encouragement. permission to address the House for 1 tempore Strom Thurmond. In conclusion, God bless our troops, Becky was helping others even before minute.) and we will never forget September the she became a pastor. She is best known Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, yester- 11th in the global war on terrorism. as an author of over 15 books, including day, President Trump released his We are grateful for the visit today in the best-selling books, ‘‘Change Your budget. And what he has shown is that Washington of Medal of Honor recipi- Life’’ and ‘‘Little Changes Big Results rural America is just about at the bot- ent James Livingston, a Marine gen- for Crazy, Busy Couples.’’ She has ap- tom of his list. eral from Mount Pleasant, South Caro- peared many times on national tele- His budget is a killer for the Depart- lina. vision and radio, and for over three ment of Agriculture. The cuts to the decades has spoken before groups in rural development program would f nearly all 50 States, as well as inter- mean fewer jobs in small towns that RUSSIA INVESTIGATION nationally. In addition to her co-pas- are already struggling. (Mr. CONNOLLY asked and was given torate, she is president of the Becky While he promised to ‘‘end the war on permission to address the House for 1 Tirabassi Change Your Life, Incor- the family farmer,’’ President Trump minute and to revise and extend his re- porated. slashes funding for the crop insurance marks.) Becky and Roger have one married program. And in Peoria, his budget Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise son, who is a grown man, and he has would even close the Nation’s largest today to demand that Congress get se- just completed a tour as a missionary agricultural research lab, a place for ag rious about the Russia investigation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.019 H24MYPT1 H4518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 In December, along with Mr. ENGEL Therefore, I am proud to stand with lar experiences to hers is life-changing. of New York, I introduced the SECURE the Congressional Caucus on Foster She and her husband also provide a lov- Our Democracy Act that would sanc- Youth in praise of the Sixth Annual ing home to their two foster daughters. tion any foreign individual or entity Foster Youth Shadow Day here on Cap- I am grateful that I can spend time found to have unlawfully interfered itol Hill, which allows these youth to today with Britni and hear about her with our election process. That come across our country and share positive experience with foster care. shouldn’t be a partisan issue, yet all of time with Members of Congress, and Her adoptive family built a strong the bill’s 88 cosponsors are Democrats. aspire to be the leaders of generations foundation for her to achieve success in I am also a cosponsor of the Pro- to come. her own life. tecting Our Democracy Act to estab- f Mr. Speaker, this is what foster care lish an independent commission to get is all about. to the bottom of the Russia investiga- NATIONAL FOSTER CARE MONTH I thank Britni for being here today, tion. (Mr. MCNERNEY asked and was sharing her story and helping so many A recent NBC-Wall Street Journal given permission to address the House children overcome similar obstacles. poll conducted in April found that 73 for 1 minute and to revise and extend Congratulations, Britni. We are all percent of our fellow Americans want his remarks.) very proud of your success. such an independent commission. They Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I am f going to follow up on the prior speaker. want to get at the truth. So do I. So b 1215 should all of us. I have signed a dis- I rise in support of National Foster charge petition to get that bill to the Care Month. This month, we renew our TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL BAHAR floor. commitment to ensuring that the (Mr. SCHIFF asked and was given Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 420,000 youth who are in our Nation’s permission to address the House for 1 support these two measures, and to foster care system have a caring family minute and to revise and extend his re- bring them to the floor for consider- and the opportunities they deserve. marks.) ation. It is our constitutional duty to I am proud to be a member of the Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise provide oversight of any executive in Foster Youth Caucus, which is devoted today to pay tribute to Michael Bahar, any executive branch. to highlighting the efforts of all those who will be leaving the House Perma- The American people demand an- involved with improving our Nation’s nent Select Committee on Intelligence, swers and accountability, not obstruc- foster care system. where he has served as general counsel tion and intimidation. Appointing a I also rise to celebrate Congressional since September 2012, and as staff di- special counsel, independent of the Foster Youth Shadow Day. Today, rector and general counsel since early White House and the Attorney General, more than 100 former foster youth from 2015. was one way to begin to restore credi- across the country are in D.C., paired Because of Michael’s commitment to bility that has been badly tarnished. I with Members of Congress as we con- always finding a way to ‘‘yes,’’ he has urge us to proceed with the Russia in- duct the Nation’s business. helped guide HPSCI to a run of remark- vestigation with all dispatch. I am privileged to host Shantell able legislative success over the past 2 f House and Jeremiah McWright from years. In a city of tacticians, Michael’s California. Shantell is currently a stu- great gift is his ability to look at FOSTER YOUTH SHADOW DAY dent at Mills College and is passionate things strategically, even while react- (Mr. HILL asked and was given per- about current and former foster youth. ing in real time to emerging matters at mission to address the House for 1 Jeremiah joins me from San Diego, hand. minute and to revise and extend his re- where he is studying public policy and Under Michael’s leadership of the marks.) has the potential to become a great HPSCI Democratic staff, we have Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today business leader, or even a politician. passed two successive bipartisan intel- to acknowledge the struggles that fos- It gives me great pleasure to wel- ligence authorization acts, both of ter youth encounter, and to celebrate come Shantell and Jeremiah, along which received multiple and succes- their perseverance and fortitude as with all of the participants of the Con- sively larger vote tallies each time they attempt to navigate this com- gressional Youth Shadow Day, to our they came to the floor. plicated system and transition to Nation’s capital. In June 2015, we passed the USA adulthood. f FREEDOM Act that ended bulk collec- In Arkansas, we have over 5,000 chil- tion of telephony metadata under sec- RECOGNIZING BRITNI dren currently in the State’s foster tion 215 of the PATRIOT Act, replacing BURLINGHAM care system. it with a new regime more protective I am proud to work with my col- (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania of Americans’ privacy. leagues on the Congressional Caucus on asked and was given permission to ad- And later in 2015, the Cybersecurity Foster Youth to shed light on the per- dress the House for 1 minute and to re- Information Sharing Act of 2015 was in- petuation of poverty and dysfunction vise and extend his remarks.) cluded as part of the 2016 omnibus our current system enables. And I Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. spending bill. CISA, which encourages stand proudly in support of House Res- Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a proud businesses and the Federal Government olution 314, recognizing May as Na- member of the Foster Youth Caucus, to share cyber threat information in tional Foster Care Month. and also as part of a family that was the interest of national security, could For the past 2 years, I have had the involved in the foster care system. not have been timelier. opportunity to have a former foster Today I have the opportunity to Neither bill would have been possible youth personally shadow me for a day. spend time with Britni Burlingham as without Michael’s tireless efforts. He What a rewarding experience. part of the Annual Foster Youth Shad- worked on a broad range of issues with This year, I am honored to host Starr ow Day. a broad range of stakeholders, in and Wilson, a former foster youth from my Britni is a social work major at out of government, and these measures district. After spending 10 years in fos- Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. were necessary and effective in secur- ter care, Starr, who is full of drive and She is also a case aide for the Bair ing our liberties. passion, graduated with honors from Foundation, a nonprofit organization Prior to joining the committee, Mi- the University of Arkansas at Pine that focuses on foster care and adop- chael served with dedication in the Bluff. tion. Obama White House as Deputy Legal Unlike Starr’s story, though, when This profession is rewarding for Adviser to the National Security Coun- many youth across America age out of Britni because she has a firsthand ex- cil staff. He is a Naval reservist sup- the system, they find themselves with perience. She entered the foster care porting U.S. Special Operations Com- no place to call home, and they lack system when she was just 7 years old. mand. the encouragement and structure they Britni has said that being able to After a well-deserved vacation, Mi- need to pursue happiness. work with children who have had simi- chael will embark on a new career as a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.021 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4519 lawyer here in D.C. On behalf of the en- hope my colleagues on both sides of the I take this opportunity to thank and tire HPSCI family, I want to wish Mi- aisle will support this bill. extend condolences to these men and chael, his wife, Hannah, and their f women, their families, for their brav- daughter, Rose, the very best, and ery, strength, sacrifice, and courage. REFLECTIONS ON MEMORIAL DAY thank him for his years of service to We as citizens, and as a community, the Nation. (Mr. DESJARLAIS asked and was are forever indebted to our servicemen given permission to address the House f and -women. Our resolve is that their for 1 minute and to revise and extend sacrifice is not in vain as we continue CONGRATULATING AND HONORING his remarks.) to fight for liberty and justice for all, MIKE FREMONT Mr. DESJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise both home and abroad. (Mr. CHABOT asked and was given today to reflect on what Memorial Day Mr. Speaker, just as we vow to leave permission to address the House for 1 means to our country. Memorial Day no soldier behind on the battlefield, we minute.) truly is a special occasion in which we here in Congress will not forget any Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise honor the brave men and women in veterans when they return home. today to congratulate and honor a uniform who made the ultimate sac- f great Cincinnatian and avid rifice. MEMORIAL DAY marathoner, Mike Fremont, for accom- Many from the Volunteer State died plishing something pretty amazing. A on the battlefield to defend our Nation. (Mr. PITTENGER asked and was little over a week ago, Mike set the Because of them, and so many others given permission to address the House world record for his age group at Cin- from across our Nation, we enjoy our for 1 minute and to revise and extend cinnati’s Flying Pig Half-Marathon. freedoms and many blessings. The debt his remarks.) By the way, he is 95 years old. Thir- we owe them is immeasurable. Mr. PITTENGER. Mr. Speaker, this But we can honor their memory and teen miles at the age of 95. And he had weekend, America pauses to honor the make life easier for families of fallen previously held the world record for a patriotic men and women who sac- heroes like Lance Corporal Andrew P. 90-year-old marathoner, which he set 5 rificed their lives in support of our lib- Carpenter, from Columbia, Tennessee, years ago in Huntington, West Vir- erty. who died fighting in Afghanistan. Al- For many, perhaps, Memorial Day ginia. though his loan provider forgave his has become just another reason for a Mike’s passion for running and a student loan debt, Andrew’s family cookout. But for more than 11,000 fami- healthy lifestyle kicked in when he was owed taxes on the discharged amount. I lies in North Carolina, Memorial Day is only 70 years old and given only 3 introduced the Tax Relief for Our Na- very real. Their son or daughter or months to live after being diagnosed tion’s Heroes Act to resolve this IRS spouse or parent is among the 11,000 with an advanced form of cancer. oversight. North Carolinians who died during I have known Mike since my time on Military families should have more World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, or the Cincinnati City Council back 30 peace of mind, which is part of my job Afghanistan. years ago, including involvement with on the House Armed Services Com- Remembering the price of freedom the Mill Creek Restoration Project. He mittee. makes me all the more grateful for the is an amazing Cincinnatian and ought I would like to thank all those who 17 students from my district who this to be an inspiration to all who hear of have worn the uniform of the U.S. mili- year received appointments to West his accomplishments. tary, and offer my prayers for the safe- Point, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Congratulations, Mike. You have ty of thousands now serving in harm’s and the U.S. Naval Academy. These made all Cincinnatians proud. way. students, many of them at or near the f f top of their class, are volunteering to dedicate at least 9 years to defend DISCLOSURE OF SENSITIVE SALUTING FALLEN VETERANS ON America. They know the potential INFORMATION MEMORIAL DAY risks and the ultimate sacrifice re- (Mrs. MURPHY of Florida asked and (Ms. PLASKETT asked and was given quired by many. was given permission to address the permission to address the House for 1 To the families of those who died in House for 1 minute.) minute and to revise and extend her re- service to our Nation, we extend our Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speak- marks.) deepest sympathy and gratitude. May er, the President recently disclosed Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, on be- God bless you. highly sensitive information to Rus- half of my family and staff, I want to f sian officials, information that had salute and commemorate the fallen been entrusted to the United States by veterans of the United States Virgin Is- HONORING REVEREND DR. an ally. This incident has generated lands and throughout the United WILLIAM J. BARBER II concern among national security pro- States as we prepare to celebrate or (Ms. ADAMS asked and was given fessionals. participate in this Memorial Day ob- permission to address the House for 1 Under current law, the President servance. minute and to revise and extend her re- must keep the congressional intel- Memorial Day is the day our Nation marks.) ligence committees informed of U.S. gathers to honor the many men and Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, Walter intelligence activities. Building on this women who have selflessly defended Lippmann once said that ‘‘The final general mandate, I am filing a bill that this country and have paid the ulti- test of a leader is that he leaves behind would require the President to notify mate sacrifice in defense of the public him in other men the conviction and the intelligence committees when a and our democratic principles. the will carry on.’’ U.S. official, including the President, The Virgin Islands proudly served Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a intentionally or inadvertently dis- and sacrificed its sons and daughters to great leader, the Reverend Dr. William closes top-secret information to a na- American freedom, even before it was a J. Barber II. As the president of North tion that sponsors terrorism or, like part of this Nation. Our service history Carolina’s chapter of the NAACP, Rev- Russia, is subject to U.S. sanctions. is rich and will continue. After becom- erend Barber has become a national My bill would deter unjustified dis- ing a part of this country 100 years ago icon and a champion of moral leader- closure of sensitive information to ad- this year, we lobbied, petitioned, for ship. He is the founder of Moral Mon- versaries. It would also give the con- the responsibility to be a part of the days. He has traveled to more than 20 gressional intelligence committees an draft. We shirk not from our duty. States to train others on tactics in opportunity to examine the rationale The Virgin Islands, along with the civil disobedience. for the disclosure, to assess any fall- other territories, send more men and And under his leadership, the NAACP out, and to take appropriate action. women per capita to serve in the U.S. fiercely fought against discriminatory My bill would simply provide Con- military than anywhere in the United legislation such as North Carolina’s gress with the same information that States, and have more fallen veterans HB2 and voter suppression tactics like was made available to other nations. I per capita than anywhere else. voter ID laws.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:34 May 24, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.023 H24MYPT1 H4520 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 After 12 years as president of the and The Wall Street Journal 70 percent mittee on the Judiciary. After general de- North Carolina NAACP, Reverend Bar- were only a bit less negative.’’ bate the bill shall be considered for amend- ber is retiring to lead a new cam- ‘‘Trump’s overall score of 80 percent ment under the five-minute rule. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute paign—a national call for a moral re- negative coverage during the start of recommended by the Committee on the Judi- vival. This new coalition of spiritual his Presidency compares with Obama’s ciary now printed in the bill, it shall be in leaders will push beyond politics to 41 percent, Bush’s 57 percent, and Bill order to consider as an original bill for the guide our Nation toward a path of in- Clinton’s 60 percent.’’ purpose of amendment under the five-minute creased equality and social justice. ‘‘Both the Post and the Times, for in- rule an amendment in the nature of a sub- Reverend Barber’s leadership of the stance, have used unnamed sources and stitute consisting of the text of Rules Com- NAACP will be sorely missed, but I even the supposed content of docu- mittee Print 115-20. That amendment in the look forward to witnessing the many ments that they have never viewed as nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. All points of order against that amend- ways in which he will continue to im- the basis for major revelations about ment in the nature of a substitute are pact lives and make America a more Trump in recent days. They have let waived. No amendment to that amendment just and fair place. their raw hatred get the better of in the nature of a substitute shall be in order Thank you, Reverend Barber. God- them. except those printed in part A of the report speed. ‘‘Such a media environment is dan- of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution. Each such amendment may f gerous for American democracy.’’ Expecting basic professionalism from be offered only in the order printed in the re- HONORING THE LIFE OF DAVE port, may be offered only by a Member des- the media, sadly, seems to be too SHAUL ignated in the report, shall be considered as much. read, shall be debatable for the time speci- (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois f fied in the report equally divided and con- asked and was given permission to ad- trolled by the proponent and an opponent, dress the House for 1 minute and to re- COMMUNICATION FROM THE shall not be subject to amendment, and shall vise and extend his remarks.) CLERK OF THE HOUSE not be subject to a demand for division of the Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- question in the House or in the Committee of Speaker, I rise today to honor the life fore the House the following commu- the Whole. All points of order against such and memory of one of Illinois’ great amendments are waived. At the conclusion nication from the Clerk of the House of of consideration of the bill for amendment journalists, Dave Shaul, who passed Representatives: the Committee shall rise and report the bill away this month at age 75. OFFICE OF THE CLERK, to the House with such amendments as may For decades, Dave provided countless HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, have been adopted. Any Member may de- central Illinois residents with their Washington, DC, May 24, 2017. mand a separate vote in the House on any local news as an anchor, producer, and Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, amendment adopted in the Committee of the news director at WCIA in Champaign, The Speaker, House of Representatives, Wash- Whole to the bill or to the amendment in the Illinois. During his storied television ington, DC. nature of a substitute made in order as origi- and radio broadcast career, Dave cov- DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- nal text. The previous question shall be con- mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of sidered as ordered on the bill and amend- ered the biggest local, State, and na- the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- ments thereto to final passage without inter- tional news, including covering every tives, the Clerk received the following mes- vening motion except one motion to recom- Presidential election from 1964 through sage from the Secretary of the Senate on mit with or without instructions. 2016. Dave was known for his honest May 24, 2017, at 9:04 a.m.: SEC. 2. Upon adoption of this resolution it and trustworthy coverage of local and Appointments: shall be in order to consider in the House the national politics. Election Assistance Board of Advisors. bill (H.R. 1761) to amend title 18, United Dave won a number of awards during With best wishes, I am, States Code, to criminalize the knowing con- his career as a journalist. In 1980, he Sincerely, sent of the visual depiction, or live trans- KAREN L. HAAS. mission, of a minor engaged in sexually ex- won the UPI Best Television Sports f plicit conduct, and for other purposes. All Play-by-Play Award for his coverage of points of order against consideration of the Illinois basketball. And in 1999, he was PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION bill are waived. In lieu of the amendment in honored with the Associated Press OF H.R. 1973, PROTECTING YOUNG the nature of a substitute recommended by Mark Twain Lifetime Achievement VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE the Committee on the Judiciary now printed Award, was named to the Eastern Illi- ACT OF 2017; PROVIDING FOR in the bill, an amendment in the nature of a nois University Hall of Fame, and was CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1761, substitute consisting of the text of Rules designated a lifetime member of the Il- Committee Print 115-19 shall be considered PROTECTING AGAINST CHILD EX- as adopted. The bill, as amended, shall be linois News Broadcasters Association. PLOITATION ACT OF 2017; AND considered as read. All points of order Dave also received an Emmy Award for PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS against provisions in the bill, as amended, his career accomplishments in 2011. DURING THE PERIOD FROM MAY are waived. The previous question shall be Dave leaves a long legacy as a trust- 26, 2017, THROUGH JUNE 5, 2017 considered as ordered on the bill, as amend- ed, and on any further amendment thereto, ed figure on the news and in the Cham- Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, by direction paign-Urbana community. His family to final passage without intervening motion of the Committee on Rules, I call up except: (1) one hour of debate equally divided and friends continue to be in my House Resolution 352 and ask for its thoughts and prayers. and controlled by the chair and ranking mi- immediate consideration. nority member of the Committee on the Ju- f The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- diciary; (2) the further amendment printed in MEDIA TARGET PRESIDENT lows: part B of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, if of- TRUMP H. RES. 352 fered by the Member designated in the re- (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was Resolved, That at any time after adoption port, which shall be in order without inter- given permission to address the House of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant vention of any point of order, shall be con- for 1 minute and to revise and extend to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the sidered as read, shall be separately debatable House resolved into the Committee of the for the time specified in the report equally his remarks.) Whole House on the state of the Union for Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, divided and controlled by the proponent and consideration of the bill (H.R. 1973) to pre- an opponent, and shall not be subject to a de- from a recent Investor’s Business Daily vent the sexual abuse of minors and amateur mand for a division of the question; and (3) editorial, a Harvard University study athletes by requiring the prompt reporting one motion to recommit with or without in- found that ‘‘During the first 100 days of of sexual abuse to law enforcement authori- structions. Trump’s Presidency, TV networks ties, and for other purposes. The first read- SEC. 3. On any legislative day during the CNN, NBC, and CBS provided negative ing of the bill shall be dispensed with. All period from May 26, 2017, through June 5, coverage 93 percent, 93 percent, and 91 points of order against consideration of the 2017— bill are waived. General debate shall be con- percent of the time.’’ (a) the Journal of the proceedings of the fined to the bill and amendments specified in previous day shall be considered as approved; Meanwhile, ‘‘The New York Times this section and shall not exceed one hour and delivered 87 percent negative coverage, equally divided and controlled by the chair (b) the Chair may at any time declare the while The Washington Post 83 percent and ranking minority member of the Com- House adjourned to meet at a date and time,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.025 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4521 within the limits of clause 4, section 5, arti- They passed the bill without holding a and shred it. Let’s get together, cle I of the Constitution, to be announced by single hearing, listening to any ex- strengthen our healthcare system and the Chair in declaring the adjournment. perts, or, most importantly, waiting the Affordable Care Act. It is exactly SEC. 4. The Speaker may appoint Members to perform the duties of the Chair for the du- for a score from the nonpartisan Con- what our constituents deserve. ration of the period addressed by section 3 of gressional Budget Office. I reserve the balance of my time. this resolution as though under clause 8(a) of The Congressional Budget Office tells Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 rule I. us what the bill will cost, how many minutes to the gentleman from Ari- people it will help, how many people it zona (Mr. BIGGS). b 1230 would hurt, something that, with Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- healthcare, would have been vitally the time, and I am grateful to be here tleman from Colorado is recognized for important. with the gentleman. I want to speak to 1 hour. But while the lack of a score didn’t both of these bills rather than speaking Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, for the pur- prohibit them from holding a vote, it to a different bill that was considered pose of debate only, I yield the cus- did, apparently, prevent the majority in this body. tomary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from sending the bill over to the Sen- With regard to H.R. 1761, this bill be- from New York (Ms. SLAUGHTER), pend- ate. Mr. Speaker, this process is com- came necessary because of the court- ing which I yield myself such time as I pletely backwards and a major break- imposed misinterpretation of a con- may consume. During consideration of down of the integrity of the legislative gressional statute with regard to the this resolution, all time yielded is for process. visual depiction, or live transmission, the purpose of debate only. Most schoolchildren know that, when of a victim of child abuse, or sexually GENERAL LEAVE a bill passes the House, you send it to explicit conduct. This is important be- Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- the Senate. You don’t hide it in a draw- cause it closes a loophole that other- mous consent that all Members have 5 er for weeks until you finally get the wise would allow a perpetrator to walk legislative days to revise and extend information from the Congressional free because of a lack of specific intent their remarks. Budget Office that you should have had when recording images of the victim The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there before you brought the bill to the floor that they are victimizing. objection to the request of the gen- for a vote. This bill is important because it tleman from Colorado? This is no way to develop a plan that closes the loophole and gets back to There was no objection. will impact one-sixth of the Nation’s what the intent of Congress was when Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today gross domestic product, and the proc- they passed legislation intended to pro- in support of the rule and the under- ess has finally laid bare one of the big- tect children and criminalized the pro- lying legislation. This rule provides a gest political hoaxes in recent mem- duction of images of child sexual structured process for debate. I want to ory: that notion of repeal and replace. abuse. This bill does all we can at this highlight that this rule makes in order How often did we hear that over the point to protect our children from sex- all amendments submitted to the Rules last 7 years? ual predators. Committee, and I reserve the balance For the last 7 years, the majority It is a moral necessity that we close of my time. voted more than 60 times to undermine this shameful loophole, created by a ju- Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I the Affordable Care Act without having dicial opinion, to provide the appro- thank my colleague for yielding me the a thing in the world to replace it with, priate punishment to those who look to customary 30 minutes, and I yield my- and now they are pushing the false no- harm minors. It won’t protect all of self such time as I may consume. tion that the Affordable Care Act is our children, but it will provide a sig- Mr. Speaker, all of us in this Cham- collapsing. The reality is that some nificant deterrent to protect more of ber today support the goals of this leg- States dealing with limited insurers our children, and that makes this bill islation. We can and we must do more never implemented the full benefits of important, crucial, and necessary. to protect children from the plague of the law or enacted the exchange under With regard to H.R. 1973, Protecting sexual assault and the prevalence of the Affordable Care Act, which would Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act child pornography permeating society have cut their costs. of 2017, this broadens the coverage of today. Mr. Speaker, one of my proudest mo- current laws that require reporting of I am particularly glad to see such bi- ments as a Member of Congress was child abuse, specifically with regard to partisan support for H.R. 1973. The chairing the House Rules Committee those children who are participating in young athletes that represent the and bringing the Affordable Care Act organizations that are organized for United States on the world’s stage at to the House floor. Almost every Presi- the purpose of helping—ostensibly the Olympics must not be taken advan- dent since Theodore Roosevelt had at- helping—young athletes train for inter- tage of by predatory coaches and doc- tempted to give healthcare to the national competition. tors who should be mentoring them. In American people. Millions of people are When you are a parent of an athlete, fact, no child anywhere should be now waking up to the benefits of this just like your child, you trust these taken advantage of; but this bill makes healthcare, and our Nation’s uninsured coaches who are mentoring and work- some commonsense changes that rate is at its lowest level in more than ing and interacting with your children strengthen the reporting of abuse and 50 years. Why would you rip that away? not just for training these children and puts in place policies that prevent fu- For the first time in a generation, we preparing them to be the best athlete ture violations, and I am hopeful it will are actually slowing the yearly growth they possibly can be, but you also en- become law. of healthcare costs. A poll released just trust, many times, your children’s It staggers the mind to believe that this last month found that 61 percent keeping to them. this assault on those children had gone of the public supports keeping and im- Gone are the days where kids were on for 20 years, and some 400 children proving the Affordable Care Act. That playing in Little League and saw their were victimized for it, and not a single is in stark contrast to the 17 percent coaches for brief periods of time. In adult anywhere around ever brought approval rating for the repeal bill that many instances, the children that will attention to it. In fact, we owe a great was voted on here several weeks ago. be protected by this bill are those elite newspaper in Indiana for telling us Mr. Speaker, I wish the majority young athletes who spend quite a bit of about it, so be sure to read a good would stop turning a deaf ear to the time actually away from their parents newspaper every day. people it represents. The American and in the care and custody of coaches, Mr. Speaker, there is a lot of agree- people have been marching and calling trainers, and other people associated ment about the goals of the bills before and writing against this bill in num- with the program. us today, but that wasn’t the case 20 bers none of us have ever seen before. A As a father of athletes, it is impor- days ago when the majority rushed bad process led to a bad product. tant that I be able to trust that, if through its partisan, slapdash Mr. Speaker, none of us believe that someone has been convicted or has had healthcare bill repeal to rip away the ACA was perfect. I urge the major- to report that, that information is healthcare from millions of people. ity to take the bill out of the drawer available. And due to this particular

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:21 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.002 H24MYPT1 H4522 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 legislation, the government will now be mittee to report suspected child abuse These bills very practically make the able to pursue cases that it would not to local and Federal authorities. exploitation of a child harder to get otherwise be able to prosecute. Unfortunately, reporting isn’t always away with. They commission more This legislation specifies that na- the standard under current law. Over well-meaning adults to be on guard tional governing bodies are authorized the past 20 years, around 368 individ- against the occurrence of sexual abuse. to develop training oversight practices, uals affiliated with USA Gymnastics They allow victims to pursue even policies, and procedures to prevent sex- faced sexual abuse by adults affiliated stronger civil penalties that will, hope- ual abuse of amateur athletes. And with the organization, according to fully, deter future criminals, and they then what is critical, it requires that it The Indianapolis Star. Sadly, some of strengthen the law itself to ensure that is necessary to assure child abuse is the victims never saw justice. Their al- child pornographers face prosecution being reported by those who work with legations remained unresolved, some- and appropriate punishment for their amateur athletes. Those reporting re- times because coaches moved from heinous crimes. quirements are essential protective State to State to avoid investigation. The second purpose achieved today is deterrences and provide assurances to H.R. 1973 pulls additional adults into to send a message. These bills signal to all surrounding that young child and the mandatory reporting category, en- all of America that our society is seri- that athlete that they have the oppor- suring that those adults working with ous about protecting children and that tunity for safekeeping. minors under the U.S. Olympic Com- we are serious about catching child Organizations must be taking action mittee’s jurisdiction must report in- predators. against coaches or other members stances of child abuse to local and Fed- H.R. 1973 specifically directs coaches when allegations are made against eral authorities. and others to report sexual abuse. But them to assure young athletes are kept It further clarifies the sexual abuse these bills send a broader message: ev- safe. The safety of these young athletes reporting duties of national governing eryone in this Nation should join the must trump, in many cases, perhaps, bodies, or NGBs. These organizations, fight against child exploitation. supervised by the U.S. Olympic Com- their ability to develop their unique We have too many examples of well- mittee, manage amateur athletic com- meaning adults remaining silent in the gifts and talents. petitions. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that these face of child abuse. This legislation is We need to promote a culture of re- meant to push Americans to do what is bills are brought forward, and I support porting sexual assault among youth right, even if it is not easy. them. athletes. That culture needs to over- We are all the guardians of our Na- Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I re- flow into all parts of our society. tion’s youth. We all are responsible for serve the balance of my time. We are not suggesting we toss out their childhood. We are all proponents Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- due process for the accused. The legis- of their future. These are our children, self such time as I may consume. lation at hand only requires the report- our pride and joy. We must offer them Nearly 30 years ago, I held my son, ing and investigation of sexual abuse of the same vigilance and protection we Cody, for the first time. A couple of children. Additionally, H.R. 1973 makes offer our own children. The rule before years later, I held my daughter, stronger the civil remedies that vic- us gives this House a chance to do just Kaitlin. I knew right then that these tims of sexual abuse may pursue. that. two children were the most important Mr. Speaker, the other legislation Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to and cherished things in my life. They under this rule, H.R. 1761, goes after support this important rule and the un- deserve the happiest childhood and the those who create child pornography. derlying legislation, and I reserve the brightest future and the safest world. Just to utter those words is unbear- balance of my time. I imagine anyone who holds their able, but our job in Congress is to stop Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I child for the first time has the same the unbearable. yield myself the balance of my time. thought. Until you become a parent, it Under current law and due to the im- Mr. Speaker, the majority of Ameri- is hard to describe the love you have pact of the court ruling in United cans want us to work together to im- for your children. States v. Palomino-Coronado, perpetra- prove upon the successes of the Afford- b 1245 tors of child pornography can some- able Care Act. We should be expanding times evade prosecution for child por- access to care and implementing the Mr. Speaker, that someone would nography under a loophole. Under the kind of reforms that will keep Amer- hurt a child simply perplexes me. Chil- precedent set in the case, even if per- ican families healthy, not kicking mil- dren are the most vulnerable, the most petrators memorialize the sexual abuse lions of Americans off their insurance innocent in our society. They, most of of a child through images and video, to fulfill a deceptive campaign prom- all, don’t deserve the trauma and pain they do not necessarily possess the in- ise, as the Republican healthcare re- that accompany abuse. They don’t de- tent or purpose to sexually abuse chil- peal bill will do. Expanding paid sick serve to have their trust in adults or dren in order to take a picture. In leave to the 45 percent of American their trust in the world shattered at other words, they didn’t intend to vio- workers who don’t have access to it such a young age. They don’t deserve late title 18 of the U.S. Code, section would be a great start. the ghosts of suffering that accompany 2251, which prohibits child pornog- Each week, up to 3 million employees abuse victims for the rest of their lives. raphy. go to work sick, infecting their co- Mr. Speaker, to commit a crime We need to close this loophole. If workers and customers and delaying against children is to engage in the evildoers are sexually abusing our chil- their own recovery. The benefits of al- greatest of evils. It is to violate our dren and photographing or filming it, lowing working Americans to earn paid moral order in the most egregious of they should be going to prison for a sick leave are undeniable. It slows the ways. Our job in Congress is to debate long time. This loophole was carved spread of disease, lowers healthcare and maintain that moral order. Thank- out by the judicial branch. It is time costs, and increases productivity. fully, everyone in this Chamber can for the legislative branch to step in and If we defeat the previous question, I agree on the moral imperative to pro- tighten the statutory language to pre- will offer an amendment to the rule tect children. vent the exploitation of this loophole that would allow us to also bring up Our job today is to uphold our values and to prevent the exploitation of our Representative DELAURO’s bill, H.R. through well-crafted legislation. We children. 1516, which would allow Americans to are here today to pass laws that uphold The bills under consideration today have paid sick time. our belief in the sanctity of innocence. serve two purposes. First and foremost, Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- We are here today for our children. they provide a deterrent to criminals sent to insert the text of my amend- Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1973, the first bill who would consider harming a child. ment in the RECORD, along with extra- in this rule resolution, strengthens the We can’t preemptively stop everyone neous material, immediately prior to laws protecting child athletes. The bill who plans to commit a crime against a vote on the previous question. requires coaches and adults involved child, which is why we must deter The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there with amateur sports organizations them with the threat of discovery, con- objection to the request of the gentle- overseen by the U.S. Olympic Com- viction, and jail time. woman from New York?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:21 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.029 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4523 There was no objection. considering today provides the perfect mand for the previous question passes the Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, it is opportunity. control of the resolution to the opposition’’ clear after The Indianapolis Star un- These bills should not be controver- in order to offer an amendment. On March covered the widespread abuse scandal sial. They should draw the support of 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- fered a rule resolution. The House defeated that Congress must act to implement both sides, because protecting our chil- the previous question and a member of the consistent, stricter laws governing the dren is a moral necessity for every opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, reporting of abuses to our Nation’s ath- American. That is, after all, the mes- asking who was entitled to recognition. letes and to all our children. Once sage these bills send. Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: again, The Indianapolis Star has shown I thank Representative BROOKS and ‘‘The previous question having been refused, us the importance of investigative Representative JOHNSON for the hard the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- journalism and a free press. work they have done on these bills, and gerald, who had asked the gentleman to yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to Many of these athletes are too young I thank Chairman GOODLATTE for shep- the first recognition.’’ and are not empowered to speak out herding these bills through the Judici- The Republican majority may say ‘‘the against authority figures when they ary Committee and spending so much vote on the previous question is simply a are hurt or abused by them. But each time in committee working on legisla- vote on whether to proceed to an immediate of us as Members of Congress is in a po- tion to protect our children. vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] sition to do something about it, and we Mr. Speaker, I urge members to vote has no substantive legislative or policy im- must. ‘‘yes’’ on the resolution, vote ‘‘yes’’ on plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my col- the underlying bills. they have always said. Listen to the Repub- leagues to listen to the voices of the The material previously referred to lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative Process in the United States House of Rep- American people before hurling our Na- by Ms. SLAUGHTER is as follows: resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s tion further toward disaster with this AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 352 OFFERED BY how the Republicans describe the previous dangerous healthcare bill. MS. SLAUGHTER question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- The majority hasn’t held any hear- At the end of the resolution, add the fol- though it is generally not possible to amend ings or gotten input from experts, ad- lowing new sections: the rule because the majority Member con- vocates, or patients. They are ignoring SEC. 5. Immediately upon adoption of this trolling the time will not yield for the pur- the opposition from groups like AARP, resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to pose of offering an amendment, the same re- American Medical Association, March clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- of Dimes, and American Hospital Asso- resolved into the Committee of the Whole vious question on the rule.... When the motion for the previous question is defeated, ciation. House on the state of the Union for consider- ation of the bill (H.R. 1516) to allow Ameri- control of the time passes to the Member The score later today from the Con- cans to earn paid sick time so that they can who led the opposition to ordering the pre- gressional Budget Office won’t change address their own health needs and the vious question. That Member, because he the underlying facts of this bill. It will health needs of their families. The first read- then controls the time, may offer an amend- gut protections for people with pre- ing of the bill shall be dispensed with. All ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of existing conditions. It will gut essen- points of order against consideration of the amendment.’’ tial health benefits, kick millions of bill are waived. General debate shall be con- In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House fined to the bill and shall not exceed one of Representatives, the subchapter titled people off of health insurance, and ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal place a crushing age tax on those aged hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority member of the to order the previous question on such a rule 50 to 64 whose premiums will go up. It Committee on Education and the Workforce. [a special rule reported from the Committee will also cut billions from Medicaid to After general debate the bill shall be consid- on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- pay for a major tax cut for the ered for amendment under the five-minute ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- wealthy. That is $880 billion that they rule. All points of order against provisions in tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- want to take away from Medicaid to the bill are waived. At the conclusion of con- jection of the motion for the previous ques- give to the rich and corporations. This sideration of the bill for amendment the tion on a resolution reported from the Com- Committee shall rise and report the bill to mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- is so unAmerican, I stumbled over say- ber leading the opposition to the previous ing it. the House with such amendments as may have been adopted. The previous question question, who may offer a proper amendment Mr. Speaker, a bad process has led to shall be considered as ordered on the bill and or motion and who controls the time for de- a bad bill. We should be doing what the amendments thereto to final passage with- bate thereon.’’ American people want and improving out intervening motion except one motion to Clearly, the vote on the previous question the Affordable Care Act. recommit with or without instructions. If on a rule does have substantive policy impli- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the Committee of the Whole rises and re- cations. It is one of the only available tools of my time. ports that it has come to no resolution on for those who oppose the Republican major- Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- the bill, then on the next legislative day the ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- House shall, immediately after the third native views the opportunity to offer an al- self the balance of my time. ternative plan. Mr. Speaker, we are here today for daily order of business under clause 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of the Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the children. Whole for further consideration of the bill. the balance of my time, and I move the In voting for the bill and the under- SEC. 6. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not previous question on the resolution. lying bills, we are sending a message to apply to the consideration of H.R. 1516. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the abuser of children: If you harm one question is on ordering the previous of these little ones, you will be met THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT question. IT REALLY MEANS with the full fury of the American jus- The question was taken; and the tice system. You will be discovered and This vote, the vote on whether to order the Speaker pro tempore announced that reported by your peers. You will face previous question on a special rule, is not merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- the ayes appeared to have it. the threat of appropriately harsh de- Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, on mands. You will face the full force of dering the previous question is a vote against the Republican majority agenda and that I demand the yeas and nays. the law if you visually depict child ex- a vote to allow the Democratic minority to The yeas and nays were ordered. ploitation. offer an alternative plan. It is a vote about The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- We are sending a message to the by- what the House should be debating. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- standers: You have a solemn duty to Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the ceedings on this question will be post- protect these children. You have a duty House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- poned. scribes the vote on the previous question on to be their hope and happiness and f their future when you step in and stop the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the abuse. You have a duty to report the consideration of the subject before the House RAISING A QUESTION OF THE heinous acts committed by monsters. being made by the Member in charge.’’ To PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE defeat the previous question is to give the ´ Lately, we don’t have many moments opposition a chance to decide the subject be- Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to in Washington where both political fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s a question of the privileges of the parties can come together and reach a ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that House and offer a resolution previously consensus, but the legislation we are ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- noticed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.031 H24MYPT1 H4524 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas, the Emoluments Clause was in- nancial entanglements our President Clerk will report the resolution. cluded in the U.S. Constitution for the ex- may have with Russian entities and in- The Clerk read as follows: press purpose of preventing federa1 officials dividuals. This situation is truly un- from accepting any ‘‘present, Emolument, Expressing the sense of the House of Rep- precedented. It is our sworn duty to up- Office, or Title . . . from any King, Prince, resentatives that the President shall imme- or foreign state’’; hold the integrity of this institution diately release his tax return information to Whereas, the Chairmen of the Ways and and examine all the relevant details re- Congress and the American people. lated to this issue. Whereas, in the United States’ system of Means Committee, Joint Committee on Tax- checks and balances, Congress has a respon- ation, and Senate Finance Committee have Each week we see yet another fact in sibility to hold the Executive Branch of gov- the authority to request the President’s tax the growing case of entanglements be- ernment to a fair and equal standard of returns under Section 6103 of the tax code; tween our President, his campaign and Whereas, the Joint Committee on Taxation transparency ensuring the public interest is closest advisers, and Russian officials. reviewed the tax returns of President Rich- placed first; The most recent troubling report oc- Whereas, according to the Tax History ard Nixon in 1974 and made the information public; curred just last week when we learned Project, every President since Gerald Ford that the President himself reportedly has disclosed their tax return information to Whereas, the Ways and Means Committee the public; used IRC 6103 authority in 2014 to make pub- made statements directly to Russian Whereas, tax returns provide an important lic the confidential tax information of 51 officials during an Oval Office meeting baseline of reasonable information including taxpayers; regarding the FBI investigation into whether the President paid taxes, ownership Whereas Director Comey has testified that his campaign ties with Russia. This is interests, charitable donations made, and tax returns are a common tool in investiga- the same meeting where the President whether tax deductions have been exploited; tions because they can show income and mo- tives; took it upon himself to reveal highly Whereas, disclosure of the President’s tax classified information to Russian offi- returns could help those investigating Rus- Whereas, the American people have the sian influence in the 2016 election understand right to know whether or not their President cials. the President’s financial ties to the Russian is operating under conflicts of interest re- How long can this body allow these Federation and Russian citizens, including lated to international affairs, tax reform, types of actions to go unchecked? debts owed and whether he shares any part- government contracts, or otherwise: Now, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- nership interests, equity interests, joint ven- therefore, be it: tlewoman is reminded the remarks tures or licensing agreements with Russia or Resolved, That the House of Representa- must be confined to the question of tives shall— Russians; order. Whereas, the President recently fired Fed- 1. Immediately request the tax return in- ´ formation of Donald J. Trump for tax years Ms. SANCHEZ. I understand, Mr. eral Bureau of Investigation Director James Speaker. I promise that they relate to Comey, under whose leadership the FBI was 2006 through 2015 for review in closed execu- investigating whether the Trump campaign tive session by the Committee on Ways and the question at issue. colluded with Russia to influence the 2016 Means, as provided under Section 6103 of the Mr. Speaker, further, the American election; Internal Revenue Code, and vote to report people deserve to know if President Whereas, President Trump reportedly stat- the information therein to the full House of Trump has exploited the Federal Tax ed to Russian officials during a White House Representatives. Code for improper personal gain. meeting that he fired Director Comey to ease 2. Support transparency in government and the longstanding tradition of Presidents and The personal business endeavors of pressure on the ongoing investigation of the leader of the free world should be Russia’s influence in the 2016 election; Presidential candidates disclosing their tax Whereas, Senate Russia investigators have returns. exercised to the highest possible stand- requested information from the Treasury De- ard. Specifically, the President’s busi- partment’s criminal investigation division, b 1300 ness dealings around the world make the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Does the him more prone to potential conflicts or FinCEN, which handles cases of money gentlewoman from California wish to of interest than any President in his- laundering, for information related to Presi- present argument on the parliamen- tory. However, the President did not dent Trump, his top officials and campaign tary question of whether the resolution take adequate steps to mitigate any aides. FinCEN has been investigating allega- presents a question of the privileges of potential issues. He was advised by the tions of foreign money-laundering through the House? Office of Government Ethics to divest purchases of U.S. real estate; ´ Whereas, the President’s tax returns would Ms. SANCHEZ. I do, Mr. Speaker. himself of his business entanglements. show us whether he has foreign bank ac- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- The President chose to ignore this counts and how much profit he receives from tlewoman from California is recog- sound advice. his ownership in myriad partnerships; nized. It is now the duty of this body to re- Whereas, Donald Trump Jr. said the Trump Ms. SA´ NCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, under store integrity to the oversight proc- Organization saw money ‘‘pouring in from clause 1 of rule IX, questions of the ess. Our democracy should be an exam- Russia’’ and that ‘‘Russians make up a pret- privileges of the House are those af- ty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of ple to the world. Today we have the op- our assets.’’ fecting the rights of the House collec- portunity to ensure that it is achieved Whereas, the White House will not confirm tively, its safety, dignity, and the in- through taking up this overdue inves- whether the President has filed a 2016 tax re- tegrity of its proceedings. I believe tigation. It is only then we can restore turn; that the dignity of this institution is the dignity and integrity of the House Whereas, Congress gave itself the author- at risk each day that passes without through exercise of our constitutional ity to review an individual’s tax returns to this body exercising its statutory au- investigate and reveal possible conflicts of duty. interest of executive branch officials in- thority and constitutional duty to op- For these reasons, this resolution volved dating back to the Teapot Dome scan- erate as a coequal branch of govern- raises a question of the privileges of dal. ment. the House and should be allowed a Whereas, it has been reported that federal The legislative branch of government vote. prosecutors have issued grand jury sub- has the responsibility and authority to Mr. Speaker, I yield back. poenas to associates of former National Se- keep a proper check on the executive The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- curity Advisor Michael Flynn seeking busi- branch under section 6103 of the Inter- tlewoman from California seeks to ness records as part of the ongoing probe nal Revenue Code. Specifically, three into Russian involvement in the 2016 elec- offer a resolution as a question of the tion; committees have jurisdiction to re- privileges of the House under rule IX. Whereas, according to his 2016 candidate quest tax returns: the Committee on As the Chair most recently ruled on filing with the Federal Election Commission, Ways and Means, the Senate Finance May 17, 2017, the resolution directs the the President has 564 financial positions in Committee, and the Joint Committee Committee on Ways and Means to meet companies located in the United States and on Taxation. This provision has been and consider an item of business under around the world; part of our Federal Tax Code since 1924 the procedures set forth in 26 U.S.C. Whereas, against the advice of ethics at- to facilitate full and complete inves- 6103 and, therefore, does not qualify as torneys and the Office of Government Ethics, the President has refused to divest his own- tigations into scandals that rise to the a question of the privileges of the ership stake in his businesses; and can still level of national importance. House. withdraw funds at any time from the trust of Nothing could rise to the level of na- Ms. SA´ NCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I appeal which he is the sole beneficiary; tional importance like the possible fi- the ruling of the Chair.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:25 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.033 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4525 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Murphy (PA) Ros-Lehtinen Tiberi NOT VOTING—17 Noem Roskam Tipton question is, Shall the decision of the Bishop (GA) Graves (LA) McSally Nunes Ross Trott Chair stand as the judgment of the Black Johnson (OH) Newhouse Olson Rothfus Turner Brooks (IN) Johnson, Sam Sinema House? Palazzo Rouzer Upton Burgess Loudermilk Swalwell (CA) MOTION TO TABLE Palmer Royce (CA) Valadao Cummings Maloney, Thompson (PA) Paulsen Russell Wagner Ellison Carolyn B. Vela´ zquez Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I have a mo- Pearce Rutherford Walberg tion at the desk. Perry Scalise Walden b 1331 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Pittenger Schweikert Walker Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of Clerk will report the motion. Poe (TX) Scott, Austin Walorski Poliquin Sensenbrenner Walters, Mimi New York changed his vote from ‘‘yea’’ The Clerk read as follows: Posey Sessions Weber (TX) to ‘‘nay.’’ Mr. Buck moves that the appeal be laid on Ratcliffe Shimkus Webster (FL) Mr. SHUSTER changed his vote from the table. Reed Shuster Wenstrup Reichert Simpson Westerman ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Renacci Smith (MO) Williams So the motion to table was agreed to. question is on the motion to table. Rice (SC) Smith (NE) Wilson (SC) The result of the vote was announced The question was taken; and the Roby Smith (NJ) Wittman as above recorded. Speaker pro tempore announced that Roe (TN) Smith (TX) Womack A motion to reconsider was laid on Rogers (AL) Smucker Woodall the ayes appeared to have it. the table. ´ Rogers (KY) Stefanik Yoder Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, on that Rohrabacher Stewart Yoho Stated for: I demand the yeas and nays. Rokita Stivers Young (AK) Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I The yeas and nays were ordered. Rooney, Francis Taylor Young (IA) was unavoidably detained. Had I been The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Rooney, Thomas Tenney Zeldin J. Thornberry present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15- No. 274. minute vote on the motion to table NAYS—187 Stated against: will be followed by 5-minute votes on: Adams Gallego Nolan Ms. SINEMA. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- Ordering the previous question on Aguilar Garamendi Norcross ably detained. Had I been present, I would House Resolution 352; Barraga´ n Gonzalez (TX) O’Halleran have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 274. Adopting House Resolution 352, if or- Bass Gottheimer O’Rourke Beatty Green, Al Pallone f dered; Bera Green, Gene Panetta Suspending the rules and passing Beyer Grijalva Pascrell PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION H.R. 2052; and Blumenauer Gutie´rrez Payne OF H.R. 1973, PROTECTING YOUNG Suspending the rules and passing Blunt Rochester Hanabusa Pelosi VICTIMS FROM SEXUAL ABUSE Bonamici Hastings Perlmutter ACT OF 2017; PROVIDING FOR H.R. 467. Boyle, Brendan Heck Peters CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1761, The vote was taken by electronic de- F. Higgins (NY) Peterson vice, and there were—yeas 225, nays Brady (PA) Himes Pingree PROTECTING AGAINST CHILD EX- 187, answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting Brown (MD) Hoyer Pocan PLOITATION ACT OF 2017; AND Brownley (CA) 17, as follows: Huffman Polis PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS Bustos Jackson Lee Price (NC) [Roll No. 274] Butterfield Jayapal DURING THE PERIOD FROM MAY Quigley 26, 2017, THROUGH JUNE 5, 2017 YEAS—225 Capuano Jeffries Raskin Carbajal Johnson (GA) Rice (NY) Abraham Davis, Rodney Hultgren ´ The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Cardenas Johnson, E. B. Richmond Aderholt Denham Hunter HULTGREN). The unfinished business is Carson (IN) Jones Rosen Allen Dent Hurd Cartwright Kaptur the vote on ordering the previous ques- Amash DeSantis Issa Roybal-Allard Castor (FL) Keating Ruiz tion on the resolution (H. Res. 352) pro- Amodei DesJarlais Jenkins (KS) Castro (TX) Kelly (IL) Ruppersberger Arrington Diaz-Balart Jenkins (WV) Chu, Judy Kennedy viding for consideration of the bill Rush Babin Donovan Johnson (LA) Cicilline Khanna (H.R. 1973) to prevent the sexual abuse Ryan (OH) Bacon Duffy Jordan Clark (MA) Kihuen Sa´ nchez of minors and amateur athletes by re- Banks (IN) Duncan (SC) Joyce (OH) Clarke (NY) Kildee Barletta Sarbanes quiring the prompt reporting of sexual Duncan (TN) Katko Clay Kilmer Barr Dunn Kelly (MS) Schakowsky Cleaver Kind abuse to law enforcement authorities, Barton Emmer Kelly (PA) Schiff Clyburn Krishnamoorthi and for other purposes; providing for Bergman Estes (KS) King (IA) Schneider Cohen Kuster (NH) consideration of the bill (H.R. 1761) to Biggs Farenthold King (NY) Schrader Connolly Langevin Bilirakis Faso Kinzinger amend title 18, United States Code, to Conyers Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Bishop (MI) Ferguson Knight Cooper Larson (CT) Scott, David criminalize the knowing consent of the Bishop (UT) Fitzpatrick Kustoff (TN) Serrano visual depiction, or live transmission, Blackburn Fleischmann Labrador Correa Lawrence Costa Lawson (FL) Sewell (AL) of a minor engaged in sexually explicit Blum Flores LaHood Shea-Porter Bost Fortenberry LaMalfa Courtney Lee conduct, and for other purposes; and Crist Levin Sherman Brady (TX) Foxx Lamborn Sires providing for proceedings during the Brat Franks (AZ) Lance Crowley Lewis (GA) Slaughter Bridenstine Frelinghuysen Latta Cuellar Lieu, Ted period from May 26, 2017, through June Smith (WA) Brooks (AL) Gaetz Lewis (MN) Davis (CA) Lipinski 5, 2017, on which the yeas and nays Soto Buchanan Gallagher LoBiondo Davis, Danny Loebsack Speier were ordered. Buck Garrett Long DeFazio Lofgren The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Bucshon Gibbs Love DeGette Lowenthal Suozzi Budd Gohmert Lucas Delaney Lowey Takano tion. Byrne Goodlatte Luetkemeyer DeLauro Lujan Grisham, Thompson (CA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Calvert Gosar MacArthur DelBene M. Thompson (MS) question is on ordering the previous Carter (GA) Gowdy Marchant Demings Luja´ n, Ben Ray Titus Carter (TX) Granger Marino DeSaulnier Lynch Tonko question. Chabot Graves (GA) Marshall Deutch Maloney, Sean Torres This will be a 5-minute vote. Chaffetz Graves (MO) Massie Dingell Matsui Tsongas The vote was taken by electronic de- Cheney Griffith Mast Doggett McCollum Vargas vice, and there were—yeas 231, nays Coffman Grothman McCarthy Doyle, Michael McEachin Veasey Cole Guthrie McCaul F. McGovern Vela 188, not voting 11, as follows: Collins (GA) Harper McClintock Engel McNerney Visclosky [Roll No. 275] Collins (NY) Harris McHenry Eshoo Meeks Walz YEAS—231 Comer Hartzler McKinley Espaillat Meng Wasserman Comstock Hensarling McMorris Esty (CT) Moore Schultz Abraham Barletta Blum Conaway Herrera Beutler Rodgers Evans Moulton Waters, Maxine Aderholt Barr Bost Cook Hice, Jody B. Meadows Foster Murphy (FL) Watson Coleman Allen Barton Brady (TX) Costello (PA) Higgins (LA) Meehan Frankel (FL) Nadler Welch Amash Bergman Brat Cramer Hill Messer Fudge Napolitano Wilson (FL) Amodei Biggs Bridenstine Crawford Holding Mitchell Gabbard Neal Yarmuth Arrington Bilirakis Brooks (AL) Culberson Hollingsworth Moolenaar Babin Bishop (MI) Brooks (IN) Curbelo (FL) Hudson Mooney (WV) Bacon Bishop (UT) Buchanan Davidson Huizenga Mullin ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Banks (IN) Blackburn Buck Sanford

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:48 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.034 H24MYPT1 H4526 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 Bucshon Hill Reed Jones Meeks Schakowsky Franks (AZ) Long Ross Budd Holding Reichert Kaptur Meng Schiff Frelinghuysen Love Rothfus Burgess Hollingsworth Renacci Keating Moore Schneider Gaetz Lucas Rouzer Byrne Hudson Rice (SC) Kelly (IL) Moulton Schrader Gallagher Luetkemeyer Royce (CA) Calvert Huizenga Roby Kennedy Murphy (FL) Scott (VA) Gibbs MacArthur Russell Carter (GA) Hultgren Roe (TN) Khanna Nadler Scott, David Gohmert Marchant Rutherford Carter (TX) Hunter Rogers (AL) Kihuen Napolitano Serrano Goodlatte Marino Sanford Chabot Hurd Rogers (KY) Kildee Neal Sewell (AL) Gosar Marshall Scalise Chaffetz Issa Rohrabacher Kilmer Nolan Shea-Porter Gottheimer Massie Schweikert Cheney Jenkins (KS) Rokita Kind Norcross Sherman Gowdy Mast Scott, Austin Krishnamoorthi O’Halleran Sinema Coffman Jenkins (WV) Rooney, Francis Granger McCarthy Sensenbrenner Kuster (NH) O’Rourke Sires Cole Johnson (LA) Rooney, Thomas Graves (GA) McCaul Sessions Collins (GA) Johnson (OH) Langevin Pallone Slaughter Graves (MO) McClintock J. Shimkus Collins (NY) Jordan Larsen (WA) Panetta Smith (WA) Griffith McHenry Ros-Lehtinen Shuster Comer Joyce (OH) Larson (CT) Pascrell Soto Grothman McKinley Roskam Simpson Comstock Katko Ross Lawrence Payne Speier Guthrie McMorris Conaway Kelly (MS) Lawson (FL) Pelosi Suozzi Harper Rodgers Sinema Rothfus Smith (MO) Cook Kelly (PA) Rouzer Lee Perlmutter Takano Harris Meadows Costa King (IA) Levin Peters Thompson (CA) Hartzler Meehan Smith (NE) Royce (CA) Smith (NJ) Costello (PA) King (NY) Russell Lewis (GA) Peterson Thompson (MS) Hensarling Messer Smith (TX) Cramer Kinzinger Rutherford Lieu, Ted Pingree Titus Herrera Beutler Mitchell Smucker Crawford Knight Sanford Lipinski Pocan Tonko Hice, Jody B. Moolenaar Stefanik Culberson Kustoff (TN) Scalise Loebsack Polis Torres Higgins (LA) Mooney (WV) Lofgren Stewart Curbelo (FL) Labrador Schweikert Price (NC) Tsongas Hill Mullin Lowenthal Quigley Vargas Stivers Davidson LaHood Scott, Austin Holding Murphy (PA) Lowey Raskin Veasey Davis, Rodney LaMalfa Sensenbrenner Hudson Noem Taylor Lujan Grisham, Rice (NY) Vela Denham Lamborn Sessions Huizenga Nunes Tenney Dent Lance M. Richmond Visclosky Hultgren Shimkus O’Halleran Thompson (PA) DeSantis Latta Luja´ n, Ben Ray Rosen Walz Hunter Olson Shuster Thornberry DesJarlais Lewis (MN) Lynch Roybal-Allard Wasserman Hurd Palazzo Simpson Tiberi Diaz-Balart LoBiondo Maloney, Sean Ruiz Schultz Issa Palmer Smith (MO) Tipton Donovan Long Matsui Ruppersberger Waters, Maxine Jenkins (KS) Paulsen Smith (NE) Trott Duffy Love McCollum Rush Watson Coleman Jenkins (WV) Pearce Smith (NJ) Turner Duncan (SC) Lucas McEachin Ryan (OH) Welch Johnson (LA) Perry Smith (TX) Upton Duncan (TN) Luetkemeyer McGovern Sa´ nchez Wilson (FL) Johnson (OH) Peterson Smucker Valadao Dunn MacArthur McNerney Sarbanes Yarmuth Jones Pittenger Stefanik Wagner Emmer Marchant Jordan Poe (TX) Stewart Walberg Estes (KS) Marino NOT VOTING—11 Joyce (OH) Poliquin Stivers Walden Farenthold Marshall Bishop (GA) Johnson, Sam McSally Katko Posey Taylor Walker Faso Massie Black Loudermilk Newhouse Kelly (MS) Ratcliffe Tenney Walorski Ferguson Mast Cummings Maloney, Swalwell (CA) Kelly (PA) Reed Thompson (PA) Walters, Mimi Fitzpatrick McCarthy Graves (LA) Carolyn B. Vela´ zquez Kind Reichert Fleischmann McCaul Thornberry King (IA) Renacci Weber (TX) Flores McClintock Tiberi ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE King (NY) Rice (SC) Webster (FL) Fortenberry McHenry Tipton The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Kinzinger Roby Wenstrup Trott Westerman Foxx McKinley the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Knight Roe (TN) Franks (AZ) McMorris Turner Kustoff (TN) Rogers (AL) Williams Frelinghuysen Rodgers Upton ing. Labrador Rogers (KY) Wilson (SC) Gaetz Meadows Valadao LaHood Rohrabacher Wittman Gallagher Meehan Wagner b 1339 LaMalfa Rokita Womack Garrett Messer Walberg Lamborn Rooney, Francis Woodall Gibbs Mitchell Walden So the previous question was ordered. Lance Rooney, Thomas Yoder Gohmert Moolenaar Walker The result of the vote was announced Latta J. Yoho Goodlatte Mooney (WV) Walorski Lawson (FL) Ros-Lehtinen Young (AK) Gosar Mullin Walters, Mimi as above recorded. Lewis (MN) Rosen Young (IA) Gowdy Murphy (PA) Weber (TX) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The LoBiondo Roskam Zeldin Granger Noem Webster (FL) question is on the resolution. Graves (GA) Nunes Wenstrup The question was taken; and the NAYS—179 Graves (MO) Olson Westerman Griffith Palazzo Williams Speaker pro tempore announced that Adams DeFazio Kaptur Grothman Palmer Wilson (SC) the ayes appeared to have it. Aguilar DeGette Keating Barraga´ n Delaney Kelly (IL) Guthrie Paulsen Wittman Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, on Harper Pearce Womack Bass DeLauro Kennedy Harris Perry Woodall that I demand the yeas and nays. Beatty DelBene Khanna Hartzler Pittenger Yoder The yeas and nays were ordered. Bera Demings Kihuen Hensarling Poe (TX) Yoho Beyer DeSaulnier Kildee The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Bishop (GA) Deutch Kilmer Herrera Beutler Poliquin Young (AK) 5-minute vote. Hice, Jody B. Posey Young (IA) Blumenauer Dingell Krishnamoorthi Higgins (LA) Ratcliffe Zeldin The vote was taken by electronic de- Blunt Rochester Doggett Kuster (NH) vice, and there were—yeas 239, nays Bonamici Doyle, Michael Langevin NAYS—188 Boyle, Brendan F. Larsen (WA) 179, not voting 12, as follows: F. Ellison Larson (CT) Adams Clay Eshoo [Roll No. 276] Brady (PA) Engel Lawrence Aguilar Cleaver Espaillat Brown (MD) Eshoo Lee Barraga´ n Clyburn Esty (CT) YEAS—239 Brownley (CA) Espaillat Levin Bass Cohen Evans Abraham Buchanan Crist Bustos Esty (CT) Lewis (GA) Beatty Connolly Foster Aderholt Buck Culberson Butterfield Evans Lieu, Ted Bera Conyers Frankel (FL) Allen Bucshon Curbelo (FL) Capuano Foster Lipinski Beyer Cooper Fudge Amash Budd Davidson Carbajal Frankel (FL) Loebsack Blumenauer Correa Gabbard Amodei Burgess Davis, Rodney Ca´ rdenas Fudge Lofgren Blunt Rochester Courtney Gallego Arrington Byrne Denham Carson (IN) Gabbard Lowenthal Bonamici Crist Garamendi Babin Calvert Dent Cartwright Gallego Lowey Boyle, Brendan Crowley Gonzalez (TX) Bacon Carter (GA) DeSantis Castor (FL) Garamendi Lujan Grisham, F. Cuellar Gottheimer Banks (IN) Carter (TX) DesJarlais Castro (TX) Gonzalez (TX) M. Brady (PA) Davis (CA) Green, Al Barletta Chabot Diaz-Balart Chu, Judy Green, Al Luja´ n, Ben Ray Brown (MD) Davis, Danny Green, Gene Barr Chaffetz Donovan Cicilline Green, Gene Lynch Brownley (CA) DeFazio Grijalva Barton Cheney Duffy Clark (MA) Grijalva Maloney, Sean Bustos DeGette Gutie´rrez Bergman Coffman Duncan (SC) Clarke (NY) Gutie´rrez Matsui Butterfield Delaney Hanabusa Biggs Cole Duncan (TN) Clay Hanabusa McCollum Capuano DeLauro Hastings Bilirakis Collins (GA) Dunn Cleaver Hastings McEachin Carbajal DelBene Heck Bishop (MI) Collins (NY) Emmer Clyburn Heck McGovern Ca´ rdenas Demings Higgins (NY) Bishop (UT) Comer Estes (KS) Cohen Higgins (NY) McNerney Carson (IN) DeSaulnier Himes Blackburn Comstock Farenthold Connolly Himes Meeks Cartwright Deutch Hoyer Blum Conaway Faso Conyers Hoyer Meng Castor (FL) Dingell Huffman Bost Cook Ferguson Cooper Huffman Moore Castro (TX) Doggett Jackson Lee Brady (TX) Correa Fitzpatrick Courtney Jackson Lee Moulton Chu, Judy Doyle, Michael Jayapal Brat Costa Fleischmann Crowley Jayapal Murphy (FL) Cicilline F. Jeffries Bridenstine Costello (PA) Flores Cuellar Jeffries Nadler Clark (MA) Ellison Johnson (GA) Brooks (AL) Cramer Fortenberry Davis (CA) Johnson (GA) Napolitano Clarke (NY) Engel Johnson, E. B. Brooks (IN) Crawford Foxx Davis, Danny Johnson, E. B. Neal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:56 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.010 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4527 Nolan Ruppersberger Suozzi Castor (FL) Griffith McClintock Sewell (AL) Thompson (CA) Walz Norcross Rush Takano Castro (TX) Grijalva McCollum Shea-Porter Thompson (MS) Wasserman O’Rourke Ryan (OH) Thompson (CA) Chabot Grothman McGovern Sherman Thompson (PA) Schultz Pallone Sa´ nchez Thompson (MS) Chaffetz Guthrie McHenry Shimkus Thornberry Waters, Maxine Panetta Sarbanes Titus Cheney Gutie´rrez McKinley Shuster Tiberi Watson Coleman Pascrell Schakowsky Tonko Chu, Judy Hanabusa McMorris Simpson Tipton Weber (TX) Payne Schiff Torres Cicilline Harper Rodgers Sinema Titus Webster (FL) Pelosi Schneider Tsongas Clark (MA) Harris McNerney Sires Tonko Welch Perlmutter Schrader Vargas Slaughter Torres Clarke (NY) Hartzler Meadows Wenstrup Peters Scott (VA) Veasey Smith (MO) Trott Clay Hastings Meehan Westerman Pingree Scott, David Vela Cleaver Heck Meeks Smith (NE) Tsongas Williams Pocan Serrano Visclosky Clyburn Hensarling Meng Smith (NJ) Turner Wilson (FL) Polis Sewell (AL) Walz Coffman Herrera Beutler Messer Smith (TX) Upton Wilson (SC) Price (NC) Shea-Porter Wasserman Cohen Hice, Jody B. Mitchell Smith (WA) Valadao Wittman Quigley Sherman Schultz Cole Higgins (LA) Moolenaar Smucker Vargas Raskin Sires Waters, Maxine Collins (GA) Higgins (NY) Mooney (WV) Soto Veasey Womack Rice (NY) Slaughter Watson Coleman Collins (NY) Hill Moore Speier Vela Woodall Richmond Smith (WA) Welch Comer Himes Moulton Stefanik Visclosky Yarmuth Roybal-Allard Soto Wilson (FL) Comstock Holding Mullin Stewart Wagner Yoder Ruiz Speier Yarmuth Conaway Hollingsworth Murphy (FL) Stivers Walberg Yoho Suozzi Walden Young (AK) NOT VOTING—12 Connolly Hoyer Murphy (PA) Conyers Hudson Nadler Takano Walker Young (IA) Black Johnson, Sam Newhouse Cook Huffman Napolitano Taylor Walorski Zeldin Cummings Loudermilk Swalwell (CA) Cooper Huizenga Neal Tenney Walters, Mimi Garrett Maloney, ´ Velazquez Correa Hultgren Noem NOT VOTING—12 Graves (LA) Carolyn B. Costa Hunter Nolan Hollingsworth McSally Costello (PA) Hurd Norcross Black Loudermilk Newhouse Courtney Issa Nunes Cummings Maloney, Swalwell (CA) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Cramer Jackson Lee O’Halleran Dunn Carolyn B. Vela´ zquez The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Crawford Jayapal O’Rourke Graves (LA) McEachin the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Crist Jeffries Olson Johnson, Sam McSally Crowley Jenkins (KS) Palazzo ing. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Cuellar Jenkins (WV) Pallone Culberson Johnson (GA) Palmer The SPEAKER pro tempore (during b 1346 Curbelo (FL) Johnson (LA) Panetta the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- So the resolution was agreed to. Davidson Johnson (OH) Pascrell ing. The result of the vote was announced Davis (CA) Johnson, E. B. Paulsen Davis, Danny Jones Payne 1353 as above recorded. Davis, Rodney Jordan Pearce b A motion to reconsider was laid on DeFazio Joyce (OH) Pelosi Mrs. DEMINGS changed her vote the table. DeGette Kaptur Perlmutter from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Delaney Katko Perry Stated for: DeLauro Keating Peters So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- DelBene Kelly (IL) Peterson tive) the rules were suspended and the ably detained. Had I been present, I would Demings Kelly (MS) Pingree bill was passed. have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 276. Denham Kelly (PA) Pittenger Dent Kennedy Pocan The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. f DeSantis Khanna Poe (TX) DeSaulnier Kihuen Poliquin A motion to reconsider is laid on the DesJarlais Kildee Polis table. PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF INDI- Deutch Kilmer Posey VIDUALS AGAINST TECHNO- Diaz-Balart Kind Price (NC) f LOGICAL EXPLOITATION ACT Dingell King (IA) Quigley Doggett King (NY) Raskin VA SCHEDULING ACCOUNTABILITY The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Donovan Kinzinger Ratcliffe finished business is the vote on the mo- Doyle, Michael Knight Reed ACT tion to suspend the rules and pass the F. Krishnamoorthi Reichert The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Duffy Kuster (NH) Renacci bill (H.R. 2052) to amend the Uniform Duncan (SC) Kustoff (TN) Rice (NY) finished business is the vote on the mo- Code of Military Justice to prohibit the Duncan (TN) Labrador Rice (SC) tion to suspend the rules and pass the wrongful broadcast or distribution of Ellison LaHood Richmond bill (H.R. 467) to direct the Secretary of Emmer LaMalfa Roby intimate visual images, on which the Engel Lamborn Roe (TN) Veterans Affairs to ensure that each yeas and nays were ordered. Eshoo Lance Rogers (AL) medical facility of the Department of The Clerk read the title of the bill. Espaillat Langevin Rogers (KY) Veterans Affairs complies with require- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Estes (KS) Larsen (WA) Rohrabacher ments relating to scheduling veterans Esty (CT) Larson (CT) Rokita question is on the motion offered by Evans Latta Rooney, Francis for health care appointments, to im- the gentlewoman from Arizona (Ms. Farenthold Lawrence Rooney, Thomas prove the uniform application of direc- MCSALLY) that the House suspend the Faso Lawson (FL) J. tives of the Department, and for other Ferguson Lee Ros-Lehtinen rules and pass the bill. Fitzpatrick Levin Rosen purposes, on which the yeas and nays This is a 5-minute vote. Fleischmann Lewis (GA) Roskam were ordered. The vote was taken by electronic de- Flores Lewis (MN) Ross The Clerk read the title of the bill. vice, and there were—yeas 418, nays 0, Fortenberry Lieu, Ted Rothfus The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Foster Lipinski Rouzer not voting 12, as follows: Foxx LoBiondo Roybal-Allard question is on the motion offered by [Roll No. 277] Frankel (FL) Loebsack Royce (CA) the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Franks (AZ) Lofgren Ruiz ROE) that the House suspend the rules YEAS—418 Frelinghuysen Long Ruppersberger Abraham Beyer Brooks (IN) Fudge Love Rush and pass the bill. Adams Biggs Brown (MD) Gabbard Lowenthal Russell This is a 5-minute vote. Aderholt Bilirakis Brownley (CA) Gaetz Lowey Rutherford The vote was taken by electronic de- Aguilar Bishop (GA) Buchanan Gallagher Lucas Ryan (OH) vice, and there were—yeas 419, nays 0, Allen Bishop (MI) Buck Gallego Luetkemeyer Sa´ nchez Amash Bishop (UT) Bucshon Garamendi Lujan Grisham, Sanford not voting 11, as follows: Amodei Blackburn Budd Garrett M. Sarbanes [Roll No. 278] Arrington Blum Burgess Gibbs Luja´ n, Ben Ray Scalise Babin Blumenauer Bustos Gohmert Lynch Schakowsky YEAS—419 Bacon Blunt Rochester Butterfield Gonzalez (TX) MacArthur Schiff Abraham Banks (IN) Biggs Banks (IN) Bonamici Byrne Goodlatte Maloney, Sean Schneider Adams Barletta Bilirakis Barletta Bost Calvert Gosar Marchant Schrader Aderholt Barr Bishop (GA) Barr Boyle, Brendan Capuano Gottheimer Marino Schweikert Aguilar Barraga´ n Bishop (MI) Barraga´ n F. Carbajal Gowdy Marshall Scott (VA) Allen Barton Bishop (UT) Barton Brady (PA) Ca´ rdenas Granger Massie Scott, Austin Amash Bass Blackburn Bass Brady (TX) Carson (IN) Graves (GA) Mast Scott, David Amodei Beatty Blum Beatty Brat Carter (GA) Graves (MO) Matsui Sensenbrenner Arrington Bera Blumenauer Bera Bridenstine Carter (TX) Green, Al McCarthy Serrano Babin Bergman Blunt Rochester Bergman Brooks (AL) Cartwright Green, Gene McCaul Sessions Bacon Beyer Bonamici

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:56 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.011 H24MYPT1 H4528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 Bost Fleischmann Lewis (GA) Rosen Simpson Vargas REQUIRING AN ANNUAL REPORT Boyle, Brendan Flores Lewis (MN) Roskam Sinema Veasey TO CONGRESS RELATING TO THE F. Fortenberry Lieu, Ted Ross Sires Vela Brady (PA) Foster Lipinski Rothfus Slaughter Visclosky USE OF OFFICIAL TIME BY FED- Brady (TX) Foxx LoBiondo Rouzer Smith (MO) Wagner ERAL EMPLOYEES Roybal-Allard Smith (NE) Brat Frankel (FL) Loebsack Walberg Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I move to Bridenstine Franks (AZ) Lofgren Royce (CA) Smith (NJ) Walden Brooks (AL) Frelinghuysen Long Ruiz Smith (TX) Walker suspend the rules and pass the bill Brooks (IN) Fudge Love Ruppersberger Smith (WA) Walorski (H.R. 1293) to amend title 5, United Brown (MD) Gabbard Lowenthal Rush Smucker Walters, Mimi States Code, to require that the Office Russell Soto Brownley (CA) Gaetz Lowey Walz Rutherford Speier of Personnel Management submit an Buchanan Gallagher Lucas Wasserman Ryan (OH) Stefanik annual report to Congress relating to Buck Gallego Luetkemeyer Schultz Sa´ nchez Stewart Bucshon Garamendi Lujan Grisham, Waters, Maxine the use of official time by Federal em- Sanford Stivers Budd Garrett M. Watson Coleman ployees, as amended. ´ Sarbanes Suozzi Burgess Gibbs Lujan, Ben Ray Weber (TX) The Clerk read the title of the bill. Bustos Gohmert Lynch Scalise Takano Schakowsky Taylor Webster (FL) The text of the bill is as follows: Butterfield Gonzalez (TX) MacArthur Welch Schiff Tenney H.R. 1293 Byrne Goodlatte Maloney, Sean Wenstrup Calvert Gosar Marchant Schneider Thompson (CA) Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Schrader Thompson (MS) Westerman Capuano Gottheimer Marino Williams resentatives of the United States of America in Carbajal Marshall Schweikert Thompson (PA) Gowdy Wilson (FL) Congress assembled, Ca´ rdenas Granger Massie Scott (VA) Thornberry Wilson (SC) Carson (IN) Graves (GA) Mast Scott, Austin Tiberi SECTION 1. REPORTING REQUIREMENT. Wittman Carter (GA) Graves (MO) Matsui Scott, David Tipton (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7131 of title 5, Womack Carter (TX) Green, Al McCarthy Sensenbrenner Titus United States Code, is amended by adding at the Woodall Cartwright Green, Gene McCaul Serrano Tonko end the following: Yarmuth Castor (FL) Griffith McClintock Sessions Torres ‘‘(e)(1)(A) Not later than March 31 of each Yoder Castro (TX) Grijalva McCollum Sewell (AL) Trott Yoho calendar year, the Office of Personnel Manage- Chabot Grothman McEachin Shea-Porter Tsongas Young (AK) ment, in consultation with the Office of Man- Chaffetz Guthrie McGovern Sherman Turner Shimkus Upton Young (IA) agement and Budget, shall submit to each House Cheney Gutie´rrez McHenry Shuster Valadao Zeldin of Congress a report on the operation of this sec- Chu, Judy McKinley Hanabusa tion during the fiscal year last ending before the Cicilline Harper McMorris NOT VOTING—11 Clark (MA) Harris Rodgers start of such calendar year. Clarke (NY) Hartzler McNerney Black Johnson, Sam McSally ‘‘(B) Not later than December 31 of each cal- Clay Hastings Meadows Cummings Loudermilk Newhouse endar year, each agency (as defined by section Cleaver Heck Meehan DesJarlais Maloney, Swalwell (CA) 7103(a)(3)) shall furnish to the Office of Per- ´ Clyburn Hensarling Meeks Graves (LA) Carolyn B. Velazquez sonnel Management the information which such Coffman Herrera Beutler Meng Office requires, with respect to such agency, for Cohen Hice, Jody B. Messer b 1400 purposes of the report which is next due under Cole Higgins (LA) Mitchell So (two-thirds being in the affirma- subparagraph (A). Collins (GA) Higgins (NY) Moolenaar tive) the rules were suspended and the ‘‘(2) Each report by the Office of Personnel Collins (NY) Hill Mooney (WV) Management under this subsection shall in- Comer Himes Moore bill was passed. clude, with respect to the fiscal year described Comstock Holding Moulton The result of the vote was announced Conaway Hollingsworth Mullin in paragraph (1)(A), at least the following infor- Connolly Hoyer Murphy (FL) as above recorded. mation: Conyers Hudson Murphy (PA) A motion to reconsider was laid on ‘‘(A) The total amount of official time granted Cook Huffman Nadler the table. to employees. Cooper Huizenga Napolitano ‘‘(B) The average amount of official time ex- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Correa Hultgren Neal pended per bargaining unit employee. Costa Hunter Noem Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I ‘‘(C) The specific types of activities or pur- Costello (PA) Hurd Nolan was absent from votes today on account of poses for which official time was granted, and Courtney Issa Norcross the impact which the granting of such official Cramer Jackson Lee Nunes traveling with the Vice President on official Crawford Jayapal O’Halleran business to Louisiana. Had I been present, I time for such activities or purposes had on agen- Crist Jeffries O’Rourke would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on Roll Call No. 274, cy operations. ‘‘(D) The total number of employees to whom Crowley Jenkins (KS) Olson ‘‘yea’’ on Roll Call No. 275, ‘‘yea’’ on Roll Call Cuellar Jenkins (WV) Palazzo official time was granted, and, of that total, the Culberson Johnson (GA) Pallone No. 276, ‘‘yea’’ on Roll Call No. 277, and number who were not engaged in any activities Curbelo (FL) Johnson (LA) Palmer ‘‘yea’’ on Roll Call No. 278. or purposes except activities or purposes involv- Davidson Johnson (OH) Panetta ing the use of official time. Davis (CA) Johnson, E. B. Pascrell f ‘‘(E) The total amount of compensation (in- Davis, Danny Jones Paulsen cluding fringe benefits) afforded to employees in Davis, Rodney Jordan Payne MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE DeFazio Joyce (OH) Pearce connection with activities or purposes for which DeGette Kaptur Pelosi A message from the Senate by Ms. they were granted official time. Delaney Katko Perlmutter Curtis, one of its clerks, announced ‘‘(F) The total amount of official time spent DeLauro Keating Perry that the Senate has passed without by employees representing Federal employees DelBene Kelly (IL) Peters amendment a bill of the House of the who are not union members in matters author- Demings Kelly (MS) Peterson ized by this chapter. Denham Kelly (PA) Pingree following title: ‘‘(G) A description of any room or space des- Dent Kennedy Pittenger H.R. 375. An act to designate the Federal ignated at the agency (or its subcomponent) DeSantis Khanna Pocan building and United States courthouse lo- DeSaulnier Kihuen Poe (TX) where official time activities will be conducted, Deutch Kildee Poliquin cated at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Ten- including the square footage of any such room Diaz-Balart Kilmer Polis nessee, as the ‘‘Fred D. Thompson Federal or space. Dingell Kind Posey Building and United States Courthouse’’. ‘‘(3) All information included in a report by Doggett King (IA) Price (NC) the Office of Personnel Management under this Donovan King (NY) Quigley f subsection with respect to a fiscal year— Doyle, Michael Kinzinger Raskin ‘‘(A) shall be shown both agency-by-agency F. Knight Ratcliffe ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER and for all agencies; and Duffy Krishnamoorthi Reed PRO TEMPORE ‘‘(B) shall be accompanied by the cor- Duncan (SC) Kuster (NH) Reichert responding information (submitted by the Office Duncan (TN) Kustoff (TN) Renacci The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. in its report under this subsection) for the fiscal Dunn Labrador Rice (NY) DUNCAN of South Carolina). Pursuant Ellison LaHood Rice (SC) year before the fiscal year to which such report Emmer LaMalfa Richmond to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair will pertains, together with appropriate comparisons Engel Lamborn Roby postpone further proceedings today on and analyses. Eshoo Lance Roe (TN) motions to suspend the rules on which ‘‘(4) For purposes of this subsection, the term Espaillat Langevin Rogers (AL) ‘official time’ means any period of time, regard- Estes (KS) Larsen (WA) Rogers (KY) a recorded vote or the yeas and nays are ordered, or on which the vote in- less of agency nomenclature— Esty (CT) Larson (CT) Rohrabacher ‘‘(A) which may be granted to an employee Evans Latta Rokita curs objection under clause 6 of rule under this chapter (including a collective bar- Farenthold Lawrence Rooney, Francis XX. Faso Lawson (FL) Rooney, Thomas gaining agreement entered into under this chap- Ferguson Lee J. The House will resume proceedings ter) to perform representational or consultative Fitzpatrick Levin Ros-Lehtinen on postponed questions at a later time. functions; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.014 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4529 ‘‘(B) during which the employee would other- The current lack of stringent report- sage I have just heard, I can no longer wise be in a duty status.’’. ing requirements, as well as the broad support this bill. I can no longer urge (b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendment made by interpretation of the statute’s sole re- my colleagues to support this bill, and subsection (a) shall be effective beginning with we will, in fact, urge a negative vote on the report which, under the provisions of such quirement that official time be carried amendment, is first required to be submitted by out in a way that is reasonable, nec- this bill. the Office of Personnel Management to each essary, and in the public interest, have I reserve the balance of my time. House of Congress by a date which occurs at clearly opened the door to abuse. Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I might just least 6 months after the date of the enactment of The Committee on Oversight and suggest to my good friend from Vir- this Act. Government Reform identified several ginia that this is a reporting bill, that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- cases where employees on official time this is the same bill, as amended by ant to the rule, the gentleman from engaged in all sorts of inappropriate their amendment, that was passed out Florida (Mr. ROSS) and the gentleman activities while on taxpayer-funded of committee overwhelmingly, that I from Virginia (Mr. CONNOLLY) each will time, including everything from leisure believe the gentleman from Virginia control 20 minutes. to criminal activities. With greater voted for. So there has not been any The Chair recognizes the gentleman transparency, employees will be less change. It is still a transparency re- from Florida. likely to abuse the system, which will porting bill to make sure that we ac- GENERAL LEAVE result in less waste of taxpayer dollars. count for all the time spent in official Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- It is by far time we require agencies time on the taxpayer dime. That is it. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 mous consent that all Members may to provide this information to Congress minutes to the gentleman from Geor- have 5 legislative days in which to re- and to the public. Taxpayers deserve clear, reliable data on how many em- gia (Mr. JODY B. HICE). vise and extend their remarks and in- Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. ployees are performing union work on clude extraneous material on the bill Speaker, I thank the gentleman from official time in lieu of their regularly under consideration. Florida for yielding this time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there assigned government duties. I agree with this great reporting bill. To accomplish this, H.R. 1293 re- objection to the request of the gen- The American people have a right to at quires agencies to provide more de- tleman from Florida? least have a reasonable expectation There was no objection. tailed information to OPM regarding that the Federal Government knows Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- what their employees are doing related what its employees are doing. Unfortu- self such time as I may consume. to official time. Specifically, the bill nately, we all know that doesn’t al- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support requires agencies to report the total ways happen, particularly when it of my bill, H.R. 1293, to amend title 5 of amount of official time granted to em- comes to the practice of official time. the United States Code to require the ployees, the average amount of time It is amazing to me how little informa- Office of Personnel Management to each employee spends on official time, tion there is, particularly as it relates submit an annual report to Congress the specific types of activities for to the reporting aspect, as to what is relating to the use of official time by which official time was granted, and happening under official time. Federal employees. the impact official time had on agency For those who don’t know what it is, Mr. Speaker, I am here today to talk operations. Mr. ROSS mentioned it well. Estab- about a bill that would provide tax- H.R. 1293 requires agencies to report lished under the Carter administration, payers with greater transparency of of- the amount of compensation employees official time allows Federal employee ficial time. ‘‘Official time’’ is that received in connection with the time union members to conduct union ac- term that describes when Federal em- they spent on activities in connection tivities during their work-hours of the ployees do union work on the tax- with official time. agency for which they were hired even payers’ dime. Finally, the bill requires agencies to if the union activity has nothing to do The only standard provided by the report a description of rooms and with their job description. Surpris- statute authorizing official time is spaces agencies use to conduct official ingly, the Federal agencies are not re- that the employees perform union time. quired to report to Congress the work on official time in a manner that H.R. 1293 will provide taxpayers with amount of time that employees are is ‘‘reasonable, necessary, and in the the transparency they deserve when it spending conducting union business. public interest.’’ Currently, Federal comes to official time. Some of my colleagues may disagree law does not require agencies to report, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to about the value of official time. I get annually, on the amount of official support this bill, and I reserve the bal- that. The gentleman from Virginia and time their employees perform. ance of my time. I see differently on this. I certainly op- Until March of this year, the Office Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield pose the abuse of official time, so we of Personnel Management had not re- myself such time as I may consume. see differently on this. ported on official time since fiscal year I must say, Mr. Speaker, I originally But I think we can all agree that the 2012. When the report was released in rose in support of what I thought was a American people at least have the March, the data was out of date, con- simple reporting bill. In listening to right to know the extent to which offi- taining information from fiscal year my friend from Florida, this is part and cial time is being used. So, although we 2014. parcel of the negative narrative that is may disagree somewhat on policy, I While the Office of Personnel Man- sent in all too frequently on the other think we can certainly find common agement may request that agencies side of the aisle about hardworking ground to promote accountability and provide data related to official time, civil servants and Federal employees. transparency within the Federal Gov- OPM does not have any set of stand- They are not all somehow committing ernment. ards or procedures prescribing the col- crime on official time. Official time, in As Mr. ROSS mentioned a while ago, lection of official time data. Consid- fact, has been used to the benefit of the the OPM has come out with a study: 3.5 ering the burden that official time puts workforce and to the benefit of man- million work-hours spent on official on the taxpayer, more stringent report- agement. time. That is a lot if it was just dol- ing is necessary. If this bill, H.R. 1293, is nothing but a lars, but when you take 3.5 million The latest data provided by OPM precursor to further encroachment on work-hours multiplied by dollars in- shows that taxpayers paid $162 million the rights of Federal workers, then I volved, this is a significant issue that for salary and benefits related to work will oppose this bill, and I will urge my needs to be addressed. done in official time in fiscal year 2014, Members on this side of the aisle to op- This bill, H.R. 1293, grants the OPM up from $157 million 2 years earlier in pose this bill because, by voting for it, the ability to get necessary informa- fiscal year 2012. we are enabling something much worse tion from Federal agencies so that we Agencies reported that bargaining to follow and have this thrown in our have a more comprehensive under- unit employees spent a total of 3.5 mil- faces. standing of the official time usage. lion hours performing representational So, Mr. Speaker, I regret that, under Currently, there are no standards for activities on official time. the circumstances, and with the mes- OPM to find that kind of information.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.018 H24MYPT1 H4530 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 So this bill does not eliminate, nor b 1415 There is no prohibition of time being does it restrict, official time usage; it Mr. Speaker, this seemingly vanilla spent. There is no restriction of time simply shines light on the practice. bill, is going to be followed by the real being spent. It is merely a reporting Again, I believe we can find common bills that my colleagues are after. They bill. It is requiring reporting. It is ground that the American people de- are parallel bills. They essentially something the OPM has done before. It serve to know how their tax dollars are eliminate official time to represent was started under President Carter’s spent. workers. administration. This is common sense. It is good gov- Now, why is official time important? Mr. Speaker, I inquire of my good ernance. It is a bill that I believe we They are important for the operation friend if there is anything that has should all be able to get behind. I am of the Federal Government itself. And changed to make his opposition now pleased to support this bill. I am hon- why is that? Because there are always come to the floor? Mr. CONNOLLY. Will the gentleman ored and pleased to do so in the House going to be disputes and contention be- yield? Oversight and Government Reform tween management and labor. Official Committee. I urge all our colleagues to Mr. ROSS. I yield to the gentleman takes away time that would otherwise from Virginia. support it now. be wasted and allows the parties to go Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, my Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I to the table and work matters out. thank my friend because I am going to friend from Florida is my friend and he The SPEAKER pro tempore. The knows I respect him, but when you give run out of time. I must say to my time of the gentlewoman has expired. friend, my prepared remarks were de- an opening statement on a bill that Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield goes far beyond a reporting require- signed to support this bill. an additional 1 minute to the gentle- Mr. ROSS. And I appreciate that. ment that we thought we were sup- woman from the District of Columbia. porting and you use the occasion to Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I must Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, these two say, the gentleman from Florida, who disparage Federal workers and to char- bills are a frontal attack on official acterize them in a decidedly negative is an honorable man and a friend, and time, but they actually stab federal we have collaborated, but his own way as if that somehow really de- employees in the back. One bill would scribed the average civil servant and words transformed what this really make it virtually impossible for union was. They persuaded us that by voting what they are up to, then on this side members to volunteer their time unless of the aisle, we take exception. Then it for this, we are not voting for a report- they wanted to give up parts of their ing bill. That is just the beginning. is no longer a simple reporting bill; it retirement benefits. is a precursor of bad things to come, My friend from Florida is the one What kind of quid pro quo is that? who characterized criminal activity on and we are not going to be party to it. What do you want to do next? Reduce We are not going to enable that. That official time, and unsavory things pay if a union rep uses official time? going on on official time, and allows is why, reluctantly, I must now oppose The next bill designates employees this bill and urge my Democratic col- that to dangle out there as if that who cannot represent other employees. characterizes Federal employees gen- leagues and those on the other side of This bill looks like something you the aisle who want to protect Federal erally. would expect from countries where I say to any friend—and I thank him employees and honor them and give there is no right to organize. them the dignity and respect they de- for yielding—that has transformed our This bill reduces the amount of dues perception of this bill. This is no longer serve also to oppose this bill. unions can collect, even though they Mr. Speaker, I now am pleased to a simple reporting bill—although tech- are collecting dues on their own time nically that is what it is. It is a pre- yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman and not official time. This is a brazen from the District of Columbia (Ms. cursor, apparently, to an assault of attempt to eliminate the fair-share fee, NORTON), my dear friend. Federal employees—and on official non-union workers pay for being rep- Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank time, specifically—and we cannot be my good friend from Virginia for yield- resented equally with union members, partners to that. We cannot be enablers ing to me. and allow free riders to be served free to that. You haven’t heard any discussion of of charge. This is the beginning of an Mr. Speaker, therefore, we must op- abuse of official time because there is out-and-out assault on the freedom of pose this bill, in light of the context no record of abuse of official time. My workers to organize. my friend from Florida himself said. colleagues on the other side simply Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming want to get rid of official time, as they self such time as I may consume. I my time, while I understand where my have wanted to do for decades. want to be clear here, because I want colleague from Virginia is taking my A little background: Federal employ- to make sure that we are talking about comments from, I must submit that at ees have no right to strike, as they do the same bill. no time did I allege that the Federal in the private sector. In return, This bill doesn’t do anything about employees, all Federal employees, are though, the time-honored right to or- union dues. This bill doesn’t do any- committing crimes on official time. ganize and represent employees in thing other than require the trans- I think just the opposite. A vast ma- their official capacity on matters re- parency of reporting official time. And jority of our Federal employees are lating to the workplace has always I would be delighted to engage my good probably some of the best workforce been in place under Republicans and friend from Virginia, whom I have a that we have out there. I think that, in Democrats alike. great deal of respect for, and I have any workforce, you are going to have Remember, there is also no require- worked very diligently on this com- some people that don’t live up to the ment to join a union in the first place; mittee with for some time, and inquire standards of their employment. So yet unions must represent all workers, as to what transpired since this bill what I merely do in my opening state- regardless of their membership or not. left committee until today that would ment is to say that there has been a The bill on the House floor, H.R. 1293, cause him and others who were sup- need for transparency that includes the is unnecessary. Official time reports portive of it in committee to now say abuse of time by some, not by all. are already required. This is a redun- that it is not? Again, the vast majority of Federal dant bill. I don’t mean to misrepresent any- employees are exceptional employees, If my friend is worried that these re- thing. While I might have opinions of hardworking, and absolutely necessary ports haven’t been timely, as he im- what I believe, I can tell you factually to run this great country. plied then he can do that administra- that this bill is merely, and solely, and Mr. Speaker, I ask my good friend tively or do it in this bill. The reason exclusively a reporting bill. If I were from Virginia to please reconsider, and he doesn’t do it in this bill is this bill managing a company and I wanted to I reserve the balance of my time. is a cover. It is a cover for two pending know where my resources were, I would Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I am bills which are already out of com- want to make sure I managed those re- certainly gratified for the clarification mittee. I expect them on the floor any sources—including my human re- of my friend. minute now, although, notice the se- sources—so I would like to know where It now gives me great pleasure to quence. the time of my employees is spent. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.047 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4531 Massachusetts (Mr. LYNCH), my good The SPEAKER pro tempore. The like they are in an environment that is friend and a senior member of the time of the gentleman has expired. not safe for them, official time is ex- Oversight and Government Reform Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield tremely necessary. Committee. an additional 1 minute to my friend What happens in official time? It al- Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank from Massachusetts. lows a lot of grievances to be processed the gentleman from Virginia for yield- Mr. LYNCH. It jeopardized the safety and resolved through communication ing, and I join him in opposition to this of our postal workforce and customers, between union and management. bill. as well as the free flow of information There have been several legislative While originally my remarks would and commerce that the constitutional reform proposals introduced to address have been much kinder to the bill, and responsibility of the United States the way union representatives are al- I may have considered supporting it, I Postal Service requires. lowed to utilize official time. did not consider it favorably in com- But rather than refusing to go to Now, I was taken back when my col- mittee. I know we had a voice vote on work in a dangerous workplace, by the league said ‘‘criminal activities.’’ Mr. that. But in light of the unfortunate use of official time, the management of Speaker, criminal activity is some- remarks that imply that there was ille- the United States Postal Service, and thing that is in a whole different gal activity going on by Federal em- the union representatives of the United venue. If you are a Federal employee ployees, and that is why we need this States Postal Service sat down and and you create an illegal activity, you bill that is before us right now, I do worked out a measure where the union do not need official time to do that. I have to agree with the ranking mem- agreed to send their workers in, the have never known, in the time that I ber, the gentleman from Virginia, that mail kept running to every home and served in HR, in labor relations, and this bill is, indeed, a part of the van- business in America, but the postal served in all of the different capacities, guard of legislation to severely restrict workers absorbed that danger on their have I seen someone doing criminal ac- and eliminate the use of official time. own because they knew that steps were tivity on official time. Under the bipartisan Civil Service being taken to keep them and their It would be a different thing if we Reform Act of 1978, a Federal employ- families—because the threat was that were clear that this bill was about re- ees who serves as a union steward or anthrax would get on their clothes and porting the time, which I would not op- union representative may be granted they would bring that back to their pose. But when you present this sce- official time to perform activities own homes. We worked that out. nario about official time, as it being that—and this is the important stand- That agreement would not have been something that is negative, something ard that is in the bill—the gentleman worked out but for the use of official that is being used in a criminal capac- from Georgia indicated that we need time—and a lot of official time that ity, that is totally something I would this bill because there is no standard. The standard in the Civil Service Re- was used in that crisis. That is the re- be opposed to. form Act requires a number of things: sponsibility that those union rep- Let me tell you some examples of It requires both labor and management resentatives had to the workers. They what representatives can use it for: If to agree on the use of official time, and have to guarantee a safe workplace for there is a whistleblower accusation, an that official time be ‘‘reasonable, nec- those workers, and that is why we employee would go to their union stew- essary, and in the public interest.’’ should vote against this bill. This is a ard and ask for official time. That is the standard today, and every wolf in sheep’s clothing, and we ought If it was a grievance on behalf of the single Federal workplace—manage- to vote this down. employee, they can use it. ment and labor—have to agree that the Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The use of official time is reasonable, that self such time as I may consume. If I time of the gentlewoman has expired. it is necessary, and that it is in the might just, again, clarify for the Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield public interest. That is a great stand- record, this is a reporting bill. It is a an additional 30 seconds to the gentle- ard, and that is what has been going on transparency bill. The standard that woman from Michigan. so far. my good friend from Massachusetts Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, While there are those who seek to discusses, and that I agreed with, is not union representatives can also assist if curb or repeal the statutory right and affected at all by this bill. it is an OSHA issue, if it is racial dis- may claim that it amounts to misuse I would have no doubt whatsoever crimination, or sexual harassment. of government resources, let me offer that in similar circumstances that hap- Instead of allowing employees to you another concrete example of why pened after 9/11 in those post offices, complete nonpolitical activities, some official time is critical to the Federal that those same employees, regardless of my colleagues seem more interested workplace and serves the interests of of the risk, would do exactly what they in preventing employees from doing the American people and taxpayer. did, because that is how valuable they their jobs by using official time. In the wake of the devastating ter- are to the system. That is how valuable Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleague to rorist attacks on September 11, 2001, they are to this country. defeat senseless attacks against Fed- the Nation also endured a series of an- What I can’t understand is what has eral employees’ official time. thrax attacks perpetuated through the transpired between voting this out of Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, might I in- United States mail system against committee to today that has changed quire how much time is remaining? media offices in Florida, New York, the opinion. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- and also Federal offices here in the Na- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tleman from Florida has 91⁄2 minutes tion’s Capital. The affected facilities my time. remaining. The gentleman from Vir- included the Brentwood Mail Proc- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield ginia has 81⁄2 minutes remaining. essing and Distribution Center here in 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the D.C., that is now named after two dedi- Michigan (Mrs. LAWRENCE), my dear balance of my time. cated postal employees, Thomas Morris friend. Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield and Joseph Curseen, who lost their Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from lives to anthrax exposure at that facil- thank Congressman CONNOLLY. New Jersey (Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN), ity. I rise today coming in saying I would my friend. This is immediately after September support this bill. Many people know I Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. 11. They were postal workers. They served 30 years as a Federal employee Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the died of inhalation of anthrax poisoning working in HR, understanding labor re- opportunity to discuss this bill, and I because of the jobs they were doing on lations, safety issues, environmental want to thank the colleague from behalf of this country. The risk of fur- issues, diversity issues, and knowing across the aisle here who has illumi- ther anthrax attacks threatened the clear well that the official time that is nated the future as it relates to under- safety of our postal workforce. I had allotted to employees to sit down with taking this whole issue. two sisters with young children at the their representative of the union to It is with that in mind that I want to time working at the post office, and I talk about if they feel like they are speak to the value of the use of official knew of this well. being sexually harassed, if they feel time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.048 H24MYPT1 H4532 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 b 1430 of abuse or misuse of official time—and tical nurses. Union representatives While I am not concerned so much when it is used the way it has been used official time to improve working about the collection of the information used, it helps our Federal agencies help conditions and cut the turnover rate in as to what is happening, I am con- the American people. It helps these half. Less turnover means better care cerned with how it is being translated agencies function well. for veterans. and will be used in the future. I hope that we can reject whatever is I warn my colleagues against this bill For decades, both Republicans and coming down the pipeline. I was cau- and future misguided legislation to un- Democrats alike have strongly sup- tiously optimistic when I came to sup- dermine official time and the function ported the use of official time because port this bill that these other efforts of our Federal agencies. it streamlines the efficiency and qual- that seem to be underway were maybe Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield ity of government. We should be thank- being put to bed, but now I am con- myself the balance of my time. In attempting to summarize, Mr. ing our union representatives who use cerned that there is an agenda coming. Speaker, I do want to reiterate that official time to address workplace So we will just have to see how it goes. I want to reiterate my strong support my friend from Florida is an honorable problems and operational issues within for the use of official time the way it is man. When he says this is about one our government. thing, I believe him. Perhaps in the in- Within our Federal Government, offi- used by our Federal employees, which troduction to this bill there was a cial time leads to swift conflict resolu- is in a very positive fashion, and I urge my colleagues on the other side to pro- characterization that was not in- tions that would otherwise require tect official time and all of its benefits. tended, and I accept that explanation. costly litigation, improves the rela- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I agree Federal workers are hardworking tionship between labor and manage- with my friend from Maryland. Official civil servants. They serve the Amer- ment, and protects whistleblowers who time is a very useful tool in the Fed- ican people. I know my friend from have exposed government waste and eral workplace, both for management Florida agrees. The overwhelming ma- abuse. In some cases, it has even saved and for labor, and has proved its worth jority of them are dedicated. They lives, as in the issue of AFGE local over the years. seize a mission every day, whether it president Kathleen Dahl, when there Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the be at the VA, the Social Security Ad- was a breakout of Legionnaires’ dis- gentleman from California (Mr. ministration, or our Nation’s parks. ease. TAKANO). They are dedicated to the proposition Furthermore, official time costs one- Mr. TAKANO. I thank the gentleman that they are there to serve the Amer- tenth of 1 percent of the cost of sala- for yielding. ican people. It is important to honor ries and benefits for all Federal em- Mr. Speaker, I had intended to sup- their service, to respect their service, ployees. That is a fraction of employee port H.R. 1293, but after hearing the re- to not allow even the inference to be compensation. Ultimately, it saves tax- marks from the chairman on the floor drawn that a negative example some- payers dollars and ensures trans- this morning, I am afraid that this bill how could be construed as char- parency. is just a precursor for what the major- acteristic of the whole, for that is So while we may be discussing today ity will try to do to our dedicated Fed- false. simply a bill that will record the time eral employees. That is the narrative we Democrats that is spent in such a noble and im- The sentiments expressed by the and, hopefully, a number of Repub- portant function, it is simply a pre- chairman are in line with the legisla- licans want to change, because it is not cursor to the disparaging of union tion that appeared before the Veterans’ true. We want to honor those civil workers and Federal workers as we Affairs Committee just this past week, servants. move forward. Mr. Speaker, I oppose legislation that would have under- All too often, our civil servants have any movement in that direction. mined the use of official time for em- become pin cushions. Again, I know my Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield ployees at the VA. So there are attacks friend from Florida does not intend 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mary- happening in other parts of the House. that, but there are others who have in- land (Mr. SARBANES). The committee marked up H.R. 1461, tended that. That sparks something, Mr. SARBANES. I thank the gen- the misnamed VET Protection Act. certainly, on this side of the aisle and tleman for yielding. This bill would limit the amount of with this Member, who represents a lot Mr. Speaker, I came to the floor time VA employees can use for official of Federal employees and cherishes today expecting to support H.R. 1293, time to improve working conditions for their service. For us, it is a very per- which has to do with the reporting of themselves and for their colleagues sonal matter. official time, but based on the negative and, in turn, improve services for vet- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance commentary we are getting generally erans. of my time. about official time and the knock We considered this bill, despite the Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- against Federal employees we have fact we didn’t have clear data on the self the balance of my time. heard here today, I am anxious now impact of the bill on the VA’s HR capa- I appreciate the comments from my about supporting this bill because it bility. I realize this bill we are consid- friend from Virginia, and I will reit- appears that what is happening is our ering on the floor today is about that erate my comments made earlier here colleagues on the other side are setting data, but the spirit in which it is being on this floor that we are very grateful the table for bringing other legislation moved forward is not about trying to for the Federal workforce that we do eventually to the floor that is actually illuminate how official time has helped have and that they are, by far, one of going to attack and undermine official our veterans. the best human resources in employ- time. There are 49,386 vacant positions at ment in the world. We are grateful for My colleague earlier referred to a the VA. Rolling back the use of official their service. wolf in sheep’s clothing represented by time will only increase the demands on As in any case, there might be some this bill. You can look at it as the cam- the VA’s human resources staff, mak- bad ones, but, more importantly, all el’s nose under the tent. Whatever it is, ing it harder to fill positions and re- this bill requests is that we just report I am worried now that the agenda here cruit and retain quality providers. the transparency of their services and is to undermine official time. Official time benefits our veterans. official time. It is neither an indict- Let’s remind ourselves of the various In Pittsburgh, as was mentioned before ment nor restriction on Federal time benefits of official time. It helps to re- by my colleague from New Jersey, an whatsoever, and, in fact, can be used as solve workplace disputes, which is real- AFGE president used official time to a tool for Federal employees to justify ly important. It helps to improve effi- press the VA to address a Legionnaires’ some of the official time they are doing ciency within the workplace. It is what disease outbreak that killed 6 veterans for the benefit of not only their col- leads to negotiating positive agree- and made 16 others sick. Her actions leagues, but also this great country. ments between labor and management. helped save veterans’ lives, and she Mr. Speaker, I would again request It is how official time, when it is used used official time to do it. that Members of this House support my wisely—and there is no evidence that it At the Phoenix VA there was a 29 bill, and I yield back the balance of my is not used wisely; there is no evidence percent turnover rate for licensed prac- time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.051 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4533 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The is necessary, and the rationale for such de- cial Security account number by mail, question is on the motion offered by termination. unless the head of the entity deems it the gentleman from Florida (Mr. ROSS) (4) For any other report that is not the necessary. that the House suspend the rules and first or final report submitted, an update on The 24 major CFO Act agencies will the implementation of the plan described pass the bill, H.R. 1293, as amended. under paragraph (2). also have to issue regulations speci- The question was taken; and (two- (d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: fying the circumstances under which thirds being in the affirmative) the (1) AGENCY.—The term ‘‘agency’’ has the inclusion of a Social Security number rules were suspended and the bill, as meaning given that term in section 551 of is deemed necessary. They will have to amended, was passed. title 5, United States Code, but includes an ensure numbers are redacted partially, A motion to reconsider was laid on establishment in the legislative or judicial where feasible, and to ensure no num- the table. branch of the Government (except the Sen- bers are visible from the outside of a ate, the House of Representatives, and the mail piece. f Architect of the Capitol, and any activities Finally, agencies will be required to SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER FRAUD under the direction of the Architect of the report to Congress on their progress in PREVENTION ACT OF 2017 Capitol). (2) CFO ACT AGENCY.—The term ‘‘CFO Act implementing the requirements of the Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I move to agency’’ means the agencies listed in para- law. suspend the rules and pass the bill graphs (1) and (2) of section 901(b) of title 31, Mr. Speaker, this bill is very impor- (H.R. 624) to restrict the inclusion of United States Code. tant. The Social Security Administra- social security account numbers on (e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (a) shall tion alone sends 223 million notices documents sent by mail by the Federal apply with respect to any document sent by containing a full Social Security num- Government, and for other purposes, as mail on or after the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. ber every year. We must take care to amended. properly safeguard the personally iden- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The Clerk read the title of the bill. tifiable information of American citi- ant to the rule, the gentleman from The text of the bill is as follows: zens. The consequences of failure can Florida (Mr. ROSS) and the gentleman H.R. 624 be dire. from Virginia (Mr. CONNOLLY) each will Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- In 2015, the Office of Personnel Man- control 20 minutes. resentatives of the United States of America in agement experienced a major data The Chair recognizes the gentleman Congress assembled, breach where the personally identifi- from Florida. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. able information for 22 million Ameri- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Social Secu- GENERAL LEAVE cans was compromised. rity Number Fraud Prevention Act of 2017’’. Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- The Oversight Committee majority SEC. 2. RESTRICTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY NUM- mous consent that all Members may staff report recommended Federal BERS ON DOCUMENTS SENT BY have 5 legislative days in which to re- MAIL. agencies reduce the collection of Social vise and extend their remarks and in- (a) RESTRICTION.—An agency may not in- Security numbers and other personally clude the social security account number of clude extraneous material on the bill identifiable information. an individual on any document sent by mail under consideration. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a step in the unless the head of the agency determines The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there right direction. I urge my colleagues to that the inclusion of the social security ac- objection to the request of the gen- support this bill, and I reserve the bal- count number on the document is necessary. tleman from Florida? ance of my time. (b) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 5 years There was no objection. after the date of the enactment of this Act, Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- myself such time as I may consume. the head of each CFO Act agency shall issue self such time as I may consume. regulations specifying the circumstances Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support under which inclusion of a social security ac- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 624, the Social Security Number count number on a document sent by mail is of H.R. 624, the Social Security Number Fraud Prevention Act of 2017, as necessary. Such regulations shall include— Fraud Prevention Act of 2017, intro- amended. (1) instructions for the partial redaction of duced by my good friend from Cali- Introduced by our colleague, Mr. social security account numbers where fea- fornia, Representative DAVID VALADAO. VALADAO from California, this bill is a sible; and I want to start by thanking Chair- commonsense step to addressing an (2) a requirement that social security ac- man BRADY and Subcommittee Chair- count numbers not be visible on the outside enormously growing problem of iden- man JOHNSON from the Ways and of any package sent by mail. tity theft and protecting the personal (c) REPORT.—Not later than 30 days after Means Committee for their assistance information of every American. the date of the enactment of this Act, and in getting this bill to the floor. Their Each year, 18 million Americans be- not later than the first, second, third, fourth, work on addressing the unnecessary come victims of identity theft. That is and fifth-year anniversary of such date of en- use of Social Security numbers is well 18 million. A leading cause of this prob- actment, the head of each CFO Act agency appreciated by all Americans across lem is the unauthorized acquisition of shall submit to the Committee on Ways and the country and especially Members in Means and the Committee on Oversight and Social Security numbers by criminals. this body. H.R. 624 would address this issue by Government Reform of the House of Rep- Mr. Speaker, we live in an inter- resentatives, the Committee on Finance and restricting the instances in which the Committee on Homeland Security and connected world. Personal identifiers, agencies may include the full Social Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and any such as Social Security numbers, are Security numbers on documents sent other appropriate authorizing committees of used for much more than just Social through the mail. The bill would pro- the House of Representatives and the Senate, Security benefits. Social Security hibit agencies from including those a report on the implementation of subsection numbers are widely used to receive numbers on mailed correspondence un- (a) that includes the following: government services and to apply for (1) The title and identification number of less the head of an agency himself or services in the private sector, like herself determines that inclusion is ab- any document used by the CFO Act agency opening bank accounts, credit cards, during the previous year that includes the solutely essential. complete social security account number of and even applying for college. Agencies would be required to issue an individual. The extent to which Social Security regulations delineating the situations (2) For the first report submitted, a plan numbers are a de facto national identi- in which Social Security numbers are that describes how the CFO Act agency will fier has heightened concerns about necessary, and would be instructed to comply with the requirements of subsection identity theft. In the wrong hands, a partially redact numbers wherever fea- (a). stolen Social Security number can be sible. (3) For the final report submitted, the title used for devastating effects. and identification number of each document This bill helps move the government b 1445 used by the CFO Act agency for which the head of the agency has determined, in ac- closer to the goal of minimizing unnec- Agencies would also be expressly pro- cordance with regulations issued pursuant to essary use of Social Security numbers. hibited from making Social Security subsection (b), that the inclusion of a social All entities in the Federal Government numbers visible on the outside of any security account number on such document will be prohibited from sending a So- mailed packages.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.053 H24MYPT1 H4534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 In recent years, many agencies have In today’s digital age, we hear more information across a whole host of taken steps to reduce their use of So- and more about the importance of pro- agencies, systems, and databases in cial Security numbers, and this bill tecting our identity. Identity theft is this age of the internet. would simply codify some of those one of the fastest growing crimes in Criminals can use stolen Social Secu- practices agencies have already adopt- the United States. It threatens the fi- rity numbers to file fraudulent tax re- ed. For instance, the Social Security nancial security of millions of Ameri- turns, obtain loans, and commit other Administration itself no longer prints cans as well as the economic stability kinds of crimes. An estimated 13 mil- Social Security numbers on its annual of the United States as a whole. In lion Americans experienced financial cost-of-living adjustment notices or fact, every 2 seconds, another Amer- identity theft in 2014 alone, resulting benefit checks, and the Centers for ican becomes the victim of identity in over $16 billion—with a B—$16 bil- Medicare and Medicaid Services is in fraud. Even worse, these crimes tend to lion lost to fraud. the process of removing Social Secu- impact vulnerable populations, such as In 2007, to combat these issues, there rity numbers from the Medicare cards children, the elderly, and veterans, the was an Identity Theft Task Force that issued to beneficiaries. most. made recommendations to the adminis- These steps are critical to ensuring Despite these alarming statistics, tration on ways to eliminate the un- that the Federal Government ade- there is a high prevalence of needlessly necessary collection, use, and display— quately safeguards the personally iden- printed Social Security numbers on the display, which this legislation at- tifiable information of individuals and documents issued by the Federal Gov- tempts to address—of Social Security does everything it can to protect ernment. My legislation puts an end to numbers. Americans from identity theft. this unacceptable practice and limits Yesterday, the Government Account- Although this bill helps provide a lot when the Federal Government can mail ability Office released testimony on of protection, reducing the threat of documents that contain an individual’s these efforts by the Federal Govern- identity theft by removing Social Se- full Social Security number. ment to reduce the collection, use, and curity numbers from mailed items is Social Security was established to display of Social Security numbers. In not always as easy as it seems. Many provide older Americans financial secu- conclusion, the GAO testified that, agencies confront high costs when re- rity during their retirement years, not until the Office of Management and programming outdated legacy informa- to jeopardize that security by neg- Budget adopts more effective practices tion technology systems to allow mail- ligently handling someone’s personal for guiding agency Social Security ings to be printed differently. information. number reduction efforts, overall gov- Agencies across the Federal Govern- My bill, the Social Security Number ernmentwide reduction will likely re- ment have been reluctant to retire Fraud Prevention Act, would prevent main limited and difficult to measure, those legacy IT systems because of the Federal Government from mailing and the risk of Social Security num- funding constraints that limit IT in- documents that contain full Social Se- bers being exposed and used to commit vestments, slow modernization, and curity numbers unless absolutely nec- identity theft will remain greater than force agencies to defer needed IT up- essary. This requires Federal agencies it need be. Again, this legislation at- grades in favor of some more pressing, to partially redact Social Security tempts to help address that. urgent problems. numbers on the documents whenever The Social Security Number Fraud I would be remiss if I did not mention possible. Prevention Act would enact measures the important responsibility Congress Please join me in supporting this to help protect American citizens, es- has to fund these IT modernization ef- commonsense legislation that will help pecially children, veterans, and senior forts as it considers this bill. all Americans avoid falling victim to citizens, from identity theft and fraud. Mr. Speaker, the Social Security one of the fastest growing crimes in It does so by reducing the number of Number Fraud Prevention Act is a the United States. mailed documents the Federal Govern- good, bipartisan bill that is necessary Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield ment sends to individuals that include to protect the American public. I urge 3 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- full Social Security numbers. my colleagues to support its passage, fornia (Mr. COSTA). The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the time of the gentleman has expired. Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such gentleman from Virginia for yielding, Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield time as he may consume to the gen- and I also want to take this time to the gentleman from California an addi- tleman from California (Mr. VALADAO), thank the gentleman from Florida and tional 1 minute. who is the author of this bill. my colleague and good friend, Con- Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise gressman VALADAO, for the introduc- gentleman from Virginia. today in strong support of my bill, H.R. tion of this legislation, H.R. 624, which In addition, it also takes steps to en- 624, the Social Security Number Fraud I support. sure that, if inclusion is necessary, the Prevention Act, legislation to protect Mr. Speaker, as we know, identity number is not visible from the outside Americans—especially children, vet- theft throughout the country is a very of a mailing. I think, probably, many erans, and the elderly—from identity significant problem. It becomes even of us have received mail that, in fact, theft. more compounded in this day of the had our Social Security number there Not long ago, I was approached by a internet when we have to deal with a and identified. constituent in my district who showed whole host of issues that make the As I said at the outset, this is no sil- me a letter she had received from the ability to steal one’s identity even ver bullet to stopping identity theft; it Social Security Administration. The more easily done. This measure at- is a commonsense measure to reducing document she showed me contained the tempts to try to address a part of that it. full Social Security number, name, and challenge by dealing with the issue of Social Security, as we all know, is a address clearly printed. Social Security numbers. promise made to those who have Upon further investigation, we found We all know Social Security numbers worked hard throughout their lives to that the Social Security Administra- are key information used to identify contribute to the system, to contribute tion had also printed postcards which ourselves, and we know that if they fall to the American way of life. It also contained the full Social Security into the wrong hands, they can be used provides those seniors who are living number of the intended recipient clear- to commit identity theft. on their Social Security the ability to ly visible on the exterior of the mail- I think all of us remember when, at have dignity and additional security ing. Even more concerning, the prac- some point in our age, we got our So- during their golden years. As a result, tice of printing Social Security num- cial Security number and we memo- Congress must do what it can to reduce bers on government documents is not rized it, and it is something that is the strains on the program, particu- exclusive to the Social Security Ad- very important in our society today. larly from fraud and theft. ministration, but occurs throughout But many thieves find these numbers For all of those reasons, I support every department of the Federal Gov- are incredibly valuable because they this legislation, and I support Con- ernment. are a link that can connect a person’s gressman VALADAO’s efforts and my

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.055 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4535 good friends from Florida and Virginia Committee, and we have heard testi- preside over the Committee of the for bringing this commonsense meas- mony about this crime as it has grown Whole. ure to the floor. exponentially over the last 5 or 6 years. b 1500 Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 It is my hope that U.S. attorneys all minutes to the gentleman from Illinois across America will put more emphasis IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS). on this crime and use their resources Accordingly, the House resolved Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. to go after people who are predators of itself into the Committee of the Whole Speaker, I thank my colleague from American taxpayers, especially many House on the state of the Union for the Florida, and I thank my colleague from of our seniors who rely on these checks consideration of the bill (H.R. 953) to Virginia for supporting this piece of or these rebates to augment and sup- amend the Federal Insecticide, Fun- legislation put forth by our friend and plement their income. So there are vic- gicide, and Rodenticide Act and the colleague from California, Congress- tims of this crime, and they are the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to man DAVID VALADAO. American taxpayer. clarify Congressional intent regarding The Social Security Number Fraud I think it is an important first step. the regulation of the use of pesticides Prevention Act is a bill that should I support the legislation, and I urge my in or near navigable waters, and for gain unanimous support in this institu- colleagues to support it as well. other purposes, with Mr. DUNCAN of tion. According to the Justice Depart- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance South Carolina in the chair. ment, identity theft affects nearly 18 of my time. The Clerk read the title of the bill. million people, costing more than $15 Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the billion in 2014 alone. This represents self the balance of my time. bill is considered read the first time. roughly 7 percent of all Americans age Mr. Speaker, we here have an obliga- The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. GIBBS) 16 or older. In my home State of Illi- tion to provide for the common de- and the gentlewoman from California nois alone, in 2014, it was recognized fense, and I would submit, Mr. Speaker, (Mrs. NAPOLITANO) each will control 30 that the FTC saw a 65 percent increase that includes that we provide to defend minutes. in identity theft. More than 14 percent our citizenry from such crimes as iden- The Chair recognizes the gentleman of the victims are elderly. tity theft. This bill is a step in the from Ohio. We all know that Social Security right direction. Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, I yield myself numbers are the link to a key piece of I want to thank my good friend from as much time as I may consume. information criminals use to steal peo- Virginia (Mr. CONNOLLY) for his efforts. Today we are considering H.R. 953, ple’s identities. This commonsense I want to thank Mr. VALADAO from the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act piece of legislation takes a very impor- California for sponsoring this bill. of 2017, introduced to clarify congres- tant step to ensure that our Federal This is a bipartisan measure that will sional intent regarding pesticide use in agencies, our government, funded by allow us to address the concerns of or near navigable waters. the hardworking taxpayers of this modern-day crimes of identity and of The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, country, are not making this problem modern-day crimes of privacy. It is a and Rodenticide Act, otherwise known even worse. bill that moves in the right direction. as FIFRA, is the appropriate Federal This bill, as you have heard today, While it is not the panacea, it is a good statute to govern safety and the use of would restrict the use of Social Secu- first step to protecting our citizenry. pesticides. rity numbers on documents sent via Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption by my FIFRA first passed in 1910, 62 years mail by the Federal Government unless colleagues, and I yield back the bal- before the Clean Water Act was passed. the head of a department or agency de- ance of my time. In 2009, the Sixth Circuit Court deci- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The termines the inclusion of such number sion, the National Cotton Council v. question is on the motion offered by is necessary—which I can’t think of a EPA, changed how this all works. For the gentleman from Florida (Mr. ROSS) single instance where that would be years before the Clean Water Act, pes- that the House suspend the rules and necessary, but I guess we have to put ticide use was regulated by the EPA pass the bill, H.R. 624, as amended. under FIFRA. Under FIFRA, the EPA that in there anyway. This seems like The question was taken; and (two- a no-brainer, but we in this institution regulates and approves pesticides for thirds being in the affirmative) the safe use under the label, and they have have to pass a bill to make sure that it rules were suspended and the bill, as happens, which is why I am a proud co- full jurisdiction under FIFRA. amended, was passed. The EPA previously ruled that using sponsor of this bill. The title of the bill was amended so pesticides under FIFRA-approved use I want to thank Congressman as to read: ‘‘A bill to restrict the inclu- does not require a National Pollutant VALADAO again. I also want to thank sion of social security account numbers Discharge Elimination System, other- Congress’ newest father, our colleague on Federal documents sent by mail, wise known as NPDES, permit under from California, ERIC SWALWELL, for and for other purposes.’’. the Clean Water Act. being a cosponsor of this legislation, A motion to reconsider was laid on Because of this court decision in 2009, too. This bill will have a real impact on the table. reducing identity theft in this country, those who have been safely applying f and I want to commend, once again, ev- products to control pest populations erybody on the floor today for their REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS now must comply with additional support. ACT OF 2017 NPDES permitting. Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield GENERAL LEAVE Some of my colleagues across the myself the balance of my time. Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- aisle have called this Groundhog Day Mr. Speaker, I think this is an impor- mous consent that all Members may in the past. I agree. Time after time, tant piece of legislation. This is one of have 5 legislative days within which to they have supported increasing the reg- the fastest growing crimes in our coun- revise and extend their remarks and in- ulations just for regulation’s sake. try: the diversion of Social Security clude extraneous materials. They are even willing to risk public checks and rebates. It is almost with- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. health and outbreaks of Zika and West out any kind of corrective action. YOHO). Is there objection to the request Nile virus. There are few prosecutions and even of the gentleman from Ohio? The Sixth Circuit Court decision ig- fewer convictions. So, if you are a There was no objection. nored the congressional intent when criminal and you are looking for some- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the FIFRA and the Clean Water Act thing that is relatively cost-free for ant to House Resolution 348 and rule were passed. The court ignored sensible you, this is the way to do it. XVIII, the Chair declares the House in agency interpretation, it ignored years This bill would provide some impor- the Committee of the Whole House on of regulatory precedent, it expanded tant protections to the American pub- the state of the Union for the consider- the clean water jurisdiction beyond the lic. I would hope that we build on this. ation of the bill, H.R. 953. scope set by Congress and over areas My friend from Florida and I serve on The Chair appoints the gentleman already appropriately regulated. The the Oversight and Government Reform from South Carolina (Mr. DUNCAN) to court decision placed burden on the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:34 Aug 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\H24MY7.REC H24MY7 H4536 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 EPA, requiring a new and expanded The 2012 West Nile outbreak is proof tion; the National Farmers Union; the NPDES permitting process for products NPDES permits and association costs National Association of State Depart- already regulated. are hindering the ability to protect the ments of Agriculture; the National As- The EPA says there are about 365,000 public. sociation of Wheat Growers; National pesticide applicators affected by this In 2012, the first year of the permit- Corn Growers Association; and United ruling. They would include State agen- ting requirement from the court case, Fresh Produce Association. Those are cies, cities and counties, mosquito con- West Nile cases jumped from 712 cases just a few groups representing thou- trol districts, water districts, pesticide to almost to over 5,600 cases. That is sands of Americans who depend on applicators, farmers and ranchers, for- nearly an 800 percent increase because commonsense EPA regulations for est managers, scientists, and even ev- of the unnecessary permit require- their livelihood. eryday citizens or homeowners. ments. Mr. Chair, I include in the RECORD— The EPA estimates $50 million in pa- The States and communities affected and I want to talk about it here for a perwork to comply alone every year by West Nile had to wait until after a minute—I have a letter from former with this new regulation. Federal, public health emergency was declared. Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack. In State, and local agencies are forced to Only then could relief from the NPDES 2009, he was Secretary of Agriculture in spend taxpayer dollars in permitting, permit be approved. Only after the the Obama administration. When this paperwork, and compliance. Private West Nile had spread could local agen- court case happened, he sent out a let- applicators, like farmers and ranchers, cies use lifesaving pesticides to kill ter to Lisa Jackson, the Administrator also face increased costs. This adds mosquitoes carrying the virus. Keep in of the United States Environmental compliance costs, adds permitting mind, when the local entity, munici- Protection Agency. In his letter, he costs, and it adds time and hurts pro- pality, declares an emergency, they urges the EPA to consider the signifi- ductivity and efficiency. It does not don’t need to get a permit. They can cant adverse effect of the Sixth Circuit add any new environmental protec- spray. I like to say it is after the fact Court’s 2009 decision, the National Cot- tions. when the mosquitoes are out of con- ton Council and EPA will have on This bad court decision affecting the trol, then we do aerial spraying. Maybe American farmers and USDA agencies. budgetary decisions from local agen- we could have prevented it with surface He said in the letter: cies, I will give you some examples spraying and be less harm to the envi- ‘‘By broadening the Act’s reach, the here: the Benton County, Washington, ronment. We shouldn’t have to wait court burdens American agriculture Mosquito Control District preserves 20 until it becomes an emergency. with a newly minted NPDES permit re- percent of its annual budget in case it H.R. 953 gets rid of the unnecessary quirement. . . .’’ is sued under the Clean Water Act. I red tape so communities can prevent ‘‘The Sixth Circuit’s decision encum- think it is important to mention when outbreaks of diseases like Zika and bers the American farmers’ and the the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, West Nile. agencies’ ability to do business, while it was set up with severe penalties to Cities that need to conduct the rou- reaping little or no environmental ben- go after the polluters we had—I like to tine preventative mosquito abatement efit in exchange.’’ say the polluters of the 1960s—to clean should not have to do it with one hand I want to repeat that. The Secretary up our waters, that we had severe prob- tied behind their back. H.R. 953 pro- of Agriculture in the Obama adminis- lems. And when it did that, it also vides a narrow, limited exception from tration said that this court case has opened it up for citizens’ lawsuits and NPDES permit requirements for those little environmental benefit, and it opens up the door for more litigation. pesticides already approved under hampers American farmers to do their The Benton County, Washington, FIFRA law and used in compliance job to produce the most wholesome, Mosquito Control District, $37,000 in under the label which is approved by safe, affordable food in the world. permit costs and paperwork they have ‘‘Subjecting FIFRA-compliant pes- spent. Benton County could have treat- the EPA. I think this is an important point to ticides to the additional regulatory re- ed almost 2,600 acres for mosquito keep in mind: EPA already regulates gime’’—he goes on to say—‘‘of the CWA abatement or 400 lab tests for West is duplicative and will not help protect Nile virus, or paid for three seasonal these pesticides and approves them under FIFRA. It goes through rigorous the environment.’’ workers. Mr. Chair, I include in the RECORD In Gem County, Idaho, the Mosquito testing and reporting requirements, and they set the label and make the de- this letter, dated March 6, 2009, from Abatement District’s staff spends 3 Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack and weeks a year tabulating and docu- termination. They approve how it is going to be used. If it is a restricted his opposition to the court case and, in menting seasonal pesticide applica- his opinion, what this bill does. tions related to permit oversight. pesticide, they can also put more re- California vector control districts strictions on the applicators and who DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, have estimated that it costs them $3 the applicators are. Therefore, removing this redundant Washington, DC, March 6, 2009. million to conduct administration of Hon. LISA P. JACKSON, the NPDES permits. They also have to NPDES permit is appropriate because Administrator, U.S. Environment Protection spend 20 percent of their annual oper- the EPA already has full control and Agency, ating budget just to maintain the com- can handle the situation like they did Washington, DC. puter software related to the unneces- for over 60 years before this court case. Subject: The National Cotton Council of sary NPDES permit. The EPA has assisted in drafting America, et al., v. United States Envi- As a result of this court ruling, mos- H.R. 953, which does not roll back any ronmental Protection Agency, Nos. 06– quito districts, State and local agen- environmental protections. It fixes the 4630; 07–3180/3181/3182/3183/3184/3185/3186/ cies, are now vulnerable to frivolous regulatory problem caused by the 3187/3191/3236 (6th Cir. Jan. 7, 2009). lawsuits for things like simple paper- Sixth Circuit Court’s decision and DEAR MS. JACKSON: The United States maintains the EPA’s jurisdiction Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit re- work violations under the Clean Water cently invalidated the Environmental Pro- Act. Fines for these paperwork viola- through FIFRA. tection Agency’s (EPA’s) Final Rule enti- tions, which obviously don’t have any Similar legislation has passed the tled, ‘‘Application of Pesticides to Waters of affect on the environment, can be as House every Congress since the court’s the United States in Compliance With much as $50,000 a day. decision, and I look forward to passing FIFRA.’’ 71 Fed. Reg. 68,483 (Nov. 27, 2006) For example, the Gem County, Idaho, it again today, and then passing it in (Final Rule). A petition for rehearing or for Mosquito Abatement District was the Senate and have the President sign rehearing en bane before the Sixth Circuit is forced to spend $450,000 to resolve a it into law. due on April 9, 2009. I would very much ap- lawsuit. A list of organizations—this is a preciate your taking into consideration the In my home State of Ohio, the Mos- snapshot of the many organizations be- significant adverse effect that the court’s de- cision will have on American farmers, as quito Control District for Toledo is cause I don’t have enough time to list well as on U.S. Department of Agriculture currently embroiled in a citizen’s law- all the organizations, but the American (USDA) agencies, and therefore request that suit from a simple paperwork viola- Mosquito Control Association supports you seek further review of this decision by tion. it; the American Farm Bureau Federa- the Sixth Circuit.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.061 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4537 In its Final Rule, the EPA reasonably in- National Forests from pest infestation and FIFRA’s comprehensive regulatory require- terpreted the term ‘‘pollutant’’ in the Clean could potentially increase the risk and sever- ments including substantial enforcement Water Act (CWA) as generally excluding pes- ity of wildfires. It could also significantly mechanisms in pursuit of that goal. ticides that are applied in compliance with hamper aerial spraying programs such as However, a 2009 activist-inspired lawsuit the relevant requirements of the Federal In- APHIS’s Mormon Cricket and Grasshopper resulted in a federal court decision identi- secticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Program, undertaken in cooperation with fying a technicality in the law that Congress (FIFRA). The Final Rule established that western states. Additionally, research pro- had not properly clarified its intent that the application of pesticides in compliance grams involving both the conventional and FIFRA should have preeminence over the with FIFRA would not require a National the experimental applications of pesticides Clean Water Act (CWA). This decision re- Pollutant Discharge Elimination System undertaken by the Agricultural Research sulted in pesticide users being required to (NPDES) permit when they are applied di- Service (ARS) also will be detrimentally af- obtain a CWA National Pollutant Discharge rectly into waters of the United States in fected by the panel’s decision. The time-con- Elimination System (NPDES) permit. These order to control pests, or when they are ap- suming and costly process of negotiating the permits were originally created to address plied to control pests that are present over NPDES permit application process will di- the discharge of waste by major industrial waters of the United States, including near minish the efficiency with which the ARS polluters, but now are mandated for mos- those waters, when a portion of the pes- will be able to undertake its initiatives, and quito control districts and others who are ticides unavoidably will be deposited into may, in some instances, curtail the agency’s applying pesticides approved by EPA for use the water in order to target the pests effec- projects entirely. in the environment for their beneficial pur- tively. The EPA specifically concluded that The Sixth Circuit’s decision encumbers the poses of trying to prevent or control the the terms ‘‘chemical wastes’’ and ‘‘biological American farmers’ and the agencies’ ability spread of public health disease in the U.S. materials’’ in the CWA’s definition of pollut- to do business, while reaping little or no en- Though the NPDES permit burden lacks ants do not encompass the types of pesticide vironmental benefit in exchange. Subjecting any additional environmental benefit under applications addressed in the Final Rule. 71 FIFRA-compliant pesticides to the addi- these circumstances, it does force substan- Fed. Reg. 68,486. tional regulatory regime of the CWA is du- tial costs on thousands of small application The Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit plicative and will not help protect the envi- businesses and farms, as well as the munic- concluded that the Final Rule was contrary ronment. FIFRA mandates that the EPA ap- ipal, county, state and federal agencies re- to the plain language of the CWA. Although prove and issue a registration for a pesticide sponsible for protecting natural resources the court agreed with the EPA that chemical product only after the EPA has determined and public health. Further, and most men- pesticides applied directly to water to per- that the product will not cause ‘‘unreason- acing, the permit exposes all pesticide form a useful purpose are not chemical able adverse effects on the environment.’’ users—regardless of permit eligibility—to wastes, it held that excess pesticides and The pesticide registration and re-registra- the liability of CWA-based citizen law suits. pesticide residue meet the common defini- tion process under FIFRA considers the ef- In a number of instances, applicators—that tion of waste, and therefore are pollutants fects of pesticides on both human health and once conducted mosquito abatement applica- under the CWA. The court held that the EPA aquatic resources. If the EPA has concluded tions for local governments and homeowner is required to regulate the residue of chem- that a pesticide satisfies FIFRA and will not associations—can’t afford the costs or risk of ical pesticides when the pesticide is applied have an ‘‘unreasonable adverse effect on the frivolous litigation that accompanies to land or air, and the residue finds its way environment,’’ then it is reasonable to ex- NPDES PGPs and have refrained from con- into the navigable waters of the. United clude the application of that pesticide from ducting public health applications. States, and when the pesticide is applied di- the permitting requirements of the CWA. H.R. 953 would clarify Congressional intent rectly to the water and the residue has a In short, I am concerned that the court’s that federal law does not require this redun- lasting effect beyond its intended purpose. decision will compromise American farmers’ dant permit for already regulated pesticide The court also found that Congress intended and USDA agencies’ ability to respond effi- applications. for ‘‘biological materials’’ to encompass ciently and effectively to emergency threats, In the 112th Congress, similar legislation more than ‘‘biological wastes.’’ The court while providing little or no additional envi- (H.R. 872) passed the House Committee on held that all biological pesticides are bio- ronmental protection in return. Thank you Agriculture and went on to pass the House of logical materials, and therefore pollutants for taking these issues into account as you Representatives on suspension. In the 113th under the CWA. consider seeking further review of this case. Congress, the legislation (H.R. 935) passed The court’s adverse decision will have pro- Sincerely, both the House Committees on Agriculture and Transportation & Infrastructure by found implications for American farmers. THOMAS J. VILSACK, voice vote, and again, the House of Rep- The panel’s ruling effectively broadens the Secretary. potential application of the CWA to reach resentatives. In the 114th Congress, the Zika Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, I have nearly Vector Control Act (H.R. 897) passed the agricultural activities that the EPA has 120 organizations that support H.R. 953, never regulated under the provisions of the House of Representatives yet again. With CWA. By broadening the Act’s reach, the representing a wide variety of public your help and support, H.R. 953 will also pass court burdens American agriculture with a and private entities and thousands of the House and hopefully become law. Since H.R. 897 passed the House last year, newly minted NPDES permit requirement stakeholders. I have a letter from the there has been yet another costly lawsuit for the application of all FIFRA-compliant nearly 120. I listed some of those. Some against a mosquito control district, forcing biological pesticides whenever those pes- of the additional names are Agricul- the district to spend its funds fighting in ticides might find their way into waters of tural Retailers Association; American court instead of protecting public health. the United States, and for all FIFRA-compli- Farm Bureau Federation; American Under these circumstances, NPDES permit ant chemical pesticides whenever the resi- Mosquito Control Association; the As- requirements impact the use of critical pes- dues of those pesticides find their way into ticides in protecting human health and the waters of the United States. The permit re- sociation of Equipment Manufacturers; CropLife America; Family Farm Alli- food supply from destructive and disease-car- quirement could reach almost any pesticide rying pests, and in managing invasive weeds application, requiring farmers to navigate a ance; National Agricultural Aviation to keep open waterways and shipping lanes, permitting system that is ill-suited to the Association; the National Alliance of to maintain rights of way for transportation demands of agricultural production. Failure Forest Owners; National Association of and power generation, and in preventing to obtain a timely permit for pesticide appli- State Departments of Agriculture; Na- damage to forests and recreation areas. The cation could cripple American farmers’ tional Farmers Union; National Pest time and funds expended on redundant per- emergency pest management efforts and Management Association; and the Na- mit compliance drains public and private re- hamper their ability to respond quickly to tional Rural Electric Cooperative Asso- sources. All this for no measurable benefit to new pest infestations or threats of infesta- the environment. We urge you to eliminate tions, thus increasing the risk of crop losses. ciation. I include that letter in the this unnecessary, expensive, and duplicative Additionally, several USDA agencies en- RECORD. regulation by ensuring the Reducing Regu- gage in the ground and aerial application of MAY 3, 2017. latory Burdens Act of 2017 passes the House pesticides, and would be adversely affected HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, on Wednesday. by the panel’s decision. The Forest Service Washington, DC. Sincerely, (FS) and the Animal and Plant Health In- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the Agribusiness Council of Indiana; Agri- spection Service (APHIS) now will be re- over one hundred undersigned organizations, business & Water Council of Arizona; Agri- quired to obtain NPDES permits, which we urge you to vote in favor of H.R. 953, the cultural Alliance of North Carolina; Agricul- could compromise the agencies’ ability to re- Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. tural Council of Arkansas; Agricultural Re- spond with efficiency and flexibility to For almost forty years, the Environmental tailers Association; Alabama Agribusiness emerging threats and emergency situations. Protection Agency (EPA) and pesticide ap- Council; American Farm Bureau Federation; The delay and expense associated with com- plicators including public health agencies Alabama Farmers Federation; American plying with the NPDES permitting require- charged with mosquito control operated ex- Mosquito Control Association; American ment could substantially curtail the agen- clusively under the Federal Insecticide, Fun- Soybean Association; AmericanHort; Aquat- cies’ use of pesticides. For the FS, this could gicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). In fact, ic Plant Management Society; Arkansas For- result in diminished efforts to protect the EPA has testified to the adequacy of estry Association; Association of Equipment

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.019 H24MYPT1 H4538 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 Manufacturers; Biopesticide Industry Alli- Association; Wyoming Crop Improvement In a survey of mosquito control programs, ance; California Agricultural Aircraft Asso- Association; Wyoming Wheat Growers Asso- 71 reported (out of 734 nationwide) that their ciation; California Association of Winegrape ciation. multiyear period expenses incurred due to Growers; California Specialty Crops Council; AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION the NPDES permitting including oper- Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association. STATEMENT ON NPDES BURDEN ational, permitting, reporting, monitoring Colorado Agricultural Aviation Associa- and other administrative costs totaled over THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION tion; The Cranberry Institute; Crop Protec- $4 million. (This survey does not include all URGES CONGRESS TO VOTE ‘‘YES’’ ON H.R. 953, tion Association of North Carolina; CropLife of the 6-year California estimate mentioned THE REDUCING REGULATORY BURDENS ACT OF America; Council of Producers & Distribu- previously). tors of Agrotechnology; Family Farm Alli- 2017 HOW COULD $4 MILLION IN NPDES COSTS BE ance; Far West Agribusiness Association; From the perspective of the agencies BETTER SPENT Florida Farm Bureau Federation Florida; charged with suppressing mosquitoes and Fruit & Vegetable Association; Georgia Agri- other vectors of public health consequence, Seasonal field workers ($11,000 for starter), business Council; Golf Course Superintend- the NPDES burden is directly related to 377 employees. ents Association of America; Hawaii Cattle- combatting Zika and other mosquito-trans- Bti larvicide ($1.44/lb), 2,879,738 pounds. men’s Council; Hawaii Farm Bureau Federa- mitted diseases. Acres of water larvicided aerially (10 lbs/ tion; Idaho Grower Shippers Association; For over forty years and through both acre + $5.25 applicator cost = $19.65), 211,034 Idaho Potato Commission; Idaho Water Democratic and Republican administrations, acres. Users Association; Illinois Farm Bureau; Illi- the EPA and states held that these permits Acres of water treated by ground crews (10 nois Fertilizer & Chemical Association; Iowa did not apply to public health pesticide ap- lbs./acre), 287,973 acres. Agricultural Aviation Association. plications. However, activist lawsuits forced West Nile virus—in house testing of adult Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association; the EPA to require such permits even for the mosquitoes (RAMP) $19.36, 214,195 tests. Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association; application of EPA-registered pesticides in- 30 second radio ads for public education Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation; Maine cluding mosquito control. ($40–$200), 103,671–20,734. Potato Board; Michigan Agribusiness Asso- AMCA has testified numerous times to es- Acres of aerial adult mosquito control ($.89 ciation; Minnesota Agricultural Aircraft As- tablish the burden created by this court rul- applicator fee + $.95 chemical), 2,253,708 sociation; Minnesota AgriGrowth Council; ing. The threat to the public health mission acres. Minnesota Crop Production Retailers; Min- of America’s mosquito control districts Evening ground spraying hours ($396/hr. for nesota Pesticide Information & Education; comes in two costly parts: vehicle, employee, adulticide), 10,472 hrs. Every dollar spent on duplicative regula- Minor Crops Farmer Alliance; Missouri Agri- ONGOING COMPLIANCE COSTS business Association; Missouri Farm Bureau tions is a dollar that could have been used Though the activists contend that the towards Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Federation; Montana Agricultural Business NPDES permit has ‘‘modest notification and Association; National Agricultural Aviation activities that control mosquitoes and pre- monitoring requirements’’ the actual experi- vent mosquito-borne illness. Association; National Alliance of Forest ence of mosquito control districts is much Owners; National Alliance of Independent Resources must not be diverted from these different. mosquito control activities in order to pro- Crop Consultants; National Association of Initially obtaining and maintaining an Landscape Professionals; National Associa- tect public health: NPDES permit comes at considerable ex- Disease surveillance—trapping and testing tion of State Departments of Agriculture. pense. California mosquito control districts National Association of Wheat Growers; adult mosquitoes, monitoring dead birds. estimate the NPDES compliance costs for Larvicides and adult mosquito control—re- National Corn Growers Association; National their 64 districts to be approximately $4 mil- Cotton Council; National Council of Farmer duce mosquito populations through targeted lion dollars over six years. These costs in- applications Cooperatives; National Farmers Union; Na- clude; tional Onion Association; National Pest Habitat modification/source reduction— Initial amount spent by Districts deter- ditching/dredgers to permanently reduce Management Association; National Potato mining waters subject to reporting. Council; National Rural Electric Cooperative mosquito oviposition habitats to reduce the Total amount spent by Districts tracking need for chemical control measures. Association; National Water Resources Asso- treatments to Waters of the US ciation; Nebraska Agri-Business Association; Monitoring invasive species of mosquitoes. Water Testing Consultants Public education—publications on reduc- North Carolina Agricultural Consultants As- NPDES Administration/Regulatory Con- ing backyard sources of mosquitoes, infor- sociation; North Carolina Cotton Producers sultants mation on repellent and personal protective Association; North Central Weed Science So- Legal fees related to NPDES measures. ciety; North Dakota Agricultural Associa- Physical monitoring of larvicides—not Employees, training, and certifications. tion; Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alli- completed by consultants Programs that are most affected: ance; Northeastern Weed Science Society; Completing annual reports Poorer, rural mosquito control districts Northern Plains Potato Growers Associa- In Wyoming, there are several issues that Programs associated with small munici- tion; Northwest Horticultural Council; Ohio have impacted the mosquito districts; palities Record keeping requirements has redi- Professional Applicators for Responsible In the Western US, those associated with rected 2–5 % of District funds annually to Regulation. private aerial contractors concerned with Oregon Association of Nurseries; Oregon permit fees and administrative costs. taking on the added liability. Farm Bureau; Oregon Forest and Industries The cost for acre applications of both Municipalities in the south looking to Council; Oregon Potato Commission; Oregon adulticide and larvicides has increased 5 to start Zika virus control efforts. Why would Seed Council; Oregon Water Resources Con- 10-fold for some Districts. This is due pri- Congress approve $1.1 Billion to fight and ex- gress; Oregon Wheat Growers League; Orego- marily to the fear that local aerial applica- plore Zika virus and then burden us with nians for Food & Shelter; Pesticide Policy tors have regarding the citizen lawsuits. The regulations that hinder our ability to con- Coalition; Plains Cotton Growers, Inc.; Pro- local ag pilots have declined to fly for some trol the vector of the disease? fessional Landcare Network; Responsible In- of the mosquito districts in Wyoming, re- So, why would the activist organizations dustry for a Sound Environment; Rocky quiring them to go out of state to profes- be so adamant that these permits be manda- Mountain Agribusiness Association; SC Fer- sional application companies. The City of tory for public health pesticide applications tilizer Agrichemicals Association; South Da- Laramie which was able to treat for an esti- ...? kota Agri-Business Association; South Texas mated $1 per acre now pays an estimated $5– Cotton and Grain Association; Southern Cot- $10 per acre. This has greatly reduced the EXPOSURE TO ACTIVIST LITIGATION ton Growers, Inc.; Southern Crop Production acres that can be treated with larvicide and Municipal mosquito control programs are Association; Southern Rolling Plains Cotton adulticides. vulnerable to CWA citizen lawsuits where Growers; Southern Weed Science Society. In Durango, CO, the Animas Mosquito Con- fines to mosquito control districts may ex- Sugar Cane League; Texas Ag Industries trol District reported spending over $50,000 in ceed $37,500/day. Under FIFRA, the activists Association; Texas Vegetation Management GPS/GIS system, maintenance and upgrades would need to demonstrate that the pes- Association; United Fresh Produce Associa- purchased to comply with an unknown an- ticides were misapplied, that the product la- tion; U.S. Apple Association; USA Rice Fed- nual report requirement. They spent numer- bels were not followed. Additionally, this is eration; Virginia Agribusiness Council; Vir- ous hours conducting meetings, phone calls not a question of the applications causing ginia Forestry Association; Washington and on the computer to clarify the annual harm to public health. The pesticides we use Friends of Farm & Forests; Washington reporting requirements, the detail necessary are specific to mosquitoes and are generally State Potato Commission; Weed Science So- in annual reports, and even where to send used in very low doses by qualified applica- ciety of America; Western Growers; Western the information. tors). Plant Health Association; Western Society The fact that the existence of the permit However, the CWA 3rd Party Citizen Suit of Weed Science; Wild Blueberry Commission over the last 6 years has no additional envi- Provision allows for any third party to sue of Maine; Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federa- ronmental benefit (since pesticide applica- for alleged violations of NPDES program re- tion; Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Grow- tions are already governed by FIFRA) makes quirements. Additionally, the CWA does not ers Association; Wisconsin State Cranberry these taxpayer diversions from vector con- require actual evidence of a misapplication Growers Association; Wyoming Ag Business trol unconscionable. of a pesticide or harm to the environment,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.033 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4539 but rather simple paperwork violations or health threats. Counties have reported The Clean Water Act in no way merely allegations in permit oversight. either significantly scaled back or dis- hinders, delays, or prevents the use of The Toledo Area Sanitary District is cur- continued mosquito abatement pro- approved pesticides for pest control op- rently involved in a lawsuit that has already grams due to the additional, duplica- erations. In fact, the Clean Water Act initially cost the mosquito control program more than $40,000 in legal fees, and the case tive, and expensive paperwork and permit provides a specific emergency has yet to go to court. This could lead to an monitoring obligations required by the provision to prevent outbreaks of dis- injunction on the spray program and end up program. eases such as Zika virus. costing taxpayers $100,000+ dollars, even NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES, Under the terms of the permit, pes- though the case has nothing to do with sub- Washington, DC, May 21, 2017. ticide applicators are covered auto- stantive water quality issues, but rather fo- Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, matically under the permit and any cuses on alleged administrative paperwork Speaker, House of Representatives, spraying may be performed imme- violations. Washington, DC. diately for any declared pest emer- Gem County Mosquito Abatement District Hon. NANCY PELOSI, gency situations. In most instances, (ID) was the subject of one of these activist Minority Leader, House of Representatives, lawsuits utilizing the 3rd Party Citizen Suit Washington, DC. sprayers are only required to notify Provision. It took ten years and the grand DEAR SPEAKER RYAN AND MINORITY LEADER EPA of their spraying operations 30 total of an entire year’s annual operating PELOSI: As the U.S. House of Representatives days after the beginning of a spraying budget ($450,000) to resolve that litigation moves forward with the ‘‘Reducing Regu- operation. against that public health entity. latory Burdens Act of 2017’’ (H.R. 953), we Most pesticide applications in the These ongoing compliance costs and threat would like to highlight the impact that U.S. United States are done in accordance of crushing litigation directly impact mos- Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) with FIFRA, the Federal Insecticide, quito control districts. The existence of this National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act which unnecessary requirement for mosquito con- System (NPDES) Pesticide General Permit trol activities is directly related to our abil- (PGP) program has on county governments’ only requires proper labeling on pes- ity to combat the vectors related to Zika. It ability to respond promptly and effectively ticide products regarding usage. diverts precious resources away from finding to emerging public health threats. However, FIFRA labeling is no sub- and suppressing mosquito populations. As the summer months approach and we stitute for ensuring that we understand The American Mosquito Control Associa- enter mosquito season, counties are con- the volumes of pesticide we seem to tion urges Congress to vote ‘‘YES’’ on H.R. cerned about the health and safety impacts apply to our rivers, our lakes, our 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of of mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika. streams on an annual basis. 2017. The Zika virus is an emerging mosquito- borne illness, primarily stemming from the b 1515 AMERICAN FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, and there According to a 2006 USGS report on Washington, DC, May 24, 2017. is no vaccine. Since mosquitos and their pesticides, commonly used pesticides Hon. BILL SHUSTER, breeding habitats pose the largest threat to House of Representatives, Washington, DC. public safety, counties can play a major role frequently are present in streams and Hon. BOB GIBBS, in minimizing the potential spread of the groundwater at levels that exceed House of Representatives, Washington, DC. virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses human health benchmarks and occur in Hon. MICHAEL CONAWAY, through public education and mosquito many streams at levels that may affect House of Representatives, Washington, DC. eradication. aquatic or fish-eating wildlife and also Hon. GARRET GRAVES, However, since EPA’s PGP program was human life. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. instituted in 2011, counties have reported In the data that the States provide DEAR REPS. SHUSTER, GIBBS, CONAWAY AND that they have either significantly scaled GRAVES: Later this week, the House is ex- back or discontinued mosquito abatement the EPA, more than 16,000 miles of riv- pected to vote on H.R. 953, ‘‘The Reducing programs due to additional, duplicative and ers and streams, 1,380 of bays and estu- Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017.’’ This legis- expensive paperwork and monitoring obliga- aries, and 370,000 acres of lakes in the lation has previously passed the House of tions required under the permit. We rec- United States are currently impaired Representatives with strong bipartisan sup- ommend that Congress address some of the or threatened by pesticides. port, and the American Farm Bureau Fed- challenges posed by EPA’s PGP permit to The EPA suggests that these esti- eration (AFBF) urges all members of Con- allow counties to more quickly respond to mates may be low because many of gress to vote in favor of the bill. mosquito-based public health threats. these States do not test for or monitor H.R. 953 is narrowly crafted to clarify that We thank you for your leadership on this lawful use of pesticides in or near navigable issue. We look forward to continuing to work all the different pesticides that are waters is not excessively covered under two with you on issues important to counties. currently being used. I am very con- statutes, the Clean Water Act and the Fed- Sincerely, cerned of the effect these pesticides eral Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide MATTHEW D. CHASE, have on the health of our rivers, our Act. In doing so, the measure simply codifies Executive Director, streams, and especially the drinking EPA’s longstanding interpretation of the law National Association of Counties. water supplies for all our citizens, espe- before it was thrown into confusion by a 2009 Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, I thank the cially the most vulnerable, the young, court ruling, which imposed an additional Agriculture Committee chairman, the elderly, and the poor and disenfran- layer of needless red tape on pesticide appli- cators. H.R. 953 corrects the duplicative re- MIKE CONAWAY; and the Transportation chised people who have no representa- quirements associated with EPA’s National and Infrastructure chairman, BILL tion. We have much cancer appearing, Pollutant Discharge Elimination System SHUSTER, who are the leadership on and we have no idea what it is. Adding (NPDES) pesticide permit by specifying that this issue. I want to thank the Agri- pesticides is not helping. NPDES permits are not needed for the lawful culture Committee ranking member, Mr. Chair, I include in the RECORD a application of EPA-labeled pesticides. This is COLLIN PETERSON, as well. Federal report on how pesticides in an important fix that will reduce red tape Mr. Chair, I urge all Members to sup- California are the leading cause of im- and legal liabilities associated with the law- port this commonsense effort to reform pairments to water quality. ful use of pesticides in protecting public this duplicative EPA regulation. health and food security. U.S. EPA REPORT ON CALIFORNIA WATER We urge all members to vote in favor of the Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of QUALITY ASSESSMENT my time. ‘‘Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017.’’ CALIFORNIA CAUSES OF IMPAIRMENT FOR Thank you very much for your support. Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chair, I REPORTING YEAR 2012 Sincerely, yield myself such time as I may con- Pesticides are the Cause of water impair- ZIPPY DUVALL, sume. ment in California for 4,534 miles of rivers President. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong opposition and streams, 235,765 acres of lakes, ponds, Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, I also include to H.R. 953, Reducing the Regulatory and reservoirs, 829 square miles of bays and in the RECORD a letter from the Na- Burdens Act. As I have noted before on estuaries, 35 miles of coastal shoreline, 42 tional Association of Counties. NACo similar bills in the past, I remain con- square miles of ocean and near coastal recommends that Congress address cerned that this bill would mean that waters, and 43 acres of wetlands. some of challenges posed by the EPA’s no Clean Water Act protections would Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Currently in Clean Water Act permit for pesticides be required for pesticide application to California there are over 4,500 miles of to allow counties to more quickly re- water bodies that are already impaired rivers and streams, 235,000 acres of spond to the mosquito-based public by pesticides. lakes and reservoirs, and 829 square

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.036 H24MYPT1 H4540 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 miles of bays and estuaries in my State Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA on abatement districts. The fear of liti- that are impaired by pesticides. This is or a State authority issues a National gation dictates the detailed tracking of a significant concern in my home Pollutant Discharge Elimination Sys- EPA-approved products and diverts State, where every drop of water has to tem permit, NPDES permit, and that those funds from their actual purpose be cleaned and needs to be conserved, regulates the discharge of pollutants. of controlling mosquitoes. reused, and cherished. NPDES permits specify limits on what The EPA has provided technical as- We hear that pesticide application is pollutants may be discharged from sistance to draft this very narrow leg- already regulated under FIFRA and point sources and in what amounts. islation. The goal of this legislation that the Clean Water Act review is not Since the passage of the Clean Water has been to address only those prob- needed. I understand the concerns Act in 1972, the EPA has interpreted its lems created by the decision of the about the duplication of effort and the responsibilities related to pesticide use Sixth Circuit and to be entirely con- need to minimize the impacts that reg- such that compliance with FIFRA sistent with the policy of the EPA, as ulations have on small business or would mitigate the need for duplicative stated in their November 27, 2006, final business at large. All the supporters permitting under the Clean Water Act. rule governing application of pesticides are mostly farmers and other business As litigation in the early part of this to waters of the United States in com- entities. decade began to challenge this inter- pliance with FIFRA. However, I am still very concerned pretation, the EPA ultimately re- I urge all Members to vote for this that these pesticides are having a very sponded with the promulgation of a legislation. significant impact on water quality regulation on November 27, 2006, to Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance and that, with this bill, we are creating clarify how these two laws operated. of my time. the exemption from water quality pro- Under the EPA’s final rule, the Agency Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I tection requirements without consid- codified its earlier interpretation that yield 1 minute to the gentleman from ering the impacts to the waters that permits for pesticide application under California (Mr. COSTA). are already impacted by pesticides, as the Clean Water Act were unnecessary Mr. COSTA. Mr. Chairman, I rise in they are in California. where pesticides were used in accord- strong support of H.R. 953, Reducing This, in turn, costs our water users, ance with their regulation under Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. This our ratepayers hundreds of millions of FIFRA. legislation eliminates the requirement dollars to filter these pollutants out of Following the finalization of this reg- to acquire two permits for the same water before it is potable. This is some- ulation, the rule was challenged in nu- pesticide application under two sepa- thing I deal with on an ongoing basis merous jurisdictions. The case was ul- rate laws and, I might add, if you live as the ranking member of the Sub- timately heard in the Sixth Circuit in California, there is a separate re- committee on Water Resources and En- wherein the government’s interpreta- quirement under the California Clean vironment. We currently have aquifers tion of the interaction of these two Water Act that requires an additional that are contaminated by the contin- laws was not given the deference we permit. That would still apply regard- ued use of pesticides and fertilizers. would normally expect. The final court less if this legislation is passed. Millions of dollars have been spent on order nullified the EPA’s regulation In order to be permitted to use a pes- the 20-plus-year-long cleanup effort of and imposed what is viewed as a bur- ticide, that pesticide must be approved a Superfund site in my area that has densome, costly, and duplicative per- under FIFRA, which includes an anal- pesticides as one of the contaminants. mitting process under the Clean Water ysis that must be performed that finds We cannot, and should not, take Act for literally millions of pesticide it will not generally cause unreason- away one of the only tools available to applications. able adverse effects to the environment monitor for adverse impacts of pes- This order has imposed a burden on or to the health. However, current law ticides in our rivers, our streams, and the EPA, State regulatory agencies, requires another permit to be acquired our reservoirs. Over the past 6 years, and pesticide applicators, costing our for the same action under the Clean this tool has been reasonable, has been economy in terms of jobs as well as se- Water Act if you happen to be close to workable to pest control operators and verely threatening the already critical agricultural interests alike, and needs a water body, and that is where the du- budgetary situation facing govern- to be retained. I urge my colleagues on plication occurs. ments at all levels. It is particularly Not only are these requirements re- both sides to vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of unfortunate that this court order im- dundant, they are expensive, and the my time. posed a new requirement that has im- cost of the individual Clean Water Act Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. periled our water resource boards, our permit ranges from $150,000 to $270,000 Chair, I yield myself such time as I mosquito control boards, and our for- and can take up to 2 years. No one may consume. estry and agricultural sectors, yet has wants to risk human health, not I, not Mr. Chair, I rise today also in sup- provided no additional environmental anyone, but in my opinion this would port of H.R. 953, the Reducing Regu- or public health protection. On the not do so. We have Zika, we have West latory Burdens Act of 2017. The House contrary, by imposing this costly bur- Nile, and we have a host of spreading of Committee on Agriculture, which I den on public health pesticide users, it these diseases by mosquitoes in which serve on, as does Chairman GIBBS, has jeopardized public health as it re- this, in fact, can address those issues. passed this bill out of committee every lates to protection against insect-borne Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues Congress since the 112th Congress. The diseases such as the Zika virus, West to support this bill in order to remove bill language was likewise included in Nile virus, various forms of encepha- this unnecessary, unneeded regulatory the 2012 farm bill, reported out of the litis, and Lyme disease. burden and expense. committee, as well as in the 2013 farm I recently heard from the Macon Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. bill the House sent to conference. It County Mosquito Abatement District Chairman, we agree that no one thinks was also included in the committee-re- in my district based in and around De- this bill is going to harm anyone. We ported text of the FY 2012 Sub- catur, Illinois. They can attest that are trying to look for commonsense committee on Interior, Environment, the price of complying with NPDES provisions, and I am thankful to my and Related Agencies appropriations permitting is very high. Though they colleague for making this a bipartisan bill. But it has never reached the Presi- had in place a reliable system of track- solution. dent’s desk. ing chemical usage and treatment I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman For more than 100 years, the Federal areas for years, the added burden of the from Florida (Mr. YOHO). Government has administered its re- NPDES requirements have caused Mr. YOHO. Mr. Chairman, I thank sponsibilities under the Federal Insec- them to spend a large portion of the my colleague for yielding me just a ticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, district’s annual budget on software moment to speak on the absolute ne- FIFRA, to review and register pes- strictly just for compliance and report- cessity of passing the Reducing Regu- ticides in a responsible way that pro- ing processes. The recurring yearly fees latory Burdens Act. The Sixth Circuit tects human health and the environ- associated with the software are a Court blatantly overstepped its author- ment. never-ending burden needlessly placed ity in directing the EPA to establish a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.067 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4541 duplicative permitting process for pes- Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he bill not only passed through the House, ticide use. The Federal Insecticide, may consume to the gentleman from but through the Senate and to Presi- Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, known Louisiana (Mr. SCALISE), the majority dent Trump’s desk, where he will sign as FIFRA, already requires the EPA to whip. a bill that injects common sense back review the data and evaluate risks and Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Chairman, I want into the process of killing mosquitoes. exposures associated with the use of to first thank my colleague from Ohio Let’s spend our money killing mos- certain insecticides, herbicides, fun- for his leadership on bringing forth this quitoes, not killing trees and having to gicides, and rodenticides. important legislation to actually help comply with ridiculous regulations After the EPA evaluates the risk as- us focus more resources on killing mos- that come out of Washington and make sociated with the use of a given pes- quitoes, especially as the mosquito sea- no sense. Let’s pass this bill. ticide, FIFRA prohibits its use for any son starts, as we see so many threats Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I purpose not already approved by the with Zika, with West Nile, just the yield such time as he may consume to EPA. Approved uses are clearly la- damage that we see happening around the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFA- beled. Requiring additional reviews our country from mosquitoes. We have ZIO). under the National Pollutant Dis- decided we are going to put resources Mr. DEFAZIO. I thank the gentle- charge Elimination System is simply into killing mosquitoes, and then we woman for yielding. unnecessary and burdensome. come about and find out about these Mr. Chairman, this is the fifth time Furthermore, unless the body sets regulations that were imposed by the the United States House of Representa- the record straight and overturns the courts in a way that actually makes it tives has considered this bill. Sixth Circuit decision, we will be open- harder for us to kill mosquitoes. Now, we have heard a lot of alter- ing a tried-and-true permitting process native facts today. Let’s have some b 1530 to numerous citizen lawsuits that will real facts. be bad for agriculture and, as all such What you hear so often from people Killing trees, well, first off, here is bad decisions, result in increased costs around the country is: Why is it that the extensive application. It is slightly paid for by the American consumers. you have got things happening out of over three pages long and it can be I urge my colleagues to stand behind Washington that make no sense? filed electronically, so we don’t need to Mr. GIBBS and this bill, stand behind Congressman GIBBS identified one of kill any trees. the science, and help him pass this. those areas and said it really doesn’t Allegations that somehow this slows When he came, he started to work on make sense. We tried to work through down control of mosquito abatement or this in 2010, his hair was brown. Now it a different remedy to try to get the ad- Zika virus are absolutely false. Any- is gray. So let’s help him get this bill ministration to fix it, and they pointed body can apply a pesticide in a public passed. to a court case that keeps them from health situation. They have 30 days to Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I fixing it. file the paperwork online afterwards. It yield 1 minute to the gentleman from It is one of the big frustrations you takes about 5 minutes. It has such Minnesota (Mr. PETERSON). have that it actually takes an act of technical things as your name and ad- Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Chairman, I rise Congress to bring common sense into dress, your pesticide applicator license today to support the Reducing Regu- the process of killing mosquitoes, for verified with a certain State, where latory Burdens Act of 2017. This bill goodness sake. But here we are doing you are going to use the pesticide or would restore congressional intent re- it. At least we are spending the peo- herbicide. garding the relationship between ple’s business doing something that ac- Now, why would we want to know FIFRA and the Clean Water Act. tually injects common sense back into that? Or maybe, why wouldn’t we want Historically, Congress has viewed the things that people do in their daily not to know that? Because that is what FIFRA as sufficient to protect human lives. they are saying on that side of the health and the environment. Until the All across our community and across aisle. early part of the past decade, even the this country, you have local govern- There is nothing registered with the EPA interpreted its responsibilities re- ments that are really the ones that Department of Agriculture. Yes, we lated to pesticide use as compliance focus on killing mosquitoes, and we have FIFRA. These pesticides and her- with FIFRA would reduce the need for started hearing about this problem. Of bicides have been registered. They have duplicative permitting under the Clean course, Mr. Chairman, we asked the labels—it can’t be applied over water; Water Act. If pesticides were used ac- EPA to identify just how much this is it can’t be applied here; it can’t be ap- cording to their regulation under actually costing. plied there—and we trust the applica- FIFRA, then permits for pesticide ap- So as everybody scrambles and fights tors to follow those rules. But when plication under the Clean Water Act and you hear agencies saying ‘‘I need they actually use the herbicides and were unnecessary. more money to do this,’’ ‘‘I need more pesticides absent this form, this bur- Unfortunately, this historic interpre- money to do that,’’ we need to be more densome 31⁄2-page form, we won’t know. tation has been overturned by activist responsible with the taxpayers’ money, Now, why would we care? Well, this litigation. In 2009, a decision by the and people are saying, ‘‘Live within is essentially the 20th anniversary of a Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals upended your means.’’ massive fish kill in Jackson County, the historic interpretation of the space And we have asked the EPA. The Oregon. In that incident, an operator between these two laws. The Sixth Cir- EPA, Mr. Chairman, told us that the applied an aquatic herbicide in an irri- cuit order created a new permitting re- cost of implementing these EPA regu- gation canal that, when it leaked into quirement that provides no additional lations is an extra $50 million a year. the nearby creek, killed 92,000 environmental or public health protec- Think of how ludicrous that is. Be- steelhead. Now, we kind of care about tion. cause of the way the EPA is imple- our steelhead in the Northwest, so that The goal of this legislation has been menting the law, as we are trying to was a problem. to address only those problems created kill more mosquitoes, it is costing $50 So then the Federal agency said, by the Sixth Circuit decision and to be million a year to comply with burden- Well, this is kind of a problem when consistent with congressional intent some, duplicative regulations—rather someone does that, 92,000 steelhead. and the EPA’s long-held interpreta- than killing mosquitoes. We should be Plus, anybody who drank the water tion. It is a commonsense solution to a spending that money, $50 million, kill- was poisoned, et cetera, et cetera. But court-imposed regulatory burden that ing more mosquitoes, not killing trees we don’t want to know about that on Congress never intended to be applied. to comply with ridiculous regulations. that side of the aisle because Dow I urge my colleagues to support this So I want to commend my colleague Chemical doesn’t like it because maybe legislation. from Ohio for bringing this back. The it inhibits sales of some of these Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chairman, I appre- House passed this in a very bipartisan chemicals that cause these sorts of ciate my colleague and friend from way last Congress. We didn’t get it all problems. Minnesota for his bipartisan support of the way to the President’s desk. So Now, we have data now because of H.R. 953. this year, hopefully, we will get this these forms, and we know about areas

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.068 H24MYPT1 H4542 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 that are impaired. In my State, which and they also complained of the Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank is like the clean, green State, 825 miles overspray. Then, in 2013, a helicopter in the gentleman from Ohio for his work of rivers and streams and 10,000 acres of Curry County, Oregon, oversprayed on this important legislation. lakes and ponds in the State of Oregon residents. Today, I rise in support of H.R. 953, are impaired by pesticide contamina- Now, if they didn’t have to file these the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act. tion. That is something we should do forms, we wouldn’t know who did it, This legislation will bring much-need- something about. People are drinking when they did it, and what the chem- ed relief to our American farmers. that water; they are swimming in that ical was. I guess that is kind of what They put in a great deal of time and water; their kids are bathing in that the Republicans want. If someone over- money to deal with duplicative regula- water. I think that is a problem. sprays your property and sprays stuff tions like the one we are addressing But we don’t want to know about on you: ‘‘Geez, I don’t know. That was here today. This bill will take away that. This is just a horrible restraint one of those black helicopters. We needless provisions regarding pesticide on pesticide applications. don’t know where it came from, or who regulations under the Clean Water Act. Now, we heard a lot of other hooey that was. We don’t know what they Pesticide applications are already here. It is like: This is so difficult; it is dumped on you. Sorry.’’ That is bur- federally regulated by the Environ- so difficult to do. I was talking to the densome paperwork. We wouldn’t want mental Protection Agency under the ranking member of the Agriculture to require that kind of burdensome pa- Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Committee. He said, well, farmers perwork. Rodenticide Act. This permitting was don’t want to file those forms. If they So that is why we are here again unnecessary and duplicative, punishing hired a pesticide applicator, that per- today for the fifth time with the fifth American farmers due to a misguided son could file the form for them. remaining rationale for what we are court decision. Or, yeah, maybe they are going to doing here today, and it still fails the In my district in Georgia, farmers have to file the 3-page form if it in- smell test. have to deal with a variety of environ- volves the waters of the United States Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chairman, may I in- mental difficulties, like the dev- of America. If it doesn’t involve the quire as to how much time each side astating freeze just this last March. waters, you don’t have to file it. So has remaining. The Federal Government should not be this is really an incredible thing. The CHAIR. The gentleman from adding redundant mandates to already Now, we have taken this up numer- Ohio has 10 minutes remaining. The overburdened farmers. ous times. It was the Pest Management gentlewoman from California has 16 The Reducing Regulatory Burdens and Fire Suppression Flexibility Act in minutes remaining. Act has been passed out of the House the 109th Congress—the same bill, ex- Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chairman, I yield Agriculture Committee five times. It is actly the same bill. myself such time as I may consume. time for Congress to correct this mis- Then in the 112th and the 113th Con- I just want to make a few remarks on take and give farmers and pesticide ap- gresses, it was the Reducing Regu- what my friend, my colleague from Or- plicators much-needed relief once and latory Burdens Act. It still didn’t egon said. I call it the rest of the story. for all. We talked about the fish kill in 1996 work. It didn’t become law then. Mr. Chairman, as a proud cosponsor of the steelhead. I inquired of this trag- Well, wait a minute. Let’s pass it on of this bill, I urge my colleagues to ic incident and came to the conclusion to public fears. Last Congress, it was support this important legislation. that NPDES permitting under the called the Zika Vector Control Act in Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I Clean Water Act would not have pre- the 114th Congress. We just heard a lot yield myself such time as I may con- vented the fish kill. of hooey about how this will inhibit sume. In 2003, the EPA Office of Pesticide killing mosquitoes, which, of course, is Mr. Chairman, I include in the Programs published a report which absolutely not true. RECORD the following letters to be looked at this potential risk posed by But now we are back to here. So the made part of today’s record: A letter the herbicide that was used in the 1996 Zika Control Act and the Pest Manage- from 46 national and State conserva- fish kill. The report stated: ment and Fire Suppression Flexibility tion and public health interest groups Where sufficient information has been pro- Act are now back to the Reducing Reg- opposed to H.R. 953, and, secondly, a ulatory Burdens Act. vided, it appears that the fish incidents are as a result of misuse. The form of misuse is list of over 150 different organizations Now, in the past 6 years, since this that water was released from the irrigation who oppose efforts to undermine the paperwork was required, or electronic canals too early. In some cases, this was be- Clean Water Act protections for direct work, do you know how many pesticide cause the gate valves were not properly pesticide applications, including the applicators have faced significant im- closed or that they leaked. In other cases, Alabama Rivers, San Francisco, and pacts because of these protections? the applicator opened them intentionally, the list goes on. None. Zero. but too soon. In one case, boards that helped And the organizations: Alliance of Do you know how many applicators contain the irrigation canal water may have been removed by children playing. Nurses for Healthy Environments; from have raised problems with the Clean Alaska, the Alaska Community Action The EPA goes on in the report to ad- Water Act pesticide general permit to on Toxics; From Arkansas, the Earth dress each of the various species of EPA? None. Zero. Cause Organization; from California, salmon and steelhead analyzed and re- In fact, I specifically asked this ques- Audubon and many others; from Ala- peatedly states: tion of the EPA’s head of water at a bama, Alabama Rivers; from Colorado, Transportation and Infrastructure sub- It is very unlikely the pesticide suspected Colorado Riverkeeper; from the Dis- committee hearing. No specific in- to cause the Oregon fish kill would have af- fected the steelhead or salmon if it was used trict of Columbia, Potomac stances where the clean water permit Riverkeeper; from Florida, Emerald was causing problems or impacts on in accordance with the label requirements. Completing NPDES permit paperwork and Coastkeeper; from Georgia, Altamaha pesticide application. Yet here we are paying a permit fee does not prevent fish Riverkeeper and Altamaha again, one more time, under the guise kills, nor does it improve water quality. Pes- Coastkeeper; from Idaho, the Idaho of reducing this horrible regulatory ticide applications in accordance with Conservation League; from Illinois, the burden: name, address, phone number, FIFRA pesticide labels will avoid adverse en- Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited; what did you apply? Where are you reg- vironmental impacts, including fish kills. and from Iowa, Quad Cities istered to apply these sorts of permits? If a pesticide is improperly applied, Riverkeeper. And the list goes on, Mr. That is useful information. there are enforcement mechanisms in Chairman. I had a couple more instances in Or- place to address this violation. In the MAY 22, 2017. egon. case of the 1996 Oregon fish kill, I un- Re Oppose H.R. 953 (Reducing Regulatory Tiller, Oregon, again, right in the derstand the party was subject to more Burdens Act of 2017). same area where the steelhead were than $400,000 in fines and reimburse- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of our killed. That same creek was contami- ments for the incident. millions of members and supporters nation- nated with atrazine in 2014. Local resi- Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the wide, we urge you to oppose H.R. 953 (‘‘Re- dents who drank the water complained, gentleman from Georgia (Mr. ALLEN). ducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017’’). A

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.069 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4543 more apt title for this damaging legislation Beyond Pesticides Lawyers for Clean Water, Madrone Audubon is the ‘‘Poison Our Waters Act’’ because it Beyond Toxics Society, Northern California River Watch, would eliminate Clean Water Act safeguards Cahaba River Society Orange County Coastkeeper, Pesticide that protect our waterways and communities Center for Food Safety Watch, Pesticide-Free Sacramento, Pes- from excessive pesticide pollution. The Pes- Defend H2O ticide-Free Zone, Planning and Conservation ticide General Permit targeted in this legis- Endangered Habitats League League, Russian River Watershed Protection lation has been in place for nearly six years Endangered Species Coalition Committee, Russian Riverkeeper, Sac- now and alarmist predictions by pesticide Environmental Protection Information Cen- ramento Audubon Society, Inc., Safe Alter- manufacturers and others about the impacts ter natives for Our Forest Environment, Safety of this permit have failed to bear any fruit. Gulf Restoration Network Without Added Toxins, San Diego This bill is the same legislation that pes- Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited Ken- Coastkeeper, San Francisco Baykeeper, San ticide manufacturers and other special inter- tucky Francisco League of Conservation Voters, ests have been pushing for years. It has been Waterways Alliance San Francisco Tomorrow, Stop the Spray opposed not only by the Obama Administra- Klamath Forest Alliance East Bay, The Bay Institute, Turtle Island tion. but also more than 150 public health, Laurie M. Tisch Center for Food, Education Restoration Network. fishing, and conservation organizations (see & Policy, Program in Nutrition, Teach- COLORADO attached list). Contrary to earlier claims ers College Columbia University Colorado Riverkeeper. made by its proponents, this bill will not im- Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition prove nor impact spraying to combat Zika Oregon Environmental Council DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA virus and other human health threats. The Prairie Rivers Network Potomac Riverkeeper. Pesticide General Permit at issue already al- Pesticide Action Network North America FLORIDA lows for spraying to combat vector-borne PolicyLink Emerald Coastkeeper, Indian Riverkeeper, diseases such as Zika and the West Nile San Francisco Baykeeper Miami Waterkeeper, St. Johns Riverkeeper, virus. According to the U.S. Environmental Save The River / Upper St. Lawrence Choctawhatchee Riverkeeper, Apalachicola Protection Agency, the permit ‘‘provides Riverkeeper Riverkeeper. that pesticide applications are covered auto- The Environmental Justice Leadership GEORGIA matically under the permit and may be per- Forum on Climate Change formed immediately for any declared emer- The Good Food Institute Altamaha Riverkeeper and Altamaha gency pest situations’’ (emphasis added). Toxic Free NC Coastkeeper, Ogeechee Riverkeeper, Satilla Further, the Clean Water Act has no sig- Turtle Island Restoration Network Riverkeeper, Savannah Riverkeeper. nificant effect on farming practices. The WE ACT for Environmental Justice IDAHO Pesticide General Permit in no way affects WildEarth Guardians. Idaho Conservation League, Lake Pend land applications of pesticides for the pur- Oreille Waterkeeper, Saint John’s Organic pose of controlling pests (that is, spraying WHO OPPOSES EFFORTS TO UNDERMINE CLEAN Farm, Silver Valley Waterkeeper. that doesn’t discharge into water bodies). Ir- WATER ACT PERMITTING FOR DIRECT PES- ILLINOIS rigation return flows and agricultural TICIDE APPLICATIONS? stormwater runoff do not require permits, Illinois Council of Trout Unlimited, Prai- The below organizations have signed let- even when they contain pesticides. Existing rie Rivers Network. ters opposing legislation that guts Clean agricultural exemptions in the Clean Water Water Act safeguards protecting commu- IOWA Act remain. Quad Cities Riverkeeper. Repealing the Pesticide General Permit— nities from toxic pesticide. as this damaging legislation seeks to do— NATIONAL KANSAS would allow pesticides to be discharged into Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environ- Kansas Riverkeeper. water bodies without any meaningful over- ments, American Bird Conservancy, Amer- KENTUCKY sight since the federal pesticide registration ican Rivers, American Sustainable Business Kentucky Waterways Alliance. law (the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Council, Beyond Pesticides, Center for Bio- LOUISIANA Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)) does not require logical Diversity, Center for Food Safety, tracking of such applications. Center for Environmental Health, Center on Atchafalaya Basinkeeper, Louisiana Now that the Pesticide General Permit is Race, Poverty & the Environment, Clean Bayoukeeper, Ouachita Riverkeeper. in place, the public is finally getting infor- Water Action, Clean Water Network, Defend MAINE mation that they couldn’t obtain before H2O, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, En- Casoco Baykeeper. about the types of pesticides being sprayed dangered Habitats League, Endangered Spe- MARYLAND or discharged into local bodies of water. All cies Coalition, Environment America, Envi- across the country, pesticide applicators are ronmental Working Group, Food & Water Gunpowder Riverkeeper, Patuxent complying with the Pesticide General Per- Watch, Friends of the Earth, Geos Institute, Riverkeeper, West/Rhode Riverkeeper, mit to protect water quality without issue, League of Conservation Voters, National En- Assateague Coastkeeper/Assateague Coastal The Pesticide General Permit simply lays vironmental Law Center, National Family Trust. out commonsense practices for applying pes- Farm Coalition, Natural Resources Defense MICHIGAN ticides directly to waters that currently fall Council, Pesticide Action Network North Detroit Riverkeeper, Flint Riverkeeper, under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water America, Public Employees for Environ- Grand Traverse Baykeeper. Act. Efforts to block this permit are highly mental Responsibility, Sierra Club, The MISSOURI controversial, as evidenced by the attached Good Food Institute, WildEarth Guardians. list of groups opposed. Saint Louis Confluence Riverkeeper. ALABAMA Please protect the health of your state’s MONTANA Alabama Rivers Alliance, Black Warrior citizens and all Americans by opposing H.R. Big Blackfoot Riverkeeper. 953. Riverkeeper, Cahaba River Society, Hurri- NEBRASKA Sincerely, cane Creekkeeper/Friends of Hurricane Earthjustice Creek. Western Nebraska Resources Council. League of Conservation Voters ALASKA NEW JERSEY Natural Resources Defense Council Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Cook Hackensack Riverkeeper, Inc., Raritan Center for Biological Diversity Inletkeeper, Inc. Riverkeeper. Sierra Club ARKANSAS NEW YORK Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments American Sustainable Business Council The Earth Cause Organization. Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Environ- National Family Farm Coalition CALIFORNIA mental Advocates, Hudson Riverkeeper, Waterkeeper Alliance Audubon California, Better Urban Green Lake George Waterkeeper, Long Island Clean Water Action Strategies, Butte Environmental Council, Soundkeeper, Peconic Baykeeper, Save The Environment America California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, River/Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper. Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s As- Californians for Alternatives to Toxics, Cali- NORTH CAROLINA sociations fornians for Pesticide Reform, Coast Action Toxic Free NC, Watauga Riverkeeper. American Rivers Group, Dolphin Swimming and Boating Club, OKLAHOMA Southern Environmental Law Center Environment California, Environmental Pro- Grand Riverkeeper. Defenders of Wildlife tection Information Center, Friends of Five Friends of the Earth U.S. Creeks, Friends of Gualala River, Friends of OREGON Environmental Working Group the Petaluma River, Golden Gate Audubon Beyond Toxics, Forestland Dwellers, Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pes- Society, Humboldt Baykeeper, Inland Em- Northwest Environmental Defense Center, ticides pire Waterkeeper, Klamath Forest Alliance, Oregon Environmental Council, Oregon Wild, Alabama Rivers Alliance Klamath Riverkeeper, L.A. Waterkeeper, Rogue Riverkeeper, Tualatin Riverkeepers.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.022 H24MYPT1 H4544 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 PENNSYLVANIA ber were for direct, health-related vio- Runoff from herbicide use, Cataracts, 20, 20, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper. lations affecting more than 300,000 indi- 147; EDB (ethylene dibromide), Discharge from petroleum refineries, Problems with SOUTH CAROLINA viduals. This report documented ongo- liver, stomach, reproductive system, or kid- Charleston Waterkeeper, Santee ing drinking water violations for the neys; increased risk of cancer, 0.05, 0, 177; Riverkeeper. worst of the worst pesticides in terms Endothall, Runoff from herbicide use, Stom- TENNESSEE of human health effects, including, ach and intestinal problems, 100, 100, 150; Tennessee Riverkeeper. atrazine, chlordane, endrin, and Endrin, Residue of banned insecticide, Liver problems, 2, 2, 230. TEXAS glyphosate. Mr. Chairman, thanks to this report, Glyphosate, Runoff from herbicide use, Galveston Baykeeper. we have more information on exactly Kidney problems; reproductive difficulties, VIRGINIA 700, 700, 150; Heptachlor, Residue of banned where these drinking water violations termiticide, Liver damage, increased risk of Blackwater Nottoway Riverkeeper Pro- are occurring and how increased use of gram, Shenandoah Riverkeeper. cancer, 0.4, 0, 258; Heptachlor epoxide, Break- pesticides on or near water increases down of heptachlor, Liver damage; increased WASHINGTON the risk that humans will be exposed to risk of cancer, 0.2, 0, 258; Hexachlorobenzene, Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, Spokane these dangerous chemicals when they Discharge from metal refineries and agricul- Riverkeeper. turn on the tap; which begs the ques- tural chemical factories, Liver or kidney WEST VIRGINIA tion: Why the proponents of this bill problems; reproductive difficulties; increased Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition. want to reduce the public disclosure risk of cancer, 1, 0, 224; Hexachlorocyclopentadiene, Discharge from INTERNATIONAL and monitoring requirements of the chemical factories, Kidney or stomach prob- Waterkeeper Alliance, Xerces Society for Clean Water Act relating to pesticide lems, 50, 50, 269; Lindane, Runoff/leaching Invertebrate Conservation. applications? from insecticide used on cattle, lumber, gar- PACIFIC NORTHWEST Do these proponents want to let dens, Liver or kidney problems, 0.2, 0.2, 0; Northcoast Environmental Center, Pacific these pesticide applications and chem- Methoxychlor, Runoff/leaching from insecti- Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associa- ical companies go back in the shadows cide used on fruits, vegetables, alfalfa, live- tions, Northwest Center for Alternatives for where information on the release of stock, Reproductive difficulties, 40, 40, 257; Pesticides, Save Our Wild Salmon Coalition. pesticides is no longer known? Oxamyl, Runoff/leaching from insecticide SOUTH used on apples, potatoes, and tomatoes, I include in the RECORD a list of Slight nervous system effects, 200, 200, 255; Southern Environmental Law Center, Ca- chemicals and their potential health PCBs, Runoff from landfills; discharge of tawba Riverkeeper Foundation, Gulf Res- impact. waste chemicals, Skin changes; thymus toration Network. SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMICALS REGULATED gland problems; immune deficiencies; repro- NORTHEAST BY THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ductive or nervous system difficulties, in- Housatonic River Initiative, Toxics Action AGENCY creased risk of cancer, 0.5, 0, 214; Center, New York/New Jersey Baykeeper. Pentachlorophenol, Discharge from wood Chemical, Source, Potential Health Im- preserving factories, Liver or kidney prob- MID-ATLANTIC pact, MCL (PPB), MCLG (PPB), Number of lems; increased cancer risk, 1, 0, 220; Assateague Coastkeeper/Assateague Coast- Violations in 2015 are as follows: 2,3,7,8- Simazine, Herbicide runoff, Blood problems, al Trust. TCDD (dioxin), Emissions from waste incin- 4, 4, 255; Toxaphene, Runoff/leaching from in- eration and other combustion; discharge Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, secticide used on cotton and cattle, Kidney, from chemical factories, Reproductive dif- there is one other thing that I want to liver, or thyroid problems, increased risk of ficulties; increased risk of cancer, 0.00003, 0, bring to the attention of this com- cancer, 3, 0, 222. 124; 2,4,5-TP, Residue of banned herbicide, mittee. One of the potential human Liver problems, 50, 50, 214; 2,4-D, Runoff from Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I health applications related to unregu- herbicide used on row crops, Kidney, liver, or just implore all our colleagues to take lated discharges to water is drinking adrenal gland problems; possible cancer risk, a good look at what this can have an water. 70, 70, 232; Alachlor, Runoff from herbicide effect on our general populace, I mean, In May of 2017, the Natural Resources used on row crops, Eye, liver, kidney, or the human impact, and I trust that Defense Council released a report enti- spleen problems; anemia; increased risk of they will vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. tled, ‘‘Threats on Tap,’’ that docu- cancer, 2, 0, 0; Aldicarb, Runoff/leaching from Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of mented potentially harmful contami- pesticides, Nausea, diarrhea, and relatively my time. minor neurological symptoms, 3, 1, 32; Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, I yield myself nants in tap water in every State of Aldicarb sulfone, Runoff/leaching from pes- the Union. This report, based on infor- ticides, Nausea, diarrhea, and relatively such time as I may consume. mation obtained from State and local minor neurological symptoms, 2, 1, 32; In my closing, I just want to really public drinking water utilities, docu- Aldicarb sulfoxide, Runoff/leaching from pes- reemphasize the importance to pass mented tens of thousands of drinking ticides, Nausea, diarrhea, and relatively this bill and get it signed into law be- water violations related to chemicals minor neurological symptoms, 4, 1, 32; cause the environment is at risk, and other contaminants currently Atrazine, Runoff from herbicide used on row human safety is at risk, human health found in our domestic water supply. crops, Cardiovascular system or reproductive is at risk. We have over 100 Zika out- problems; possible cancer risk, 3, 3, 263; breaks currently in the United States. The report included a focus on syn- Benzo(a)pyrene, Leaching from linings of thetic organic compounds commonly water storage tanks and distribution lines, We have hundreds of West Nile out- found in a wide variety of products, Reproductive difficulties; increased risk of breaks. And what this bill does is it from household cleaners to industrial, cancer, 0.2, 0, 246; Carbofuran, Leaching of puts a tool in the toolbox for our mos- commercial, and agricultural products, soil fumigant used on rice and alfalfa, Prob- quito control districts, an additional including pesticides and herbicides reg- lems with blood, nervous system, or repro- tool to help eradicate or control the ulated under FIFRA. ductive system, 40, =40, 255. mosquito population to prevent and Chlordane, Residue of banned termiticide, protect human health around our citi- b 1545 Liver or nervous system problems; increased zens. According to this report, human ex- risk of cancer, 2, 0, 255; DBCP (1,2-dibromo-3- There has been a lot of talk about posure to these contaminants can lead chloropropane), Runoff/leaching from soil fu- migant used on soybeans, cotton, pineapples, pesticide chemicals in the water, and to cancers—I repeat, lead to cancers— and orchards, Reproductive difficulties, in- some of these chemicals that have been developmental effects, central nervous creased risk of cancer, 0.2, 0, 166; Dalapon, mentioned are what we call legacy system, and reproductive difficulties, Runoff from herbicide used on rights-of-way, chemicals that were used years ago. As endocrine issues, or liver and kidney Minor kidney changes, 200, 200, 213; a farmer, I can tell you some of the problems. Di(ethylhexyl)-adipate, Discharge from chemicals we used when I started farm- According to an appendix of this re- chemical factories, Weight loss, liver prob- ing in 1975 didn’t break down. They port, which I include in today’s lems, possible reproductive difficulties, 400, weren’t biodegradable. 400, 253; Di(ethylhexyl)-phthalate, Discharge RECORD, in 2015, there were 6,864 drink- The industry has changed a lot. We from rubber and chemical factories, Repro- ing water violations associated with ductive difficulties; liver problems; increased have new chemicals, better chemicals, synthetic organic compounds, poten- risk of cancer, 6, 0, 286; Dinoseb, Runoff from safer chemicals. Many of them are bio- tially affecting as many as 2.6 million herbicide used on soybeans and vegetables, degradable. So these legacy issues are drinking water users. Of these, a num- Reproductive difficulties, 7, 7, 215; Diquat, not—the contaminants in a lot of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.032 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4545 water today isn’t from chemicals being ‘‘(5) USE OF AUTHORIZED PESTICIDES.—Except the list of hazardous substances established used in today’s agricultural environ- as provided in section 402(s) of the Federal pursuant to section 102 of the Comprehensive ment, but it is from past years because Water Pollution Control Act, the Administrator Environmental Response, Compensation, and those chemicals last in the environ- or a State may not require a permit under such Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9602). Act for a discharge from a point source into ment for many years. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for House Resolution 348, the gentlewoman I think it is also important that the sale, distribution, or use under this Act, or the former Secretary of Agriculture—I residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the from Connecticut (Ms. ESTY) and a stated earlier—Tom Vilsack, was very application of such pesticide.’’. Member opposed each will control 5 concerned about this, and he sent a let- SEC. 3. DISCHARGES OF PESTICIDES. minutes. ter to the EPA Administrator at the Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution The Chair recognizes the gentle- time, Lisa Jackson, that this court Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1342) is amended by add- woman from Connecticut. case doesn’t do anything to help pro- ing at the end the following: Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair- tect the environment or protect water ‘‘(s) DISCHARGES OF PESTICIDES.— man, I rise in support of my amend- ‘‘(1) NO PERMIT REQUIREMENT.—Except as quality in the United States, and it ment to H.R. 953, the Reducing Regu- provided in paragraph (2), a permit shall not be latory Burdens Act of 2017. The under- adds additional costs and burdens to required by the Administrator or a State under our agricultural producers in their ef- this Act for a discharge from a point source into lying bill is overly broad, and not only forts to produce the wholesome, safe, navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for risks public health, but also endangers affordable food supply to feed the sale, distribution, or use under the Federal In- our agricultural lands by needlessly world. secticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, or the contaminating our water. This is commonsense legislation, and residue of such a pesticide, resulting from the Let me be clear: I support elimi- I urge people to vote for H.R. 953. As application of such pesticide. nating unnecessary regulatory bur- has been said earlier, this bill has been ‘‘(2) EXCEPTIONS.—Paragraph (1) shall not dens. In fact, if you ask every Rep- apply to the following discharges of a pesticide resentative whether they support get- up several other times in previous Con- or pesticide residue: gresses; it has had strong bipartisan ‘‘(A) A discharge resulting from the applica- ting rid of duplicative or unnecessary support. Unfortunately, the Senate did tion of a pesticide in violation of a provision of regulations, you would probably get 435 not move on it and take action. Hope- the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and yeas. However, the regulations here are fully this time we will see that, espe- Rodenticide Act that is relevant to protecting far from unwarranted. cially with the outbreaks of Zika and water quality, if— There is a compelling reason why the West Nile and seeing the cost. ‘‘(i) the discharge would not have occurred Environmental Protection Agency It was mentioned earlier, too, about but for the violation; or stepped in to protect the American ‘‘(ii) the amount of pesticide or pesticide res- the cost of getting the permit. Obvi- idue in the discharge is greater than would have public and our water from unnecessary ously, doing the permit, actually ap- occurred without the violation. harms from pesticides. Under the Fed- plying it probably isn’t much costly, ‘‘(B) Stormwater discharges subject to regula- eral Insecticide, Fungicide, and but to get all the stuff lined up, the tion under subsection (p). Rodenticide Act, FIFRA, the EPA is consultants and all the paperwork they ‘‘(C) The following discharges subject to regu- charged with registering all pesticides have to do to get the information there lation under this section: that are made and sold in the United is quite costly. ‘‘(i) Manufacturing or industrial effluent. States. But FIFRA does not take into ‘‘(ii) Treatment works effluent. We had in previous committee hear- ‘‘(iii) Discharges incidental to the normal op- account when, where, and how pes- ings mosquito control districts coming eration of a vessel, including a discharge result- ticides are applied. in and talking about the cost. The ing from ballasting operations or vessel bio- Applying a pesticide to crop land has thousands of dollars they are spending fouling prevention.’’. a dramatically different consequence has blown their budget where they The Acting CHAIR. No amendment to the environment than when it is could be using that to spend on mos- to that amendment in the nature of a sprayed directly into or over or on bod- quito eradication. substitute shall be in order except ies of water. So that is why, under the So, obviously, we have hundreds of those printed in House Report 115–145. Clean Water Act, pesticide general per- groups around the country that sup- Each such amendment may be offered mits are now required for pesticide ap- port this legislation. It is needed, and I only in the order printed in the report, plications in, over, or on water. urge my colleagues to support it so we by a Member designated in the report, Folks are only required to apply for a can move on and protect the environ- shall be considered read, shall be de- pesticide general permit when they ment, enhance the environment, and batable for the time specified in the re- want to release biological or chemical also human health and safety. port, equally divided and controlled by pesticides into, over, or on waters of Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of the proponent and an opponent, shall the United States. A PGP is often re- my time. not be subject to amendment, and shall quired for control of the following The Acting CHAIR (Mr. YOUNG of not be subject to a demand for division pests: mosquitoes, vegetation and Iowa). All time for general debate has of the question. algae, animal pests, areawide pests, expired. and forest-canopy pests. Pursuant to the rule, the bill shall be AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. ESTY OF CONNECTICUT Now, I would like to clarify some considered for amendment under the 5- misconceptions that we have heard dis- minute rule. It shall be in order to con- The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1 printed in cussed here this afternoon. Claims that sider as an original bill for the purpose the pesticide general permits reck- of amendment under the 5-minute rule House Report 115–145. Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, lessly harms American agriculture are an amendment in the nature of a sub- simply not true. For 6 years now, the stitute consisting of the text of Rules I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will pesticide general permit has been in Committee Print 115–21. That amend- designate the amendment. place. Farmers and forestry operators ment in the nature of a substitute shall The text of the amendment is as fol- have had successful growing seasons be considered as read. lows: and have provided important products The text of the amendment in the na- to the United States around the world. ture of a substitute is as follows: Page 3, after line 2, insert the following (and redesignate subsequent subparagraphs Congressional testimony has revealed H.R. 953 of the quoted matter accordingly): no report of a pesticide applicator Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ‘‘(B) A discharge that contains any active being unable to apply pesticide in a resentatives of the United States of America in or inactive ingredient identified on the list timely manner. Assertions that the Congress assembed, of toxic pollutants established pursuant to pesticide general permit prevents us SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. section 307(a)(1) of this Act, the list of ex- from combating the Zika virus are also This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Reducing Regu- tremely hazardous substances established untrue. latory Burdens Act of 2017’’. pursuant to section 302(a) of the Emergency SEC. 2. USE OF AUTHORIZED PESTICIDES. Planning and Community Right-To-Know When special circumstances arise, Section 3(f) of the Federal Insecticide, Fun- Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11002(a)), the list of public health outbreaks like the Zika gicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136a(f)) is toxic chemicals established pursuant to sec- virus or West Nile, special exemptions amended by adding at the end the following: tion 313(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 11023(c)), or allow applicators to spray pesticides

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.074 H24MYPT1 H4546 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 and apply for permits after the fact. unnecessary permit process, and helps greater toxic exposure by our families The post-pesticide application process free up resources for States, counties, and children. is simple, and it works. and local governments to better com- b 1600 The bottom line is that limiting the bat the spread of diseases like Zika and amount of pesticides that are sprayed West Nile virus. This amendment, in The level of protection is worth 10 into our lakes, rivers, and streams, effect, undermines these efforts. minutes of time by a commercial pes- into our drinking water supplies, is The amendment intends to make the ticide applicator. common sense. bill’s exemption from the Clean Water Mr. Chair, I approve Ms. ESTY’s In my home State of Connecticut, Act permitting ineffective by carving amendment. pesticide contamination in residential out from the bill those waters that Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, drinking water has been a Statewide may receive a discharge containing any I yield back the balance of my time. problem for a long time. Some of my one of several hundred listed chemical Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, I just urge the constituents have gone for years living substances. The vast majority of sub- Members to oppose this amendment, with stomach pain, hair loss, body stances referenced in this amendment and I yield back the balance of my numbness, skin rashes, not knowing are not even a pesticide and have noth- time. the cause of their ailments. Test re- ing to do with the regulation of a pes- The Acting CHAIR. The question is sults have revealed pesticides were the ticide. on the amendment offered by the gen- cause. Additionally, a discharge covered tlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. That is why I stand here today to under this amendment does not have to ESTY). offer an amendment that would ensure be related in any way to the use or ap- The question was taken; and the Act- that we keep existing clean water pro- plication of a pesticide. The net effect ing Chair announced that the noes ap- tections in place so that we can protect of this amendment is to undermine the peared to have it. our waters and agricultural lands in bill based on circumstances that have Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, the long run. nothing whatsoever to do with the use I demand a recorded vote. My amendment would retain existing of a pesticide. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Clean Water Act accountability for the Further, the amendment would re- clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- most toxic chemicals and hazardous quire a pesticide user to conduct ex- ceedings on the amendment offered by substances commonly used in pes- tremely expensive and time-consuming the gentlewoman from Connecticut ticides today. monitoring. This defeats the bill’s pur- will be postponed. Should we would try to find a way to pose of reducing the regulatory bur- AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. HUFFMAN streamline the application process for dens. I urge Members to oppose this The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order a pesticide general permit? amendment. to consider amendment No. 2 printed in Of course. But a blanket exemption Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of House Report 115–145. with complete disregard for clean my time. Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chair, I have an water, the ecosystem, and public Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair- amendment at the desk. health makes this underlying bill un- man, may I inquire as to how much The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will warranted and unwise. time I have remaining? designate the amendment. We must work together in this Con- The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman The text of the amendment is as fol- gress to protect our waterways, ensure has 1 minute remaining. lows: a healthy food and water supply, while Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Chair, Page 3, after line 13, add the following: also protecting our public health. I yield the balance of my time to the SEC. 4. PROTECTION OF FISHERIES. Mr. Chair, I encourage all of my col- gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Nothing in this Act, or the amendments leagues to support my amendment, and NAPOLITANO), the subcommittee rank- made by this Act, shall prevent the Adminis- I reserve the balance of my time. ing member. trator of the Environmental Protection Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Chairman, I Agency or a State from requiring a permit opposition to the amendment. rise in support of the amendment of- under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollu- tion Control Act for any discharge (as de- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman fered by the gentlewoman from Con- fined in such Act) that would have a nega- from Ohio is recognized for 5 minutes. necticut (Ms. ESTY). The amendment tive effect on commercial, recreational, or Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, a couple of would help ensure the protection of subsistence fisheries, or on fisheries pro- points I would like to make. When my public health from discharges of toxic tected by Tribal treaty rights, as determined colleague from Connecticut talked chemicals such as benzene, chlordane, by the Administrator or the State, as appli- about spraying chemicals, pesticides and vinyl chloride. cable, based on the best available science. over water, the EPA has full authority, In my view, the protection of our The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to full jurisdiction to restrict those pes- families and children from seemingly House Resolution 348, the gentleman ticides, how they are used, when they limitless exposure to toxic chemicals from California (Mr. HUFFMAN) and a are used, and also who is using them; in our air and our water and our neigh- Member opposed each will control 5 and they can restrict it to a manner borhoods should be paramount, yet minutes. where the applicator has to have spe- here we are today considering legisla- The Chair recognizes the gentleman cific training. And there is nothing to tion to waive the simple requirement from California. stop the EPA to say that if you are that a chemical pesticide sprayer fill Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chair, I appre- going to spray over a body of water, out an application providing notice of ciate the opportunity to offer this you have to notify the EPA. The EPA where he intends to spray known toxic amendment and to speak against the has that authority. They have the ju- chemicals, such as the ones I men- underlying bill. risdiction to do that. tioned, all known to have toxic effects Unfortunately, I wasn’t serving the I think it is also interesting to men- on humans. House in 2011 when this bill was first tion when talking about spraying and The amendment under consideration brought to the floor. I was here in 2014, getting a permit after the fact, yeah, says that we should, at a minimum, when the bill was brought up again, that if the local entity declares an disclose and monitor the dangerous twice. I was here, also, in 2016, when it emergency, then they can go in. But chemicals for potential toxic effects. was brought up twice. my argument is that since this addi- These are chemicals that Congress has This bill has gone through a number tional permitting requirement, this ad- already designated as ‘‘toxic,’’ ‘‘haz- of name changes, but its intent re- ditional red tape bureaucracy is stop- ardous substances,’’ or ‘‘extreme haz- mains the same, and that is, to allow ping the preventive programs, so we ardous substances’’ in Federal statute. the irresponsible application of pes- shouldn’t have to get to an emergency As Congress, we should want to make ticides into our Nation’s waterways. situation where we just spray and do sure that these dangerous chemicals do Undermining the Clean Water Act, as the permit after the fact. not wind up in our rivers and streams, this bill does, means taking the EPA But her amendment, H.R. 953 elimi- potentially contaminating our local out of the picture, blocking them from nates the duplicative, expansive, and drinking water sources and leading to weighing in on pesticides that are

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.077 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4547 dumped into rivers, lakes, and streams, and New York lobstermen along the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, MAY 23, 2017. without regard to the impacts of Long Island Sound, producing a multi- Washington, DC. human health, or to those who rely on million-dollar settlement with pes- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of thou- sands of tribal, commercial, and recreational recreational, commercial, and Tribal ticide manufacturers mishandling the fishermen who depend on healthy fisheries fisheries. chemical malathion. for their subsistence, traditional cultural We know, unfortunately, that despite Similar concern has brought forth practices, businesses, and recreational enjoy- efforts to regulate pesticides for public proposals to regulate methoprene and ment, we write to urge you to vote YES on the Huffman amendment to H.R. 953. The health and safety, these dangerous resmethrin in Maine in order to protect chemicals continue to be detected in amendment would ensure that existing Fed- their commercial fishery, which is eral Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) surface and groundwater bodies at dan- worth over $700 million. gerous levels. Impacts to fish and wild- permitting requirements for point source Mr. Chair, I have letters of support polluters remain in place when science clear- life have been significant, and have al- ly indicates they are needed to protect fish- ready been devastating in some in- here for my amendment from the eries. stances. Oysters, shrimp, sea trout, and American Sportfishing Association, Under § 402 of the FWPCA, the Adminis- redfish—four of the most important Trout Unlimited, the Columbia River trator of the EPA may issue permits for species to food webs, fishermen, and Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, the point source discharges of approved pes- the economy along the Southeast and Karuk Tribe, the Winnemem Wintu ticides, herbicides, and fungicides into navi- gable waters, which are also inhabited by Gulf Coasts—have shown effects rang- Tribe, the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, Seafood Har- many important and valuable fish species ing from impaired survival skills, to that are worth billions of dollars to fisher- damaged DNA, to death as a result of vesters of America, and other organiza- men and anglers each year. H.R. 953 would exposure to pesticides that have been tions who are very interested in this eliminate the EPA’s permitting authority approved for agricultural use. amendment, and support it. for approved pesticides, herbicides, and fun- In 2006, USGS released its review on MAY 24, 2017. gicides discharged into navigable waters. Many of these chemicals, despite their ap- pesticide occurrence and concentra- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As the House con- tions in streams and groundwater. Ac- proval for agricultural use, are known to be siders H.R. 953, the Reducing Regulatory seriously harmful to iconic fish species in- cording to this report, at least one pes- Burdens Act of 2017, we the undersigned cluding salmon and trout, jeopardizing their ticide was detected in water from all groups representing millions of hunters and survival and posing a risk to the food supply. streams tested throughout the Nation. anglers across the nation, urge you to ensure Congressman Huffman’s amendment to In addition, chemicals such as DDT, that H.R. 953 does not negatively impact H.R. 953 would simply leave EPA permitting which has been banned in the U.S. for water quality, fish health and the rec- requirements in place for the dumping of reational fishing industry by supporting pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides into decades, were still showing up, found in Amendment #3, sponsored by Representative fish tissues sampled across watersheds our streams and rivers when they are known Jared Huffman. to pose a significant risk to fisheries. We ask nationwide. The Huffman Amendment protects fish- that you support this amendment in order to We see a similar situation at the eries and water quality by ensuring any pes- keep America’s fisheries and strong fishing State level. In my State of California, ticide spraying into or over waterways that traditions alive, safe, and prosperous. If you pesticides are among the top sources of would negatively impact our nation’s fish- have any questions, please call Noah water quality impairments in the eries is properly monitored and permitted. Oppenheim, Executive Director of the Pa- State. 437 waterbodies are impaired by The 47 million sportsmen and women that cific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Asso- 40 different categories of pesticides. hunt and fish each year depend on strong ciations. That is why commercial fishing groups Clean Water Act protections to ensure thriv- Sincerely, oppose the underlying bill. ing fish populations that are safe to eat and Noah Oppenheim, Executive Director, Pacific Coast Federation of Fisher- My amendment will ensure that we the Huffman amendment would ensure it continues to do so. men’s Associations; Leaf Hillman, Di- don’t deny either the EPA or a State rector, Department of Natural Re- America’s hunters and anglers contribute their ability to require permits for pes- sources, Karuk Tribe; Caleen Sisk, more than $200 billion to America’s economy ticide use that could have negative ef- Chief, Winnemem Wintu Tribe; Robert each year and this robust outdoor economy Vandermark, Executive Director, Ma- fects on fisheries. Let’s make sure that depends on healthy rivers, lakes, and rine Fish Conservation Network; Kevin streams and rivers that support fish streams. Nearly 2,000 waterways in the Wheeler, Executive Director, Seafood are clean. Let’s make sure that the fish United States are known to be impaired be- Harvesters of America; Roger Thomas, we catch, eat, and sell are free from cause of pesticides, and, even at low levels, President, Golden Gate Salmon Asso- pesticides pose a particularly concerning toxic chemicals. America’s fisheries ciation; Bob Rees, Executive Director, threat to fish and wildlife populations. With- are a backbone of both sport fishing Association of Northwest Steelheaders; out protective federal safeguards in place to and commercial fishing industries. Linda Behnken, Executive Director, regulate pesticides applied to our waterways, The recreational sector alone ac- Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Associa- sportsmen and women will have access to counts for more than $115 billion of our tion; Grant Putnam, President, North- fewer quality hunting and fishing opportuni- west Guides and Anglers Association; country’s economy, and it employs ties. more than 828,000 people. My amend- Benjamin Bulis, President, American ment would protect these recreational On behalf of our millions of members and Fly Fishing Trade Association; Lyf conservation-minded hunters, anglers, and activities, not only for current genera- Gildersleeve, Owner, Flying Fish Com- wildlife enthusiasts, we urge you to support pany; Kevin Scribner, Chief Executive tions but for future generations of an- this common-sense measure to safeguard our Officer, Forever Wild Seafood; Cynthia glers to come. water resources and outdoor heritage and Sarthou, Executive Director, Gulf Res- By accidentally contaminating our support the Huffman amendment. toration Network. waterways, pesticides also exacerbate Sincerely, the precarious status of endangered BENJAMIN BULIS, COLUMBIA RIVER INTER-TRIBAL and threatened species. In 1996, the AFFTA President, FISH COMMISSION, death of over 90,000 steelhead fish, 100 American Fly Fish- Portland, OR, May 23, 2017. ing Trade Associa- coho salmon, and thousands of Hon. PAUL RYAN, tion. Speaker of the House of Representatives, nongame fish resulted from an herbi- JOHN W. GALE, Washington, DC. cide called acrolein that entered the Conservation Director, Hon. NANCY PELOSI, waterways in Bear Creek, Oregon. Backcountry Hunt- Democratic Leader of the House of Representa- Many wild salmon stocks are now on ers & Anglers. tives, Washington, DC. the brink of extinction on the West ADAM KOLTON, DEAR SPEAKER RYAN AND DEMOCRATIC Coast, and losses in such sensitive pop- Vice President, Na- LEADER PELOSI: On behalf of the Columbia ulations make recovery efforts increas- tional Advocacy, River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission National Wildlife (CRITFC) and our member tribes—the Con- ingly difficult. Federation. federated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Res- Pesticides can pose a dangerous STEVE MOYER, ervation, the Confederated Tribes of the threat to commercial fisheries. In 1999, Vice President, Gov- Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the a massive lobster die-off devastated the ernment Affairs, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the lives and livelihoods of Connecticut Trout Unlimited. Yakama Nation, and the Nez Perce Tribe, I

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.081 H24MYPT1 H4548 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 would like to share our support for the ‘‘The Huffman amendment’’ is needed be- plicators are, and there is nothing to amendment offered by Mr. Huffman to H.R. cause the original legislation, H.R. 953, stop the EPA or the State EPAs to say: 953—Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of would eliminate this permitting authority Before you apply a pesticide over a 2017. The amendment specifically preserves for all approved pesticides, herbicides, and the ability of the EPA Administrator or a fungicides discharged into streams and riv- waterbody, you need to tell us first be- State to require permits necessary to protect ers; even when they are known to pose a sig- fore you do it. fisheries including Tribal treaty fisheries nificant risk to fisheries. There is nothing to stop the EPA from harmful discharges of FIFRA approved We appreciate your leadership and under- from doing that. pesticides. standing of the importance of clean water to So all this amendment does, it de- Tribal members are justifiably concerned fishing and the outdoor recreational econ- feats the bill’s purpose, reducing the about the impact of water quality on the omy. regulatory burdens, and I urge my natural resources of the Columbia River sys- Sincerely, Members to oppose this amendment. tem. Our member tribes’ right to abundant, SCOTT GUDES, Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of healthful fish is guaranteed by the 1855 trea- Vice President of Government Affairs. ties with the United States. A century’s my time. Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chairman, I pre- Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chair, I just worth of federal court decisions has estab- fer butter on my lobster rolls, not toxic lished beyond dispute that these treaty fish- want to point out that some States ing rights are permanent in nature, and that pesticides. Let’s make sure that States may want to put their efforts into pro- they secure for the tribes the right to take maintain their authority to prudently tecting water quality and the health of all species of fish found throughout their re- protect their economies and public their fisheries and their ecosystems, served fishing areas for subsistence, ceremo- health from pesticide impacts. rather than just carpet-bombing water- nial and commercial purposes. Tribal trea- I urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote on this amend- ways with pesticides. ties are the supreme law of the land, and fed- ment. This amendment says, those States eral agencies and States must interpret des- Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of ignated uses to include subsistence fishing have the authority to do that if they my time. choose to. and must protect fishable waters. Pesticides Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, I rise in oppo- can wreak havoc on the health of the habitat Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the sition to the amendment. gentlewoman from California (Mrs. and associated food webs that support our The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman fisheries. They can disrupt water quality NAPOLITANO), the ranking member of conditions and the availability of natural ri- from Ohio is recognized for 5 minutes. the subcommittee. parian and aquatic vegetation cover as well Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, well, that was The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman as the abundance of aquatic invertebrates a lot of drama. Let’s not lose sight that from California has 15 seconds remain- and fishes that support the growth and mat- what we are trying to do in H.R. 953 is ing. uration of salmonid species. Our tribes rec- to free up the resources so States, Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chair, I yield 15 ognize that the health and future of our trib- counties, local governments can fight al fisheries require clean, cold water that is seconds to the gentlewoman from Cali- the mosquito population, fight Zika, fornia (Mrs. NAPOLITANO). free of contaminants. fight the West Nile virus, and let our Regulations should be efficient, just, and Mrs. NAPOLITANO. I totally support effective, and necessarily must provide the agricultural producers have the most the amendment offered by the gen- EPA and States with the authority to pro- efficient way to protect the environ- tleman from California (Mr. HUFFMAN). tect the unique habitat and food web system ment, and also produce a safe, whole- If this amendment is adopted, it would that is essential to the health of our tribal some food supply. maintain the existing Clean Water Act fisheries. Thank you for your consideration This amendment undermines the general permit requirements to protect of these comments. If you have any further base bill. The amendment intends to questions please contact me or Dianne Bar- commercial, recreational, and subsist- carve out from the bill those waters ence fisheries, and Tribal treaty obli- ton, PhD. that have a discharge of any type. That Sincerely, gations. I support the amendment. means the way this amendment is writ- JAIME A. PINKHAM, The Acting CHAIR. The time of the CRITFC Executive Director. ten, any type of discharge—even if it is gentleman from California has expired. not a pesticide—any type of discharge, Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Chair, I will just say AMERICAN SPORTFISHING a nutrient discharge, anything would that the comment about this amend- ASSOCIATION, fall under this and undermines the bill. ment would allow States to do it, I Alexandria, VA, May 23, 2017. This amendment covers all types of don’t think there is anything to stop Hon. JARED HUFFMAN, discharges. I think that is important to the States from doing it now. If States Washington, DC. mention. DEAR CONGRESSMAN HUFFMAN: On behalf of want to do more to protect water qual- the nation’s recreational fishing industry, In addition, most waterbodies in this ity in their States, I think they have the American Sportfishing Association country are fishable, and, therefore, the right to do that. (ASA) would like to be on record as sup- subject to this amendment’s carve-out. Under the Clean Water Act, what it porting your amendment to H.R. 953. This As a result, the types of discharges and says is: The States will implement and amendment leaves EPA permitting require- waterbodies in question under this enforce the Clean Water Act under the ments in place for the dumping of pesticides, amendment do not need to be related guidance of the Federal Government, herbicides, and fungicides into our streams at all to the actual regulation of a pes- but they have to be, at the least, a and rivers when they are known to pose a ticide. significant risk to fisheries. standard of the Federal Government. America’s fisheries are an economic power- Further, the amendment would re- They can exceed that standard if they house and the backbone of the sportfishing quire that a pesticide user conduct ex- want, so I don’t think there is anything and commercial fishing industries. Amer- tremely expensive and time-consuming stopping that. ica’s recreational anglers generate more monitoring. Moreover, the amend- I urge my colleagues to defeat this than $48 billion in retail sales with a $115 bil- ment’s standard of any negative effect amendment and support the underlying lion impact on the nation’s economy; cre- is vague and subjective and could in- bill. ating employment for more than 828,000 peo- clude an effect that has nothing to do Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of ple. Our industry depends on clean water for with a pesticide. my time. continued healthy and abundant fisheries. Registered pesticides already take The Acting CHAIR. The question is There are certain chemicals used for various into account aquatic species’ and fish- on the amendment offered by the gen- on-land industry operations that are known eries’ health into consideration during tleman from California (Mr. HUFFMAN). to be incredibly harmful to fish development the registration process. I think it is The question was taken; and the Act- and survival when released into waterways. important that they go through a rig- ing Chair announced that the noes ap- The Administrator of the EPA currently en- orous testing process, and more test- peared to have it. forces permitting requirements for the dis- ing, and the EPA has full control. They Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Chair, I demand posal of these chemicals into our streams can reject that. If they determine that a recorded vote. and rivers. Your amendment would ensure The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to that existing Federal Water Pollution Con- a pesticide is environmentally harmful, trol Act permitting requirements for point- or potentially harmful, they can pull clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- source polluters (§ 402) remain in place when that product off. ceedings on the amendment offered by science indicates they are needed to conserve They can also restrict the product the gentleman from California will be fisheries. even more so, and restrict who the ap- postponed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.043 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4549 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIR Ryan (OH) Sires Tsongas b 1637 The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Sa´ nchez Slaughter Vargas Sarbanes Smith (NJ) Veasey Messrs. WEBSTER of Florida, clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will Schakowsky Smith (WA) Vela CHAFFETZ, WITTMAN, BANKS of In- now resume on those amendments Schiff Soto Vela´ zquez diana, ESTES of Kansas, Ms. HER- printed in House Report 115–145 on Schneider Speier Visclosky RERA BEUTLER, Mr. O’HALLERAN, which further proceedings were post- Scott (VA) Suozzi Wasserman Scott, David Takano Schultz Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS, and poned, in the following order: Serrano Thompson (CA) Waters, Maxine Messrs. CURBELO of Florida and Amendment No. 1 by Ms. ESTY of Sewell (AL) Thompson (MS) Watson Coleman WOODALL changed their vote from Connecticut. Shea-Porter Titus Welch Sherman Tonko Wilson (FL) ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ UFFMAN Amendment No. 2 by Mr. H of Sinema Torres Yarmuth Mr. CLAY, Ms. MOORE, Messrs. California. LANCE, MEEHAN, and Ms. BLUNT The Chair will reduce to 2 minutes NOES—229 ROCHESTER changed their vote from the minimum time for any electronic Abraham Gohmert Paulsen ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ vote after the first vote in this series. Aderholt Goodlatte Pearce So the amendment was rejected. Allen Gosar Perry AMENDMENT NO. 1 OFFERED BY MS. ESTY OF Amash Gowdy Peterson The result of the vote was announced CONNECTICUT Amodei Granger Pittenger as above recorded. The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished Arrington Graves (GA) Poe (TX) (By unanimous consent, Ms. CASTOR business is the demand for a recorded Babin Graves (MO) Poliquin of Florida was allowed to speak out of Bacon Griffith Posey vote on the amendment offered by the Banks (IN) Grothman Ratcliffe order.) gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. Barletta Guthrie Reed FIFTH ANNUAL CAPITAL SOCCER CLASSIC ESTY) on which further proceedings Barr Harper Reichert Barton Harris Renacci Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chair- were postponed and on which the noes Bergman Hartzler Rice (SC) man, as the co-chair of the bipartisan prevailed by voice vote. Biggs Hensarling Roby Congressional Soccer Caucus, along Bilirakis Herrera Beutler Roe (TN) The Clerk will redesignate the with my co-chairs, Representative DON amendment. Bishop (MI) Hice, Jody B. Rogers (AL) Bishop (UT) Higgins (LA) Rogers (KY) BACON, DARIN LAHOOD, and ERIC The Clerk redesignated the amend- Blackburn Hill Rohrabacher SWALWELL, I am pleased to inform the ment. Blum Holding Rokita House that last night a group of bipar- Bost Hollingsworth Rooney, Francis RECORDED VOTE Brady (TX) Hudson Rooney, Thomas tisan Members came together to play The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Brat Huizenga J. in the fifth annual Capital Soccer Clas- has been demanded. Bridenstine Hultgren Ros-Lehtinen sic, a charity benefit for the U.S. Soc- A recorded vote was ordered. Brooks (AL) Hunter Ross cer Foundation and children in under- Brooks (IN) Hurd Rothfus The vote was taken by electronic de- Buchanan Issa Rouzer served areas across the country. vice, and there were—ayes 191, noes 229, Buck Jenkins (KS) Royce (CA) The U.S. Soccer Foundation trans- not voting 10, as follows: Bucshon Jenkins (WV) Russell forms abandoned fields and vacant lots Budd Johnson (LA) Rutherford [Roll No. 279] Burgess Johnson (OH) Sanford into state-of-the-art soccer fields to AYES—191 Byrne Jordan Scalise create safe places where kids can play. Calvert Katko Schrader Adams Dingell Lawson (FL) The U.S. Soccer Foundation also part- Carter (GA) Kelly (MS) Schweikert ners with our local communities back Aguilar Doggett Lee Carter (TX) Kelly (PA) Scott, Austin ´ Barragan Doyle, Michael Levin Chabot King (IA) Sensenbrenner home for free afterschool programs to Bass F. Lewis (GA) Chaffetz King (NY) Sessions help kids establish healthy habits: put Beatty Ellison Lieu, Ted Cheney Kinzinger Shimkus the cellphones aside, turn off the TV, Bera Engel Lipinski Coffman Knight Shuster Beyer Eshoo LoBiondo Cole Kustoff (TN) Simpson get outside, and learn good sportsman- Bishop (GA) Espaillat Loebsack Collins (GA) Labrador Smith (MO) ship. Blumenauer Esty (CT) Lofgren Collins (NY) LaHood Smith (NE) The Republican team was very tough: Blunt Rochester Evans Lowenthal Comer LaMalfa Smith (TX) Congressmen DON BACON, DARIN Bonamici Fitzpatrick Lowey Comstock Lamborn Smucker Boyle, Brendan Foster Lujan Grisham, Conaway Latta Stefanik LAHOOD, GUS BILIRAKIS, STEVE KNIGHT, F. Frankel (FL) M. Cook Lewis (MN) Stewart ERIK PAULSEN, and DAVID VALADAO, Brady (PA) Fudge Luja´ n, Ben Ray Costa Long Stivers who scored for the Republican team. Brown (MD) Gabbard Lynch Cramer Loudermilk Taylor Brownley (CA) Gallego Maloney, Sean Crawford Love Tenney We had a number of outstanding con- Bustos Garamendi Matsui Culberson Lucas Thompson (PA) gressional staff and former professional Butterfield Gonzalez (TX) McCollum Curbelo (FL) Luetkemeyer Thornberry Capuano Gottheimer McEachin soccer stars as well, but they were not Davidson MacArthur Tiberi enough for the Democratic team. The Carbajal Green, Al McGovern Davis, Rodney Marchant Tipton ´ Cardenas Green, Gene McNerney Denham Marino Trott Democratic team notched a 5–3 victory Carson (IN) Grijalva Meehan Dent Marshall Turner to deliver this trophy for America’s Cartwright Gutie´rrez Meeks DeSantis Massie Upton blue team. Castor (FL) Hanabusa Meng DesJarlais Mast Valadao Castro (TX) Hastings Moore Diaz-Balart McCarthy Wagner Great fun was had by all. We would Chu, Judy Heck Moulton Donovan McCaul Walberg like to invite you to join us next year Cicilline Higgins (NY) Murphy (FL) Duffy McClintock Walden Clark (MA) Himes Nadler because the real winners are the kids Duncan (SC) McHenry Walker across the country and the opportunity Clarke (NY) Hoyer Napolitano Duncan (TN) McKinley Walorski Clay Huffman Neal Dunn McMorris Walters, Mimi to be healthy and well. Cleaver Jackson Lee Norcross Emmer Rodgers Walz Mr. BACON. Will the gentlewoman Clyburn Jayapal O’Rourke Estes (KS) Meadows Weber (TX) yield? Cohen Jeffries Pallone Farenthold Messer Webster (FL) Connolly Johnson (GA) Panetta Faso Mitchell Wenstrup Ms. CASTOR of Florida. I yield to Conyers Johnson, E. B. Pascrell Ferguson Moolenaar Westerman the gentleman from Nebraska. Cooper Jones Payne Fleischmann Mooney (WV) Williams Correa Joyce (OH) Pelosi Mr. BACON. Mr. Chairman, it was an Flores Mullin Wilson (SC) honor to be able to have a bipartisan Costello (PA) Kaptur Peters Fortenberry Murphy (PA) Wittman Courtney Keating Pingree Foxx Noem Womack game out there and have a good time. Crist Kelly (IL) Pocan Franks (AZ) Nolan Woodall Soccer keeps children in shape. Thou- Crowley Kennedy Polis Frelinghuysen Nunes Yoder sands and thousands of our kids get to Cuellar Khanna Price (NC) Gaetz O’Halleran Yoho Davis (CA) Kildee Quigley Gallagher Olson Young (AK) play this every year. We also stay in Davis, Danny Kilmer Raskin Garrett Palazzo Young (IA) shape. It also teaches them teamwork DeFazio Kind Rice (NY) Gibbs Palmer Zeldin DeGette Krishnamoorthi Richmond and how to follow the rules, and they become better citizens. Delaney Kuster (NH) Rosen NOT VOTING—10 DeLauro Lance Roskam I had to do an ibuprofen this morn- DelBene Langevin Roybal-Allard Black Kihuen Newhouse ing. Demings Larsen (WA) Ruiz Cummings Maloney, Perlmutter DeSaulnier Larson (CT) Ruppersberger Graves (LA) Carolyn B. Swalwell (CA) Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Chair- Deutch Lawrence Rush Johnson, Sam McSally man, I thank the gentleman.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.083 H24MYPT1 H4550 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 AMENDMENT NO. 2 OFFERED BY MR. HUFFMAN NOES—230 The Acting CHAIR. Under the rule, The Acting CHAIR. Without objec- Abraham Gosar Pearce the Committee rises. tion, 2-minute voting will continue. Aderholt Gowdy Perry Accordingly, the Committee rose; Allen Granger Peterson and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. There was no objection. Amash Graves (GA) Pittenger The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished Amodei Graves (MO) Poe (TX) HULTGREN) having assumed the chair, business is the demand for a recorded Arrington Griffith Poliquin Mr. YOUNG of Iowa, Acting Chair of the vote on the amendment offered by the Babin Grothman Posey Committee of the Whole House on the Bacon Guthrie Ratcliffe state of the Union, reported that that gentleman from California (Mr. Banks (IN) Harper Reed HUFFMAN) on which further pro- Barletta Harris Reichert Committee, having had under consider- ceedings were postponed and on which Barr Hartzler Renacci ation the bill (H.R. 953) to amend the Barton Hensarling Rice (SC) Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and the noes prevailed by voice vote. Bergman Herrera Beutler Roby Rodenticide Act and the Federal Water The Clerk will redesignate the Biggs Hice, Jody B. Roe (TN) amendment. Bilirakis Higgins (LA) Rogers (AL) Pollution Control Act to clarify Con- Bishop (MI) Hill Rogers (KY) gressional intent regarding the regula- The Clerk redesignated the amend- Bishop (UT) Holding Rohrabacher ment. Blackburn Hollingsworth tion of the use of pesticides in or near Rokita Blum Hudson navigable waters, and for other pur- RECORDED VOTE Rooney, Francis Bost Huizenga Rooney, Thomas poses, and, pursuant to House Resolu- The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Brat Hultgren J. tion 348, he reported the bill back to has been demanded. Bridenstine Hunter Ros-Lehtinen A recorded vote was ordered. Brooks (AL) Hurd the House with an amendment adopted Brooks (IN) Issa Roskam in the Committee of the Whole. The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 2- Ross Buchanan Jenkins (KS) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under minute vote. Rothfus Buck Jenkins (WV) the rule, the previous question is or- The vote was taken by electronic de- Bucshon Johnson (LA) Rouzer Royce (CA) dered. vice, and there were—ayes 189, noes 230, Budd Johnson (OH) Burgess Jordan Russell The question is on the amendment in not voting 11, as follows: Rutherford Byrne Katko the nature of a substitute. [Roll No. 280] Calvert Kelly (MS) Sanford Carter (GA) Kelly (PA) Scalise The amendment was agreed to. AYES—189 Carter (TX) King (IA) Schrader The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Adams Fudge Neal Chabot King (NY) Schweikert question is on the engrossment and Aguilar Gabbard Norcross Chaffetz Kinzinger Scott, Austin third reading of the bill. Sensenbrenner Barraga´ n Gallego O’Halleran Cheney Knight The bill was ordered to be engrossed Bass Garamendi O’Rourke Coffman Kustoff (TN) Sessions Beatty Gonzalez (TX) Pallone Cole Labrador Shimkus and read a third time, and was read the Bera Gottheimer Panetta Collins (GA) LaHood Shuster third time. Beyer Green, Al Pascrell Collins (NY) LaMalfa Simpson Comer Lamborn MOTION TO RECOMMIT Bishop (GA) Green, Gene Payne Smith (MO) Comstock Lance Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I have Blumenauer Grijalva Pelosi Smith (NE) ´ Conaway Latta Blunt Rochester Gutierrez Perlmutter Smith (TX) a motion to recommit at the desk. Bonamici Hanabusa Cook Lewis (MN) Peters Smucker The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the Boyle, Brendan Hastings Costa LoBiondo Pingree Stefanik F. Heck Cramer Long gentleman opposed to the bill? Pocan Stewart Brady (PA) Higgins (NY) Crawford Loudermilk Stivers Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I am Polis Brown (MD) Himes Culberson Love Taylor Price (NC) opposed to the bill in its current form. Brownley (CA) Hoyer Curbelo (FL) Lucas Tenney Quigley The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bustos Huffman Davidson Luetkemeyer Thompson (PA) Raskin Clerk will report the motion to recom- Butterfield Jackson Lee Davis, Rodney MacArthur Thornberry Rice (NY) Capuano Jayapal Denham Marchant Tiberi mit. Richmond Dent Marino Carbajal Jeffries Tipton The Clerk read as follows: Rosen DeSantis Marshall Ca´ rdenas Johnson (GA) Trott Roybal-Allard DesJarlais Massie Mr. McGovern moves to recommit the bill Carson (IN) Johnson, E. B. Turner Ruiz Diaz-Balart Mast H.R. 953 to the Committee on Transportation Cartwright Jones Upton Ruppersberger Donovan McCarthy and Infrastructure with instructions to re- Castor (FL) Joyce (OH) Valadao Castro (TX) Kaptur Rush Duffy McCaul port the same back to the House forthwith Wagner Chu, Judy Keating Ryan (OH) Duncan (SC) McClintock Walberg with the following amendment: Cicilline Kelly (IL) Sa´ nchez Duncan (TN) McHenry Walden At the end, add the following: Clark (MA) Kennedy Sarbanes Dunn McKinley Walker SEC. 4. PROTECTING AMERICAN FAMILIES FROM Clarke (NY) Khanna Schakowsky Emmer McMorris Walorski SPECIAL INTERESTS SEEKING TO Clay Kildee Schiff Estes (KS) Rodgers Walters, Mimi UNDERMINE PUBLIC HEALTH Cleaver Kilmer Schneider Farenthold Meadows Walz THROUGH POLITICAL CONTRIBU- Clyburn Kind Scott (VA) Faso Meehan Weber (TX) TIONS. Cohen Krishnamoorthi Scott, David Ferguson Messer Webster (FL) This Act, including the amendments made Connolly Kuster (NH) Serrano Fleischmann Mitchell Wenstrup Conyers Langevin Sewell (AL) Flores Moolenaar by this Act, shall not apply to the discharge Westerman Cooper Larsen (WA) Shea-Porter Fortenberry Mooney (WV) of a pesticide if the manufacturer or dis- Williams Correa Larson (CT) Sherman Foxx Mullin tributor of the pesticide has made a political Franks (AZ) Wittman Costello (PA) Lawrence Sinema Murphy (PA) contribution to the President or to any Fed- Frelinghuysen Noem Womack Courtney Lawson (FL) Sires Gaetz Nolan Woodall eral official charged with registration, regu- Crist Lee Slaughter Gallagher Nunes Yoder lation, or approval of the use of the pes- Crowley Levin Smith (NJ) Garrett Olson Yoho ticide. Cuellar Lewis (GA) Smith (WA) Davis (CA) Lieu, Ted Gibbs Palazzo Young (AK) Soto The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Davis, Danny Lipinski Gohmert Palmer Young (IA) Speier tleman from Massachusetts is recog- DeFazio Loebsack Goodlatte Paulsen Zeldin Suozzi DeGette Lofgren nized for 5 minutes. Takano NOT VOTING—11 Delaney Lowenthal Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, this is Thompson (CA) DeLauro Lowey Black Johnson, Sam McSally the final amendment to the bill, which DelBene Lujan Grisham, Thompson (MS) Brady (TX) Kihuen Newhouse Demings M. Titus Cummings Maloney, Swalwell (CA) will not kill the bill or send it back to DeSaulnier Luja´ n, Ben Ray Tonko Graves (LA) Carolyn B. Wilson (SC) committee. If adopted, the bill will im- Deutch Lynch Torres mediately proceed to final passage, as Tsongas Dingell Maloney, Sean b 1645 amended. Doggett Matsui Vargas Doyle, Michael McCollum Veasey Mr. O’HALLERAN changed his vote Mr. Speaker, I regret to say the Re- F. McEachin Vela from ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ publicans are again bending over back- Ellison McGovern Vela´ zquez So the amendment was rejected. wards to help corporations and the Engel McNerney Visclosky Eshoo Meeks Wasserman The result of the vote was announced wealthiest among us while ignoring Espaillat Meng Schultz as above recorded. science and leaving hardworking Amer- Esty (CT) Moore Waters, Maxine The Acting CHAIR. The question is ican families to suffer the con- Evans Moulton Watson Coleman on the amendment in the nature of a sequences. This administration’s deci- Fitzpatrick Murphy (FL) Welch Foster Nadler Wilson (FL) substitute. sions have placed special interests and Frankel (FL) Napolitano Yarmuth The amendment was agreed to. their financial contributions ahead of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.085 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4551 the health and the safety of our citi- bidder. Every day the Trump adminis- ticides, pull pesticides off the market, zens, and this Republican-led House tration gets more brazen with their and regulate who applies them, and has been complicit. giveaways to special interests, raising they have full authority to protect our Earlier this year, a toxic chemical serious questions about corruption and water and our human health. manufacturer convinced the Trump ad- conflicts of interest. This amendment simply aims to gut ministration to discard decades of sci- Donald Trump promised to drain the the bill. It is unclear how it ever would entific research just so they could con- swamp. He has created a cesspool. We work. We need to stop creating unnec- tinue to profit off of chlorpyrifos, a are talking about people’s lives here, essary roadblocks to the use of prod- pesticide that has been proven to be Mr. Speaker. This pesticide has been ucts that stand to protect public harmful to human beings, especially shown to harm women, children, and health and feed the Nation. infants and children. The pesticide was families. It has no place on our farms H.R. 953 is a good bill that will help well on its way to being banned by the or in our food system. Our health protect public health and the environ- EPA, which said, in 2015, that it could should not be for sale. ment and stop mosquitoes from spread- not be declared safe for human health It isn’t hard to connect the dots here. ing Zika and the West Nile virus and and for the environment; but the pes- The EPA abruptly reversed its efforts other diseases to our vulnerable popu- ticide manufacturer wrote a check for to ban a toxic chemical just weeks lations. $1 million to President Trump’s inau- after the chemical’s manufacturer Mr. Speaker, I strongly oppose this gural committee, and just weeks later, made a political contribution to the motion and urge my colleagues to vote the proposed ban on the pesticide was newly elected President. And we know ‘‘no.’’ magically reversed. It is amazing how their decision wasn’t based on science. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance that worked out. The former head of the EPA’s Office of of my time. What I am wondering is: Did Presi- Chemical Safety and Pollution Preven- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without dent Trump and the Republicans in tion suggested that the Trump EPA is objection, the previous question is or- Congress think we wouldn’t notice? Did ‘‘ignoring the science that is pretty dered on the motion to recommit. they think the American people would solid’’ and putting farmworkers and ex- There was no objection. be okay with them knowingly allowing posed children at unnecessary risk. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The a dangerous pesticide to be used on Now, I can see how people might question is on the motion to recommit. farms and affect our food supply? Re- start to wonder whether this adminis- The question was taken; and the publicans should be ashamed of this tration is on the side of special inter- Speaker pro tempore announced that blatant disregard for the health of the ests or the American people. This the noes appeared to have it. families they were elected to represent. amendment fights back against the RECORDED VOTE In 2000, the EPA banned most home corrupting influence of political con- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I de- uses of the chemical, citing risks to tributions from pesticide companies. It mand a recorded vote. children, yet it continues to be used in would ensure that existing science- A recorded vote was ordered. agriculture production across this based protections for our families and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- country. Does this really sound like our environment cannot be overturned ant to clause 9 of rule XX, this 5- something that should be used on the by a well-timed contribution to Presi- minute vote on the motion to recom- food we feed our kids? dent Trump or to those in his adminis- mit will be followed by a 5-minute vote On the campaign trail into the White tration charged with implementing the on passage of the bill, if ordered. House, President Trump has made law. The vote was taken by electronic de- clear that he will always side with The American people deserve to vice, and there were—ayes 183, noes 230, deep-pocketed polluters and corpora- know that their leaders will stand up not voting 17, as follows: tions over the health and safety of fam- to protect their health and their safety ilies. rather than protecting the bottom line [Roll No. 281] In January 2017, Dow Chemical was of wealthy special interests. Mr. AYES—183 reported to have contributed $1 million Speaker, I urge my colleagues to do the Adams Davis, Danny Jones to President Trump’s inaugural com- right thing and adopt this amendment Aguilar DeFazio Kaptur Barraga´ n DeGette Keating mittee. The CEO of Dow Chemical was and show the American people that our Bass Delaney Kelly (IL) a frequent guest of President-elect government is not for sale. Beatty DeLauro Kennedy Trump, including at an appearance at a Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Bera DelBene Khanna postelection rally in Grand Rapids, Beyer Demings Kildee of my time. Bishop (GA) DeSaulnier Kilmer Michigan. In March 2017, EPA Adminis- Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in op- Blumenauer Deutch Kind trator Scott Pruitt signed an order re- position to the motion. Blunt Rochester Dingell Krishnamoorthi versing the ban on the pesticide. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Bonamici Doggett Kuster (NH) Boyle, Brendan Doyle, Michael Langevin Also in March 2017, Scott Pruitt tleman from Ohio is recognized for 5 F. F. Larsen (WA) signed an order reversing the ban on minutes. Brady (PA) Ellison Larson (CT) this pesticide suggesting, in a state- Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, this motion Brown (MD) Engel Lawrence ment, that ‘‘by reversing the previous to recommit is unnecessary and aims Brownley (CA) Eshoo Lawson (FL) Bustos Espaillat Lee administration’s step to ban one of the to undermine the purpose of the bill. Butterfield Esty (CT) Levin most widely used pesticides in the The underlying bill, H.R. 953, elimi- Capuano Evans Lewis (GA) world, we are returning to using sound nates the duplicative, expensive, and Carbajal Foster Lieu, Ted unnecessary permit process that helps Ca´ rdenas Frankel (FL) Lipinski science and decisionmaking rather Carson (IN) Fudge Loebsack than predetermined results.’’ Public free up the resources for our States, Cartwright Gabbard Lofgren health advocacy groups strongly dis- counties, and local governments to bet- Castor (FL) Gallego Lowenthal agreed, not to mention conservation ter combat the Zika, West Nile virus, Castro (TX) Garamendi Lowey Chu, Judy Gonzalez (TX) Lujan Grisham, organizations. and other diseases; but this motion, in Cicilline Gottheimer M. Mr. Speaker, you know what? I think effect, aims to undermine the bill. Clark (MA) Green, Al Luja´ n, Ben Ray I trust public health experts when it In this motion, the bill says it will Clarke (NY) Grijalva Lynch comes to protecting our families over not apply to anybody who makes a dis- Clay Gutie´rrez Maloney, Sean Cleaver Hanabusa Matsui Administrator Pruitt, who sued the charge of a pesticide if they made a po- Clyburn Hastings McCollum EPA at least 14 times as Oklahoma’s litical contribution to the President or Cohen Heck McEachin attorney general opposing important to any Federal official charged with Connolly Higgins (NY) McGovern Conyers Himes McNerney protections for our air and our water. registration, regulation, or approval of Cooper Hoyer Meeks Talk about the fox guarding the hen- the use of a pesticide. That is utterly Correa Huffman Meng house. absurd. You can’t make political con- Courtney Jackson Lee Moore Mr. Speaker, we were not sent here tributions to regulators at the EPA. Crist Jayapal Moulton Crowley Jeffries Murphy (FL) to auction off the health and safety of Let’s keep in mind that the EPA has Cuellar Johnson (GA) Napolitano millions of Americans to the highest full authority to regulate these pes- Davis (CA) Johnson, E. B. Neal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.088 H24MYPT1 H4552 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 Nolan Ruiz Takano Woodall Yoho Young (IA) Mitchell Rooney, Thomas Tenney Norcross Ruppersberger Thompson (CA) Yoder Young (AK) Zeldin Moolenaar J. Thompson (PA) O’Halleran Rush Thompson (MS) Mooney (WV) Ros-Lehtinen Thornberry NOT VOTING—17 O’Rourke Ryan (OH) Titus Mullin Roskam Tiberi Pallone Sa´ nchez Tonko Black Green, Gene Nadler Murphy (PA) Ross Tipton Panetta Sarbanes Torres Costa Johnson, Sam Newhouse Noem Rothfus Trott Pascrell Schakowsky Tsongas Cummings Kihuen Sherman Nolan Rouzer Turner Payne Schiff Vargas Davidson Maloney, Swalwell (CA) Nunes Royce (CA) Upton Pelosi Schneider Veasey Franks (AZ) Carolyn B. Waters, Maxine O’Halleran Russell Valadao Perlmutter Scott (VA) Vela Graves (LA) McSally Wilson (SC) Olson Rutherford Vela Peters Scott, David Vela´ zquez Palazzo Sanford Wagner Pingree Serrano ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Visclosky Palmer Scalise Walberg Pocan Sewell (AL) Walz The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Paulsen Schrader Walden Polis Shea-Porter the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Price (NC) Sinema Wasserman Pearce Schweikert Walker Quigley Sires Schultz ing. Perry Scott, Austin Walorski Raskin Slaughter Watson Coleman Peterson Scott, David Walters, Mimi Pittenger Sensenbrenner Walz Rice (NY) Smith (WA) Welch 1703 Richmond Soto Wilson (FL) b Poe (TX) Sessions Weber (TX) Rosen Speier Yarmuth So the motion to recommit was re- Poliquin Sewell (AL) Webster (FL) Roybal-Allard Suozzi Posey Shimkus Welch jected. Ratcliffe Shuster Wenstrup NOES—230 The result of the vote was announced Reed Simpson Westerman as above recorded. Reichert Sinema Williams Abraham Gohmert Olson The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Renacci Smith (MO) Wilson (SC) Aderholt Goodlatte Palazzo Rice (SC) Smith (NE) Wittman Allen Gosar Palmer question is on the passage of the bill. Roby Smith (NJ) Womack Amash Gowdy Paulsen The question was taken; and the Roe (TN) Smith (TX) Woodall Amodei Granger Pearce Rogers (AL) Smucker Yoder Arrington Graves (GA) Speaker pro tempore announced that Perry Rogers (KY) Stefanik Yoho Babin Graves (MO) Peterson the ayes appeared to have it. Rohrabacher Stewart Young (AK) Bacon Griffith Pittenger RECORDED VOTE Rokita Stivers Young (IA) Banks (IN) Grothman Poe (TX) Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I Rooney, Francis Taylor Zeldin Barletta Guthrie Poliquin Barr Harper Posey demand a recorded vote. NOES—165 Barton Harris Ratcliffe A recorded vote was ordered. Bergman Hartzler Reed The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Adams Fudge Norcross Biggs Hensarling Reichert Aguilar Gabbard O’Rourke Bilirakis Herrera Beutler 5-minute vote. Renacci Barraga´ n Gallego Pallone Bishop (MI) Hice, Jody B. Rice (SC) The vote was taken by electronic de- Bass Gottheimer Panetta Bishop (UT) Higgins (LA) Roby vice, and there were—ayes 256, noes 165, Beatty Green, Al Pascrell Blackburn Hill Roe (TN) Bera Green, Gene Payne Blum Holding not voting 9, as follows: Rogers (AL) Beyer Grijalva Bost Hollingsworth [Roll No. 282] Pelosi Rogers (KY) Blumenauer Gutie´rrez Perlmutter Brady (TX) Hudson Bonamici Hanabusa Brat Huizenga Rohrabacher AYES—256 Peters Rokita Boyle, Brendan Hastings Pingree Bridenstine Hultgren Abraham Cuellar Huizenga F. Heck Rooney, Francis Pocan Brooks (AL) Hunter Aderholt Culberson Hultgren Brady (PA) Higgins (NY) Rooney, Thomas Polis Brooks (IN) Hurd Allen Curbelo (FL) Hunter Brown (MD) Himes J. Price (NC) Buchanan Issa Amash Davidson Hurd Brownley (CA) Hoyer Ros-Lehtinen Quigley Buck Jenkins (KS) Amodei Davis, Rodney Issa Capuano Huffman Bucshon Jenkins (WV) Roskam Arrington DelBene Jenkins (KS) Raskin Ross Carbajal Jackson Lee Budd Johnson (LA) Babin Denham Jenkins (WV) Ca´ rdenas Jayapal Rice (NY) Rothfus Burgess Johnson (OH) Bacon Dent Johnson (LA) Cartwright Jeffries Richmond Rouzer Byrne Jordan Banks (IN) DeSantis Johnson (OH) Castor (FL) Johnson (GA) Rosen Royce (CA) Calvert Joyce (OH) Barletta DesJarlais Jones Castro (TX) Johnson, E. B. Roybal-Allard Russell Carter (GA) Katko Barr Diaz-Balart Jordan Chu, Judy Kaptur Ruiz Rutherford Carter (TX) Kelly (MS) Barton Donovan Joyce (OH) Cicilline Keating Ruppersberger Chabot Kelly (PA) Sanford Bergman Duffy Katko Clark (MA) Kelly (IL) Rush Chaffetz King (IA) Scalise Biggs Duncan (SC) Kelly (MS) Clarke (NY) Kennedy Ryan (OH) Cheney King (NY) Schrader Bilirakis Duncan (TN) Kelly (PA) Clay Khanna Sa´ nchez Coffman Kinzinger Schweikert Bishop (GA) Dunn Kind Cleaver Kildee Sarbanes Cole Knight Scott, Austin Bishop (MI) Emmer King (IA) Clyburn Kilmer Schakowsky Collins (GA) Kustoff (TN) Bishop (UT) Estes (KS) King (NY) Sensenbrenner Cohen Krishnamoorthi Schiff Collins (NY) Labrador Blackburn Farenthold Kinzinger Sessions Connolly Langevin Schneider Comer LaHood Blum Faso Knight Shimkus Conyers Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Comstock LaMalfa Shuster Blunt Rochester Ferguson Kuster (NH) Cooper Larson (CT) Serrano Conaway Lamborn Simpson Bost Fleischmann Kustoff (TN) Correa Lawrence Shea-Porter Cook Lance Smith (MO) Brady (TX) Flores Labrador Courtney Lee Sherman Costello (PA) Latta Smith (NE) Brat Fortenberry LaHood Crist Levin Sires Cramer Lewis (MN) Smith (NJ) Bridenstine Foxx LaMalfa Crowley Lewis (GA) Slaughter Crawford LoBiondo Smith (TX) Brooks (AL) Franks (AZ) Lamborn Davis (CA) Lieu, Ted Smith (WA) Culberson Long Smucker Brooks (IN) Frelinghuysen Lance Davis, Danny Lipinski Soto Curbelo (FL) Loudermilk Stefanik Buchanan Gaetz Latta DeFazio Lofgren Speier Davis, Rodney Love Stewart Buck Gallagher Lawson (FL) DeGette Lowenthal Suozzi Denham Lucas Stivers Bucshon Garamendi Lewis (MN) Delaney Lowey Dent Luetkemeyer Budd Garrett LoBiondo Takano Taylor DeLauro Lujan Grisham, DeSantis MacArthur Burgess Gibbs Loebsack Thompson (CA) Tenney Demings M. DesJarlais Marchant Bustos Gohmert Long Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) DeSaulnier Luja´ n, Ben Ray Diaz-Balart Marino Butterfield Gonzalez (TX) Loudermilk Titus Thornberry Deutch Lynch Donovan Marshall Byrne Goodlatte Love Tonko Tiberi Dingell Matsui Duffy Massie Calvert Gosar Lucas Torres Tipton Doggett McCollum Duncan (SC) Mast Carson (IN) Gowdy Luetkemeyer Tsongas Trott Doyle, Michael McEachin Duncan (TN) McCarthy Carter (GA) Granger MacArthur Vargas Turner F. McGovern Dunn McCaul Carter (TX) Graves (GA) Maloney, Sean Veasey Upton Ellison McNerney Emmer McClintock Chabot Graves (MO) Marchant Vela´ zquez Valadao Engel Meeks Estes (KS) McHenry Chaffetz Griffith Marino Visclosky Wagner Eshoo Meng Farenthold McKinley Cheney Grothman Marshall Wasserman Walberg Espaillat Moore Faso McMorris Coffman Guthrie Massie Esty (CT) Moulton Schultz Walden Ferguson Rodgers Cole Harper Mast Evans Murphy (FL) Waters, Maxine Walker Fitzpatrick Meadows Collins (GA) Harris McCarthy Fitzpatrick Nadler Watson Coleman Walorski Fleischmann Meehan Collins (NY) Hartzler McCaul Foster Napolitano Wilson (FL) Walters, Mimi Flores Messer Comer Hensarling McClintock Frankel (FL) Neal Yarmuth Fortenberry Mitchell Weber (TX) Comstock Herrera Beutler McHenry Webster (FL) Foxx Moolenaar Conaway Hice, Jody B. McKinley NOT VOTING—9 Frelinghuysen Mooney (WV) Wenstrup Cook Higgins (LA) McMorris Gaetz Mullin Westerman Costa Hill Rodgers Black Kihuen Newhouse Gallagher Murphy (PA) Williams Costello (PA) Holding Meadows Cummings Maloney, Swalwell (CA) Garrett Noem Wittman Cramer Hollingsworth Meehan Graves (LA) Carolyn B. Gibbs Nunes Womack Crawford Hudson Messer Johnson, Sam McSally

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.045 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4553 b 1710 mittee on House Administration be dis- b 1715 So the bill was passed. charged from further consideration of PRESIDENT TRUMP’S BUDGET The result of the vote was announced Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, and (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given as above recorded. ask for its immediate consideration in A motion to reconsider was laid on the House. permission to address the House for 1 the table. The Clerk read the title of the con- minute.) current resolution. Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, it has PERSONAL EXPLANATION been said that a budget is more than a Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gen- series of statements or line items. It is was absent from votes today on account of really a statement of your values and traveling with the Vice President on official tleman from Mississippi? There was no objection. of your priorities. business to Louisiana. Had I been present, I If that is true, then Donald Trump’s would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 279, The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows: anti-working families budget shows he ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 280, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. doesn’t understand the challenges fac- 281, and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 282. S. CON. RES. 14 Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- ing honest, hardworking Americans. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Let’s be clear: the Trump budget was Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- resentatives concurring), SECTION 1. USE OF EMANCIPATION HALL FOR written by some of the wealthiest ably absent from the House chamber for votes EVENT TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY Americans for the benefit of the Wednesday, May 24. Had I been present, I OF KING KAMEHAMEHA I. wealthiest Americans. would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 277, (a) AUTHORIZATION.—Emancipation Hall in This budget is a major setback for ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 278, and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall the Capitol Visitor Center is authorized to be the middle class, and it makes life even used on June 11, 2017 for an event to cele- No. 282. harder for anyone who is trying to PERSONAL EXPLANATION brate the birthday of King Kamehameha I. (b) PREPARATIONS.—Physical preparations punch a ticket to the middle class. Ms. MCSALLY. Mr. Speaker, the man who for the conduct of the event described in sub- This budget eliminates hundreds of has served as a father figure to me for the section (a) shall be carried out in accordance millions of dollars for job creation, it past twenty years has taken a turn for the with such conditions as may be prescribed by zeros out funding for workforce train- worse in his battle against cancer and his the Architect of the Capitol. ing and good-paying manufacturing health is rapidly deteriorating. As such, I will The concurrent resolution was con- jobs, and it makes it even harder for be returning home and will miss votes today, curred in. young people to succeed by cutting Wednesday, May 24, and for the balance of A motion to reconsider was laid on teacher training, eliminating after- the week. Had I been present, I would have the table. school programs, and making it harder voted: ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 274, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- f to pay off student loans. call No. 275, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 276, ‘‘yea’’ The American people deserve better. OUR VETERANS ARE REAL on rollcall No. 277, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 278, This is not a budget that any Member HEROES ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 279, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. of Congress should be comfortable sup- 280, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 281, and ‘‘yea’’ on (Mr. BISHOP of Michigan asked and porting. rollcall No. 282. was given permission to address the Democrats are speaking out today f House for 1 minute and to revise and against the Trump budget. It is time extend his remarks.) Republicans do the same. PERMITTING OFFICIAL PHOTO- Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. Mr. Speak- f GRAPHS OF THE HOUSE OF REP- er, I rise today to thank our brave RESENTATIVES TO BE TAKEN servicemen and -women who have put RECOGNIZING PASTOR TIM BURT’S WHILE THE HOUSE IS IN ACTUAL their lives on the line every day to pro- RETIREMENT SESSION ON A DATE DES- tect us. Since the founding of our Na- (Mr. PAULSEN asked and was given IGNATED BY THE SPEAKER tion, millions of Americans have permission to address the House for 1 Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask proudly served and sacrificed in preser- minute and to revise and extend his re- unanimous consent that the Com- vation of our democracy. marks.) mittee on House Administration be dis- Our veterans have paid a tremendous Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise charged from further consideration of price to defend our freedom, yet leav- today to recognize and congratulate House Resolution 350, and ask for its ing the battlefield does not always Pastor Tim Burt on his retirement. immediate consideration in the House. mean their battles are over. It is, Pastor Burt has a long record of serv- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- therefore, our duty as a nation to en- ice to his community. tion. sure that our servicemembers are prop- He founded American Infant Care The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there erly and respectfully cared for when Products, which came up with the fold- objection to the request of the gen- they return home. down infant changing tables found in tleman from Mississippi? Our veterans are real-life heroes liv- many restrooms today, helping fami- There was no objection. ing quietly among us. They are the pa- lies of all sorts by providing a conven- The text of the resolution is as fol- triots who were willing to give up ev- ient way to care for their children. lows: erything—everything they had—for But he also has now served as asso- H. RES. 350 their God, their country, and for one ciate pastor at Living Word Christian Resolved, That on such date as the Speaker another. Center in Brooklyn Park since 1989, es- of the House of Representatives may des- The Holy Scripture tells us, in John tablishing a small group ministry. In ignate, official photographs of the House 15:13: ‘‘Greater love hath no man than this capacity, Pastor Burt oversaw vis- may be taken while the House is in actual session. Payment for the costs associated this, that a man lay down his life for itor and public relations, pastoral care, with taking, preparing, and distributing such his friends.’’ This weekend, let’s call to and leadership and volunteer depart- photographs may be made from the applica- mind all those who have made the ulti- ments. His dedication to our commu- ble accounts of the House of Representatives. mate sacrifice. It is because of their nity has certainly inspired many Min- The resolution was agreed to. valor, strength, and bravery that I nesotans over the years. A motion to reconsider was laid on stand here before you today. They self- Pastor Burt also served as the Min- the table. lessly put their lives on the line to nesota State director for Christians f fight for us, and I am proud to continue United for Israel, where he developed a fighting for them. statewide network of leaders pas- AUTHORIZING THE USE OF EMAN- Our men and women of the military sionate about Israel, and has led a trip CIPATION HALL IN THE CAPITOL represent the very best of America. On of fellow pastors to that country. VISITOR CENTER FOR AN EVENT behalf of Michigan’s Eighth Congres- Mr. Speaker, as we recognize Pastor TO CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY sional District, we are eternally grate- Tim Burt’s retirement, we are ex- OF KING KAMEHAMEHA I ful for their service. tremely grateful and proud of the work Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I ask Happy and safe Memorial Day week- he has done. I wish he and Renee the unanimous consent that the Com- end. very best in their future endeavors.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.093 H24MYPT1 H4554 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW ities by providing gainful employment University of Maryland. He was there to visit Mr. POLIQUIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask to a segment of our population who friends and celebrate his having been commis- unanimous consent that when the typically experience one of the highest sioned as an officer in the Army just two days House adjourn today, it adjourn to rates of unemployment in the Nation. earlier. meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow. These critically important employ- At age twenty-three, Richard stood on the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ment opportunities have led to in- threshold of what promised to be an exciting MITCHELL). Is there objection to the re- creased independence and enhanced life of service to his country, and the Army quest of the gentleman from Maine? quality of life for scores of disabled was fortunate to have such a driven and tal- There was no objection. Americans. ented young person so eager to be a part of Recently, I had the opportunity to f defending our nation. Richard represented the tour an AbilityOne participant in the best of the Fifth District, the best of Maryland, NATIONAL DRUG COURT MONTH 22nd District of New York: Human and the best of America. All of us across the (Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- Technologies Corporation located in region were shocked and devastated when we sylvania asked and was given permis- Utica. This facility employs nearly 600 learned of the attack that took his life. We sion to address the House for 1 minute people on an annual basis. were deeply dismayed as well to learn that the and to revise and extend his remarks.) As a critical part of our community, suspect in Richard’s murder belonged to an Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsyl- I am honored to serve this AbilityOne alleged online white supremacist group with vania. Mr. Speaker, today I stand to agency and their team of dedicated em- references in its name to Nazism and to the support the lifesaving work of drug ployees, who continue to make a sig- so-called ‘Alt-Right’ movement that espouses courts and veterans treatment courts nificant economic impact on our region xenophobia and racial hatred. The FBI is now during this National Drug Court through the creation of quality prod- investigating, and Richard’s murderer must be Month, and to honor a constituent of ucts and services to government agen- held to account under the full weight of our mine with an incredible success story. cies across all sectors. laws. These courts are an indispensable re- f In viewing this tragedy, it is easy to get source to law enforcement and other caught up in the details of who perpetrated the REMEMBERING RICHARD COLLINS community stakeholders impacted by crime and why. But the real story I wish to the opioid epidemic, claiming the lives (Mr. HOYER asked and was given share with my colleagues is Richard’s story. of 91 Americans each and every day. permission to address the House for 1 The story of a young man who was so proud Timothy Wynn is a veterans treat- minute and to revise and extend his re- to put on his Army uniform and had diligently ment court graduate from my district, marks.) drilled as a member of the ROTC in college. whom I had the honor of meeting Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, over the He has been remembered by family and today. When the decorated marine re- weekend, a young man in my district friends as a ‘kind soul,’ an ‘angel,’ and ‘a na- turned home from Iraq in 2003, he was killed in what appears to be a vi- tional treasure.’ The loss of this outstanding turned to alcohol and other substances cious crime, probably motivated by young Marylander and young American dimin- to ease his transition back into soci- hate. ishes us all. ety. His substance use escalated. He U.S. Army Second Lieutenant Rich- I have been keeping Richard’s parents and found himself arrested seven times, and ard W. Collins, III, was just days away extended family in my thoughts and in my spent a year of his life in prison away from graduating from Bowie State Uni- prayers these past few days, and I will surely from his young family. After his final versity. Richard stood on the threshold continue to be inspired by his memory for a arrest, Tim found the Philadelphia of what promised to be a life of service long time to come. His life is a reminder of ev- Veterans Treatment Court, where he to his country. erything that makes our nation extraordinary was given the accountability he needed He has been remembered by family His death is a painful reminder that the work while also connecting him to the serv- and friends as a kind soul, an angel, of banishing hatred from our midst is far from ices he had earned. and a national treasure. over and will require each and every one of us Today, Tim is reunited with his fam- All of us across Maryland were to share in the task. May God bless the mem- ily and continues his mission as the shocked and devastated when we ory of Second Lieutenant Richard W Collins III mentor coordinator for the court where learned of the attack that took his and watch over his family and his community he once stood as a participant. life—an unprovoked attack at a bus in this hour of their grief. There are drug court and veterans station waiting for an Uber to pick him f treatment court graduates just like up. An individual came along and Tim across the Nation. I call on my asked him to step left—whatever that PROMOTING FREEDOM, colleagues to support these graduates meant. He said: ‘‘No, I won’t.’’ And he ANTICORRUPTION, THE RULE OF and the good work of drug courts and was stabbed in the chest. LAW, AND AN INDEPENDENT JU- veterans treatment courts. We were deeply alarmed to learn that DICIARY SYSTEM IN NICARAGUA f the suspect in Richard’s murder be- (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was longed to an alleged online White su- given permission to address the House ABILITYONE PROGRAM premacist group. Richard was African for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Ms. TENNEY asked and was given American. Richard’s murderer must be her remarks.) permission to address the House for 1 held to account under the full weight Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, minute and to revise and extend her re- of our laws, and, hopefully, he will be. today, the Western Hemisphere Sub- marks.) His life is a reminder of everything committee passed a bill that I au- Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise that makes our Nation extraordinary. thored, the Nicaraguan Investment and today in support of the AbilityOne Pro- His death is a painful reminder that Conditionality Act, the NICA Act. gram and its countless contributions to our work in overcoming hatred in this I thank Chairman DUNCAN and Rank- our communities and to people with country is far from over. ing Member SIRES for working with me disabilities. I have been keeping Richard’s par- to pass this important bipartisan meas- Through this important program, ents and family in my thoughts and in ure that seeks to promote freedom, community-based nonprofit agencies my prayers this week, and I will con- anticorruption, the rule of law, and across the Nation have employed more tinue to do so. supports an independent judiciary sys- than 45,000 people who are blind or dif- Mr. Speaker, I rise with a very heavy heart tem in Nicaragua. ferently abled. The AbilityOne Pro- to mourn the loss of a young man in my dis- This measure sends a strong message gram harnesses the purchasing power trict who was killed over the weekend in a of support to the people of Nicaragua of the Federal Government to buy possible hate-crime. U.S. Army Second Lieu- that they are not alone. We in the products from these agencies, which tenant Richard W. Collins III was just days United States Congress recognize their have made it their mission to employ away from graduating from Bowie State Uni- plight and aspirations for a better fu- and train the blind and disabled. versity College of Business when he was ture of freedom and opportunity. We Established in 1983, the program con- stabbed by an assailant while waiting at a bus share their values of a free and fair tinues to empower those with disabil- stop in College Park on the campus of the electoral system, of justice and liberty

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.097 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4555 for all Nicaraguans, and we support That is why tomorrow I will be re- Let me just show a few of the win- their pursuit of a more open and demo- introducing the Balancing Trade Act. ners that we have on this. One of the cratic society. This bill requires an actual U.S. policy winners are the wealthiest Americans. f that takes the trade deficit seriously. This is going to reduce trillions of dol- It provides real achievable steps to bal- lars in taxes that are primarily paid by PRESIDENT TRUMP’S BUDGET ance our trade deficits with countries the wealthy. So clearly, the wealthy (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given with which we hold a deficit of over $10 are going to do well. permission to address the House for 1 billion for three consecutive years. Another group that does well is Wall minute and to revise and extend his re- I urge President Trump to support Street and Big corporations. This budg- marks.) this measure as a reasonable step for- et slashes regulations for Big banks Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise ward. Let us help heal heartland com- that caused the great recession, and it today to express my concern about the munities, many of which elected him. defunds the agency that is charged President’s budget, and, in particular, Let us seek trade solutions that lift up with protecting consumers. the $610 billion in proposed cuts to our people and create new jobs on all Another beneficiary is defense con- Medicaid over the next 10 years. sides of North America’s borders, but tractors—a $54 billion boost in defense In my district on the central coast of starting here in the good old USA. spending at the expense of nearly every California, Medicaid provides other program. That will increase healthcare to over 280,000 people. These f money that will purchase unnecessary are people that need it the most, in- PRESIDENT TRUMP’S BUDGET new weapons. cluding low-income families, children, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under The border wall. This is going to put disabled, and pregnant women. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- down a $1.6 billion downpayment to Clinics and hospitals, particularly in uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Mary- rural communities like my district, build a wall across the Mexican border, land (Mr. RASKIN) is recognized for 60 rely on Medicaid to provide patients something that truly is not necessary minutes as the designee of the minor- with mandatory and preventative serv- and not asked for. ity leader. ices. Employees from the number one And finally, the last beneficiary is Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I am de- industry in my area—agriculture—rely polluters. This is going to roll back en- lighted to be here this evening, and I on those health clinics so that they can vironmental regulations that protect am delighted to be hosting the Progres- stay healthy and ultimately contribute our air and water. sive Caucus Special Order hour. We So those are the winners on the to our economy and our culture. If Medicaid is cut, as desired in the have a number of Members who are Trump budget. But if you look on the President’s budget, it will hurt not just going to join us to discuss the Presi- other side of the equation, there are a my community, it will hurt our coun- dent’s budget proposal, which appears whole lot more losers. try. to have been written at Trump Tower, Let’s start right up here with our Throughout our Nation, millions primarily for the benefit of people friend, Big Bird. PBS funding. The would lose healthcare, healthcare clin- spending the weekend at the Mar-a- Trump budget would cut funding for ics would close, and many insurance Lago Club in Florida. children’s shows like Sesame Street. companies who partner with Medicaid Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman Social Security. The Trump budget would see cuts in their reimbursement from Wisconsin (Mr. POCAN), to kick will get rid of the insurance to help rates substantially. off our analysis of the Trump budget. people with disabilities. Meals on Wheels. You know, I have I realize that many of us in Wash- b 1730 ington have not been on Medicaid, but had the great fortune of doing Meals on Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, I appre- many of us need to realize that Med- Wheels delivery in Madison, Wisconsin, ciate this opportunity. I would like to icaid benefits many of the Americans which is in my district. And not only is thank the gentleman from Maryland. that sent us here. The least we can do it often the only meal, the healthy The Progressive Caucus has its own is support them and their families by meal that that person is getting deliv- version of a budget which we have dis- fighting against the President’s budget ered who often can’t leave their homes, cussed on the floor of Congress pre- and fighting to keep funding for Med- but it is also that daily check-in to viously that we will be glad to put ex- icaid. make sure that person is all right. actly next to the budget that has been I just met with someone who works f produced by this President, because with Meals on Wheels, and they said MARCH DEFICIT AND BALANCING our budget takes a completely dif- that there is not a week that goes by TRADE ferent course than the budget that has that they don’t find someone who has (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given been put forth by the Trump adminis- fallen in their home and needed that permission to address the House for 1 tration. person to come by for help. Well, the minute and to revise and extend her re- We can tell you, now that we have Trump budget eliminates funding for marks.) seen the budget from the Republicans, programs like Meals on Wheels. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, President it hits every fear that we thought was The children’s health insurance and Trump recently told The Economist going to be in it. There are very few Medicaid funding specifically for kids that he is ‘‘absolutely a free-trader.’’ winners, and there are an awful lot of is cut. He cuts dental care for kids, Ohioans would be the first to tell you losers in the budget, and that is what cancer care for kids, access to inhalers, that free trade and fair trade do not we are going to try to show today, just and access to vital medical devices for mean the same thing. who some of the winners are and who children. Our trade deficit ballooned to $43.7 some of the losers are, just to give you He cuts nursing home care. Families billion in March of this year—more red a visual display of exactly what is in are going to be forced to pay more out- ink and more lost jobs. That skewed this Trump budget. of-pocket for nursing home care. gap is even more pronounced with So what people need to know is that The school lunch program. Now, I un- NAFTA nations, where we have a huge this is a budget that is not for the aver- derstand, everyone may not love every- negative imbalance, totaling over $16 age person across the country. In fact, thing on their tray at lunch, but this is billion with Mexico and nearly $7 bil- the average person will be hurt in mul- cutting funding for subsidized lunches, lion with Canada. That yields over tiple ways by the cuts that are in this causing kids literally to go hungry in 115,000 more forfeited jobs in our coun- budget. There are very few in this this country. try. country who are going to applaud this, It has education cuts to school and Yes, trade deficits translate into lost but it is very few because this is a literacy programs, to teacher training jobs and lower wages for our workers budget that only benefits a very few. and class-size reduction. Over 20 pro- like steelworkers that have been bat- And we, in the Progressive Caucus, are grams are going to be cut. Even Special tered in Lorain, Ohio. We must stop going to do everything we can to fight Olympics gets a cut in this budget. these trade practices that snuff out our this, tooth and nail, to make sure this Today, we had Secretary DeVos at jobs and hurt our communities. doesn’t become law. the Appropriations Subcommittee for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.099 H24MYPT1 H4556 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 the Labor, Health and Human Services, We have a $2 trillion investment in it is an ethical document. It is a reflec- Education and Related Agencies, and, infrastructure that puts money into tion of our values, and it is a plan of unfortunately, she couldn’t make a our roads and bridges, our schools, our action for investment of our energy case for any of these cuts, which is waterworks, our broadband, and really and our resources into the future. truly disappointing, because they are makes sure that those are family-sup- The Progressive Caucus has drafted going to add hundreds of millions of porting jobs that people can get back The People’s Budget based on the ac- dollars to give money to people who to work and will create millions of new tual needs of American society. So we have children attending private jobs, according to the Economic Policy have looked out, and we have seen that schools, but we are going to be slashing Institute. the great American infrastructure is the very programs that make our pub- We make sure that we move forward ailing; it is crumbling. The bridges are lic schools so strong. in affordable healthcare by making it falling down. The roads and the high- They slash programs for the Depart- so we can negotiate for prescription ways need repair. The transit systems ment of labor for job training. drug prices and bring those costs down, are under tremendous stress, including There is a $6 billion-plus cut to the as well as allow States to get closer to the Metro system here in the Mary- National Institutes of Health that a single-payer system. land, Washington, Virginia area. works on lifesaving research for dis- We specifically have comprehensive The cybersecurity system is com- eases like Alzheimer’s and ALS and di- immigration reform that recognizes promised. Our airports, our port struc- abetes. And it cuts another billion for those who are aspiring Americans, not ture, our water systems, like in Flint, cancer research, specifically, in this by building walls and more detention Michigan, need desperate intervention budget. centers but really providing a path to and rescue and help. We propose a $1 Loan repayment programs. This is citizenship so that we can find a way to trillion plan of investment in the going to end the loan repayment pro- still protect our borders, but also make American infrastructure to create mil- grams for police officers, nurses, and sure that we have got a path for people lions of jobs, putting people to work on teachers who work in a public setting. who have lived here for so very long. restoring the strength and the vitality This has massive cuts to the Envi- We close corporate tax loopholes and of America’s basic institutions, the in- ronmental Protection Agency that pro- make sure that working families are frastructure that supports a strong and tect our air and water, and it guts gen- getting the stronger benefit. flourishing economy. eral funding that provides that clean We have an investment to make sure So that is the heart of it. But we are air and water programs that are going that we can have universal child care also working to defend the gains we to affect people across the country. for all families in this country, not like have made in healthcare, to extend It cuts funding to prevent major out- the proposal that President Trump has healthcare so that all Americans are breaks for diseases like Ebola and Zika put forward that takes care of, quite included in our health insurance sys- by cutting the Centers for Disease Con- honestly, President Trump and people tem so we can squeeze out the bureau- trol and Prevention program budget. like him and the wealthiest in this cratic bloat and the money that is Opioid addiction, something that this country, but making sure that every wasted on insurance bureaucracy and Congress has, in a bipartisan way, family will never pay more than 10 per- red tape. found ways to find additional funding cent of their income to have child care We are also working for investment for; in this proposal by the Trump ad- for their family. And on and on and on in quality child care so working fami- ministration, it leaves families that is what our contrast is. are dealing with addiction on the hook So as someone who has been very ac- lies are not spending 30 or 40 or 50 per- for the cost of treatment in many tive in the Progressive Caucus, some- cent of their family budgets on trying cases. one who comes from America’s heart- to just pay for babysitters and piece to- Border funding. It is not just that land in Wisconsin, we wanted to show gether a system. they are building a wall, but this also the winners and the losers but, more America is the wealthiest society on ramps up funding for deportation task importantly, to show the different path Earth, and this is the wealthiest mo- forces which are going to tear families forward the Progressive Caucus is ment in our history. We can provide apart in this country; and it adds going to put for a vote on the floor of healthcare for everyone. We can create money to build more detention centers. Congress. And I think if you get a a childcare system that works for This budget will allow the govern- chance to compare and contrast these working families in America. We can ment to sell off swaths of public land budgets, you can see there is an alter- reinvest in American infrastructure. that is going to open up our national native. But right now, there is no leadership, parks and public land to oil and gas de- We don’t have to slash funding for all and there is no vision. We are so dis- velopment, including fracking oper- sorts of programs just to get $54 billion appointed that the White House did not ations. of new spending for defense. We can ac- come forward with a plan, a bipartisan And this budget, when it comes to tually invest in America, invest in plan, to try to reinvest in American in- women’s healthcare, will go after pro- healthcare, invest in our schools, make frastructure, which everybody says he tections in funding for women’s sure that college is affordable, all the or she supports so we could get behind healthcare by cutting Planned Parent- things that we offer in our contrast that, but we don’t see anything. hood. budget. It is the only budget that is out Proverbs says that where there is no Finally, for veterans, it makes it there right now, so we would love to be vision the people will perish, and so we harder for veterans and low-income able to show that contrast. have offered a vision. And instead, they families of veterans to find housing. But we ask people to take a look at have come with a plan that lacks all That is just some of the losers, but this, and then you decide what is best vision, lacks any plan for reinvesting we want to show the difference in the for your family. I think you are going in American infrastructure, lacks any balance of the very few who benefit and to decide the Progressive Caucus puts a investment in the vital services that the whole lot of people—and there is a positive path forward that will make people need and, on the contrary, whole lot of other areas that are going your family prosper and won’t just sup- works to dismantle healthcare serv- to be cut by this budget. port a very few in this country. ices, Medicaid, education, community Now, the contrast really is the Pro- I thank the gentleman from Mary- development grants, senior workforce, gressive Caucus budget that we put for- land. I appreciate this opportunity to jobs training, you name it, the Peace ward that we will have a vote on, on have this time. Corps, National Endowment for the this floor of Congress, where we do a Mr. RASKIN. Thank you so much, Arts, National Endowment for the Hu- completely different approach. Gone Congressman POCAN from Wisconsin, a manities; slashed $6 billion from NIH in are the winners and losers of this case. distinguished leader in the House of order to undermine scientific research And the winners would be a big cat- Representatives, and the new co-chair- and medical progress on colon cancer egory, being the American people, and man of the Congressional Progressive and breast cancer and Alzheimer’s dis- the losers really being those, I think, Caucus. ease and asthma and bipolar disorder. who have abused the system for all too Mr. Speaker, a budget, as we like to We have been making progress on all long. say, is not just a bunch of numbers, but of these things, and, for some reason,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.100 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4557 the Trump administration says they zeroed out the funding for manufac- know what to do with and all of the want to pull the plug on it and slash $6 turing programs. The progressive budg- beltway bandits are buzzing around in billion from NIH and all of the institu- et says we want to increase our invest- order to get their slice of the pie, tions around the country that NIH sup- ment in manufacturing. We want to ac- President Trump decides it is a good ports. tually help the small- and medium- moment to try to dismantle services Well, we have invited Congressman sized manufacturers create jobs in the for the elderly and to stop job training RO KHANNA to be with us tonight. He is United States. for young people, to stop job training a leading expert on the economy and I have one more concrete example be- in location for retired citizens, wipe on the manufacturing sector, and we fore I hand it back over to my col- out funding for the Chesapeake Bay have asked him to talk about invest- league, Mr. RASKIN. cleanup, and roll back or abolish pre- ment in infrastructure and manufac- The Appalachian Regional Commis- school development grants to the turing, what we need and what, in- sion invests in helping to create jobs States. stead, we have gotten from the Trump across the parts of this country that The litany of attacks on the Amer- budget. most need that investment. I was down ican people is really quite astounding, Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman in Appalachia visiting HAL ROGERS’ and I invite everybody just to go and from California (Mr. KHANNA). district, a distinguished Republican read the specifics of this budget, which Mr. KHANNA. Thank you, Congress- who chaired the Appropriations Com- can be read as nothing more than an man RASKIN, and thank you for your mittee, and we saw the Appalachian assault on the health and the well- leadership with the Progressive Caucus Regional Commission’s investment in being and the security of the American and in articulating a positive vision of helping coal miners’ kids get jobs. people. what the American people need with a This Republican budget, this admin- For example, the Department of Edu- budget. istration zeros out the funding for the cation budget proposes to cut $578 bil- I want to address the issue of manu- Appalachian Regional Commission. In- lion in title I, part A to support serv- facturing because this President went stead, we ought to be increasing fund- ices for disadvantaged students. It re- around the country campaigning on ing in programs that are going to help duces IDEA funding by $113 million, se- bringing manufacturing jobs back. And transition folks from the industrial to riously jeopardizing special education there is a simple philosophical dif- the digital economy. services for students with disabilities ference in what the Progressive Caucus I think my colleague, Congressman all across the country. believes and the President’s budget. If RASKIN, will explain that the Progres- It eliminates title II, part A, which you believe, as the Republicans do, sive budget is not just a moral docu- provides Federal funding for teacher that we need to cut taxes and have less ment. It very much is, and it keeps our support and class size reduction. It spending, you would be for this Presi- commitment to seniors and to those in eliminates or reduces more than 20 ad- dent’s budget. need, but it is also a blueprint for job ditional programs promoting literacy But if you believe, as we do, that the creation and good wages and for cre- in our communities. It cuts Perkins big issue facing this country is good- ating jobs in precisely the places that Career and Technical Education fund- paying jobs and higher wages, you need them most. ing by 15 percent. That is just on the would be for the progressive budget. This is the big division in this Con- education side. gress. Do you believe that the big issue Department of Health and Human b 1745 is that we need more tax cuts for the Services, it eliminates the Community Let me give you a concrete example. investor class, that we need simply to Services Block Grant. It eliminates the One of the programs that the President cut government, or do you believe we Low Income Home Energy Assistance cuts in the name of less government need government to partner with local Program. It cuts the National Institute and lower taxes is the Manufacturing leaders, with businesses, to create jobs for Occupational Safety and Health by Extension Partnership. Now, what does and better wages? 40 percent. It reduces funding for Child this do? What does the Manufacturing If you believe the latter, I urge you Care and Development Block Grant Extension Partnership do? It actually to take a look at the Progressive budg- programs by tens of millions of dollars. works with small- and medium-sized et and see our vision for job creation It reduces support for Federal job manufacturers across this country, and higher wages. training for adults by 40 percent, job many in the Rust Belt, to help them be Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank training for dislocated workers and competitive, to help them compete Congressman KHANNA for that excel- youth. against currency manipulation, against lent discussion. It ends the Senior Community Serv- unfair trade deals, to help them com- You would think, with all of the do- ice Employment Program, an excellent pete against lower cost labor. mestic budget of the country being dis- program that has located work, mean- How does the program do this? It mantled and slashed and reduced by ingful work, for tens of thousands of partners them with leading technology the Trump administration that we older Americans. It closes Job Corps companies to say, look, if you are a would end up saving money, but they centers. It eliminates funding to small- or medium-sized manufacturer, don’t in any way at all because the counter the worst forms of child labor maybe you should have cloud tech- money is just being shifted over to the through the Bureau of International nology. Move your technology off the Pentagon. Labor Affairs. It eliminates $11 million factory floor and use the cloud to be So the proposal is to slash $56 billion in OSHA safety training grants for more cost-competitive so that you can from things like Meals on Wheels, NIH high hazard industries. compete. Basically, the program helps research into eating disorders and You have got to read it to believe it, to bring and keep manufacturing jobs asthma and Alzheimer’s disease and but the amazing thing is, despite pull- in the United States. heart and lung disorders and breast ing the plug on all of these essential Now, here is the irony. You would cancer and colon cancer, and environ- domestic programs that have been think, oh, is this a liberal idea? Is this mental cleanup like the Chesapeake proven to work, it doesn’t save us any the idea of Democrat, or a liberal Dem- Bay cleanup, which they want to zero money because the money is just ocrat? The irony is this was Ronald out, and then to shift the money over thrown at the Pentagon and is being Reagan’s idea. It was actually a pro- to the Pentagon at a time when the saved to throw up the wealth ladder in gram instituted by President Reagan Committee on Oversight and Govern- the country, send it up the wealth lad- in 1988 to help American manufacturers ment Reform received a report and had der through tax cuts to the largest cor- compete for the 21st century, and every a hearing on a McKinsey report which porations and the wealthiest Ameri- administration has supported it. showed that there was $125 billion in cans. One would think this President who immediate savings available at the That is the name of the game. Every- ran on bringing manufacturing jobs Pentagon in waste, fraud, abuse, and body understands it, which is why this would say, okay, let’s quadruple fund- contractor overruns. is the good news. At least we are hear- ing for the Manufacturing Extension So, at a moment when the Pentagon ing from both sides of the aisle that Partnership. Instead, he zeroed it out, is drowning in money that they don’t the President’s budget written in gold

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.102 H24MYPT1 H4558 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 at Trump tower for the people at Mar- Tens of millions of Americans are re- it. It is bad. It is not a good thing, and a-Lago is DOA, dead on arrival. Every- lying exclusively on Social Security there are plenty of reasons why people body is saying it, that there is no way now, so we have got to reinvest in So- don’t like it. that America could absorb the shock of cial Security and make sure it works, And so I just want to add that the letting this budget come anywhere and we have got plans for doing that, OMB is led by one of our former col- near to reality. too. leagues, Mick Mulvaney, and I think But the message that we get from But the point is that the real prob- Mick is a nice guy. I can’t tell people President Trump and his administra- lems of the country have been ignored. that I personally dislike Mick. He is tion is very simple: Let them eat There is no vision. There is no pro- nice to me. But that is not what this is emoluments. Let them eat emolu- gram. There is no policy for rein- about. ments. Now, of course, we don’t get vesting in America coming from the b 1800 them; he gets them. But the American Mar-a-Lago set, from this Cabinet of people are left empty-handed at the billionaires. This is about how we are operating in end of this. We are not getting any of it. Instead, our public lives. In our public lives and We don’t get any meaningful invest- we get an almost laughable, comical, discharging our public responsibility, I ment in the infrastructure of the coun- cartoon version of rightwing GOP eco- have to quote the Director of the Office try. There is no jobs program that is in nomics, which proposes to slash every- of Management and Budget. He says: here. There is no attempt to guarantee thing and to uproot the basic programs Meals on Wheels sounds great. We’re the solvency and the strength and the that the American people rely on for a not going to spend money on programs resilience of the Social Security pro- civilized society. We can do better than that cannot show that they actually gram. We have got that as part of our this. deliver on promises that we’ve made to plan in The People’s Budget for the I see I have been joined by my very people. I will submit to you that Meals on Progressive Caucus. distinguished colleague who will pur- Wheels is a very meritorious program, It is far from trying to stabilize and sue the discussion. Mr. Speaker, I yield it costs very little money, and it allows strengthen Medicare and Medicaid, to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. vulnerable seniors and people with dis- those two great victories of the Great ELLISON). Society. There is an attempt to under- Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I just abilities to live at home. Deep cuts. Actually, Mick said as well: Deep mine and ravage Medicaid and Medi- want to say thank you to Congressman budget cuts are actually one of the care, again, to send all of the wealth up RASKIN for holding down this Special the income ladder, all of the wealth to most compassionate things we can do. Order. You do such an excellent job, I wonder, Mr. Speaker, compas- the people who need it the least in the you and PRAMILA JAYAPAL, and we are sionate for who? country, pulling the plug on everybody grateful for it. Maybe those billionaires at Mar-a- else. Mr. Speaker, here are just a few Lago—maybe they need a little love, Well, our hope is that we are going to headlines from the budget that the too, sometimes—or the people who oc- be able to organize people to stop it, Trump administration just released: cupy Trump Towers. but the tragedy here is that there are ‘‘Trump Budget Leaves Working Regarding HUD, or Housing and so many needs in America that need to Class Base Behind’’; that is the Detroit Urban Development, he said: It doesn’t be addressed. Working people have seen Free Press. work very well. Tell that to the people a major erosion in their living stand- ‘‘Meatloaf Again: Christie Meekly who rely on low-income housing tax ards over the last several decades. Accepts Trump’s Medicaid Cuts’’; that credits, section 8 voucher programs, Working people have lost pension secu- is the New Jersey Star-Ledger. and all types of housing programs that rity. ‘‘Trump Budget Replicates Disas- allow people to afford their housing. Working people need to have retire- trous Kansas Approach. This Won’t On the issue of school nutrition pro- ment sources stabilized. We have got to End Well’’; that is the Kansas City grams, he says: Guess what. There’s no use Social Security as a way to make Star, Mr. Speaker. demonstrable evidence that they’re ac- sure that everybody can experience a ‘‘No Help from Trump’’; that is the tually doing that. There’s no demon- decent and dignified retirement. Social Houston Chronicle. strable evidence that we’re actually Security is a great accomplishment, ‘‘Trump Meets the Pope While His helping kids to do better in school. maybe the greatest antipoverty pro- Budget Threatens the Least of Us’’; This is about school nutrition. gram ever created in the history of the that is The Sacramento Bee. Here is another one: We can’t ask Earth. It lifted millions of senior ‘‘The Harsh Budget Americans Voted single mothers to continue to pay for Americans out of poverty; and despite for’’; that is the Charlotte Observer. the Corporation for Public Broad- the opposition of the GOP at the time, ‘‘Another Bad Budget from Trump casting. now everybody concedes that Social Targets the Poor,’’ The Washington Well, single moms might rely on the Security was a brilliant idea with ad- Post. Corporation for Public Broadcasting to ministrative bureaucratic overhead ‘‘Trump’s Assault on Working Vot- help their kids learn how to read. I less than 1 percent, and it lifts millions ers’’; that is the Baltimore Sun. think that Sesame Street is a pretty of seniors to a state of at least a mod- ‘‘Surprise, Surprise: Trump’s Budget good outfit. That might be their only icum of dignity in retirement. And Punishes the Sick and the Poor While avenue. there are millions of children who are Rewarding the Wealthy’’; that is the Here is another one: If you ask, 999 on Social Security because of survivors LA Times. people out of 1,000 would tell you that benefits and disability benefits. ‘‘A Slash-and-Burn Budget,’’ New Social Security disability is not part of So we need to strengthen the Social York Daily News. Social Security. It is an old-age retire- Security system. We need to reinvest ‘‘Budget Cuts Include U.S. Heart’’; ment that they think of when they in it, and we need to expand it, because that is northjersey.com; think of Social Security. it used to be that there were supposed The New York Times: ‘‘A Budget Quite the contrary. People do think to be three pillars for people’s old age: That Promises Little But Pain.’’ of Social Security disability when they one was Social Security, another was a Bloomberg View: ‘‘Trump’s Budget is think of Social Security. defined pension, and another was per- a Waste of Everybody’s Time.’’ Here is another quote: ‘‘Are there sonal savings. Financial Times, no beacon of lib- folks on SNAP who shouldn’t be?’’ But the pensions from private em- eralism there, Mr. Speaker: ‘‘Trump’s That is the question. ployment are increasingly gone. They Implausible Plan for the U.S. Budget.’’ So we are, again, trying to focus on have been scattered to the winds. And So whether you are talking about fraud in SNAP, rather than worrying people’s personal savings have been conservative instruments in the news about hungry Americans. eroded by the dramatic increase of eco- or more liberal ones or more middle-of- Here is another quote: ‘‘Maybe it’s nomic inequality in the country and the-road, it is really kind of amazing: reasonable to ask if there are folks who the erosion of the living standards of Everyone seems to share one feeling are on there that shouldn’t be. That is working people. about the Trump budget. We all hate a reasonable question to ask.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.104 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4559 You know what? I think it is focusing curious to see who, representing south- cut Medicaid, leaving families on the on the wrong part of the problem. Hun- ern Ohio, Kentucky, or Tennessee, is hook to pay more for the care of their ger, Mr. Speaker, is the problem in the going to vote to zero out the Appa- loved ones with disabilities. richest country in the history of the lachian Regional Commission; who, I don’t believe they believe these cuts world. At its richest point in its own representing a northern-tier State, is are right. I just think that it is going history, we are being told by the Direc- going to cut, zero out, LIHEAP. I want to take a lot of political courage to tor of the Office of Management and to see the Republican who is going to stand up and say: You know what? Budget that we cannot afford SNAP, do that. I think that will be a pretty Sometimes the government does good Meals on Wheels, and public broad- gutsy move. I guarantee you, your con- for people—we have spent decades say- casting. Amazing. stituents will know exactly what you ing the government is the problem— I think that, honestly, Mr. Speaker, did. They are watching, Mr. Speaker. and now people actually believe it it is often said that you should speak People watch C–SPAN and they read sometimes, except they don’t believe it truth to power. I think we must speak the news. They read the headlines that when you are cutting their healthcare, truth to power. I think the gentleman I read off, Mr. Speaker, and they are basic research, cutting money for our from Maryland would agree with me aware of what is happening in the peo- parks, and literally cutting everything, that we have got to speak truth to ple’s House at this very hour. except the military. power. But it occurs to me, Mr. Speak- I want the people to know that it is Oh, by the way, I am the proud father er, that the power knows exactly what the government’s responsibility to of a military son. My son is a veteran. the truth is: this budget is going to take care of the least of these. If you He just finished 4 years of service in hurt hungry children. The budget is are too poor, too old, or too sick to the United States Army, Mr. Speaker. going to cut seniors. It is going to cut work, we should help people. We should He was a combat veteran. My whole veterans. It is going to cut public do it. I believe it is the right thing to family is proud of him. But I am going broadcasting, which is one of the major do. to tell you one thing: the money didn’t ways people get news in South Dakota Mr. Speaker, I don’t care if they call go to him. He made less than $25,000 a and rural America. It is going to cut me a bleeding heart liberal—they can year. He didn’t mind. He is serving his the Appalachian Regional Commission. call me anything they want—but I am country. It is going to leave devastation almost going to be there for low-income people Where is all this Big Money going to everywhere. It is going to cut the EPA who are too old, too sick, or too young go? Who is getting it? by a third. to work. I am going to be there to I don’t know. People who make the The power knows—and I am talking make sure that people who are out of machinery, the weapons industry, they about Trump and his administration— work but who are able-bodied have the are going to make out like bandits, you the devastation that they are going to support that they need to get to work, better believe that. inflict on people. In fact, that is why to have clean air, to have clean water, At the end of the day, Mr. Speaker, they are doing it. They just don’t be- to promote jobs and infrastructure. even the money that they are asking lieve the government has any role in We are going to be there to do those us to spend is going to hurt veterans. I helping to make Americans lives bet- things, Mr. Speaker, because we be- know they are trying to plus-up a little ter. lieve in them. on the VA, but there are a whole lot of Their idea of freedom, Mr. Speaker, Do you know what else, Mr. Speaker? other services that veterans benefit is a billionaire being able to pollute We don’t believe ‘‘tax’’ is a four-let- from, and they are going to get hurt. anywhere and everywhere he wants. ter word. It is actually a three-letter Mr. Speaker, this Trump budget is Their idea of freedom is amassing great word. It is not a bad word at all. In wrong, and I believe that every Demo- fortunes at the expense of everyone fact, it is the dues that you pay to live crat knows it is wrong, and I even be- else, all the while relying on our Na- in a civilized society. If you think tax lieve a few Republicans know that it is tion’s military, our Nation’s police, the is some kind of a curse word, you can wrong. We should stand up and say road system; all the while relying on move to Somalia, because they don’t that it is wrong. clean water, clean air; all the while re- have many there. It is wrong to slash the earned in- lying on public schools to educate their Here, we have the protection of our come tax credit and child tax credit by workforce. police. We have the protection of our $40 billion. This is money that goes to They say: I did it all by myself. Yet courts. We have the protection of our people who actually work for a living. everything they have done has been Nation’s military. We have the protec- I heard one of our Nation’s leaders in with the help of the government of the tion of people who inspect the meat, the administration say: Oh, you are people of the United States of America. the water, the air, and everything else, crying about these people who are It is really outrageous, Mr. Speaker. and these people look after us as they going to get cut. What about the people I think that we are in a moment discharge their public responsibility who pay all the taxes? when we have got to speak truth to and they get paid in our tax money. Mr. Speaker, if we would raise the each other, Mr. Speaker. We have got There is nothing wrong with it. We minimum wage, you would have more to go all across this Nation and talk to stand on that. people paying taxes, because people’s people in the barbershops, the VFW I believe there has got to be a few Re- pay would be higher. It is no comfort halls. We have got to talk to people in publicans who agree with what I just to say that half the people don’t pay the church basement, the mosque base- said. I believe there has got to be a few taxes. They do pay taxes. They pay ment, the synagogue basement. We Republicans who believe that it is a payroll taxes, they pay sales taxes, have got to talk to people on the cor- good idea for the public to spend they pay property taxes, they pay all ners and tell them about this budget. If money on figuring out the vexing dis- kind of taxes, Mr. Speaker. It is wrong they hear about this Trump budget, eases that are ravaging people all over to try to imply that they are free- they will be outraged. America, like ALS, Parkinson’s, and loaders because they don’t pay income Nobody can support this budget, not Alzheimer’s. We should research these taxes. They would be glad to pay those even a millionaire or a billionaire, un- diseases. And if we need public money income taxes if their income were less you believe that you are not your to do it, Mr. Speaker, we should spend higher, which it would be if we invested brother’s keeper, that you have no ob- that money. But I don’t think this in America, which this budget does the ligation to other people around you, Trump budget reflects that. opposite of. It divests America. that everything around you should be I want to see my friends on the Re- I just want to say to you as we begin amassed to accumulate wealth for publican side of the aisle join us and to wrap up that our Nation is the yourself. That is the only possible way say we should not cut the Corporation greatest Nation in the world not be- anybody can stand next to this budget. for Public Broadcasting; we should not cause of bombs and guns and military. I really do hope that the Republican cut critical programs that help people; It is the greatest Nation because we be- caucus puts this budget up for a vote. I we should not cut supplemental assist- lieve in liberty and justice for all, and want to see who is going to stand next ance programs, SNAP, and food stamps not just a millionaire’s and a billion- to this monstrosity of a budget. I am for hungry Americans; we should not aire’s liberty to pollute all they want,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.106 H24MYPT1 H4560 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 escape taxes all they want, do what- b 1815 have done better than the budget ever they please, without any ramifica- At a time when we need to be dou- which President Trump sent to Capitol tions. bling down on investment in drug pre- Hill this week. This is a budget that is Mr. Speaker, justice is also a part of vention and drug treatment and deal- drafted seemingly by an enemy of the that equation. Justice means doing ing with the opioid crisis, the Trump American people. right by people. Justice means being administration simply hides under the It is not the media that is the Amer- fair to people. This budget is the exact bed. ican people’s enemy, as the President opposite of it. This budget leaves out The budget would cut the Depart- insisted, it is whoever drafted this people like our veterans. It cuts almost ment of Labor’s job training programs budget. That is the enemy of the Amer- a billion dollars from housing assist- by an astonishing two-thirds—that is ican people. ance programs to keep a roof over peo- job training for our people at a time Let them eat emoluments, they are ple’s heads. It cuts Social Security by when we are going through dramatic telling us with this. Let them eat $72 billion by restricting enrollment in structural shifts in the nature of the emoluments. They have got all the disability insurance programs. economy with robots and mechaniza- emoluments. They are the ones taking It hurts our national security. It tion, and they want to cut by 65 per- the money from the foreign govern- spends over $2 billion to build an un- cent the Department of Labor’s job ments. But they are saying, Let them necessary border wall. Oh, this wall. training programs. eat emoluments, because the American Mr. Speaker, in his campaign, the wall They want to sell off our national people have been robbed by this budget was among the most offensive things, parks and public lands for oil drilling, if it were ever to see the light of day. because what it really said is we don’t gas exploration, and fracking. They Mr. Speaker, a great Republican really want folks from south of the want to sell the land of the American President once spoke of government of border around here. That is what it people—the trust that we have had for the people, by the people, and for the said. That is how they felt. Yet here we centuries—that a great Republican people. Abraham Lincoln was a Mem- are spending money to prove that President, Teddy Roosevelt, once in- ber of this body. He sat where we have point. sisted on. They want to sell it off to the honor of sitting in this body, and It cuts the State Department and their friends at Exxon Mobil and the he talked about government of the peo- USAID by almost 32 percent. Generals frackers across the country. ple, by the people, and for the people. will tell you that it is better to talk it They have spent $10 billion building This is a budget of the super rich, by out than to shoot it out. Yet here we their stupid wall—a 14th century an- the super rich, for the super rich. It are cutting down our ability to talk it swer to a 21st century problem. Maybe was drafted by a Cabinet of billionaires out. What an outrage. for the people who are lounging at Mar- It eliminates international family they will have a moat and some alli- gators to go with it. But didn’t I hear a-Lago today, and they give the finger planning. to the rest of the country. That is what Let me wrap up by saying this. I was somebody say on the campaign trail this budget says. talking to some of my Republican that Mexico was going to pay for that If my friends on the other side of the friends—and I do have many, and I am wall? I heard millions of people chant- aisle are smart—and I know they are— proud to say so—and one of them said ing that at rallies, and the President and they know what is good for them— to me: KEITH, this thing probably is was saying: Mexico—you can believe and I know they do, Mr. Speaker—they never going to see the light of day. me—Mexico is going to pay for it. will say immediately this document is I said: Maybe it will and maybe it Already they are putting $2 billion in DOA and they have got nothing to do won’t. But this Trump budget is a di- our budget while they are stripping rect reflection of what he would do if schoolchildren of their lunches. While with it and very quickly distance he could do it. And that is scary. they are slashing scientific and med- themselves from it. We need to return Mr. RASKIN. I thank Congressman ical research in the country, they want to that great vision of a government ELLISON for his eloquent remarks and to put $2 billion into a wall that no- that is of the people, by the people, and extraordinary service as co-chair of the body needs at a time when illegal im- for the people. That is who we are as a Progressive Caucus. He has been re- migration from the southern border is country. placed this week by Congressman at a decade’s record low. They want to The government right now is experi- encing a hostile takeover by a tiny POCAN, who we heard from earlier this take $2 billion and put it into that. evening, but it was in deference only to They want to cut billions of dollars elite, and that is what is taking place the busyness of his schedule, since he from afterschool programs, from teach- around the world today. If you look at has also become, in addition to the dis- er training, and from student loans. Putin’s Russia, if you look at Orban’s tinguished Congressman from Min- They want to eliminate funding for Hungary, if you look at Duterte in the nesota, the vice chairman of the Demo- Planned Parenthood, which millions of Philippines, if you look at what they cratic National Committee. women and men depend on not just for tried to do with Le Pen in France, Let’s begin to wrap this up. Let’s re- family planning but also for basic med- there is a new model, my friends, all view some of the extraordinary as- ical attention, purely out of animosity over the world. Government is a mon- saults on the health and the well-being toward Planned Parenthood which has eymaking operation for a tiny elite in of the American people that are em- not received one penny for abortion each society. They want to go back to bodied in this atrocious budget. services in many decades. They just something like kings and queens where First, the President says: let’s cut want to dismantle it. They would de- the government serves the tiniest por- children’s health insurance by more stroy it if they could, despite the fact tion of the people. than $600 billion. that millions of Americans depend on They might get elected spouting pop- This would strip countless children of Planned Parenthood. ulist rhetoric and slogans, but the dental care, asthma treatment, and They want to cut Social Security— minute they get in, Wall Street takes other medical visits. which they promised not to touch—by over. We have got a President who It eliminates over $190 billion to the $72 billion by restricting enrollment in campaigned against Goldman Sachs, SNAP program, a supplemental assist- the disability insurance program—and and his Cabinet is dominated by Gold- ance program that is the food assist- on and on. You name your favorite, man Sachs. How long are people going ance program which helps prevent 42 most important Federal program, and I to fall for that magic trick? Not very million working families from going guarantee you, unless you are a Big long if anybody still believes in it out hungry in America. Business beltway contractor defense there. I don’t think anybody’s faith or It calls for billions in cuts to Med- bandit, it is going to be cut in this confidence in this President as a popu- icaid. It, unbelievably, in the middle of budget. You can go and check it out. list will survive this budget—what a an opioid crisis across the country, Now, if a foreign power—a foreign re- joke, and what an insult to the great would reduce access to drug addiction pressive power—like Putin’s Russia or populists of American history like the treatment and drug prevention services Duterte’s Philippines or Orban’s Hun- populist movement in William Jen- with a $1.2 billion cut to the Centers gary set out to injure and demoralize nings Bryan, that they would dare to for Disease Control and Prevention. the American people, they could not associate themselves with populism.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.107 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4561 This is a budget that is based on elit- Emerman, who in the fall of 1980, in the So as we raise the Stars and Stripes ism and class warfare, top-down class service of this country as a pilot in the and as we lay wreaths at the monu- warfare: the richest people in this United States Navy as a lieutenant ments, memorials, and cemeteries, let country against everybody else. That is commander, lost his life in the service us remember that our freedom is what this budget represents. That is of our Nation. thanks to those who have died in sac- what it embodies. Memorial Day is observed on the last rifice. We celebrate Memorial Day in So check out the Progressive Caucus’ Monday of May. Memorial Day is one honor of so many who are no longer People’s Budget. It is a real reinvest- of America’s most solemn occasions. with us. May God bless them, and cer- ment in the infrastructure of the coun- The tradition of Memorial Day dates tainly God bless the United States of try: our bridges, our roads, our high- back to 1864 in Boalsburg, Pennsyl- America. ways, our transit systems, our port vania, which is considered to be the Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman systems, our airports, and cybersecu- birthplace of Memorial Day. Three la- from Arizona for his leadership and rity—where America really needs in- dies decorated the graves of fallen Civil putting this opportunity today for us vestment, not stealing from poor peo- War soldiers, and the custom has con- to gather on the floor to speak on the ple, not stealing from the working tinued every year since then. topic of not just Memorial Day but the class, and not ripping off NIH and the It was an early fall day, in 1864, when service and the sacrifice that war- Centers for Disease Control in order to Emma Hunter and her friend, Sophie ranted its origination. put money in the Pentagon for a bunch Keller, picked flowers and went to the Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the of beltway bandits and defense contrac- old cemetery to lay them on the grave gentleman for his comments. tors who have so much money they of Emma’s father, Reuben Hunter. Dr. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman don’t know what to do with it any- Hunter was a young Boalsburg doctor from Georgia (Mr. CARTER). more. That is not what we need. We at the time of the Civil War. When he Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- need a real investment in America. volunteered to serve with the Army of er, I thank the gentleman for yielding. This budget is an affront, and it is an the North, he was assigned to the hos- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize insult to the American people. We pital in Baltimore. In addition to at- Memorial Day on May 29, 2017. On this should reject it immediately. I call on tending the wounded soldiers, he also day, Americans across our Nation pay all of our colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to cared for the men who had contracted respects to and honor members of the repudiate this document in a bipar- yellow fever while fighting in the U.S. Armed Forces who have sacrificed tisan fashion, and let’s get down to southern swamplands. Dr. Hunter be- their lives defending the freedoms that work for the American people. came ill. He died of yellow fever, and we so gratefully enjoy. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance his body was buried in the Boalsburg The decision to leave families and of my time. Cemetery. friends, travel to a land that is utterly f On their way that day in that early unfamiliar, and risk their lives pro- fall, the two girls met Mrs. Elizabeth tecting the lives of others is among the MEMORIAL DAY Myers, whose young son, Amos, had most selfless acts one can make. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under been killed the last day of the Battle of Roughly 1.5 million Americans are the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- Gettysburg and was also buried in the currently serving in one of the five uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Ari- old cemetery. Learning where the girls branches of the Armed Forces. Of these zona (Mr. BIGGS) is recognized for 60 were going, Mrs. Myers asked to join Americans, nearly 90,000 are assigned minutes as the designee of the major- them. They shared the flowers, and to one of Georgia’s numerous military ity leader. they placed them on both graves. It bases which are scattered throughout GENERAL LEAVE was decided then and there that they our great State. Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- would meet the following year with Georgia’s First Congressional Dis- mous consent that all Members have 5 flowers for all who had died in the Civil trict that I have the honor and privi- legislative days in which to revise and War. The three young women told their lege of representing is particularly im- extend their remarks and include ex- friends of the plans, and when the day portant to our Nation’s Armed Forces traneous material on the topic of this came around, most of the villagers as it includes Fort Stewart Army Base, Special Order. joined them. Hunter Army Airfield, Kings Bay Naval The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there From that simple beginning came the Base, and Moody Air Force Base. objection to the request of the gen- observance of Memorial Day in The service provided by our Nation’s tleman from Arizona? Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. Every year armed services is invaluable. Through- There was no objection. since then, the people have met on the out our history, millions have paid the Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, on Monday Diamond in Boalsburg Square for the ultimate price for freedom—they have we observe Memorial Day to honor walk to the old cemetery to lay flowers given their lives in order to save ours. members of America’s Armed Forces on the graves of all the soldiers dead. I ask that you please keep these brave who have died in service to our Nation. They are led by a hometown band. men and women in your prayers, not For those who have lost a loved one, a All ages join in the walk and partici- only on Memorial Day but every day. friend, a neighbor, or a comrade, this pate in the simple service of remem- It is an honor to represent a State day has added significance, remem- bering. I have been proud to participate and a district with such a strong tie to brance, and sadness. in that tradition which has spanned our Nation’s defense. I ask that you Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman more than 150 years. pray for our troops, and I ask that you from Pennsylvania (Mr. THOMPSON). Boalsburg still puts on a traditional pray for our Nation. God bless each and Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Memorial Day celebration complete every one of you as we observe this Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for with a parade, a community walk to great Memorial Day. God bless Amer- yielding. the cemetery, speeches, military re- ica. Mr. Speaker, many of us in this enactments, and much more. House will attend Memorial Day cere- On Memorial Day, communities b 1830 monies over the weekend as we honor across the country will pay tribute to Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I am those who have died in the service to our fallen veterans who never returned pleased to yield to my colleague from this great Nation. home. Many of us will gather with fam- North Carolina (Mr. HUDSON). Certainly, in this office, one of the ily members, friends, and neighbors as Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise more difficult but one of the most hon- we keep those we lost in our hearts. today because this week is All Amer- ored opportunities is to be at the grave Unfortunately, for many of our Na- ican Week, the annual celebration of site of our fallen heroes as they are tion, Memorial Day has become a day the 82nd Airborne Division’s mission laid to rest and that American flag, of picnics and family gatherings, which and the paratroopers who serve to up- which flies over our Capitol, is draped is not a bad thing, but we must always hold it. over their coffin. remember truly where Memorial Day Based in my district at Fort Bragg, On this Memorial Day, I really want came from and its purpose, that we not North Carolina, the 82nd Airborne Divi- to highlight my brother-in-law, Larry forget those sacrifices. sion is the Nation’s Global Response

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.109 H24MYPT1 H4562 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 Force and can mobilize, load, and comes over me like a strong wind and In 1867, Culpeper National Cemetery strike in a moment’s notice. These bears me unresistibly on with all these was established and is located in my rapid reaction forces put the ‘‘air’’ in chains to the battlefield. The memories congressional district. Earlier this airborne and are absolutely vital to our of the blissful moments I have spent month, a 23-year-old young man was national security. with you come creeping over me, and I laid to rest there. This year marks the division’s 100th feel most gratified to God and to you U.S. Army Sergeant Cameron Thom- anniversary, and it is a special time for that I have enjoyed them for so long. as grew up in Ohio, but his family later us to celebrate its incredible history as And hard it is for me to give them up made Culpeper, Virginia, home. I was America’s Guard of Honor. and burn to ashes the hopes of future proud to see so many members of the Since its inception, the 82nd Airborne years, when, God willing, we might Culpeper community lining the streets Division has played a role in every still have lived and loved together, and holding American flags to honor Ser- major U.S. conflict around the world. seen our sons grow up to honorable geant Thomas. It was nicknamed the ‘‘All American manhood around us. At the age of 19, Sergeant Thomas Division’’ because of the unique and di- ‘‘I have, I know, but few and small became one of the youngest soldiers to verse group of soldiers who came to- claims upon Divine Providence, but ever earn the Ranger designation. On gether to form the division from all something whispers to me—perhaps it his fifth deployment, he was killed in across the United States. is the wafted prayer of my little action on April 27 in Afghanistan dur- As the Representative of Fort Bragg Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ing a night raid on a remote ISIS in Congress, I am so proud of the 82nd ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear stronghold that resulted in killing the Airborne’s legacy, of our paratroopers Sarah, never forget how much I love head of ISIS in Afghanistan. and their families. They put country you, and when my last breath escapes Family members and friends de- before self, and we are so grateful. me on the battlefield, it will whisper scribed him as a man who lived with I will continue to work to ensure this your name. intention and determination. He be- critical installation remains the epi- ‘‘Forgive my many faults and the lieved anything worth doing was worth center of the universe and the tip of many pains I have caused you. How overdoing and that moderation is for the spear guaranteeing our national se- thoughtless and foolish I have often- cowards. He was a man who knew his curity. times been. How gladly would I wash mission and served our country with As we celebrate All American Week out with my tears every little spot distinction. this week, I ask my fellow Americans upon your happiness. . . . Sergeant Cameron Thomas rep- to join me in praying for servicemem- ‘‘But, O Sarah, if the dead can come resented the best of our armed services. bers stationed at Fort Bragg who are back to this Earth and flit unseen He loved his family, passionately currently deployed and for their fami- around those they loved, I shall always served his country, and will be a sol- lies here at home. be near you; in the gladdest days and dier we honor and cherish for the rest We also remember our veterans who in the darkest nights . . . always, al- of our Nation’s history. served in the 82nd Airborne Division, ways, and if there be a soft breeze upon Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank particularly those who made the ulti- your check, it shall be my breath, as the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. mate sacrifice. Today’s paratroopers the cool air fans your throbbing tem- BIGGS) for doing this service for our stand on the shoulders of these giants. ple, it shall be my spirit passing by. country. ‘‘Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think Airborne, all the way. Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I am going Mr. BIGGS. Mr. Speaker, each Memo- I am gone and wait for thee, for we to take a moment to give recognition shall meet again.’’ rial Day, a newspaper in my State, the to a special veteran from my district So closes Major Ballou’s letter. Arizona Republic, publishes one par- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield to who is 90 years old and is a World War ticular letter to remind its readers of my colleague, the gentleman from Vir- II veteran, who worked in the U.S. Navy during World War II and saw the sacrifice our soldiers made in de- ginia (Mr. BRAT). fense of their country. The letter is Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, first I would many trips across the Pacific Ocean written by Sullivan Ballou to his wife like to thank my very good friend from and endured the life of a sailor, some- on July 14, 1861. Arizona (Mr. BIGGS), first of all, for his times monotonous and sometimes Sullivan was a major in the Union moving testimony on behalf of the under very perilous circumstances, in- Army, 32 years old, and about to enter greatest folks who ever served our Na- cluding at least one attack by kami- the first battle of Bull Run. A little tion and for arranging this Special kazes of his ship and convoy. more than a week later, almost 3,000 Order to honor the valiant men and I pay special tribute at this time to Union soldiers had perished, including women that serve our country every Wayne Whitlock, who has persevered Sullivan. day. for many years after service to his Major Sullivan’s letter reads as fol- While most of America views Memo- country in that great war. lows: ‘‘My very dear Sarah: The indica- rial Day, rightly, as the official start of Mr. Speaker, I am also reminded to- tions are very strong that we shall summer vacations and cookouts, which night of President Abraham Lincoln’s move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. we all enjoy, I hope we also do not for- Gettysburg Address. As President Lin- Lest I should not be able to write get to pause and remember the men coln looked out on a battlefield that again, I feel impelled to write a few and women who give the full, last had experienced almost 50,000 casual- lines that may fall under your eye measure of devotion serving our coun- ties, he said: ‘‘The world will little when I shall be no more. . . . try. It is a day to remember those who note, nor long remember what we say ‘‘I have no misgivings about, or lack died defending the freedoms we hold here, but it can never forget what they of confidence in the cause in which I dear and acknowledge the debt of grati- did here. It is for us the living, rather, am engaged, and my courage does not tude we owe to our servicemembers and to be dedicated here to the unfinished halt or falter. I know how strongly their loved ones. This weekend, we stop work which they who fought here have American civilization now leans on the to mourn so many of our heroes who thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather triumph of the government and how served: brothers and sisters, fathers for us to be here dedicated to the great great a debt we owe to those who went and mothers, aunts and uncles who task remaining before us—that from before us through the blood and never came home. these honored dead we take increased sufferings of the Revolution. And I am National cemeteries often serve as devotion to that cause for which they willing—perfectly willing—to lay down the final resting place for those who gave the last full measure of devotion— all my joys in this life to help maintain served our country. Founded by Presi- that we here highly resolve that these this government and to pay that debt. dent Lincoln and enacted by Congress dead shall not have died in vain—that ... in 1862, today you can find these ceme- this Nation, under God, shall have a ‘‘Sarah, my love for you is deathless. teries tucked away in communities new birth of freedom—and that govern- It seems to bind me with mighty cables across America. Too often the history ment of the people, by the people, for that nothing but omnipotence could and stories they hold remain untold or the people, shall not perish from the break; and yet my love of country forgotten. Earth.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.112 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4563 Mr. Speaker, very few of us in this There was no objection. Why did she do so? Chamber will be remembered long after Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this To hide the bruises that covered her entire we leave Washington, D.C. Almost no coming Monday, May 29, marks the 2- body. one will remember my speech tonight, year anniversary of the Justice for Vic- When her abusive foster mother lost cus- and it will soon become lost in the CON- tims of Trafficking Act, called the tody, Lena ran away. GRESSIONAL RECORD. Yet we are here in JVTA. She was just 13 years old. this body because of the heroic efforts Democrats and Republicans in the After bolting from the front lawn at the of men and women who have given House of Representatives and the Sen- Houston middle school, she ran into a friendly- their lives for this country for over 200 ate worked together in a bipartisan looking stranger. years. We can never forget their sac- manner to write this comprehensive, This man offered to look after her, protect rifices. massive law to fight human traf- and love her. The only reason we can participate in ficking. Basically, we said in this legis- Human traffickers manipulate the the activities of this Chamber is be- lation that modern-day slavery will vulnerabilities of their victims, he knew that cause of the sacrifices of our Armed not be tolerated in the United States, Lena would do anything to feel loved. Forces, particularly those who have and that message was made loud and For the next 3 months, Lena was trafficked paid the ultimate price. They have clear when the law was signed 2 years to countless buyers. He kept her on the move, switching from nobly defended our freedoms and our ago. motel to motel to evade detection. way of life up to their last measure of Since that time, there have been Finally, after tracking a BackPage advertise- devotion. They left behind fathers, wonderful successes by providing vic- ment her trafficker posted, police located mothers, wives, sons, daughters, broth- tims with help and services that they need to recover, and by capturing and Lena. ers, sisters, friends, and communities They arrested her trafficker in the hotel next charging both the traffickers and the to ensure that future generations walk door. With her help, the police ultimately buyers according to our law. in the light of liberty. charged her trafficker. President Lincoln was resolved that DEBBIE’S STORY Debbie, Cheryl and Lena are all human traf- those soldiers shall not have died in Mr. Speaker, Debbie grew up in an idyllic ficking survivors. vain. They and all the soldiers who American neighborhood. The things they had to endure are more have died defending American wars and The middle child of a close-knit military fam- horrific than most of us can even imagine. conflicts still deserve that respect and ily living in the suburbs, Debbie could have But they survived, they overcame this trag- dignity. never imagined that she would be forced into edy. Mr. Speaker, we should govern every sex slavery. It was for survivors like these women that day with our heroes in mind. We should One cool Phoenix night, Debbie’s mother CAROLYN MALONEY and I drafted the Justice strive to make them proud of our thought nothing of letting her young daughter for Victims of Trafficking Act two years ago. speech, our actions, and our commit- meet a friend in their front yard one night to This far-reaching legislation, led by Senator ment to our promises. The American play. JOHN CORNYN and Senator RON WYDEN in the Dream, spirit, and Constitution that Busy with dishes and other children inside, Senate, made it clear that Congress would no they fought for should be our charge. her mother didn’t realize that her young longer turn a blind eye to this scourge in our I would be remiss tonight if I did not daughter, clad in her cartoon pajamas, was society. mention the loved ones these patriots being abducted by two men in front of their We wanted to ensure that victims were left behind, who are also patriotic. house. treated like victims, given the care and help Countless men, women, and children These deviants threw Debbie in the car, they needed to overcome the evil inflicted have watched their American soldiers drugged and gang raped her. upon them. walk away from home, hoping that They held a loaded gun to her forehead and We also wanted to make sure that the traf- they will return safely, unaffected threatened to pull the trigger if she ever tried fickers and the buyers were both brought to physically, mentally, and emotionally. to escape. justice. Sadly, many of those heroes never For 60 days she was forced to have sex HOUSTON SUPER BOWL STORY make it home. Knowing that no words with countless men. This past February, my hometown of Hous- can do justice to their sacrifices, I can Thankfully for Debbie, a lucky anonymous ton, Texas, hosted the 51st Super bowl. only say: Thank you. A grateful nation tip led police to a hotel room where they found For most Americans the Super Bowl is a fun mourns with your loss. Debbie tied up and stashed under a bed. filled day spent with friends and family cheer- Mr. Speaker, Monday may be the of- CHERYL BRIGGS’ STORY ing on a favorite team. ficial observance of Memorial Day, but Cheryl Briggs grew up in an abusive home, But for trafficking slaves and potential traf- we live with the memory of our fallen sexually and physically abused by her father. ficking slaves, if can be a very dangerous heroes every day across our country. I Her mother left when Cheryl was very time. am eternally grateful for their sac- young to escape the abuse. Studies show that big events like Super rifices. At the age of 12, Cheryl didn’t know what Bowls create large upticks in the trafficking Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance else to do to get away from the father she and purchasing of sex trafficking victims. of my time. feared, so she ran away. In order to counteract this, The Department She began hitchhiking with truck drivers and f of Homeland Security, as part of its Blue Cam- anyone who would take her. paign Initiative, began preparing months in ad- b 1845 This led her to a ride with a motorcyclist and vance. THE SCOURGE OF HUMAN into human trafficking hell. DHS agents came to Washington, DC and TRAFFICKING He took her to a biker club filled with men briefed me and other members of the Texas who took advantage of her. Delegation on their anti-trafficking strategy for The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. He became her trafficker. super bowl weekend. FITZPATRICK). Under the Speaker’s an- She was forced to dance at a strip club by Through the Blue Campaign, DHS raises nounced policy of January 3, 2017, the day and sold on the streets at night. public awareness, forges anti-trafficking part- Chair recognizes the gentleman from She was trapped in the world of human traf- nerships and brings suspected human traf- Texas (Mr. POE) for 30 minutes. ficking. fickers to justice. GENERAL LEAVE Cheryl didn’t know how to get help. I commend the Blue Campaign for collabo- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask She had no one to call and no one to pro- rating with local, state and federal law enforce- unanimous consent that all Members vide for her. ment agencies in preparation for the Super may have 5 legislative days in which to No one came to rescue her. Bowl. revise and extend their remarks and in- That is until a patron at a strip club found As a direct result of this large multi-agency clude extraneous material on the topic out that she was only 15 and helped her es- operation, over 750 people were arrested of this Special Order. cape. across 15 different states. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there LENA’S STORY At least 86 victims were rescued, and many objection to the request of the gen- In her formative years, Lena wore turtle- more were likely spared being forced into the tleman from Texas? necks and baggy clothes to school every day. trafficking industry.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.113 H24MYPT1 H4564 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 Having personally worked closely with the My bill advances a survivor-centered and I have worked on for a number of Blue Campaign on this, and many other oper- approach to addressing human traf- years and that he has spent the better ations, I see firsthand the important role DHS ficking that ensures the safety, con- part of a lifetime as a judge and as a has in fighting the scourge of human traf- fidentiality, and the well-being of vic- legislator on is saving lives; but, sadly, ficking. tims. It encourages stakeholders to my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, This DHS Blue Campaign Authorization Act recognize symptoms of trauma and would be ranked in the top 20 counties will ensure that this critically important pro- coping mechanisms that may impact or cities in the Nation for human traf- gram continues to provide safety to victims victims’ interactions with law enforce- ficking. So the problem is prevalent. It and justice to their traffickers. ment, the justice system, and service exists still. SUCCESS OF JVTA AT 2 YEAR MARK providers. What breaks my heart most of all are Over the last two years, more than 65 de- One of the key ways we can address those children who have been victim- fendants have been charged with federal the upsetting realities of human traf- ized, whether it is by online predators human trafficking violations. ficking in the U.S. justice system is by or other means, those who are the most Of those, 10 were buyers. giving victims a pathway to vacate and vulnerable in our society. We have been Without demand, there would be no market. expunge their criminal records for of- able to work with many of the safe JVTA gives law enforcement the critical fenses that they were forced to com- houses, with our prosecutors, with our tools it needs to capture and prosecute crimi- mit. I have met with many survivors in law enforcement, with our advocacy nals who purchase sex from minors or traf- my home State of Missouri and across groups. ficking victims. our great country who struggle to re- As Congressman POE and I both Long gone are the days where buyers could build their lives because they are know, we can’t always legislate all the anonymously purchase sex from trafficking trailed by criminal records. Traffickers ills of society away. What I appreciate victims and simply return to their normal lives. and pimps intentionally push victims about the work that we do is not only JVT also allows a federal judge to impose to commit crimes as a means of con- passing laws and legislation to help an additional assessment of up to $5,000. trol. those victims, but also the education This money then goes into the Domestic My heart breaks for these women and awareness that is so very impor- Trafficking Victims’ Fund. who have suffered horrendous abuse tant. So anything that we can do to lift This fund provides victims with increased and bear the mark of a record on top of those advocates up, to bring a spotlight access to services and resources. to this modern-day slavery is so very It forces the criminals to pay the rent on the it. Criminal records make it difficult for survivors to get jobs, medical care, important. courthouse, forces both the buyer and the traf- I commend the gentleman from education, and even housing assist- ficker to pay for the system they created. Texas for his work and for the Special ance. These records haunt survivors They inflicted pain and suffering on innocent Order here tonight. I look forward to a people, they should be the ones to pay. and can even lead to revictimization. Mr. Speaker, if we are serious about day when this heinous crime, this mod- JVTA also clarified that the U.S. Marshals ern-day slavery no longer exists in the Service can assist local, state and federal law giving survivors of trafficking a second chance, we must enact serious, fool- United States of America. enforcement in the search and rescue of miss- Mr. POE of Texas. I thank the gentle- proof vacatur laws that erase the col- ing children. woman for her comments. I also want- lateral consequences of treating traf- Since the implementation of JVTA, U.S. ed to compliment her on her tenacious Marshals have helped rescue 102 children. ficking victims like criminals. This is work of going after backpage.com and As JVTA continues to be implemented, and why I introduced, along with the sup- making that resource unavailable for prosecutors and judges are trained on the new port of many of my colleagues, the those traffickers and those buyers. I tools it offers them, we will continue to see Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. This want to commend her for that. more and more traffickers and buyers held ac- bill would give victims of trafficking Mrs. WAGNER. I thank the gen- countable for their crimes. relief from Federal or D.C. criminal tleman. I would say, Mr. Speaker, that We will also see a system that treats victims convictions or arrests. these online predators are the bane of like victims, providing them with the care and We know well that Federal courts are our existence. It is a dark underbelly of support they need to become survivors. not—and I underscore ‘‘not’’—infal- the human trafficking and sex slavery And that’s just the way it is. lible, and that many victims are traf- trade that is out there, and it is abso- Mr. POE of Texas. Tonight we have ficked within the District. These lutely unconscionable that crimes can this Special Order, and we have several women don’t deserve criminal records. be committed online that would not be Members who are going to speak on They deserve restitution, civil dam- allowed to be committed offline. We this. The first Member who will speak ages, and the empowerment to walk are going to go to the heart of the is Representative WAGNER. She has with their heads held high. Communications Decency Act with my served in the House since 2013, and she I am adamant that these women get next piece of legislation that so many has, herself, worked extensively on a second chance at life, that they find attorneys general and States and pros- human trafficking issues. She is a co- housing, therapy, jobs, new friends, and ecutors and law enforcement and advo- sponsor of the Shame Act that I have new chances. I am adamant that the cacy groups are begging for Congress to sponsored, and we have worked to- United States of America will no act to make sure that there is clarity gether. I am honored to introduce her longer punish people for trauma that so that States and the Federal Govern- as our first speaker on this very impor- most of us cannot even imagine. I am ment can prosecute, and to make sure tant issue of the human trafficking adamant that the United States Con- that we make the changes that are nec- after 2 years of the legislation being gress will have the moral aptitude to essary in a very specific and narrow signed. I yield to the gentlewoman. enact the Trafficking Survivors Relief way to make sure that those online Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Act. I am adamant that not one more predators are not victimizing the chil- the gentleman very much for the op- victim of trafficking will be mistreated dren, women, and young boys of our portunity to co-lead this Special Order in our criminal justice system. Mr. land. with my dear colleague, Congressman Speaker, I am adamant that we pass I look forward to working with the TED POE, for Human Trafficking this bill into law. gentleman and my colleagues on much Awareness Week. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I more work in this arena. I was thrilled, Mr. Speaker, that yes- thank the gentlewoman. I would like Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ap- terday the House passed my legisla- to ask a couple of questions if she preciate the gentlewoman being here tion, the Put Trafficking Victims First doesn’t mind. I know she has other ap- and making such powerful comments. Act. Together, we can get victims of pointments, but I wanted to ask her a I yield to the gentlewoman from Ha- trafficking out of dangerous and abu- couple questions. I would like to know waii (Ms. GABBARD). She is an Iraqi war sive situations and create better, more how has the trafficking situation in veteran and a former member of the accessible trauma-informed services. her home State of Missouri decreased, Hawaii House of Representatives. She Victims don’t just need to be rescued. or how has this legislation helped? is working specifically, among other They need opportunities to rebuild and Mrs. WAGNER. Well, I will tell the things, in the area of the juvenile jus- sort through trauma and to live well. gentleman that the legislation that he tice system, trying to reform that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.056 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4565 Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, I thank be a cosponsor of the Trafficking Sur- I am also very pleased to cosponsor my friend and colleague for his leader- vivors Relief Act, because it creates the bipartisan Trafficking Survivors ship on this and many other issues, this promise of freedom for those sur- Relief Act, introduced by my colleague really taking up this cause and being a vivors from the shackles of their past. ANN WAGNER, who was here with us champion for the voiceless. It establishes a process to vacate con- this evening, from Missouri, a leader Last month I was in my district in victions and expunge arrests for those on this issue. Hawaii, and we traveled all across the charged with criminal offenses related Victims of trafficking are forced to State, on every island, holding town- to human trafficking, finally putting commit crimes like prostitution, drug hall meetings on a variety of issues, survivors on a path to rehabilitation dealing, and money laundering. We but one of the meetings and forums and healing rather than a life of con- cannot punish these victims for crimes that I participated in was at the Uni- tinued exploitation and abuse. committed because of coercion and versity of Hawaii at Hilo, and it was I look forward to continuing to work under the threat of violence or death. specifically around this issue of human with my colleagues to get this legisla- We must ensure that we are doing all trafficking, of sex trafficking. tion passed and actually enact this we can to help victims recover from In this small community in Hawaii, change so it helps those in our commu- these unthinkable experiences. This many people had gathered—it was a nities who need it the most. legislation will help to do that by pro- full room—trying to increase their own Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I viding more judicial discretion for vic- awareness and share more information thank the gentlewoman from Hawaii tims to clear their names of any about the prevalence of this issue, not for her work on this. As you can tell, wrongdoing. just in places in other parts of the this is a bipartisan effort. When we I am proud to stand with my col- world, but in our communities right took this legislation 2 years ago and leagues on both sides of the aisle to here at home. I think that is some- brought it to the House, there were 11 support this legislation that helps end thing that surprises a lot of folks that bills that came to the House of Rep- this barbaric practice. I talk to, is you can read about these resentatives, and they almost all Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I human trafficking problems in cities in passed unanimously. Then they were thank the gentleman from Pennsyl- Asia or other parts of the world, but sent to the Senate, and the Senate vania for his comments, and now for very rarely do people think that it is combined them into two bills. The his work on this issue of trafficking. happening in their own backyard, in same over there, almost unanimous; Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman their own hometown, when the reality and then back over to the House, and from Florida (Mr. YOHO), another Ted is that this is a very real issue that ex- the final passage was almost unani- here in Congress. TED YOHO is serving ists in far too many of our hometowns mous once again. It is a bipartisan ef- Florida’s Congressional District 3. He and our communities all across the fort, and I thank the gentlewoman is vice chairman of the U.S. House For- country. from Hawaii for her work on this and eign Affairs Committee, and the chair- In my own home State of Hawaii, her service to our country. man of U.S. House Asia and the Pacific girls as young as 11 years old have been Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman Subcommittee. He has supported many recruited from schools, from beaches, from Pennsylvania (Mr. SMUCKER). He bills on this issue of trafficking and from malls through an intricate net- is one of our newest, if not the newest, has worked very hard in his home Members of Congress. He served in the work of sex traffickers. In 2016, last State of Florida to bring awareness to Pennsylvania State Senate for a good year, 30 cases of human trafficking this. number of years. Mr. YOHO. Mr. Speaker, I thank were reported to the human trafficking Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank hotline in Hawaii. Almost all of them Judge POE for his tireless work on this Judge POE for the work that he is issue. And I appreciate the leadership, had to do with the exploitation of doing this evening to bring attention and LLOYD SMUCKER. And as he has women for sex and labor, and in 10 of to a critical problem that desperately these cases the individuals targeted needs our attention and needs our solu- talked about, this is a bipartisan issue. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call at- were minors. tions, that of human trafficking. Now, what we know and what is ter- The three largest international crime tention to modern-day slavery, because ribly disturbing is how underreported industries are drug trafficking, arms that is what this is, in the form of this actually is, that these numbers are trafficking, and human trafficking. It human trafficking. not at all representative of the reality is uncomfortable to talk about, but we Most people believe human traf- that exists in our community because can’t shy away from talking about the ficking only occurs at home. It is a for- trafficking is more common than the fact that in the world today, young eign crime that would never happen in number of cases reported. boys and girls are being sold across the our community, let alone their own Now, too often those who are victims globe for an average price of $90. It is backyard. To that I say: Let me tell of and those who are forced into traf- not just in remote parts of the globe. you about human trafficking in rural ficking are charged as criminals and More than 14,000 people are trafficked America. I come from a district that is very are forced to live with this criminal into the United States each year. It is rural. We had several summits on this record for the rest of their lives, never happening all across America, and in issue. We talked to the local sheriffs being able to escape the shackles of Lancaster, Berks, and Chester Coun- and to the local police departments, nonviolent crimes committed in the ties, the district that I represent in and they said: Do you know what, we course of their being victims of human Pennsylvania. trafficking. This often inhibits them don’t have that problem here. We are from getting the care and assistance b 1900 okay. that they really need, to be free, to be Four out of five people trafficked in We invoked the help of the Depart- able to move on with their lives. the world today are trafficked for sex- ment of Homeland Security, and they Our current criminal justice system ual exploitation. Eighty percent are fe- have got a great campaign called the is broken in so many ways, and in so male and half are children. Blue Campaign. We encouraged these many ways perpetuates a cycle of Antitrafficking groups gather in our officers to show up. And I am happy to crime, exploitation, and poverty, strip- churches, restaurants, and schools all say that most of the people that we ping the most exploited and vulnerable across Pennsylvania and across the talked to—the counties and the sher- individuals in our society of a fair country. Those individuals, and the iffs—showed up. chance for a new life and healing from victims of trafficking, should know And it wasn’t more than about 2 unimaginable abuses perpetuated by that they have allies in Congress. weeks that I started getting calls from truly evil criminals. My office has been in contact with the sheriffs. And they said: Do you Now, at the local level in States like organizations in my district like Safe know what, that is happening right Hawaii, we have passed legislation that Berks, the Chester County Anti-Human here. bans sex trafficking and classifies it as Trafficking Coalition, and law enforce- It is an awareness campaign. And Ms. a class A felony, but that is not ment officials to discuss ways that we GABBARD from Hawaii mentioned how enough. That is why I am so proud to can work together to help victims. underreported it is. Of course, it is, if

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.116 H24MYPT1 H4566 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 people aren’t aware of it. But when you believe in the 13th Amendment, we all In the city of Milwaukee, last year, bring awareness through campaigns need to stand up, take an active role in as an example, Mr. Speaker, two sis- like the Department of Homeland Se- this, and we do this by the legislation ters, ages 16 and 17, were rescued dur- curity’s Blue Campaign, people wake that is up. ing the FBI’s Operation Cross Country. up to this issue. And I love their Mr. Speaker, I thank the Judge for They told an undercover Federal agent motto: If you see something, say some- being a strong advocate and always that their mother had forced them into thing. Let people know this is going being there for this. prostitution. Had they been arrested, on. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, how instead of recovered from their mother, So let me tell you about our home many minutes do I have remaining? who imprisoned them, would they have community. In March of this year, a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- deserved to be branded for life with a special needs student in Jacksonville, tleman from Texas has 8 minutes re- criminal record? Florida, was kidnapped. Her captors maining. Imagine every time that they applied placed her under house arrest, basi- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I for housing or for financial aid or for a cally. They incarcerated her for human yield to the gentlewoman from Wis- job, that they would be denied on the trafficking. They placed an advertise- consin (Ms. MOORE). She, like the basis of their criminal record; and they ment online offering her sexual serv- women in Congress, who I have given a were coerced into this act as minors by ices, which is quite possibly the only lot of credit for all of this trafficking their own mother. Imagine the re-trau- reason the police were able to find her. legislation, is very concerned about matization and further devastation These people were advertising on the victims of family and domestic vio- that repeated denial would have caused internet. lence. them. Also, in March of this year, 15 men Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud It just makes these people so vulner- were arrested in my hometown of to rise as an original cosponsor of the able, and it deserves a legislative solu- Gainesville, Florida, on child solicita- Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of tion that we are proposing here today. tion charges. These men were discov- 2017, and I urge my colleagues on both Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ered as part of an undercover operation sides of the aisle to support this truly thank the gentlewoman for her strong that led them to believe they were bipartisan piece of legislation. comments. I know where she stands on communicating with young girls. The We have come a long way in this the issue of victims of violence. Mr. Speaker, the 2-year anniversary men believed the girls’ guardians were country in recognizing and acknowl- of the Justice for Victims of Traf- allowing them to commit sexual acts edging the problems of sex trafficking; ficking Act will be Monday. As a with underage girls. and not just laying the blame at the former judge and co-chairman of the Only 2 months prior to this arrest, a seat of a so-called prostitute but under- Victims’ Rights Caucus, with JIM Gainesville man was sentenced to 25 standing that this is a crime where the COSTA from California, this is an im- years in prison for sex trafficking an persons being trafficked, as you have portant issue. I bet most Americans adult. heard my colleagues say, are impris- have never heard of the Justice for Vic- A month prior to that, Polk County— oned in sex trafficking. And why is it? tims of Trafficking Act because it was another rural county—detectives ar- You heard them talk about the $150 passed with bipartisan support, over- rested 114 suspects in a human traf- billion impact that this has. There is a whelming support. Things like this ficking and prostitution ring. At least huge incentive to sell these women don’t make the news because we are four of them were immediately identi- over and over and over and over again. not fussing and feuding between the fied as human trafficking victims. And Because unlike drugs, you can resell two sides. these products of these victims again. merely 3 months later, an additional But it is a very important piece of Survivors of sex trafficking can’t just 104 were picked up in a second sting for legislation for our country. It goes walk away. They are in prison. They human trafficking, including those so- after the trafficker. It makes sure they endure violent beatings, brainwashing, liciting sex from minors. get arrested, and they go to prison sexual assault, psychological control, These are but a few examples of where they belong. It also goes after human trafficking-related crimes that and control of their purses and their the buyer, the person who hides and have occurred in my community in the identification. But then they find tries to buy young children on the mar- last 6 months. Florida is estimated to themselves arrested and convicted for ketplace of sex slavery. But it rescues have the third highest rate of human prostitution, labeled as sex offenders, victims and turns them into survivors. trafficking in the country, following and then just revictimized by a system That is why this legislation is impor- only behind California and New York— that doesn’t understand that they were tant. third in the Nation. That is not some- prisoners of this lucrative operation. The average age of a trafficking vic- thing any State wants a designation These survivors face long-term nega- tim in the United States is 13. That for. All three of these States are ideal tive consequences. They are denied ac- means some are younger than 13. And because of their access to ports and cess to employment, housing resources, it is a menace and a scourge that we, in interstate highways, allowing victims and student financial aid that is needed the House of Representatives, along to be transported across State lines to develop a sustainable safe and stable with our friends in the Senate, are easily. life. The Trafficking Survivors Relief going to make sure that the legislation And it is estimated today—and I, Act offers survivors postconviction re- is appropriate to solve this epidemic. again, sit on the Foreign Affairs Com- lief from criminal charges stemming That is why we are reminding individ- mittee with Judge POE, and we have from nonviolent offenses committed as uals that we have this piece of legisla- seen these numbers too often. It is esti- a direct result of being a victim of tion that is passed, and other pieces of mated that 21 million people are traf- human trafficking. legislation as well. ficked around the world, resulting in Mr. Speaker, believe it or not, an es- The last thing I wanted to mention is an estimated $150 billion in profits— timated 300,000 children become vic- part of the Justice for Victims of Traf- profits from the sale of a human indi- tims of sex trafficking every year ficking Act allows Federal judges to vidual that goes to the traffickers who through fraud, force, and coercion. impose a fee on the trafficker or the are often drug smugglers or terrorist Many of them think, You know, I am buyer, and that money goes into a fund organizations. going to be taken out to dinner by that helps victims of trafficking. That The 13th Amendment to our Con- someone who loves me, and find them- is a great idea. Make the criminals pay stitution abolished slavery in this selves imprisoned at that very mo- the rent on the courthouse by this type country. However, it still exists, and it ment. Many of them are then arrested of restitution program. is right in our own backyard. Because for these crimes that they are forced to I want to thank all of the people who of this, we need to do all that we can to commit. helped out tonight. There is a lot more eradicate this. In my State of Wisconsin, 79 percent to be said about the Justice for Vic- The runaway child is picked up with- of human trafficking cases reported in tims of Trafficking Act. We are going in 48 hours and forced within the sex Wisconsin occur in my district, I am to continue to bring awareness of it to trade. This is something that, if you ashamed to say. the American public.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K24MY7.117 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4567 I can tell you one thing, though, traf- I am proud to have had a provision included May 22, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. fickers and buyers know about this leg- in this comprehensive legislation and to have 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 islation. With the help of local and taken part in its drafting, passage, and enact- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Natural Re- State and Federal law enforcement, we sources. ment. 1422. A letter from the Acting Deputy As- are going to stop this sale of our chil- Mr. Speaker, since the JVTA’s enactment, sistant Administrator for Regulatory Pro- dren and adult women here in the we have witnessed important achievements, grams, NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmos- United States for money. but we cannot stop here. pheric Administration, transmitting the Ad- And that is just the way it is. We must continue to work together to eradi- ministration’s final specifications — Pacific Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance cate human trafficking and support the victims. Island Fisheries; 2016 Annual Catch Limits of my time. Tonight, I pledge to continue to working with and Accountability Measures [Docket No.: Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, this week, as my colleagues to raise awareness and fight 160422356-7283-02] (RIN: 0648-XE587) received the House of Representatives considers May 22, 2017, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. back against human trafficking, because as 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 human trafficking legislation, I am proud to we all know, one victim of human trafficking is continue working with colleagues from both Stat. 868); to the Committee on Natural Re- one too many. sources. sides of the aisle to raise awareness on the f 1423. A letter from the Acting Director, Of- heinous practice of human trafficking and to fice of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, Na- work together to eradicate it from our commu- LEAVE OF ABSENCE tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- nities. By unanimous consent, leave of ab- tion, transmitting the Administration’s tem- I thank my friend and classmate, Congress- porary rule — Atlantic Highly Migratory sence was granted to: woman ANN WAGNER of Missouri (MO–02) for Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana (at the re- organizing tonight’s Special Order Hour. [Docket No.: 150121066-5717-02] (RIN: 0648- quest of Mr. MCCARTHY) for today on Human trafficking—where people profit from XF259) received May 22, 2017, pursuant to 5 account of traveling with the Vice the control and exploitation of others—occurs U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. President to Louisiana for official busi- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Nat- both here at home and abroad on a daily ness. ural Resources. basis. Ms. MCSALLY (at the request of Mr. 1424. A letter from the Regulations Coordi- In fact, the International Labour Organiza- nator, Office of Strategic Operations and MCCARTHY) for after 12 p.m. today and tion estimates that there are 20.9 million vic- Regulatory Affairs, Department of Health tims of human trafficking globally—68% of for the balance of the week on account and Human Services, transmitting the De- them are trapped in forced labor, 26% of them of personal reasons. partment’s Major final rule — Medicare Pro- are children, and 55% are women and girls. Mr. KIHUEN (at the request of Ms. gram; Advancing Care Coordination Through And in my home state of Ohio, human traf- PELOSI) for today after 4 p.m. and to- Episode Payment Models (EPMs); Cardiac ficking for sex and labor is on the rise. morrow. Rehabilitation Incentive Payment Model; and Changes to the Comprehensive Care for According to recent reports from the Polaris f Project, a nonprofit that tracks trafficking in the Joint Replacement Model (CJR) [CMS-5519- ENROLLED BILL SIGNED F] (RIN: 0938-AS90) received May 22, 2017, U.S. and abroad, 375 Ohio trafficking cases pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law were reported from 1,352 calls to the National Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); jointly to the Human Trafficking Hotline in 2016. In 2015, reported and found truly enrolled a bill Committees on Energy and Commerce and there were 289 cases based on 1,070 calls. of the House of the following title, Ways and Means. The 2016 numbers reflect a nearly four-fold in- which was thereupon signed by the f crease over the Ohio figures from 2013. Speaker: While the overall increase in reporting can H.R. 366. An act to amend the Homeland PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS be partly attributed to greater awareness of Security Act of 2002 to direct the Under Sec- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public the national hotline, we know, and officials retary for Management of the Department of bills and resolutions of the following confirm, that trafficking is, unfortunately, Homeland Security to make certain im- titles were introduced and severally re- chronically under-reported. provements in managing the Department’s ferred, as follows: vehicle fleet, and for other purposes. We must do more to help trafficking victims By Mr. JEFFRIES (for himself, Mr. and to encourage people when they see f GOWDY, Mr. RICHMOND, Mr. something that looks like an individual is being ADJOURNMENT RATCLIFFE, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, trafficked, that they say something. Mr. DONOVAN, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr. Victims of human trafficking often live in the Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I DESANTIS, Mr. CA´ RDENAS, Mrs. LOVE, shadows of our society, so it is up to all of us move that the House do now adjourn. Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, and to help identify and rescue victims of traf- The motion was agreed to; accord- Mr. CURBELO of Florida): ficking. ingly (at 7 o’clock and 14 minutes H.R. 2617. A bill to provide first-time, low- While human trafficking spans all demo- p.m.), under its previous order, the level, nonviolent simple possession offenders graphics, there are some circumstances or under age 25 an opportunity to expunge that House adjourned until tomorrow, conviction after successful completion of vulnerabilities that lead to a higher suscepti- Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 9 a.m. court-imposed probation; to the Committee bility to victimization. f on the Judiciary. Runaway and homeless youth, as well as By Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania (for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, himself and Ms. SA´ NCHEZ): are frequently targeted by traffickers. ETC. H.R. 2618. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Men and women, boys and girls, who are all Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive enue Code of 1986 to provide further tax in- alone, abused, and often believe they have centives for dependent care assistance; to communications were taken from the the Committee on Ways and Means. nowhere to go. Speaker’s table and referred as follows: Well, we can help. We must do more to as- By Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of sist victims of trafficking and provide them with 1420. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- New York: ment of Defense, transmitting a letter on the H.R. 2619. A bill to prohibit the Coast the services and treatment necessary to re- approved retirement of General Daniel B. Guard from establishing any new anchorage gain control of their lives. Allyn, United States Army, and his advance- grounds in the Hudson River, New York, We must also ensure the investigation and ment to the grade of general on the retired until it reports to the Congress on the poten- prosecution of human trafficking crimes is fo- list, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 1370(c)(1); Public tial impact of such anchorage grounds to cused on the traffickers, the people assisting Law 96-513, Sec. 112 (as amended by Public sites listed on the National Priorities List the traffickers, and the purchasers—the indi- Law 104-106, Sec. 502(b)); (110 Stat. 293); to and to critical habitat; to the Committee on viduals who are the real criminals in the enter- the Committee on Armed Services. Transportation and Infrastructure. prise. 1421. A letter from the Acting Deputy Di- By Mr. BISHOP of Utah (for himself, Almost two years ago, the Justice for Vic- rector, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Mr. PALAZZO, Mr. BROOKS of Ala- NMFS, National Oceanic and Atmospheric bama, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. tims of Trafficking Act—or the JVTA—was Administration, transmitting the Adminis- DUNCAN of South Carolina, Mr. GIBBS, signed into law. The JVTA is helping to update tration’s temporary rule — Atlantic Highly Mr. GOSAR, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, Mrs. efforts to combat the scourge of human traf- Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna NOEM, Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. ficking and provided essential resources to Fisheries [Docket Nos.: 120328229-4949-02 and THOMAS J. ROONEY of Florida, Mr. survivors and law enforcement officials. 150121066-5717-02] (RIN: 0648-XF210) received SESSIONS, Mr. JORDAN, Mr. PEARCE,

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Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. MARCHANT, rity, visa applicant vetting, and for other H.R. 2634. A bill to designate the Mental Mr. ROTHFUS, Mr. WEBSTER of Flor- purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- Health Residential Rehabilitation Treat- ida, Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio, Mr. ary, and in addition to the Committee on ment Facility Expansion of the Department NEWHOUSE, Mr. COLLINS of New York, Homeland Security, for a period to be subse- of Veteran Affairs’ Alvin C. York Medical Mr. MESSER, Mr. MEADOWS, Mr. quently determined by the Speaker, in each Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee as the CRAMER, Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania, case for consideration of such provisions as ’Sergeant John Toombs Residential Reha- Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, Mr. DAVID- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee bilitation Treatment Facility’; to the Com- SON, Mr. WESTERMAN, Mr. TIPTON, Mr. concerned. mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. ROE of Tennessee, Mr. HUDSON, Mr. By Mr. HURD (for himself, Mr. VELA, By Ms. HANABUSA (for herself, Mr. STEWART, Mr. EMMER, Mr. LAMALFA, Mr. MCCAUL, and Mr. KATKO): PETERS, Mr. SWALWELL of California, Mr. ROUZER, Mrs. LOVE, Mr. H.R. 2627. A bill to authorize the develop- Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. RATCLIFFE, and Mr. BANKS of Indi- ment of open-source software based on cer- VARGAS, Ms. BORDALLO, Ms. JUDY ana): tain systems of the Department of Homeland CHU of California, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, H.R. 2620. A bill to revise various laws that Security and the Department of State to fa- Ms. LEE, Mr. SOTO, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. interfere with the right of the people to ob- cilitate the vetting of travelers against ter- AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. tain and use firearms for all lawful purposes; rorist watchlists and law enforcement data- TED LIEU of California, Mr. SCOTT of to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in bases, enhance border management, and im- Virginia, Ms. GABBARD, Ms. ROSEN, addition to the Committee on Ways and prove targeting and analysis, and for other and Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas): Means, for a period to be subsequently deter- purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Af- H.R. 2635. A bill to exempt children of cer- mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- fairs, and in addition to the Committee on tain Filipino World War II veterans from the sideration of such provisions as fall within Homeland Security, for a period to be subse- numerical limitations on immigrant visas the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. quently determined by the Speaker, in each and for other purposes; to the Committee on By Mr. THORNBERRY: case for consideration of such provisions as the Judiciary. H.R. 2621. A bill to strengthen security in fall within the jurisdiction of the committee By Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio (for himself the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and for other concerned. and Mr. OLSON): purposes; to the Committee on Armed Serv- By Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas (for H.R. 2636. A bill to establish an inde- ices, and in addition to the Committees on himself and Mr. BARTON): pendent inspector general for the Federal Foreign Affairs, and the Budget, for a period H.R. 2628. A bill to amend titles XIX and Communications Commission; to the Com- to be subsequently determined by the Speak- XXI of the Social Security Act to provide for mittee on Oversight and Government Re- er, in each case for consideration of such pro- 12-month continuous enrollment of individ- form. visions as fall within the jurisdiction of the uals under the Medicaid program and Chil- By Mr. KEATING: committee concerned. dren’s Health Insurance Program, and for H.R. 2637. A bill to amend title 46, United By Mr. LYNCH (for himself and Mr. other purposes; to the Committee on Energy States Code, to reauthorize the Fishing Safe- KING of New York): and Commerce. ty Training Grant Program and the Fishing H.R. 2622. A bill to amend title 31, United By Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida Safety Research Grant Program; to the Com- States Code, to authorize the Secretary of (for himself, Mr. BYRNE, Mr. ROE of mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- the Treasury to include all funds when Tennessee, Mr. COLE, Mr. GROTHMAN, ture. issuing certain geographic targeting orders, Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota, Mr. By Mr. KING of New York (for himself, and for other purposes; to the Committee on SMUCKER, and Mr. FERGUSON): Ms. ROSEN, Mr. WELCH, Mr. VALADAO, Financial Services. H.R. 2629. A bill to amend the National Mr. OLSON, and Mr. GARAMENDI): By Mr. MEADOWS: Labor Relations Act to provide for appro- H.R. 2638. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H.R. 2623. A bill to provide for a method by priate designation of collective bargaining enue Code of 1986 to allow an increased work which the economic costs of significant regu- units; to the Committee on Education and opportunity credit with respect to recent latory actions may be offset by the repeal of the Workforce. veterans, and for other purposes; to the Com- other regulatory actions, and for other pur- By Mr. GOSAR (for himself, Mr. mittee on Ways and Means. poses; to the Committee on Oversight and FRANKS of Arizona, and Mr. BIGGS): By Mr. KING of New York (for himself, Government Reform, and in addition to the H.R. 2630. A bill to authorize the Secretary Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mrs. DIN- Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to of the Interior to convey certain land to La GELL, and Mr. MEEHAN): be subsequently determined by the Speaker, Paz County, Arizona, and for other purposes; H.R. 2639. A bill to reauthorize the Elder in each case for consideration of such provi- to the Committee on Natural Resources. Justice Act of 2009; to the Committee on sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the By Mr. CICILLINE (for himself, Mr. Ways and Means, and in addition to the Com- committee concerned. JONES, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, mittees on the Judiciary, Energy and Com- By Mr. WILSON of South Carolina: Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Mrs. WALORSKI, Mr. merce, and Education and the Workforce, for H.R. 2624. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. WALZ, Mr. a period to be subsequently determined by enue Code of 1986 to expand school choice op- GALLEGO, and Mr. CONYERS): the Speaker, in each case for consideration portunities for children of active duty mem- H.R. 2631. A bill to amend title 38, United of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- bers of the Armed Forces of the United States Code, to clarify the scope of proce- tion of the committee concerned. States; to the Committee on Ways and dural rights of members of the uniformed By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia (for himself Means. services with respect to their employment and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN): By Mr. MCGOVERN (for himself, Mr. and reemployment rights, and for other pur- H.R. 2640. A bill to prohibit discrimination JONES, Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. SHEA-POR- poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- in adoption or foster care placements based TER, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. EVANS, Mr. fairs. on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or HIMES, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. COHEN, By Mr. CLAY (for himself and Mrs. marital status of any prospective adoptive or Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. MOULTON, Ms. WAGNER): foster parent, or the sexual orientation or KAPTUR, Mr. DESAULNIER, Mr. POLIS, H.R. 2632. A bill to require the Secretary of gender identity of the child involved; to the Mr. VEASEY, Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. the Army, acting through the Chief of Engi- Committee on Ways and Means. QUIGLEY, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mr. PETERS, neers, to undertake remediation oversight of By Mr. LONG (for himself and Mr. BEN Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. CLAY, Ms. CLARK of the West Lake Landfill located in Bridgeton, RAY LUJA´ N of New Mexico): Massachusetts, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Missouri; to the Committee on Energy and H.R. 2641. A bill to promote the develop- Mr. O’ROURKE, Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of Commerce, and in addition to the Committee ment of safe drugs for neonates; to the Com- New Mexico, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a mittee on Energy and Commerce. DELANEY, Mr. POCAN, Ms. JUDY CHU period to be subsequently determined by the By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of of California, and Mr. WELCH): Speaker, in each case for consideration of New York (for herself and Mr. PAL- H.R. 2625. A bill to establish a grant pro- such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- LONE): gram to encourage the use of assistance dogs tion of the committee concerned. H.R. 2642. A bill to allow certain Indo- by certain members of the Armed Forces and By Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois nesian citizens to file a motion to reopen veterans; to the Committee on Armed Serv- (for himself, Ms. DELBENE, and Mr. their asylum claims; to the Committee on ices, and in addition to the Committee on BLUMENAUER): the Judiciary. Veterans’ Affairs, for a period to be subse- H.R. 2633. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- By Mr. MARINO (for himself, Mr. quently determined by the Speaker, in each enue Code of 1986 to enhance the Child and CICILLINE, and Mr. DONOVAN): case for consideration of such provisions as Dependent Care Tax Credit and make the H.R. 2643. A bill to amend the Foreign As- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee credit fully refundable; to the Committee on sistance Act of 1961 to require the annual concerned. Ways and Means. human rights reports to include information By Mr. HURD (for himself, Mr. By Mr. DESJARLAIS (for himself, Mrs. on the institutionalization of children and MCCAUL, and Mr. KATKO): BLACKBURN, Mr. COOPER, Mr. DUNCAN the subjection of children to cruel, inhuman, H.R. 2626. A bill to amend the Homeland of Tennessee, Mr. FLEISCHMANN, Mr. or degrading treatment, unnecessary deten- Security Act of 2002 and the Immigration KUSTOFF of Tennessee, and Mr. ROE tion, and denial of the right to life, liberty, and Nationality Act to improve visa secu- of Tennessee): and the security of persons, and for other

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L24MY7.100 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4569 purposes; to the Committee on Foreign Af- States to hold the United Nations and its By Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of fairs. member states accountable for allegations of New York: By Mr. MARINO (for himself, Mr. sexual abuse and exploitation by United Na- H.R. 2619. LEWIS of Georgia, and Mr. ROSKAM): tions peacekeepers; to the Committee on Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2644. A bill to improve the under- Foreign Affairs. lation pursuant to the following: standing of, and promote access to treat- By Mr. MOULTON (for himself, Mr. Article I, Section 8 ment for, chronic kidney disease, and for WILSON of South Carolina, Mrs. By Mr. BISHOP of Utah: other purposes; to the Committee on Energy HARTZLER, and Mr. MEEKS): H.R. 2620. and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- H. Res. 353. A resolution supporting a Congress has the power to enact this legis- mittee on Ways and Means, for a period to be democratic Hungary and reaffirming the lation pursuant to the following: subsequently determined by the Speaker, in long-standing and mutually-beneficial rela- Second Amendment of the United States each case for consideration of such provi- tionship between the United States and Hun- Constitution sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the gary; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. THORNBERRY: committee concerned. By Mr. ROYCE of California (for him- H.R. 2621. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mrs. MURPHY of Florida (for her- self, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. MCCARTHY, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: self, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. HOYER, Mrs. WAGNER, Mr. POE of The constitutional authority on which this HASTINGS, Ms. ROSEN, Mr. TED LIEU Texas, Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. THOMPSON of bill rests is the power of Congress ‘‘to pro- of California, Mr. JOHNSON of Geor- Mississippi, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. MEAD- vide for the common Defence’’, ‘‘to raise and gia, Mr. SOTO, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. OWS, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- support Armies’’, ‘‘to provide and maintain a COOPER, Mr. SCHNEIDER, Mr. SCHRA- sylvania, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. LANCE, Navy’’ and ‘‘to make Rules for the Govern- DER, Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas, Mr. Mr. SCHNEIDER, and Mr. GOODLATTE): ment and Regulation of the land and naval CRIST, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. DAVID SCOTT H. Res. 354. A resolution condemning the Forces’’ as enumerated in Article I, section 8 of Georgia, Mr. COSTA, and Ms. BLUNT violence against peaceful protesters outside of the United States Constitution. ROCHESTER): the Turkish Ambassador’s residence on May H.R. 2645. A bill to amend the National Se- 16, 2017, and calling for the perpetrators to be By Mr. LYNCH: H.R. 2622. curity Act of 1947 to provide for congres- brought to justice and measures to be taken Congress has the power to enact this legis- sional notification of disclosures of top se- to prevent similar incidents in the future; to lation pursuant to the following: cret information to certain foreign coun- the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in ad- Article 1 section 8 Clause 18 of the United tries, and for other purposes; to the Com- dition to the Committee on the Judiciary, States Constitution. mittee on Intelligence (Permanent Select). for a period to be subsequently determined By Mr. MEADOWS: By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN (for herself, by the Speaker, in each case for consider- H.R. 2623. Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. ROGERS of Ken- ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- Congress has the power to enact this legis- tucky, Mrs. LOWEY, and Mr. SCHIFF): risdiction of the committee concerned. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2646. A bill to reauthorize the United By Mr. MEEKS (for himself, Mr. COOK, Article 1, Section I grants that ‘‘All legis- States-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of Mr. ENGEL, Mr. ROYCE of California, lative Powers herin granted shall be vested 2015, and for other purposes; to the Com- Mr. CICILLINE, Mr. KEATING, Mr. in a Congress of the United States . . .’’ Ar- mittee on Foreign Affairs. DEUTCH, Mr. CONNOLLY, Mrs. WAG- ticle 1, Section 8, Clause 3 grants that ‘‘The By Mr. SENSENBRENNER: NER, Mr. ROHRABACHER, Mr. POE of Congress shall have Power to... Regulate H.R. 2647. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Texas, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. MEADOWS, Commerce... Among the several enue Code of 1986 to repeal the 10 percent Mr. DENT, and Mr. GOODLATTE): States . . .’’ Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 threshold on the deduction for medical ex- H. Res. 355. A resolution condemning in the grants that ‘‘The Congress shall have Power penses; to the Committee on Ways and strongest terms the terrorist attacks in To... Make all Laws which shall be nec- Means. Manchester, United Kingdom, on May 22, essary and proper for carrying into Execu- By Mr. STIVERS (for himself and Mr. 2017, expressing heartfelt condolences, and tion the foregoing Powers, and all other TAKANO): reaffirming unwavering support for the spe- Powers vested by [the] Constitution in the H.R. 2648. A bill to amend title 38, United cial relationship between our peoples and na- Government of the United States, or in any States Code, to ensure that the requirements tions in the wake of these attacks; to the Department or Officer thereof.’’ that new Federal employees who are vet- Committee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. WILSON of South Carolina: erans with service-connected disabilities are By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of H.R. 2624. provided leave for purposes of undergoing New York (for herself and Ms. SCHA- Congress has the power to enact this legis- medical treatment for such disabilities apply KOWSKY): lation pursuant to the following: to certain employees of the Veterans Health H. Res. 356. A resolution expressing the Article I, Section 8 Administration, and for other purposes; to sense of the House of Representatives that By Mr. MCGOVERN: the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and in the Senate should give its advice and con- H.R. 2625. addition to the Committee on Oversight and sent to the ratification of the Convention on Congress has the power to enact this legis- Government Reform, for a period to be sub- the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimina- lation pursuant to the following: sequently determined by the Speaker, in tion Against Women; to the Committee on Article I Section 8: to provide for the Com- each case for consideration of such provi- Foreign Affairs. mon Defense. sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the f By Mr. HURD: committee concerned. H.R. 2626. By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN (for her- CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY Congress has the power to enact this legis- self and Mr. CARTWRIGHT): STATEMENT lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2649. A bill to require the Federal En- Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Article I, section 8, clause 1; The Congress ergy Regulatory Commission to apply cer- shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, tain procedures before granting a certificate the Rules of the House of Representa- Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the of public convenience and necessity for a tives, the following statements are sub- Debts and provide for the common Defence proposed pipeline project, and for other pur- mitted regarding the specific powers and general Welfare of the United States; but poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- granted to Congress in the Constitu- all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uni- merce. tion to enact the accompanying bill or form throughout the United States; By Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania joint resolution. and (for himself and Mr. CONNOLLY): Article 1, section 8, clause 18;To make all H. Con. Res. 61. Concurrent resolution ex- By Mr. JEFFRIES: Laws which shall be necessary and proper for pressing the sense of Congress that all trade H.R. 2617. Congress has the power to enact this legis- carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- agreements the United States enters into, lation pursuant to the following: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- should provide reasonable access and col- Article I. stitution in the Government of the United laboration of each nation involved in such an Section 1. All legislative Powers herein States, or in any Department or Officer agreement, for the purpose of search and re- granted shall be vested in a Congress of the thereof. covery activities relating to members of the United States... By Mr. HURD: United States Armed Forces missing in ac- Article I H.R. 2627. tion from prior wars or military conflicts; to Section 8. Congress has the power to enact this legis- the Committee on Ways and Means. Clause 18. To make all Laws which shall be lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. TENNEY (for herself, Mr. necessary and proper... Article I, Section 8, Clause 18— SCHNEIDER, Mrs. HARTZLER, and Mrs. By Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania: To make all Laws which shall be necessary WAGNER): H.R. 2618. and proper for carrying into Execution the H. Con. Res. 62. Concurrent resolution to Congress has the power to enact this legis- foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vest- urge the President to direct the United lation pursuant to the following: ed by this Constitution in the Government of States representative to the United Nations Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- the United States, or in any Department or to use the voice and vote of the United tion Officer thereof.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:48 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L24MY7.100 H24MYPT1 H4570 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE May 24, 2017 By Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2628. The Congress shall have Power To lay and lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 lation pursuant to the following: to pay the Debts and provide for the common By Mr. STIVERS: Clause 3 of Section 8 of Article I of the Defence and general Welfare of the United H.R. 2648. Constitution. States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida: shall be uniform throughout the United lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2629. States. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. KING of New York: States Constitution lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2639. By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2649. By Mr. GOSAR: lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2630. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Congress shall have Power to lay and Article 1, Section 8 Clauses 3 and 18 lation pursuant to the following: collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 (the Prop- to pay the Debts and provide for the common f erty Clause)—Under this clause, Congress Defence and general Welfare of the United ADDITIONAL SPONSORS has the power to dispose of and make all States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises needful rules and regulations respecting the shall be uniform throughout the United Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors territory or other property belonging to the States. were added to public bills and resolu- United States. By virtue of this enumerated By Mr. LEWIS of Georgia: tions, as follows: power, Congress has governing authority H.R. 2640. H.R. 10: Mr. ROYCE of California. over the lands, territories, or other property Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 19: Ms. BARRAGA´ N, Mr. BEYER, Mr. of the United States—and with this author- lation pursuant to the following: CA´ RDENAS, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mr. CLY- ity Congress is vested with the power to all This bill is enacted pursuant to the power BURN, Mr. CROWLEY, Mr. DOGGETT, Ms. owners in fee, the ability to sell, lease, dis- granted to Congress under Article I of the GABBARD, Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mr. SOTO, pose, exchange, convey, or simply preserve United States Constitution and its subse- Mr. MCGOVERN, Ms. PINGREE, Ms. PLASKETT, land. quent amendments, and further clarified and and Mr. TAKANO. The Supreme Court has described this enu- interpreted by the Supreme Court of the H.R. 169: Mr. DESAULNIER and Ms. MAXINE merated grant as one ‘‘without limitation’’ United States. WATERS of California. Kleppe v New Mexico, 426 U.S. 529, 542–543 By Mr. LONG: (1976) (‘‘And while the furthest reaches of the H.R. 173: Mr. KEATING. H.R. 2641. ´ power granted by the Property Clause have Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 227: Ms. BARRAGAN. not been definitely resolved, we have repeat- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 291: Mr. POSEY. edly observed that the power over the public Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Con- H.R. 299: Mr. EVANS, Mr. PAYNE, and Mr. land thus entrusted to Congress is without stitution, which states ‘‘To make all Laws JORDAN. limitation.’’) which shall be necessary and proper in the H.R. 303: Mr. DELANEY, Mr. MASSIE, Ms. Historically, the federal government trans- Government of the United States or in any MCSALLY, Mr. PETERS, Mr. KEATING, Mr. ferred ownership of federal property to either Department or Officer thereof.’’ BLUMENAUER, Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio, and Mr. private ownership or the states in order to By Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of POLIQUIN. pay off large Revolutionary War debts and to New York: H.R. 305: Ms. ADAMS, Mr. LOWENTHAL, and assist with the development of infrastruc- H.R. 2642. Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. ture. The transfers codified by this legisla- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 358: Mr. GOSAR, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. tion are thus constitutional. lation pursuant to the following: WALKER, Mr. SCHWEIKERT, Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. By Mr. CICILLINE: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 4: To establish NEWHOUSE, Mr. JORDAN, Mr. KING of Iowa, H.R. 2631. a uniform rule of naturalization, and uni- and Mr. COLE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- form laws on the subject of bankruptcies H.R. 361: Mr. LAMBORN. lation pursuant to the following: throughout the United States. H.R. 377: Mr. WALBERG and Mr. JORDAN. Article I, sec. 8. By Mr. MARINO: H.R. 421: Mr. CHAFFETZ. By Mr. CLAY: H.R. 2643. H.R. 433: Mr. ALLEN. H.R. 2632. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 469: Mr. PALMER. Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 478: Mr. GARRETT. lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18(Necessary H.R. 490: Mr. BARTON, Mrs. ROBY, and Ms. Article I, Section 8 and Proper Clause) the Congress shall have TENNEY. By Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois: the power to make all Laws which shall be H.R. 519: Ms. DEGETTE. H.R. 2633. necessary and proper for carrying into Exe- H.R. 525: Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Congress has the power to enact this legis- cution the foregoing Powers, and all other H.R. 535: Mr. POE of Texas. lation pursuant to the following: Powers vested by this Constitution in the H.R. 548: Mr. SMUCKER. Article I of the Constitution and its subse- Government of the United States, or in any H.R. 564: Mr. GUTHRIE. quent amendments and further clarified and Department or Officer thereof. H.R. 676: Mr. VEASEY. interpreted by the Supreme Court of the By Mr. MARINO: H.R. 681: Mr. MAST and Mr. MARCHANT. United States H.R. 2644. H.R. 721: Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia and By Mr. DESJARLAIS: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. SCHNEIDER. H.R. 2634. H.R. 731: Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: and Mr. DESAULNIER. lation pursuant to the following: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18(Necessary H.R. 749: Miss GONZA´ LEZ-COLO´ N of Puerto Article 1, Section 8 of the United States and Proper Clause) the Congress shall have Rico. Constitution the power to make all Laws which shall be H.R. 785: Mr. JORDAN. By Ms. HANABUSA: necessary and proper for carrying into Exe- H.R. 820: Mr. LAWSON of Florida, Mr. RUTH- H.R. 2635. cution the foregoing Powers, and all other ERFORD, Mr. SOTO, Mr. GROTHMAN, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Powers vested by this Constitution in the GOTTHEIMER, and Mr. BABIN. lation pursuant to the following: Government of the United States, or in any Article I, Section 8 Department or Officer thereof. H.R. 821: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. By Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio: By Mrs. MURPHY of Florida: H.R. 830: Mr. ZELDIN. H.R. 2636. H.R. 2645. H.R. 845: Mr. RASKIN. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 849: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Ms. lation pursuant to the following. lation pursuant to the following: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. MEAD- Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United Article I, Section 8 of the United States OWS, Mr. MEEKS, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. DENHAM, States Constitution Constitution, which gives Congress the and Mr. LOBIONDO. By Mr. KEATING: power to provide for the common defense and H.R. 881: Mr. SOTO. H.R. 2637. to make all laws necessary and proper to H.R. 916: Mr. O’ROURKE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- carry out this power. H.R. 995: Mr. FASO. lation pursuant to the following: By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN: H.R. 1017: Mr. MCKINLEY, Mr. THOMAS J. Article 1, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 2646. ROONEY of Florida, Mr. NEAL, Mr. THORN- Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- BERRY, and Mr. LOEBSACK. By Mr. KING of New York: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1038: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. H.R. 2638. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution H.R. 1045: Mr. HUDSON. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. SENSENBRENNER: H.R. 1046: Mr. ROUZER and Mr. RODNEY lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2647. DAVIS of Illinois.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:28 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.029 H24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H4571

H.R. 1057: Mr. THOMPSON of California, Mr. H.R. 1844: Mr. CARBAJAL, Ms. SINEMA, and DELAURO, Mr. SWALWELL of California, Mrs. PANETTA, and Mr. EMMER. Mr. JEFFRIES. COMSTOCK, Mr. LOWENTHAL, and Mr. DEFA- H.R. 1059: Mr. MAST. H.R. 1847: Mr. TROTT and Mr. CARTWRIGHT. ZIO. H.R. 1065: Mr. TROTT. H.R. 1860: Mr. JEFFRIES and Mr. POLIS. H.R. 2434: Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 1083: Mr. CAPUANO. H.R. 1873: Ms. MCSALLY. H.R. 2452: Mr. MAST. H.R. 1133: Mr. PALMER. H.R. 1881: Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. H.R. 2477: Mr. HIMES. H.R. 1200: Mr. THOMAS J. ROONEY of Florida H.R. 1889: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. LYNCH, H.R. 2484: Mr. DONOVAN, Mr. POE of Texas, and Mr. RUSH. Mr. MCEACHIN, Mr. SCHNEIDER, Mrs. WATSON Mr. SHERMAN, and Mr. KEATING. H.R. 1227: Mr. O’ROURKE. COLEMAN, and Mr. CAPUANO. H.R. 2500: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 1239: Mr. GALLEGO. H.R. 1928: Mr. MCKINLEY, Ms. BORDALLO, H.R. 2506: Mr. RASKIN. H.R. 1247: Mr. QUIGLEY and Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. TAKANO, Mr. MEADOWS, Mr. LARSON of H.R. 2526: Mr. SWALWELL of California, Ms. H.R. 1279: Mr. RASKIN. Connecticut, and Mr. VALADAO. TITUS, Mr. HECK, Mr. DESAULNIER, and Mr. H.R. 1291: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- H.R. 1939: Mr. CRAWFORD, Mr. COLLINS of KHANNA. sylvania. Georgia, Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, and Mr. H.R. 2542: Mr. POLIS and Mr. SCHIFF. H.R. 1298: Mr. BARR and Mr. PITTENGER. FORTENBERRY. H.R. 2545: Mr. COOK. H.R. 1300: Mr. FITZPATRICK. H.R. 1993: Mr. AMODEI. H.R. 2552: Mr. BOST. H.R. 1317: Mr. DUNN, Mr. ROE of Tennessee, H.R. 1997: Mr. KEATING. H.R. 2564: Mr. WALZ. Mr. WITTMAN, Mr. DESJARLAIS, and Mr. H.R. 2000: Mr. RASKIN. H.R. 2583: Mr. MCGOVERN. PITTENGER. H.R. 2001: Mr. RASKIN. H.R. 2608: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mrs. TORRES, H.R. 1361: Mr. GALLEGO and Mr. BISHOP of H.R. 2012: Mr. KILDEE. and Mr. PETERSON. Michigan. H.R. 2020: Mr. ROHRABACHER. H.R. 2613: Mr. NEWHOUSE. H.R. 1421: Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 2023: Mr. UPTON and Mr. VEASEY. H.J. Res. 51: Mr. ROGERS of Alabama and H.R. 1478: Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 2040: Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. MEADOWS. H.R. 1494: Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. TROTT, Mrs. H.R. 2056: Mr. KIND. H. Con. Res. 13: Mr. NUNES, Mr. POSEY, Mr. MIMI WALTERS of California, Ms. CLARKE of H.R. 2079: Mr. HUFFMAN and Mr. KEATING. ROSKAM, and Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New New York, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. PERLMUTTER, H.R. 2123: Mr. O’ROURKE. Mexico. and Mr. WALBERG. H.R. 2133: Mr. ROTHFUS and Mr. PAULSEN. H. Con. Res. 43: Mrs. DINGELL. H.R. 1512: Mr. CURBELO of Florida. H.R. 2147: Mr. O’ROURKE. H. Con. Res. 55: Mr. CHABOT and Mr. H.R. 1516: Mr. KHANNA. H.R. 2170: Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. LOUDERMILK. H.R. 1555: Mr. EMMER and Mr. LEWIS of H.R. 2175: Mr. VEASEY. H. Con. Res. 57: Mr. LAMBORN. Minnesota. H.R. 2176: Mr. VEASEY. H. Res. 31: Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. H.R. 1560: Mr. ABRAHAM and Ms. SINEMA. H.R. 2197: Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. H. Res. 129: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 1599: Mr. MARCHANT. H.R. 2210: Mr. ROTHFUS, Mr. PERRY, Mr. H. Res. 188: Mr. AMODEI. H.R. 1626: Mr. EMMER and Ms. KAPTUR. SMUCKER, and Mr. CARTWRIGHT. H. Res. 201: Mr. ROTHFUS and Mr. CURBELO H.R. 1627: Mr. MAST. H.R. 2239: Mr. KHANNA. of Florida. H.R. 1651: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN and Ms. H.R. 2240: Mr. PASCRELL and Mr. LIPINSKI. H. Res. 206: Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. CLARKE of New York. H.R. 2272: Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- H. Res. 218: Mr. GOSAR. H.R. 1676: Mr. EMMER and Mr. THOMPSON of fornia. H. Res. 239: Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- Mississippi. H.R. 2290: Ms. PINGREE, Mr. KENNEDY, Ms. fornia and Mr. KEATING. H.R. 1683: Mr. LIPINSKI. CLARKE of New York, Ms. NORTON, Mr. H. Res. 259: Mr. ESPAILLAT, Ms. H.R. 1697: Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. EMMER, Mr. EVANS, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Ms. JACKSON WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, and Miss GONZA´ LEZ- ESTES of Kansas, Mr. GALLEGO, Ms. FOXX, LEE, Mr. LUCAS, and Mr. TAKANO. COLO´ N of Puerto Rico. Mr. ADERHOLT, Mr. ABRAHAM, and Mr. GOH- H.R. 2298: Mr. BRAT. H. Res. 276: Mr. POLIS and Mr. LANGEVIN. MERT. H.R. 2310: Mr. SMITH of New Jersey and Mr. H. Res. 296: Mr. LAMALFA. H.R. 1698: Ms. BASS, Mr. ALLEN, Mrs. HOLDING. H. Res. 307: Mr. DESANTIS. BLACK, Mr. PAULSEN, Mr. AGUILAR, Mr. COLE, H.R. 2328: Mr. EVANS, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. H. Res. 309: Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. FLEISCHMANN, Mr. GOHMERT, Mrs. LEVIN, Mr. RASKIN, and Mrs. DINGELL. H. Res. 318: Mr. GROTHMAN and Mr. NOLAN. TORRES, Mr. ESTES of Kansas, and Mr. H.R. 2340: Mr. DENHAM and Mr. LAMALFA. H. Res. 335: Mr. TAKANO. HULTGREN. H.R. 2351: Ms. SLAUGHTER and Mr. RICH- H. Res. 336: Mr. TED LIEU of California and H.R. 1699: Mr. ADERHOLT. MOND. Mr. KEATING. H.R. 1777: Mr. BUCSHON, Mr. BERGMAN, Mr. H.R. 2353: Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia. H. Res. 337: Mr. STIVERS. PERRY, and Mr. SHUSTER. H.R. 2366: Mr. ESPAILLAT. H. Res. 351: Mr. CROWLEY, Ms. DELBENE, H.R. 1784: Mr. GARAMENDI and Ms. MAXINE H.R. 2372: Mr. ISSA, Mr. DENHAM, and Mr. Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania, Mrs. WAG- WATERS of California. RENACCI. NER, Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. H.R. 1785: Mr. SMUCKER. H.R. 2375: Mr. WELCH. CA´ RDENAS, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. H.R. 1825: Mr. REICHERT, Mr. MCKINLEY, H.R. 2383: Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. KIHUEN, Mr. RUSH, Mr. PANETTA, Mr. YAR- Mr. GRIFFITH, Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. SCHIFF, H.R. 2412: Mr. CARBAJAL. MUTH, Mr. POLIS, Mr. KEATING, Mr. TED LIEU Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Mr. WALZ, Mr. ROG- H.R. 2422: Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Ms. DELBENE, of California, Mr. CURBELO of Florida, Mr. ERS of Alabama, Ms. SINEMA, Mrs. BEATTY, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr. PAYNE, Mrs. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, Mr. HIG- and Mr. NOLAN. NAPOLITANO, Mr. HECK, Ms. NORTON, Ms. GINS of New York, Mr. KATKO, and Mrs. H.R. 1841: Mr. ROHRABACHER. CLARKE of New York, Mr. CONYERS, Ms. LOWEY.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:48 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY7.024 H24MYPT1 E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 115 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2017 No. 90 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was U.S. SENATE, built on a ‘‘flawed design,’’ how it called to order by the Honorable TOM PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, ‘‘self-destructed,’’ and how it eventu- COTTON, a Senator from the State of Washington, DC, May 24, 2017. ally ‘‘collapsed.’’ Much like that Arkansas. To the Senate: bridge, he said, ObamaCare is becoming Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, ‘‘its own bridge to nowhere with no in- f of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby appoint the Honorable TOM COTTON, a Sen- surance plan on its exchanges.’’ Boy, PRAYER ator from the State of Arkansas, to perform he is right about that. the duties of the Chair. As time goes on, more Americans are The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- ORRIN G. HATCH, finding themselves with fewer fered the following prayer: President pro tempore. ObamaCare insurance options to Let us pray. Mr. COTTON thereupon assumed the choose from on the exchanges. Take a Gracious and loving God, You con- Chair as Acting President pro tempore. look at the map behind me, and you tinue to give us reasons for rejoicing in f will see what I mean. On this map: Your love and grace. We praise You for Fewer choices: Number of insurers on the beauty of the sunrise and the glory RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY the ObamaCare exchanges in 2017. What of the sunset. LEADER does it reflect? Today, guide our lawmakers with The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- In more than 1,000 counties across 26 Your wisdom and love, empowering pore. The majority leader is recog- States, families have only 1—just 1— them to strengthen men and women on nized. ObamaCare option to choose from in life’s journey. Lord, help our Senators f the marketplace. ObamaCare cus- to remember that nothing is impossible tomers in five States have only one in- for You, for Your grace and might hold HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION surer left on the exchanges. As a recent the galaxies in place. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, a article predicted, ‘‘insurer choice in Lord, we are grateful for Your pres- new report released last night from the the ACA marketplace could hit an all- ence in this Chamber, our Nation, and Department of Health and Human time low’’ next year in 2018. our world. Use us all for Your glory and Services reveals startling new numbers Let that sink in for a minute. Fami- for the good of those in need. Continue showing just how substantial premium lies across the country could experi- to do in our lives exceedingly, abun- increases have been under ObamaCare. ence ‘‘an all-time low’’ when it comes dantly, above all that we can ask or According to that report, average an- to their choices for ObamaCare plans imagine. nual ObamaCare premiums have in- next year. In other words, things are We pray in Your merciful Name. creased by nearly $3,000 since 2013, the likely to only get worse. Still, despite Amen. year that most of the healthcare law’s all the news reports and the studies mandates and regulations actually f and the personal stories shared by con- went into effect. In other words, it is stituents, some of our colleagues sim- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE now clear that average ObamaCare ply refuse to face the realities of this plans on the exchanges more than dou- failed law. The Presiding Officer led the Pledge bled from 2013 until now. That is an in- Consider what we saw just yesterday, of Allegiance, as follows: crease of 105 percent, or nearly $3,000. when a group of Democratic Senators I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the These figures are based on the Obama held a press conference, essentially ad- United States of America, and to the Repub- administration’s own data, but these lic for which it stands, one nation under God, vocating for the ObamaCare status quo indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. exorbitant costs are just one part of in rural America. But in case our the problem, to say nothing of the friends missed it, I want to share a re- f shrinking choices of insurers offering cent headline that reveals what plans on the ObamaCare exchanges ObamaCare’s status quo has actually APPOINTMENT OF ACTING across the country. meant for families in these regions of PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Last week, our colleague from Iowa, the country. Here is what it read: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chairman GRASSLEY, came to the floor ‘‘Rural Shoppers Face Slim Choices, clerk will please read a communication and shared with us the story of the Ta- Steep Premiums On Exchanges.’’ to the Senate from the President pro coma Narrows Bridge, a bridge in The article went on to cite a study tempore (Mr. HATCH). Washington State that was, as he put showing that ObamaCare customers The senior assistant legislative clerk it, ‘‘set to fail from the very begin- living in less populous areas of the read the following letter: ning.’’ He told us how the bridge was country in 2017 ‘‘frequently had just

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

S3103

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 one or two insurers from which to pick, lies are going to get the help they The American Bar Association has and often faced significantly higher need—and that so many have called given him its highest rating—unani- premiums than did people in more for—is if we actually take action. The mously ‘‘well qualified.’’ That meant urban areas.’’ Republican Senate has been clear what that in the group that rated him there Much like that dilapidated bridge we aren’t OK with standing by and al- was no one who didn’t give him a ‘‘well Chairman GRASSLEY described, lowing this system to crash com- qualified’’ rating, which is the best ObamaCare is self-destructing all pletely, dragging down even more fami- they could give any nominee. I cer- around us. We know things are likely lies along with it. tainly couldn’t agree more with that to get worse unless we move beyond We know that—just like that col- characterization. the failures of ObamaCare. In his home lapsing bridge—ObamaCare wasn’t Judge Thapar is an excellent jurist. I State of Iowa, more than 70,000 people built on a sturdy foundation, nor were know he will make a great addition to are facing the harsh reality that they its policies truly built to last. Just like the Sixth Circuit, and I am proud to may be left with absolutely no op- the bridge, it may have looked really support his nomination. I would en- tions—none—on the ObamaCare indi- good from the outside. We all remem- courage all Members of the Senate to vidual market—zero. ber the lofty claims our Democratic support him as we advance his nomina- Many Virginians recently learned colleagues made about the law, but it tion today. they could also have fewer choices on never lived up to the fanfare. I know it I suggest the absence of a quorum. the ObamaCare exchanges next year. In is a disappointing reality for our The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- fact, people in 27 of the State’s 95 coun- friends across the aisle who cham- pore. The clerk will call the roll. ties could have just one option for cov- pioned the failed healthcare law. We The senior assistant legislative clerk erage through the ObamaCare market- know it is not the outcome they had proceeded to call the roll. place in 2018. Tennesseans in 16 coun- hoped for, but the status quo is simply Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask ties are in a similarly distressing situa- unacceptable. unanimous consent that the order for tion, as they, too, are likely to have We expect the Congressional Budget the quorum call be rescinded. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- just one choice when it comes to sign- Office to release an updated score of pore. Without objection, it is so or- ing up for insurance through the the bill the House passed later today. dered. ObamaCare exchanges next year. It is a technical procedural step. Be- So these are just the latest develop- yond likely reiterating things we al- f ments in ObamaCare’s dwindling op- ready know—like that fewer people RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY tions, which over the years have con- will buy a product they don’t want LEADER when the government stops forcing tinuously pushed too many people off The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- their plan and left them with fewer them to—the updated report will allow the Senate procedurally to move for- pore. The Democratic leader is recog- choices. Take one Knoxville, TN, nized. woman who recounted her experience ward in working to draft its own f in a recent news article. In 2015, she healthcare legislation. signed up for an ObamaCare plan with So whatever CBO says about the RUSSIA INVESTIGATION House bill today, this much is abso- one major insurer, but by the end of Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, yes- lutely clear: The status quo under the year, that company pulled out of ObamaCare is completely unacceptable terday former CIA Director John Bren- the marketplace, leaving her to find a and totally unsustainable. The prices nan testified in the House Intelligence new plan. In 2016, she was forced to sign are skyrocketing. Choice is plum- Committee that he had growing con- up for an ObamaCare plan with another meting. The marketplace is collapsing, cerns about Russian interference in the insurer. Again, at the end of the year, and countless more Americans will get final months of the 2016 election, add- that company left the marketplace, as hurt if we don’t act. No one should be ing that an investigation into potential well. Now in 2017, she signed up with comfortable with that. I know I am collusion between the Trump campaign yet another ObamaCare plan with yet not, and I certainly hope our Demo- and the Kremlin was well founded. He another insurer, and—you guessed it— cratic colleagues aren’t either. issued very strong words. at the end of this year, that insurance So instead of continuing to hold Coming from a very careful civil company will also exit the ObamaCare press conferences in what ultimately servant from the intelligence commu- marketplace, leaving the Tennessee can only be described as a defense of nity, Mr. Brennan’s testimony should mom to find an alternative option one the ObamaCare status quo, I would ask further compel Congress and the spe- more time. Unfortunately, her story is our Democratic colleagues to come to cial counsel to pursue the full truth. not unique. As insurers on the ex- terms with the situation Americans What Mr. Brennan said was happening changes continue to propose premium are facing, to stop the empty rhetoric, gets at the very core of our democracy, increases and announce their inten- to join us in finally helping those who the free and fair election of our rep- tions for participation next year, we have been hurt by this failing law. resentatives. Americans of all political can expect even more troubling news to stripes should be outraged by what f roll in. Putin and the Russians did during the These families deserve relief from NOMINATION OF AMUL THAPAR 2016 elections. As former Director ObamaCare—a failing law with limited, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on Brennan said, in America, ‘‘we cherish even nonexistent, choices that con- another matter, as the Senate con- the ability to elect our own leaders tinue to shrink on the collapsing mar- tinues to process nominations, I would without outside interference or disrup- ketplace. like to take a moment to say a few tion.’’ These families deserve relief from words about one for the U.S. Court of So, again, I expect that the Senate ObamaCare—a failing law with sky- Appeals for the Sixth Circuit whom we Intelligence Committee will continue rocketing premiums that have risen by will confirm this week. its bipartisan investigation into these double-digit rate increases all across Judge Amul Thapar served with dis- events. I expect that Special Counsel our country. tinction on the U.S. District Court for Mueller will help us all get to the bot- These families deserve relief from the Eastern District of Kentucky for tom of this. We must make sure he is ObamaCare—a failing law with man- close to a decade, having previously not interfered with. dates that require people to buy plans served as U.S. attorney for that same Finally, I expect this body will hold that aren’t right for their families, district and as assistant U.S. attorney up a high standard for the next FBI Di- even if there are no suitable choices to for several years before that. rector. He or she should be someone pick from, even if they are too expen- He was the first South Asian Amer- who is nonpartisan and independent, a sive to actually use. ican to become a Federal judge, and Director’s Director, a prosecutor’s How much more will it take for our once he is confirmed to the Sixth Cir- prosecutor, not a politician of either Democratic colleagues to realize that cuit, Judge Thapar will be only the sec- party. we have to move beyond the failures of ond South Asian American to serve on Amidst all of the furor, we cannot ObamaCare? The only way these fami- a Federal circuit court. lose sight of the most serious part of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3105 this investigation: the scope of Russian a good thing. But much of the money what the Trump budget does is a quan- interference in our elections and goes to help the middle class, elderly tum leap that would make an account- whether they colluded with representa- people in nursing homes, and families ant blush, if they could stay in their tives of an American campaign in the fighting opioid addiction. So the bot- profession after doing this. The budget process. That is very serious stuff— tom line is this is another broken is a total fantasy, a deeply unserious very serious. We must pursue that in- promise to the middle class that proposal to Congress. Members of both vestigation with vigor no matter who Trump made in the campaign. parties are right to reject it, and I ap- might stand in the way of it. The budget breaks promise after plaud many of my Republican col- f promise after promise the President leagues for speaking out against this made to what he called the forgotten proposal. THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET America, the working men and women Again, what will happen—my guess— Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, on the of America. Well, this budget forgot is that Democrats and Republicans will budget, yesterday morning the Trump the forgotten American. ignore the Trump budget because it is administration released their 2018 In addition, the Trump budget de- so harsh on the middle class and be- budget. The document is stunning in pends on fantasy math to make all the cause it is such an accounting night- its cruelty. It takes a sledgehammer to numbers work. Most budgets make as- mare. We will do our own budget, and the middle class, the working poor, sumptions, and they all stretch the we will probably produce something while lavishing tax breaks on the very math a little bit, but the Trump budget pretty good for the American people, as wealthy. takes a quantum leap into a new di- we did in 2017—as long as Donald They may not have intended it, but mension of budgetary fairy tale. Trump and the White House stay out of the Trump budget is a compilation of Not only does the Trump budget as- it. all the broken promises this President sume unrealistic growth as a way to made to working Americans. In his balance the budget in 10 years—no f budget, President Trump has broken economist, liberal or conservative, TRUMPCARE promise after promise after promise to thinks we can achieve 3 percent growth Mr. SCHUMER. Finally, Mr. Presi- working people without any shame, in the near term—but the Trump budg- dent, a word on healthcare: The Repub- without any remorse, without any ex- et double counts and double dips in a lican attempts to repeal and replace planation. way we have never seen in any budget the Affordable Care Act, combined with The President promised to increase before. The Trump budget includes the the Trump administration’s refusal to infrastructure investment, but his assumption they will pass ‘‘deficit-neu- commit to making key cost-sharing budget actually cuts more money from tral tax reform.’’ In order for their payments that help keep healthcare infrastructure programs than the new massive tax cut to be deficit-neutral, costs low for working Americans, have money it puts in. The President’s pro- they need to assume the economy created great uncertainty in our posal to slash American infrastructure grows fast enough to make up for lost healthcare system. This uncertainty investments is a job-killing 180-degree revenues. But at the same time, the has already caused insurers to flee the turn away from his repeated promise of Trump budget assumes that growth marketplace or propose rate increases a $1 trillion infrastructure plan. will pay for tax cuts and help pay down for next year. President Trump’s campaign prom- the deficit—both. ises on infrastructure are crumbling Take the estate tax as an example. A spokesman for America’s Health faster than our roads and bridges. I President Trump has proposed elimi- Insurance plans—that is the insurance want to ask the Trump administration: nating the estate tax in tax reform. industry’s main group; again, it is not How can we expect that you are going Yet the Trump budget assumes that a politician—said: to be real about a trillion-dollar infra- the government will take in more than We need swift action and long-term cer- structure plan when your budget cuts $300 billion in estate taxes over the tainty [on the cost-sharing program]. It is infrastructure dramatically—right the single most destabilizing factor in the in- next 10 years. In other words, part of dividual market, and millions of Americans now? Don’t you think it adds up? To the budget says that we are getting rid could soon feel the impact of fewer choices, us, it does. It makes us very dubious of of the estate tax, and part of the budg- higher costs and reduced access to care. any attempt to do infrastructure by et says that $300 billion the estate tax My Republican colleagues, remem- this administration. We hope we are brings in is counted toward balancing ber, if you continue to allow the Presi- wrong, but the budget is a document the budget. I have never seen anything dent to do this, if we don’t make cost that tells where the real truth is in like it. If an accountant did this, my sharing permanent, the system will de- terms of administration beliefs. They guess is—I don’t know accounting teriorate, and guess whose back it will sure as heck, by this budget, don’t like standards in detail—they would be be on? Yours, my Republican friends. infrastructure. kicked out of the accounting profes- You are in charge. And when people get The President has said that edu- sion. cation is the civil rights issue of our In short, as Benjamin Applebaum in a bad healthcare bill, you can blame time, but the Trump budget calls for the New York Times points out: anyone you want. You are in charge. over $3.2 billion in cuts to higher edu- ‘‘President Trump is proposing to bal- Fix it. cation, eliminates programs that for- ance the federal budget in part by si- Refusing to guarantee the cost-shar- give loans for public service jobs like multaneously increasing estate tax- ing payment is nothing short of sabo- teachers and doctors, and eliminates ation and eliminating estate taxation.’’ tage, and the repeated attempts to pass subsidized loan programs that help Let me read that again. This is a re- TrumpCare will only make things lower the cost of college. College stu- porter for the New York Times, not worse. dents of America, look at the Presi- some politician of a political party: The White House ought to step up dent’s budget and see if he is on your ‘‘President Trump is proposing to bal- and say once and for all that they will side. He sure as heck isn’t. ance the federal budget in part by si- continue to make the cost-sharing pay- The President said he would ‘‘save multaneously increasing estate tax- ments permanently, and Republicans Social Security, Medicare, and Med- ation and eliminating estate taxation.’’ in Congress ought to drop their repeal icaid without cuts. Have to do it.’’ The gall, the nerve, and the facts-be- efforts and, instead, work with us on Those are his words. But the Trump darned attitude in this budget are ap- stabilizing the market and improving budget slashes Social Security by $72 palling. What they said on the estate our healthcare system. billion and cuts Medicaid by hundreds tax is a complete contradiction. The Now, today the Congressional Budget of billions, in addition to the more government cannot take in money Office will release its analysis of the than $800 billion TrumpCare cuts took from a tax that no longer exists. Where House Republican healthcare bill— from Medicaid already in the House are our fiscal watchdogs on the other TrumpCare. I remind my colleagues bill. All in all, it is a $1 trillion broken side of the aisle when they do stuff like how unusual it is for a CBO score to promise on Medicaid. this? come out nearly 3 weeks after a bill Remember, America, Medicaid is a Everyone knows Presidential budgets has passed. It is like test driving a program that affects the poor. That is contain some degree of flexibility, but brand new car 3 weeks after you have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3106 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 already signed on the dotted line and sion to resume consideration of the most powerful Nation on Earth, we are paid the dealer in full. Sullivan nomination, which the clerk going to cut out programs to help the Republicans in the House were so will report. people most in need? worried about how bad the CBO score The senior assistant legislative clerk Many of the cuts in the Trump budg- might be, they rushed TrumpCare read the nomination of John J. Sul- et come from the Medicaid Program, through—no hearings, no debate, no livan, of Maryland, to be Deputy Sec- where the President doubles down on score. Never mind that this legislation retary of State. the dangerous programmatic changes remakes one-sixth of our Nation’s The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- and cuts included in the TrumpCare economy. It has life-and-death con- pore. The Senator from Vermont. bill. Not only would enacting this sequences for millions of American Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask budget make it harder for low-income families. unanimous consent to proceed as in families to receive health coverage Republicans were haunted by the morning business. through Medicaid, but the proposal ghost of CBO scores past, so they went The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- also cuts nearly $6 billion from the ahead without one. pore. Without objection, it is so or- Children’s Health Insurance Program, When the CBO analyzed the first dered. which would force near-poverty chil- version of TrumpCare earlier this year, THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET dren off health insurance. it concluded that 24 million fewer Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, yester- I know in my own State of Americans would have health insur- day, we received President Trump’s Vermont—it is not a wealthy State; it ance if it became law. We also learned first budget submission. He calls it ‘‘A is a small State. But when we started a the bill would gut Medicaid, crush sen- New Foundation for American Great- program to make sure children had iors with higher premiums, and would ness.’’ Well, that might get an award healthcare, it was costly at first. In the increase out-of-pocket expenses for for fiction, but it couldn’t be further long run, it saved us all a great deal of Americans of all ages with higher from the truth. money. We were rated every year as deductibles and copays. Instead of building a foundation for the first or second healthiest State in Given that there were few differences the American people, it pulls the rug the Nation. You have to have people between the first and second versions out from under them. This budget has healthy from the time they are chil- of TrumpCare, we can expect that to- to be understood as something more dren. You cannot suddenly say: Oh, we day’s CBO analysis will likely show than just a photo op with a slogan. are going to spend a fortune when you many of the same grave consequences The President’s budget displays a are adults on illnesses that could have as the first one. Only now, of course, fundamental lack of understanding of been taken care of when you were chil- TrumpCare includes a new amendment the role of government of, by, and for dren. that allows States to opt out of the re- the people in supporting the middle The President’s budget proposes sig- quirement to cover people with pre- class, lifting up the most vulnerable nificant cuts to the Supplemental Nu- existing conditions. It is hard to imag- among us and serving our values and trition Assistance Program, which sup- ine such an amendment would make interests as a Nation. It proposes to cut ports food assistance for individuals CBO’s score any better than the last, nondefense discretionary spending by and families in need. How does the and it could certainly raise a lot of new over $1.5 trillion; that is, $1,500,000,000 President expect to make America questions. over 10 years, including a $54 billion great again if there are hungry chil- Does the deal the Freedom Caucus cut in fiscal year 2018 and a $260 billion dren in our schools? Every parent got with the second version of cut by 2027. This would be a 40-percent knows a hungry child cannot learn. TrumpCare violate the rules of rec- cut to nondefense programs in 10 years. How can we be the greatest country in onciliation? Will the House have to This is not only shortsighted, it is ir- the world if we do not offer a helping change the bill and take yet another responsible and unrealistic. We should hand to the most vulnerable among us? vote on TrumpCare? We know they be supporting opportunity, and we It has been and continues to be my don’t want to do that. should be creating jobs, not elimi- goal that we complete the appropria- We also don’t know the answer to nating them. What this country needs tions process in the Senate the way it these questions, and we may not know is jobs. We should be caring for our vet- is supposed to be done. Each of the 12 the answers even after seeing today’s erans. We should promote our health appropriations bills deserves debate CBO analysis. But all of these open and the environment. These are impor- and an up-or-down vote on the Senate questions demonstrate how reckless it tant to all people. It doesn’t make any floor. All Republicans and Democrats was for Republicans to vote on this bill difference what political party you be- vote for the things they support and without properly vetting it first. long to. We shouldn’t be recklessly vote against the things they oppose. I yield the floor to my good friend, slashing vital lifelines to the American That is in the best interest of this the senior Senator from Vermont, the people. country, and I know Chairman COCH- former and hopefully future Senate Sequestration has had devastating RAN shares this goal. As vice chairman, President pro tempore. consequences for both defense and non- I will work with him to do this. defense programs. These consequences This budget is an obstacle and not a f are going to last a generation. The pathway to this goal. The President’s RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME Trump budget would only extend and budget proposal is not bipartisan. In deepen those problems. fact, I am willing to bet that, if you The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- We are nearing the Memorial Day put the President’s budget on the floor pore. Under the previous order, the break, and I ask Members of both sides today and asked for a vote up or down, leadership time is reserved. of the aisle: Let’s sit down, and let’s even though the Republicans are in the f have Republicans and Democrats work majority in the Senate, it would not together, as the Senate is supposed to, pass because it does not make a hint of CONCLUSION OF MORNING and negotiate a budget deal based on a gesture toward true bipartisanship. BUSINESS parity. We did this in 2013; we did it in The appropriations process works best The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- 2015. It worked well. Such a deal would when you have bipartisan cooperation. pore. Morning business is closed. allow the Senate to provide appropria- This budget is not in the best interest f tions bills that reflect our true, endur- of the country or of the real priorities ing values as a nation. of the American people. That is why it EXECUTIVE SESSION The Trump budget proposes over $1.7 would not get even enough Republican trillion in cruel and unsustainable cuts votes to pass. It is unbalanced, need- to important mandatory programs that lessly provocative, and appallingly EXECUTIVE CALENDAR provide a safety net of health and nu- shortsighted. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- trition programs to those who are Rural America, including rural pore. Under the previous order, the struggling most in our communities. States like Vermont, is missing in ac- Senate will proceed to executive ses- Can you imagine, in the wealthiest, tion in the President’s budget. His

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3107 budget eliminates key investments in ago with polio. Are we going to turn cal year 2018 budget to list at one time. rural communities and leaves them that off? Are we going to say to the I will have plenty more to say about without Federal partnership support American people: We want to have a that in the weeks and months ahead, for everything from infrastructure de- sloganeering budget. Sorry. When your but I do want to take a moment to velopment and affordable housing to grandchildren come along, maybe highlight one, as it illustrates the fool- programs that preserve the environ- someday, somebody will restore this hardy way this Administration has ment and provide food for the elderly. science and will find a cure for cancer. sought to appease right-wing It is a compilation of broken prom- This budget not only denies the re- ideologues rather than do what is truly ises to working men and women and ality of climate change, but it elimi- in the national interest. struggling families, and it frays the nates all of the Environmental Protec- For fiscal year 2017, the Congress— lifelines that help vulnerable families tion Agency’s climate programs, from Republicans and Democrats—agreed to lift themselves into the middle class. voluntary incentives to programs that appropriate $607.5 million for inter- This Vermonter does not find that ac- seek to prevent further damage to pub- national family planning programs. ceptable, and I doubt others do. lic health and environmental quality. Under our law, none of those funds can Eliminating the Low Income Home Climate change is very real, and we are be used for abortion. They are for con- Energy Assistance Program, which we at a critical moment. Now is not the traceptives and services like education call LIHEAP, would leave thousands of time to turn back the progress we have and counseling to promote voluntary Vermonters and thousands throughout been making. family planning in the world’s poorest this country out in the cold. The gov- The President has promised jobs, countries and, by doing so, to reduce ernment should not be in the business jobs, jobs. I would love to see jobs, jobs, reliance on abortion, reduce child mor- of saying to families: OK, you have a jobs in this country, but under his tality, improve maternal and child choice. It is 10 degrees outside. You can budget, an estimated 4 million people, health, and increase opportunities for either have heat, or you can eat. You including veterans, would lose access women and girls. can either have enough warmth so that to employment and training services These programs have a long track you do not freeze to death, or you can next year. Four million Americans record. There is abundant, indisputable have food so that you do not starve to would lose that promise of a job. He data to show they are effective and death, but you cannot have both. would eliminate almost $4 billion from they save lives, and they illustrate We are the most powerful, wealthy Pell grants. You do not create jobs by that, while we may have fundamental Nation on Earth. What a choice to denying young people access to afford- differences about whether women force on people. able higher education or by slashing should have the right to abortion, From LIHEAP, in my own State, job training. there is broad agreement about the im- Vermont received nearly $19 million to Cutting the State Department’s portance of family planning. help more than 21,000 households in all budget by more than 30 percent shows For fiscal year 2018, the Trump Ad- 14 counties last year. This is a vital a clear lack of understanding of the ministration proposes to eliminate lifeline, and it is especially important vital role of soft power in our national funding for international family plan- in rural communities. We cannot slash security. The Secretary of Defense ning as a way to ‘‘protect life.’’ That investments in our rural communities. said: If you are going to cut the State may be an appealing sound bite, but We cannot abandon Federal support Department’s budget this way, you had that’s all it is. For every $10 million re- for cleaning up Lake Champlain. better give me money to buy more bul- duction in funding for family planning Eliminating the Sea Grant and Geo- lets, because I am going to need them. and reproductive health programs, the graphic programs would be foolish, as The budget would eliminate life- data shows that approximately 440,000 it would waste the investments we saving nutrition programs. It would fewer women and couples receive con- have already made. It would mean that impede our ability to promote stability traceptive services and supplies, result- the money we have put in to clean our in increasingly volatile regions of the ing in 95,000 additional unintended lake would end up being lost, and we world. America is not made safer by pregnancies, including 44,000 more un- would have to start all over again. failing to feed the hungry. planned births, 38,000 more abortions, The large and dynamic ecosystem in As Defense Secretary Mattis has and 200 more pregnancy-related deaths. Lake Champlain is the largest body of said, soft power is fundamental to our How does that protect life? The evi- freshwater in the United States outside national security, which has been said dence is overwhelming that the ab- of the Great Lakes. It borders by Secretaries of Defense and military sence of family planning not only Vermont, New York, and Canada and is leaders in both Republican and Demo- means more unsafe abortions but high- a treasure, but we cannot stand still. cratic administrations. er birth rates, 95 percent of which We do not want it to become polluted The Trump budget would have seri- occur in the poorest countries that like other bodies of water throughout ous and harmful consequences for our cannot feed or provide jobs for their our country. You either advance or you economy, for working families, for people today. slip behind, and once you start slipping those who are struggling, for our envi- I would say to the ideologues in the behind, it becomes an escalating mat- ronment, for health, for the seed corn White House who think that the way to ter. of cutting-edge scientific and techno- protect life is to cut off funding for The budget is full of cuts that ad- logical research, and for our national family planning: They don’t know what vance the administration’s antiscience, security. This is foolish, and it is not they are talking about. These are the know-nothing-ism agenda. It elimi- acceptable. You do not turn these same people who support vastly ex- nates thousands of scientists and shuts things on and off to make a sound bite. panding the Mexico City Policy beyond off funding for research into cures for Sound bites do not make America President Ronald Reagan and both everything from Alzheimer’s to cancer. strong, and sound bites do not continue President George H.W. Bush and Presi- You cannot say to people who are try- the greatness of America. Tough dent George W. Bush, to all global ing to find a cure for cancer and so choices keep America great and help health funding. In fact, they will be re- many other diseases: Oh, we are going the American people. sponsible for more abortions, higher to cut your money for a few years, turn I would remind the White House that rates of child mortality, higher rates of everything off, send the scientists the power of the purse rests with Con- maternal death, and greater suffering. home, and maybe in a few years we gress. As vice chairman of the Senate This is a shocking proposal. They ei- might give you money again. Appropriations Committee, I intend to ther don’t realize how much harm and You cannot do that with medical re- exercise that power, and I will work suffering it would cause, or they don’t search. The University of Vermont with Chairman COCHRAN in laying out a care. Can you imagine if our govern- would lose millions of dollars for valu- bipartisan path forward. ment, in addition to trying to outlaw able research—research that you can- Mr. President, there are far too many abortion, tried to take away the con- not pause and hope to resume. We are illogical, arbitrary, and harmful cuts traceptives Americans rely on to pre- so close to finding a cure for most in spending and wholly unbalanced pri- vent unwanted pregnancies? Tens of kinds of cancer, just as we did years orities in the President’s proposed fis- millions of Americans depend on access

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3108 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 to modern family planning services be considered made and laid upon the road. California could choose to invest every day. The outcry would be imme- table and the President be immediately in ondock rail projects at our Nation’s diate, and it would be deafening. notified of the Senate’s action. largest port complex located just out- I am confident that the Congress will The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- side of Los Angeles. It works for all reject this unwise and cruel proposal. pore. Is there objection? States without leaving any behind. It would be unconstitutional in this Without objection, it is so ordered. The FAST Act was an important first country, and it should not be imposed Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I step, but there is more to be done. on millions of impoverished people in suggest the absence of a quorum. President Trump has spoken frequently the developing countries who depend The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- about the need to invest in our trans- on our assistance. pore. The clerk will call the roll. portation infrastructure. Just yester- I would note the importance of it. We The senior assistant legislative clerk day, the administration released a set had a man whom I admired greatly in proceeded to call the roll. of principles for reexamining how we this body, a Republican chairman of Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I ask do that. I am encouraged to see these the Senate Appropriations Committee, unanimous consent that the order for proposals that will give States greater Mark Hatfield. He was strongly anti- the quorum call be rescinded. flexibility to develop our infrastruc- abortion but was an honest and good The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- ture as well as reduce unnecessary reg- man who said that we had to have LIVAN). Without objection, it is so or- ulations that delay these very impor- these family planning programs be- dered. tant projects. cause without them, the number of AMERICA’S SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM The proposal also talks about pro- abortions would skyrocket, that the Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise viding long-term solutions, which is number of deaths at birth would sky- to discuss problems that affect almost something I have long supported. This rocket, and that we would have higher every aspect of our everyday life no is critical for States to develop, con- birth rates, 95 percent of which would matter who we are, where we live, our struct, and maintain infrastructure. occur in the poorest countries that level of income, or any other distinc- Last week, at a Senate Environment could not feed or provide jobs for their tion that might be possible to make. and Public Works Committee hearing, people. These problems have to do with Amer- we heard an update from Transpor- Let’s not do that again. Let’s not ica’s surface transportation system. tation Secretary Elaine Chao. She make policy by sound bite. Let’s make Like most Nebraskans, I believe in- committed to working closely with policy as to what is best for our coun- frastructure is a core duty of the Fed- Congress as we continue to develop try and that best respects the values of eral Government. It represents invest- commonsense solutions for our infra- America—values that we have tried to ment in our economy, public safety, structure needs. She outlined some of demonstrate throughout the world. We and national security. In the Senate, the proposals the Department of Trans- also try to demonstrate that to our much of my work has been focused on portation is reviewing to include in own country no matter where you are, removing unnecessary obstacles to the this infrastructure package. During whether you are Republican or Demo- flow of goods, materials, and, most im- that hearing—the Presiding Officer was crat or Independent, whether you are portantly, people along our Nation’s there as well—the Secretary told me poor or rich, rural or urban. Let’s work surface transportation networks. she is committed to working closely on what is the best for America, not on Through legislation and with Execu- with my colleagues and me to develop a budget that tries to polarize America tive orders, we did lower the coefficient a national infrastructure policy. and pits one group against another. of friction on these systems. We can I also brought up the issue of delays Mr. President, on this table I have on lower that enough that people and due to burdensome regulations like the the floor, I note that it shows how we, products can get where they need to go National Environmental Policy Act at the Pentagon, have money to put quicker and at a lower cost. I have permitting process that directly affects into a border wall at the cost of the De- been proud to support several pieces of Nebraska projects. To address these partment of Agriculture, clean energy, legislation to do just that. delays, the Nebraska Unicameral climate change, the environment, edu- In 2015, Congress passed the Fixing unanimously passed legislation that cation, foreign aid, infrastructure, America’s Surface Transportation would allow the Nebraska Department healthcare, the middle class, civil Act—the FAST Act. It was our first of Roads to assume the NEPA permit- rights, labor unions, nutrition pro- long-term highway bill in more than a ting process. NDOR has sent a letter to grams, child nutrition, and community decade. As chairman of the Surface the Federal Highway Administration investments. If we want to spend $40 Transportation Subcommittee in the to begin the implementation of this billion on a wall that will make no Senate, I was glad to help steer it to program, and that could take up to 18 sense and have the taxpayers pay for final passage. months to complete. it—easy—let’s vote it up or down. I do I am also proud to have authored a I asked the Secretary for an update not think the American people want it. significant number of its provisions. on the progress of the application, and They would rather see that money be For example, the bill includes a new she assured me the Department is fol- spent on programs that educate people, national strategic freight program that lowing it closely. She said: ‘‘We know that create jobs, that improve science provides every State with annual guar- the issue, we are tracking it, and we and find cures for cancer and others, anteed funding. Because of the freight will continue to pay attention.’’ Fur- not for a wall that we will pay for and program, States will have greater flexi- thermore, Secretary Chao explained that nobody else will pay for. bility to work with key stakeholders that the administration ‘‘will not Mr. President, I yield the floor. and local officials to develop strategic specify any list of projects’’ in an infra- I suggest the absence of a quorum. investments in transportation. The structure plan. States know their The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- program funnels transportation funds transportation needs best, not the Fed- pore. The clerk will call the roll. to States and allows them to decide on eral Government. The larger the role The senior assistant legislative clerk their terms how to use it. By dedi- States have from start to finish in de- proceeded to call the roll. cating funding for rural and urban veloping their own infrastructure, the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I freight corridors, the program en- more they can direct funding to the ask unanimous consent that the order hances the flow of commercial traffic, projects that directly affect their citi- for the quorum call be rescinded. and it increases safety on our Nation’s zens. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- roads. For the benefit of families across pore. Without objection, it is so or- The true beauty of this program is America in both our urban and our dered. that it offers States the opportunity to rural areas, we need to look for out-of- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I make critical investments to best meet the-box solutions to ensure that our in- ask unanimous consent that all their specific geographic and their spe- frastructure is up to date. That is why postcloture time on the Sullivan nomi- cific infrastructure needs. Nebraska I have introduced the Build USA Infra- nation expire at 3 p.m. today and that, can elect to invest in a rail grade cross- structure Act, which looks to solve two if confirmed, the motion to reconsider ing or a truck parking lot along a rural major challenges to our transportation

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3109 system. The first is the near-term sol- them and the U.S. Federal Highway terrible crime that victims of human vency of the highway trust fund’s expi- Administration. Under this arrange- trafficking need most is a safe place to ration of the FAST Act in 2020. The ment, States are permitted to enter live because without that, they will second is a lack of flexibility for States into voluntary remittance agreements not be able to escape the people who in starting and finishing major trans- whereby they can remit 10 percent of have enslaved them, nor will they be portation infrastructure projects. their Federal aid highway dollars in ex- able to begin the steps of the long road According to the March 2016 Congres- change for State purview over design, to recovery. sional Budget Office projections, by the permitting, and construction aspects of This legislation reauthorizes the Jus- year 2026, the highway trust fund will Federal aid highway projects. The tice Department’s Domestic Traf- face a cumulative shortfall of approxi- State-remitted money to the Federal ficking Victims’ Fund, which we estab- mately $107 billion. Meanwhile, we see Highway Administration would be de- lished when we passed the Justice for construction costs climbing. The rise posited into the highway trust fund to Victims of Trafficking Act, a bill I au- in the use of electric and alternative- help further address its growing deficit. thored that was signed into law last fuel vehicles is causing trust fund reve- It would give States breathing room as Congress. This fund—like a crime vic- nues to fall. Heavy Federal regulations they work to bring in projects on time tims compensation fund—provides crit- continue to eat away at that pur- and on budget. ical resources to help victims get the chasing power of the highway trust I am so confident in this bill because services they need to recover. fund. I have seen these concepts work at the Part of the fund is financed through America needs a new plan to success- State level. As a State senator in the fines collected on convicted traffickers. fully meet the looming highway trust Nebraska Legislature, I introduced the It is a clear way we can use these fines fund shortfall and to strengthen our Build Nebraska Act. It directed a quar- to do some good. Last year, the fund transportation system. The Build USA ter of each cent of sales tax revenue to- provided almost $5 million in victims Infrastructure Act gives us a plan. ward maintaining Nebraska’s roads and services. By reauthorizing it, it can For 5 years following the expiration bridges. Because of it, more than $1 bil- continue to serve more victims. of the FAST Act, this legislation would lion will be available to meet Nebras- The bill also empowers victims by direct the U.S. Treasury to dedicate ka’s infrastructure needs over the next permanently reauthorizing the Human approximately $21.4 billion in Customs 17 years. Trafficking Advisory Council—a group and Border Patrol-collected fees and I also introduced legislation that of survivors who annually advise the revenues to the highway trust fund. tasked the Nebraska Department of government on ways to combat this Now, CBP revenue collections on Roads with developing the Federal crime and lend a hand. freight, cargo, and passengers include Funds Purchase Program. In exchange This bill goes a long way to help vic- tariffs, duties, taxes, and user fees at for giving up a portion of Federal tims who should be at the forefront of U.S. land, water, and air ports of entry. transportation dollars, Nebraska coun- any of our conversations about human CBP revenues from these sources ties and their towns can now receive trafficking. There is also no question amounted to nearly $46 billion in fiscal funds with more reasonable regulatory that our Nation’s law enforcement offi- year 2015. Because of their nature as requirements. Because of this program, cials need more support to track down charges on freight and travelers, Cus- major Nebraska transportation the perpetrators of this crime and toms duties and fees closely abide by projects, such as the longstanding bring them to justice. Certainly, law the ‘‘user pays’’ principle that we look bridge replacement in Buffalo County enforcement needs more training to at in transportation funding. Accord- and a major arterial street in South better equip them to serve victims too. ing to CBP, the agency only utilizes $2 Sioux City, are up and running. This bill also does that. billion of that revenue for its oper- Investing in infrastructure means so It requires the Department of Home- ations, so the diversion of revenue much more than just adding a few lines land Security to implement screening would not negatively impact CBP’s op- to a map. It means connecting our fam- protocols across law enforcement anti- erating budget. By using an existing ilies and delivering goods and services. trafficking task forces. One of the revenue stream which has a transpor- In Nebraska’s case, it means feeding hardest things about human traf- tation nexus, we provide stability to the world. With persistence and pru- ficking may be, in fact, being able to the highway trust fund without in- dent planning, we can build for the fu- identify that it is occurring when it oc- creasing fees or taxes, and that is ture, we can give greater economic op- curs right in front of your eyes. sound policy. portunity to rising generations, and we This training will impact the work of The Build USA Infrastructure Act can connect communities—family to law enforcement at the Federal, State, also offers greater flexibility to States family, town to town, and coast to and local levels. That way, law enforce- so their limited highway dollars can go coast. ment at every level of government can further for them. I served 8 years in the Mr. President, I yield the floor. learn how to better spot trafficking Nebraska Legislature. I know our I suggest the absence of a quorum. victims and will have the adequate States, counties, and cities face real The PRESIDING OFFICER. The training to connect victims to the serv- challenges in starting and completing clerk will call the roll. ices they need in order to recover. infrastructure projects because of ex- The assistant bill clerk proceeded to The legislation will also direct the cessive procedural costs, delays, and call the roll. Department of Health and Human really an overall lack of transportation Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask Services to continue a pilot program to funding. According to the Congres- unanimous consent that the order for train healthcare providers about sional Research Service, major Federal the quorum call be rescinded. human trafficking. Healthcare pro- highway projects can take as long as 14 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without viders, after all, are likely to come in years to complete from start to finish. objection, it is so ordered. contact with human trafficking vic- It took less time to build the Panama HUMAN TRAFFICKING tims as well, and they need to know Canal, and we did that more than a Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I am the telltale signs that will alert them century ago. happy to announce that soon I will be so they can report this to the appro- Greater flexibility, improved collabo- introducing legislation that reauthor- priate authorities. ration, and more autonomy can help izes several critical provisions to help I have noted before that so much of States begin and complete their vital fight human trafficking and bring us the battle is about educating profes- infrastructure projects in less time, one step closer to ridding our country sionals but not just professionals. I which means lower costs. The Build of this heinous crime. would say all of us as ordinary citizens USA Infrastructure Act would let them The Abolish Human Trafficking Act need to be on the lookout for signs of do that through State remittance is chiefly a bill about getting human human trafficking. agreements. This legislation would trafficking victims the help they need Sadly, I learned a few years ago, offer States more flexibility and con- by focusing on ways to support them as when the Super Bowl was held in trol of infrastructure funding by estab- they rebuild their lives. To me, one of Texas, that one of the premier traf- lishing a new partnership between the most shocking things about this ficking events in the Nation each year

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3110 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 is the Super Bowl, sad and as tragic as 100 days of the Trump administration, King of New York to serve as his Act- that sounds. through April 29. According to the ing Secretary of Education for the last There is a role for all of us to play as Partnership for Public Service, in col- year of President Obama’s term. I told regular citizens in identifying the tell- laboration with the Washington Post, the President I thought it was inappro- tale signs of human trafficking, and on Cabinet appointments, President priate for a President to have an acting then when we see something wrong, to Trump did his job, but Senate Demo- Cabinet member for so long and that, say something about it so hopefully crats did not do their job. The Presi- while I disagreed with Mr. King on they can be investigated. dent announced all of his Cabinet many points, I urged him to nominate Through pilot programs like this one, nominations before he was inaugurated King and, if he did, I promised that I my hope is that more people will better on January 20, but Democrats delayed would hold a prompt hearing and see to understand it. The more people who confirmation of Cabinet nominations it that he was confirmed. understand trafficking and its warning more than those of any other recent President Obama nominated John signs, the more we can do to help those President. On sub-Cabinet appoint- King on February 11, 2016. John King trapped in this modern-day slavery. ments, President Trump did not do his was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on The legislation will also give law en- job. He was slower than any other re- March 14, 2016. I disagreed with Sec- forcement more resources to target cent President to send his nominations retary King often, but the Secretary criminal street gangs who profit from to the Senate. was confirmed. He was confirmed by human trafficking. They view human So here is what could happen. If and accountable to the U.S. Senate, as beings as just another commodity that Democrats continue their delaying tac- he should have been and as our Con- they can make money from, and going tics, when President Trump does send stitution envisions. after criminal street gangs who profit sub-Cabinet nominees to the Senate, All of President Trump’s Cabinet from human trafficking is really im- the President would have every excuse nominees are now confirmed, but this portant. We would also enhance the to stop nominating and simply appoint is how long it took compared with his penalties for several human traf- acting officials to about 350 of the re- three immediate predecessors: All of ficking-related offenses as well. maining key positions. President Trump’s nominations were Finally, the Abolish Human Traf- An administration managed by act- announced before his inauguration, but ficking Act will improve and update ing Presidential appointees who have the Senate confirmed only two of those the national strategy to fight human not been confirmed by the Senate nominations on day one because Sen- trafficking across the country by re- would be a first in American history. ate Democrats would not agree to any quiring the Department of Justice to Delaying the inevitable approval of more than that. A third Cabinet nomi- add a demand reduction component. nominations of a President you oppose nee was confirmed on January 31st. To This will build on legislation passed in might sound to your political base like compare, by January 31st in prior ad- the last Senate by a vote of 99 to 0, the good politics, but it would be su- ministrations, President Obama had 10 Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. premely bad governing. Senate Demo- nominees confirmed, and George W. I know by reading the newspaper and crats would actually diminish their in- Bush and Bill Clinton each had 13 con- watching TV, people think nothing fluence and shoot themselves in both firmed. happens in Washington that is truly feet. They would be turning over to a Please keep in mind that it is impos- nonpartisan or bipartisan in nature. President they don’t like an excuse to sible for Democratic Senators by them- This is an example of why that is staff the government with about 350 selves to defeat a Trump nominee. Con- wrong. Certainly, this is a cause that key appointees who are unconfirmed firmation requires only a majority vot- every Member of the Senate can get be- and unaccountable to the Senate. Now, ing to be present; that is usually 51 hind, and there is no reason we this 350 number does not even include Senators. There are 52 Republican Sen- shouldn’t be able to pass this legisla- the Ambassadors in embassies all ators and, in addition, Vice President tion soon with similar strong bipar- around the world, where there may be PENCE can vote in the case of a tie. tisan, literally overwhelming bipar- acting heads of the embassy. There is no 60-vote filibuster available tisan support. Now, what difference would it make to block nominees because Democrats, I am grateful to our friend and the to have an administration mostly when they were in the majority in 2013, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Com- unexamined and unconfirmed by the changed Senate rules to eliminate the mittee, Chairman GRASSLEY, for his Senate? Well, it would mean that the filibuster on nominations. So by their focus on doing all we can for victims of Senate would be giving the Executive obstruction, Democrats are only delay- human trafficking. In addition to his more power at the expense of the legis- ing the inevitable, using various tac- support for the Abolish Human Traf- lative branch. tics to require the Senate to use nearly ficking Act, I know he also plans to in- This undermines the checks and bal- a week of floor time to approve even troduce complementary anti-traf- ances created by our Nation’s Found- noncontroversial nominees. ficking legislation, the Trafficking ers. Democrats complained that Repub- We don’t know how Democrats will Victims Protection Act. licans delayed some of President treat President Trump’s more than 350 I am hopeful both bills will be consid- Obama’s nominees, and that is true. In remaining key nominees because the ered soon so we can prove the Senate is fact, that has always been true. My President has made so few of those. For united in our opposition to human traf- own nomination for U.S. Education example, I am chairman of the Health, ficking and so we can lend more sup- Secretary in 1991 was delayed for 2 Education, Labor, and Pensions Com- port to the victims who so desperately months by a Democratic Senator who mittee. Aside from the Cabinet secre- need it. put a hold on my nomination for unex- taries who come to our committee, of Mr. President, I yield the floor. plained reasons. the 557 key positions identified by the I suggest the absence of a quorum. President Ford’s nomination of War- Washington Post, 35 of them within the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ren Rudman to the Interstate Com- Cabinet agencies require recommenda- clerk will call the roll. merce Commission in 1976 was blocked tions to the full Senate by the HELP The assistant bill clerk proceeded to by Democratic New Hampshire Senator committee. In the Department of call the roll. John Durkin. Health and Human Services, we have Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, The rest of the story is that Rudman eight. In the Department of Education, I ask unanimous consent that the order eventually asked President Ford to we have 14. In the Department of for the quorum call be rescinded. withdraw the nomination, ran against Labor, we have 13. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Durkin, and defeated him in the next At the end of the first 100 days, April ERNST). Without objection, it is so or- election. That is how Warren Rudman 29th, our committee had received just dered. got to be a U.S. Senator. There is a one sub-Cabinet nomination from the NOMINATIONS better way to resolve differences be- Trump administration—that of Dr. Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, tween Senators and the President. Scott Gottlieb for FDA commissioner. here is the scorecard on 557 Presi- In December of 2015, President He was promptly confirmed on May dential nominations during the first Obama seemed content to allow John 9th.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3111 Compared with President Trump’s mending key nominees to the U.S. Sen- It is hard to imagine a more des- one sub-Cabinet nomination sent to ate. And Senators, especially those in picable act than the terrorist attack in our committee in his first 100 days, the minority, should want to have a Manchester Monday night, killing in- President Obama made 13 sub-Cabinet say in the vetting and accountability nocent teenagers and children who nominations in his first 100 days, Presi- that come with the Senate confirma- were out to enjoy a concert. The suf- dent George W. Bush made 10, and tion process. fering that Americans and all in the Senate have been reading about and President Clinton made 14 to our com- f mittee. watching on television is heart- There are actually nearly 700 more FRED D. THOMPSON FEDERAL breaking by any standards. I think it is Presidential nominees requiring Sen- BUILDING AND UNITED STATES fair to say that, as Americans, we ate confirmation who aren’t considered COURTHOUSE stand in strong solidarity with our key by the Washington Post analysis, Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, as British friends, our allies, as they con- so you can see this adds up to be a in legislative session, I ask unanimous front this horror. Our country will, as pretty big number of Presidential consent that the Senate proceed to the we have for so many years, stand nominees whom we have a responsi- immediate consideration of H.R. 375, shoulder to shoulder with them as bility to consider and to confirm if we which was received from the House. there is an effort to collect more infor- approve them. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mation about this attack, about what Unfortunately, there are ominous clerk will report the bill by title. actually happened, and work to pre- signs about how Democrats will treat The bill clerk read as follows: vent future attacks. non-Cabinet nominees. As the Pre- Not everything is known about the A bill (H.R. 375) to designate the Federal siding Officer is especially aware, building and United States courthouse lo- attack, but one thing Americans do Democrats required the Senate to take cated at 719 Church Street in Nashville, Ten- know is that it can happen here. That nearly a week of floor time to consider nessee, as the ‘‘Fred D. Thompson Federal is why, as I begin this discussion on the nomination of Iowa Governor Terry Building and United States Courthouse.’’ this important nomination and the Branstad to serve as Ambassador to There being no objection, the Senate challenges in front of our country, I China. There was absolutely no excuse proceeded to consider the bill. would like to start, as I invariably do for this other than obstructionism. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I when we talk about intelligence mat- Governor Branstad is the longest ask unanimous consent that the bill be ters, by recognizing the extraordinary serving Governor in American history. considered read a third time and passed men and women who work in the intel- He has a well-documented relationship and the motion to reconsider be consid- ligence community, who work tire- with the Chinese President. He was one ered made and laid upon the table. lessly across the government to keep of the first appointees that the Presi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without our people safe from terrorist attacks. dent announced. He was approved by a objection, it is so ordered. So much of what they do is in secret, voice vote by the Senate Foreign Rela- The bill (H.R. 375) was ordered to a and that is appropriate. It is so impor- tions Committee, and ultimately ap- third reading, was read the third time, tant to keep secret what is called the proved by the full Senate earlier this and passed. sources and methods that our intel- week 82 to 13. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I ligence community personnel are Yet, as a delaying tactic, Senate am grateful that the Senate has ap- using. It is important to the American Democrats forced us to use nearly a proved that measure naming the Fred people and it is important to our coun- week of our floor time to consider Gov- D. Thompson Federal Building and try to make sure that the people pro- ernor Branstad. If Democrats treat United States Courthouse in Nashville. tecting them every day can do their other noncontroversial Ambassadors I stand at the desk of former Senator jobs. and sub-Cabinet members the same Thompson. This was a desk that Sen- The reason I took this time this way they treated Governor Branstad, ator Howard Baker also had. I have the morning to talk about this nomination requiring nearly a week of Senate floor desk myself because Senator Thompson is to talk about the broader context of time to consider a nominee, then I and I were inspired by Senator Baker what we owe the American people, and think President Trump would almost to be involved in politics and govern- I feel very strongly that we owe the certainly bypass the Senate and name ment in our State and the House of American people security and liberty. hundreds of acting heads of sub-Cabi- Representatives—our delegation. The two are not mutually exclusive, net departments. Under our Constitu- and it is possible to protect the people I think Senator CARPER and his com- tion, he may do that whenever he mittee all seem to think that it is very of our country with smart policies that chooses. There are flexible limits on appropriate that the new Nashville protect both their security and their the time one may serve in an acting courthouse be named for Senator liberty. Smart policies ensure that security position, but if that time expires, the Thompson. It gives me a great deal of and liberty are not mutually exclusive. President can simply appoint someone pride and personal privilege to be able For example, I would cite as a smart else. to ask for that to be done. I thank Con- Hopefully, President Trump will policy something I was proud to have gresswoman BLACKBURN in the House speed up his nomination of sub-Cabinet been involved in. Section 102 of the for her leadership and all the Members members, and hopefully Democrats USA FREEDOM Act sought to make of the delegation and the Members of will return to the common practice of sure that we weren’t just indiscrimi- the Senate for their cooperation in routine floor approval of Presidential nately collecting millions of phone this. nominations when the confirmation records on law-abiding people. A provi- I thank the Presiding Officer. process has determined that the nomi- sion, section 102, says that when our I yield the floor. nee deserves to be approved. government believes there is an emer- Our Founders created a system of f gency where the safety and security government based on checks and bal- EXECUTIVE CALENDAR—Continued and well-being of the American people ances of the three coequal branches of is at stake, our government can move government. There has been much The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- immediately to deal with the problem complaining recently about the rise of ator from Oregon. and then come back later and settle up the executive branch at the expense of NOMINATION OF COURTNEY ELWOOD with respect to getting a warrant. That the legislative branch. Having an exec- Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, the was something that, I thought, really utive branch and embassies mostly Senate will shortly consider the nomi- solidified what was a smart policy. staffed by acting personnel not con- nation of Courtney Elwood to be the Our Founding Fathers had a Fourth firmed by or accountable to the U.S. CIA’s General Counsel. I wanted to Amendment for a reason—to protect Senate undermines the principle of take a few minutes this morning to dis- the liberties of our people. What we three coequal branches of government. cuss the nomination and put it in the said is that we are going to be sensitive The President should want his team context of the extraordinary national to those liberties, but at the same in place and should speed up recom- security challenges our country faces. time, we are going to be sensitive to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3112 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 the security and well-being of the intelligence community are so impor- carefully reasoned and that certain American people at a dangerous time. tant. The American people need to points were compelling.’’ We are going to say that, if the govern- know how these men and women under- This was an illegal program. It vio- ment believes there is an emergency, stand the laws that authorize what lated the Foreign Intelligence Surveil- the government can go get that infor- they can and cannot do in secret. lance Act. No interpretation of the law mation immediately and come back Shortly, the Senate will consider the that defended that warrantless wire- later and settle up with the warrant nominee to be the CIA’s general coun- tapping program is carefully reasoned process. sel. I believe there are few more impor- or compelling. It was an illegal pro- Issues ensuring that we have security tant positions in government than this gram. and liberty are especially important one, when it comes to interpreting key Ms. Elwood also said that some of the today. We obviously face terrorism. We laws. The advice the general counsel analysis ‘‘presented a difficult ques- are challenged by Russia and North provides to the Central Intelligence tion’’ and that ‘‘reasonable minds Korea, and the list can go on and on. Agency will be shielded from the Amer- could reach different conclusions.’’ Of The fact is, there are a host of these ican people and possibly from Congress course, the point is not what ‘‘reason- challenges, and it seems to me that if as well. There is almost never account- able minds’’ might conclude. The point we look at the history of how to deal ability before the public, the press, for us in the Senate is what her mind with a climate like this, too often watchdog groups, or other public insti- would conclude. Remember, this is the there is almost a kind of easy, prac- tutions that help preserve our democ- Department of Justice’s conclusion tically knee-jerk approach that is racy. There are almost never debates that the laws governing wiretapping of billed as dealing with a great security on the floor of the Senate about the le- Americans inside the United States challenge that very often gives our gality of the CIA’s operations. It is all could be disregarded because the Presi- people less security and less liberty. At in secret. dent says so or because the Depart- a time when people want both, they The advice of this general counsel ment of Justice secretly reinterprets end up getting less. That is what hap- will carry especially important heft, the law in a way that no American pens so often in crises, and far too given what CIA Director Mike Pompeo could recognize. Remember, too, that often it happens in large part because said during his confirmation. Again we are talking about a program that senior lawyers operating in secret give and again during those confirmation may have begun shortly after 9/11, but the intelligence community the green hearings, when asked what boundaries it was still going on secretly and with- light to conduct operations that are Director Pompeo would draw around out congressional oversight more than not in the country’s interest. the government’s surveillance authori- 4 years later when it was revealed in I am going to walk through how mis- ties, the Director responded that he the press. That was the context in guided and dangerous decisions can be was bound by the law. In effect, the Di- which the Department of Justice—at made and how much depends on how rector said to the Senate and this body the end of 2005 and the beginning of the lawyers interpret current law. In that he would defer to the lawyers. So 2006, when Ms. Elwood was at the De- past debates people have said: You if Congress and the American people partment—determined that the know, that happened years ago, many were to have any clue as to what the warrantless wiretapping program was years ago, and various steps were Central Intelligence Agency might do perfectly legal and constitutional. taken to correct it. Today, I am going under Director Pompeo, we were going This is—to say, in my view—at the to talk about how misguided and dan- to have to ask the nominee to be gen- least, dangerous, and it could happen gerous decisions can be made today. eral counsel. That is why it is critical again. At the center of this question is the that she answer questions about her I wanted to give Ms. Elwood every nominee to be the CIA general counsel views of the law and that she answer opportunity to reconsider and distance and what I consider to be very trou- them now before a confirmation vote. herself from these assertions I de- bling statements that have been made I asked those questions, and what I scribed. So I asked very specific ques- on a number of the key issues that in- heard in return was either a troubling tions. First, did the Fourth Amend- volve decisions that will be made now. response or some combination of ‘‘I ment warrant requirement apply? No, In outlining those, I want to explain don’t know,’’ and ‘‘I will figure it out she responded. She endorsed the view why it is my intention to vote against after I am confirmed.’’ that the warrantless wiretapping of the confirmation of Courtney Elwood Now, without answers, we are left Americans on American soil did not re- to be the CIA’s general counsel. largely to judge Ms. Elwood by her quire warrants under the Fourth The key principle to begin with is record. So I am going to start by look- Amendment. That was not very en- that there is a clear distinction be- ing back at her previous service and couraging. tween keeping secrets of sources and what she says about it now. What about the other arguments methods used by the intelligence com- With respect to the National Secu- made to try to justify this illegal pro- munity, which is essential, and the cre- rity Agency’s illegal warrantless wire- gram? ation of secret law, which is not. We in tapping, that became public at the end The first was the notion that the 2001 the Senate have a responsibility to of 2005 when Ms. Elwood was at the De- authorization for use of military force make sure the public is not kept in the partment of Justice. She reviewed pub- somehow gave the government the dark about the laws and rules that gov- lic statements about the program and green light to conduct warrantless ern what the intelligence community held discussions about those public wiretapping of Americans inside the can and cannot do. statements with individuals inside and United States. This argument was ludi- I believe the American people under- outside the administration. That in- crous. The authorization for use of stand that their government cannot al- cludes discussions with the Depart- military force said nothing about sur- ways disclose who it is spying on, but ment of Justice’s Office of Legal Coun- veillance. The applicable law governing they are fed up with having to read in sel about the Department’s legal anal- national security wiretapping was the the papers about the government se- ysis justifying the warrantless wire- Foreign Intelligence Surveillance cretly making up the rules. They were tapping program. She was especially Act—period. If the Bush Administra- fed up when they learned about the il- involved when the Attorney General tion had wanted the law to conduct legal, warrantless wiretapping pro- made public statements about the pro- warrantless wiretapping after 9/11, it gram. They were fed up when they gram. So the committee asked her could have asked the Congress to pass learned about the bulk collection of about some of that Justice Department it as part of the PATRIOT Act. It phone records of millions of law-abid- public analysis, and, in particular, the didn’t. So when they got caught and ing Americans. Department of Justice January 2006 had to explain to the public what they What our people want to know is that white paper that was thought to justify had been doing all these years, they the rules are going to be, No. 1, clear to the warrantless wiretapping program. said that the authorization for use of everybody and, No. 2, that the govern- Ms. Elwood responded that she thought military force, which the Congress un- ment is operating within those rules. at the time that the Department of derstood as authorizing war in Afghan- That is why the nominations for the Justice’s analysis was ‘‘thorough and istan, somehow magically allowed for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3113 wiretapping in the United States. The fundamental questions of law, then I started with Mike Pompeo, who is second argument was that the Presi- Americans could end up learning about now the Director of the Central Intel- dent had something called ‘‘inherent the nominee’s views when it is too ligence Agency. He wrote an article— power’’ to disregard the law. late—when our people open up the an op-ed piece as it is called in the I asked Ms. Elwood if she agreed with newspapers someday and learn about press—that called for the government either of these arguments. She an intelligence program that is based to collect the bulk records of law-abid- wouldn’t answer the question of wheth- on a dangerous and secret interpreta- ing Americans’ communications and to er the authorization for use of military tion of the law. It happened repeatedly combine all of those records—‘‘publicly force authorized warrantless wire- in the past, and my message today is available financial and lifestyle infor- tapping, and she wouldn’t answer the that the Senate cannot let it happen mation into a comprehensive, search- question of whether the President’s so- again. able database.’’ called inherent power authorized the One of the reasons Ms. Elwood’s That, in my view, is breathtaking. It warrantless wiretapping. That was not views on whether the government was makes what everybody was talking very encouraging, either. obligated to respect the Foreign Intel- about with regard to the old phone I did get one answer. Ms. Elwood said ligence Surveillance Act is so impor- records collection effort look like that the arguments that the Bush Ad- tant is that, for the most part, the Cen- small potatoes. ministration’s secret interpretation of tral Intelligence Agency operates At his hearing, I asked then-Con- the authorization for use of military under authorities that are actually gressman Pompeo whether this data- force, combined with the President’s more vague than is the Foreign Intel- base would have any boundaries. In so-called inherent powers, allowed for ligence Surveillance Act. In fact, those other words, he is setting up a the warrantless wiretapping, in her authorities are not even established in brandnew database—bigger than any- view, that ‘‘seemed reasonable.’’ That a statute that people in Iowa and Or- thing people have seen. He is going to definitely was not encouraging. egon could just go and read. The CIA’s collect people’s lifestyle information Then it occurred to me that having authorities to collect and use informa- and who knows what else. asked her about the past in some of tion on Americans and even to secretly He said ‘‘of course there are bound- these concerns that I have just raised, participate in organizations in the aries. Any collection and retention I thought maybe that is all part of yes- must be conducted in accordance with United States are conducted under an teryear. Maybe that is all in the past. the Constitution’s statutes and appli- Executive order, Executive Order No. Let bygones be bygones. So I looked for cable Presidential directives.’’ assurances that Ms. Elwood’s defense 12333. The real question is, What does that In January, during the last 2 weeks of warrantless wiretapping wasn’t rel- mean? of the Obama administration, the intel- evant now. After all, Ms. Elwood’s re- It means the person who is deciding ligence community released two docu- sponse to questions about the program what, if anything, Director Pompeo’s ments that offered a little bit of in- referred to the law at the time. Maybe CIA cannot do is the lawyer, and that sight into how intelligence is collected current law makes clear to everyone, is where the nominee—Ms. Elwood to and used under this Executive order. It including the nominee, that there will be general counsel—comes in. never again be warrantless wiretapping was good that the Obama administra- We might ask: How would these ques- of Americans in the United States. tion released the documents. More tions come up at the CIA? So what does the law actually say transparency is why I can come to the As a hypothetical, one question I now? Back in 2008, Congress took a big floor and be part of this conversation. asked Director Pompeo was: What hap- part of the warrantless wiretapping These and other publicly available pens when a foreign partner provides program and turned it into the law now documents demonstrate the extent to the CIA with information that is known as section 702 of the Foreign In- which the CIA deals with information known to include the communications telligence Surveillance Act. The Con- on Americans all of the time. Right of law-abiding Americans? gress wanted to make it absolutely now, the CIA is authorized to conduct For example, what if the Russians clear that our country had really signals intelligence as well as the collected information on Americans turned the page and that Americans human intelligence that is generally and, instead of providing it to wouldn’t have to worry about any more associated with the Agency, and the in- WikiLeaks, gave it to the CIA? It could violations of the law. So the Congress telligence the CIA obtains from various be sensitive information about polit- included in the law a statement that sources, which can be collected in bulk, ical leaders and our country and jour- said: We really mean it. This law is inevitably includes information on nalists and religious leaders and just ‘‘the exclusive means’’ by which elec- law-abiding Americans. regular, law-abiding Americans. What tronic surveillance could be conducted. What do the rules say that apply to would Director Pompeo do in that situ- I asked Ms. Elwood about whether all of this information on Americans? ation? When, if ever, would it be inap- the President’s supposed powers under What these rules say is, under this Ex- propriate for the CIA to receive, use, or the Constitution could trump the cur- ecutive order, the CIA can mostly do distribute this information? rent statutory framework in the For- what it wants. If Ms. Elwood could find His answer was that it is highly fact- eign Intelligence Surveillance Act. wiggle room in the airtight restrictions specific. He said he would consult with Specifically, I asked her whether that of the Foreign Intelligence Surveil- lawyers. provision in law—the one passed in 2008 lance Act, I think the Senate ought to So, when she came for her nomina- that explicitly states that the Foreign be asking: What might she do with the tion hearing, I said this is our chance. Intelligence Surveillance Act is the ex- flexibility in the rules that govern Let’s ask the lawyer, Ms. Elwood, who clusive means for conducting wire- what the CIA can do under this Execu- is the nominee to be general counsel. tapping—would keep the President tive order? She said, like Director Pompeo, it from asserting some other constitu- In fact, even when this Executive would be based on all of the facts and tional authority in this area. order includes limitations, there are circumstances. She said she had no per- She said she had not studied the usually exceptions. Guess who decides sonal experience with such a decision question. This was the most troubling what the exceptions are. The CIA Di- and was unable to offer an opinion. answer of all because this is about how rector and the CIA General Counsel. This, in my view, is a prescription for the law stands today. This is not talk- In short, the rules look like an invi- trouble. We have a CIA Director and a ing about yesteryear. This is about how tation for the CIA Director and the nominee to be general counsel of the the law stands today, and this was the general counsel to conduct secret pro- Agency, and neither of these two indi- nominee to be general counsel to the grams and operations that rely on viduals will tell the Congress and the Central Intelligence Agency’s not rul- case-by-case decisions that have no American people what the CIA will do ing out another assertion of so-called clear or consistent legal framework. under these circumstances which relate inherent Presidential power to override That is why it is so important that directly to the privacy of law-abiding the law. these nominees give us some sense of and innocent Americans. My fear is that if the public cannot where they stand before they are con- In her responses to committee ques- get reassuring answers now to these firmed. tions, Ms. Elwood referred to one of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3114 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 documents that was released in Janu- gent requirements on this, but as I just ment. She had no opinion. I asked her ary—the revised Attorney General read—‘‘reasonably designed to retrieve whether those techniques violated the guidelines—which she said imposed information related to a duly author- statutory prohibition on torture. She ‘‘stringent and detailed restrictions’’ ized activity of the CIA’’—that sure had no opinion. I asked her whether on what the CIA can do with the intel- does not sound like it has much teeth the torture techniques violated the ligence it collects that is known to in- in it to me. It does not sound very War Crimes Act. She had no opinion. I clude information about Americans. stringent to me. asked her whether the torture tech- We are not talking about an insig- I asked Ms. Elwood at the hearing niques violated U.S. obligations under nificant amount of information on what other restrictions might apply. the Convention Against Torture, the Americans. We are talking about bulk In a written response, she referred to Geneva Convention and other U.S. collection. We are talking about infor- training requirements, to record- treaty obligations. She had no opinion. mation on Americans that the rules, keeping, and to the rule that the infor- How could she have no opinion? She themselves, describe as ‘‘significant in mation must be destroyed after 5 has said that she read the 500-page ex- volume, proportion, or sensitivity.’’ years. None of that changes the fact ecutive summary of the Intelligence Obviously, the mere fact that the CIA that there is no meaningful standard Committee’s Torture Report. The hor- collects and keeps this kind of infor- for the searches. There is no check. rific details of waterboarding, extended mation raises a lot of concerns about There is no balance. Even the CIA’s sleep deprivation, stress positions, and infringements of Americans’ privacy. rule that the information can only be other torture techniques are known to I wanted to know what these strin- kept for 5 years has a huge loophole in everyone, but the nominee to be the gent restrictions were that Ms. Elwood that it can be extended by the CIA Di- CIA’s General Counsel has no opinion was talking about that she said would, rector after consultation with—guess on these matters. again, just sort of magically protect who again—the general counsel. Ms. Elwood did, however, commit to the rights of Americans. Again, we have rules that are vague complying with the 2015 law prohib- One of the issues our people are espe- to begin with, whose implementation is iting interrogation techniques not au- cially concerned about is whether the up to the discretion of the CIA Director thorized by the Army Field Manual. government, after it has collected lots and the general counsel. At this point, That gets us again to the question of of information on Americans, can con- the Senate has virtually nothing to go what decisions she would make now, duct warrantless, backdoor searches on in terms of how this nominee for based on current law. Everyone agrees for information about specific Ameri- this critical general counsel position that waterboarding is prohibited by the cans. Those who dismiss the concerns would exercise all of this power. Army Field Manual, but the Army about these backdoor searches argue Another aspect of CIA activities that Field Manual can be changed. Fortu- that if the intelligence has already are authorized by the Executive order nately, the 2015 law also prohibits any been collected, it is just no big deal to is that of the secret participation by changes to the Army Field Manual search it, even if the search is intended someone who is working on behalf of that involve the use or threat of force. to obtain information on innocent, the CIA and organizations in our coun- I asked her whether the CIA’s torture law-abiding Americans. The problem try. techniques fell safely outside of any- is, the more collection that is going on, These activities would obviously be thing the Army Field Manual could le- the bigger the pool of Americans’ infor- concerning to a lot of Americans. Most gally authorize. Her response, again, mation that is being searched. Americans probably believe the CIA is was that she had not studied the tech- This has come up with regard to sec- not even allowed to do this anymore, niques. tion 702 of the Foreign Intelligence but it is. The question is, whether So that was her position. She said Surveillance Act, which we are going there are going to be rules that prevent she will comply with the law and to debate in the coming months. As my abuses. agreed that the law prohibits interro- colleagues know, a bipartisan coali- Since that is yet another modern- gation techniques that involve the use tion—a bipartisan group of Senators day, present-time topic, I said I am or threat of force, but she refused to and House Members—has been trying going to ask Ms. Elwood some ques- say whether waterboarding or any of for years to get the intelligence com- tions on this. For example, for what the other CIA torture techniques falls munity to tell us how many innocent, purposes could the CIA secretly join a outside that prohibition. law-abiding Americans are being swept private organization in the United Finally, I asked the nominee how the up in the section 702 collection. That States? constitutional rights of Americans number, if we can ever get it, is di- The rules say the CIA Director can would apply when the government rectly related to whether the intel- make case-by-case decisions with the seeks to kill them overseas. She re- ligence community should be allowed concurrence of the general counsel, so I sponded that she had not considered to conduct warrantless searches on thought it would be appropriate to ask the matter. Do these rights apply to particular Americans, and it is directly what the view is of the nominee to be legal permanent residents of the related to the point I offered at the the general counsel. Ms. Elwood’s re- United States who are overseas? She outset, which is that we must have sponse was that she had no experience did not have an opinion on that either. policies that promote security and lib- with this matter and looked forward to To fully understand why this kind of erty. If we do it smartly, we can have learning about it. And that, of course, avoidance is such a problem, we need both. is typical of so many of her answers. to consider again what the CIA general These questions I have described also Repeatedly, she declined to provide any counsel does and how she does it. I apply to information that is collected clarity on how she would interpret the have been on the Senate Intelligence under the Executive order. In the case CIA’s authorities under this sweeping Committee since 2001. I have seen far of the Executive order, there is not Executive order, but these are the calls too many intelligence programs go on even a discussion about how much in- she could make every single day if con- for years before we find out about formation about Americans gets swept firmed. At this point, the Senate has them. In so many of these cases, the up. no clue how she would make them. It is problem lies in how senior lawyers in- So what do the rules say about back- my view that we cannot vote to con- terpreted their authorities. These in- door searches that have been conducted firm a nominee—particularly one who terpretations are made in secret. They by the CIA under this Executive order? will operate entirely in secret—and are made by a handful of people, and It turns out, the CIA can conduct just hope for the best. they are revealed to almost no one. We searches through all of this informa- I have other concerns about the place almost immeasurable trust in the tion on law-abiding Americans if the Elwood nomination, particularly some people who make these decisions. We search is ‘‘reasonably designed to re- of her views with respect to torture. cannot take this lightly. trieve information related to a duly au- I asked Ms. Elwood whether the tor- The Senate and the American people thorized activity of the CIA.’’ ture techniques the CIA had used vio- have one shot—and one shot only—to Ms. Elwood has told the Intelligence lated the Detainee Treatment Act, get some insight into how those law- Committee that there are really strin- often referred to as the McCain amend- yers will make their decisions and how

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3115 they view the laws that apply to them. that his travel ban was unlawful, Presi- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. That one shot is the confirmation proc- dent Trump accused judges of abetting PERDUE). The clerk will call the roll. ess. So when a nominee refused to take terrorists. The senior assistant legislative clerk positions, it short-circuits the process. These actions have consequences be- proceeded to call the roll. This is not acceptable. We cannot just yond our own borders and embolden Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ask confirm someone to be the CIA’s gen- dictators around the world. President unanimous consent that the order for eral counsel without knowing what she Trump displays a worldview that fa- the quorum call be rescinded will do in that position. That would be vors the military over diplomacy and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without an abdication of our duty. transactional relationships over stra- objection, it is so ordered. I want to close by saying that, at this tegic alliances. President Trump’s un- PUERTO RICO’S FISCAL CRISIS extraordinary time in American his- critical embrace of autocrats like Rus- Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise tory, a time when our country—and if sian President Putin, Egyptian Presi- today to discuss the significance of the you sit on the Intelligence Committee, dent Sisi, Turkish President Erdogan, unprecedented events now occurring in as I have for a number of years, you go and Philippine President Duterte is a Puerto Rico. into the Intelligence Committee room, repudiation of every reformer and ac- According to the May 16 editorial in and it is all behind closed doors, and tivist seeking freedom from tyranny. It the Wall Street Journal, ‘‘The legal you often walk out of there very con- is a repudiation of America’s values brawl over Puerto Rico’s bankruptcy cerned about the well-being of our peo- and founding principles. begins this week, and it will be long ple, given some of the grave national President Trump’s approach to the and ugly.’’ As we have seen in Greece and De- security threats we hear about once or world is shortsighted and self-defeat- troit, what is happening in Puerto Rico twice a week. ing. The greatest threats to U.S. na- The point is that our choice is not tional security come from countries should be a wake-up call for fiscally between security and liberty; it is be- that are corrupt, poorly governed, and distressed States—meaning our 50 States, our cities, and our territories— tween smart policies and ones that are fraught with poverty and disease. to get their own houses in order. It is not so smart. For example, on this These countries require sustained en- the canary in the mine that ought to floor, when the leadership of the com- gagement and assistance to prevent the be available to everybody. At the same mittee was interested in weakening kind of threats that could require time, it should be a cautionary tale for strong encryption, which is what keeps American soldiers to go into war. those who seek to extend similar bank- our people safe—we have our whole These countries require American lead- ership and the American example to ruptcy authority to our own 50 States. lives wrapped up in a smartphone, and In 2015, after years of fiscal mis- smart encryption ensures that terror- help address the root causes of conflict and to give a voice to the aspirations of management and borrowing to finance ists and hackers can’t get at that infor- their operations, Puerto Rico declared mation. It ensures that pedophiles their people. That is why President Trump’s pro- that its debt was unpayable and had to can’t get access to the location tracker posed 32 percent cut to the budget of be restructured; however, because and pick up where your child might be. the State Department, his failure to Puerto Rico lacked access to chapter 9 We all know how much our parents put forward nominees for leadership of the Bankruptcy Code, restructuring care about the well-being of kids. positions, and his disrespect for the ca- its complex debt outside of the court People are saying: Let’s just build reer employees who serve our country presented a challenge. backdoors into our products, and I said are so dangerous. By undermining I held a hearing in the Judiciary I am going to fight that. I will fight it American influence abroad, President Committee to examine this issue in De- with everything I have whenever it is Trump erodes American strength. cember of 2015. We learned at that proposed because it is bad for security, While John Sullivan has an extensive hearing that while bankruptcy is an ef- bad for liberty, bad for our companies career in public service, I am con- fective tool to restructure debt, it that are trying to continue to offer cerned that he lacks experience at the merely treats the symptom and it high-skill, high-wage jobs because our State Department. An understanding doesn’t solve the disease. I told you so, competitors won’t do it, and so far we of the institution is, in many ways, as in that vein. I shared my views and the have been able to hold it off. important as an understanding of our views of many others that unless Puer- As we seek in the days ahead to come complex diplomatic terrain. Despite to Rico addressed its fiscal mismanage- up with smart policies that protect se- these concerns, I was encouraged by ment woes, extending bankruptcy au- curity and liberty, we have to get an- the statements and commitments he thority alone couldn’t fix the problem. swers from those in the government made at his confirmation hearing. I told you so that, instead, it would who are going to have these key posi- In his testimony before the Senate merely kick the can down the road and tions. Given the fact that the CIA Di- Foreign Relations Committee, Mr. Sul- harm thousands of retirees in Iowa and rector, Mike Pompeo, made it clear in livan committed to promoting Amer- elsewhere who would bear the costs of his hearing that he was going to rely ican values abroad, saying: ‘‘Our great- Puerto Rico’s irresponsible fiscal be- on the person chosen by the Senate as est asset is our commitment to the havior. The Obama administration, his general counsel, I felt it was very fundamental values expressed at the though, pressed Congress to act and to important that we get some answers founding of our nation; the rights to provide Puerto Rico with an orderly from the person we will be voting on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happi- bankruptcy-like process to restructure shortly. ness. These basic human rights are the its debt. I regret to say to the Senate that bedrock of our republic and at the According to the testimony of one this morning we are largely in the dark heart of American leadership in the Treasury official, ‘‘Without a com- with respect to Ms. Elwood’s views on world.’’ prehensive restructuring framework, the key questions I have outlined He underscored that our alliances Puerto Rico will continue to default on today. and partnerships ‘‘have been the cor- its debt, and litigation will intensify. I yield the floor. nerstone of our national security in the . . . As the cascading defaults and liti- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Presi- post-war era.’’ He commended the for- gation unfold, there is real risk of an- dent, President Trump has routinely eign service officers, civil servants, and other lost decade, this one more dam- attacked basic American freedoms—of locally employed staff who faithfully aging than the last.’’ So now, even with the press, of peaceful assembly, of reli- serve our country every day. a comprehensive restructuring frame- gion, of speech. When he lost the pop- These statements are a rejection of work, there is still a real risk of an- ular vote, President-elect Trump as- the worldview proposed by President other lost decade. sailed the integrity of our electoral Trump. I hope that Mr. Sullivan honors Ultimately, this debt restructuring process and falsely claimed that mil- these statements in office. For this framework was coupled with an inde- lions of people voted illegally. When reason, I support his nomination for pendent oversight board and adopted as the press exposed those falsehoods, Mr. Deputy Secretary of State. the Puerto Rico Oversight, Manage- Trump dismissed credible reporting as Mr. WYDEN. I suggest the absence of ment, and Economic Stability Act, re- ‘‘fake news.’’ When the courts ruled a quorum. ferred to as PROMESA. This approach,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3116 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 we were told, would tackle Puerto monwealth’s leaders, which, for years, mism. President Trump wants to ax Rico’s debt crisis in an orderly way and that leadership has been very lacking. $610 billion from Medicaid—the pro- would help to remedy the years of fis- There is a lesson to be learned. The gram that lifts up America’s veterans cal mismanagement. Nevertheless, I re- fiscal crisis in Puerto Rico should mo- and the most vulnerable men, women, mained concerned that PROMESA and tivate all 50 States, our cities, and ter- and children, capping the funding in its bankruptcy-like provisions would ritories to find the courage now to order to finance tax cuts for big busi- invite years of litigation and uncer- make tough choices, which are the nesses and the wealthiest among us. tainty due to the lack of existing court foundation of responsible governance, The budget further slashes the social precedent. rather than look to the Federal Gov- safety net by cutting the food stamp So it should be no surprise that a re- ernment and bankruptcy as a way out. program and eliminating critical social cent Bloomberg article titled ‘‘Puerto If they do not, the effect could be long- services programs. It directly hurts Rico’s Bankruptcy Fight is About to lasting, harming the vulnerable both children by cutting $6 billion from the Plunge Into the Unknown’’ described within their populations and outside of Children’s Health Insurance Program. the bankruptcy process as ‘‘a circular their borders. The President wants to choke off fund- firing’’ squad with ‘‘no established rule Obviously, what a lot of smart people ing for essential scientific research at book to shape what comes next.’’ The told us a year ago to solve Puerto the National Institutes of Health and article reports that one market analyst Rico’s debt problems simply has not infectious disease detection and re- ‘‘foresees a chaotic brew of lawsuits’’ worked out. sponse at the Centers for Disease Con- because ‘‘nobody has any idea what is So at a time when States, citizens, trol and Prevention, while also slash- going to happen.’’ and markets are all watching, we must ing funding for key global health ini- According to one news report, this is stress fiscal responsibility and pay at- tiatives that ensure economic sta- just the beginning, as PROMESA’s tention to what is happening there in bility. bankruptcy provisions are ‘‘more like- Puerto Rico. Otherwise, the uncer- Further demonstrating his misunder- ly to face years of appeal than a typ- tainty and chaos we were assured standing of the ripple effect Federal in- ical case.’’ would not come to pass may be just vestments can have, the President Despite assurances otherwise, what over the horizon. inexplicably wants to end the economic happens next in the months and years I yield the floor. development assistance programs to to follow may be far-reaching and like- I suggest the absence of a quorum. rural and economically distressed com- ly will impact us all. In particular, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The munities. I was particularly dis- prior to the enactment of PROMESA, clerk will call the roll. appointed that he would eliminate the Puerto Rico, like the States, couldn’t The legislative clerk proceeded to Appalachia Regional Commission, declare bankruptcy. I told you this last call the roll. which is very important to the people year, and it is as I predicted last year— Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask in the western part of my State as an granting Puerto Rico the authority to unanimous consent that the order for economic tool that can bring badly restructure all of its debts, including the quorum call be rescinded. needed jobs to Appalachia country. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without its State-like constitutional obliga- He wants to put the American dream objection, it is so ordered. tions, would be viewed as precedent for out of reach for would-be homeowners giving States similar authority. THE PRESIDENT’S BUDGET and seekers of safe and affordable hous- I am not really surprised to see this Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, on Tues- ing with the elimination of HUD’s rent- is happening right now. day President Trump sent his proposed al assistance and homeowner partner- Getting back to the fact that I told fiscal year 2018 budget to Congress. A ship programs. The President calls for the Senate a year ago. This past Sep- budget is supposed to reflect the Presi- shifting more than $143 billion in addi- tember, William Isaac, the former head dent’s priorities and the values our tional student loan payments to hard- of the FDIC, called on Congress to pass country holds dear. Unfortunately, working students and their families. a law ‘‘giv[ing] Illinois the option of President Trump’s full budget shows And he recommends ending a vital pro- utilizing chapter 9, which is akin to how much disdain he has for sup- gram that helps first responders, law what Congress just did for the Com- porting American families here at enforcement, teachers, nurses, librar- monwealth of Puerto Rico.’’ home, how little he values America’s ians, public safety, and military have a The New York Times reported on strong leadership around the world, chance to reduce the burden of their May 3 that ‘‘bankruptcy lawyers and and how much he misunderstands the student loans so that they can con- public finance experts are watching essential role the Federal Government tinue to serve their communities. The Puerto Rico’s case closely, to see if it has in keeping our air and water clean, President also continues the ill-con- shows a path that financially dis- roads and bridges functioning, and the ceived Republican assault on Federal tressed states like Illinois might also public safe from deadly diseases and workers and retirees with his proposal one day take.’’ other threats. for wholesale slashing the programs The Chicago Tribune’s editorial This President’s budget shows how and staff, such as the economic and en- board recently wrote that investors are much he values corporate profits and vironmentally important EPA and growing nervous about the talk of polluters over children’s health and Chesapeake Bay Program, making it States seeking a bankruptcy system demonstrates an irrational ignorance nearly impossible for many depart- after the fashion of Puerto Rico, call- of basic principles that have worked for ments to carry out their basic mission. ing Puerto Rico ‘‘the frightening ghost and against the American economy I want to talk a few minutes about of Illinois future.’’ throughout the years. The budget the foreign assistance budget. I have The editorial wondered how much wastes money on a border wall and de- the privilege of being the ranking Dem- more difficult it would be for States to portation force that will not make ocrat on the Senate Foreign Relations borrow money if lenders knew the America any safer and will tear apart Committee. In terms of our Nation’s States could shirk their obligations in families and communities. foreign policy, if the budget is a reflec- bankruptcy when that debt becomes President Trump fails to uphold the tion of values, then what the Trump due. promise he made as a candidate to pro- administration values is an American For those who weren’t listening to tect American workers and seniors, retreat from the world that would me last year, those who dismissed con- and he breaks new ground in the level make the United States less safe and cerns that PROMESA would set a trou- of uncertainty he is willing to inject secure. The numbers speak for them- bling and dangerous precedent should into our economy, our local commu- selves in the narrow-minded budget re- take notice and make sure that a one- nities, and relationships with our his- lease we have received. time piece of legislation does not cre- torical allies and economic partners. What is most perplexing about the ate a new norm. I hold out hope that More than any other Presidential budg- administration’s combined 31.7 percent PROMESA might manage to provide et in recent memory, this budget must gutting of international affairs spend- some help for Puerto Rico. be considered dead on arrival. ing—as Secretary Defense Mattis has Success, though, will ultimately re- President Trump’s full budget for fis- said: If you don’t fund the State De- quire strong leadership from the Com- cal year 2018 is an exercise in extre- partment Diplomacy Center, you had

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3117 better give the Defense Department guided and ill-conceived efforts to jeop- Weatherization Assistance Program, more bullets and soldiers. This is coun- ardize the health and well-being of our and State Energy Program. I guess terproductive to making the world a constituents under the Affordable Care Donald Trump wants low-income safer place for America. Act. Make no mistake about it, Presi- Americans to freeze in the dark. This is America is safer when the United dent Trump is trying to make sure shameful and reprehensible. States helps feed millions of starving that the healthcare system in this Yes, there is money for some ad- people in Africa and the Middle East, country does not work. He is delib- vancements—the advancement of the helps Europe defend its democratic in- erately putting at risk the cautionary so-called border wall with Mexico. I stitutions from Russia interference, provisions that are in the Affordable visited Mexico just a few months ago. I helps support countries and inter- Care Act, which ensure that many of visited the U.S.-Mexico border. I national organizations caring for vul- our constituents have affordable health couldn’t find one border security nerable refugee populations, helps rates without outrageous deductibles guard, security personnel, who felt train farmers and other technical or copays. The Trump administration that building a wall made any sense. It workers, helps lead the world in fight- is jeopardizing that. will not keep out the illegal flow of ing climate change and promoting The Trump administration is jeop- people or drugs, and it will compromise global health, and helps fund programs ardizing the Medicaid system—$610 bil- our ability to work with our neighbors to protect human rights and promote lion cut in the Medicaid system, which in the south to control immigration democracy. In each of these areas, the is critically important for some of our and to control drugs. The President’s administration has taken a penny-wise most vulnerable people. There are Executive order on immigration and and pound-foolish approach that will 280,000 Marylanders who gained essen- the President’s fiscal year 2018 budget cost lives abroad and endanger Ameri- tial health coverage through the Med- ramp up deportation forces inside the cans here at home. icaid expansion who will be left with- United States, which will do more to Each of the programs I mentioned out access to care. There are an esti- harm our national security and public are either eliminated or there are sig- mated 1.25 million Maryland Medicaid safety than to help. We shouldn’t be nificant cuts, making it impossible for enrollees who will no longer be able to moving in that direction. our dedicated Foreign Service officers depend on benefits like mental health Legal Services is one of the areas I to carry out the critically important and substance abuse, pediatric dental worked on for a long time with my Re- missions they undertake. services, or maternity coverage. publican colleagues to make sure we As I look at the massive spending Our President is recommending a $6 fund the Legal Services Corporation. cuts put forward by the White House billion cut in the Children’s Health In- The Trump budget completely elimi- for vital national security, it is impos- surance Program, the CHIP program. nates that funding. The late Justice sible to conclude that this is anything That is absolutely outrageous. There is Antonin Scalia said at Legal Services but an ‘‘America alone’’ budget—one a bipartisan effort in Congress to make Corporation’s 40th Anniversary Con- that, if enacted, will have disastrous sure the children of America have the ference in 2014: ‘‘LSC pursues the most effects on our standing in the world. Luckily, the majority of Members of health they need. fundamental of American ideals, and it Then there is a $7 billion—22-per- Congress know this budget is dead on pursues equal justice in those areas of cent—cut in the National Institutes of arrival. I look forward to working with life most important to the lives of our Health. Democrats and Republicans like-minded Republican colleagues to citizens.’’ have come together, recognizing that We believe in equal justice under the make sure nothing remotely close to this budget is enacted. America has provided the true leader- law. If a person cannot get legal help, Fortunately, our Founders developed ship and basic research to deal with the they cannot get equal justice under the a system of checks and balances with mysteries of illness, and the President law. And the President says there is no the Constitution providing that Con- wants to reverse that trend. That will Federal role for this. I hope that we gress appropriates public funds. It is not only cost us in terms of our health will soundly reject that. our responsibility to pass the appro- advancements, but it will also hurt our The President’s budget eliminates priations bill. I intend to do everything economy. the Community Development Block within my power to work with Repub- The President cuts the funds to the Grant Program. That is very troubling. licans, using the model of the fiscal National Institute on Minority Health Here is one of the more flexible pro- year 2017 Omnibus appropriations, to and Health Disparities. I thought we grams we offer the local government in prevent enactment of this outlandish had made a commitment that we are order to be able to make their own de- executive branch attempt to cripple going to narrow the gap of discrimina- cisions, and the President’s budget our economy and do lasting damage to tion in our healthcare system. The eliminates that program. our Nation’s global leadership. Con- President’s budget moves in the oppo- The President’s budget eliminates gress has a responsibility to ensure site direction. many of our programs under agri- that we have a more realistic budget In Social Services and Social Secu- culture, which will hurt our rural areas that helps the American public, con- rity, the President, on his campaign and hurt our farming community. The tributes to genuine economic growth, trail, promised not to cut the Social budget proposes to eliminate new en- and furthers America’s true values. Security system. He broke that prom- rollment in the Conservation Steward- I want to cite some examples in some ise with this budget. These cuts are a ship Program and funding for the Re- areas as to how detrimental this budg- ‘‘Robin Hood in reverse’’ budget. His gional Conservation Partnership Pro- et is. First of all, there are economic cuts in the Supplemental Security In- gram. I am very familiar with the Re- assumptions made by the President’s come Program and Social Security Dis- gional Conservation Partnership Pro- budget that are just not realistic. He ability Insurance Program will be dev- gram. It was put in the last farm reau- assumes there is going to be a 3-per- astating for low- and modest-income thorization bill. It was done as an ef- cent economic growth rate, which individuals, as well as persons with dis- fort to help deal with conservation in economists tell us is simply not real- abilities and those over 65 years of age. critically important areas, including istic. What does that mean? That So we have seen cuts to programs the the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It is a means there is about $2 trillion that is President claimed he would not cut very important program to preserving being used by economic assumptions when he was a candidate. The budget our bay and preserving farm land so which have no justification, meaning cuts nearly $200 billion from the Sup- that we can have both a healthy bay that we are going to see significant plemental Nutrition Assistance Pro- and healthy agriculture. The President budget deficits increase if this budget gram, SNAP, or food stamps, which eliminates those programs. I could go were to become law. The budget double helps low-income Americans with food on and on about agriculture—the many counts some of these gains in order to purchases. He also cuts the TANF Pro- programs that are either severely re- offset tax reductions. He is putting our gram, which helps people who are in stricted or eliminated under the Presi- economy at risk. need of assistance. The budget elimi- dent’s budget. In healthcare, the President’s budget nates the LIHEAP, Low Income Home In education, the fiscal year 2018 continues the administration’s mis- Energy Assistance Program, the budget released by President Trump

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3118 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 may be entitled ‘‘A New Foundation discovered similar things in New Jer- ment System, including current retir- for American Greatness,’’ but Presi- sey and Pennsylvania. In Baltimore, ees, and reduce them by half a percent- dent Trump and Secretary of Edu- our public school system cannot con- age point for people in the old Civil cation Betsy DeVos have severely un- nect their water fountains to the water Service Retirement System, including dercut our students, educators, and supply because of lead contamination. current retirees. public schools. The budget proposes to We need to have a greater commitment According to certified financial plan- eliminate the Preschool Development to make sure that the water supply to ner Art Stein, the annuity would lose Grant Program, a program that has America is safe. one-third of its value over 20 years if successfully placed more than 2,700 ad- Under the budget, the Office of Com- inflation averages between 2 and 3 per- ditional 4-year-olds in high-quality pliance would be cut by one-third of its cent annually, and nearly half of its preschool programs across my State. budget. That is EPA not being able to value if inflation averages 4 percent. The vulnerable children in this pro- enforce the law. Aren’t we a country of According to the National Active and gram get a boost that helps them to the rule of law? You would not think so Retired Federal Employees Associa- lower the achievement gap among stu- under President Trump’s budget. tion, the average FERS annuitant dents of color, low-income children, The President’s budget also does not would lose $99,471 over 20 years, and the and children with disabilities across contain a critical infrastructure plan. average CSRS annuitant would lose my State. We should be expanding We heard that during the campaign. $60,576 over 20 years under the Trump these programs, not reducing them. But nowhere in this budget is he pro- budget. And 85 Members of this body voted in viding for that increase. Instead, it That is outrageous. That is out- favor of the Every Student Succeeds proposes cuts in some of the highway rageous. We are talking about people Act and the Student Support and Aca- trust programs. who are already retired. They can’t re- demic Enrichment Grant Program. Every day, civil servants perform enter the workforce. They have no That progress is jeopardized by the countless tasks that help support and choice. Yet we are telling them that President’s budget. defend and protect America. Civil serv- they are not going to get what we Yes, he finds money for a new pro- ants are saving lives, empowering promised. It is important to under- gram to help school choice programs, small businesses, keeping America safe stand that 85 percent of the Federal which will undermine the progress we from harm, and otherwise ensuring a workforce is located beyond the Wash- have made in public education. Mr. safe and prosperous future for our ington metropolitan area. Federal President, 95 percent of our students country, including our children and workers are in big cities and small get their education through the public families. We know that our Federal towns across America, striving to schools, and that is jeopardized by the employees often perform the type of make things better for their neighbors. $1.25 billion the President has included work that no one else can do. It is a Do we really want to engage in a race in his budget for school choice pro- highly qualified Federal workforce. On to the bottom with respect to our Fed- grams. May 5, Donald Trump issued a procla- eral workers? These are the people who Maryland families understand the mation declaring May 7 through 13, make sure our parents’ Social Security value of higher education. For too 2017, as Public Service Recognition checks arrive on time. They make sure many, the cost of higher education Week. He stated: the air we breathe, the water we drink, means that it is difficult, if not impos- Throughout my first 100 days, I have seen and the food we eat are safe. They are sible, for their children to have the the tremendous work civil servants do to ful- trying to find a cure for our spouse’s higher education they need. Yet the fill our duty to the American people. At all cancer and our sibling’s type 1 diabe- President’s budget takes away some of levels of government, our public servants put tes. the tools we have in order to afford our country and our people first. They support our sons and daughters higher education. That is just not He has a bizarre way of showing his in harm’s way, and they care for the right. We should be making higher edu- appreciation. Earlier this week, he re- wounded warriors at home. They patrol cation more affordable, not less afford- leased a budget that punishes Federal our borders and discover and disrupt able. workers by making them pay much terrorist threats aimed at our commu- In the environment, the President’s more for their pensions, an additional nity. They are working to ensure that proposed budget would eliminate the $5,000 for an average Federal worker, our grandchildren inherit a habitable Chesapeake Bay Program. The Chesa- while making these pensions much climate. When we punish Federal work- peake Bay Program and related efforts smaller. ers—30 percent of whom are veterans, are delivering encouraging results The relentless assault on the Federal by the way—we are not just harming throughout the watershed and have workforce must end. The civilian work- them and their families, but we are built a tremendous movement forward. force was smaller last year than it was harming each and every American. Yet President Trump has still targeted 40 years ago, according to data from I intend to do everything within my them for elimination. The local gov- the Office of Personnel Management. power to work with Republicans, using ernments are doing their job in stew- Federal workers increasingly have the model of the fiscal year 2017 omni- ardship of the bay. The States are been asked to do more and more with bus appropriations, to prevent the en- doing their job. Our stakeholders are less and less. They have already sac- actment of this dangerous executive doing their job. We depend upon the rificed financially, contributing $190 branch attempt to cripple our economy Federal Government to monitor and billion to deficit reduction just since and do lasting damage to our Nation’s make sure that the programs are 2011. global leadership. Congress has the re- there—that all stakeholders are doing Workers hired in 2012 already are sponsibility to ensure that we have a their fair share. The elimination of the paying more for smaller pensions. Se- more realistic budget that helps the Chesapeake Bay Program would jeop- questration-related furloughs cost Fed- American public, contributes to gen- ardize all of that progress. We cannot eral workers $1 billion in lost pay, and uine economic growth, and furthers let that happen. there was a 3-year pay freeze from 2011 America’s true values. The President’s budget would cut the to 2013, and substandard rises since I yield the floor. EPA budget by 31.4 percent, the most then. Salaries and wages have fallen 6.5 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. severe cut of any major Federal agen- percent since 2010, adjusted for infla- DAINES). The Senator from Utah. cy. The investment in our Nation’s tion. HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION water and waste water infrastructure Now comes the latest attack on the Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise has been flatlined through this budget Federal worker’s pension, on top of today to speak about the continuing ef- proposal. continued attacks on pay, healthcare fort to repeal and replace ObamaCare. What in the world makes President and other benefits, collective bar- This effort has essentially been going Trump think that our Nation’s drink- gaining, and due process rights. Presi- on since the day the bill was signed ing water infrastructure shall be kept dent Trump would eliminate the an- into law. I think most of us on the Re- at status quo? Don’t we all remember nual cost of living adjustments for peo- publican side recognize the over- what happened in Flint, MI? We have ple in the Federal Employees Retire- whelming consensus surrounding the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3119 failures of ObamaCare as a major rea- said with the ObamaCare taxes, Repub- look forward to working with my col- son we currently find ourselves in the licans have spent years condemning leagues on these issues and to finding majority. the individual mandate as an unconsti- solutions that will help us keep the As you know, the House passed the tutional assault on individual liberty. promises we made to our constituents. American Health Care Act, a bill that We have also argued that it was inef- I yield the floor. would repeal and replace ObamaCare, fective and that it has failed to draw The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- earlier this month. This is an impor- enough younger and healthier con- ator from Missouri. tant step in the process. Later today, sumers into the insurance market in Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I want to we expect to hear from the Congres- order to offset the cost of ObamaCare’s follow the comments made by the sional Budget Office about the House draconian market reform mandates. President pro tempore of the Senate— bill. The CBO score will lay down an I don’t see how we can now turn on a the Senator from Utah—talking about important marker for the repeal and dime and say that the individual man- problems that people have and prob- replace efforts in the Senate. It will date is now somehow acceptable be- lems that grow every day with their fu- allow us to work to ensure that the cause we are using it to prop up a sys- ture look at healthcare and what it House bill fits into the constraints of tem that Republicans have designed. may mean for their families. the reconciliation rules in the Senate, Like the taxes, the individual mandate, This is a top-of-the-mind issue for while we continue to strive toward our in my view, needs to be repealed. Last- families in Utah, or Missouri, where I own policy goals to implement patient- ly, we need to resist any temptation to am from, or Montana, where the Pre- centered healthcare and healthcare re- alter the tax treatment of employer- siding Officer is from, or Massachu- forms that address cost and promote provided health insurance as part of setts. Anywhere in the country, anyone choice and competition. this particular exercise. Don’t get me who is looking at this system and hop- I am very interested in what they wrong. There have been a number of ing to have a system they could rely on say. These changes are more important health reform proposals over the years is finding that it is just not working. than ever. Just today, we received a re- that have dealt with this issue, includ- This is a plan that clearly has failed. It port from HHS that, from the time ing a legislative framework that I was a plan that gave all kinds of assur- ObamaCare took effect through 2017, drafted, along with two of my col- ances, virtually none of which have there was an average premium increase leagues. However, given the limitations been kept. of 105 percent across the 39 States we face in this current exercise and the In our State today, we got some bad using healthcare.gov. This is just one fact that we are not starting from a news in Missouri about what that snapshot of the runaway costs of blank slate but rather attempting to health insurance exchange looks like ObamaCare, and it is just one of many repeal a law that has been imple- next year. Blue Cross Blue Shield examples indicating why we need to mented for a number of years, we serves 30 counties in our State. An- act as quickly as possible to repeal and should be wary of the impact of pulling other Blue Cross-related group, An- replace the misguided law. employer-sponsored insurance into this them, serves the rest of the State. But As the Senate continues to discuss current debate. today, Blue Cross Blue Shield an- the policy matters related to this ef- The purpose of this budget reconcili- nounced that it is going to pull out of fort, we will need to confront a number ation exercise to repeal and replace the exchanges next year. Some 31,000 of different issues as we work to pro- ObamaCare is to address costs in the people in 25 counties around Kansas vide enduring reforms for our belea- individual markets. I believe it is im- City will have no insurer at this mo- guered healthcare system. As chairman portant that everyone, whether they ment who is willing to sell policies on of the Senate committee with jurisdic- are Members of Congress, stakeholders the individual exchange. This is dev- tion over most of the salient issues in the business community, or living astating news for those families— under discussion, I want to make my elsewhere in the country, manage their maybe they are already on their second views on these matters very clear. expectations about the possible out- or third insurance company in as many First, it is my view that all of the comes of this process given the limita- years—trying to wade through yet an- ObamaCare taxes need to go. We should tions we are facing. other individual plan that tells them not be treating the ObamaCare taxes as While the constraints inherent to the what might or might not be covered. a smorgasbord, picking and choosing budget reconciliation process may be This is certainly a long way from the which ones to keep and which to dis- inconvenient at the specific moment, assurances that you would be able to card. I don’t think there is a single tax they serve a number of important pur- keep your plan and you would be able increase in ObamaCare that has en- poses. Under this process, the Senate to continue to see the doctors you like. joyed support on this Republican side. will need to reduce the deficit by at It seems a long way from that pledge. When all is said and done, the tax least as much as the House bill. There Remember that pledge? If you like provisions of the Affordable Care Act is no way around that. The process for your plan, you can keep your plan. If represented a trillion-dollar hit on the determining what provisions of the you like your doctor, you can keep economy in just the first 10 years. That House bill will need to be changed is your doctor. It didn’t turn out to be is nearly 1 percent of the projected still ongoing. Of course, we will have to that way at all. gross domestic product over the same take a good long look at the numbers In fact, in the five other counties period. In my view, it would be inap- we get from CBO later today. that Blue Cross is leaving in our propriate, after spending the better Not only do we need to take into ac- State—and I don’t say this with any part of a decade railing against count the CBO numbers and the budget disrespect toward that nonprofit com- ObamaCare’s burdensome job-killing rules, but we also need to consider pany—they are losing money. This sys- taxes, for us to then turn around and what the best policy is, and, at the end tem won’t work, and that is why we are say that some of them are fine so long of the day, what approach is doable. We down from multiple companies willing as they are being used to fund Repub- can do a lot in this exercise, but we to offer insurance in all kinds of coun- lican healthcare proposals. should not make this the be-all and ties around the country to now States, It is very simple. We need to repeal end-all of our healthcare reform effort. like Iowa, having no insurance com- all of the ObamaCare taxes—the med- As I said before, everyone should be pany at all that will offer an individual ical device tax, the health insurance managing their expectations at this policy anywhere. tax, the so-called Cadillac tax, the point. While we can and should be am- In the five metropolitan counties in taxes on healthcare savings and phar- bitious in our efforts, we need to be re- the Kansas area, they have three com- maceuticals, and several others. They alistic about the limitations that exist petitors this year in those five coun- all have to go. and be willing to practice the art of the ties. Humana announced in February Second, we need to fully repeal the doable, to compromise, and to really that they would be leaving next year. individual mandate. There has been recognize what issues will need to be Blue Cross announced today that they some talk about keeping the mandate set aside for another day. would be leaving. So 5 metropolitan around temporarily, if nothing else, to None of this is going to be easy, but counties at this moment, at least, have help shore up the new system. But as I I believe we are up to the challenge. I only one company that will even offer

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3120 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 a policy, and 25 counties have no com- some cruel joke that somebody is com- promised it would provide care for less pany that will offer a policy based on ing up with that couldn’t have been money. They promised that you could that announcement. If you only have further from the truth. When you are keep your doctor and that you could one choice, do you really have any battling cancer and you lose access to keep your insurance. They promised choices at all? the doctors you know and trust, no rea- that if you just allowed Washington to Under this plan, unless we go in a sonable person can argue to you that have more control, everything would very different direction, the choice is the system we have is working. The be better for you. It hasn’t worked out to buy the policy or pay the penalty. status quo is unacceptable. It is clearly that way. These are the numbers we This exchange that was promised unsustainable. are looking at today, and it looks as if where the average family would see There is a lot of discussion about prices are going to go up again next their insurance costs go down $2,500 a what kind of change we are going to year because of the mandates and the year—this is as far from that promise have. The ‘‘why’’ here is more impor- requirements of the Obama healthcare as you could possibly get. Not only has tant than the ‘‘how.’’ The ‘‘why’’ here law. your policy likely gone up more than is the most important part of this de- In Connecticut, insurance companies $2,500, but your deductible has gone up bate because the reason we have to say they want an average increase of in even higher percentages than that. change is that the system we have is about 24 percent; in Maryland, the av- Certainly, 30 percent of the counties absolutely not working. erage is 45 percent; and in Oregon, 17 in America right now only have one Americans like Holly and all the percent. Americans are again facing company that will offer insurance. As I families in the Kansas City area who double-digit increases in their said earlier, our neighboring State to are certain to lose this year’s coverage ObamaCare premiums next year, just the north, Iowa, has no company that next year may or may not have cov- like this past year. will offer insurance to anybody on the erage at all. No company besides this Some companies simply said: Hey, I individual market. What kind of sys- one company that left was willing to be am done. I am not going to sell any- tem is that? there this year. They deserve better. more. It is just not worth it. In my State, we have 114 counties That is why I am going to continue to That is what Aetna has done—pulled and the city of St. Louis in addition to work with my Senate colleagues to out entirely. The thing that is so inter- esting about Aetna’s decision is that those 114 counties. At this moment, 97 give families more choices to expand they were one of the major cheer- of them have only one company that their access to the healthcare providers leaders early on back in the beginning will offer insurance. Unless things they want and the kind of insurance of ObamaCare. They said: Oh yeah, we change dramatically, in January, 25 of coverage they would like to have. those 97 will have no company that will This plan simply hasn’t worked, it want to do this. We want to sell insur- ance all around the country. Well, now offer insurance. Now, 77 counties—un- isn’t working, and it is going to get they are pulling out of ObamaCare all less the one company offering insur- worse before it gets better. That is why across America. What that means for ance decides it can’t participate in that we are debating how to change it, not people at home is that they have fewer market either—would have only one debating the effort that has totally choice. I think it is likely that those 77 choices. failed. Now we need to get in and figure People living in two-thirds of the counties will see some change in out how to stabilize this marketplace counties in this country—and in every whether they have one choice or no and answer those important questions county in my home State of Wyo- choice. for families all over this country who ming—are down to fewer and fewer Last week, I came to the floor to talk not only don’t have the coverage they choices. We have one choice of a car- about Missourians who have problems want, but they also don’t have access rier to buy from on the exchange in and who are seeing their out-of-pocket to the healthcare they need. Wyoming. In two-thirds of the coun- costs skyrocket under this. Let me I yield the floor. ties, people have only one or two share another story about one of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- choices. There are now places where several people we heard from this ator from Wyoming. people have no choices. Even if they week. Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I get a subsidy under ObamaCare, there Holly is a cancer survivor. She lives congratulate my colleague from Mis- is no place they can use it, so it is use- in Southeast Missouri. She was forced souri for the excellent comments he less to them. again this year to switch insurance made. The companies that remain—what policies when the insurance company I bring to the floor a report that are they doing to help try to control she had left the individual exchange, came out last evening, which is essen- costs? Well, they are cutting back on the ObamaCare exchange. That left tially the analysis that the Obama ad- access to doctors and to hospitals, as Holly with only one choice. Again, peo- ministration never wanted the Amer- we just heard is the situation of the pa- ple in the vast majority of our counties ican people to see, and it has to do with tient in Missouri. have the same option—they have one ObamaCare from 2013 to 2017. This re- Democrats say that people have to option. Holly had one option, and that port that the Obama administration buy the insurance anyway because carrier didn’t cover any of her four would love to hide from the American they say they put a mandate on it. cancer doctors. Now, remember, this is people makes the point that my col- Americans, like it or not, you have to a cancer survivor who literally has league from Missouri just made. buy ObamaCare insurance. If you don’t been in a fight for her life, and now she In those years, from 2013 to 2017, once like it, we are going to fine you. That can’t get a policy that allows her to see ObamaCare came into place, premiums is what the Democrats said. Well, in the doctors in whom, in that fight for around the country in the States that spite of the mandate, 20 million Ameri- her life, she developed confidence. So are buying on the Federal ObamaCare cans said ‘‘No, thank you,’’ and about 8 that means she can’t see her oncologist exchange went up 105 percent on aver- million paid a fine. Another 12 million under any policy she can get. She can’t age—more than double. It more than got an exemption because there are ac- see the radiation oncologist, the sur- doubled in 20 States, and it tripled in tually 41 different ways you can get ex- gical oncologist, and the reconstruc- three States: Oklahoma, Alaska, and empted from ObamaCare. People real- tive surgeon. None of those people are Alabama. In Wyoming, it went up 107 ize it is not a good deal for them. They now available to her. percent in just 4 years. Tell me some- know ObamaCare has made insurance This is in a world where Holly, you, thing else that has gone up by that so expensive that it is not a good value me—all of us were told: If you like price in our lives anywhere over that for their hard-earned dollars. your doctor, you can keep your doctor. short period of time. Those are the It is astonishing to hear Democrats Well, she liked all four of her doctors, numbers that are out today. now say that basically the problem was and she can’t keep any of those doc- More than 7 years ago, the Wash- that Washington didn’t have enough tors. We were told: If you like your pol- ington Democrats wrote an enormously control. We need more government icy, you can keep your policy. If it costly and complicated healthcare law. control, they are saying. There are a weren’t so serious, looking back at They forced it through the Senate, and number of Democrats who want a sin- that promise, it would be like it was they made lots of promises. They gle-payer healthcare system. Some call

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3121 it Medicare for all. They can call it The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ago that if Trump abandons efforts to what they want—it means higher costs objection, it is so ordered. implement the Paris Agreement, ‘‘Chi- and more Washington control over the Mr. CARPER. Thank you, Mr. Presi- na’s influence and voice are likely to healthcare American families need. dent. Good afternoon. increase in global climate governance, The State of Vermont looked at this PARIS AGREEMENT which will then spill over into other idea a couple of years ago. Even in this Mr. President, there is an African areas of global governance and increase very small, very liberal State, they proverb that goes something like this: China’s global standing, power and dropped the idea almost immediately. If you want to go fast, go alone; if you leadership.’’ Why? Because they said it was too ex- want to go far, go together. The Chinese clearly understand that pensive. The Paris Agreement was developed the Paris Agreement affords their That didn’t stop other States from in that spirit; that 195 nations and ter- country the opportunity to emerge in looking at it. Recently, this occurred ritories can do more to protect our the 21st century as a clean energy su- in the State of California. Democrats planet from climate change, the great- perpower. in California recently offered a plan to est environmental challenge of our life- I have been there. A year ago, I was have the State take control of all time, than the United States or any there. In the trains they built and the healthcare for everyone who lives country can do isolated or on its own. train systems they built, the huge elec- there. Universal healthcare for all, Nearly 200 countries now have agreed tric buses, all electric buses that I they call it—doctor visits, hospitals, to do their part to limit our global rode, it is clear they know what they inpatient care, outpatient care, emer- temperature rise by developing na- are doing, and their intent was to eat gencies, dental, vision, mental health, tional plans to reduce their own emis- our lunch by pursuing this clean sus- nursing homes, everything, cradle to sions. tainable energy approach. grave, universal health coverage. Unfortunately, those in the Trump So what do the stories in the Cali- We know climate change is a global administration seem to be the only fornia papers say about this? Well, challenge that does not respect na- they did a budget analysis. The budget tional borders. Emissions anywhere af- ones who don’t recognize that. Some office of the State of California did a fect people everywhere, with the poor- day they will wish they had, and the budget analysis and said: What would est and most vulnerable populations af- rest of us will wish we had too. With- such a thing cost? They came up with fected most. There is a reason why we drawing from this pact doesn’t put a cost of $400 billion a year. That call it ‘‘global warming.’’ We know no America first, it puts America behind. sounds like a big number, but how do one country, no one region, no one con- You don’t have to take my word for you put that in perspective? What else tinent can solve this problem alone. it. Just ask our business community. can you do? Four hundred billion dol- President Trump’s inner circle has a They see the clear benefits for their lars. So they said: Well, let’s compare different take on this historical agree- businesses and for America if we con- it to the budget of the entire State of ment. For instance, during an appear- tinue to play a lead role in the imple- California. The entire budget for the ance on ‘‘Fox and Friends’’ last month, mentation of the Paris Agreement. State of California today is $190 billion, Scott Pruitt, the EPA Administrator, Over 1,000 American companies and in- so the cost of universal healthcare denounced the Paris Agreement, call- vestors, some of which are represented alone is twice the budget of the whole ing it ‘‘a bad deal for America.’’ here on this chart, have written to State of California. That includes Asked about his biggest objection to President Trump urging his adminis- teachers, firefighters, police, every- the accord, this is what he said. He tration and him to address climate thing. They are proposing to spend claimed China and India had no obliga- change through the implementation of twice the amount that they spend on tion until 2030—no obligation until the Paris Agreement. The businesses, everything on universal healthcare. 2030—even though ‘‘they are polluting which include Exxon, Starbucks, So what do the Democrats say? Well, far more than we are.’’ Apple, General Mills, Walmart, Nike, we will just have to raise taxes. That is Well, that is just false. First, in 2015, Morgan Stanley, and BP—just to name their answer to so much of everything. the United States on a per capita basis a few—this is what all these companies I guess they figure that hard-working produced more than double the carbon and their leaders said: Failure to em- families in California would need to dioxide emissions of China—more than brace the Paris accords ‘‘puts Amer- pay these taxes every year—not just double—and eight times more than ican prosperity at risk. But the right once but every year because that price India. Also, contrary to what the Ad- action now will create jobs and boost tag is $400 billion each and every year. ministrator continues to espouse, both U.S. competitiveness.’’ Democrats have no good ideas on how China and India have pledged to reach I have another chart. to deal with this collapse of their carbon emissions reduction goals We have two letters here. One was ObamaCare. Republicans are offering by 2030, which means they are taking written to a new President, President real solutions. We are looking for ways steps now—not 5 years from now, not 10 Obama, in 2009. Again, this is a full- to bring costs down, to give people years from now, not 13 years from page ad. more freedom, and to give people more now—now, to meet those commit- This is another ad that appeared in control over their own healthcare. We ments. India is on schedule to be the the past week to another new Presi- are working to make sure people can world’s third largest solar market by dent, in this case, President Trump. In- get the care they need from a doctor the end of 2017. In fact, last year, India teresting enough, back in 2009, a Man- they choose at a lower cost. We don’t unveiled the largest solar power facil- hattan businessman named Donald J. have that with ObamaCare. ity in the world. Trump agreed with the 1,000 companies The Democrats are pushing the exact Meanwhile, Chinese leaders have or- I mentioned earlier—the 1,000 compa- opposite approach. They are offering dered their country’s coal companies to nies that said we ought to do some- higher costs, higher taxes, more gov- cut 1.3 million jobs over the next 5 thing about climate change. We ought ernment control, more government say years. Some of these workers will find to get on board and lead the way. Busi- in your family’s life. jobs in the clean energy sector, which nessman Donald J. Trump agreed with ObamaCare has failed. Republicans Beijing expects to generate more than them and joined CEOs to run an ad in are committed to finding long-term so- the New York Times urging then-Presi- lutions to our Nation’s healthcare 13 million jobs by 2020. Make no mistake, if the United needs. dent Obama to ‘‘lead the world by ex- Thank you. I yield the floor. States cedes its leadership position on ample,’’ ahead of the U.N. Climate I suggest the absence of a quorum. climate change, China will be ready Change Conference in Copenhagen. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The and willing to assume that role—our In the ad right here, Donald Trump clerk will call the roll. role. In doing so, they will move ahead, called on President Obama to allow the The senior assistant legislative clerk and we will fall behind. It is just that United States of America ‘‘to serve in proceeded to call the roll. simple. modeling the change necessary to pro- Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I ask We have a chart here that includes a tect humanity and our planet.’’ unanimous consent that the order for quote from China’s top climate nego- Eight years later, the person who the quorum call be rescinded. tiator. He told Reuters about 6 months signed this letter and joined all these

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3122 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 other CEOs in saying to President not the company we ought to be keep- Muslim countries from around the Obama: ‘‘Wake up. Let’s do something ing, and that is not who we are. world, hosted by Saudi Arabia. The about this climate change stuff. Make When it comes to global challenges President was giving his speech. He sure we are leading the parade’’—8 such as terrorism and cyber attacks, was using a teleprompter, but a lot of years later, he is not signing the letter. the United States doesn’t sit back and Presidents use teleprompters. He was He is the addressee on the letter, from, wait for someone else to lead. We lead. reading a speech off of the tele- again, hundreds of CEOs from around America leads the way. We always prompter. As I was listening, I actually the country, and they are urging him have. It is part of the fabric of our Na- thought that this was a pretty good to do the very same thing Donald J. tion. speech. Closer to the end of the Trump had urged Barack Obama to do To win our freedom, we took on the speech—I do not know if he went off 8 years earlier. If you ever want to mightiest nation on Earth at the time, camera or went off the teleprompter think of something that is ironic, find England, not once but twice, and beat and just did an inaudible or if this was an example of two full-page ads that them. A half century later, we survived part of the speech—he started talking sort of represent the term ‘‘irony,’’ this a bloody Civil War that took hundreds about Iran and why they are a nemesis is it. This is it. of thousands of lives and left hundreds to a lot of the world and are not to be The companies noted in this second of thousands more crippled and wound- trusted—somebody we should not be full-page ad that the Paris Agreement ed. After that war, our President was doing business with or going into any provides just the kind of framework we assassinated and his successor, Andrew kind of agreements with, even an need. So U.S. businesses still recognize Johnson, was impeached. Somehow we agreement that causes them not to be that our country leading the world in survived all that and we went on to able to build a nuclear weapon. addressing climate change is the right lead our allies to victory in World War In any event, I thought to myself approach. We might want to ask: Why I and World War II. We led our country that there is a real irony here because, doesn’t our President, Donald Trump, out of the Great Depression and into as he was going on and berating Iran, realize that? With the Paris Agree- victory in the Cold War as well. they were still counting the votes in ment, the global community rightly Americans should, once again, be Iran from the election that had oc- recognized that there are challenges leading the world to combat what is curred the day before, which is unlike bigger than any one State and came to- likely to be the greatest challenge we many of the countries that were rep- gether to do what is best for our collec- will face in our lifetimes. Our children resented and that President Trump was tive future. and their children are counting on this, addressing in that they do not have It is not the first time the global and we should not let them down. elections in those countries. Women do community came together for the Somebody asked me how long it not get to hold office or run for office greater good. In 1944, the world came would take to read a list of the 195 na- in many of those countries. together at the Convention on Inter- tions that have signed on to the Paris Let me just be the first to say that, national Civil Aviation to regulate Peace Accords, and I have the names clearly, Iran is not a Jeffersonian de- international air travel so planes could right here. I am not sure I can cor- mocracy, and, as some would suggest of avoid flying into one another in the rectly pronounce all of the names— late, maybe our credentials are some- not-so-friendly skies of the future. maybe page 1 and the last page, and I what tarnished on that too. I think of In 1968, the nonproliferation treaty will leave it at that. the over 1,600 people who registered to helped prevent the spread of nuclear It starts out with Afghanistan, Alba- run for President in Iran. There were weapons, promote the peaceful use of nia, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua 1,600 people in Iran who wanted to run nuclear energy, and further the goal of and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aus- for President this year, and Iran’s disarmament to help keep our world tralia, Austria, Azerbaijan, the Baha- Guardian Council only allowed 6, ulti- safe. mas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and Bar- mately, to run. In 1977, the Chemical Weapons Con- bados. Iran has never allowed a woman to vention outlawed the production, That is the first page, and it goes on run for President. Women do hold stockpiling, and use of chemical weap- and on and on. elected positions. They serve in the ons, which the world agreed were inhu- I will finish up with Turkmenistan, parliament and in municipal positions, mane. Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab but none of them has ever run for On these critical issues, the world Emirates, United Kingdom, United President. We have had one or two or came together overwhelmingly to do States of America, Uruguay, Uzbek- maybe three. what was in the best interest of hu- istan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Iran does not enjoy a free press. manity rather than the best interest of Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. International election observers are one single nation, but even these other There are 195 in all. We ought to be strictly forbidden, and there are wide- historic and frankly commonsense in company with the names of all of spread allegations that Iran’s 2009 agreements don’t have as many signers the countries that are on that list. We Presidential elections, in which as the Paris Agreement does. should not be in the company of the Ahmadinejad was supposedly re- We hear numbers thrown around a lot one that is down here by itself—Syria. elected—I doubt that he was, but there when we talk about the Paris Agree- Mr. President, how much time do I are a lot of people who think those ment, but to put the number of signers have remaining? elections were rigged. in context, let me just say it is nearly The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- In Iran, most of the final decisions the whole world—nearly the whole ator from Delaware has 13 minutes re- rest with the Supreme Leader, at least world. maining until the vote. decisions of consequence, and the Su- If you wonder what 195 national flags Mr. CARPER. Thank you. preme Leader, as we know, is not popu- look like, pretty much the whole IRAN larly elected by the people of that world, this chart depicts that. There Mr. President, one of the countries country. are two flags down here that have not on this list of the 195 subscribing to Here is what happened in the elec- signed, and one of those is Nicaragua. and signing on to the Paris Agreement tions in Iran over the weekend. A lot of They didn’t sign because they thought was the country of Iran. I want to talk people turned out to vote, and they the Paris accords didn’t go far enough. a little bit about Iran in the time that were willing to support a candidate The other country that didn’t sign on remains. who openly advocates for engagement is Syria. So, in effect, there is really I came home from church this past with the West, including with us. The only one country that has refused to Sunday. My wife and I were in the Supreme Leader of Iran, frankly, did accept the basis of the Paris Agree- kitchen—we were fixing breakfast— not want President Rouhani to be re- ment, this huge Paris accord, and that when I turned on the television and elected, but he was, with nearly 60 per- one nation is Syria. watched, I think it was, CNN. They cent of the vote. In fact, the Supreme Our withdrawing leaves the United were broadcasting live from Saudi Ara- Leader, I think, and others urged oth- States in company with Bashar al- bia our President’s talking to a large ers to get out of the race so that there Assad. We will be his wingman. That is group of national leaders representing would be just a one-on-one against a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3123 hard-line candidate, who was favored ware. When I was a Congressman, I led ‘‘Agony.’’ We had another airline in by the Supreme Leader, and President a six-member congressional delegation, this country called ‘‘Tree Top.’’ In Rouhani, who turned out to be favored including one former U.S. POW, Air Iran, they do not have an airline to be in the election by almost 60 percent of Force Capt. Pete Peterson, who spent 6 proud of, as they have very old air- the voters. years in the Hanoi Hilton. We went planes and not especially safe air- Of the people who voted, I do not back to Vietnam a month after I planes. Like Vietnam, they want to know how this breaks out by age, but stepped down as a captain in the U.S. buy our airplanes—a lot of them, for a the country of Iran is a young country. Navy. We went back to Vietnam, Cam- lot of money. They had their revolution back in the bodia, and Laos to find out what hap- I would hope that we could be smart late 1970s. You may recall they cap- pened to the thousands of MIAs whose enough to say that maybe we should tured our Embassy and held our folks bodies were never recovered. We do not sell to them. We are not going to sell hostage during the end of the Carter know how they died or where they died them military equipment. We sell mili- administration. They created a lot of or when they died, but we went back tary equipment to Vietnam now, but havoc—not a lot of bloodshed but a lot and tried to get to the truth. We did so we are not going to do that kind of of havoc—and a lot of bad will from at the behest and encouragement of the thing with Iran. Maybe, if we are that point in time until almost to this George Herbert Walker Bush adminis- smart, we can sell them airplanes and, day. tration. later on, the parts to the airplanes and, Most of the people who live in Iran We took with us a roadmap to nor- later on, other things as well. We today are under the age of 30. A clear malize relations between the United should start small and go from there, majority of them were not alive in 1970 States and Vietnam. Lo and behold, we as we have with Vietnam. to 1979. They never knew the fellow ended up getting to meet their brand I will close, but if I could, I want to who led that revolution in Iran in the new leader, Do Muoi. He was a brand just say that our President, who has late 1970s. Most of the people in that new leader who had only been in office called for the isolation of Iran, also country today were born after 1979. for a week. We presented our roadmap has, basically, praised the actions of I have talked to any number of to normalize relations. The six of us— President Duterte, of the Philippines, Americans, including those who have Democrat and Republican Members of the leader of the Philippines. Do you held senior positions in previous ad- the House—had a very emotional meet- know what he has done? He has ministrations who have gone to Iran in ing with him—a very emotional meet- launched a campaign of extrajudicial recent years, and they all tell me the ing—and said that these are the things murders and has killed over 8,000 peo- same story. They could not believe how you have to do. If you want to nor- ple. welcomed they were by people every- malize relations with us, give us access He has warmly welcomed the leader where—young people and not so young to crash sites, the ability to excavate of Turkey, Erdogan, who may have won people, but especially by young people. crash sites, the ability to talk to peo- or may not have won a tight election There was a fascination on the part of ple who live in those areas and commu- that gives him extraordinary powers as especially the young people with our nities that are around those crash the leader of that country. country, and there actually appears to sites, the ability to go into your war The President welcomed to the White be a fair amount of respect and admira- museums, and the ability to go into House Egyptian President El-Sisi, who tion for our country. They would like your military archives and get as much came to power through military inter- to have a better relationship with our information as we can. We said that we vention and not an elected govern- country. wanted our folks—U.S. folks—to be ment. President Trump has said re- They turned out and voted for a able to go around the country, to trav- cently that he would be ‘‘honored’’ to President. They also voted in munic- el around their country. If somebody meet with North Korean leader Kim ipal elections over the weekend. In the reports seeing a round-eye, or some- Jong un, and that is despite the re- municipal elections, they voted out body who might be American, we want peated threats from the Korean leader some sitting mayors of cities like to be able to go find him. to launch nuclear weapons at the Tehran, which is the capital city. The A long story short, they did all of the United States and our allies. mayor there was a hard-liner, and, ap- things we asked them to do. Pete Somehow all of those things that this parently, he has been knocked out of Peterson, a Member of our delegation, President has done and the things that office or will be shortly. There are became the U.S. Ambassador to Viet- he has spoken out against, including many other municipal leaders, and a nam. He made sure that the Viet- having any kind of relationship with moderate reformist will be succeeding namese kept to the letter and spirit of Iran, does not seem, to me, to be con- one of the hard-liners. that agreement. They did, and we nor- sistent. I will be polite and say it is in- I do not mean to suggest that all in malized relations. consistent. I think we need to be Iran love us. They do not. The Revolu- When I went back to Vietnam last smarter than that. tionary Guard and some of their lead- year with President Obama, I met with With regard to the note that I wrote ership do not care for us at all. They, some of the same people I had met with to the former leader of Vietnam when I frankly, like terrorism and embrace in August of 1991, who are now leaders was, literally, at the Hanoi Hilton— terrorism and would like to continue of their countries. Do Muoi is still back at the prison in which JOHN to foment upheaval and terror in some alive. I wrote him a note and sent it to MCCAIN and Pete Peterson were impris- parts around the country. They are not him while I was there. oned—I saw a huge picture on the wall the future of their country. The future There are 55,000 American names when I was there last year, and I wrote of their country voted last weekend. that are on a wall down by the Lincoln the note and gave it to a young Viet- We have all heard about voting for Memorial—55,000 men and women who namese man who knew Do Muoi. I change. Well, they voted for change, died in the war, with whom I served— wrote that same African-American and my hope is that they will get what and we have allowed bygones to be by- proverb: If you want to go quickly, go they voted for. gones with Vietnam. They are not a alone. If you want to go far, go to- I think, for us, we have to be smart Jeffersonian democracy, but it turns gether. enough to say that no democracy is out that we have worked through our Ultimately, we found a way with perfect—not ours, not theirs—and give difficulties. They have become a major Vietnam. It took a long time. The war them at least a passing grade for effort trading partner with the United pretty much ended in 1975. It took a and see, as we go forward, how we can States—in fact, a major market. They long time to get to more normal rela- find ways to work together. want to buy things from us, too, like tions. We finally made it, and they are I served in the Vietnam war—three Boeing jets, and a lot of them for a lot better for it, and we are too. Someday, tours in Southeast Asia. I came back of money—billions of dollars. the time will come to turn a page, I at the end of the war and moved from As it turns out, they and Iran have think, with Iran. We are not there yet, California to Delaware. I got an MBA an airline that is decrepit. We used to but we are getting a little closer. and became the treasurer, Congress- joke about an airline in this country For now, I just want to say to those man, Governor, and Senator of Dela- that was called Allegheny. We called it people, though, in that country, who

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3124 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 took the time and made the effort to CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. vote and decided to vote for change and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant GARDNER). The Senator from New to vote for the reformist—the more to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Hampshire. moderate form of government—and Senate the pending cloture motion, HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION wanted to be more westward looking which the clerk will state. Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am than would otherwise be the case: Good The bill clerk read as follows: deeply concerned by warnings from for you. My hope in doing that is that CLOTURE MOTION leading health insurance companies you will join us in basically turning We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- and State insurance commissioners down the idea of continuing support for ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the that the Trump administration is now Hezbollah and for terrorism that the standing rules of the Senate, do hereby move deliberately undermining the Afford- other part of Iran and some of the oth- to bring to a close debate on the nomination able Care Act, leaving insurance plans ers in leadership are determined to sus- of Amul R. Thapar, of Kentucky, to be no choice but to sharply raise pre- tain. United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth miums or exit the marketplaces. I suggest the absence of a quorum. Circuit. I understand—I think we all do—that Mitch McConnell, Orrin G. Hatch, Roger The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. the Affordable Care Act continues to F. Wicker, Jeff Flake, John Cornyn, experience stresses and that it needs to TOOMEY). The clerk will call the roll. Chuck Grassley, John Hoeven, James The bill clerk proceeded to call the E. Risch, Mike Rounds, Deb Fischer, be strengthened. There is no doubt roll. Mike Crapo, Jerry Moran, Pat Roberts, about that. I have been saying from the Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, I ask Lindsey Graham, John Kennedy, Steve beginning that we need to correct what unanimous consent that the order for Daines, David Perdue. is not working, that we need to keep the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- what is working, and that we need to work together to change it. Yet, in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without imous consent, the mandatory quorum 2016, there were abundant signs that objection, it is so ordered. call has been waived. The question is, Is it the sense of the the law was working and that insur- Under the previous order, all Senate that debate on the nomination ance markets were stabilizing. postcloture time has expired. of Amul R. Thapar, of Kentucky, to be For instance, in my State of New The question is, Will the Senate ad- United States Circuit Judge for the Hampshire, health insurance premium vise and consent to the Sullivan nomi- Sixth Circuit shall be brought to a increases last year averaged just 2 per- nation? close? cent. That is the lowest annual in- Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask The yeas and nays are mandatory crease in history. Today, it is a very for the yeas and nays. under the rule. different picture. Because of the efforts The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a The clerk will call the roll. of the Trump administration to under- sufficient second? The bill clerk called the roll. mine the Affordable Care Act, insur- There appears to be a sufficient sec- The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 52, ance companies in New Hampshire and ond. nays 48, as follows: across the country face widespread un- The clerk will call the roll. [Rollcall Vote No. 136 Ex.] certainty. Many of them are deciding The bill clerk called the roll. YEAS—52 that they have no choice but to protect The result was announced—yeas 94, Alexander Flake Perdue themselves by drastically increasing nays 6, as follows: Barrasso Gardner Portman premiums. Blunt Graham Risch This week, there was a report in the [Rollcall Vote No. 135 Ex.] Boozman Grassley Roberts New Hampshire Union Leader, which is YEAS—94 Burr Hatch Rounds our State’s largest newspaper, that Capito Heller Rubio Alexander Franken Nelson Cassidy Hoeven Sasse premiums in New Hampshire could in- Baldwin Gardner Paul Cochran Inhofe Scott crease by as much as 44 percent. Now, Barrasso Graham Perdue Collins Isakson Shelby President Trump says that the Afford- Bennet Grassley Peters Corker Johnson Strange Blumenthal Hassan Portman Cornyn Kennedy able Care Act is ‘‘exploding,’’ but let’s Sullivan Blunt Hatch Reed Cotton Lankford be clear. If ObamaCare is exploding, as Thune Boozman Heinrich Risch Crapo Lee Tillis President Trump says, it is because Brown Heitkamp Roberts Cruz McCain Burr Heller Toomey this administration lit the fuse and has Rounds Daines McConnell Cantwell Hirono Wicker Rubio Enzi Moran been working aggressively to under- Capito Hoeven Young Sasse Ernst Murkowski mine the law. Cardin Inhofe Fischer Paul Carper Isakson Schatz We can see on this poster what is Casey Johnson Schumer NAYS—48 being reported in other parts of the Scott Cassidy Kaine Baldwin Gillibrand Murray country. In the LA Times, we see that Shaheen Cochran Kennedy Bennet Harris Nelson Shelby health insurers and State officials say Collins King Blumenthal Hassan Peters Stabenow that Trump is undermining ObamaCare Coons Klobuchar Booker Heinrich Reed Corker Lankford Strange Brown Heitkamp Sanders and pushing up rates and that health Cornyn Leahy Sullivan Cantwell Hirono Schatz insurers plan big ObamaCare rate Cortez Masto Lee Tester Cardin Kaine Schumer hikes, and they blame Trump. Cotton Manchin Thune Carper King Shaheen Perhaps the greatest damage has Crapo Markey Tillis Casey Klobuchar Stabenow Cruz McCain Toomey Coons Leahy Tester been done by the administration’s re- Daines McCaskill Udall Cortez Masto Manchin Udall fusal to commit to funding cost-shar- Donnelly McConnell Van Hollen Donnelly Markey Van Hollen Durbin ing subsidies, which are the Federal Menendez Warner Duckworth McCaskill Warner Enzi Merkley subsidies that help millions of people Whitehouse Durbin Menendez Warren Ernst Moran Wicker Feinstein Merkley Whitehouse pay for coverage. To protect them- Feinstein Murkowski Franken Murphy Wyden Fischer Murphy Wyden selves, many insurance companies are Flake Murray Young The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this preparing two sets of premiums for next year—one premium level if the ad- NAYS—6 vote, the yeas are 52, the nays are 48. The motion is agreed to. ministration agrees to fund the cost- Booker Gillibrand Sanders sharing subsidies and a second, dra- Duckworth Harris Warren f matically higher premium level if the The nomination was confirmed. EXECUTIVE CALENDAR administration says no to cost-sharing The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under The PRESIDING OFFICER. The subsidies. the previous order, the motion to re- clerk will report the nomination. More broadly, the administration’s consider is considered made and laid The bill clerk read the nomination of mixed signals and erratic management upon the table, and the President will Amul R. Thapar, of Kentucky, to be of the Affordable Care Act are causing be immediately notified of the Senate’s United States Circuit Judge for the uncertainty in the marketplace. Paul action. Sixth Circuit. Markovich, the CEO of Blue Shield of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3125 California, has said that health plans elderly in nursing homes. In New majority in Washington, including Secretary are being forced to raise premiums to Hampshire, where we are really on the of Health & Human Services Tom Price, compensate for all of the turmoil. frontlines of the heroin and opioid epi- promising to repeal the ACA, being quiet is It gets worse. demic, it would end treatment for no longer an option. I am being asked to en- Last week, the Los Angeles Times re- trust my health and well-being to hollow many people who are getting treat- promises of it will ‘‘be replaced by some- ported that Seema Verma, the Admin- ment for their substance use disorders thing better; it will be great.’’ Forgive me if istrator of the Centers for Medicare because of the expansion of Medicaid. I’m skeptical! and Medicaid Services, shocked a meet- When we think about the people who This is my life we’re talking about! Do not ing of insurance industry executives by would be hurt by this, it is unconscion- tell me to be patient. Do not tell me to ‘‘wait threatening to cut off funding for cost- able to hear Office of Management and and see.’’ Either outline a . . . plan for im- sharing reductions unless insurers Budget Director Mick Mulvaney say: proving the Affordable Care Act, or leave my agreed to support the House Repub- ‘‘There is a certain philosophy wrapped health insurance alone! licans’ bill to repeal the Affordable up in the budget, and that is that we She signs it with her name, Carol Care Act—the bill that was passed sev- are no longer going to measure com- Gulla, of Newmarket, NH. eral weeks ago. passion by the number of programs or I think we need to listen to Carol and Washington State Insurance Commis- the number of people on those pro- to so many other people like her all sioner Mike Kreidler criticized the ad- grams.’’ I disagree with that view. By across America. ministration’s actions as playing Rus- deliberately taking healthcare cov- Instead of allowing this administra- sian roulette with Americans’ health erage from 24 million Americans, it tion to undermine and even sabotage insurance coverage. He said: ‘‘This has shows the lack of compassion of this the Affordable Care Act, we in the Sen- real impact on people’s lives.’’ administration. ate need to work together, Democrats One insurance company executive This is not about numbers. He is and Republicans, to strengthen the said this about the administration’s ac- right about that. This should not be parts of the Affordable Care Act that tions: ‘‘There’s a sense that there are about numbers. This should be about are working in the real world, includ- no hands on the wheel, and they are people, about their families, and about ing Medicaid expansion, and to fix just letting the bus careen down the what these proposals will do to every- what is not working. According to mul- road.’’ day Americans who will no longer have tiple recent polls that I have seen on Physicians and other healthcare pro- access to affordable health coverage. this issue, this is what the great major- fessionals live by a time-honored Whether they have preexisting condi- ity of Americans want us to do. It is pledge to do no harm, but the Trump tions or whether they need to get time for us to listen to the American administration is pursuing a course treatment for cancer, for substance use people. that will do tremendous harm to mil- disorders, or for whatever their The Affordable Care Act has had a lions of Americans who have gained healthcare needs are, under this pro- profoundly positive impact all across health coverage for the first time be- posal, they are not going to be able to America, but it needs commonsense re- cause of the Affordable Care Act. Un- afford it. Millions of Americans will pairs and it needs strengthening. Mend less and until Congress repeals the Af- not be able to afford it. it, don’t end it, and certainly don’t sab- fordable Care Act, it is the law of the I think there is a better way forward. otage it. This should be a bipartisan land, and this administration has a re- Instead of tearing down the Affordable focus in the Senate. I intend to do ev- sponsibility to administer this law Care Act and taking health coverage erything I can to encourage such a bi- with fairness, with rigor, and with away from people, we should be build- partisan effort. I know my colleagues competence. The administration cer- ing on the gains and on the achieve- on both sides of the aisle would be will- tainly does not have the right to take ments of healthcare reform. ing to do this important work if they active steps to undermine or even sabo- On that score, I want to share an ex- understood how much the American tage the law or to threaten insurance traordinary letter to the editor that people want to see us do this. companies with such steps if they do was written by Carol Gulla, of We know that the Affordable Care not support the repeal of ObamaCare. Newmarket, NH. Act has had positive impacts in each of It is time for the administration to I am reading her letter: our States, including giving people reconsider its approach to healthcare I was in good health; why bother with a peace of mind, knowing they can’t be reform. To date, regrettably, the ad- physical? denied coverage based on preexisting ministration’s approach has been high- That was my mentality for years before conditions. So let’s work together. ly partisan, with no outreach to Demo- the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare). I Let’s ensure that the Affordable Care crats. Instead of a ‘‘do no harm’’ ap- work for a small nonprofit business, so we Act works even better in the future for proach, instead of taking steps to fill don’t qualify for group health insurance all Americans. President Trump’s pledge that we are plans. An annual physical wasn’t included in Thank you, Mr. President. the high premium, high deductible plans going to have insurance for every- that were available to me on the individual I yield the floor. body—and he came through New Hamp- health insurance market so they were often The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- shire on multiple occasions during his a luxury. But it was OK; I felt great! Why ator from Illinois. primary campaign and during the gen- bother with doctors? Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I want eral election campaign. What he said Because of the Affordable Care Act, last to thank my colleague from New about health insurance was that we June I went for a routine physical. During Hampshire before she leaves the floor were going to make sure that every- [the exam] a lump was discovered in my for her statement on the Affordable body has it; we are going to make sure breast. Ten days later, breast cancer was di- Care Act. I know she made reference to agnosed. . . . Fast forward to today. I’ve just that they pay less and that they get completed my final chemotherapy treatment the recent report from the Congres- quality coverage. The administration and my prognosis is very positive. That sional Budget Office that we just re- now seems determined to take health physical saved my life. ceived, and it tells the whole story. It coverage away from tens of millions of Let me restate that—Obamacare saved my tells us all we need to know about Americans. life. TrumpCare 2—the second attempt by The Congressional Budget Office esti- That crucial physical in June would not the Republicans to replace the Afford- mated that the House Republicans’ have happened had it not been an essential able Care Act. What it tells us in the preventive service included in all health bill—the first one—to repeal the Af- plans under the ACA. While not perfect, my starkest terms is exactly the reason fordable Care Act would take coverage insurance through the ACA is far better than why the Republicans didn’t want to away from 24 million Americans. Yes- anything available to me as an individual in wait around for this analysis. terday, the administration proposed a the past. For the record, the Congressional budget that would cut Medicaid by as Ms. Gulla’s letter continues: Budget Office is a nonpartisan agency much as $1.3 trillion over the next dec- Up until this point I have been pretty quiet of the Federal Government that ana- ade. That would end coverage for mil- about my diagnosis simply because I didn’t lyzes our great ideas and tells us what lions of low-income Americans, people want cancer to be the main topic of every is going to happen if they become law. with disabilities, and so many of our conversation I had. But, with the Republican I know this agency pretty well because

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3126 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 when we wrote the Affordable Care for the superwealthy and big busi- plan, and they are not going to have Act, we waited and waited and waited, nesses, including drug companies. any other option for getting that care. sometimes weeks at a time, until some Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, will Mr. DURBIN. That is what the Con- bright idea that we thought we had was my colleague yield for a question? gressional Budget Office reports. analyzed in the cold reality of Mr. DURBIN. I am happy to yield. So we have these discussions on the healthcare in America. Sometimes Mrs. SHAHEEN. Those numbers floor—and the Senator from New they came back and said good idea, and came out while I was speaking on the Hampshire has been in the middle of many times they came back and said floor, because I was talking about the them because of her State’s experience bad idea. first House-passed bill to repeal the Af- with opioids—and both parties come The Republicans passed TrumpCare 2 fordable Care Act. What the Senator together and wring their hands and in the House about 3 weeks ago and from Illinois is telling me is that the say: What are we going to do about the wouldn’t wait for the Congressional numbers for the bill they passed to fix opioid-heroin crisis in America? And Budget Office analysis. We thought to the first bill they couldn’t pass are just we have come up with some good ideas. ourselves, that is unusual. That is the as bad and in some ways even worse But here we have the Republican effort standard everybody uses in Congress. than the original bill. repealing the Affordable Care Act, They wouldn’t wait because they knew Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, through which cuts the legs out from under all what was coming, and today it was an- the Chair, in response to the Senator of our efforts because it takes away nounced. from New Hampshire, they are equally from families’ Medicaid coverage that This afternoon, here is what the Con- disastrous. they are using for drug treatment, as gressional Budget Office said about the Listen to these quotes from the Con- well as coverage in their health insur- Republican attempt to repeal the Af- gressional Budget Office this afternoon ance plans. fordable Care Act. Next year, under the about the Republican repeal plan: Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, if my Republican plan, 14 million Americans ‘‘People who are less healthy, including colleague will yield once more, last would lose their health insurance. How those with preexisting conditions, year we passed the 21st Century Cures about that for a starter. That is the would ultimately be unable to purchase Act, which appropriated $1 billion—$500 starting point of their analysis. Over comprehensive individual market in- million this year and $500 million next the next 10 years, 23 million Americans surance at premiums comparable to year—to address the heroin and opioid would lose their health insurance. Next those under current law if they could epidemic we are having, and in the re- year, premiums—the cost of health in- purchase it at all.’’ cent passage of the omnibus bill, we surance—would increase 20 percent in Listen to this. It goes on to say: ‘‘In got $700-plus million to help us fight the individual market. The CBO af- particular, out-of-pocket spending on this epidemic. So on the one hand, we firms that under current law—the Af- maternity care and mental health and are putting money in to address it, and fordable Care Act—the marketplaces substance abuse services could increase on the other hand, we are taking away are stable. However, under the Repub- by thousands of dollars in a given year the treatment people need by passing a lican repeal bill, one-sixth of the popu- for the individual market enrollees healthcare bill that is going to throw lation resides in parts of America who use those services.’’ people off their treatment and give where the individual market would be- Let me bring this home to your them no other option to address their come unstable beginning in the year State. Your State has been dev- substance use disorders. 2020. astated—our State has been hurt Mr. DURBIN. That is exactly what There will be $834 billion in cuts in badly—your State has been devastated the Congressional Budget Office re- Federal Medicaid Programs over the by the opioid crisis. I would like the ports to us. next decade. Do we know what those Senator from New Hampshire, if she This afternoon we had a press con- cuts mean? In my State, half the chil- would, to respond to that by giving us ference and we invited four or five fam- dren born are covered by Medicaid. The some detail. What they are saying is ilies to come in with their kids. The mothers get prenatal care so the babies that the Republican repeal of the Af- theme of the press conference was, are healthy—paid for by Medicaid. The fordable Care Act is going to deny cov- what is going to happen if your child delivery is paid for by Medicaid. The erage in health insurance for substance has a preexisting condition? postnatal care of that little infant is abuse treatment for families whose Well, there were some amazing little paid for by Medicaid. kids are discovered to be on opioids. kids there and some heroic moms and That is not the most expensive part I yield through the Chair without dads telling the story about what hap- of Medicaid in my State and in most yielding the floor to the Senator from pens when you discover that your little States. The most expensive part is for New Hampshire to describe her chal- infant has a cantaloupe-sized tumor your mom and your grandmother in lenge in New Hampshire. from neuroblastoma and what happens the nursing home. That is where most Mrs. SHAHEEN. Well, that was going for that family, what happens to that of Medicaid money goes. Two-thirds of to be my followup question. In New infant. Thank goodness those kids were it goes to those folks in nursing homes Hampshire, we have the second highest all standing there smiling. They fought who have no other source of income, percentage of overdose deaths in the the good fight, and they have to con- not to mention the disabled who count country. We lose more people in New tinue to fight it, and each and every on Medicaid. Hampshire to deaths from overdoses of one of them is branded as having a pre- What the Congressional Budget Of- opioids and fentanyl and heroin than existing condition. Back in the old fice tells us is that the Republican plan we do to car accidents. And an over- days, before the Affordable Care Act, is going to devastate Medicaid across whelming percentage of people—over 90 that meant those families were unable the United States. Which of the groups percent—are getting treatment for to buy health insurance, or if they I just mentioned do we think we can their substance abuse disorders could buy it, they couldn’t afford it be- toss overboard—babies born to low-in- through the expansion of Medicaid, cause the premiums were too high. So come mothers, or the elderly who have which has been a bipartisan program in we passed the Affordable Care Act and no place to turn and have exhausted New Hampshire that has covered about said: Enough. We are not going to their savings and are living in nursing 60,000 people, many of whom are get- allow you to discriminate against any- homes, or the disabled who need the ting treatment for substance abuse dis- one for a preexisting condition. help of Medicaid on a regular basis? orders. If you have a spouse with diabetes, if Those are the casualties of this Repub- So what the Senator from Illinois is you have somebody in your family who lican repeal plan, not to mention the telling me, from the CBO, is that based is a cancer survivor, they can’t use it fact that the real driving force behind on the plan that passed the House that against you. They can’t discriminate. these terrible healthcare decisions is a Republicans have supported, those peo- Now the Congressional Budget Office tax cut for the wealthiest people in ple who are getting their treatment— tells us what is going to happen to America. lifesaving treatment for mental health those people. We are going back to the This is from the Congressional Budg- issues and substance abuse disorders— bad old days when those families will et Office again: $88 billion in tax cuts they are going to be kicked off of their not only have to stay awake at night

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3127 worrying about whether that baby of where you live. Those are the three shareholders and people who work for theirs is going to survive, they are things I would put on the table right us to make sure we protect ourselves. going to stay awake at night also wor- away. To walk away from coverage for So we are going to hold back in terms rying about how in the world they are 23 million Americans and to endanger of commitment. going to pay for their health insurance. the coverage for those who remain with So to the Republicans I would say: Is that the Republican answer? Is premiums they can’t afford is hardly This is no death spiral. This is a self- that Trumpism at work when it comes humane and hardly consistent with fulfilling prophecy to bring down our to healthcare in America? I can’t be- American values. healthcare system, and shame on those lieve the American people voted for So I thank the Senator from New who would do it at the expense of vul- that. I can’t believe they are saying to Hampshire for her contribution in this. nerable populations across America. our Republican colleagues: We really We have to get the message out. I will mention one other group while don’t care if our health insurance cov- Mrs. SHAHEEN. If I could just add the Senator from New Hampshire is on ers preexisting conditions. Of course one more group of folks who are going the floor. The Illinois Hospital Associa- they care. to be affected by this bill that passed tion roundly opposes this Republican They come back with something the House several weeks ago. That is TrumpCare bill. The reason they do is called high-risk pools. I am sure the our veterans. We have millions of vet- they say it endangers smalltown hos- Senator from New Hampshire can re- erans in this country who get their pitals—and we have a lot of them in member those. Let me tell you about healthcare through Medicaid. We have our State—and inner-city hospitals as some of those warnings around swim- asked these folks to put their lives on well. I am sure that is the case in New ming pools that say: No diving, the the line for this country, and now we Hampshire. pool is too shallow. Well, the high-risk are talking about taking away the Mrs. SHAHEEN. Actually, the New pools for preexisting conditions are healthcare they depend on. Hampshire Hospital Association also way too shallow. No family with pre- I was at one of our community men- opposes the bill for the very same rea- existing conditions should dive into tal health centers in New Hampshire son. We have hospitals at risk if this those pools because the amount of last week and met with a number of bill is passed. money provided for by the Republicans veterans who get their care through Mr. DURBIN. I am sure, in the Sen- ator’s State, like in our State of Illi- in their affordable care repeal would the expansion of Medicaid. They talked nois, there are larger cities with big only cover about one out of four fami- about what it means to be able to get hospitals that treat all kinds of cases, lies with preexisting conditions. Three care, to be able to go into that commu- but were it not for that safety net of out of four families: You are on your nity mental health center and work hospitals in small towns, these people own. with the veterans outreach coordinator living there would drive an extra 50 or Think about that. If you have ever who works with veterans, trying to 100 miles to get to a hospital and would been in a position in life where you are make sure they get the help they need. see the loss of critical services for trau- a parent with a sick child and have no If this bill goes forward, PTSD, which ma and emergencies that currently health insurance, you will never forget affects so many veterans, would be con- exist with these smalltown hospitals. it as long as you live. I know because sidered a preexisting condition and According to the Illinois Hospital As- I have been there. When I was a law they wouldn’t be able to get health in- sociation and others, the first casual- student with a little baby who was surance going forward. ties of the Republican repeal bill—the sick, I had no health insurance. I will This is bill is nothing but mean-spir- first casualties of TrumpCare—it is es- never forget it as long as I live. ited. As the Senator said, all of the ef- timated in Illinois that we will lose Why don’t the Republicans hear the forts to save money in the bill are so 60,000 healthcare jobs at our hospitals same message we hear? Why aren’t money can be used to give huge tax because of the Republican approach. they listening to these families and the breaks to the wealthiest among us. I How important are these jobs? I will go struggles they are going through to don’t think that is what Americans out on a limb: In most communities, keep their kids alive? And they come want. As the Senator says, we need to they are the best paying jobs in the up with a repeal plan that is going to work with our colleagues. We need to community. The men and women who make it exceedingly difficult—in some get a good bill that improves the Af- are the doctors and the nurses and the cases impossible—to provide quality fordable Care Act, fixes what is not specialists who provide that basic care care to these kids and to people with working, and makes it better. in these towns, sure, they get com- preexisting conditions. That, to me, is Mr. DURBIN. If I may also say, I pensated better than most, but we not our responsibility. agree completely that discriminating want to compensate them and keep I go to the conclusion of the Senator against veterans should hardly be the them there because without them, peo- from New Hampshire, which I think is starting point for the reform of our ple don’t have the basic health services the right one. Is the Affordable Care healthcare system. they count on. Act perfect? No. It is one of the most I want to make this point because I So from every perspective, whether it important and I think the most giving know exactly what the first speech will is the doctors, the nurses, the pediatri- bills I have ever voted for, but it is far be from the Republican side of the cians, substance abuse treatment, hos- from perfect. We should be sitting aisle. This point in the Congressional pitals and clinics, the Republican ap- down with the other side of the aisle— Budget Office affirms that under cur- proach to repealing ObamaCare—re- Republicans and Democrats—not to re- rent law insurance marketplaces are pealing the Affordable Care Act—is peal the Affordable Care Act but to stable. They are stable. That isn’t what devastating, and the Congressional make sure we make the repairs that you will hear from the other side of the Budget Office put it in writing today. make a difference. aisle. The other side of the aisle loves I might say, we should close by say- Each one of us has a list of things we to use the phrase ‘‘death spiral,’’ that ing what is happening in the Senate would like to see addressed. The cost of the current healthcare system in after the House passed this terrible premiums are too high in the indi- America is in a death spiral. bill, which the Congressional Budget vidual market. Let’s address that di- The only death spiral in the current Office told us about. Well, we don’t rectly, and we should. The fact that healthcare system is brought on be- know. It is a mystery. We would have pharmaceutical drugs don’t have any cause the Republicans have their hands expected that someone in the Senate regulation or control in terms of pric- around the throat of that system and would have decided: Let’s put a bill on ing is just plain wrong. And third—I they are choking it. Their sabotage of the table, let’s have an open public will just put on my agenda—I think our current healthcare system is the hearing, let’s have a debate about every American should have the option reason there is uncertainty in the in- where we go, and let’s make a good, of a public option plan like Medicare. surance markets. The insurance com- sound decision that is in the best inter- You can decide if that is right for you panies told us that this week: We don’t ests of the American families. That is or your family, but a not-for-profit know where you are going in Wash- not the case at all. plan based on Medicare should be avail- ington. We don’t know what the future Instead, the Republican leader in the able to every American no matter will hold. We have an obligation to our Senate has chosen 12 or 13 men to sit in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 a room outside of the view of the public with something which really is befit- bate the problem of mass incarcer- and to craft an alternative to the ter- ting this great Nation. ation. There is a lot to object to, but I rible bill that passed the House. No- I yield the floor. want to highlight one area that should body has seen it, nobody wants to talk I suggest the absence of a quorum. concern every person who thinks gov- about it. It has not been scored. It has The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). ernment should work for all of us; that not been debated. That is their idea of The clerk will call the roll. is, Judge Thapar’s stance on money in reforming healthcare in America. That The legislative clerk proceeded to politics. is not going to work—at least not call the roll. For decades, our laws restricted the going to work for the best interests of Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I ask amount of money that individuals and the families I represent. unanimous consent that the order for corporations could pour into the polit- If we are going to come together on a the quorum call be rescinded. ical process. In recent years, Federal bipartisan basis to repair and strength- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without courts chipped away at those laws, and en the Affordable Care Act, let’s do it, objection, it is so ordered. then Supreme Court decisions in cases but let’s do it in the light of day, in- Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, I rise like McCutcheon and Citizens United stead of hiding behind the doors of to oppose the nomination of Judge took a sledgehammer to campaign fi- some room with 13 Senators who have Amul Thapar to serve as a judge on the nance laws, unleashing a flood of dark been given this blessing, anointed, to Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. money into the political system. There are now dozens of perfectly try to come up with a new healthcare It should surprise absolutely no one legal ways for the 1 percent to buy in- system for America. That, to me, is in- that Judge Thapar is the second nomi- fluence and favor: corporate campaign consistent with our responsibility—our nee to a Federal court to come up for contributions and super pacs, the re- public responsibility—when it comes to a vote in this Congress. His nomination volving door between government and this critical issue. comes on the heels of the nomination the private sector, bought-and-paid-for So I thank the Senator from New of now-Justice Neil Gorsuch, an ultra- experts to push alternative facts, ar- Hampshire for her input on this. There conservative who could not earn mies of lobbyists swarming the Halls of will be more to be said. enough support to be confirmed under Congress. Their investments have paid Mrs. SHAHEEN. There will be. If I Senate’s normal rules, a judge so rad- off in the form of special breaks, ex- could ask one final question because ical, so controversial that Senate Re- emptions, deals, riders, subsidies, loop- not only is this effort in the Senate publicans had to change the Senate holes, and every other handout indus- happening behind closed doors, but ini- rules and lower the vote threshold to try can imagine. That money—that un- tially it excluded women. force his nomination through the Sen- accountable, dark, unlimited money— Women are more than 50 percent of ate. has fundamentally distorted our de- this country. We have particular needs Now the Senate is poised to vote on a mocracy. when it comes to healthcare. Fortu- judge cut from the same cloth. Like Justice Gorsuch, Judge Thapar made Judge Thapar would make the prob- nately, the essential health benefits lem worse. Judge Thapar believes that part of the Affordable Care Act provide the list of 21 acceptable judges that far- right groups drew up and handed to actual speech and monetary contribu- requirements for preventive health for tions are basically the same thing. President Trump—judges who would women, for mammograms. They cover When he had to decide on the constitu- tilt the scales of justice in favor of the maternity benefits when you have a tionality of a Kentucky rule pre- rich and the powerful. As in Justice baby. They are talking about writing venting State judges and judicial can- Gorsuch’s case, those radical groups this legislation without taking into didates from donating to political are committed to doing whatever it consideration the women in the Sen- groups or campaigns, he concluded that takes to make sure Judge Thapar sits ate, the women in the country, and the rule was unconstitutional. In his on the Nation’s highest courts. what we need to do to make sure we decision, Judge Thapar said: ‘‘There is For those groups, the goal is not just have access to healthcare. That is just simply no difference between ‘saying’ to get a few ultraconservative judges unconscionable, added to the fact that that one supports an organization by on our Federal courts; it is to capture it is all being done behind closed doors. using words and ‘saying’ that one sup- the entire judicial branch. For years, Mr. DURBIN. I agree with that. Also, ports an organization by donating billionaire-funded, rightwing groups as the Senator from New Hampshire money.’’ No difference between talking knows better than anybody, originally have worked hand in hand with Repub- about a candidate and dumping a buck- being a woman was a preexisting condi- licans to ensure that our courts ad- et of money into the candidate’s cam- tion. vance the interests of the wealthy and paign. Wow. Mrs. SHAHEEN. Absolutely. They powerful over the rights of everyone In Judge Thapar’s view, the Constitu- want to take us back to that. else. They abused the filibuster to stop tion should protect a billionaire’s right Mr. DURBIN. It would disqualify you fair, mainstream judges from filling to dump unlimited sums of money into or raise your premiums because you vacancies on Federal courts, they the political process to influence the are a woman. We got rid of that gross slowed the judicial nominations proc- outcome of elections. That is even fur- discrimination against women when we ess to a crawl, and they threw the Con- ther than the Supreme Court has gone. did the Affordable Care Act. We stitution and Senate precedent out the As the Sixth Circuit reminded Judge shouldn’t have a similar level of dis- window by refusing to consider Presi- Thapar when it reversed his decision on crimination when it comes to writing dent Obama’s Supreme Court nominee. donations, even the Supreme Court has any improvement in this Affordable Under their watch, judicial vacancies refused to treat monetary donations as Care Act. stacked up and courts became over- equivalent to direct speech. This is a big enough Senate and a big loaded with cases. Now Republicans The issue of concentrated money in enough place for us to all gather and their extremist friends have a our political system is one that doesn’t around the table and make sure we do President who shares their concern split down party lines. Americans of all this in the best interests of all Ameri- about the interests of the 1 percent, political views cringe at the massive cans, regardless of gender, regardless of and they are ready to stack our Fed- amounts of secret money that slither background, regardless of where you eral courts with judges who will ad- through our political process. They live. That is the way we should ap- vance their radical agenda. Judge have seen politicians beholden to the proach something as serious as an item Thapar is much more than up to the handful of deep-pocketed individuals that accounts for $1 of every $6 in the task. and giant corporations, and they have American economy—an item that is There are many reasons to oppose seen those politicians turn their backs literally life and death for families all Judge Thapar’s nomination to the on the constituents they were elected across Illinois, New Hampshire, and all Sixth Circuit, from his decisions mak- to represent. That is at the heart of across the United States. ing it harder for working Americans to what is wrong in our Nation. Our gov- The Congressional Budget Office said get access to the judicial system to his ernment should work for everyone, not it all today. It is time for us to put support for sentencing policies that just for the millionaires and billion- Trump 2.0 to rest and try to come up don’t make us safer but that exacer- aires.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3129 Fighting for a government that is ac- sociated with official travel and interdepart- quired will be issued prior to the expenses countable to the people means fighting mental transportation. being incurred and will specify the travel to to reduce the influence of concentrated COMMITTEE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE STAFF be undertaken unless circumstances in a par- money and concentrated power in our REGULATIONS ticular case prevent such prior approval. political system. It is time to take The Committee has also amended the Com- E. Official Travel Authorizations: The Gen- eral Services Administration, on behalf of down the sign that says ‘‘government mittee and Administrative Office Staff Regu- lations that are published as part of the the Committee on Rules and Administration, for sale’’ that hangs above Washington, has contracted with several air carriers to DC, and we can start today by reject- Travel Regulations. The reference to ‘‘inter- departmental transportation’’ in the section provide discount air fares for Members, Offi- ing Judge Thapar’s nomination to governing the use of petty cash funds has cers, and employees of the Senate only when serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Ap- been revised to be consistent with the traveling on official business. This status is peals. amended Travel Regulations. identifiable to the contracting air carriers by one of the following ways: Mr. President, I yield the floor. REGULATIONS AND STATUTORY AUTHORITY I suggest the absence of a quorum. 1. The use of a government issued travel The travel regulations herein have been charge card The PRESIDING OFFICER. The promulgated by the Committee on Rules and clerk will call the roll. 2. The use of an ‘‘Official Travel Authoriza- Administration pursuant to the authority tion’’ form which must be submitted to the The assistant bill clerk proceeded to vested in it by paragraph 1(n)(1)8 of Rule air carrier prior to purchasing a ticket. call the roll. XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate and These forms must be personally approved by Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I by section 6503 of Title 2 of the United States the Senator, Committee chairman, or Officer ask unanimous consent that the order Code, the pertinent portions of which provi- of the Senate under whose authority the for the quorum call be rescinded. sions are as follows: travel for official business is taking place. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Standing Rules of the Senate Payment must be made in advance by cash, objection, it is so ordered. Rule XXV credit card, check, or money order. The Offi- Paragraph 1(n)(1)8 cial Travel Authorization forms are avail- f (n)(1) Committee on Rules and Administra- able in the Senate Disbursing Office. LEGISLATIVE SESSION tion, to which committee shall be referred II. Funds for Traveling Expenses * * * matters relating to the following sub- A. Individuals traveling on official busi- jects: * * * ness for the Senate will provide themselves 8. Payment of money out of the contingent with sufficient funds for all current ex- MORNING BUSINESS fund of the Senate or creating a charge upon penses, and are expected to exercise the same Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I the same * * * care in incurring expenses that a prudent ask unanimous consent that the Sen- United States Code person would exercise if traveling on per- ate be in a period of morning business, Title 2 Section 6503 sonal business. with Senators permitted to speak Sec. 6503. Payments from contingent fund 1. Travel Advances therein for up to 10 minutes each. of Senate a) Advances to Committees (P.L. 81–118) The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without No payment shall be made from the contin- (1) Chairmen of joint committees operating from the contingent fund of the Senate, and objection, it is so ordered. gent fund of the Senate unless sanctioned by the Committee on Rules and Administration chairmen of standing, special, select, policy, f of the Senate * * *. or conference committees of the Senate, may UNITED STATES SENATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS requisition an advance of the funds author- AMENDED U.S. SENATE TRAVEL ized for their respective committees. Revised by the Committee on Rules and REGULATIONS (a) When any duty is imposed upon a com- Administration mittee involving expenses that are ordered Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I wish Effective October 1, 1991 as amended January to inform all Senators that on Friday, to be paid out of the contingent fund of the 1, 1999, as further amended December 7, Senate, upon vouchers to be approved by the May 19, 2017, the Committee on Rules 2006, October 26, 2007, December 20, 2007, chairman of the committee charged with and Administration adopted amend- March 27, 2009, and May 19, 2017. such duty, the receipt of such chairman for ments to the U.S. Senate Travel Regu- GENERAL REGULATIONS any sum advanced to him[her] or his[her] lations and corresponding changes to I. Travel Authorization order out of said contingent fund by the Sec- the committee and administrative of- A. Only those individuals having an official retary of the Senate for committee expenses fice staff regulations, which are pub- connection with the function involved may not involving personal services shall be lished as part of the travel regulations. obligate the funds of said function. taken and passed by the accounting officers All amendments are effective imme- B. Funds disbursed by the Secretary of of the Government as a full and sufficient Senate may be obligated by: voucher; but it shall be the duty of such diately. chairman, as soon as practicable, to furnish I ask unanimous consent that a sum- 1. Members of standing, select, special, joint, policy or conference committees to the Secretary of the Senate vouchers in mary of these modifications and the 2. Staff of such committees detail for the expenses so incurred. text of the amended regulations be 3. Employees properly detailed to such (2) Upon presentation of the properly printed in the RECORD. committees from other agencies signed statutory advance voucher, the Dis- There being no objection, the mate- 4. Employees of Members of such commit- bursing Office will make the original ad- rial was ordered to be printed in the tees whose salaries are disbursed by the Sec- vance to the chairman or his/her representa- RECORD as follows: retary of the Senate and employees ap- tive. This advance may be in the form of a pointed under authority of section 111 of check, or in cash, receipted for on the vouch- SUMMARY OF AMENDED REGULATIONS Public Law 95–94, approved August 5, 1977, er by the person receiving the advance. U.S. SENATE TRAVEL REGULATIONS when designated as ‘‘ex officio employees’’ Under no circumstances are advances to be The Committee has modified its travel reg- by the Chairman of such committee. Ap- used for the payment of salaries or obliga- ulations to provide that any mode of trans- proval of the reimbursement voucher will be tions, other than petty cash transactions of portation hired for a fee while on official considered sufficient designation. the committee. travel or for purposes of interdepartmental 5. Senators, including staff and nominating (3) In no case shall a cash advance be paid transportation, including but not limited to board members. (Also individuals properly more than seven (7) calendar days prior to public transportation, is eligible for reim- detailed to a Senator’s office under author- the commencement of official travel. In no bursement. ity of Section 503(b)(3) of P.L. 96–465, ap- case shall an advance in the form of a check The Committee also has modified its travel proved October 17, 1980.) be paid more than fourteen (14) calendar regulations to align the rules governing 6. All other administrative offices, includ- days prior to the commencement of official rental car reimbursements. The amended ing Officers and staff. travel. Requests for advances in the form of regulations provide that staff members may C. An employee who transfers from one of- a check should be received by the Senate be reimbursed for rental car expenses in- fice to another on the same day he/she con- Disbursing Office no less than five (5) cal- curred for purposes of interdepartmental cludes official travel shall be considered an endar days prior to the commencement of of- transportation regardless of their duty sta- employee of the former office until the con- ficial travel. The amount of the advance tion. clusion of that official travel. then becomes the responsibility of the indi- The amended regulations do not affect or D. All travel shall be either authorized or vidual receiving the advance, in that he/she alter the longstanding prohibition on the re- approved by the chairman of the committee, must return the unexpended amount ad- imbursement of commuting expenses, and of- Senator, or Officer of the Senate to whom vanced before or shortly after the expiration fices continue to be prohibited from obtain- such authority has been properly delegated. of the authority under which these funds ing reimbursement of ‘‘no show’’ charges as- The administrative approval authority re- were obtained.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3130 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 (Regulations Governing Cash Advances for Office and will be issued only to the person vances in the form of a direct deposit or Official Senate Travel adopted by the Com- traveling (photo ID required), with excep- check should be received by the Senate Dis- mittee on Rules and Administration, effec- tions being made for Members and elected bursing Office no less than five (5) calendar tive July 23, 1987, pursuant to S. Res. 258, Oc- Officers of the Senate. The traveler (or the days prior to the commencement of official tober 1, 1987, as applicable to Senate commit- individual receiving the advance in the case travel. tees) of a travel advance for a Member or elected (4) In those cases when a travel advance (4) Travel advances shall be made prior to Officer of the Senate) will sign the travel ad- has been paid, every effort should be made by the commencement of official travel in the vance form to acknowledge receipt of the the office in question to submit to the Sen- form of cash, direct deposit, or check. Travel cash. ate Disbursing Office a corresponding travel advance requests shall be signed by the Com- (5) In no case shall a travel advance in the voucher within twenty-one (21) days of the mittee Chairman and a staff person des- form of cash be paid more than seven (7) cal- conclusion of such official travel. ignated with signature authority. endar days prior to the commencement of of- (5) Cash: Advances for travel in the form of ficial travel. In no case shall an advance in (5) Travel advances for official Senate cash shall be picked up only in the Senate the form of a direct deposit or check be paid travel shall be repaid within 30 days after Disbursing Office and will be issued only to more than fourteen (14) calendar days prior completion of travel. Anyone with an out- the person traveling (photo ID required), to the commencement of official travel. Re- standing advance at the end of the 30 day pe- with exceptions being made for Members and quests for advances in the form of a direct riod will be notified by the Disbursing Office elected Officers of the Senate. The traveler deposit or check should be received by the that they must repay within 15 days, or their (or the individual receiving the advance in Senate Disbursing Office no less than five (5) salary may be garnisheed in order to satisfy the case of a travel advance for a Member or calendar days prior to the commencement of their indebtedness to the Federal govern- elected Officer of the Senate) shall sign the official travel. ment. travel advance form to acknowledge receipt (6) In those cases when a travel advance (6) In those instances when a travel ad- of the cash. has been paid, every effort should be made by vance has been paid for a scheduled trip (6) In those cases when a travel advance the office in question to submit to the Sen- which prior to commencement is canceled or has been paid, every effort should be made by ate Disbursing Office a corresponding travel postponed indefinitely, the traveler in ques- the office in question to submit to the Sen- voucher within twenty-one (21) days of the tion should immediately return the travel ate Disbursing Office a corresponding travel conclusion of such official travel. advance to the Senate Disbursing Office. voucher within twenty-one (21) days of the (7) Travel advances for official Senate (7) The amount authorized for each travel conclusion of such official travel. travel shall be repaid within 30 days after (7) Travel advances for official Senate advance should not exceed the estimated completion of travel. Anyone with an out- travel shall be repaid within 30 days after total of official out-of-pocket travel expenses standing advance at the end of the 30 day pe- completion of travel. Anyone with an out- for the trip in question. The minimum travel riod will be notified by the Senate Dis- standing advance at the end of the 30 day pe- advance that can be authorized for the offi- bursing Office that they must repay within riod will be notified by the Disbursing Office cial travel expenses of a Senator Officer and 15 days, or their salary may be garnisheed in that they must repay within 15 days, or their his/her staff is $200. No more than two (2) order to satisfy their indebtedness to the salary may be garnisheed in order to satisfy travel advances per traveler may be out- Federal government. their indebtedness to the Federal govern- standing at any one time. (8) In those instances when a travel ad- ment. d) Office of the Secretary of the Senate (2 vance has been paid for a scheduled trip (8) In those cases when a travel advance U.S.C. 61a–9a) which prior to commencement is canceled or has been paid for a scheduled trip which postponed indefinitely, the traveler in ques- (1) . . . The Secretary of the Senate is au- prior to commencement is canceled or post- tion should immediately return the travel thorized to advance, with his discretion, to poned indefinitely, the traveler should im- advance to the Senate Disbursing Office. any designated employee under his jurisdic- mediately return the travel advance to the (9) The amount authorized for each travel tion, such sums as may be necessary, not ex- Senate Disbursing Office. ceeding $1,000, to defray official travel ex- (9) No more than two (2) travel advances advance should not exceed the estimated penses in assisting the Secretary in carrying per traveler may be outstanding at any one total of official out-of-pocket travel expenses out his duties . . . time. for the trip in question. The minimum travel (10) The amount authorized for each travel advance that can be authorized for the offi- e) Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Door- advance should not exceed the estimated cial travel expenses of a Senator and his/her keeper of the Senate (2 U.S.C. 61f–1a) total of official out-of-pocket expenses for staff is $200. No more than two (2) travel ad- (1) For the purpose of carrying out his du- the trip in question. The minimum travel ad- vances per traveler may be outstanding at ties, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper vance that can be authorized for the official any one time. of the Senate is authorized to incur official (10) The aggregate total of travel advances travel expenses of a Committee Chairman travel expenses during each fiscal year not per Senator’s office shall not exceed 10% of and his/her staff is $200. to exceed sums made available for such pur- the expense portion of the Senators’ Official (11) The aggregate total of travel advances pose under appropriations Acts. With the ap- Personnel and Office Expense Account, or for committees shall not exceed $5,000, unless proval of the Sergeant at Arms and Door- $5,000, whichever is greater. otherwise authorized by prior approval of the keeper of the Senate and in accordance with c) Advances to Administrative Offices of Committee on Rules and Administration. such regulations as may be promulgated by b) Advances to Senators and their staffs (2 the Senate (Regulations Governing Cash Advances for the Senate Committee on Rules and Admin- U.S.C. 58(j)) istration, the Secretary of the Senate is au- (Regulations for Travel Advances for Sen- Official Senate Travel, adopted by the Com- mittee on Rules and Administration, effec- thorized to advance to the Sergeant at Arms ators and Their Staffs adopted by the Com- or to any designated employee under the ju- mittee on Rules and Administration, effec- tive July 23, 1987, pursuant to S. Res. 258, Oc- tober 1, 1987, as amended, as applicable to risdiction of the Sergeant at Arms and Door- tive April 20, 1983, pursuant to P.L. 97–276) keeper, such sums as may be necessary to de- (1) Travel advances from a Senators’ Offi- Senate administrative offices) fray official travel expenses incurred in car- cial Personnel and Office Expense Account (1) Travel advances shall be made prior to rying out the duties of the Sergeant at Arms must be authorized by that Senator for him- the commencement of official travel in the and Doorkeeper. The receipt of any such sum self/herself as well as for his/her staff. Staff form of cash, direct deposit, or check. Travel so advanced to the Sergeant at Arms and is defined as those individuals whose salaries advance requests shall be signed by the ap- Doorkeeper or to any designated employee are funded from the Senator’s account. An plicable Officer of the Senate and a staff per- shall be taken and passed by the accounting employee in the Office of the President Pro son designated with signature authority. officers of the Government as a full and suf- Tempore, the Deputy President Pro Tem- (2) Cash: Advances in the form of cash shall ficient voucher; but it shall be the duty of pore, the Majority Leader, the Minority be picked up only in the Senate Disbursing the traveler, as soon as practicable, to fur- Leader, the Majority Whip, the Minority Office and will be issued only to the person nish to the Secretary of the Senate a de- Whip, the Secretary for the Conference of traveling (photo ID required), with excep- tailed voucher of the expenses incurred for the Majority, or the Secretary for the Con- tions being made for Members and elected the travel to which the sum was so advanced, ference of the Minority shall be considered Officers of the Senate. The traveler (or the and make settlement with respect to such an employee in the office of the Senator individual receiving the advance in the case sum. Payments under this section shall be holding such office. of a travel advance for a Member or elected made from funds included in the appropria- (2) Advances shall only be used to defray Officer of the Senate) will sign the travel ad- tions account, within the contingent fund of official travel expenses .... vance form to acknowledge receipt of the (3) Travel advances shall be made prior to cash. the Senate, for the Sergeant at Arms and the commencement of official travel in the (3) In no case shall a travel advance be paid Doorkeeper of the Senate, upon vouchers ap- form of cash, direct deposit, or check. Travel more than seven (7) calendar days prior to proved by the Sergeant at Arms and Door- advance requests shall be signed by the the commencement of official travel. In no keeper. Member and a staff person designated with case shall an advance in the form of a direct COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINIS- signature authority. deposit or check be paid more than fourteen TRATION REGULATIONS FOR TRAVEL (4) Cash: Advances in the form of cash shall (14) calendar days prior to the commence- ADVANCES FOR THE OFFICE OF THE be picked up only in the Senate Disbursing ment of official travel. Requests for ad- SENATE SERGEANT AT ARMS)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3131 (a) GENERAL—With the written approval $200. No more than two (2) cash advances per C. (Restrictions)—amendment to Rule of the Sergeant at Arms or designee, ad- traveler may be outstanding at any one XXXIX of the Standing Rules of the Senate, vances from the contingent expense appro- time. pursuant to S. Res. 80, agreed to January 28, priation account for the Office of the Ser- 2. Government Travel Plans 1987. geant at Arms may be provided to the Ser- a) Government Charge Cards 1. (a) Unless authorized by the Senate (or by geant at Arms or the Sergeant at Arms’ staff (1) Individual government charge cards au- the President of the United States after an ad- to defray official travel expenses, as defined thorized by the General Services Administra- journment sine die), no funds from the United by the U. S. Senate Travel Regulations. Staff tion and approved by the Committee on States Government (including foreign currencies is defined as those individuals whose salaries Rules and Administration are available to made available under section 502(b) of the Mu- are funded by the line item within the ‘‘Sala- Members, Officers, and employees of the Sen- tual Security Act of 1954 (22 U.S.C. 1754(b), as ries, Officers, and Employees’’ appropriation ate for official travel expenses. amended) shall be received by any Member of (a) The employing Senator, chairman, or account for the Office of the Sergeant at the Senate whose term will expire at the end of Officer of the Senate should authorize only Arms. a Congress after— those staff who are or will be frequent trav- (b) FORMS—Travel advance request forms (1) the date of the general election in which elers. The Committee on Rules and Adminis- shall include the date of the request, the his successor is elected; or tration reserves the right to cancel the an- (2) in the case of a Member who is not a can- name of the traveler, the dates of the official nual renewal of the card if the employee has didate in such general election, the earlier of the travel, the intended itinerary, the author- not traveled on official business during the date of such general election or the adjournment izing signature of the Sergeant at Arms or previous year. sine die of the second regular session of that his designee, and a staff person designated (b) All reimbursable travel expenses may Congress. with signature authority. be charged to these accounts including but (b) The travel restrictions provided by sub- (c) PAYMENT OF ADVANCES— not limited to per diem expenses and paragraph (a) with respect to a Member of the (i) Travel advances shall be paid prior to incidentals. Direct pay vouchers to the Senate whose term will expire at the end of a the commencement of official travel in the charge card vendor (currently Bank of Amer- Congress shall apply to travel by— form of cash, direct deposit, or check. ica) may be submitted for the Airfare, train, (1) any employee of the Member; (ii) Advances in the form of cash shall be and bus tickets charged to this account. All (2) any elected Officer of the Senate whose picked up only in the Senate Disbursing Of- other travel charges on the account must be employment will terminate at the end of a Con- fice and will be issued only to the person paid to the traveler for him/her to personally gress; and traveling (photo ID required), with excep- reimburse the charge card vendor. (3) any employee of a committee whose em- tions being made for Members and elected (c) Timely payment of these Individually ployment will terminate at the end of a Con- Officers of the Senate. The traveler (or the Billed travel accounts is the responsibility of gress. 2. No Member, Officer, or employee engaged in individual receiving the advance in the case the cardholder. The General Services Admin- foreign travel may claim payment or accept of a travel advance for a Member or elected istration contract requires payment to the funds from the United States Government (in- Officer of the Senate) will sign the travel ad- account within 60 days before suspension is cluding foreign currencies made available under vance form to acknowledge receipt of the enforced on the account. The account is can- section 502(b) of the Mutual Security Act of 1954 cash. celled and the cardholder’s credit is revoked (22 U.S.C. 1754(b)) for any expense for which (iii) In no case shall a travel advance in the when a past due balance is carried on the form of cash be paid more than seven (7) cal- the individual has received reimbursement from card for 120 days. any other source; nor may such Member, Offi- endar days prior to the commencement of of- (2) One Centrally Billed government charge cer, or employee receive reimbursement for the ficial travel. In no case shall a travel ad- account authorized by the General Services vance in the form of a direct deposit or same expense more than once from the United Administration and approved by the Com- States Government. No Member, Officer, or em- check be paid more than fourteen (14) days mittee on Rules and Administration are prior to the commencement of official trav- ployee shall use any funds furnished to him/her available to each Member, Committee, and to defray ordinary and necessary expenses of el. Requests for travel advances in the form Administrative Office for official transpor- of a direct deposit or check should be re- foreign travel for any purpose other than the tation expenses in the form of airfare, train, purpose or purposes for which such funds were ceived by the Senate Disbursing Office no and bus tickets, and rental cars. less than five (5) calendar days prior to the furnished. (a) Direct pay vouchers to the charge card 3. A per diem allowance provided a Member, commencement of official travel. vendor (currently Bank of America) may be Officer, or employee in connection with foreign (d) REPAYMENT OF ADVANCES— submitted for the airfare, train, and bus (i) The total of the expenses on a travel travel shall be used solely for lodging, food, and tickets, and rental car expenses charged to related expenses and it is the responsibility of voucher shall be offset by the amount of the this account. corresponding travel advance, providing for the Member, Officer, or employee receiving such (b) Other transportation costs, per diem an allowance to return to the United States the payment (or repayment) of the difference expenses, and incidentals are not authorized Government that portion of the allowance re- between the outstanding advance and the charges for these accounts unless expressly ceived which is not actually used for necessary total of the official travel expenses. authorized by these regulations or through (ii) In those cases when a travel advance lodging, food, and related expenses. prior approval from the Committee on Rules IV. Reimbursable Expenses: Travel ex- has been paid, every effort should be made to and Administration. penses (i.e., transportation, lodging, meals submit to the Senate Disbursing Office a cor- (c) Timely payment of these Centrally and incidental expenses) which will be reim- responding travel voucher within twenty-one Billed travel accounts is the responsibility of bursed are limited to those expenses essen- (21) days of the conclusion of such official the cardholder, usually the Administrative tial to the transaction of official business travel. Director or Chief Clerk of the office. The while away from the official station or post (iii) Travel Advances for official Senate General Services Administration contract of duty. travel shall be repaid within 30 days after requires payment to the account within 60 A. Member Duty Station(s): The official completion of travel. Anyone with an out- days before suspension is enforced on the ac- duty station of Senate Members shall be con- standing travel advance at the end of the 30 count. The account is cancelled and the card- sidered to be the metropolitan area of Wash- day period will be notified by the Senate Dis- holder’s credit is revoked when a past due ington, D.C. bursing Office that they must repay within balance is carried on the card for 120 days. 1. During adjournment sine die or the Au- 15 days, or their salary may be garnisheed in (1) A centrally billed account may be es- gust adjournment/recess period, the usual order to satisfy their indebtedness to the tablished through the approved Senate ven- place of residence in the home state, as cer- Federal Government. dor (currently the Combined Airlines Ticket tified for purposes of official Senate travel, (iv) In those instances when a travel ad- Office (CATO)) and will be charged against shall also be considered a duty station. vance has been paid for a scheduled trip an account number issued to each designated 2. Each Member shall certify in writing at which prior to commencement is cancelled office; there are no charge cards issued for the beginning of each Congress to the Senate or postponed indefinitely, the traveler in such an account. Disbursing Office his/her usual place of resi- question should immediately return the III. Foreign Travel dence in the home state; such certification travel advance to the Senate Disbursing Of- A. Reimbursement of foreign travel ex- document shall include a statement that the fice. penses is not authorized from the contingent Senator has read and agrees to the pertinent (e) LIMITS— fund of Member offices. travel regulations on permissible reimburse- (i) To minimize the payment of travel ad- B. Committees, including all standing, se- ments. vances, whenever possible, travelers are ex- lect, and special committees of the Senate 3. For purposes of this provision, ‘‘usual pected to utilize the corporate and indi- and all joint committees of the Congress place of residence’’ in the home state shall vidual travel cards approved by the Com- whose funds are disbursed by the Secretary encompass the area within thirty-five (35) mittee on Rules and Administration. of the Senate, are authorized funds for for- miles of the residence (by the most direct (ii) The amount authorized for each travel eign travel from their committee budget and route). If a Member has no ‘‘usual place of advance should not exceed the estimated through S. Res. 179, 95–1, notwithstanding residence’’ in his/her home state, he/she may total of official out-of-pocket travel expenses Congressional Delegations which are author- designate a ‘‘voting residence,’’ or any other for the trip in question. ized foreign travel funds under the authority ‘‘legal residence,’’ pursuant to state law (in- (iii) The minimum travel advance that can of the Mutual Security Act of 1954 (22 U.S.C. cluding the area within thirty-five (35) miles be authorized for official travel expenses is 1754). of such residence), as his/her duty station.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3132 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 B. Officer and Employee Duty Station Disbursing Office or through the Senate to the proper official. Failure of travelers to 1. In the case of an officer or employee, re- Intranet. take such action may subject them to liabil- imbursement for official travel expenses B. Computer generated vouchers should be ity for any resulting losses. other than interdepartmental transportation submitted with a signed original. Every trav- 1. ‘‘No show’’ charges, if incurred by Mem- shall be made only for trips which begin and el voucher must show in the space provided bers or staff personnel in connection with of- end in Washington, D.C., or, in the case of an for such information on the voucher form ficial Senate travel, shall not be considered employee assigned to an office of a Senator the dates of travel, the official travel payable or reimbursable from the contingent in the Senator’s home state, on trips which itinerary, the value of the transportation, fund of the Senate. begin and end at the place where such office per diem expenses, incidental expenses, and 2. Senate travelers exercising proper pru- is located. conference/training fees incurred. dence can make timely cancellations when 2. Travel may begin and/or end at the Sen- C. Travel vouchers must be supported by necessary in order to avoid ‘‘no show’’ as- ate traveler’s residence when such deviation receipts for expenses in excess of $50. In addi- sessments. from the duty station locale is more advan- tion, the Committee on Rules and Adminis- 3. A Member shall be permitted to make tageous to the government. tration reserves the right to request addi- more than one reservation on scheduled 3. For purposes of these regulations, the tional clarification and/or certification upon flights with participating airlines when such ‘‘duty station’’ shall encompass the area the audit of any expense seeking reimburse- action assists the Member in conducting his/ within thirty five (35) miles from where the ment from the contingent fund of the Senate her official business. C. Compensation Packages: In the event Senator’s home state office or designated regardless of the expense amount. that a Senate traveler is denied passage or duty station is located. D. When presented independently, credit gives up his/her reservation due to over- C. No employee of the Senate, relative or card receipts such as VISA, MASTER booking on transportation for which he/she supervisor of the employee may directly ben- CHARGE, or DINERS CLUB, etc. are not ac- held a reservation and this results in a pay- efit monetarily from the expenditure of ap- ceptable documentation for lodging. If a ment of any rebate, this payment shall not propriated funds which reimburse expenses hotel bill is lost or misplaced, then the cred- be considered as a personal receipt by the associated with official Senate travel. There- it card receipt accompanied by a certifying traveler, but rather as a payment to the Sen- fore, reimbursements are not permitted for letter from the traveler to the Financial ate, the agency for which and at whose ex- mortgage payments, or rental fees associated Clerk of the Senate will be considered nec- pense the travel is being performed. with any type of leasehold interest. essary documentation. Such letter must 1. Such payments shall be submitted to the D. A duty station for employees, other itemize the total expenses in support of the appropriate individual for the proper disposi- than Washington, D.C., may be designated by credit card receipt. tion when the traveler submits his/her ex- Members, Committee Chairmen, and Officers TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES pense account. of the Senate upon written designation of I. Common Carrier Transportation and Ac- 2. Through fares, special fares, commuta- such station to the Senate Disbursing Office. commodations tion fares, excursion, and reduced-rate round Such designation shall include a statement A. Transportation includes all necessary trip fares should be used for official travel that the Member or Officer has read and official travel on railroads, airlines, heli- when it can be determined prior to the start agrees to the pertinent travel regulations on copters, public transportation, taxicabs or of a trip that any such type of service is permissible reimbursements. The duty sta- other mode of transportation hired for a fee, practical and economical to the Senate. tion may be the city of the office location or and other usual means of conveyance. Trans- 3. Round-trip tickets should be secured the city of residence. portation may include fares and such ex- only when, on the basis of the journey as E. For purposes of these regulations, the planned, it is known or can be reasonably an- penses incidental to transportation such as metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., shall ticipated that such tickets will be utilized. but not limited to baggage transfer. When a be defined as follows: D. Ticket Preparation Fees: Each Chair- claim is made for common carrier transpor- 1. The District of Columbia man, Senator, or Officer of the Senate may, tation obtained with cash, the travel vouch- 2. Maryland Counties of at his/her discretion, authorize in extenu- a) Charles er must show the amount spent, including ating circumstances the reimbursement of b) Montgomery Federal transportation tax, and the mode of penalty fees associated with the cancellation c) Prince Georges transportation used. of through fares, special fares, commutation 3. Virginia Counties of 1. Train Accommodations fares, excursion, reduced-rate round trip a) Arlington a) Sleeping-car accommodations: The low- fares and fees for travel arrangements, pro- b) Fairfax est first class sleeping accommodations vided that reimbursement of such fees does c) Loudoun available shall be allowed when night travel not exceed the rates prescribed by the Com- d) Prince William is involved. mittee on Rules and Administration. 4. Virginia Cities of When practicable, through sleeping accom- E. Frequent Flyer Miles: Travel pro- a) Alexandria modations should be obtained in all cases motional awards (e.g. free travel, travel dis- b) Fairfax where more economical to the Senate. counts, upgrade certificates, coupons, fre- c) Falls Church b) Parlor-car and coach accommodations: quent flyer miles, access to carrier club fa- d) Manassas One seat in a sleeping or parlor car will be cilities, and other similar travel promotional e) Manassas Park allowed. Where adequate coach accommoda- items) obtained by a Member, officer or em- 5. Airport locations of tions are available, coach accommodations ployee of the Senate while on official travel a) Baltimore/Washington International should be used to the maximum extent pos- may be utilized for personal use at the dis- Thurgood Marshall Airport sible, on the basis of advantage to the Sen- cretion of the Member or officer pursuant to b) Ronald Reagan Washington National ate, suitability and convenience to the trav- this section. Airport eler, and nature of the business involved. 1. Travel Awards may be retained and used c) Washington Dulles International Airport 2. Airplane Accommodations at the sole discretion of the Member or offi- F. When the legislative business of the a) First-class and air-coach accommoda- cer only if the Travel Awards are obtained Senate requires that a Member be present, tions: It is the policy of the Senate that per- under the same terms and conditions as then the round trip actual transportation ex- sons who use commercial air carriers for those offered to the general public and no fa- penses incurred in traveling from the city transportation on official business shall use vorable treatment is extended on the basis of within the United States where the Member less than first-class accommodations instead the Member, officer or employee’s position is located to Washington, D.C., may be reim- of those designated first-class with due re- with the Federal Government. bursed from official Senate funds. gard to efficient conduct of Senate business 2. Members, officers and employees may G. Any deviation from this policy will be and the travelers’ convenience, safety, and only retain Travel Awards for personal use considered on a case by case basis upon the comfort. when such Travel Awards have been obtained written request to, and approval from, the b) Use of United States-flag air carriers: at no additional cost to the Federal Govern- Committee on Rules and Administration. All official air travel shall be performed on ment. It should be noted that any fees as- V. Travel Expense Reimbursement Vouch- United States-flag air carriers except where sessed in connection with the use of Travel ers travel on other aircraft (1) is essential to the Awards shall be considered a personal ex- A. All persons authorized to travel on offi- official business concerned, or (2) is nec- pense of the Member, officer or employee and cial business for the Senate should keep a essary to avoid unreasonable delay, expense, under no circumstances shall be paid for or memorandum of expenditures properly or inconvenience. reimbursed from official funds. chargeable to the Senate, noting each item B. Change in Travel Plans: When a traveler 3. Although this section permits Members, at the time the expense is incurred, together finds he/she will not use accommodations officers and employees of the Senate to use with the date, and the information thus ac- which have been reserved for him/her, he/she Travel Awards at the discretion of the Mem- cumulated should be made available for the must release them within the time limits ber or officer, the Committee encourages the proper preparation of travel vouchers which specified by the carriers. Likewise, where use of such Travel Awards (whenever prac- must be itemized on an official expense sum- transportation service furnished is inferior ticable) to offset the cost of future official mary report and stated in accordance with to that called for by a ticket or where a jour- travel. these regulations. The official expense sum- ney is terminated short of the destination F. Indirect Travel: In case a person, for his/ mary report form is available at the Senate specified, the traveler must report such facts her own convenience, travels by an indirect

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3133 route or interrupts travel by direct route, shall, whenever such mode of transportation B. Special the extra expense will be borne by the trav- is authorized or approved as more advan- 1. General: eler. Reimbursement for expenses shall be al- tageous to the Senate, be paid the appro- a) The hire of boat, automobile, aircraft, or lowed only on such charges as would have priate mileage allowance in lieu of actual ex- other conveyance will be allowed if author- been incurred by the official direct route. penses of transportation. This amount ized or approved as advantageous to the Sen- Personal travel should be noted on the trav- should not exceed the maximum amount au- ate whenever the Member or employee is en- eler’s expense summary report when it inter- thorized by statute for use of privately gaged on official business outside his/her des- rupts official travel. owned motorcycles, automobiles, or air- ignated duty station. G. Miscellaneous Transportation During planes, when engaged in official business b) Where two or more persons travel to- Official Travel: The cost of public transpor- within or outside their designated duty sta- gether by means of such special conveyance, tation, taxicabs, or other mode of transpor- tions. It is the responsibility of the office to that fact, together with the names of those tation hired for a fee in connection with offi- fix such rates, within the maximum, as will accompanying him/her, must be stated by cial travel will be allowed as an official most nearly compensate the traveler for nec- each traveler on his/her travel voucher and transportation expense. essary expenses. the aggregate cost reimbursable will be sub- H. Dual Purpose Travel: Dual purpose trav- 2. In addition to the mileage allowance ject to the limitation stated above. el occurs when a Senator, staffer, or other there may be allowed reimbursement for the c) If the hire of a special conveyance in- official traveler conducts both Senatorial of- actual cost of automobile parking fees (ex- cludes payment by the traveler of the inci- fice business and Committee office business cept parking fees associated with com- dental expenses of gasoline or oil, rent of ga- during the same trip. The initial point at muting); ferry fees; bridge, road, and tunnel rage, hangar, or boathouse, subsistence of which official business is conducted will de- costs; and airplane landing and tie-down operator, ferriage, tolls, operator waiting termine the fund which will be charged for fees. time, charges for returning conveyances to travel expenses from and to Washington, 3. When transportation is authorized or ap- the original point of hire, etc., the same D.C. Examples include: proved for motorcycles or automobiles, mile- should be first paid, if practicable, by the 1. If committee business is conducted at age between points traveled shall be certified person furnishing the accommodation, or his/ the first stop in the trip, travel expenses by the traveler. Such mileage should be in her operator, and itemized in the bill. from Washington, D.C., to said point and re- accordance with the Standard Highway Mile- 2. Rental Cars: turn will be chargeable to the committee’s age Guide. Any substantial deviations shall a) Reimbursements for rental of special funds. Additional travel expenses from said be explained on the reimbursement voucher. conveyances will be limited to the cost ap- point to other points in the United States, 4. In lieu of the use of taxicab, payment on plicable to a conveyance of a size necessary incurred by reason of conducting senatorial a mileage basis at a rate not to exceed the for a single traveler regardless of the number business, will be charged to the Senators’ Of- maximum amount authorized by statute will of authorized travelers transported by said ficial Personnel and Office Expense Account. be allowed for the round-trip mileage of a vehicle, unless the use of a larger class vehi- 2. If senatorial business is conducted at the privately owned vehicle used in connection cle on a shared cost basis is specifically ap- first stop in the trip, travel expenses from with an employee going from either his/her proved in advance by the Committee on Washington, D.C., to said point and return place of abode or place of business to a ter- Rules and Administration, or the form ‘Re- will be chargeable to the Senators’ Official minal or from a terminal to either his/her quest for a Waiver of the Travel Regulations’ Personnel and Office Expense Account. Com- place of abode or place of business: Provided, is submitted with the voucher, and found in mittee funds will be charged with any addi- that the amount of reimbursement for order upon audit by the Rules Committee. tional travel expenses incurred for the pur- round-trip mileage shall not in either in- b) For administrative purposes, reimburse- pose of performing committee business. stance exceed the taxicab fare for a one-way ment may be payable to only one of two or I. Interrupted Travel: If a traveler inter- trip between such applicable points, notwith- more Senate travelers traveling together on rupts official travel for personal business, standing the obligations of reasonable sched- the same trip and in the same vehicle. the traveler may be reimbursed for transpor- ules. c) Government Rate: In connection with tation expenses incurred which are less than 5. Parking Fees: Parking fees for privately the rental of an automobile for the use in or equal to the amount the traveler would owned vehicles may be incurred in the duty conducting Senate business, it should be have been reimbursed had he/she not inter- station when the traveler is engaged in noted that the Defense Travel Management rupted travel for personal business. Like- interdepartmental transportation or when Office (DTMO), a division of the Department wise, if a traveler departs from or returns to the traveler is leaving their duty station and of Defense, arranges rental car agreements a city other than the traveler’s duty station entering into a travel status. The fee for for the government. or residence for personal business, then the parking a vehicle at a common carrier ter- (1) These negotiated car rental rates are traveler may be reimbursed for transpor- minal, or other parking area, while the trav- for federal employees traveling on official tation expenses incurred which are less than eler is away from his/her official station, will business and include unlimited mileage, plus or equal to the amount the traveler would be allowed only to the extent that the fee, full comprehensive and collision coverage have been reimbursed had the witness de- plus the allowable mileage reimbursement, (CDW) on rented vehicles at no cost to the parted from and returned to his/her duty sta- to and from the terminal or other parking traveler. tion or residence. area, does not exceed the estimated cost for (2) For guidance on rate structure and the II. Baggage use of a taxicab to and from the terminal. companies participating in these rate agree- A. The term ‘‘baggage’’ as used in these 6. Mileage for use of privately owned air- ments, call the approved Senate vendor (cur- regulations means Senate property and per- planes shall be certified from airway charts rently the Combined Airline Ticket Office sonal property of the traveler necessary for issued by the National Oceanic and Atmos- (CATO)). the purposes of the official travel. pheric Administration, Department of Com- (3) Individuals traveling on behalf of the B. Baggage in excess of the weight or of merce, and will be reported on the reim- United States Senate should use these com- size greater than carried free by transpor- bursement voucher and used in computing panies to the maximum extent possible since tation companies will be classed as excess payment. If a detour was necessary due to these agreements provide full coverage with baggage. Where air-coach or air-tourist ac- adverse weather, mechanical difficulty, or no extra fee. The Senate will not pay for sep- commodations are used, transportation of other unusual conditions, the additional air arate insurance charges; therefore, any indi- baggage up to the weight carried free on mileage may be included in the mileage re- viduals who choose to use non-participatory first-class service is authorized without ported on the reimbursement voucher and, if car rental agencies may be personally re- charge to the traveler; otherwise excess bag- included, it must be explained. sponsible for any damages or liability ac- gage charges will be an allowable expense. 7. Mileage shall be payable to only one of crued while on official Senate business. C. Necessary charges for the transfer of two or more employees traveling together on d) Insurance: In connection with the rental baggage will be allowed. Charges for the the same trip and in the same vehicle, but no of vehicles from commercial sources, the storage of baggage will be allowed when such deduction shall be made from the mileage Senate will not pay or reimburse for the cost storage was solely on account of official otherwise payable to the employee entitled of the loss/damage waiver (LDW), collision business. Charges for porters and checking thereto by reason of the fact that other pas- damage waiver (CDW) or collision damage baggage at transportation terminals will be sengers (whether or not Senate employees) insurance available in commercial rental allowed. may travel with him/her and contribute in contracts for an extra fee. III. Use of Conveyances: When authorized defraying the operating expenses. The names (1) The waiver or insurance referred to is by the employing Senator, Chairman, or Of- of Senate Members or employees accom- the type offered a renter to release him/her ficer of the Senate, certain conveyances may panying the traveler must be stated on the from liability for damage to the rented vehi- be used when traveling on official Senate travel voucher. cle in amounts up to the amount deductible business. Specific types of conveyances are 8. When damages to a privately owned ve- on the insurance included as part of the rent- privately owned, special, and private air- hicle occur due to the negligent or wrongful al contract without additional charge. plane. act or omission of any Member, Officer, or (2) The cost of personal accident insurance A. Privately Owned employee of the Senate while acting within is a personal expense and is not reimburs- 1. Chairmen of committees, Senators, Offi- the scope of his/her employment, relief may able. cers of the Senate, and employees, regardless be sought under the Federal Tort Claims (3) Accidents While on Official Travel: Col- of subsistence status and hours of travel, Act. lision damage to a rented vehicle, for which

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3134 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 the traveler is liable while on official busi- 2. Prior to the commencement of official (1) Training is defined as a planned, pre- ness, will be considered an official travel ex- travel on a corporate or private aircraft, the pared, and coordinated program, course, cur- pense of the Senate up to the deductible traveler or the traveler’s designee shall con- riculum, subject, system, or routine of in- amount contained in the rental contract. tact a charter company in the departure or struction or education, in scientific, profes- Such claims shall be considered by the Ser- destination city to request a written esti- sional or technical fields which are or will be geant at Arms of the Senate on a case by mate of the cost of a flight between the two directly related to the performance by the case basis and, when authorized, settled from cities on a similar aircraft of comparable employee of official duties for the Senate, in the contingent fund of the Senate under the size being provided by the corporation or pri- order to increase the knowledge, proficiency, line item—Reserve for Contingencies. This is vate entity. ability, skill and qualifications of the em- consistent with the long-standing policy of a) For example, if a Learjet 45 XR aircraft ployee in the performance of official duties. the government to self-insure its own risks is being provided by the corporation or pri- (2) Meetings in the duty station where of loss or damage to government property vate entity, the traveler or the traveler’s meals are served, such as but not limited to and the liability of government employees designee shall request a written estimate of Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings do for actions within the scope of their official the cost to charter a Learjet 45 XR aircraft not constitute training. Therefore, the meals duties. from the departure city to the destination associated with these meetings are not an (4) However, when damages to a rented ve- city. authorized reimbursable expense. hicle occurs due to the negligent or wrongful b) If no charter company is located in ei- 3. In any case where the employee’s tour of act or omission of any Member, Officer, or ther the departure or destination city which travel requires more than two months’ stay employee of the Senate while acting within rents a similar aircraft of comparable size, a at a temporary duty station, consideration the scope of his/her employment, relief may charter company nearest either the destina- should be given to either a change in official be sought under the Federal Tort Claims tion or departure city which does so shall be station or a reduction in the per diem allow- Act. contacted for a written estimate. ance. 3. Charter Aircraft: 3. Following the completion of official 4. Where for a traveler’s personal conven- a) Reimbursements for charter aircraft travel on a corporate or private aircraft, re- ience/business there is an interruption of will be limited to the charges for a twin-en- imbursement for related expenses may be travel or deviation from the direct route, the gine, six seat plane, or comparable aircraft. processed on direct pay vouchers payable to per diem expenses allowed will not exceed Charter of aircraft may be allowed notwith- each individual traveler, to the corporation that which would have been incurred on un- standing the availability of commercial fa- or private entity, or to the travel charge interrupted travel by a usually traveled cilities, if such commercial facilities are not card vendor. The written estimate received route and the time of departure from and re- such that reasonable schedules may be kept. from the charter company shall be attached turn to official business shall be stated on When charter aircraft if used, an explanation to the voucher for processing. the voucher. and detail of the size of the aircraft, i.e., IV. Interdepartmental Transportation 5. Per diem expenses will be allowed seating capacity and number of engines, A. The reimbursement for interdepart- through the time the traveler departs on per- shall be provided on the face of the voucher. mental transportation is authorized as a sonal business and will be recommenced at b) In the event charter facilities are not travel expense pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 58(e) but the time he/she returns to official business. available at the point of departure, reim- Such dates and times shall be stated on the bursement for charter from nearest point of only for the incidental transportation ex- penses incurred within the duty station in voucher. such availability to the destination and re- B. Rates turn may be allowed. the course of conducting official Senate busi- ness. Such reimbursement would include the 1. The per diem allowances provided in c) When a charter aircraft larger than a these regulations represent the maximum al- twin-engine, six seat plane is used, the form following expenses: 1. Mileage when using a privately owned lowance, not the minimum. It is the respon- ‘Request for a Waiver of the Travel Regula- sibility of each office to see that travelers tions’ is submitted with the voucher. vehicle. 2. Public transportation, parking, auto are reimbursed only such per diem expenses C. Corporate/Private Aircraft: Reimburse- as are justified by the circumstances affect- ment of official expenses for the use of a cor- rental, taxicab, or other mode of transpor- ing the travel. Maximum rates for subsist- porate or private aircraft is allowable from tation hired for a fee. ence expenses are established by the General the contingent fund of the Senate provided B. Pursuant to S. Res. 294, agreed to April Services Administration and are published in the traveler complies with the prohibitions, 29, 1980, section 2.(1), reimbursements and the FEDERAL REGISTER. Maximum per restrictions, and authorizations specified in payments shall not be made for commuting diem rates for Alaska, Hawaii, the Common- these regulations. Moreover, pursuant to the expenses, including parking fees incurred in wealth of Puerto Rico, and possessions of the Ethics Committee Interpretive Ruling 444, commuting. United States are established by the Depart- excess campaign funds may be used to defray SUBSISTENCE EXPENSES ment of Defense and are also published in the official expenses consistent with the regula- I. Per Diem Expenses FEDERAL REGISTER. In addition, per diem tions promulgated by the Federal Election A. Allowance rates for foreign countries are established by Commission. 1. Per diem expenses include all charges for 1. An amendment to Rule XXXV of the the Department of State and are published in meals, lodging, personal use of room during Standing Rules of the Senate, paragraph the document titled, ‘‘Maximum Travel Per daytime, baths, all fees and tips to waiters, 1(c)(1)(C), enacted September 14, 2007, pursu- Diem for Foreign Areas.’’ porters, baggagemen, bell boys, hotel serv- ant to P.L. 110–81, states: a) Per diem expenses reimbursable to a (C)(i)Fair market value for a flight on an air- ants, dining room stewards and others on Member or employee of the Senate in con- craft described in item (ii) shall be the pro rata vessels, laundry, cleaning and pressing of nection with official travel within the conti- share of the fair market value of the normal and clothing, and fans in rooms. The term ‘‘lodg- nental United States shall be made on the usual charter fare or rental charge for a com- ing’’ does not include accommodations on basis of actual expenses incurred, but not to parable plane of comparable size, as determined airplanes or trains, and these expenses are exceed the maximum rate prescribed by the by dividing such cost by the number of Mem- not subsistence expenses. Committee on Rules and Administration for bers, officers, or employees of Congress on the a) Laundry: Laundry expenses must be in- each day spent in a travel status. Any por- flight. curred during the mid-way point of a trip. tion of a day while in a travel status shall be (ii)A flight on an aircraft described in this Reimbursable laundry expenses are for the considered a full day for purposes of per diem item is any flight on an aircraft that is not— refreshing of clothing during a trip, but not entitlement. (I) operated or paid for by an air carrier or the maintenance of the clothing. b) When travel begins or ends at a point in commercial operator certificated by the Federal b) Meals: Reimbursable expenses incurred the continental United States, the maximum Aviation Administration and required to be con- for meals while on official travel include per diem rate allowable for the portion of ducted under air carrier safety rules; or meals and tips for the traveler only and may travel between such place and the place of (II) in the case of travel which is abroad, an not include alcohol. entry or exit in the continental United air carrier or commercial operator certificated by 2. Per diem expenses will not be allowed an States shall be the maximum rate prescribed an appropriate foreign civil aviation authority employee at his/her permanent duty station by the Committee on Rules and Administra- and the flight is required to be conducted under and will be allowed only when associated tion for travel within the continental United air carrier safety rules. with round trip travel outside his/her perma- States. However, the quarter day in which (iii)This subclause shall not apply to an air- nent duty station. travel begins, in coming from, or ends, in craft owned or leased by a governmental entity a) Training: Meals in the duty station are going to, a point outside the continental or by a Member of Congress or a Member’s im- only reimbursable when they are incurred United States may be paid at the rate appli- mediate family member (including an aircraft during a training session. If the cost of the cable to said point, if higher. owned by an entity that is not a public corpora- meal is included in the training session, then c) In traveling between localities outside tion in which the Member or Member’s imme- a meal certification form should be included the continental United States, the per diem diate family member has an ownership interest), with the voucher. The Committee on Rules rate allowed at the locality from which trav- provided that the Member does not use the air- and Administration will consider these on a el is performed shall continue through the craft anymore than the Member’s or immediate case by case basis. Meal certification forms quarter day in which the traveler arrives at family member’s proportionate share of owner- are available at the Disbursing Office or on his/her destination: Provided, that if such ship allows. the Senate intranet. rate is not commensurate with the expenses

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3135 incurred, the per diem rate of the destina- ator or the Senator’s employees at con- tuition or fees associated with classes at- tion locality may be allowed for the quarter ferences, seminars, briefings, or classes tended to earn credits towards an advanced day of arrival. which are or will be directly related to the degree or certification. d) Ship travel time shall be allowed at not performance of official duties. SPECIAL EVENTS to exceed the maximum per diem rate pre- A. When such fees (actual or reduced) are I. Retreats: Reimbursement of official scribed by the Committee on Rules and Ad- less than or equal to $500, have a time dura- travel expenses for office staff retreats is al- ministration for travel within the conti- tion of not more than five (5) days, and have lowable from the contingent fund provided nental United States. been asked to be waived or reduced for Gov- they follow the restrictions and authoriza- C. Computations ernment participation, reimbursement shall tions in these regulations. Reimbursement of 1. The date of departure from, and arrival be made as an official travel expense. How- expenses for meeting rooms and equipment at, the official station or other point where ever, if the fee or time duration for meetings used during the retreat also is allowable. The official travel begins and ends, must be is in excess of the aforementioned, reim- vouchers for retreat expenses should be shown on the travel voucher. Other points bursement shall be made as a non-travel ex- noted as retreat vouchers. visited should be shown on the voucher but pense. A. Discussion of Interpretative Ruling of date of arrival and departure at these points B. Reimbursement shall not be allowed for the Select Committee on Ethics, No. 444, need not be shown. tuition or fees associated with classes at- issued February 14, 2002 2. For computing per diem allowances offi- tended to earn credits towards an advanced An office retreat may be paid for with either cial travel begins at the time the traveler degree or certification. leaves his/her home, office, or other point of C. The costs of meals that are considered or both official funds (with Rules Committee ap- departure and ends when the traveler returns an integral, mandatory and non-separable proval) or principal campaign committee funds. to his/her home, office, or other point at the element of the conference, seminar, briefing, Private parties may not pay expenses incurred conclusion of his/her trip. or class will be allowed as part of the attend- in connection with an office retreat. Campaign a) The maximum allowable per diem for an ance fee when certified by the registrant. workers may attend, at campaign expense, office official trip is computed by multiplying the The meal certification form, which must ac- retreats if their purpose in attending is to en- number of days on official travel, beginning company the reimbursement voucher, is gage in official activities, such as providing with the departure date, by the maximum available in the Disbursing Office or through feedback from constituents on legislative or rep- daily rate as prescribed by the Committee on the Senate Intranet. resentational matters. Rules and Administration. If the maximum II. Training of Committee Employees: Sec- B. When processing direct pay vouchers daily rate for a traveler’s destination is tion 202(j) of the Legislative Reorganization payable either to each individual traveler or higher than the prescribed daily rate, then Act of 1946 provides for the expenditure of to the vendor providing the retreat accom- the form ‘‘Request for a Waiver of the Travel funds available to standing committees of modations, prior approval by the Committee Regulations’’ must be submitted with the the Senate for the training of professional on Rules and Administration is not required. voucher showing the maximum daily rate for staff personnel under certain conditions. It is Retreat expenses, including but not limited that location and found in order upon audit the responsibility of each committee to set to per diem, may be charged to the office’s by the Rules Committee. aside funds within its annual funding resolu- official centrally billed government travel b) Total per diem for an official trip in- tion to cover the expenses of such training. charge card and paid on direct vouchers to cludes lodging expenses (excluding taxes), A. Prior approval for attendance by profes- the charge card vendor. Any deviation from meals (including taxes and tips), and other sional staff at seminars, briefings, con- this policy will be considered on a case by per diem expenses as defined by these regula- ferences, etc., as well as committee funds case basis upon the written request to, and tions. earmarked for training, will not be required approval from, the Committee on Rules and Administration. INCIDENTAL EXPENSES when all of the following conditions are met: 1. The sponsoring organization has been C. Spreadsheet of Expenses I. Periodicals: Periodicals purchased while asked to waive or reduce the fee for Govern- 1. The Member office, Committee, or Ad- in a travel status should be limited to news- ment participation. ministrative office, must attach to the re- papers and news magazines necessary to stay 2. The fee involved (actual or reduced) is treat voucher(s) a spreadsheet detailing each informed on issues directly related to Senate not in excess of $500. day of the retreat broken out by breakfast, business. 3. The duration of the meeting does not ex- lunch, dinner, and lodging for each traveler I. Traveler’s Checks/Money Orders: The ceed five (5) days. attending the retreat. service fee for preparation of traveler’s B. When such fees are less than or equal to 2. For each traveler, the spreadsheet checks or money orders for use during offi- $500, have a time duration of not more than should list his/her duty station, additional cial travel is allowable. five (5) days, and have been requested to be per diem expenses incurred outside of the re- III. Communications waived or reduced for Government participa- treat, and any other retreat attendee the A. Communication services such as tele- tion, reimbursement shall be made as a non- traveler shared a room with during the re- phone, telegraph, and faxes, may be used on training, official travel expense. However, if treat. Any non-staff members attending the official business when such expeditious the fee or time duration for meetings is in retreat also should be detailed on the spread- means of communications is essential. Gov- excess of the aforementioned, reimburse- sheet. The ‘‘Waiver of the Travel Regula- ernment-owned facilities should be used, if ment shall be made as an official training tions’’ form does not need to be attached to practical. If not available, the cheapest prac- expense. Reimbursement shall not be al- retreat voucher(s) for the sharing of rooms. tical class of commercial service should be lowed for tuition or fees associated with 3. The per diem expenses for staff members used. classes attended to earn credits towards an attending a retreat within their duty station B. Additionally, one personal telephone advanced degree or certification. are not reimbursable but should be detailed call will be reimbursed for each day that a C. If the fee or time duration for meetings on the spreadsheet. All expenses for non-staff Senator or staff member is in a travel status. is in excess of the aforementioned, advance members attending the retreat are not reim- The calls may not exceed an average of five approval by the Committee on Rules and Ad- bursable, but their attendance at the retreat minutes a day, and cannot be reimbursed at ministration must be sought. Training re- must be taken into account when computing a rate higher than $5.00 without itemized quests should be received sufficiently in ad- a per traveler cost on the spreadsheet. documentation. vance of the training to permit appropriate 4. An example of this spreadsheet can be IV. Stationery: Stationery items such as consideration by the Committee on Rules found on the Senate Intranet. pens, paper, batteries, etc. which are nec- and Administration. II. Funerals: Members who represent the essary to conduct official Senate business D. The costs of meals that are considered Senate at the funeral of a Member or former while in a travel status are authorized. an integral, mandatory, and non-separable member may be reimbursed for the actual V. Conference Center/Meeting Room Res- element of the conference, seminar, briefing, and necessary expenses of their attendance, ervations: The fee for the reservation of a or class will be allowed as part of the attend- pursuant to S. Res. 263, agreed to July 30, meeting room, conference room, or business ance fee when certified by the registrant. 1998. Additionally, the actual and necessary center while on official travel is allowable. The meal certification forms which must ac- expenses of a committee appointed to rep- VI. Other: This category would be used company the reimbursement voucher are resent the Senate at the funeral of a de- (with full explanation on the Expense Sum- available in the Disbursing Office or through ceased Member or former Member may be re- mary Report for Travel) to disclose any ex- the Senate Intranet. imbursed pursuant to S. Res. 458, agreed to pense which would occur incidentally while III. Training of Administrative Offices October 4, 1984. on official travel, and for which there is no Staff: The administrative approval of the A. Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 58e, which author- other expense category, i.e., interpreting voucher is the only approval required by the izes reimbursement for travel while on offi- services, hotel taxes, baggage cart rental, Committee on Rules and Administration. cial business within the United States, mem- etc. Training expenses of staff shall be limited to bers and their staff may be reimbursed for CONFERENCE AND TRAINING FEES those fees associated with the attendance by the actual and necessary expenses of attend- I. Training of Senators’ Office Staff: The staff at conferences, seminars, briefings, or ing funerals within their home state only. Senators’ Official Personnel and Office Ex- classes which are or will be directly related B. Examples of funerals that may be con- pense Account is available to defray the fees to the performance of official duties. How- sidered official business include, but are not associated with the attendance by the Sen- ever, reimbursement shall not be allowed for limited to, funerals for military service

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3136 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 members, first responders, or public officials ment of expenses incurred in excess of $50 with- B. If a witness departs from a city other from the Member’s state. out documentation, in special circumstances. than the witness’ city of residence to appear SENATORS’ OFFICE STAFF Section 7. Vouchers for the reimbursement of before the Senate or returns to a city other official travel expenses to a Senator, employee, than the witness’ city of residence after ap- I. Legislative Authority (2 U.S.C. 58(e), as detailee pursuant to section 503(b)(3) of PL 96– pearing before the Senate, then Senate com- amended) 465, or individual serving on a nominee rec- mittees may reimburse the witness for trans- (e) Subject to and in accordance with regula- ommendation panel pursuant to 2 U.S.C. 58(h) portation expenses incurred which are less tions promulgated by the Committee on Rules shall be accompanied by an ‘‘Expense Summary than or equal to the amount the committee and Administration of the Senate, a Senator Report—Travel’’ signed by such person. would have reimbursed the witness had the and the employees in his office shall be reim- Vouchers for the reimbursement to any such witness departed from and returned to his/ bursed under this section for travel expenses in- individual for official expenses other than travel her residence. Any deviation from this policy curred by the Senator or employee while trav- expenses shall be accompanied by an ‘‘Expense will be considered on a case by case basis eling on official business within the United Summary Report Non- Travel’’ signed by such upon the written request to, and approval States. The term ‘travel expenses’ includes ac- person. from, the Committee on Rules and Adminis- tual transportation expenses, essential travel-re- COMMITTEE AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE STAFF tration. lated expenses, and, where applicable, per diem C. Service fees for the preparation or mail- expenses (but not in excess of actual expenses). (Includes all committees of the Senate, the Of- ing of passenger coupons for indigent or sub- A Senator or an employee of the Senator shall fice of the Secretary of the Senate, and the Of- poenaed witnesses testifying before Senate not be reimbursed for any travel expenses (other fice of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of committees shall be considered reimbursable than actual transportation expenses) for any the Senate) for purposes of official travel. travel occurring during the sixty days imme- I. Legislative Authority (2 U.S.C. 68b) D. Transportation expenses for witnesses diately before the date of any primary or gen- No part of the appropriations made under the may be charged to the Committee’s official eral election (whether regular, special, or run- heading ‘Contingent Expenses of the Senate’ centrally billed government travel charge off) in which the Senator is a candidate for pub- may be expended for per diem and subsistence card and paid on direct vouchers to the lic office (within the meaning of section 301(b) expenses (as defined in section 5701 of Title 5) at charge card vendor. Additionally, per diem of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971), rates in excess of the rates prescribed by the expenses for indigent witnesses may be unless his candidacy in such election is Committee on Rules and Administration; except charged to the Committee’s official govern- uncontested. For purposes of this subsection that (1) higher rates may be established by the ment charge card and paid on direct vouch- and subsection 2(a)(6) of this section, an em- Committee on Rules and Administration for ers to the charge card vendor. ployee in the Office of the President Pro Tem- travel beyond the limits of the continental V. Regulations Governing Payments and pore, Deputy President Pro Tempore, Majority United States, and (2) in accordance with regu- Reimbursements from the Senate Contingent Leader, Minority Leader, Majority Whip, Mi- lations prescribed by the Committee on Rules Funds for Expenses of Senate Committees nority Whip, Secretary of the Conference of the and Administration of the Senate, reimburse- and Administrative Offices Majority, or Secretary of the Conference of the ment for such expenses may be made on an ac- (Adopted by the Committee on Rules and Ad- Minority shall be considered to be an employee tual expense basis of not to exceed the daily rate ministration on July 23, 1987, as authorized by in the office of the Senator holding such office. prescribed by the Committee on Rules and Ad- S. Res. 258, 100th Congress, 1st session, these II. Regulations Governing Senators’ Offi- ministration in the case of travel within the regulations supersede regulations adopted by cial Personnel and Office Expense Accounts continental limits of the United States. the Committee on October 22, 1975, and April 30, Adopted by the Committee on Rules and Ad- II. Incidental Expenses: The following 1981, as amended.) ministration Pursuant to Senate Resolution items may be authorized or approved when Section 1. Unless otherwise authorized by law 170 agreed to September 19, 1979, as amended. related to official travel: or waived pursuant to Section 6, herein, no pay- Section 1. For the purposes of these regula- 1. Commissions for conversion of currency ment or reimbursement will be made from the tions, the following definitions shall apply: in foreign countries. contingent fund of the Senate for any official (a) Documentation means invoices, bills, state- 2. Fees in connection with the issuance of expenses incurred by any Senate committee ments, receipts, or other evidence of expenses in- passports, visa fees; costs of photographs for (standing, select, joint, or special), commission, curred, approved by the Committee on Rules passports and visas; costs of certificates of administrative office, or other authorized Senate and Administration. birth, health, identity; and affidavits; and activity whose funds are disbursed by the Sec- (b) Official expenses means ordinary and nec- charges for inoculations which cannot be ob- retary of the Senate, in excess of $50, unless the essary business expenses in support of the Sen- tained through a federal dispensary when re- voucher submitted for such expenses is accom- ators’ official and representational duties. quired for official travel outside the limits of panied by documentation, and the voucher is Section 2. No reimbursement will be made from the United States. certified by the properly designated staff mem- the contingent fund of the Senate for any offi- III. Hearing Expenses (committees only) ber and approved by the Chairman or elected cial expenses incurred under a Senator’s Official A. In connection with hearings held out- Senate Officer. The designation of such staff Personnel and Office Expense Account, in ex- side of Washington, D.C., committees are au- members for certification shall be done by means cess of $50, unless the voucher submitted for thorized to pay the travel expenses of official of a letter to the Chairman of the Committee on such expenses is accompanied by documenta- reporters having company offices in Wash- Rules and Administration. ‘‘Official expenses,’’ tion, and the voucher is certified by the properly ington, D.C., or in other locations, for trav- for the purposes of these regulations, means or- designated staff member and approved by the eling to points outside the District of Colum- dinary and necessary business expenses in sup- Senator. bia or outside such other locations, provided: port of a committee’s or administrative office’s Section 3. Official expenses of $50 or less must 1. Said hearings are of such a classified or official duties. either be documented or must be itemized in suf- security nature that their transcripts can be Section 2. Such documentation should consist ficient detail so as to leave no doubt of the iden- accomplished only by reporters having the of invoices, bills, statements, receipts, or other tity of, and the amount spent for, each item. necessary clearance from the proper federal evidence of expenses incurred, and should in- Items of a similar nature may be grouped to- agencies; clude ALL of the following information: gether in one total on a voucher, but must be 2. Extreme difficulty is experienced in the a) date expense was incurred; itemized individually on a supporting procurement of local reporters; or b) the amount of the expense; itemization sheet. 3. The demands of economy make the use c) the product or service that was provided; of Washington, D.C., reporters or traveling d) the vendor providing the product or service; Section 4. Travel expenses shall be subject to e) the address of the vendor; and the same documentation requirements as other reporters in another area highly advan- f) the person or office to whom the product or official expenses, with the following exceptions: tageous to the Senate; and further provided, service was provided. (a) Hotel bills or other evidence of lodging that should such hearings exceed five days in Expenses being claimed should reflect only costs will be considered necessary in support of duration, prior approval (for the payment of current charges. Original copies of documenta- per diem. reporters’ travel expenses) must be obtained tion should be submitted. However, legible fac- (b) Documentation will not be required for re- from the Committee on Rules and Adminis- similes will be accepted. imbursement of official travel in a privately tration. Section 3. Official expenses of $50 or less must owned vehicle. IV. Witnesses Appearing Before the Senate either be documented or must be itemized in suf- Section 5. No documentation will be required (committees only) ficient detail so as to leave no doubt of the iden- for reimbursement of the following classes of ex- A. The authorized transportation expenses tity of, and the amount spent for, each item. penses, as these are billed and paid directly incurred and associated with a witness ap- However, hotel bills or other evidence of lodging through the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper: pearing before the Senate at a designated costs will be considered necessary in support of (a) official telegrams and long distance calls place of examination pursuant to S. Res. 259, per diem expenses and cannot be itemized. and related services; agreed to August 5, 1987, will be those nec- Section 4. Documentation for services ren- (b) stationery and other office supplies pro- essary transportation expenses incurred in dered on a contract fee basis shall consist of a cured through the Senate Stationery Room for traveling from the witness’ place of resi- contract status report form available from the use for official business. dence to the site of the Senate examination Disbursing Office. Section 6. The Committee on Rules and Ad- and the necessary transportation expenses However, other expenses authorized expressly ministration may require documentation for ex- incurred in returning the witness to his/her in the contract will be subject to the documenta- penses incurred of $50 or less, or authorize pay- residence. tion requirements set forth in these regulations.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3137 Section 5. No documentation will be required aison for the Office of the Secretary of ening congressional support for Army for the following expenses: the Army, as she prepares to leave this priorities. Major General Richardson a) salary reimbursement for compensation on position for one of even greater impor- managed some of the most complex a ‘‘When Actually Employed’’ basis; issues our Army faced through three b) reimbursement of official travel in a pri- tance. vately owned vehicle; Major General Richardson has served legislative cycles with unparalleled re- c) foreign travel expenses incurred by official our Army and our Nation for more sults, enabling the Army to receive the congressional delegations, pursuant to S. Res. than 30 years. She was a true profes- necessary resources to support combat 179, 95th Congress, 1st session; sional—a dedicated soldier, leader, offi- operations in two theaters of war, sus- d) expenses for receptions of foreign dig- cer, spouse, and mother. Throughout tain the All-Volunteer Force, and im- nitaries, pursuant to S. Res. 247, 87th Congress, her career, she commanded our great prove the quality of life for our sol- 2nd session, as amended; and soldiers at many levels, deployed to diers, their families, and our civilians. e) expenses for receptions of foreign dig- combat numerous times in defense of On behalf of Congress and the United nitaries pursuant to Sec. 2 of P.L. 100–71 effec- States of America, I thank Laura, her tive July 11, 1987. our Nation, and was assigned to some Section 6. In special circumstances, the Com- of the most critical positions in our husband, MG Jim Richardson, and mittee on Rules and Administration may require military. As the Army’s Chief Legisla- their entire family for their continued documentation for expenses incurred of $50 or tive Liaison, Major General Richardson commitment, sacrifice, and contribu- less, or authorize payment of expenses incurred continues to provide outstanding lead- tion to this great nation. I join my col- in excess of $50 without documentation. ership, advice, and sound professional leagues in wishing her future success Section 7. Cash advances from the Disbursing judgment on numerous critical issues as she continues to serve our great Office are to be used for travel and petty cash Army and Nation. expenses only. No more than $5000 may be out- of enduring importance to the Army, standing at one time for Senate committees or Congress, and this Nation. f A native of Colorado, Major General administrative offices, unless otherwise author- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ized by law or resolution, and no more than $300 Richardson was commissioned a second of that amount may be used for a petty cash lieutenant of aviation upon graduation fund. The individual receiving the cash advance from Metropolitan State College in TRIBUTE TO RUSSELL GORDON will be personally liable. The Committee on Denver. Her first assignment after ∑ Rules and Administration may, in special in- Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. President, it is flight school was in Korea with the an honor to join the community of stances, increase these non-statutory limits 17th Aviation Brigade, where she upon written request by the Chairman of that music lovers in New Mexico to recog- committee and proper justification. served as a platoon leader, company ex- nize Mr. Russell Gordon in his final Section 8. Documentation of petty cash ex- ecutive officer, brigade staff officer, year of presenting the Los Alamos penses shall be listed on an official petty cash and company commander. She next County Summer Concert Series. itemization sheet available from the Disbursing served at Fort Hood, TX, on the III For 28 years, the concert series has Office and should include ALL of the following Corps staff and in the 6th Cavalry Bri- been a pillar of the community in information: gade as a company commander and bri- northern New Mexico, bringing to- a) date expense was incurred; gade adjutant. In 1999, General Rich- b) amount of expense; gether families, neighbors, and friends c) product or service provided; and ardson was selected to serve as the with local, national, and internation- d) the person incurring the expense (payee). military aide to Vice President Al Gore ally renowned musicians. Each sheet must be signed by the Senate em- at the White House in Washington, DC. In 1988, Russell and his wife, Deborah, ployee receiving cash and an authorizing offi- Following that assignment, she moved moved to White Rock, NM, where they cial (i.e., someone other than the employee(s) to Fort Campbell, KY, to serve as the started Gordon’s CDs, Tapes and authorized to certify vouchers). Original re- Division Deputy G–3 of the 101st Air- Records. ceipts or facsimiles must accompany the borne Division, Air Assault, and later Local musicians remember playing itemization sheet for petty cash expenses over commanded the 5th Battalion, 101st $50. on the sidewalk outside of his shop Section 9. Petty cash funds should be used for Aviation Regiment, including a deploy- when Russell began the series in 1990. the following incidental expenses: ment to Iraq in support of Operation Today the series is a much larger affair a) postage; Iraqi Freedom. with hundreds gathering around the b) delivery expenses; Major General Richardson has served historic Ashley Pond and other venues c) interdepartmental transportation (as de- in a variety of joint and Army staff po- in Los Alamos on Friday evenings to fined in United States Senate Travel Regula- sitions to include: an assault helicopter begin their weekend with art, culture, tions); battalion operations officer and execu- and dance. d) single copies of publications (not subscrip- tive officer; deputy director, then di- tions); Russell Gordon’s passion for music e) office supplies not available in the Senate rector for the Army’s Transformation shines through the variety of genres Stationery Room; and Office; and the Army’s liaison officer featured, including Spanish, Native f) official telephone calls made from a staff to the U.S. Senate. She also served as American, big band, bluegrass, clas- member’s residence or toll charges incurred the garrison commander of Fort sical, country music, folk, gospel, rock, within a staff member’s duty station. McNair and Fort Myer, VA. jazz, and international acts. Russell Petty cash funds should not be used for the Major General Richardson’s assign- has kept local New Mexican artists in procurement of equipment. ments as a general officer include com- his line-up over the years and helped Section 10. Committees are encouraged to manding general of the U.S. Army maintain a separate checking account only for grow and mentor the music scene the purpose of a petty cash fund and with a Operational Test Command, deputy throughout the State. He has inspired balance not in excess of $300. commanding general of the 1st Cavalry young musicians, expanded horizons, Section 11. Vouchers for the reimbursement of Division at Fort Hood, TX, and most and has created countless memories for official travel expenses to a committee chairman recently, deputy chief of staff for com- musicians and concert-goers in New or member, officer, employee, contractor, munications with Headquarters, Inter- Mexico. detailee, or witness shall be accompanied by an national Security Assistance Force, As the ranking member on the Joint ‘‘Expense Summary Report—Travel’’ signed by ISAF, in support of Operation Endur- such person. Vouchers for the reimbursement to Economic Committee, I am proud to any such individual for official expenses other ing Freedom, Afghanistan. recognize the contributions of local than travel expenses shall be accompanied by For the past 3 years, Major General small business owners like Russell and an ‘‘Expense Summary Report—Non-Travel’’ Richardson was the Chief of the U.S. Deborah Gordon. We wish them the signed by such person. Army Legislative Liaison. During this best of luck in their future endeavors f period of extraordinary change and and thank them for their contributions challenge for the Army, Major General to the community.∑ TRIBUTE TO MAJOR GENERAL Richardson implemented and fostered f LAURA J. RICHARDSON improved strategic partnership with Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President today I Congress. Through her leadership, the RECOGNIZING WINSHIP CANCER wish pay tribute to a great leader and Army significantly enhanced relation- INSTITUTE an exceptional Army officer, MG Laura ships with both legislative chambers, ∑ Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, today I J. Richardson, the Chief Legislative Li- improving understanding and broad- am honored to congratulate Winship

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3138 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 Cancer Institute at Emory University sociation took its name from that Because of its success and standing on earning the prestigious comprehen- brand in homage to Scott. in the region, the 71 Livestock Associa- sive cancer center designation from the In 1905, local ranchers requested that tion has seen members go on to rep- National Cancer Institute. This des- the Federal Government look into cre- resent constituents of southern Idaho ignation now places Georgia’s own ating a forest reserve to protect graz- in the Idaho State Legislature—nota- Winship Cancer Institute in the top 1 ing and other resources on the range. bly, the late Noy Brackett, his son percent of all cancer centers in the Less than a year later in 1906, with Gif- Bert Brackett, and the late George United States. ford Pinchot as the first Chief of the Swan. Winship Cancer Institute was estab- Forest Service, President Theodore The 71 Livestock Association serves lished in 1937 with a gift from one of Roosevelt signed into law a forest re- as a role model for Idaho and the Na- Georgia’s generous philanthropists, serve in Nevada. The creation of the tion on how to innovate and collabo- Robert W. Woodruff, whose mission was forest reserve sparked a partnership be- rate on land management issues. Today to allow Georgians to get the best can- tween the Three Creek Ranchers and they remain focused on advancing their cer treatment in their home State. He the U.S. Forest Service. mission of ‘‘bettering conditions on the envisioned doctors and researchers In December 1917, the ranchers of range.’’ Congratulations to the 71 Live- working together in the same facility, Owyhee and Twin Falls Counties came stock Association on a successful 100 so that scientists would be reminded of together to form the 71 Livestock Asso- years of operation.∑ the urgency of their work and moti- ciation with Joe E. Hawes as the first f chairman. Noteworthy, the 71 Live- vated to bring innovative treatments RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL to patients. Winship treated 168 pa- stock Association started with both woolgrowers and cattle producers, ORPHAN TRAIN COMPLEX tients in its first year. Today Winship which created a stronger partnership ∑ sees more than 15,000 patients every Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I and greater collaboration among all would like to acknowledge an impor- year. The research being performed at range users and managers. tant event in our history, the Orphan In the early 1930s, livestock pro- Winship Cancer Institute is particu- Train Movement. This movement is ducers in the West were concerned with larly important to Georgians because not only extremely important to Kan- deterioration of the range due to un- sas; it also placed approximately Winship researchers are studying the controlled grazing and wanted to bet- 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, and home- environmental and genetic issues ter protect the public lands. Due to less children in homes across the unique to cancer in our State. that concern, Congress passed the Tay- United States. The National Orphan Winship’s goals are very specific: re- lor Grazing Act in 1934, and the 71 Live- Train Complex, which is headquartered ducing the risk of cancer and detecting stock Association created its first con- in our very own Concordia, KS—also cancer at the earliest possible stage. stitution and bylaws. The Taylor Graz- known as Orphan Train Town—con- An estimated 50,000 Georgians will be ing Act established grazing boards, and tinues to tell stories of children who diagnosed with cancer this year, and the 71 Livestock Association had three were impacted by these orphan trains. approximately a third of them will re- members on Idaho’s very first grazing The first orphan train arrived in ceive some component of their treat- advisory board. Kansas in 1859 to the city of Wathena, ment at one of Winship’s clinical loca- The 71 Livestock Association has where three children were placed with tions in metropolitan Atlanta. seen many changes and has evolved to Kansas families. Since this first train, In recommending Winship for this make conditions better on the range. 12,000 children were moved to Kansas special designation, former President In its formative years, they helped cre- homes. These children would grow up Jimmy Carter spoke of the research ate a system for grazing as the main in Kansas, raising families, growing and work being performed at Winship enforcement body on the forest reserve the economy, and serving their com- that helped save his life after his can- in Nevada. As the Bureau of Land Man- munities through farming, teaching, cer diagnosis at his advanced age. agement began managing the range in and starting businesses. These children Today Winship continues to stand southwestern Idaho and Elko County, and their journey are an integral part out because of its commitment to NV, they helped to allocate range to its of Kansas history. aligning its outstanding cancer re- members and to help install key infra- The mission of the National Orphan search and education initiatives with structure like fences, pipelines, roads, Train Complex in Concordia, KS, is to its significant cancer prevention and phone service, electrical power, and collect, preserve, interpret, and dis- cancer care efforts. I am proud to con- even a tax levy for the Three Creek seminate knowledge about the orphan gratulate Winship Cancer Institute on School. trains and the children who rode them. this important milestone, as its re- From its inception, the 71 Livestock The National Orphan Train Complex is searchers and clinicians continue their Association has experienced many the only organization compiling a mas- mission to lessen the burden of cancer challenges from jackrabbit infesta- ter list of orphan train riders to assist for the citizens of Georgia.∑ tions, plant poisoned cattle, severe future generations with genealogical f winters, environmental lawsuits, en- information. The tireless work done by dangered species, National Environ- 71 LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION this organization deserves acknowl- mental Policy Act, NEPA, regulations, CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION edgement. I am proud to recognize the and range fires. In addition, they have 15th annual celebration of Orphan ∑ Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, my col- lived through the Sage Brush Rebellion Train Riders, which takes place June 1 league Senator MIKE CRAPO joins me and the Jarbridge Shovel Brigade. through June 4. today in congratulating the 71 Live- Through it all, they have been instru- I ask my colleagues join me in recog- stock Association of southwestern mental at bringing together ranchers nizing the Orphan Train Movement and Idaho and northeastern Nevada on its and Federal, State and local agencies the National Orphan Train Complex on centennial anniversary. On June 24, to discuss and resolve issues with a their outstanding research and preser- 2017, members of the 71 Livestock Asso- spirit of cooperation. vation of our Nation’s history.∑ ciation will gather at the Three Creek Today the 71 Livestock Association f School to celebrate 100 years of good has been at the center of rangeland fire stewardship on our western rangelands. management. In their true spirit, the MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE The 71 Livestock Association has 71 Livestock Association pitched in to At 11:40 a.m., a message from the deep roots in southwestern Idaho and help with the rehabilitation and rec- House of Representatives, delivered by northeastern Nevada and boasts a lamation of the land and helped create Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, colorful heritage that defines our idea and develop the Rangeland Fire Protec- announced that the House has passed of western ranching. In the early 1870s, tion Associations, RFPA. By being the following bills, in which it requests the Three Creek Area’s premier cattle- first on the scene, the RFPA have been the concurrence of the Senate: man, Joseph Scott, was the first to use instrumental in helping to stop fires H.R. 1005. An act to amend title 38, United a 71 brand after purchasing it from a before they develop into larger uncon- States Code, to improve the provision of Nevada rancher. The 71 Livestock As- trolled range fires. adult day health care services for veterans.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3139 H.R. 1162. An act to direct the Secretary of H.R. 1329. An act to increase, effective as of the national emergency with respect to Iran Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot pro- December 1, 2017, the rates of compensation that was declared in Executive Order 12170 gram to provide access to magnetic EEG/ for veterans with service-connected disabil- on November 14, 1979; to the Committee on EKG-guided resonance therapy to veterans. ities and the rates of dependency and indem- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. H.R. 1329. An act to increase, effective as of nity compensation for the survivors of cer- EC–1646. A communication from the Sec- December 1, 2017, the rates of compensation tain disabled veterans, and for other pur- retary of Commerce, transmitting, pursuant for veterans with service-connected disabil- poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- to law, a report relative to the continuation ities and the rates of dependency and indem- fairs. of a national emergency declared in Execu- nity compensation for the survivors of cer- H.R. 1370. An act to amend the Homeland tive Order 13222 with respect to the lapse of tain disabled veterans, and for other pur- Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary the Export Administration Act of 1979; to the poses. of Homeland Security to issue Department of Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban H.R. 1370. An act to amend the Homeland Homeland Security-wide guidance and de- Affairs. EC–1647. A communication from the Direc- Security Act of 2002 to require the Secretary velop training programs as part of the De- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of Homeland Security to issue Department of partment of Homeland Security Blue Cam- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Homeland Security-wide guidance and de- paign, and for other purposes; to the Com- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- velop training programs as part of the De- mittee on Homeland Security and Govern- titled ‘‘Air Quality Designations for the 2012 partment of Homeland Security Blue Cam- mental Affairs . Primary Annual Fine Particle Matter paign, and for other purposes. H.R. 1545. An act to amend title 38, United (PM2.5) National Ambient Air Quality H.R. 1545. An act to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the authority of the Standard (NAAQS) for Areas in Tennessee’’ States Code, to clarify the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disclose cer- ((RIN2060–AT44) (FRL No. 9962–89–OAR)) re- Secretary of the Veterans Affairs to disclose tain patient information to State controlled substance monitoring programs, and for ceived in the Office of the President of the certain patient information to State con- Senate on May 23, 2017; to the Committee on other purposes; to the Committee on Vet- trolled substance monitoring programs, and Environment and Public Works. erans’ Affairs. for other purposes. EC–1648. A communication from the Direc- H.R. 1725. An act to direct the Secretary of H.R. 1725. An act to direct the Secretary of tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Veterans Affairs to submit certain reports Veterans Affairs to submit certain reports Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- relating to medical evidence submitted in relating to medical evidence submitted in ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- support of claims for benefits under the laws support of claims for benefits under the laws titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- administered by the Secretary. administered by the Secretary; to the Com- mentation Plans; Louisiana; Volatile Or- H.R. 1808. An act to amend and improve the mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. ganic Compounds Rule Revision and Stage II Missing Children’s Assistance Act, and for H.R. 1808. An act to amend and improve the Vapor Recovery’’ (FRL No. 9962–21–Region 6) other purposes. Missing Children’s Assistance Act, and for received in the Office of the President of the H.R. 1809. An act to reauthorize and im- other purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- Senate on May 23, 2017; to the Committee on prove the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency diciary. Environment and Public Works. Prevention Act of 1974, and for other pur- H.R. 2288. An act to amend title 38, United EC–1649. A communication from the Direc- poses. States Code, to reform the rights and proc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, H.R. 2288. An act to amend title 38, United esses relating to appeals of decisions regard- Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- States Code, to reform the rights and proc- ing claims for benefits under the laws admin- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- esses relating to appeals of decisions regard- istered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, titled ‘‘Approval and Promulgation of Imple- ing claims for benefits under the laws admin- and for other purposes; to the Committee on mentation Plans; Texas; El Paso Carbon istered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Veterans’ Affairs. Monoxide Limited Maintenance Plan’’ (FRL and for other purposes. H.R. 2473. An act to direct the Attorney No. 9962–20–Region 6) received in the Office of H.R. 2473. An act to direct the Attorney General to study issues relating to human the President of the Senate on May 23, 2017; General to study issues relating to human trafficking, and for other purposes; to the to the Committee on Environment and Pub- trafficking, and for other purposes. Committee on the Judiciary. lic Works. The message also announced that the f EC–1650. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, House agrees to the amendments of the EXECUTIVE AND OTHER Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Senate to the bill (H.R. 366) to amend COMMUNICATIONS ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to titled ‘‘Compliance Date Extension; Form- direct the Under Secretary for Manage- The following communications were aldehyde Emission Standards for Composite ment of the Department of Homeland laid before the Senate, together with Wood Products’’ ((RIN2070–AK35) (FRL No. Security to make certain improve- accompanying papers, reports, and doc- 9962–86)) received in the Office of the Presi- ments in managing the Department’s uments, and were referred as indicated: dent of the Senate on May 23, 2017; to the Committee on Environment and Public vehicle fleet, and for other purposes. EC–1641. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Works. EC–1651. A communication from the Acting f Environmental Protection Agency, transmit- Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regu- ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- Enrolled Bill Signed latory Programs, Office of Sustainable Fish- titled ‘‘Pesticides; Certification of Pesticide eries, Department of Commerce, transmit- At 5:33 p.m., a message from the Applicators Rule; Delay of Effective Date’’ ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- (FRL No. 9962–94) received in the Office of House of Representatives, delivered by titled ‘‘Endangered and Threatened Wildlife the President of the Senate on May 23, 2017; Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, and Plants; Final Rule to List 6 Foreign Spe- announced that the Speaker had signed to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, cies of Elasmobranchs Under the Endangered the following enrolled bill: and Forestry. Species Act (RIN0648–XE184) received in the EC–1642. A communication from the Sec- H.R. 366. An act to amend the Homeland Office of the President of the Senate on May retary of Defense, transmitting the report of 23, 2017; to the Committee on Environment Security Act of 2002 to direct the Under Sec- four (4) officers authorized to wear the insig- retary for Management of the Department of and Public Works. nia of the grade of rear admiral in accord- EC–1652. A communication from the United Homeland Security to make certain im- ance with title 10, United States Code, sec- States Trade Representative, Executive Of- provements in managing the Department’s tion 777; to the Committee on Armed Serv- fice of the President, transmitting, pursuant vehicle fleet, and for other purposes. ices. to law, a report relative to negotiations with f EC–1643. A communication from the Sec- Canada and Mexico regarding modernization retary of Defense, transmitting a report on of the North American Free Trade Agree- MEASURES REFERRED the approved retirement of General Daniel B. ment (NAFTA); to the Committee on Fi- The following bills were read the first Allyn, United States Army, and his advance- nance. ment to the grade of general on the retired EC–1653. A communication from the Regu- and the second times by unanimous list; to the Committee on Armed Services. lations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare consent, and referred as indicated: EC–1644. A communication from the Under and Medicaid Services, Department of H.R. 1005. An act to amend title 38, United Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Tech- Health and Human Services, transmitting, States Code, to improve the provision of nology, and Logistics), transmitting, pursu- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled adult day health care services for veterans; ant to law, a report entitled ‘‘Defense Pro- ‘‘Medicare Program; Advancing Care Coordi- to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. duction Act Annual Fund Report for Fiscal nation Through Episode Payment Models H.R. 1162. An act to direct the Secretary of Year 2016’’; to the Committee on Banking, (EPMs); Cardiac Rehabilitation Incentive Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot pro- Housing, and Urban Affairs. Payment Model; and Changes to the Com- gram to provide access to magnetic EEG/ EC–1645. A communication from the Sec- prehensive Care for Joint Replacement EKG-guided resonance therapy to veterans; retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- Model (CJR); Delay of Effective Date’’ to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. ant to law, a six-month periodic report on ((RIN0938–AS90) (CMS–5519–F3)) received in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:24 Aug 22, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3140 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 the Office of the President of the Senate on tled ‘‘U.S. Department of Health and Human processors be enabled to compete freely and May 18, 2017; to the Committee on Finance. Services Met Many Requirements of the Im- trade fairly in foreign and domestic markets EC–1654. A communication from the Regu- proper Payments Information Act of 2002 but on a strictly level playing field. Be it further lations Coordinator, Centers for Medicare Did Not Fully Comply for Fiscal Year 2016’’; Resolved, That food safety standards in the and Medicaid Services, Department of to the Committee on Homeland Security and United States should be enforced fully on Health and Human Services, transmitting, Governmental Affairs. food from foreign countries wishing to par- pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled EC–1663. A communication from the Acting ticipate in markets that lie within the ‘‘Medicare Program; Advancing Care Coordi- Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fish- boundaries of the United States and funded nation Through Episode Payment Models eries, Department of Commerce, transmit- in a way that does not burden the United (EPMs); Cardiac Rehabilitation Incentive ting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule en- States taxpayer. And be it further Payment Model; and Changes to the Com- titled ‘‘Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Resolved, When determining the economic prehensive Care for Joint Replacement Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries’’ (RIN0648– value of international trade agreements, we Model (CJR)’’ ((RIN0938–AS90) (CMS–5519–F)) XF210) received in the Office of the President urge that the cost of environmental protec- received in the Office of the President of the of the Senate on May 23, 2017; to the Com- tion, worker safety, wage rates and food Senate on May 23, 2017; to the Committee on mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- safety standards be quantified and consid- Finance. tation. ered in such determinations. And be it fur- EC–1655. A communication from the Bu- EC–1664. A communication from the Acting ther reau of Political-Military Affairs, Depart- Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- Resolved, That we encourage the education ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- of the general public regarding the impor- law, an addendum to a certification, of the ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘At- tance of the role agriculture plays in the de- proposed sale or export of defense articles lantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic velopment of a society, recognizing that and/or defense services to a Middle East Bluefin Tuna Fisheries’’ (RIN0648–XF259) re- such public education, primarily at the mid- country (OSS–2017–0516); to the Committee ceived in the Office of the President of the dle and secondary school levels, is critical in on Foreign Relations. Senate on May 23, 2017; to the Committee on the preservation and strengthening of the EC–1656. A communication from the Bu- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. family farm unit and the overall preserva- reau of Political-Military Affairs, Depart- EC–1665. A communication from the Acting tion and strengthening of the agricultural ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of industry itself. And be it further law, an addendum to a certification, of the Sustainable Fisheries, Department of Com- Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the House proposed sale or export of defense articles merce, transmitting, pursuant to law, the re- of Representatives be, and she is hereby au- and/or defense services to a Middle East port of a rule entitled ‘‘Pacific Island Fish- thorized and directed to forward a copy of country (OSS–2017–0517); to the Committee eries; 2016 Annual Catch Limits and Ac- this Memorial to the President of the Senate on Foreign Relations. countability Measures’’ (RIN0648–XF587) re- and the Speaker of the House of Representa- EC–1657. A communication from the Bu- ceived in the Office of the President of the tives of Congress, and to the congressional reau of Political-Military Affairs, Depart- Senate on May 23, 2017; to the Committee on delegation representing the State of Idaho in ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to Commerce, Science, and Transportation. the Congress of the United States. law, an addendum to a certification, of the proposed sale or export of defense articles f POM–30. A joint memorial adopted by the and/or defense services to a Middle East PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS Legislature of the State of Idaho urging the country (OSS–2017–0515); to the Committee United States Air Force, President of the on Foreign Relations. The following petitions and memo- United States, and the United States Con- EC–1658. A communication from the Bu- rials were laid before the Senate and gress to thoroughly and conscientiously reau of Political-Military Affairs, Depart- were referred or ordered to lie on the evaluate the utility and efficacy of basing a ment of State, transmitting, pursuant to table as indicated: squadron of F–35 Lightning II Joint Strike law, an addendum to a certification, of the POM–29. A joint memorial adopted by the Fighter aircraft at Gowen Field in Boise, proposed sale or export of defense articles Legislature of the State of Idaho memori- Idaho, to facilitate a continued flying mis- and/or defense services to a Middle East alizing the importance of agriculture in the sion for the Idaho Air National Guard; to the country (OSS–2017–0514); to the Committee United States; to the Committee on Agri- Committee on Armed Services. on Foreign Relations. culture, Nutrition, and Forestry. HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 9 EC–1659. A communication from the Regu- HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 6 Whereas, the State and the citizens of lations Coordinator, Health Resources and Idaho have a proud tradition of support for Whereas, since the beginning of time, the Services Administration, Department of the armed forces of the United States of ability of man to provide food, fiber and fuel Health and Human Services, transmitting, America; and pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled for himself and others has determined his Whereas, the Idaho Air National Guard has ‘‘340B Drug Pricing Program Ceiling Price independence, freedom and security; and distinguished itself in service to the State of Whereas, the strength of a nation is based and Manufacturer Civil Monetary Penalties Idaho and to the citizens of our state and the on its ability to sufficiently provide safe and Regulation’’ (RIN0906–AA89) received in the United States of America; and Office of the President of the Senate on May reliable food, fiber and fuel for its people; Whereas, Gowen Field, located in the City 18, 2017; to the Committee on Health, Edu- and of Boise, Idaho, has served admirably for dec- cation, Labor, and Pensions. Whereas, the family farm unit is the foun- ades as an effective, world-class military in- EC–1660. A communication from the Direc- dation of agriculture and one of the basic stallation, both in federal and state service, tor of Regulations and Policy Management strengths of the United States; and as a base of operations for the Idaho Army Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- Whereas, a strong and viable agricultural National Guard and the Idaho Air National partment of Health and Human Services, industry is a very important part of our na- Guard; and transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of tional security and overall well-being; and Whereas, the U.S. Air Force has chosen a rule entitled ‘‘Clarification of When Prod- Whereas, federal, state and local laws and Gowen Field among five finalists for two ucts Made or Derived From Tobacco Are regulations require farmers, ranchers and sites to locate squadrons of F–35 Lightning II Regulated as Drugs, Devices, or Combination food processors in the United States to meet Joint Strike Fighter aircraft; and Products; Amendments to Regulations Re- the highest standards in the world when it Whereas, Gowen Field is the only finalist garding ‘Intended Uses’; Further Delayed Ef- comes to environmental protection, worker for the basing of F–35 aircraft in the western fective Date; Request for Comments; Exten- safety, wage rates and food safety concerns; United States; and sion of Comment Period’’ ((RIN0910–AH19) and Whereas, Gowen Field, Boise, and south- (Docket No. FDA–2015–N–2002)) received in Whereas, United States farmers, ranchers western Idaho possess the facilities, infra- the Office of the President of the Senate on and food processors pay for record audits on structure, airspace, climate, landscape, May 23, 2017; to the Committee on Health, farm inspections and USDA product inspec- skilled personnel, relevant private-sector in- Education, Labor, and Pensions. tions to confirm that necessary criteria are dustry and strong public support for military EC–1661. A communication from the Acting met to adhere to the laws and regulations operations required to effectively support Chief Executive Officer, Corporation for Na- that apply; and the siting of F–35 aircraft; and tional and Community Service, transmit- Whereas, the Food Safety Modernization Whereas, the Idaho Air National Guard’s ting, pursuant to law, the Corporation’s fis- Act requires that all food products, foreign existing A–10 aircraft flying mission faces cal year 2016 annual report relative to the and domestic, must adhere to the same food the distinct possibility of elimination in the Notification and Federal Employee Anti- safety standards, and yet only 2% of all im- foreseeable future; and discrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002 ported food products are actually inspected. Whereas, the economies of Boise, south- (No FEAR Act); to the Committee on Home- Now, therefore, be it western Idaho and the entire state would be land Security and Governmental Affairs. Resolved, By the members of the First Reg- materially damaged by the loss of an Idaho EC–1662. A communication from the Dep- ular Session of the Sixty-fourth Idaho Legis- Air National Guard flying mission at Gowen uty Inspector General for Audit Services, De- lature, the House of Representatives and the Field, which now provides jobs and career op- partment of Health and Human Services, Senate concurring therein, that we urge that portunities for thousands of Idaho citizens, transmitting, pursuant to law, a report enti- United States farmers, ranchers and food both military and civilian; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3141 Whereas, it is incumbent upon the leader- Resolved, That copies of this resolution be tecting the Snake River Plain Aquifer—one ship of the State of Idaho to extend its ac- transmitted to the President of the United of Idaho’s most precious natural resources. tive support to efforts to maintain a viable States Senate, the Speaker of the United Now, therefore, be it flying mission for the Idaho Air National States House of Representatives, and the Resolved, by the members of the First Reg- Guard, such as that which would be provided members of the Michigan congressional dele- ular Session the Sixty-fourth Idaho Legisla- by the U.S. Air Force’s basing of F–35 air- gation. ture, the House of Representatives and the craft at Gowen Field. Now, therefore, be it Senate concurring therein; that, in this Resolved, By the members of the First Reg- POM–32. A joint memorial adopted by the twenty-fifth anniversary of the signing of ular Session of the Sixty-fourth Idaho Legis- Legislature of the State of Idaho supporting the Federal Facility Agreement and Consent lature, the House of Representatives and the the Department of Energy, the President of Order, we support the Department of Energy, Senate concurring therein, that we encour- the United States, and the United States the Administration and Congress to identify, age and call upon the U.S. Air Force, the Ad- Congress to identify, commit, and sustain commit and sustain the necessary funding to ministration and Congress to thoroughly and the necessary funding to allow the Depart- allow the Department of Energy to continue conscientiously evaluate the utility and effi- ment of Energy to continue to make to make progress at meeting its cleanup cacy of basing a squadron of F–35 Lightning progress at meeting its cleanup milestones milestones to benefit the citizens of Idaho II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft at Gowen to benefit the citizens of Idaho and its envi- and its environment. Be it further Field in Boise, Idaho, to facilitate a contin- ronment; to the Committee on Energy and Resolved, That the Legislature supports ued flying mission for the Idaho Air National Natural Resources. continued funding for the national and inter- national missions at the Department of En- Guard. And be it further HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 3 Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the House ergy’s Idaho site to include, but not be lim- Whereas, at the direction of the United of Representatives be, and she is hereby au- ited to, nuclear energy research and develop- States government, the U.S. Department of thorized and directed to forward a copy of ment, bioenergy research, renewable energy Energy’s Idaho site was established in 1949 to this Memorial to the President of the United research, cyber security advancements, demonstrate peaceful uses of splitting the States, to the Secretary of the Air Force, to smart-grid technology deployments, and na- atom through nuclear reactor research and the President of the Senate and the Speaker tional security support to the Department of development in its mission to create elec- of the House of Representatives of Congress, Homeland Security and other departments. tricity for commercial use and propulsion for and to the congressional delegation rep- And be it further the United States Navy fleet; and resenting the State of Idaho in the Congress Resolved, That the chief Clerk of the House Whereas, during its history the Depart- of the United States. of Representatives be, and she is hereby au- ment of Energy’s Idaho site designed and thorized and directed to forward a copy of built fifty-two nuclear reactors, perfecting POM–31. A concurrent resolution adopted this Memorial to the President of the Senate light-water reactor design and operation, by the Legislature of the State of Michigan and the Speaker of the House of Representa- proving that reactors could create more fuel memorializing the United States Congress to tives of Congress, and to the congressional than they use, extending the useful life of appropriate funds from the Nuclear Waste delegation representing the State of Idaho in our country’s naval vessels, and providing Fund for the establishment of a permanent the Congress of the United States. isotopes to the medical community for the repository for high-level nuclear waste or re- elimination of cancer and other diseases; and imburse electric utility customers that paid POW—33. A joint memorial adopted by the Whereas, in its sixty-eight-year history, into the fund; to the Committee on Energy Legislature of the State of Idaho relative to radioactive and hazardous wastes were gen- and Natural Resources. the Hells Canyon Complex; to the Committee erated on-site, or were shipped to Idaho, that on Energy and Natural Resources. SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 6 required storage or disposal using industry- HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 2 Whereas, The nuclear power industry needs accepted practices at the time, which pre- Whereas, the Snake River, and its surface a permanent repository for high-level nu- sented environmental challenges at the 890 and ground water tributaries, is the back- clear waste produced by reactors. Nuclear square-mile federal site and to the under- bone of Idaho’s economy, supplying water for power plays a vital role in meeting our na- lying Snake River Plain Aquifer, the pri- 76% of Idaho’s population, cities, businesses, tion’s current and future energy needs. How- mary drinking and agricultural water source dairies, factories and more than 3 million ever, the failure to construct a permanent for more than 300,000 Idaho residents; and acres of irrigated lands above Idaho Power repository severely impedes efforts to con- Whereas, elected officials, federal depart- Company’s Hells Canyon Complex; and struct new power plants to provide this clean ment administrators, environmental interest Whereas, in the first half of the 20th cen- and reliable base load power; and organizations, Idaho citizens, and the nu- tury, hydropower development in the mid- Whereas, Over the last thirty years, the clear industry itself recognized the need to Snake and Hells Canyon spurred economic nuclear power industry and its customers change past waste storage and disposal prac- development, irrigation, industry and have paid the federal government billions of tices and clean up legacy waste sites that growth in Southern Idaho and has provided dollars to construct a permanent repository. posed a potential or confirmed risk to people Idahoans with clean electric energy at rates Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, or the environment; and that are among the lowest in the nation; and the U.S. Congress established the Nuclear Whereas, after several years of assessment Whereas, the State of Idaho, while recog- Waste Fund to collect money for the reposi- and negotiations, the State of Idaho entered nizing the benefit of hydropower generation tory. Revenue to the fund came from manda- into a legally binding agreement with the to the citizens of the State through sus- tory fees assessed on all nuclear energy. federal government on December 9, 1991, to taining economic growth and agriculture, Since 1983, customers of Michigan electric assess all potential waste sites at the De- also acknowledged the value of protecting utilities alone have paid $812 million into the partment of Energy’s Idaho site and use the Idaho’s water, property rights and natural fund for construction of the repository; and risk-based process outlined in the Com- resources; and Whereas, A permanent repository for high- prehensive Environmental Response, Com- Whereas, in 1964, the State, recognizing its level nuclear waste has not been established pensation and Liability Act to clean up leg- sovereignty over Idaho’s water resources and and constructed. More than 2,000 metric tons acy waste sites with the intent of protecting potential intrusions upon that sovereignty, of spent nuclear fuel from power plants con- the second-largest continuous aquifer in the approved through constitutional amend- tinue to accumulate at temporary, and po- United States and restoring or preserving ment, Section 7, Article XV, Constitution of tentially vulnerable, sites across the nation, areas of the site to protect people and the the State of Idaho, the establishment of the adding to the more than 70,000 metric tons ancestral lands of the Shoshone-Bannock Idaho Water Resource Board (IWRB) whose already stored at these sites; and Tribes; and members are appointed by the Governor with Whereas, The Nuclear Waste Fund contains Whereas, the Department of Energy and its the advice and consent of the Senate, and a substantial balance for establishment of contractors have completed environmental empowered the IWRB to formulate a com- the repository. While fee collection was sus- assessments of all suspected waste sites at prehensive State Water Plan as described in pended as of May 16, 2014, the fund still con- the Department of Energy’s Idaho site and Section 42–1734A, Idaho Code; and tains a balance of over $31 billion for the ex- completed the cleanup actions outlined in Whereas, pursuant to Section 42–1734A, press purpose of supporting radioactive twenty of twenty-five records of decision; Idaho Code, the State of Idaho has adopted a waste disposal activities. It is imperative and State Water Plan (‘‘Plan’’); and that Congress meet its obligation to the nu- Whereas, environmental scientists and en- Whereas, Policy 1A of the Plan provides clear power industry and U.S. citizens that gineers have employed innovative cleanup that: ‘‘The State asserts sovereignty over paid into this fund; now, therefore, be it technologies and processes to protect em- the development and use of Idaho’s water re- Resolved, by the Senate, (the House of Rep- ployees, the public, and the environment, sources for the benefits of its citizens. [And resentatives concurring), That we memorialize while also expediting the remediation of con- that] [a]ny action by the federal government the Congress of the United States to appro- taminated sites and saving taxpayers hun- or other states that would impair Idaho’s priate funds from the Nuclear Waste Fund dreds of millions of dollars; and sovereignty over its water resources is for the establishment of a permanent reposi- Whereas, the Department of Energy and its against state policy’’; and tory for high-level nuclear waste or reim- contractor continue to make measurable Whereas, Policy 1N of the Plan provides burse electric utility customers that paid progress removing Cold War weapons waste that: ‘‘Appropriation of water for hydro- into the fund; and be it further from an unlined landfill with the aim of pro- power should be subordinated to subsequent

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3142 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 upstream beneficial uses to assure an ade- the generation capacity of the project in a sage or introduction proposal above Hells quate supply of water for all future bene- manner consistent with the State Water Canyon Dam, in violation of Sections 67–818 ficial uses, and minimum stream flows for Plan’’; and and 67–6302, Idaho Code, stating in part: hydropower projects should be established by Whereas, in 2004 the State, participating ‘‘Such occurrence would violate long- state action’’; and water users, and the Nez Perce Tribe entered standing Idaho law and policy opposing re- Whereas, Policy 2B of the Plan provides into the 2004 Snake River Water Rights introduction of any species without the ex- that: ‘‘The State asserts primacy over the Agreement providing for cooperative agree- press consent of the Idaho State Legislature management of its fish and wildlife and ments to assist in the recovery of listed spe- and executive branch.... Based upon state water resources. Accordingly, any reintro- cies under the Endangered Species Act in law and in part on our past experiences with duction or introduction of federally listed tributaries below the Hells Canyon Complex reintroduced a species (e.g., wolves), Idaho species or other aquatic species without while providing certainty to Idaho land- cannot and will not, agree to the reintroduc- state consultation and approval is against owners and water users in the exercise of tion of salmon or steelhead above Hells Can- the policy of the State of Idaho because it property rights; and yon Dam.’’; and would impair or impede the state’s primacy Whereas, the 2004 Snake River Water Whereas, while the Idaho Power Company over its water resources’’; and Rights Agreement identified specific actions serves customers in Idaho and eastern Or- Whereas, Policy 4A of the Plan provides by the water users with respect to the rental egon, approximately 95% of its customers are that the main stem Snake River will be man- of water to augment flows for listed anad- located in Idaho; and aged to meet or exceed minimum average romous fish below the Hells Canyon Com- Whereas, the Governor, by letter to Oregon daily flows at Milner, Murphy, Weiser, John- plex, such agreement providing certain pro- Governor Brown dated January 17, 2017, ad- son Bar and Lime Point and that these ‘‘min- tections to the water users; and vised that Oregon’s draft 401 conditions re- imum flows provide the management frame- Whereas, water users have benefited from lated to fish passage and reintroduction work for the optimum development of water the certainty regarding the water supply would impact Idaho waters and citizens and resources of the Snake River. Basin’’; and availability and operating conditions in the interfere with Idaho’s sovereign interests in Whereas, Policy 4H of the Plan provides reaches of the Snake River upstream from managing its natural resources; and that: ‘‘Hydropower generation is a beneficial the Hells Canyon Complex; and Whereas, the Governor’s January 17, 2017, use of the flow of the Snake River, and it is Whereas, the Idaho Water Users Associa- letter further advised that with respect to in the public interest to protect the min- tion, through Association Resolution No. ‘‘any new requirement imposed by Oregon imum average daily flows set forth in Policy 2017—6, has and continues to oppose intro- will lead to additional costs that will dis- 4A as a base flow for hydropower use’’; and duction of salmon and steelhead species into proportionately impact Idaho customers’’ Whereas, Policy 4J of the Plan provides surface waters above the Hells Canyon Com- and ‘‘passage and reintroduction conditions that: ‘‘The minimum stream flows set forth plex due to the drastic impacts on irrigated should be removed’’; and in Policy 4A provide adequate flows for agriculture, industry, water supply and elec- Whereas, protecting Idaho’s sovereignty by Snake River fish, wildlife, recreation, and tric generation; and ensuring that Oregon does not impose fish scenic values in the main stem Snake River Whereas, Section 42–1734C, Idaho Code, re- passage and introduction in violation of below Milner Dam’’; and quires that the Idaho State Water Plan ‘‘be Idaho law and policy will continue to be a Whereas Policy 4C of the State Water Plan submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory benefit to Idaho’s citizens through greater in discussing the Swan Falls Agreement, rec- Commission . . . as the state water plan for certainty regarding property rights, water ognized the value of hydropower through the the conservation, development, management supply and economic development. Now, acknowledgment and protection of minimum and optimum use of the state of Idaho’s therefore, be it stream flows and ensured that electric rates water resource’’ and the Plan has been sub- Resolved, By the members of the First Reg- remain beneficial to its citizens; and mitted;. and ular Session of the sixty-fourth Idaho Legis- Whereas, in 1976 the State of Idaho in part- Whereas, the State committed to certain lature, the House of Representatives and the nership with neighboring states of Oregon actions through the 1980 Agreement, the Senate concurring therein, that the State of and Washington (collectively ‘‘States’’), to- Swan Falls Agreement, and the 2004 Snake Idaho supports actions by the Governor and gether with the National Marine Fisheries River Agreement, that provide the citizens the Attorney General to oppose passage and Service filed a petition with the Federal En- of Idaho certainty and appropriate manage- introduction of salmon or steelhead above ergy Regulatory Commission (FERC) re- ment of the State’S resources in a manner Hells Canyon Dam, that are necessary to questing that ‘‘it issue an order requiring consistent with the intentions provided here- protect Idaho’s sovereignty, including its the licensee to take appropriate measures as in; and waters and property rights, and to ensure compensation for’’ the loss of salmon and Whereas, the State of Oregon has taken that Idaho’s sovereignty is not violated by steelhead due to the construction and oper- certain actions in the relicensing proceeding the introduction of salmon or steelhead to ation of the Hells Canyon Complex; and for the Hells Canyon Complex in an attempt the reaches of the Snake River, and its Idaho Whereas, in 1980 the States and the Idaho to mandate the passage and introduction of tributaries, above Hells Canyon Dam. Be it Power Company executed a settlement salmon and steelhead above Hells Canyon further agreement that, by its terms, constituted Dam and into the Idaho waters of the Snake Resolved, That the Governor and the Attor- ‘‘full and complete mitigation for all numer- River, which form a border between Oregon ney General shall undertake such action as ical losses of salmon and steelhead caused by and Idaho, that directly infringe upon Ida- is necessary and appropriate to ensure that or in any way associated with the construc- ho’s sovereignty over its water resources and the terms of the 1980 Agreement are com- tion of, and operation within the existing li- primacy over management of its fish and plied with in regard to mitigation for the cense’’ for, the Hells Canyon Complex; and water resources; and Hells Canyon Complex to protect upstream ‘‘further agree not to contend or support Whereas, the Governor of the State of water users, water rights, landowners and contentions by others before any agency or Idaho, through the Office of Species Con- economic development from the State of Or- in any proceeding that additional fish or fish servation, is charged with coordinating with egon’s efforts to pass and introduce salmon facilities are required by or in any way asso- all state departments and divisions with re- and steelhead above Hells Canyon Dam into ciated with the construction of, or operation spect to endangered, threatened, candidate waters of the State. And be it further within the existing license for,’’ the Hells species, species petitioned to be listed, and Resolved, That consistent with the author- Canyon Complex; and rare and declining species, coordinating ity of Section 67–6302, Idaho Code, the Legis- Whereas, the Idaho Power Company has state response to federal recovery plans and lature of the State of Idaho does not approve complied with the terms of the 1980 Settle- projects, participating in regional. efforts of the efforts by the State of Oregon and op- ment Agreement with state support; and and providing input to federal and state poses any action by a federal agency, or any Whereas, in 1984 the State and Idaho Power agencies with regard to such species act as entity acting on behalf of a federal agency, Company entered into the implementing an ombudsman for state citizens on ESA or other groups, entities or individuals to re- agreements for the Swan Falls Settlement, issues, and ensuring state primacy over man- quire the passage and introduction or re- which confirmed the State’s primacy over agement of its fish and wildlife, including introduction of salmon or steelhead above flows of the Snake River through the estab- prevention of reintroduction or introduction Hells Canyon Dam, including trying to in- lishment of minimum flows from Milner of listed species without state consultation clude in the FERC license for the Hells Can- Dam to reaches below the Hells Canyon Com- and approval; and yon Project any provision that would result plex; and Whereas, the Governor, by letter to the in introduction or reintroduction of any such Whereas, the Idaho Power Company, since Natural Resources Agency Administrators species into the waters of the State of Idaho. 2003, has been seeking to relicense the Hells and Directors dated May 27, 2016, directed And be it further Canyon Complex before the FERC under the that: ‘‘Each agency shall coordinate with the Resolved, That, the State of Idaho supports Federal Power Act; and Governor’s Office of Species Conservation the relicensing of Hells Canyon Complex con- Whereas, the State Water Plan directs the and status of any introduction or reintroduc- sistent with the following policies: (A) The Water Resource Board to participate in the tion proposals under the Endangered Species license is consistent with the policies set Hells Canyon Complex relicensing to ensure Act’’; and forth in the Idaho State Water Plan; (B) The that the conditions in ‘‘the new license for Whereas, the Governor, by letter to Oregon license recognizes that no salmon and the Hells Canyon Complex includes oper- Governor Brown dated July 19, 2016, advised steelhead populations can be introduced or ational conditions that preserve and enhance that Idaho would not agree to Oregon’s pas- reintroduced above Hells Canyon Dam; (C)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3143 The license recognizes that the water rights lature, the House of Representatives and the against invasive mussels. Now that invasive for the Hells Canyon Complex are subordi- Senate concurring therein, that we encour- mussel larvae have been found in Montana, nated to future upstream uses as set forth in age western states and the federal govern- federal assistance is key to ensuring that the the partial decrees for each of the three ment to establish cooperative and coordi- Columbia River Basin system is protected dams; and (D) The mitigation requirements nated efforts with the State of Idaho to pre- and that invasive mussels do not spread to in the license for salmon and steelhead com- vent, to whatever extent possible, through the rest of the region; and ply with the terms of the 1980 Settlement efforts including inspections, decontamina- Whereas, we appreciate the funding that Agreement. And be it further tion policies, enforcement of invasive species Congress appropriated under the Water Re- Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the House laws and rapid response protocols, further sources Reform and Development Act of 2014 of Representatives be, and she is hereby au- spread of the mussels, and containment (WRRDA) and WIIN to assist the four North- thorized and directed to forward a copy of where established, until such time as viable west states. The emergency in Montana this Memorial to the President of the Senate tools for eradication are discovered. And be highlights the constant and ongoing threat and the Speaker of the House of Representa- it further of invasive mussels to the region, and the tives of Congress and to the congressional Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the House importance of the states’ continued receipt delegation representing the State of Idaho in of Representatives be, and she is hereby au- of federal matching funding to support their the Congress of the United States. thorized and directed to forward a copy of efforts to protect against these aquatic in- vaders. Therefore, we respectfully ask that this Memorial to the President of the Senate you consider our request and take the nec- POM–34. A joint memorial adopted by the and the Speaker of the House of Representa- essary steps to ensure that federal funds are Legislature of the State of Idaho encour- tives of Congress, to the congressional dele- appropriated to the four Northwest states in aging western states and the Federal govern- gation representing the State of Idaho in the FY 2018. Now, therefore, be it ment to establish cooperative and coordi- Congress of the United States, to the leader- nated efforts with the State of Idaho to pre- Resolved, By the members of the First Reg- ship of the houses, assemblies and senates in ular Session of the Sixty-fourth Idaho Legis- vent, to whatever extent possible, enforce- the states of Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Ne- lature, the House of Representatives and the ment of invasive species laws and rapid re- vada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Colo- Senate concurring therein, that we urge Con- sponse protocols, further spread of the mus- rado, New Mexico and California, and to the gress to appropriate $8 million of the author- sels, and containment where established, Pacific Northwest Economic Region. ized $20 million for FY 2018 to the four until such time as viable tools for eradi- Northwest states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, cation are discovered; to the Committee on POM–35. A joint memorial adopted by the and Washington, according to the Water In- Environment and Public Works. Legislature of the State of Idaho urging the frastructure Improvements for the Nation HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 4 United States Congress to appropriate $8 Act (WIIN), which includes the Water Re- Whereas, eradication of invasive species is million of the authorized $20 million for fis- sources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA). a matter of national concern, transcending cal year 2018 to the four Northwest states of The $8 million in federal matching funding state lines; and Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, will be used to enhance funds already allo- Whereas, the presence of quagga and zebra according to the Water Infrastructure Im- cated by the states for watercraft inspection mussels, collectively referred to as provements for the Nation Act (WIIN), which and decontamination stations with the pur- dreissenid mussels, in the West is a matter of includes the Water Resources Development pose of protecting the Columbia River Basin growing and alarming concern; and Act of 2016 (WRDA); to the Committee on against invasive mussels. Now that invasive Whereas, the mussels were introduced into Environment and Public Works. mussel larvae have been found in Montana, the Great Lakes in the 1980s by watercraft HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 8 federal assistance is key to ensuring that the from the shipping industry through ballast Columbia River Basin system is protected Whereas, Dreissenid mussels, specifically water and adhesion to watercraft, having and that invasive mussels do not spread to quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis originated in Eastern Europe near the Black the rest of the region. And be it further bugensis) and zebra mussels (Dreissena Sea, and now having spread to 32 states, in- Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the House polymorpha), are aquatic invasive species cluding a discovery of larvae in Montana in of Representatives be, and she is hereby au- that cause irreparable ecological damage to November 2016; and thorized and directed to forward a copy of Whereas, in her five-year lifetime, a single many waters in the United States; and this Memorial to the President of the United quagga or zebra mussel will produce about 5 Whereas, we are requesting $8 million in States, the Secretary of the Army, the Sec- million eggs, 100,000 of which reach adult- federal matching funding for FY 2018 to com- retary of the Interior, the President of the hood. The offspring of a single mussel will in bat the immediate threat of invasive quagga Senate and the Speaker of the House of Rep- turn produce a total of half a billion adult and zebra mussels to the Pacific Northwest resentatives of Congress, and to the congres- offspring; and region. Until recently, the Pacific Northwest sional delegation representing the State of Whereas, mussels spread, in large part, by region remained one of the only regions in Idaho in the Congress of the United States. attaching to exposed hard surfaces of North America without invasive quagga and watercraft, as well as ballast water dis- zebra mussels. In November 2016, invasive POM–36. A concurrent resolution adopted charges, and being transported from water mussel larvae were detected at Canyon Ferry by the. Legislature of the State of Michigan body to water body, many times across state Reservoir and Tiber Reservoir, located in urging the United States Department of En- lines, and many western states have now en- Montana, and part of the Missouri River sys- ergy and the United States Nuclear Regu- acted laws to establish watercraft inspection tem. In response, Montana Governor. Steve latory Commission to fulfill their obligation programs to prevent the spread of quagga Bullock declared a natural resources state of to establish a permanent solution for han- and zebra mussels to unaffected waters; and emergency; and dling high-level nuclear waste; to the Com- Whereas, it is estimated that mussel intro- Whereas, further spread of these invasive mittee on Environment and Public Works. duction into the State of Idaho would cost mussels will have a devastating and far- SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8 reaching impact on the economic and envi- Idaho approximately $94 million per year. Whereas, Nuclear power has been a signifi- This figure does not include agriculture-re- ronmental wellbeing of the entire region. If cant source of the nation’s electricity pro- lated impacts, which would be devastating to invasive mussel populations become estab- duction over the last four decades. According the state, but reflects the impact to hydro- lished in the Pacific Northwest, they will to the U.S. Energy Information Administra- electric facilities, recreation areas, fish cost the region $500 million a year, so it is tion, nuclear power provided about 20 per- hatcheries, golf courses, intake valves for vital that we work together to ensure that cent of the electricity produced in the drinking water facilities and irrigation fa- the invasive mussels do not make the short United States in 2015, and Michigan’s three cilities; and trip across the Continental Divide and into nuclear power plants were responsible for Whereas, federal action, and federal regu- the Columbia River system. Failing to en- about 26 percent of the electricity generated lations, are necessary to address decon- sure this would not only result in Idaho in the state; and tamination policies for those infested federal water bodies becoming infested with quagga Whereas, Since the earliest days of nuclear waters in the West; and and zebra mussels, but the rest of the Colum- power, determining how to deal with used Whereas, the State of Idaho seeks to foster bia River Basin and region as well; and nuclear fuel has been a great dilemma. Cur- cooperative efforts between the western Whereas, for these reasons, we ask Con- rently, more than 70,000 metric tons of spent states and the federal government for the es- gress to appropriate $8 million of the author- nuclear fuel are stored in pools or casks at tablishment of a coordinated effort to pre- ized $20 million for FY 2018 to the four temporary sites around the country, includ- vent, to whatever extent possible, through Northwest states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, ing locations in Michigan. This high-level ra- efforts including inspections, decontamina- and Washington, according to the Water In- dioactive waste demands exceptional care in tion policies, enforcement of invasive species frastructure Improvements for the Nation all facets of its storage and disposal, includ- laws and rapid response protocols, further Act (WIIN), which includes the Water Re- ing transportation; and spread of the mussels, and containment sources Development Act of 2016 (WRDA). Whereas, More than 30 years ago, Congress where established, until such time as viable The $8 million in federal matching funding enacted the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 tools for eradication are discovered. Now, would be used to enhance funds already allo- to address the long-term storage of nuclear therefore, be it cated by the states for watercraft inspection waste. The act requires the federal govern- Resolved, By the members of the First Reg- and decontamination stations with the pur- ment, through the Department of Energy, to ular Session of the Sixty-fourth Idaho Legis- pose of protecting the Columbia River Basin build a repository for the permanent storage

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3144 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 of high-level radioactive material from nu- much to qualify for federal insurance pre- 111–148) (Affordable Care Act), California’s clear power plants and to begin accepting mium assistance and have no coverage op- uninsured rate decreased by half—the largest waste by January 31, 1998. It is now 2017, and tion other than high-cost ACA plans; and percentage point decline in the uninsured the nation remains without a permanent re- Whereas, the premium amounts for pre- rate of any state—from 17.2 percent in 2013 to pository, despite billions of dollars collected ACA individual transitional 8.6 percent in 2015, according to the United from electric ratepayers for the project; and ‘‘grandmothered’’ plans were 30% to 50% less States Census Bureau, with the federal Cen- Whereas, The Department of Energy’s Na- than those of the individual ACA plans, indi- ters for Disease Control and Prevention indi- tional Laboratories have pioneered a method cating that a return to state regulation of cating a further fall to 7.1 percent in the of recycling spent nuclear waste into fuel, the individual insurance market would re- first nine months of 2016; and known as pyrochemical processing, which sult in significantly lower premium amounts Whereas, This decline, from 6.5 million un- could extend the productive life of uranium for many Idahoans. and insured individuals in 2013 to 3.3 million un- and cut down on nuclear waste. The Nuclear Whereas, prior to implementation of the insured individuals in 2015, is a historic ac- Regulatory Commission should prioritize the ACA, the State of Idaho primarily regulated complishment that reaches across all income development and implementation of tech- the Idaho health insurance market and pro- levels, geographic regions, and ethnic groups nical specifications and licensing require- vided aggressive oversight of all aspects of in California; and ments to enable the construction of Genera- that market and enforced consumer protec- Whereas, In June 2016, nearly 3.7 million tion IV reactors capable of performing tions as well as ensured a local, responsive individuals received coverage through the pyrochemical processing; and regulation for consumers; and Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid eligibility ex- Whereas, The federal government needs to Whereas, prior to the implementation of pansion; and build a permanent repository and promote the ACA-mandated plans, Idaho had a stable Whereas, Over 13 million children and adults—approximately one-third of the popu- the construction of pyrochemical processing and competitive individual insurance mar- lation—now receive health care coverage facilities. Spent nuclear fuel continues to ket, with among the lowest individual pre- through the Medi–Cal program in California; pile up at temporary sites around the coun- mium amounts in the nation, and consumers and could choose from a variety of health insur- try, and the ongoing problem of permanent Whereas, Since the California Health Ben- disposal is an impediment to the potential of ance coverage options to best cover them efit Exchange, also known as Covered Cali- nuclear power to help meet our nation’s en- and their families; and fornia, opened its doors, it has cumulatively ergy needs. Our nation can only continue to Whereas, on January 20, 2017, President enrolled 2.5 million people into health care safely store this waste at temporary sites for Donald J. Trump signed an executive order coverage; and so long; now, therefore, be it to minimize the economic burden of the ACA Whereas, Currently, nearly 1.4 million peo- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- pending repeal, including instruction to the ple are enrolled in health care coverage resentatives concurring), That we urge the Secretary of Health and Human Services and through Covered California, with approxi- U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Nu- to the heads of all other executive depart- mately 90 percent receiving federal subsidies; clear Regulatory Commission to fulfill their ments and agencies with authorities and re- and obligation, as provided by law, to establish a sponsibilities under the act to exercise all Whereas, The lifeblood of these coverage permanent solution for handling high-level authority and discretion available to them expansions in California is the federal fund- nuclear waste, and be it further to provide greater flexibility to states and to ing received through the Affordable Care Resolved, That copies of this resolution be cooperate with them implementing Act; and transmitted to the Secretary of Energy, the healthcare programs. Now, therefore, be it Whereas, California’s strong consumer pro- Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Presi- Resolved, By the members of the First Reg- tections for health care coverage, access to dent of the United States Senate, the Speak- ular Session of the Sixty-fourth Idaho Legis- comprehensive health coverage, including re- er of the United States House of Representa- lature, the House of Representatives and the productive health care services, and vigorous tives, and the members of the Michigan con- Senate concurring therein, that the Idaho regulatory system are threatened by the gressional delegation. Legislature urges President Trump, Sec- American Health Care Act under consider- retary Price and Congress to take the fol- ation in Congress; and POM–37. A joint memorial adopted by the lowing action: Allow individual states to Whereas, The American Health Care Act Legislature of the State of Idaho urging the once again serve as the primary regulator of will result in the elimination of all federal President of the United States, the Sec- health insurance plans and immediately per- funding for Planned Parenthood, a reduction retary of Health and Human Services, and mit the free market availability and sale of of tax credits and an increase in premiums the United States Congress to allow indi- nonsubsidized health insurance plans in ac- for many low- and moderate-income Califor- vidual states to serve as the primary regu- cordance with state-established statutes, nians, the elimination of cost-sharing sub- lator of health insurance plans and permit regulations and rules governing such plans; sidies, a repeal of the Medicaid entitlement the availability and sale of nonsubsidized and be it further to coverage, the elimination of enhanced fed- health insurance plans in accordance with Resolved, That the Idaho Department of In- eral funding for new enrollment in Medi-Cal state-established statutes, regulations, and surance issue guidance allowing for competi- in 2020 resulting in a massive shift of costs to rules governing such plans; to the Com- tive, innovative, nonsubsidized health insur- the state, more uninsured Californians, and mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and ance plans, along with the free market sale fewer Californians receiving affordable cov- Pensions. of health insurance plans to Idahoans who erage; and Whereas, The American Health Care Act HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL NO. 7 choose to purchase them, in accordance with state-established statutes, regulations and under consideration in Congress provides Whereas, the Sixtieth Idaho Legislature rules governing such plans; and be it further $600 billion in tax cuts primarily to upper-in- passed Senate Joint Memorial 106, sponsored Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the House come individuals, implements an ‘‘age tax’’ by the office of Governor C.L. ‘‘Butch’’ of Representatives be, and she is hereby au- that allows insurers to charge an older per- Otter, calling for an amendment to the U.S. thorized and directed to forward a copy of son five times the amount charged to a Constitution that would prevent Congress this Memorial to the President of the United young adult, and proposes that income-based from passing laws requiring citizens of the States, the Secretary of Health and Human premium subsidies would be replaced by age- United States to participate in any health Services, the President of the Senate and the based subsidies that hurt moderate-income care insurance program or penalizing them Speaker of the House of Representatives of individuals and makes insurance for declining health care coverage; and Congress, and the congressional delegation unaffordable for all but the least healthy; Whereas, the Idaho Health Freedom Act representing the State of Idaho in the Con- and codifies as state policy that every person in gress of the United States, as well as to Gov- Whereas, Millions of Americans rely on the the State of Idaho is and shall be free from ernor C.L. ‘‘Butch’’ Otter and Director Dean essential provisions of the Affordable Care government compulsion in the selection of Cameron of the Idaho Department of Insur- Act, including, among others, premium tax health insurance options, and that such lib- ance. credits, cost-sharing subsidies, and easily erty is protected by the constitutions of the comparable comprehensive coverage; and United States and the State of Idaho; and POM–38. A resolution adopted by the Sen- Whereas, Since the Affordable Care Act Whereas, the average Idaho rate increase ate of the State of California calling upon was passed in March 2010, the United States for 2017 individual Affordable Care Act (ACA) the United States Congress to reject any ef- private sector added over 15,000,000 jobs and health insurance plans was 24% and, with the fort to repeal the Affordable Care Act unless set a record for consecutive months of job year-over-year increases since the implemen- it is simultaneously replaced with an alter- growth, and tation of the ACA federal mandates, health Whereas, Health care policy is extremely native program that meets the standards insurance plans have become unaffordable complex because it involves the lives and clearly and consistently articulated by the for thousands of Idahoans and their families; well-being of hundreds of millions of Ameri- President of the United States; to the Com- and cans, impacts the national economy in innu- mittee on Finance. Whereas, nearly 90,000 Idahoans can afford merable ways, and involves complex laws coverage only with the assistance of an ACA SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 26 and regulations, insurance markets, and con- premium assistance tax credit or other sub- Whereas, Over the first two years of full sumer protections; Now, therefore, be it sidy, and Idaho’s uninsured includes ‘‘middle implementation of the federal Patient Pro- Resolved by the Senate of the State of Cali- class’’ individuals and families who earn too tection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law fornia, That the Senate affirms its strong

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3145 support for the Affordable Care Act and calls 1983, but the federal government has failed to EXECUTIVE REPORT OF upon the United States Congress to reject use it to permanently store nuclear waste in COMMITTEE any effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act a way that serves the public; Now, therefore, unless it is simultaneously replaced with an be it The following executive report of a alternative program that meets the stand- Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- nomination was submitted: ards clearly and consistently articulated by resentatives concurring), That we urge the By Mr. RISCH for the Committee on Small President Trump: that not one American President and Congress of the United States Business and Entrepreneurship. will lose coverage and that coverage will be to explore and support policies that will lead *Althea Coetzee, of Virginia, to be Deputy more affordable and of higher quality for all to the establishment of facilities within the Administrator of the Small Business Admin- Americans; and be it further United States for the reprocessing and recy- istration. cling of spent nuclear fuel; be it further Resolved, That the Senate urges Congress *Nomination was reported with rec- to not jeopardize the health of millions of Resolved, That copies of this resolution be Americans by pushing through irresponsible transmitted to the President of the United ommendation that it be confirmed sub- policy in late-night hearings, but instead States, the President of the United States ject to the nominee’s commitment to allow for comprehensive public review, ‘‘ in- Senate, the Speaker of the United States respond to requests to appear and tes- cluding evaluations by the Congressional House of Representatives, and the members tify before any duly constituted com- Budget Office and relevant policy commit- of the Michigan congressional delegation. mittee of the Senate. tees, so that Americans have their concerns f f heard; and be it further Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate REPORTS OF COMMITTEES INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND transmit copies of this resolution to the The following reports of committees JOINT RESOLUTIONS President and Vice President of the United were submitted: States, to the Speaker of the House of Rep- The following bills and joint resolu- By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee resentatives, to the Majority Leader of the tions were introduced, read the first on Energy and Natural Resources, without Senate, to each Senator and Representative and second times by unanimous con- amendment: from California in the Congress of the United S. 190. A bill to provide for consideration of sent, and referred as indicated: States, and to the author for appropriate dis- the extension under the Energy Policy and By Mr. ROUNDS (for himself and Mr. tribution. Conservation Act of nonapplication of No- HOEVEN): Load Mode energy efficiency standards to S. 1210. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- POM–39. A concurrent resolution adopted certain security or life safety alarms or sur- enue Code of 1986 to reduce tax rates across by the Legislature of the State of Michigan veillance systems, and for other purposes the board; to the Committee on Finance. urging the President of the United States (Rept. No. 115–76). By Mr. BLUNT (for himself and Mrs. and the United States Congress to explore S. 215. A bill to authorize the Federal En- MCCASKILL): and support policies that will lead to the es- ergy Regulatory Commission to issue an S. 1211. A bill to require the Secretary of tablishment of facilities within the United order continuing a stay of a hydroelectric li- the Army, acting through the Chief of Engi- States for the reprocessing and recycling of cense for the Mahoney Lake hydroelectric neers, to undertake remediation oversight of spent nuclear fuel; to the Committee on En- project in the State of Alaska, and for other the West Lake Landfill located in Bridgeton, ergy and Natural Resources. purposes (Rept. No. 115–77). Missouri; to the Committee on Environment SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 9 S. 226. A bill to exclude power supply cir- and Public Works. Whereas, The federal Nuclear Waste Policy cuits, drivers, and devices to be connected By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mrs. Act of 1982 called for the United States De- to, and power, light-emitting diodes or or- GILLIBRAND, Mr. MARKEY, and Mr. partment of Energy to begin collecting spent ganic light-emitting diodes providing illu- BLUMENTHAL): nuclear waste and develop a long-term plan mination or ceiling fans using direct current S. 1212. A bill to provide family members of for storage of the material. In 2002, Congress motors from energy conservation standards an individual who they fear is a danger to approved Yucca Mountain in Nevada as the for external power supplies (Rept. No. 115– himself, herself, or others, and law enforce- location to allow the Department of Energy 78). ment, with new tools to prevent gun vio- to establish a safe repository for high-level S. 239. A bill to amend the National Energy lence; to the Committee on the Judiciary. spent nuclear waste; and Conservation Policy Act to encourage the in- By Mr. PETERS (for himself and Ms. Whereas, In 2010, the Department of En- creased use of performance contracting in STABENOW): ergy halted the project at Yucca Mountain Federal facilities, and for other purposes S. 1213. A bill to require the Secretary of when the construction authorization process (Rept. No. 115–79). Transportation to post a copy of the most re- was in progress, despite the Nuclear Waste By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee cent response plan for each onshore oil pipe- Fund receiving more than $30 billion in rev- on Energy and Natural Resources, with line on a publicly accessible website; to the enue from electric customers throughout the amendments: Committee on Commerce, Science, and United States in order to construct the facil- S. 723. A bill to extend the deadline for Transportation. ity and store the spent fuel; and commencement of construction of a hydro- By Mr. THUNE (for himself and Ms. Whereas, The Argonne National Labora- electric project (Rept. No. 115–80). KLOBUCHAR): tory has developed a high-temperature meth- By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee S. 1214. A bill to amend the Toxic Sub- od of recycling spent nuclear waste into fuel, on Energy and Natural Resources, without stances Control Act to clarify the jurisdic- known as pyrochemical processing. This amendment: tion of the Environmental Protection Agen- S. 724. A bill to amend the Federal Power process allows 100 times more of the energy cy with respect to certain sporting good arti- Act to modernize authorizations for nec- in uranium ore to be used to produce elec- cles, and to exempt those articles from a def- essary hydropower approvals (Rept. No. 115– tricity compared to current commercial re- inition under that Act; to the Committee on 81). Environment and Public Works. actors; and S. 730. A bill to extend the deadline for Whereas, Extending the productive life of By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and commencement of construction of certain uranium ore through pyrochemical proc- Mr. REED): hydroelectric projects (Rept. No. 115–82). essing ensures almost inexhaustible supplies By Ms. MURKOWSKI, from the Committee S. 1215. A bill to amend part E of title IV of low-cost uranium resources for the gen- on Energy and Natural Resources, with of the Social Security Act to allow States eration of electricity, minimizes the risk amendments: that provide foster care for children up to that used fuel could be stolen and used to S. 734. A bill to extend a project of the Fed- age 21 to serve former foster youths through produce weapons, and reduces the amount of eral Energy Regulatory Commission involv- age 23 under the John H. Chafee Foster Care nuclear waste and the time it must be iso- ing the Cannonsville Dam (Rept. No. 115–83). Independence Program; to the Committee on lated by almost 1,000 times; and By Mr. HOEVEN, from the Committee on Finance. Whereas, Advanced non-light-water reac- Indian Affairs, without amendment: By Mr. LEE (for himself, Mrs. FEIN- tors currently under development in the S. 245. A bill to amend the Indian Tribal STEIN, Mr. CRUZ, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, United States and internationally have the Energy Development and Self Determination Ms. COLLINS, and Mr. COONS): potential to utilize used fuel from existing Act of 2005, and for other purposes (Rept. No. S. 1216. A bill to clarify that an authoriza- reactors as fuel, but according to the Nu- 115–84). tion to use military force, a declaration of clear Regulatory Commission, there are no S. 343. A bill to repeal certain obsolete war, or any similar authority shall not au- reprocessing facilities currently operating laws relating to Indians (Rept. No. 115–85). thorize the detention without charge or trial within the United States; and By Mr. ISAKSON, from the Committee on of a citizen or lawful permanent resident of Whereas, The federal government’s inabil- Veterans’ Affairs, with an amendment in the the United States, and for other purposes; to ity to adequately store or reprocess almost nature of a substitute: the Committee on the Judiciary. 100,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel has ad- S. 1094. A bill to amend title 38, United By Mr. ISAKSON (for himself, Mr. versely affected the residents of the state of States Code, to improve the accountability ALEXANDER, Mr. CORKER, Mr. COR- Michigan. Michigan has paid more than $800 of employees of the Department of Veterans NYN, Mr. HATCH, Mr. MCCONNELL, Mr. million into the Nuclear Waste Fund since Affairs, and for other purposes. PERDUE, Mr. RISCH, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3146 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 SCOTT, Mr. WICKER, and Mr. BOOZ- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND HELLER) was added as a cosponsor of S. MAN): SENATE RESOLUTIONS 479, a bill to amend title XVIII of the S. 1217. A bill to amend the National Labor The following concurrent resolutions Social Security Act to waive coinsur- Relations Act to provide for appropriate des- ance under Medicare for colorectal can- ignation of collective bargaining units; to and Senate resolutions were read, and referred (or acted upon), as indicated: cer screening tests, regardless of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, whether therapeutic intervention is re- and Pensions. By Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself, Mr. By Ms. HEITKAMP (for herself, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. HELLER, Mr. GRAHAM, quired during the screening. SULLIVAN, and Ms. HARRIS): Mr. NELSON, Ms. BALDWIN, Mrs. S. 540 S. 1218. A bill to promote Federal employ- MCCASKILL, and Mrs. GILLIBRAND): At the request of Mr. THUNE, the ment for veterans, and for other purposes; to S. Res. 176. A resolution commemorating name of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. the 50th anniversary of the reunification of CRAPO) was added as a cosponsor of S. By Mr. CASSIDY: Jerusalem; to the Committee on Foreign Re- 540, a bill to limit the authority of lations. States to tax certain income of em- S. 1219. A bill to provide for stability of By Mrs. MCCASKILL (for herself and title to certain land in the State of Lou- Mr. BLUNT): ployees for employment duties per- isiana, and for other purposes; to the Com- S. Res. 177. A resolution congratulating the formed in other States. mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Webster University chess team for winning a S. 660 By Ms. HIRONO (for herself, Mrs. FEIN- record-breaking fifth consecutive national At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the STEIN, Mr. KAINE, Ms. CORTEZ MASTO, title at the President’s Cup collegiate chess name of the Senator from Minnesota Ms. MURKOWSKI, and Mr. SCHATZ): championship in New York City; considered (Mr. FRANKEN) was added as a cospon- S. 1220. A bill to exempt children of certain and agreed to. sor of S. 660, a bill to amend the Higher Filipino World War II veterans from the nu- By Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself and merical limitations on immigrant visas, and Mr. SCHUMER): Education Act of 1965 in order to fulfill for other purposes; to the Committee on the S. Res. 178. A resolution to authorize testi- the Federal mandate to provide higher Judiciary. mony, document production , and represen- educational opportunities for Native By Mr. CARDIN (for himself and Mr. tation in United States v. Kevin Lee Olson; American Indians. COONS): considered and agreed to. S. 756 S. 1221. A bill to counter the influence of f At the request of Mr. SULLIVAN, the the Russian Federation in Europe and Eur- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS names of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. asia, and for other purposes; to the Com- WYDEN), the Senator from New Mexico mittee on Foreign Relations. S. 203 (Mr. UDALL), the Senator from Hawaii By Mr. FLAKE: At the request of Mr. BURR, the name (Mr. SCHATZ), the Senator from Maine S. 1222. A bill to authorize the Secretary of of the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. (Mr. KING), the Senator from Louisiana the Interior to convey certain land to La Paz JOHNSON) was added as a cosponsor of (Mr. KENNEDY), the Senator from County, Arizona, and for other purposes; to S. 203, a bill to reaffirm that the Envi- Maine (Ms. COLLINS) and the Senator the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- ronmental Protection Agency may not from Louisiana (Mr. CASSIDY) were sources. regulate vehicles used solely for com- By Mr. MERKLEY (for himself and Mr. added as cosponsors of S. 756, a bill to petition, and for other purposes. WYDEN): reauthorize and amend the Marine De- S. 1223. A bill to repeal the Klamath Tribe S. 251 bris Act to promote international ac- Judgment Fund Act; to the Committee on At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the tion to reduce marine debris, and for Indian Affairs. name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms. other purposes. By Mr. KAINE: DUCKWORTH) was added as a cosponsor S. 765 S. 1224. A bill to authorize the Secretary of of S. 251, a bill to repeal the Inde- At the request of Mr. PERDUE, the Housing and Urban Development to carry pendent Payment Advisory Board in name of the Senator from Alabama out a Community Resilience Grant Program, order to ensure that it cannot be used (Mr. STRANGE) was added as a cospon- and for other purposes; to the Committee on to undermine the Medicare entitlement sor of S. 765, a bill to amend title 18, Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. for beneficiaries. By Mr. PETERS (for himself, Mr. United States Code, to provide for pen- S. 253 ALEXANDER, Ms. STABENOW, and Mr. alties for the sale of any Purple Heart PORTMAN): At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the awarded to a member of the Armed S. 1225. A bill to support research, develop- names of the Senator from Minnesota Forces. ment, and other activities to develop innova- (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) and the Senator from S. 808 tive vehicle technologies, and for other pur- Mississippi (Mr. WICKER) were added as At the request of Mr. THUNE, the poses; to the Committee on Energy and Nat- cosponsors of S. 253, a bill to amend name of the Senator from Maine (Mr. ural Resources. title XVIII of the Social Security Act KING) was added as a cosponsor of S. By Mr. PETERS (for himself and Ms. to repeal the Medicare outpatient reha- 808, a bill to provide protections for STABENOW): bilitation therapy caps. certain sports medicine professionals S. 1226. A bill to amend the Oil Pollution S. 322 Act of 1990 to equalize liability and financial who provide certain medical services in assurance requirements for onshore pipeline At the request of Mr. PETERS, the a secondary State. facilities that could discharge oil into the name of the Senator from Wisconsin S. 926 Great Lakes system with such requirements (Ms. BALDWIN) was added as a cospon- At the request of Mrs. ERNST, the for offshore pipelines, to authorize the Sec- sor of S. 322, a bill to protect victims of name of the Senator from Alabama retary of Transportation to issue an emer- domestic violence, sexual assault, (Mr. STRANGE) was added as a cospon- gency order directing pipeline owners to stalking, and dating violence from sor of S. 926, a bill to authorize the comply with existing pipeline operating emotional and psychological trauma Global War on Terror Memorial Foun- agreements or acquire sufficient resources to caused by acts of violence or threats of appropriately respond to possible oil spill in- dation to establish the National Global cidents, and for other purposes; to the Com- violence against their pets. War on Terrorism Memorial as a com- mittee on Environment and Public Works. S. 428 memorative work in the District of Co- By Mr. BROWN (for himself, Mr. At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the lumbia, and for other purposes. WHITEHOUSE, and Ms. WARREN): name of the Senator from Mississippi S. 1024 S. 1227. A bill to amend titles XIX and XXI (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. ISAKSON, the of the Social Security Act to provide for 12- of S. 428, a bill to amend titles XIX and name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. month continuous enrollment under Med- XXI of the Social Security Act to au- DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. icaid and the Children’s Health Insurance thorize States to provide coordinated 1024, a bill to amend title 38, United Program, and for other purposes; to the care to children with complex medical Committee on Finance. States Code, to reform the rights and By Mr. YOUNG (for himself and Mrs. conditions through enhanced pediatric processes relating to appeals of deci- SHAHEEN): health homes, and for other purposes. sions regarding claims for benefits S. 1228. A bill to require a National Diplo- S. 479 under the laws administered by the macy and Development Strategy; to the At the request of Mr. BROWN, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for Committee on Foreign Relations. name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. other purposes.

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S. 1050 ognizing the 100th anniversary of Lions are in the best position to recognize At the request of Ms. DUCKWORTH, Clubs International and celebrating the early signs of trouble before tragedy the name of the Senator from Cali- Lions Clubs International for a long occurs. However, family members and fornia (Mrs. FEINSTEIN) was added as a history of humanitarian service. law enforcement officials commonly cosponsor of S. 1050, a bill to award a f have no legal means of taking preven- Congressional Gold Medal, collectively, tive steps to stop a troubled individual STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED from committing an act of gun vio- to the Chinese-American Veterans of BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS World War II, in recognition of their lence before it occurs. To solve this dedicated service during World War II. By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, problem, the State of California en- Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Mr. MARKEY, acted a law in the aftermath of the Isla S. 1081 and Mr. BLUMENTHAL): Vista attack that enables family mem- At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the S. 1212. A bill to provide family mem- bers or law enforcement officers to ask name of the Senator from New Hamp- bers of an individual who they fear is a a court for a gun violence prevention shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- danger to himself, herself, or others, order. sponsor of S. 1081, a bill to establish an and law enforcement, with new tools to Modeled on California’s existing laws Employee Ownership and Participation prevent gun violence; to the Com- on domestic violence, when a judge be- Initiative, and for other purposes. mittee on the Judiciary. lieves there is sufficient evidence that S. 1082 Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I an individual is a danger to themselves At the request of Mr. SANDERS, the rise to introduce the Gun Violence Pre- or others, the gun violence prevention name of the Senator from New Hamp- vention Order Act of 2017: At this time, order temporarily prohibits an indi- shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) was added as a co- I would also like to thank Senators vidual from purchasing firearms or am- sponsor of S. 1082, a bill to provide for BLUMENTHAL, GILLIBRAND, and MARKEY munition. And under a higher burden the establishment of the United States for cosponsoring this legislation. Their of proof, a court can also issue a war- Employee Ownership Bank, and for support is sincerely appreciated. rant to remove any firearms or ammu- other purposes. Yesterday marked the 3rd anniver- nition already in the individual’s pos- S. 1107 sary of the horrific shooting that out- session. Based on this California law At the request of Mr. COONS, the raged the community of Isla Vista, and other State laws, the Gun Violence name of the Senator from North Caro- California and the Nation. During this Prevention Order Act of 2017 would cre- lina (Mr. BURR) was added as a cospon- attack, the City of Isla Vista was ate a new law enforcement grant under sor of S. 1107, a bill to amend title 28, struck by tragedy when 22-year-old El- the Community-Oriented Policing United States Code, to authorize the liot Rodger went on a shooting ram- Services Program at the Department of appointment of additional bankruptcy page after fatally stabbing his two Justice and incentivize States to take judges, and for other purposes. roommates and a friend. Armed with a intervening measures to prevent gun S. 1141 Glock 34 handgun and two SIG Sauer violence. Specifically, this legislation At the request of Mrs. SHAHEEN, the P226 handguns, the assailant drove would ensure that families and others names of the Senator from Florida (Mr. through the streets of Isla Vista, shoot- can seek a gun violence prevention RUBIO) and the Senator from Delaware ing and killing 3 young students and order from a court to temporarily stop (Mr. COONS) were added as cosponsors injuring 14 others near the University someone close to them who poses a of S. 1141, a bill to ensure that the of California, Santa Barbara campus threat to themselves or others from United States promotes the meaningful before taking his own life. The Isla purchasing a firearm. This legislation participation of women in mediation Vista community was in shock, and we also ensures that a court can issue a and negotiation processes seeking to as a nation struggled to comprehend gun violence prevention warrant re- prevent, mitigate, or resolve violent how this tragedy could have been pre- quiring law enforcement to take tem- conflict. vented. porary possession of firearms that have As more facts emerged about the as- S. 1191 already been purchased if the court de- sailant, we learned that he had a his- At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the termines that the individual poses a name of the Senator from Illinois (Ms. tory of mental health concerns and vio- threat. Because criminal background lent behavior. He had been prescribed DUCKWORTH) was added as a cosponsor checks are critical to preventing gun of S. 1191, a bill to amend title XVIII of medications used to treat schizo- crimes, this legislation also requires the Social Security Act to refine how phrenia and bipolar disorder and at age the Department of Justice and com- Medicare pays for orthotics and pros- 18 Rodgers had begun to refuse the parable state law enforcement agencies thetics and to improve beneficiary ex- mental health treatment he had been to keep their background check data- perience and outcomes with orthotic receiving. Local deputies had also en- bases up to date and requires courts to and prosthetic care, and for other pur- countered him several times through notify these agencies when a gun vio- poses. conflicts and fights he had with friends lence prevention order is issued. and roommates. And less than a month Importantly, this legislation also S. RES. 109 before his deadly rampage, a concerned protects due process rights by pro- At the request of Mr. COONS, the friend had called a county mental viding written notice and multiple op- name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. health staff member, and, after speak- portunities for the court to make inde- DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. ing with the assailant’s mother, law pendent determinations on the matter. Res. 109, a resolution encouraging the enforcement conducted a welfare check Additionally, the Department of Jus- Government of Pakistan to release at Rodger’s apartment. At that point, tice and State law enforcement agen- Aasiya Noreen, internationally known Rodger’s murderous plot was well un- cies would be required to protect the as Asia Bibi, and reform its religiously derway, and had the police searched his affected individual’s confidentiality. intolerant laws regarding blasphemy. room, they would have found a stock- Finally, I would like to say a few words S. RES. 162 pile of guns and ammunition along about the victims and survivors of the At the request of Mr. LANKFORD, the with papers detailing his plans to kill. Isla Vista attack and what this legisla- name of the Senator from Alabama This individual should have never been tion means to their community. Many (Mr. STRANGE) was added as a cospon- able to obtain a firearm—and the bill I of the victims and survivors of this at- sor of S. Res. 162, a resolution reaffirm- am introducing today would enable law tack were students and young adults. ing the commitment of the United enforcement and family members to in- They had their whole lives ahead of States to promoting religious freedom, tervene and prevent attackers like this them. As communities across Cali- and for other purposes. assailant from carrying out atrocious fornia and our Nation mark the third S. RES. 174 acts of gun violence in the future. anniversary of this terrible tragedy, let At the request of Mr. MORAN, the Over 30,000 people die each year from us remember the lives of Weihan Wang, name of the Senator from Tennessee gun violence, and on average, 7 chil- Cheng Yuan Hong, George Chen, (Mr. ALEXANDER) was added as a co- dren and teens are killed by guns every Veronika Weiss, Katherine Cooper, and sponsor of S. Res. 174, a resolution rec- day. We know that families and friends Christopher Michaels-Martinez. The

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families of these victims will never be With a range from 11⁄2 to 7 feet of sea Resolved, That the Senate— the same again, and I will never forget level rise projected by the year 2100, (1) recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the hearing their stories in the aftermath the Hampton Roads region is the sec- reunification of Jerusalem and extends its of this attack. As a mother and grand- ond largest population center at risk friendship and hopes for peace to the resi- dents of Jerusalem and the people of Israel; mother, I cannot imagine the pain they from sea level rise in the Nation, be- (2) reaffirms its support for Israel’s com- have gone through. As the elected lead- hind only New Orleans. Residents are mitment to religious freedom and adminis- ers of this body, we must never forget dealing with skyrocketing flood insur- tration of holy sites in Jerusalem; what happened in Isla Vista and take ance premiums and flooding not only (3) continues to support strengthening the steps to keep our communities safe after a Sandy or a Matthew but from mutually beneficial American-Israeli rela- from the gun violence that continues ordinary rainstorms. This is a direct tionship; to endanger them. We have seen the Federal responsibility given the pres- (4) commends Egypt and Jordan, former costs of inaction, and the Gun Violence ence of the largest concentration of combatant states of the Six Day War, who in Prevention Order Act of 2017 is a step subsequent years embraced a vision of peace naval power in the world. An ODU and coexistence with Israel and have contin- we can take to protect communities study estimates that the main Norfolk ued to uphold their respective peace agree- across America and ensure that other city road leading into Naval Station ments; communities do not experience the Norfolk could be inundated by the tides (5) reaffirms that it is the longstanding, bi- pain that Isla Vista went through. I a few hours per day by midcentury. partisan policy of the United States Govern- hope my colleagues will join me in re- That makes this not only an infra- ment that the permanent status of Jeru- membering the victims of this attack structure issue but a national security salem remains a matter to be decided be- and supporting this legislation. issue. tween the parties through final status nego- tiations towards a two-state solution; and I hope to work with the White House By Mr. KAINE: (6) reaffirms the Jerusalem Embassy Act of S. 1224. A bill to authorize the Sec- and Congress to advance a comprehen- 1995 (Public Law 104–45) as United States law, retary of Housing and Urban Develop- sive infrastructure package that rises and calls upon the President and all United ment to carry out a Community Resil- to this challenge. States officials to abide by its provisions. ience Grant Program, and for other f f purposes; to the Committee on Bank- SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS SENATE RESOLUTION 177—CON- ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. GRATULATING THE WEBSTER Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, today I UNIVERSITY CHESS TEAM FOR am introducing legislation to authorize SENATE RESOLUTION 176—COM- WINNING A RECORD-BREAKING a game-changing scale of investment in MEMORATING THE 50TH ANNI- FIFTH CONSECUTIVE NATIONAL making America’s infrastructure more VERSARY OF THE REUNIFICA- TITLE AT THE PRESIDENT’S CUP resilient to natural disasters. TION OF JERUSALEM COLLEGIATE CHESS CHAMPION- The BUILD Resilience Act would SHIP IN NEW YORK CITY build on the National Disaster Resil- Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself, Mr. ience Competition first authorized in SCHUMER, Mr. HELLER, Mr. GRAHAM, Mrs. MCCASKILL (for herself and Mr. the 2013 Hurricane Sandy emergency Mr. NELSON, Ms. BALDWIN, Mrs. MCCAS- BLUNT) submitted the following resolu- supplemental disaster package. It KILL, and Mrs. GILLIBRAND) submitted tion; which was considered and agreed would authorize $1 billion a year over 5 the following resolution; which was re- to: years to jumpstart large-scale invest- ferred to the Committee on Foreign S. RES. 177 ment in community resilience—sup- Relations: Whereas Webster University is the first porting jobs, strengthening infrastruc- S. RES. 176 team in the history of the President’s Cup ture, and reducing risk to communities Whereas June 2017 marks the 50th anniver- collegiate chess championship to win 5 con- secutive national titles; from disasters like hurricanes and sary of the Six Day War and the reunifica- tion of the city of Jerusalem; Whereas the 2017 victory is the seventh flooding. consecutive national championship for This bill aims to follow the ‘‘ounce of Whereas there has been a continuous Jew- ish presence in Jerusalem for 3 millennia; Grandmaster and coach Susan Polgar and prevention’’ principle. Cleaning up the program at the Susan Polgar Institute after a disaster is important, but if we Whereas Jerusalem is a holy city and the home for people of the Jewish, Muslim, and for Chess Excellence; invest in sturdier infrastructure before Christian faiths; Whereas Webster University is a leader in the disaster, there will be less to clean Whereas, for 3,000 years, Jerusalem has promoting chess as a vehicle for enriching up after the disaster. This is borne out been Judaism’s holiest city and the focal the education of children and young adults; in two separate studies. The Congres- point of Jewish religious devotion; and sional Budget Office estimates that Whereas, from 1948 to 1967, Jerusalem was Whereas Webster University has become a a divided city, and Israeli citizens of all hub for developing chess excellence in stu- every $1 invested upfront in resilient dents from across the United States and infrastructure saves $3 on the back faiths as well as Jews of all nationalities were denied access to holy sites in eastern around the world: Now, therefore, be it end. The Multihazard Mitigation Coun- Resolved, That the Senate— Jerusalem, including the Old City, in which (1) congratulates Webster University for cil of the National Institute of Building the Western Wall is located; winning a record-breaking fifth consecutive Sciences estimates $4 of benefit. Whereas, in 1967, Jerusalem was reunited national title at the President’s Cup colle- The Sandy Competition supported re- by Israel during the conflict known as the giate chess championship; and silience projects in low-lying coastal Six Day War; (2) encourages Webster University to con- areas of Virginia and Louisiana; in Whereas, since 1967, Jerusalem has been a tinue promoting the educational benefits of united city, and persons of all religious Sandy-affected areas of New York and chess among its students and the larger com- faiths have access to holy sites within the New Jersey, in flood-prone Midwest re- munity. gions like Iowa and North Dakota, and city; f elsewhere. But Virginia’s grant illus- Whereas this year marks the 50th year that trates the scale of the challenge. This Jerusalem has been administered as a united SENATE RESOLUTION 178—TO AU- city in which the rights of all faiths have THORIZE TESTIMONY, DOCU- grant is supporting innovative flood- been respected and protected; control projects but only in two at-risk Whereas the Jerusalem Embassy Act of MENT PRODUCTION, AND REP- neighborhoods of Norfolk, which is 1995 (Public Law 104–45), which became law RESENTATION IN UNITED only one part of a broader Hampton on November 8, 1995, states that Jerusalem STATES V. KEVIN LEE OLSON Roads region. Neighboring localities should remain the undivided capital of Israel Mr. MCCONNELL (for himself and like Newport News and Chesapeake in which the rights of every ethnic and reli- Mr. SCHUMER) submitted the following submitted proposals to address their gious group are protected; and resolution; which was considered and own infrastructure needs, but funding Whereas it is the longstanding policy of agreed to: was insufficient. Since there will al- the United States Government that a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, on ways be risk of another devastating can only be achieved through direct, bilat- behalf of myself and the distinguished storm, we must learn from Sandy and eral negotiations without preconditions for a Democratic leader, Mr. SCHUMER, I take steps now to protect our commu- sustainable two-state solution: Now, there- send to the desk a resolution author- nities later. This bill tries to do that. fore, be it izing the production of testimony and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3149 documents, and representation by the of Homeland Security related to food, agri- meet during the session of the Senate Senate Legal Counsel, and ask for its culture, and veterinary defense against ter- today, May 24, 2017, off the floor at the immediate consideration. rorism, and for other purposes. start of the first scheduled vote to con- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, this f duct a business meeting on the fol- resolution concerns a request for testi- TEXT OF AMENDMENTS lowing: mony and documents in a criminal ac- —The nomination of Althea H. Mr. SULLIVAN (for Mr. ROB- tion pending in North Dakota federal SA 217. Coetzee to be Deputy Administrator of ERTS (for himself and Mrs. MCCASKILL)) district court. In this action, the de- the Small Business Administration. proposed an amendment to the bill fendant is charged with sending to Sen- COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS H.R. 1238, to amend the Homeland Se- ator HEITKAMP an e-mail threatening The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs curity Act of 2002 to make the Assist- to kill or injure her. A trial is sched- is authorized to meet during the ses- ant Secretary of Homeland Security uled for June 6, 2017. sion of the Senate on Wednesday, May The prosecution is seeking for intro- for Health Affairs responsible for co- 24, 2017, in SR–418 at 2:30 p.m. to con- duction into evidence at trial docu- ordinating the efforts of the Depart- sider S. 1094, the Department of Vet- mentary evidence from the Senator’s ment of Homeland Security related to erans Affairs Accountability and Whis- office, including the e-mail at issue, as food, agriculture, and veterinary de- tleblower Protection Act of 2017. well as testimony from the Senator’s fense against terrorism, and for other COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE correspondence manager. Senator purposes; as follows: The Senate Select Committee on In- HEITKAMP would like to cooperate by On page 4, lines 1 and 2, strike ‘‘relating to telligence is authorized to meet during providing such relevant evidence. The food and agriculture’’ and insert ‘‘or the Sec- the session of the 115th Congress of the retary of Health and Human Services’’. enclosed resolution would authorize U.S. Senate on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 that staffer, and any other current or On page 4, strike line 3 and all that follows from 2:30 p.m.–4 p.m., in room SH–219 of through the end of the matter following line former employee of the Senator’s office the Senate Hart Office Building to hold 6 and insert the following: a closed hearing. from whom relevant evidence may be (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of SUBCOMMITTEE ON SEAPOWER necessary, to testify and produce docu- contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Se- ments in this action, with representa- curity Act of 2002 is amended— The Subcommittee on Seapower of tion by the Senate Legal Counsel. (1) by striking the items relating to sec- the Committee on Armed Services is tions 523, 524, 525, 526, and 527; and authorized to meet during the session S. RES. 178 (2) by inserting after the item relating to of the Senate on Wednesday, May 24, Whereas, in the case of United States v. section 522 the following: 2017, at 9:30 a.m., in open session. Kevin Lee Olson, Cr. No. 17–26, pending in the United States District Court for the District ‘‘Sec. 523. Guidance and recommendations. SUBCOMMITTEE ON STRATEGIC FORCES of North Dakota, the prosecution has re- ‘‘Sec. 524.Voluntary private sector prepared- The Subcommittee on Strategic quested the production of testimony and doc- ness accreditation and certifi- Forces of the Committee on Armed uments from Kobye Noel, an employee in the cation program. Services is authorized to meet during Washington, D.C. office of Senator Heidi ‘‘Sec. 525. Acceptance of gifts. the session of the Senate on Wednes- Heitkamp; ‘‘Sec. 526. Integrated public alert and warn- ing system modernization. day, May 24, 2017, at 2:30 p.m., in open Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and and closed sessions. 704(a)(2) of the Ethics in Government Act of ‘‘Sec. 527. National planning and education. COMMITTEE ON THE SUBCOMMITTEE JUDICIARY 1978, 2 U.S.C. §§ 288b(a) and 288c(a)(2), the ‘‘Sec. 528. Coordination of Department of Homeland Security efforts re- ON CRIME AND TERRORISM Senate may direct its counsel to represent The Committee on the Judiciary, current or former employees of the Senate lated to food, agriculture, and with respect to any subpoena, order, or re- veterinary defense against ter- Subcommittee on Crime and Ter- quest for testimony relating to their official rorism.’’. rorism, is authorized to meet during responsibilities; f the session of the Senate, on May 24, 2017, at 2:30 p.m., in room SD–226 of the Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO the United States and Rule XI of the Stand- Dirksen Senate Office Building, to con- MEET ing Rules of the Senate, no evidence under duct a hearing entitled ‘‘Law Enforce- the control or in the possession of the Senate Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I ment Access to Data Stored Across may, by the judicial or administrative proc- have 10 requests for committees to Borders: Facilitating Cooperation and ess, be taken from such control or possession meet during today’s session of the Sen- Protecting Rights.’’ but by permission of the Senate; and ate. They have the approval of the Ma- Whereas, when it appears that evidence SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA, THE PACIFIC AND under the control or in the possession of the jority and Minority leaders. INTERNATIONAL CYBERSECURITY POLICY Senate may promote the administration of Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph The Committee on Foreign Relations justice, the Senate will take such action as 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pa- will promote the ends of justice consistent ate, the following committees are au- cific, and International Cybersecurity with the privileges of the Senate: Now, thorized to meet during today’s session Policy is authorized to meet during the therefore, be it of the Senate: session of the Senate on Wednesday, Resolved, That Kobye Noel, an employee in COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND May 24, 2017 at 2:15 p.m., to hold a hear- the Office of Senator Heidi Heitkamp, and GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ing entitled ‘‘American Leadership in any other current or former employee of the the Asia-Pacific, Part 2: Economic Senator’s office from whom relevant evi- The Committee on Homeland Secu- dence may be necessary, are authorized to rity and Government Affairs is author- Issue.’’ testify and produce documents in the case of ized to meet during the session of the SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION, United States v. Kevin Lee Olson, except con- Senate on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at PRODUCT SAFETY, INSURANCE, AND DATA SE- cerning matters for which a privilege should 10 a.m. in order to conduct a hearing CURITY be asserted. titled ‘‘Border Insecurity: The Rise of The Committee on Commerce, SEC. 2. The Senate Legal Counsel is author- MS–13 and Other Transnational Crimi- Science, and Transportation is author- ized to represent current and former employ- nal Organizations.’’ ized to hold a meeting during the ses- ees of Senator Heitkamp’s office in connec- sion of the Senate on Wednesday, May COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY tion with the production of evidence author- 24, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. in room 253 of the ized in section one of this resolution. The Committee on the Judiciary is Russell Senate Office Building. f authorized to meet during the session The Committee will hold Sub- of the Senate, on May 24, 2017, at 10 AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND committee Hearing on ‘‘Pool Safety: a.m., in room SD–226 of the Dirksen PROPOSED The Tenth Anniversary of the Virginia Senate Office Building, to conduct a Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety SA 217. Mr. SULLIVAN (for Mr. ROBERTS hearing entitled ‘‘Nominations.’’ The Act.’’ (for himself and Mrs. MCCASKILL)) proposed witness list is attached. an amendment to the bill H.R. 1238, to Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS AND unanimous consent that that my in- make the Assistant Secretary of Homeland ENTREPRENEURSHIP tern, Kelsey Sherman, be granted privi- Security for Health Affairs responsible for The Committee on Small Business leges of the floor for the balance of the coordinating the efforts of the Department and Entrepreneurship is authorized to day.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3150 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Virginians would lose their Medicaid objection, it is so ordered. clerk will report the resolution by coverage in 2018, and another 126,000 f title. people who currently have it would be The assistant bill clerk read as fol- without Medicaid coverage by 2026. PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR lows: The American Health Care Act, Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask A resolution (S. Res. 178) to authorize tes- which is being sent by our friends in unanimous consent that Olivia Rock- timony, document production, and represen- the House—our Republican friends in well, Brian Larkin, Elizabeth Isbey, tation in United States v. Kevin Lee Olson. the House—increases the cost to our Benjamin Willis, and Elizabeth There being no objection, the Senate State. The bill cuts $834 billion from Jurinka, legislative fellows in my of- proceeded to consider the resolution. Medicaid, meaning that the State fice, be given floor privileges for the re- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I would receive less Federal Medicaid mainder of this Congress. ask unanimous consent that the reso- funding, and it would not increase if The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lution be agreed to and the motions to costs rise in the case of health crises. objection, it is so ordered. reconsider be considered made and laid In fact, the American Hospital Asso- ciation estimates that my State of f upon the table with no intervening ac- tion or debate. West Virginia would lose a total of $9.8 ORDER OF PROCEDURE The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without billion over the next 10 years—$9.8 bil- lion over the next 10 years alone in my Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I objection, it is so ordered. ask unanimous consent that notwith- The resolution (S. Res. 178) was great State. With all of the hard work standing the provisions of rule XXII, agreed to. they have done, to go without healthcare is unbelievable. the vote on confirmation of Judge f Thapar occur at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, This bill would also increase costs for May 25; that if confirmed, the motion ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, MAY 25, older, sicker, poorer, rural West Vir- to reconsider be considered made and 2017 ginians. We have this type of a popu- lation in all of our States. Older Amer- laid upon the table and the President Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I be immediately notified of the Senate’s ask unanimous consent that when the icans would face higher costs because action. Senate completes its business today, it insurance companies could charge The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without adjourn until 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May them five times more than younger objection, it is so ordered. 25; further, that following the prayer beneficiaries—five times more. So if a young beneficiary is paying $2,500 a f and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of pro- year, they can end up paying $10,000, CONGRATULATING THE WEBSTER ceedings be approved to date, the time $12,000 a year. That would increase the UNIVERSITY CHESS TEAM FOR for the two leaders be reserved for their costs to older Americans nationally by WINNING A RECORD-BREAKING use later in the day, and morning busi- anywhere from $2,000 to $8,400. FIFTH CONSECUTIVE NATIONAL ness be closed; further, that following We did this little comparison here of TITLE leader remarks, the Senate proceed to what that would actually look like. Let’s say there is a low-income senior, Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I executive session to resume consider- ation of the Thapar nomination; fi- somebody who hasn’t gotten to Medi- ask unanimous consent that the Sen- care eligibility yet because of their ate proceed to the immediate consider- nally, that all time during morning business, recess, adjournment, and age, and they are over the 138th per- ation of S. Res. 177, submitted earlier centile of the poverty guidelines, and today. leader remarks count postcloture on the Thapar nomination. they are paying about $1,700 now for The PRESIDING OFFICER. The their insurance under the Affordable clerk will report the resolution by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Care Act. title. With this piece of legislation, they The bill clerk read as follows: f are going to pay upwards of $13,000— A resolution (S. Res. 177) congratulating ORDER FOR ADJOURNMENT $13,000, which they don’t have. The cost the Webster University chess team for win- to purchase insurance for low-income ning a record-breaking fifth consecutive na- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, if seniors in West Virginia who buy insur- tional title at the President’s Cup collegiate there is no further business to come be- chess championship in New York City. ance on the exchanges, as I just showed fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- you, could go up to almost 800 per- There being no objection, the Senate sent that it stand adjourned under the cent—800 percent of the costs they are proceeded to consider the resolution. previous order, following the remarks paying. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I of Senators MANCHIN, SULLIVAN, and So today I am going to share the further ask unanimous consent that MERKLEY. story of a West Virginian who is con- the resolution be agreed to, the pre- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cerned about losing her healthcare. amble be agreed to, and the motions to objection, it is so ordered. This West Virginia native is Stephanie reconsider be considered made and laid The Senator from West Virginia. Fredricksen. She told me her story at a upon the table with no intervening ac- f townhall that we had in the Eastern tion or debate. HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION Panhandle in March. She asked me to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without make sure I shared this story with all objection, it is so ordered. Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise of you. This will be printed in the The resolution (S. Res. 177) was today to talk about the concerns of the RECORD. So this is going to be Steph- agreed to. good people of my great State of West anie’s story. This is one of many sto- The preamble was agreed to. Virginia, about their healthcare and ries throughout my State of West Vir- (The resolution, with its preamble, is the needs they have. If the American ginia: printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- Health Care Act is passed, which is the mitted Resolutions.’’) My name is Stephanie Fredricksen and Republican plan that was passed over back in April 2016, I woke up one day unable f in the House, many West Virginians to turn my head due to stiffness in my neck are going to lose their current insur- and terrible pain. At first I thought I had AUTHORIZING TESTIMONY, DOCU- ance coverage. just slept on it wrong and it would go away. MENT PRODUCTION, AND REP- Individuals on Medicaid expansion By early May, the pain had spread to every RESENTATION would not be guaranteed coverage after joint in my body. Then, I began to experience painful spasms Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I 2020. That means that for anybody that in my back, my shoulders, my neck, and ask unanimous consent that the Sen- has gotten insurance for the first time, even my jaw. I started having blurred vision ate proceed to the immediate consider- there is no guarantee they can keep it and shooting pain in my eyes. I also began ation of S. Res. 178, submitted earlier at all past 2020. The American Hospital suffering from extreme exhaustion, on really today. Association estimates that 68,200 West bad days activities as simple as getting out

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3151 of bed, getting dressed, and brushing my hair paired. The private market needs to be work. We need for everyone who has in- can tire me out for hours. I could go on and fixed, not to mention those who will no surance for the first time to use it in on with a long list of other horrible symp- longer be able to afford it with the pre- the most efficient, effective, and appro- toms. miums going up, especially for the priate way. There is a lot that can be My illness began to affect my job as a Property & Casualty Insurance Agent. I older, poorer senior citizens. done, but not just by taking political started missing more and more time from I obviously have pre-existing conditions, votes and holding each other in harm’s work, first due to doctor appointments and no job, and my husband’s job does not offer way. then due to the worsening of my symptoms. health insurance. In other words, without I thank you for allowing me to tell Eventually, I was forced to file a claim for the ACA, I would not be able to get the in- Stephanie’s story. I hope it helps. I long-term disability insurance. I had been surance I need so badly. I also fear that can’t wait to sit down and start work- undergoing multiple tests and examinations based on numbers provided by the CBO, if in- ing with all of our colleagues in this and I thought the physicians would soon de- surance is still available to me, I won’t be able to afford it and of course there is also body. termine what was wrong and prescribe the I suggest the absence of a quorum. appropriate treatment so I could get back my husband’s insurance to worry about. At the same time many young and healthy The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. my life and get back to work. people chose to take a gamble believing like TILLIS). The clerk will call the roll. That never happened. During this time I we all do when we’re young that nothing bad The senior assistant legislative clerk had physical therapy and after a couple of is ever going to happen to us. proceeded to call the roll. weeks of treatment I was able to move my As a result, the ACA risk pool was not as neck again. But by August, I was diagnosed Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask diverse as it should have been. Robust par- unanimous consent that the order for with Systemic Lupus, Systemic Sclerosis, ticipation is so critical to ensuring citizens Osteoarthritis and Severe Spinal Stenosis the quorum call be rescinded. have access to and a real choice in affordable The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without among other related conditions. Although coverage. Imagine if those that oppose the my employer assured me they had my back, ACA actually got behind it for the good of objection, it is so ordered. in October, I received a certified letter from the country. f an attorney advising me that my employ- The ACA even with all of its opposition ment had been terminated. helped millions and it appears that the AUTHORIZING TESTIMONY, DOCU- As a result, I lost my healthcare coverage American people realize this, even many MENT PRODUCTION, AND REP- and was offered COBRA coverage for a period that were originally fooled by the negative RESENTATION of only three months. rhetoric have decided they want to keep it. Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask On February 1, 2017, I became one of mil- Please do what is right for us the citizens unanimous consent that the preamble lions who rely on the Affordable Care Act that have chosen each of you to represent us. (ACA). I was already familiar with the ACA As I pointed out earlier, many of those to S. Res. 178 be agreed to. because my husband had been covered by it people have come around to a different way The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without since 2012. of thinking as of late and I wouldn’t be so objection, it is so ordered. My husband works for a small business sure that they will be there for you the next The preamble was agreed to. that doesn’t offer health insurance. The ACA time when they vote if you have taken away (The resolution, previously agreed to, was about $350 less than for him to be added their health care or their parents, siblings, with its preamble, is printed in today’s to my former employers’s plan. Some of you children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, RECORD under ‘‘Submitted Resolu- may be thinking after hearing about some of nephews, neighbors, friends, church mem- tions.’’) my conditions that they aren’t life ending bers, coworkers, classmates, and so on. Of but you would be wrong. course we can’t forget that a lot of those f I suffer from autoimmune diseases. My im- people will die as a result of not being able SECURING OUR AGRICULTURE AND mune system attacks my own body instead to keep their health care as well. FOOD ACT of resisting hostile foreign invaders. So my Putting your politics, egos, agendas, and immune system will not fight off but will ac- parties aside in this case will actually save Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I ask tually help the bad things to spread and be- human lives. I ask you all not to repeal and unanimous consent that the Com- come even stronger. replace the ACA and instead to work to- mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- In approximately 50 percent of people with gether to fix it and make improvements. ernmental Affairs be discharged from Systemic Lupus a major organ or tissue in Please don’t allow the CEOs of insurance further consideration of H.R. 1238 and the body such as the heart, lungs, kidneys or companies and the wealthiest Americans to the Senate proceed to its immediate make even more money at the expense of brain will become affected. consideration. Between 10 and 15 percent of Lupus pa- those Americans who are the most vulner- able, like the disabled, the sick, the elderly The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tients will die prematurely. However, it is objection, it is so ordered. widely believed that number is substantially and those with lower incomes. I beg of you, PLEASE oppose the repeal of The clerk will report the bill by title. underreported. Many deaths are reported as The senior assistant legislative clerk a result of the complications such as kidney the ACA and please oppose any plan that could leave me and millions like me without failure and not the Lupus itself. read as follows: health insurance or that will increase our 1 in 3 patients with Lupus also have an- A bill (H.R. 1238) to amend the Homeland premiums or deductibles or reduce or elimi- other autoimmune disease. I fall into that Security Act of 2002 to make the Assistant nate any current coverage. Our lives are de- category having been diagnosed with Sys- Secretary of Homeland Security for Health pending on it and we are depending on you. temic Sclerosis as well. Systemic Sclerosis Affairs responsible for coordinating the ef- can also involve the heart, kidneys, lungs, So, as I have promised, I have read forts of the Department of Homeland Secu- liver and brain. Internal organ complications this letter, Stephanie’s story. I am rity related to food, agriculture, and veteri- are common and are often not symptomatic hoping that Stephanie is listening and nary defense against terrorism, and for other until the late stages of disease, thus routine watching, but also for all the people purposes. screening is essential. Lung involvement is that she represents—people who have There being no objection, the Senate the leading cause of death. serious illnesses, who are going to be proceeded to consider the bill. She shared her story and much more left out or who are afraid they are Mr. SULLIVAN. I ask unanimous with me at a townhall in Martinsburg. going to be left out, elderly people who consent that the Roberts amendment She asked me to read this on the Sen- are going to not be able to afford insur- at the desk be considered and agreed ate floor. She asked me to share her ance. to, the bill, as amended, be considered story because she has tried to share it There are a lot of things that we can read a third time and passed, and the with all of the elected officials herself, do, but one thing that we can all be motion to reconsider be considered not just for herself but also for the pro- doing is working together as Repub- made and laid upon the table. tected 24 million Americans who are at licans and Democrats and putting our The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. risk of losing their insurance if the Af- country first and people in our States The amendment (No. 217) was agreed fordable Care Act is repealed and re- and fixing this. We know it needs to be to, as follows: placed with the American Health Care fixed. Get off the political rhetoric and Act, the act that was just passed in the (Purpose: To preserve the authority of the quit blaming each other and sit down Secretaries of Agriculture and Health and House which is being sent to the Sen- and say: OK, this needs to be repaired. Human Services and make a technical cor- ate. This private market doesn’t work the rection) So she is asking us: Please, do not way it was intended to. On page 4, lines 1 and 2, strike ‘‘relating to pass this. Do not repeal the ACA but We need to get more young people in- food and agriculture’’ and insert ‘‘or the Sec- fix it. We all know it needs to be re- volved. We need the market forces to retary of Health and Human Services’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3152 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 On page 4, strike line 3 and all that follows former Senator Dan Coats, when I That is happening right now. That is through the end of the matter following line asked him and General Stewart, the happening right now. That is in the 6 and insert the following: top military officer for our intelligence news right now. (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of agencies, when they thought this was Also in the news is what the United contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Se- curity Act of 2002 is amended— going to happen—well, it is a classified States has been doing to protect our al- (1) by striking the items relating to sec- number and it is a classified time. I ac- lies from this and other threats. So let tions 523, 524, 525, 526, and 527; and tually think it should be unclassified, me give you an example. There has (2) by inserting after the item relating to given their estimates, to let the Amer- been a lot of news about the THAAD section 522 the following: ican people know what is coming be- deployment, a missile defense system ‘‘Sec. 523. Guidance and recommendations. cause it is probably a lot sooner, at in South Korea deployed by the U.S. ‘‘Sec. 524.Voluntary private sector prepared- least in the estimates, than most peo- Army to protect our troops and South ness accreditation and certifi- ple think. So that is what we are facing Korea’s citizens, to protect our troops cation program. right now, and people should be con- in Korea, protect our troops in Japan, ‘‘Sec. 525. Acceptance of gifts. cerned about it. and to protect our allies. Now, I am ‘‘Sec. 526. Integrated public alert and warn- ing system modernization. Let me give you a little bit more on very supportive of this—very sup- ‘‘Sec. 527. National planning and education. the facts of this. Kim Jong Un, the portive of this. ‘‘Sec. 528. Coordination of Department of leader of North Korea, the unstable The President is on his Middle East Homeland Security efforts re- dictator of North Korea, has publicly trip. He is going to Europe now. He lated to food, agriculture, and stated it is his goal to develop a nu- mentioned just a few days ago maybe veterinary defense against ter- clear-capable intercontinental ballistic having a THAAD system in Saudi Ara- rorism.’’. missile that can strike the continental bia, an American system to help pro- The amendment was ordered to be United States. Now, let’s just be clear. tect the Saudis from the Iranian mis- engrossed and the bill to be read a This is a man who starves his own citi- sile threat. Again, I am very sup- third time. zens, sentences them by the tens of portive. The bill was read the third time. thousands to inhumane labor camps, As the Presiding Officer knows, in The bill (H.R. 1238), as amended, was and just a month ago allegedly assas- our last National Defense Authoriza- passed. sinated his half-brother in a Malaysian tion Act, we had significant authoriza- f airport with poison to kill him. tion and funding to help Israel protect NORTH KOREA In fact, since assuming power just 5 itself with a missile defense system, the Iron Dome system, where we have Mr. SULLIVAN. Mr. President, I years ago, as my next chart shows, Kim Jong Un has conducted more missile been working with the Israelis to help want to talk this evening about a very their citizens be protected against an serious threat to the United States; tests and twice as many nuclear tests as both his father and grandfather did Iranian missile threat. that is, the threat from North Korea Again, I support all of these. I ap- and what we in the Congress should be in their 60 years of ruling over North Korea. Look at these numbers: That is plaud these efforts, I have supported doing about it. them, I voted for them, but it does beg Now, over the weekend we saw an- the Kim Jong Un regime, Kim Jong Il, Kim Il Sung. So he is focused on this the question that some of my constitu- other piece of news about how the ents back home in Alaska are begin- North Korean regime is again testing more than his father and grandfather were. As I mentioned, it seems almost ning to ask, and I am sure other Amer- missiles, testing for intercontinental icans are asking in every State in the ballistic missiles, more missile daily there is another one of these mis- sile tests or even nuclear tests. country: What about us? What about launches, literally two in the last 2 the United States? What about the U.S. Now, one of the things you see in the weeks. homeland? Isn’t that where Kim Jong press sometimes is, well, some of these I would say this is one of the most se- Un said he wants to launch interconti- missile tests are failing. There have rious threats facing the United States nental ballistic nuclear missiles? It is. been failures, and there have been no- of America right now because what has It is exactly where he said he wants to table successes, such as the country’s now become clear, it is no longer if do it. first intermediate range ballistic mis- Kim Jong Un and the North Korean re- The bottom line is, we need to do sile, its first submarine launch bal- gime will have the ability to range the much more to protect ourselves. We listic missile, its first solid fuel launch United States of America with an need to do much more to protect the missile, and its ability to put satellites intercontinental ballistic nuclear mis- United States of America. Yes, we need in space. This is actual progress. This sile. It is no longer if. It is when. to protect our allies, but we need to is significant progress. This has been stated time and time start focusing a little bit more on again in open hearings we have had on On the nuclear side, the country’s home, and we need to start focusing the Armed Services Committee with fifth test—and Kim Jong Un’s third— now. generals and some of the top experts in had an estimated yield in terms of its In fact, if we know this threat is the United States. It used to be, hey, power of 15 to 20 kilotons, approxi- coming, which we do—there has been maybe he would have this capability mately the size of the nuclear bomb testimony after testimony—I think it sometime down the road. Maybe he will dropped on Hiroshima. While this yield would be the height of irresponsibility never get it. They are not saying that was not as large as they were expect- to not start working on increasing any longer. Think about that. Every ing, the test again on the nuclear side America’s homeland missile defense. American should be thinking about shows steady progress in their nuclear That is what we should be doing. that. It is no longer if but when one of program and steady progress in their That is why I have introduced a very the craziest dictators in the world will ballistic missile program. bipartisan bill called the Advancing have the capability to launch an inter- So what does all this mean? Why is America’s Missile Defense Act of 2017. continental ballistic nuclear missile. It Kim Jong Un testing so often? Even Again, Republicans and Democrats are is not just ranging my State, the great though he fails, he is still learning. already on the bill. I believe the Pre- State of Alaska, which unfortunately That is exactly what the commander of siding Officer is now a cosponsor. for me and my constituents is in the U.S. Strategic Command said last I would like to paint a scenario that line of fire earlier than other States or month during a Senate Armed Services we all know will happen unfortunately Hawaii, which faces similar risks to hearing. sometime in the future—again, on why Alaska, but we are talking about the Gen. John Hyten stated: North Korea this bill is so important, why what we continental United States. We are talk- is going fast. Test, fail, test, fail, suc- need to be doing on missile defense is ing about Chicago, New York City, Los ceed. They are learning, and as you can so important. Angeles. It is not if but when. see them learning, they are developing Just think through the headline. So yesterday in front of the Armed the capabilities for intercontinental Let’s assume a couple years down the Services Committee, the Director of ballistic missiles. That is how it works road Kim Jong Un has this capability National Intelligence, our good friend, in the rocket business. to launch an intercontinental nuclear

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3153 ballistic missile to hit a lower 48 city. kill vehicles. These are the bullets, es- Lincoln captured that notion when Well, we know that is going to start sentially, on top of the warheads. It he spoke in his Gettysburg Address and leaking out. The headlines will be front will allow a layer of space-based sen- said: ‘‘We are a nation of the people, by page, banner headlines: Dictator of sors and radars to track missile threats the people, and for the people.’’ He North Korea can range Chicago, New from launch to intercept, a techno- didn’t describe our system of govern- York. It will be all over the news. It logical advancement that would im- ment as of, by, and for the privileged. will be the only thing we talk about. prove all missile systems to make sure Our Founders didn’t write ‘‘We, the There will be enormous pressure on we have a layered missile defense, powerful and privileged’’ at the start of the White House and others to do whether it is THAAD in Asia, Aegis our Constitution. That is what makes something about this. On that day Ashore and on ships, or our missile sys- us different from the governments that when we see the banner headlines, a lot tem here at home—all of it integrated. dominated Europe, where the rich and of Americans will be very nervous. The Right now we don’t have that. powerful governed on behalf of the rich American people and the American The bill also will increase the pace of and powerful. America turned that on media will look at the people in the missile defense testing to allow U.S. its head with our system of govern- Pentagon, will look at the people in forces to learn from actual launches of ment. Our system of democratic repub- Congress, will look at the leadership in our defense systems and increase the lic governance. the White House, and will ask three confidence we have in our system and Therefore, we are at a very strange critical questions. Are we safe? Did we its effectiveness. This is very impor- moment right now because just 20 days see this coming? Have we been doing tant. The Department of Defense needs ago, 217 Members, a small majority anything about it and, if so, what? to change the culture around missile over in the House, voted for a bill that That is what they are going to ask. defense, testing regularly and con- was all about government of and by the We know that day is coming. We are ducting more flight tests. Unfortu- powerful, for the powerful, of and by not sure when, but we know that day is nately, every test is not always going the privileged, for the privileged, not coming—again, not if, but when. Peo- to be a success. It is OK to fail because by the people, for the people. They ple are going to ask those questions. If we learn from failure. voted for TrumpCare. We witnessed the House passing this we know that, and we do, we need to be I don’t like to admit on the floor of horrific piece of legislation that will able to say to all three of those ques- the U.S. Senate that we could learn ensure that millions of low-income and tions—whether it is the Secretary of something from the North Koreans, but middle-class Americans are worse off, Defense, the President of the United that is the approach they are taking. will receive less care, and will have to States, or whether it is all of us here, That is why their missile and nuclear pay more for their healthcare, assum- the Democrats and Republicans in the programs are advancing so rapidly. ing they can even get it. But, on the Senate, we need to be able to answer They are not afraid to fail. other hand, the bill delivers $600 billion the American people and say: Yes, we What we need to do is enhance our in platinum-plated tax benefits to the are safe; yes, we saw this coming; and testing, enhance our missile defense, richest Americans. yes, we have the world’s most robust, enhance our capabilities because, as I Picture the situation: our President technologically advanced, capable mis- mentioned at the outset, it is no longer holding a celebration at the White sile defense system that will with near if, but when. That day is coming, and House, standing on a platform, crush- certainty shoot down any North Ko- we need to be ready for it, and the ing more than 20 million people in rean missile launch at the United United States Senate can lead in ad- terms of their access to healthcare, States and give our President and the dressing this very significant challenge while celebrating a golden plate with Congress the strategic time and space to America’s national security. platinum-plated gifts to the wealthiest to make potentially world-altering de- I am encouraged that our bill has al- Americans. That is what happened 20 cisions. ready gotten strong bipartisan support days ago in the House of Representa- We know this is coming, and I think from Democrats and Republicans be- tives. That is not a pretty sight and we should be doing everything we can cause they know how important it is. I certainly doesn’t fit the mission of our in our power to focus on it, so we will hope my colleagues on both sides of the Nation. be safe, and we will be able to say yes aisle truly understand the significance Franklin Roosevelt shared his vision to all three of those questions if we and seriousness of this threat, and I of how we progress in the following begin to seriously focus on America’s hope they can continue to support our fashion. He said: ‘‘The test of our missile defense, which is what our leg- Advancing America’s Missile Defense progress is not whether we add more to islation is all about. Act of 2017. There are very few foreign the abundance of those who have much; Unfortunately, our Nation has not al- policy and national security issues it is whether we provide enough for ways been focused on funding our mis- that are more important than making those who have little.’’ sile defense system, and in many ways sure we address this threat to Amer- But the Trump principle that was the funding has been erratic. As the ica’s security. supported by 217 House Members 20 Center for Strategic and International I yield the floor. days ago is the opposite. The Trump Studies put it recently, such funding The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- principle is that the test of our for America’s missile defense has been ator from Oregon. progress is whether we add more to the marked by high ambition, followed by f abundance of those who have most, increasing modesty. I think the time while taking away from those who do TRUMPCARE for modesty on an issue of this impor- not have enough. That is what hap- tance is over. Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, our pened. That is the difference between From 2006 to 2016, homeland missile Nation and our government were Franklin Roosevelt and government of, defense funding, adjusted for inflation, founded on a principle that can be by, and for the people, and President declined nearly 50 percent, and home- summed up in three words: ‘‘We the Trump and 217 House Members who land missile defense testing declined People,’’ the first three words of our passed a bill of, by, and for the power- more than 83 percent. The goal of our Constitution, the three words that our ful and the privileged. bill is to change that and change it sig- Founders wrote in supersized font so It is astonishing to me that this hap- nificantly. Among its other elements, that no matter who you were you pened. American citizens, when they Advancing America’s Missile Defense would remember that this is the guid- heard about the first version of this Act will grow our U.S. base missile ing mission of our form of government. bill, TrumpCare 1.0, they overflowed interceptors from what we have now, This is the guiding mission of the Con- the inboxes, they proceeded to fill the which is about 44, to as many as 72 and stitution. streets, they flooded the phone lines, will require our military to look at From across the room, you can’t read and people up here heard them and having up to 100 interceptors distrib- the fine print of article I and article II said: We understand. We don’t have the uted across the United States. and so forth, but you can see what the votes to pass this TrumpCare 1.0 in the The bill will also authorize the more Constitution is all about: we the peo- House because we hear you telling us rapid deployment of new and better ple. how horrific this bill is.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 So they went back to work. But in I know that when I took my oath of going bankrupt. Very likely, without TrumpCare 2.0 they produced a bill office, I liked the Constitution the way insurance, she would have had this that is even worse than TrumpCare 1.0. it was written. I liked the principle be- mass continue to grow in her abdomen They took an already bad bill, they hind this Constitution. So it is of and maybe threaten her life. This may made it more painful and more dam- major concern that the Senate might have been a life-and-death issue for aging, and they jammed it through proceed to adopt TrumpCare 2.0 or her. without a hearing on the House side. modify it into TrumpCare 3.0. Here is what Lauren has to say in her They jammed it through without a Today, the Congressional Budget Of- own words: CBO estimate of how many people it fice’s score was released, which told us I am a healthy and contributing member of would hurt or what it would cost. They of and evaluated TrumpCare 2.0. It society who is able to contribute and pay my jammed it through because they didn’t found that more than 20 million Ameri- way and continue to grow and succeed rather want to listen to the American people cans—in its estimate, 23 million to be than someone who is slipping through the exact—will be uninsured under cracks and needing assistance to get by. It who said: What you are doing is dia- seems to me that turning people who are get- bolical and wrong. They didn’t want to TrumpCare than under the Affordable ting by into people who are falling behind is listen to the experts who said the same Care Act. That would bring the total of good for no one. Even if there is no compas- thing. uninsured to a much higher total of 51 sion in our leadership’s healthcare plan, I The experts weighed in from every di- million people under the age of 65 by would have hoped someone would have in- rection—nonpartisans and analysts, the year 2026—nearly double the num- jected a note of common sense. health policy experts, the associations ber of uninsured. That hurts real peo- Her point, made very poetically and that work in healthcare, the groups ple. It hurts every single one of those poignantly, is that if you cannot get that represent doctors, nurses, and pa- individuals who lose their healthcare. healthcare, you cannot remain a pro- tients. The American Medical Associa- In my State of Oregon, just one ductive member of society. It is not tion said: ‘‘We are deeply concerned piece, one provision of this bill, which just about your quality of life, and it is that the AHCA,’’ which I will simply crushes the expansion of Medicaid—in not just about the fact that you might call TrumpCare to keep away the con- Oregon, it is the Oregon Health Plan— suffer and that you might die, it is also fusion—‘‘We are deeply concerned that strips the healthcare of about 400,000 about whether you can be healed and TrumpCare would result in millions of Oregonians. That is a lot of human car- contribute. That is an important piece Americans losing their current health nage. It is enough people that, if they of why healthcare is so important. insurance coverage,’’ and that ‘‘noth- were standing hand to hand, they Paul Bright of Sweet Home wrote to ing in the MacArthur amendment rem- would stretch 400 miles from the Pa- my office to share his story about fi- edies the shortcomings of the under- cific Ocean to the border with Idaho. nally having healthcare thanks to the lying bill.’’ That is how many Oregonians would be Medicaid expansion. Paul wrote: The AARP called the bill ‘‘a bad deal impacted by this. I’m one of those hardworking Americans for older Americans ages 50–64,’’ be- That is just the people who lose ac- the Republicans praise mightily—an entre- cause it ‘‘would significantly increase cess to healthcare. There are many preneur, self-employed, buying American— premiums for all older adults and spike others who would go to their clinics or and I’m on Medicaid thanks to the ACA. costs dramatically for lower- and mod- go to their hospitals and find that the Without the ACA—that is ObamaCare—I’d have no insurance at all to cover my pre- erate-income older adults.’’ clinics and hospitals have either lim- scriptions that keep me healthy so I can con- The AARP went on to state that the ited their services or shut down be- tinue to work. amendment that converted TrumpCare cause, you see, our clinics have gained Do I want to be making so little income 1.0 into TrumpCare 2.0 was making ‘‘a tremendously from the investment that I qualify for Medicaid? No. I want to be bad bill worse’’ because it ‘‘establishes under ObamaCare. In addition, they making a good income. state waivers that allow insurance have gained tremendously from the The only way I can continue working 60 companies to charge older Americans fact that the people who came in the hours a week to increase my household in- come is if I can keep my prescriptions and and people with preexisting health con- door had insurance to pay their bills. It doctor appointments. ditions higher premiums and weaken is the reduction in uninsured individ- Without the medicine I need, I will become critical consumer protections.’’ uals who come through the door—the permanently dependent on government serv- The American Cancer Society Cancer ones who cannot pay for their care— ices, not just health insurance, but I will Action Network weighed in; the Amer- that has dropped so much. With more start requiring food stamps, housing assist- ican Diabetes Association weighed in; people paying for their care, the fi- ance, utilities assistance. the American Academy of Pediatrics nances of the clinics and the hospitals He concludes: weighed in; the American Heart Asso- are stronger. So TrumpCare not only The smart economic decision is to keep me ciation; the American Lung Associa- hurts the 23 million who will lose in- healthy so I can grow our economy. tion; the March of Dimes and many, surance, but it hurts everybody, every Paul is right. Keeping him healthy many, many other groups that are fa- American, by degrading our clinics and isn’t just the moral thing to do, it is a miliar, household-known organiza- degrading our hospitals. smart economic decision. Yet, under tions. These groups that understand Individuals share their stories and TrumpCare 2.0, Paul probably would our healthcare system all came out and their concerns, people like Lauren not stay healthy because he would not made it public that this plan, this Rizzo in Portland. She is a single be able to afford the appointments and TrumpCare 2.0, is a bad plan. It endan- mother and small business owner who he would not be able to afford the pre- gers Americans’ health. is alive today thanks to the health in- scriptions. He would fall through the But 217 Members of the House didn’t surance she received through cracks. listen. The 217 Members voted for the ObamaCare. Then there is a grandmother in Lake Trump principle of crushing ordinary About 2 years ago, Lauren was not Oswego, OR, who wrote to me about Americans to deliver $600 billion in feeling well, so she went to get checked her 12-year-old grandson who is living platinum-plated benefits to the richest out at a clinic. Lauren figured she with a neurological disorder and who Americans. If the House had listened would be given a prescription for anti- has been hospitalized three times over and put that bill 6 feet under with a biotics and sent on her way. Instead, the past 5 years. The first time this stake through its heart, I wouldn’t be she was told to head straight to the woman’s grandson was hospitalized at standing here today, but they sent that emergency room, where she received the age of 8, his father’s insurance cov- bill over to the Senate. It is here for emergency surgery to remove a 71⁄2- ered a 3-week hospital stay. At the the Senate to consider. There are 100 inch mass from her abdomen. If Lauren time, that was enough to get the care Senators who now have to decide: Are had not gotten insurance through the he needed. But then we fast-forward to they behind the principle of ‘‘we the Affordable Care Act, ObamaCare, she last year. Her grandson, now 12, needed people,’’ or have they decided that they would not have gotten checked out, to be hospitalized for several weeks, want a different constitution—one that and she certainly could not have af- followed by residential treatment, fol- is about ‘‘we the privileged’’ and ‘‘we forded the $40,000 surgery bill and the lowed by a brief period in a transi- the powerful’’? nearly $60,000 in followup care without tional school—a 10-month period in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3155 total. Those 10 months were covered she could not have gone to the grocery fits. It means a State could choose to because of ObamaCare, because of the store to feed herself and her son, be- let insurers sell barebones plans that ACA. For the past several months, this cause they live out in the country—an cover virtually nothing. young boy has been home and recov- hour’s drive from everything. She told So you are making your payment and ering successfully. The ACA made that me about the various preexisting con- you think you have insurance, and possible. ditions she has had to manage—condi- then you get injured or you get sick Carol Nelson of Turner, OR, writes to tions that would certainly prevent her and you find out it doesn’t cover any- me and shares her words. She does not from getting healthcare without her thing. That is not healthcare. That is know how she will manage if her hus- having the ACA, conditions that, with- predatory insurance policies, and that band is kicked out of his nursing home out medical appointments and pre- is what is allowed under TrumpCare. because of TrumpCare 2.0. She writes: scriptions, would cause her health to So, Mr. President, you promised bet- My husband lives in a nursing home. He deteriorate rapidly without the ACA. ter healthcare and you delivered preda- does not remember me after 33 years of mar- That is what she means when she says: tory policies—promise broken. riage. I worry now. Will the new healthcare ‘‘I surely will die.’’ The President said he would make laws and Medicare, which I will get in 2018, It is a powerful story, but it is cer- sure we kept the protections for pre- cover us? Will he have to come home for me tainly not unique. Every day, I am re- existing conditions. He promised it. He to take care of him even though I cannot ceiving stories like Carol’s—story after repromised it. He triple promised it. He stand for more than a few minutes due to story of folks who just want the peace continued to promise it. But the congestive heart failure? of mind of having access to amendment that he accepted for Carol continued: healthcare—as well as stories from TrumpCare 2.0—passed 20 days ago by I think there should be incentives to do constituents who are angry at Presi- 217 Members of the House, in favor of what’s best for your health written into the dent Trump and who are, quite frankly, government of, by, and for the powerful law but not to take it away. Without the angry at the 217 Republicans who voted and the privileged—broke that promise ACA, I surely will die. for a government by and for the power- and said States could allow the elimi- So here is a woman who has been ful and privileged over in the House 20 nation of community pricing. married to her husband for 33 years, days ago. What that means is that you have but he has dementia so badly that he They are also upset about the break- preexisting conditions, but you can get does not recognize his wife. She would ing of promises to the American peo- the policy at the same price as every- love to care for him at home, but she ple. They heard the promises over the one else. If you destroy community cannot. She has congestive heart fail- past campaign year. The President pricing, it means that when you file for ure, and his condition is extremely se- made promise after promise on your policy, the insurance company vere. healthcare, and his healthcare bill says: Well, let’s see just what your Medicaid funds more than half of the breaks promise after promise. problems are. Oh, we see you have nursing home admissions in the United President Trump promised his plan asthma. We are going to charge you States of America. It is not simply would provide healthcare for all, but it more. Oh, we see you have diabetes, we about assisting struggling families or does not. According to the analysis we are going to charge you a lot more. We hard-working or low-income families; received just today, 14 million Ameri- see you have delivered a child, which it is also about taking care of our sen- cans would lose healthcare almost im- can create health problems. We are iors. She has a double challenge—her mediately. Within another 10 years, going to charge you more because you own care and her husband’s care. that would grow to about 23 million are a mother. We see that you had an ‘‘Without the ACA,’’ she said, ‘‘I surely Americans. That is not healthcare for episode of cancer. It is in remission— will die.’’ all; that is healthcare for 23 million good news—but the odds of your get- Should that be the healthcare system fewer. Promise broken. ting it are higher than someone else; so we have in the United States and be- Over and over again, President we are going to charge you more. cause of which people are at the point Trump said his plan would make That is because their goal is to make of losing their access to healthcare and healthcare cheaper. The CBO estimates sure those people who have preexisting putting their own lives at stake? that premiums under TrumpCare 2.0 conditions are not in their insurance I think back to that issue of peace of will go up 20 percent next year. Check pool, because they will make more mind. In a good healthcare system, all this out. Here is the basic math. A 64- money. That is an assault on the have the peace of mind that their loved year-old man who earns $26,500 a year premise that everyone will be able to ones will get the care when they are would have his monthly cost for have affordable healthcare because sick and that their loved ones will not healthcare go up from about $140 a those folks are told: Because you have go bankrupt when they get sick. We month to about $1,200 a month. When this condition or that condition, we are have made big strides in that direction. you are earning $26,500, by the time going to charge you more. The charges In Oregon, the 400,000 folks who are you pay for your rent and your utilities will be so high—and will be intended to covered by the expansion of Medicaid and your car payment and your gro- be so high—that they will not be able alone represent a big stride in that di- ceries, you do not have much left, but to buy insurance. So they won’t be cov- rection, the tens of thousands who you can still get health insurance if it ered. have gained access to care on the ex- is costing you $140 a month. But if out That is part of the reason that the change because they can now get com- of that little more than $2,000 a month CBO has analyzed the fact that there munity pricing and not be fended off by you earn, you would have to pay $1,200 will be 23 million more people without a preexisting condition or blocked by a a month, there is no way you can af- insurance come 2026 under TrumpCare preexisting condition. They have more ford that insurance. So President than under current law. We can think peace of mind. Trump promised that healthcare would of this as a tax. For those who actually We can do better. We could have a be more affordable—promise broken. can summon the funds, it is a set tax much simpler system, and we could The President promised that under on sick people, and the sicker you are, have a much more efficient system, but his plan, Americans would have better the higher the tax bill you pay under let’s not go backward and throw mil- healthcare. Currently you are guaran- TrumpCare. lions and millions of Americans off of teed essential benefits, including emer- So when the President promised not healthcare. gency services, rehabilitation services, once or twice or thrice but multiple Last night, I had the pleasure of maternity and newborn care, mental times to make sure that we keep the speaking with Carol on the phone and health and addiction treatment, hos- protection for people with preexisting talking to her a little more about her pital treatment, pediatric services—es- conditions, that was a promise broken. life. She told me about the cataract sential benefits. Those are the things The President promised not to cut surgery she needed in order to be able you expect, in a healthcare system, to Medicaid. As I was waiting to speak to continue to see. She said that with- be covered. last night, I was watching a local tele- out that, she would have lost her li- But TrumpCare throws out the re- vision channel, and they were playing cense, and if she had not had a license, quirement to have essential care bene- tapes of one rally after another where

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 S3156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE May 24, 2017 President Trump went out there and ObamaCare. The other was the Health, nies could compete. That is what came said: I am different; we will not touch Education, Labor, and Pensions Com- from across the aisle. But now the Medicaid or Medicare or Social Secu- mittee, known as the HELP Com- Trump administration is doing every- rity. He was emphatic. He was pas- mittee. They held 47 hearings—not se- thing it can to undermine that par- sionate. He was convincing. cret meetings in some room but public ticular strategy. They are hesitating He broke that promise under and bipartisan meetings with all com- about whether to provide the cost-sav- TrumpCare. It cuts $880 billion out of mittee members welcome and the press ings funds that allow the companies to Medicaid. On top of that, the budget he welcome, hearings, roundtables, and provide lower premiums and lower released yesterday calls for $600 billion walkthroughs. Then, they had a deductibles. That hesitation means the more on top of the $880 billion. If you month-long markup—a month long. I insurance companies can’t price out cut $1.5 trillion from Medicaid, that is was there. I was on the committee. We their policies for next year. So they ei- the promise broken. It is not broken by had a square table—two sides with my ther have to exit the exchange or they a little. When the President said he Republican colleagues and two sides have to raise the price of their policies wouldn’t touch Medicaid, he didn’t pro- with my Democratic colleagues. Dur- a lot higher. ceed to break that promise in a tiny ing that markup, amendment after The Trump administration is delib- little way. No, he smashed it with a amendment was considered. Three hun- erately sabotaging the marketplace. sledge hammer. He demolished it. He dred amendments were considered—bi- Then there is the fact that the whole turned it into dust because he cuts $1.5 partisan amendments, amendments point of the markets was to make it trillion out of Medicaid. from Democrats, amendments from Re- simple for an insurance company to go Medicaid doesn’t just help provide publicans—and 160 amendments were from one State to another State, to healthcare to hard-working, struggling adopted from my Republican col- reach all of the customers at the same families. It pays for nearly half of all leagues—160 amendments from across time of year—all making decisions— births in America. It provides coverage the aisle. That is the type of bipartisan and you can reach out and talk to for one out of three children— work that was done. them. You can sell your policy easily. healthcare for one out of three children Let’s compare that to TrumpCare: no But the point is, a new company com- in America. It pays for nursing home hearings in the House, no public dis- ing into the marketplace is concerned care for more than half of the Amer- play of the bill for a lengthy period for they will get a disproportionate share ican seniors who need nursing home it to be publicly analyzed. There was of those who are very ill, so there is an care. Medicaid is the single largest virtually no chance for the public to adjustment that takes place to say: No. payer for mental health and substance see the actual text and weigh in. It You can come into this marketplace, abuse disorders. passed under a process of rapid transit and we will guarantee that you will get A lot of folks here have come down to through the floor of the House, and an adjustment if your patients end up this floor—from both parties—to talk then it came over here to the Senate. being sicker than the average patients. about taking on the opioid epidemic, a Is the Finance Committee now hold- That is intended to make multiple substance abuse epidemic, a highly ad- ing hearings similar to what we did insurers come in and compete with dictive drug doing great damage across years ago on ObamaCare? We had 53 each other. But my Republican col- America. Medicaid is the largest payer hearings. How many hearings has the leagues destroyed that provision. It is for substance abuse disorders in Amer- Finance Committee had on TrumpCare called risk corridors. They destroyed ica, and TrumpCare cuts it by $1.5 tril- 3.0? None, not one. The HELP Com- that provision. They are destroying the lion. mittee—the Health, Education, Labor, ability of companies to competently, Two out of three school districts rely and Pensions Committee—held 47 hear- responsibly come into the insurance on Medicaid funds to provide services ings, roundtables, and walkthroughs. marketplace and participate in the ex- to children with disabilities. How many hearings has the HELP changes. So there we have it—one broken Committee had here in the Senate on So not only do we have the diabolical promise after another. TrumpCare 3.0? Not a single one. TrumpCare 2.0 and the secret 13 pro- Now we turn to the Senate because it Secrecy is the guiding principle of ceeding to develop TrumpCare 3.0, we is time for this Chamber to respond. the day—secrecy that might produce also have the administration destroy- The only appropriate response is for us another version of TrumpCare that will ing the ObamaCare exchanges, the all to get together, dig a deep hole here be devastating to millions and millions marketplaces, which were the Repub- on the floor of the Chamber, throw and millions of Americans. So, of lican idea brought into that bill. that House bill—TrumpCare 2.0—into course, they don’t want the public to I will do all I can to make sure we it, light it on fire, drive a stake watch that process. Of course, they don’t throw out healthcare for 23 mil- through it, and make sure it never sees don’t want to have weeks of hearings lion Americans. I hope every single the light of day. That is the only reac- and markups that enable people to Senator here, having come to this body tion that honors our ‘‘we the people’’ have hundreds of bipartisan amend- and I know holding dearly this Con- government. That is the only action ments. If you are trying to push stitution, will fight for ‘‘we the people’’ that would honor the promises that through something to destroy and not ‘‘we the powerful and privi- President Trump made to the Nation healthcare in America, you want to do leged’’ and will fight against a bill that while campaigning. it as secretly as possible. That is what not only hurts healthcare for those 23 Now, a group of my colleagues are is happening in the Senate at this very million people but also destroys holding secret meetings far from the moment. healthcare institutions for everybody public to work out a new version of That is not the kind of process you else because it undermines the financ- TrumpCare—TrumpCare 3.0. There is should have in a democratic republic. ing of both the clinics and the hos- no bipartisan dialogue on this, and I That is the kind of process you have pitals. am certainly not invited to listen in. when you are about to do something di- In our own States, we are all hearing So I can’t tell you what they are com- abolical and destructive that will hurt our Lauras and our Pauls and our Car- ing up with, but I can tell you this: It we the people. ols and our grandmothers talking is a process completely different than ObamaCare, or the Affordable Care about their 12-year-old grandsons. We when we had a bipartisan, over a year- Act, isn’t perfect. We could work to- are hearing them all say: Just say no. long process to debate and examine the gether to make it much better. We Do your job. Make our healthcare sys- question of the Affordable Care Act— could say no to all of the strategies tem work better. Live up to your com- ObamaCare. The Finance Committee that the Trump administration is mitment to ‘‘we the people,’’ a demo- held 53 hearings. They spent 8 days doing right now to undermine the suc- cratic republic, to fight for a nation of, marking up the bill. That was the com- cess of the marketplace. by, and for the people. mittee’s longest markup in over two Remember, the marketplace was the Mr. President, I suggest the absence decades. They considered 135 amend- Republican idea. That was the Repub- of a quorum. ments. That was one of the two major lican plan: Have a marketplace where The PRESIDING OFFICER. Will the committees that worked on private healthcare insurance compa- Senator withhold his request?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3157 ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 10:30 A.M. CONFIRMATION Mr. MERKLEY. I withhold my re- TOMORROW quest. Executive nomination confirmed by The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under the Senate May 24, 2017: the previous order, the Senate stands adjourned until 10:30 a.m. tomorrow. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Thereupon, the Senate, at 7:17 p.m., JOHN J. SULLIVAN, OF MARYLAND, TO BE DEPUTY SEC- adjourned until Thursday, May 25, 2017, RETARY OF STATE. at 10:30 a.m.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:31 May 30, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 9801 E:\RECORD17\MAY\S24MY7.REC S24MY7 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E705 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

ON THE RETIREMENT OF BRIAN C. of the local teams. He is a particularly avid fan ALEXANDER ESCALANTE COOPER FROM THE HOUSE PAR- of the Baltimore Orioles, and I am sure he ap- LIAMENTARIAN’S OFFICE preciates the good start they are off to this HON. ED PERLMUTTER year. OF COLORADO HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. I know from personal experience and obser- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MICHIGAN vation that Brian is the consummate profes- Wednesday, May 24, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sional. Members and staff on both sides of the Wednesday, May 24, 2017 aisle know Brian to be committed to an orderly Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Alexander Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise as and accurate legislative process observed in a Escalante for receiving the Arvada Wheat both the Dean of the House and as a former fair, nonpartisan manner. In this age of in- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. employer of Brian Cooper to congratulate him creasing polarization and legislative gridlock, Alexander Escalante is a student at Pomona on his impending retirement from the House of Brian is a committed institutionalist. He is the High School and received this award because Representatives after 35 years of service, and rare individual consistently striving to continue his determination and hard work have allowed to thank him for his years of dedicated service the customs and traditions of the House, and him to overcome adversities. to the House. committed to pass on his institutional knowl- Brian is a Baltimore native and the youngest edge to his successors. The dedication demonstrated by Alexander of seven children of his parents Dolores and Escalante is exemplary of the type of achieve- The House and the Congress will greatly ment that can be attained with hard work and Ellsworth Cooper, Brian loves the Charm City miss Brian’s services, but we will greatly ben- so much that he has lived in the same house perseverance. It is essential students at all efit from his work and legacy. his whole life. levels strive to make the most of their edu- He is a proud graduate of Frederick Doug- cation and develop a work ethic which will lass High School in Baltimore (the very same f guide them for the rest of their lives. high school attended by Supreme Court Jus- I extend my deepest congratulations to MEMORIAL DAY 2017 tice and civil rights icon Thurgood Marshall), Alexander Escalante for winning the Arvada After high school Brian received a scholarship Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth to the Community College of Baltimore, now award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the known as Baltimore City Community College, HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY same dedication and character in all of his fu- where he received his degree in commercial OF TEXAS ture accomplishments. and graphic arts. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Brian’s first Capitol Hill job began in the fall IN RECOGNITION OF THE BACK- of 1982 when he began work in the stock Wednesday, May 24, 2017 PACK BUDDIES FOUNDATION OF room for Publications and Distribution Serv- LOUDOUN ices. Thereafter, in the 1980s and early 1990s, Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Brian worked for the House Post Office, the remember the brave men and women who House document room, the Small Business gave their lives in the defense of freedom and HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK Committee and the Government Operations to preserve the liberties that we hold dear in OF VIRGINIA Committee. At Government Operations, Brian this nation. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES served under both Jack Brooks and myself as Every Memorial Day, our nation unites to re- Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Chair (the latter from 1991 through 1994). In member our military heroes who have paid the Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am hon- that capacity Brian worked as staff assistant, ultimate sacrifice to defend the values and handled filing and archiving of committee ma- ored to recognize the Backpack Buddies freedoms we all cherish. This day of remem- Foundation of Loudoun, a local organization terials, and prepared documents for committee brance represents why so many people in our hearings and markups. I can personally testify that aims to ensure that all children and stu- country are grateful to be Americans. No other dents not only receive food during the week at that Brian’s work was respected and appre- nation has sacrificed so much to secure not ciated by Members on both sides of the aisle. school but also on weekends. Recently, this only its freedom, but that of other nations. In 1995, Brian joined the Office of the organization donated $41,000 to 18 groups House Parliamentarian as Clerk where he As we reflect on the remarkable lives of our across Loudoun County that support backpack spent a full 22 years, rising to become Chief nation’s fallen soldiers and their families, we buddy programs, including churches, schools, Clerk to the Parliamentarian in 2009. Brian’s must continue to honor them each and every PTAs, and food pantries. most visible duties included assisting presiding day, as a single day of commemoration is far My constituent, Mr. Daniel Hampton, found- officers during sessions of the House and han- short of what they deserve. I know that back ed the Backpack Buddies Foundation of dling timekeeping and legislative paperwork at home in my district, our community will do Loudoun in 2014, and at the time the organi- the rostrum, In addition, Brian provided invalu- their part in carrying on the legacy of these zation served two schools and approximately able assistance in creating the first office com- selfless individuals. 275 kids. This school year, still under his lead- ership, 82 schools and over 3,600 students puter network, supervising House pages, and The Granbury community will host their sixth participated in backpack buddies programs. preparing for joint meetings and joint sessions, annual ‘‘Field of Flags,’’ which is a memorial While this is an excellent testament to the or- It is no understatement to say that Brian ob- of over a thousand flags flying along Highway ganization’s growth, it also speaks to the served and participated in a great swath of 377 and is dedicated to the lives of those that American political history during that time pe- amount of students that often go without food were killed in action or that are still missing in on weekends, and I am thankful that organiza- riod. action. As we attend Memorial Day events like Brian remains active in many artistic en- tions, like Backpack Buddies Foundation of the ‘‘Field of Flags’’ this weekend, it is impera- deavors—including watercolor, oils, photog- Loudoun, exist to help combat this issue. tive to teach younger generations about the raphy, and architectural design—which I un- Each year, the organization raises money sacrifices these people made in order for us to derstand he plans to continue in his retire- for Backpack Buddy programs across North- live by the values that founded this nation. ment. Brian also plans to use his well-de- ern Virginia, yet this year marked a new fund- served retirement to travel to Italy and spend May God bless our men and women serving raising record. The $41,000 raised allowed for more time with family (including his many today and in days past, may He comfort those the organization to disperse funds to 18 grant nieces and nephews). who endure the pain of loss, and may He recipients in amounts ranging from $500 to As a devoted Baltimore sports fan, Brian never cease to shed his grace on Texas and $15,000, helping students all across Loudoun has enjoyed the highs and suffered the lows this great nation. County. Most of the funds were raised at their

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

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.001 E24MYPT1 E706 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 24, 2017 annual Friendsgiving Dinner. However, they Since then, several moves included: com- Missionary Baptist Church, for their 100th An- also host several other fundraisers and events prising location on donated land ‘‘on the hill’’ niversary: throughout the year in their effort to support on Adair Street and from there to its location Whereas, Aiken Chapel Missionary Baptist this important cause. While the organization is on Chandler Street, where the church experi- Church was formed in 1915 by a group of thrilled with this year’s fundraising initiatives enced major improvements under the leader- fourteen men and women who purchased land and grant program, they hope that next year ship of Rev. E.G. Mason and elder Matthews. from Mrs. Ida Aiken to build a church; and they will be able to help even more children in Reverend David Matthews led the con- Whereas, the church was named for Mrs. Northern Virginia. The organization’s leader- gregation from the corner of Hannah and Aiken and became Aiken Chapel Church, ship in ensuring that every student of Loudoun Chandler to their present location on B.B. King pastored by the late Reverend R. L. Goodwin, County is properly fed and taken care of is Road in March 2006, where he continued to a founding member; and truly exemplary, and I appreciate their ambi- lead and inspire until his death. The younger Whereas, Aiken Chapel Missionary Baptist tion in support of our most needy. Matthews stated, ‘‘With God’s help, Bell Grove Church continues to be a leading church in Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and will be a Bible believing, Bible teaching and Taylors, South Carolina, and under the leader- countless others in thanking Backpack Bud- Bible preaching church with a great commit- ship of Dr. W. O. Harrison Sr., pastor for more dies Foundation of Loudoun for their contin- ment to the ‘Great Commandment and Great than thirty years, the congregation continues uous efforts to aid our students who are in Commission,’ knowing that God will use this to to be active and enthusiastic members of our need. I am extremely grateful for the impact build a ‘Great Church.’’’ community; and this organization has had on Virginia’s 10th During the 13-month interim since Rev. Whereas, Aiken Chapel Missionary Baptist District and the entire Commonwealth of Vir- David Matthews’ passing, the Rev. E.T. Good- Church is celebrating its 100th Anniversary ginia, and I look forward to speaking of its man of Greenwood, a retired former pastor of this year and this anniversary celebration will continued success in the future. Mt. Beulah Baptist Church in Indianola, con- draw members from the Upstate community to ducted the morning worship services and Bible f participate in this momentous milestone in the study. history of their church; Now therefore, be it HONORING MELVIN MATTHEWS Reverend Melvin Matthews is the son of Resolved that I, TREY GOWDY, do congratu- Missouri Gray Matthews and the late Rev. late the members of Aiken Chapel Missionary HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON John Matthews and is married to the former Baptist Church in recognition of their 100th OF MISSISSIPPI Cynthia Williams Matthews of Goulds, FL. Anniversary and thank them for their unwaver- He often reminds people never say what IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing commitment, dedication, and contributions you won’t do because God has a way of Wednesday, May 24, 2017 to Greenville County and to the Fourth Con- changing your plans. He always said there gressional District of South Carolina. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- were three things he would never do: preach, er, I rise today to honor a remarkable public teach and return to Mississippi. God fixed it so f servant, Reverend Melvin Matthews. he had to do all three. HONORING BLUEINK Reverend Melvin Matthews was formally in- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me TECHNOLOGIES stalled on May 22, 2016 at Bell Grove Mis- in recognizing Reverend Melvin Matthews for sionary Baptist Church, making him the first his dedication to serving others and giving new pastor since 1951 when his uncle, Rev- back to the African American community. HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM OF NEW MEXICO erend David Matthews, accepted the leader- f ship role. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The elder David Matthews, a well-known ALEXANDER FERNANDEZ Wednesday, May 24, 2017 spiritual and civic leader in Indianola, served the historic church for 65 years prior to his HON. ED PERLMUTTER Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize death on April 15, 2015, at 95. OF COLORADO a dynamic and promising New Mexico com- The younger Matthews said, ‘‘I pray that IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pany, BlueInk Technologies. God will use me to continue the great legacy Wednesday, May 24, 2017 of excellence started by Pastor Matthews 65 Just over two years ago, Faze Sharif and years ago.’’ Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Zach Lovelady founded Bluelnk with the aim Matthews grew up in Indianola and in Bell today to recognize and applaud Alexander to modernize the authenticity of eSignatures. Grove Church, graduated from Gentry High Fernandez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Before computers, documents had to be School and Mississippi Valley State University Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. signed in blue ink to signify authenticity. How- before enlisting and becoming a pilot in the Alexander Fernandez is a student at Arvada ever, things are not so simple anymore. Sharif U.S. Air Force. After retiring from the service, K–8 School and received this award because and Lovelady understood that the way we he settled in Warner Robbins, GA, where he his determination and hard work have allowed execute documents needed to evolve to keep served as assistant pastor of the New Jeru- him to overcome adversities. up with the fast-paced business world in which salem Baptist Church, and youth minister, as- The dedication demonstrated by Alexander fraud, misunderstanding, and mistakes cost sociate minister, education minister and eco- Fernandez is exemplary of the type of businesses and consumers billions each year. nomic development minister at the Fellowship achievement that can be attained with hard Bluelnk’s innovative software ensures that Bible Baptist Church. work and perseverance. It is essential stu- documents are reviewed and executed in a Since his return to Indianola in 2009, Mr. dents at all levels strive to make the most of fully customizable and transparent manner. Matthews has served as assistant to the pas- their education and develop a work ethic BlueInk’s document review system can be tor, David Matthews, teaching the church’s which will guide them for the rest of their lives. configured to give signatories either a quick Thursday night Bible study. I extend my deepest congratulations to overview or detailed step-by-step review of a Matthews has received his Bachelor of The- Alexander Fernandez for winning the Arvada document’s terms in any language and on any ology degree and is scheduled to graduate Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth device. This guarantees that documents are from Abundant Blessings Theological Semi- award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the reviewed according to a signatory’s pref- nary on June 11 with his master’s degree in same dedication and character in all of his fu- erences in a manner most convenient to that theology. ture accomplishments. individual. Additionally, BlueInk provides pow- Matthews’s church, Bell Grove was orga- f erful fraud prevention and security measures nized as a ‘‘brush arbor’’ in 1868 in a location AIKEN CHAPEL MISSIONARY BAP- that create a detailed audit trail of every event described as: ‘‘Just across the railroad, on the TIST CHURCH 100TH ANNIVER- throughout the review and signing and uses corner, facing Indian Bayou across the street SARY cutting edge technologies to verify a signer’s from the site of the old Mississippi Power and identity. These technologies include GPS and Light office.’’ Down through the years, the IP based geo-location, photo identification, church has experienced numerous strides and HON. TREY GOWDY SMS text codes and driver’s license scans— OF SOUTH CAROLINA setbacks, including: being burned down twice, all of which are memorialized after execution IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES three other locations prior to the present spot in a stand-alone document called the BlueInk on B.B. King Road, and the drowning of its Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Certificate of Evidence. The Certificate of Evi- first pastor on record, Rev. James Wright who Mr. GOWDY. Mr. Speaker, I submit the fol- dence creates almost irrefutable proof of exe- was made pastor in 1878. lowing Proclamation in honor of Aiken Chapel cution to prevent contract disputes before they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.002 E24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E707 begin. This technology has helped a wide IN RECOGNITION OF DAVID Mary Church. As Media grew, the parish range of industries including real estate, multi- SHTULMAN FOR HIS WORK AS school opened its doors in 1912 and soon family housing; professional services; auto- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE served many families. motive; business-to-business; human re- JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREAT- In the last 25 years, the Nativity of the sources, local, state and federal entities; and ER ANN ARBOR Blessed Virgin Mary Church has continued to financial or lending institutions. grow and adopted the motto: The Helping BlueInk is currently being used by compa- HON. DEBBIE DINGELL Hands of Christ. The growth and development nies and consumers across the United States OF MICHIGAN of the church’s many ministries are a testa- and this fast growing, innovative company has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment to this motto. Its many services include the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which pro- offices in New Mexico and Arizona. On May 3, Wednesday, May 24, 2017 2017, their technology was approved by the vides shelter to the poor of Media, feeding the U.S. Patent Office. I applaud the ingenuity, te- Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to poor at the St. Francis Soup Kitchen monthly, nacity and forward thinking of the founders recognize David Shtulman for his work with collecting clothes for St. John’s hospice, mak- and their staff members, and I look forward to the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. ing rosaries for those imprisoned, knitting baby seeing how this next generation eSignature As the Federation’s Executive Director for the caps for premature births, and traveling on software will change the face of business. past nine years, Mr. Shtulman has helped the mission trips to St. Croix to aid a sister parish. organization grow and develop to meet the While the number of parishioners has grown f needs of the Ann Arbor community. immensely in the last one hundred and fifty Founded in 1987, the Jewish Federation of years, the church’s facilities and staff have RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALL- Greater Ann Arbor serves as a forum to ini- kept pace. Most recently, the parish center EN MISSISSIPPI MARINE U.S. tiate and coordinate activities that foster Jew- has been refurbished and they have also MARINE LANCE CORPORAL ish communal life while promoting social jus- added a youth Minister to their staff to develop (LCPL) MARC LUCAS TUCKER tice. The organization hosts a variety of events ongoing spiritual endeavors for the children of throughout the community, including public fo- the parish. rums discussing local and national events, as Mr. Speaker, we are grateful to the work of HON. TRENT KELLY well as dinners and community gathering the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary events. Additionally, the Federation admin- Church, its parishioners, and Father Ed Bell, OF MISSISSIPPI isters the Jewish Community Foundation, a and I hope the church will continue to grow IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fund that provides assistance to local groups and thrive. that further the organization’s mission. Since Wednesday, May 24, 2017 f 2008, Mr. Shtulman has served as the organi- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I am zation’s Executive Director and has played a humbled to rise today in memory of U.S. Ma- crucial role in the Federation’s success during rine Corps Lance Corporal (LCpl) Marc Lucas his tenure. HON. BILL HUIZENGA Tucker who was killed on June 8, 2005, during Throughout his time as Executive Director, OF MICHIGAN Operation Iraqi Freedom. LCpl Tucker died in Mr. Shtulman has provided important guidance IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for the staff and members of the Jewish Fed- a non-hostile vehicle accident on Alternate Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Supply Route Uranium, Iraq. eration of Greater Ann Arbor. Under his lead- ership, the size of the Jewish Community Mr. HUIZENGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today LCpl Tucker, a Pontotoc native and 1999 Foundation has grown substantially, allowing regarding missed votes due to family matters. South Pontotoc High School graduate, was the organization to fund Hillel programs in the Had I been present for Roll Call vote number assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Bat- community in addition to family services and 271, Ordering the Previous Question on H. talion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, III supports. As a result, the Federation was able Res. 348, Providing for consideration of H.R. Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan, to allocate over $1.5 million to local, state and 953, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of attached to 2nd Force Service Support Group national organizations in the year 2015. Mr. 2017, I would have voted Yea. Had I been (FSSG), II Marine Expeditionary Force (For- Shtulman has also championed youth ex- present for Roll Call vote number 272, H. Res. ward). change initiatives as well as Hillel programs at 348, The Rule providing for consideration of LCpl Tucker’s mother, Donna Bagwell, says the University of Michigan and Eastern Michi- the bill H.R. 953—Reducing Regulatory Bur- her son wanted to be a Marine from the time gan University. His principled leadership and dens Act of 2017, I would have voted Yea. he was a little boy. He wanted to follow in the passion for helping the Jewish community Had I been present for Roll Call vote number footsteps of his grandfather who also served have helped it grow stronger, and he will be 273, H.R. 2288, The Veterans Appeals Im- in the Marine Corps. missed as he retires as Executive Director provement and Modernization Act of 2017, I In 2003, LCpl Tucker enlisted in the U.S. next month. would have voted Yea. Marine Corps. His service included training in Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me f in honoring David Shtulman for his out- Okinawa and South Korea in the Korean De- CONGRATULATING TALIAFERRO standing work as Executive Director of the militarized Zone (DMZ). COUNTY FAMILY CONNECTION Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Mr. In 2005, LCpl Tucker volunteered to go to Shtulman has provided important aid to the Iraq to protect our nation in Operation Iraqi Jewish community through his leadership and HON. JODY B. HICE Freedom. His death was hard on the family, efforts. OF GEORGIA but Mrs. Bagwell says her son wanted to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES serve our nation. f Wednesday, May 24, 2017 ‘‘He loved America,’’ Mrs. Bagwell said. ‘‘He IN RECOGNITION OF NATIVITY OF loved the Marine Corps and everything about THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it.’’ CHURCH I rise to pay tribute to Taliaferro County Family LCpl Tucker’s awards include the Combat Connection, a nonprofit organization that ad- Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National HON. PATRICK MEEHAN vocates for children and families in northeast Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, OF PENNSYLVANIA Georgia. Under the leadership of Executive Di- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Ko- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rector Jackie Butts, Taliaferro Family Connec- tion, in collaboration with its community part- rean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Service Medal, and Sea Service Ribbon. ners, has achieved remarkable results. Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to For example, they developed and imple- LCpl Tucker is survived by his parents; Kelly congratulate the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin mented a plan to tackle teen pregnancy, which Tucker and Donna Bagwell and siblings; Mary Church in Media, Pennsylvania as it had previously been on the rise. Now the rate Christy Irby, Pam Bolen, and Terry Bagwell. celebrates its 150th Anniversary on Sep- is 42 percent lower. When they strategized to LCpl Tucker lived to serve our country and tember 8, 2018. reduce truancy, within three years, the number died while protecting it. His devotion to pro- In 1868, Father Henry Wright became the of students absent from school more than ten tecting our freedoms will not be forgotten. first pastor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin days declined by 23 percent. And as a result

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.004 E24MYPT1 E708 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 24, 2017 of its welfare-to-work initiatives, traditional wel- cational system, but in her neighborhood and Graham as a member of the United States fare rolls declined by more than 95 percent. Christian community. She is someone who is Naval Academy Class of 2017. But that’s not all. More babies are being born admired, loved and respected for how she Trevor will graduate from the U.S. Naval healthy, more children are receiving immuniza- speaks the truth of the matters at hand. Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Chem- tions, and fewer families are living in poverty. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me istry and he will receive a commission as an These achievements are a result of the part- in recognizing Mrs. Olealia Bradshaw for being Ensign in the United States Navy on May 26, nership of several organizations working to- an unsung hero to others in the Mississippi 2017. gether with families to address their commu- Delta. His career in the service has just begun, but nity’s needs. One such partner is the f it is a testament to Trevor’s unselfish devotion Taliaferro County Board of Commissioners to the people of this great nation. COMMEMORATING MARYLAND’S and, in particular, Mrs. Jane Hubert. Commis- The challenges will be many and the time, FALLEN HEROES sioner Hubert has been faithful throughout the although it may seem like an eternity, will fly years, attending the monthly collaborative by almost unnoticed. meetings and supporting its special events, in- HON. ANDY HARRIS South Mississippi is proud of Trevor and his cluding the bike rodeo, back to school bash, OF MARYLAND accomplishments. We look forward to him street dance, and more. According to Mrs. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES continuing to represent not only Mississippi, Butts, over the past 19 years, the Board of Wednesday, May 24, 2017 but the entire nation, as a United States Navy Commissioners ‘‘has supported every aspect Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in officer. of everything’’ Family Connection has ever recognition of one of our nation’s most impor- As Trevor embarks on a new chapter in life, done. ‘‘Everything I’ve needed they’ve come tant holidays, Memorial Day. On Monday, May it is my hope that he may always recall with through with all these years,’’ she said. 29, we will honor the brave men and women a deep sense of pride and accomplishment For these reasons and on the occasion of who have given their lives to this great nation. graduating from a program as prestigious as its 19th Anniversary, it is my honor to ac- Over the course of our nation’s history, count- the Naval Academy. knowledge Taliaferro County Family Connec- less Marylanders have made the ultimate sac- I would like to send Trevor my best wishes tion and the partners that contribute to its suc- rifice to protect our freedom here at home and for continued success in his future endeavors, cess. Furthermore, I extend my personal ap- to liberate others from tyranny abroad. Since thank him for his service, and congratulate preciation to the families who join hand-in- the War on Terror began in 2002, more than him on this momentous occasion. hand with this worthy organization to ensure 135 Marylanders have died fighting for what f that their children succeed in school and be- they believe in. PAYING TRIBUTE TO CHIEF TIM yond. Amidst the festivities and parades we will all GREEN FOR HIS 35 YEARS OF f enjoy on Monday, let us not lose sight of the SERVICE TO THE CARMEL PO- sacrifices made by our men and women in HONORING OLEALIA BRADSHAW LICE DEPARTMENT uniform, or the sacrifices made by the families they leave behind. These heroes and their HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON families deserve our utmost respect, support, HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS OF MISSISSIPPI and gratitude. May God bless these fallen he- OF INDIANA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES roes and their families, and may God bless IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, May 24, 2017 the United States of America. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- f Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I er, I rise today to honor a remarkable unsung BRET ELZEY rise today to honor Chief Tim Green of the hero, Mrs. Olealia Bradshaw of Mississippi. Carmel Police Department. For over three Olealia Bradshaw was born to the late HON. ED PERLMUTTER decades, Chief Green has displayed courage, Spencer and the late Earnestine Frye on Sep- OF COLORADO resilience, and leadership in serving the city of tember 25th 1948. She is a graduate of John IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Carmel and its residents. During his tenure, F. Kennedy Memorial High School in Mound Carmel was deemed the safest city to raise a Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Bayou, MS and later attended Coahoma Com- child and best place to live in America, ac- munity College, where she obtained an Asso- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise cording to multiple national studies. The peo- ciate Degree in Social Studies. today to recognize and applaud Bret Elzey for ple of Indiana’s Fifth Congressional District are Realizing the study of history was not her receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service forever grateful for Chief Green’ s commitment passion, she furthered her studies at Delta Ambassadors for Youth award. to making the City of Carmel and the wider State University receiving a Bachelor Degree Bret Elzey is a student at Goal Academy community of Hamilton County a safer, better in Home. While at Delta State University, she and received this award because his deter- place to live. met and later married standout football player, mination and hard work have allowed him to After graduating from North Central High Jimmy Lee Bradshaw. To that union, four chil- overcome adversities. School, Chief Green earned a Bachelor’s De- dren were born: Gabriel, Michellda, Rasheda, The dedication demonstrated by Bret Elzey gree in Law Enforcement from Calumet Col- and Ernestine. is exemplary of the type of achievement that lege. He then went on to graduate from the Upon graduating from Delta State Univer- can be attained with hard work and persever- FBI National Academy in Quantico Virginia, sity, Olealia began teaching at John F. Ken- ance. It is essential students at all levels strive the FBI Enforcement Executive Development nedy High School and she remained a teacher to make the most of their education and de- Seminar, and the Indiana Association of for twenty-nine years. Throughout the years, velop a work ethic which will guide them for Chiefs of Police Executive Leadership Acad- students, co-workers and community residents the rest of their lives. emy. Chief Green has served the Carmel Po- have expressed how she blessed their lives, I extend my deepest congratulations to Bret lice Department for 35 years. He was first personally and professionally. Although her in- Elzey for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge hired as a patrolman at age twenty-two. He fluence in the realm of education is immeas- Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have has served as Commander of the Special In- urable, Olealia considers her greatest achieve- no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication vestigations Division, Director of the Hamilton ment to be her total surrender to the Will of and character in all of his future accomplish- County Drug Task Force, and was Assistant God Almighty, and her desire to live a life that ments. Chief of Police for 16 years. In 2011, Mayor is pleasing to Him. She is a faithful member of f Jim Brainard appointed Chief Green to lead St. Mark Church of God in Christ where she TREVOR KINGSLEY GRAHAM the Department as Carmel’s Chief of Police, serves as the Sunday School Superintendent. where he has served with distinction for the She lives her life in servitude to others. She HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO last six years. and her late husband would open their home Chief Green’s commitment to quality police OF MISSISSIPPI for the homeless and provided various serv- work and professionalism on the force has en- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ices to the homeless to be able to re-establish sured the safety of our citizens, and has made their independence. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Carmel a great place to live and do business. Mrs. Bradshaw is a mentor to many chil- Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to His colleagues have described him as a dren, not only when she was in the edu- take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Trevor strong leader and great mentor. Chief Green’s

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.008 E24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E709 ability to lead by example inspires excellence election of Representatives shall have inter- stitution, it is important that we keep in mind in his fellow officers. His leadership has em- vened.’’ the lessons that the 27th Amendment’s uncon- powered the department to be successful in In other words, Members may set congres- ventional path to ratification teach us about assessing and combatting trends in crime. sional salaries for the next term of office, but the power of the American people’s wishes to During his time as Police Chief, Carmel’s pop- may not adjust their own wages during their ultimately prevail in our deliberations. ulation has greatly increased and the depart- current term. HERMAN: 35 YEARS LATER, A+ FOR AUSTINITE ment has grown to 113 sworn officers and 25 It is safe to say, Mr. Speaker, that the 27th WHO GOT CONSTITUTION AMENDED? civilian support personnel and continues to be Amendment would never have made its way (By Ken Herman—American-Statesman accredited by the Commission on Accredita- into the Federal Constitution were it not for the Staff) tion of Law Enforcement Agencies, an inter- dogged persistence of an employee in the Looks like we’re heading for a happier new national recognition for professionalism, excel- Texas House of Representatives by the name ending on a happy old story that some of you lence and competence. of Gregory Watson. Back in March 1982, Mr. might not know about. Gregory Watson Chief Green’s devotion to a career of serv- Watson was a 19-year-old student at the Uni- seems headed for an upgrade. We begin back in spring 1982 when Watson, ice to his community is invaluable. On behalf versity of Texas at Austin. At the same time, he had just recently been hired to work part- then a University of Texas student, signed up of all Hoosiers, I wish to extend a heartfelt for Sharon Waite’s GOV 310 course on Amer- thank you to Chief Green for his 35 years of time for a Texas state representative at the ican Government. For his term paper, young service. I wish the very best to Chief Green, nearby state Capitol building. Watson researched the proposed Equal his wife Brigit, and his two children, Jessica As instructed, Watson wrote a paper for a Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and Evan, in his well-deserved retirement and course entitled ‘‘American Government’’ at the a hot topic of the day. in the next exciting chapter of his life. University. He ended up choosing as the topic But Watson diverted when he came upon a for that paper a still-pending proposed con- book that listed other proposed constitu- f stitutional amendment that Congress had of- tional amendments proposed but never rati- RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVER- fered to the state legislatures for ratification fied by the required three-fourths of the some 192 years earlier. Intrigued, Watson ar- states. SARY OF THE UNIQUE RATIFICA- ‘‘And this one instantly jumped out at TION OF THE 27TH AMENDMENT gued in his paper that despite the proposed me,’’ he recalled. TO THE UNITED STATES CON- constitutional amendment having lingered be- ‘‘This one’’ was proposed in 1789 and con- STITUTION fore the nation’s state legislators since the cerned congressional pay raises. At the time year 1789, it was still needed as a means of Watson believed six states had ratified it, HON. KENNY MARCHANT holding Congress accountable for its actions with the most recent being Virginia in 1791. relative to Members’ salary and he pointed (This turned out to be wrong; two others OF TEXAS out, in the paper, that the proposal had no later did.) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Another key year here is 1917. Before that, deadline by which America’s state lawmakers Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Congress did not put expiration dates on pro- must have taken action. Hence, despite its posed constitutional amendments. That Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, this month, age, the proposed amendment was still tech- meant the 1789 one was still in play, and this May of 2017, marks the 25th Anniversary of nically pending business before our country’s gave birth to a term paper Watson recalls he the unusual ratification of the 27th Amendment state legislatures. titled, ‘‘Can a proposed constitutional to the United States Constitution. Proposed to Watson turned in the academic paper and amendment to the U.S. Constitution offered the state legislatures for ratification by the very was disappointed to get it back later with a by Congress in 1789 still be ratified by the state legislatures after all these years?’’ First Congress in 1789, and sponsored by grade of ‘‘C’’ on it. He also received a ‘‘C’’ in the course overall. That stood for some 35 OK, not a title that smoothly rolls off the none other than James Madison, who was a tongue, but on point. Member of this House that year, it was finally years until March 2017 when the overall The amendment says any pay hike mem- incorporated into the Federal Constitution course grade was officially raised to an ‘‘A’’ by bers of Congress OK for themselves can’t more than 202 years later when the Alabama UT-Austin upon formal petition of Watson’s take effect until after the subsequent U.S. Legislature became the 38th to approve it on former professor. House election. The topic was hot in the Undaunted at the time by the original low this date in 1992. early 1980s because in 1981 Congress had, in grade on his term paper, Watson began in the Watson’s words, ‘‘slipped itself a sneaky pay Early in our nation’s history, this constitu- spring of 1982 reaching out to seek sponsor- raise’’ by tucking it into a coal miner health tional amendment was adopted, pursuant to ship of the proposed constitutional amendment care bill. the Constitution’s Article V, by the legislatures in the various state capitols across the United So Watson turned his paper in to the of Maryland and North Carolina in 1789, by course teaching assistant, who gave it a C-. States. He was intent upon this amendment those in South Carolina and Delaware in Watson, a persistent fellow, appealed to ultimately finding its way formally into the U.S. Waite. 1790, by those in Vermont and Virginia in Constitution. The following year, 1983, the 1791, as well as by that of Kentucky in 1792. ‘‘She said she’d take a look at it. So 1 gave Maine Legislature became Watson’s first suc- it to her,’’ Watson told me. ‘‘And then the But the proposal still had not gained the ap- cess story. After that, in 1984, Colorado’s law- next class period, she kind of physically proval of enough states to be fully ratified. makers gave their approval. And from that tossed it back at me and said, ‘No change.’ ’’ More than 80 years after Kentucky, Ohio law- point forward—with Watson vigorously pushing He got a C in the course and says he was makers belatedly ratified it in 1873; but by every step of the way—its momentum quick- ‘‘kind of, sort of’ angry at Waite and the T.A. then, with so many additional states having ‘‘So I said, ‘I will not let this disappoint ened until the proposal officially became the me. I will go out and get that thing rati- joined the Union, the ratification threshold had 27th Amendment to the Federal Constitution risen much higher. In order to become part of fied,’ ’’ Watson said. on May 5, 1992, a decade after Watson first He did, starting by contacting lawmakers the U.S. Constitution today, with 50 states cur- learned of it. in Maine in 1983. Watson’s thing became the rently in the Union, a proposed constitutional From 1982 to present, Mr. Watson has been 27th (and most recent) amendment to the amendment requires adoption by at least 38 an institution in the halls of the Texas State U.S. Constitution in 1992. states. Capitol in Austin, having been employed in And that was that. The U.S. Constitution During its later years, as the amendment both the Texas House of Representatives and had a new amendment. And Watson still had a C in GOV 310. approached full ratification, I was privileged to Texas Senate, during his decades-long career personally contribute to this proposal formally About a year ago, UT government pro- as state legislative staff. Working for a number fessor Zach Elkins and KUT Managing Edi- becoming part of the U.S. Constitution. Before of my then-colleagues, it was there that I first tor Matt Largey contacted Watson and ex- starting my congressional service in 2005, I came to know Mr. Watson. pressed interest in his story, but Watson was among those members of the Texas To commemorate the quarter century of the didn’t know what they were up to. House of Representatives who voted ‘‘aye’’ on 27th Amendment’s presence within the U.S. He found out March 4, live and on stage at House Joint Resolution No. 6, on May 25, Constitution, and at the same time to con- the Paramount Theatre, where he had been 1989, during the Regular Session of the 71st gratulate Mr. Watson on the March 2017 rais- invited for what he thought was to be a Q&A Texas Legislature, by which Texas lawmakers ing of his overall course grade from ‘‘C’’ to about his involvement in amending the U.S. Constitution. His story was one of several approved the amendment. ‘‘A’’, I include in the RECORD an article from told at something called Pop-Up Magazine, A common sense proposal, the amendment the March 14, 2017, edition of the Austin which is kind of a live newsmagazine. Sev- reads quite simply: ‘‘No law, varying the com- American-Statesman. eral other topics came up before Largey’s pensation for the services of the Senators and Mr. Speaker, as we in the Congress debate telling of Watson’s story, who then was in- Representatives, shall take effect, until an various proposals to amend the Federal Con- vited on stage.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.011 E24MYPT1 E710 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 24, 2017 ‘‘It was at that point that professor Elkins HONORING SANTA CRUZ CHIEF OF DANIEL ARREDONDO handed me the envelope,’’ Watson said. POLICE KEVIN VOGEL The envelope contained an Update of Stu- dent Academic Record form requesting that HON. ED PERLMUTTER his 1982 grade in the government course be OF COLORADO changed from C to A+. It was signed by HON. JIMMY PANETTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Waite. OF CALIFORNIA Wednesday, May 24, 2017 In the space for ‘‘Explanation of error, delay or special circumstances,’’ Waite IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise wrote, ‘‘In light of the student’s heroic ef- Wednesday, May 24, 2017 today to recognize and applaud Daniel forts to prove the professor and T.A. wrong Arredondo for receiving the Arvada Wheat in their assessment of his term paper, Mr. Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Watson deserves an A+.’’ recognize Santa Cruz Chief of Police Kevin Daniel Arredondo is a student at Wayne (FYI, UT doesn’t do plus or minus grades Carle Middle School and received this award so, if the form is approved, Watson’s grade in Vogel for his 30 years of service to the Santa the course will become an A.) Cruz Police Department, and the community it because his determination and hard work Waite, who was a lecturer at UT from 1981 serves. have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Daniel to 1983, now works on a Mission citrus farm Chief Vogel has dedicated his entire career that’s been in her family since 1922. Thanks Arredondo is exemplary of the type of to Watson’s achievement, she proudly calls to the people of Santa Cruz, and was first achievement that can be attained with hard herself ‘‘a footnote to a footnote of history.’’ sworn in as a cadet for the SCPD in June work and perseverance. It is essential stu- But she says C was the proper course grade 1987. Throughout his long and distinguished dents at all levels strive to make the most of at the time because she thought his theory career, Chief Vogel has served in numerous their education and develop a work ethic about getting the constitutional amendment capacities in the Department, including as a which will guide them for the rest of their lives. ratified was far-fetched. ‘‘I thought it patrol officer, traffic officer and detective. He I extend my deepest congratulations to Dan- couldn’t be done,’’ she said. ‘‘So he just pro- was promoted to sergeant in January 1995 iel Arredondo for winning the Arvada Wheat ceeded to prove me wrong.’’ where he served as a patrol supervisor, down- ‘‘Hey, a lowly lecturer has had more effect Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. on the Constitution than anybody in the pro- town supervisor and detective sergeant. He I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- fessorial ranks,’’ Waite said with a laugh. was promoted to lieutenant in 2002, and to cation and character in all of his future accom- Elkins said he teaches about Watson’s ef- Deputy Chief of Police in May 2004. He was plishments. fort as an inspiring example of ‘‘heroic citi- appointed as the City’s 21st Chief of Police on zenship.’’ December 9, 2010. f ‘‘We just need the dean’s signature, and A champion of creative and transparent HONORING JAMES EDWIN GASPER it’s done,’’ Elkins said of the grade change effort. community-oriented policing, Chief Vogel ON HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY If this gets rejected, nobody should ever oversaw the implementation of a highly suc- wear burnt orange again. cessful and innovative predictive policing pro- HON. NEAL P. DUNN Largey remains understandably fascinated gram. This program utilizes technology based OF FLORIDA on earthquake prediction technology, and was by Watson’s story, which he has told at Pop- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Up Magazine events in San Francisco; Wash- praised by numerous media outlets and law ington; New York; Portland, Ore.; and Se- enforcement agencies around the country, in- Wednesday, May 24, 2017 attle. cluding The New York Times, ABC World Mr. DUNN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in rec- ‘‘He is one of a kind,’’ he said of Watson. News, and was even named as one of Time ognition of James Edwin Gasper, who today Largey’s KUT story about Watson is sched- Magazine’s ‘‘50 Best New Inventions’’ of 2011. celebrates 90 years on this earth. uled to air at 6:45 and 8:45 a.m. Tuesday. You More important than the accolades however, also should be able to find it at KUT.org. James, or ‘‘Jimmy’’ as his friends know him, was the significant reduction in crime rates ex- Happier ending upcoming, indeed. And you moved to Washington County, Florida in 1932 might have a chance to make it even perienced under the program. Under Chief with his mother, father and brothers and, with happier. Watson, 54, long has struggled fi- Vogel’s leadership, Santa Cruz policing be- the exception of his time serving our nation nancially as he worked in the government came a model for the nation. during World War II, has lived there ever world, where jobs come and go. Chief Vogel also shouldered the impossible since. Watson never graduated from college. He’s task of guiding the SCPD through its greatest In 1945, Mr. Gasper enlisted in the Army Air been pretty much a constant presence at the Corps and was assigned to 1223 Military Po- Texas Capitol since 1982, where he’s worked hardship that occurred on February 26, 2013 when two officers, Sgt. Loran ‘‘Butch’’ Baker lice Company in Bad Kissingen, Germany—ul- for 15 different lawmakers. He moved to Aus- timately completing his tour of duty in 1947 as tin City Hall in 2015 to work for then-Council and Detective Elizabeth Butler, were tragically Member Don Zimmerman. When Zimmerman gunned down in the line of duty. This dev- a member of the newly-minted United States was defeated last year, Watson was out of astating crime shook our community to its core Air Force in Fu¨rstenfeldbruck, Germany. Mr. work. He’s now an aide to Rep. Stephanie as we all mourned the loss of these fallen he- Gasper’s service earned him the WWII Victory Klick, R-Fort Worth. roes. Through this time of uncertainty, Chief and Army Occupation medals, and he was In addition to the government jobs, Wat- Vogel acted with honor and poise. He memori- qualified as Marksman for both Pistol and Car- son has moonlighted in retail and has bused bine. alized his fallen officers beautifully, and guided tables at a downtown restaurant. His current After returning home from his time in the a deeply aggrieved department and commu- legislative job ends when the legislative ses- service, Mr. Gasper married the love of his nity through this very difficult time. As time has sion ends in May. He needs a job after that. life, the late Nellie Gasper, and raised a family Maybe you know of something. passed, Chief Vogel ensured that the memo- that has grown from four children to include I can tell you Watson knows his way ries of Sgt. Baker and Detective Butler will not six grandchildren and seven great-grand- around government and got the U.S. Con- fade, and challenges his officers every day to children. Mr. Gasper also went on to dedicate stitution amended. honor their legacy and ultimate sacrifice by 40 years to the Florida Department of Trans- And, assuming the change gets OK’d, he continuing to selflessly perform the work of up- got an A in GOV 310. portation and served Washington County by holding public safety in their communities. One more thing: Yes, Watson still has his setting up voting machines for all local elec- 1982 term paper—somewhere. Mr. Speaker, as someone who has dedi- tions. ‘‘I have tried and tried and tried to find cated their career to public service, it is my Mr. Gasper is a lifelong member of the Na- that thing,’’ he said. ‘‘I don’t know where I pleasure to add my name to the chorus of tional Rifle Association of America, Veterans put it. It’s not the type of thing I would have thanks and congratulations to someone who of Foreign Wars, the VFW Military Order of thrown in the garbage. So it’s somewhere. embodies that ideal of service to others. I the Cootie, Disabled American Veterans, the And I’m one of these funny people that keeps everything, so I’ve got storage unit after whole-heartedly congratulate Chief Kevin DAV National Order of the Trench Rats, and storage unit. It’s somewhere in a box in a Vogel on his retirement, and wish him all the above all else, is a devout member of the storage unit. best. There is no doubt that his commitment to Church of Christ. ‘‘Hopefully, the termites haven’t gotten to justice, security, and prosperity for his commu- Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a it.’’ nity of Santa Cruz will serve as an enduring great American of the Greatest Generation on They wouldn’t dare. legacy. his 90th birthday, James Edwin Gasper.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.012 E24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E711 HONORING DR. L. FRANCES P. have generated a great deal of uncertainty stituents has shown the world that democracy LIDDELL within U.S. colleges and universities. Many remains the best form of government, despite currently enrolled international students may its imperfections. As Churchill said, ‘‘No one HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON choose not to travel home at the end of the pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. OF MISSISSIPPI academic year, for fear they might not be al- Indeed it has been said that democracy is the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lowed to return in the fall. worst form of Government, except for all those Unsurprisingly, for prospective students, Wednesday, May 24, 2017 other forms that have been tried from time to nearly 40 percent of higher education institu- time.’’ [Churchill By Himself, 2013] Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- tions reported application declines for the first The inclusion of Montenegro into NATO will er, I rise today to honor Dr. L. Frances P. time in many years. strengthen regional and trans-Atlantic security, Liddell’s dedicated commitment of service to Moreover, the anti-immigrant rhetoric and and sends a strong message of the impor- her community and her services to the con- uncertainty created by our broken immigration tance of democratic values. As my colleagues ference of Minority Public Administrators system make the United States less attractive know, democratic values—transparency, equal (COMPA) and the National Planning Com- to the students and scholars who we want to justice and rule of law—must constantly be mittee. contribute to our campuses and communities. fostered. Accession into NATO has allowed Dr. L. Frances P. Liddell was awarded by To ensure our nation’s security, economic Montenegro to advance toward these values. the renaming of the American Society for Pub- well-being, and academic leadership, we must It is our responsibility as a Congress to help lic Administration (ASPA), in her honor, to the remain an open and welcoming United States. this new nation further embrace Euro-Atlantic Dr. L. Frances P. Liddell Student Policy De- So, to the international students and scholars integration and to increase its ability to fight bate. who may be unsure about coming, I say: Your organized crime and corruption. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me contributions are valued and you are welcome Meanwhile, American business leaders like- in recognizing Dr. L. Frances P. Liddell. here. wise play a vital role. For example, the Stratex f f Group, the largest American investor in Mon- IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL tenegro with roots in Massachusetts, con- SUPPORTING MONTENEGRO tinues to work alongside our Embassy to fos- STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS FOR JOINING NATO THE UNITED STATES ter stronger bilateral relations and a commit- ment by all Montenegrin elected officials— HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE HON. DOUG LAMBORN local and federal—to these democratic values OF COLORADO we all hold dear. Only two places in Monte- OF PENNSYLVANIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES negro fly the American flag: the U.S. Embassy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, May 24, 2017 and the Stratex properties. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Beyond strengthening our formal diplomatic Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. LAMBORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, alliance, my colleagues here in Congress must Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a glob- along with my colleagues Ms. PINGREE of endeavor to creatively promote stronger ties in ally engaged and welcoming United States. Maine and Mr. MOULTON of Massachusetts, in at least two ways. Historically, hosting international students and strong support of the small but strategically First, the State Partnership between the scholars at our colleges and universities has important country of Montenegro. This past Maine National Guard and Montenegro has been one of the most important ways America weekend, Montenegro celebrated the eleventh been successfully building relationships for reinforces those values. We all need to recog- anniversary of its independence. This week, over a decade, linking a unique component of nize the vital contributions that international President Trump will attend the NATO Summit the U.S. Department of Defense with the students, scholars and their families make in Brussels, where Montenegro will be officially armed forces of Montenegro in a cooperative, when we welcome them to this great country. welcomed as a new Member. mutually beneficial relationship. Through this Welcoming international students and schol- Along with the gentlewoman from Maine, I program, the U.S. National Guard conducts ars strengthens our diplomatic ties with coun- chair the Congressional Montenegro Caucus. military-to-military engagements in support of tries across the globe and increases our na- The goal of the Caucus is simple: to educate defense security goals but also leverages tional security. Members of Congress on U.S.-Montenegro re- whole-of-society relationships and capabilities International students and scholars who lations and show the people of Montenegro to facilitate broader interagency and corollary have spent time in the United States become that they have friends here in the United engagements spanning military, government, informal ambassadors when they return home, States, including the U.S. Congress. economic and social spheres. sharing an appreciation for common values, Over the last year, the relationship between Second, we must support business and cul- counteracting stereotypes about the U.S., and the United States and Montenegro has re- tural diplomacy—in Montenegro and around enhancing respect for cultural differences. ceived greater attention here on Capitol Hill. I the world, encouraging our diplomats to have Likewise, the ability to perform and compete rise today to ask my colleagues to continue to a greater appreciation for American invest- globally is a vital component of a 21st century devote time and attention over the year ahead ments in emerging democracies. To attract ad- education. While less than 2 percent of U.S. on this important alliance. ditional investment, Montenegro must fully students study abroad each year, having inter- Indeed, in an overwhelming display of bipar- commit to the rule of law, transparency and an national students on our campuses can better tisanship on March 28th the Senate ratified independent judiciary. With the continued prepare U.S. students to succeed as global accession of Montenegro to become the 29th focus from the United States, I am confident citizens. member of NATO. On April 11th, President Montenegrin government leaders will continue International students also contribute to the Trump signed a Presidential Memoranda codi- down the path of reform. economic well-being of the United States. Ac- fying this significant landmark. The Congressional Montenegro Caucus cording to NAFSA: Association of International I am proud to also share that on April 27th congratulates Montenegro on their achieve- Educators, international students and their our counterparts—the elected representatives ments as they finally have a seat at the table families supported 400,000 jobs and contrib- in the Montenegrin Parliament—voted 46–0 to at this week’s NATO meeting, and stands in uted nearly $33 billion to the U.S. economy ratify accession to NATO. support of a stable, secure Europe based on during the 2015 to 2016 academic year. Eleven years ago this week, the people of collective self-defense, economic freedom, the In my district, during the 2015 to 2016 aca- Montenegro voted in favor of peacefully be- rule of law, and democracy. demic year, 12,249 international students and coming an independent state and dissolving f their families contributed $359.7 million, sup- the union with Serbia. Shortly thereafter, all porting 5,967 jobs. five members of the United Nations Security GRIFFIN CROSS May is a critical month on the college cal- Council recognized the newest country in the endar. It is the traditional end of the academic world, beginning a new chapter in the history HON. ED PERLMUTTER year, when graduation ceremonies take place of trans-Atlantic relations regional and history. OF COLORADO across the country. But it is also a time when The events of the last few weeks and the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES prospective students make their final choice last 11 years demonstrate the truest form of on where they plan to study in the fall. representative democracy. Civil debate here Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Actions taken by this administration, most on Capitol Hill and in Podgorica among elect- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise significantly the Travel Ban Executive Order, ed leaders representing the will of our con- today to recognize and applaud Griffin Cross

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.014 E24MYPT1 E712 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 24, 2017 for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service and applaud George for his dedication to by then Governor Rick Perry, Cynthia served Ambassadors for Youth award. serve and protect our country. I ask my col- as the Commission’s chairman from April 2012 Griffin Cross is a student at Arvada West leagues to join me in thanking Mr. Dunlap and to March 2017. Prior to serving on the Texas High School and received this award because all those who serve our great nation. Public Safety Commission, Cynthia served as his determination and hard work have allowed f regional director for the U.S. Department of him to overcome adversities. Housing and Urban Development. Cynthia The dedication demonstrated by Griffin INTRODUCTION OF HOUSE RESO- also served our country for 25 years in the Cross is exemplary of the type of achievement LUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE U.S. Navy Reserves, retiring with the rank of that can be attained with hard work and perse- OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- captain. verance. It is essential students at all levels TIVES THAT THE SENATE Outside of her work on the Texas Public strive to make the most of their education and SHOULD GIVE ITS ADVICE AND Safety Commission, Cynthia is an active mem- develop a work ethic which will guide them for CONSENT TO THE RATIFICATION ber of her community. She is a member of the the rest of their lives. OF THE CONVENTION ON THE International Women’s Forum and Leadership I extend my deepest congratulations to Grif- ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF Texas, previously chairing the Dallas-Fort fin Cross for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge DISCRIMINATION AGAINST Worth and San Antonio Federal Executive Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have WOMEN (CEDAW) Boards. Cynthia is also a life member of the no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication Naval Reserve Association, Navy League, and character in all of his future accomplish- HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY U.S. Naval Institute and the Reserve Officers ments. OF NEW YORK Association. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I again congratulate Cynthia on her well-deserved reappointment. I know Wednesday, May 24, 2017 CONGRATULATIONS TO JORDAN that she will continue to lead the Texas Public VALLEY INNOVATION CENTER Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Safety Commission in the right direction. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the f HON. BILLY LONG sense of the House of Representatives that JOSIAH DOMINGUEZ OF MISSOURI the Senate should give its advice and consent IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination HON. ED PERLMUTTER Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Against Women (CEDAW). OF COLORADO Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- CEDAW is a landmark international agree- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gratulate the Jordan Valley Innovation Center ment that calls on governments to take appro- Wednesday, May 24, 2017 on 10 years of dedication to new and innova- priate measures to end discrimination against tive ideas. women in all areas of life. The Convention Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise The Jordan Valley Innovation Center is a seeks to develop women’s equality in legal today to recognize and applaud Josiah place where students at Missouri State Univer- status, human rights, political participation, Dominguez for receiving the Arvada Wheat sity and the private sector come together and employment, education and healthcare, while Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Josiah Dominguez is a student at Arvada work towards creating and researching the de- committing countries to change or eradicate K–8 School and received this award because velopment of new technologies. As technology discriminatory laws, customs, and practices. his determination and hard work have allowed continues to change, it’s important to have Despite 189 countries ratifying CEDAW, the him to overcome adversities. hands-on opportunities like the ones provided United States is the only industrialized country The dedication demonstrated by Josiah by the Jordan Valley Innovation Center. in the world that has not ratified the treaty, Dominguez is exemplary of the type of Construction began for the center in 2005 even though its fundamental principles of achievement that can be attained with hard and two years later, construction was com- equality and nondiscrimination are paramount work and perseverance. It is essential stu- pleted. Since then the Jordan Valley Innova- to the ideals of our nation. Other nations that dents at all levels strive to make the most of tion Center has been a vital part of southwest have not ratified CEDAW include Somalia and their education and develop a work ethic Missouri and its success. Iran. which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I am honored to recognize Jordan Valley In- CEDAW is not self-executing, but would be I extend my deepest congratulations to Jo- novation Center on its 10-year anniversary. I a powerful statement uniting the U.S. with siah Dominguez for winning the Arvada Wheat look forward to watching this center grow as it most of the world in its commitment to wom- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. continues to be a place of learning and cre- en’s rights and equality. Any legislation the I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- ating. On behalf of Missouri’s 7th Congres- United States might adopt to comply with the cation and character in all of his future accom- sional District, I ask all of my colleagues to treaty would have to go through the normal plishments. join me in congratulating the Jordan Valley In- Congressional process. novation Center on all its success. Ratification of CEDAW would continue our f f nation’s proud bipartisan tradition of promoting HONORING GROVER HOLMES and protecting human rights. Senate action in HORTON GEORGE R. DUNLAP favor of ratification of CEDAW would strength- en our standing as a global leader for the HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON HON. VICKY HARTZLER rights of women and girls. I hope my col- OF MISSISSIPPI OF MISSOURI leagues will cosponsor this important resolu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion that will benefit women in the U.S. and Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Wednesday, May 24, 2017 around the world. f Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today er, I rise today to honor the late Mrs. Grover to recognize Mr. George R. Dunlap, a U.S. HONORING CYNTHIA LEON Holmes Horton. Navy and Coast Guard veteran from Kansas Mrs. Horton, born June 15, 1938, left to be City who served in both World War II and the HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ with the Lord on May 7, 2016. She was a Korean War. As one of four brothers to serve OF TEXAS great mother, grandmother, great-grand- in active duty, George enlisted right after high IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mother, sister and friend. school graduation on his eighteenth birthday in Mrs. Horton was a God-fearing member of 1945. After his years of service, George Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Goodman Missionary Baptist Church under moved to Kansas City where he devoted Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I the leadership of Rev. Dr. Nathanial Christian. twenty-five years of his life to the Kansas City rise today to congratulate A. Cynthia Leon on She was a very dedicated member who Police Department. her reappointment as Chairman of the Texas served in the choir and was the Secretary in George’s example of lifelong service to his Public Safety Commission. her church. country and community deserves our utmost On March 8, 2017, Governor Greg Abbott Mrs. Horton was very active and became appreciation. I am honored to share my grati- reappointed Cynthia to the Texas Public Safe- the founder of Goodman Male Chorus and a tude and respect for this wonderful Missourian ty Commission. Originally appointed in 2011 member of Tri-City Gospel Choir.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K24MY8.006 E24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E713 Mrs. Horton served with the John L. Webb and a past member of the Board of Trustees their convention in June 2017. Moreover, prior Grand High Court, Prince Hall Affiliation— at the University of West Alabama. to starting his own public relations firm, Mr. F&AM as the Most Ancient Matron of Good- She is survived by her son Manuel Joseph Zimmerman was a national award-winning man Court No. 91 in Goodman, MS; the 7th Oliveira and brother, Dr. Joseph Mitchell, Jr. journalist for more than 12 years with the Ber- District Lecturer; and the 7th District past Most Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating gen Record. Ancient Matron. the life of Dr. Oliveira. She will be greatly Throughout his career, Mr. Zimmerman held Mrs. Horton enjoyed working as a home liai- missed. several positions and received numerous ac- son for the Holmes County School District and f colades. From his service to the insurance in- was also a Certified Election Poll Worker for dustry, he was recognized with the PlANJ many years. JUAN FLORES Legislative Award in 1990 and received Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me PlANJ’s Distinguished Insurance Service in recognizing the late Mrs. Grover Holmes HON. ED PERLMUTTER Award in 1998—the first time this award was Horton. OF COLORADO presented to an individual who was not an in- f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES surance industry official. During his work on harness racing, he served as President of the CHRISTOPHER TRAPANI Wednesday, May 24, 2017 North American Harness Publicists Associa- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise tion, President and Chairman of the U.S. Har- HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO today to recognize and applaud Juan Flores ness Writers Association, and the founding OF MISSISSIPPI for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service President of the Association’s New Jersey IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ambassadors for Youth award. Chapter. He also received the Harness Horse- Juan Flores is a student at Jefferson High men International Media Award in 2006, North Wednesday, May 24, 2017 School and received this award because his American Harness Publicists Golden Pen Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to determination and hard work have allowed him Award in 2000, and the U.S. Harness Writers take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Chris- to overcome adversities. Member of the Year Award in 1998 and 2011. topher Trapani as a member of the United The dedication demonstrated by Juan Flo- In addition, for his work in the security alarm States Merchant Marine Academy Class of res is exemplary of the type of achievement industry, Mr. Zimmerman was recognized with 2017. that can be attained with hard work and perse- the NJ Burglar and Fire Alarm Association Christopher will graduate from the U.S. Mer- verance. It is essential students at all levels President’s Award in 1992 and 2004, and he chant Marine Academy on June 17, 2017, with strive to make the most of their education and was honored with the National Burglar and a Bachelor of Science and he will be commis- develop a work ethic which will guide them for Fire Alarm Association Executive Director of sioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy the rest of their lives. the Year Award in 1992. Reserve. I extend my deepest congratulations to Juan Mr. Zimmerman was also involved in other His career in the service has just begun, but Flores for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge professional and civic activities. For example, it is a testament to Christopher’s unselfish de- Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have he served as President of the New Jersey votion to the people of this great nation. no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication Legislative Correspondents Club, and he was The challenges will be many and the time, and character in all of his future accomplish- a speaker for courses and seminars in high although it may seem like an eternity, will fly ments. schools and universities. In addition, Mr. Zim- merman was an advocate for people with in- by almost unnoticed. f South Mississippi is proud of Christopher tellectual and developmental disabilities. He and his accomplishments. We look forward to PERSONAL EXPLANATION served on the Governor’s Council on the Pre- him continuing to represent not only Mis- vention of Developmental Disabilities, and he sissippi, but the entire nation, as a United HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO was a member of the Board of Trustees of Bancroft, a leading nonprofit, and of the Asso- States Navy Reserve officer. OF CONNECTICUT ciation for the Advancement of the Mentally As Christopher embarks on a new chapter IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES in life, it is my hope that he may always recall Handicapped, Mercer County Chapter. He was with a deep sense of pride and accomplish- Wednesday, May 24, 2017 also Executive Committee member and Chair- ment graduating from a program as pres- Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call man of Committees on Legislation and Advo- tigious as the Merchant Marine Academy. No. 268 (Probation Officer Protection Act of cacy for the New Jersey State Developmental I would like to send Christopher my best 2017), I inadvertently voted Yea. My intention Disabilities Council. wishes for continued success in his future en- was to vote Nay. Mr. Speaker, we sincerely hope that our col- leagues will join us in congratulating Mr. Zim- deavors, thank him for his service, and con- f gratulate him on this momentous occasion. merman on his retirement after his illustrious CONGRATULATING LEON J. career and thanking him for his service to the f ZIMMERMAN public and his community in New Jersey. IN MEMORY OF THE LIFE OF DR. f DORIS MITCHELL OLIVEIRA HON. BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN HONORING REVEREND MANNEY OF NEW JERSEY MURPHY HON. MIKE ROGERS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ALABAMA Wednesday, May 24, 2017 HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, it IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, May 24, 2017 is our honor to congratulate Leon J. Zimmer- Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I man of Trenton, New Jersey on his retirement Wednesday, May 24, 2017 rise to recognize the life of Dr. Doris Mitchell after a 50 year career spanning governmental Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Oliveira who passed away on May 10, 2017. affairs, public relations, journalism, and com- er, I rise today to honor a multi-talented God- Dr. Oliveira was born February 9, 1934 to munications. fearing man, Reverend Manney Murphy. Rev- the late Dr. Joseph Mitchell, Sr., M.D, and Operating his own consulting firm for 44 erend Manney Murphy has been many things Mrs. Vivian J. Mitchell. Her father was an ob- years, Mr. Zimmerman was a highly regarded in his life: A star athlete at Vicksburg High stetrician-gynecologist physician in Macon veteran of the New Jersey state lobbying School, executive with General Motors, busi- County, Alabama, and her mother was known corps. During his career, he represented sev- ness owner and for 31⁄2 years the pastor of St. for her work with the American Red Cross. eral clients, including government agencies, Mark Baptist Church, and chaplain for the Dr. Oliveira graduated from Tuskegee Uni- businesses, private corporations, and trade Alcorn State University Braves football team versity College of Veterinary Medicine and associations. He also represented clients from during Jay Hopson’s tenure as head coach. was still working at the age of 83 when her industries like insurance, harness racing, and But his biggest role has been working with health began to decline. security alarms. One of these was the Profes- Central Mississippi Prevention Services help- She was a member of the Alabama New sional Insurance Agents of New Jersey ing young people make it to a better life South Coalition, Tuskegee Chapter of Links, (PlANJ), which he represented for 43 years. through the program’s summer camps and tu- Inc., the Republican Party of Macon County PlANJ will be honoring Mr. Zimmerman at toring programs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.019 E24MYPT1 E714 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 24, 2017 When he was a student at Ole Miss, he was Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth The Fallen who gave That Last Full Measure. asked to go to high schools and participate in award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the I include in the RECORD this poem penned in special programs to speak to students. When same dedication and character in all of his fu- their honor by Albert Carey Caswell. he attended United Theological Seminary, he ture accomplishments. THEY’RE NOT COMING HOME wrote two covenants: one for youth ministry f (By Albert Carey Caswell) and another for jail and prison ministry. They’re not coming home Murphy returned to Vicksburg in 2001 and TRUMPSCARE, OR THE PRESI- To their families where they belong, began working with Central Mississippi Pre- DENT’S FISCAL YEAR 2018 BUDG- who now must live so all alone vention director, Joe Johnson. Murphy has ET And to their Brothers In Arms, also served as director of the Vicksburg Hous- who heard their last most heroic moans No, they’re not coming home ing Authority’s community center, helping de- HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE As up to Heaven they have flown velop a jobs program, a GED program OF TEXAS On the wings of an Angel which they now partnered with Hinds Community College and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES own the Vicksburg Warren School District, and an Wednesday, May 24, 2017 As Angels In The Army Lord to fight this after school tutorial program. new battle, Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, the fed- Murphy said at this point in his life he would but not alone eral budget is more than a financial document; like to return to the classroom to teach and They are not coming home it is an expression of our values and priorities Could any of us such courage own? work on a summer camp program called as a nation. And go off to war ‘‘Camp Wow,’’ and find other ways to serve Sadly, the President’s budget fails this moral And leave all that you so love and adore Vicksburg. test of government. For all the more Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me And for all their Brothers and Sisters to This budget does not reflect our dreams for in recognizing Reverend Manney Murphy for their left, our nation; rather it is the ‘‘Nightmare on his hard work, dedication and a strong desire to their right endure Pennsylvania Avenue.’’ to serve God and community. Oh the dreaded cost and horrors of war Mr. Speaker, it appears that the President Am sorry my dear child, f loves TrumpCare so much that he decided to your Daddy or Mommy are not here no more HONORING THE GRADUATION OF double down and give us ‘‘TrumpScare’’ for a To hold you and tell you how much you they adore ASHLEE VICTORIA PEREZ budget. This TrumpScare budget stacks the deck for To tuck you in at night the rich while undermining hard-working Amer- To assure you everything’s all right HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ I know it’s hard to hold the tears back you icans everywhere. fight OF TEXAS Throwing billions at defense while ran- Daddy, Mommy, oh how I wish you were here IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sacking America’s investments in jobs, edu- tonight! Wednesday, May 24, 2017 cation, clean energy and lifesaving medical re- As it gets harder to see their face with each year insight Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I search will leave our nation weakened. America will not be made great by stealing But, they’re not coming home rise today to honor the graduation of Ashlee another $610 billion from Medicaid, aban- And as you awake in the middle of the night Victoria Perez from St. Mary’s University in Hush my child and don’t you cry, doning seniors and families in need, depriving San Antonio, Texas, with the Class of 2017. everything is going to be all right students of realizing a dream to attend college Marco Antonio Perez and Claudia Perez are Your parents are Angels now at the height without drowning in debt, or disinvesting in the very proud of their daughter, who graduated As they watch over you in the middle of the working families to give unwanted tax breaks with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise and night to wealthy corporations and the top 1 percent. Both day and night, Sports Science. Ashlee averaged an excep- America will not be positioned to compete as you will always be in their sights tional Grade-Point-Average of 3.7 during her and win in the global, interconnected, and dig- Can’t you feel their angel’s breath envelop time at St. Mary’s, all while maintaining active ital economy by slashing funding for scientific you, membership in the national sorority Sigma and hold you so very tight research, the arts and humanities, job retrain- Sigma Sigma, becoming the captain of the And one day up in Heaven together again ing, and clean energy. you’ll take flight cheer squad, and earning the Academic Mad- And the President’s TrumpScare budget eline Scholarship. Her achievements are a America, on this blessed day does not ‘‘put America First’’ by cutting Social Give thanks, testament to her work ethic and perseverance. Security Disability Insurance benefits and and give your most solemn praise Mr. Speaker, I wish only the best for Ashlee Meals on Wheels for Americans who depend As you kneel and pray in all her endeavors and know her future is upon these programs to sustain themselves. For all those heroes who gave filled with limitless possibilities. Even a cursory review leaves the inescap- That Last Full Measure, f who make up the home of the free and brave able conclusion that this budget represents a On this Memorial Day MAKHMUD CHARIEV betrayal—of our values as a nation, and of the Give thanks to all of those who gave promises made by the President during the As out to their loved ones call each and election campaign. every day HON. ED PERLMUTTER Just like the ‘‘TrumpRussia’’ scandal, we And tell them how much their sacrifice OF COLORADO have another mystery and the question is: means to us in every way IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘Whodunit?’’ For the real heroes are the ones who fell, Wednesday, May 24, 2017 So the real question is whether the budg- who now lie in deep dark cold quiet graves I etary priorities in the budget represent a be- do tell Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Who on Christmas mornings we no longer trayal of the President, or a betrayal by the today to recognize and applaud Makhmud hear, President of the promises he made repeatedly Chariev for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge their laughter as they appear to the American people? Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Even the warm memories we take, The answer to this question will tell us all in our hearts still can’t replace Makhmud Chariev is a student at Standley we need to know about this budget and this Just to look into their face Lake High School and received this award be- President. Oh how your hearts break cause his determination and hard work have Cause they’re not coming home f allowed him to overcome adversities. But, in a box with the names they own The dedication demonstrated by Makhmud THEY’RE NOT COMING HOME And some will never be found, Chariev is exemplary of the type of achieve- only our Lord God knows them now ment that can be attained with hard work and HON. PETE SESSIONS No, they’re not coming home perseverance. It is essential students at all Sadly, for any Nation to grow and thrive OF TEXAS Our most precious and most courageous of levels strive to make the most of their edu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES all loved ones must die cation and develop a work ethic which will Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Must lay down their lives guide them for the rest of their lives. As it the price of freedom so very high I extend my deepest congratulations to Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise this Me- The price all of their loved ones so despise Makhmud Chariev for winning the Arvada morial Day in honor and remembrance of all Who must now live with tears in eyes

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.024 E24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E715 The magnificents who upon this Nation re- tor of Commercial and Industrial Development unteer Fire and Rescue Company, lnc. In rec- lies for the Illinois Department of Commerce and ognition of his honorable service, he received Am so sorry but they’re not coming home to- Community Affairs, through positions with the the second Rescueman of the Year Award in night 1971 and the Most Dedicated Member of the Amen Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Denver Corporation, the Boulder Year Award in 1980. Through his long and im- f Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson Eco- pressive career Mr. Walker became one of the JACOB KEESE HOLLAND nomic Council, and the Denver Metro Cham- most well respected members of the entire fire ber of Commerce. Company, and the memory of his dedication Tom was the founder and first president of to service will always be present as a true in- HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO the Metro Denver Network, the Metro Denver spiration to our local community. OF MISSISSIPPI region’s first economic development program, Mr. Walker leaves behind a selfless legacy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for which he received the Arthur D. Little and career of service and will be greatly Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Award for Excellence in Economic Develop- missed by the countless lives he has touched. ment. In 2012, Tom was recognized as the He is survived by his wife, Elaine, and three Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I would like to Denver Post’s Business Person of the Year as daughters, Debbie, Linda and Carol, his take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Jacob well as awarded the Denver Business Jour- grandson, Brandon, and many nieces and Holland as a member of the United States Air nal’s Power Book Award for Economic Devel- nephews. Force Academy Class of 2017. opment and Government. He has also been Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join Jacob will graduate from the U.S. Air Force recognized as one of the nation’s top eco- me in celebrating the life of, and bidding fare- Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Biol- nomic development professionals by the well to, Clifton Thomas Walker. May he rest in ogy on May 24, 2017, and he will be commis- Council on Urban Economic Development. peace, and his family be comforted. sioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United I extend my deepest appreciation for Tom f States Air Force. and his dedication to our great state, and wish His career in the service has just begun, but RECOGNIZING THE 99TH ANNIVER- him the best of luck in retirement and future it is a testament to Jacob’s unselfish devotion SARY OF THE REPUBLIC DAY OF endeavors. to the people of this great nation. AZERBAIJAN The challenges will be many and the time, f although it may seem like an eternity, will fly HONORING THE LIFE OF CLIFTON HON. STEVE COHEN by almost unnoticed. THOMAS WALKER OF TENNESSEE South Mississippi is proud of Jacob and ills IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES accomplishments. We look forward to him HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK Wednesday, May 24, 2017 continuing to represent not only Mississippi, OF VIRGINIA Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to but the entire nation, as a United States Air IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES recognize the 99th anniversary of the Republic Force officer. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Day of Azerbaijan, and to extend my best As Jacob embarks on a new chapter in life, wishes to all Azerbaijanis as they celebrate it is my hope that he may always recall with Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I would like Republic Day. May 28th marks the founding of a deep sense of pride and accomplishment to take a moment to honor the life of Mr. Clif- the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, when graduating from a program as prestigious as ton Thomas Walker, who passed away on the people ofAzerbaijan first gained their inde- the Air Force Academy. April 25, 2017, at the age of 95. Throughout pendence from the Russian Empire in 1918. I would like to send Jacob my best wishes his life, Mr. Walker was a respected leader in Although Azerbaijan’s independence was for continued success in his future endeavors, our community and an exemplary husband, fa- ended by Soviet forces in 1920, it is note- thank him for his service, and congratulate ther, and grandfather. His dedicated service, worthy that the Democratic Republic of Azer- him on this momentous occasion. with the U.S. Marine Corps, Loudoun County baijan was the world’s first secular parliamen- f Sheriff’s Office, and Lovettsville Volunteer Fire tary democratic republic in a predominantly & Rescue Department, helped keep the peo- Muslim nation—earning diplomatic recognition PERSONAL EXPLANATION ple of Virginia’s Tenth District safe for over 50 from the United States during the administra- years, and he will always be remembered. tion of President Woodrow Wilson. We also HON. RON KIND Mr. Walker, originally from Bullock, North recall, with admiration, that the Democratic OF WISCONSIN Carolina, joined the Marine Corps in Decem- Republic of Azerbaijan granted universal suf- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ber of 1941 just three days after the bombing frage to its citizens in 1918, making it the first of Pearl Harbor. During his 20 years in the Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Muslim country to give women the right to Marine Corps, he was stationed around the vote. Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to world, serving in Northern Ireland, Guam, Oki- Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, have my votes recorded on the House floor on nawa, Washington, DC, and Lebanon. Addi- Azerbaijan restored its independence on Octo- Monday, May 22, 2017. Had I been present, tionally, he was a decorated member of the ber 18, 1991, when its Parliament adopted the I would have voted in favor of H.R. 1862 and Marine Corps Pistol Team, receiving bronze, Constitution Act on the Restoration of the H.R. 1842. silver, and gold medals, and he achieved the State of Independence of the Republic of f rank of Distinguished Pistol Shot in record Azerbaijan. time. For the people of Azerbaijan, these last two TOM CLARK In May of 1959, Mr. Walker married his wife, decades of independence have not been with- Elaine, and they began building their home on out challenges. At the top of the list would be HON. ED PERLMUTTER South Berlin Pike in Lovettsville, Virginia, the ongoing conflict with Armenia. Although a OF COLORADO where they lived since Mr. Walker’s retirement cease fire was signed in 1994 more than 20 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from the Marine Corps in 1961. Mr. Walker percent of Azerbaijan’s territory—including went on to work for DECO Electronics in Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding dis- Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Leesburg, the Painter Lumber Company in tricts—remains under Armenian occupation Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Lovettsville, and finally the Loudoun County and more than 1 million Azerbaijanis remain today to recognize Tom Clark for his leader- Sheriff’s Office, where he served for thirteen refugees unable to return to their home vil- ship, vision and lasting impact on Denver and years as the manager of the Department’s Of- lages. In 1993, the U.N. Security Council Colorado as the CEO of the Metro Economic fice of Property and Evidence. adopted four resolutions demanding complete, Development Corporation and Executive Vice During that time, Mr. Walker also served his unconditional and immediate withdrawal of Ar- President of the Denver Metro Chamber of community in various capacities. He was pre- menian forces from the occupied territories of Commerce. viously a member of the Lovettsville Town Azerbaijan. I am happy that Azerbaijan is With more than 30 years of economic devel- Council, the Lovettsville Planning Commission, committed to a peaceful resolution of the con- opment experience at the state, regional, and the Lovettsville Lions Club. He also volun- flict with Anemia, and I support a swift and county and city level, Tom’s unique perspec- teered for 35 years, starting in 1966, as a peaceful resolution to this conflict as well. tive and wealth of knowledge is unparalleled. member of the Lovettsville Rescue Squad, Azerbaijan is a key global security partner Tom’s career spans four decades from Direc- which chartered as the Lovettsville District Vol- for the United States. As an active member of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.026 E24MYPT1 E716 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 24, 2017 NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, Azer- INTRODUCTION OF INDONESIAN local farmer and a member of the Black baijan cooperates with the United States in FAMILY REFUGEE PROTECTION Famers Association, which allows many of the countering terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and ACT local community to pick from his various har- narcotics trafficking. Azerbaijani troops serve vests to feed their families. shoulder to shoulder with U.S. soldiers in Af- HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY He continuously uses various formats to ghanistan, as they previously did in Kosovo OF NEW YORK serve and inspire others throughout his home and Iraq. In support of the International Secu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES state of Mississippi. This includes spear- rity Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Azer- heading countless charity events, and encour- baijan has extended important over-flight Wednesday, May 24, 2017 aging others to demonstrate acts of service. clearances for U.S. and NATO flights as well Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Samuel K. Toliver, Sr. is a powerful voice in as regularly providing landing and refueling Mr. Speaker, today I am reintroducing legisla- the community and will continue to blaze trails operations at its airports for U.S. and NATO tion with my colleague, Rep. FRANK PALLONE, for the advancement of people of color in pro- forces. Azerbaijan also plays an important role Jr., which would simply allow Christian Indo- fessional settings. in the Northern Distribution Network, a supply nesian citizens who arrived in the United For the past 23 years, Mr. Toliver has been route to Afghanistan, by making available its States between January 1, 1997 and Novem- serving as a constable. He continues to serve ground and Caspian naval transportation facili- ber 30, 2002 fleeing religious persecution, the his community in Mound Bayou, and at 71 ties. opportunity to reopen their claims for asylum years old, he shows no signs of slowing down. Azerbaijan has emerged as a key player for within two years of the bill’s enactment. The Mr. Samuel Keith Toliver, Sr., and former enhancing global energy security. The Baku- bill would only apply to individuals who were wife Lois Gant Toliver, are the devoted par- Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi- denied asylum solely for missing filing dead- ents of two sons: Samuel Keith, Jr and Ste- Erzurum gas pipeline are the main arteries de- line which closes one year after arrival. ven, and two daughters: Kesha and livering Caspian Sea energy resources to Beginning in 1997, when extreme violence Karmaletta. global markets, and completion of the South- and destruction of churches in Indonesia was Mr. Toliver is also a dedicated member of ern Gas Corridor—which will run from the at its height, many Indonesian Christians were Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Caspian Sea through Azerbaijan, Georgia, driven from their homes. These individuals Mound Bayou, MS, where he serves as a Turkey, Greece, and Albania into Italy—will in- came to the United States, seeking refuge Pastor. crease the energy security of key American al- from persecution for their religious beliefs, but The past 50 years are saturated with the lies by increasing the amount of natural gas were either unable to file before the one-year footprints of Toliver’s positive influences in his from the Caspian Sea to European markets. deadline or were unaware any deadline ex- service to his church, community, and family. Notably, Azerbaijan also provides roughly isted. They deserve the opportunity to have Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me 40 percent of Israel’s oil consumption. What their claims heard. in recognizing Mr. Samuel Keith Toliver for his may be more surprising to some is that Azer- The United States has a long history of tak- tireless service to his community of country. baijan—a predominantly Muslim country—en- ing in refugees fleeing persecution and pro- f viding a process to fairly consider their claims. joys friendly ties with Israel beyond oil sales. WILLIAM CORONA Jews have resided in Azerbaijan for 2,500 This bill does not automatically grant asylum, years without persecution and today, the Jew- but merely removes a procedural barrier to ish community in Azerbaijan numbers over their claims being considered. These individ- HON. ED PERLMUTTER 12,000. Azerbaijan is also home to Christian uals seeking asylum deserve a second chance OF COLORADO communities and has been praised for its reli- to avoid the persecution they have fled and re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gious tolerance by the European Parliament. main united with their families. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 As co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan I urge my colleagues to support this impor- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Caucus, I congratulate the people of Azer- tant legislation. today to recognize and applaud William Co- baijan on the monumental occasion of Repub- f rona for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge lic Day in their national history. May the part- HONORING SAMUEL KEITH Service Ambassadors for Youth award. nership between the United States and Azer- TOLIVER, SR. William Corona is a student at Arvada K–8 baijan progress and continue to benefit both of School and received this award because his our nations. HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON determination and hard work have allowed him OF MISSISSIPPI to overcome adversities. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The dedication demonstrated by William Co- rona is exemplary of the type of achievement AUNT BETTY’S 95TH Wednesday, May 24, 2017 that can be attained with hard work and perse- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- verance. It is essential students at all levels HON. VICKY HARTZLER er, today I rise to honor Mr. Samuel Keith strive to make the most of their education and OF MISSOURI Toliver, Sr. develop a work ethic which will guide them for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Toliver serves the Mound Bayou com- the rest of their lives. munity as a consummate professional and Wednesday, May 24, 2017 I extend my deepest congratulations to Wil- champion of organizations that are committed liam Corona for winning the Arvada Wheat Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- to innovation, change, and providing solutions. Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. ognize Betty Helms, a World War II Navy Vet- Mr. Toliver has successfully sustained a 30 I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- eran who turns 95 today. Betty’s life has been plus year career as a school teacher and is a cation and character in all of his future accom- full of hard work and accomplishments as she respected and well-known name amongst the plishments. was in the first group of enlisted women al- Mound Bayou community. He founded and f lowed in the U.S. Navy. Her tenacity to over- funded the Boy Scout Troop 302 to help come adversity and eliminate barriers truly young men develop the skills and knowledge HELPING ENSURE THAT ALL VET- shows her character and life’s work. Con- that will help them meet the challenges of the ERANS GET THE CARE THEY tinuing with her lifelong theme of removing twenty first century. Many of his troops have HAVE EARNED roadblocks to pursue her goals, she went on been recognized by the former President of to earn an accounting degree from the Univer- the United States of America, William Clinton, HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH sity of Missouri in 1950. She later started her for earning the highest ranking of Eagle Scout OF NEW JERSEY own consulting business and did not retire and have went on to achieve the highest IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES until age 85. rankings in the military. He is also a retired I am honored to share my gratitude and re- U.S. Army veteran; he served in the Vietnam Wednesday, May 24, 2017 spect for this accomplished Missourian. Her War. After retirement he went on to serve as Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I dedication, determination and service are an Commander of the American Legion; ensuring would like to take this opportunity to express inspiration to us all. I ask all my colleagues to and helping veterans to receive severance by my strong support for the significant package join me in thanking Betty for her years of serv- taking them to various centers and appoint- of the veteran’s bills that we considered in the ice and wishing her the happiest of birthdays. ments for health issues. He also became a House both yesterday and today.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.029 E24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E717 As the former Chairman of the House Vet- brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, As an additional procedure along erans Affairs Committee (2001 through 2005), chronic pain, or opiate addiction. As the author with the computerization of this infor- I am acutely aware of the challenges our vet- of the Veterans Health Programs Improvement mation, the Office of the Senate Daily erans face, especially as they transition from Act (P.L. 108–422) which authorized regional Digest will prepare this information for military to civilian life. As Chairman, I authored veteran polytrauma centers for multiple injuries printing in the Extensions of Remarks more than a dozen laws to expand health, including TBI, I fully support H.R. 1162 as a section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD education, job training and homelessness ben- way to ensure that the VA is able to adapt to on Monday and Wednesday of each efits for the men and women who served in the newest and best practices for treating vet- week. uniform. Thankfully these laws continue to erans with these unique traumas and condi- Meetings scheduled for Thursday, help our veterans today. tions. May 25, 2017 may be found in the Daily Still, there are new problems and new The Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act Digest of today’s RECORD. issues that urgently need our attention. Mas- of 2017 (H.R. 1725) will require stronger re- sive wait times, forged documents by VA offi- porting requirements from the Department of MEETINGS SCHEDULED cials, ineptitude, lack of equipment and under- Veterans Affairs regarding the necessity for in- staffing at VA medical facilities are just a few person disability examinations; and the Vet- JUNE 1 of the significant transgressions that have erans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjust- 10:30 a.m. been exposed and are undermining the quality ment Act of 2017 (H.R. 1329) will increase the Commission on Security and Cooperation of service and the treatment our veterans re- in Europe cost-of-living-adjustment for disabled veterans To receive a briefing on countering cor- ceive. who receive compensation to equal the same In 2014 and 2016 Congress passed the Vet- ruption in the Organization for Secu- rate of increase for citizens who receive Social rity and Co-operation in Europe region, erans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act Security in 2018. focusing on returning ill-gotten assets (P.L. 113–146) and the Faster Care for Vet- Finally, the VA Prescription Data Account- and closing safe havens. erans Act (P.L. 114–286), respectively, to ability Act (H.R. 1545) will help combat drug SD–G11 usher in a complete overhaul of VA systems addiction among our veterans by creating bet- and to institute new technological services for ter information and data sharing between the JUNE 6 scheduling and in order to secure more timely Department of Veterans Affairs and the states’ 10:30 a.m. appointments. Some, but not nearly enough, Commission on Security and Cooperation recording programs. progress has occurred. Much more must be in Europe Mr. Speaker, let me remind my colleagues done. To hold hearings to examine Austria’s that while this package of veterans bills marks I commend Chairman PHIL ROE, MD and his chairmanship of the Organization for team at the Veterans Affairs Committee on the another step forward, we cannot be lulled into Security and Co-operation in Europe, package of bills before us this week. All seven thinking that the Department of Veterans Af- focusing on priorities and challenges. SR–188 will help improve the benefit programs and the fairs and the delivery of veterans’ benefits and healthcare will be forever fixed simply with the delivery of healthcare service for our veterans. JUNE 7 For instance, The Veterans Appeals Im- enactment of new legislation, no matter how well written. 2:30 p.m. provement and Modernization Act of 2017 Committee on Energy and Natural Re- (H.R. 2288) will empower veterans who have Good legislation is the necessary, minimum first step. But equally important is the full and sources been denied benefits to have more options as Subcommittee on National Parks they pursue their appeals. Under the new bill, consistent implementation of the new laws, To hold hearings to examine working to vets will be able to waive a hearing and sub- along with regular and aggressive oversight by improve the National Park Service mit additional evidence, pursue a hearing and this Congress. We must be vigilant and con- workplace environment. submit additional evidence, or transfer the ju- tinue to push to ensure that all veterans get SD–366 risdiction of their case to the Board of Vet- the care they have earned—at the time they JUNE 8 erans Appeals. The new options should help need it—not months or years later. 9:30 a.m. cut through some wait time. f The VA Scheduling Accountability Act (H.R. Committee on Armed Services SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS To hold hearings to examine the posture 467) would require an annual certification of of the Department of the Navy in re- compliance with scheduling directives. Addi- Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, view of the Defense Authorization Re- tionally the bill blocks awards and bonuses to agreed to by the Senate of February 4, quest for fiscal year 2018 and the Fu- any leadership personnel at any medical cen- 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- ture Years Defense Program. ter that fails to comply with the scheduling di- tem for a computerized schedule of all SD–G50 rectives. Another bill before us, H.R. 1005 meetings and hearings of Senate com- would allow the federal government to enter mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- JUNE 13 into agreements with state veteran’s homes to tees, and committees of conference. 10 a.m. pay for adult day health care for certain eligi- This title requires all such committees Committee on Appropriations ble veterans. to notify the Office of the Senate Daily Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Digest—designated by the Rules Com- Science, and Related Agencies The No Hero Left Untreated Act (H.R. 1162) To hold hearings to examine the Presi- will create a one year pilot program at the VA mittee—of the time, place and purpose dent’s proposed budget request and jus- to use innovative therapy to treat veterans of the meetings, when scheduled and tification for fiscal year 2018 for the who suffer from invisible wounds, which in- any cancellations or changes in the Department of Justice. clude post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic meetings as they occur. SD–192

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:18 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A24MY8.033 E24MYPT1 Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Daily Digest Senate S. 1094, to amend title 38, United States Code, Chamber Action to improve the accountability of employees of the Routine Proceedings, pages S3103–S3157 Department of Veterans Affairs, with an amendment Measures Introduced: Nineteen bills and three res- in the nature of a substitute. Page S3145 olutions were introduced, as follows: S. 1210–1228, Measures Passed: and S. Res. 176–178. Pages S3145–46 Fred D. Thompson Federal Building and Measures Reported: United States Courthouse: Senate passed H.R. 375, S. 190, to provide for consideration of the exten- to designate the Federal building and United States sion under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act courthouse located at 719 Church Street in Nash- of nonapplication of No-Load Mode energy efficiency ville, Tennessee, as the ‘‘Fred D. Thompson Federal standards to certain security or life safety alarms or Building and United States Courthouse’’. Page S3111 surveillance systems. (S. Rept. No. 115–76) Congratulating the Webster University Chess S. 215, to authorize the Federal Energy Regu- Team: Senate agreed to S. Res. 177, congratulating latory Commission to issue an order continuing a the Webster University chess team for winning a stay of a hydroelectric license for the Mahoney Lake record-breaking fifth consecutive national title at the hydroelectric project in the State of Alaska. (S. Rept. President’s Cup collegiate chess championship in No. 115–77) New York City. Page S3150 S. 226, to exclude power supply circuits, drivers, and devices to be connected to, and power, light- Authorizing Representation in United States v. emitting diodes or organic light-emitting diodes Kevin Lee Olson: Senate agreed to S. Res. 178, to providing illumination or ceiling fans using direct authorize testimony, document production, and rep- current motors from energy conservation standards resentation in United States v. Kevin Lee Olson. for external power supplies. (S. Rept. No. 115–78) Pages S3150, S3151 S. 239, to amend the National Energy Conserva- Securing our Agriculture and Food Act: Com- tion Policy Act to encourage the increased use of mittee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- performance contracting in Federal facilities. (S. fairs was discharged from further consideration of Rept. No. 115–79) H.R. 1238, to amend the Homeland Security Act of S. 723, to extend the deadline for commencement 2002 to make the Assistant Secretary of Homeland of construction of a hydroelectric project, with Security for Health Affairs responsible for coordi- amendments. (S. Rept. No. 115–80) nating the efforts of the Department of Homeland S. 724, to amend the Federal Power Act to mod- Security related to food, agriculture, and veterinary ernize authorizations for necessary hydropower ap- defense against terrorism, and the bill was then provals. (S. Rept. No. 115–81) passed, after agreeing to the following amendment S. 730, to extend the deadline for commencement proposed thereto: Pages S3151–52 of construction of certain hydroelectric projects. (S. Sullivan (for Roberts/McCaskill) Amendment No. Rept. No. 115–82) 217, to preserve the authority of the Secretaries of S. 734, to extend a project of the Federal Energy Agriculture and Health and Human Services and Regulatory Commission involving the Cannonsville make a technical correction. Pages S3151–52 Dam, with amendments. (S. Rept. No. 115–83) Thapar Nomination—Agreement: Senate re- S. 245, to amend the Indian Tribal Energy Devel- sumed consideration of the nomination of Amul R. opment and Self Determination Act of 2005. (S. Thapar, of Kentucky, to be United States Circuit Rept. No. 115–84) Judge for the Sixth Circuit. Pages S3124–29 S. 343, to repeal certain obsolete laws relating to During consideration of this nomination today, Indians. (S. Rept. No. 115–85) Senate also took the following action: D576

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:33 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D24MY7.REC D24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D577 By 52 yeas to 48 nays (Vote No. 136), Senate eral Robert B. Neller, USMC, Commandant of the agreed to the motion to close further debate on the Marine Corps, all of the Department of Defense. nomination. Page S3124 A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- A 355 SHIP NAVY viding that notwithstanding the provisions of Rule Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on XXII, the vote on confirmation of the nomination SeaPower concluded a hearing to examine industry occur at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 25, 2017. perspectives on options and considerations for achiev- Page S3150 ing a 355 ship Navy, after receiving testimony from A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- Brian J. Cuccias, Huntington Ingalls Industries, and viding for further consideration of the nomination at Ingalls Shipbuilding; John P. Casey, General Dy- approximately 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, May 25, namics; and Matthew O. Paxton, Shipbuilders Coun- 2017; and that all time during morning business, re- cil of America. cess, adjournment and Leader remarks count post- cloture on the nomination. Page S3150 ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- lowing nomination: Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Stra- By 94 yeas to 6 nays (Vote No. EX. 135), John tegic Forces concluded a hearing to examine Depart- J. Sullivan, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of ment of Energy atomic energy defense activities and State. Pages S3106–11, S3111–24, S3157 programs, after receiving testimony from Frank G. Klotz, Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, Susan Messages from the House: Pages S3138–39 M. Cange, Acting Assistant Secretary for Environ- Measures Referred: Page S3139 mental Management, and Admiral James F. Executive Communications: Pages S3139–40 Caldwell, Jr., USN, Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors, National Nuclear Security Administration, Petitions and Memorials: Pages S3140–45 all of the Department of Energy; and David C. Executive Reports of Committees: Page S3145 Trimble, Director, Natural Resources and Environ- Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3146–47 ment, Government Accountability Office. Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: POOL SAFETY Pages S3147–49 Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- Additional Statements: Pages S3137–38 committee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Amendments Submitted: Page S3149 Insurance, and Data Security concluded a hearing to examine pool safety, focusing on the tenth anniver- Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S3149 sary of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Privileges of the Floor: Pages S3149–50 Safety Act, after receiving testimony from Karen Record Votes: Two record votes were taken today. Cohn, The ZAC Foundation, Greenwich, Con- (Total—136) Page S3124 necticut; Richard Gottwald, The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, Alexandria, Virginia; Connie Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and ad- Harvey, American Red Cross, Washington, D.C.; journed at 7:17 p.m., until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, and Nancy Baker, Thomaston, Maine. May 25, 2017. (For Senate’s program, see the re- marks of the Majority Leader in today’s Record on AMERICAN LEADERSHIP IN THE ASIA- page S3150) PACIFIC Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on East Committee Meetings Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy concluded a hearing to examine American (Committees not listed did not meet) leadership in the Asia-Pacific, focusing on economic issues, after receiving testimony from Tami Overby, NAVY AND MARINE CORPS BUDGET U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Washington, D.C.; and Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Depart- Robert C. Orr, University of Maryland School of ment of Defense concluded a hearing to examine the Public Policy, College Park. President’s proposed budget request and justification for fiscal year 2018 for the Navy and Marine Corps, BORDER INSECURITY AND MS–13 after receiving testimony from Sean J. Stackley, Act- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ing Secretary of the Navy, Admiral John M. Rich- fairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine ardson, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, and Gen- border insecurity, focusing on the rise of MS–13 and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:33 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D24MY7.REC D24MYPT1 D578 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 24, 2017 other transnational criminal organizations, after re- rights, after receiving testimony from Brad ceiving testimony from Timothy D. Sini, Suffolk Wiegmann, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, De- County Police Department, Yaphank, New York; partment of Justice; Christopher W. Kelly, Office of Scott Michael Conley, Chelsea Police Department, the Massachusetts Attorney General, Boston; Paddy Chelsea, Massachusetts; and J. Thomas Manger, McGuinness, United Kingdom Deputy National Se- Montgomery County Police Department, Gaithers- curity Advisor, Oxford; Brad Smith, Microsoft Cor- burg, Maryland, on behalf of the Major Cities Chiefs poration, Redmond, Washington; and Jennifer Association. Daskal, American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. NOMINATIONS Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a BUSINESS MEETING hearing to examine the nominations of Vishal J. Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Com- Amin, of Michigan, to be Intellectual Property En- mittee ordered favorably reported the nomination of forcement Coordinator, Executive Office of the Presi- Althea Coetzee, of Virginia, to be Deputy Adminis- dent, Stephen Elliott Boyd, of Alabama, to be an As- trator of the Small Business Administration. sistant Attorney General, Department of Justice, and BUSINESS MEETING Lee Francis Cissna, of Maryland, to be Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Committee ordered fa- Department of Homeland Security, after the nomi- vorably reported S. 1094, to amend title 38, United nees testified and answered questions in their own States Code, to improve the accountability of em- behalf. ployees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCESS TO DATA STORED ACROSS BORDERS INTELLIGENCE Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed and Terrorism concluded a hearing to examine law hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony enforcement access to data stored across borders, fo- from officials of the intelligence community. cusing on facilitating cooperation and protecting Committee recessed subject to the call. h House of Representatives tion did not present a question of the privileges of Chamber Action the House. Subsequently, Representative Sanchez ap- Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 33 pub- pealed the ruling of the chair and Representative lic bills, H.R. 2617–2649; and 6 resolutions, H. Buck moved to table the appeal. Agreed to the mo- Con. Res. 61–62; and H. Res. 353–356 were intro- tion to table the appeal of the ruling of the Chair duced. Pages H4567–69 by a yea-and-nay vote of 225 yeas to 187 nays with Additional Cosponsors: Pages H4570–71 one answering ‘‘present’’, Roll No. 274. Pages H4523–25 Reports Filed: There were no reports filed today. Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he Act of 2017 and Protecting Against Child Ex- appointed Representative Hollingsworth to act as ploitation Act of 2017—Rule for Consideration: Speaker pro tempore for today. Page H4507 The House agreed to H. Res. 352, providing for Recess: The House recessed at 11:29 a.m. and re- consideration of the bill (H.R. 1973) to prevent the convened at 12 noon. Page H4516 sexual abuse of minors and amateur athletes by re- quiring the prompt reporting of sexual abuse to law Guest Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the enforcement authorities; providing for consideration Guest Chaplain, Pastor Becky Tirabassi, Viewpoint of the bill (H.R. 1761) to amend title 18, United Church, Newport Beach, CA. Pages H4516–17 States Code, to criminalize the knowing consent of Question of Privilege: Representative Sanchez rose the visual depiction, or live transmission, of a minor to a question of the privileges of the House and sub- engaged in sexually explicit conduct, by a yea-and- mitted a resolution. The Chair ruled that the resolu- nay vote of 239 yeas to 179 nays, Roll No. 276,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:33 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D24MY7.REC D24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D579 after the previous question was ordered by a yea-and- to the House forthwith with an amendment, by a re- nay vote of 231 yeas to 188 nays, Roll No. 275. corded vote of 183 ayes to 230 noes, Roll No. 281. Pages H4520–23, H4525–27 Pages H4550–52 Suspensions—Proceedings Resumed: The House Pursuant to the Rule, an amendment in the na- agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following ture of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules measures. Consideration began Tuesday, May 23rd. Committee Print 115–21 shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the Protecting the Rights of Individuals Against five-minute rule. Page H4545 Technological Exploitation Act: H.R. 2052, to Rejected: amend the Uniform Code of Military Justice to pro- Esty amendment (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. hibit the wrongful broadcast or distribution of inti- 2 115–145) that sought to ensure that existing clean mate visual images, by a ⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 418 water protections apply to the release of these toxic yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 277; and chemicals into the environment (by a recorded vote Page H4527 of 191 ayes to 229 noes, Roll No. 279); and Veterans Affairs Scheduling Accountability Act: Pages H4545–46, H4549 H.R. 467, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Huffman amendment (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. to ensure that each medical facility of the Depart- 115–145) that sought to protect commercial, rec- ment of Veterans Affairs complies with requirements reational and subsistence fisheries from the negative relating to scheduling veterans for health care ap- impacts of unregulated discharge (by a recorded vote pointments, and to improve the uniform application of 189 ayes to 230 noes, Roll No. 280). of directives of the Department, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay Pages H4546–48, H4550 vote of 419 yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. H. Res. 348, the rule providing for consideration 278. Pages H4527–28 of the bill (H.R. 953) was agreed to yesterday, May Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules 23rd. and pass the following measures: Permitting official photographs of the House of Amending title 5, United States Code, to re- Representatives to be taken while the House is quire that the Office of Personnel Management in actual session on a date designated by the submit an annual report to Congress relating to Speaker: The House agreed to discharge from com- the use of official time by Federal employees: H.R. mittee and agree to H. Res. 350, permitting official 1293, amended, to amend title 5, United States photographs of the House of Representatives to be Code, to require that the Office of Personnel Man- taken while the House is in actual session on a date agement submit an annual report to Congress relat- designated by the Speaker. Page H4553 ing to the use of official time by Federal employees; Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the and Pages H4528–33 Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate Social Security Fraud Prevention Act of 2017: the birthday of King Kamehameha I: The House H.R. 624, amended, to restrict the inclusion of so- agreed to discharge from committee and agree to S. cial security account numbers on documents sent by Con. Res. 14, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to mail by the Federal Government; Pages H4533–35 Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To re- celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha I. strict the inclusion of social security account num- Page H4553 bers on Federal documents sent by mail, and for Meeting Hour: Agreed by unanimous consent that other purposes.’’. Page H4535 when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow, May 25. Page H4554 Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017: The House passed H.R. 953, to amend the Federal Insec- Senate Messages: Messages received from the Senate ticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Fed- by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the eral Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Congres- House today and message received from the Senate sional intent regarding the regulation of the use of appear on pages H5420 and H4528. pesticides in or near navigable waters, by a recorded Quorum Calls—Votes: Five yea-and-nay votes and vote of 256 ayes to 165 noes, Roll No. 282. four recorded votes developed during the proceedings Pages H4535–53 of today and appear on pages H4525, H4525–26, Rejected the McGovern motion to recommit the H4526–27, H4527, H4527–28, H4549. H4550, bill to the Committee on Transportation and Infra- H4551–52, and H4552. There were no quorum structure with instructions to report the same back calls.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:33 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D24MY7.REC D24MYPT1 D580 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 24, 2017 Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- of Education. Testimony was heard from Betsy journed at 7:14 p.m. DeVos, Secretary of Education. APPROPRIATIONS—INDIAN HEALTH Committee Meetings SERVICE APPROPRIATIONS—DEPARTMENT OF Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Inte- AGRICULTURE rior, Environment, and Related Agencies held a Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agri- budget hearing on the Indian Health Service. Testi- culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Admin- mony was heard from the following Department of istration, and Related Agencies held a budget hear- Health and Human Services, Indian Health Service ing on the Department of Agriculture, Office of the officials: Chris Buchanan, Acting Director; Ann Secretary. Testimony was heard from Sonny Perdue, Church, Acting Director, Office of Finance and Ac- Secretary, Department of Agriculture; Robert counting; and Michael Toedt, M.D., Acting Chief Johansson, Chief Economist, Department of Agri- Medical Officer. culture; and Michael Young, Budget Officer, Depart- HIGH RISK AMERICAN INDIAN AND ment of Agriculture. ALASKA NATIVE PROGRAMS (EDUCATION, NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE HEALTHCARE, ENERGY) Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Inte- held an oversight hearing on the National Guard rior, Environment, and Related Agencies held an and Reserve. Testimony was heard from General Jo- oversight hearing entitled ‘‘High Risk American In- seph L. Lengyel, U.S. National Guard Bureau; Lieu- dian and Alaska Native Programs (Education, tenant General Charles D. Luckey, Chief, Army Re- Healthcare, Energy)’’. Testimony was heard from serve; Vice Admiral Luke M. McCollum, Chief, Melissa Emrey-Arras, Director, Education, Work- Navy Reserve; Lieutenant General Rex C. force and Income Security Team, Government Ac- McMillam, Commander, Marine Corps Forces Re- countability Office; Kathleen King, Director, Health serve; and Lieutenant General Maryanne Miller, Care Team, Government Accountability Office; and Chief, Air Force Reserve. Frank Rusco, Director, Natural Resources and Envi- ronment Team, Government Accountability Office. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Finan- APPROPRIATIONS—DEPARTMENT OF cial Services and General Government held an over- HOMELAND SECURITY sight hearing on the General Services Administra- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Home- tion. Testimony was heard from Timothy O. Horne, land Security held a budget hearing on the Depart- Administrator, General Services Administration. ment of Homeland Security. Testimony was heard from John F. Kelly, Secretary of Homeland Security. APPROPRIATIONS—CORPS OF ENGINEERS (CIVIL WORKS) AND THE BUREAU OF DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY FY 2018 RECLAMATION BUDGET REQUEST FOR SEAPOWER AND Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Energy PROJECTION FORCES and Water Development, and Related Agencies held Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on a budget hearing on the Corps of Engineers (Civil Seapower and Projection Forces held a hearing enti- Works) and the Bureau of Reclamation. Testimony tled ‘‘Department of the Navy FY 2018 Budget Re- was heard from Doug Lamont, Senior Official Per- quest for Seapower and Projection Forces’’. Testi- forming the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of the mony was heard from Vice Admiral William K. Army (Civil Works); Lieutenant General Todd Lescher, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Integra- Semonite, Commanding General, Chief of Engineers, tion of Capabilities and Resources, U.S. Navy; Alli- Army Corp of Engineers; Scott J. Cameron, Acting son F. Stiller, Performing the Duties of Assistant Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, Depart- Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development, and ment of the Interior; and Alan Mikkelsen, Acting Acquisition, U.S. Navy; and Lieutenant General Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation. Robert S. Walsh, Deputy Commandant, Combat De- APPROPRIATIONS—DEPARTMENT OF velopment and Integration, U.S. Marine Corps. EDUCATION GROUND FORCE MODERNIZATION Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Labor, BUDGET REQUEST Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Tac- Agencies held a budget hearing on the Department tical Air and Land Forces held a hearing entitled

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:33 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D24MY7.REC D24MYPT1 May 24, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D581 ‘‘Ground Force Modernization Budget Request’’. the Capitol; Christopher P. Failla, Inspector General, Lieutenant General John M. Murray, Deputy Chief Architect of the Capitol; and Beryl H. Davis, Direc- of Staff, G–8; Lieutenant General Paul A. Ostrowski, tor of Financial Management and Assurance, Govern- Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the ment Accountability Office. Army (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology); Brig- adier General Joe Shrader, Commanding General, MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Marine Corps Systems Command; and Lieutenant Committee on the Judiciary: Full Committee concluded General Gary L. Thomas, Deputy Commandant for a markup on H.R. 2431, the ‘‘Michael Davis, Jr. and Programs and Resources. Danny Oliver in Honor of State and Local Law En- THE PRESIDENT’S FISCAL YEAR 2018 forcement Act’’; H.R. 2407, the ‘‘U.S. Citizenship BUDGET and Immigration Services Authorization Act’’; and H.R. 2406, the ‘‘U.S. Immigration and Customs En- Committee on the Budget: Full Committee held a hear- forcement Authorization Act’’. Full Committee held ing entitled ‘‘The President’s Fiscal Year 2018 a markup on H.R. 2605, the ‘‘Secret Service Reau- Budget’’. Testimony was heard from Mick Mulvaney, thorization Act of 2017’’. H.R. 2431, H.R. 2407, Director, Office of Management and Budget. H.R. 2406, and H.R. 2605 were ordered reported, EMPOWERING STUDENTS AND FAMILIES as amended. TO MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS ON HIGHER EDUCATION EXAMINING IMPACTS OF FEDERAL NATURAL RESOURCES LAWS GONE Committee on Education and the Workforce: Sub- ASTRAY committee on Higher Education and Workforce De- velopment held a hearing entitled ‘‘Empowering Stu- Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on dents and Families to Make Informed Decisions on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled Higher Education’’. Testimony was heard from pub- ‘‘Examining Impacts of Federal Natural Resources lic witnesses. Laws Gone Astray’’. Testimony was heard from Diane Dillon, County Supervisor, Napa County, MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES California; Celeste Maloy, Deputy Attorney, Wash- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the ington County, Utah; and public witnesses. Western Hemisphere held a markup on H. Res. 201, expressing support to the Government of Argentina LEGISLATIVE MEASURE for its investigation into the terrorist bombing of the Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on En- Embassy of Israel in Buenos Aires on March 17, ergy and Mineral Resources held a hearing on the 1992; H. Res. 259, expressing concern and con- ‘‘Community Reclamation Partnerships Act’’. Testi- demnation over the political, economic, social, and mony was heard from John Stefanko, Deputy Sec- humanitarian crisis in Venezuela; H. Res. 336, re- retary for the Office of Active and Abandoned Mine affirming a strong commitment to the United Operations, Pennsylvania Department of Environ- States—Mexico Partnership; and H.R. 1918, the mental Protection; and public witnesses. ‘‘Nicaragua Investment Conditionality Act of 2017’’. H. Res. 201, H. Res. 259, H.R. 1918, and H. Res. EXAMINING ‘SUE AND SETTLE’ 336 were forwarded to the full committee, as AGREEMENTS: PART I amended. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- NUCLEAR DEAL FALLOUT: THE GLOBAL committee on the Interior, Energy and the Environ- THREAT OF IRAN ment; and Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Af- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Ter- fairs held a joint hearing entitled ‘‘Examining ‘Sue rorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade held a hearing and Settle’ Agreements: Part I’’. Testimony was entitled ‘‘Nuclear Deal Fallout: The Global Threat of heard from public witnesses. Iran’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. EXAMINING THE OVERHEAD COST OF OVERSIGHT OF THE ARCHITECT OF THE RESEARCH CAPITOL’S OFFICE OF INSPECTOR Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: Sub- GENERAL committee on Research and Technology; and Sub- Committee on House Administration: Full Committee committee on Oversight held a joint hearing entitled held a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of the Architect ‘‘Examining the Overhead Cost of Research’’. Testi- of the Capitol’s Office of Inspector General’’. Testi- mony was heard from Dale Bell, Division Director, mony was heard from Stephen T. Ayers, Architect of Institution and Award Support, National Science

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:33 May 25, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D24MY7.REC D24MYPT1 D582 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST May 24, 2017 Foundation; John Neumann, Director, Natural Re- sources and Environment, Government Account- Joint Meetings ability Office; and public witnesses. No joint committee meetings were held. f MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Full MAY 25, 2017 Committee held a markup on H.R. 2518, the ‘‘Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017’’; H.R. 2548, the (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) ‘‘FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2017’’; H.R. 2547, Senate to support the Nation’s veterans by expanding to all Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: to hold Veterans Administration medical professionals the hearings to examine the Farm Economy, focusing on per- ability to provide physical examinations on eligible spectives on rural America, 10 a.m., SR–328A. veterans and issue the medical certificates required Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Depart- for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle if ment of Homeland Security, to hold hearings to examine certain requirements are met; H.R. 1684, the ‘‘Dis- the President’s proposed budget request for fiscal year 2018 for the Department of Homeland Security, 10:30 aster Support for Communities and Homeowners a.m., SD–138. Act’’; H.R. 2258, the ‘‘Active Duty Voluntary Ac- Committee on Armed Services: to hold hearings to examine quisition of Necessary Credentials for Employment the posture of the Department of the Army in review of Act’’; and H.R. 2593, the ‘‘Federal Maritime Com- the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal year 2018 mission Authorization Act of 2017’’. H.R. 2518, and the Future Years Defense Program, 9:30 a.m., H.R. 2548, H.R. 2547, H.R. 1684, H.R. 2258, and SD–G50. H.R. 2593 were ordered reported, as amended. Committee on the Budget: to hold hearings to examine the President’s fiscal year 2018 budget proposal, 9:45 a.m., U.S. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS SD–608. BUDGET REQUEST FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: to hold hear- ings to examine the nominations of Neil Chatterjee, of Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Full Committee held a Kentucky, and Robert F. Powelson, of Pennsylvania, both hearing entitled ‘‘U.S. Department of Veterans Af- to be a Member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Com- fairs Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2018’’. Testi- mission, and Dan R. Brouillette, of Texas, to be Deputy mony was heard from David J. Shulkin M.D., Sec- Secretary, all of the Department of Energy, 9:45 a.m., retary, Department of Veterans Affairs. SD–366. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the President’s proposed budget request for fiscal year 2018 VETERANS AFFAIRS FINANCIAL for the Department of the Treasury, and tax reform, 10 MANAGEMENT a.m., SD–215. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Subcommittee on Over- Committee on Foreign Relations: business meeting to con- sight and Investigations held a hearing entitled ‘‘VA sider S. 722, to impose sanctions with respect to Iran in Financial Management’’. Testimony was heard from relation to Iran’s ballistic missile program, support for Laurie Park, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Finance, acts of international terrorism, and violations of human Office of Management, Department of Veterans Af- rights, S. 905, to require a report on, and to authorize fairs; Beryl H. Davis, Director, Financial Manage- technical assistance for, accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Syria, S. 1141, ment and Assurance, Government Accountability to ensure that the United States promotes the meaningful Office; Nick Dahl, Deputy Assistant Inspector Gen- participation of women in mediation and negotiation eral for Audits and Evaluations, Office of Inspector processes seeking to prevent, mitigate, or resolve violent General, Department of Veterans Affairs; and a pub- conflict, H.R. 601, to enhance the transparency and accel- lic witness. erate the impact of assistance provided under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to promote quality basic edu- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES cation in developing countries, to better enable such countries to achieve universal access to quality basic edu- Committee on Ways and Means: Full Committee held cation and improved learning outcomes, to eliminate du- a markup on H.R. 2372, ‘‘Veterans Equal Treatment plication and waste, S. Res. 114, expressing the sense of Ensures Relief and Access Now Act’’; H.R. 2579, the Senate on humanitarian crises in Nigeria, Somalia, ‘‘Broader Options for Americans Act’’; and H.R. South Sudan, and Yemen, S. Res. 18, reaffirming the 2581, the ‘‘Verify First Act’’. H.R. 2372, H.R. United States-Argentina partnership and recognizing Ar- 2579, and H.R. 2581 were ordered reported, as gentina’s economic reforms, S. Res. 176, commemorating amended. the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, an original bill entitled, ‘‘Countering Russian Influence in Committee on Ways and Means: Full Committee held Europe and Eurasia Act of 2017’’, the nomination of a hearing entitled ‘‘Hearing on the President’s Fiscal Scott P. Brown, of New Hampshire, to be Ambassador Year 2018 Budget Proposals with U.S. Secretary of to New Zealand, and to serve concurrently and without the Treasury Steven Mnuchin’’. Testimony was heard additional compensation as Ambassador to the Inde- from Steven T. Mnuchin, Secretary, Department of pendent State of Samoa, Department of State, and routine the Treasury. lists in the Foreign Service, 9:30 a.m., S–116, Capitol.

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Subcommittee on Multilateral International Develop- Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, hearing entitled ment, Multilateral Institutions, and International Eco- ‘‘Fiscal Year 2018 Priorities for Nuclear Forces and nomic, Energy, and Environmental Policy, to hold hear- Atomic Energy Defense Activities’’, 10 a.m., 2118 Ray- ings to examine the United Nations Human Rights burn. Council, 2 p.m., SD–419. Committee on Foreign Affairs, Full Committee, markup Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: on H. Res. 351, condemning the violence and persecution Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, to hold hear- in Chechnya; H. Res. 354, condemning the violence ings to examine stopping the shipment of synthetic against peaceful protesters outside the Turkish Ambas- opioids, focusing on oversight of United States strategy sador’s residence on May 16, 2017, and calling for the to combat illicit drugs, 9:30 a.m., SD–342. perpetrators to be brought to justice and measures to be Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider taken to prevent similar incidents in the future; H. Res. S. 782, to reauthorize the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program, and the nomina- 355, condemning in the strongest terms the terrorist at- tions of Noel J. Francisco, of the District of Columbia, tacks in Manchester, United Kingdom, on May 22, 2017, to be Solicitor General of the United States, and Makan expressing heartfelt condolences, and reaffirming unwav- Delrahim, of California, and Steven Andrew Engel, of the ering support for the special relationship between our District of Columbia, both to be an Assistant Attorney peoples and nations in the wake of these attacks; H.R. General, all of the Department of Justice, Time to be an- 2484, the ‘‘Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017’’; nounced, Room to be announced. and S. 371, the ‘‘Department of State Authorities Act, Select Committee on Intelligence: to receive a closed brief- Fiscal Year 2017, Improvements Act’’, 9:30 a.m., 2172 ing on certain intelligence matters, 1 p.m., SH–219. Rayburn. Full Committee, to receive a closed briefing on certain Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging intelligence matters, 1:45 p.m., SH–219. Threats, hearing entitled ‘‘Violence Outside the Turkish Full Committee, to hold closed hearings to examine Ambassador’s Residence: The Right to Peaceful Protest’’, certain intelligence matters, 2 p.m., SH–219. 12 p.m., 2200 Rayburn. House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, hearing Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agri- entitled ‘‘Vietnam: Why Religious Freedom and Human culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administra- Rights Are Critical to U.S. National Interest’’, 12:30 tion, and Related Agencies, budget hearing on the Food p.m., 2172 Rayburn. and Drug Administration, 10 a.m., 2362–A Rayburn. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Sub- Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Re- committee on Government Operations; and Sub- lated Agencies, budget hearing on the Department of committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, joint hearing Commerce, 10:30 a.m., H–309 Capitol. entitled ‘‘Improper Payments in the Federal Government: Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Student Aid’’, 10 a.m., 2154 Rayburn. Agencies, budget hearing on the Forest Service, 9:30 a.m., 2007 Rayburn. Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Con- Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Seapower tracting and Workforce; and Subcommittee on Investiga- and Projection Forces, hearing entitled ‘‘Department of tions, Oversight, and Regulations, joint hearing entitled the Air Force FY 2018 Budget Request for Seapower and ‘‘All Work and No Pay: Change Orders Delayed for Projection Forces’’, 8 a.m., 2212 Rayburn. Small Construction Contractors’’, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 25 9 a.m., Thursday, May 25

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Thursday: Consideration of H.R. 1973— ation of the nomination of Amul R. Thapar, of Kentucky, Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse Act. Con- to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit, sideration of H.R. 1761—Protecting Against Child Ex- post-cloture, and vote on confirmation of the nomination ploitation Act. at 1:30 p.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Gowdy, Trey, S.C., E706 Marchant, Kenny, Tex., E709 Harris, Andy, Md., E708 Meehan, Patrick, Pa., E707 Brooks, Susan W., Ind., E708 Hartzler, Vicky, Mo., E712, E716 Palazzo, Steven M., Miss., E708, E713, E715 Cohen, Steve, Tenn., E715 Hice, Jody B., Ga., E707 Panetta, Jimmy, Calif., E710 Comstock, Barbara, Va., E705, E715 Huizenga, Bill, Mich., E707 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E705, E706, E708, E710, E711, Conaway, K. Michael, Tex., E705 Jackson Lee, Sheila, Tex., E714 E712, E713, E714, E715, E716 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E705 Kelly, Trent, Miss., E707 Rogers, Mike, Ala., E713 DeLauro, Rosa L., Conn., E713 Kind, Ron, Wisc., E715 Sessions, Pete, Tex., E714 Dingell, Debbie, Mich., E707 Lamborn, Doug, Colo., E711 Smith, Christopher H., N.J., E716 Doyle, Michael F., Pa., E711 Long, Billy, Mo., E712 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E706, E708, E711, E712, Dunn, Neal P., Fla., E710 Lujan Grisham, Michelle, N.M., E706 E713, E716 Gonzalez, Vicente, Tex., E712, E714 Maloney, Carolyn B., N.Y., E712, E716 Watson Coleman, Bonnie, N.J., E713

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