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, OCTOBER 4, 2017 No. 159 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was Mr. Speaker, approximately one in 3 hours for somebody to arrive. This is called to order by the Speaker pro tem- five women are sexually assaulted in unacceptable, and it is sad. pore (Mr. WOODALL). college. That is one out of every five of It is estimated that less than 25 per- f our daughters, sisters, and friends. cent of victims of rape report their This shocking statistic would lead crimes. They fear this exact scenario, DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO most people to assume that colleges that they will be turned away, dis- TEMPORE have extensive protections to support missed, ignored, or not believed. The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- those people on campus who may be To address this problem I have intro- fore the House the following commu- sexually assaulted. This is just not the duced legislation that would require a nication from the Speaker: case. hospital to provide access to a sexual WASHINGTON, DC, Last year one of these victims pub- assault forensic examiner or have a October 4, 2017. lished an anonymous op-ed at Harvard plan in place to quickly get a victim to I hereby appoint the Honorable ROB about her attack. The title of her arti- a nearby hospital that can provide fo- WOODALL to act as Speaker pro tempore on cle was, ‘‘It’s Me, One of Your Statis- rensic services. this day. tics.’’ She described the night of her at- This bill is named for Megan Rondini. PAUL D. RYAN, Speaker of the House of Representatives. tack. It is called the Megan Rondini Act, in A friend invited her to his dorm room honor of a 21-year-old sexual assault f to study for an upcoming science mid- victim who was denied proper post-rape MORNING-HOUR DEBATE term test. She thought nothing of it, treatment at a hospital in Alabama. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- but when she started to become uncom- This bill will ensure victims can access ant to the order of the House of Janu- fortable, she decided it was important the care that they need. ary 3, 2017, the Chair will now recog- for her to leave. But he did not let her Megan’s hospital didn’t have a sexual nize Members from lists submitted by leave. He sexually assaulted her. assault nurse examiner on staff either, the majority and minority leaders for After the attack, she ran to a friend’s so when she reported the rape to the morning-hour debate. room for help. She refused to shower, authorities, the authorities did not be- The Chair will alternate recognition knowing that she had to immediately lieve her. Anguished, Megan returned between the parties. All time shall be get a rape kit done. Assuming the uni- to Texas, despondent, and tragically equally allocated between the parties, versity would be able to help her, she took her own life. The only thing she and in no event shall debate continue called their health services depart- knew for certain in her case was that beyond 11:50 a.m. Each Member, other ment, but the news she received from she was failed by the university, the than the majority and minority leaders them shocked her. Harvard University hospital, and the law enforcement and the minority whip, shall be limited Health Services didn’t provide rape agencies. to 5 minutes. kits. They didn’t provide any post-rape Universities should have a sexual as- f care whatsoever. There was nothing sault victim advocate on staff—all uni- they would or could do for her. The versities. A SAFE should be available HARVARD RAPE VICTIM university essentially threw up their for victims at a nearby hospital, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The hands and just turned her away. law enforcement must quickly analyze Chair recognizes the gentleman from She was forced to call an Uber and sexual assault kits because there are Texas (Mr. POE) for 5 minutes. paid someone to drive her to the hos- hundreds sitting on the shelves all over Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, grad- pital across town. But once she arrived, the country that have never been test- uating from high school and going to there was no staff at the hospital ed. college is an important goal for many, trained to deal with sexual assault vic- Mr. Speaker, sexual assault victims many American teenagers. College of- tims or trained to collect forensic evi- are people. They are mainly young peo- fers the promise of an education, new dence. ple at universities. As the Harvard stu- friends, and new experiences. Sexual assault forensic examiners, or dent said, they are not just statistics When parents drop their children off SAFEs as they are called, are specifi- on a hospital spreadsheet. Society can at their new dorms, they are entrust- cally trained to properly collect foren- no longer ignore the silent, painful ing those universities with the well- sic evidence from victims and provide cries for help of victims of rape on our being of their kids. The dark reality is the victim with care and support that college campuses anymore. These days that, in many cases, this trust is woe- is sensitive to the trauma that they need to end. fully misplaced. have experienced. She had to wait over And that is just the way it is.

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 23:35 Oct 04, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.000 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. VIRGINIA Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- He also stocked his store with basic KIMBROUGH woman from North Carolina (Ms. groceries to keep the elderly people The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ADAMS), who is from the 12th District who lived near his store from having to BARTON). The Chair recognizes the gen- of North Carolina. make a long walk to the grocery store. tleman from North Carolina (Mr. Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I rise Aside from being passionate about his profession, Mr. Hamilton watched, BUTTERFIELD) for 5 minutes. today to honor the phenomenal Dr. Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I Virginia K. Newell, a mathematician, with his children, his beloved Georgia rise today to recognize a great Amer- author, civil rights activist, teacher, Bulldogs play almost every Saturday. ican, Dr. Virginia Kimbrough Newell, elected official, mentor, and my Alpha I thank Mr. Hamilton for his dedica- who will celebrate her 100th birthday Kappa Alpha soror. tion to the Savannah community and on Saturday, October 7. Dr. Newell has Dr. Newell is an asset to North Caro- the profession of pharmacy. He will spent her entire lifetime in service to lina. We celebrate her 100th birthday truly be missed. others as a civil rights activist, elected today and honor her legacy as a voice REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MR. HERMON BUTLER official, mentor, and friend. for the voiceless. Dr. Newell was born in Advance, A native of the triad, Dr. Newell Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- North Carolina, to William and Dinah graduated from Atkins High School in er, I rise today to recognize the life of Kimbrough. She graduated from his- Winston-Salem before attending Mr. Hermon Butler, Sr., who passed away on August 21, 2017, at 81 years. toric Atkins High School in Winston- Talladega College in Alabama. She Mr. Butler was a man who wore many Salem and received a degree in mathe- earned her master’s degree from NYU hats in the Pembroke, Georgia, com- matics from Talladega College in and her doctorate of education from the University of Sarasota. munity. He worked at a barber shop for Talladega, Alabama. She received her many years before serving as a Bryan master’s degree from New York Univer- As an educator, she touched the lives of countless students at Washington County probate judge. sity and a doctorate in education from During his judgeship, he hosted three and Ligon High Schools in Raleigh, the University of Sarasota in Sarasota, or four city-famous roadside feasts a Yale Summer High School, Shaw Uni- Florida. year, where he cooked quail, venison, versity, and Winston-Salem State Uni- After receiving her doctorate, Dr. chicken, barbecued pork, and low coun- versity. As chairwoman of the mathe- Newell returned to her beloved North try boil on the courthouse grounds. His matics department at WSSU for 20 Carolina and taught mathematics at events became extremely popular and years and later as professor emeritus, Washington High School and J.W. eventually garnered the title of Cafe, Dr. Newell is credited with bringing Ligon High School in Raleigh. Dr. New- more specifically, the Road Kill Cafe, ell later joined the faculty at Shaw computers to that campus. because of the large amount of choices In Winston-Salem, Dr. Newell sought University in Raleigh as an associate he served. He served not only court- to make the greatest difference she professor of mathematics. house staff and law enforcement, but could. She was elected as city alder- In 1965, Mr. Speaker, Dr. Newell people from across Pembroke and the woman, serving for 16 years and always joined Winston-Salem State University State of Georgia, including some of the placing her constituents’ needs first. as a mathematics professor. She taught State’s highest officials. at that institution for 20 long years She led numerous voter registration He retired in 2000, and his roadside and served as chair of the mathematics drives and co-chaired the Shirley Chis- feasts were special for anyone who was department. Acknowledging her tre- holm for President campaign in North lucky enough to attend. mendous contributions to the univer- Carolina. Even after retirement, Dr. Mr. Butler certainly will be missed. sity, the computer science center bears Newell served as mentor and tutor to RECOGNIZING REAR ADMIRAL UPPER HALF her name. hundreds of students who continue to RANDY CRITES A dedicated public servant, Dr. New- thank her for her firm approach and for Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- ell served as Winston-Salem city alder- expecting nothing but the best from er, I rise today to recognize Rear Admi- man for 16 years, where she focused on them. ral Lower Half Randy Crites for his the needs of her constituents and advo- Dr. Newell’s hard work and dedica- promotion to Rear Admiral Upper Half. cated for those who were often without tion to her students, constituents, and Rear Admiral Crites currently serves a voice. In recognition of her selfless North Carolina is admirable and note- as commander of Submarine Group 10 advocacy, the city of Winston-Salem worthy. Indeed, she is a phenomenal at Kings Bay Naval Base in the ex- has named a street and walking trail in woman, and I wish her a very happy treme southern portion of the First her honor. 100th birthday. Congressional District of Georgia. Virginia Kimbrough married George f Since he signed up to serve in 1985, Fisher Newell, a distinguished science Rear Admiral Crites has proven himself professor, a marriage that lasted 46 REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MR. GEORGE HAMILTON as an outstanding leader. Among his long years. Two daughters were born to many accomplishments, he completed the marriage, my friend, Dr. Glenda The SPEAKER pro tempore. The four patrols while commanding the Newell-Harris, and Dr. Virginia D. Chair recognizes the gentleman from submarine USS West Virginia that dis- Banks. She is blessed with six grand- Georgia (Mr. CARTER) for 5 minutes. suaded enemies from potentially children: Brittany, Phillip, Mary, Mat- Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- threatening our country. thew, Mark, and Todd. er, I rise today to recognize the life of It would be impossible for me to Dr. Newell is a member of Alpha Mr. George Hamilton, who passed away overstate the work that Rear Admiral Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, on August 4, 2017, at 88 years old. Crites is doing at Kings Bay Naval and is a platinum member of The Mr. Hamilton graduated from the Base, and I trust that he will succeed Links, Incorporated. She is an Alpha University of Georgia School of Phar- in his new assignment and make an Bette, which is a wife of an Alpha Phi macy and owned and operated his own even greater contribution to the safety Alpha Fraternity man, and an private pharmacy. He was the owner of of our Nation in his position. The First Archousa, which is a wife of Sigma Pi Hamilton’s Apothecary in the heart of Congressional District of Georgia ap- Phi Fraternity. She has been a faithful downtown Savannah, where he was the preciates Rear Admiral Crites’ patriot- member of First Baptist Church in primary pharmacist for many citizens ism and dedication to the United Winston-Salem for more than 50 years. of Savannah. States. Dr. Newell is, without a doubt, a vi- It wasn’t just his products that f sionary trailblazer who has positively brought in his customers, but the gen- impacted the lives of so many. On be- uine care that he showed for people. He GUN VIOLENCE half of the United States House of Rep- opened his business mainly because of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The resentatives and the people of my con- his genuine love for neighbors and com- Chair recognizes the gentleman from gressional district, I wish Dr. Virginia munity. If someone could not afford to Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) for 5 minutes. Kimbrough Newell a very happy 100th purchase their desperately needed med- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, last week birthday. icine, he would give it to them for free. we honored and welcomed back STEVE

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Oct 04, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.003 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7755 SCALISE to this Chamber, victim of a If you can’t successfully manage net and 9 of them are old enough to horrible shooting aimed at him because your own financial affairs, should you collect Medicare if they were a live he was a Congressman. It could have have a gun? human being. Think about that. They been any one of us. I would submit not. But that bill was are that old. Today the Democrats spoke on the passed on a partisan vote and signed by Questions have been asked: Why steps of the Capitol about the need for the President, making it easier for peo- haven’t we simply fixed the problem? reasonable gun law reform, and with us ple to get guns when the Social Secu- After all, taxpayers and passengers was Gabby Giffords, who was shot in rity Administration has found they have poured billions of dollars into the 2011 because she was a Congressperson cannot manage their own affairs. FAA to modernize that system over doing her job. The same for the no-fly, no-buy list. the last 30 years, yet we have little to Congressman JOHN LEWIS had said If you are considered too much of a se- show for it. that you can’t go to a movie theater, curity threat to fly on an airplane, you As President Clinton pointed out you can’t go to a concert, and you shouldn’t be able to buy a gun. The ar- nearly 20 years ago, ‘‘part of the prob- can’t go to school and feel safe. You guments we heard against that were lem is our outdated technology . . . but can’t be a public official and feel safe. about due process. a more fundamental problem is also What happened in Las Vegas where 58 Has anybody brought a bill to give how the FAA operates.’’ people were murdered and over 500 in- the people on the no-fly list due proc- I couldn’t agree more. jured calls on the United States Con- ess? Has it come to the floor? We recently had a hearing regarding gress to take action to protect the No. It won’t. It makes sense to have air traffic control, and the FAA was American people. a no-fly list. They also should be the asked: What does it take to get to a modern air traffic control system like b 1015 people that can’t buy guns. We shouldn’t have semiautomatic is used in other parts of the developed This is the time to act for reason- weapons. Automatic weapons are ille- world? able, commonsense gun reform laws. gal. The bump stocks make regular I was told: If we had 10 more years Former Deputy Prime Minister of Aus- weapons automatic weapons. and $30 billion more, we would hope to tralia Fischer, who, in 1996, after the The CDC is prohibited by law from have the project done. greatest mass shooting in Australian doing a study to see if there is a con- I come from private business. Hope is history, led an effort to reform the nection between gun violence and men- not a plan. Australian laws, sent a missive to tal health or our country’s health. The 21st Century AIRR Act would re- President Trump suggesting this is the That law should be repealed. We place a Federal entity that has proven time for him to act and to do some- shouldn’t fear the CDC study. itself to be ineffective with an inde- thing very important for American so- High-capacity magazines also pendent, not-for-profit board tasked ciety. He said: It can be done. shouldn’t be permitted, and law en- with modernizing our air traffic con- After those killings in Australia, forcement should be protected from trol system. They would have one duty: they passed laws that made automatic armor-piercing bullets. providing the safest, most efficient air and semiautomatic weapons illegal. I hope that we can act to save Amer- traffic control service to all users. They had a buyback program that ican lives. Contrary to critics, our board would bought back over 600,000. f be balanced. It would be comprised of After the 1996 effort, which was dif- users of the system. All are represented ficult but successful, Australia has not REFORMING AIR TRAFFIC equally. had a killing of over five people. Prior CONTROL Quickly, let me bust a few myths to 1996, they had 15 or 16 shootings of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The here. that nature. Chair recognizes the gentleman from Critics argue that transferring air Everyone recognizes Australia’s suc- Michigan (Mr. MITCHELL) for 5 minutes. traffic control services from the FAA cess. We need to do something besides Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a new entity would be a free give- just having continued moments of si- in support of the 21st Century AIRR away of Federal assets. lence. Act, a comprehensive act to reauthor- Well, first, let me state they are not Yesterday, on a bill on this floor ize the FAA and reform air traffic con- Federal assets. They are our assets. We about the unborn taking precedence trol. paid for them. Everyone in this Cham- over the rights of women, quite a few Our aviation system was once the ber has paid for them. Every taxpayer Republicans came to the floor and best in the world, but, unfortunately, has paid for them. They are owned by talked about pain to the unborn and America is no longer first in flight. the people. loss of their potential for life. But none Ask anyone who flies. They know our Most of these assets are so old and have talked about the pain of the 500 aviation system is plagued with ineffi- outdated that, in many cases, they are who were injured and the 58 lives that ciencies. These range from indirect actually a liability. There are many fa- were lost. routes that send us all over, trying to cilities that are actually environ- We could pass laws to eliminate get from one point to another; seem- mental brownfields. bump stocks that, apparently, this ingly endless delays; and time wasted A number of FAA facilities no longer murderer used to make his weapon on the tarmac, hoping to take off to meet OSHA standards, yet, somehow, into, effectively, an automatic weapon, head to your destination. some of the critics claim that these are where you can shoot hundreds of bul- These delays and congestion cost valuable Federal assets. In fact, users lets at a time, which he did. Bump travelers and our economy an esti- are going to pay to update this air traf- stocks should be illegal. Senator mated $25 billion a year. fic control system. They will pay for DIANNE FEINSTEIN had a bill to make You may have heard that argument the equipment, staff, and technology to them illegal in 2013, and she has one that there is nothing we can do; 50 per- finally update a system that we have again. cent of our air traffic delays are caused been trying to do for over 30 years. We need better background checks by bad weather. Many in this Chamber talk about re- and to make sure the mentally ill don’t Well, underlying that is 50 percent of focusing the Federal Government, re- get guns. Unfortunately, in this Con- our delays are caused by bad weather ducing it back to its core missions, re- gress, in February, we passed a law because you have to space out aircraft ducing government back to what it that President Trump signed with pas- further and differently when the does best. This bill does just that. sion and a flare that eliminated a rule weather is inclement. Mr. Speaker, after billions of dollars that said that the Social Security Ad- Why is that? and decades of Federal bureaucrats’ ministration would send the names of Well, in many cases, we are using fruitless efforts to modernize our air people who couldn’t manage their own World War II radar technology to keep traffic system, it is time for change. It financial affairs to a bureau to see to it track of modern aviation. In fact, over is time for real reform. that they were on a list so they 400 air traffic control facilities were Mr. Speaker, this bill does exactly couldn’t buy guns. built before the invention of the inter- that. Let’s bring the bill to the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Oct 04, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.004 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Let’s achieve real reform, rather than They are facing the difficult task of Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I have just talking about it. finding and feeding people. the honor of serving on the House f From what I saw in Puerto Rico this Transportation and Infrastructure last weekend, what I am hearing from Committee, and I rise today in support ASSISTANCE FOR PUERTO RICO my constituents, and what I am hear- of the 21st Century Aviation Innova- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ing from my family and friends, we tion, Reform, and Reauthorization Act. Chair recognizes the gentleman from need to seriously ramp up the use of We call it the AIRR Act in the com- Illinois (Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ) for 5 minutes. full capacity and capabilities of the mittee. Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. Mr. Speaker, I U.S. Government, including the U.S. H.R. 2997 is a unique opportunity in a have received a lot of calls in my office military, to rescue people. bipartisan way to do something big to- in the last few days. Some are offering They don’t need paper towels tossed gether for the American people. help to the people of Puerto Rico, but at them like T-shirts at a sports arena. I know we hear that a lot in this many are from moms and dads hoping They need helicopters, bridges, cell Chamber, Mr. Speaker, but so often it to hear from their children, from chil- towers, and generators. This is why I seems like it is just out of our reach. dren hoping to hear from their moms was, frankly, horrified by our Presi- That is not the case today. and dads, from grandchildren worried dent’s performance yesterday on the is- Under Chairman SHUSTER’s leader- about an elderly grandparent who is land. ship on the Transportation and Infra- still in Puerto Rico. He said that Puerto Rico was making structure Committee, Mr. Speaker, my Two weeks after the hurricane hit his budget out of whack, as if the mon- colleagues and I have worked to craft etary cost of saving lives is what we Puerto Rico, there are people who have the kind of bold, forward-thinking re- should be focusing on, or that an agen- not been heard from and people who form that America’s 21st century avia- da that cuts taxes is really as impor- are calling for help, but have not re- tion system needs. It is in reach today tant as saving people’s lives in danger. ceived it yet. to make that the law of the land. From the beginning, he has focused I have had Members of Congress, When we sit together to reauthorize on the cost of saving Puerto Ricans, the FAA, Mr. Speaker, it isn’t just State and local officials, and people not the moral duty to save them. He from all over the country call me to about attending to the Nation’s busi- has essentially said that Puerto Ricans ness of ensuring safety of air travelers tell me about someone who needs help are sitting around looking for handouts getting out of Puerto Rico. Their mom across the country. Of course, that is a and not helping themselves, which is priority, but it is an opportunity to im- is still in Puerto Rico, or a cousin is on not at all what I saw in Puerto Rico dialysis and has not been heard from, plement the kind of innovative reforms this past weekend, Mr. Speaker. that we have seen across the globe and and can I help them get to a hospital Yesterday, the President said we on the mainland. that America needs to reestablish itself should all feel proud because only 16 as the world’s aviation leader. These calls are heartbreaking be- people have been listed as officially cause they are all about U.S. citizens killed by Hurricane Maria in Puerto b 1030 who should be treated better 2 weeks Rico. We have an opportunity together to after a calamity, even a devastating Really? We should feel proud? deal with a bloated bureaucracy, to re- calamity like Hurricane Maria. He said that a real tragedy like Hur- duce taxpayer costs, to improve effi- Most of the calls have been from my ricane Katrina killed many more peo- ciency all in an industry that is de- constituents in Chicago. Here is one ex- ple. Thousands, he said. signed to prioritize customer’s experi- ample that was summarized to me by So I guess he is saying: Hey, only 16. ence and customer service. one of my staff members in Chicago. Why the big fuss? Mr. Speaker, Americans pioneered She said: That number doubled overnight, by air travel, and we remain the safest Congressman, I received a call from—I the way. Everyone understands that it aviation system on the planet. But our won’t give her name—she lives here in Illi- will go up further still when contact is own outdated bureaucracy, our own nois, but has an aunt who is in a hospital in made with all parts of the island. outdated rules are standing in the way I look at it a little differently. To Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, who is very ill with of American innovators and making air me, it is almost like Hurricane Maria cancer. She is requesting assistance from our travel more time consuming, more office to get her aunt out of Puerto Rico so posed a test to the United States of she can receive treatment in Chicago. America and to our President. The hur- costly, and safety innovations more ricane said: I am going to take 34 souls. difficult. Mr. Speaker, if you take a look at Mr. Speaker, with this legislation, we my Facebook page, you will see the That is 34 too many, but that is what I am going to take. Now I am leaving have a chance to empower our same sort of thing. innovators, to better serve our trav- Manny writes: it up to you, America, Mr. President, and you the people in Congress to tell elers, and to preserve the world’s finest The municipality of Arecibo, a coastal commitment to safety, as we always town in the northern part of Puerto Rico, me what you will do to prevent that number from going any higher. Are you have. has not received help. I spoke to my family As is the case, Mr. Speaker, with any there via text and she said the situation getting medicine to the sick? Are you there is dire. evacuating the aunt with cancer or the heavy lift, with any big task, there are always concerns in keeping America’s Yanny writes: cousin on dialysis? Are you providing system safe and the American people Please don’t forget Aibonito. The people safe drinking water and flights to safe- ty? safe a highest among those concerns. there are hungry, thirsty, and there are Mr. Speaker, what you need to know many sick who need medicine. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I don’t think today’s body count is the right metric to look today is that with the support of Gen- I just spoke 10 minutes ago to Maria eral Mattis, with the support of the De- in Chicago. She said: at, but, rather, we should be chal- lenging ourselves to make sure it partment of Defense, the AIRR Act has Congressman, I haven’t heard from my par- focused on preserving the primacy of ents in Cayey. doesn’t go higher. The most serious event in Puerto preserving national security in our Mr. Speaker, it is tragic. These mes- Rico’s modern history may not qualify aviation infrastructure. sages break my heart. I don’t know as a significant disaster to our Presi- Mr. Speaker, the bill has the support what to tell people, except to say that dent, but let us not sit back and allow of those dedicated public servants at help may be on the way soon. Of the body count to change the Presi- the Pentagon because it has been sen- course, that is not good enough. dent’s mind. We just can’t wait that sitive to these issues. It maintains the I have no explanation for why it is long. DOD’s access and management of air- not already there. It certainly is not space. It doesn’t allow user fees that f the fault of the brave men and women are charged to passengers to be passed who work for FEMA and the Armed 21ST CENTURY AVIATION REFORM onto taxpayers through the DOD. It Forces. I spent a lot of time with them The SPEAKER pro tempore. The leaves intact the President’s and the in Puerto Rico while I was there, and Chair recognizes the gentleman from DOD’s proper authorities to manage they are working hard. They are tired. Georgia (Mr. WOODALL) for 5 minutes. this space.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Oct 04, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.006 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7757 In addition, it provides unequivocal I applaud our concerns for broader they will look back on that day as a definitions about the importance of de- background checks, but broader back- day they stood for those who cannot fense to the American people and bal- ground checks must be as effective as protect themselves, for the least of ances the needs of general aviation they are efficient. It is true that our their little brothers and sisters. with the needs of the Department of current technology allows us to be effi- Mr. Speaker, it was just over 4 years Defense. The oversight will always re- cient enough for background checks to ago that one Kermit Gosnell was con- main with the FAA, with the DOT, and be completed within 3 days, and over 90 victed of killing a mother and mur- with the United States Congress. percent of them are. dering innocent late-term, pain-capa- Mr. Speaker, after we preserve na- But what happens to that less than 10 ble babies in his grisly torture chamber tional security, we turn our attentions percent? And why aren’t they com- clinic even after they were born. to the general aviation community. pleted within that timeframe? Well, When authorities entered the clinic And if you have talked about this bill Mr. Speaker, we do not have a perfect of Dr. Gosnell, they found a torture at all with any of your constituents world. Our public servants are not per- chamber for little babies that defies de- back home, Mr. Speaker, you heard the fect and the consuming public is not ei- scription within the constraints of the concerns of the general aviation com- ther. Public servants occasionally English language. munity about what it will mean to make mistakes, and some consumers According to the grand jury report: them to completely reform America’s intentionally make misrepresenta- ‘‘Dr. Kermit Gosnell had a simple solu- air traffic control system. tions. tion for unwanted babies: he killed Mr. Speaker, we have to balance the No matter how good our technology them. He didn’t call it that. He called role of government oversight and ac- is, sometimes the process requires it ‘ensuring fetal demise.’ The way he countability with private innovation. more than 3 days to ferret out dis- ensured fetal demise was by sticking Our bill is designed to empower those honest and ill-intended purchases. We scissors in the back of the baby’s neck innovators but to preserve the protec- need to close the gaping loopholes in and cutting the spinal cord. He called tions that GA has today. our gun laws. We need to close the it ‘snipping.’ Over the years, there were Mr. Speaker, I want to refer you to a internet sale/gun show loophole that hundreds of ‘snippings.’’’ graphic. You will find it at the Com- Ashley Baldwin, one of Dr. Gosnell’s allows gun purchases to evade restric- mittee on Transportation and Infra- employees, said she saw babies breath- tions in place when purchasing a weap- structure’s website. It is trans- ing, and she described one as 2-feet on through a licensed dealer. port.house.gov. You can’t see it from long that no longer had eyes or a We need to close the loophole that al- where you sit, but I have line by line mouth, but, in her words, was making lows individuals on the terrorist watch by line the law that we are talking like this screeching noise, and it list to purchase firearms. We need to about, the bill that we are talking ‘‘sounded like a little alien.’’ close the loophole that allows domestic about, the reforms that we are talking For God’s sake, Mr. Speaker, this abusers to purchase guns. We need to about, and how it protects our friends can’t be America. close loopholes that allow semiauto- at the general aviation community. Kermit Gosnell now rightfully sits in No fees. No new fees for our friends in matic weapons to be effectively turned prison for killing a mother and mur- general aviation, Mr. Speaker. If you into illegal automatic weapons. dering innocent children just like the have a doubt about that, look at sec- The so-called bump stocks that allow one I just described. And yet there was tion 9313, you will see ‘‘charges and the retrofitting of semiautomatic fire- and still is no Federal protection for fees may not be imposed for air traffic arms to make them fully automatic any of them, and if he had killed these services provided.’’ should not be legal. pain-capable babies only 5 minutes ear- Continuing airspace and airport ac- The Las Vegas shooter had several of lier and before they had passed through cess, Mr. Speaker, so important to these devices that enabled the firing of the birth canal, it would have all been American citizens involved in general hundreds of rounds per minute. The perfectly legal in many of these United aviation, again, I refer you to chapter purchasing of fully automatic weapons States of America. 907: ‘‘General rights of access to air- has been significantly restricted in this Now, supporters of abortion on de- space, airports. . . . The Secretary country since the 1930s, because weap- mand have tried for decades to deny shall take such actions as are nec- ons of war should have no place in our that unborn babies ever feel pain, even essary to ensure that an air traffic civil society. Give us a vote to close those, they say, at the beginning of the services user is not denied access to this loophole. sixth month of pregnancy, as if some- airspace or air traffic services. . . .’’ We need to close the Charleston loop- how the ability to feel pain magically The stakeholder board, Mr. Speaker, hole that allows purchases of firearms develops the very second the child is the cooperatizing of air traffic services without the completion of a back- born. that we have seen done so successfully ground check. My Background Check Now that we have passed Micah’s in Canada where they say they are get- Completion Act will do just that and Law, Mr. Speaker, voices who have ting twice the safety and moderniza- prevent another tragedy like the long hailed the merciless killing of tion input for half the cost, getting it Emanuel AME Church shooting that these little ones as freedom of choice, done in a third of the time, having took the lives of nine worshippers more freedom will now grow louder than done away with their bloated bureauc- than 2 years ago. Give us a vote to ever, especially the ones who profit racy, the stakeholder board, Mr. close this loophole. from it most. Speaker, is defined by general aviation Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to pass I pray when Senators hear those nomination. Transport.house.gov, Mr. commonsense reforms of our laws re- voices, they will search their own souls Speaker. garding firearms. Give us a vote. and remember the words of President f f Abraham Lincoln when he said: ‘‘Those who deny freedom to others deserve it PASSING COMMONSENSE LAWS GRATITUDE FOR PASSAGE OF not for themselves; and under a just REGARDING FIREARMS MICAH’S LAW God, cannot long retain it.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. Speaker, Abraham Lincoln called Chair recognizes the gentleman from Chair recognizes the gentleman from upon us to remember that magnificent South Carolina (Mr. CLYBURN) for 5 Arizona (Mr. FRANKS) for 5 minutes. declaration of America’s Founding Fa- minutes. Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Mr. Speak- thers, and said: ‘‘ . . . their enlightened Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, a few er, I am so grateful that yesterday this belief that nothing stamped with the minutes ago, I stood on the east steps Chamber passed the Pain-Capable Un- Divine image and likeness was sent of this ornate building, and I now rise born Child Protection Act, or Micah’s into the word to be trodden on, and de- in the hall of this august body to call Law. I am especially grateful to every- graded, and imbruted by its fellows.’’ for action on an issue that has lan- one who actually voted for it and had He reminded those he called pos- guished for far too long. Specifically, the courage and the humanity to do so. terity, that when in the distant future Congress needs to pass commonsense In the years to come, no matter what some men, some factions, some inter- reform of our laws regarding firearms. else they do in this Chamber, I believe ests should set up a doctrine that some

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Oct 04, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.008 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 were not entitled to life, liberty, and professionals, lawyers, and sports ing at the baby. My wife came in and the pursuit of happiness, that ‘‘their agents, offering a multitude of services had this startled look on her face be- posterity’’—that is us, Mr. Speaker— to clients in a wide range of disciplines cause she didn’t see me and my sister ‘‘might look up again to the Declara- and specialty areas. in the room, and instantly she kind of tion of Independence and take courage Even today, Mr. Speaker, Miss Ber- had that mother reaction to try to pro- to renew the battle which their Fa- tha stays very active, has a very big tect a child. All of a sudden my sister thers began.’’ Wow. heart, and is so very kind to everyone jumped up and said: It is okay. This is Mr. Speaker, what we are doing to whom she meets. She is aptly described Tom McNamara. Tom McNamara is a these little babies is real, and all of us as someone who brings cheer, who police officer. here know that in our own hearts. So brings joy wherever she goes. She is in- Her first words to Tom, who, as I let me close with a final wise counsel deed our own merry matriarch of Chi- said, became a very good friend with from Abraham Lincoln, who stood so cago. me and very good friends with her: strongly for human dignity, and it des- Mr. Speaker, I hope that by my com- Well, I want to let you know that I perately applies to all of us in this mo- ing to the floor today, that this very would not run to you in an alley if I am ment. small gesture can bring a big smile to in trouble at night. You would not be He said: ‘‘Fellow citizens, we cannot her face and help Miss Bertha enjoy her the one I would run to. escape history. We of this Congress and birthday a little bit more. He said: Then that is good. I am this administration will be remem- To you, Miss Bertha, we all say doing my job. bered, in spite of ourselves. No personal happy 80th birthday, and may you have Tom McNamara taught other police significance, or insignificance, can many more, and God speed. officers the dangers and concerns. He spare one or another of us. The fiery served proudly as a police officer and f as an undercover agent, but he also trial through which we pass will light RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF TOM studied in great detail the harmfulness us down in honor or dishonor to the MCNAMARA of certain drugs. last generation.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. The When I was a State legislator, he Mr. Speaker, what if the words of the came to me in 1997 and said: Mike, I American Declaration of Independence Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. BOST) for 5 minutes. need to talk to you and then-Senator really are true? What if there really is Luechtefeld. I need to explain to you a creator? And what if these little Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, this last week on Sunday, southern Illinois, the about a drug that is so awful, that if a pain-capable human beings really are mother and a father would use it, it his children? State of Illinois, and I believe this Na- tion mourned with the family and would make them not have any con- f friends of a friend of mine by the name cerns for the safety of their children, HONORING BERTHA MCMORRIS of Tom McNamara. because they are so focused on trying to get more of this drug. And they can The SPEAKER pro tempore. The About 2 weeks ago, we lost this local actually make it in their kitchen. They Chair recognizes the gentleman from hero who spent decades on the front line of law enforcement combating the can make it in their cars. Illinois (Mr. RUSH) for 5 minutes. That was methamphetamines. That drug trade. Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today was when we first started drafting laws Tom began his career in Carbondale to pay a privileged tribute to a long- in the State of Illinois, under Tom’s as just a local police officer with the time resident of my district and a true guidance, to try to deal with the meth department while he was in college. friend of mine, Bertha McMorris, in problem that still exists. honor of her 80th birthday. Over the years, he became an author, Tom was also one of the first leaders Though a Chicagoan by birth, Miss instructor, investigator, an expert wit- that realized that there were these Bertha is also so very much more. She ness, and an undercover agent. Even drugs like bath salts and all of these is a proud graduate of the DuSable after retirement, he continued to serve that are being used. High School and the Chicago Teachers the public as an adviser to local police I don’t even know how many people College. departments that are still fighting the Tom McNamara has saved over the Miss Bertha is a dedicated public drug trade. years. We will never know, I am sure, servant who spent more than 20 years I came to know Tom, the good friend let me tell you, because of his ability at the U.S. Department of Education. that he is, on November 23, 1988. and his willingness to work and always In addition to her work as a public Mr. Speaker, you might ask, how in to stand in the back, not to be recog- servant, Miss Bertha spent nearly a the world would you remember the day nized, sometimes for his own safety. decade working at the Rainbow PUSH that you first met someone? But, Mr. Speaker, he did it for the bet- Coalition and is currently the propri- Well, I can remember that day be- terment of this Nation, and that is why etor of the newly founded Rainbow cause it was the day after my youngest I stand to recognize him today. PUSH store. daughter was born. Tom then was the I thank his wife, Judy; his daughter, She also spent time as a past leader head of what was known as the MEG Rachel; his son-in-law, and their chil- of Happy Companion, Incorporated, a unit—Metropolitan Enforcement dren for giving up this man to serve us, community service organization found- Group—a drug task force that had been and serve us so well, for all the lives ed by her late sister, Ms. Winifred assigned, and he had been an under- that he saved. cover agent for quite some time. Jackson. f And my sister actually was the sec- b 1045 retary for that unit. So she had ENOUGH IS ENOUGH For over 60 years, Miss Bertha has brought Tom over to see the new baby. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The been a resident of the West Woodlawn While my wife was out of the room and Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from community, which is located in my dis- I was in the room by myself, Tom came Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) for 5 minutes. trict. She has been a lifelong and faith- in. When he came in, he was introduced Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, ful member of the Berean Baptist to me, and I told him how glad I was to just a few floors from here, I am in the Church of Chicago, where she is cur- finally meet him. Tom is a very big Homeland Security Committee, and we rently a trustee of the church’s credit man, and at the time, he was an under- are addressing issues dealing with the union. cover agent, so his hair was grown out, security of this Nation. And in my re- Miss Bertha is also the proud mother his beard was grown out, and he was marks on the legislation that we are of Mr. Lamell McMorris, a very suc- actually undercover in a motorcycle dealing with, I expressed the pain of cessful entrepreneur and founder and gang. He was all dressed in black, having this Congress come together in chief executive officer of the Perennial which he commonly did—actually, al- a bipartisan manner. I know a couple Strategy Group and Perennial Sports ways did. of sessions ago, we worked on a bipar- and Entertainment Group. Lamell When my wife returned to the room, tisan border security bill. Sometimes manages an in-house team of experi- he is leaning over the top of the bassi- America says enough is enough. They enced government and public relations net there where our daughter lay, look- want us to work together.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:35 Oct 04, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.009 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7759 This morning I rise to mourn and should I be going to large venues? dents interested in earning appoint- stand with those families—58 of them— Maybe I can’t do that. ments to a service academy learn who are feeling now an unspeakable That is not America. That is not about the application process and eligi- pain. They are questioning how their what we want for our children. Why bility requirements. Representatives loved one could be at a joyous country can’t this Congress look at the polling from West Point, Annapolis, the Air music festival and be massacred. numbers of the members of the Na- Force Academy, the Coast Guard Acad- My hometown newspaper says it tional Rifle Association. They under- emy, and the Merchant Marine Acad- right: that the massacre in Vegas was stand the importance of training, of emy will be on hand to answer ques- an act of pure evil. putting locks on guns, of not having tions. There will be a presentation Those of us who believe in this flag, military weapons in the hands of indi- about the Reserve Officer Training whether we kneel, whether we stand as viduals who would kill us dead. Corps, or ROTC. we pledge, we know that America is So, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say These events are recommended for the greatest country in the world; but that enough is enough. We cannot do young men and women between the when she is hurting, it is important for nothing. This flag demands that we do ages of 17 and 21 and their parents who this Congress to act. something. are residents of the 27th Congressional The comment that this is no time to I close by saying that a veteran was District of Texas, but are open to any discuss how we solve this unfettered vi- killed. He was not killed in Iraq or Af- high school student considering apply- olence, this massacre, this evil perpe- ghanistan, where he fought; but he was ing to our service academies. trator, then that sentiment is a senti- killed in the streets of America, where The first one will be in Victoria, on ment I hope will only be a small per- he had overcome post-traumatic stress Tuesday, October 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 centage of this body. disorder. We know that Texans were p.m. at the University of Houston–Vic- We have tried over and over again in wounded. toria, University North Building Multi- any manner that we could to discuss So, Mr. Speaker, I leave this podium Purpose Room, that is Room 114, at fairly the idea of gun safety legisla- in respect simply to say: As America, 3007 North Ben Wilson Street in Vic- tion, not the diminishing of the Second we cannot do this any longer, and we toria. Amendment, as some made the argu- must stand up as a Congress and do our The second will be in Corpus Christi, ment, that the kneeling, take a knee, jobs and find a way to end this gun vio- on Thursday, October 12, from 6 p.m. to or ‘‘I kneel’’ was a diminishment of the lence now. 8 p.m. at Veterans Memorial High First Amendment. It absolutely was f School’s cafeteria, 3750 Cimarron Bou- not, because the First Amendment al- levard. COMMEMORATING THE DEDICA- For more information, you can con- lows one to petition one’s grievances. TION OF THE SOUTH TEXAS AVI- tact my office or visit my website, In terms of the Second Amendment, ATORS MEMORIAL farenthold.house.gov. the procedure of overturning a con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The DOUBLE TEN DAY IS THE NATIONAL DAY OF stitutional amendment would be a long Chair recognizes the gentleman from TAIWAN journey, which would include the two Texas (Mr. FARENTHOLD) for 5 minutes. Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, on Houses of Congress and the people of Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, as October 10, or Double Ten Day, it is the the United States. home to almost half of all naval air National Day of Taiwan, and I would Stop fueling fear that any manner of training in our country, south Texas is like to take the opportunity to wish regulating the right to hold guns is in a hub of military aviation. That is why the people of Taiwan a very happy Dou- any way diminishing the Second I am here today to commemorate the ble Ten Day. Amendment, the right to bear arms. dedication of the South Texas Aviators Over the years, Taiwan has proven its It is ‘‘enough is enough.’’ There were Memorial, which will be dedicated on leadership on the global stage, despite hundreds of mothers and fathers out- October 12 at Corpus Christi’s Ropes its unique political status, through its side of the Capitol this morning when Park. commitment to democracy and its con- Democrats stood up and called on this After almost 3 years of planning, tribution to global health initiatives, Congress and the Speaker to appoint a fundraising, and awareness by Asso- international development, and hu- select committee, of which I join them ciate Directors Caleb and Anne Booher, manitarian missions. in. Make it as large as it can be. Have former Naval Air Station Corpus Chris- Taiwan was there following the 2010 people who will disagree. Take mem- ti flight instructor Chris Keech, and earthquake in Haiti, the 2013 typhoon bers of the jurisdictional committees many other volunteers, the memorial in the Philippines, and was delivering and others who have experienced this will soon be permanently placed to critical aid and food in times of need. violence. Let us solve this dirty prob- grace the bay front of Corpus Christi. Taiwan was also there for the United lem. This memorial, a tribute to fallen States when Hurricane Harvey hit. It is dirty, for you cannot give any military aviators of all branches, fea- They have donated a total of $800,000 to support to the idea of civilians having tures a 7-foot-tall bronze aviator sur- the American Red Cross and Texas to military-style weapons and taking rounded by benches and a walkway assist with relief efforts. them and preying on the innocent. made of bricks bearing the name of I would like to thank the Taiwanese Beautiful young women, young men, local individuals and businesses that Government and its people for this gen- mothers and fathers, grandparents now supported the building of the memo- erous support and their continued dead, and nothing but their faith will rial. friendship. I would also like to recog- give to their family the hope that they nize all the great Taiwanese companies may see them again, for we are God- b 1100 doing business in the 27th District of fearing people in whatever faith we Thank you to each person who spon- Texas. Thank you for creating Amer- may have. sored the building of this new memo- ican jobs and being a part of our com- Our hope is vested in seeing our loved rial. I am proud to represent so many munities. ones again, in particular in the Chris- south Texans that are proud of our Thank you again, Taiwan, and I offer tian faith, and others have their ways military and are honoring military avi- my best Double Ten Day wishes to the of seeing their loved ones again. ators who have paid the ultimate price people of Taiwan. There must be a ban on assault weap- in service to our country. BIRTHDAY WISHES TO BOB HAUETER AND LUIS ons. There must be a recognition that SERVICE ACADEMY NIGHTS IN THE 27TH DISTRICT BUENTELLO there exists domestic terrorism. OF TEXAS Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, What was the Pulse nightclub? Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, this week is the birthday of two of my Domestic terrorism comes in dif- each year I have the honor of nomi- staff: Luis Buentello in my district of- ferent ways. It doesn’t have to be ISIS. nating young men and women from the fice, and Bob Haueter, my chief of staff It can be Charleston, South Carolina. 27th District of Texas to our United here in Washington, D.C., and Corpus That was an act of intimidation. States service academies. Christi. Both are dedicated public serv- There were those interviewed who My office will soon be holding two ants committed to helping the people said: I may rethink my life. Why service academy nights to help stu- of the 27th District and all of America.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.012 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Happy birthday, guys, and thanks for hundreds of lives like in a real catas- strength. Prevent us from turning the help. trophe like Hurricane Katrina. Frank- them into sources of division, polariza- f ly, it is hard to recall a more callous tion, hate, and bigotry. statement from an American leader in The most merciful One, this incred- THE RELIEF EFFORT IN PUERTO my lifetime. ibly diverse Nation of ours is one of the RICO Mr. Speaker, the outrageously poor most successful attempts to under- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The response to the devastation in Puerto stand Your wisdom in creating us dif- Chair recognizes the gentleman from Rico is the best illustration yet that ferent. We are far from being perfect, Arizona (Mr. GALLEGO) for 5 minutes. President Trump only cares about peo- but came a long way in creating a Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, this ple who look like him or vote for him multicultural, multireligious, and plu- weekend, as millions in Puerto Rico or make the kind of money that he ralistic society by making in America trudged through squalor and sewage in makes. ‘‘you will be judged by what you do, search of food, as hospitals ran low on The American people, especially the not by who you are’’ as one of our power and medicine, as homes lay in 3.5 million U.S. citizens in Puerto Rico, foundational promises. ruins and businesses remained deserve a President who is capable of The most compassionate One, help us swamped under feet of water, our Com- common human decency, a President to preserve our achievements in this mander in Chief went golfing. As our more concerned about his conduct in regard. Do not let the destructive brothers and sisters on the island suf- office than his coverage in the media, a forces of division and exclusion erode fered, our President sank putts and hit President who understands that his our ideals, our firm commitment to di- drives. base is every single one of us. versity and pluralism. Empower us and As the gross inadequacy of his ad- these legislators to further improve the ministration’s response was revealed to Mr. Speaker, I would like to close culture of inclusion and welcome to all a worldwide audience, the leader of the with a few words in Spanish for the brave people of Puerto Rico. in our Nation and beyond. free world patted himself on the back. The most forgiving One, if and when ‘‘We have done a great job with an al- (English translation of the statement made in Spanish is as follows:) we forget You, do not forget us. most impossible situation,’’ Trump In Your most holy and beautiful tweeted. The Puerto Rican people are stronger than Donald Trump thinks. name, we pray. Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump has it Amen. backwards. He is not doing a great job And they will come out of this crisis despite an impossible situation; the and prosper again. f Puerto Rican people are. We can’t wait any longer. THE JOURNAL We are with you. Yesterday, on a belated visit to the The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- Los puertorriquen˜ os son ma´ s fuertes island, Trump could have apologized. ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- de lo que Donald Trump cree. He could have promised a vast expan- ceedings and announces to the House Y ellos saldra´ n de esta crisis y sion of the Federal relief effort to his approval thereof. prosperara´ n de nuevo. No podemos match the vast and growing needs of Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- esperar ma´ s. the Puerto Rican people. Instead, he of- nal stands approved. fered only blame and condescension. ‘‘I Le debemos a la gente de la isla hate to tell you, Puerto Rico,’’ he says, nuestro apoyo completo. Estamos con f ‘‘but you are throwing our budget out ustedes. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE of whack,’’ said Trump. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, but our bers are reminded to refrain from en- from New York (Mr. KATKO) come for- President is dead wrong. He is the one gaging in personalities toward the ward and lead the House in the Pledge who is throwing our budget out of President. of Allegiance. whack with his tax cuts for the rich. The gentleman from Arizona will Mr. KATKO led the Pledge of Alle- He is the one who is throwing our gov- provide a translation of his remarks to giance as follows: ernment out of whack with his early- the Clerk. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the morning tweets and his childish temper f United States of America, and to the Repub- tantrums. He is the one who is throw- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, ing our country out of whack with at- RECESS indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. tacks on immigrants and people of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- f color and the disabled and veterans and ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair WELCOMING IMAM ABDULLAH Gold Star parents, and on and on, and declares the House in recess until noon ANTEPLI now, most recently, on the courageous today. leaders of Puerto Rico and the people Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 7 min- The SPEAKER. Without objection, of Puerto Rico. Such poor leadership, utes a.m.), the House stood in recess. the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. PRICE) is recognized for 1 minute. he says, of the ability of the mayor of f San Juan and others in Puerto Rico. There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, I am not sure Donald b 1200 Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce today’s Trump understands the meaning of the AFTER RECESS word ‘‘leadership,’’ especially in the guest chaplain, my friend, Imam wake of a natural disaster. Real leader- The recess having expired, the House Abdullah Antepli. ship is about having the courage to do was called to order by the Speaker at Imam Antepli has been a pioneer in what is right and the compassion to do noon. Muslim Campus Ministry, serving since what is necessary to help others. It is f 2003, in chaplaincy roles at Wesleyan University, Hartford Seminary, and about self-sacrifice, not self-promotion. PRAYER It is about putting our country first Duke University. He was also a found- and your own ego second. Imam Abdullah Antepli, Duke Uni- ing member of the Muslim Chaplains’ Instead, yesterday we were treated to versity, Durham, North Carolina, of- Association. the bizarre spectacle of the President fered the following prayer: During his time in the chaplaincy, of the United States throwing rolls of The holy One, as Your creation, we Imam Antepli counseled students and paper towels into a crowd. call You by different names, experience adults of all faiths and provided an Is- Despite the millions in Puerto Rico You through multiple paths. Our lamic perspective to discussions of wanting for electricity or basic neces- human diversity is from You. As the faith, spirituality, social justice, peace, sities, he called his administration’s creator of all, You made us different. and cultural exchange. He effectively response ‘‘unbelievable’’ and ‘‘incred- Enable us to understand, appreciate, built bridges and promoted an under- ible.’’ and celebrate our differences. Teach standing across religious and cultural Donald Trump even had the gall to and guide us to turn these differences divides. That was his mission, and it congratulate Puerto Rico on not losing into opportunities, richness, and continues to be his mission to this day.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.013 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7761 Imam Antepli’s leadership roles at TAX CUTS DON’T PAY FOR Many former top administration offi- Duke University currently include THEMSELVES cials from both parties support reform chief representative of Muslim affairs (Mr. HIGGINS of New York asked and as well as a broad coalition of stake- at the Colleges of Arts and Sciences was given permission to address the holders. and senior fellow in the Office of Civic House for 1 minute.) Air traffic control reform hasn’t been Engagement. He has also served as as- Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. a partisan issue, and it shouldn’t be- sociate director of the Duke Islamic Speaker, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin come one now. I urge all my colleagues Studies Center. Imam Antepli also and the President said that their plan to pass this critical bill for American serves as senior fellow of the Jewish- would not benefit the rich and would aviation. Muslim Relations at the Shalom Hart- grow the economy. They called it the f man Institute in Jerusalem. Mnuchin rule. HONORING EASTWOOD ACADEMY He joined Secretary John Kerry’s Of- If you make $730,000 a year in Amer- AND LYONS ELEMENTARY fice of Faith-Based Community Initia- ica, your income would rise by 8.5 per- SCHOOL AS 2017 NATIONAL BLUE tives and Secretary Hillary Clinton’s cent, which is $129,000 a year, or $10,750 RIBBON SCHOOLS religion and foreign policy team to a month. That is your tax cut under bring a religious perspective to major the Trump plan, a direct violation of (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked foreign policy issues. He traveled what we were told. and was given permission to address around the world as an informal am- We are also told that this plan was a the House for 1 minute and to revise bassador to engage on issues of reli- middle class miracle. If you make and extend his remarks.) gious diplomacy. $67,000, your income will rise by 1.2 per- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. I am honored to welcome Imam cent, which is $670 a year, or a whop- Speaker, I rise today to recognize Antepli back to the House of Rep- ping $56 a month. Eastwood Academy and Lyons Elemen- resentatives. He is a prophetic voice for This is not a miracle. This is an illu- tary School in Houston, Texas, as Na- peace and justice, an engaging teacher sion. This plan will increase the deficit tional Blue Ribbon Schools for 2017. and counselor, a gifted interpreter of by $2.4 trillion over the next 10 years. I The U.S. Department of Education his faith, and an effective promoter not am wondering where the deficit hawks selects blue ribbon schools each year merely of interfaith tolerance, but of are. from across the country based on their positive engagement. We were told that these tax cuts overall academic excellence and I am happy to count him as a friend would pay for themselves. News flash: progress in closing the achievement and, along with my colleagues, wish to tax cuts don’t pay for themselves. In gap. Lyons Elementary and Eastwood express appreciation for his words of fact, economists from Goldman say Academy are 2 of just 342 schools se- inspiration today. these tax cuts will have virtually no lected nationwide this year. good impact on the economy. The Lyons Elementary and Eastwood f Treasury Secretary and the National Academy were selected as exemplary Economic Adviser are both imme- high-performing schools based on State ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER diately from Goldman. and national assessments while serving PRO TEMPORE This tax cut is a fraud being per- the historically disadvantaged commu- nities of Northline and Eastwood. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. petrated against the American people I thank the parents, teachers, and ad- WESTERMAN). The Chair will entertain and against the American middle class. ministrators of Eastwood Academy and up to 15 further requests for 1-minute f Lyons Elementary for their hard work speeches on each side of the aisle. CRITICAL BILL FOR AMERICAN and commitment to building a brighter AVIATION future for our children and our commu- f (Mr. KATKO asked and was given nity. permission to address the House for 1 Finally, I wish to recognize the stu- AIR TRAFFIC REFORM minute.) dents at Lyons Elementary and (Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana asked and Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, today, Eastwood Academy for their diligence was given permission to address the most actions in Congress are viewed and academic excellence and wish them House for 1 minute and to revise and through a partisan lens, but the 21st best in their future endeavors. extend his remarks.) Century AIRR Act is a bill with signifi- f Mr. GRAVES of Louisiana. Mr. cant support from both Republicans Speaker, I often hear at home from and Democrats, as well as a number of HONORING THE LIFE OF NOLAN folks who are frustrated with their ex- groups representing a wide array of po- WATSON periences with air travel and airport litical ideologies. (Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia asked security. Modernizing air traffic control has and was given permission to address We have an opportunity to address historically been a bipartisan issue. In the House for 1 minute and to revise part of the problem to reduce flight fact, 20 years ago, then-President Clin- and extend his remarks.) times, prevent involuntary bumping, ton said: ‘‘The FAA’s 20-year effort to Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. save fuel, reduce emissions, reduce the modernize its air traffic control tech- Speaker, I rise today to honor the life number of government employees, and nology simply has not been able to of Nolan Watson, a Georgia resident save money both in the public sector keep pace with either the emergence of and veteran of the United States Air and out of our constituents’ pockets. new technology or the growth and de- Force, who joined our Heavenly Father The FAA is spending billions of dol- mand for air travel. . . . We can con- earlier this year after battling kidney lars attempting to implement new tinue on the current course and con- cancer for over a decade. technologies and next generation air tinue to experience crowded airports, In 1966, Mr. Watson was one of the he- traffic control management systems. flight delays, and even higher pas- roic men during the Cold War who was They are failing. senger frustration. But if we act now to involved in the cleanup efforts after a Right now, we have the 21st Century improve our infrastructure, we can en- B–52 bomber collided with a KC–135 AIRR Act, which is a step in the right sure that air travel in the 21st century tanker over Palomares, Spain, releas- direction. It is going to unleash Amer- is the safest, most cost-effective, most ing four hydrogen bombs. After his ican innovation and allow us not just efficient in the world.’’ service, Mr. Watson suffered from se- to catch up with other countries but to These words are still true today. vere medical problems and was ulti- surpass them. Because we have failed to act deci- mately diagnosed with kidney cancer It is about American jobs. It is about sively, the FAA is struggling to give in 2002. providing the American public with the Americans the 21st century air traffic Nolan is survived by his lovely wife, service they deserve. control system they deserve. We have Nona, who has been a fierce and de- I urge Members to support and ad- the opportunity to change that with voted advocate for her husband, work- vance the 21st Century AIRR Act. the AIRR Act. ing tirelessly throughout the years to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.017 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 garner the recognition these young by providing good-paying jobs in places means passing meaningful tax reform, men deserved for the sacrifices they like Atwood, Sharon Springs, and eliminating regulations that stifle the made responding to this unfortunate Hutchinson, Kansas. industry, and encouraging STEM edu- disaster. I look forward to celebrating Na- cation, which is needed for workforce Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to tional Manufacturing Day in Kansas development. stand with me and join me for a mo- this Friday and ask my colleagues to I look forward to continuing to work ment of silence to honor the life and support designating the first Friday in on these important issues as we em- legacy of Nolan Watson, a hero who de- October as National Manufacturing brace the full potential of what it serves our respect and who will be sore- Day. means to make it in America: Made in America. ly missed. f f f b 1215 HOW TO BECOME A BETTER AND RYAN-MCCONNELL REPUBLICAN STRONGER NATION COURAGE TO ACT ON GUN TAX PLAN LEGISLATION (Mr. COSTA asked and was given per- (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given mission to address the House for 1 (Mr. QUIGLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his re- permission to address the House for 1 minute.) marks.) minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, middle Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today marks.) class families should be the focus of tax to spotlight the statement of Lieuten- Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, 4 years relief, not billionaires, not the wealthi- ant General Jay Silveria, the super- ago, 26 small children and teachers est Americans. Unfortunately, the intendent of the United States Air were massacred at Sandy Hook Ele- Ryan-McConnell tax plan fails that Force Academy, made after an incident mentary, and Congress lacked the basic test. Independent analysis shows that the involving racial slurs. courage to act. Two years ago, the Republican plan would actually raise His speech made three clear points: Emanuel 9 were murdered by a White taxes on many middle class families, First, the appropriate response for supremacist, and Congress did nothing. giving billionaires, the top 1 percent, horrible language and horrible ideas is Last year, in a hate crime against the the biggest breaks. The nonpartisan a better idea. LGBT community, 49 people were Tax Policy Center says that middle Second, we currently have the oppor- killed in the Pulse nightclub terrorist class families could actually pay an in- tunity to think about our defining val- attack, and Congress did nothing. crease of $1,290 a year. Even worse, the ues as Americans and to stand firm on This week, at least 59 people have families I represent would be asked to our values. been killed and over 500 injured in the foot the bill for a big, massive give- Lastly, if you cannot treat someone worst mass shooting in modern Amer- away to the rich. with dignity and respect, then you ican history. Will Congress yet again Under the Republican plan, the need to get out. lack the courage to act? wealthiest families, 5,400 families that Lieutenant General Silveria is a role Will we prioritize thoughts and pray- are the superwealthy in this country, model. I stand here to share these ers at the expense of substantive action would get a $270 billion break through words because we in Washington need that saves lives? Will we hide behind the repeal of the estate tax—100 fami- to hear and heed them. We must think the ‘‘it’s too early to talk about gun vi- lies in my home State of Michigan, the about who we are as a nation and we olence’’ excuse? If so, when is the right DeVos family, certainly the Trump must stand firm in our values. After time? A week from now? a month? a family. This is not representative of all, we are Americans. Our values have year? or perhaps after the next mass shooting? the values of the American people. always defined us. Just saying that the people at the So we simply cannot accept the For the over 1,500 mass shooting vic- tims since Sandy Hook, the right time top won’t benefit doesn’t make it true. words and actions of those who do not Read the bill. Look at these analyses. treat others with dignity and respect. to talk about gun violence has trag- ically come and gone, but we can and This is a giveaway to the wealthiest We must respond to horrible language Americans, and it is wrong. and hateful ideas with better ideas and must turn the page today. Let us not a strong resolve to rise above hate. continue dishonoring their memories f This is how we become a better and a because of political pressure and fear ENCOURAGE SENATE TO VOTE ON stronger nation. to do what is right. PAIN-CAPABLE UNBORN CHILD f f PROTECTION ACT SOON DESIGNATING MANUFACTURING CELEBRATE NATIONAL (Mr. LABRADOR asked and was DAY MANUFACTURING DAY given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Mr. MARSHALL asked and was (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given his remarks.) given permission to address the House permission to address the House for 1 Mr. LABRADOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise for 1 minute.) minute and to revise and extend his re- today in support of H.R. 36, the Pain- Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise marks.) Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. today in support designating the first Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, this This legislation passed the House yes- Friday in October as Manufacturing Friday we celebrate National Manufac- terday, and I encourage the Senate to Day. turing Day. The economist, Peter vote on it soon. Across our country, manufacturing Navarro, recently said that manufac- I am strongly pro-life. The Federal provides over 12 million jobs and con- turing is the seed for all other jobs in Government’s most important respon- tributes over $2 trillion to our econ- the United States. I couldn’t agree sibility is protecting human life, in- omy. In Kansas, manufacturing ac- more. Manufacturers are the pioneers, cluding the lives of the unborn. Addi- counts for nearly one-fifth of the the innovators, and the people who tionally, we have a moral obligation to State’s economy and directly employs bring ideas to life. minimize pain and suffering, especially over 160,000 people. With over 20 percent of Florida’s for the most innocent among us. The industry has a long and success- manufacturers located in the Tampa The United States is one of only ful history in Kansas, and this Friday, Bay area, I am proud of the fact that seven countries that allow abortions I plan to help a small manufacturing there are more than 2,500 manufactur- after 20 weeks. At the 20-week mark, company, Superior Boiler Works in ers in and around my district. Their anesthesia is used in fetal surgeries for Hutchinson, Kansas, celebrate 100 work couldn’t be more essential to our patients still in utero. For premature years of being in business, as part of community and our country. babies born at this stage, special care our Manufacturing Day tour. It is our job to support manufac- is given to reduce their pain. These small businesses have a sub- turing and to create a business envi- H.R. 36 will prohibit abortions after stantial impact on local communities ronment in which they can thrive. This the 20-week mark precisely because of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.018 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7763 the substantial evidence that unborn because of the geography and a State out to illegal immigrants every year. babies at this stage can and do feel border. That is wrong, and we must This money should be used to increase pain. change it. the child tax credit for law-abiding I am proud to support H.R. 36, and I I urge my colleagues to cosponsor the American families. President Trump am glad it passed the House. I will con- VETS Act and work to give our vet- included this proposal in his budget re- tinue to do all I can to advance a cul- erans access to the best care possible. quest to Congress, and I believe it ture of life in Idaho and in America. Our servicemen and -women answered should be included in the President’s f their country’s call. Let’s be there for broader tax plan. them when they return home. HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN PUERTO f RICO f RISING IN SUPPORT OF FULLY (Ms. GABBARD asked and was given INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO FUNDING THE CHILDREN’S permission to address the House for 1 BAN BUMP STOCKS TO CONVERT HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM minute.) SEMIAUTOMATIC WEAPONS (Mrs. LAWRENCE asked and was Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, right (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given given permission to address the House now, 3.5 million Americans, our fellow permission to address the House for 1 for 1 minute and to revise and extend citizens, are facing a humanitarian cri- minute.) her remarks.) sis. In Puerto Rico, the majority of Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, 58 in- Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise people still lack basic electricity, clean nocent people were murdered in Las today to fully support the funding of drinking water, and medicine, the bare Vegas. Their killer used 12 bump stocks CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance basic necessities just to stay alive—not to convert his semiautomatic weapons Program. CHIP plays a very important to speak of the basic resources they into the equivalent of a machine gun. role in providing low-income children need to begin the great task of rebuild- No one should possess one of these across the country with health insur- ing their lives and their communities. devices, let alone 12 of them, and that ance. It has been days since the hurricane is why I am introducing legislation to Without CHIP, over 9 million chil- passed over Puerto Rico leaving death ban them. dren nationwide, including 90,000 in my and destruction in its wake. The people But I am mindful, Mr. Speaker, that great home in Michigan, will lose ac- of Puerto Rico are literally crying out we have been here before after New- cess to doctor checkups, immuniza- for help. There are far too many, espe- town, Aurora, San Bernardino, Or- tions, and basic healthcare. cially those in rural communities, who lando, and other mass shootings. Each For the last 2 days, we heard numer- still have not been reached by those time, my Republican friends have re- ous concerns for the unborn children. bringing aid. As a Representative from fused to act. We must show that same compassion an island State in Hawaii, I can only Now, in the wake of the worst mass toward the low-income children who imagine their frustration and despera- shooting in modern history, our Repub- are alive and living in our commu- tion. lican colleagues are not only refusing nities, whose access to critical I urge the administration to dedicate to act, but they are going to make the healthcare, including CHIP, is a matter all available resources to helping the problem even worse by pressing pro- of life or death. people of Puerto Rico. Work with Con- posals that will make the problem CHIP’s impact is felt in communities gress to pass an emergency aid package worse, making it easy to carry a con- of color, 52 percent of Hispanic and 54 to ensure that those delivering aid cealed weapon, making it easier to buy percent of all Black children nation- have what they need to help the people a silencer. I mean, this is insane. wide. of Puerto Rico and save lives. I get it. Elections have consequences. As Members of Congress, we have a duty to protect our Nation’s children. f You won last November so you get to do what you want, but this is wrong. We need to extend funding for CHIP ALLOWING VA-CREDENTIALED Let’s come together and do something. and support the millions of families HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO And I promise you, if Congress fails to who rely on this program. Let’s take PRACTICE TELEMEDICINE respond to the demand for common- care of our children in America. ACROSS STATE LINES sense gun safety legislation, we will be f (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania held to account by those we serve, and REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER asked and was given permission to ad- rightly so. So let’s work together and AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 367 dress the House for 1 minute and to re- do something. Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I ask vise and extend his remarks.) f unanimous consent to remove my Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. name from H.R. 367. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend PASS TAX CUTS FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the Department of Veterans Affairs for objection to the request of the gen- proposing a rule that will allow VA- (Mr. MESSER asked and was given tleman from Oregon? credentialed healthcare providers to permission to address the House for 1 There was no objection. practice telemedicine across State minute and to revise and extend his re- lines. This is excellent news because marks.) f our veterans should receive the best Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, we have FOCUS ON BIPARTISAN EFFORTS care possible no matter where they live an incredible opportunity to pass tax TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSES or are located. cuts for the American people. I appre- OF GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA With advances in technology, we see ciate President Trump’s leadership on (Mr. DEFAZIO asked and was given new opportunities for veterans to ob- this issue as well as the leadership of permission to address the House for 1 tain coverage through telemedicine, es- Chairman BRADY in working to pass minute.) pecially in some of our most rural the President’s tax plan. Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, in light areas. While we are working on tax cuts, I of the tragic and horrific events this The VA rule is similar to a bill that rise today to urge the chairman and Sunday, I believe our focus should be I introduced together with Representa- the Ways and Means Committee to also on bipartisan efforts to investigate the tive JULIA BROWNLEY, called the VETS eliminate tax credits for illegal immi- causes and lessen the potential for gun Act. The existing licensure require- grants. Most Hoosiers get it: we can’t violence in America. That is why I am ments for VA service providers are not continue to reward people who come to calling on Speaker RYAN to name a se- in line with the technology and care our country illegally while those who lect committee to address these issues. available today. work hard and play by the rules strug- Additionally, I believe the Repub- Outdated regulations prevent individ- gle to get ahead. lican leadership should formally with- uals who receive care within the VA I have authored legislation to close draw their so-called sportsman’s pack- system from accessing qualified pro- the loophole that allows $7 billion in age, which has many objectionable pro- viders who utilize telemedicine simply refundable child tax credits to be paid visions.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:51 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.021 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Furthermore, we need to bring to the tional right to privacy, including the trolled by the chair and ranking minority floor a vote on comprehensive back- right to choose. member of the Committee on the Budget, the ground check legislation that includes Not only is the 20-week ban imposed Committee shall rise and report the concur- closing the gun show loophole and indi- by this Congress not based on accepted rent resolution to the House with such amendment as may have been adopted. The vidual internet sale loophole. There is science, but this ban disregards the previous question shall be considered as or- overwhelming support in the public role doctors play in making health de- dered on the concurrent resolution and and this Congress for those actions. cisions. amendments thereto to adoption without in- I would like to see what the inves- In States that have already passed tervening motion except amendments offered tigation reveals and whether a sup- this ban, young people, women of color, by the chair of the Committee on the Budget pressor would have allowed this mon- low-income women, and immigrant pursuant to section 305(a)(5) of the Congres- ster to create more carnage. However, women are the ones who are most im- sional Budget Act of 1974 to achieve mathe- we do know he used something called a pacted by the ban. matical consistency. The concurrent resolu- If we care about women’s health, we tion shall not be subject to a demand for di- bump stock, which I never heard of be- vision of the question of its adoption. fore. should work to reduce unintended preg- Anything that converts a semiauto- nancies, expand access to contracep- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- matic weapon into something that is tion, and support maternal and chil- tleman from Georgia is recognized for 1 virtually a fully automatic weapon, dren’s health. Instead, the majority is hour. which is outlawed, should not be sold. slashing Medicaid, attacking Planned Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, for the The bump stocks and any other devices Parenthood, and passing bans. purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- like that should be banned. Not me. I will remain committed to tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN), f protecting women’s health and sup- porting the constitutional right to pending which I yield myself such time CRITICAL NEED TO FUND CHIL- choose. as I may consume. During consider- DREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE ation of this resolution, all time yield- f PROGRAM ed is for the purpose of debate only. PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION (Mr. CARBAJAL asked and was given GENERAL LEAVE permission to address the House for 1 OF H. CON. RES. 71, CONCURRENT Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I ask minute and to revise and extend his re- RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET unanimous consent that all of my col- marks.) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 leagues may have 5 legislative days to Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, today Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, by di- revise and extend their remarks. I rise in disbelief that this Congress rection of the Committee on Rules, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there has shamefully allowed the Children’s call up House Resolution 553 and ask objection to the request of the gen- Health Insurance Program, CHIP, to for its immediate consideration. tleman from Georgia? expire earlier this week. CHIP provides The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- There was no objection. healthcare to 8.9 million low-income lows: Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, it is children in our country and to over 2 H. RES. 553 going to be a great day. I don’t know million children in my home State of Resolved, That at any time after adoption how your Wednesday has gotten start- California. of this resolution the Speaker may, pursuant ed, but we are now in the throes of My Republican colleagues have spent to clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the budget day. all their time and energy this year House resolved into the Committee of the Budget day only happens on the floor fighting to repeal healthcare for mil- Whole House on the state of the Union for of this House once a year, and it is one lions of Americans covered by the Af- consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 71) establishing the congres- of those times where I would tell you fordable Care Act, and now they have sional budget for the United States Govern- the House operates as every man, failed to protect healthcare for our ment for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth woman, and child across this country country’s children. the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal believes the House should operate If we do not act quickly, it could years 2019 through 2027. The first reading of every day. soon lead to States not enrolling chil- the concurrent resolution shall be dispensed I have the great honor as a member dren and potentially even denying with. All points of order against consider- of the Rules Committee and as a mem- them coverage altogether due to the ation of the concurrent resolution are ber of the Budget Committee of bring- lack of funding. waived. General debate shall not exceed four hours, with three hours of general debate ing this structured rule to the floor It is critical that we fund the CHIP confined to the congressional budget equally today. program without delay and provide cer- divided and controlled by the chair and rank- Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 71, the rule tainty to these families that they will ing minority member of the Committee on that we will be debating for the next not lose their health coverage because the Budget and one hour of general debate on hour, makes in order every single budg- of this irresponsible and derelict con- the subject of economic goals and policies et substitute that was offered in the gressional inaction. equally divided and controlled by Represent- Rules Committee. Now, let me tell you ative Tiberi of Ohio and Representative f what that means in practical terms. Carolyn Maloney of New York or their re- Over the next 2 days, we are going to b 1230 spective designees. After general debate the concurrent resolution shall be considered for hear visions laid out for what the PROTECT WOMEN’S HEALTH AND amendment under the five-minute rule. The American government should spend, SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTIONAL concurrent resolution shall be considered as what American policies should look RIGHT TO CHOOSE read. No amendment shall be in order except like, what the Federal budget should (Mr. BROWN of Maryland asked and those printed in the report of the Committee include. was given permission to address the on Rules accompanying this resolution. Each Over the next 2 days, we are going to House for 1 minute and to revise and such amendment may be offered only in the hear visions laid out from every single order printed in the report, may be offered Member or group in this institution extend his remarks.) only by a Member designated in the report, Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Mr. Speak- shall be considered as read, and shall be de- that cared enough about this process to er, 3 days after Congress allowed the batable for the time specified in the report craft a budget of their own. Children’s Health Insurance Program equally divided and controlled by the pro- Mr. Speaker, I serve in the Repub- to expire, this House once again passed ponent and an opponent. All points of order lican Study Committee. I was once a bill that restricts women’s health against such amendments are waived except chairman of the Budget and Spending and reproductive rights. that the adoption of an amendment in the Task Force on the Republican Study This should not be the time to nature of a substitute shall constitute the Committee. I had the honor of crafting conclusion of consideration of the concur- a substitute budget to bring to the prioritize politics. Women should be rent resolution for amendment. After the able to make their own choices about conclusion of consideration of the concur- floor to offer for my colleagues’ consid- their bodies and their healthcare. rent resolution for amendment and a final eration. Over the past 40 years, the Supreme period of general debate, which shall not ex- Over the next 2 days, any Member Court has affirmed a woman’s constitu- ceed 10 minutes equally divided and con- who has a voice that needs to be heard

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.023 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7765 has had the opportunity. We put out to help make those tough decisions. We aside. Allow us to bring measures to the call last week. My friend from Mas- sit on the Budget Committee. That is the floor so we can have a vote, so we sachusetts and I, we sit on the Rules what we do. can have a debate, so we can enact Committee, Mr. Speaker. We send out If you have not gotten a chance to measures that might save some lives. the call to the membership in advance work with her this season, Mr. Speak- Mr. Speaker, what we are considering to say this is what we expect to happen er, Chairwoman DIANE BLACK on the today, this Republican budget, is an ex- in the Rules Committee, this is what House Budget Committee, if there is a ample of the majority making things we are going to be considering in the more patient and more persistent worse for the American people. Rules Committee. We sent out the call Member of this body, I don’t know who Budgets are moral documents. They for any Member of this House to craft that would be. She has worked tire- show what we value and what we care their substitute amendment, and we re- lessly to move this process along, to about. And if this budget reflects Re- ceived four. get us to this point where we are today, publican values, then shame on Repub- We received one from the Congres- trying to bring people together around licans. When you look at the specific sional Black Caucus, we received one a unified vision of what we can do and programs House Republicans target, it from the Progressive Caucus, we re- what we should do not just as an insti- becomes clear just how cruel this budg- ceived one from the Republican Study tution, but as a nation. et really is. Committee, and we received one from I expect we will have some disagree- Last night, in the Rules Committee, the Democrats on the Budget Com- ments over the next 2 days, Mr. Speak- I complained loudly to the distin- mittee. Every single one of those has er. It won’t surprise me at all. In fact, guished chairwoman of the Budget been made in order by the rule that I I think this institution is characterized Committee about the cuts to the Sup- will ask my colleagues to support by the things that we disagree about. plemental Nutrition Assistance Pro- today. Certainly that is what the media would gram known as SNAP, basically a pro- We are going to debate those. We are like to focus on. But at the end of this gram that provides poor people food. It going to vote on those each individ- process, what will have to be said is helps prevent hunger in this country. ually, allowing everybody to have their that we have considered every idea, In this budget, they call for $164 billion say. That budget that this House ulti- that we have considered every point of in cuts to this program. mately agrees on collectively, collabo- view, that we have made room for The chairwoman said: Well, I believe ratively after these days of debate, we every voice, and that we have now that people who get this benefit ought will then send to the United States come together on a common pathway to work. Senate for its consideration. forward. That is what is ahead of us, I pointed out to her last night, and I Mr. Speaker, they say that budgets Mr. Speaker, if we support this rule am going to point out to my colleagues are a reflection of values. I believe that that we are debating now. here today, that the majority of people Again, I urge my colleagues to sup- to be true. We are going to have budg- on this program—67 percent of the peo- port this rule. I hope you will find that ets on the floor of the House to con- ple who are on this program are not ex- budget that meets your constituency’s sider that cut taxes, budgets that be- pected to work. Why? Because they are needs, support that underlying budget, lieve that the economy has not grown children, because they are senior citi- and then let’s move a budget to the to its full potential, budgets that be- zens, because they are disabled. United States Senate and speak with lieve that the American workforce par- Of those who can work, the majority one voice for the American people. ticipation rate is still at historically Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of work. But you have individuals who low levels. We have to get men and my time. are working, who are on SNAP because women back into the workforce. We Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield they earn so little that they still qual- have to reward that dignity of work. myself such time as I may consume, ify for this program. We have budgets that are going to cut and I thank the gentleman from Geor- So why aren’t we demanding that taxes in an effort to stimulate that job gia (Mr. WOODALL) for yielding me the work pay more in this country? Why growth across this land. customary 30 minutes. aren’t we coming together to demand We have other budgets that are con- (Mr. MCGOVERN asked and was an increase in the minimum wage so it cerned that we are not bringing enough given permission to revise and extend is a livable wage, so that people who revenue into the government coffers. It his remarks.) work don’t have to be on public assist- is true, Mr. Speaker. I know you are Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I obvi- ance? thinking it. We are bringing in more ously rise in strong opposition to this Instead, we have yet another attack tax revenue today than we have ever rule. This can be a frustrating place. on poor people in the form of these brought in in the history of the United So frustrating, that sometimes I want cuts. States of America. That is true, but we to tear the remaining two strands of The gentlewoman said: Well, I want are still running budget deficits. So we hair I have on my head out, because to narrow it down to just able-bodied will consider those budgets today that what we do here, in my opinion, is not adults without dependents. They all don’t necessarily believe that spending to advance anything that is good for ought to work. is the problem; they think it is tax col- the American people. This is a frus- b 1245 lection that is the problem. trating place, because what happens on We will consider budgets that raise this House floor is either nothing or Well, many of these people do work, taxes by about $2 trillion. We will con- you guys make things worse. Mr. Speaker, but many of them don’t sider other budgets that raise taxes by On Sunday, we once again witnessed work, for a number of reasons. Many about $4 trillion. Mr. Speaker, I think a massacre, the worst mass shooting in have limited educational experience, we will even consider budgets that American history. People across this with 80 percent having no more than a raise taxes by $9 trillion. country are demanding action, but the high school education or a GED. Some Mr. Speaker, there are only two response of the Republican leadership are aging out of foster care. Some have things that can happen in this institu- in this Congress is nothing. We had a underlying mental health issues, dif- tion. We either have to raise more rev- moment of silence, but it means noth- ficult histories of substance abuse, or enue, or we have to cut spending, or we ing because that is all we do. There are are ex-offenders with nowhere else to have to mortgage our children’s future. no hearings, no debate, no votes, just turn. Three things: raise taxes, cut spending, absolutely nothing. As many as 60,000 of these able-bod- mortgage our children’s future. It is obvious that too many Repub- ied adults without dependents who Over the next 2 days, we are going to licans have been intimidated and have have qualified for SNAP initially are have that debate and we are going to been frightened or have been bought off veterans. These are brave, courageous have that discussion. by the National Rifle Association. It is men and women who have served our I know where my constituency lands, shameful and, quite frankly, it is dis- country, who have returned home and Mr. Speaker. There are tough decisions gusting. are having difficulty reintegrating into that have to be made, and they believe If the Republican leadership of this the community, getting on their feet. they sent men and women to Congress House is not willing to lead, then move Our gratitude for their service is, we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.025 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 are going to throw you off the food about, well, we have to make tough But to listen to my colleagues and to benefit? I don’t know what people are choices because we don’t want to sad- look at this budget that they put to- thinking who drafted this in the budg- dle our children and our grandchildren gether, it is clear that the poorest et. and great-grandchildren with debt. Americans in this country are being The chairwoman of the Budget Com- Well, if, in fact, my Republican friends treated as if they don’t exist, as if they mittee said: Well, it is important that get their wish and pass this tax cut, we are invisible, as if they don’t matter. I we constantly review programs to see are told that it will add about $2.4 tril- just find that deeply offensive. if they are working, if they are living lion to our debt. President Kennedy said it this way. up to our expectations. I agree. I am a The deal is this, Mr. Speaker. One of He said: ‘‘If a free society cannot help liberal Democrat. I want to make sure the faults in their budget is they have the many who are poor, it cannot save that whatever programs are in exist- these assumptions that we all know are the few who are rich.’’ It is frustrating. ence are working, are effective. Nobody not true. Like, for example, the Afford- It is just frustrating that here we are is for ineffective government. able Care Act is going to kind of mys- with this budget which devastates so I happen to sit on the Agriculture teriously just disappear, and they are much of what I think is important. Committee, Mr. Speaker. We have al- going to be able to cut Medicaid by If we implemented what this budget ready held 23 oversight hearings on close to $1 trillion to help offset the asks us to do, this country would be- this program—23 on SNAP alone. We cost of their tax cut. But the last time come a tale of two cities, and it is al- have had Republican witnesses, and we I checked, their repeal barely passed ready getting to that point. It would have had Democratic witnesses. As my this House, and it can’t seem to get truly become a tale of two cities. It friend from Georgia knows, his party is anywhere in the United States Senate. would create a government without a in control, so Republicans get to have Their assumptions are fantasy. They conscience, and I think we need to push more witnesses than Democrats do. We are not based on reality. back and we need to reject that. Mr. Speaker, it is not just food as- have had 23 hearings, and not one wit- Mr. Speaker, this isn’t some Ayn sistance that this budget dismantles. It ness, not one, recommended a $164 bil- Rand fantasy where we can just mess cuts half a trillion dollars in Medicare lion cut in this program. with the numbers and see what hap- and ends the Medicare guarantee. It In fact, what they recommended, pens. We are talking about real people rips apart the Affordable Care Act, Democrats and Republicans, was that here—people who are counting on us; drastically raising healthcare costs for we ought to strengthen wraparound people who need help. This budget fails older and low-income adults, and kicks services. That means like you ought to by any measure, in my opinion, to be a another 20 million people off their fund fully job training programs so budget even for Republicans to sup- health insurance if they get their wish that States can guarantee people a slot here. It makes higher education more port. I think America’s hardworking mid- in a job training program. expensive. It cuts veterans’ benefits. It Many argue, Democratic and Repub- dle class families and all those working reduces our commitment to ensuring lican witnesses, that the benefit is too to struggle to get in the middle class that our neighbors have access to af- inadequate, that we need to expand the fordable housing. It even sticks the deserve a heck of a lot better than this. Mr. Speaker, I would urge my col- benefit, because contrary to what you American taxpayer with a $1.6 billion leagues to vote against this rule and hear oftentimes on this floor about bill to begin constructing a costly and certainly vote against this cruel Re- SNAP and about how generous the ben- stupid and ineffective wall along the efit is and that it is like a gravy train, U.S. southern border with Mexico. publican budget, and I reserve the bal- if you will, the average SNAP benefit is In case people are scratching their ance of my time. $1.40 per person per meal. That is it. heads, during the campaign, Donald Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield That is the benefit. Trump said that Mexico was going to myself such time as I may consume. That is why when you talk to the pay for the wall. I guess he didn’t mean Mr. Speaker, you heard the passion heads of food banks all across the coun- it because a downpayment was put into of my friend from Massachusetts, and I try, in every State in this country, their budget. have had an opportunity to work with they tell you the same thing, that they I could go on and on and on, but you him on the Rules Committee for 7 experience an uptick in people who might ask yourself, Mr. Speaker: Who years now. I can tell you that every bit need to utilize their services in the wins? The answer is simple. If this of that passion is sincere. middle and toward the end of the budget goes through, and they pave the So often I think folks turn on C– month because, basically, the benefit is way for their tax cut, it is clear who SPAN, they look at a group of politi- not enough to carry them through the the winners are: Donald Trump, the cians talking, and they think it is all month so they can put enough food on Trump family, and all of his wealthy for the cameras and it is all for show. the table for them and their families. friends. While all these cuts in the I will tell you that while I sometimes We have 42 million people in the budget come from our safety net pro- have that same suspicion when I turn United States of America, the richest grams, infrastructure investments, and on a program of folks I don’t know, country in the history of the world, programs that help middle and working with folks I do know, I can tell you who are hungry. I am ashamed of that, class families, none of the savings in that that passion is sincere. and I am ashamed because hunger is a this budget—that is right, not one What I can also tell you is that many political condition. penny—come from closing tax loop- of those concerns are misguided, and I What I mean by that is we can solve holes that benefit big corporations or think that is important. What happens it, but we don’t, because for some rea- the wealthy. here in this institution matters. Our son, this population, these people As I said before, the drastic cuts are ability to have that debate with one struggling in poverty, never quite rise all being used to try to finance this another matters. The truth is, as you to the level as the very wealthy in this massive tax cut that disproportion- know, Mr. Speaker, most of that de- country. ately benefits the wealthiest in this bate doesn’t happen here on the House We have a budget here that not only country. Give me a break. floor. cuts SNAP but basically cuts a whole Mr. Speaker, it is galling how indif- My friend from Massachusetts and I bunch of other programs aimed at help- ferent that so many in this House seem are here today because it is time to ing people get out of poverty and help- to be to those who are struggling in vote. We are here to bring the rule, we ing struggling middle class families. poverty. America’s most vulnerable, are here to bring the substitutes, we Basically, this budget, just so every- granted they don’t have super PACs, are here over the next 2 days to vote. body is clear, is kind of a blueprint to they don’t have big lobbyists, their The conversation has gone on not for a help pave the way for the Republican voice in Washington is supposed to be day, not for a week, not for a month, tax cut bill that they are going to us. The whole purpose of government, but for the better part of this year on produce on this floor in the not-too-dis- in my view, is to make sure that every- what the budget is going to look like. tant future. body gets a fair shake, and the people I happen to have a copy of the budget It was interesting last night in the who need government the most are the report right here, Mr. Speaker. It cap- Rules Committee, we heard people talk people who are struggling in poverty. tures all the votes we have taken. It

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.027 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7767 captures all the debates we have had. It would say it is a faith responsibility, it It is: Do you believe educators in captures what the intent of the institu- is a family responsibility, it is a com- Washington, D.C., have the best an- tion is. munity responsibility. It is a responsi- swers, or educators back home in your Now again, we are going to have a bility that begins at home. It doesn’t district have the answers? choice of which budget we want to sup- begin here, it begins at home, but it is The truth is that we don’t have many port. If you think taxes are too low, a sincere responsibility, and it is one educators in Washington, D.C. We have you can vote to raise taxes. If you that we want to do better at every day. bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., who think taxes are much too low, you can I am sure you are aware, Mr. Speak- oversee educators. I side with my edu- vote to raise taxes a whole lot. If you er, the labor force participation rate in cators back home. It is a legitimate think the tax code as it exists today is America is the lowest it has been since disagreement that we are welcome to a ridiculous compilation of confusing the President from my great State of have. provisions stitched together by a Georgia, Jimmy Carter, was in office. What can’t be said, though, Mr. patchwork of Congresses over the last The labor force participation rate. Speaker, is that there are any disagree- 40 years, you can vote for fundamental There is not one of us in this body who ments over these next few days that we reform. can drive down the street without see- are not going to be allowed to have. I If you are tired of the fact that ing a ‘‘help wanted’’ sign. There is not have said it before, and I will say it America used to be number one in the one of us in this body who can go out again because it makes me so proud. world in terms of tax competitiveness to a business without seeing someone We don’t always have time or make and now we are at the bottom of the asking folks to come in and help, yet room for all the voices in this institu- list and you want to take America fewer Americans are working today tion, Mr. Speaker. You know, some- back to being number one, you can than ever before. Why? It is a hard times we pick and choose winners and question. vote for that, too. I happen to put my- losers, whose voice is going to be Fewer Americans are working today self in that category. than since the 1970s. Why? It is impor- heard. Not today. Any Member of Con- I want to read, if I may, Mr. Speaker, tant that we ask that question. gress could submit their budget to the from the budget report. The fact is, I The budget is not designed to answer United States House of Representatives can’t. I imagined myself a younger it. The budget can’t answer it. I sit on Committee on Rules. man when I grabbed that report. the Budget Committee. I don’t have It is a hard thing to produce a budg- If I can now read from the budget re- the jurisdiction to answer it, but I et. I told you I have done it before, Mr. port. ‘‘The resolution’s reconciliation know this: you will find in this budget Speaker. It takes a lot of time, a lot of instructions,’’ that is what is in the a discussion of whether it is better to effort, a lot of commitment. But if you budget, Mr. Speaker. That is what al- support people in poverty or lift folks believe that you have a better idea, lows us to take a tax package from the out of poverty. you can do it. And if you did it, we House to the Senate. You have heard made it in order in the Rules Com- about how the Senate is having a tough b 1300 mittee last night and we are going to time getting anything done because it It doesn’t have to be mutually exclu- debate it on the floor and we are going requires a supermajority. It requires 60 sive. I would tell you that we can sup- to vote on it on the floor. votes. Through reconciliation, you can port people until we can lift them up, We can’t always say that every single get things done with less than 60 votes. but that lifting them up must be our idea, every single substitute is going to That is how the Affordable Care Act goal. Supporting them is not enough. make it to the floor for a vote. We can was passed, with less than 60 votes. You will find it here, Mr. Speaker, in say that today. I am proud that we can. You can get the tax bill passed with these pages. This is a vision document. It is not going to stop the disagree- less than 60 votes. This is what we are gathered together ments, Mr. Speaker, but what it is It says this. ‘‘The resolution’s rec- to do today, and we will have legiti- going to do is air those disagreements; onciliation instructions that the Com- mate disagreements about when we are what it is going to do is allow us to mittee on Ways and Means will develop doing enough in a particular area and talk about our differing visions; and will be a deficit-neutral tax reform leg- when we are doing too much. what it is going to do is allow us to There are those in this body, Mr. islation and report such legislative lan- come together on a common vision at Speaker, who believe passionately in guage to the Committee on the Budg- the end of the day. education. I am one of those people. I et.’’ Deficit neutral. Nobody wants to I hope my colleagues will support come from a district with amazing blow a hole in the budget, Mr. Speaker. this rule so we can begin that process, school systems. What the discussion is, is can we do You can go to any public school in and I hope my colleagues will support better than today’s tax code? Candidly, my district, Mr. Speaker, if you work the underlying budget of their choice. Mr. Speaker, if any Member of this hard and apply yourself. I don’t care Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of body wants to take the position that what your background is, I don’t care my time. we can’t do any better, the IRS is as where your family is from, I don’t care Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield good as it can be in implementing the what you have stacked against you; if myself such time as I may consume. American Tax Code today, the Tax you work hard and apply yourself in Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD Code that is twice as long as the Bible our public schools, you can be anything a letter from the United States Con- is absolutely as concise and succinct as you want to be. ference of Catholic Bishops in opposi- it can possibly be, those Americans I know everybody wants that for tion to the Republican budget. who spend dozens of hours, even dozens their constituency back home; and I UNITED STATES CONFERENCE OF of days, even dozens of weeks trying to have colleagues who believe that only CATHOLIC BISHOPS, put together their taxes, that is just Washington, D.C., is successful enough, Washington, DC, August 31, 2017. the best we can do. has a track record of success strong HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Mr. Speaker, I have seen it happen. Washington, DC. enough to implement that vision back DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As Congress pro- Sometimes folks throw their hands up home. ceeds with the 2018 budget process, the and think: We can’t do any better. Not I don’t come from that camp. I see a United States Conference of Catholic me. Not today. lot of failure come out of Washington, Bishops (USCCB) reaffirms that the federal We can all agree that we can do bet- D.C. I see a lot of bureaucracy come budget is a moral document with profound ter than what we are doing today. Pas- out of Washington, D.C. I see success implications for the common good of our na- sage of this budget gives us that oppor- come out of parents and teachers and tion and world. The budget requires difficult tunity. principals back home raising taxes, decisions that ought to be guided by moral You heard my friend from Massachu- supporting those institutions, making criteria that protect human life and dignity, setts speak from the heart, Mr. Speak- give central importance to ‘‘the least of sure every child has a chance. We do these’’ (Matthew 25), and promote the wel- er, about the ability we have as a gov- that together as a community. fare of workers and families who struggle to ernment to care for one another. I The discussion that we might have in live in dignity. would tell you that responsibility isn’t this institution, Mr. Speaker, is not: The Catholic Church teaches that it is the uniquely a government responsibility. I Do you believe in education? role of the state to promote the three pillars

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 of the common good. In May 2017, we out- onciliation process to fast-track over $200 faith organizations, policy experts, labor, lined these three pillars: respect for the fun- billion in cuts to anti-poverty programs over civil rights, and other advocates for meeting damental and inalienable rights of the the next ten years, including Medicaid and the needs of low-income and vulnerable peo- human person, promotion of human develop- Medicare. The bishops have devoted their ef- ple. Our members understand that the eco- ment, and defense of peace. Our Conference forts to addressing the morally problematic nomic security of millions of American fami- has long supported the goal of reducing fu- features of health care reform while insuring lies depends on building on the progress ture unsustainable deficits that would harm that all people have access to health care we’ve made in health coverage, jobs, basic all citizens, especially those who are poor. coverage. living standards, and ensuring that our chil- However, a just framework for sound fiscal The human consequences of budget choices dren are well-prepared for productive lives. policy cannot rely almost exclusively on dis- are clear to us as pastors. Our Catholic com- But the majority’s proposed budget does not proportionate cuts in essential services to munity defends the unborn and the undocu- build—it breaks apart our engines of poor and vulnerable persons. mented, feeds the hungry, shelters the home- progress. It will make our nation weaker for Sharp increases in defense and immigra- less, educates the young, and cares for the decades to come. tion enforcement spending, coupled with si- sick, both at home and abroad. We help The most recent survey data on poverty in multaneous and severe reductions to non-de- mothers facing challenging situations of the U.S. shows the biggest two-year decline fense discretionary spending, particularly to pregnancy, poor families rising above crush- since the late 1960’s. Refundable tax credits many domestic and international programs ing poverty, refugees fleeing conflict and for working families, SNAP/food stamps and that assist the most vulnerable, are pro- persecution, and communities devastated by housing subsidies have lifted multi-millions foundly troubling. The House Budget Com- wars, natural disasters and famines. In much of people out of poverty. The decline in the mittee’s H. Con. Res. 71 proposes increasing of this work, we are partners with govern- proportion of our population without health defense spending by $929 billion over the next ment. Our combined resources allow us to insurance continued its decline in 2016, down decade, which is $72 billion above sequester reach further and help more. Our institu- to 8.8 percent. More people are working, and levels. This is coupled with a proposal to cut tions are present in every state and through- in general, low- and moderate-income house- $4.4 trillion over the same period from do- out the world, serving some of the most holds have finally started to make income mestic and international programs that as- marginalized communities and enjoying the gains. sist the most vulnerable, potentially impact- trust of local populations. The budget advanced by the House Budget ing health care safety net programs like The moral measure of the federal budget is Committee would be a dangerous backwards Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP, as well as how well it promotes the common good of plunge, stripping trillions of dollars from food security programs like SNAP. The pro- all, especially the most vulnerable whose programs that work to reduce poverty and posal would also reduce current funding lev- voices are too often missing in these debates. create security and opportunity. Medicaid, The Catholic Bishops of the United States els for environmental stewardship by $824 Medicare, working family tax credits, nutri- stand ready to work with leaders of both par- million. tion assistance, education and housing as- Such deep cuts would harm people facing ties for a federal budget that reduces future sistance: these are just some of the services dire circumstances, and would place the en- deficits, protects poor and vulnerable people, the budget would massively cut. The budget and advances peace and the common good. vironment and natural resources at risk. takes trillions in funding that supports eco- Sincerely yours, When the impact of other potential legisla- nomic security and progress and hands it to HIS EMINENCE TIMOTHY tive proposals, including the proposed reduc- the wealthy and corporations in the form of CARDINAL DOLAN, tion of spending on health care by hundreds enormous tax cuts. Archbishop of New The primary goal of H. Con. Res. 71 is to of billions of dollars over the next decade York, Chairman, allow huge tax cuts to be enacted with only and implementation of tax policies that Committee on Pro- a simple majority in the Senate. These tax would offer trillions of dollars in tax cuts to Life Activities. cuts are claimed to be a critical element in the wealthy over the same period are consid- MOST REV. OSCAR CANTU´ , increasing economic growth enough to make ered, the prospects for vulnerable people be- Bishop of Las Cruces, the tax cuts deficit neutral. Reputable come even bleaker. Chairman, Com- economists are skeptical that the proposed Our nation should elevate diplomacy, mittee on Inter- tax cuts would boost the economy to the 2.6 along with humanitarian and international national Justice and percent average growth projected in the development assistance, as primary tools for Peace. budget and acknowledge that tax cuts to cor- promoting lasting peace, regional stability MOST REV. CHRISTOPHER J. porations and the rich deepen the deficit. and human rights. The USCCB urges Con- COYNE, History supports this: the economy grew and gress to reject H. Con. Res. 71’s proposed fis- Bishop of Burlington, unemployment declined more during the cal year 2018 budget authority level of $41.521 Chairman, Com- Clinton tax increase years than during the billion for the International Affairs func- mittee on Commu- Bush era tax cuts. And the Kansas experi- tions of government. This would represent a nications. ence with tax cuts is cautionary: revenues $10 billion cut from this year’s appropria- MOST REV. FRANK J. plummeted, with the tax take in 2016 $570 tions for those functions. Although the DEWANE, million lower than in 2013, even after count- USCCB does not support every individual Bishop of Venice, ing increases enacted in sales and cigarette International Affairs account, it has repeat- Chairman, Com- taxes. The economic growth that did occur edly called for robust diplomatic efforts to mittee on Domestic from cutting taxes was estimated to bring in end longstanding conflicts in a range of Justice and Human about $30 million, leaving the state very countries, including Syria and Iraq, as well Development. deeply in the hole. The state legislature has as for robust funding for refugee and human- MOST REV. GEORGE V. recently reversed course, unwilling to slash itarian assistance. It is hard to reconcile the MURRY, SJ, education budgets as much as the revenue need for diplomacy, political solutions, and Bishop of Youngs- hole would have forced. They saw that they life-saving humanitarian and development town, Chairman, were weakening their state. Congress should assistance with cuts to the State Depart- Committee on Catho- not inflict the same dangerous lesson on the ment budget of the magnitude proposed by lic Education. entire nation. H. Con. Res. 71. MOST REV. JOE S. We urge you to reject H. Con. Res. 71 be- At the same time, H. Con. Res. 71 antici- ´ cause of its central choice: paying for tax pates dramatic increases in immigration en- VASQUEZ, Bishop of Austin, cuts that overwhelmingly favor the rich and forcement spending. We fear that such in- corporations with cuts to essential services. creases could pave the way for enactment of Chairman, Com- mittee on Migration. Our nation faces major challenges: reducing many of the destructive proposals contained disproportionate poverty among children and in recently released budget plans, including Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I in- helping children and young adults to ad- increases in immigrant detention beds, the clude in the RECORD a letter from the vance in education so they can meet the construction of a wall along the entire bor- Coalition on Human Needs against the challenges in our economic future, pro- der between the United States and Mexico, Republican budget. tecting seniors in their retirement, and re- and the expansion of agreements with state COALITION ON HUMAN NEEDS, building communities. Both the emergency and local governments that threaten local Washington, DC, October 3, 2017. needs of communities devastated by natural law enforcement’s ability to foster trusting DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the disasters and the similarly urgent threats relationships with immigrants in their juris- Coalition on Human Needs, I strongly urge from opioids and other epidemics, decaying dictions. Any changes to the tax code called you to vote no on H. Con. Res. 71, the pro- infrastructure and inadequate public health for through reconciliation should include a posed FY 2018 Budget Resolution, and to vote and consumer protections demand a vigorous provision to empower the educational for the substitute budgets advanced by the federal response. Instead of making these in- choices of families. The reconciliation proc- Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congres- vestments, the House budget would cripple ess should not be used to achieve savings sional Black Caucus, and the Democratic al- the federal capacity to respond by slashing through cutting health care, nutrition, in- ternative budget resolution. domestic appropriations by 44 percent com- come security, or other anti-poverty pro- The Coalition on Human Needs is an alli- pared with FY 2010 levels over the next dec- grams. This budget attempts to use the rec- ance made up of human service providers, ade and making similarly extreme cuts in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.011 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7769 health care, nutrition, income assistance for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) lifted care, and other key programs that millions seniors, people with disabilities, and working about 2 7 million Latinos out of poverty, in- of Americans depend upon for their health families. In addition to trillions of dollars in cluding 1.4 million children. and financial security and oppose proposals cuts and structural constraints to basic Child Tax Credit (CTC) lifted an estimated that would hurt older Americans. mandatory programs, the budget would fast- 981,000 Latinos out of poverty, including track $203 billion in cuts to domestic pro- 560,000 children. MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Pro- grams over the next ten years through rec- Our members count on Social Security and gram (SNAP) lifted an estimated 1.3 million onciliation rules. Cuts like these would reck- Medicare and believe they should be pro- Latinos out of poverty, including 640,000 chil- lessly weaken us; they are self-inflicted tected and strengthened for today’s seniors dren. wounds. and future generations. Proposals creating a The proposed tax cuts will worsen inequal- Rental assistance lifted about 720,000 Latinos out of poverty, including 270,000 chil- defined contribution premium-support pro- ity and reward businesses that park their in- gram; restricting access by raising the age of come offshore. Instead, Congress should in- dren. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) lifted eligibility; or allowing hospitals and pro- sist that corporations and the rich pay their an estimated 630,000 Latinos out of poverty, viders to arbitrarily charge consumers high- fair share. Please vote against weakening including 140,000 children. er prices than Medicare can make health America, and instead protect and expand in- The House budget resolution would threat- care unaffordable for older Americans. These vestments as called for in the budgets pro- en the effectiveness of many of these pro- proposals do little to actually lower the cost posed by the Congressional Progressive Cau- grams. The budget plan also calls for cuts to of health care, but simply shift costs from cus, Congressional Black Caucus, and the Medicaid and other health programs more se- Medicare onto individuals—many of whom House Budget Committee Democrats’ sub- vere than the House-passed bill to repeal the cannot afford to pay more for their care. We stitute. These three constructive alter- Affordable Care Act. urge you not to include attempts to cut natives deserve your yes vote. Further, the House budget resolution dis- Medicare benefits or increase beneficiary Sincerely yours, mantles consumer and worker protections, costs in the upcoming budget proposal. DEBORAH WEINSTEIN, jeopardizing the ability of Latino and all The typical senior, with an annual income Executive Director. working families to build and maintain of around $25,000 and already spending one Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I in- wealth. The budget plan not only guts the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau—the out of every six dollars on health care, clude in the RECORD a letter to all counts on Social Security for the majority of Members of Congress from the National only agency whose sole mission is to protect Americans from predatory practices in the their income, and on Medicare for access to Hispanic Leadership Agenda against financial marketplace—but also undermines affordable health coverage. We will continue this Republican budget. our nation’s workforce, cutting funding for to oppose changes to current law that cut NATIONAL HISPANIC the Wage and House Division in the Depart- benefits, increase costs, or reduce the ability LEADERSHIP AGENDA, ment of Labor more deeply than proposed in of these critical programs to deliver on their July 26, 2017. the Trump budget. Additionally, Latino benefit promises. We urge you to continue to Re NHLA opposition to House Budget Reso- workers cannot afford cuts to the Environ- do so as well. lution. mental Protection Agency, which protects MEDICAID, LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS our human health and environment from HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND SNAP toxic chemicals. Working families need more Washington, DC. and better enforcement of consumer finan- Medicaid serves as a critical safety net for DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the millions of people in every state, including National Hispanic Leadership Agenda cial and labor protection laws to protect over 17 million poor elderly and children and (NHLA), the coalition of the nation’s 45 pre- Americans from abuse, and also ensure law- adults with disabilities, who rely on vital eminent Latino advocacy organizations, we abiding financial service providers, as well as Medicaid health and long-term care services. are writing to express our deep concerns employers, are not harmed by unfair com- Efforts to reduce or cap Medicaid funding with the budget resolution that recently petition by unscrupulous actors. Simply put, the House budget resolution could endanger the health, safety, and care passed out of the House Budget Committee would harm American families and workers, and urge you to vote against passage of the of millions of individuals who depend on the especially Latinos, making our nation more resolution if it comes to the House floor. The essential services provided through this pro- inequitable and less prepared for economic resolution threatens the basic living stand- gram. Furthermore, caps could result in sig- challenges. We strongly urge Members of ards of tens of millions of Americans in order nificant cost-shifts to state governments un- Congress to oppose the House budget plan to subsidize tax cuts for the wealthy. From able to shoulder the costs of care without and instead support a budget that defends education and scientific research to basic as- sufficient federal support. Instead of arbi- the interests of the American public and pru- sistance and health programs, the House trary caps, proposals should focus on efforts dently spends taxpayer dollars. budget would cut $4.4 trillion from entitle- to improve Medicaid, such as encouraging Sincerely, ment programs and $1.3 trillion from non-de- more individuals to receive services in their HECTOR SANCHEZ BARBA, fense discretionary programs over the next homes and communities rather than costly decade, crippling the most important drivers Chair, NHLA, Execu- institutional care. tive Director, Labor of our nation’s economic engine—working SNAP plays a vital role in feeding millions Council for Latin families. For these reasons, and those de- of hungry Americans, including over four American Advance- tailed further below, NHLA will consider any million older Americans. Proposals to block ment (LCLAA). votes on the budget resolution for inclusion grant the program, or impose work require- BRUCE GOLDSTEIN, in future NHLA scorecards evaluating the ments will make SNAP less responsive and Co-Chair, NHLA Eco- support of Members of Congress for the accessible in times of need; and without nomic Empowerment Latino community. clear work requirement exemptions for the and Labor Com- Budget resolutions serve as fiscal blue- elderly and disabled, would bar these individ- mittee, President, prints that signal the priorities of govern- uals from receiving SNAP benefits. ment spending to support all Americans in Farmworker Justice. We ask you to reject the cuts proposed in their attainment of the American Dream. ERIC RODRIGUEZ, H. Con. Res. 71. We stand ready to work with However, rather than seek to bolster oppor- Co-Chair, NHLA Eco- tunities for American working families, the nomic Empowerment you to develop proposals that protect and House budget places the burden of reducing and Labor Com- improve Medicare, Medicaid, Social Secu- our deficit squarely on the backs of families mittee, Vice Presi- rity, and SNAP. struggling to make ends meet in order to dent, UnidosUS. Sincerely, JO ANN C. JENKINS, give tax breaks to wealthy corporations and Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I in- Chief Executive Offi- individuals. Rather than investing in Amer- clude in the RECORD letters from the ica’s future homebuyers, workers, and stu- cer. AARP, the Main Street Alliance, and JOYCE A. ROGERS, dents, both the House budget and President the League of Conservation Voters, all Trump’s budget undermine the progress our SVP Government Af- country has made and prioritize corporate in strong opposition to the Republican fairs, AARP. interests over those of hardworking Amer- budget. ican families. AARP, MAIN STREET ALLIANCE, The trillions of dollars of cuts in the House Washington, DC, October 3, 2017. Washington, DC, October 2, 2017. budget would have a catastrophic impact on DEAR MEMBER OF CONGRESS: On behalf of Re H. Con. Res. 71, Fiscal Year 2018 Budget the millions of Latinos who struggle to put over 38 million members and other Ameri- Resolution. food on their tables and a roof over their cans who are age 50 and older, AARP is writ- heads. Recent research by UnidosUS (for- ing to communicate our views as you con- MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- merly NCLR) provides evidence of the strong sider H. Con. Res. 71, the House Concurrent TIVES, impact of federal assistance programs on Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year Washington, DC. lifting millions of Latinos, especially chil- 2018. As the process moves forward, AARP DEAR REPRESENTATIVES: Main Street Alli- dren, out of poverty. In 2015, for example: urges you to support Social Security, Medi- ance, a network of small business owners

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.008 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 throughout the country, strongly urges you LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS, ation instructions will instruct the to oppose H. Con. Res. 71, the Fiscal Year Washington, DC, October 4, 2017. Ways and Means Committee to do a 2018 Budget Resolution. This budget, if en- Re Oppose FY18 House Budget Resolution. deficit neutral tax plan. acted into law, would cut $3.4 trillion from HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Well, I mean, there is lots of stuff in Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, edu- Washington, DC. here that are assumptions that aren’t DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: The League of Con- cation, employment and training, food and true, like, you repealed the Affordable housing assistance, and infrastructure spend- servation Voters (LCV) works to turn envi- ing over the next 10 years. This will signifi- ronmental values into national priorities. Care Act. That didn’t happen and it is cantly harm small business owners and their Each year, LCV publishes the National Envi- not going to happen. employees, damage local economies, and ronmental Scorecard, which details the vot- And what we are told from the Tax decimate state budgets. ing records of members of Congress on envi- Policy Center and the Committee for a ronmental legislation. The Scorecard is dis- Responsible Federal Budget, according Millions of small business owners, their tributed to LCV members, concerned voters to their analysis, is that what the Re- employees, and their families rely on Med- nationwide, and the media. icaid and Medicare for access to healthcare LCV urges you to vote NO on H. Con. Res. publicans are proposing in terms of critical to their survival. The House Budget 71. This budget resolution includes a huge their tax plan will basically cost well Resolution would strip them of their health giveaway to oil and gas companies by paving over $2 trillion, and that will be added coverage. The proposed budget would slash the way for drilling in the Arctic National to our debt. $1.5 trillion from Medicaid and other health Wildlife Refuge, one of America’s most So I don’t—we can debate programs, and gut Medicare by $500 billion, iconic landscapes. It threatens environ- fantasyland if we want, but the reality transforming both from systems in which mental and public health safeguards, pro- is the reality, and this budget is a bad beneficiaries are guaranteed certain levels of vides tax cuts for millionaires and billion- deal for everybody. coverage, to a capped amount per enrollee. aires, and slashes programs and protections that benefit communities across the coun- Mr. Speaker, this week, our Nation Work requirements would also be imposed on witnessed the deadliest mass shooting Medicaid. This puts 69 million Medicaid re- try, among other harmful provisions. The House budget resolution puts some of in history. We have endured horrific cipients and 57 million Medicare bene- our most iconic landscapes at risk. It con- mass killings in Newtown, San ficiaries at risk for a loss in services, includ- tains reconciliation instructions that aim to ing millions of small business owners and Bernardino, Orlando, and now Las open up the pristine Arctic National Wildlife Vegas, among many others, all without their employees. Refuge and possibly other public lands and waters to drilling. The Arctic Refuge is one any congressional action. The killings Healthcare, education, food, and housing happen every single day on our streets, costs would skyrocket under the House of the largest remaining intact ecosystems Budget, devastating local economies and in the world. It has sustained the Gwich’in at public events, and even in our small businesses that depend on consumer people for centuries and is home to an in- homes. demand from customers in their commu- credible array of wildlife, including caribou, Mr. Speaker, my heart broke when nities. In addition to the deep cuts to wolves, polar bears, and nearly 200 species of the children of Sandy Hook were migratory birds. We have a moral obligation healthcare, the budget would cut $150 billion killed, and I remain absolutely stunned to protect this natural treasure and to tran- from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance that this Congress has done nothing sition to a clean energy future. Program, which enables nearly 22 million Following in the footsteps of the Trump about it, nothing. families to put food on the table, and elimi- administration’s unconscionable budget pro- Now 59 people lost their lives in Las nate $90 billion from education, training, posal, the House Republican leadership’s Vegas during what was supposed to be employment, and social services programs, budget resolution would make dangerous a celebratory event, a concert, and this significantly scaling back Pell Grants, which cuts to programs that benefit the most vul- is only 16 months after the last deadly help nearly 8 million students afford college. nerable in our society while benefitting pol- mass shooting in Orlando. Gun violence These draconian spending cuts would force luters. Included in the resolution are provi- in this country is out of control, and vulnerable and working families to pay more sions that will lead to trillions of dollars of for vital programs, resulting in a reduction cuts to health care and programs that pro- all we have done is cater to the gun in their disposal income and the amount of vide basic living standards for struggling lobby. money they can spend on goods and services. families, as well as other substantial cuts. The United States Congress is a leg- Small business owners would see a decline in Meanwhile, it would account for $1.6 billion islative body, Mr. Speaker. We are not customers. of federal funds to pay for a xenophobic and a think tank or a church or a syna- environmentally harmful border wall. Rath- The House budget cuts would siphon tril- gogue. Thoughts and prayers are not er than investing in safeguards for clean air what this country expects from us, and lions of dollars out of state economies from and water, protections for our national parks 2018 to 2027. Because the block grant funding and other public lands that drive our outdoor it is not what it needs from us. The scheme provides a fixed amount of Medicaid recreation economy, and growing clean en- people of this country need us to act, and Medicare funding for states each year, ergy industries, this budget sells out those to pass laws that protect their lives the proposal would also leave states on the priorities to pay for tax cuts for millionaires and their children’s lives. hook for any and all unexpected healthcare and billionaires and for gifts to corporate As my colleague in the Senate, Sen- costs from recessions, natural disasters, pub- special interests. ator CHRIS MURPHY, has said: ‘‘This lic health emergencies, or prescription drug We urge you to REJECT H. Con. Res. 71 must stop. It is positively infuriating and will strongly consider including the vote price spikes, and unaccounted costs like the that my colleagues in Congress are so aging of the population. The deep reductions on this bill in the 2017 Scorecard. Sincerely, afraid of the gun industry that they in federal healthcare, education, employ- pretend that there aren’t any public ment and training, food and housing assist- GENE KARPINSKI, ance, and infrastructure spending would President. policy responses to this epidemic. force states to make up the difference, dras- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I just There are. And the thoughts and pray- tically cutting the quality of services of- want to make sure that it is clear that, ers of politicians are cruelly hollow if fered. As state budgets contract, employ- certainly on the Democratic side, we they are paired with legislative indif- ment would decrease and small businesses are very much dedicated to trying to ference.’’ would decline. lift people out of poverty. That is one For this reason, if we defeat the pre- The impact of the House Budget Resolu- of the reasons why we oppose this Re- vious question, I will offer an amend- tion on small businesses will be felt in the publican budget that cuts $211 million ment to the rule to bring up Mr. loss of vital services, reduced business, and from financial aid programs to help THOMPSON’s bill, H. Res. 367, which I contracted state budgets. We urge you to people be able to get additional higher am a cosponsor of, which would estab- protect Main Street small businesses owners, education. That is one of the reasons lish the Select Committee on Gun Vio- working families, communities, and econo- why we have complained loudly about lence Prevention. mies, and oppose the House Budget Resolu- the inadequate funding for job train- Mr. Speaker, let me explain what I tion. Reject any budget that enables tax cuts ing. You want people to train for em- mean when I say ‘‘defeat the previous for the very wealthy and large profitable cor- question.’’ We are here debating which porations to lose revenue, since it will force ployment, you need to make sure that bills will come to the House floor this deep cuts in vital programs that harm small those slots are available so that people business. can get the training and the assistance week, the agenda for the House of Rep- Signed, they need. resentatives. The majority chose to AMANDA BALLANTYNE, The gentleman says: Don’t worry consider their misguided budget. Fine. National Director, Main Street Alliance. about the debt because the reconcili- We can do that.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.007 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7771 But what I am saying is that we expands the already existing back- Now, if my colleagues have any con- should also take the first step in at ground checks to include commercial cerns about that, I hope they will come least setting up a committee to look at sale of firearms across the country. No and knock on my door, Mr. Speaker, gun violence in America. So if we say hearings, no votes. because I promise you that one of these no to ending debate on this rule, by de- Instead, our friends on the other side groups is going to be from their part of feating the previous question, we can of the aisle have their own gun agenda. the country. then debate whether or not to create They want to legalize silencers. They Certainly, in Georgia, the Georgia this committee. This is the least we want to remove the restrictions on si- Chamber of Commerce is on that list. can do. lencers. Police entities, officers, chiefs, So our folks back home are supportive. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- and sheriffs across the country have If you are from Alabama, I have got sent to insert the text of my amend- told us that this is dangerous. It puts Alabamans on here. If you are from ment in the RECORD, along with extra- the people that we represent at risk, Baton Rouge, I have got Baton Rouge. neous material, immediately prior to but that is their gun agenda. If you are from Battle Creek, I have the vote on the previous question. If you don’t like the ideas that we Battle Creek, because what we are The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there have brought forward, please bring working on here isn’t a Republican objection to the request of the gen- something forward, other than deregu- budget, Mr. Speaker. tleman from Massachusetts? lating silencers, that will help with b 1315 There was no objection. this epidemic that we are facing in our What we are working on isn’t a re- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield country. gional budget. What we are working on 4 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- Thirty people a day are killed by here is the national budget for the fornia (Mr. THOMPSON) to discuss our someone using a gun. United States of America that can be proposal. What are your ideas? transformational for absolutely every Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Nothing. Silence. citizen in absolutely every corner of Speaker, it was almost 5 years ago that The only thing we have heard now is this country. this Nation witnessed the terrible trag- we hear from your leadership that we are not going to discuss policy in re- We have that opportunity. I think we edy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, are going to seize that opportunity, but where 20 first graders were murdered in gard to gun violence prevention. Well, that is why we came to Con- we can’t do it until we move this rule their classrooms, along with six of gress. That is why every one of us ran to get to the underlying bills. I encour- their teachers. Congress did nothing. for Congress, to work on policy. That is age my colleagues to do that. A church in Charleston, a White su- why our constituents sent us to Con- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of premacist walked in and murdered nine gress, to vote on policy. my time. worshippers. Congress did nothing. And But on the heels of 59 people being Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield worse than that, Congress didn’t even murdered the day before yesterday, myself such time as I may consume, address what is called the ‘‘Charleston what are we told? and I include in the RECORD letters loophole’’ that allowed this deranged That we are not going to do policy on from the UAW, the SEIU, The National White supremacist to be able to buy a gun violence prevention. Treasury Employees Union, AFSCME, gun or obtain a gun that he was buying That is not responsible. the American Federation of Govern- without completing the background The bill that my friend, Mr. MCGOV- ment Employees, and NARFE. check. ERN, talked about, my bill that he is a INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED Orlando, Florida, the nightclub: 49 coauthor on, would establish a Select AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE & AGRI- people murdered. Congress did nothing. Committee, Democrats and Repub- CULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS The congressional baseball game, one licans, to sit down at the same table OF AMERICA–UAW, of our own was shot by some deranged and try and find some solutions to help Washington, DC, October 3, 2017. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the murderer. Congress did nothing. prevent gun violence, and then move Las Vegas, just these past days, a International Union, United Automobile, that to the House for consideration. Aerospace and Agricultural Implement country music festival: 59 people mur- That is all we want. Workers of America (UAW), I am writing to dered. The biggest mass shooting in the We want these issues to be heard. We strongly urge you to oppose H. Con. Res. 71, history of the United States of Amer- want to be able to do our job. Our con- the House Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget reso- ica. Even as sad, it is the 273rd mass stituents want a vote on these issues lution. The federal budget is a moral docu- shooting in the United States of Amer- that are important to the safety of ment as well as a fiscal blueprint, and H. Con. Res. 71 fails spectacularly on both ica this year. every single person in the United So what is Congress going to do? fronts. This draconian budget would be a dis- States of America. aster for our economy, the middle class and More of nothing? That is not appro- Mr. Speaker, I ask that we defeat the our most vulnerable citizens. priate. previous question. The proposed budget forces working people In the almost 5 years since Sandy Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield and retirees to pay for enormous tax cuts to Hook, we have been working on our myself such time as I may consume. the wealthy. Despite claims to the contrary, side of the aisle diligently to try and If you have not tuned in to this de- by 2027, roughly 30 percent of households come up with some ideas, some solu- bate until just these past few minutes, earning between $50,000 and $150,000 would tions to help prevent gun violence, and you might not know that this is the see an increase in their taxes. H. Con. Res. 71 cuts $1.5 trillion from Medicare and Medicaid we have come up with some. As a mat- budget debate today. We have been and ends the programs as we know them. ter of fact, one of them is a bipartisan prepping for the budget debate today Medicaid and Medicare are literal lifelines measure with a bipartisan coauthor on for about 10 months now, and we are for many of our most vulnerable citizens—es- my bill, Mr. PETER KING from New ready today not just with one budget, pecially children and the elderly. Medicaid is York, and we have four or five Repub- but with a variety of budget choices. the largest provider of nursing home and lican coauthors on that bill. And what is wonderful about this proc- long-term care. Have we had a hearing? ess is it has been such an open process. This radical piece of legislation creates You can come down to the House fast-track procedures to implement the tax No. cuts that will overwhelmingly benefit the Have we had a vote? floor and air absolutely any idea that wealthy and multinational corporations. The No. is on your mind. That has not just been average tax cut for millionaires would be All we are trying to do with that bill true today, Mr. Speaker, but that has $230,000 a year by 2027. It eliminates the es- is expand background checks to make been true throughout this entire budg- tate tax, which currently only applies to the sure that criminals and the dan- et process. In fact, I have a letter top two tenths of one percent of estates, giv- gerously mentally ill can’t buy fire- signed by literally hundreds of groups ing the ultrawealthy $239 billion in tax cuts. arms easily; make it more difficult for that support not just voting on the rule By 2027, 80% of tax cuts will go to the top one percent. these people, who we know commit to bring the budget to the floor, but It also uses these procedures to make at crimes with these guns, to get their groups that support passing the budget least $203 billion in cuts to mandatory pro- hands on a gun. It is within the con- as we passed it out of the House Budget grams that are important for working fami- fines of the Second Amendment. It just Committee. lies and our most vulnerable citizens. In

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.035 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 total, this budget assumes $5.4 trillion in veloping innovative care delivery models Federal employees play a vital role for tax- spending cuts. Cuts of this magnitude would that control costs and increase quality. The payers—ensuring air, water and food safety, almost certainly lead to slashing funding for People’s Budget would put America’s health border and national security, consumer pro- Legal Services Corporation, federal em- care system on the right path forward. tections, and preserving our national parks, ployee pensions, nutritional assistance infra- The House Republican budget, however, to name just a few of their functions and structure, and unemployment compensation, would compound the proposed Medicaid cuts missions. Like all Americans, federal em- to name a few. It also repeals the Dodd- with potential cuts to Medicare, Social Secu- ployees face ever-increasing food, utility, Frank Wall Street Reform and the Afford- rity Disability Insurance, and nutrition as- health care, and college bills, and have rent able Care Act. sistance. The budget doubles down on its and mortgage obligations. Families will fall This budget resolution takes America in harm to seniors and people with disabilities further behind if their take-home pay is the wrong direction. We have tried ‘‘trickle and further shift costs to states. The cumu- slashed or if cost-of-living adjustments, down’’ economics several times in the past; lative impact of the deep cuts proposed in similar to those made to Social Security, it did not work then and it will not work this budget would force states to make dras- military retirement and to veterans’ benefits now. These tax cuts will not pay for them- tic spending and job cuts, raise taxes, or to keep these payments whole, are removed selves. Instead, they will come at the ex- both. This budget pressure would likely also in retirement. These further cuts will also pense of hardworking every day Americans— trickle down to local governments in the degrade morale, make it difficult for agen- many of whom have trouble affording basic form of decreased funding to cities and coun- cies to recruit and retain quality employees, necessities today. ties, creating a fiscal crisis in communities and will erode income security for retirees. We strongly urge you to oppose H. Con. across the nation. Additionally, I ask you to strongly oppose Res. 71 and instead work on a federal budget While H. Con. Res. 71 would force Ameri- Representatives McClintock and Walker’s that invests in our country and works for cans to make a false choice between pro- Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute ALL Americans. grams that are essential to their commu- that places a severe financial burden on fed- Sincerely, nities and tax giveaways for the wealthy, eral employees by eviscerating federal em- JOSH NASSAR, The People’s Budget invests in American ployee compensation, and further unfairly Legislative Director. communities through a robust infrastructure attacks worker protections and labor organi- program and makes debt free college a re- zations. ality for all students—without sacrificing SEIU STRONGER TOGETHER, On behalf of our nation’s federal employ- health care for millions of Americans. The Washington, DC, October 4, 2017. ees—who live and work in every state and DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the 2 House Republican budget makes no such congressional district across the country— million members of the Service Employees commitment to education, and its steep cuts serving as scientists, accountants, statisti- International Union (‘‘SEIU’’), I write to op- create the potential for state budget crises cians, park rangers, and law enforcement of- pose H. Con. Res. 71, the FY18 House budget that put education programs and working ficers, I ask you to reject the cuts con- resolution. This budget would further rig the families’ futures in jeopardy. Trickle-down templated in the Budget Resolution, and system against working Americans by slash- economics have left America’s middle class VOTE NO. ing resources that help families afford basic behind for decades. It is time we turn the Sincerely, needs like healthcare, food, and education— page towards an economy that is designed ANTHONY M. REARDON, all to pave the way for tax cuts for corpora- for working families and aimed at improving National President. tions and the wealthy. SEIU believes The their lives. People’s Budget is a better way forward for The proposed FY18 House Budget Resolu- working families. While the House Repub- tion is a disaster for America’s working fam- AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE, lican budget would continue to leave work- ilies. By decimating programs that provide COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL EMPLOY- ing families behind, The People’s Budget healthcare, food, housing, and education to EES, AFL–CIO, makes American workers its first priority set the stage for massive tax cuts for the Washington, DC, October 2, 2017. through critical investments in health care, wealthy and corporations, this budget is an MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, education, and infrastructure. attack on our communities’ quality of life. Washington, DC. The first goal of any elected representative We respectfully urge you to reject the pro- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the 1.6 should be to improve the lives of their con- posed budget resolution, and instead support million members of the American Federation stituents. H. Con. Res. 71 fails to meet this The People’s Budget which would prioritize of State, County and Municipal Employees standard. To pay for tax giveaways for the working families in building an economy (AFSCME), I urge you to oppose H. Con. Res. wealthy and corporations, the budget resolu- that works for everyone. We will add votes 71, the fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget resolution tion includes reconciliation instructions on H. Con. Res. 71 to our legislative score- approved by the House Budget Committee that would significantly undermine basic liv- card. and scheduled to be considered by the full ing standards for families. For example, Sincerely, House. This budget plan would impose con- under the reconciliation instructions, com- MARY KAY HENRY, siderable hardship on many Americans in mittees are directed to make cuts of $203 bil- International President. order to slash taxes for the wealthy and cor- lion dollars over ten years to programs that porations and to boost defense spending. could include Medicaid, Medicare, Supple- THE NATIONAL TREASURY The budget decisions made by Congress mental Nutrition Assistance Program EMPLOYEES UNION, each year are vital to ensuring that the (SNAP) and programs for people with disabil- Washington, DC, October 4, 2017. economy is strong and that our communities ities, which provide critical support for mil- DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: As National Presi- are safe and prosperous. Yet, this budget lions of Americans. dent of the National Treasury Employees completely undercuts responsibility for By threatening Medicaid, this budget ig- Union, I represent over 150,000 dedicated fed- shared prosperity by applying the same mis- nores the tens of thousands of people who eral employees at 31 agencies. I am writing guided priorities proposed by President mobilized month after month to soundly re- to ask you to VOTE NO on the House Budget Trump. It sets woefully inadequate spending ject efforts to dismantle healthcare and cut Resolution, H. Con Res 71. levels for critical public services and cuts Medicaid. Efforts to reduce or cap Medicaid The House Budget Resolution instructs the over a trillion dollars from non-defense dis- funding put at risk healthcare for 74 million Committee on Oversight and Government cretionary spending (NDD), in order to sig- Americans—including children, people with Reform to produce at least $32 billion in cuts nificantly boost defense spending and pro- disabilities, and seniors. Hospitals could be to programs under its jurisdiction, which are vide massive tax giveaways to wealthy indi- forced to close or cut services, further reduc- federal employee benefit programs. While viduals and large corporations. ing access to care, especially in underserved the Budget Committee recommended sizable The budget slashes $5.7 trillion over 10 areas. States—which must balance budgets cuts to federal employee retirement, it is im- years including $1.3 trillion from NDD pro- and already face fiscal pressures—would not portant to highlight that this program has grams that have already been compromised be able to make up the lost federal Medicaid been utilized in recent years to help pay for by austere budget caps. FY 2018 statutory dollars and would likely be forced to deny both infrastructure and unemployment in- caps lower funding for NDD programs by 17 coverage. Furthermore, the cuts would lead surance. This was twice accomplished by in- percent adjusted for inflation below FY 2010, to significant job loss in the healthcare in- creasing the amount federal employees con- and the House budget cuts this by an addi- dustry, one of the fastest growing sectors in tribute toward their retirement benefits, and tional $5 billion. The additional cuts pro- our economy. occurred against a backdrop of a multi-year posed in the House budget would weaken In contrast, The People’s Budget would pay freeze, further squeezing employee pay- public services that all Americans rely on, focus on reforms to increase access, afford- checks. In recent years, federal employees create massive budget problems for states, ability. and quality of health care by build- have endured compensation losses of close to and lead to enormous job losses. It would ing on the foundation of the Affordable Care $200 billion for deficit reduction, from the force dramatic cuts in, education, job train- Act (‘‘ACA’’). In its entirety, it would move above retirement changes and from reduced ing, federal employee pensions, and nutri- the nation’s health care system closer to pay increases in 2014, 2015, 2016, and in 2017. tional assistance. Over 10 years, the budget achieving universal coverage, while ensuring At a time when private sector raises are cuts $4.4 trillion from entitlement programs, that working families would have affordable averaging 3%, federal wage increases con- such as, Medicare and Medicaid, including at care. At the same time, it would invest in de- tinue to trail behind. least $203 billion in entitlement cuts to be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.009 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7773 made through the ‘‘fast track’’ reconcili- These proposed federal retirement cuts of budget for 10 months; but according to ation process. As a result, safety-net pro- S32 billion over ten years would be on top of your own Republican Budget Com- grams that millions rely upon are once again the $182 billion in cuts to pay and benefits mittee website, the budget was sup- a target, further shifting enormous and that federal employees have experienced posed to be presented and finished by unsustainable costs to the elderly, disabled, since 2011. Those pay and benefit cuts in- students and states. cluded: a three-year pay freeze (2011, 2012, April 15, so you are a little late. Rather than increasing revenues for in- 2013), three years of reduced pay increases In any event, I also want to remind vestment that creates jobs and spurs eco- (2014, 2015, 2016), unpaid furlough days be- the gentleman, because I know he is on nomic growth, the proposed budget creates a cause of the 2013 sequestration, and two in- the Rules Committee, so I know he fast-track process for tax cuts that over- creases in retirement contributions for new knows this, that the rule sets the agen- whelmingly benefit corporations and the hires (2012 and 2013). da for the House. Yes, if one of the wealthy. In fact, according to the non- It is important to view the House Budget things that the Republicans want to partisan Tax Policy Center, the Trump/GOP Committee’s FY 2018 budget proposal to cut bring up is their terrible budget, that tax cut would largely benefit the richest 1 federal employee retirement benefits in the is fine. You can do that. But the rule percent. The budget also relies on the gim- proper context. The federal employee retire- micks of dynamic scoring and sham account- ment systems (FERS and CSRS) have played can also be an opportunity for us to ing, hiding the true cost of unnecessary and no role whatsoever in the creation of the fed- bring up the bill that Mr. THOMPSON harmful tax cuts. eral budget deficit. In addition, increasing has offered, to set up this commission The budget approved by the House Budget federal employees’ contributions to their de- to deal with gun violence. We can do Committee would hurt families, kill job fined benefit retirement plans would de- both. growth and send the economy into a down- crease consumer demand and thereby ad- You can walk and you can chew gum ward tailspin. I strongly urge you to oppose. versely impact the American economy. at the same time. This is not a radical H. Con. Res. 71, the proposed 2018 concurrent Thank you for your consideration of our idea. But this is our only way to be budget resolution. request. able to bring something to the floor, Sincerely, Sincerely, because the leadership of this House SCOTT FREY, THOMAS S. KAHN, Director of Federal Government Affairs. Director, Legislative Affairs. has said no to everything. They have said no to everything. We can’t get AMERICAN FEDERATION OF NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED hearings. We can’t get votes. We can’t GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL–CIO, FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, get debates. We get nothing. Washington, DC, September 29, 2017. Alexandria, VA, October 3, 2017. Don’t be startled by us trying to de- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, feat the previous question. It is a per- Washington, DC. Washington, DC. fectly legitimate way to try to expand DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the the agenda, and I hope that some of our American Federation of Government Em- National Active and Retired Federal Em- ployees, AFL–CIO, which represents over ployees Association (NARFE), I write to ask Republican friends will vote with us to 700,000 federal employees across the country, you to oppose the inclusion of reconciliation defeat the previous question. We can I strongly urge you to oppose any FY 2018 instructions in any budget resolution that still do the budget, but we can also do budget resolution proposal that includes rec- target federal retirement and/or health bene- the Thompson bill as well. onciliation instructions to the Oversight and fits considered by the full House of Rep- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the Government Reform Committee (OGR) re- resentatives. gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. quiring cuts within its jurisdiction to reduce The House Budget Committee passed, and BLUNT ROCHESTER). the deficit by $32 billion for the FY 2018–2027 the House is expected to consider, a budget Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. period, when the House considers various FY resolution containing reconciliation instruc- Speaker, I thank my friend and fellow 2018 budget proposals during the week of Oc- tions calling for at least $32 billion in cuts to member of the Agriculture Committee, tober 2, 2017. These cuts would target federal mandatory spending under the jurisdiction employee retirement benefits, as that is the of the House Committee on Oversight and Mr. MCGOVERN, for yielding. only substantial mandatory spending within Government Reform (OGR). Such instruc- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- OGR’s jurisdiction. tions directly target the hard-earned retire- tion to H. Con. Res. 71, the Repub- Such an approach would be consistent with ment and health benefits of federal and post- licans’ proposed budget. This plan the Senate Budget Committee’s FY 2018 al workers and retirees, as these benefits would make extreme and irresponsible budget resolution proposal that excludes rec- constitute the only substantial mandatory cuts to domestic spending programs onciliation instructions that would result in spending under OGR’s jurisdiction. and weaken our Nation’s social safety cutting federal employee retirement bene- Proposals to meet the $32 billion in savings net. fits. Indeed, the Senate version only includes range from bad to worse—from imposing a We should be proposing a budget that reconciliation instructions to two commit- ‘‘retirement tax’’ on current federal and provides for real economic growth. We tees: the $1.5 trillion allowance for net tax postal employees by raising payroll con- cuts under the Finance Committee’s juris- tributions towards retirement without any should be strengthening programs that diction and a $1 billion, 10-year deficit cut benefit increase to various proposals that help young Americans access higher instruction to the Energy and Natural Re- would dramatically reduce the value of fed- education, increasing infrastructure sources Committee which could open up a eral pensions for those nearing—or even in— funding, and investing in our Nation’s portion of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife retirement. These are neither fair nor pru- roads and bridges. We should be focused Refuge to oil and gas exploration. dent policies, yet any budget resolution con- on vision, aspiration, a budget reflec- AFGE opposes the House Budget Commit- taining reconciliation instructions for OGR tive of our great Nation and the great tee’s FY 2018 budget resolution’s reconcili- endorses them prior to any significant eval- things we can do. ation instructions to the Oversight and Gov- uation. ernment Reform Committee to cut federal The upcoming budget resolution is being This budget instructs my friend from employee retirement benefits by $32 billion used to set the stage for advancing tax re- Massachusetts and my committee to for the FY 2018–2027 period. We believe this form that proponents argue provides a break find $10 billion in cuts to agriculture budget reconciliation instruction would help to hard-working, middle-class Americans. programs over the next 10 years. This rip away any sense of financial security that Reconciliation instructions that target hard- decrease will affect our ability to fund federal employees currently have. working, middle class federal and postal essential USDA programs across our As you know, the House Budget Committee workers are diametrically opposed to that country in every congressional district. budget report included recommendations goal and undermine a key argument as the These are programs that farmers, that would: basis of comprehensive tax reform. Require federal employees, including Mem- For these reasons, I ask you to oppose any schoolchildren, families, communities, bers of Congress and their staffs, to make budget resolution that contains substantial and Americans rely on. greater contributions to their own defined reconciliation instructions to the House Where will we be forced to take the benefit retirement plans. Committee on Oversight and Government money from? Rural development? con- Eliminate the Federal Employees Retire- Reform. servation programs? our already insuf- ment System (FERS) supplemental annuity Sincerely, ficient nutrition programs? resources payments to federal employees who retire RICHARD THISSEN, for schools? before age 62, such as law enforcement offi- National President At a time when spending on fighting cers and federal firefighters. Transition new federal employees to a de- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, let me wildfires has surpassed previous fined contribution retirement system. (The just say to my colleague from Georgia, records, will we cut that budget? existing Thrift Savings Plan under FERS is thanks for reminding us that the Re- This budget and accompanying tax a defined contribution retirement plan.) publicans have been working on the plan does not put us on strong fiscal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.013 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 ground either. Many people don’t real- 8. H.R. 630 National Statistics on Deadly you would cut SNAP by $164 billion, a ize the significance of the agricultural Force Transparency Act of 2017 program that provides food to people; a industry in Delaware. Our State is 9. H.R. 445 Buyback Our Safety Act (gun program where 67 percent of the people buyback program) filled with family farmers that produce 10. H.R. 1079 Campus Gun Policy Trans- on the benefit are children, are senior specialty crops, commodities. Delaware parency Act citizens, or people who are disabled; a has the highest number of chickens per 11. H.R. 163 Gun Manufacturers Account- program where those who can work, capita—300—of any State in the Na- ability Act the majority of them work, but they tion. Many of these farmers rely on the 12. H.R. 2033 Undetectable Firearms Mod- earn so little in the workforce that ernization Act very programs that we will be forced to 13. H.R. 3013 Help Communities Fight Vio- they still qualify for that program. undermine if these cuts are realized, lent Crime Act You want to take that benefit away, a and that hurts all Americans. 14. H.R. 1111 Department of Peacebuilding benefit that is $1.40 per person per Access to food is not just a farmer’s Act of 2017 meal. issue; it will affect rural communities, 15. H. Res. 90 Expressing the sense of the Come on. What are people thinking urban communities, and all of us. This House of Representatives that gun violence when they make those kinds of sugges- is not a responsible way to govern. is a public health issue and Congress should tions? enact by the end of the 115th Congress com- Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I would prehensive Federal legislation that protects By the way, we all know what this is. say to my friend from Massachusetts the Second Amendment and keeps commu- It is basically a pretext to move for- that I have no further speakers remain- nities safe and healthy, including expanding ward on your tax cut plan, which bene- ing. I would be happy to close when the enforceable background checks for all com- fits Donald Trump, Donald Trump’s gentleman is prepared. mercial gun sales, improving the mental family, and Donald Trump’s friends. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of health system in the United States, and This idea that somehow this would be my time. making gun trafficking and straw pur- deficit neutral is laughable. The OMB chasing a Federal crime. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Director, Mick Mulvaney, stated: ‘‘If 16. H.R. 1475 Title: Gun Trafficking Preven- myself the remainder of my time. tion Act of 2017 we simply look at this as being deficit I just want to tell my colleague from 17. H.R. 1612 Title: Gun Show Loophole neutral, you’re never going to get the Georgia, if he hasn’t read what we are Closing Act of 2017 type of tax reform and tax reductions’’ trying to propose here, we are sug- 18. H.R. 1708 Firearm Risk Protection Act that you guys are looking for. That is gesting that they bring up the Thomp- of 2017 (insurance for gun owners) the former colleague and the OMB Di- son bill to the floor under an open rule, 19. H.R. 1832 To authorize the appropria- tion of funds to the Centers for Disease Con- rector. and even get a motion to recommit, trol and Prevention for conducting or sup- So we all know what is going on here. but under an open rule. Take us up on porting research on firearms safety or gun But people ought to think long and this offer because we have had no open violence prevention. hard before they cast their vote for rules in this Congress. Try it; you 20. H.R. 2380 Handgun Trigger Safety Act of this Republican budget. Budgets basi- might like it. It might be contagious. 2017 cally indicate what we value, what we We might see more open rules where 21. H.R. 1832 To authorize the appropria- think is important. tion of funds to the Centers for Disease Con- I have got to tell you, I just don’t be- Democrats, Republicans, liberals, and trol and Prevention for conducting or sup- conservatives can offer their ideas. We porting research on firearms safety or gun lieve that if people read this budget, suggest they bring it up under an open violence prevention. that a majority of my friends, we have rule. 22. H.R. 1478 Gun Violence Research Act disagreements on lots of issues, but I I would urge all of my colleagues to 23. H.R. 3613 Safer Neighborhoods Gun just don’t believe that deep in your think about that before they cast their Buyback Act of 2017 heart you actually believe this stuff. I 24. H.R. 3361 SECURE Firearm Storage Act vote on defeating the previous ques- 25. King-Thompson Background Check Bill mean, this is offensive. tion. (closes gun show and Charleston loopholes, We ought to be talking about lifting Mr. Speaker, I began by saying the not yet reintroduced) people up and not putting them down. frustration I have with this place is 26. No Fly No Buy (not yet reintroduced) We ought to be talking about all of the that we either do nothing or we make Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, people citizens of this country with respect things worse for people. Going back to have their ideas. Some of them are and treating them with dignity. We this issue on creating a commission to maybe not so good ideas; some of them ought not treat people who are in pov- deal with gun violence, there are a lot may be very good ideas. But let’s begin erty as if somehow they are invisible, of things I would like to do, but maybe to talk about what our response should and that is what this budget does. this is a way to get some bipartisan be. That is at least doing something. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to buy-in to actually try and figure out That is better than a moment of si- vote down this Republican budget. I how to respond to this epidemic of gun lence or offering your thoughts and urge them to defeat the previous ques- violence. prayers to people who were victims in tion so we can bring up, under an open There have been 26 bills on gun safe- this terrible latest massacre. rule—under and open rule, which no- ty introduced in this Congress spon- We have got to do something, and body in this Congress has seen—a bill sored by Democrats and Republicans. I nothing is no longer sufficient. We that would allow us to create a com- include that list in the RECORD. can’t keep on doing that. People are mission, a bipartisan commission to GUN SAFETY BILLS IN THE 115TH CONGRESS horrified that Congress seems indif- examine gun violence. 1. H. Res. 367 Establishing the Select Com- ferent. We can’t even have a hearing on Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance mittee on Gun Violence Prevention. this issue, never mind a debate on the of my time. 2. H.R. 2841 Title: Disarm Hate Act floor. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3. H. Res. 361 Supporting the goals and Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to myself such time as I may consume. ideals of ‘‘National Gun Violence Awareness defeat the previous question so we can Mr. Speaker, what I love most about Day’’ and ‘‘National Gun Violence Awareness bring up the Thompson bill, and maybe budget day is the fact that we do get to Month’’. talk about our competing ideas. I do 4. H.R. 57 Accidental Firearms Transfers we can start coming together and com- Reporting Act of 2017 ing up with some ideas that might save reject some of the implications that we 5. H.R. 62 Gun Violence Reduction Re- some lives. That is the least we can do. have heard that what we are talking sources Act of 2017 (200 additional ATF Mr. Speaker, to my other point that about is whether we love people or not. Agents) we either do nothing or you guys do That is actually not the debate today. 6. H.R. 1982 To authorize funding to in- things that make life worse for people, I want to stipulate that I know the crease access to mental health care treat- it brings us to the budget. This budget men and women of this Chamber on a ment to reduce gun violence basically, in my opinion, is a cruel personal basis, and each and every one 7. H.R. 370 Amending the Rules of the of them that I know personally loves House of Representatives to require that a budget that targets, disproportion- standing committee (or subcommittee there- ately, those who are poor and those and cares for their constituency back of) hearing be held whenever there is a mo- who are in the middle class. home. The debate that we have is not ment of silence in the House for a tragedy in- It is astounding to me where some of whether we love people; it is how to volving gun violence the savings are sought. The idea that love people best.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.038 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7775 Do you love people best by giving a business here, Rob. I am trying to THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT them a check or giving them a job? employ your friends and neighbors. I IT REALLY MEANS That is a legitimate debate. am trying to keep the community This vote, the vote on whether to order the Do you love people best by leaving working. I am plowing everything I previous question on a special rule, is not their children with them or taking have back into the business. If I don’t merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- their children away from them? That is have to pay as much in taxes, I am dering the previous question is a vote a legitimate debate. against the Republican majority agenda and going to be able to hire more people.’’ a vote to allow the Democratic minority to I believe in families. I believe in the The Republican budget, Mr. Speaker, offer an alternative plan. It is a vote about dignity of work. I want to have those takes a shot at once-in-a-generation what the House should be debating. debates. tax reform—once in a generation. This Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the I think we do ourselves a disservice isn’t what we talked about last year or House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- when we describe what is going on here the year before that or the year before scribes the vote on the previous question on today on the floor of the House as any- that. This is a conversation we have the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the thing other than our absolute legal and not had since Ronald Reagan and Tip consideration of the subject before the House governmental responsibility to pass a O’Neill had it in 1986. This is a con- being made by the Member in charge.’’ To budget for the United States of Amer- defeat the previous question is to give the versation that we have not had since opposition a chance to decide the subject be- ica. Wherever you sit on the con- America slipped from number one in fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s tinuum, the political continuum, the the world to almost last in the indus- ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that economic continuum, the regional con- trialized world in terms of tax competi- ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- tinuum, there is a budget for you tiveness. This is a conversation that mand for the previous question passes the today. America has longed for and that we can control of the resolution to the opposition’’ If what you believe, Mr. Speaker, is deliver today. in order to offer an amendment. On March that the problems we have in this Mr. Speaker, let’s have these debates 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- fered a rule resolution. The House defeated country are because taxes are not high about what our priorities are. Let’s enough, there is going to be a Demo- the previous question and a member of the have these debates about whether or opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, cratic substitute coming out of the not we can do better. At the end of the asking who was entitled to recognition. Budget Committee that will raise taxes day, let’s agree that we, in fact, can do Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: about $2.4 trillion. If you think taxes better, that our bosses back home ex- ‘‘The previous question having been refused, are too low, we can raise them $2.4 tril- pect us to do better, and that by sup- the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- lion. That budget never balances. That porting this rule and supporting one of gerald, who had asked the gentleman to budget never stops borrowing from our the underlying budgets, we, in fact, yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to the first recognition.’’ children and our grandchildren. That will do better. budget never stops mortgaging Amer- The Republican majority may say ‘‘the I encourage my colleagues, Mr. vote on the previous question is simply a ica’s future. But it is a legitimate de- Speaker, support this rule, begin this vote on whether to proceed to an immediate bate because folks are taking those debate. Let’s pass this budget. Let’s vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] funds and they are investing them in fulfill our promises. Let’s make the dif- has no substantive legislative or policy im- America. They are prioritizing that in- ference that we all came here to make. plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what vestment over balancing. The material previously referred to they have always said. Listen to the Repub- lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative If you believe $2.4 trillion is not by Mr. MCGOVERN is as follows: Process in the United States House of Rep- enough, Mr. Speaker, we will have a AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 553 OFFERED BY budget from the Congressional Black resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s MR. MCGOVERN how the Republicans describe the previous Caucus today that will raise taxes by At the end of the resolution, add the fol- question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- $4.2 trillion. We can raise taxes by $4.2 lowing new sections: though it is generally not possible to amend trillion. Again, that budget never bal- SEC. 2. Immediately upon adoption of this the rule because the majority Member con- ances. It spends all that money and resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to trolling the time will not yield for the pur- more, but it is a legitimate debate clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House pose of offering an amendment, the same re- about where those dollars come from resolved into the Committee of the Whole sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- and where those dollars are going. I am House on the state of the Union for consider- vious question on the rule.... When the ation of the resolution (H. Res. 367) to estab- motion for the previous question is defeated, glad we are going to be able to have it. lish the Select Committee on Gun Violence If raising taxes by $4.2 trillion isn’t control of the time passes to the Member Prevention. The first reading of the resolu- who led the opposition to ordering the pre- enough for you, Mr. Speaker, we have tion shall be dispensed with. All points of vious question. That Member, because he the Congressional Progressive Caucus’ order against consideration of the resolution then controls the time, may offer an amend- budget on the floor. It raises taxes by are waived. General debate shall be confined ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of just over $10 trillion. Again, the budget to the resolution and shall not exceed one amendment.’’ never balances. It spends all of that hour equally divided and controlled by the In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House money and more and continues to bor- chair and ranking minority member of the of Representatives, the subchapter titled row from our children and grand- Committee on Rules. After general debate ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal the resolution shall be considered for amend- children, but it is a legitimate debate to order the previous question on such a rule ment under the five-minute rule. All points [a special rule reported from the Committee and it is a conversation worth having. of order against provisions in the resolution on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- I am proud that the Rules Committee are waived. At the conclusion of consider- ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- made that debate in order. ation of the resolution for amendment the tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- To describe what is happening on the Committee shall rise and report the resolu- jection of the motion for the previous ques- floor of the House today, Mr. Speaker, tion to the House with such amendments as tion on a resolution reported from the Com- as anything other than what is exactly may have been adopted. The previous ques- mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- expected of this institution is to do us tion shall be considered as ordered on the ber leading the opposition to the previous resolution and amendments thereto to final question, who may offer a proper amendment all a disservice. passage without intervening motion or de- I talked about making taxes higher. or motion and who controls the time for de- mand for division of the question except one bate thereon.’’ Let me talk a second about making motion to recommit with or without instruc- Clearly, the vote on the previous question taxes lower. tions. If the Committee of the Whole rises on a rule does have substantive policy impli- I talked to some friends back home; I and reports that it has come to no resolution cations. It is one of the only available tools talk to constituents; I talk to folks for on the resolution, then on the next legisla- for those who oppose the Republican major- whom I work, and some of them might tive day the House shall, immediately after ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- say: ‘‘Rob, I have enough to feed my the third daily order of business under clause native views the opportunity to offer an al- family, and if it means paying down 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of ternative plan. the Whole for further consideration of the the debt and deficit, I am willing to resolution. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield pay a little bit more.’’ Other members SEC. 3. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not back the balance of my time, and I in the community, Mr. Speaker, say: apply to the consideration of House Resolu- move the previous question on the res- ‘‘For Pete’s sake, I am trying to grow tion 367. olution.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.039 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Westerman Womack Young (AK) RECORDED VOTE question is on ordering the previous Williams Woodall Young (IA) Wilson (SC) Yoder Zeldin Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I de- question. Wittman Yoho mand a recorded vote. The question was taken; and the A recorded vote was ordered. NAYS—189 Speaker pro tempore announced that The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a the noes appeared to have it. Adams Gallego Nolan Aguilar Garamendi Norcross 5-minute vote. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, on that Barraga´ n Gomez O’Halleran The vote was taken by electronic de- I demand the yeas and nays. Bass Gonzalez (TX) O’Rourke vice, and there were—ayes 232, noes 188, Beatty The yeas and nays were ordered. Gottheimer Pallone not voting 13, as follows: Bera Green, Al Panetta The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Beyer Green, Gene Pascrell [Roll No. 552] ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Bishop (GA) Grijalva Payne ´ AYES—232 will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum Blumenauer Gutierrez Perlmutter Blunt Rochester Hanabusa Peters Abraham Goodlatte Olson time for any electronic vote on the Bonamici Hastings Peterson Aderholt Gosar Palazzo Boyle, Brendan Heck question of adoption of the resolution. Pingree Allen Gowdy Palmer F. Higgins (NY) The vote was taken by electronic de- Pocan Amash Granger Paulsen Brady (PA) Himes vice, and there were—yeas 231, nays Polis Arrington Graves (GA) Pearce Brown (MD) Hoyer Babin Graves (LA) Perry Price (NC) 189, not voting 13, as follows: Brownley (CA) Huffman Bacon Graves (MO) Pittenger Quigley Bustos Jackson Lee Banks (IN) Griffith Poe (TX) [Roll No. 551] Raskin Butterfield Jayapal Barletta Grothman Poliquin Rice (NY) YEAS—231 Capuano Jeffries Barr Guthrie Posey Richmond Abraham Garrett Mitchell Carbajal Johnson (GA) Barton Handel Ratcliffe ´ Roybal-Allard Aderholt Gianforte Cardenas Johnson, E. B. Bergman Harper Reed Moolenaar Ruiz Allen Gibbs Mooney (WV) Carson (IN) Kaptur Biggs Harris Reichert Ruppersberger Amash Gohmert Mullin Cartwright Keating Bilirakis Hartzler Renacci Rush Arrington Goodlatte Murphy (PA) Castor (FL) Kelly (IL) Bishop (MI) Hensarling Rice (SC) Ryan (OH) Babin Gosar Newhouse Castro (TX) Kennedy Bishop (UT) Herrera Beutler Roby Sa´ nchez Bacon Gowdy Noem Chu, Judy Khanna Black Hice, Jody B. Roe (TN) Sarbanes Banks (IN) Granger Norman Cicilline Kildee Blackburn Higgins (LA) Rogers (AL) Barletta Graves (GA) Nunes Clark (MA) Kilmer Schakowsky Blum Hill Rogers (KY) Barr Graves (LA) Olson Clarke (NY) Kind Schiff Bost Holding Rohrabacher Barton Graves (MO) Palazzo Clay Krishnamoorthi Schneider Brady (TX) Hollingsworth Rokita Bergman Griffith Paulsen Cleaver Kuster (NH) Schrader Brat Hudson Rooney, Francis Biggs Grothman Pearce Clyburn Langevin Scott (VA) Brooks (AL) Huizenga Rooney, Thomas Bilirakis Guthrie Perry Cohen Larsen (WA) Scott, David Brooks (IN) Hunter J. Bishop (MI) Handel Pittenger Connolly Larson (CT) Serrano Buchanan Hurd Ros-Lehtinen Bishop (UT) Harper Poliquin Conyers Lawrence Sewell (AL) Buck Issa Roskam Black Harris Posey Cooper Lawson (FL) Shea-Porter Bucshon Jenkins (KS) Ross Blackburn Hartzler Ratcliffe Correa Lee Sherman Budd Jenkins (WV) Rothfus Blum Hensarling Reed Costa Levin Sinema Burgess Johnson (LA) Rouzer Bost Herrera Beutler Reichert Courtney Lewis (GA) Sires Byrne Johnson (OH) Royce (CA) Brady (TX) Hice, Jody B. Renacci Crist Lieu, Ted Slaughter Calvert Johnson, Sam Russell Brat Higgins (LA) Rice (SC) Crowley Lipinski Smith (WA) Carter (GA) Jones Rutherford Brooks (AL) Hill Roby Cuellar Loebsack Soto Carter (TX) Jordan Sanford Cummings Lofgren Brooks (IN) Holding Roe (TN) Speier Chabot Joyce (OH) Schweikert Davis (CA) Lowenthal Buchanan Hollingsworth Rogers (AL) Suozzi Cheney Katko Scott, Austin Davis, Danny Lowey Buck Hudson Rogers (KY) Swalwell (CA) Coffman Kelly (MS) Sensenbrenner DeFazio Lujan Grisham, Bucshon Huizenga Rohrabacher Takano Cole Kelly (PA) Sessions DeGette M. Budd Hultgren Rokita Thompson (CA) Collins (GA) King (IA) Shimkus Delaney Luja´ n, Ben Ray Burgess Hunter Rooney, Francis Thompson (MS) Collins (NY) King (NY) Shuster DeLauro Lynch Comer Kinzinger Simpson Byrne Hurd Rooney, Thomas Tonko DelBene Maloney, Comstock Knight Smith (MO) Calvert Issa J. Torres Demings Carolyn B. Conaway Kustoff (TN) Smith (NE) Carter (GA) Jenkins (KS) Ros-Lehtinen Tsongas DeSaulnier Maloney, Sean Cook Labrador Smith (NJ) Carter (TX) Jenkins (WV) Roskam Vargas Deutch Matsui Costello (PA) LaHood Smith (TX) Chabot Johnson (LA) Ross Veasey Cheney Johnson (OH) Rothfus Dingell McCollum Cramer LaMalfa Smucker Doggett McEachin Vela Crawford Lamborn Stefanik Coffman Johnson, Sam Rouzer ´ Ellison McGovern Velazquez Culberson Lance Stewart Cole Jones Royce (CA) Visclosky Collins (GA) Jordan Engel McNerney Curbelo (FL) Latta Stivers Russell Walz Collins (NY) Joyce (OH) Rutherford Eshoo Meeks Davidson Lewis (MN) Taylor Wasserman Comer Katko Sanford Espaillat Meng Davis, Rodney LoBiondo Tenney Schultz Comstock Kelly (MS) Schweikert Esty (CT) Moore Denham Love Thompson (PA) Waters, Maxine Conaway Kelly (PA) Scott, Austin Evans Moulton Dent Lucas Thornberry Watson Coleman Cook King (IA) Sensenbrenner Foster Murphy (FL) DeSantis Luetkemeyer Tiberi Welch Costello (PA) King (NY) Sessions Frankel (FL) Nadler DesJarlais MacArthur Tipton Wilson (FL) Cramer Kinzinger Shimkus Fudge Napolitano Diaz-Balart Marchant Trott Crawford Knight Shuster Gabbard Neal Yarmuth Donovan Marino Turner Duffy Marshall Upton Culberson Kustoff (TN) Simpson NOT VOTING—13 Curbelo (FL) Labrador Smith (MO) Duncan (SC) Massie Valadao Davidson LaHood Smith (NE) Amodei Long Poe (TX) Duncan (TN) Mast Wagner Davis, Rodney LaMalfa Smith (NJ) Bridenstine Loudermilk Rosen Dunn McCaul Walberg Denham Lamborn Smith (TX) Doyle, Michael McCarthy Scalise Emmer McClintock Walden Dent Lance Smucker F. Palmer Titus Estes (KS) McHenry Walker DeSantis Latta Stefanik Kihuen Pelosi Farenthold McKinley Walorski DesJarlais Lewis (MN) Stewart Faso McMorris Walters, Mimi Diaz-Balart LoBiondo Stivers Ferguson Rodgers Weber (TX) Donovan Love Taylor b 1351 Fitzpatrick McSally Webster (FL) Duffy Lucas Tenney Fleischmann Meadows Wenstrup Duncan (SC) Luetkemeyer Thompson (PA) Messrs. GRIJALVA and HOYER Flores Meehan Westerman Duncan (TN) MacArthur Thornberry changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to Fortenberry Messer Williams Dunn Marchant Tiberi ‘‘nay.’’ Foxx Mitchell Wilson (SC) Emmer Marino Tipton Franks (AZ) Moolenaar Wittman Estes (KS) Marshall Trott Mr. FITZPATRICK changed his vote Frelinghuysen Mooney (WV) Womack Farenthold Massie Turner from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Gaetz Mullin Woodall Gallagher Murphy (PA) Yoder Faso Mast Upton So the previous question was ordered. Ferguson McCaul Valadao Garrett Newhouse Yoho Fitzpatrick McClintock Wagner The result of the vote was announced Gianforte Noem Young (AK) Fleischmann McHenry Walberg as above recorded. Gibbs Norman Young (IA) Flores McKinley Walden Gohmert Nunes Zeldin Fortenberry McMorris Walker The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Foxx Rodgers Walorski question is on the resolution. NOES—188 Franks (AZ) McSally Walters, Mimi The question was taken; and the Adams Beatty Blumenauer Frelinghuysen Meadows Weber (TX) Aguilar Bera Blunt Rochester Gaetz Meehan Webster (FL) Speaker pro tempore announced that Barraga´ n Beyer Bonamici Gallagher Messer Wenstrup the ayes appeared to have it. Bass Bishop (GA)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.042 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7777 Boyle, Brendan Grijalva O’Rourke Soboleff Commission on Native Children unlock tax reform, and support an F. Gutie´rrez Pallone Commission. economy that creates opportunity for Brady (PA) Hanabusa Panetta Thank you for your attention to this ap- Brown (MD) Hastings all Americans. Pascrell pointment. Brownley (CA) Heck In past years, our budget resolution Payne Sincerely, Bustos Higgins (NY) Pelosi was a vision document, but this year it Butterfield Himes Perlmutter NANCY PELOSI, Capuano Hoyer Democratic Leader. is different. With the election of Presi- Peters dent Trump, our budget goes from Carbajal Huffman Peterson ´ f Cardenas Jackson Lee Pingree being a vision document to being a gov- Carson (IN) Jayapal Pocan erning document that outlines how we Cartwright Jeffries CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON Polis Castor (FL) Johnson (GA) THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR build a better America for our children Price (NC) Castro (TX) Johnson, E. B. and our grandchildren. Quigley 2018 Chu, Judy Kaptur Today, we have the opportunity to Cicilline Keating Raskin GENERAL LEAVE Rice (NY) fulfill our promises to the American Clark (MA) Kelly (IL) Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask Clarke (NY) Kennedy Richmond people. Balancing the budget by 2027 is Clay Khanna Roybal-Allard unanimous consent that all Members our top priority. Our national debt Cleaver Kildee Ruiz have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- stands at $20 trillion, with $9 trillion Clyburn Kilmer Ruppersberger tend their remarks and include extra- added over just the last 8 years. For Cohen Kind Rush Connolly Krishnamoorthi Ryan (OH) neous material on H. Con. Res. 71, cur- too long, both parties in Washington Conyers Kuster (NH) Sa´ nchez rently under consideration. have failed to abide by a simple prin- Cooper Langevin Sarbanes The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ciple that all American families and Correa Larsen (WA) Schakowsky objection to the request of the gentle- small businesses do, that we must live Costa Larson (CT) Schiff Courtney Lawrence Schneider woman from Tennessee? within our means. Crist Lawson (FL) Scott (VA) There was no objection. Balancing the budget requires us to Crowley Lee Serrano The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- make some tough decisions, but the Cuellar Levin Sewell (AL) consequences of inaction far outweigh Cummings Lewis (GA) ant to House Resolution 553 and rule Shea-Porter any political risk we may face. Davis (CA) Lieu, Ted Sherman XVIII, the Chair declares the House in Davis, Danny Lipinski Sinema the Committee of the Whole House on Unless we take bold steps to bring DeFazio Loebsack Sires the state of the Union for the consider- our excessive spending and debt under DeGette Lofgren Slaughter control, a sovereign debt crisis is the Delaney Lowenthal ation of the concurrent resolution, H. Smith (WA) natural conclusion. Failure to take DeLauro Lowey Soto Con. Res. 71. DelBene Lujan Grisham, Speier The Chair appoints the gentleman swift and decisive action is not only in- Demings M. Suozzi excusable, it is immoral. DeSaulnier Luja´ n, Ben Ray from Colorado (Mr. LAMBORN) to pre- Swalwell (CA) The budget resolution before us takes Deutch Lynch side over the Committee of the Whole. Takano Dingell Maloney, real steps to put our country on a Thompson (CA) Doggett Carolyn B. b 1402 sound fiscal path that balances in 10 Thompson (MS) Ellison Maloney, Sean years and will allow us to start paying Engel Matsui Tonko IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Eshoo McCollum Torres Accordingly, the House resolved down our national debt. Espaillat McEachin Tsongas itself into the Committee of the Whole Building a Better America also as- Esty (CT) McGovern Vargas sumes bold reforms to strengthening House on the state of the Union for the Evans McNerney Veasey programs that our seniors and our Vela consideration of the concurrent resolu- Foster Meeks most vulnerable citizens rely on and Frankel (FL) Meng Vela´ zquez tion (H. Con. Res. 71) establishing the Visclosky ensure that these programs can con- Fudge Moore congressional budget for the United Gabbard Moulton Walz tinue to serve them for generations to States Government for fiscal year 2018 Gallego Murphy (FL) Wasserman come. Garamendi Nadler Schultz and setting forth the appropriate budg- While our budget includes reforms to Gomez Napolitano Waters, Maxine etary levels for fiscal years 2019 Gonzalez (TX) Neal Watson Coleman discretionary spending, we also strong- through 2027, with Mr. LAMBORN in the Gottheimer Nolan Welch ly believe that mandatory spending Green, Al Norcross Wilson (FL) chair. must be addressed in this budget reso- Green, Gene O’Halleran Yarmuth The Clerk read the title of the con- lution and in budget resolutions to NOT VOTING—13 current resolution. come. Amodei Kihuen Scalise The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the Mandatory spending is already more Bridenstine Long Schrader concurrent resolution is considered than two-thirds of all of our Federal Doyle, Michael Loudermilk Scott, David read the first time. spending, and that number will only F. McCarthy Titus General debate shall not exceed 4 Hultgren Rosen continue to grow, and that is why our hours, with 3 hours confined to the con- committee felt strongly about address- b 1359 gressional budget, equally divided and ing mandatory spending programs in So the resolution was agreed to. controlled by the chair and ranking this budget through reconciliation. The result of the vote was announced minority member of the Committee on Our budget requires 11 authorizing as above recorded. the Budget, and 1 hour on the subject committees to find a minimum of $203 A motion to reconsider was laid on of economic goals and policies, equally billion in savings and reforms over the the table. divided and controlled by the gen- 10-year budget window with an expec- tleman from Ohio (Mr. TIBERI) and the tation that the reforms will result in f gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. significantly higher savings. CAROLYN B. MALONEY) or their des- This package of mandatory reforms COMMUNICATION FROM THE ignees. is the largest since the 1990s, through DEMOCRATIC LEADER The gentlewoman from Tennessee reconciliation, and it is the first step The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- (Mrs. BLACK) and the gentleman from to change the culture of Washington in fore the House the following commu- Kentucky (Mr. YARMUTH) each will our spending. nication from the Honorable NANCY control 90 minutes of debate on the Our budget also promotes tax reform PELOSI, Democratic Leader: congressional budget. and regulatory reform to get the Fed- OCTOBER 4, 2017. The Chair recognizes the gentle- eral Government out of the way and Hon. PAUL RYAN, woman from Tennessee. allow our free market economy to Speaker of the House of Representatives, U.S. Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chair, I yield my- thrive. The larger the government, the Capitol, Washington, DC. self such time as I may consume. less freedom individuals and businesses DEAR SPEAKER RYAN: Pursuant to section 3 Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support have to thrive, grow, hire, and inno- of the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act of H. Con. Res. 71, our budget, Building vate. The Obama economy left millions (Pub. L. 114–244), I am pleased to appoint Dr. a Better America. Our budget takes of Americans behind with over 14 mil- Dolores Subia BigFoot of Norman, Oklahoma real, tangible steps to balance the lion people leaving the labor workforce to the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter budget, build a stronger military, in just the last 8 years.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.017 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Through reconciliation, our budget I grew up in an America that was a selves. Last week, congressional Re- specifically paves the way for land of—that is a land of opportunity publicans announced a $2.4 trillion tax progrowth tax reform that will reduce and was a land of opportunity then of cut plan that benefits the wealthy at taxes for the middle class Americans strength and of compassion. But that the expense of everyone else. Yes, I and free up American businesses to America is slipping away from us. For said trillions with a T. grow and to hire. It will also simplify too many young people in this country, For example, under this tax plan, the Tax Code, allowing about 9 out of the opportunity to live the American millions of families making $50,000 a 10 Americans to file their taxes on a Dream is out of reach. A government year would be subject to a tax increase, simple postcard. that was supposed to be of, by, and for while millionaires get a $230,000 aver- Many of our friends across the aisle the people has left them behind. age tax cut. That is not tax reform. and in the media said that a 1.9 percent Building a Better America requires a That is a shakedown. economic growth is the new normal government that spends within its In total, individuals will see their and that we are doomed to continue means, a military with the resources to taxes go up by more than $450 billion, the economic stagnation of the Obama complete the mission, an economy that while corporations, wealthy pass- years. creates the opportunity for all, and a through entities, and rich estates get a They have a pessimistic view of our Federal bureaucracy that respects the tax cut totaling $2.9 trillion. Nation’s ability to create jobs and to taxpayers. One might justifiably ask why any- build our foundation of greater oppor- It also requires an understanding one would want to do that. After all, tunity for all. that the greatness of America does not the income disparity in the United America has the greatest workers, lie in the grand buildings and the stone States is greater than almost every the greatest innovators, and the entre- pillars of Washington, D.C. The great- other country on Earth, and it is get- preneurial ethos to far surpass the eco- ness of America lies in the spirit and ting larger. Just a few decades ago, the nomic growth of the last 8 years, if the tenacity of the people. wealthiest 1 percent of Americans only the Federal Government would We designed Building a Better Amer- earned about one-fourth of all national get out of the way. ica to put this vision into practice, to income. Today, it is close to 40 percent. In this budget, we put our trust in empower individuals to live their Yet, once this plan is fully phased in, the American people. But a stronger version of the American Dream. Future 80 percent of the entire tax cut in this economy is not enough; we must also generations of Americans are counting plan goes to just the top 1 percent, strengthen our military. on us, and failure is not an option. while 45 percent of all households with The number one job of the Federal I want to take this opportunity to children see a tax increase. Government is to protect its citizens. thank the members of this committee You could be someone who gets a $1 Over the last 8 years, the weak foreign for their hard work that they have million salary, owns billions in cor- policy of President Obama has led to done, for the months that we have porate stock, be a partner in a hedge an increase in threats from all corners worked tirelessly to come together and fund, or just the heir to a massive for- of the globe while the funding for our build a budget that reflects our prin- tune, no matter the type of millionaire men and women in uniform has failed ciples. you are, Republicans make sure you to keep pace. Building a Better Amer- It hasn’t been easy, but producing a will get a tax cut. No matter how many ica invests $621.5 billion in our military budget that puts our vision for fiscal times President Trump, Secretary and $75 billion specifically for the glob- sanity into practice will be worth it, Mnuchin, or my colleagues across the al war on terrorism for fiscal year 2018. and I thank each and every one of you aisle say it and how much they hope These resources will help our men and for your hard work. the American people will fall for it, women in uniform complete the mis- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of these tax cuts won’t pay for them- sion with which they have been tasked. my time. selves. Building a Better America presents Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I That is not just my argument. That us with an opportunity to change the yield myself such time as I may con- is the conclusion of the Federal Re- trajectory of our country forever. The sume. serve, the Congressional Budget Office, election of President Trump was a sig- Mr. Chairman, the Republican budget and respected economists of all stripes. nal to all of us that the American peo- we are debating here today is a Conservative economist and former ple will no longer accept the status shockingly extreme document that CBO Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin quo. gives to the rich and takes from every- said: ‘‘There is just no evidence that This budget is also a very personal one else. It calls for more than $5 tril- the tax cuts actually pay for them- one for me. As I and my committee lion in spending cuts that threaten our selves.’’ have gone through the long and ardu- economic progress and our national se- Even Goldman Sachs, Secretary ous process of getting this budget to curity, and it willfully ignores the Mnuchin’s former employer, says any the floor, I have had to stop and think needs and priorities of the American growth will be minimal, maybe up to about not just what we are doing but people. two-tenths of a percent. where we are going. This budget isn’t about conservative Bruce Bartlett, the man who wrote I have a picture of my six grand- policy or reducing the size of our debt Reaganomics, which codified the trick- children taped to the back of my vot- and deficits. It is not even about Amer- le-down theory, told Congress last ing card. I was a nurse for more than 40 ican families. This budget is about one week that he now thinks it is: ‘‘bull.’’ years and still hold my license today. thing: using budget reconciliation to Well, that is half of the word he used, Government and public service was ram through giant tax giveaways to but you get the idea. never an ambition of mine, but when I the wealthy and big corporations and The historical record is clear. We saw what was happening in my State to do it without bipartisan support. went through this in the early 1980s, and in this country, I couldn’t sit back the early 2000s under George W. Bush, and do nothing. b 1415 and we recently saw it play out to dis- Every time I put my voting card into This budget and the tax cuts it exists astrous effect in Kansas. Now congres- a slot, I am reminded of why I left the to support are built on a foundation of sional Republicans want to try it career that I loved to join the political lies. They are part of a dangerous and again. fray. It is for them. It is for my chil- deceptive three-step process Repub- We all know the truth. The tax cuts dren and grandchildren and for yours licans have used before with serious in this plan will increase deficits and as well. consequences for our Nation and the debt by approximately $2.4 trillion in I grew up in an America where a poor American people. the first 10 years alone and trillions girl, whose parents’ only ambition was This is what they do. First, my Re- more in the years after. These aren’t for her to finish high school, could publican colleagues call for massive special, supernatural tax cuts. They graduate from college, become a nurse, tax cuts for the rich, claiming they aren’t going to magically defy expert and eventually become a Member of will generate so much economic analysis, historical precedence, and the House of Representatives. growth, that they will pay for them- empirical evidence. This budget will

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.047 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7779 blow enormous holes in the Federal Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Chair, I thank the Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Chair, I thank budget, which brings me to the second chairwoman and all the members of the the gentleman from Kentucky for part of the Republican deception. Budget Committee who voted for this yielding. When the growth fails to happen as budget, and now it is on the floor. Mr. Chair, I rise today as a member promised and these tax cuts keep I encourage all Members of the House of the Budget Committee to express my digging our economy down deeper and to vote in favor of this budget, and strong opposition to this budget resolu- deeper, Republicans will again bemoan that is because our national debt con- tion, which, if passed, would leave the horrors of deficits and debt. tinues to grow exponentially every countless working families behind, and These cries will lead us to the third day, every hour, every minute, and not to mention would, in fact, raise the and final part of the plan. They will every second. We cannot afford to have Federal debt by at least $3 trillion over call for congressional action, not to any more time waiting to address the the first decade and by at least $6.6 roll back the tax cuts to the wealthy spending crisis that we are in. trillion by the end of the second 10 that caused all the damage, but for This budget begins to put these irre- years. drastic cuts to important programs sponsible elitist policies behind us, and This proposed budget is an atrocious that the American people need and sup- creates a culture around here that representation of our values. As more port. Education, healthcare, research, makes sure that our friends and neigh- Americans find it harder and harder to infrastructure, and veterans’ benefits bors who really need the help get the get by, this budget guts what people are already threatened in this budget. help without forcing our Nation’s bills need to be most successful. It takes It includes an astonishing $5.4 trillion on our children and grandchildren, fu- away dollars from education; it takes in spending cuts; $1.5 trillion from ture generations, some of whom don’t away dollars from the programs we Medicare and Medicaid alone. It even even exist yet. rely on for retirement, for switching assumes $49 billion in cuts to veterans’ Specifically, this budget reforms between jobs, for healthcare. benefits. mandatory spending so it is focused on We should be focused on funding the The enormity of these cuts and the those, Mr. Chairman, in our commu- things that will enable the workforce severity of the consequences for Amer- nities who really need help. This will to prepare for the 21st century, not ican families cannot be overstated, but ensure that our country will focus lim- gutting programs that will leave them more cuts will be coming if my Repub- ited resources on those who are most falling further behind. licans get their way with this budget. vulnerable, while encouraging a cul- Rather than funding luxury travel We will see more attacks on Medicare, ture of self-reliance instead of govern- for the Trump administration, let’s in- Medicaid, Social Security, nutrition ment dependence. vest in quality education, job skills We should be measuring, Mr. Chair- assistance, on important benefits and training, and properly fund the State man, success of these programs on how services that help American families Department and foreign aid programs many people we get off of them, not get ahead, and on key investments that that Secretary of Defense Mattis and how many people we trap in them. keep our economy and our Nation Mr. Chairman, as the chart I am Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff strong. holding shows, because mandatory Dunford have said are critical to our To be clear, and with all due respect spending is over two-thirds of our total national security. to my friend and colleague from Ten- annual spending, reforming this part of This budget puts working families, nessee, by voting on this budget, for our spending is the only way to really our economy, and our national security this budget, they are jeopardizing get our debt and deficits down. This at risk. meals and food assistance for 515,000 budget, for the first time, starts ad- Passage of this budget would also hungry children in Tennessee so that dressing this part of the pie, $203 bil- pave the way for Republican tax re- the wealthiest person in that State, lion worth, and that is because of the form, if you want to call it that, which who has a net worth of $8.8 billion, can leadership here of Republicans in the would favor big businesses that destroy get a massive tax cut. House of Representatives. our small towns. Democrats have a different budget Now, this budget also protects our It shouldn’t be easier for a company and a far different vision for our coun- friends and neighbors by making sure to get a tax break on buying another try. Our priorities reflect the priorities our families are safe, that the military robot than training their employees to of the American people. has the tools that they need, and that gain skills for the modern economy. We invest in programs that will grow the administration has the money it We need a tax plan to incentivize com- our economy, create good-paying jobs, needs to secure our border. panies to invest in their workers in- and provide real support for working This budget also jump-starts tax re- stead of engaging in a race to the bot- families; public investments that lead form, which will put money back in the tom where workers are viewed as a bur- to a brighter future, such as rebuilding pockets of hardworking Hoosiers and den rather than an asset. roads, bridges, and other vital infra- all Americans. We need a budget that will foster eco- structure; retirement security for sen- Mr. Chairman, in closing, as Presi- nomic growth for all of our people, and iors now and for millions of Americans dent Ronald Reagan once said: ‘‘We we need to make taxes more simple and who fear they will never be able to af- don’t have a trillion-dollar debt be- fair for working families, not give ford to stop working; affordable edu- cause we haven’t taxed enough; we handouts to the rich. cation so that young people will be have a trillion-dollar debt because we Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to able to compete for the careers of the spend too much.’’ vote ‘‘no’’ on this proposed budget so future; affordable, quality childcare for That is still true today, Mr. Chair- that we can go back to the table—or, hardworking parents; and affordable man, except that that $1 trillion is now actually, to go to the table for the first quality healthcare for all Americans. $20 trillion and growing. time as Democrats and Republicans, We believe in a government that Again, I encourage all my colleagues and have a conversation about funding helps individuals with nowhere left to to vote in favor of this budget. the resources that will actually move turn and a Tax Code that helps families Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I would our economy and country forward into get ahead. Those are American prior- note for my colleague from Indiana the 21st century and beyond. ities, and they should be the priorities that by voting for this budget, he will Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 of this Congress. force 1,150,553 seniors, disabled individ- minutes to the gentleman from Florida I, therefore, urge my colleagues to uals, and other seriously ill people in (Mr. DIAZ-BALART), who is also a mem- oppose this budget and support the Indiana to pay more for lifesaving ber of our committee and also of the Democratic alternative. Medicare all so that the wealthiest per- Appropriations Committee. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of son in his State, who has a net worth of Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Chair, I my time. $8 billion, can get a massive tax break. must first start by thanking Chair- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the woman BLACK for her excellent work minutes to the gentleman from Indiana gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. on this bill. (Mr. ROKITA), the vice chair of the MOULTON), a distinguished member of There are a lot of things that I can Budget Committee. the Budget Committee. talk about that are very positive in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.049 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 this budget, but today I want to em- But instead, we are debating a budget ravages left by sequester and by con- phasize how it prioritizes our national that will go nowhere in the Senate sim- tinuing resolutions that are the num- security. ply so it can be used as a vehicle to ber one enemies of the United States With the growing threats around the give the wealthiest Americans a mas- military. We have actually, under the globe, it is imperative that we fund de- sive tax cut on the backs of middle last administration, inflicted more fense of our Nation in an appropriate class families. damage on the military than any and a substantial way. We need to in- This reckless budget cuts early child- enemy could do on any battlefield any- vest in our Armed Forces. We have to hood, K–12, and higher education pro- place in the world. Our chairwoman upgrade our defense systems and weap- grams, as well as job training and ap- and our committee stops that, reverses ons systems, and we have to ensure the prenticeships. It guts nutrition assist- that, and begins to invest. readiness of our military. ance, which provides benefits to more Mr. Chair, I just want to end by The United States must continue to than 43 million Americans a year, al- pointing out the long-term solution lead on a global scale. This budget most half of whom are children. It con- here to our problems really is entitle- takes us in that direction by investing tinues the destructive cycle of neglect- ment reform. We have to get serious in our national defense. Obviously, cou- ing our already crumbling infrastruc- about mandatory spending. It is two- pled with targeted soft diplomacy fund- ture, even though we know the longer thirds of the budget now. Without ing, we accomplish that. we wait, the more costly repairs will be changing the direction we are going, it This budget takes us, as I said, in in the future and the less economically will be 81 percent a decade from now. It that direction, and it does so in a very competitive our communities will be. is simply not sustainable. positive way. I believe this budget Slashing programs that help working It is nice to talk about this discre- makes those critical investments. families in order to line the pockets of tionary program or that discretionary Mr. Chairman, I don’t have to tell the wealthiest Americans has never led program. The fundamental problem you that under the previous adminis- to jobs or economic growth, and it that we face is mandatory spending. tration, cuts to our defense spending never will. Every dollar we spend is a The chairwoman addresses it in her left the world a more dangerous place reflection of our values, which is why I budget. We can come back and build on and it left our country in a more vul- am deeply disappointed that this budg- what she does next year and continue nerable place. Thankfully, the current et demonstrates an utter disregard for to go after the area that really administration recognizes the failure middle class Americans, a lack of vi- unbalances the budget. Mr. Chair, I urge the passage of the of the last 8 years and is, again, willing sion for what our future could look like budget. with smart, targeted investments, and to lead again. Now it is up to us to do Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I would a complete lack of empathy for the our part to provide the resources to note, for my friend and colleague, that allow the administration and our mili- most vulnerable. by voting for this budget, he will force Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to tary to lead again. This budget gets us 678,763 seniors, disabled individuals, vote ‘‘no.’’ there. I am pleased to support it. and other seriously ill people in Okla- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 Mr. Chair, I want to thank the chair- homa to pay more for lifesaving Medi- minutes to the gentleman from Okla- woman for her invaluable leadership. I care all so that the wealthiest person homa (Mr. COLE), a member of the urge my colleagues to do the same and, in his State, who has a net worth of Budget Committee and also the Appro- again, make sure that we stand toe to $10.2 billion, gets a massive tax cut. toe with our adversaries and we stand, priations Committee. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the most importantly, with the national Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, I want to thank gentleman from California (Mr. the chairwoman for yielding time to security interests of the United States. CARBAJAL), a distinguished member of Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I me, and I particularly want to con- the Budget Committee. want to note for my friend and col- gratulate her on doing something that Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Chair, I rise league from Florida that by voting for is going to be pretty remarkable today. today in opposition to the fiscal year this budget, he is jeopardizing meals She is bringing a budget that actually 2018 Republican budget resolution, a and food assistance for 1,448,000 hungry balances in 10 years. budget that comes nearly 6 months children in Florida so that the wealthi- My good friends on the other side late and days into the new fiscal year. est person in his State, who has a net will bring us three budgets, none of This Republican budget betrays mil- worth of $13.2 billion, can get a massive which come into balance in 10 years. In lions of hardworking middle class fami- tax cut. that, to be fair, they follow the tradi- lies, while showering billionaires with Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the tion that President Obama set, who irresponsible tax cuts. gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. never ever brought us a budget that By cutting $211 billion over the next DELBENE), a distinguished member of balanced and left us with a national 10 years for student loans and college the Budget Committee. debt roughly twice the size of the one aid, it makes it harder to send our kids Ms. DELBENE. Mr. Chair, I rise in op- he had when he came into office. If we to college. It abandons our Nation’s position to this dangerous budget pro- don’t do what Chairwoman BLACK sug- crumbling infrastructure by cutting posal. gests here, we are going to be in ex- $245 billion over 10 years for transpor- With many working families and actly that same position. tation. It turns its back on families businesses still struggling to adapt to a I particularly want to congratulate putting food on the table with SNAP rapidly changing economy, our top pri- the chairwoman for having the courage by cutting $150 billion from the pro- ority in Congress should be to help ex- to take on the tough issue of entitle- gram over the next 10 years. It neglects pand opportunities and sustain long- ment and mandatory spending reform. our grandparents and our seniors with term economic growth and security so She has $200 billion of it. It sounds like a $487 billion cut to Medicare in the no American is left behind as we forge a lot of money, but it is out of $30 tril- next decade, and it assumes the repeal new paths ahead. lion over 10 years. This is something of the Affordable Care Act, leaving we can do—frankly, we should do more over 20 million Americans uninsured. b 1430 of—and that is the way to actually I offered two amendments during the To spur robust job growth, we must move toward balance. markup of this budget—one to fully invest in our education system to pro- I also want to congratulate the chair- fund programs for our veterans, and vide the training and skills workers woman for actually working with other another to reject paying for a border need to be prepared for the jobs of committee chairmen to help them wall—both of which were blocked by today and tomorrow. identify the cuts so they are real. They my Republican colleagues. We should invest in infrastructure are not just fictional things in an This budget boosts defense spending that will put people to work and make imaginary document. to $622 billion, $72 billion above the our communities better places to do Finally, I particularly want to com- budget cap for defense and well over business, and we should invest in grow- mend her for a wise investment in na- even the President’s request, and it ing a strong middle class, the backbone tional security. That is a tough deci- underfunds nondefense spending at $5 of our economy. sion to make, but we have all seen the billion below the cap.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.050 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7781 At the same time, Republicans have balance within the decade, and this is for this budget, he is jeopardizing included instructions to fast-track a why it is so important. meals and food assistance for 2,319,000 tax proposal that would add trillions to If the Democrats had their way and hungry children in California so that our Nation’s deficit—trillions. It would we maintain our current path, the Con- the wealthiest person in his State, who end almost all itemized deductions, gressional Budget Office warns that in has a net worth of $62.4 billion, gets a and according to the Tax Policy Cen- just 4 years, in 2022, our deficits will massive tax cut. ter, increase taxes for roughly one in surpass $1 trillion a year. That is where Mr. Chair, I yield 4 minutes to the four taxpayers. economists warn we run the risk of gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. The CHAIR. The time of the gen- damage or even loss of our access to NEAL), the ranking member of the tleman has expired. credit, a sovereign debt crisis. Ways and Means Committee. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I yield If you want to know what that looks Mr. NEAL. Mr. Chair, since the gen- the gentlemen from California an addi- like, Venezuela is going through it tlewoman, my friend from Tennessee, tional 15 seconds. right now, and within our own terri- remarked upon economic growth, let Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Chair, this tory, the Commonwealth of Puerto me, as one who was here at the time, budget completely ignores a balanced Rico—pension systems implode, basic perhaps correct the RECORD. approach to achieving fiscal sustain- services falter, the economy collapses. Bill Clinton’s economic growth was ability and stacks the deck even higher Two years after that, in 2024, 6 years higher than Ron Reagan’s, and that is against middle class families, seniors, from now, the CBO warns that the an- not in dispute. Barack Obama’s eco- and students. nual interest cost on our debt will nomic growth was higher than George Mr. Chair, I reject today’s Repub- reach $654 billion. That is more than W. Bush’s. We were losing 800,000 jobs a lican budget and ask my colleagues to we currently spend on defense. month at the end of the Bush adminis- oppose it. I would remind my friends on the left tration, to bring up one point, which, Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chair, I want to re- that you cannot provide for the com- by the way, is closer to 2.1 percent. mind my colleagues from the other mon defense or promote the general People here know I follow these side of the aisle that, during the time welfare if you can’t pay for it, and the issues like a hawk, but the truth is of the previous administration, there ability of our country to do so is being that this budget today that is being was $9 trillion added to the debt, 1.9 undermined by our spending trajec- put forward is a threat to Medicare and percent economic growth, and that was tory. Social Security down the road. the high of that period of time, and At the same time, we charge the The previous speaker said he is con- there were 14 million people who left highest corporate tax rate in the indus- cerned about mandatory spending. I the labor workforce. If their policies trialized world, sending trillions of dol- gotcha. Put out a plan. Put out a plan worked, we wouldn’t see these kinds of lars of capital and hundreds of thou- on Social Security and Medicare. And statistics. sands of jobs to other countries. In the don’t do it in the backdoor way here as Mr. Chair, I yield 4 minutes to the last 8 years, we have averaged only half they complain about deficits and they gentleman from California (Mr. of our postwar economic growth. prepare to embrace a tax cut of $1.5 MCCLINTOCK), a member of our Budget I remind my friends that corpora- trillion or, over 10 years, $2.2 trillion Committee. tions do not pay corporate taxes. Cor- on top of the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chair, I porate taxes can only be paid in one of 2003 which amounted to $2.3 trillion. So thank the gentlewoman for yielding, three ways: by consumers through we are at $5 trillion worth of tax cuts, and I thank her for her leadership on higher prices, by employees through and the Clinton administration left us this important issue. lower wages, by investors through with four balanced budgets and $5 tril- Mr. Chairman, for the first time in lower earning. Cutting corporate taxes lion worth of surplus. many years, this budget uses reconcili- means lower prices for consumers, This is not a budget that supports ation for the purpose it was intended: higher wages for employees, and higher meaningful tax reform. I am ready, and to bring mandatory spending under earnings for investors. she knows because of our working to- control. Tax relief is absolutely vital to reviv- gether in the past, prepared to work The appropriations that dominate so ing the economy, but experience does with Republicans on fundamental tax much of the debate comprise less than warn us that revenue growth only par- reform. The system is begging for it. one-third of our total spending, and tially offsets revenue lost to tax reduc- Don’t call tax reform tax reform that is called discretionary spending. tions. Indeed, when we are told that when it is really a tax cut. And that is The budget sets a level; the appropria- the choice is between taxes and debt, where this is headed, and I think they tions process spends to that level. That those are two sides of the same coin. know that as well. is everything from general government Taxes and debt are the only two pos- This is a partisan roadmap that has to defense. sible ways to pay for spending. Once we failed in the past. They are using rec- We have actually been able to bring have spent a dollar, we have already onciliation instruction so that the ma- that under control, but the other two- decided to tax it. We either tax it now, jority can ram through a tax plan here. thirds of spending is called mandatory or we borrow it now and tax it later. That is all it is about. Last night, by the way, the tradeoff spending. It is beyond the annual con- Either way, it is entirely driven by is in some States you can keep the trol of Congress. It continues auto- spending. By restraining spending, this mortgage interest deduction if you are matically until and unless the statutes budget makes possible the tax relief willing to give up the State and local that call for it are actually changed. that our economy desperately needs to tax deduction. It is the mandatory spending that is grow. I want to tell you something, I guar- eating our country alive. Mandatory Frankly, we could do much more if antee you right now, based on long his- spending is supposed to be controlled we summon the political will, and I tory, we will end up keeping both, and by reconciliation. Instructions are sent will be presenting such a budget tomor- they will have to add more to the debt to the various authorizing committees row on behalf of the Republican Study as time goes on. to make whatever changes are nec- Committee. Is this a cut for the wealthy? Eighty essary in current law to stay within But this budget moves us a long way percent of the tax cut goes to the top 1 our means. But this powerful fiscal in the right direction. It sets in motion percent in 2027. tool has been ignored or squandered in the policies that Presidents from Cal- past budgets, and this neglect is under- vin Coolidge to John F. Kennedy to b 1445 mining the solvency of our country. Ronald Reagan have all used to revive This is from the Tax Policy Center in For the first time in many years, the and expand our economy. It brings us Washington. Incidentally, how great is House budget finally restrains manda- closer to that day when families will it to have a nonpartisan scoring com- tory spending by instructing our com- awaken to a new and prosperous morn- mittee offer us a snapshot of the fu- mittees to find at least $200 billion in ing for America. ture? savings over the next decade. That Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I want to The average tax cut for millionaires, means this budget will get us back to note for my colleague that, by voting $230,000 a year in 2027. The average tax

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.052 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 cut for the top one-tenth of 1 percent is Chamber to get behind it because it is America.’’ Never has a budget had a $1 million in the year 2027. good for working Americans, it is good more fitting title. The budget set forth The people in this country who need for working families, and it is the re- by the House Budget Committee will tax relief are the middle class. We sponsible thing to do. balance the budget within 10 years, should be investing in human capital, Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I provide our military with the resources community colleges; we should be in- yield myself such time as I may con- they need for national defense, and cut vesting in vocational education. sume. more than $200 billion in mandatory So 45 percent of all households with I want to note for my colleague that, spending. children will see a tax increase in 2027. by voting for this budget, he will force Picture this: $6.5 trillion in total def- Among households earning between 2,154,337 seniors, disabled individuals, icit reduction over 10 years. On that $50,000 and $150,000, you are going to see and other seriously ill people in Ohio fact alone, I would hope my colleagues a one-third tax increase in 2027. to pay more for lifesaving Medicare all would support this legislation. I look at this and say: Why are we so that the wealthiest person in his This budget also paves the way for not offering some relief to middle class State, who has a net worth of $6.2 bil- the recently released Unified Frame- Americans? Why are we not investing lion, can get a massive tax cut. work for Fixing Our Broken Tax Code. in them? Do we not have enough faith And just in case my colleagues on the On a telephone townhall with thou- in them to help them get through what other side are wondering where this in- sands of constituents on the phone have been difficult times with children formation comes from as to the from my district, 53 percent of partici- in college and costs mounting all of the wealthiest person in each State, it is pants reported that their most impor- time? from that notoriously leftwing maga- tant priority for tax reform is a sim- Instead, it is back to tax relief for zine, Forbes, this year. pler, fairer Tax Code. The framework people at the very top. I guess con- Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to does just that and more. centrated wealth in America now is not the gentleman from New York (Mr. I urge all of my colleagues to support a big issue. I guess the top 1 percent in HIGGINS), a distinguished member of the budget, to reduce the deficit, and America who, by the way, aren’t even the Budget Committee and the Ways take a huge step toward progrowth tax asking for tax relief—that is the irony and Means Committee. reform that will increase paychecks, of this. They are not asking for tax re- Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. spur economic growth, and make our lief. They are arguing for more invest- Chairman, any budget requires an ex- Tax Code simple, affordable, and com- ment in America rather than concen- amination of how and who pays for it petitive. trating more money in fewer hands. and how that budget impacts the econ- Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I would The American people deserve a Tax omy. like to note for my colleague that, by Code that is based on fairness. Our code We were told by President Trump and voting for this budget, he is jeopard- should reward hardworking, middle Treasury Secretary Mnuchin that izing meals and food assistance for class families, small business, innova- there would be no new tax cuts for the 809,000 hungry children in Georgia so tion, and ensure that no one, no matter wealthy; and that this budget, and its that the wealthiest person in his State, how wealthy they are, can avoid pay- blueprint, is a middle class miracle. who has a net worth of $12.6 billion, can ing their fair share. That was last Wednesday. get a massive tax cut. Our focus is going to be on helping One week later, this Wednesday, the Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the the middle class, creating jobs, boost- facts are in. If you make $730,000 in gentleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER), ing wages, and giving people the assist- America, next year your income will the Democratic whip. ance they need in a complicated econ- rise by 8.5 percent, or $129,000, or $10,750 (Mr. HOYER asked and was given omy with their grocery bills and a month. permission to revise and extend his re- childcare as well. Invest in human cap- If you make $67,000, your income will marks.) ital today. rise by 1.2 percent, or $670 next year, or Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chairman, the Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 a whopping $56 a month. This is no mir- Budget Act, adopted in 1974, requires minutes to the distinguished gen- acle. This is fraud being perpetrated that the House complete work on its tleman from Ohio (Mr. JOHNSON), a against the middle class. budget for the next fiscal year by April member of our committee. We are told that tax cuts pay for 15. That is 172 days ago. Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Chair- themselves through the magic of dy- Yet we now have a budget resolution man, it kind of blows my mind. You namic scoring. Their budget will in- on the floor, already into the fiscal look at the sign that was just displayed crease the deficit by $2.5 trillion over year for which the budget supposedly is by our colleague; it says that the Re- 10 years. Where are all the deficit planned. Some may ask why. The an- publican budget is a bad deal for work- hawks? Where are any of the deficit swer is a simple one. ing Americans. hawks? This is, first of all, not a realistic Well, I don’t know what Americans Goldman alumnus Mnuchin and Gary budget which could or should stand as you folks are talking to, but the mid- Cohn, the National Economic Adviser, a budget resolution. No, this budget is dle class Americans that I talk to, they said that this bill will grow the econ- not about putting our country on a sus- want an economic growing, job cre- omy. Goldman economists said that tainable fiscal path, and—this is indis- ating, tax cutting budget and tax relief their budget will have no good impact putable—it is not a budget to inform effort. That is what they want out of in terms of growth in the Federal budg- the appropriators of budget priorities the House. That is what the Republican et over the next several years. and constraints. plan is bringing. Finally, infrastructure. The infra- No, the Appropriations Committee We not only rebuild our military, but structure budget for America, a nation will not be informed. Why? Because we we do something that has not been of 300 million people, for the next 10 have already passed the appropriations done in years. We begin to get into years is about the same as we spent re- bills. This budget doesn’t have any- that mandatory spending and the out- building the roads and bridges of Iraq thing to do with the appropriation of-control spending that we have here and Afghanistan over the last 10 years. bills. They are passed. they are gone. in our Nation’s Capitol. This is unacceptable. We can do much They are in the Senate. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs better. This is merely a vehicle for achieving of Staff said that the biggest threat to Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 partisan tax reform of the kind that our national security is our national minutes to the gentleman from Geor- President Trump and Republican lead- debt. How are we ever going to do that gia (Mr. ALLEN). ers in Congress outlined last week. De- if we don’t begin to address mandatory Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Chairman, I thank spite what this sham of a budget pre- spending? the chairwoman for her work on this tends, their plan is to push through tax Mr. Chair, we have brought a good incredible budget that we are talking changes that massively increase defi- budget, a responsible budget, one that about here today. cits—I call it the granddaddy of all balances in 10 years to the floor. We I rise today in support of the FY18 debt increases—while shifting even need to get every colleague in this budget entitled ‘‘Building a Better more wealth from middle class and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.055 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7783 working families to people like Donald percent; he had 4 years. Under Clinton, percent of people working and a de- Trump. 37 percent; under Bush II, 86 percent; crease of 2.4 percent of people in the According to the nonpartisan Tax and under Obama, who was dealing labor force during that time period. Policy Center, 80 percent of the tax with the deepest recession of our life- We have to put plans and programs in cuts in this proposal would go only to times, 87 percent. place to get our economy growing. We those who make over $900,000 a year. A budget is supposed to inform the have to get more people back to work. Hear me. The tax cuts mainly go to Appropriations Committee of how it During that same time, we saw an in- those making, in this Nation, over ought to proceed. This budget comes crease in SNAP benefits. We saw 330,000 $900,000 per year. after the fact, and it is only for tax people, or over 14 percent of our State’s Despite promises from President cuts for the wealthy. population of able-bodied, working-age Trump and Republicans here in the adults, getting their health insurance 1500 House, their plan actually raises b through Medicaid expansion. taxes—hear me—while cutting taxes on Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield We need to focus on addressing our those over $900,000, it actually raises myself such time as I may consume. budget woes. We need an economy that taxes on 1 in 3 middle class families Mr. Chairman, I want to remind my is growing and a labor force that is who earn between $50,000 and $150,000. colleagues on the other side that we working. We need a military that is The CHAIR. The time of the gen- are talking about the budget. We are strong. We have to address the 70 per- tleman has expired. not talking about tax reform. We are cent component of spending that is Mr. YARMUTH. I yield the gen- going to have an opportunity to talk driving our debt. This budget is the tleman from Maryland an additional 1 about that later. first step in achieving those results, minute. Our budget does not assume that tax and I urge everyone to vote for this Mr. HOYER. Even though Repub- cuts pay for themselves, and our budg- budget. licans continue to assert the discred- et does not reflect that claim. Our Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I ited supply-side mantra that tax cuts budget includes a host of pro-growth would note for my colleague that by pay for themselves, no responsible economic policies, including com- voting for this budget, he will force economist believes that, not one—re- prehensive tax reform, as one of those, 594,596 seniors, disabled individuals, sponsible is the operative word. The but regulatory reform; a reform in the and other seriously ill people in Arkan- Tax Policy Center’s analysis found improper payments; restoration of in- sas to pay more for lifesaving Medicare all so that the wealthiest person in his that their tax cuts would add $2.4 tril- centives for people to work and save State, who has a net worth of $38.5 bil- lion to deficits over the next 10 years. and invest. lion, can get a massive tax cut. The previous speaker said this bal- Most economists believe that this ances the budget in 9 years. That is Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the bundle of pro-growth tax policies will gentlewoman from California (Ms. Alice in Wonderland balance. It will lead to a stronger economy than what LEE), a distinguished member of the never happen. I have been here for 36 we have under the current law. But we Budget Committee and the Appropria- years; I have heard those comments all are talking about the budget here. So I tions Committee. the time. It never happened. would like for my colleagues on the Ms. LEE. Mr. Chairman, first, I want But it is even worse, Mr. Chairman. other side of the aisle to speak about to thank the gentleman for yielding The budget resolution also proposes to the budget, and we will talk about tax and for his leadership as our ranking disinvest in job creation, pretends Re- reform at another time. member on our Budget Committee. publicans were able to repeal the Af- 1 Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 ⁄2 minutes to I rise in strong opposition to the Re- fordable Care Act—it hasn’t been re- the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. publican’s so-called budget plan. I am a pealed, yet they pretend it has been re- WESTERMAN), a distinguished member member, yes, of the Budget Committee pealed—to kick 23 million off their cov- of the Budget Committee. and the Appropriations Committee, erage and make those with preexisting Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Chairman, I and I know, because we work on this conditions uninsurable. rise in support of the budget resolu- each and every day, that our national It guts Medicaid and would end the tion, and I commend Chairwoman budget is a statement of our national Medicaid guarantee. BLACK on her leadership and tireless ef- priorities and our values. I know very Furthermore, it would severely cut forts. well that the Republicans have put for- programs that reduce poverty and pro- Much has been said about our $20 ward, quite frankly, a sinister budget vide the kind of job training proven to trillion debt, and I would like to add whose chief purpose is to hand tax get more people back into the work- that we know that that debt can only breaks to billionaires. force. be paid back with tax dollars that will Budgets are moral documents. They The CHAIR. The time of the gen- be extracted from future taxpayers. should not be rigged in favor of special tleman has again expired. interests and the wealthy few, but the Mr. YARMUTH. I yield the gen- We debated and passed 12 appropria- tions bills in this Chamber. As heated Republican budget is. Our Nation’s tleman from Maryland an additional 1 budget should prioritize working fami- minute. as those debates were, they were on less than one-third of Federal spending. lies and the middle class, too many of Mr. HOYER. This resolution is a grab whom are making low wages and living bag of all the worst Republican poli- To attack our debt, we have to attack mandatory spending. This budget does below the poverty line. cies: partisan tax cuts for the wealthy It should assist those struggling to that. that leave the middle class behind, the find a job and investment in workforce As I traveled around my district and cruelty of TrumpCare, and draconian training, education, job creation, and talked to people in my district, I have reductions in domestic investment. job training. Instead, this Republican been pleased to hear that business is The product is just as bad as the sum budget creates tax cuts for billionaire, good. Businesses want to grow, and of its parts; indeed, it is worse. millionaires, and corporations. Instead, we ought to be working to- they want to expand. But I have not Our budget should expand to protect gether to enact bipartisan tax reform been pleased when they told me that healthcare for all. Instead, this budget that is fiscally responsible and focused they cannot find employees. So I went steals nearly $2 trillion from lifesaving on the middle class. back and looked at data. Arkansas has Medicaid and Medicare. I urge my colleagues to defeat this our lowest unemployment rate ever Our budget should also invest in our resolution, and I ask Republicans, who right now, but we have also got the crumbling infrastructure, which, of believe that tax reform must be perma- lowest labor participation rate. course, creates jobs. But the Repub- nent and, therefore, bipartisan, to join In the years from 2008 to 2016, we saw lican budget cuts funding for our roads, us in doing so. a 5.7 percent population growth. We our bridges, and our railways. Only one person can stop spending; saw a decrease in unemployment from Finally, with nearly 40 million Amer- that is the President of the United 6 percent down to 4 percent, or 51⁄2 icans living in poverty, our Nation’s States. He can veto spending bills. down to 4 percent, but we had fewer budget should contain a serious and ef- The debt under Ronald Reagan in- people actually working in 2016 than fective strategy to end poverty, espe- creased 189 percent. Under Bush I, 55 we had in 2008. We had a decrease of 0.8 cially for communities of color and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.056 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 rural communities who have higher terms of education, workforce develop- are going to pay for themselves. When poverty rates. ment, those things. But it is also about that doesn’t work and the deficit ex- The House Republican budget does the foundation of: Is our spending sus- plodes, you come back and demand not do this. In fact, it slashes programs tainable? massive tax and massive cuts in Medi- that help create good-paying jobs for You can’t go on spending more than care, Social Security, and education. struggling families by $5.4 trillion. No you take in forever without having bad Anyway, the Republican budget reso- family in America should be forced to things happen at the individual level, lution, even if it did add up, makes the go hungry. Yet, because wages are so at the corporate level, and certainly at wrong choices for America. By calling low across this country, millions of the governmental level. for trillions of dollars in spending re- families now rely on nutrition and food I think it is about: Is our tax load ductions, the Republican budget under- assistance. Yet this budget cuts $150 sustainable? mines America’s investments in infra- billion from SNAP, food assistance, Spending drives tax loads, which is structure, the environment, scientific and nutrition assistance, which will interesting. I pulled a chart that shows research, and much more. create more poverty for people who are for the first 100 years of our country’s I wanted to use my limited time to working. It doesn’t make any sense. It existence, we spent about 3 percent of focus on its harmful impacts on the ju- is fundamentally immoral. GDP. It bumped up after World War II. risdiction of the Education and the The Acting CHAIR (Mr. COLLINS of We are now roughly around 20 percent, Workforce Committee, where I serve as Georgia). The time of the gentlewoman and we are on our way to 30 percent. the Democratic ranking member. has expired. The question we have to ask in this Under the Republican budget resolu- Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I yield an budget or any other budget like it is: tion, children in need of a healthy additional 30 seconds to the gentle- Can we continue to do this without school meal, students in pursuit of an woman from California. going to the exact spot that Erskine affordable college education, and work- Ms. LEE. Mr. Chair, once again, Re- Bowles was talking about? ers in search of skills and training to publicans are determined to balance The Acting CHAIR. The time of the get a better job all take the back seat their budget on the backs of the most gentleman has expired. to tax cuts to the wealthiest Ameri- vulnerable; to hand tax breaks to mil- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chair, I yield an cans and corporations. lionaires, and billionaires, and corpora- additional 30 seconds to the gentleman In education, the budget harms stu- tions; and slush funds for Pentagon from South Carolina. dents and families by undermining our contractors. Mr. SANFORD. Finally, I would sim- Nation’s education system, and in- This budget is cruel and unusual pun- ply make this point: Not only can you structs the House Education and the ishment for those who are not rich. I only squeeze but so much blood from a Workforce Committee to eliminate $20 urge my colleagues to reject this un- turnip—and there are certainly limits billion in investments in higher edu- American, heartless budget, and to that have shown themselves, which is cation by providing less funding for vote ‘‘no.’’ around 18 or 20 percent of GDP, regard- Pell grants and student loans. Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 less of tax rate, up, down; there is In terms of other instructions, it in- minutes to the gentleman from South that—but there is also this: You can structs the Department of Labor to re- duce funding designed to provide job Carolina (Mr. SANFORD), a member of pay me now, or you can pay me later in training, protect workers from wage our Budget Committee. life. Mr. SANFORD. Mr. Chair, I would A deficit is simply a deferred tax. A theft, and ensure that there is a suffi- cient number of inspectors to make say to my colleague from Kentucky, I debt is simply an accumulation of de- sure that workers can come home safe- think the rhetorical device that he is ferred taxes. One of the things, again, we have to get our arms around is that ly from their jobs. using at the end of each speaker is very The budget also threatens child nu- we are stacking up deferred taxes. We effective and it is persuasive. But I trition programs. In fact, during the are stacking up an accumulation of would challenge him with this: I think Budget Committee’s hearings, it was one of the things that we have got to taxes with debt and deficits. This budg- made clear that child nutrition pro- struggle with as a body, both Repub- et, I think, begins to nudge us in the grams are a target for savings to pay licans and Democrats alike, is not right direction in doing something for tax cuts. being selective on the issue of the defi- about it. Today, almost 10 million children cits. What we can’t say is deficits are Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I ap- and 20,000 schools have access to uni- okay if it involves more spending for preciate the comments of my colleague versal, healthy school meals, where all of us as a body to distribute as we from South Carolina, and I certainly children are served nutritious meals see fit, but deficits are not okay if they have a great deal of respect for his without the stigma or need for paper- involve a tax cut and sending money thoughtfulness. But I also must note work. Cutting investments in programs back to individuals within each of our that if he votes for this budget, he is to ensure that children have healthy communities. jeopardizing meals and food assistance school meals to partially fund tax cuts It is for that reason, again, I have for 366,000 hungry children in South shouldn’t be our Nation’s goal. voiced my concerns with regard to Carolina so that the wealthiest person Mr. Chairman, the Federal budget is some of the components of this budget. in his State, who has a net worth of $3 a statement of our values. Unlike other But I think that the big issue for me is, billion, can get a massive tax cut. Democratic substitutes that respon- simply, we cannot continue to spend as Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the sibly strengthen our economy and ex- we are and have the ship of America gentleman from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT), pand opportunity for all Americans, sail forward. the ranking member of the Education the Republican budget undermines pri- It was Erskine Bowles who was the and the Workforce Committee. orities in which students, workers, and Democratic Chief of Staff to former Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- their families take a hit, and lays the President Clinton who observed: ‘‘We man, I rise in opposition to the Repub- groundwork for a return to a regressive are walking our way toward the most lican budget resolution and its intent framework benefiting a wealthy few. predictable financial crisis in the his- to fast-track tax cuts to the wealthiest Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to tory of man if we don’t get our arms Americans and corporations. This reso- join me in rejecting the Republican around spending.’’ lution, first of all, is not serious. It as- budget resolution. So, for me, while not perfect—and I sumes $800 billion in savings from the Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 certainly cede that point—I think the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, minutes to the gentleman from Illinois building blocks of what this budget is which we know will not happen. We (Mr. ROSKAM), who is the chairman of trying to get toward is a sustainable have the Treasury Secretary being the Tax Policy Subcommittee. economy. quoted as saying that ‘‘massive tax Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Chairman, I thank How do you have a sustainable econ- cuts will actually reduce the def- Chairwoman BLACK for yielding. omy? icit. . . .’’ Imagine what our opinion would be of Many of the things that my Demo- Well, we know how that works. You a movie review where the reviewer sim- cratic colleagues have talked about in cut taxes for the wealthy and say they ply looked at a movie poster and then

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:22 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.057 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7785 wrote the review and came to a conclu- ments, while violating the Budget Con- among our representative leaders has sion that they didn’t like the movie. trol Act for defense spending and trig- been as follows: as long as we can bor- They didn’t listen to the music. They gering a $72 billion sequester of all de- row it, you can bet your bottom dollar didn’t see the direction. They didn’t fense accounts. we can spend it. And spend it they see the pacing. They didn’t see the act- My Republican colleagues might have. ing. They didn’t see the script. They argue that slashing nondefense invest- This borrowing-and-spending delu- didn’t see the cinematography. They ments is necessary to reduce the debt, sion has left us on the brink of bank- saw nothing other than a movie poster but this is a false choice. Why would ruptcy. We are $20 trillion in debt, and they came to a conclusion. the Republican majority give tax cuts which puts our country in the worst We would dismiss that and we would to the very wealthiest if it means this debt position in the history of Amer- say: How ridiculous. How absurd. country has to take a backseat to ica, and this with the sacred constitu- Mr. Chairman, that is exactly what China in research and development or tional charge to secure liberty for our the Tax Policy Center did this past let our own workforce go without the posterity. That means give freedom to week. They wrote a review of a pro- training to fill 21st century jobs? our children. posal as it relates to tax reform, and We know there is a role for govern- Mr. Chairman, there is no freedom they didn’t have the details. ment where the private sector has left with this level of debt. If we don’t do Why didn’t they have the details? voids. Many in the private sector be- something about this looming debt cri- Because many of these details don’t lieve we should be investing more in sis and stay on our current spending exist. basic research, STEM programs, and trajectory, in less than 10 years, we b 1515 public transportation. This budget and will be at $30 trillion in debt. We will Specifically, they wrote a review the appropriations bills that enact this have $1 trillion in annual deficit. We which was very pejorative, which the budget have fallen short in these areas. will be spending more—get this—on our Wall Street Journal completely Given the budget is 6 months late interest on the debt we owe than on na- trashed. They made this finding, and and the appropriations process has ac- tional defense. they had no notion of what the income tually moved before the budget, we do Mr. Chairman, enough is enough. I brackets are like in our proposed tax not have to guess the implications of rise in support of this budget, a budget reform plan. They had no notion about the budget. We have seen what the Re- that begins to rein in this reckless the anti-abuse rules that the Ways and publicans would do under these draco- spending, a budget that funds our na- Means Committee is working through nian levels. tional priorities and our core respon- to make sure there is not an abusive Just look, Mr. Chairman, at the sibilities and initiates a historic oppor- situation as it relates to pass-through Labor, Health, and Education bill that tunity for tax relief for middle and entities. They had no notion about passed the House last month. That bill working class families. some of the offshore protections that eliminated entire job training pro- Let’s stop spending our children’s fu- are being contemplated. grams like apprenticeship grants, cut ture and stop pretending that they Let’s avoid the hyperbole. Let’s avoid the Pell grant surplus, and eliminated won’t inherit a disaster as a result. the hackneyed, old, tired, and faded Supporting Effective Instruction State Let’s live in the same reality as every bumper sticker that says that any kind grants, a $2 billion investment that re- other American. Let’s focus on our of pro-growth tax reform is a sop to the duces class sizes and improves class- main mission as a limited Federal Gov- rich. It is complete nonsense. room instruction. This cut would cost ernment by rebuilding our military, by I think the proof will be in a tax re- 8,500 teachers their jobs. maintaining our infrastructure, and by form proposal that this House hope- The transportation spending bill securing our food supply so we can fully will be considering in the coming eliminated the Department of Trans- maintain the ability to feed our own weeks and months that will bring portation’s major infrastructure grant people. buoyancy, optimism, and a real oppor- program, TIGER, a direct contradic- Let’s unleash our job creators from tunity for us to take advantage of a tion to the President’s promise to im- the highest tax burden in the free once-in-a-generation opportunity for a prove our Nation’s infrastructure and world. Let’s allow our families and in- Tax Code that nobody can defend and which Transportation Secretary Elaine dividuals to keep more of their hard- nobody likes. But let’s get real and Chao confirms ‘‘funds innovative earned money, and let’s hand this evaluate real numbers and not just projects that improve the safety of country safer, stronger, and freer than look at posters and bumper stickers. America’s passengers and goods.’’ we found it. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I would Mr. Chairman, we can and should— Mr. Chairman, let’s pass this budget. note for my colleague from Illinois we must—do better than this. I urge a Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I that, by voting for this budget, he will ‘‘no’’ vote on the Republican budget. would like to note for my colleague force 2,066,376 seniors, disabled individ- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 that, by voting for this budget, he is uals, and other seriously ill people in minutes to the gentleman from Texas jeopardizing meals and food assistance Illinois to pay more for lifesaving (Mr. ARRINGTON), a member of the for 2,060,000 hungry children in Texas Medicare, all so that the wealthiest Budget Committee. so that the wealthiest person in his person in his State, who has a net Mr. ARRINGTON. Mr. Chairman, for State, who has a net worth of $38.2 bil- worth of $8 billion, can get a massive too long Congress has been allowed to lion, can get a massive tax cut. tax cut. play by a different set of rules than the Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the American people in regard to how we the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. budget. No one lives in a world where JACKSON LEE), who is a distinguished LOWEY), who is the ranking member of there is seemingly an endless supply of member of the Budget Committee. the Appropriations Committee. money, that is, until you enter the fan- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Chair, I thank tasy world of Washington, D.C. thank my good friend, my fellow alum, Ranking Member YARMUTH for the However, hardworking American for his leadership. I recognize and time to speak in opposition to the Re- families, businessmen, and business- thank the chairwoman of the com- publican budget. women live in the real world. They mittee. As ranking member of the Appropria- have to budget. They have to prioritize To my good friend that was on the tions Committee, I am really perplexed and make trade-off decisions: wants floor, I think he wants limited govern- as to why the majority continues their versus needs, what is good and what is ment when disaster is not in his dis- assault on American excellence, fol- essential. The bottom line, they have trict. lowing President Trump’s lead and di- to live within their means. So I think it is important as a mem- vesting from investments in American But, apparently, our government has ber of this Budget Committee of which global leadership, science, and infra- been exempt from such basic principles I am so very proud of its service, as the structure. of fiscal responsibility under which we Democrats have worked so hard, and as This budget would cut $5 billion for the people must live. The prevailing a member of the Homeland Security domestic and international invest- budget philosophy over the years Committee, a committee called upon

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.059 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7786 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 for domestic tranquility and domestic because of Hurricane Harvey, who need Mr. Chair, the federal budget is more than security, might I just add that we are the Children’s Health Insurance Pro- a financial document; it is an expression of our now marking up a bill just a few floors gram or need the disaster food stamps. values and priorities as a nation. away from this House that is asking This is a budget that steps on the Sadly, this Republican budget, just like the for $15 billion to pay for a border wall American people. It steps on our dis- President’s ‘‘skinny budget’’ fails this moral in the midst of the horror of tragedy aster relief, and it does not recognize test of government. and in the midst of a lowering number what the United States Government is. America will not be made great by stealing of individuals even coming to the It is a refuge and a relief for the Amer- another $1.5 trillion from Medicare and Med- United States across the border, the ican people. icaid, abandoning seniors and families in very border wall that was told to us Vote ‘‘no’’ on the Republican budget. need, depriving students of realizing a dream would be paid for by the people of Mex- Mr. Chair, as a member of the Budget Com- to attend college without drowning in debt, or ico. mittee, a senior member of the Homeland Se- disinvesting in the working families just to give But I think the important point is curity Committee, the Ranking Member of the unwanted tax breaks to wealthy corporations that my good friends who are sup- Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and the top 1 percent. porting this dastardly budget that Homeland Security, and Investigations, and America will not be positioned to compete tears at the fabric of America are, as the proud representative of the 700,000 resi- and win in the global, interconnected, and dig- well, supporting a tax cut for the dents of 18th Congressional District of Texas ital economy by slashing funding for scientific wealthy that will provide $2.9 trillion who are still coping with the devastation research, the arts and humanities, job retrain- of debt to the American people and in- caused by Hurricane Harvey, I rise in strong ing, and clean energy. crease the debt as well as the deficit. It and unyielding opposition to H. Con. Res. 71, Even a cursory review leaves the inescap- will mean that working and middle the Congressional Budget Resolution for Fis- able conclusion that this budget represents a class families will have taxes raised on cal Year 2018. betrayal—of our values as a nation, and of the Why do I urge every Member of this House them by $470 billion. We will see the promises made by the President during the to vote against this Republican budget resolu- heavy brunt of this budget on low-in- election campaign. tion, laughingly called the ‘‘Building a Better come families, students struggling to This Republican budget is not a budget for America Budget,’’ but which more accurately afford college, seniors, and persons the real world that real Americans live in but should be named the ‘‘Nightmare on Capitol with disabilities. is as much a fantasy budget as the Trump Hill Budget’’? Just a few hours ago, I said the Let us count the ways; here are eight to ‘‘Skinny Budget’’ in that it pretends to achieve American people do not need to have start. balance by assuming that painless spending the government step on them; and I 1. Republican budget mandates $5.4 trillion cuts can and will be made by the following can assure you, with this budget, which in spending cuts to top priorities like disaster standing committees of Congress in the fol- cuts more than $1.5 trillion from Med- relief, education, infrastructure, research, vet- lowing amounts: icaid and Medicare, we will step on the eran benefits, and programs that expand op- 1. Agriculture Committee: cut $207 billion American people. portunities for American families. 2. Armed Services Committee: cut $33 bil- We will end the Medicare guarantee, 2. Republican budget provides $2.9 trillion in lion and it will narrowly shortchange soft tax cuts to millionaires, billionaires, and 3. Education and Workforce Committee: power by cutting and decimating the wealthy corporations, while raising taxes on $326 billion State Department, the very partner working and middle class families by $470 bil- 4. Energy and Commerce Committee: that we need to continue the security lion. $1.656 trillion of the American people, raising de- 3. The budget includes fast-track reconcili- 5. Financial Services Committee: cut $124 fense, of whom I support all of our ation procedures to push through cuts to pro- billion military. Texas is a military State. grams that tens of millions of Americans count 6. Homeland Security Committee: cut $25 But it is $72 billion above cap, and that on totaling $203 billion across 11 House com- billion is not giving our military personnel mittees. 7. Judiciary Committee: cut $67 billion their due. It is going above the needs of 4. The steep reductions in program invest- 8. Natural Resources Committee: cut $59 the military. ments proposed in this Republican budget fall billion We need to be prepared, but this most heavily on low-income families, students 9. Oversight and Government Reform Com- skinny budget will undermine edu- struggling to afford college, seniors, and per- mittee: cut $282 billion cation and the workforce at $326 bil- sons with disabilities. 10. Transportation and Infrastructure Com- lion, energy and commerce at $1.56 bil- 5. Republican budget immediately guts in- mittee: cut $3 billion lion, homeland security by $25 billion, vestment critical to expanding economic op- 11. Veterans Affairs Committee: cut $49 bil- justice and the needs of civil justice by portunity by lowering the already inadequate lion $67 billion, and veterans by $49 billion. austerity-level spending caps by an additional 12. Ways and Means Committee: cut $800 It will cut the Community Develop- $5 billion in 2018 and by even more in subse- billion ment Block Grant, and it will hurt Vir- quent years. 13. Unassigned (i.e., Intelligence; Foreign gin Islands U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico 6. Republican budget adopts Trumpcare but Affairs; Small Business; Science, Space, and U.S. citizens, and Texas, that is still does even more damage because in addition Technology Committees: cut $747 billion struggling. to depriving more than 20 million Americans of 14. Total Cuts: $4.38 trillion Before I came to this floor, I was en- healthcare, denying protection to persons with To put these reckless, irresponsible, and gaging with my State about more dis- preexisting conditions, and raising costs for draconian budget cuts in perspective, it is use- aster food stamp sites because I have older and low-income adults, cuts more than ful to examine what they mean when applied people who are unhoused in the 18th $1.5 trillion from Medicaid and Medicare. to the programs depended upon by Americans Congressional District, who are need- 7. Republican budget ends the Medicare to rise up the economic ladder, plan for the fu- ing the resources. guarantee and calls for replacing Medicare’s ture, provide for their families, and strive to The Acting CHAIR. The time of the guaranteed benefits with fixed payments for achieve the American Dream. gentlewoman has expired. the purchase of health insurance, shifting The elimination of funding for Community Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I costs and financial risks onto seniors and dis- Development Block Grants (CDBG) drains re- yield the gentlewoman from Texas an abled workers; this represents a $500 billion sources from communities, even in times of additional 30 seconds. cut to Medicare over ten years. disaster because CDBG provides flexible Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I 8. The Republican budget focuses too nar- grants to local communities for a wide range have individuals who our wonderful rowly on the military, shortchanging American of unique needs, including Meals on Wheels, first responders had to drag out of the soft-power and other essential elements of na- housing programs, and community infrastruc- raging waters in Hurricane Harvey. I tional security by increasing defense spending ture improvements. have homes that were underwater that by $72 billion above the cap and hollowing out The Republican budget targets disaster need disaster relief. I have individuals the State Department and foreign aid agencies grants made by the Federal Emergency Man- who are walking along highways like with cuts of $11 billion and environmental and agement Agency, which help families and oceans, and then I have children who natural resource protection by more than $6 businesses when their disaster-related prop- are with families who do not have jobs billion. erty losses are not covered by insurance.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.061 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7787 The Republican budget makes higher edu- The Republican budget counts a dubious begin to bend the spending curve? If we cation more expensive by cutting $211 billion $1.8 trillion ‘‘economic dividend’’ from cutting don’t do it, then who will? from student financial aid programs, like Pell taxes and taking away consumer protections We know that mandatory spending Grants, over ten years. that is not backed up by any credible analysis within our grandchildren’s lifetime The Republican budget also eliminates sub- and assumes $1.5 trillion of this ‘‘dividend’’ will will eclipse almost, if not, 100 percent sidized loans, making it difficult for students, go toward deficit reduction. of the Federal budget. That means no particularly low-income students, to afford col- The Republican budget assumes, despite all money for research, for medical, for lege and compounds the damage by making it precedent and evidence to the contrary, that education, and for all of those discre- more difficult to repay student loans by elimi- tax reform will be revenue neutral, even tionary dollars that are so wisely nating the Public Sector Loan Forgiveness though Republican tax plans are projected to spent. and Teacher Loan Forgiveness programs. lose between $3 trillion and $7 trillion. We have to begin to bend the spend- The Republican budget’s solution to the af- Given these budgetary shenanigans, never ing curve now, and that means cuts in fordable housing crisis currently facing cities could it more truly be said that ‘‘figures don’t mandatory spending, while responsibly large and small all across the country is to lie, but liars figure.’’ using the other dollars, the discre- convert all discretionary spending on afford- As the late and great former senator and tionary dollars, to advance good pro- able housing into a block grant, which means Vice-President Hubert Humphrey said: grams. there will be even less assistance to help the The moral test of government is how that b 1530 71 percent of extremely low income renter government treats those who are in the dawn households who spend more than half their in- of life, the children; those who are in the That takes discipline, that takes ef- come on housing. twilight of life, the elderly; and those who fort, that takes making tough deci- The Republican budget cuts $154 billion are in shadows of life, the sick, the needy, sions that are unpopular but necessary from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance and the handicapped. for the future of our country. Program (SNAP) over the next ten years by It is for this reason that in evaluating the Our Budget Committee wrestled long essentially converting it to a block grant, cut- merits of a budget resolution, it is not enough and hard to present what you are going ting off funding for eligible individuals and re- to subject it only to the test of fiscal responsi- to vote on, and I am proud of the fact quiring cash-strapped states to either fill in the bility. that with the discourse and debate that gap or take away food assistance from mil- To keep faith with the nation’s past, to be we had over tough issues, in the end, lions of working families, children, and seniors. fair to the nation’s present, and to safeguard the American people are taking a next Mr. Chair, as economists and policy experts the nation’s future, the budget must also pass first step forward towards fiscal re- have documented time and again, immigration a ‘‘moral test.’’ sponsibility that reflects the reality reform would expand the size of the U.S. The Republican budget resolution fails both that we owe to our grandchildren, just workforce, and in turn would increase the size of these standards. like our parents and grandparents felt of the economy and reduce deficits. Because the American people deserve to that they needed to do for us during The Republican budget, however, again re- know exactly what ills Republicans have in the Great Depression and a couple of jects comprehensive immigration reform that store for them, I strongly oppose H. Con. Res. World Wars to make sure that we have would bring clear and just rules for those 71 and urge all Members to join me in voting a physically viable country. This budg- seeking citizenship and help secure the na- against this reckless, cruel, and heartless et is a next first step. tion’s borders. measure that will do nothing to improve the Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I In doing so, the Republican budget squan- lives or well-being of middle and working class would note for my colleague that, by ders an opportunity to reduce deficits by an families. voting for this budget, he will force estimated $900 billion over the next two dec- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 1,895,558 seniors, disabled individuals, ades, boost the economy by 5.4 percent, and minutes to the gentleman from Michi- and other seriously ill people in Michi- extend the solvency of Social Security. gan (Mr. BERGMAN), who is a member of gan to pay more for lifesaving Medi- Mr. Chair, none of us can forget the Presi- the Budget Committee. care all so the wealthiest person in his dent’s favorite boast and central campaign Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Chairman, it has State, who has a net worth of $5.9 bil- promise that he would build a wall on our been an honor to work with the chair- lion, can get a massive tax cut. southern border and guarantee that Mexico man of the Budget Committee as a new Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to would be made to pay for it. Member of Congress because it is such the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. CON- The Republican budget deprives the Presi- a learning curve to understand the NOLLY), a distinguished member of the dent of the opportunity to make good on his challenges that we have in our country Oversight and Government Reform foolish boast by forcing American taxpayers to in so many ways, but especially on the Committee and an alumnus of the foot the bill for President Trump’s $1.6 billion fiscal side of things. Budget Committee. border wall that will do nothing to stop unau- I would like to spend my time talk- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, ugly thorized entry into the country and will not fix ing to my grandchildren right now. I is ugly. our broken immigration system. am talking to your grandchildren as This is an ugly budget, and it exists The Republican budget continues to target well. primarily to be a vehicle for tax cuts federal employees by cutting their compensa- In the last 48 hours, I have had an op- for the already fortunate, the top 1 or tion and benefits by at least another $163 bil- portunity—it was more of a responsi- 2 percent in America, at the expense of lion over ten years, which comes on top of the bility—to chat with my grandchildren everybody else. It will hemorrhage red $182 billion in cuts federal employees have al- about the horrific events that occurred ink for as far as the eye can see. ready absorbed in the form of higher retire- in Las Vegas. When you are 8 or 16, you That is not a theory. That is what ment contributions, pay freezes, and fur- assimilate those things in different happened in the previous massive tax loughs. ways. I talk to them a lot about re- cuts, both under Ronald Reagan and The Republican budget puts U.S. transpor- sponsibility for behavior, responsi- George W. Bush. tation network on the road to ruin by slashing bility for money, and responsibility for Let me give you one example of the transportation spending, by $254 billion over their own lifestyles. ruinous aspects of this budget, and it ten years, or 25 percent below current esti- I talked to them today to say that we has to do with Federal employees. mates. are not going to put you into the debt This budget cuts Federal employee The Republican budget cuts hurts veterans hole caused by the spending that has compensation and benefits by another by cutting veterans benefits by nearly $50 bil- occurred over the last decades in this $163 billion over the next 10 years, $32 lion over the next ten years, with newly eligible country. We are not going to pass that billion of which is included in rec- veterans experiencing cuts in programs that along to you, because the hole is only onciliation and instructions which I pay for education benefits as well as loan getting deeper and more extensive, and sought to strike with an amendment guarantees. we are passing it along to those next submitted to the Rules Committee that Finally, Mr. Chair, it must be pointed out generations. Not only is it not right, it was not allowed. that the Republican budget’s pretension to bal- is morally wrong and absolutely irre- The Republican cuts include higher ance is based on reliance on trillions of dollars sponsible. retirement contributions; elimination in budget games and gimmicks to rig the num- We have to ask ourselves the ques- of the FERS supplement, which law en- bers. tions: If not now, then when do we forcement retirees heavily benefit

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.022 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7788 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 from; lower annuities by changing the leagues to support it, recognize where This is not a serious budget. It is a retirement calculation and reduced we are as a country, and resolve to do desperate attempt to enact deficit-ex- healthcare benefits; a 10 percent reduc- something about it. ploding tax cuts. tion in the Federal workforce at non- Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I The Acting CHAIR. The time of the security agencies, even though nearly would like to note for my colleague gentleman has expired. all of the workforce increases, since that by voting for this budget, he is Mr. YARMUTH. I yield the gen- 2001, occurred in security-related agen- jeopardizing meals and food assistance tleman from New Jersey an additional cies. for 200,000 hungry children in Arkansas 30 seconds. The Federal workforce provides vital all so that the wealthiest person in his The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is services to our Nation. It includes State, who has a net worth of $38.5 bil- reminded to direct all remarks to the those who patrol and secure our bor- lion, can get a massive tax cut. Chair. 1 Mr. PASCRELL. I am making all my ders, protect us from terrorists, take Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 ⁄2 minutes to care of our veterans, help run our air- the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. remarks through the Chair. Mr. Chairman, 1 percent would be the ports, counter cybersecurity attacks, PASCRELL), a distinguished member of recipients of 80 percent of the Repub- find cures for deadly diseases, and keep the Ways and Means Committee. lican tax cuts within 10 years. our food supply safe. Veterans make up Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the budget resolution This budget, like the phony tax plan, 31 percent of those Federal employees. is a joke and is insulting to us as Mem- Federal employee pay and benefits before us today. You have got to get a charge out of bers of Congress. I know you have some are not the cause of this country’s def- problems with your own Conference. I icit and debt. The Federal workforce what you are hearing and listening to today. don’t know how you are going to figure has already contributed nearly $200 bil- that out. Don’t expect us to bail you lion toward reducing the country’s def- If one were to draw a chart from 2001 and 2003 to the present time, what con- out. icit in the form of pay freezes, pay Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues raises insufficient to keep pace with in- tributes to the deficit and the debt? I am glad to hear someone from the to vote ‘‘no.’’ flation, furloughs, and increased retire- other side talk about that debt, be- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 ment contributions. cause I thought you forgot all about it. minutes to the gentleman from Geor- We should honor and revere the serv- This budget seems to think that you gia (Mr. FERGUSON), a member of the ice of our Federal workforce, not deni- have amnesia. Budget Committee. grate it with the attacks included in If you look at the chart, what grows Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I this ugly budget. the debt? The tax cuts that you put would first like to thank the gentle- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 into effect in 2001 and 2003, which woman from Tennessee for her leader- minutes to the gentleman from Arkan- helped the rich and brought us to an ship during this budget process. She sas (Mr. WOMACK), my dear friend. economic abyss 4 years later. You did has done an amazing job of showing Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Chairman, I it, and you are trying to do it again. wisdom and patience and negotiating thank the distinguished chair of the So we will see if Democrats are irrel- this all through this process. My sin- Budget Committee for a job well done. evant, since you didn’t include us, so cere thanks are given to the gentle- Mr. Chairman, I came to the floor far, up to this point. So much for our woman. today to weigh in on this budget de- bipartisanship. This budget is a critical step in get- bate. You asked for $203 billion in manda- ting our economy growing and our na- I find it incredible that my friends on tory spending cuts across 11 commit- tional debt under control. Not only the other side of the aisle seem to be in tees. It will have to be reconciled with does it balance in 10 years and put our a state of denial on the fact that this a Senate budget that explodes our def- country on the path to fiscal stability, country, the greatest on the planet, is icit by $1.5 trillion. Good luck. it also lays the groundwork for tax re- $20 trillion in debt. While this Republican budget claims form. These are the same people in opposi- to balance in 10 years, it does so with With this budget, we are dem- tion, Mr. Chairman, who will present a unnamed cuts, gimmicks, and magical onstrating that it is possible to have budget tomorrow that will add nearly thinking about the economic growth. fiscal discipline and keep our promises $3 trillion in more taxes and more than The budget is built on the same to the American people. We can no $6 trillion in more spending. This debt premise on which you tried to cut the longer continue to kick the can down is going to land squarely on the shoul- ACA, the Affordable Care Act. Let’s the road on our mandatory spending ders of our children, our grandchildren, take $750,000, cut down on Medicaid, crisis. We are leaving behind more and and—let me just say it for the record— and we will give that money in tax cuts more debt for our children and grand- is so large that it is going to land on to the very wealthy. That was your children, and it is morally wrong. our grandchildren’s grandchildren. plan. You saw how the country re- We must put politics aside and have When does this insanity stop? ceived it. tough conversations to ensure that we There is not an easy way out of the This budget cuts Medicare by $487 can keep the promises that we have mess. This budget puts us on a path to billion by eliminating the Medicare made to Americans and to future gen- fiscal sanity. It targets Federal spend- guarantee. How can you justify that erations. ing that is outside the purview of the and look into the eyes of seniors in this This budget does not solve our man- Appropriations Committee. country? datory spending crisis overnight, but it The budget ensures a strong national It assumes repeal of the Affordable begins that process by achieving a $203 defense. It puts us on a path to fiscal Care Act. You want to use the Afford- billion savings in mandatory spending. sustainability, and it gives us the op- able Care Act’s money, but you want to By passing this budget, we will also portunity to do deficit reduction. The dissolve it, choke it, and starve it. It kick-start tax reform. I have said time budget has progrowth policies that assumes an appeal of that act, which and time again that America should be move us in a more sustainable direc- would take 23 million Americans off the best place in the world to do busi- tion. their healthcare insurance. ness, yet we have a Tax Code that tells I understand the opposition coming It assumes a $1 trillion cut to Med- our businesses that they should take from the other side. Their answer, Mr. icaid—it is in your budget—and $2.5 their jobs and their profits overseas. Chairman, as always, is: let’s tax more trillion in other mandatory cuts, with Every American benefits from lower and let’s spend more. That is not a re- no specifics. taxes and growing the economy. The sponsible course. It won’t lead to a The gentleman from Michigan needs tax reform framework we released last good outcome for this country. to study the facts. You have got to get week will do just that. Americans will Mr. Chairman, let me finally say that him the facts. get to keep more of their hard-earned it is time we had a national conversa- The greatest contributor, as I said, paychecks, companies will have the tion about the math problem facing were the two tax cuts of 2001 and 2003. freedom to reinvest in their businesses this country. This budget starts that We know the breakdown of where that and workers, and more people can conversation. I encourage all my col- went to. move to the American Dream.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:38 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.063 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7789 Before we can make these changes, national nightmare when he saw a interest payments, mandatory spend- we must pass the budget. The reconcili- third of our Nation ‘‘ill-housed, ill- ing will fully eclipse the Federal budg- ation instructions in the budget will clad, and ill-nourished.’’ et in the next few years. set us on a path to comprehensive tax b 1545 Now, politicians in Washington have reform in both the House and the Sen- promised to address exploding debt and ate. When you look at this budget, it is deficits for years, but now we have the This is not just a conversation about not hard to see why FDR’s words haunt opportunity to actually do it. We can- dollars and cents. It is about Ameri- us to this day, because this budget not solve our debt crisis, however, cans who are counting on us to keep would take us back to that terrible without economic growth. That is why our commitments. We must do the time when dreams were dashed, futures our budget provides reconciliation in- tough work of reforming our manda- were uncertain, and hope was all but structions for tax reform. tory spending programs and reforming lost, put back to a time when people Today we have a Tax Code that is our Tax Code. were hurting. overly complicated, punishes work, re- I am excited to support this budget That is not the America I want. That wards special interests, and discour- to build a better America and pledge to is not the America our constituents de- ages job creation and investments here continue working toward comprehen- serve. They deserve a better deal for all in America. The result has been an sive mandatory spending reform. Americans. anemic recovery of only 1 or 2 percent. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I The Acting CHAIR. The time of the This stagnation has made it harder for would note for my colleague that, by gentleman has expired. families in Minnesota and all over the voting for this budget, he will force Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I United States to realize the American 1,519,461 seniors, disabled individuals, yield an additional 30 seconds to the Dream. and other seriously ill people in Geor- gentleman from New York. That is what this is about. Every gia to pay more for lifesaving Medicare Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, time tax reform has been tried in the all so that the wealthiest person in his Democrats believe that our constitu- 1920s, in the 1960s, in the 1980s, it has State, who has a net worth of $12.6 bil- ents deserve a better deal, a better deal worked to make America globally com- lion, can get a massive tax cut. for all Americans, a plan to bring bet- petitive by encouraging private sector Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to ter jobs, better wages, and a better fu- investment that is more productive. the gentleman from New York (Mr. ture to everyone, and a vision to give That is why today I urge my col- CROWLEY) the Democratic Caucus every American the opportunity to leagues to support this budget, tax re- chairman. prosper and to succeed. form, economic growth, and fiscal san- Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Chairman, I That is the kind of America we ity. thank the gentleman, my friend and should be working towards. That is the Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I colleague from Kentucky, for yielding. better idea that America should be would like to note for my friend and Mr. Chairman, the Republican budget working towards. That is why I will colleague that by voting for this budg- proposal is just cruel. It isn’t just vote ‘‘no’’ on this terrible plan. et, he is jeopardizing meals and food cruel; it will set our country back- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I tell assistance for 216,000 hungry children wards. It is worse than cruel. you what is cruel. That is doing the in Minnesota so that the wealthiest It puts more than $5 trillion in cuts same thing over and over again and person in his State, who has a net on the backs of working and middle getting the same results. That is cruel. worth of $5.4 billion, gets a massive tax class Americans. At the same time, it Especially when we look in our grand- cut. doles out billions of dollars in tax children’s eyes and say: We are really Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to breaks to wealthy individuals, while sorry we didn’t take 40-year-old pro- the gentlewoman from California (Ms. leaving everyday Americans empty- grams and reform them so they could MAXINE WATERS), the ranking member handed. be better, so we could reduce the spend- of the Financial Services Committee. Are you a senior who relies on Medi- ing, we could give good services and re- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. care or Medicaid for important duce the spending. That is cruel when Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposi- healthcare needs? you don’t do that. tion to the Republican’s 2018 budget, Too bad, says the Republican budget. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to which would dramatically increase our Your care will simply be cut. the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. deficit and debt by trillions of dollars Are you a student looking to get a LEWIS), a member of our Budget Com- to give millionaires and billionaires a good education and launch your ca- mittee. massive tax cut. reer? Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Chair- Don’t be fooled. This plan directly Tough luck, says the Republican man, I rise today in support of the benefits President Trump, his family, budget. Pell grants are on the chopping Building a Better America budget. Last and his administration, including block, if Republicans have their way. month, our country’s national debt ex- Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, Edu- Are you struggling to recover after a ceeded $20 trillion. Interest payments cation Secretary DeVos, and Commerce natural disaster? under that alone are scheduled to go up Secretary Ross, but offers breadcrumbs Forget about it, says the Republican to $768 billion per year and will sky- for the middle class and nothing for budget. Grants from FEMA and other rocket to $1 trillion should these artifi- low-income Americans. programs that help rebuild our Nation cially low interest rates return to their The craziest thing about all of this is will be eliminated. normal levels. that Republicans have been crowing for The facts are clear: this Republican The debt not only threatens to bank- 7 years that the deficit is too large and budget does nothing to invest in Amer- rupt our country, it threatens our chil- that it is hurting our job growth, yet ica, the American people, or our future. dren’s future and the American Dream. here they go abandoning their prin- It cuts funds for our crumbling infra- Now, we can’t change the culture of ciples to cash out their rich bene- structure, rather than rebuilding our spending in Washington overnight, but factors. schools and roads and putting millions this budget puts us on the right path to I also want to talk about some of the back to work. It slashes investment in fiscal sustainability. Our budget bal- ways Republicans partially pay for this green energy technology, rather than ances in 10 years, works to begin pay- tax cut for the rich. During the same preparing a new generation of Ameri- ing down the debt, and promotes job week that Equifax and Wells Fargo ex- cans to lead us into the economy of to- growth policies like tax, regulatory, ecutives are testifying about the harm morrow. and entitlement reform. they have caused to millions of Ameri- Worst of all, it ramps up funding for For the first time in decades, this cans, Republicans propose gutting the endless wars overseas while gutting budget resolution finally directs Con- Consumer Bureau, which has success- programs that help the brave veterans gress to address mandatory spending, fully helped millions of our constitu- who served their country so well. the main driver of these deficits. As ents receive compensation by effec- Eighty years ago, then-President this graph shows, if nothing is done to tively eliminating its funding and inde- Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke of a address entitlement programs and our pendence.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:48 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.064 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7790 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 What is more, Republicans would believe that if you cut corporate taxes, fresh out of high school. Through a lot eliminate the backup authority to safe- if you cut taxes on the investor class, of hard work and a dedicated team of ly unwind failing megabanks without that this is going to raise wages. That individuals, we were able to grow that harm to our economy. Rather than is the President’s argument. company, employing over 150 people eliminate this tool, we should instead Here is what I don’t understand. If with family-sustaining jobs, family- be talking about how to break up bad you want to raise wages, why not just sustaining wages. megabanks like Wells Fargo, who re- raise wages? Why not just give the tax That is what we call the American peatedly break the law and harm mil- credits to working families? Dream. There are countless stories like lions of consumers. Yet, both the Con- The President’s Wall Street bankers that: the idea that we can begin with sumer Bureau and the megabank wind- have a different theory that only gets little or nothing, work hard, play by down authority are sacrificed to pay credence in the beltway. This is not the rules, and achieve our dreams. for the richest 1 percent tax cut. about economics. This is about com- So I would urge all of my colleagues mon sense. Think about it. You don’t Unfortunately, in today’s economic to reject this measure. have to be a Ph.D. economist to know environment, for many, the American Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 that the better way to raise wages is Dream seems out of reach. minutes to the gentleman from Michi- not to cut taxes for corporations, but Mr. Chair, that is why this budget is gan (Mr. MITCHELL). to actually give the tax relief to people so important. Not only will it put us on Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise making under $75,000. a sustainable fiscal path, but it lays in support of the Building a Better You don’t have to be a Ph.D. econo- out the path forward for tax reform America budget. That is truly what it mist to know that if you cut taxes for that will give American families the does. For too long, our government has shareholders and corporate CEOs, they opportunity to improve their lives. spent money on a credit card with our are probably going to invest it over- Consider a constituent that I spoke children and grandchildren’s name on seas. If you cut the taxes or give the to this week. This particular con- it. It shocks some here in this Cham- tax relief to people making 50 grand in stituent is a single father of 5 in Lan- ber, but the era of overspending is over. Michigan or Ohio, they are going to caster County. He asked me if our tax Adopting this budget will allow us to spend it and create jobs in the United plan means more money in his pay- deliver the key promises we have made States. check. Now, he makes it work today, to Americans: getting our spending This is just common sense. You don’t but it is difficult for him, and he could under control, balancing the budget, have to be a Ph.D. economist to know use some help. This is exactly the kind and paving the way to deliver meaning- that if you really want to create jobs, of hardworking American we are trying ful tax reform. invest in technical training for the to help with our reforms. This resolution balances the budget million skills gap we have, instead of within 10 years and produces a $9 bil- putting hopes on corporate CEOs who Americans deserve this budget be- lion surplus in fiscal year 2027. It already have record profits, that some- cause it lets us pass tax reform to help achieves deficit reduction of $6.5 tril- how they are going to create more jobs. families like the one I just described. lion over 10 years. It also reduces the Mr. Chair, it used to be that there They deserve it because too many size of our bloated government by giv- were serious thinkers on the Repub- Americans today do everything right ing instructions to 11 House commit- lican side, people like Jack Kemp. I but still struggle to make ends meet. tees to achieve at least $203 billion in disagreed with him, but at least he had Americans deserve it because they mandatory savings. innovative ideas of enterprise zones should have a more honest Federal Tax This resolution curbs our and how to really create jobs. But for Code and a simplified filing process unsustainable spending while main- the past 20 years, the Republican party that allows them to spend more time taining a strong defense and protecting has been devoid of ideas. with their family, to save for their critical programs like Medicare. It is a mantra: tax cuts, tax cuts, tax children’s college fund, or to plan for There is much work to be done to cuts. their retirement. create jobs and get our economy mov- Oh, we are changing into a digital Passing this budget helps to make ing beyond the pathetic 2 percent economy. How do we solve it? Tax cuts. these things possible, and I strongly growth. This budget is an important That is not a constructive solution. urge my colleagues in this Chamber to step to doing just that. Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I do support it. This budget allows us to deliver on want to talk about common sense just Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I our promise to the American people to for a moment. Common sense is if our want to note for my colleague that by fix our broken Tax Code. Workers liv- other OECD countries have an average voting for this budget, he is jeopard- ing paycheck to paycheck, like my par- corporate rate of 18 to 20 percent and izing meals and food assistance for ents did, need relief and they need it ours is between 35 and 39, and we have 734,000 hungry children in Pennsyl- now. We cannot delay any longer. companies that now decide to go over- vania all so that the wealthiest person My colleagues on the other side of seas. It seems to me to be common in his State, who has a net worth of the aisle seek to raise taxes by $3 tril- sense to at least be equal to what other $3.8 billion, gets a massive tax cut. lion and simply spend more. I suggest countries are doing. they study how that approach worked Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to in Greece. the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. I urge my colleagues to support the SMUCKER), a member of our Budget WASSERMAN SCHULTZ), a distinguished Building a Better America budget. Committee. member of the Budget Committee. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Chairman, the Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. would note for my colleague that by national debt is a staggering $20 tril- Chairman, debating this budget resolu- voting for this budget, he will force lion. We are handcuffing future genera- tion is a partisan and pointless exer- 1,895,558 seniors, disabled individuals, tions with what—if we don’t take ac- cise, and I will point out to the chair- and other seriously ill people in Michi- tion—will become an unsurmountable man that it is October, after the fiscal gan to pay more for lifesaving Medi- fiscal crisis. This budget resolution be- year has expired and after we have al- care all so that the wealthiest person fore us today is a step toward putting ready passed every single appropria- in his State, who has net worth of $5.9 our Nation back on a sustainable fiscal tions bill out of the House of Rep- billion, can get a massive tax cut. path. But even more, it will lead to resentatives, and, I might add, a con- Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to greater prosperity and opportunity for tinuing budget resolution. the gentleman from California (Mr. American families and generations to KHANNA), a distinguished member of come. b 1600 the Budget Committee. My own experience as a 17-year-old, I Mr. KHANNA. Mr. Chairman, in a had the good fortune to be able to buy Just as when we considered it in nutshell, here is the Republican and a small construction company from my committee this summer, this resolu- the President’s case. They want you to older brother for $1,000 when I was tion stands as a demonstration of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:48 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.066 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7791 majority’s willful and disgraceful ne- reach close to $30 trillion within 10 working families. That is why numer- glect of the needs of the American peo- years. Washington’s out-of-control ous bipartisan and nonpartisan organi- ple. spending hinders our economy, Mr. zations have spoken out in support of With so many critical legislative Chair, and by kicking the can down the the SALT deduction, including the Na- issues for us to discuss, the majority road, it puts the financial burden on tional Governors Association and the has decided it is a better use of our the backs of our children and of our United States Conference of Mayors. time to discuss tax breaks for million- grandchildren. If this budget passes, the tax struc- aires and wealthy corporations; taking Not only is our debt unsustainable, ture it creates will cause a dramatic healthcare away from 20 million Amer- but high levels of government debt increase in the tax burden on working icans; blowing up our deficit with an needs substantial resources, and tax- families. ineffective, immoral border wall; and payers’ dollars must go to servicing There is no doubt that our Tax Code gutting crucial investments in jobs, our debt. Over the next decade, the needs to be updated, but we need to do education, and medical research. cost to service our debt will rise 219 so in a way that upholds the Presi- Instead, this House should be enact- percent, meaning we will spend close to dent’s promise that working families ing legislation to expand background $800 billion by the year 2027 simply to would not see a tax increase. checks and ban assault weapons to pay the interest on our debt. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to combat senseless firearm violence after This budget reduces spending by $5.4 oppose this double taxation budget and this Nation witnessed, once again, the trillion over a 10-year window. It does this increase in taxes on working fami- deadliest mass shooting in U.S. his- not expand the size of Federal Govern- lies. tory. ment. It does not encroach on State or Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 This House should be passing the local authority. minutes to the gentleman from Illinois Dream Act to protect DREAMers who This is a conservative path forward (Mr. SHIMKUS). call this Nation home and protect them and will help us accomplish what we (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given from this administration’s heartless came here to do: meaningful tax re- permission to revise and extend his re- deportations. form. marks.) Finally, instead of wasting taxpayer While I would like to see our govern- Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Chairman, I rise dollars and our constituents’ time with ment make even more wise choices in support of the fiscal year 2018 budget this harmful budget resolution, this with taxpayers’ dollars, this budget resolution, and I thank Chairman House should be reauthorizing CHIP, resolution puts us on the road to BLACK for her hard work developing the bipartisan-backed Children’s achieving that goal. With this resolu- this blueprint. Health Insurance Program, which ex- tion as a vehicle for updating our out- Our Nation’s national debt now ex- pired over the weekend and which po- dated Tax Code, Mr. Chair, I truly be- ceeds $20 trillion. While there are many tentially is going to leave children who lieve we can accomplish something factors driving our Nation’s fiscal badly need healthcare insurance twist- that has not been done in over 30 years. health and long-term spending outlook, ing in the wind without it. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to I am working to address one of those Congressional Republicans have cho- support this budget resolution. items this year: our Nation’s need to sen instead to bring this incredibly ir- Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I dispose of spent nuclear fuel. responsible and extreme bill to the would remind my colleague that, by In 1982, Congress passed the Nuclear floor. voting for this budget, he will force Waste Policy Act and enacted a formal In stunning ignorance of reality, it 941,169 seniors, disabled individuals, nuclear waste management program assumes TrumpCare will still pass. and other seriously ill people in South for the Federal Government and set a Just how many times must the major- Carolina to pay more for lifesaving 1998 deadline for the Department of En- ity be reminded that TrumpCare is not Medicare, all so that the wealthiest ergy to begin to dispose of used fuel. going to become law and the Affordable person in his State, who has a net Nuclear utilities signed a contract with Care Act is the law of the land that worth of $3 billion, can get a massive DOE requiring this deadline to be met. Americans support? tax cut. Unfortunately, the Federal Govern- How many times will the majority Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to ment did not meet that deadline and try to cut Medicaid by $1 trillion, cut the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. has yet to take title to this material. Medicare benefits, and raise insurance KRISHNAMOORTHI), a distinguished Since then, the Federal Government costs on elderly and low-income Ameri- member of the Oversight and Govern- has been held liable for not meeting cans? ment Reform Committee. this deadline, and the courts awarded Enough is enough. Instead of pan- Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Chair- financial damages to utilities due to dering to the well connected and our man, I thank the ranking member for the breach of contract. The payments worst impulses, this budget should em- yielding. resulting from these lawsuits are paid body America’s best values, and it is Mr. Chair, the budget before us today from a specific Department of the far from it. sets up a tax plan that would harm Treasury account, known as the judg- The Acting CHAIR (Mr. WEBER of hundreds of thousands of working fami- ment fund, a permanent, unlimited Texas). The time of the gentlewoman lies in Illinois and millions across the fund not subject to budget caps or an- has expired. Nation. nual appropriations. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I yield It has been widely reported that this Since 2009, DOE’s total liability has the gentlewoman from Florida an addi- tax plan enables a budget that would escalated from $12 billion to nearly $30 tional 30 seconds. eliminate the State and local tax de- billion, or over $2 billion in total liabil- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Sadly, duction, also known as the SALT de- ity for each year of delay. Last year this budget does not reflect our respon- duction, S-A-L-T, SALT deduction. alone, the nuclear waste costs were sibility to care for and invest in the In my home State of Illinois, this about one-third of all Federal Govern- American people. SALT deduction represents a sizeable ment payments due to litigation. Put Mr. Chair, I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. portion of taxpayers’ income, account- another way, American taxpayers are Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 ing for approximately 6 percent of the paying over $2 million every single day minutes to the gentleman from South average itemizers’ average gross in- in which we neglect our moral and Carolina (Mr. NORMAN). come. legal obligation to permanently dis- Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chair, I rise in Within my district, the SALT deduc- pose of spent nuclear fuel. support of the proposed budget resolu- tion allows families in Cook County to It is time to get our nuclear waste tion, which will provide the spending save an average of $4,000 a year. In management program back on track. cuts that Washington needs and give a Kane and DuPage Counties, the num- Bipartisan legislation I introduced, pathway to reconciliation for tax re- bers are even greater, $5,000 and $6,600, H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy form. respectively. Amendments Act of 2017, which passed Our national debt sits at an astro- Simply put, Mr. Chair, this SALT de- out of the Committee of Energy and nomical $20 trillion and is projected to duction prohibits double taxation on Commerce by an overwhelming vote of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.069 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 49–4, would do just that. I look forward Mr. Chair, I would like to thank Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 to continuing to work with my col- Chairman BLACK of the Budget Com- minutes to the gentleman from Alaska leagues to address this budget chal- mittee for her remarkable leadership (Mr. YOUNG). lenge. in bringing this budget forward. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair, I Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman BLACK Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, may I in- thank Chairman BLACK and Chairman again for her leadership and support of quire how much time both sides have BISHOP for including ANWR, the Alas- this important issue. remaining. ka National Wildlife Refuge, in the Mr. Chair, I urge support of this The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman budget process. budget. from Kentucky has 331⁄4 minutes re- I am looking forward to this. With Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I reserve maining. The gentlewoman from Ten- this legislation, we contribute money the balance of my time. nessee has 371⁄2 minutes remaining. to solving some of our national debt. Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I reserve The small area of 1002 in the National minutes to the gentleman from Texas the balance of my time. Wildlife Refuge is an area of 2,000 acres, (Mr. BRADY), the chairman of the Ways Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 smaller than Dulles Airport. and Means Committee. minutes to the gentleman from New b 1615 Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Chair, Mexico (Mr. PEARCE). first, let me thank Chairman BLACK for Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Chair, I thank the Potentially, though, we have a little her leadership on this remarkable gentlewoman for yielding. over 20 billion barrels of oil. Think how budget. Mr. Chairman, I am pleased to rise much money that would bring to the When I ask my constituents from today in support of the fiscal year 2018 Treasury immediately through the bid- Texas about their biggest concerns for budget resolution. ding process. their family and the Nation’s future, On behalf of Chairman HENSARLING, I This is an issue I have been working the overwhelming response is about the would like to take a moment to speak on for the last 45 years. It is time we debt our country faces. Washington’s about the instructions given by the passed it. Once it went to the Senate, spending just continues to grow too chairwoman of the Budget Committee and President Clinton vetoed it be- fast. Our national debt has topped $20 to the Financial Services Committee cause it wouldn’t help us with that em- trillion, and without action, our great to find savings of $14 billion. bargo we had at that time. country is poised for a difficult and Now, that is what we were sent here Now is the time to make sure this painful fiscal reckoning. to do: to find those places where it Nation is independent totally. It won’t Today, with this budget, we have the makes sense to cut the budget and we happen overnight, but only Congress opportunity to do something about it, don’t harm anything. In fact, in this can do this. It is not a wilderness area. the opportunity to tackle our Nation’s case, the Financial Services Com- It is designated to be drilled at the be- fiscal challenges head-on with a strong, mittee is going to help things in rural hest of the Congress for the good of the two-part approach. communities by finding those savings Nation. First, this budget provides real fiscal that the chairwoman instructed us to It will reduce the debt. Again, I said responsibility. It balances within 10 find. I expect bids of about $10 billion to $20 years. It preserves and improves Medi- Several years ago, the Democratic billion just to have the right to drill. care for the long term. It returns power majority passed the Dodd-Frank reso- With the new royalties that are coming to our State and local governments so lution, the Dodd-Frank Act. That en- down from the Secretary of the Inte- they can do what is best for their com- shrined too big to fail. It created unac- rior, we will have not only a large munities, not Washington. countable agencies like the Consumer amount going into the Treasury, we Now, these measures get us moving Financial Protection Bureau. will have about 776,000 new jobs created in the right direction, but fiscal ac- Earlier this year, this body passed by the discovery of this oil. countability is only one crucial piece H.R. 10, the Financial CHOICE Act. We have already seen what we have of the puzzle. If we want a healthier That was trying to prune back the ca- been able to do in other States by American economy for the long term, pabilities of CFPB to hurt the rural fracking and becoming more energy we need a growing American economy areas, which it had been doing in my independent and how that controls the for the long term. That is why this district. OPEC nations. But this is the area budget by Chairwoman BLACK also lays Carlsbad National Bank recently which oil has been developed by God. It the groundwork—the runway, if you shared with us how it takes them 185 is only going to be available to the will—for a once-in-a-generation pro- pages to complete a mortgage loan, 185 United States, and it is time that this growth, pro-family, pro-middle class pages for a small bank for just the sim- Congress steps forth and brings this to tax reform. ple resolution of buying a home. fruition for the people. The House and the Senate are unified Many times our community banks We will hear a lot from the other side with President Trump in delivering a are simply stopping to offer that serv- of those interest groups that have no new Tax Code for a new era of Amer- ice. No one else is willing to come in to knowledge at all about the area I am ican prosperity. We have released bold New Mexico and lend into these rural talking about. We hear that the car- ideas to deliver more jobs, fairer taxes, communities. So we are facing a very ibou herd will be affected. It is ironic and bigger paychecks for the American serious problem. that Prudhoe Bay has produced 17 bil- people, especially our middle class fam- Sometimes community banks are lion barrels of oil, and when we started, ilies. having to consolidate. That hurts rural there were 5,000 caribou. Now we have We are united in getting tax reform communities even worse, because the about 31,000 caribou. Oil didn’t disturb legislation to the President’s desk this consolidation usually moves the bank’s them. year, but if we do not pass the budget, headquarters outside the State or out- Oil is not evil. It is the necessity for tax reform doesn’t move forward. So I side the community. It weakens the this Nation socially to create jobs. It would like to ask all my colleagues fabric of the community. will make a healthier economy. I am today on both sides of the aisle: Where So by finding the savings in this asking my colleagues again to consider do you stand? Are you content with an budget resolution which we were in- this legislation. It is necessary for this unsustainable national debt, a slow- structed to do, we not only save the Nation. It is necessary, very frankly, growth economy, and a broken pro- money, but we also stop the encroach- for the good of this Congress. With $20 Washington, pro-special interest Tax ing regulations that CFPB is putting trillion in debt, I have yet to hear any- Code, or do you stand in support of fis- out, harming the rural communities, thing that will create new wealth. You cal responsibility and pro-growth tax harming rural homeowners. can cut all you want to cut, I will cut reform that allows all Americans to So for those reasons, I gladly support what I want to cut, but you have to keep more of their paychecks? H. Con. Res. 71, the Budget Resolution create new wealth. You have to bring it This is our time to show the Amer- Act, and urge its passage. into the fold of the general budget ican people we don’t accept that slow- Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I reserve process and for the economy of this Na- growth future. the balance of my time. tion.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.070 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7793 Let’s not keep putting our heads in Among other things, here is what we rate spiked to 44.6 percent due to the sand and saying: Oh, we don’t need heard yesterday at the hearing. First, Obama administration policies. to do this; it is not the time to do it. simplify the Tax Code. Entrepreneurs Many on the other side of the aisle Now is the time for the good of the Na- spend way too much time and way too will say that most small businesses tion and because we are in debt. much money complying with the Tax don’t pay the top rate, but taxpayers Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues Code instead of focusing on growing who do pay the top rate, those small to consider this in this budget. I com- their businesses. businesses, in many cases, are respon- pliment Mrs. BLACK and her work, her Second, lower the tax rates that our sible for much of our economic activity chairmanship, on the budget. It is a companies and employers pay. That is and our employment as pass-through very difficult process. something that foreign governments businesses. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chair, I reserve around the world, both friends and Every small business owner dreams the balance of my time. foes, have already done to attract more of being successful, and the high top Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I reserve jobs, more businesses. rate punishes the very success that we the balance of my time so we can hear Third, let companies of all sizes write want them to achieve in America. Add- from the Joint Economic Committee. off the cost of their growth-producing ing to the Federal rate, the tax rate, The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman investment immediately, this is called the local rate, many of these small from Ohio (Mr. TIBERI) and the gentle- expensing, instead of deducting them businesses pay over 50 percent in taxes. woman from New York (Mrs. CAROLYN slowly from the taxes over many years The tax reform framework not only B. MALONEY) each will control 30 min- under very complicated depreciation slashes rates for American employers utes on the subject of economic goals rules. but our small businesses as well. The and policies. Fourth, stop punishing our busi- top rate for pass-throughs will be 25 The Chair recognizes the gentleman nesses for investing overseas profits by percent. from Ohio. Another feature of the tax reform Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chair, I yield myself bringing them back home to America. such time as I may consume. Move away from the system that dou- framework, Mr. Chair, would allow Mr. Chair, we are making a choice ble taxes American companies that do businesses of all sizes to deduct their today about the kind of future that we business overseas. business expenses, their investments, want. We can choose a future of more These steps will boost economic immediately through expensing. This deficits and more debt piled onto our growth. Growing markets will give en- would encourage companies to make children, or we can continue having a trepreneurs the confidence to risk the kind of investment like buying weak economy where people in their starting a business, which many won’t state-of-the-art equipment that would prime working years can keep leaving even do today, as we have seen more lead businesses to grow, create more the job market. and more startups not making it to the jobs, pay better wages, higher eco- Or we can choose a future where starting line. nomic growth, and the best part of all, America’s job creators, people who go More startups create more jobs, an larger paychecks for workers. to work every day, decide that they average of six new jobs per startup, and Mr. Chair, we have a choice to make. will be better off starting or moving more economic growth means con- We can turn our backs on the most vul- their business overseas. tinuing to spread that prosperity. nerable Americans and doom them to Or we can choose the future of more I am happy to report that these rec- more of the same, subpar growth, stag- of the same, and it is not the wealthy ommendations are a large part of our nant wages, more debt, less oppor- who will suffer more of the same. It is tax reform framework that has just re- tunity, a complex and outdated Tax the most vulnerable, low-income Amer- cently been unveiled: simplicity, lower Code that punishes job creation and in- icans trying to climb out of poverty. It tax rates, expensing, stop double tax- vestment in America, or I hope we is the middle class families who find it ing our American businesses that do choose a better path forward, a better harder and harder to keep up, to get business abroad, reward investment in future for Americans, bigger pay- ahead—people like my dad, a machine America, and boost economic growth. checks, and it starts today with the operator who is now retired as a United We need a Tax Code that makes passing of this budget. Steelworker. America the best place in the world to Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of It is our children and our grand- do business and grow your business and my time. children who will have to pay tomor- keep your business. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New row for the mistakes that we make Our job creators who are corporate York. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such today. taxpayers now face the highest tax rate time as I may consume. But we can instead choose a better in the developed world. While other Mr. Chair, I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this future, Mr. Chair, where the govern- countries aggressively lower their tax budget. ment learns to live within its means rate, Mr. Chair, to attract new busi- Ultimately, a national budget is like and move forward toward balanced nesses, we left our businesses standing a deal between the American taxpayers budgets; a future where job-creating still. and Congress about how this country small businesses aren’t punished by our Mr. Chair, the tax reform framework will spend their money. Anyone who Tax Code when they succeed; a future would slash our corporate rate from looks at the fine print in this budget where we stop losing jobs and busi- the highest in the world, at 35 percent, plan can tell, with a glance, that the nesses to foreign countries with lower to a competitive 20 percent. Instead of American people want, need, and de- tax rates, when workers can finally get the worst, we get much better. In a serve a better deal. the pay raises they deserve, more global economy, that is just not a lux- In the Republican tax plan that goes money in their pockets, and more pros- ury, that is a necessity. with this budget, 80 percent of the Re- perity is widespread, not just con- Our tax reform framework will not publican tax cuts go to the top 1 per- centrated on our coasts and a few large only help American companies com- cent. The top 1 percent gets an average urban cities. pete with foreign ones, but also bring of $200,000 in tax cuts. We will be voting soon on a budget capital back to America to invest and A better deal would drop plans to that restores fiscal responsibility and grow jobs here at home. slash Medicare and Medicaid to pay for paves the way for a world class Tax Let’s look at how the Tax Code is massive tax cuts for the wealthiest Code built for growth and a better fu- punishing our small businesses who few—a deal that instead would be a bi- ture for our kids and our grandkids. pay individual taxes as pass-throughs, partisan effort to bring middle class Yesterday, at the Joint Economic not just with complex taxes but also tax relief, badly needed investments, Committee, Mr. Chair, we held a hear- high tax rates. and greater opportunity. ing on the decline in business startups, When Main Street businessowners But what we have instead is a budget the engines of job growth and innova- went to sleep on December 31 of 2012, that cuts $5.4 trillion in spending over tion in America, and the role tax re- their highest tax rate was 35 percent. 10 years, including $4.4 trillion in cuts form could play in reversing this down- When they woke up the following year to the mandatory programs that help ward spiral. in January of 2013, Mr. Chair, their top average Americans get and stay ahead.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.072 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 These aren’t just paper cuts. These We have a second chart that shows mortgage interest reduction, chari- are huge cuts—cuts that would cause the post-World War II GDP change, an table reduction, whatever. But most enormous damage in the lives of chil- average of 3.1. The American middle Americans are going to be able to pay dren, students, veterans, and other class was built on opportunity, lower their taxes on a postcard. Americans. About half of these cuts in taxes, economic stimuli, and growth. It In the polling in this country, the nondefense spending are in programs wasn’t built on this 2.3 to 1.6 that we frustration of Americans with the IRS that help people who need the help the are going to get if we don’t get back to is directly related to the fact that no- most—cuts in programs that provide some serious business-centric, invest- body can fill out a tax form anymore. food to those in need, programs that ment-centric tax reform. So we have great progress here. help students from low-income families There is another equally inescapable Mr. Chair, I appreciate the oppor- afford a college education. They even fact, and that is that capital is fun- tunity to speak. have cuts in the badly needed disaster gible. If tax treatment nurtures it, like Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New relief that is helping so many in our watering your yard, it will grow. If not, York. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such country. it will be invested somewhere else. Just time as I may consume. In fact, by 2027, more than one-third look at Texas, just look at my home According to the nonpartisan Tax of the resources for low- and middle-in- State of Florida, and look at Ireland, Policy Center, 80 percent of the Repub- come people would be gone. Struggling for example. lican tax cuts go to the top 1 percent, Americans deserve a better deal than When the tax climate is nurturing and the top 1 percent gets an average that. And who pays under the Repub- and favorable for investment, you get of $200,000 in tax cuts. And what we see lican tax plan? Seniors, single parents, money put in, you get jobs created, you in this budget is a slashing of invest- and middle class families, it goes up. get economic growth. Investment goes ments in the future strength of our Nondefense discretionary is already where it is most favorably treated. So country. at its lowest level since the category going to 20 and 25 percent from 35 to 40 Instead of slashing infrastructure has been tracked. Republicans want to percent will unleash a torrent of cap- spending, as this budget does, we cut even more, and so they target sen- ital investment and job formation. should be increasing our spending to ior citizens and healthcare. Rapid capital recovery by expensing fill the giant infrastructure pothole This budget cuts half a trillion dol- capital assets purchases will attract that Republican policies have left us lars from Medicare, replacing Medi- massive investments, stimulate our with. care’s guaranteed benefits with a economy, make our manufacturing We have airports that feel Third voucher-like system and increasing its companies do better, and build up the World. We have bridges that are crum- eligibility age to 67. capital stock of our country again, like bling, tunnels that need replacing, b 1630 we used to do. This is going to create roads that need fixing. Failing to do so The CBO estimates that these cuts one thing: job-creating economic costs all of us in time, money, and eco- would cause part B premiums to in- growth. nomic development. crease 25 percent by 2020. And this That is what we need and that is This budget totally fails to recognize budget claims that it ‘‘saves’’ $1.5 tril- what the Republican reform program the value of infrastructure investment. lion by repealing the Affordable Care offers. It cuts $254 billion from transportation Act, even though they have already It also offers one more thing and it over 10 years. Funding would drop from tried to repeal it about 60 times on this changes treatment of foreign income, $92 billion next year to just $65 billion floor, without success, thank God, and which is something I have some experi- in 2022. the American people have made it ence in, and it will incentivize compa- It eliminates the Transportation In- clear that they don’t want it repealed. nies to keep their income here. That is vestment Generating Economic Recov- They still have no replacement plan a good thing for America. ery grant program used for infrastruc- for the Affordable Care Act. So that So I might just mention for just a ture development and repair projects means that they would just be leaving second about what they say and what for interstate highways, bridge im- millions without health insurance and we say. They say tax cut for the provements, and ports. This is incred- threatening the coverage of all those wealthy. No, it is not a tax cut for the ibly shortsighted. with preexisting conditions and chron- wealthy. It lowers taxes on all busi- According to a study by the Amer- ic illnesses, and would leave millions nesses and middle class Americans. ican Society of Civil Engineers, failing facing huge premium increases. They say rising brackets on low in- to close the infrastructure investment Their plan also cuts $114 billion from come. This is an absolute incorrigible gap brings serious economic con- Medicaid, ripping away coverage from falsehood. No. We are taking the 10 per- sequences: $3.9 trillion in losses to the low-income families and the disabled. cent rate to zero. We are taking the 15 U.S. GDP by 2025; $7 trillion in lost This is just plain wrong. Our seniors percent rate to 10. By the way, Ronald business sales in 2025; and 2.5 million deserve a much better deal than that. Reagan reduced the 11 percent rate to lost American jobs in 2025. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of zero. I have seen with my own eyes what my time. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the infrastructure development can mean Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 min- gentleman has expired. to business development and the qual- utes to the gentleman from Florida Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chair, I yield an ad- ity of life in the city that I serve. The (Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY). ditional 1 minute to the gentleman. Second Avenue Subway, built with the Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. help of Federal funds, opened in Janu- Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman They say it will explode the deficit, but ary and has already had a huge eco- for the opportunity to speak a little bit we all know that economic growth nomic impact. Stores say their busi- here about the tax reform opportuni- shrinks deficits. Ronald Reagan proved ness is up 20 to 30 percent along that ties that we are seeing now. that in spades, and we are going to see line and it has cut overcrowding and Some people don’t like to admit it, it again. When we eliminate many of reduced traveling times. but there is a proven, inescapable cor- these narrowly-crafted, special inter- New York’s old Kosciuszko Bridge, relation among tax treatment, capital est, lobbyist-driven credits and deduc- which was first opened in 1939, was investment, and job creation. As this tions, we are going to save enough originally designed for 10,000 vehicles a chart right here shows, unequivocally money. Especially when we eliminate day. It was carrying 18 times that and correlating an investment of capital the State and local tax deduction, we had become an accident choke point. with economic change, when you have are going to save a couple of trillion Thanks to Federal funding, it has more money put in, you get more jobs dollars that will help balance this. been replaced, and the biggest city in and more economic growth. And some Then they say loss of itemized deduc- the country will have a brand-new, 21st people don’t like to admit that connec- tions is a bad thing. When we double century bridge soon because these tion, but it is inescapable. It has been the standard exemption, no one is kinds of investments boost produc- that way ever since the first commerce going to need to itemize. The people tivity and bolster our economy, with took place in the Roman era. that do itemize, fine, they can have each $1 in infrastructure investment

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.073 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7795 generating up to $1.80 in additional country is not fundamentally more b 1645 economic activity. competitive economically. They feel Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New The American Society of Civil Engi- like they just can’t get ahead. York. Mr. Chairman, in 2001, some of neers gives our national infrastructure Meanwhile, seniors, and baby our colleagues across the aisle said an overall grade of D-plus and our tran- boomers who will soon become seniors, many of the same things we are hear- sit system a D-minus. It is just plain are also at great risk. Their savings, as ing today about the miracle of tax irresponsible to slash spending on our well as the government’s ability to ful- cuts: that huge tax cuts for the most crumbling highways and bridges now, fill its commitment to Social Security fortunate would pay for themselves, because if we don’t make needed in- and Medicare, could be undermined if and that they would help grow our vestments today, we will jeopardize our we don’t grow our economy at a higher economy by trickling down through competitiveness tomorrow. rate. the miracle of so-called dynamic scor- Let’s be clear: we are already signifi- So both Republicans and Democrats ing. cantly underinvesting in infrastruc- agree that it is time to fix our broken But as we know from history, that ture. As you can see from this chart, Tax Code. No one is defending the sta- was not the case. One year after the public investments in infrastructure tus quo, Mr. Chair. Our current Tax Bush tax cuts in 2002, here is what and other public fixed assets have fall- Code punishes American workers and Brookings Institute said was happening en over the last few years, dropping to manufacturers. It is a maze of special- in real life: a low of $274 billion in 2014, from more interest loopholes that are unfair to Our findings suggest that Bush tax cuts than $357 billion in 2009. hardworking Americans. It burdens will reduce the size of the future economy, We have created a giant infrastruc- families and small businesses with ex- raise interest rates, make taxes more aggres- ture spending pothole that you see cessive paperwork and compliance sive, increase tax complexity, and prove fis- right here. All told, it costs our Nation costs, creating unnecessary frustration cally unsustainable. more than half a trillion dollars in lost each and every tax season throughout A year after that, in 2003, the Brook- investment over 5 years. the year. That is why 9 out of 10 Ameri- ings Institute said: ‘‘Over the past 2 The people of this country deserve cans either pay someone to do their years our country has experienced a modern infrastructure. They deserve a taxes or have to buy the financial soft- dramatic deterioration in the Federal better deal. ware to do their taxes. budget outlook.’’ This budget also cuts $154 billion Mr. Chair, our Tax Code is holding In January 2001, when President from nutrition, from the Supplemental our country back. It is holding our George Bush took office, the Congres- Nutrition Assistance Program, ignor- economy back. So we have a stark sional Budget Office projected sur- ing the more than 40 million low-in- choice. We can either truly grow the pluses of $5.6 trillion—as in ‘‘T,’’ tril- come families, including children, the economy and put ourselves back on a lion—from 2000 to 2011. working poor, the elderly, and the dis- path to real prosperity, or we can con- But in 2011, nearly a decade after the abled, to say nothing of the 8 million tinue with weak economic growth, GOP promised their budget would un- people, including 4 million children it which only benefits ‘‘the few’’ and will leash the economy through tax cuts for lifts out of poverty. The hungry chil- do nothing for the rest of us when the the wealthy and budgets that cut serv- dren of America deserve a better deal next economic downturn happens. ices to the vulnerable, this is what we than that. Tax reform, for me, is about one found, from National Public Radio: Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of thing and one thing only. It is about ‘‘Conservatives often promote tax cuts my time. restoring the hope for a prosperous fu- as a way to stimulate economic Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chair, I yield 5 min- growth, but the years after 2001 were utes to the gentleman from Minnesota ture for ourselves, for our parents, and, most importantly, for our children. marked by the slowest growth since (Mr. PAULSEN), a senior member of the World War II.’’ It is about Paula in my district, in Joint Economic Committee, as well as All of us remember when President Plymouth, Minnesota, who said that a senior member of the Ways and Obama came to office that this country the Tax Code is hurting her small busi- Means Committee. was shedding 800,000 jobs a month and ness and preventing her from hiring Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Chairman, the it was a long time to dig ourselves out more employees and giving them a budget that is being considered here of that big Republican hole and get us raise. today sets in motion the process of the moving in the right direction with job first major tax reform that we will It is about an owner of an extrusion growth. have been able to see in 3 decades. We company in Chaska, Minnesota, that I So let’s not go down that road again. are on the cusp of a really exciting op- just spoke to. He said he would invest I call upon my colleagues to remember portunity to give Americans what they in new equipment and machines if this history. deserve: a Tax Code that works for tax plan passes. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of them, not against them. And it is about lowering rates across my time. Now, on the House Ways and Means the board for all Americans, as well as Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chairman, I would Committee, we spent many months small businesses, so that they can keep again like to point out this little chart meeting, holding hearings, discussing, more of their first dollars earned. that shows facts. At the bottom of the working on almost a daily basis ways Tax reform means increasing the per- chart, if the viewers can see, is the to craft a tax plan that is simpler and sonal income for average Americans United States with our corporate tax fairer for all Americans. The frame- and reducing the cost of living so that rate. All of these other countries, most work that was just rolled out last week day-to-day expenses are more afford- of whom are our friends, even France, takes that into account and lays out a able. This will lead to families being is lower than the United States, Spain, plan that will lead to more jobs and, able to save for their future and their Canada, Netherlands, Austria, Turkey, most importantly, bigger paychecks. retirement. It will allow people to take Italy, New Zealand, Japan—you can go You know, the economic ‘‘recovery’’ more control of their lives and their fi- on and on. since the Great Recession hasn’t nances so that they can save and spend Mr. Chairman, we have the highest worked for a lot of Americans. It cer- and invest their hard-earned money as corporate rate in the industrialized de- tainly hasn’t worked for a lot of Min- they see fit. veloped world. Facts are a stubborn nesotans that I represent. Economic Mr. Chairman, this is a really impor- thing to deal with, Mr. Chairman. This growth has been anemic, and we re- tant opportunity we cannot let slip budget, as Congressman PAULSEN said, main uncompetitive in far too many away to help middle-income families is the first step into dealing with some- areas. Many are living paycheck to and small businesses. Passing this thing that we haven’t dealt with in 31 paycheck, and either have or now are budget puts us on a path for tax reform years. at risk of having a lower standard of that has so much potential to unleash Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of living than their parents. and grow our economy to the benefit of my time. Young people, like my daughter’s middle-income families in Minnesota Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New generation, will go backwards if this and across the country. York. Mr. Chair, I yield 5 minutes to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.075 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. campaigned hard on more infrastruc- pany is going to attempt to extract fos- BEYER), my distinguished colleague. ture investment, not a cut. sil fuels at this time. Mr. BEYER. Mr. Chairman, I appre- This budget cuts student aid by $211 We believe the ANWR must be pro- ciate the opportunity to address the billion when we know from our Joint tected from the budget for future gen- House on this issue. I hear so much Economic Committee hearings that the erations, its wildlife, and the native from my friends on the other side that student debt our young people carry is people who inhabit it. I agree with, and I very much would one of the reasons they don’t start new Part two, Mr. Chairman, is the budg- like to work closely with them. businesses, one of the things that sup- et also attacks Federal Government I point out to the chairman of the presses the growth of new businesses in employee retirement benefits. It in- Joint Economic Committee, my friend America. structs the Oversight and Government from Ohio, that while we have the We also know that human capital is Reform Committee to reduce the def- highest corporate rate in the world, 35 the key to economic growth all icit by $32 billion. This clearly targets percent, which is clearly not desirable, through history and today. It contains Federal employee retirement benefits I served in Switzerland for 4 years, massive cuts to Medicare and Med- because that is the only substantial where there were 700 American compa- icaid, making healthcare more expen- mandatory spending within the Com- nies because the tax rate was so much sive for those who can least afford it, mittee on Oversight and Government lower. Yet that 35 percent rate, in ac- and that is not a way to grow the econ- Reform’s jurisdiction. tuality, turned out to be less than 14 omy. By slashing these promised benefits, percent across all American corpora- We have an opportunity to enact fis- the budget will eliminate any sense of tions, and a quarter of American cor- cally responsible, sustainable, bipar- financial security that Federal employ- porations pay zero. tisan tax reform that focuses on the ees currently have. We should be pro- As we look at refining this, it is not Americans whose wages have been tecting their rights and benefits. This just about dropping that rate. It is stagnant for 30 years. I believe the was the original bargain they made. about making sure that every Amer- Democrats are prepared to engage in Most gave up much more lucrative ca- ican corporation pays a fair share of real reform. It should be simpler. It reers in the private sector for the op- their taxes to the U.S. citizens. should be fairer. We should absolutely portunity to serve all Americans, and I rise in opposition to the Republican do away with the special deals and for a small but secure Federal pension. budget resolution. Budget resolutions, credits and gimmicks, but we need a It is also going to make it a lot more by their nature, are political docu- lower rate for most Americans, and not difficult for us to recruit and retain the ments. But this one also has an instru- make sure that 80 percent of the tax quality employees who make America mental purpose, because the only rea- benefits go to the people who need great. son this budget resolution is on the them the least, who have the smallest Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to re- floor is to pave the way for the par- propensity to spend and to invest. ject this budget, and let’s work to- tisan process for the tax bill, which There are many other things wrong gether to create a Tax Code that really will significantly increase the deficit with this budget. Let me just point out does simulate our economy and that in order to give tax breaks to those two particular problems. Number one, works for all Americans. who need them least. the budget attacks the Arctic National Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 I think everyone in this body agrees Wildlife Refuge. It essentially sac- minutes to the gentleman from Illinois that the average American taxpayer, rifices wildlife and environmental pro- (Mr. LAHOOD), who represents the cen- those who have had virtually no raise tections to pay for tax cuts for the tral part of Illinois, and is a new mem- for 30 years, deserve and need tax wealthiest. ber of the Joint Economic Committee. breaks. If we can give them that tax re- ANWR encompasses more than 19 Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Chairman, I thank lief, the economy will grow faster. million acres and is one of the last in- the gentleman for yielding. But the Senate reconciliation in- tact landscapes in America. It is essen- Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support structions that will ultimately pass are tial that we protect this wild and spec- of H. Con. Res. 71, the fiscal year 2018 written to allow for a $1.5 trillion in- tacular land. The government briefly budget resolution. This bill makes nec- crease in the deficit, and that is assum- opened ANWR to seismic testing in the essary and responsible funding deter- ing that the fuzzy math and the rosy 1980s, and the damage from that activ- minations by reducing the size and expectations actually work out. I ap- ity is still visible today. Truck tracks scope of government, cutting Federal preciate the charts that my friend and still scar the expansive tundra where spending by $5.4 trillion over 10 years, colleague, Mr. ROONEY, showed that the permafrost never healed. Since and balancing the Federal budget in pointed out that we would like to get then, the Federal Government has pro- fiscal year 2027. to 3.1 percent economic growth. I tected ANWR from harmful oil and gas Given our Nation’s more than $20 heartily agree. drilling because of concerns about the trillion in debt, it is past time to get But if we look at the period right impact on species like polar bears, serious about our Federal spending so now where we now have the worst dis- muskoxen, and caribou. that important programs are able to be parity in wealth and the worst dis- Mr. Chairman, there are 37 land sustained long term. In addition, this parity in income that we have had in a mammal species, 8 marine mammal bill sets the stage for much-needed tax long time, that tracks this decline species, 42 fish species, and more than reform. Small businesses and farmers from 3.1 percent to 1.6, 1.8, 2 percent. 200 migratory birds that inhabit the are the bedrock of the American econ- When I started off in our family busi- ANWR. Seismic testing could do last- omy. For decades, we have allowed our ness, the corporate tax rate was 78 per- ing damage to the fragile ecosystem Tax Code to balloon with loopholes and cent, and our economic growth was a way before drilling. Seismic activity tax breaks for special interests, hurt- lot higher. Not that we want to go back sends shock waves underground, dis- ing our local economies and middle to 78 percent, but putting more money turbing denning polar bears. class workers. in the hands of the top 1 percent is not The Acting CHAIR. The time of the That is why it is so crucial that we what is going to make this economy gentleman has expired. pass this commonsense budget as the grow more quickly. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New first step in reforming our Nation’s Actually, looking at the critical pro- York. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 2 outdated Tax Code. Our current system grams that are cut in this Republican minutes to the gentleman from Vir- continues to fail small business own- budget gives us almost a handy guide ginia. ers, farmers, and middle class families of more effective ways to spend money. Mr. BEYER. Mr. Chairman, the car- with its overwhelmingly complex sys- For example, this budget cuts trans- ibou are a food source for Alaskan in- tem. That is why over 90 percent of portation spending by 25 percent at a digenous groups who have lived off the Americans have to pay for help with time when we have a D in our infra- land for thousands of years. All of this filing their taxes every year. structure by the American Society of devastation will likely do very little in Not only does this cost people their Civil Engineers, when President Trump the short run to reduce the deficit. The hard-earned money, but this also costs and candidate Hillary Clinton both oil prices are so low that no oil com- us our valuable time. Every year we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.077 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7797 spend a combined 8.9 billion hours fil- b 1700 Sadly, the chart behind me reflects a ing our taxes. That is time we could be It freezes the maximum level award- sharp decline in the Federal share of using to focus on our work and fami- ed by a Pell grant at $5,900, covering funding of basic research dropping from lies. For businesses, that is time they just 23 percent of an education by 2026, 72 percent in 1967 to 44 percent in 2015. could use for expanding and growing compared to the 30 percent it covers This GOP budget proposal follows that our economy. today or the 77 percent it covered in same trend with instructions to cut $41 The solution here is not to defend the 1980. In addition, it also cuts $3.3 bil- billion from science, space, and tech- status quo, as some on the other side of lion from the Pell grant surplus, which nology precisely at a time when we the aisle continue to do, but to sim- provides a much-needed reserve to should be increasing investments in plify our Tax Code and lower the rates cover the cost of future education. these sectors. for businesses and the middle class. If that is not enough, after students It is important to the future pros- Another crucial part of reforming our graduate, this budget makes it increas- perity of America. Cuts now mean Tax Code must be the elimination of ingly difficult to pay off student loans fewer jobs and economic growth in the the death tax, which harms farmers and steers graduates away from public future; they mean less innovation and like those in the 18th Congressional service and teaching jobs by elimi- less prosperity. So if my colleagues District of Illinois. Family-owned busi- nating the Public Service Loan For- across the aisle want to grow the econ- nesses and farms that use their hard- giveness and Teacher Loan Forgiveness omy, turning this trend around is an earned dollars to invest back in their programs. Our students and our teach- important way to do it. businesses are often forced to sell off ers deserve a better deal than that. Now, I have heard all day from my parts or all in order to pay the death I must say that we are suffering from colleagues on the other side of the aisle tax. three hurricanes, devastating hurri- how very, very concerned they are canes, yet this budget eliminates three There is nothing fair about penal- about the deficit, but the GOP tax plan programs that play very key roles in izing our job creators and the drivers of makes it worse. The tax framework re- disaster relief. The Community Devel- leased last week by the White House our economy for investing in and grow- opment Block Grant program, ing their business. In fact, it is esti- and Republican leaders would add $2.4 AmeriCorps, and the Legal Services trillion to the deficit in the first 10 mated that repealing the death tax Corporation are all eliminated. This would grow our economy by 0.9 percent years and another $3.2 trillion in the budget abolishes these programs that next 10 years. over 10 years. are literally supporting our relief ef- These small business investments are So the Republican budget is just to- forts from Harvey, Irma, and Maria. tally unacceptable. This budget flat- often necessary for small businesses Our Nation’s veterans—our Nation’s out ignores the reality. So if Repub- and farmers who depend upon expen- veterans—our bravest, are not spared licans are concerned about the deficit, sive machinery to earn their living. the carnage of this heartless proposal. then they should really rewrite their Our current Tax Code, however, en- The GOP budget proposes $50 billion in budget proposal. courages businessowners to put off cuts to mandatory spending on vet- In conclusion, look at the fine print their investments as they are only able erans programs over 10 years, including of this proposed deal and imagine the to deduct the cost of equipment over education benefits and loan guaran- harm it would cause to millions of many years. By allowing full expens- tees. So after we have already asked so American families, to our children, to ing, businesses and farmers can fully much of our men and women in uni- our seniors, to our sick and suffering, invest in the tools they need to become form, this budget refuses to give them to our disabled and our destitute, to more productive, all the while earning the tools they need to transition to ci- our economy, to our research, and to more savings. vilian life. Our veterans deserve a bet- our infrastructure. It is clear—clear— According to the Tax Foundation, ter deal than that from the country beyond any and all doubt that Ameri- full expensing would save businesses that they have served so honorably. cans deserve a better deal. money, leading to nearly a 5 percent Cuts to research, where research is Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance increase in income for low- and middle- the future of our country, and this of my time. income workers. budget would also cut investments that are directly tied to our country’s fu- Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 The Acting CHAIR. The time of the minute to the gentleman from Texas gentleman has expired. ture prosperity by slashing basic re- (Mr. CONAWAY), who is the distin- Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chair, I yield an ad- search funding. I want to point out how important guished chairman of the Agriculture ditional 1 minute to the gentleman Committee. from Illinois. research funding is to our country. In 1996, two Stanford graduate students Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Chairman, I rise Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Chair, tax reform today in support of the budget before is about getting our economy back to took a $4.5 million research grant from the National Science Foundation and the House. working for the middle class, and for developed a new algorithm called As a legislator, but more impor- our small businesses, growing it from PageRank. Two years later, these same tantly, as a father and grandfather, I the inside out. This budget is the nec- students took PageRank and launched am seriously concerned about the essary first step in that process, and I a new internet search engine we now mountain of debt our Nation is passing am proud to support it. It will help call Google. Today Google is worth on to our children and grandchildren. bring relief to those who need it most. over $600 billion and employs over Our Nation’s total Federal debt is now Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New 72,000 Americans, and it all began with bigger than our gross domestic prod- York. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself a Federal basic research grant of $4.5 uct. such time as I may consume. million. Think about that. As the leader of Mr. Chair, just to remind my col- Google is just one example on a long the free world and the driver of global leagues, the nonpartisan Tax Policy list of technological advancement com- innovation and entrepreneurship, over Center points out that 80 percent of the panies and, most importantly, jobs the next 10 years, we expect to reach a Republican tax cuts go to the top 1 per- that trace their roots to basic research point where annual interest payments cent. investment. It is what has kept this to our creditors will exceed the amount But in this budget resolution that we country on top. we spend on defending our Nation. are discussing, it slashes education According to the Brookings Institu- It is imperative that we change this funding, putting the drain of a college tion, two-thirds of the most influential trajectory, and I commend Chair- education for average Americans even technologies over the past 50 years woman BLACK and her colleagues on further out of reach. It asks the Amer- were supported by Federal research the Budget Committee for providing a ican people who already experience grants. It has brought us lifesaving blueprint for tackling the problem. crippling student loan debt to reach vaccines, the laser, touchscreen, GPS, While Congress has made many deci- even deeper into their pockets for their and even the internet, technology that sions ahead of us to rein in mandatory education by cutting $211 billion from has served as a launching pad for cut- spending, this budget is a critical student financial aid programs. ting-edge medical treatment. starting point.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.078 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Not only is budgeting a fundamental Mr. Chairman, there are moms and been definitively defined, and neither principle of good governance, it is es- dads, single moms and elderly folks sit- have the income thresholds or the en- sential to our efforts to reform our out- ting at the kitchen table every night hanced child credit. dated tax system to ensure it is sim- making choices on what to buy and I think it is a little bit disingenuous pler and reduces the tax burden for all what to pay for. They have to live to think that is really where we should Americans. within their means, Mr. Chairman. be using those numbers right at this As a CPA with a current license, I The Federal Government, for too point in time to give a definitive sce- look forward to the very real prospect long, hasn’t lived within its means, and nario. I did want to say that that of fundamental tax reform. This budget this budget is about that. This budget would be a good thing for people to is the vehicle that can make that hap- is about tax reform. This budget is look at if they would like to get a brief pen. about growing our economy. We idea. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues haven’t seen the growth in this recov- Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance to support this budget. ery that we have seen in others. of my time. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New Mr. Chairman, I remember when I Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I York. Mr. Chair, I request the amount got my first job at McDonald’s. My im- yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman of time that is remaining. migrant mother and my immigrant fa- from Washington (Ms. JAYAPAL), a dis- The Acting CHAIR (Mr. ZELDIN). The ther sat me down and talked to me tinguished member of the Budget Com- gentlewoman from New York has 4 about the taxes that I would pay com- mittee. minutes remaining. The gentleman Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Chairman, I 1 ing out of my first paycheck. I clearly from Ohio has 10 ⁄2 minutes remaining. thank the gentleman from Kentucky Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New remember my dad saying to me: Don’t (Mr. YARMUTH), our ranking member, York. Mr. Chair, I yield myself the bal- let the taxes that you pay stop you for yielding and also for his tremen- ance of my time. from saving most of this money, be- Mr. Chair, in closing, I believe that cause in America, not only do you get dous leadership. this proposal that is before us is an ab- taxed when you earn it, you get taxed Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposi- solute disaster. We should be charting when you save it, and if you save tion to this deeply flawed Republican a fundamentally different course. enough, you will get taxed when you budget resolution. When you listen to people around die. That was my immigrant father When we considered this resolution their dinner table in America tonight, with a fifth grade education. He was a in July, Democrats offered 28 amend- they would be talking about their con- steelworker. ments. The amendments that we of- cerns in education, infrastructure, Mr. Chairman, it is incredibly sad in fered were meant to help set a course jobs, healthcare, security, environ- America today when a successful entre- away from the disastrous path that the ment, and disaster relief. But this plan preneur will pay over 50 percent of Republican majority and the Trump delivers, instead, deep and sometimes what he or she makes in taxes at the administration are steering us down. disabling cuts to badly needed pro- Federal, State, and local levels. We offered amendments on a broad grams for millions in order to give Mr. Chairman, it has been 31 years range of issues important to our com- away benefits to a fortunate few. This since we reformed our outdated Tax munities and our families. These in- is just plain wrong. Budgets are about Code, and now is the time—now is the cluded protecting our communities values and priorities, and the people of time—at this crossroads to change the from the effects of climate change; pre- this country deserve better. direction of America for our kids and serving healthcare; investing in public We should not be cutting our edu- our grandkids. I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on health, research, and diplomacy; and cation spending. Failing to train the this responsible budget to live within investing in our Nation’s workforce world’s most highly educated work- our means, and I yield back the bal- and infrastructure. Not surprisingly, force is irresponsible and puts our en- ance of my time. not a single one of those made it tire economy at a disadvantage. We The Acting CHAIR. The gentlewoman through. should be investing more in education from Tennessee has 33 minutes remain- Instead, we have the resolution: a at every level—early education and ing. The gentleman from Kentucky has love letter to millionaires, billionaires, high schools—motivating students to 331⁄4 minutes remaining. and corporations, and nothing but a become engaged in science, technology, The Chair recognizes the gentle- manifesto of contempt for America’s math, and engineering. We should be woman from Tennessee. working families. leading the way in developing new and Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield Mr. Chairman, the resolution we will improved technical and trade training myself such time as I may consume. be asked to vote on is based on the programs for those who would prefer it. Mr. Chairman, I do want to just same faulty assumptions as the bill We should be doing more, not less, to begin this next section by making a that came through committee. These make college and postgrad study af- brief comment about my good friend include assuming that the repeal of the fordable once again. To do anything from Kentucky, who has been using Affordable Care Act happened, which it less is to fail in our obligation to the some information off of Forbes as he did not, and an unrealistic economic rising generation. responds to our speakers. I just want to growth of 3 percent. We already trail much of the eco- say, I went out to look at Forbes to see The Republican budget resolution nomically advanced world when it what was on Forbes while we were on does little but hurt millions of Amer- comes to healthcare. We get sicker, die this brief intermission, and I found this ican families in order to fast-track tax sooner, and pay more for our care than article that was in Forbes just the day cuts for millionaires, billionaires, and most developed nations. Millions are before yesterday that does say that the corporations. just one serious illness away from fi- GOP tax framework is a pay raise for In addition, after all the Republican nancial ruin. But this budget plan middle class families. talk of deficit reduction, this cruel budget resolution massively increases would cut spending for healthcare, and b 1715 this budget would weaken the pillars of the Federal debt by over $2.4 trillion financial security for our seniors. The I encourage people to take a look at over the next 10 years and $3.2 trillion proposed cuts to Medicare and Med- this. It actually does some scenarios in the 10 years after. icaid will come at the expense of sen- for what we know at this point in time. Where does putting the interests of iors, the disabled, and the middle class. However, I do want to say that what corporations and the wealthiest ahead Mr. Chairman, we cannot afford this has been put out is a framework. It of working families get us? budget. I urge my colleagues to reject doesn’t really have enough details to Well, we have seen where this ends. it, and I yield back the balance of my give too much on these scenarios, be- Earlier this summer, the Republican- time. cause there are some very important dominated Kansas Legislature was Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Chairman, I yield pieces that are missing. forced to roll back its 2012 tax cuts. In myself such time as I may consume. Guessing on these key points really fact, a recent Brookings Institution Mr. Chairman, America is at a cross- doesn’t allow us to do a proper anal- analysis found that the tax cuts re- roads, and this budget is about choices. ysis. Things like the brackets have not sulted in an ‘‘anemic level of revenues,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.080 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7799 which led to ballooning shortfalls, Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I action on transportation in this Con- causing significant cutbacks in vital yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman gress is going to be the Republicans in programs such as Medicaid, education, from Connecticut (Ms. DELAURO), a dis- the House of Representatives cutting Temporary Assistance for Needy Fami- tinguished member of the Appropria- transportation funding by $254 billion. lies, court funding, and infrastructure. tions Committee. That is right. No trillion dollars of The Acting CHAIR. The time of the Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Chairman, I rise new spending. We are going to spend gentlewoman has expired. in opposition to this budget resolution. $254 billion less. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I A budget is a moral document. It re- They are going to eliminate all long- yield the gentlewoman from Wash- flects our values. This budget is a stark route trains, isolating rural America. ington an additional 1 minute. reminder that the majority and the They are going to lose essential air Ms. JAYAPAL. This Republican Trump administration are waging a service in rural America. And, by the budget resolution will lead us into that war on the middle class and evis- way, the Republicans want to toll your same hole, yet we know that this will cerating the social safety net programs interstate. So if you live in rural only give Republicans license to call that help our most vulnerable citizens. America, you can get in your car to go for further cuts to critical programs The social safety net was built on a somewhere, but now you are going to like Medicare, Social Security, and bipartisan basis. Why is the majority have to pay to use the highway you al- education. hell-bent on destroying it? ready paid for. We know who wins under this budget Older Americans will suffer under Secondly, it eliminates critical fund- resolution. It paves the way for a Re- this budget. It cuts $1.5 trillion from ing for our urban areas, the economic publican tax proposal that gives a huge Medicare and Medicaid. It betrays mid- engines of this country. It eliminates tax cut to the wealthiest in our coun- dle class job seekers by cutting job TIGER grants for freight and try. training, education programs, and multimodal projects. It eliminates new Consider this: 80 percent of the Re- other nondefense programs by 34 per- investment in transit, new start publican tax cut goes to the top 1 per- cent over the next 10 years. projects. It eliminates all investments cent by 2027; the average tax cut for It decimates the Food Stamp pro- in high-speed rail and eliminates spe- the top 1 percent would be $207,000; for gram, SNAP benefits and assumes the cific funding for bicycle and pedestrian millionaires, the tax cut would provide enactment of the House-passed repeal projects. The Republicans just hate bi- $230,000 a year; and 42 million middle of the Affordable Care Act, targeting cycles. class households would face a tax in- American families who are struggling It also goes on—and this is totally crease, including those people earning to get by. amazing—seriously, you are going to between $50,000 and $150,000. If we were serious about addressing cut funding for the Federal Emergency Mr. Chairman, this budget resolution the problems that face middle class Management Agency? Haven’t you is unfair to working families and to our families, we would be voting on a budg- been watching television? I think they country’s future. I urge my colleagues et resolution that invests in their pri- are already out of money. You are to vote against this resolution. Let’s orities: job training, apprenticeships, going to cut funding? work together on a moral budget blue- paid family and medical leave, fair We want to do away with those pro- print that supports all Americans. trade, and equal pay for equal work. grams that might mitigate the disaster Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I reserve Instead, we are considering a budget of future floods and hurricanes. You the balance of my time. that is merely a means for the major- are going to cut grants for firefighters. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I ity to jam through their tax cuts for Then, that is not enough. We are yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman the wealthy and for corporations. going to roll back Davis-Bacon protec- from California (Ms. JUDY CHU), a dis- The biggest economic challenge of tions for people who work on federally tinguished member of the Ways and our time is that too many people now funded projects. We are going to roll Means Committee. are in jobs that do not pay them back Buy American? Really? So it is Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. enough to live on. We should be grow- ‘‘Buy Chinese’’ in the Republican budg- Chair, typically, a budget is a blueprint ing the middle class and looking for so- et. Buy Chinese. for how our government plans to meet lutions that work for America’s fami- They want to devolve the obligation our obligations to our people; but not lies. to fund Federal highways to the this time. We ought to be prioritizing the needs States. I have got news for you: we By including reconciliation instruc- of working families, the ones who have have tried that. tions for their tax plan, the Repub- entrusted us to come to Washington to The Acting CHAIR. The time of the licans are using this budget as a blue- fight for them and to fight for their gentleman has expired. print to give tax cuts to the wealthiest families. Instead, this budget puts cor- Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I few, without requiring bipartisan sup- porate profits first. It caters to those yield the gentleman from Oregon an port. with the most lobbyists. additional 1 minute. Under this bill, a family making This budget is a disgrace to the Mr. DEFAZIO. This is Kansas and $50,000 a year could see their tax bur- promises that we have made to the Oklahoma. This is Kansas before we den go up, while millionaires will save American people, and I urge my col- had the Eisenhower—by the way, a Re- $230,000. And who will pay to make the leagues to oppose it. publican—National Highway Program. rich richer? Our working families, chil- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I reserve They built their turnpike. Oklahoma dren, and seniors. the balance of my time. said they would build theirs. They This budget slashes priorities like Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I didn’t. They were out of money. They education, infrastructure, and vet- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from didn’t build it until they got an 80 per- erans’ benefits, and even guts Medicare Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO), the ranking cent Federal match. and Medicaid by $1.5 trillion. member of the Transportation and In- So let’s go back to the good, old ‘‘You can’t make guarantees,’’ is how frastructure Committee. days. We are going to devolve the obli- Treasury Secretary Mnuchin responded Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, I thank gations of putting together a 21st cen- when asked if the Republican tax plan the gentleman for yielding. tury transportation system in this would help the middle class. But the I rise in strong opposition to the Re- country, knitting our country to- thing is, you can make guarantees. If publican budget proposal. gether, getting rid of congestion, mov- this Republican budget moves forward, As the ranking member on the Trans- ing people and goods more efficiently, it will guarantee that inequality gets portation Committee, I want to focus but we are going to do it on a State-by- worse, while the rest of us pay to help in a little bit on what they do to trans- State basis. That is nuts. I just can’t make millionaires into billionaires. portation. believe this. Mr. Chairman, I reject this budget We heard great promises from Presi- Then, there is another little trick. and ask my colleagues to oppose it. dent Trump of a trillion dollars in new The chairman of my committee wants Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I reserve investment. Nothing has come from to privatize the airspace in the United the balance of my time. the White House. The first substantive States and reduce the ticket tax that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.082 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 pays for air traffic control. That would us and ought to be unacceptable to every (OK), Greater Phoenix Chamber of Com- be a $10 billion windfall to the airline Member of Congress who has advocated for merce (AZ), Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of industry, because they will raise reform. Commerce (PA), Greater Shreveport Cham- prices. Then they are going to charge Sincerely, ber of Commerce (LA), Greater Springfield Aerospace Industries Association, African Chamber of Commerce (VA), Greater Toms you a head fee to get on the plane. American Chamber of Commerce of New Jer- River Chamber of Commerce (NJ), Greater Even better, it creates $100 billion of sey, Air Conditioning Contractors of Amer- Yakima Chamber of Commerce (WA), Gro- new deficit. So this nifty little thing ica (ACCA), Alabama Retail Association, cery Manufacturers Association, Hastings here contains a reserve fund of $100 bil- Alaska Chamber, Allen Fairview Chamber of Area Chamber of Commerce (NE), Heating, lion to try and make up for the fact Commerce (TX), Alliance for Competitive Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distribu- and hide the fact that they are cutting Taxation (ACT), American Bakers Associa- tors International (HARDI), Henderson $100 billion of taxes that pay for the tion, American Bankers Association, Amer- Chamber of Commerce (NV). ican Council of Engineering Companies, Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce (OH), current system. American Exploration & Production Council, How are you going to pay for the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce (OR), Home American Farm Bureau Federation, Amer- Furnishings Association, Illinois Chamber of next system? ican Forest & Paper Association, American Commerce, Independent Insurance Agents & The airlines will determine that, not Foundry Society, American Gas Association, Brokers of America, Independent Office Congress. American Hotel & Lodging Association, Products & Furniture Dealers Alliance, Inde- Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield American International Automobile Dealers pendent Petroleum Association of America, myself such time as I may consume. Association, American Iron and Steel Insti- Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Inter- Mr. Chairman, I include in the tute, American Made Coalition, American national Foodservice Distributors Associa- Petroleum Institute (API). tion, International Warehouse Logistics As- RECORD a letter that has been signed American Supply Association, Americans sociation, Iowa Chamber Alliance, Irrigation by 242 agencies and think tanks sup- for Tax Reform, Ames Chamber of Commerce Association, ISSA, The Worldwide Cleaning porting this budget. (IA), Argentum, Arizona Chamber of Com- Industry Association, Jefferson Chamber of merce and Industry, Asian American Hotel Among those who have signed this Commerce (LA), Jenkins County Chamber of Owners Association, Asphalt Roofing Manu- letter are the American Bankers Asso- Commerce (GA), Job Creators Network, facturers Association, Associated Builders ciation, American Farm Bureau Fed- Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington and Contractors, Associated Equipment Dis- eration, Americans for Tax Reform, County TN Chamber, Joliet Region Chamber tributors, Associated General Contractors of of Commerce & Industry (MO), Kalispell Business Roundtable, Financial Serv- America, Associated Wire Rope Fabricators, Chamber of Commerce (MT), Kansas Cham- ices Forum, Manufactured Housing In- Association for Hose and Accessories Dis- ber of Commerce, Kingsport Chamber (TN), stitute, National Association of Manu- tribution (NAHAD), Association of American Kyndle (Henderson County KY Chamber of facturers, the National Black Chamber Railroads, Association of Equipment Manu- Commerce). of Commerce, National Grocers Asso- facturers, Association of Washington Busi- Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce ciation, National Retail Federation, ness, Auto Care Association, Baton Rouge Area Chamber (LA), Battle Creek Area (AZ), Lancaster Chamber (PA), Las Vegas Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & In- Metro Chamber of Commerce (NV), Lemont dustry, The Kentucky Chamber, and Chamber of Commerce (MI), Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce (FL), Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce (IL), Lima Allen U.S. Chamber of Commerce, among Chamber of Commerce (MN). County Chamber of Commerce (OH), Little many others. Bristol County Chamber of Commerce Rock Regional Chamber (AR), Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (CA), Louisiana SEPTEMBER 28, 2017. (MA), Buckeye Valley Chamber (AZ), Buffalo Association of Business and Industry, Manu- TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CON- Niagara Partnership (NY), Business Council factured Housing Institute, McLean County GRESS: We urge Congress to expeditiously of Alabama, Business Council of New York pass a budget resolution with reconciliation State, Business Roundtable, Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce (IL), Metals Service instructions so that the promise of tax re- Metro Economic Alliance (IA), Cellular Tele- Center Institute, Metro South Chamber of form can be made a reality. communications and Internet Association Commerce (MA), Metropolitan Milwaukee It has been 31 years since Congress last re- (CTIA), Central Louisiana Regional Chamber Association of Commerce (WI), Michigan Re- formed the tax code. Since then, the code has of Commerce, Chambers of Commerce Alli- tailers Association, Minnesota Retailers As- become an anchor weighing down the econ- ance of Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties sociation, Missouri Chamber of Commerce omy, job creation, and wage growth for (CA), Chester County Chamber of Business & and Industry, Monroe Chamber of Commerce American families. Industry (PA), Coeur d’Alene Chamber of (LA), Montgomery Area Chamber of Com- This Congress has a once-in-a-generation Commerce (ID), Colorado Association of merce (AL), Motor & Equipment Manufac- opportunity to fix the problem. Over the past Commerce and Industry, Colorado Retail As- turers Association, Myrtle Beach Area several years, tremendous work has been sociation, Consumer Bankers Association, Chamber of Commerce (SC), National Asso- done to prepare for this moment. In the 113th Convenience Distribution Association, Coral ciation of Chemical Distributors, National Congress the Ways and Means Committee Gables Chamber of Commerce (FL), Council Association of Manufacturers, National As- conducted a comprehensive look at tax re- for Citizens Against Government Waste, Cov- sociation of Mutual Insurance Companies, form. Last year House Republicans released ington County Chamber of Commerce (MS), National Association of Professional Em- a Blueprint for reform. During the last Con- Crowley Chamber of Commerce (LA). ployer Organizations. gress, the Senate Finance Committee con- Davis Chamber of Commerce (UT), Dayton National Association of Real Estate In- vened bi-partisan working groups that tack- Area Chamber of Commerce (OH), Eatonton- vestment Trusts, National Association of the led all the major aspects of reform. Putnam Chamber of Commerce (GA), Edison Remodeling Industry, National Association President Trump has outlined his goals for Electric Institute (EEI), Edmond Area of Wholesaler-Distributors, National Beer reform, and the ‘‘Group of Six’’—consisting Chamber of Commerce (OK), Edwardsville/ Wholesalers Association, National Black of members from the House, Senate, and Ad- Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce (IL), En- Chamber of Commerce, National Club Asso- ministration—has presented a framework to ergy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance, ciation, National Council of Chain Res- guide the drafting and markup of legislation Entertainment Software Association, Finan- taurants, National Electrical Contractors in the Ways and Means and Finance Commit- cial Services Forum, Florida Chamber of Association (NECA), National Grocers Asso- tees. Commerce, Florida Retail Federation, Food ciation, National Lumber and Building Ma- While much work remains to be done, we Marketing Institute, Fox Cities Chamber of terial Dealers Association, National Marine believe Congress is well-positioned to move Commerce (WI), Gas and Welding Distribu- Manufacturers Association, National Office forward with comprehensive, pro-growth tax tors Association, Georgia Chamber of Com- Products Alliance, National Ready Mixed reform. merce, Georgia Retail Federation, Glenwood Concrete Association, National Restaurant The single-most important next step is for Springs Chamber Resort Association & Film Association, National Retail Federation, Na- Congress to adopt a budget resolution with Commission (CO), Granbury Chamber of tional Roofing Contractors Association, Na- reconciliation instructions that will permit Commerce (TX). tional Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, tax reform to move forward without the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, threat of a filibuster. (MI), Greater Bakersfield Chamber (CA), Nebraska Retail Federation, NFIB—National Just like Members of Congress, each of our Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Federation of Independent Business. organizations will continue to advocate for (IA), Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of North Carolina Chamber, North Country specific priorities within tax reform as the Commerce (CA), Greater El Paso Chamber of Chamber of Commerce (NY), North Dakota relevant committees and ultimately the full Commerce (TX), Greater Flagstaff Chamber Retail Association, North Kingstown Cham- House and Senate consider tax reform legis- of Commerce (AZ), Greater Ketchikan Cham- ber of Commerce (RI), North Myrtle Beach lation. ber of Commerce (AK), Greater Lehigh Val- Chamber of Commerce (SC), North Orange But failing to pass a budget resolution now ley Chamber of Commerce (PA), Greater County Chamber (CA), North San Antonio may mean that tax reform never moves for- Louisville Inc. (KY), Greater North Dakota Chamber (TX), Office Furniture Dealers Alli- ward. That outcome is unacceptable to all of Chamber, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber ance, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.083 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7801 Council of Retail Merchants, Oklahoma Re- The Republican’s so-called Building a health of all people and communities, I write tail Merchants Association, Oshkosh Cham- Better America budget shows us they in strong opposition to the House FY 2018 ber of Commerce (WI), Oxnard Chamber of do not value education, infrastructure, budget resolution, H. Con. Res. 71. This pro- Commerce (CA), PA Chamber of Business and posal does not eliminate sequestration and Industry, Pennsylvania Retailers Associa- research and development, veterans’ would drastically cut nondefense discre- tion, Plano Chamber of Commerce (TX), benefits, and other programs which ex- tionary spending. Such cuts would devastate Portland Cement Association, Prattville pand opportunities for America’s fami- our Nation’s public health and safety net Area Chamber of Commerce (AL), Precious lies. system and would have a disproportionate Metals Association of North America, Pro- 1730 impact on our Nation’s most vulnerable citi- fessional Beauty Association. b zens. Reforming America’s Taxes Equitability This budget is immoral. It provides The proposal also includes the House (RATE) Coalition, Reno+Sparks Chamber of trillions of dollars in tax money to mil- passed repeal of the Affordable Care Act that Commerce (NV), Retail Association of Ne- lionaires and wealthy corporations would force millions to lose coverage, end vada, Retail Association of New Mexico, Re- the Medicaid expansion, drastically reduce tail Council of New York State, Retail Indus- while shifting the burden onto the mid- Federal funding for the Medicaid program, try Leaders Association, Retailers Associa- dle class. It cuts $5.4 trillion from pro- and lead to increased cost and fewer benefits tion of Massachusetts, Richardson Chamber grams that American families rely on; for millions of Americans. of Commerce (TX), River Heights Chamber of programs like SNAP, Pell grants, So- This letter from the AFSCME, Amer- Commerce (MN), S Corporation Association, cial Security, and healthcare. ican Federation of State and County Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce The budget ends the Medicare guar- (CA), Salt Lake Chamber (UT), San Diego Municipal Employees: antee. It cuts Medicare alone by almost On behalf of the 1.6 million members of Regional Chamber of Commerce (CA), San $500 billion over 10 years. A vote for Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership (CA), AFSCME, I urge you to oppose H. Con. Res. Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce (PA), Se- this budget destroys American families 71, the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution ap- curities Industry and Financial Markets As- in favor of a select few. This budget proved by the House Budget Committee and sociation, Service Station Dealers of Amer- does not build a better America. I urge scheduled to be considered in the full House. ica and Allied Trades (SSDA–AT), Silver my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this This budget would impose considerable hardship on many Americans in order to City Grant County Chamber of Commerce budget. (NM), South Summit Chamber of Commerce slash taxes for the wealthy and corporations Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I reserve to boost defense spending. Rather than in- (OH), Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers the balance of my time. Association. creasing revenues for investment that cre- Southwest Indiana Chamber, St. Cloud Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I ates jobs and spurs economic growth, the Area Chamber of Commerce (MN), St. Joseph yield myself such time as I may con- proposed budget creates a fast-track process Chamber of Commerce, St. Tammany West sume. for tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit cor- Chamber of Commerce, State Chamber of Mr. Chairman, we have had numerous porations and the wealthy. In fact, according to the nonpartisan Tax Oklahoma, Steel Manufacturers Association, letters submitted to us taking a posi- Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Policy Center, the Trump GOP tax cut would tion in opposition to this budget reso- largely benefit the richest 1 percent. The (FL), Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & In- lution, and I think they are pretty dustry, Texas Retailers Association, The budget also relies on the gimmicks of dy- Chamber of Commerce of the Santa Barbara compelling, and I would like to read namic scoring and sham accounting, hiding Region (CA), The Chamber of Medford/Jack- from some of them. the true cost of unnecessary and harmful tax son County (OR), The Chamber Grand Forks/ Here is a letter from the Main Street cuts. East Grand Forks (ND), The Fertilizer Insti- Alliance: And this, from AARP: tute, The Financial Services Roundtable, Main Street Alliance, a network of small Proposals creating a defined contribution The Kentucky Chamber, The Longview business owners throughout the country, premium support program, restricting access Chamber of Commerce (TX), The Ohio Soci- strongly urges you to oppose H. Con. Res. 71, by raising the age of eligibility, or allowing ety of CPAs, The Real Estate Roundtable, the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution. This hospitals and providers to arbitrarily charge Tile Roofing Institute, Tioga County Cham- budget, if enacted into law, would cut $3.4 customers higher prices than Medicare can ber of Commerce (NY). trillion from Medicaid, Medicare, Social Se- make healthcare unaffordable for older Tire Industry Association (TIA), Truck curity, education, employment and training, Americans. These proposals do little to actu- Renting and Leasing Association, Tucson food and housing assistance, and infrastruc- ally lower the cost of healthcare but simply Metro Chamber (AZ), Tulsa Regional Cham- ture spending over the next 10 years. This shifts cost from Medicare on to individuals, ber (OK), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Union will significantly harm small business own- many of whom cannot afford to pay for their County Chamber of Commerce, United Cor- ers and their employees, damage local econo- care. pus Christi Chamber of Commerce (TX), Efforts to reduce or cap Medicaid funding mies, and decimate State budgets. USTelecom—The Broadband Association, could endanger the health, safety, and care We urge you to protect Main Street small Utah Food Industry Association, Utah Retail of millions of individuals who depend on the business owners, working families, commu- Merchants Association, Virginia Chamber of essential services provided through this pro- nities, and economies, and oppose the House Commerce, Virginia Small Business Partner- gram. ship, West Baton Rouge Chamber of Com- budget resolution. Reject any budget that Furthermore, caps could result in signifi- merce (LA), Wholesalers Association of the enables tax cuts for the very wealthy and cant cost shifts to State governments unable Northeast (WANE), Window and Door Manu- large profitable corporations to lose revenue, to shoulder the cost of care without suffi- facturers Association, Wisconsin Manufac- since it will force deep cuts in vital programs cient Federal support. turers and Commerce, WMDA/CAR Service that harm small business. Proposals to block grant the program or Station and Automotive Repair Association. This letter from the National Com- impose work requirements will make SNAP Mrs. BLACK. There are 242 different mittee to Preserve Social Security and less responsive and accessible in times of entities that signed this letter to say Medicare: need, and without clear work requirement exemptions for the elderly and disabled, that passing a budget is what we On behalf of the millions of members and would bar these individuals from receiving should be doing and that would lead us supporters of the National Committee to SNAP benefits. to tax reforms. Preserve Social Security and Medicare, I We ask you to reject the cuts proposed in Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance urge you to oppose H. Con. Res. 71, the House H. Con. Res. 71. We stand ready to work with of my time. fiscal year 2018 budget resolution, and the you to develop proposals that protect and Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I Republican Study Committee budget. In- improve Medicaid, Medicare, Social Secu- stead, I ask you to support the Democratic rity, and SNAP. yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, from Ohio (Ms. FUDGE), a distinguished and Congressional Black Caucus budgets. This from the Alliance for Retired member of the Agriculture Committee The committee-passed budget resolution Americans: and a fellow rabid Cleveland Indians would slash funding to Medicare and Med- On behalf of the more than 4.3 million fan. icaid, repeal the Affordable Care Act, and members of the Alliance for Retired Ameri- Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Chairman, I thank make it easier for Congress to cut Social Se- cans, I am writing to urge you to vote the gentleman for yielding. curity, all to pay for massive tax cuts for the against H. Con. Res. 71, the budget resolution Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong very wealthy and profitable corporations. for FY 2018. This budget blueprint cuts opposition to the Republican budget. This from the American Public spending by $5.4 trillion over 10 years, dis- As Vice President Biden stated: seminating numerous domestic programs, in- Health Association: cluding those that benefit older Americans. ‘‘Don’t tell me what you value. Show On behalf of the American Public Health It is shocking that the same budget that me your budget and I will tell you Association, a diverse community of public cuts services for many low-income Ameri- what you value.’’ health professionals who champion the cans and raises taxes on the middle class will

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.027 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 also carry instructions to provide $2.4 tril- the ticket into the middle class, and budget period because runaway Federal lion in tax cuts to corporations and wealthy into economic competitiveness, this debt is not political or partisan—it is Americans. budget will make it harder to climb the an economic, generational, and civil These tax cuts, which will increase the def- icit, sets up the perfect scenario for Congress economic ladder with major cuts to rights issue. We commend you and to slash Medicare and Medicaid. We are not Pell grants and other student assist- your committee for reporting a resolu- fooled by the House leadership’s tax give- ance programs, and it will limit our in- tion that balances within the budget away to the wealthy at the expense of ordi- vestment in education and job training period; its adoption is very much in the nary Americans and urge you to oppose this for American workers that are already national interest.’’ draconian budget. We will be watching how out there trying to upgrade their And again, this comes from The Com- you vote on this important issue. skills. pact Commission, Compact for a Bal- This is a letter from the Coalition on What does the Republican budget do anced Budget. Human Needs: with all the money they save from cut- THE COMPACT COMMISSION, C/O COM- On behalf of the Coalition on Human ting the middle class and working peo- PACT FOR AMERICA EDUCATIONAL Needs, I strongly urge you to vote ‘‘no’’ on ple, seniors, and those who are trying FOUNDATION, INC., H. Con. Res. 71, the proposed FY 2018 budget to get ahead? Well, it stuffs the pock- Houston, TX, August 8, 2017. resolution, and to vote for the substitute Re 2018 House Budget Resolution and the budgets advanced by the Congressional Pro- ets of those at the top and the large Compact for a Balanced Budget. multinationals. gressive Caucus, Congressional Black Cau- Hon. DIANE BLACK, cus, and the Democratic alternative budget What President Trump and his Re- Chairman, House Budget Committee, House of resolution. Our members understand that publican cohorts say their plan is, it Representatives, Washington, DC. the economic security of millions of Amer- isn’t. You know, only last week, Trump DEAR CHAIRMAN BLACK: We have reviewed ican families depends on building on the said this about his tax plan: ‘‘I don’t the text of the budget resolution reported by progress we have made in health coverage, benefit. I don’t benefit. In fact, very, your Committee (House Concurrent Resolu- jobs, basic living standards, and ensuring very strongly, as you see, I think there tion 71) and write to offer our support. That that our children are well prepared for pro- rarest of political outcomes—sound policy ductive lives. is very little benefit for people of that represents a win-win scenario for nor- But the majority’s proposed budget does wealth.’’ mally divergent factions—is possible as the not build. It breaks apart our engines of Well, the analysis of the one tax re- budget process moves forward. progress. It will make our Nation weaker for turn that leaked out suggests that Our nation is facing a fiscal crisis. It is es- decades to come. President Trump will benefit to the sential that the federal budget returns to The budget advanced by the House Budget balance within the ten-year budget period Committee would be a dangerous backwards tune of more than $1 billion. Eighty percent of the tax breaks in this pro- because runaway federal debt is not political plunge, stripping trillions of dollars from or partisan—it is an economic, generational programs that work to reduce poverty and posal go to the top 1 percent. That is and civil-rights issue. We commend you and create security and opportunity. people who are making more than your Committee for reporting a resolution Medicaid, Medicare, working family tax $730,000 a year while one in four Ameri- that balances within the budget period; its credits, nutrition assistance, education, and cans could actually see a tax increase. adoption is very much in the national inter- housing assistance, these are just some of That is why you can understand that est. the services the budget would massively cut. they say they can’t guarantee that We also commend the Committee for in- The budget takes trillions in funding that cluding Section 501 in the resolution, which supports economic security and progress and taxes won’t go up for many people in endorses adding a balanced budget require- hands it to the wealthy and corporations in the middle class. And overall, this is a ment to the Constitution. the form of enormous tax cuts. budget that is dripping in red ink. Section 501 identifies the Compact for a Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to The Acting CHAIR. The time of the Balanced Budget, which we represent on be- the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DOG- gentleman has expired. half of current and future member states. We believe the most practical, prudent enforce- GETT), a member of the Ways and Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I yield an additional 1 minute to the ment mechanism is the state-of-the-art bal- Means Committee. anced budget amendment (BBA) being pro- Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Chairman, Re- gentleman from Texas. posed by the Compact. This state-of-the-art publicans have chosen to lavish huge Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Chairman, we BBA has been specifically designed to over- tax breaks on large multinationals and begin to understand why Trump calls come concerns expressed in 40 years of con- the top wealthiest few in our country himself ‘‘the king of debt,’’ because gressional hearings that have considered how instead of growing our economy by in- there is plenty of debt that will be a BBA should be drafted. Such concerns may added onto this plan. have prevented prior BBAs from being pro- vesting in all Americans. Investing in posed. our workforce, in our physical infra- For Trump and his cohorts, fiscal re- To advance the policy prescription in Sec- structure, in entrepreneurship, that is sponsibility is just a political slogan tion 501 of the budget resolution in the the way to really grow the economy; that they use to undermine those edu- House, we recommend: updating this section not these retread Republican tax poli- cation and social service programs to reflect that the concurrent resolution to cies that offer all the benefits to the they were never for in the first place. effectuate the Compact (House Concurrent top and hope something will eventually The Republican budget is not just Resolution 73) was introduced on July 26, numbers. It has a real human cost. By 2017; and incorporating the language of trickle down to everyone else, that House Concurrent Resolution 73 into Section only grow the national debt, as has slashing investments in our economic 501. This could be done as one of several been shown time and time again. future, it is a recipe for weakness, not amendments you are probably already plan- Our Republicans today call their strength. I urge my colleagues to side ning to bring up during floor consideration budget a vision for our country, and with the middle class, with working as the manager’s package, and requires only what a grim vision it is for anyone who folks all over America, and reject this a majority vote as opposed to the two-thirds does not count themselves among the budget. required for balanced budget amendment proposals made by members of Congress. top 1 percent. Republicans would only Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I include Taking these steps establishes a strong en- widen income inequality with massive in the RECORD a letter from the Com- forcement mechanism, sustaining the budget tax breaks for the few, while slashing pact for a Balanced Budget Commis- resolution following its adoption. It would trillions from initiatives that give sion, and I will read a portion of this also strengthen the appeal of the budget res- more Americans the chance to get letter. They say: ‘‘Dear Chairman olution to fiscal conservatives in the House ahead, while, at the same time, Black: We have reviewed the text of and taking these steps prior to the consider- the budget resolution reported by your ation of legislation to raise the debt ceiling strengthening our overall economic fu- should expedite approval of that legislation. ture. committee, H. Con. Res. 71, and write Supermajorities of Americans have de- For seniors, this is a budget that to offer our support. That rarest of po- manded a balanced budget for decades. Our breaks Trump’s promise not to cut litical outcomes—sound policy that nation’s debt threatens future generations to Medicare to the tune of about half a represents a win-win scenario for nor- default or austerity, but we believe there’s a trillion dollars in cuts, and it would mally divergent factions—is possible as chance here for a third option: principled the budget process moves forward. leadership on the matter of debt and spend- slash an additional $1 trillion for Med- ing. icaid, upon which so many seniors rely. ‘‘Our Nation is facing a fiscal crisis. We hope you and your Committee members For students and families that are It is essential that the Federal budget will agree that there is a path here which ac- struggling to get a college education, returns to balance within the 10-year knowledges the need for long-term fiscal

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.087 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7803 sanity while also meeting shorter-term po- supplies and the necessary equipment I consider myself to be a policy wonk. litical and policy needs. that it takes to protect them as they As I look at these various programs, I Regards, protect us. say there is nothing that we are doing CHAIR MEAD TREADWELL, Look at what happens with Medicaid. in my life that I did 40 years ago that Alaska Commissioner. We will be spending less on Medicaid I am doing exactly the same. So if a VICE CHAIR PAULATE RAKESTRAW, that is for people who are the blind, the program has been around for 40 years, Georgia Commissioner. disabled, the elderly, the children, the should we not want to say maybe we GREG SNOWDEN, pregnant mothers. can reform it? Not necessarily cut, but, Mississippi Commis- We talk about wanting to put our in the reforming, you may find a way sioner. money and our values where we see the to decrease the spending that you are Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I want values really belong. Is this really doing in that program. to just bounce off of that and take a where we want our values to be in the Can’t we all lock arms, Democrats look at the chart that we have here. money that we spend, $768 billion in in- and Republicans, and acknowledge that When we take a look at interest—and terest compared to what we are spend- there are some decisions that have to somehow we don’t always talk that ing on our military, what we are spend- be made with programs that have been much about interest here. We talk ing on our Medicaid? there for a very long time? about borrowing money and raising our Look at our veterans, our veterans Can we not acknowledge that there debt ceiling continually. I have been that we talk about how much we honor are some programs that perhaps have fraud, waste, and abuse that we can here now for 61⁄2 years, and the con- them: $248 billion as opposed to $768 versation is about raising that debt billion in interest. take care of, take that money and use ceiling so that we can pay for our debt, Again, we must question where we it in these places where we really say but there comes interest on that. are going and if this is the right direc- our values lie? Just as when we go to a bank and we tion. Is this the direction that we can So I would say that, as we talk about this budget, I am very proud of what borrow money, we have to pay interest all just raise our hand up and say, yes, we have done in this budget, in the on that. I remember years ago, when I we are making good decisions for the cuts or, as I say, reforms in those pro- bought my first house, we were at a pe- future of our country? Because look at grams that would result in $203 billion riod of time when President Carter was where the interest is compared to the worth of savings over a 10-year period, the President and the interest rates other programs that we both, Repub- that these are programs that we gave were outrageous, and our interest rate licans and Democrats, have said are so the committees of jurisdiction an op- on our house at that time, when we important to us. portunity to look within their jurisdic- purchased it as a young married cou- Over and over again, we have had col- tion and to make those decisions and ple, was, I think, somewhere between leagues on both sides of the aisle go and speak about the importance of do the homework. It is your jurisdic- 14 and 16 percent. tion; it is not mine. We gave them rec- Interest rates now are very much what our values are. Our budget is a vi- ommendations and suggestions, but it more reasonable for young couples pur- sion of what our values are. Transportation, and I have heard is their jurisdiction. chasing. And so I want to turn our at- Let them evaluate where it is that more and more times on both sides of tention to this chart here to take a there are programs that can have new the aisle talking about infrastructure, look at the outlays in 2027 under the and creative ideas, things that can save how important that is for our Nation. CBO baseline. us money, not necessarily using the Look at what our transportation and If we continue down this path that word ‘‘cut,’’ but in savings. Yes, you our infrastructure will be. I don’t know we are going in, without taking a look may have some cuts that are done, but that we want to spend only $110 billion at our mandatory spending, the these are good cuts. These are things on that and $768 billion on interest. amount of money that we borrow, and that you have spent a lot of time Think of how many roads we could the debt that we pile up with an inter- thinking about. est to it, just what will that look like? build, how many bridges we could re- That is really where we want to go. pair if we reverse this trajectory. b 1745 That is what this budget does is it Then, finally, at the bottom here is says: Open up your minds. Think dif- I think if we look at our own house- science-based technology. We all want ferently. Let’s not do things the same hold and we would say that our inter- to be competitive with those around old way and keep putting the same old est that we are paying on the credit the world to make sure that we are programs out there that maybe aren’t card or whatever, or the car interest or spending the money where we need to working. the House mortgage, if it were more spend the money to stay in front of And you know what? Maybe they are than all of the other things like the these other nations with our science not even working for the people that food and maybe the education for our and our space and our technology. we give them to. Maybe they are not children and buying books and pencils I want to recommend here that there working for them, because work is dig- and things that they need for school, are only two other programs, Social nity. we would be looking at the way in Security and Medicare, that exceed When we say that someone who is which we were managing our household that net interest. So we will say Social able-bodied and without any depend- income and saying, wow, that is not Security, Medicare, and then our net ents should be at work, that is not something we want to keep doing. We interest; and from there, everything cruel. Do you know what that is? That are going to have to get on some kind else that we say, both the Republicans is dignity. When people go to work, it of a budget plan and reverse the trajec- and the Democrats, are so important, is a dignified activity. tory of where we would be going. that we say are our values, are going to I always say, after I ask you what So here we are. At the end of the pe- be underneath the interest. I don’t your name is, and we all do it, we say: riod of 2027, if we look at 17 years down think that is really where we want to What do you do? And when someone the road and we don’t do anything go. cannot tell you what they do, they about the kind of mandatory spending, I have to think, my oldest grandchild don’t feel dignified. which is two-thirds of our budget, cur- right now is 19 years old, soon to turn Look, I don’t want to be cruel to peo- rently, and continues to grow, here is 20, when he is 30 years old, he might ple who are disabled, people who are what happens: say to me: Mimi, what were you doing having a really tough time and have We see $768 billion being spent on in- when you were in Congress? What were other circumstances, but we should ac- terest alone. you doing to help us, because now we knowledge that there is dignity in We see the next one down, the de- are paying more in interest than we work; and when we can give people an fense, at $741 billion. We would actu- are all of these other programs that we opportunity to have that dignity, we ally be paying more in interest than we contend to be so important to us? should be willing to stand up and do were in the security of our Nation and So these are difficult decisions to that. supporting our men and women who make, I will acknowledge that. But I Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of serve in the military, and all of the will also say to you, as someone who— my time.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.024 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Chairman, I new companies. Maybe their children money to the people who already oc- yield myself the balance of my time. will do it if they inherit it. Maybe they cupy one of the strongest economic po- Mr. Chairman, this has been a robust have given some of it away so those es- sitions in a country with the greatest debate. We had a robust debate in the tates aren’t quite as big. I suspect disparity of wealth in the world. Rules Committee yesterday, and we many of them have. So as we conclude this debate, I urge have had robust debates in the com- The point is, when you are talking my colleagues to carefully consider the mittee markup and during hearings, as about wealth, collectively, the wealthi- alternatives that will be proposed by well, over the priorities of this coun- est persons in the 50 States, collec- the Democratic Caucus, by the Con- try. tively, have $750 billion in net worth, gressional Black Caucus, and by the As we close this debate tonight, rec- which means that, if they paid the es- Congressional Progressive Caucus, and ognizing there will be a few minutes to- tate tax, there would be over $300 bil- compare the values and the priorities morrow for comments, I just want to lion in money that they would save if of those budgets to those that the Re- say that, since this could very well be you eliminated the estate tax. publican budget represents. the last time that I get to appear in So while, yes, we may be off plus or I think, on balance, anybody in good Budget Committee business with minus 3 percent or 5 percent or 10 per- faith will say that those budgets, not Chairman BLACK, I have truly cher- cent, the fact is that this is an enor- the Republican budgets, are the budg- ished the 9 months that we have spent mous break for the people who have ets that will create a stronger, fairer working together. been the most fortunate in this coun- society in this country, and those are The chairman is a gracious, fair, try. I think it is more than fair to say, the ones that we should proceed to thoughtful, and very, very collegial in- if you say you are going to eliminate adopt. dividual, and I wish her the best in her the estate tax, if you say you are going Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of campaign, at least through the pri- to eliminate the AMT, the alternative my time. mary. I thank her and her very, very minimum tax, and we can go look at b 1800 President Trump’s 2005 tax return, competent and professional staff for all Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chairman, I yield of the courtesies they have shown us which said he paid $31 million in tax because of the alternative minimum myself the balance of my time. during this year and this process. I likewise, would like to just say that tax, it doesn’t take any details to know I also want to pay tribute to the the ranking member, Mr. YARMUTH, that he would have saved $31 million in Democratic staff, people who work has just been wonderful to work with, that year if you eliminate the alter- very, very hard every day and are bril- and we may have differences of opin- liant in their fields and make me sound native minimum tax. So, yes, the rates may vary. Ulti- ion, but we can do it in a very South- smarter than I probably am, but I ern hospitality way. I just so much ap- would like to read their names: Jon mately, the tax bill that we have pre- sented to us may not lower the highest preciate his demeanor, his leadership Antista; Erika Appel; Ellen Balis, the on the committee, the way he honors staff director; Hayden Flanery; Jon rate from 39.6 to 35 percent, but if it does, we know the impact that that the members of the committee, both Goldman; Elliott Grantz; Jocelyn Har- Democrats and Republicans, and it has ris; Najy Kamal; Sam Lau; Sheila will have. We know who will benefit most from that. It is the wealthiest 1 just been a joy to work with him. I am McDowell; Diana Meredith; Farouk going to miss working with him and Ophaso; Kimberly Overbeek; Scott Rus- percent of this country. As I will say tomorrow when we close being able to have lively debate, which sell; and Ted Zegers. this debate, I am in the top 1 percent. is good for this body and it is good for They do terrific work, and I want Half of this body are millionaires. They America. them to know how much I and all the are all going to benefit. We are all I want to also thank all the members members of the Budget Committee, the going to benefit. Meanwhile, the people who participated in the debate today, minority, appreciate their work. who rely on many of the programs that both the Democrats and the Repub- I would also like to thank my per- will be slashed under this Republican licans. This is what our democracy is sonal staff, led by my chief of staff, budget will suffer. That is not fair. about, being able to voice our opinions Julie Carr, for the work they con- Now, Republicans will make the ar- and at the end of the day being able to tribute to this process as well. gument, as they always do because this come to a conclusion after that debate. In closing, there are a few comments is a matter of religious faith to them, I look forward to continuing discussion I want to make about this debate. that if you give people more money, and voting on the final passage tomor- We heard several times during the they will magically create all this row. day that it is really not fair to talk growth. Well, has that really hap- As we finish up, I also want to thank about the consequences of the tax pro- pened? our staff for their hard work, and there posal that will be the end result of this Out of the Fortune 500 companies, I are many of them, so I am not going to process because the details haven’t think, in a recent study, 92 of them read all of them to you. I do want to been ironed out yet. That is, you know, paid 20 percent or less in corporate tax. mention some of those who are the fair enough as it goes, but there were Collectively, they eliminated 300,000 leaders of the House Budget Committee enough details in the outline that we jobs over a 5-year period. So they had staff and have just been great to work saw last week to make a pretty good more money than corporations paying with. guess as to what the impact of these 35 percent. Did they use it to create Rick May, who is the staff director; tax cuts would be. more jobs, more wealth among middle Jenna Spealman; Andy Morton; Tim Now, we have read over and over, as class and working families? No. They Flynn; Mary, who has been here with Republican speakers spoke, the fact used it to pay dividends, to buy back me at my side the entire time. What that they were willing to jeopardize stock, and to increase the wages of would I do without having somebody to the health and safety and nutrition of their CEOs. pass papers to us? So Mary has been their citizens to give the wealthiest That is what has happened in modern great. Jim Bates, and I am going to people in their State tax cuts. Most of history every time we lower corporate leave it at that because I am going to these numbers that we read were in the tax rates or we let them bring taxes in get in trouble if I don’t announce all of billions of dollars: $38 billion, $16 bil- from overseas. They do not create more them. lion. These are individuals with net jobs with the money that they save. The staff has just been tremendous to worths of astounding amounts. So I think it is very, very fair for us work with, many hours, weekends, and, The outline that was publicly re- to look at this entire process, the budg- indeed, even holidays that they have leased last week said that the Repub- et proposal, which does anticipate a been here helping to gather the infor- licans intend, under this tax proposal, tax cut—which they claim is revenue mation both for the Budget Committee to eliminate the estate tax. If they neutral, but it is a tax cut—and the hearings and then, also, for this today. eliminate the estate tax, much of that outline that we saw last week and say: Mr. Chairman, I look forward to a money is not going to be taxed. They Who, really, is this going to help? more lively debate tomorrow. I include will get to keep it. I don’t think that It is not going to help the people who in the RECORD the names of the staff of they are going to be out there creating need the help. It is going to give more the Budget Committee.

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HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE MAJORITY STAFF TITLE I—RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND Sec. 513. Policy statement on the State Chil- Rick May AMOUNTS dren’s Health Insurance Pro- Jenna Spealman Sec. 101. Recommended levels and amounts. gram. Andy Morton Sec. 102. Major functional categories. Sec. 514. Policy statement on medical dis- Tim Flynn TITLE II—RECONCILIATION AND covery, development, delivery, Patrick Louis Knudsen RELATED MATTERS and innovation. Benjamin Gardenhour Sec. 515. Policy statement on public health Gary Haglund Sec. 201. Reconciliation in the House of Rep- preparedness. Chris Hartline resentatives. Sec. 516. Policy statement on Social Secu- Sarah Corley TITLE III—BUDGET ENFORCEMENT IN rity. Sage Peterson THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Sec. 517. Policy statement on Medicaid work Jim Bates Subtitle A—Budget Enforcement requirements. Mary Popadiuk Sec. 301. Point of order against increasing Sec. 518. Policy statement on welfare reform Jonathan Romito long-term direct spending. and Supplemental Nutrition Elise Anderson Sec. 302. Allocation for Overseas Contin- Assistance Program work re- Policy Advisors gency Operations/Global War on quirements. Jenna Spealman Terrorism. Sec. 519. Policy Statement on State flexi- Steve Gonzalez Sec. 303. Limitation on changes in certain bility in Supplemental Nutri- Robert Cogan mandatory programs. tion Assistance Program. Eric Davis Sec. 304. Limitation on advance appropria- Sec. 520. Policy statement on higher edu- Robert Yeakel cation and workforce develop- Ellen Johnson tions. ment opportunity. Andy Morton Sec. 305. Estimates of debt service costs. Sec. 521. Policy statement on supplemental Emily Goff Sec. 306. Fair-value credit estimates. wildfire suppression funding. Brad Watson Sec. 307. Estimates of macroeconomic ef- Brittany Madni fects of major legislation. Sec. 522. Policy statement on the Depart- Steve Waskiewicz Sec. 308. Adjustments for improved control ment of Veterans Affairs. Alex Stoddard of budgetary resources. Sec. 523. Policy statement on moving the Joe Guillen Sec. 309. Scoring rule for Energy Savings United States Postal Service on Performance Contracts. budget. PERSONAL STAFF (REPRESENTATIVE DIANE Sec. 310. Limitation on transfers from the Sec. 524. Policy statement on the Judgment BLACK, TENNESSEE, 6TH DISTRICT) general fund of the Treasury to Fund. Teresa Koeberlein the Highway Trust Fund. Sec. 525. Policy statement on responsible Dean Thompson Sec. 311. Prohibition on use of Federal Re- stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Heather Douglass serve surpluses as an offset. Sec. 526. Policy statement on tax reform. Jon Toomey Sec. 312. Prohibition on use of guarantee TITLE I—RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND Ace Burch fees as an offset. Katie Mitchell AMOUNTS Subtitle B—Other Provisions Hillary Lassiter SEC. 101. RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND Zachary Royster Sec. 321. Budgetary treatment of adminis- AMOUNTS. Greg Dowel trative expenses. The following budgetary levels are appro- Nicholas Ayers Sec. 322. Application and effect of changes priate for each of fiscal years 2018 through in allocations and aggregates. 2027: Mrs. BLACK. Mr. Chair, I yield back Sec. 323. Adjustments to reflect changes in the balance of my time. (1) FEDERAL REVENUES.—For purposes of concepts and definitions. the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Chair, I rise to Sec. 324. Adjustment for changes in the tion: share my concern regarding potential budget baseline. (A) The recommended levels of Federal reconciliation instructions to the House Over- Sec. 325. Application of rule regarding limits revenues are as follows: sight and Government Reform Committee. on discretionary spending. Fiscal year 2018: $2,670,356,000,000. These instructions could potentially result in Sec. 326. Exercise of rulemaking powers. Fiscal year 2019: $2,767,357,000,000. significant harm to federal employees and fed- TITLE IV—RESERVE FUNDS IN THE Fiscal year 2020: $2,870,414,000,000. eral retirees, many of whom I represent. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fiscal year 2021: $2,963,953,000,000. The national debt is a serious challenge that Sec. 401. Reserve fund for commercialization Fiscal year 2022: $3,077,586,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $3,195,139,000,000. Congress must address, but I urge members of air traffic control. Sec. 402. Reserve fund for investments in na- Fiscal year 2024: $3,325,690,000,000. of this body to maintain the promises made to tional infrastructure. Fiscal year 2025: $3,475,784,000,000. federal employees at the time of their hiring. Sec. 403. Reserve fund for comprehensive tax Fiscal year 2026: $3,642,629,000,000. At a minimum, any changes to federal em- reform. Fiscal year 2027: $3,811,687,000,000. ployee retirement or benefits should only be Sec. 404. Reserve fund for the State Chil- (B) The amounts by which the aggregate made on prospective employees, not current dren’s Health Insurance Pro- levels of Federal revenues should be changed or former employees. gram. are as follows: The Acting CHAIR (Mr. DUNCAN of Sec. 405. Reserve fund for the repeal or re- Fiscal year 2018: -$63,213,000,000. Tennessee). All time for general debate placement of President Fiscal year 2019: -$66,151,000,000. Obama’s health care laws. Fiscal year 2020: -$80,162,000,000. has expired. Fiscal year 2021: -$95,958,000,000. Pursuant to the rule, the concurrent TITLE V—POLICY STATEMENTS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fiscal year 2022: -$105,330,000,000. resolution shall be considered for Sec. 501. Policy statement on a balanced Fiscal year 2023: -$122,777,000,000. amendment under the 5-minute rule budget amendment. Fiscal year 2024: -$136,738,000,000. and is considered read. Sec. 502. Policy statement on budget process Fiscal year 2025: -$146,394,000,000. The text of the concurrent resolution reform. Fiscal year 2026: -$146,749,000,000. is as follows: Sec. 503. Policy statement on Federal regu- Fiscal year 2027: -$146,700,000,000. (2) NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY.—For purposes H. CON. RES. 71 latory budgeting and reform. Sec. 504. Policy statement on unauthorized of the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- Resolved by the House of Representatives (the appropriations. tion, the appropriate levels of total new Senate concurring), Sec. 505. Policy statement on Federal ac- budget authority are as follows: SECTION 1. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE counting. Fiscal year 2018: $3,232,597,000,000. BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018. Sec. 506. Policy statement on Commission Fiscal year 2019: $3,286,018,000,000. (a) DECLARATION.—The Congress deter- on Budget Concepts. Fiscal year 2020: $3,299,573,000,000. mines and declares that prior concurrent res- Sec. 507. Policy statement on budget en- Fiscal year 2021: $3,290,186,000,000. olutions on the budget are replaced as of fis- forcement. Fiscal year 2022: $3,441,975,000,000. cal year 2018 and that this concurrent resolu- Sec. 508. Policy statement on improper pay- Fiscal year 2023: $3,483,686,000,000. tion establishes the budget for fiscal year ments. Fiscal year 2024: $3,528,872,000,000. 2018 and sets forth the appropriate budgetary Sec. 509. Policy statement on expenditures Fiscal year 2025: $3,655,413,000,000. levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. from agency fees and spending. Fiscal year 2026: $3,746,208,000,000. (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- Sec. 510. Policy statement on promoting Fiscal year 2027: $3,824,652,000,000. tents for this concurrent resolution is as fol- real health care reform. (3) BUDGET OUTLAYS.—For purposes of the lows: Sec. 511. Policy statement on Medicare. enforcement of this concurrent resolution, Sec. 1. Concurrent resolution on the budget Sec. 512. Policy statement on combating the the appropriate levels of total budget out- for fiscal year 2018. opioid epidemic. lays are as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.025 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Fiscal year 2018: $3,164,885,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $2,233,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: $3,265,306,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $41,521,000,000. (B) Outlays, $1,207,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: $3,283,026,000,000. (B) Outlays, $43,643,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2021: $3,323,464,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $2,324,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: $3,441,603,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $40,210,000,000. (B) Outlays, $1,370,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $3,467,047,000,000. (B) Outlays, $41,207,000,000. (5) Natural Resources and Environment Fiscal year 2024: $3,497,308,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (300): Fiscal year 2025: $3,620,210,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $39,428,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2026: $3,727,971,000,000. (B) Outlays, $39,965,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $31,720,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: $3,806,792,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $35,641,000,000. (4) DEFICITS (ON-BUDGET).—For purposes of (A) New budget authority, $38,654,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- (B) Outlays, $38,585,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $31,856,000,000. tion, the amounts of the deficits (on-budget) Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $33,751,000,000. are as follows: (A) New budget authority, $37,623,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: $494,529,000,000. (B) Outlays, $38,021,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $33,255,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: $497,949,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $33,581,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: $412,612,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $38,445,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2021: $359,511,000,000. (B) Outlays, $37,795,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $32,704,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: $364,017,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $32,652,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $271,908,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $39,285,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2024: $171,618,000,000. (B) Outlays, $38,102,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $34,295,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: $144,426,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $33,909,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: $85,342,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $40,174,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2027: -$4,895,000,000. (B) Outlays, $38,643,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $34,684,000,000. (5) DEBT SUBJECT TO LIMIT.—The appro- Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $34,186,000,000. priate levels of debt subject to limit are as (A) New budget authority, $41,121,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: follows: (B) Outlays, $39,365,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $34,598,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: $21,059,756,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $34,081,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: $21,720,619,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $42,025,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2020: $22,263,387,000,000. (B) Outlays, $40,175,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $35,520,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: $22,717,657,000,000. (3) General Science, Space, and Technology (B) Outlays, $34,921,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: $23,120,068,000,000. (250): Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2023: $23,414,924,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $36,186,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: $23,577,205,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $28,524,000,000. (B) Outlays, $35,526,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: $23,665,687,000,000. (B) Outlays, $30,072,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2026: $23,701,446,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $36,742,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $29,107,000,000. (B) Outlays, $36,078,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: $23,484,672,000,000. (B) Outlays, $29,365,000,000. (6) Agriculture (350): (6) DEBT HELD BY THE PUBLIC.—The appro- Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: priate levels of debt held by the public are as (A) New budget authority, $29,702,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $24,223,000,000. follows: (B) Outlays, $29,360,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,913,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: $15,399,966,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2019: $15,971,804,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $30,346,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $21,091,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: $16,477,150,000,000. (B) Outlays, $29,718,000,000. (B) Outlays, $20,200,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: $16,920,847,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2022: $17,371,706,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $31,018,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $19,786,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $17,720,326,000,000. (B) Outlays, $30,259,000,000. (B) Outlays, $19,293,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: $17,949,306,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2025: $18,156,356,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $31,694,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $18,217,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: $18,299,466,000,000. (B) Outlays, $30,797,000,000. (B) Outlays, $17,660,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: $18,345,826,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: SEC. 102. MAJOR FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES. (A) New budget authority, $32,378,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $17,835,000,000. The Congress determines and declares that (B) Outlays, $31,325,000,000. (B) Outlays, $17,339,000,000. the appropriate levels of new budget author- Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: ity and outlays for fiscal years 2018 through (A) New budget authority, $33,112,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $18,153,000,000. 2027 for each major functional category are: (B) Outlays, $31,928,000,000. (B) Outlays, $17,713,000,000. (1) National Defense (050): Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $33,854,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $18,880,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $629,595,000,000. (B) Outlays, $32,550,000,000. (B) Outlays, $18,331,000,000. (B) Outlays, $607,810,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $34,602,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $19,863,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $660,832,000,000. (B) Outlays, $33,162,000,000. (B) Outlays, $19,225,000,000. (B) Outlays, $636,795,000,000. (4) Energy (270): Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $20,214,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $693,646,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$3,088,000,000. (B) Outlays, $19,593,000,000. (B) Outlays, $666,519,000,000. (B) Outlays, $2,559,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $20,422,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $728,125,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,704,000,000. (B) Outlays, $19,817,000,000. (B) Outlays, $698,761,000,000. (B) Outlays, $1,714,000,000. (7) Commerce and Housing Credit (370): Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $731,818,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$11,179,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$7,287,000,000. (B) Outlays, $717,568,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$11,813,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$19,601,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $735,468,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,871,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$7,517,000,000. (B) Outlays, $720,401,000,000. (B) Outlays, $786,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$15,753,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $739,157,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,705,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$10,358,000,000. (B) Outlays, $720,755,000,000. (B) Outlays, $445,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$18,126,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $742,886,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $754,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$13,446,000,000. (B) Outlays, $729,581,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$491,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$22,106,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $747,414,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $437,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$12,880,000,000. (B) Outlays, $734,037,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$727,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$22,470,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $751,098,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$4,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$12,330,000,000. (B) Outlays, $737,798,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$1,052,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$22,598,000,000. (2) International Affairs (150): Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7807 (A) New budget authority, -$10,989,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $475,015,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$22,362,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $82,350,000,000. (B) Outlays, $464,925,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $83,539,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, -$10,255,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $484,414,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$22,849,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $86,279,000,000. (B) Outlays, $475,140,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $85,843,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, -$11,141,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $492,453,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$23,569,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $86,641,000,000. (B) Outlays, $489,299,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $87,897,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, -$11,933,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $475,767,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$24,521,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $86,977,000,000. (B) Outlays, $468,217,000,000. (8) Transportation (400): (B) Outlays, $88,522,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $484,425,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $88,095,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $87,459,000,000. (B) Outlays, $471,370,000,000. (B) Outlays, $91,796,000,000. (B) Outlays, $89,186,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $493,048,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $88,892,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $88,216,000,000. (B) Outlays, $480,920,000,000. (B) Outlays, $90,602,000,000. (B) Outlays, $90,080,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2020: (11) Health (550): (A) New budget authority, $502,057,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $82,748,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $496,505,000,000. (B) Outlays, $90,508,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $579,328,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $551,277,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $511,675,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $37,190,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $505,382,000,000. (B) Outlays, $77,995,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $564,387,000,000. (14) Social Security (650): Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $570,419,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $66,950,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $39,475,000,000. (B) Outlays, $65,076,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $552,405,000,000. (B) Outlays, $39,475,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $541,949,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $66,895,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $43,016,000,000. (B) Outlays, $68,694,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $512,289,000,000. (B) Outlays, $43,016,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $518,445,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $67,483,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $46,287,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,617,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $528,560,000,000. (B) Outlays, $46,287,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $533,688,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $68,481,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $49,748,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,074,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $547,998,000,000. (B) Outlays, $49,748,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $549,687,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $69,714,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $53,392,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,044,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $571,335,000,000. (B) Outlays, $53,392,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $569,207,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $70,948,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $57,378,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,741,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $594,923,000,000. (B) Outlays, $57,378,000,000. (9) Community and Regional Development (B) Outlays, $591,171,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (450): Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $61,764,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $618,119,000,000. (B) Outlays, $61,764,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,365,000,000. (B) Outlays, $613,682,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $18,626,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $66,388,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $623,810,000,000. (B) Outlays, $66,388,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,170,000,000. (B) Outlays, $626,774,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $16,983,000,000. (12) Medicare (570): (A) New budget authority, $70,871,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $70,871,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,240,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $593,830,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $11,842,000,000. (B) Outlays, $593,567,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $75,473,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $75,473,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,353,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $652,984,000,000. (15) Veterans Benefits and Services (700): (B) Outlays, $9,558,000,000. (B) Outlays, $652,740,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $176,704,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,487,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $692,126,000,000. (B) Outlays, $178,038,000,000. (B) Outlays, $6,386,000,000. (B) Outlays, $691,917,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $191,507,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,556,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $739,367,000,000. (B) Outlays, $190,235,000,000. (B) Outlays, $5,090,000,000. (B) Outlays, $739,161,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $194,930,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,673,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $826,276,000,000. (B) Outlays, $193,931,000,000. (B) Outlays, $4,745,000,000. (B) Outlays, $826,057,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $199,751,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,857,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $845,800,000,000. (B) Outlays, $197,856,000,000. (B) Outlays, $4,767,000,000. (B) Outlays, $845,593,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $215,442,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $5,077,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $850,393,000,000. (B) Outlays, $213,337,000,000. (B) Outlays, $4,805,000,000. (B) Outlays, $850,177,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $212,567,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,953,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $916,244,000,000. (B) Outlays, $210,444,000,000. (B) Outlays, $4,809,000,000. (B) Outlays, $916,009,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (10) Education, Training, Employment, and Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $209,943,000,000. Social Services (500): (A) New budget authority, $988,183,000,000. (B) Outlays, $207,908,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $987,942,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $69,920,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $227,991,000,000. (B) Outlays, $89,295,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,053,671,000,000. (B) Outlays, $225,820,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $1,053,435,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $79,090,000,000. (13) Income Security (600): (A) New budget authority, $234,947,000,000. (B) Outlays, $81,404,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $232,660,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $491,789,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $80,305,000,000. (B) Outlays, $477,428,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $243,718,000,000. (B) Outlays, $81,129,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $241,501,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $464,425,000,000. (16) Administration of Justice (750): (A) New budget authority, $81,922,000,000. (B) Outlays, $454,786,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $82,479,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $51,367,000,000.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 (B) Outlays, $61,079,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $623,786,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$115,139,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $623,911,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$115,139,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $58,245,000,000. (19) Allowances (920): Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $58,867,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, -$117,033,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, -$44,505,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$117,033,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $59,720,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$23,272,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $60,036,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, -$127,808,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, -$42,219,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$127,808,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $61,054,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$34,499,000,000. (22) Overseas Contingency Operations/Glob- (B) Outlays, $60,946,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: al War on Terrorism (970): Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, -$45,246,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $62,092,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$40,640,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $86,591,000,000. (B) Outlays, $61,925,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $45,781,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, -$48,056,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $63,671,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$44,164,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $60,000,000,000. (B) Outlays, $63,462,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $50,748,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, -$50,544,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $65,285,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$47,877,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $43,000,000,000. (B) Outlays, $65,043,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $43,076,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, -$52,326,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $66,947,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$49,819,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $26,000,000,000. (B) Outlays, $66,498,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $31,635,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, -$53,659,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $69,907,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$51,411,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $12,000,000,000. (B) Outlays, $70,200,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $18,768,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, -$55,439,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $70,270,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$53,060,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $12,000,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,722,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $13,799,000,000. (17) General Government (800): (A) New budget authority, -$51,908,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, -$52,127,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $12,000,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $23,564,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $11,957,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,091,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$55,254,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, -$53,919,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $0. (A) New budget authority, $23,948,000,000. (20) Government-wide savings and adjust- (B) Outlays, $4,171,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,314,000,000. ments (930): Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $0. (A) New budget authority, $23,557,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $34,145,000,000. (B) Outlays, $1,160,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,303,000,000. (B) Outlays, $2,778,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $0. (A) New budget authority, $23,386,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$1,555,000,000. (B) Outlays, $165,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,190,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$2,528,000,000. (23) Across-the-Board Adjustment (990): Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $23,127,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$67,381,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$909,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,013,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$47,665,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$740,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $26,420,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$120,155,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $26,057,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$97,069,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$931,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, -$837,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $26,351,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$153,376,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $26,168,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$137,459,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$956,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, -$895,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $26,246,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$174,438,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $26,060,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$159,489,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$979,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, -$944,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $26,083,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$194,373,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $25,917,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$179,541,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$1,004,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, -$968,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $25,855,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$193,336,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $25,722,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$187,355,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$1,030,000,000. (18) Net Interest (900): Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, -$993,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, -$246,573,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $376,842,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$223,016,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$1,056,000,000. (B) Outlays, $376,842,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, -$1,018,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, -$258,801,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $409,185,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$240,977,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$1,083,000,000. (B) Outlays, $409,185,000,000. (21) Undistributed Offsetting Receipts (950): (B) Outlays, -$1,045,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $450,859,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$83,212,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$1,112,000,000. (B) Outlays, $450,859,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$83,212,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$1,070,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $493,778,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$86,409,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$1,140,000,000. (B) Outlays, $493,778,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$86,409,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$1,099,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: TITLE II—RECONCILIATION AND (A) New budget authority, $531,929,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$86,316,000,000. RELATED MATTERS (B) Outlays, $531,929,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$86,316,000,000. SEC. 201. RECONCILIATION IN THE HOUSE OF Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: REPRESENTATIVES. (A) New budget authority, $565,282,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$90,347,000,000. (a) SUBMISSIONS PROVIDING FOR RECONCILI- (B) Outlays, $565,282,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$90,347,000,000. ATION.—Not later than October 6, 2017, the Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: committees named in subsection (b) shall (A) New budget authority, $589,292,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$93,573,000,000. submit their recommendations on changes in (B) Outlays, $589,292,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$93,573,000,000. laws within their jurisdictions to the Com- Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: mittee on the Budget that would achieve the (A) New budget authority, $607,012,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$100,001,000,000. specified reduction in the deficit for the pe- (B) Outlays, $607,012,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$100,001,000,000. riod of fiscal years 2018 through 2027. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: (b) INSTRUCTIONS.— (A) New budget authority, $620,536,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$105,371,000,000. (1) COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE.—The Com- (B) Outlays, $620,536,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$105,371,000,000. mittee on Agriculture shall submit changes Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2025: in laws within its jurisdiction sufficient to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7809 reduce the deficit by $10,000,000,000 for the secutive 10-fiscal year periods beginning mandatory programs that, if enacted, would period of fiscal years 2018 through 2027. after the last fiscal year of this concurrent cause the absolute value of the total budget (2) COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES.—The resolution. authority of all such changes in mandatory Committee on Armed Services shall submit (c) LIMITATION.—In the House of Represent- programs enacted in relation to a full fiscal changes in laws within its jurisdiction suffi- atives, the provisions of this section shall year to be more than the amount specified in cient to reduce the deficit by $1,000,000,000 not apply to any bills or joint resolutions, or paragraph (3), shall not be in order in the for the period of fiscal years 2018 through amendments thereto or conference reports House of Representatives. 2027. thereon, for which the chair of the Com- (2) AMENDMENTS AND CONFERENCE RE- (3) COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE WORK- mittee on the Budget has made adjustments PORTS.—It shall not be in order in the House FORCE.—The Committee on Education and to the allocations, aggregates, or other budg- of Representatives to consider an amend- the Workforce shall submit changes in laws etary levels in this concurrent resolution. ment to, or a conference report on, a bill or within its jurisdiction sufficient to reduce (d) DETERMINATIONS OF BUDGET LEVELS.— joint resolution making appropriations for a the deficit by $20,000,000,000 for the period of For purposes of this section, the levels of net full fiscal year if such amendment thereto or fiscal years 2018 through 2027. increases in direct spending shall be deter- conference report thereon proposes a change (4) COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE.— mined on the basis of estimates provided by in mandatory programs that, if enacted, The Committee on Energy and Commerce the chair of the Committee on the Budget of would cause the absolute value of the total shall submit changes in laws within its juris- the House of Representatives. budget authority of all such changes in man- diction sufficient to reduce the deficit by (e) SUNSET.—This section shall have no datory programs enacted in relation to a full $20,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years force or effect after September 30, 2018. fiscal year to be more than the amount spec- 2018 through 2027. SEC. 302. ALLOCATION FOR OVERSEAS CONTIN- ified in paragraph (3). (5) COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL SERVICES.—The GENCY OPERATIONS/GLOBAL WAR (3) AMOUNT.—The amount specified in this Committee on Financial Services shall sub- ON TERRORISM. paragraph is— mit changes in laws within its jurisdiction (a) SEPARATE ALLOCATION FOR OVERSEAS (A) for fiscal year 2018, $19,100,000,000; sufficient to reduce the deficit by CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS/GLOBAL WAR ON (B) for fiscal year 2019, $17,000,000,000; and $14,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years TERRORISM.—In the House of Representa- (C) for fiscal year 2020, $15,000,000,000. 2018 through 2027. tives, there shall be a separate allocation of (c) DETERMINATION.—For purposes of this new budget authority and outlays provided section, budgetary levels shall be determined (6) COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY.— on the basis of estimates provided by the The Committee on Homeland Security shall to the Committee on Appropriations for the chair of the Committee on the Budget of the submit changes in laws within its jurisdic- purposes of Overseas Contingency Oper- House of Representatives. tion sufficient to reduce the deficit by ations/Global War on Terrorism, which shall $3,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years be deemed to be an allocation under section SEC. 304. LIMITATION ON ADVANCE APPROPRIA- TIONS. 2018 through 2027. 302(a) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Section 302(a)(3) of such Act shall not (a) IN GENERAL.—In the House of Rep- (7) COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY.—The resentatives, except as provided for in sub- Committee on the Judiciary shall submit apply to such separate allocation. (b) SECTION 302 ALLOCATIONS.—The sepa- section (b), any general appropriation bill or changes in laws within its jurisdiction suffi- rate allocation referred to in subsection (a) bill or joint resolution continuing appropria- cient to reduce the deficit by $45,000,000,000 shall be the exclusive allocation for Overseas tions, or amendment thereto or conference for the period of fiscal years 2018 through Contingency Operations/Global War on Ter- report thereon, may not provide advance ap- 2027. rorism under section 302(b) of the Congres- propriations. (8) COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES.— sional Budget Act of 1974. The Committee on (b) EXCEPTIONS.—An advance appropriation The Committee on Natural Resources shall Appropriations of the House of Representa- may be provided for programs, projects, ac- submit changes in laws within its jurisdic- tivities, or accounts identified in the report tives may provide suballocations of such sep- tion sufficient to reduce the deficit by or the joint explanatory statement of man- arate allocation under such section 302(b). $5,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years agers, as applicable, accompanying this con- (c) APPLICATION.—For purposes of enforc- 2018 through 2027. ing the separate allocation referred to in current resolution under the heading— (9) COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND GOVERN- (1) GENERAL.—‘‘Accounts Identified for Ad- subsection (a) under section 302(f) of the Con- MENT REFORM.—The Committee on Oversight vance Appropriations’’. gressional Budget Act of 1974, the ‘‘first fis- and Government Reform shall submit (2) VETERANS.—‘‘Veterans Accounts Identi- cal year’’ and the ‘‘total of fiscal years’’ changes in laws within its jurisdiction suffi- fied for Advance Appropriations’’. shall be deemed to refer to fiscal year 2018. cient to reduce the deficit by $32,000,000,000 (c) LIMITATIONS.—The aggregate level of Section 302(c) of such Act shall not apply to for the period of fiscal years 2018 through advance appropriations shall not exceed— such separate allocation. 2027. (1) GENERAL.—$28,852,000,000 in new budget (d) DESIGNATIONS.—New budget authority authority for all programs identified pursu- (10) COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS.— or outlays shall only be counted toward the ant to subsection (b)(1). The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs shall allocation referred to in subsection (a) if des- (2) VETERANS.—$70,699,313,000 in new budget submit changes in laws within its jurisdic- ignated pursuant to section 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of authority for programs in the Department of tion sufficient to reduce the deficit by the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Veterans Affairs identified pursuant to sub- $1,000,000,000 for the period of fiscal years Control Act of 1985. section (b)(2). 2018 through 2027. (e) ADJUSTMENTS.—For purposes of sub- (d) DEFINITION.—The term ‘‘advance appro- (11) COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS.—The section (a) for fiscal year 2018, no adjustment Committee on Ways and Means shall submit priation’’ means any new discretionary budg- shall be made under section 314(a) of the et authority provided in a general appropria- changes in laws within its jurisdiction suffi- Congressional Budget Act of 1974 if any ad- cient to reduce the deficit by $52,000,000,000 tion bill or joint resolution continuing ap- justment would be made under section propriations for fiscal year 2018, or any for the period of fiscal years 2018 through 251(b)(2)(A)(ii) of the Balanced Budget and 2027. amendment thereto or conference report Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. thereon, that first becomes available for the TITLE III—BUDGET ENFORCEMENT IN SEC. 303. LIMITATION ON CHANGES IN CERTAIN first fiscal year following fiscal year 2018. THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MANDATORY PROGRAMS. SEC. 305. ESTIMATES OF DEBT SERVICE COSTS. Subtitle A—Budget Enforcement (a) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term In the House of Representatives, the chair SEC. 301. POINT OF ORDER AGAINST INCREASING ‘‘change in mandatory programs’’ means a of the Committee on the Budget may direct LONG-TERM DIRECT SPENDING. provision that— the Congressional Budget Office to include, (a) POINT OF ORDER.—It shall not be in (1) would have been estimated as affecting in any estimate prepared under section 402 of order in the House of Representatives to con- direct spending or receipts under section 252 the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 with re- sider any bill or joint resolution, or amend- of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- spect to any bill or joint resolution, an esti- ment thereto or conference report thereon, icit Control Act of 1985 (as in effect prior to mate of any change in debt service costs re- that would cause a net increase in direct September 30, 2002) if the provision were in- sulting from carrying out such bill or resolu- spending in excess of $2,500,000,000 in any of cluded in legislation other than appropria- tion. Any estimate of debt service costs pro- the 4 consecutive 10-fiscal year periods de- tion Acts; and vided under this section shall be advisory scribed in subsection (b). (2) results in a net decrease in budget au- and shall not be used for purposes of enforce- (b) CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ANAL- thority in the budget year, but does not re- ment of such Act, the Rules of the House of YSIS OF PROPOSALS.—The Director of the sult in a net decrease in outlays over the Representatives, or this concurrent resolu- Congressional Budget Office shall, to the ex- total of the current year, the budget year, tion. This section shall not apply to author- tent practicable, prepare an estimate of and all fiscal years covered under the most izations of programs funded by discretionary whether a bill or joint resolution reported by recently agreed to concurrent resolution on spending or to appropriation bills or joint a committee (other than the Committee on the budget. resolutions, but shall apply to changes in the Appropriations), or amendment thereto or (b) POINT OF ORDER IN THE HOUSE OF REP- authorization level of appropriated entitle- conference report thereon, would cause, rel- RESENTATIVES.— ments. ative to current law, a net increase in direct (1) IN GENERAL.—A provision in a bill or SEC. 306. FAIR-VALUE CREDIT ESTIMATES. spending in the House of Representatives, in joint resolution making appropriations for a (a) ALL CREDIT PROGRAMS.—Whenever the excess of $2,500,000,000 in any of the 4 con- full fiscal year that proposes a change in Director of the Congressional Budget Office

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 provides an estimate of any measure that es- (I) the chair of the Committee on the (1) The discount rate shall reflect market tablishes or modifies any program providing Budget of the Senate for all direct spending risk. loans or loan guarantees, the Director shall legislation; or (2) The cash flows shall include, whether also, to the extent practicable, provide a (II) the Senator who is Chairman or Vice classified as mandatory or discretionary, fair-value estimate of such loan or loan guar- Chairman of the Joint Committee on Tax- payments to contractors under the terms of antee program if requested by the chair of ation for revenue legislation; and their contracts, payments to contractors for the Committee on the Budget of the House of (B) in the House of Representatives, a bill other services, and direct savings in energy Representatives. or joint resolution, or amendment thereto or and energy-related costs. (b) STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND conference report thereon— (3) The stream of payments shall cover the HOUSING PROGRAMS.—The Director of the (i) for which an estimate is required to be period covered by the contracts but not to Congressional Budget Office shall provide, to prepared pursuant to section 402 of the Con- exceed 25 years. gressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 653) the extent practicable, a fair-value estimate (c) DEFINITION.—As used in this section, as part of any estimate for any measure that and that causes a gross budgetary effect (be- the term ‘‘covered energy savings contract’’ establishes or modifies a loan or loan guar- fore incorporating macroeconomic effects means— and not including timing shifts) in a fiscal antee program for student financial assist- (1) an energy savings performance contract year in the period of years of the most re- ance or housing (including residential mort- authorized under section 801 of the National cently agreed to concurrent resolution on gage). Energy Conservation Policy Act; or the budget equal to or greater than 0.25 per- (c) BASELINE ESTIMATES.—The Congres- (2) a utility energy service contract, as de- cent of the current projected gross domestic sional Budget Office shall include estimates, scribed in the Office of Management and product of the United States for that fiscal on a fair-value and credit reform basis, of Budget Memorandum on Federal Use of En- year; or loan and loan guarantee programs for stu- ergy Savings Performance Contracting, (ii) designated as such by— dent financial assistance, housing (including dated July 25, 1998 (M–98–13), and the Office (I) the chair of the Committee on the residential mortgage), and such other major of Management and Budget Memorandum on loan and loan guarantee programs, as prac- Budget of the House of Representatives for all direct spending legislation; or the Federal Use of Energy Saving Perform- ticable, in its The Budget and Economic Out- ance Contracts and Utility Energy Service look: 2018 to 2027. (II) the Member who is Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Tax- Contracts, dated September 28, 2015 (M–12– (d) ENFORCEMENT IN THE HOUSE OF REP- ation for revenue legislation. 21), or any successor to either memorandum. RESENTATIVES.—If the Director of the Con- (d) ENFORCEMENT IN THE HOUSE OF REP- gressional Budget Office provides an esti- (2) BUDGETARY EFFECTS.—The term ‘‘budg- etary effects’’ means changes in revenues, di- RESENTATIVES.—In the House of Representa- mate pursuant to subsection (a) or (b), the rect spending outlays, and deficits. tives, if any net present value of any covered chair of the Committee on the Budget of the (3) TIMING SHIFTS.—The term ‘‘timing energy savings contract calculated under House of Representatives may use such esti- shifts’’ means— subsection (b) results in a net savings, then mate to determine compliance with the Con- (A) provisions that cause a delay of the the budgetary effects of such contract shall gressional Budget Act of 1974 and other budg- date on which outlays flowing from direct not be counted for purposes of titles III and et enforcement requirements. spending would otherwise occur from one fis- IV of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, SEC. 307. ESTIMATES OF MACROECONOMIC EF- cal year to the next fiscal year; or this concurrent resolution, or clause 10 of FECTS OF MAJOR LEGISLATION. (B) provisions that cause an acceleration of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Rep- (a) CBO AND JCT ESTIMATES.—During the the date on which revenues would otherwise resentatives. 115th Congress, any estimate of major legis- occur from one fiscal year to the prior fiscal (e) CLASSIFICATION OF SPENDING.—For pur- lation considered in the House of Represent- year. atives or the Senate provided by the Con- poses of budget enforcement, the estimated SEC. 308. ADJUSTMENTS FOR IMPROVED CON- gressional Budget Office under section 402 of net present value of the budget authority TROL OF BUDGETARY RESOURCES. provided by the measure, and outlays flow- the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 or by (a) ADJUSTMENTS OF DISCRETIONARY AND the Joint Committee on Taxation to the ing therefrom, shall be classified as direct DIRECT SPENDING LEVELS.—In the House of spending. Congressional Budget Office under section Representatives, if a committee (other than 201(f) of such Act shall, to the extent prac- the Committee on Appropriations) reports a (f) SENSE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTA- ticable, incorporate the budgetary effects of bill or joint resolution, or an amendment TIVES.—It is the sense of the House of Rep- changes in economic output, employment, thereto is offered or conference report there- resentatives that— capital stock, and other macroeconomic on is submitted, providing for a decrease in (1) the Director of the Office of Manage- variables resulting from such major legisla- direct spending (budget authority and out- ment and Budget, in consultation with the tion. lays flowing therefrom) for any fiscal year Director of the Congressional Budget Office, (b) CONTENTS.—Any estimate referred to in and also provides for an authorization of ap- should separately identify the cash flows subsection (a) shall, to the extent prac- propriations for the same purpose, upon the under subsection (b)(2) and include such in- ticable, include— enactment of such measure, the chair of the formation in the President’s annual budget (1) a qualitative assessment of the budg- Committee on the Budget may decrease the submission under section 1105(a) of title 31, etary effects (including macroeconomic vari- allocation to the applicable authorizing com- United States Code; and ables described in subsection (a)) of major mittee that reports such measure and in- (2) the scoring method used in this section legislation in the 20-fiscal year period begin- crease the allocation of discretionary spend- should not be used to score any contracts ning after the last fiscal year of the most re- ing (budget authority and outlays flowing other than covered energy savings contracts. therefrom) to the Committee on Appropria- cently agreed to concurrent resolution on SEC. 310. LIMITATION ON TRANSFERS FROM THE the budget that sets forth budgetary levels tions for fiscal year 2018 by an amount equal GENERAL FUND OF THE TREASURY required under section 301 of the Congres- to the new budget authority (and outlays TO THE HIGHWAY TRUST FUND. flowing therefrom) provided for in a bill or sional Budget Act of 1974; and In the House of Representatives, for pur- (2) an identification of the critical assump- joint resolution making appropriations for the same purpose. poses of the Congressional Budget Act of tions and the source of data underlying that 1974, the Balanced Budget and Emergency estimate. (b) DETERMINATIONS.—In the House of Rep- resentatives, for purposes of enforcing this Deficit Control Act of 1985, and the rules or (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: concurrent resolution, the allocations and orders of the House of Representatives, a bill (1) MAJOR LEGISLATION.—The term ‘‘major aggregate levels of new budget authority, or joint resolution, or an amendment thereto legislation’’ means— outlays, direct spending, revenues, deficits, or conference report thereon, that transfers (A) in the Senate, a bill, joint resolution, and surpluses for fiscal year 2018 and the funds from the general fund of the Treasury conference report, amendment, amendment total of fiscal years 2018 through 2027 shall be to the Highway Trust Fund shall be counted between the Houses, or treaty— determined on the basis of estimates made as new budget authority and outlays equal to (i) for which an estimate is required to be by the chair of the Committee on the Budget the amount of the transfer in the fiscal year prepared pursuant to section 402 of the Con- and such chair may adjust the applicable lev- the transfer occurs. gressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 653) els in this concurrent resolution. and that causes a gross budgetary effect (be- SEC. 311. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FEDERAL RE- SEC. 309. SCORING RULE FOR ENERGY SAVINGS SERVE SURPLUSES AS AN OFFSET. fore incorporating macroeconomic effects PERFORMANCE CONTRACTS. and not including timing shifts) in a fiscal (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Con- In the House of Representatives, any provi- year in the period of years of the most re- gressional Budget Office shall estimate pro- sion of a bill or joint resolution, or amend- cently agreed to concurrent resolution on visions of any bill or joint resolution, or ment thereto or conference report thereon, the budget equal to or greater than— amendment thereto or conference report that transfers any portion of the net surplus (I) 0.25 percent of the current projected thereon, that provides the authority to enter of the Federal Reserve System to the general gross domestic product of the United States into or modify any covered energy savings fund of the Treasury shall not be counted for for that fiscal year; or contract on a net present value basis (NPV). purposes of enforcing the Congressional (II) for a treaty, equal to or greater than (b) NPV CALCULATIONS.—The net present Budget Act of 1974, this concurrent resolu- $15,000,000,000 for that fiscal year; or value of any covered energy savings contract tion, or clause 10 of rule XXI of the Rules of (ii) designated as such by— shall be calculated as follows: the House of Representatives.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7811 SEC. 312. PROHIBITION ON USE OF GUARANTEE SEC. 323. ADJUSTMENTS TO REFLECT CHANGES (1) is authorized to provide air traffic con- FEES AS AN OFFSET. IN CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS. trol services within the United States air- In the House of Representatives, any provi- In the House of Representatives, the chair space; sion of a bill or joint resolution, or amend- of the Committee on the Budget may adjust (2) sets user fees to finance its operations; ment thereto or conference report thereon, the appropriate aggregates, allocations, and (3) may borrow from private capital mar- that increases, or extends the increase of, other budgetary levels in this concurrent kets to finance improvements; any guarantee fees of the Federal National resolution for any change in budgetary con- (4) is governed by a board of directors com- Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the cepts and definitions consistent with section posed of a CEO and directors whose fiduciary Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation 251(b)(1) of the Balanced Budget and Emer- duty is to the entity; and (Freddie Mac) shall not be counted for pur- gency Deficit Control Act of 1985. (5) becomes the employer of those employ- poses of enforcing the Congressional Budget SEC. 324. ADJUSTMENT FOR CHANGES IN THE ees directly connected to providing air traf- Act of 1974, this concurrent resolution, or BASELINE. fic control services and who the Secretary clause 10 of rule XXI of the Rules of the In the House of Representatives, the chair transfers from the Federal Government. House of Representatives. of the Committee on the Budget may adjust the allocations, aggregates, reconciliation SEC. 402. RESERVE FUND FOR INVESTMENTS IN NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE. Subtitle B—Other Provisions targets, and other appropriate budgetary lev- In the House of Representatives, the chair els in this concurrent resolution to reflect SEC. 321. BUDGETARY TREATMENT OF ADMINIS- of the Committee on the Budget may adjust TRATIVE EXPENSES. changes resulting from the Congressional the allocations, aggregates, and other appro- Budget Office’s update to its baseline for fis- (a) IN GENERAL.—In the House of Rep- priate levels in this concurrent resolution cal years 2018 through 2027. resentatives, notwithstanding section for any bill or joint resolution, or amend- 302(a)(1) of the Congressional Budget Act of SEC. 325. APPLICATION OF RULE REGARDING ment thereto or conference report thereon, LIMITS ON DISCRETIONARY SPEND- 1974, section 13301 of the Budget Enforcement that invests in national infrastructure to the Act of 1990, and section 2009a of title 39, ING. Section 314(f) of the Congressional Budget extent that such measure is deficit neutral United States Code, the report or the joint for the total of fiscal years 2018 through 2027. explanatory statement, as applicable, ac- Act of 1974 shall not apply in the House of SEC. 403. RESERVE FUND FOR COMPREHENSIVE companying this concurrent resolution shall Representatives to any bill, joint resolution, or amendment that provides new budget au- TAX REFORM. include in its allocation to the Committee thority for a fiscal year or to any conference In the House of Representatives, if the on Appropriations under section 302(a) of the report on any such bill or resolution if— Committee on Ways and Means reports a bill Congressional Budget Act of 1974 amounts (1) the enactment of that bill or resolution; or joint resolution that provides for com- for the discretionary administrative ex- (2) the adoption and enactment of that prehensive tax reform, the chair of the Com- penses of the Social Security Administration amendment; or mittee on the Budget may adjust the alloca- and the United States Postal Service. (3) the enactment of that bill or resolution tions, aggregates, and other appropriate (b) SPECIAL RULE.—In the House of Rep- in the form recommended in that conference budgetary levels in this concurrent resolu- resentatives, for purposes of enforcing sec- report, tion for the budgetary effects of any such tion 302(f) of the Congressional Budget Act of would not cause the 302(a) allocation to the bill or joint resolution, or amendment there- 1974, estimates of the levels of total new to or conference report thereon, if such budget authority and total outlays provided Committee on Appropriations for fiscal year 2018 to be exceeded. measure would not increase the deficit for by a measure shall include any discretionary the total of fiscal years 2018 through 2027. amounts described in subsection (a). SEC. 326. EXERCISE OF RULEMAKING POWERS. The House of Representatives adopts the SEC. 404. RESERVE FUND FOR THE STATE CHIL- SEC. 322. APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF provisions of this title and title II— DREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PRO- CHANGES IN ALLOCATIONS AND AG- GRAM. (1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power GREGATES. In the House of Representatives, the chair of the House of Representatives, and as such (a) APPLICATION.—In the House of Rep- of the Committee on the Budget may adjust they shall be considered as part of the rules resentatives, any adjustments of the alloca- the allocations, budget aggregates and other of the House of Representatives, and such tions, aggregates, and other budgetary levels appropriate levels in this concurrent resolu- rules shall supersede other rules only to the made pursuant to this concurrent resolution tion for the budgetary effects of any bill or extent that they are inconsistent with such shall— joint resolution, or amendment thereto or other rules; and (1) apply while that measure is under con- conference report thereon, that extends the (2) with full recognition of the constitu- sideration; State Children’s Health Insurance Program tional right of the House of Representatives (2) take effect upon the enactment of that allotments, if such measure would not in- to change those rules at any time, in the measure; and crease the deficit for the total of fiscal years same manner, and to the same extent as is (3) be published in the Congressional 2018 through 2027. the case of any other rule of the House of Record as soon as practicable. Representatives. SEC. 405. RESERVE FUND FOR THE REPEAL OR (b) EFFECT OF CHANGED ALLOCATIONS AND REPLACEMENT OF PRESIDENT TITLE IV—RESERVE FUNDS IN THE AGGREGATES.—Revised allocations and ag- OBAMA’S HEALTH CARE LAWS. gregates resulting from these adjustments HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In the House of Representatives, the chair shall be considered for the purposes of the SEC. 401. RESERVE FUND FOR COMMERCIALIZA- of the Committee on the Budget may revise Congressional Budget Act of 1974 as the allo- TION OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL. the allocations, aggregates, and other appro- cations and aggregates contained in this con- (a) IN GENERAL.—In the House of Rep- priate budgetary levels in this concurrent current resolution. resentatives, the chair of the Committee on resolution for the budgetary effects of any the Budget may adjust, at a time the chair (c) BUDGET COMMITTEE DETERMINATIONS.— bill or joint resolution, or amendment there- deems appropriate, the section 302(a) alloca- For purposes of this concurrent resolution, to or conference report thereon, that repeals tion to the Committee on Transportation the budgetary levels for a fiscal year or pe- or replaces any provision of the Patient Pro- and Infrastructure and other applicable com- riod of fiscal years shall be determined on tection and Affordable Care Act or title I or mittees of the House of Representatives, ag- the basis of estimates made by the chair of subtitle B of title II of the Health Care and gregates, and other appropriate levels estab- the Committee on the Budget of the House of Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 by the lished in this concurrent resolution for a bill amount of budget authority and outlays Representatives. or joint resolution, or amendment thereto or (d) AGGREGATES, ALLOCATIONS AND APPLI- flowing therefrom provided by such measure conference report thereon, that commer- for such purpose. CATION.—In the House of Representatives, for cializes the operations of the air traffic con- purposes of this concurrent resolution and trol system if such measure reduces the dis- TITLE V—POLICY STATEMENTS IN THE budget enforcement, the consideration of cretionary spending limits in section 251(c) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES any bill or joint resolution, or amendment of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Def- SEC. 501. POLICY STATEMENT ON A BALANCED thereto or conference report thereon, for icit Control Act of 1985 by the amount that BUDGET AMENDMENT. which the chair of the Committee on the would otherwise be appropriated to the Fed- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- Budget makes adjustments or revisions in eral Aviation Administration for air traffic lowing: the allocations, aggregates, and other budg- control. Adjustments to the section 302(a) al- (1) In fiscal year 2017, the Federal Govern- etary levels of this concurrent resolution location to the Committee on Appropria- ment will collect approximately $3.3 trillion shall not be subject to the points of order set tions, consistent with the adjustments to the in taxes, but spend more than $4.0 trillion to forth in clause 10 of rule XXI of the Rules of discretionary spending limits under such sec- maintain its operations, borrowing 15 cents the House of Representatives or section 301 tion 251(c), shall only be made upon enact- of every Federal dollar spent. of this concurrent resolution. ment of such measure. (2) At the end of fiscal year 2016, the na- (e) OTHER ADJUSTMENTS.—The chair of the (b) DEFINITION.—For purposes of this sec- tional debt of the United States was more Committee on the Budget of the House of tion, a measure that commercializes the op- than $19.5 trillion. Representatives may adjust other appro- erations of the air traffic control system (3) A majority of States have petitioned priate levels in this concurrent resolution shall be a measure that establishes a Feder- the Federal Government to hold a constitu- depending on congressional action on pend- ally-chartered, not-for-profit corporation tional convention to adopt a balanced budget ing reconciliation legislation. that— amendment to the Constitution.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 (4) As of the spring of 2016, 46 States have (C) increasing congressional accountability (1) requires the President’s budget submis- requirements to annually balance their re- for budget decisions; sion to include an analysis of the costs of spective budgets. (6) improve the transparency of the Fed- complying with current and proposed regula- (5) Numerous balanced budget amendment eral Government’s obligations by— tions; proposals have been introduced on a bipar- (A) modifying the content of the budget (2) builds the institutional capacity of the tisan basis in the House. Currently in the resolution to reflect the budgetary decisions Congressional Budget Office to develop a reg- 115th Congress, 8 joint resolutions proposing that Congress actually makes and enforces; ulatory baseline and estimate regulatory a balanced budget amendment have been in- (B) requiring the Comptroller General to costs; troduced. periodically report to Congress on the con- (3) codifies the Trump Administration’s (6) In the 111th Congress, the House consid- solidated financial report of the Federal regulatory pay-as-you-go requirements, ered H. J. Res. 2, sponsored by Representa- Government; and which require agencies to offset the costs of tive Robert W. Goodlatte of Virginia. Al- (C) restructuring the baseline, as set forth new or revised regulations with the repeal or though it received 262 aye votes, it did not in section 257 of the Balanced Budget and modification of existing regulations; and receive the two-thirds required for passage. Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, to (4) requires Federal agencies to give notice (7) In 1995, a balanced budget amendment treat mandatory spending and revenue on a and allow for comments on proposed guid- to the Constitution passed the House with comparable basis; and ance documents. bipartisan support, but failed to pass by one (7) achieve control over long-term budget SEC. 504. POLICY STATEMENT ON UNAUTHOR- vote in the United States Senate. obligations by— IZED APPROPRIATIONS. (8) Five States, Georgia, Alaska, Mis- (A) establishing declining limits on the (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- sissippi, North Dakota, and Arizona, have amount of debt incurred by the Federal Gov- lowing: agreed to the Compact for a Balanced Budg- ernment from the private sector as a share of (1) Article I of the Constitution vests all et, which seeks to amend the Constitution to the economy that requires congressional ac- legislative power in Congress. require a balanced budget through an Article tion if such limits deviate from those pre- (2) Central to the legislative powers of Con- V convention by April 12, 2021. viously determined by Congress and the gress is the authorization of appropriations necessary to execute the laws that establish (b) POLICY ON A BALANCED BUDGET CON- President; and agencies and programs and impose obliga- STITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.—It is the policy of (B) codifying limits on the amount legisla- this concurrent resolution that the House tion can increase the deficit beyond the ten tions. (3) Clause 2 of rule XXI of the Rules of the should propose a balanced budget constitu- fiscal-year period of the concurrent resolu- House of Representatives prohibits the con- tional amendment for ratification by the tion on the budget. sideration of appropriations measures that States. SEC. 503. POLICY STATEMENT ON FEDERAL REG- ULATORY BUDGETING AND REFORM. provide appropriations for unauthorized pro- SEC. 502. POLICY STATEMENT ON BUDGET PROC- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- grams. ESS REFORM. lowing: (4) In fiscal year 2016, more than $310 bil- It is the policy of this concurrent resolu- (1) Federal regulations are estimated to lion was appropriated for unauthorized pro- tion that the House should enact legislation cost $1.9 trillion per year or approximately grams, spanning 256 separate laws. that reforms the congressional budget proc- $15,000 per household. Such costs exceed 10 (5) Agencies such as the Department of ess to— percent of the Gross Domestic Product of the State have not been authorized for 15 years. (1) reassert congressional control over the United States. (6) The House adopted a requirement for budget process by reorienting the Views and (2) Excessive Federal regulation— the 115th Congress, as part of H. Res. 5, that Estimates that committees submit to the (A) retards job creation, investment, requires each standing committee of the Committee on the Budget, as required under wages, competition, and economic growth, House to adopt an authorization and over- 301(d) of the Congressional Budget Act of slowing the Nation’s recovery from economic sight plan that enumerates all unauthorized 1974, to emphasize congressional rather than recession and harming American households; programs and agencies within its jurisdic- executive branch priorities; (B) operates as a regressive tax on poor and tion that received funding in the prior year, (2) strengthen enforcement of budgetary lower-income households; among other oversight requirements. rules and requirements by— (C) displaces workers into long-term unem- (b) POLICY ON UNAUTHORIZED APPROPRIA- (A) enabling Members of the House of Rep- ployment or lower-paying jobs; TIONS.—In the House, it is the policy of this resentatives to enforce budget requirements (D) adversely affects small businesses, the concurrent resolution that legislation should in a manner that does not jeopardize the primary source of new jobs; and be enacted that— ability of the majority to work its will on (E) impedes the economic growth nec- (1) establishes a schedule for reauthorizing legislation; and essary to provide sufficient funds to meet all Federal programs on a staggered five- (B) permitting members of Congress to de- vital commitments and reduce the Federal year basis together with declining spending termine whether emergency-designated ap- debt. targets for each year a program is not reau- propriations are for unanticipated situations (3) Federal agencies do not systematically thorized according to such schedule; that pose a threat to life, property, or na- analyze both the costs and benefits of new (2) prohibits the consideration of appro- tional security; regulations or identify and eliminate, mini- priations measures in the House that provide (3) increase control over the costs of Fed- mize, or mitigate excess regulatory costs appropriations in excess of spending targets eral activities by— through post-implementation assessments of specified for such measures and ensures that (A) incorporating debt service costs into their regulations. such rule should be strictly enforced; and cost estimates prepared by the Congressional (4) Agencies too often impose costly regu- (3) limits funding for non-defense or non- Budget Office; lations without relying on sound science, security-related Federal programs that are (B) establishing a process for setting limits through the use of agency guidance, judicial not reauthorized according the schedule de- on the amount of debt incurred by the Fed- consent decrees, and settlement agreements, scribed in paragraph (1). eral Government from the private sector as a and through the abuse of high interim com- SEC. 505. POLICY STATEMENT ON FEDERAL AC- share of the economy that requires congres- pliance costs imposed on regulated entities COUNTING. sional action if such limits deviate from that bring legal challenges against newly (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- those previously determined by Congress and promulgated regulations. lowing: the President; (5) Congress lacks an effective mechanism (1) Current accounting methods fail to cap- (C) transitioning to fair-value accounting; to manage the level of new Federal regu- ture and present in a compelling manner the (D) budgeting for Federal insurance pro- latory costs imposed each year. Other na- full scope of the Federal Government and its grams on an accrual basis; and tions, meanwhile, have successfully imple- fiscal condition. (E) developing and implementing a regu- mented the use of regulatory budgeting to (2) Most fiscal analyses produced by the latory budget as provided in section 503; control excess regulation and regulatory Congressional Budget Office (CBO) are con- (4) achieve greater control over mandatory costs. ducted over a 10-fiscal year period. The use spending by reforming reconciliation proce- (6) Significant steps have been taken al- of generational accounting or a longer time dures and requirements to ensure they are ready by President Trump and the 115th Con- horizon would provide a more complete pic- transparent, objectively applied, and maxi- gress, including the imposition of a regu- ture of the Federal Government’s fiscal con- mize opportunities for deficit reduction; latory pay-as-you-go regimen for new and re- dition. (5) increase the efficiency of the congres- vised regulations by the Trump Administra- (3) The Federal budget currently accounts sional budget process by— tion and the enactment of 14 measures under for most programs on a cash accounting (A) realigning the budget cycle with the the Congressional Review Act that repealed basis, which records revenue and expenses calendar year and the congressional cal- regulations promulgated in the final 60 legis- when cash is actually paid or received. How- endar; lative days of the 114th Congress. ever, it accounts for loan and loan guarantee (B) simplifying the procedures by which (b) POLICY ON FEDERAL REGULATORY BUDG- programs on an accrual basis, which records the Committee on Appropriations adjusts its ETING AND REFORM.—It is the policy of this revenue when earned and expenses when in- section 302(b) suballocations to ensure they concurrent resolution that the House should, curred. are consistent with the Committee’s overall in consultation with the public, consider leg- (4) The Government Accountability Office section 302(a) allocation; and islation that— has advised that accrual accounting may be

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7813 more accurate than cash accounting in esti- (D) Activities previously considered the ex- and spend fees and other offsetting collec- mating the Federal Government’s liabilities clusive domain of the Federal Government tions. for insurance and other programs. have been fully commercialized, contracted (2) The Office of Management and Budget (5) Accrual accounting under the Federal out to the private sector, financed through estimates the total amount of offsetting fees Credit Reform Act of 1990 (FCRA) under- third party arrangements, or devolved to and collections to be $513 billion in fiscal states the risk and thus the true cost of State and local governments. year 2017. some Federal programs, including loans and (E) Key functions of the Federal Govern- (3) Agency budget justifications are, in loan guarantees. ment are now funded through user fees rath- some cases, not fully transparent about the (6) Fair-value accounting better reflects er than general revenue, often shielding amount of program activity funded through the risk associated with Federal loan and them from congressional control and over- offsetting collections or fees. This lack of loan guarantee programs by using a market sight. transparency prevents effective and account- based discount rate. CBO, for example, uses (F) The Credit Reform Act of 1990 placed able Government. fair-value accounting to measure the cost of Federal loans and loan guarantees on an ac- (b) POLICY ON EXPENDITURES FROM AGENCY the Federal National Mortgage Association crual basis. FEES AND SPENDING.—It is the policy of this (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan (G) Increasing shares of the economy are concurrent resolution that the House should Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). directed towards compliance with Federal reassert its constitutional prerogative to (7) In comparing fair-value accounting to regulations, which are not subject to the control Federal spending and exercise rig- FCRA, CBO has concluded that ‘‘adopting a limitations applicable to Federal spending. orous oversight over Federal agencies. Con- fair-value approach would provide a more (b) POLICY ON COMMISSION ON BUDGET CON- gress should subject all fees paid by the pub- comprehensive way to measure the costs of CEPTS.—It is the policy of this concurrent lic to Federal agencies to annual appropria- Federal credit programs and would permit resolution on the budget that legislation tions or authorizing legislation and a share more level comparisons between those costs should be enacted that establishes a Com- of these proceeds should be reserved for tax- and the costs of other forms of Federal as- mission on Budget Concepts to review and payers in the form of deficit reduction. sistance’’. revise budget concepts and make rec- SEC. 510. POLICY STATEMENT ON PROMOTING (8) The Department of the Treasury, when ommendations to create a more transparent REAL HEALTH CARE REFORM. reporting the principal financial statements Federal budget process. (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- of the United States entitled Balance Sheet SEC. 507. POLICY STATEMENT ON BUDGET EN- lowing: and Statement of Operations and Changes in FORCEMENT. (1) Patient-centered health care increases Net Position, may omit some of the largest It is the policy of this concurrent resolu- access to quality care for all Americans, re- projected Federal Government expenses, in- tion that the House should— gardless of age, income, or health status. cluding social insurance programs. The pro- (1) adopt an annual budget resolution be- (2) States are best equipped to respond to jected expenses of these programs are re- fore spending and tax legislation is consid- the needs of their unique communities. ported by the Department in its Statements of ered in either House of Congress; (3) The current legal framework encour- Social Insurance and Changes in Social Insur- (2) assess measures for timely compliance ages frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits ance Amounts. with budget rules in the House; that increase health care costs. (9) This concurrent resolution directs CBO (3) pass legislation to strengthen enforce- (b) POLICY ON HEALTH CARE REGULATION.— to estimate the costs of Federal credit pro- ment of the budget resolution; It is the policy of this concurrent resolution grams on a fair-value basis to fully capture (4) comply with the discretionary spending that— the risk associated with these programs. limits set forth in the Balanced Budget and (1) the American health care system should (b) POLICY ON FEDERAL ACCOUNTING METH- Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985; encourage research, development, and inno- ODOLOGIES.—It is the policy of this concur- (5) prevent the use of accounting gimmicks vation in the medical sector, rather than rent resolution that the House should, in stymie growth through over-regulation; consultation with CBO and other appropriate to offset higher spending; (2) States should determine the parameters stakeholders, reform government-wide budg- (6) modify scoring conventions to encour- et and accounting practices so Members and age the commercialization of Federal Gov- of acceptable private insurance plans based the public can better understand the fiscal ernment activities that can best be provided on the needs of their populations and retain condition of the United States and the best by the private sector; and control over other health care coverage options to improve it. Such reforms may in- (7) discourage the use of savings identified standards; clude the following: in the budget resolution as offsets for spend- (3) reforms should protect patients with (1) Providing additional metrics to en- ing or tax legislation. pre-existing conditions, reward those who hance analysis by considering the Nation’s SEC. 508. POLICY STATEMENT ON IMPROPER maintain continuous health coverage, and fiscal condition comprehensively, over an ex- PAYMENTS. create greater parity between benefits of- tended time period, and how it affects Amer- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- fered through employers and those offered icans of various age cohorts. lowing: independently; (2) Expanding the use of accrual account- (1) The Government Accountability Office (4) States should have greater flexibility in ing where appropriate. defines improper payments as any reported designing their Medicaid program and State (3) Accounting for certain Federal credit payment that should not have been made or Children’s Health Insurance Program; programs using fair-value accounting to bet- was made in an incorrect amount. (5) medical malpractice reform should em- ter capture market risk. (2) Improper payments totaled $1.2 trillion phasize compliance with best practice guide- SEC. 506. POLICY STATEMENT ON COMMISSION between fiscal years 2003 and 2016 with a re- lines, while continuing to protect patients’ ON BUDGET CONCEPTS. ported Federal Government-wide error rate interests; and (a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds the fol- of 5.1 percent in fiscal year 2016. (6) States should have the flexibility to im- lowing: (3) Improper payments increased from $107 plement medical liability policies to best (1) In 1965, the President’s Commission on billion in 2012 to $144 billion in 2016. suit their needs. Budget Concepts made a series of rec- (4) The Earned Income Tax Credit, Medi- SEC. 511. POLICY STATEMENT ON MEDICARE. ommendations that were adopted and con- care, and Medicaid account for 78 percent of (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- tinue to provide the foundation for the Fed- total improper payments, with error rates of lowing: eral budget process. 24 percent, 11 percent, and 10.5 percent, re- (1) More than 57 million Americans depend (2) Over the ensuing 52 years, the Federal spectively. on Medicare for their health security. budget process has undergone major trans- (5) Eight agencies did not report payment (2) The Medicare Trustees Report has re- formations, including the following: estimates for 18 programs that the Comp- peatedly recommended that Congress ad- (A) Congress asserted its Article I ‘‘power troller General deems susceptible to signifi- dress Medicare’s long-term financial chal- of the purse’’ through the Congressional cant improper payments. lenges. Each year without reform, the finan- Budget Act of 1974 in the form of a congres- (b) POLICY ON IMPROPER PAYMENTS.—It is cial condition of Medicare becomes more pre- sional budget process predicated on the adop- the policy of this concurrent resolution that carious and the threat to those in or near re- tion of an annual budget resolution setting an independent commission should be estab- tirement more pronounced. The current forth its priorities independent of the execu- lished with the goal of finding tangible solu- challenges that Congress will need to address tive branch. tions to reduce total improper payments by include— (B) Congress and the President have peri- 50 percent within the next 5 years. The com- (A) the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will odically augmented the President’s budget mission should also develop a more-stringent be exhausted in 2029 and unable to pay the submission and the budget resolution by es- system of agency oversight to achieve this scheduled benefits; tablishing statutory budget rules and limits goal. (B) Medicare enrollment is expected to in- enforced through sequestration. SEC. 509. POLICY STATEMENT ON EXPENDITURES crease more than 50 percent in the next two (C) The share of Federal spending that is FROM AGENCY FEES AND SPENDING. decades, as 10,000 baby boomers reach retire- not controlled through the annual appropria- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- ment age each day; tions process has ballooned from 32 percent lowing: (C) due to extended life spans, enrollees re- of total Federal spending in 1967 to 69 per- (1) Many Federal agencies and organiza- main in Medicare three times longer than at cent in 2016. tions have permanent authority to collect the outset of the program five decades ago;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 (D) notwithstanding the program’s trust (2) the House, in a bipartisan manner, the world for innovation on its 2017 list of fund arrangement, current workers’ payroll should continue to examine the Federal re- the Top 25 Global Innovators. tax contributions pay for current Medicare sponse to the opioid abuse epidemic and sup- (4) The United States leads the world in beneficiaries instead of being set aside for port essential activities to reduce and pre- the production of medical devices, and the their own future use; vent substance abuse; United States medical device market ac- (E) the number of workers supporting each (3) the House should continue to support counts for approximately 45 percent of the beneficiary continues to fall; in 1965, the initiatives included in the 21st Century global market. ratio was 4.5 workers per beneficiary, and by Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction (5) The United States remains a global 2030, the ratio will be only 2.4 workers per and Recovery Act; leader in pharmaceutical research and devel- beneficiary; (4) the House should continue its oversight opment investment, has produced more than (F) the average Medicare beneficiary re- efforts, particularly ongoing investigations half of the world’s new molecules in the past ceives about three dollars in Medicare bene- conducted by the House Committee on En- decade, and represents the world’s largest fits for every dollar paid into the program; ergy and Commerce, to ensure that taxpayer pharmaceutical market, which is triple the (G) Medicare is growing faster than the dollars intended to combat opioid abuse are size of the nearest rival, China. economy, with a projected growth rate of 7.2 spent appropriately and efficiently; and (b) POLICY ON MEDICAL INNOVATION.—It is percent per year on average through 2026, (5) the House should collaborate with the policy of this concurrent resolution peaking in 2026 at 9.2 percent; and State, local, and tribal entities to develop a that— (H) by 2027, Medicare spending will reach comprehensive strategy for addressing the (1) the Federal Government should foster more than $1.4 trillion, more than double the opioid addiction crisis. investment in health care innovation and 2016 spending level of $692 billion. SEC. 513. POLICY STATEMENT ON THE STATE maintain the Nation’s world leadership sta- (3) Failing to address the impending insol- CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE tus in medical science by encouraging com- vency of Medicare will leave millions of PROGRAM. petition; American seniors without adequate health (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- (2) the House should continue to support security and younger generations burdened lowing: the critical work of medical innovators with having to pay for these unsustainable (1) The State Children’s Health Insurance throughout the country through continued spending levels. Program (SCHIP) is a means-tested program funding for agencies, including the National (b) POLICY ON MEDICARE REFORM.—It is the that provides health insurance coverage to Institutes of Health and the Centers for Dis- policy of this concurrent resolution to save low-income children and pregnant women ease Control and Prevention, to conduct life- Medicare for those in or near retirement and who do not qualify for Medicaid based on in- saving research and development; and to strengthen the program’s solvency for fu- come. (3) the Federal Government should unleash ture beneficiaries. (2) SCHIP eligibility varies by State, as the power of private-sector medical innova- (c) ASSUMPTIONS.—This concurrent resolu- States decide the income upper limit for tion by removing regulatory obstacles that tion assumes transition to an improved beneficiaries; the current upper limit varies impede the adoption of new medical tech- Medicare program that ensures— from 175 percent of the Federal poverty level nology and pharmaceuticals. (1) Medicare is preserved for current and to 405 percent of the Federal poverty level. SEC. 515. POLICY STATEMENT ON PUBLIC future beneficiaries; (3) SCHIP covered on average 6.3 million HEALTH PREPAREDNESS. (2) future Medicare beneficiaries may se- people monthly in fiscal year 2017. (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- lect from competing guaranteed health cov- (4) The average cost of a child enrolled in lowing: erage options a plan that best suits their SCHIP to the Federal Government was ap- (1) The Constitution requires the Federal needs; proximately $2,300 in fiscal year 2017, com- Government to provide for the common de- (3) traditional fee-for-service Medicare re- pared to approximately $1,910 for a child en- fense. As such, the Nation must prioritize its mains a plan option; rolled in Medicaid. ability to respond rapidly and effectively to (4) Medicare provides additional assistance (5) The Federal spending allotment for a public health crisis or bioterrorism threat. for lower-income beneficiaries and those SCHIP will expire at the end of fiscal year (2) There is a persistent threat of bioter- with greater health risks; and 2017. rorism against American lives. (5) Medicare spending is put on a sustain- (6) The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and (3) Naturally-occurring public health able path and becomes solvent over the long Access Commission recommends an exten- threats can spread through the transmission term. sion of Federal SCHIP funding, and warns of communicable diseases during inter- SEC. 512. POLICY STATEMENT ON COMBATING that all States are projected to exhaust their national trade and travel. THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC. Federal SCHIP funds during fiscal year 2018. (4) As of April 3, 2016, the World Health Or- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- (7) SCHIP should be preserved to assist the ganization reported nearly 29,000 cases of the lowing: Nation’s vulnerable children. Ebola virus worldwide, including 4 instances (1) According to the Centers for Disease (b) POLICY ON THE STATE CHILDREN’S in the U.S. Control and Prevention (CDC), 91 Americans HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM.—It is the pol- (5) As of July 12, 2017, the Centers for Dis- die each day from an opioid overdose. icy of this concurrent resolution that— ease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports (2) Nearly half of all opioid overdose deaths (1) the House should work in a bipartisan that the current Zika epidemic resulted in involve a prescription opioid. manner to reauthorize SCHIP funding; over 5,000 cases of the Zika virus within the (3) Since 1999, the number of prescription (2) the authorizing committees should con- United States, with nearly 37,000 more cases opioids sold in the U.S. has nearly quad- sider establishing a Federal upper limit for reported in U.S. territories. rupled. SCHIP eligibility, rather than providing (6) Preventing the spread of disease to (4) Since 1999, the number of deaths from open-ended access to the program for those Americans requires halting threats before prescription opioids has more than quad- at higher income levels; they breach the U.S. border. rupled. (3) the House should target resources des- (7) The United States is a leader in global (5) The CDC asserts that improving opioid ignated for SCHIP toward those most in need public health assistance and orchestrates prescribing practices will reduce exposure to of Federal assistance; and international responses to health crises. opioids, prevent abuse, and stop addiction. (4) the House should require greater report- (b) POLICY ON PUBLIC HEALTH PREPARED- (6) The CDC has found that individuals in ing by States of SCHIP data in order to bet- NESS.—It is the policy of this concurrent res- rural counties are almost twice as likely to ter structure the program to meet bene- olution that— overdose on prescription painkillers as those ficiaries’ needs. (1) the House should continue to fund ac- in urban areas. SEC. 514. POLICY STATEMENT ON MEDICAL DIS- tivities of the CDC, the National Institutes (7) According to the CDC, nearly 7,000 peo- COVERY, DEVELOPMENT, DELIVERY, of Health, and the Biomedical Advanced Re- ple are treated in emergency rooms every AND INNOVATION. search and Development Authority to de- day for using opioids in a non-approved man- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- velop and stockpile medical counter- ner. lowing: measures to infectious diseases and chem- (8) The 21st Century Cures Act and the (1) The Nation’s commitment to the dis- ical, biological, radiological, and nuclear Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act covery, development, and delivery of new agents; were signed into law in the 114th Congress in treatments and cures has made the United (2) the House should, within available an overwhelming display of congressional States the biomedical innovation capital of budgetary resources, provide continued sup- and executive branch support in the fight the world for decades. port for research, prevention, and public against the opioid epidemic. (2) The history of scientific discovery and health preparedness programs; (9) Bipartisan efforts to eliminate opioid medical breakthroughs in the United States (3) the Federal Government should encour- abuse and provide relief from addiction for is extensive, including the creation of the age private-sector development of critical all Americans should continue. polio vaccine, the first genetic mapping, and vaccines and other medical countermeasures (b) POLICY ON OPIOID ABUSE.—It is the pol- the invention of the implantable cardiac to emerging public health threats; and icy of this concurrent resolution that— pacemaker. (4) the Secretary of Health and Human (1) combating opioid abuse using available (3) Reuters ranks the United States Health Services, the Secretary of Defense, and the budgetary resources remains a high priority; and Human Services Laboratories as first in Secretary of State should collaborate on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7815 global health preparedness initiatives to pre- and a positive annual balance in the 75th onstrates that work requirements have led vent overlap and promote responsible stew- year, and any recommendations provided to to greater employment, higher incomes, and ardship of taxpayer resources. the President must be agreed upon by both less poverty. SEC. 516. POLICY STATEMENT ON SOCIAL SECU- Public Trustees of the Board of Trustees; (8) The State of Maine implemented work RITY. (2) not later than December 1 of the same requirements in 2014, and saw incomes rise (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- calendar year in which the Board of Trustees for able-bodied welfare recipients by an aver- lowing: submit its recommendations, the President age of 114 percent within a year. (1) More than 60 million retirees, individ- should promptly submit implementing legis- (9) Work is a valuable source of human dig- uals with disabilities, and survivors depend lation to both Houses of Congress including nity, and work requirements help lift Ameri- on Social Security. Since enactment, Social recommendations necessary to achieve a cans out of poverty by incentivizing self-reli- Security has served as a vital leg of the positive 75-year actuarial balance and a posi- ance. ‘‘three-legged stool’’ of retirement security, tive annual balance in the 75th year, and the (b) POLICY ON MEDICAID WORK REQUIRE- which includes employer provided pensions majority leader of the Senate and the major- MENTS.—It is the policy of this concurrent as well as personal savings. ity leader of the House should introduce the resolution that— (2) Lower-income Americans rely on Social President’s legislation upon receipt; (1) Congress should enact legislation that Security for a larger proportion of their re- (3) within 60 days of the President submit- encourages able-bodied, non-elderly, non- tirement income. Therefore, reforms should ting legislation, the committees of jurisdic- pregnant adults without dependents to work, take into consideration the need to protect tion should report a bill, which the House or actively seek work, participate in a job- lower income Americans’ retirement secu- Senate should consider under expedited pro- training program, or do community service, rity. cedures; and in order to receive Medicaid; (3) The Social Security Trustees Report (4) legislation submitted by the President (2) Medicaid work requirements legislation has repeatedly recommended that Social Se- should— could include 30 hours per week of work, of curity’s long-term financial challenges be (A) protect those in or near retirement; which 20 of those hours should be spent in addressed soon. The financial condition of (B) preserve the safety net for those who the core activities of: public or private sec- Social Security and the threat to seniors and count on Social Security the most, including tor employment, work experience, on-the-job those receiving Social Security disability those with disabilities and survivors; training, job-search or job-readiness assist- benefits becomes more pronounced each year (C) improve fairness for participants; ance program participation, community without reform. For example— (D) reduce the burden on and provide cer- service, or vocational training and edu- (A) in 2028, the Disability Insurance Trust tainty for future generations; and cation; Fund will be exhausted and program reve- (E) secure the future of the Disability In- (3) States should be given flexibility to de- nues will be unable to pay scheduled bene- surance program while addressing the needs termine the parameters of qualifying pro- fits; and of those with disabilities today and improv- gram participation and work-equivalent ex- (B) with the exhaustion of both the Dis- ing the determination process. perience; ability Insurance Trust Fund and the Old- (c) POLICY ON DISABILITY INSURANCE.—It is (4) States should perform regular case Age and Survivors and Disability Trust Fund the policy of this concurrent resolution that checks to ensure taxpayer dollars are appro- in 2035, benefits will be cut by as much as 25 the House should consider legislation on a priately spent; and percent across the board, devastating those bipartisan basis to reform the Disability In- (5) the Government Accountability Office currently in or near retirement and those surance program prior to its insolvency in or the Department of Health and Human who rely on Social Security the most. 2028 and should not raid the Social Security Services Inspector General should conduct (4) The recession and continued low eco- retirement system without reforms to the annual audits of State Medicaid programs to nomic growth have exacerbated the looming Disability Insurance system. This concur- ensure proper reporting and prevent waste, fiscal crisis facing Social Security. The most rent resolution assumes reform that— fraud, and abuse. recent Congressional Budget Office (CBO) (1) promotes opportunity for those trying SEC. 518. POLICY STATEMENT ON WELFARE RE- projections find that Social Security will run to return to work; FORM AND SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRI- cash deficits of more than $1.3 trillion over (2) ensures benefits continue to be paid to TION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WORK the next 10 years. individuals with disabilities and their family REQUIREMENTS. (5) The Disability Insurance program pro- members who rely on them; (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- vides an essential income safety net for (3) prevents a 7 percent across-the-board lowing: those with disabilities and their families. benefit cut; and (1) Participation in the Supplemental Nu- According to CBO, between 1970 and 2015 the (4) improves the Disability Insurance pro- trition Assistance Program (SNAP) has number of disabled workers and their de- gram. grown from 17 million Americans in 2001 to pendent family members receiving disability (d) POLICY ON SOCIAL SECURITY SOLVENCY.— 44 million in 2016. benefits has increased by more than 300 per- It is the policy of this concurrent resolution (2) The work support role of SNAP has de- cent from 2.7 million to over 10.9 million. that any legislation the House considers to clined, and the program increasingly serves This increase is not due strictly to popu- improve the solvency of the Disability Insur- as a replacement to work. lation growth or decreases in health. CBO ance Trust Fund must also improve the long- (3) Work requirements were key to the suc- also attributes program growth to changes term solvency of the combined Old Age and cess of the Personal Responsibility and Work in demographics and the composition of the Survivors Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Opportunity Act (Public Law 104–193), which labor force as well as Federal policies. SEC. 517. POLICY STATEMENT ON MEDICAID led to a two-thirds reduction in welfare case- (6) In the past, Social Security has been re- WORK REQUIREMENTS. loads, a reduction in child poverty, and an formed on a bipartisan basis, most notably (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- increase in work participation. The success- by the ‘‘Greenspan Commission’’, which lowing: ful 1996 welfare reform law provides a model helped address Social Security shortfalls for (1) Medicaid is a Federal-State program for improving work requirements in other more than a generation. that provides health care coverage for im- anti-poverty programs. (7) Americans deserve action by the Presi- poverished Americans. (b) POLICY ON WELFARE REFORM AND SNAP dent and Congress to preserve and strength- (2) Medicaid serves four major population WORK REQUIREMENTS.—It is the policy of this en Social Security to ensure that Social Se- categories: the elderly, the blind and dis- concurrent resolution that— curity remains a critical part of the safety abled, children, and adults. (1) the welfare system should reward work, net. (3) The Congressional Budget Office provide tools to escape poverty, and expect (b) POLICY ON SOCIAL SECURITY.—It is the projects the average monthly enrollment in work-capable adults to work or prepare for policy of this concurrent resolution that the Medicaid for fiscal year 2018 to be 78 million work in exchange for welfare benefits; and House should work in a bipartisan manner to people. (2) SNAP should be reformed to improve make Social Security solvent on a sustain- (4) Of this 78 million people, 27 million – work requirements to help more people es- able basis. This concurrent resolution as- more than one third of the enrollees – are cape poverty and move up the economic lad- sumes, under a reform trigger, that— non-elderly, non-disabled adults. der. (1) if in any year the Board of Trustees of (5) Medicaid continues to grow at an SEC. 519. POLICY STATEMENT ON STATE FLEXI- the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance unsustainable rate, and will cost approxi- BILITY IN SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRI- Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insur- mately one trillion dollars per year within TION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. ance Trust Fund annual Trustees Report de- the decade, between Federal and State (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- termines that the 75-year actuarial balance spending. lowing: of the Social Security Trust Funds is in def- (6) Congress has a responsibility to pre- (1) Spending on Supplemental Nutrition icit, and the annual balance of the Social Se- serve limited Medicaid resources for Amer- Assistance Program (SNAP) has almost curity Trust Funds in the 75th year is in def- ica’s most vulnerable – those who cannot quadrupled since 2001. icit, the Board of Trustees should, no later provide for themselves. (2) Various factors are driving this growth, than September 30 of the same calendar (7) Forbes reported last year on a first-of- but one major reason is that while States year, submit to the President recommenda- its-kind study conducted by the Foundation have the responsibility of administering the tions for statutory reforms necessary to for Government Accountability. It analyzed program, they have little incentive to ensure achieve a positive 75-year actuarial balance data from the State of Kansas, which dem- it is well run.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 (3) In 1996, a Republican Congress and a SEC. 521. POLICY STATEMENT ON SUPPLE- SEC. 523. POLICY STATEMENT ON MOVING THE Democratic President reformed welfare by MENTAL WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE limiting the duration of benefits, giving FUNDING. ON BUDGET. (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- States more control over the program, and (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- lowing: helping recipients find work. In the 5 years lowing: (1) The President’s Commission on Budget following passage, child-poverty rates fell, (1) In 1995, fire activities made up 16 per- Concepts recommends that the budget welfare caseloads fell, and workers’ wages in- cent of the United States Forest Service’s should, as a general rule, be comprehensive creased. This bipartisan success offers a (USFS) annual appropriated budget. Since of the full range of Federal activity. model for improving other anti-poverty pro- 2015, more than 50 percent has now been dedi- (2) The Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1989 grams. cated to wildfire. (Public Law 101–239) moved the United (b) POLICY ON STATE FLEXIBILITY IN (2) Wildland fire suppression activities are States Postal Service (USPS) off budget and SNAP.—It is the policy of this concurrent currently funded entirely within the USFS exempted it from sequestration. resolution that SNAP should be reformed to budget, based on a 10-year rolling average. (3) The USPS has a direct effect on the fis- reduce poverty and increase opportunity and Using this model, the agency must average cal posture of the Federal Government, upward mobility for struggling Americans on firefighting costs from the past 10 years to through— the road to personal and financial independ- predict and request costs for the next year. (A) the receipt of direct appropriations of ence. Based on the successful welfare re- When the average was stable, the agency was $35 million in fiscal year 2017; forms of the 1990s, these proposals would im- able to use this model to budget consistently (B) congressional mandates such as re- prove work requirements and provide flexi- for the annual costs associated with wildland quirements for mail delivery service sched- ble funding for States to help those most in fire suppression. ules; need find gainful employment, escape pov- (3) Over the last few decades, wildland fire (C) incurring $15 billion in debt from the erty, and move up the economic ladder. suppression costs have increased as fire sea- Treasury, the maximum permitted by law; sons have grown longer and the frequency, SEC. 520. POLICY STATEMENT ON HIGHER EDU- (D) continued operating deficits since 2007; CATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOP- size, and severity of wildland fires has in- (E) defaulting on its statutory obligation MENT OPPORTUNITY. creased. to prefund health care benefits for future re- (a) FINDINGS ON HIGHER EDUCATION.—The (4) The six worst fire seasons since 1960 tirees; and House finds the following: have all occurred since 2000. Since 2000, many (F) carrying $119 billion in total unfunded (1) A well-educated, high-skilled workforce western states have experienced the largest liabilities with no foreseeable pathway of is critical to economic, job, and wage wildfires in their State’s history. In 2016 funding these liabilities under current law. growth. alone, there were a recorded 67,595 fires and (b) POLICY ON MOVING THE USPS ON BUDG- (2) Average published tuition and fees have a total of over 5.5 million acres burned. The ET.—It is the policy of this concurrent reso- increased consistently above the rate of in- suppression costs to USFS and other Federal lution that all receipts and disbursements of flation across all types of colleges and uni- agencies for 2016 totaled over $1.9 billion dol- the USPS should be included in the congres- versities. lars. sional budget and the budget of the Federal (3) With an outstanding student loan port- (5) As wildfire costs continue to increase, Government. folio of $1.3 trillion, the Federal Government funding levels for USFS wildfire suppression SEC. 524. POLICY STATEMENT ON THE JUDG- is the largest education lender to under- activities will also continue to constrict MENT FUND. graduate and graduate students, parents, and funding levels for other necessary USFS for- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- other guarantors. est management activities focused on land lowing: (4) Students who do not complete their col- management and wildfire prevention. (1) The Judgment Fund (Fund), established lege degree are at a greater risk of defaulting (b) POLICY ON SUPPLEMENTAL WILDFIRE in 1956, was created to pay judgments and on their loans than those who complete their SUPPRESSION FUNDING.—It is the policy of settlements of lawsuits against the Federal degree. this concurrent resolution that Congress, in Government. (5) Participation in Federal income-driven coordination with the Administration, (2) As a result of the Fund’s design, it is repayment plans is rising, in terms of the should develop both a long-term funding ripe for executive branch exploitation. The percent of both borrowers and loan dollars, mechanism that would allow supplemental Obama Administration used the Fund to according to the Government Accountability wildfire suppression funding and reforms on make billions of dollars in payments to Fed- Office. Because these plans offer loan bal- eral agencies and foreign entities. For exam- ance forgiveness after a repayment period, reducing hazardous fuel loads on Federal for- ests and lands that could decrease wildfires. ple— this increased use portends higher projected (A) on January 17, 2016, the State Depart- costs to taxpayers. SEC. 522. POLICY STATEMENT ON THE DEPART- ment announced the Federal Government (b) POLICY ON HIGHER EDUCATION.—It is the MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. agreed to pay the Iranian government $1.7 policy of this concurrent resolution to pro- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- billion to settle a case related to the sale of mote college affordability, access, and suc- lowing: military equipment prior to the Iranian rev- cess by— (1) For years there have been serious con- olution, of which $1.3 billion was sourced (1) reserving Federal financial aid for those cerns regarding the Department of Veterans through the Fund, without prior congres- most in need and streamlining grant and Affairs’ (VA) bureaucratic mismanagement sional notification; the Obama Administra- loan aid programs to help students and fami- and continuous failure to provide veterans tion’s use of the Fund to make this and other lies more easily assess their options for fi- timely access to health care. payments raises serious concerns by nancing postsecondary education; and (2) Since 2003, VA disability compensation sidestepping Congress; and (2) removing regulatory barriers to reduce and health care have been added to the Gov- (B) in 2016, the Department of Health and costs, increase access, and allow for innova- ernment Accountability Office’s (GAO) Human Services announced its intentions to tive teaching models. ‘‘high-risk’’ list, due to mismanagement and use the Fund for settlements with health in- (c) FINDINGS ON WORKFORCE DEVELOP- oversight failures, lack of a ‘‘unified vision, surers who sued the Federal Government MENT.—The House finds the following: strategy, or set of goals to guide their out- over the loss of funds for risk corridors under (1) 7.5 million Americans are currently un- comes,’’ and the inability to ensure allocated the Patient Protection and Affordable Care employed. resources are used in a cost-effective and ef- Act. (2) Despite billions of dollars in spending, ficient way to improve veterans’ health care (3) Failing to address the lack of oversight those looking for work are stymied by a bro- access. over the Fund annually costs taxpayers bil- ken workforce development system that fails (3) The VA’s failure to provide timely and lions of dollars, as payments exceeded $4.6 to connect workers with assistance and em- accessible health care to America’s veterans billion in 2016 and more than $26 billion in ployers with skilled personnel. is unacceptable. While Congress has done its the preceding 10 year period. (3) The House Committee on Education and OLICY ON JUDGMENT FUND.—It is the part for more than a decade by providing suf- (b) P the Workforce successfully consolidated 15 policy of this concurrent resolution that the ficient funding for the VA, the agency has workforce development programs when Con- House should consider legislation that re- mismanaged these resources, resulting in gress enacted the Workforce Innovation and claims Congress’s power of the purse over proven adverse effects on veterans and their Opportunity Act in 2014. the Fund. Such legislation should— families. (d) POLICY ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT.— (1) prohibit interest payments paid from It is the policy of this concurrent resolution (b) POLICY ON THE DEPARTMENT OF VET- the Fund for accounts or assets frozen by the to build on the success of the Workforce In- ERANS AFFAIRS.—It is the policy of this con- Federal Government and listed on— novation and Opportunity Act by— current resolution that the House should re- (A) the Sanctions Programs list of the Of- (1) further streamlining and consolidating quire the VA to conduct an audit of its pro- fice of Foreign Asset Control of the Depart- Federal workforce development programs; grams named on GAO’s ‘‘high-risk’’ list and ment of Treasury; or and report its findings to the Committee on Ap- (B) Sponsors of Terrorism list of the De- (2) empowering States with the flexibility propriations, the Committee on the Budget, partment of State; to tailor funding and programs to the spe- and the Committee on Veterans Affairs of (2) amend sections 2414 and 1304 of titles 28 cific needs of their workforce. the House of Representatives. and 31, United States Code, respectively, to—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7817 (A) provide a clear definition and expla- nomic growth and job creation. The United Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I rise as nation of a ‘‘foreign court or tribunal’’; and States tax rate differential fosters a variety the designee of the gentleman from (B) require congressional notification of complicated multinational corporate prac- Wisconsin (Mr. POCAN) to offer the Con- whenever the Fund makes a settlement or tices intended to avoid the tax, which have gressional Progressive Caucus budget court ordered lump sum or aggregated pay- the effect of moving the tax base offshore, ment exceeding $500 million; and destroying American jobs, and decreasing amendment. (3) require legislative action to approve corporate revenue. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will payments from the Fund in excess of a speci- (6) The ‘‘world-wide’’ structure of United designate the amendment. fied threshold, increase transparency, and re- States international taxation essentially The text of the amendment in the na- quire Federal agencies to reimburse the taxes earnings of United States firms twice, ture of a substitute is as follows: Fund over a fixed time period. putting them at a significant competitive Strike all after the resolving clause and in- SEC. 525. POLICY STATEMENT ON RESPONSIBLE disadvantage with competitors that have sert the following: STEWARDSHIP OF TAXPAYER DOL- more competitive international tax systems. LARS. SECTION 1. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE (7) Reforming the tax code would boost the BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018. (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds that signifi- competitiveness of United States companies (a) DECLARATION.—Congress declares that cant savings were achieved by the House by operating abroad and significantly reduce consolidating operations and renegotiating this concurrent resolution is the concurrent tax avoidance. resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 contracts. (8) The tax code imposes costs on American (b) POLICY ON RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP and sets forth the appropriate budgetary lev- workers through lower wages, consumers in OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS.—It is the policy of els for fiscal years 2017 and 2019 through 2027. higher prices, and investors in diminished re- this concurrent resolution that— (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- (1) the House should be a model for the re- turns. tents for this concurrent resolution is as fol- sponsible stewardship of taxpayer resources, (9) Increasing taxes to raise revenue and lows: and identify any savings that can be meet out-of-control spending would sink the Sec. 1. Concurrent resolution on the budg- achieved through greater productivity and economy and Americans’ ability to save for et for fiscal year 2018. efficiency gains in the operation and mainte- their children’s education and retirement. (10) Closing special preference carve outs TITLE I—RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND nance of House services and resources, in- AMOUNTS cluding printing, conferences, utilities, tele- in our tax code to finance higher spending communications, furniture, grounds mainte- does not constitute fundamental tax reform. Sec. 101. Recommended levels and nance, postage, and rent; (11) Tax reform should curb or eliminate amounts. (2) the House should review policies and tax breaks and use those savings to lower tax Sec. 102. Major functional categories. procedures for the acquisition of goods and rates across the board, not to fund more TITLE II—ESTIMATES OF DIRECT services to eliminate unnecessary spending; wasteful Federal Government spending. SPENDING (3) the Committee on House Administra- Washington has a spending problem, not a Sec. 1. Direct spending. tion should review the policies pertaining to revenue problem. (12) Many economists believe that funda- TITLE III—MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET services provided to Members and commit- ENFORCEMENT tees of the House, and identify ways to re- mental tax reform, including a broader tax duce any subsidies paid for the operation of base and lower tax rates, would lead to Sec. 301. Point of order against advance the House gym, barber shop, salon, and the greater labor supply and increased invest- Appropriations. House dining room; ment, which would have a positive impact on Sec. 302. Point of order against funding for (4) no taxpayer funds should be used to total national output. certain immigration enforcement ef- purchase first class airfare or to lease cor- (b) POLICY ON TAX REFORM.—It is the pol- forts. porate jets for Members of Congress; and icy of this concurrent resolution that the TITLE I—RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND (5) retirement benefits for Members of Con- House should consider comprehensive tax re- AMOUNTS gress should not include free, taxpayer-fund- form legislation that promotes economic growth, creates American jobs, increases SEC. 101. RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND ed health care for life. AMOUNTS. wages, and benefits American consumers, in- SEC. 526. POLICY STATEMENT ON TAX REFORM. vestors, and workers by— The following budgetary levels are appro- (a) FINDINGS.—The House finds the fol- (1) simplifying the tax code to make it priate for each of fiscal years 2017 through lowing: fairer to American families and businesses 2027: (1) A world-class tax system should be sim- and reducing the amount of time and re- (1) FEDERAL REVENUES.—For purposes of ple, fair, and promote (rather than impede) sources necessary to comply with tax laws; the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- economic growth. The United States tax (2) substantially lowering tax rates for in- tion: code fails on all 3 counts: it is complex, un- dividuals and consolidating the current (A) The recommended levels of Federal fair, and inefficient. The tax code’s com- seven individual income tax brackets into revenues are as follows: plexity distorts decisions to work, save, and fewer brackets; Fiscal year 2017: $2,566,010,000,000. invest, which leads to slower economic (3) repealing the Alternative Minimum Fiscal year 2018: $3,231,053,000,000. growth, lower wages, and less job creation. Fiscal year 2019: $3,754,112,000,000. Tax; (2) Standard economic theory holds that Fiscal year 2020: $3,852,015,000,000. (4) reducing the corporate tax rate; and high marginal tax rates lessen the incentives Fiscal year 2021: $4,011,871,000,000. (5) transitioning the tax code to a more to work, save, and invest, which reduces eco- Fiscal year 2022: $4,197,338,000,000. competitive system of international tax- nomic output and job creation. Lower eco- Fiscal year 2023: $4,295,865,000,000. ation. nomic output, in turn, mutes the intended Fiscal year 2024: $4,405,818,000,000. revenue gain from higher marginal tax rates. The Acting CHAIR. No amendment Fiscal year 2025: $4,617,110,000,000. (3) Roughly half of United States active shall be in order except those printed Fiscal year 2026: $4,840,032,000,000. business income and half of private sector in House Report 115–339. Fiscal year 2027: $5,069,484,000,000. employment are derived from business enti- Each amendment may be offered only (B) The amounts by which the aggregate ties (such as partnerships, S corporations, in the order printed in the report, may levels of Federal revenues should be changed and sole proprietorships) that are taxed on a be offered only by a Member designated are as follows: ‘‘pass-through’’ basis, meaning the income is in the report, shall be considered as Fiscal year 2017: $0. taxed at individual rates rather than cor- read, and shall be debatable for the Fiscal year 2018: $497,484,000,000. porate rates. Small businesses, in particular, time specified in the report equally di- Fiscal year 2019: $920,604,000,000. tend to choose this form for Federal tax pur- Fiscal year 2020: $901,439,000,000. poses, and the highest Federal rate on such vided and controlled by the proponent Fiscal year 2021: $951,960,000,000. small business income can reach nearly 45 and an opponent. Fiscal year 2022: $1,014,422,000,000. percent. For these reasons, sound economic After conclusion of consideration of Fiscal year 2023: $977,949,000,000. policy requires lowering marginal rates on the concurrent resolution for amend- Fiscal year 2024: $943,390,000,000. these pass-through entities. ment, there shall be a final period of Fiscal year 2025: $994,932,000,000. (4) The top United States corporate income general debate which shall not exceed Fiscal year 2026: $1,050,654,000,000. tax rate (including Federal, State, and local 10 minutes, equally divided and con- Fiscal year 2027: $1,111,097,000,000. taxes) is slightly more than 39 percent, the trolled by the chair and ranking minor- (2) NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY.—For purposes highest rate in the industrialized world. Tax ity member of the Committee on the of the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- rates this high suppress wages, discourage Budget. tion, the appropriate levels of total new investment and job creation, distort business budget authority are as follows: activity, and put American businesses at a AMENDMENT NO. 1 IN THE NATURE OF A Fiscal year 2017: $3,558,164,000,000. competitive disadvantage with foreign com- SUBSTITUTE OFFERED BY MR. GRIJALVA Fiscal year 2018: $3,809,501,000,000. petitors. The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order Fiscal year 2019: $3,889,380,000,000. (5) By deterring potential investment, the to consider amendment No. 1 printed in Fiscal year 2020: $4,085,946,000,000. United States corporate tax restrains eco- House Report 115–339. Fiscal year 2021: $4,242,299,000,000.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.028 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7818 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Fiscal year 2022: $4,524,849,000,000. (B) Outlays, $611,949,000,000. (B) Outlays, $3,017,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $4,667,232,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2024: $4,840,870,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $637,690,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $57,581,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: $5,123,649,000,000. (B) Outlays, $620,850,000,000. (B) Outlays, $54,382,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: $5,359,292,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2027: $5,604,559,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $655,897,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $59,900,000,000. (3) BUDGET OUTLAYS.—For purposes of the (B) Outlays, $632,247,000,000. (B) Outlays, $56,610,000,000. enforcement of this concurrent resolution, Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2020: the appropriate levels of total budget out- (A) New budget authority, $670,145,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $61,645,000,000. lays are as follows: (B) Outlays, $651,864,000,000. (B) Outlays, $58,813,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: $3,411,968,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2018: $3,801,027,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $680,394,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $63,511,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: $3,859,325,000,000. (B) Outlays, $663,759,000,000. (B) Outlays, $$60,658,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: $4,031,449,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2021: $4,190,238,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $690,786,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $65,073,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: $4,474,256,000,000. (B) Outlays, $674,679,000,000. (B) Outlays, $62,314,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $4,610,999,000,000. (2) International Affairs (150): Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2024: $4,770,214,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $64,918,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: $5,057,717,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $65,918,000,000. (B) Outlays, $62,631,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: $5,301,376,000,000. (B) Outlays, $50,533,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2027: $5,545,750,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $65,290,000,000. (4) DEFICITS (ON-BUDGET).—For purposes of (A) New budget authority, $55,508,000,000. (B) Outlays, $63,142,000,000. the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- (B) Outlays, $50,831,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: tion, the amounts of the deficits (on-budget) Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $66,119,000,000. are as follows: (A) New budget authority, $60,425,000,000. (B) Outlays, $64,100,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: -$845,569,000,000. (B) Outlays, $55,384,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2018: -$569,974,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $69,437,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: -$569,974,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $64,369,000,000. (B) Outlays, $67,375,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: -$179,434,000,000. (B) Outlays, $59,870,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2021: -$178,367,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $70,575,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: -$276,918,000,000. (A) New budget authority, 69,575,000,000. (B) Outlays, $68,547,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: -$315,134,000,000. (B) Outlays, $64,106,000,000. (5) Natural Resources and Environment Fiscal year 2024: -$364,396,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (300): Fiscal year 2025: -$440,607,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $73,547,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: Fiscal year 2026: -$461,344,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,255,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $40,851,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: -$476,266,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $41,010,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $76,986,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (5) DEBT SUBJECT TO LIMIT.—The appro- (B) Outlays, $73,094,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $122,495,000,000. priate levels of debt subject to limit are as Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $122,147,000,000. follows: (A) New budget authority, $80,697,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2017: $20,611,000,000. (B) Outlays, $76,618,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $125,237,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: $21,412,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $124,382,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: $21,584,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $84,476,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2020: $21,734,000,000. (B) Outlays, $80,127,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $128,313,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: $22,490,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $127,136,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: $22,950,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $88,702,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2023: $23,489,000,000. (B) Outlays, $83,952,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $69,915,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: $24,111,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $68,294,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: $24,809,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $92,835,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2026: $25,597,000,000. (B) Outlays, $87,887,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $72,613,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: $26,305,000,000. (3) General Science, Space, and Technology (B) Outlays, $70,715,000,000. (6) DEBT HELD BY THE PUBLIC.—The appro- (250): Fiscal year 2023: priate levels of debt held by the public are as Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $74,531,000,000. follows: (A) New budget authority, $31,562,000,000. (B) Outlays, $72,930,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: $15,093,000,000. (B) Outlays, $30,853,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2018: $15,752,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $76,400,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: $15,985,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $35,239,000,000. (B) Outlays, $74,852,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: $16,322,000,000. (B) Outlays, $33,151,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2021: $16,693,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $78,455,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: $17,202,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $37,743,000,000. (B) Outlays, $76,818,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $17,794,000,000. (B) Outlays, $35,678,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: $18,483,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $80,604,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: $19,300,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $39,747,000,000. (B) Outlays, $78,839,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: $20,195,000,000. (B) Outlays, $37,880,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2027: $21,166,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $82,820,000,000. SEC. 102. MAJOR FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES. (A) New budget authority, $42,204,000,000. (B) Outlays, $81,015,000,000. Congress determines and declares that the (B) Outlays, $40,117,000,000. (6) Agriculture (350): appropriate levels of new budget authority Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2017: and outlays for fiscal years 2017 through 2027 (A) New budget authority, $44,567,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $21,930,000,000. for each major functional category are: (B) Outlays, $42,522,000,000. (B) Outlays, $18,001,000,000. (1) National Defense (050): Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $46,123,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $24,023,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $620,810,000,000. (B) Outlays, $44,442,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,713,000,000. (B) Outlays, $597,390,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $47,766,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $19,735,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $570,786,000,000. (B) Outlays, $46,120,000,000. (B) Outlays, $18,240,000,000. (B) Outlays, $573,048,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $49,490,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $18,298,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $581,900,000,000. (B) Outlays, $47,818,000,000. (B) Outlays, $17,479,000,000. (B) Outlays, $575,522,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $51,349,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $19,431,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $594,087,000,000. (B) Outlays, $49,597,000,000. (B) Outlays, $18,832,000,000. (B) Outlays, $582,924,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $53,198,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $18,437,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $609,309,000,000. (B) Outlays, $51,390,000,000. (B) Outlays, $17,941,000,000. (B) Outlays, $594,652,000,000. (4) Energy (270): Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $18,610,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $623,521,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $5,003,000,000. (B) Outlays, $18,178,000,000.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.029 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7819 Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $852,005,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $19,068,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $32,802,000,000. (B) Outlays, $846,941,000,000. (B) Outlays, $18,514,000,000. (B) Outlays, $53,477,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $897,043,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $19,832,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $34,464,000,000. (B) Outlays, $891,673,000,000. (B) Outlays, $19,180,000,000. (B) Outlays, $41,662,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $943,870,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $20,105,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $36,469,000,000. (B) Outlays, $938,235,000,000. (B) Outlays, $19,475,000,000. (B) Outlays, $42,830,000,000. (12) Medicare (570): Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $19,938,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $38,390,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $598,691,000,000. (B) Outlays, $19,328,000,000. (B) Outlays, $38,016,000,000. (B) Outlays, $598,289,000,000. (7) Commerce and Housing Credit (370): Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $39,481,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $599,471,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$2,759,000,000. (B) Outlays, $38,242,000,000. (B) Outlays, $599,092,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$19,274,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $40,662,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $650,772,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $18,131,000,000. (B) Outlays, $39,177,000,000. (B) Outlays, $650,464,000,000. (B) Outlays, $3,689,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $41,888,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $676,942,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $21,724,000,000. (B) Outlays, $40,250,000,000. (B) Outlays, $676,705,000,000. (B) Outlays, $11,883,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $43,244,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $723,379,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $22,714,000,000. (B) Outlays, $41,353,000,000. (B) Outlays, $723,163,000,000. (B) Outlays, $13,516,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $44,235,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $817,925,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $22,953,000,000. (B) Outlays, $42,428,000,000. (B) Outlays, .$817,695,000,000 (B) Outlays, $12,786,000,000. (10) Education, Training, Employment, and Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2022: Social Services (500): (A) New budget authority, $840,589,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $26,781,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (B) Outlays, $840,371,000,000. (B) Outlays, $15,622,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $266,792,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $264,242,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $861,276,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $28,145,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $861,049,000,000. (B) Outlays, $16,679,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $298,769,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $295,251,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $963,021,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $29,608,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $962,774,000,000. (B) Outlays, $17,099,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $166,530,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $168,879,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,016,987,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $31,576,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $1,016,734,000,000. (B) Outlays, $17,836,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $176,656,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $172,182,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,091,254,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $32,416,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $1,091,006,000,000. (B) Outlays, $18,772,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $188,094,000,000. (13) Income Security (600): Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $182,789,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $33,478,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $522,238,000,000. (B) Outlays, $19,628,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $197,237,000,000. (B) Outlays, 512,949,000,000. (8) Transportation (400): (B) Outlays, $192,067,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2017: Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $574,926,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $92,730,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $204,174,000,000. (B) Outlays, $554,174,000,000. (B) Outlays, $94,107,000,000. (B) Outlays, $200,177,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $641,400,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $199,383,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $210,915,000,000. (B) Outlays, $624,323,000,000. (B) Outlays, $199,409,000,000. (B) Outlays, $207,028,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $691,701,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $201,464,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $216,669,000,000. (B) Outlays, $675,708,000,000. (B) Outlays, $200,565,000,000. (B) Outlays, $212,774,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $737,828,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $196,098,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $222,127,000,000. (B) Outlays, $721,824,000,000. (B) Outlays,$202,143,000,000 . (B) Outlays, $218,112,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $785,273,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $197,000,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $228,312,000,000. (B) Outlays, $775,704,000,000. (B) Outlays, $203,522,000,000. (B) Outlays, $224,320,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2022: (11) Health (550): (A) New budget authority, $819,551,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $197,935,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (B) Outlays, $807,162,000,000. (B) Outlays, $205,038,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $548,466,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $548,998,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $855,396,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $171,562,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $837,727,000,000. (B) Outlays, $179,442,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $578,564,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $585,289,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $904,334,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $172,521,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $887,787,000,000. (B) Outlays, $181,132,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $613,743,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $612,402,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $947,417,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $173,548,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $937,276,000,000. (B) Outlays, $183,231,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $659,060,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $646,374,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $995,029,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $174,584,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $984,004,000,000. (B) Outlays, $185,116,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $687,535,000,000. (14) Social Security (650): Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $683,765,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $175,633,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $36,132,000,000. (B) Outlays, $187,060,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $726,450,000,000. (B) Outlays, $36,155,000,000. (9) Community and Regional Development (B) Outlays, $721,843,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (450): Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $39,621,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (A) New budget authority, $765,397,000,000. (B) Outlays, $39,621,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $169,950,000,000. (B) Outlays, $761,755,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $100,381,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $43,402,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $807,017,000,000. (B) Outlays, $43,402,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $30,864,000,000. (B) Outlays, $802,573,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $79,569,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $46,861,000,000.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.029 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 (B) Outlays, $46,861,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $95,033,000,000. (B) Outlays, $3,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $93,445,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $50,700,000,000. (17) General Government (800): (A) New budget authority, -$1,215,000,000. (B) Outlays, $50,700,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (B) Outlays, -$1,084,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $25,587,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $54,722,000,000. (B) Outlays, $24,500,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $200,000,000. (B) Outlays, $54,722,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $291,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $27,332,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $59,082,000,000. (B) Outlays, $26,239,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$200,000,000. (B) Outlays, $59,082,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, -$168,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $28,023,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $64,228,000,000. (B) Outlays, $27,092,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,018,000,000. (B) Outlays,$64,228,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $971,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $28,670,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $69,774,000,000. (B) Outlays, $28,024,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,690,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,774,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $1,565,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $29,373,000,000. (20) Undistributed Offsetting Receipts (950): (A) New budget authority, $75,499,000,000. (B) Outlays, $28,752,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (B) Outlays, $75,499,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, -$83,167,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $30,095,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$83,167,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $81,931,000,000. (B) Outlays, $29,512,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $81,931,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, -$82,782,000,000. (15) Veterans Benefits and Services (700): (A) New budget authority, $30,804,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$82,782,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (B) Outlays, $30,231,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $175,596,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, -$85,754,000,000. (B) Outlays, $178,660,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $31,369,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$85,754,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $30,813,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $185,736,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, -$85,454,000,000. (B) Outlays, $183,609,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $32,195,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$85,454,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $31,559,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $204,230,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, -$87,183,000,000. (B) Outlays, $199,677,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $33,041,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$87,183,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $32,384,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $213,730,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, -$88,846,000,000. (B) Outlays, $209,577,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $33,873,000,000. (B) Outlays, -$88,846,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $33,207,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $223,712,000,000. (18) Net Interest (900): (A) New budget authority, -$89,285,000,000. (B) Outlays, $219,141,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: (B) Outlays, -$89,285,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $358,153,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $243,263,000,000. (B) Outlays, $358,153,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$92,809,000,000. (B) Outlays, $238,540,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, -$92,809,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $379,086,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $242,677,000,000. (B) Outlays, $379,086,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$101,023,000,000. (B) Outlays, $238,676,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, -$101,023,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $408,318,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $241,394,000,000. (B) Outlays, $408,318,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$98,551,000,000. (B) Outlays, $237,627,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, -$98,551,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $444,136,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $261,285,000,000. (B) Outlays, $444,136,000,000. (A) New budget authority, -$101,256,000,000. (B) Outlays, $257,403,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, -$101,256,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $482,207,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $271,033,000,000. (B) Outlays, $482,207,000,000. TITLE II—ESTIMATES OF DIRECT (B) Outlays, $266,912,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: SPENDING Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $518,277,000,000. SEC. 1. DIRECT SPENDING. (A) New budget authority, $281,497,000,000. (B) Outlays, $518,277,000,000. (a) MEANS-TESTED DIRECT SPENDING.— (B) Outlays, $277,377,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (1) For means-tested direct spending, the (16) Administration of Justice (750): (A) New budget authority, $554,698,000,000. average rate of growth in the total level of Fiscal year 2017: (B) Outlays, $554,698,000,000. outlays during the 10-year period preceding (A) New budget authority, $64,048,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: fiscal year 2018 is 6.8 percent. (B) Outlays, $57,167,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $588,258,000,000. (2) For means-tested direct spending, the Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $588,258,000,000. estimated average rate of growth in the total (A) New budget authority, $72,673,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: level of outlays during the 11-year period be- (B) Outlays, $64,686,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $621,248,000,000. ginning with fiscal year 2017 is 4.3 percent Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $621,248,000,000. under current law. (A) New budget authority, $66,260,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (3) The following reforms are proposed in (B) Outlays, $66,774,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $654,736,000,000. this concurrent resolution for means-tested Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $654,736,000,000. direct spending: (A) New budget authority, $69,134,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) The People’s Budget adopts former (B) Outlays, $70,886,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $682,812, 000,000. President Obama’s Earned Income Tax Cred- Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $682,937,000,000. it (EITC) to expand eligibility, including for (A) New budget authority, $72,276,000,000. (19) Allowances (920): childless workers. Continues enhanced cred- (B) Outlays, $75,047,000,000. Fiscal year 2017: its originally implemented under the Amer- Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, -$886,000,000. ican Recovery and Reinvestment Act to tar- (A) New budget authority, $74,994,000,000. (B) Outlays, $515,000,000. get those most in need. This includes extend- (B) Outlays, $76,549,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: ing the Child and Dependent Care Credit and Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $20,852,000,000. the American Opportunity Tax Credit (A) New budget authority, $77,448,000,000. (B) Outlays, $16,580,000,000. through 2027. (B) Outlays, $77,463,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) The People’s Budget includes former Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $9,233,000,000. President Obama’s proposal to boost the (A) New budget authority, $80,013,000,000. (B) Outlays, $9,714,000,000. Child Tax Credit maximum deduction to (B) Outlays, $78,824,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: $3,000. It makes key expansions permanent Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $1,552,000,000. to protect 50 million Americans who would (A) New budget authority, $82,656,000,000. (B) Outlays, $1,804,000,000. otherwise be at jeopardy for losing part or (B) Outlays, $81,269,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: all of their EITC and CTC. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, -$156,000,000. (C) The People’s Budget creates a debt free (A) New budget authority, $91,519,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,000,000. college that provides Federal matching pro- (B) Outlays, $90,803,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: gram to support state efforts to expand in- Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, -$223,000,000. vestment in higher education, bring down

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.029 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7821 costs for students, and increase aid to stu- benefits in high-unemployment states for up priates funds to implement Executive Order dents to help them cover the total cost of to two years. 13767, entitled ‘‘Border Security and Immi- college attendance without taking on debt. (B) The People’s Budget also adopts former gration Enforcement Improvements’’. The program would encourage innovation by President Obama’s reforms to improve Amend the title so as to read: ‘‘Concurrent states and colleges to improve efficiency and solvencies and incentivize job training. resolution setting forth the congressional enable speedy and less-costly degree comple- (C) The People’s Budget improves the Af- budget for the United States Government for tion. By treating higher education as a pub- fordable Care Act by repealing the excise tax fiscal year 2018 and including the appropriate lic good worth investing in, we can once on high-priced health plans. Proponents of budgetary levels for fiscal year 2017 and fis- again make higher education accessible to the provision hoped that this tax would slow cal years 2018-2027’’. all. the rate of growth of health costs, while rais- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to (D) The People’s Budget allows students to ing revenue. However, in an effort to avoid House Resolution 553, the gentleman refinance their student loans at low rates the tax, employers who traditionally offer and allows private borrowers to shift to more excellent benefits have started offering less from Arizona (Mr. GRIJALVA) and a affordable government loans. Allowing stu- generous plans. This is an ineffective tool to Member opposed each will control 15 dent borrowers to reduce the value of their bend the cost curve. Since the tax is at- minutes. debt will free up income for purchases and tached to premiums instead of coverage it The Chair recognizes the gentleman will create a job-creating ripple effect has the potential to hit plans it wasn’t in- from Arizona. throughout the entire economy. tended to impact. Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I yield (E) The People’s Budget restores cuts made (D) The People’s Budget establishes a rep- myself such time as I may consume. to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance resentative democracy that truly reflects Mr. Chair, I rise to offer this amend- Program (SNAP) and permanently adopts the diversity and values of our nation by ment to replace the reckless Repub- the enhanced levels established in the Amer- providing funding for the public financing of lican budget that is being considered ican Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The campaigns. This gives a voice to small do- vast majority of SNAP recipients are house- before this House. nors that have been drowned out by dark Instead of a doomsday budget that holds with children, seniors and individuals money. Public financing keeps politicians with disabilities, but recent cuts lowered av- accountable to the voters that elect them in- presents a future where everything is erage benefits by $216 in 2014. Providing fam- stead of to special interest money. In the era bleak and opportunity is nonexistent, ilies with basic food security through SNAP of the devastating Citizens United decision, the Progressive Caucus is offering a is one of the most effective ways the Federal big money has taken the reins of our elec- budget that can prove that the future Government can stimulate the economy. tion process. It is now more important than can be bright and prosperous. (F) The People’s Budget provides an addi- ever to provide candidates with effective al- The Republican budget sacrifices ev- tional $10.8 billion for child nutrition pro- ternatives to finance their campaigns. grams including program expansion and im- erything from public education to So- (E) The People’s Budget uses the Experi- cial Security to Medicare and Med- provements for summer meals; essential im- mental Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E) to provements and expansion funding for pre- icaid. It does this for one reason and calculate Cost of Living Adjustments one reason only: to give the wealthiest school nutrition including increases in meal (COLA) for Federal retirement programs reimbursements to fulfill the new meal pat- other than Social Security. Affected pro- few and the corporations more tax tern, an additional meal or snack for chil- grams include civil service retirement, mili- breaks and increase their standing and dren in long-term care, and expanded pro- tary retirement, Supplemental Security In- concentration of power and wealth in gram eligibility; and investments in school come, veteran’s pensions and compensations. this country more than it is already. meals and school kitchens. CPI-E is the most sensible and accurate It has been said over and over that (G) The People’s Budget replaces the 40 measure of the real costs that seniors face in percent excise tax with a public option to the budget that we are presenting we retirement, current underpricing of costs allow the Secretary of Health and Human feel does deal with the values of this amount to cutting benefits for those on fixed Services to offer a public insurance option country. It deals very directly with incomes. within the health insurance marketplaces. something that is important to this This ensures choice, competition, and sta- (G) The People’s Budget makes a down Nation, and that is the American peo- bility in coverage. The Congressional Budget payment of $1.9 trillion to help close the na- tion’s infrastructure deficit while protecting ple, the greatest resource that we have Office (CBO) estimates the premium costs for as a nation, and we see it day in and Americans under the public option will be 7 against climate change and creating millions of living wage jobs. The budget also helps day out. to 8 percent lower than costs in private ex- This budget invests in the American change plans. The repeal of the excise tax boost private financing for critical state and costs $132 billion while savings from the pub- local projects by creating a public-private people. It invests in jobs, it invests in lic option are $176 billion. infrastructure bank. The American Society solid education, and it invests in the (H) The People’s Budget continues funding of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates that the greater good. for the entire CHIP program until 2020. United States will need to invest upwards of This budget is not narrow, tilted to a (I) The People’s Budget protects States $2 trillion above current levels over the next few: the wealthiest and the corpora- programs by fully retaining maintenance of decade just to make required repairs to tions in this country. It deals with the roads, bridges, water, and energy systems. effort requirements and eliminating any totality of who the American people States ability to arbitrarily implement en- TITLE III—MISCELLANEOUS BUDGET are: those who are struggling and need ENFORCEMENT rollment caps. Without action, Federal fund- opportunity, those who are elderly and ing for CHIP will expire jeopardizing the SEC. 301. POINT OF ORDER AGAINST ADVANCE health care coverage of more than 10 million APPROPRIATIONS. need the continued support of this Na- children and pregnant women. (a) IN GENERAL.—In the House, except as tion through Medicare and Social Se- (J) The People’s Budget permits the Sec- provided in subsection (b), any bill, joint res- curity, those who are poor who need retary of Health and Human Services (HHS) olution, amendment or conference report Medicaid and a good education system to negotiate prescription drug prices with making a general appropriations or con- so their opportunity will be better in pharmaceutical manufacturers. Giving HHS tinuing appropriation may not provide for the future. the ability to negotiate prices, as the De- advance appropriations. Our budget speaks to the values of partment of Veterans Affairs currently does, (b) EXCEPTIONS.—Advance appropriations the American people. Our budget will save Medicare $429 billion and will re- may be provided for all programs adminis- speaks to the needs of the American duce costs for seniors. tered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. (b) NONMEANS-TESTED DIRECT SPENDING.— (c) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term people. Our budget speaks to a future (1) For nonmeans-tested direct spending, ‘‘advance appropriation’’ means any new dis- that returns the values, to the Amer- the average rate of growth in the total level cretionary budget authority provided in a ican people, of opportunity, of hope, of outlays during the 10-year period pre- bill or joint resolution making general ap- and of chance. ceding fiscal year 2018 is 4.8 percent. propriations or any new discretionary budget Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance (2) For nonmeans-tested direct spending, authority provided in a bill or joint resolu- of my time. the estimated average rate of growth in the tion making continuing appropriations for Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, I total level of outlays during the 11-year pe- fiscal year 2018 that first becomes available claim the time in opposition. riod beginning with fiscal year 2017 is 5.6 per- for any fiscal year after 2018. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman cent under current law. SEC. 302. POINT OF ORDER AGAINST FUNDING from California is recognized for 15 (3) The following reforms are proposed in FOR CERTAIN IMMIGRATION EN- this concurrent resolution for nonmeans- FORCEMENT EFFORTS. minutes. tested direct spending: It shall not be in order in the House of Rep- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, I (A) The People’s Budget allows those who resentatives or the Senate to consider any yield myself 3 minutes. have lost a job through no fault of their own bill or joint resolution, or amendment there- Mr. Chairman, even though I disagree to claim up to 99 weeks of unemployment to or conference report thereon, that appro- heartily with the budgets advanced by

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.029 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7822 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 the Progressive Caucus, they do us an expansions in our country’s history. It licans can’t wait to get started on their invaluable service in the budget debate truly felt like morning again in Amer- tax breaks for the wealthy. The Repub- by bringing into sharp relief the two ica. That is the Republican approach, lican tax plan should be called the very different visions of governance ad- and it works. Trump Family Tax Plan because it en- vanced by the two parties. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of riches the wealthy on the backs of the The Progressive budget is a sincere my time. middle class. and bold document. Unfortunately, it Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 The Progressive Caucus gets it right. is also wrong. It would hike taxes by minutes to the gentleman from Wis- Not one more penny in tax breaks for $10.1 trillion over the next 10 years rel- consin (Mr. POCAN), the co-chair of the corporations and the wealthiest Ameri- ative to the Republican budget. Congressional Progressive Caucus, and cans. The Progressive Caucus budget Now, think of every trillion dollars I thank Mr. POCAN and his office staff ensures that the top 1 percent pay their that we throw around here as $8,000 for the fine work and time that they fair share in taxes, we close corporate from an average family, because that is put into working on this budget that loopholes, and we expand the earned in- what it comes to. So $10.1 trillion in we are proposing today. come tax credit and the child tax cred- new taxes ultimately translates as Mr. POCAN. Mr. Chair, I would like it for working families. $81,000 from an average family over the to thank the gentleman from Arizona, We must reject the Trump Family next decade taken either as direct also, for his leadership within the cau- tax cut and invest in our roads and taxes or as tax-driven price increases cus. bridges, our schools, our healthcare, or as lower wages or as lower earnings I am proud to rise in support of the and our workers. Progressives are pro- as businesses pass on their burdens to Congressional Progressive Caucus’ posing bold policy solutions as clear al- consumers or employers or investors. budget alternative. This is a practical, ternatives to the cruel budget cuts Re- Remember, investors are largely your progressive vision for our country by publicans are proposing. 401(k) or your pension plan. providing solutions to counter the Re- The people’s budget is an investment It also runs up $2.6 trillion more in publican cuts to vital programs and tax in the American people, and I urge you debt than the Republican budget over breaks for the wealthy. to support the Progressive Caucus peo- the next 10 years. That means another Let me contrast the House GOP ple’s budget. $21,000 of debt added to that family’s budget with the Progressive Caucus Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, obligations that they will have to pay budget. my friend reminds me of a story when as future taxes just as surely as if it First, in healthcare, the Republican Ronald Reagan was pushing his tax re- appeared on their credit card state- budget embraces TrumpCare by incor- ductions a generation ago that pro- ment this month. And they have got to porating the House-passed American duced the biggest expansion in our Na- pay that back before they pay back Health Care Act, which cuts at least 20 tion’s history. He was approached one their credit card statement. The IRS million people from their care. This in- day by a working class fellow on a stop can get very insistent that they do. cludes up to $1 trillion in cuts to Med- that the President was making, and And don’t believe for a moment that icaid, threatening care for seniors in the man looks at him and says: Mr. only the rich will pay these taxes. It nursing homes, children, and strug- President, the Democrats say that you turns out that the so-called rich people gling families. It makes $500 billion in Republicans want to cut taxes on the aren’t rich and they aren’t even people. cuts to Medicare, ending the Medicare rich. Is that right? Many are struggling small businesses guarantee and shifting cost risk on to Reagan says: Well, that is what they filing under subchapter S, small busi- seniors. say. nesses that create two-thirds of the The Congressional Progressive Cau- And the man says: Well, you go jobs in our economy. cus budget defends and strengthens the ahead and do that, Mr. President, be- We are told: ‘‘Don’t worry. We are Affordable Care Act. It lowers prescrip- cause a poor person never gave me a using that money to create wealth and tion drug costs and expands access to job. jobs.’’ Well, the problem is government mental healthcare and addiction treat- Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to does not create jobs because it cannot ment. the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. create wealth. Government cannot in- We invest in workers. The GOP plan WOODALL). ject a dollar into the economy until it slashes investments in workers and b 1815 has first taken that dollar out of the programs to help more Americans get Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Chairman, I ap- same economy. back to work, programs like appren- preciate my friend from California for As Bastiat warned, we see the job ticeships and job training. And yet the yielding to me. As you know, Mr. that government creates when it puts people’s budget would create 2.4 mil- Chairman, he is not just down here as the dollar back in the economy. What lion jobs over its first 3 years and raise the ranking member on the House we don’t see as clearly is the job that wages for American workers. Budget Committee. He is also the lead- is lost when government first takes The Republican budget, their $5.4 er of the Republican Study Commit- that dollar out of the economy. We see trillion in spending cuts means less tee’s Budget and Spending Task Force. those lost jobs as stagnating wages and funding for roads and bridges and The leadership he has provided in all workers giving up and leaving the job schools. Our budget puts a $2 trillion those areas means a lot to the entire market, or as it is also known, the investment into strengthening our Na- institution. I am grateful to him for it. Obama economy. tion’s infrastructure. I also want to say I am grateful to Here is what government can do and The Republican budget drastically my friends in the Progressive Caucus. I what the Progressive and Democratic cuts Federal funding, which could un- disagree with their budget, and I plan budgets propose. It can transfer jobs dermine our ability to respond to disas- to vote against it. from the private sector to the public ters. The people’s budget provides $200 Mr. Chairman, how often do we come sector by taxing one and expanding the billion in emergency disaster funds to down here and folks want to complain other. It can transfer jobs from one rebuild communities devastated by about what is not going right, but they sector of the private market to another hurricanes. don’t want to do anything about it? by taxing one and subsidizing the The Republican budget guts our pub- To my friends’ credit in the Progres- other. That is precisely the difference lic education system with cuts that sive Caucus, they laid out a vision, and between Apple Computer and Solyndra. could devastate schools and further that is exactly what I came here to It is the difference between FedEx and disinvest in public universities. The Congress to be a part of. Let’s lay out the post office. It is the difference be- Progressive Caucus budget makes debt- our visions. Let’s have some votes. tween the Reagan recovery and the free college a reality and provides for Let’s count those votes and see where Obama recovery. the refinancing of student loans. It ex- we go from there. Reagan, like Coolidge and Kennedy pands access to pre-K education and As you know, Mr. Chairman, abso- before him, reduced the tax and regu- provides childcare for all families. lutely any group could offer a budget latory burdens on the economy and Let’s get real. The reason we are de- today, yet we only have four alter- produced one of the longest economic bating the budget this week: Repub- natives being considered. That tells

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.097 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7823 you something about how hard it is to If we have but one thing to agree on give tax cuts to the wealthiest. That is put your ideas forward. So I want to in this institution, let it be to agree to unacceptable. thank my friends on the Progressive pay for those things that we think are Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to Caucus for doing that. important. Whether it is wars or support this vision, this budget, and to I want to run through a couple of whether it is green energy, whether it invest in the people. things that their budget includes, Mr. is troops or whether it is Federal em- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, I Chairman. It includes a 4 percent pay ployees, let us agree that we should yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman increase for Federal workers across the pay for those things today with our from Alabama (Mr. PALMER), a former board. It includes $500 billion in green dollars, and the borrowing from our director of the State Policy Network. energy incentives. It imposes a carbon children and grandchildren should be Mr. PALMER. Mr. Chairman, I rise tax to deal with greenhouse gases. It ended forever. in opposition to the Progressive Cau- cuts $70 billion from the Defense De- Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, what cus’ budget. partment and, in fact, eliminates alto- the Progressive Caucus budget does, In his farewell address, President Ei- gether the spending on the global war and does very clearly, is that we end senhower said: ‘‘We cannot mortgage on terror. the special treatment for Wall Street the material assets of our grand- Mr. Chairman, these are all legiti- buddies of the majority of this Con- children without asking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. mate policy disagreements. gress. Their budget also increases revenues, Meanwhile, their budget has no prob- We want democracy to survive for all taxes, by $10 trillion, but spends so lem hitting low- and middle-income generations to come, not to become the much more on American priorities that families with their tax plan. Under insolvent phantom of tomorrow.’’ Instead of trying to put America on a we continue to end up with almost a $1 their plan, corporations get a $2 tril- sustainable financial path, the progres- trillion annual deficit in year 10. lion cut, $2.4 trillion, and the richest 1 sive budget seeks to mortgage even Mr. Chairman, this is the kind of de- percent will get a tax cut worth $130,000 more of our grandchildren’s and great bate that we have to have. I want to next year; and many middle class fami- grandchildren’s future, frankly, by understand the priorities of my friends. lies will have to pay more. spending over $57 trillion over the next I want to understand where they want Mr. Chair, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the 10 years. With the national debt sur- to see more investments. And then I gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. passing $20 trillion just last month, want to understand how it is we are JAYAPAL), a valued member of the Pro- now is the time to rein in reckless gov- going to balance this budget together. gressive Caucus. ernment spending, not explode it. Because what is lacking in this plan, Ms. JAYAPAL. I thank the gen- In addition to these spending in- Mr. Chairman, what frustrates me the tleman from Arizona for his tremen- creases, the Progressive Caucus is pro- most about the Progressive Caucus dous leadership as co-chair of the Pro- posing nearly $9 trillion in tax in- plan is not the investment in green en- gressive Caucus; and our other co- creases over the next decade. These ergy, it is not the investment in the chair, MARK POCAN, for his tremendous enormous tax increases do not come Federal workforce, it is not the invest- leadership. close to covering the cost of the irre- ment in healthcare; it is the fact that Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong sup- sponsible policies proposed. I want to they don’t believe we can do these port of the Congressional Progressive repeat that. Enormous tax increases things while raising taxes by $10 tril- Caucus budget, the People’s Budget. I that don’t come close to covering the lion on the American people and bal- agree with the gentleman from Georgia cost of what they have proposed. ance the budget at all. that there are two different visions As a result, the Progressive Caucus’ Mr. Chairman, if folks want to raise being presented here. Let’s be very budget raises the debt to over $27 tril- taxes in this institution—I think our clear about what those two different lion by 2027. In fact, by fiscal year 2027, problem is a spending problem. I don’t visions are. our deficits would be near $1 trillion. think it is a taxing problem, but I am The Republican budget says we Higher taxes and higher spending willing to have that discussion with should invest millions of dollars into would stifle the American economy and them to understand their point of view. tax cuts for millionaires, billionaires, put our debt on an expedited upward But the reason I will ask my col- and the largest corporations. trajectory. It is time for us to make leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this budget is Our budget, the Progressive Caucus tough decisions when it comes to this not because it raises taxes $10 trillion; budget, says we want to invest in peo- country’s budget. The decision to op- it is because it raises taxes $10 trillion, ple. We believe in working families pose the Progressive Caucus budget is yet continues to borrow from our chil- across this country who are working not one of those tough decisions. dren and our grandchildren in the form hard, want to have a decent life, and This budget also makes no effort to of annual debt and deficits. want to build a better future. I choose curb waste, fraud, and abuse. Instead, I think we can do better. But we can- investing in the people. That is what it would expand bureaucratic programs not do better without an honest discus- this budget does. It invests in edu- by trillions of dollars without pro- sion of the issues, Mr. Chairman. Say cation, in jobs, infrastructure, re- posing any oversight measures. For ex- what you want to about the budgets search, and science, and diplomacy. ample, it would spend $41 billion on you are going to see on the floor here, Let me just focus for a minute on ‘‘free college’’ promises, and $1 trillion these alternatives that we are going to education as the gateway to oppor- on childcare and universal pre-K. discuss. tunity. The People’s Budget commits Mr. Chairman, it reminds me of the There are a lot of talking heads on $1 trillion to help families afford shovel-ready programs that were part TV who just want to talk about it and childcare, provides universal access to of the Obama package just a few years don’t want to do anything about it. If pre-K, and upholds our Nation’s com- ago. We all had this expectation that you are looking for a ray of hope mitment to our public schools, which this money would go to rebuild our in- today, look at the Progressive Caucus, are the bedrocks of our communities frastructure, and it turns out just a lit- which I disagree with about almost ev- nationwide, through adequate funding tle over 3 percent of that money actu- erything as it comes to how to peg the and supporting educators with re- ally made it to infrastructure projects; numbers, but they put their vision for- sources that they need to reach every somewhere in the range of $30 billion ward tonight. They said: Let’s take a student. out of over $800 billion. stand tonight. It makes debt-free college a reality That is what I see in the progressive If we can work together across that by investing in college as a public budget. It continues the failed aisle, Mr. Chairman, there is abso- good. It creates apprenticeship oppor- ObamaCare experiment, and even goes lutely nothing that we cannot do on tunities for all of our districts across so far as to allow States to experiment behalf of the American people. the country—red and blue, urban and with socialized medicine. Vote ‘‘no’’ on this budget, but ap- rural. It continues to encourage able-bodied plaud the effort that has gone into it Our country’s success, Mr. Chairman, adults without children not to seek such that we can try to find common lies in that of our children and young work by providing them a government ground going forward. people, not in the Republican plan to paycheck.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.099 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 The Acting CHAIR. The time of the Caucus take some time talking to their I was proud to help draft the people’s gentleman has expired. people in the current military, talk budget, which invests $200 billion to en- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, I about the planes that can’t fly, talk sure that families in Texas, Louisiana, yield an additional 30 seconds to the about the shortage of parts, and ask: Puerto Rico, Florida, and the U.S. ter- gentleman from Alabama. How is it possible you could take this ritories have the immediate assistance Mr. PALMER. It increases the pres- much more money from the American they need right now. sure on Americans’ pocketbooks by in- people and still feel we have to have The people’s budget would also re- creasing the price at the pump and, significant cuts in our military budget? duce the deficit by $700 billion over the really, at every level. But then you look at what we have to It proposes Washington-centric solu- next 20 years by investing in human spend more on: a 4 percent raise for capital. We would do this while enact- tions to problems that the States are Federal workers. Look, we wish every- better equipped to determine, such as ing comprehensive immigration re- body had a raise, but, really, at a time form, protecting DREAMers, and end- the whole college issue. And it spends when we are approaching $20 trillion in $500 billion on green energy and im- ing funding for family detention cen- debt, is it a priority to give Federal ters. poses a carbon tax. workers a raise? Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues Mr. Chairman, we have a moral re- We put more and more people depend- sponsibility to spend taxpayer dollars to support the people’s budget and re- ent on government; a large expansion wisely, and the Progressive Caucus ject H. Con. Res. 71. Let’s stands with of the program providing free college fails to do this in its budget. I urge my the working class, the middle class, to people. At a time when, quite frank- colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this amend- and the immigrants in our country. ly, many people who already have col- ment. This is the right thing to do for our lege degrees can’t get jobs, we are ex- Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, the people and for our economy. Progressive Caucus budget invests in panding that program. And, of course, Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chair, I am the American people, invests in Amer- by making it free, people will respect it less. And not only will they respect it prepared to close when the gentleman ica, and still reduces the deficit by $4 from Arizona is finished, and I reserve trillion over 10 years. less, but by making it free, many peo- ple will go to college who perhaps oth- the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. erwise don’t feel it is for them. Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, may I TED LIEU), my friend and a member of They won’t make adjustments to the inquire as to the remaining time each the Progressive Caucus. food stamp program, which is a prob- side has. Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. lem. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman We greatly extend the time that you Chairman, I thank Representative GRI- from Arizona has 43⁄4 minutes remain- JALVA for his leadership. are on unemployment, and this is kind ing, and the gentleman from California Our Nation’s infrastructure is crum- of bizarre because it is a time when our has 2 minutes remaining. bling. The American Society of Civil employment is near historic lows. But Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 Engineers estimates we have a $4.6 tril- despite the fact that until now we minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- lion infrastructure deficit. That is why haven’t had such unemployment for a fornia (Ms. LEE), a leader in our caucus the People’s Budget wisely invests $2 long period of time, we want to extend and a leader here in Congress. trillion to fix our infrastructure. unemployment, thereby encouraging Not only will this budget help repair more people to stay on unemployment. Ms. LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I just want roads, highways, and bridges, but it b 1830 will also put broadband all over Amer- to thank the gentleman and Congress- ica, including rural areas, and create I would like to thank my friends man POCAN for their really great lead- millions of good-paying jobs, over 2.5 from the Congressional Progressive ership of the Congressional Progressive million in its first year. Caucus for allowing students to refi- Caucus and for crafting a budget which We are presenting this plan. We are nance their student loans, which shows creates economic growth, a decent asking for support. Donald Trump something or another that there is a standard of living for everyone, and a talks a big game on infrastructure, but heart there, a little bit anyway. I wish strong yet rational national security he has yet to put out a plan. So we I could get my own Conference to put budget. urge the President to support our plan. that in. But in any event, I urge rejec- Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong sup- If he doesn’t want to, then put out his tion of the Progressive budget. port of the Congressional Progressive Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, plan so we can have a discussion on Caucus’ people’s budget. Today, mil- Americans in this Congress do have a how to move forward on fixing our in- lions of Americans are struggling to choice. Our budget is a contrast to frastructure and creating high-paying make ends meet and millions more are what the Republicans are proposing. jobs for Americans. working hard trying to find a job. Pay- We can either cut Medicare to pay for Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, I checks for everyday Americans are 1 more tax breaks for millionaires and yield 2 ⁄2 minutes to the gentleman shrinking, while corporations are reap- billionaires as our Republican budget from Wisconsin (Mr. GROTHMAN), my ing record profits. Yet, instead of de- does, or we can close tax loopholes to friend and colleague. veloping a budget to create jobs and to protect essential programs that invest Mr. GROTHMAN. Mr. Chairman, I help American families, the House Re- in jobs. We chose investment. thank the gentleman for giving me an publicans ‘‘balance’’ their budget once Mr. Chair, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the opportunity to address the Progressive again on the backs of struggling fami- gentleman from New York (Mr. Caucus, their budget. I think the budg- lies. And for what? To protect tax cuts ESPAILLAT). et is unacceptable. It is something the for billionaires and millionaires and Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Chairman, a American people ought to pay atten- corporations. Again, this is totally dis- budget is a moral contract between tion to because the day may come in graceful. which a budget similar to the Progres- elected officials—the government—and sive Budget passes this floor. the people we were elected to rep- The CPC’s people’s budget stands in The first thing to look at is we are resent. That is why I am proud to rise stark contrast to the House Republican increasing maybe by an average of in support of the people’s budget, pre- budget. It creates 2 million good-pay- about a little under—well, around $1 sented by the Congressional Progres- ing jobs and invests $2 trillion in infra- trillion increase in taxes over the next sive Caucus. This budget serves as a structure. It includes a plan to lift 10 years. So you are taking a lot more Progressive alternative to the GPO’s more Americans out of poverty, and it money away from Americans. And de- cruel budget plan, a plan that invests in communities of color, like spite this huge increase in taxes, you prioritizes tax breaks for billionaires expanding computer science education. are looking at about a $70 billion cut in over the need to fund care for seniors It ends the Pentagon’s slush fund, defense. in nursing homes and children and known as the overseas contingency ac- I suggest that the public and the peo- struggling families in places like Puer- count, that for far too long has padded ple who are supporting the Progressive to Rico and the Virgin Islands. the pockets and the wallets of defense

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.100 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7825 contractors at the taxpayers’ expense. (3) Our budget takes bold action to fight sistance Program (SNAP) and permanently It also tackles waste, fraud, and abuse climate change and rebuild our local commu- adopts the enhanced levels established in the at the Pentagon by demanding audit nities recently devastated by hurricanes. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The People’s Budget requires polluters to It also provides an additional $10 billion for readiness. It is hard to believe that the pay for their reckless behavior while elimi- child nutrition programs and allows those Republican budget goes $10 billion over nating tax breaks that incentivize fossil fuel who have lost a job through no fault of their what the Pentagon even requested. energy over cleaner energy. It invests $200 own to claim up to 99 weeks of unemploy- Make no mistake, the people’s budget billion to ensure families in Texas, Lou- ment benefits for up to two years. does what the House Republican budget isiana, Puerto Rico, Florida and U.S. terri- (10) We make veterans a priority by in- does not. It works for the American tories have the immediate assistance they creasing funding for veterans supportive people, not special interests, nor de- need to begin the stable road to recovery. It housing to eliminate veterans homelessness also provides funding for climate change re- and expanding access to mental health care fense contractors, or the 1 percent. for all veteran and service members. Our Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to do search, mitigation and adaptation to protect those most at risk from future environ- budget also invests in job training opportu- what is best for all American families, mental disasters. nities for transitioning service members and and that is support the Congressional (4) The CPC budget delivers on the promise veterans. Progressive Caucus’ people’s budget. of child care for all and Pre-K for all. It en- Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, I sures that families will not have to pay more yield myself such time as I may con- yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman than 10 percent of their income for child sume. from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). care, whether that care is at home or at a In the debate on the Republican Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, child care center. Our budget also expands budget and how it contrasts with the let me thank the gentleman for his pre-k for children across the country. (5) We make debt free college a reality for Congressional Progressive Caucus leadership. It has been more than a all students by overhauling the student loan budget, we heard a lot about needing to pleasure to serve as the vice chair of system which currently leaves college stu- control mandatory spending, that that the Congressional Progressive Caucus dents saddled with unmanageable levels of was the real issue here, runaway man- for the number of years that we have debt. The People’s Budget creates a federal datory spending. had to put forward the people’s budget. matching program that supports state ef- Make no mistake, when my Repub- I simply want to say what a budget forts to expand investments in higher edu- lican colleagues talk about cutting is, Mr. Chairman. A budget is a road- cation, bring down costs for students, and in- mandatory spending, they mean they crease aid to students to help them cover the map for the American people. It is a want to cut Medicare and Social Secu- question of whether America cares total cost of college attendance without tak- ing on debt. rity to pay for the trillion-dollar tax about the most vulnerable and whether (6) The People’s Budget strengthens the Af- scam and creative numbers that are or not, in our caring, we are prepared fordable Care Act, while pushing towards a part of their budget for the wealthy to do deeds to insist upon their success. single payer system. It prioritizes reforms to and for the corporations in America. The Republican budget takes $2 tril- increase access, equity, and affordability. The other issue that we heard a lot lion and provides a big, wealthy tax cut Maintaining the positive reforms from the about is that, by making these major for the rich, and it creates, in essence, ACA are critical as Republicans attempt to cuts for the wealthiest and the rich, a deep hole in affordable care for gut the health care system and leave mil- that somehow their net gain and their healthcare. It does not provide justice lions of Americans stranded without access to critical insurance coverage. The People’s profit and their break on taxes is going and fair elections. It takes away edu- Budget protects Medicare’s integrity and im- to trickle down to the rest of us. Well, cational opportunity from students, proves its long-term solvency. It protects we have seen that movie before in this and, of course, it does not bring the children and low-income Americans and country. That trickle-down theory most vulnerable out of poverty and en- gives states the freedom to transition to a doesn’t work. The money doesn’t trick- hance the lives of the middle class. single payer system. It also makes two sig- le down, and the American people The people’s budget provides for sup- nificant policy changes to reduce the costs of won’t be fooled about that again. porting the Affordable Care Act. It pro- prescription drugs: allows Medicare Part D Our budget invests $2 trillion in in- vides for giving fair working tax cuts to negotiate drug prices and ends ‘‘Pay for frastructure and jobs immediately. Our for others, and it provides fairness and Delay’’ practice which keeps generics out of budget takes bold action to fight cli- the market. justice. (7) The CPC Budget creates a fair tax sys- mate change, and our budget delivers I rise to support the people’s budget. tem for working Americans. In order to on the promise for our children, their It invests in the American people. I ask make these bold, necessary investments in inheritance of this country, the inher- my colleagues to vote for the Congres- working families, we must rewrite the rules itance of the children that everybody is sional Progressive Caucus’ budget. of a rigged economy that favors billionaires worried about a deficit. We are worried Mr. Chair, I include in the RECORD and big corporations. The People’s Budget about their future as well. the top ten reasons to support the Con- closes tax loopholes that corporations use to Our budget delivers on the promise of gressional Progressive Caucus’ budget. ship jobs overseas, and stops CEOs from re- childcare for all, pre-K for all, and a ro- ceiving millions in tax-free bonuses. Our TOP TEN REASONS TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE’S bust public education system to pro- budget tackles inequality through fair tax BUDGET rates for all Americans, leveling the playing vide all kids with an opportunity to (Supported by over 60 organizations includ- field for working people. succeed in this Nation. ing: AFT, NEA, Planned Parenthood, Com- (8) Our budget protects the right to vote Our budget is about the future, our munications Workers of America, Sierra and supports criminal justice reforms which budget is about emphasizing the values Club, AFSCME, AFGE, Vote Vets, Social strengthen public safety and avoid over- that make this country special and Security Works, NARAL) criminalization. Our budget calls for rebuild- great, and our budget is a contrast. It (1) The People’s Budget invests $2 trillion ing trust in the justice system by funding offers a contrast about what this coun- in America’s crumbling infrastructure while community oriented policing reforms. It also try can be if it invests in its people. promoting job growth and strengthening our strengthens Department of Justice voter The road that we have been on for far commitment to sustainability. This is an in- protection programs, protects voting rights vestment in America which will transform by increasing funding to voter protection too long in which we have disinvested our fossil-fuel energy system, overburdened agencies, and funds public financing of cam- in people, shifted wealth and burden mass transit, deteriorating schools, lead-con- paigns to curb the influence of special inter- onto the middle class and the working taminated water systems, and crumbling ests in politics. Additionally, the budget class in this country, that time has roads and bridges through local hiring and makes key investments in America’s elec- ended. Our budget represents that end. livable wages. toral integrity by upgrading our voting sys- Mr. Chair, I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote on the (2) The People’s Budget enacts comprehen- tems. people’s budget, and I yield back the sive immigration reform which permanently (9) The People’s Budget creates pathways balance of my time. protects Dreamers and their families and op- out of poverty by expanding proven anti-pov- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Chairman, I poses immigration bans on Muslims and ref- erty programs and initiatives and restoring yield myself such time as I may con- ugees. Our country needs an immigration vital programs to our nation to provide pros- system that honors our values of inclusion, perity for all. These include a national strat- sume. diversity, and equality. Our Budget prohibits egy to reduce poverty in half in ten years Mr. Chair, have my friends on the funding to Customs and Border Protection to and $12.8 billion investment to end family left learned absolutely nothing over implement President Trump’s discrimina- homelessness. The People’s Budget restores these past 8 years? If massive govern- tory Muslim and refugee bans. cuts made to the Supplemental Nutrition As- ment spending, higher and higher

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.102 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7826 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 taxes, and deeper and deeper debt pro- Strike all after the resolving clause and in- Fiscal year 2019: $22,085,529,000,000. duced economic growth, the Obama sert the following: Fiscal year 2020: $22,866,575,000,000. years should have been the golden age SECTION 1. CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE Fiscal year 2021: $23,578,811,000,000. of our economy. Instead, we suffered BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018. Fiscal year 2022: $24,291,408,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $24,985,937,000,000. prolonged stagnation. We averaged 1.5 The Congress determines and declares that this concurrent resolution establishes the Fiscal year 2024: $25,599,925,000,000. percent annual growth, only half the budget for fiscal year 2018 and sets forth ap- Fiscal year 2025: $26,248,973,000,000. average economic growth that our Na- propriate budgetary levels for fiscal years Fiscal year 2026: $26,981,444,000,000. tion has enjoyed in the postwar era. 2018 through 2027. Fiscal year 2027: $27,552,527,000,000. The Progressive and Democratic budg- SEC. 2. RECOMMENDED LEVELS AND AMOUNTS. (6) DEBT HELD BY THE PUBLIC.—The appro- ets promise more of the same. The following budgetary levels are appro- priate levels of debt held by the public are as We choose a different path, the priate for each of fiscal years 2018 through follows: Reagan path that produced an average 2027: Fiscal year 2018: $15,515,893,000,000. of 3.5 percent growth year after year, (1) FEDERAL REVENUES.—For purposes of Fiscal year 2019: $16,336,714,000,000. higher wages, better jobs. Not just a the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- Fiscal year 2020: $17,080,338,000,000. tion: Fiscal year 2021: $17,782,001,000,000. Republican policy, John F. Kennedy Fiscal year 2022: $18,543,046,000,000. did the same thing. He reminded us (A) The recommended levels of Federal revenues are as follows: Fiscal year 2023: $19,291,339,000,000. that a rising tide lifts all boats. These Fiscal year 2018: $2,944,569,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: $19,972,026,000,000. are the policies that create prosperity. Fiscal year 2019: $3,089,508,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: $20,739,642,000,000. The government cannot create jobs Fiscal year 2020: $3,274,576,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: $21,579,464,000,000. because it cannot create wealth, but Fiscal year 2021: $3,420,911,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: $22,413,681,000,000. what it can do is create the conditions Fiscal year 2022: $3,596,916,000,000. SEC. 3. MAJOR FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES. where jobs multiply and prosper or Fiscal year 2023: $3,749,916,000,000. The Congress determines and declares that where they stagnate and disappear. Fiscal year 2024: $3,965,428,000,000. the appropriate levels of new budget author- That it can do very well. We have very Fiscal year 2025: $4,166,178,000,000. ity and outlays for fiscal years 2018 through consistent experience with the policies Fiscal year 2026: $4,361,378,000,000. 2027 for each major functional category are: Fiscal year 2027: $4,619,387,000,000. (1) National Defense (050): that create these conditions. (B) The amounts by which the aggregate Fiscal year 2018: If you increase the burdens on the levels of Federal revenues should be changed (A) New budget authority, $611,786,000,000. economy as the Democrats again pro- are as follows: (B) Outlays, $583,502,000,000. pose, the economy contracts. If you Fiscal year 2018: $211,000,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: lighten the burdens on the economy, it Fiscal year 2019: $256,000,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $624,900,000,000. grows and prospers. No nation has ever Fiscal year 2020: $324,000,000,000. (B) Outlays, $605,816,000,000. taxed and spent its way to prosperity, Fiscal year 2021: $361,000,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: but many nations have taxed and spent Fiscal year 2022: $414,000,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $638,087,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: $432,000,000,000. (B) Outlays, $620,966,000,000. their way to economic ruin and bank- Fiscal year 2024: $503,000,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: ruptcy. Fiscal year 2025: $544,000,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $651,309,000,000. We know what works and we know Fiscal year 2026: $572,000,000,000. (B) Outlays, $634,689,000,000. what doesn’t work because we have Fiscal year 2027: $661,000,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: tried both paths many times before. (2) NEW BUDGET AUTHORITY.—For purposes (A) New budget authority, $664,521,000,000. The House Budget Committee’s budget of the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- (B) Outlays, $652,811,000,000. follows principles that have, time and tion, the appropriate levels of total new Fiscal year 2023: again, consistently and rapidly pro- budget authority are as follows: (A) New budget authority, $678,690,000,000. duced economic expansion and pros- Fiscal year 2018: $3,875,166,000,000. (B) Outlays, $661,612,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: $3,829,543,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: perity. Fiscal year 2020: $3,845,871,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $692,897,000,000. The House Democrats’ budget and Fiscal year 2021: $3,920,549,000,000. (B) Outlays, $670,504,000,000. the Progressive budget before us now Fiscal year 2022: $4,149,670,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: double down on policies that have im- Fiscal year 2023: $4,282,139,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $707,145,000,000. poverished and bankrupted nations Fiscal year 2024: $4,411,746,000,000. (B) Outlays, $689,091,000,000. wherever they have been employed Fiscal year 2025: $4,653,359,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: down through history. Fiscal year 2026: $4,865,876,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $722,394,000,000. That is the choice before us today. Fiscal year 2027: $5,058,527,000,000. (B) Outlays, $703,660,000,000. Let us choose wisely. Our future de- (3) BUDGET OUTLAYS.—For purposes of the Fiscal year 2027: pends on it. enforcement of this concurrent resolution, (A) New budget authority, $737,634,000,000. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of the appropriate levels of total budget out- (B) Outlays, $718,554,000,000. lays are as follows: (2) International Affairs (150): my time. Fiscal year 2018: $3,538,175,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: The Acting CHAIR. The question is Fiscal year 2019: $3,808,907,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $48,264,000,000. on the amendment in the nature of a Fiscal year 2020: $3,890,015,000,000. (B) Outlays, $42,815,000,000. substitute offered by the gentleman Fiscal year 2021: $3,963, 843,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: from Arizona (Mr. GRIJALVA). Fiscal year 2022: $4,167,060,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $46,630,000,000. The question was taken; and the Act- Fiscal year 2023: $4,267,110,000,000. (B) Outlays, $42,945,000,000. ing Chair announced that the noes ap- Fiscal year 2024: $4,373,622,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: peared to have it. Fiscal year 2025: $4,615,778,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $46,563,000,000. Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Chairman, I de- Fiscal year 2026: $4,833,878,000,000. (B) Outlays, $42,812,000,000. mand a recorded vote. Fiscal year 2027: $5,032,183,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to (4) DEFICITS (ON-BUDGET).—For purposes of (A) New budget authority, $46,563,000,000. the enforcement of this concurrent resolu- (B) Outlays, $43,970,000,000. clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- tion, the amounts of the deficits (on-budget) Fiscal year 2022: ceedings on the amendment offered by are as follows: (A) New budget authority, $45,705,000,000. the gentleman from Arizona will be Fiscal year 2018: -$593,606,000,000. (B) Outlays, $44,635,000,000. postponed. Fiscal year 2019: -$719,399,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: AMENDMENT NO. 2 IN THE NATURE OF A SUB- Fiscal year 2020: -$615,439,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $46,744,000,000. STITUTE OFFERED BY MR. SCOTT OF VIRGINIA Fiscal year 2021: -$542,932,000,000. (B) Outlays, $45,271,000,000. The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order Fiscal year 2022: -$570,144,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: to consider amendment No. 2 printed in Fiscal year 2023: -$517,194,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $47,817,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: -$408,194,000,000. (B) Outlays, $46,175,000,000. House Report 115–339. Fiscal year 2025: -$449,600,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair, I Fiscal year 2026: -$472,500,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $48,897,000,000. have an amendment at the desk. Fiscal year 2027: -$412,796,000,000. (B) Outlays, $47,039,000,000. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will (5) DEBT SUBJECT TO LIMIT.—The appro- Fiscal year 2026: designate the amendment. priate levels of the public debt are as fol- (A) New budget authority, $49,539,000,000. The text of the amendment in the na- lows: (B) Outlays, $47,725,000,000. ture of a substitute is as follows: Fiscal year 2018: $21,175,683,000,000. Fiscal year 2027:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.103 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7827 (A) New budget authority, $50,634,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $99,348,000,000. (B) Outlays, $48,596,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $51,469,000,000. (B) Outlays, $115,488,000,000. (3) General Science, Space, and Technology (B) Outlays, $50,643,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (250): Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $100,330,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $52,625,000,000. (B) Outlays, $111,477,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $35,234,000,000. (B) Outlays, $51,731,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $33,128,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $101,381,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $53,866,000,000. (B) Outlays, $110,947,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $33,889,000,000. (B) Outlays, $52,965,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $33,653,000,000. (6) Agriculture (350): (A) New budget authority, $102,441,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $112,855,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $34,557,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $26,223,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $34,013,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,691,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $103,514,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $114,823,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $35,281,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $23,035,000,000. (9) Community and Regional Development (B) Outlays, $34,539,000,000. (B) Outlays, $21,664,000,000. (450): Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $36,036,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $21,998,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $41,581,000,000. (B) Outlays, $35,337,000,000. (B) Outlays, $21,211,000,000. (B) Outlays, $34,517,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $36,793,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $23,231,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $36,840,000,000. (B) Outlays, $36,033,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,614,000,000. (B) Outlays, $37,726,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $37,059,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $21,737,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $27,338,000,000. (B) Outlays, $36,498,000,000. (B) Outlays, $21,490,000,000. (B) Outlays, $31,834,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $37,885,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $21,910,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $24,297,000,000. (B) Outlays, $37,138,000,000. (B) Outlays, $21,549,000,000. (B) Outlays, $25,883,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $38,717,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $22,468,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $24,806,000,000. (B) Outlays, $37,900,000,000. (B) Outlays, $21,933,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,354,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $39,555,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $23,232,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $25,296,000,000. (B) Outlays, $38,703,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,586,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,249,000,000. (4) Energy (270): Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $23,505,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $25,298,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $8,500,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,867,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,080,000,000. (B) Outlays, $4,864,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $23,373,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $25,839,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $7,468,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,755,000,000. (B) Outlays, $22,489,000,000. (B) Outlays, $5,614,000,000. (7) Commerce and Housing Credit (370): Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2020: Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $26,384,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $6,876,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $15,050,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,071,000,000. (B) Outlays, $5,684,000,000. (B) Outlays, $2,075,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2021: Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $26,080,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $6,507,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $16,792,000,000. (B) Outlays, $23,400,000,000. (B) Outlays, $5,334,000,000. (B) Outlays, $8,377,000,000. (10) Education, Training, Employment, and Fiscal year 2022: Fiscal year 2020: Social Services (500): (A) New budget authority, $6,459,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $16,445,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $5,169,000,000. (B) Outlays, $8,435,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $176,935,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $142,001,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $5,504,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $14,949,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $4,195,000,000. (B) Outlays, $6,120,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $165,585,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $165,987,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,997,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $17,167,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $3,712,000,000. (B) Outlays, $7,317,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $158,570,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $159,597,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $4,926,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $17,731,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $3,746,000,000. (B) Outlays, $7,204,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $162,088,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $160,233,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $7,216,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $18,315,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $6,054,000,000. (B) Outlays, $6,672,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $164,843,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2025: (B) Outlays, $163,705,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $7,341,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $19,383,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $6,248,000,000. (B) Outlays, $6,499,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $156,826,000,000. (5) Natural Resources and Environment Fiscal year 2026: (B) Outlays, $160,066,000,000. (300): (A) New budget authority, $19,195,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $6,468,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $156,277,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $45,791,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (B) Outlays, $157,407,000,000. (B) Outlays, $44,939,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $19,244,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $6,346,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $156,679,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $45,710,000,000. (8) Transportation (400): (B) Outlays, $156,729,000,000. (B) Outlays, $45,911,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: Fiscal year 2026: Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $412,246,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $158,996,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $46,980,000,000. (B) Outlays, $260,375,000,000. (B) Outlays, $157,914,000,000. (B) Outlays, $46,966,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: Fiscal year 2027: Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $309,646,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $146,273,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $46,986,000,000. (B) Outlays, $302,342,000,000. (B) Outlays, $151,875,000,000. (B) Outlays, $47,068,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (11) Health (550): Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $191,199,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (A) New budget authority, $48,107,000,000. (B) Outlays, $246,432,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $573,434,000,000. (B) Outlays, $47,647,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $580,091,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $97,422,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (A) New budget authority, $49,257,000,000. (B) Outlays, $162,071,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $602,568,000,000. (B) Outlays, $48,620,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $604,320,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $98,379,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $50,280,000,000. (B) Outlays, $129,557,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $646,496,000,000. (B) Outlays, $49,582,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $637,447,000,000.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.039 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $43,016,000,000. (17) General Government (800): (A) New budget authority, $669,270,000,000. (B) Outlays, $43,016,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $666,179,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $27,065,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $46,287,000,000. (B) Outlays, $25,734,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $702,953,000,000. (B) Outlays, $46,287,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $696,993,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $27,477,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $49,748,000,000. (B) Outlays, $26,458,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $735,459,000,000. (B) Outlays, $49,748,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $728,890,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $28,100,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $53,392,000,000. (B) Outlays, $27,418,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $772,591,000,000. (B) Outlays, $53,392,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $763,909,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $28,777,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $57,378,000,000. (B) Outlays, $28,134,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $810,799,000,000. (B) Outlays, $57,378,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $801,662,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $29,473,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $61,764,000,000. (B) Outlays, $28,882,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $849,471,000,000. (B) Outlays, $61,764,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $839,223,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $30,156,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $66,388,000,000. (B) Outlays, $29,575,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $890,688,000,000. (B) Outlays, $66,388,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $879,028,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $30,693,000,000. (12) Medicare (570): (A) New budget authority, $70,871,000,000. (B) Outlays, $30,129,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $70,871,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $601,682,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $31,492,000,000. (B) Outlays, $601,303,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $75,473,000,000. (B) Outlays, $30,848,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $75,473,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $672,626,000,000. (15) Veterans Benefits and Services (700): (A) New budget authority, $32,309,000,000. (B) Outlays, $672,318,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $31,644,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $183,573,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $720,653,000,000. (B) Outlays, $181,049,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $33,111,000,000. (B) Outlays, $720,416,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $32,437,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $198,367,000,000. (18) Net Interest (900): (A) New budget authority, $775,853,000,000. (B) Outlays, $195,432,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $775,637,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $377,635,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $203,192,000,000. (B) Outlays, $377,635,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $871,247,000,000. (B) Outlays, $201,863,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $871,017,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $413,674,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $209,704,000,000. (B) Outlays, $413,674,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $896,829,000,000. (B) Outlays, $207,846,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $896,611,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $461,176,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $225,035,000,000. (B) Outlays, $461,176,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $920,920,000,000. (B) Outlays, $223,431,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $920,693,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $512,434,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $222,849,000,000. (B) Outlays, $512,434,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,028,532,000,000. (B) Outlays, $220,873,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $1,028,285,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $560,400,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $217,808,000,000. (B) Outlays, $560,400,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,093,424,000,000. (B) Outlays, $216,712,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $1,093,171,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $605,893,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $235,899,000,000. (B) Outlays, $605,893,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $1,176,028,000,000. (B) Outlays, $234,040,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $1,175,780,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $644,696,000,000. (13) Income Security (600): (A) New budget authority, $243,591,000,000. (B) Outlays, $644,696,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $241,380,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $528,718,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $679,742,000,000. (B) Outlays, $508,933,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $252,030,000,000. (B) Outlays, $679,742,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $249,835,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $541,318,000,000. (16) Administration of Justice (750): (A) New budget authority, $714,720,000,000. (B) Outlays, $538,787,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $714,720,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $70,592,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $554,195,000,000. (B) Outlays, $63,596,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $743,060,000,000. (B) Outlays, $554,966,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $743,185,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $62,328,000,000. (19) Non-Allowances (920): (A) New budget authority, $567,182,000,000. (B) Outlays, $64,092,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $569,833,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (A) New budget authority, $134,164,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $63,865,000,000. (B) Outlays, $70,964,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $583,720,000,000. (B) Outlays, $66,733,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $594,084,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (A) New budget authority, $43,428,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $65,272,000,000. (B) Outlays, $66,529,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $592,625,000,000. (B) Outlays, $69,336,000,000. Fiscal year 2020: (B) Outlays, $598,840,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (A) New budget authority, $18,748,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $65,880,000,000. (B) Outlays, $41,212,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $601,577,000,000. (B) Outlays, $68,965,000,000. Fiscal year 2021: (B) Outlays, $602,988,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (A) New budget authority, $20,859,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $67,534,000,000. (B) Outlays, $29,359,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $621,241,000,000. (B) Outlays, $68,559,000,000. Fiscal year 2022: (B) Outlays, $625,226,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (A) New budget authority, $18,656,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $69,220,000,000. (B) Outlays, $27,721,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $636,800,000,000. (B) Outlays, $68,916,000,000. Fiscal year 2023: (B) Outlays, $648,216,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $24,602,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $70,963,000,000. (B) Outlays, $27,491,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $653,208,000,000. (B) Outlays, $70,438,000,000. Fiscal year 2024: (B) Outlays, $664,923,000,000. Fiscal year 2026: (A) New budget authority, $29,548,000,000. (14) Social Security (650): (A) New budget authority, $78,798,000,000. (B) Outlays, $30,587,000,000. Fiscal year 2018: (B) Outlays, $78,991,000,000. Fiscal year 2025: (A) New budget authority, $39,475,000,000. Fiscal year 2027: (A) New budget authority, $32,490,000,000. (B) Outlays, $39,475,000,000. (A) New budget authority, $81,299,000,000. (B) Outlays, $33,268,000,000. Fiscal year 2019: (B) Outlays, $80,655,000,000. Fiscal year 2026:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.039 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7829 (A) New budget authority, $43,431,000,000. ities. It fast-tracks tax cuts for the Mr. Chairman, I want to start by say- (B) Outlays, $43,971,000,000. wealthiest Americans and claims that ing that I appreciate the opportunity Fiscal year 2027: unrealistic economic growth will pay to have this discussion today because (A) New budget authority, $47,372,000,000. for these cuts when, in reality, those it is an important one. I know that the (B) Outlays, $47,860,000,000. (20) Undistributed Offsetting Receipts (950): tax cuts will ultimately be paid for by gentleman from Virginia and I both Fiscal year 2018: children, seniors, and those in need. want to address the challenges facing (A) New budget authority, -$82,782,000,000. It cuts $1.5 trillion from Medicaid our Nation and our fellow Americans. (B) Outlays, -$82,782,000,000. and Medicare and also cuts programs We agree that the status quo is insuf- Fiscal year 2019: that support basic living standards, in- ficient to meet the needs of the future, (A) New budget authority, -$85,754,000,000. cluding nutritional assistance, and un- and we share a passion for protecting (B) Outlays, -$85,754,000,000. dermines national security by cutting the vulnerable, breaking the cycles of Fiscal year 2020: diplomatic programs and foreign aid. poverty, and lifting Americans up. (A) New budget authority, -$85,454,000,000. But I must oppose this budget be- (B) Outlays, -$85,454,000,000. The Republican budget also cuts edu- Fiscal year 2021: cation, job training, research and de- cause it will not accomplish those (A) New budget authority, -$87,183,000,000. velopment, and infrastructure. Their things. This budget raises taxes by $4 (B) Outlays, -$87,183,000,000. budget leaves hardworking American trillion, increases spending by $1.4 tril- Fiscal year 2022: families out in the cold and would dev- lion, and it never balances. (A) New budget authority, -$88,846,000,000. astate our economic recovery after It proposes more Washington-man- (B) Outlays, -$88,846,000,000. years of consistent job growth. dated answers to problems that States Fiscal year 2023: The Congressional Black Caucus and communities are better equipped (A) New budget authority, -$89,285,000,000. to solve. It makes no effort to control (B) Outlays, -$89,285,000,000. budget is in stark contrast to the Re- Fiscal year 2024: publican budget. It is compassionate. Federal deficits and debt, and it will (A) New budget authority, -$92,809,000,000. The numbers add up. It addresses the leave our country bankrupt. (B) Outlays, -$92,809,000,000. needs of the most vulnerable and im- I want to be clear what this means. Fiscal year 2025: proves our economy. Unlike the Repub- This budget will double down on gener- (A) New budget authority, -$101,023,000,000. lican budget, the CBC budget uses real ational theft—spending more and more (B) Outlays, -$101,023,000,000. numbers, not overly optimistic growth money that we don’t have today and Fiscal year 2026: projections and assumptions of things leaving our children and grandchildren (A) New budget authority, -$98,551,000,000. that won’t happen. to foot the bill tomorrow. (B) Outlays, -$98,551,000,000. In contrast, the Republican budget Fiscal year 2027: The CBC budget proposes $3.9 trillion (A) New budget authority, -$101,256,000,000. in revenue enhancements, and unlike confronts our Nation’s fiscal challenges (B) Outlays, -$101,256,000,000. the Republican budget, we show ex- head on by requiring mandatory spend- (21) Overseas Contingency Operations (970): actly how Congress can realistically ing reductions of at least $203 billion Fiscal year 2018: reach this revenue target by outlining and balancing within 10 years. (A) New budget authority, $0. almost $11 trillion in revenue options While this budget measures success (B) Outlays, $0. from which Congress could pick and on how much the Federal Government Fiscal year 2019: choose $3.9 trillion. spends, the Republican House budget (A) New budget authority, $0. proposes to measure success by out- (B) Outlays, $0. With the additional revenue, the CBC Fiscal year 2020: budget protects and strengthens the so- comes. If we have learned nothing from (A) New budget authority, $0. cial safety net and commits the Fed- decades of spending on Federal welfare (B) Outlays, $0. eral Government to eradicating pov- programs, it is that more money can- Fiscal year 2021: erty in America. not resolve the complex issues under- (A) New budget authority, $0. Our budget includes a comprehensive lying systemic poverty. (B) Outlays, $0. infrastructure and jobs program, total- We must change our approach, and Fiscal year 2022: ing over $1 trillion over 5 years, and ac- this starts with changing how we meas- (A) New budget authority, $0. cording to the Economic Policy Insti- ure results. (B) Outlays, $0. This budget also fails to address a Fiscal year 2023: tute, it will create 2 million jobs next (A) New budget authority, $0. year. critical piece of the upward mobility (B) Outlays, $0. In addition, the CBC budget elimi- agenda: reforming our broken Tax Fiscal year 2024: nates any further threat of sequestra- Code. Instead, it calls for tax increases (A) New budget authority, $0. tion, eliminating the arbitrary budget that would stifle economic growth that (B) Outlays, $0. caps and across-the-board budget cuts the country so desperately needs. Fiscal year 2025: that are scheduled for next year. America should be the most competi- (A) New budget authority, $0. It allocates $200 billion for hurricane tive place in the world to do business, (B) Outlays, $0. but everything in our Tax Code today Fiscal year 2026: relief, $100 billion to address the loom- (A) New budget authority, $0. ing pension crisis, and additional fund- tells companies to take their jobs and (B) Outlays, $0. ing for our veterans. their investments overseas and to leave Fiscal year 2027: Even with the elimination of the se- them there. (A) New budget authority, $0. questration and strong investment in Higher taxes on job creators and (B) Outlays, $0. programs that we know will create jobs small businesses is the exact opposite The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to and economic opportunity, the CBC of what we need to bring workers back House Resolution 553, the gentleman budget is still estimated to reduce the into the labor force and get our econ- from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT) and a Mem- deficit, when compared to the baseline, omy growing again. Now is the time for ber opposed each will control 15 min- by approximately $2.5 trillion over the comprehensive tax reform that utes. next 10 years. unleashes the entrepreneurial spirit of The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance America, increases business and per- from Virginia. of my time. sonal investment, and promotes job Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- creation. By failing to move the ball man, I yield myself such time as I may b 1845 forward on tax reform, this budget consume. Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I leaves the American workers and fami- Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the claim the time in opposition to the lies behind. Congressional Black Caucus budget, amendment. Lastly, Mr. Chairman, I want to note which is a more credible and respon- The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman what this proposal does make cuts in, sible alternative than the underlying from Georgia is recognized for 15 min- and that is in our national defense. In Republican budget. utes. a time when we face increasingly com- The Nation’s budget reflects its pri- Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I plex and evolving international threats orities, but the Republican budget con- yield myself such time as I may con- from places like North Korea, Russia, tinues to highlight the wrong prior- sume. and Iran, this budget would cut overall

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.039 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 defense spending and compromise the of poverty, help people achieve the problem, and the CBC budget increases readiness and safety of our service- American Dream, help our children spending above the CBO baseline over members and our national freedoms. dream the impossible dream, and then 10 years, while our budget is under- The first job of the Federal Govern- give them the power so that they can neath the CBO baseline for 10 years. ment is to provide for our national se- go achieve it while we are cutting their Our budget cuts taxes across the board curity. We need to reinvest in our mili- education and we are cutting all the including eliminating the bottom rate tary to deter global threats and protect programs that help them to achieve it? that we suggest in our tax reform plan. our homeland. That is why the Repub- Look, we always hide behind pro- This is a question of American vision lican budget fulfills Congress’ commit- tecting our country and the national and the American Dream. Our vision is ment to ensure robust funding for our defense. The biggest threat to our na- for more capital in the private sector, country’s national defense. tional defense resides on 1600 Pennsyl- more incentives to work, savings, and Mr. Chairman, we will have a lot of vania Avenue. It is a shame when most investment, and more people with ris- conversations today about priorities, people in this country and my col- ing incomes. Their vision is to protect because that is what budgets are: clear leagues wake up in the morning and the government budget. illustrations of our priorities. say: Are we going to war with North Mr. Chairman, so I stand in opposi- We want to leave our Nation better Korea? That is not good for the econ- tion to this particular substitute budg- for our children and grandchildren. We omy, and that is not good for the men- et. all want every person, regardless of tal health of the country. But I think Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- their socioeconomic status or ZIP that the Secretary of State has a great man, I yield 2 minutes to the gentle- Code, to have the opportunity to real- disposition and strategy when it comes woman from California (Ms. LEE), who ize the American Dream. to the national defense and diplomacy. is a member of the Appropriations I oppose this budget proposal because I think the key with what we have to Committee. it will not help us achieve these goals. do with budgets is understand that Ms. LEE. Mr. Chairman, I want to It avoids the tough questions and sub- they are moral documents and they ex- thank the gentleman for yielding. Also stitutes more spending for better re- press our values, and cutting the dis- I want to thank him for his tremen- sults. abled and others is not a true state- dous leadership in continuing to craft It does nothing to promote vibrant ment of American values. the Congressional Black Caucus’ budg- economic growth, and it doubles down Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I et which really does reflect our Na- on bad ideas that stifle ingenuity and yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from tion’s priorities and our values, so I the spirit of entrepreneurism that we Minnesota (Mr. LEWIS). rise in strong support of this budget. need. We have a responsibility to se- Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. Mr. Chair- As a member of the Budget and the cure our Nation’s fiscal future and im- man, I thank the gentleman from Geor- Appropriations Committees and as prove the lives of our citizens, but this gia for yielding. chair of our Task Force on Poverty, In- budget is not the way forward. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposi- come Inequality, and Opportunity, I Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance tion to the Congressional Black Caucus am really proud that the Congressional of my time. substitute budget if for no other reason Black Caucus budget includes $300 bil- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- that there is a price on work, savings, lion in investments into initiatives man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- and investment. When you raise that that have proven to lift millions out of tleman from Louisiana (Mr. RICH- price too high, guess what you get? poverty. MOND), who is the chairman of the Con- You get less work, savings, and invest- For example, it restores the cuts to gressional Black Caucus. ment, and you get less economic the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Chairman, let growth. Program, it extends emergency unem- me thank the ranking member of the Look at the growth rates we have ployment insurance, it expands access Committee on Education and the had over the last 10 years under astro- to affordable housing, and it also in- Workforce, BOBBY SCOTT, for his hard nomical debt and deficits. If spending creases funding for job training and work, and the rest of the CBC in put- could create an economic juggernaut, trade assistance programs. ting this budget together. we would have one now. But instead, The CBC budget creates a fair Tax Mr. Chairman, I think that what I we have got 1.5 percent growth, 1.9 per- Code that provides investments in com- am having a hard time doing is wrap- cent growth, and 2 percent growth—no- munities. It boosts GDP by $329 billion ping my mind around the same failed where near what the prospending lobby and helps create 2 million jobs. This arguments that we hear over and over would suggest. budget addresses poverty head on by again that we are going to cut trillions Yet, if you look at the 1920s, if you investing $120 billion in creating jobs, of dollars in taxes so that we can help look at the 1960s, and if you look at the $25 billion to restore our Nation’s pub- the upper middle class and the top 1 1980s—remember JFK in that famous lic housing, and $80 billion to mod- percent really, and that is somehow Economic Club of New York speech ernize our schools. going to benefit the poorest people in said that the surest way to raise reve- Also, our budget employs the 10–20–30 the country; we are going to exacer- nues is to cut tax rates now. formula championed by our assistant bate the deficit saying that we are It worked then, it worked in the leader, the gentleman from South going to create jobs. 1920s, and it will work right now as it Carolina (Mr. CLYBURN), by directing at We know it never happens, and then did in the 1980s as well. least 10 percent of Federal spending all of a sudden we find ourselves with The reason is simple. The reason is into areas with poverty rates of more an increasing debt and deficit, and then very simple. Once you lower the price than 20 percent over the last 30 years. we go to the poorest people in this of work, savings, and investment, you We will make progress toward ending country and we ask them to pay for it. not only get more of that, but you entrenched and generational poverty We cut the programs that are vital to leave more capital in the private sector that hurts families and communities. lifting them out of poverty. where it is put to use. With regard to the Pentagon, yes, we I agree with my colleague on the When you have capital put to use in require that we audit the Pentagon and other side of the aisle. My mother is a the private sector, workers become encourage DOD to implement remain- perfect example that a great education more productive, and they earn more. I ing GAO recommendations that would will lift you out of poverty and that have always said the truck driver is likely lead to tens of billions in costs having a Historically Black College much more productive with the truck, savings. and University that you can go to will and the people who have the capital This is a budget that stands with the prepare you for your future. But the that can buy the truck is what makes American people. It is a message to the problem is we don’t talk about the fact the economy go. American people that we stand with that the Republican budget cuts edu- We don’t have a revenue problem in those who are working hard to find a cation. this country. Last year, we had record job, and we stand with those working So how can we say with a straight tax revenues: $3.26 trillion, yet a deficit hard at a job with low wages. It is a face that we propose to lift people out of $587 billion. We have a spending message to the country that balancing

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.106 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7831 the budget on the backs of struggling in entitlement spending since Newt ing. The gentleman from Georgia has 5 families to provide giveaways to bil- Gingrich was Speaker of the House and minutes remaining. lionaires and corporations is unaccept- can actually restore the great promise Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- able. That is not the American way. of the American Dream. man, I yield myself 15 seconds just to The CBC budget provides for the na- b 1900 point out that the healthcare plan in tional security and the economic secu- the budget is a public option, which rity of our Nation. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- CBO scores as a savings of over $100 bil- Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman lion. We have $1 trillion in spending for yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from from Illinois (Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS), the infrastructure, the same as the Presi- Florida (Mr. GAETZ). co-chair of the Congressional Black dent has promised, but at least we pay Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Chairman, as one of Caucus’ Budget Task Force. for it. the youngest Members of Congress, I Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the feel an obligation not only to my dis- Chairman, I rise in strong support of gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON trict but to my generation. Right now the CBC alternative budget, and I com- LEE). in America, we are midway through mend Representative SCOTT and his Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, the greatest wave of generational theft staff for the tremendous work that as a member of the Budget Committee, in all of human history. they have done. I find the CBC budget to be a principled The budget offered by the Congres- The CBC budget provides for all of and thoughtful budget. sional Black Caucus takes the prob- the essentials, including defense and It ends the threat of sequestration, it lems of Washington and makes all of infrastructure, but what I like most will accelerate our economic recovery, them worse by doubling down on def- about it is that it is focused on job cre- it will help eradicate poverty in Amer- icit spending and irresponsible finan- ation, rebuilding our veterans’ hos- ica, and it will reduce the deficit by ap- cial decisions. pitals, rebuilding infrastructure in our proximately $2.72 trillion over 10 years. Mr. Chairman, I tell my constituents communities, and putting people to On the other hand, the tax cut that I am on two of the scariest committees work. our Republican friends are proposing in Congress—Armed Services and Budg- Mr. Chairman, my constituents need will cause a deficit by giving a whop- et—because on the Armed Services jobs and opportunities to work. The ping $2.4-plus trillion in tax cuts, most Committee, I see every day that our CBC budget focuses on jobs. I strongly to the top 1 percent of the American adversaries are closing the capability support it, and I urge all of my col- people. gap. They are able to do more while, leagues to do the same. It will not help the young child as he after 8 years of the Obama administra- Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I grows to seek opportunities and jobs. tion, our military has been left in yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from This will be a bill that is at a price shambles. This budget does nothing to South Carolina (Mr. NORMAN). that is not right. If you work hard, you rebuild the military. It leaves our Mr. NORMAN. Mr. Chairman, I rise troops on the battlefield without the get less. today in opposition to this proposed Our budget, on the other hand, gives tools they need to win, and it is abso- amendment to the budget resolution. $665 billion in immediate investments lutely shameful. I think it is very important, when Mr. Chairman, when we look at the to rebuild our Nation’s crumbling in- discussing spending such as suggested budget today, we absolutely have to frastructure. It is crumbling even more before us, to remember that we do not get back on a path of fiscal discipline. so after the devastating hurricanes. It live in a fantasy world. We live in a This budget, however, doesn’t do that. gives $120 billion to fund a national di- It punishes American workers and world where resources are limited. We rect job creation program and full em- American businesses with new taxes have to make difficult choices. These ployment trust fund program. and more taxes. are the same choices every family The Acting CHAIR. The time of the It pours billions into the failed exper- makes with their budget every day of gentlewoman has expired. iment of ObamaCare. To take things a the year. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- step further, it would promote a Currently, our national debt rests at man, I yield an additional 1 minute to healthcare system that is a single- over $20 trillion. The entire U.S. GDP the gentlewoman from Texas. payer system. Not only will this bank- in 2016 was only $18.57 trillion. Ms. JACKSON LEE. It provides $80 rupt our Nation, it will bankrupt hard- Should we continue to spend money billion to fund the modernization of working Americans. that we don’t have without restraint? schools, $45 billion to fund an energy How much would premiums go up This proposal never balances. It does infrastructure modernization program, under a State-run single-payer system? raise taxes, though. With the tax in- $20 billion to expand access to $1,000 a month? $2,000? Of course, taxes creases in this proposal totaling $3.9 broadband services, $25 billion for re- would increase, too. The same families trillion, one would expect this budget capitalization, $15 billion for improving in this system would see enormous to balance. and rebuilding VA hospitals, $25 billion challenges meeting their needs because What this does do is add over $1 tril- for HUD’s Choice Neighborhoods pro- they would be funding irresponsible lion in new spending. What is another gram, and $5 billion for summer jobs spending in Washington. trillion when you are only $20 trillion for young people. So beyond making our citizens sick in debt? I can attest to the fact that, in dis- and poor, this budget would gut our de- I challenge the supporters of this pro- cussions with the Federal Communica- fense, weaken our military, and put posed budget to research the poten- tions Commission, the connectivity in more Americans in danger. Everyone tially catastrophic impacts of default- vulnerable neighborhoods and commu- here knows that the threats we face ing on our national debt. We are sad- nities is at an all-time low. Expanding are serious: ISIS, Hezbollah, North dling future generations with an unsur- broadband services is a vital need. Korea, and regional instability and vol- mountable burden. It is a vital need to expand the edu- atility across the Middle East. Yet, When our grandchildren and children cational services for this young man in bizarrely, this budget cuts funding for look back on what we have done here, order for him to be capable of taking a the global war on terror. do we want this work to be that we left job in the 21st century. There are hun- Under President Obama, readiness our country broke? dreds of thousands of jobs that go fell to the lowest levels in a century, I don’t think so. unapplied for because the skill set of GDP growth sputtered, the quality of Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues our young people have been deprived healthcare for the middle class got to not kick the can down the road and because of inadequate education. worse, and our debt skyrocketed. These to not pass this proposed amendment. This budget of the Congressional are not policies we should repeat, and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- Black Caucus is a people investor. It certainly not policies we should ex- man, can you advise how much time is invests in people. For that reason, I be- pand. remaining on both sides? lieve it is the right way to go. It bal- Instead, let’s vote for the Republican The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman ances our needs for the military and it budget that has the greatest reduction from Virginia has 71⁄2 minutes remain- provides for the American people.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.107 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7832 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 The Acting CHAIR. The time of the try, the CBC Budget is clearly superior to the the dignity of work to our fellow citi- gentlewoman has again expired. Republican’s ‘‘Work Harder, Get Less’’ Budg- zens. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- et. The proposed amendment does none man, I yield an additional 30 seconds to The CBC Budget provides for $300 billion of these things. It simply perpetuates the gentlewoman from Texas. for programs that have proven instrumental in the cycle of generational poverty that Ms. JACKSON LEE. It, in fact, pro- lifting millions of Americans out of poverty. has been passed down from parent to vides that roadmap to ensure that the The funding provided will be used to restore child. American people are taken care. cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance I saw the same situation in my home- I want to make mention that it pro- Program, extend emergency unemployment town of West Point, Georgia. In fact, it vides for $300 billion for programs that insurance, expand access to affordable hous- is what motivated me to enter public are proven instrumental in lifting mil- ing, increase access to quality and affordable service and run for mayor. lions of Americans out of poverty. education, and increase funding for job train- We had a community that was dying. Shouldn’t this be what we are doing? ing and trade adjustment assistance pro- Folks were trapped in generational poverty and had been stripped of the Right now, in my district, thousands grams. are online for the disaster Food Stamp Additionally, Mr. Chair, to ensure that fed- dignity of work. Instead of continuing the current program. That program needs to be ex- eral resources are targeted more efficiently to- tended. system, we made changes. We worked wards eradicating poverty and are actually to get the government out of the way This is what we do. We do not make reaching communities most in need, the CBC people dependent. We give them a hand and allow the job creators to innovate budget proposes the codification of the ‘‘10– and grow their businesses to hire more up, not a handout. That is what the 20–30’’ policy for federal spending. budget is supposed to be: a roadmap for workers. We invested in our infrastruc- Under the ‘‘10–20–30’’ policy at least 10 ture and we were able to create over opportunity. percent of the federal funds in certain ac- I support the Congressional Black 15,000 advanced manufacturing jobs. counts are to be directed to areas that have For the first time in a generation, we Caucus budget, for that is what it is: a had a poverty rate of 20 percent for the last saw more people moving into the mid- roadmap for opportunity. 30 years. dle class than moving into poverty. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the Finally, I support the CBC Budget because We made changes to our education Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute it puts an end to the draconian sequester bur- system, working to break through the (ANS) offered by the Congressional Black dening the economy and our people for the generational cycle of poverty and pre- Caucus to H. Con. Res. 71, the House Repub- last several years. pare today’s students to work in a 21st licans’ ‘‘Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year In addition, according to an analysis by the century workforce. 2018.’’ Congressional Budget Office, it will reduce the With all of these changes, we saw our I support the CBC Budget for four principal deficit by approximately $2.72 trillion over 10 community come back to life. People reasons: years. had jobs and opportunity. They took 1. It ends the threat of sequestration; Mr. Chair, it is said often, but is no less true, advantage of it. They had the advanced 2. It will accelerate our economic recovery; that the federal budget is more than a financial manufacturing sector spring back to 3. It will help eradicate poverty in America; document; it is an expression of the nation’s life, and we saw a revitalization of not and most cherished values. only our community, but of our people. 4. It will reduce the deficit by approximately As the late and great former senator and These lessons are from the folks in $2.72 trillion over 10 years. Vice-President Hubert Humphrey said: the Third District. They sent me here Mr. Chair, if we reject the House Repub- ‘‘The moral test of government is how that to push those same type of ideas here licans’ ‘‘Price Is Not Right’’ and ‘‘Work Harder in Congress. to Get Less’’ Budget with its discredited eco- government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the The Republican budget puts us on a nomic gimmicks and unrealistic projections twilight of life, the elderly; and those who path to this type of reform, and I be- and adopt the CBC Budget, we will get in- are in shadows of life, the sick, the needy, lieve my colleagues and I share the de- stead a comprehensive jobs program that and the handicapped.’’ sire to fight poverty in this country. would rebuild our nation’s infrastructure and The Republican budget resolution fails this However, I do not believe that the CBC reinvest in our communities totaling $1 trillion moral test; the CBC Budget does not. budget proposal does us that justice. over the next decade. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to I look forward to passing the House The jobs created will accelerate our eco- budget. nomic recovery and ensure that it reaches join me in rejecting the House Republicans’ budget and voting for a better alternative, the Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance every community in America, while also mak- of my time. CBC Budget. ing the necessary investments to ensure Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I America’s long-term economic competitive- man, I yield 21⁄4 minutes to the gen- yield myself such time as I may con- ness. tleman from Maryland (Mr. BROWN). sume. Specifically, the CBC Budget will create jobs Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Mr. Chair- I certainly understand our col- by providing: man, I thank my friend from Virginia leagues’ desire to fight poverty. I 1. $665 billion in immediate investment to for yielding. would like to share a little bit of my rebuild our nation’s crumbling infrastructure; I rise in strong support of the Con- 2. $120 billion to fund a National Direct Job experience and what we have done to gressional Black Caucus budget, which Creation Program and Full Employment Trust fight poverty at the local level. is a more responsible alternative than Fund Program; For generations now, we have contin- the GOP budget. 3. $8o billion to fund the modernization of ued to throw more and more money to- A nation’s budget reflects its prior- schools; wards eliminating poverty, with fewer ities, but the GOP budget continues to 4. $45 billion to fund an energy infrastruc- and fewer results. push the wrong ones, catering to the ture modernization program; Yes, we have succeeded in alleviating wealthy and the special interests. 5. $20 billion to expand access to the effects of poverty, but we have The GOP likes to say that a rising broadband services; made very little progress in actually tide lifts every boat, but that is only if 6. $25 billion for public housing recapitaliza- lifting people out of poverty. Instead of every vessel is seaworthy. The GOP tion; giving people a hand up, we are giving budget leaves too many Americans in 7. $15 billion for improving and rebuilding them a handout and essentially telling dinghies, rubber rafts, and rowboats, V.A. hospitals and extended care facilities; them life can’t get any better than subject to being capsized. 8. $25 billion for HUD’s Choice Neighbor- where they are. That is morally wrong, It includes trillions of dollars in irre- hoods Program and for communities that des- and I think that we can do better. sponsible cuts, such as $5.4 trillion perately need revitalization; and The key to solving poverty isn’t just slashed from job-creating programs; $2 9. $5 billion for summer jobs so young per- simply throwing more money at the trillion cut from Medicaid and Medi- sons can save money to attend college and problem. It is to try something dif- care; $5 billion eliminated from invest- plan for their futures. ferent and find innovative ways to fix ments in education, research, and in- Mr. Chair, when it comes to addressing the our welfare entitlement system, im- frastructure that will prevent us from poverty that is still too prevalent in our coun- prove our education system, and return competing globally.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.109 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7833 The GOP budget would devastate our cut by $1.3 trillion at the expense of I do not believe that our nation does well by economy by balancing the budget on education, infrastructure, clean energy making massive cuts to social programs while the backs of students, workers, seniors, programs, medical research, and job allowing corporations to hide trillions of dollars the disabled, and vulnerable commu- training. overseas. nities in Maryland and across our These are only some of the reasons I do not believe that our nation does well by country. why I stand tonight with my col- destroying Medicare and Medicaid for our el- And for what? leagues to support the Congressional derly and poor while pushing tax cuts for the To provide tax cuts to the top 1 per- Black Caucus budget to propose an al- top one percent. cent—people who make at least $900,000 ternative to this budget we are facing. This is not the future that I envision for our every year. The CBC’s alternative budget asks country and neither do the American people— In stark contrast, the CBC would cre- those who have done well in our coun- at least not 99 percent of them. ate a fairer Tax Code and provide for try to finally pay their fair share. Mr. Chair, the Republican Budget is not a much-needed investments in our com- Our budget seeks to invest $665 bil- true; reflection of the priorities of the American munities. Our budget would boost our lion to modernize our crumbling infra- people. GDP by $329 billion. structure. This budget serves the interest of a select I, too, Mr. Chairman, served on the The Acting CHAIR. The time of the few at the heavy cost of exploiting millions of House Armed Services Committee, and gentlewoman has expired. others. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- I stand here to say that the CBC’s We need to oppose the Republican budget man, I yield an additional 15 seconds to budget would end sequestration for our in favor of a viable alternative such as the the gentlewoman. CBC Budget Alternative, which is more reflec- military so that we can improve mili- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of tary readiness and, at the same time, tive of the values that we treasure in our soci- Texas. Mr. Chairman, our budget looks ety. restore critical domestic programs that to invest $80 billion in our children by support working families and revitalize modernizing our schools and better b 1915 our neighborhoods. preparing our future generations to Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- Rather than giving the top 1 percent compete in a global economy. man, the Congressional Black Caucus a $6 trillion tax cut, our budget would Mr. Chair, the Republican budget is a poor is a more compassionate, fiscally re- call for major investments here at reflection of the values and priorities that we sponsible alternative to the underlying home. We invest $665 billion to mod- hold dear as Americans. Republican budget and does not rely on ernize highways and infrastructure, Once again, Republicans insist on dooming unrealistic growth projections or bi- $120 billion in job-creating programs, the American people to the failed trickle-down zarre suggestions that massive tax cuts $80 billion so that every child learns in economics of the Reagan era. can pay for themselves. It makes our a modern classroom, and $15 billion to The Republican budget shifts the tax burden Tax Code fairer, protects and strength- rebuild our VA. away from the wealthiest Americans and larg- ens the Affordable Care Act, makes col- Perhaps, most importantly, Mr. est corporations and places it squarely on the lege more affordable, and ensures more Chairman, we invest $300 billion over backs of hardworking middle and lower in- Americans are lifted out of poverty. It the next decade to eradicate poverty come Americans. also improves retirement security for and provide basic standard of living to Not only would the Republican budget in- our seniors. all Americans. crease the national deficit by $2.4 trillion over With these targeted investments, our Mr. Chairman, our budget respon- 10 years, but it also foots the bill over to the budget creates 2 million jobs next year sibly pays for all of our investments. most vulnerable segments of our population and reduces our Nation’s deficit by $2.5 Our budget is a credible alternative while cutting other important social safety pro- trillion over the next decade and puts and a real plan for America, and I urge grams. us on a more sustainable path com- For example, the budget proposes to slash my colleagues to support the CBC pared to the CBO projections of our Medicaid by $1.1 trillion and Medicare for sen- budget. budget. I urge my colleagues to support Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I re- iors by $487 billion. Non-defense discretionary spending across the CBC budget. serve the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the bal- the government would also be cut by $1.3 tril- Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- ance of my time. 1 man, I yield 1 ⁄2 minutes to the gentle- lion at the expense of education, infrastruc- Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I ture, clean energy programs, medical re- woman from Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE would like to urge my colleagues to search, and job training. JOHNSON). join me in opposing the budget pre- These are only some of the reasons why I Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of sented by the gentleman from Virginia. Texas. Mr. Chairman, I stand here to stand with my colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus to propose an alternative budg- This budget does nothing to address talk a little bit about the Republican our mandatory spending challenges. It budget first. It is a poor reflection of et amendment that serves the interests of the greater good, and not just a select few. never balanced. It raises taxes, it in- the values and priorities that we hold creases spending, it cuts funding to our dear in America. The CBC’s alternative budget asks those who have done well in our country to finally military. We can do better, we must do Once again, Americans insist on better, and the House budget is the way dooming the American people to the pay their fair share. Our budget seeks to invest $665 billion to forward. failed trickle-down economics of the The American people sent us here to Reagan era. The Republican budget modernize our crumbling infrastructure. Our budget looks to invest $80 billion in our get our fiscal house in order. This shifts the tax burden away from the children by modernizing our schools and bet- budget does not accomplish that goal. I wealthiest Americans and larger cor- ter preparing our future generations to com- urge my colleagues to vote against it. porations and places it squarely on the pete in a global economy. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of backs of hardworking middle- and low- Our budget looks to bring $20 billion in new my time. income Americans. This has never investment to extend broadband internet to The Acting CHAIR. The question is helped, and it won’t help now. rural areas, so that everyone—not just the on the amendment in the nature of a Not only would the Republican budg- wealthy few—can have access to high-speed substitute offered by the gentleman et increase the national deficit by $2.4 internet and access to information. from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT). trillion over 10 years, but it also foots Our budget delivers $300 billion over the The question was taken; and the Act- the bill over to the most vulnerable next decade for social programs that help pro- ing Chair announced that the noes ap- segments of our community while cut- vide millions of Americans a basic standard of peared to have it. ting other important social safety net- living. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair- work programs. This is a reflection of the values and prior- man, I demand a recorded vote. For example, the budget proposes to ities of the American people, not what is em- The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to slash Medicaid by $1.1 trillion and bodied in the Republican budget. clause 6 of rule XVIII, further pro- Medicare for seniors by $487 billion. I, for one, do not believe that our nation ceedings on the amendment offered by Nondefense discretionary spending does well by cutting taxes for the wealthiest the gentleman from Virginia will be across the government would also be Americans while increasing taxes for the poor. postponed.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.110 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7834 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 Mr. FERGUSON. Mr. Chairman, I a request for a recorded vote on amend- Bishop (MI) Griffith O’Halleran move that the Committee do now rise. ment No. 2 printed in House Report Bishop (UT) Grothman O’Rourke Black Guthrie Olson The motion was agreed to. 115–339, offered by the gentleman from Blackburn Hanabusa Palazzo Accordingly, the Committee rose; Virginia (Mr. SCOTT) had been post- Blum Handel Palmer and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. NOR- poned. Bonamici Harper Paulsen Bost Harris MAN) having assumed the chair, Mr. Pearce ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIR Brady (TX) Hartzler Perlmutter DUNCAN of Tennessee, Acting Chair of The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to Brat Heck Perry the Committee of the Whole House on clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will Brooks (AL) Hensarling Peters the state of the Union, reported that now resume on those amendments Brooks (IN) Herrera Beutler Peterson that Committee, having had under con- Brownley (CA) Hice, Jody B. Pittenger printed in House Report 115–339 on Buchanan Higgins (LA) Poe (TX) sideration the concurrent resolution which further proceedings were post- Buck Hill Poliquin (H. Con. Res. 71) establishing the con- poned, in the following order: Bucshon Himes Polis Budd Holding gressional budget for the United States Amendment No. 1 by Mr. GRIJALVA of Posey Government for fiscal year 2018 and Burgess Hollingsworth Quigley Arizona. Bustos Hoyer setting forth the appropriate budgetary Ratcliffe Amendment No. 2 by Mr. SCOTT of Byrne Hudson Reed levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027, Virginia. Calvert Huizenga Reichert Carbajal Hultgren had come to no resolution thereon. The Chair will reduce to 5 minutes Renacci Carter (GA) Hunter Rice (NY) f the time for any electronic vote after Carter (TX) Hurd Rice (SC) Cartwright Issa RECESS the first vote in this series. Roby Castro (TX) Jenkins (KS) Roe (TN) AMENDMENT NO. 1 IN THE NATURE OF A Chabot Jenkins (WV) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- SUBSTITUTE OFFERED BY MR. GRIJALVA Rogers (AL) Cheney Johnson (LA) Rogers (KY) ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Cicilline The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished Johnson (OH) Rohrabacher declares the House in recess subject to Coffman Johnson, Sam business is the demand for a recorded Rokita Cole Jones the call of the Chair. Rooney, Francis vote on the amendment offered by the Collins (GA) Jordan Accordingly (at 7 o’clock and 18 min- Ros-Lehtinen gentleman from Arizona (Mr. GRI- Collins (NY) Joyce (OH) Roskam utes p.m.), the House stood in recess. Comer Katko JALVA) on which further proceedings Ross Comstock Keating f were postponed and on which the noes Rothfus Conaway Kelly (MS) b 2045 prevailed by voice vote. Connolly Kelly (PA) Rouzer The Clerk will redesignate the Cook Kilmer Royce (CA) Ruiz AFTER RECESS amendment. Cooper Kind Correa King (IA) Ruppersberger The recess having expired, the House The Clerk redesignated the amend- Costa King (NY) Russell was called to order by the Speaker pro ment. Costello (PA) Kinzinger Rutherford Sanford tempore (Mr. COLLINS of Georgia) at 8 RECORDED VOTE Courtney Knight Scalise o’clock and 45 minutes p.m. Cramer Krishnamoorthi The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Crawford Kuster (NH) Schiff f has been demanded. Crist Kustoff (TN) Schneider A recorded vote was ordered. Cuellar Labrador Schrader HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW Culberson LaHood Schweikert The vote was taken by electronic de- Curbelo (FL) LaMalfa Scott, Austin Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I ask vice, and there were—ayes 108, noes 314, Davidson Lamborn Sensenbrenner unanimous consent that when the not voting 11, as follows: Davis (CA) Lance Sessions Davis, Rodney Langevin Sewell (AL) House adjourns today, it adjourn to [Roll No. 553] meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow. DeGette Larsen (WA) Shea-Porter AYES—108 Delaney Larson (CT) Shimkus The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there DeLauro Latta Adams Gabbard Norcross Shuster objection to the request of the gen- DelBene Lawson (FL) Barraga´ n Gallego Pallone Simpson Denham tleman from Arkansas? Bass Gomez Panetta Levin Sinema Dent There was no objection. Beatty Green, Al Pascrell Lewis (MN) Smith (MO) Beyer Grijalva Payne DeSantis Lipinski Smith (NE) f Blumenauer Gutie´rrez Pingree DesJarlais LoBiondo Smith (NJ) Boyle, Brendan Hastings Pocan Deutch Loebsack Smith (TX) CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON F. Higgins (NY) Price (NC) Diaz-Balart Loudermilk Smucker THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR Brady (PA) Huffman Raskin Donovan Love Speier 2018 Brown (MD) Jackson Lee Richmond Duffy Lowey Stefanik Butterfield Jayapal Roybal-Allard Duncan (SC) Lucas Stewart Duncan (TN) Luetkemeyer The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Capuano Jeffries Rush Stivers Dunn Lujan Grisham, ant to House Resolution 553 and rule Ca´ rdenas Johnson (GA) Ryan (OH) Suozzi Emmer M. Carson (IN) Johnson, E. B. Sa´ nchez Swalwell (CA) XVIII, the Chair declares the House in Eshoo MacArthur Castor (FL) Kaptur Sarbanes Taylor the Committee of the Whole House on Estes (KS) Maloney, Sean Chu, Judy Kelly (IL) Schakowsky Tenney the state of the Union for the further Clark (MA) Kennedy Scott (VA) Esty (CT) Marchant Farenthold Marino Thompson (CA) consideration of the concurrent resolu- Clarke (NY) Khanna Scott, David Thompson (PA) Clay Kildee Serrano Faso Marshall Thornberry tion, H. Con. Res. 71. Cleaver Lawrence Sherman Ferguson Massie Tiberi Will the gentleman from Michigan Clyburn Lee Sires Fitzpatrick Mast Tipton Cohen Lewis (GA) Slaughter Fleischmann Matsui (Mr. MITCHELL) kindly take the chair. Torres Conyers Lieu, Ted Smith (WA) Flores McCarthy Trott b 2046 Crowley Lofgren Soto Fortenberry McCaul Cummings Lowenthal Takano Foster McClintock Tsongas IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Davis, Danny Luja´ n, Ben Ray Thompson (MS) Foxx McHenry Turner Accordingly, the House resolved DeFazio Lynch Tonko Franks (AZ) McKinley Upton Valadao itself into the Committee of the Whole Demings Maloney, Vargas Frelinghuysen McMorris DeSaulnier Carolyn B. Vela Gaetz Rodgers Veasey House on the state of the Union for the Dingell McCollum Vela´ zquez Gallagher McNerney Visclosky further consideration of the concurrent Doggett McEachin Wasserman Garamendi McSally Wagner resolution (H. Con. Res. 71) estab- Ellison McGovern Schultz Garrett Meadows Walberg Engel Meeks Waters, Maxine Gianforte Meehan Walden lishing the congressional budget for Espaillat Meng Watson Coleman Gibbs Messer Walker the United States Government for fis- Evans Moore Welch Gohmert Mitchell Walorski cal year 2018 and setting forth the ap- Frankel (FL) Nadler Wilson (FL) Gonzalez (TX) Moolenaar Walters, Mimi propriate budgetary levels for fiscal Fudge Nolan Yarmuth Goodlatte Mooney (WV) Walz Gosar Moulton Weber (TX) years 2019 through 2027, with Mr. NOES—314 Gottheimer Mullin Webster (FL) MITCHELL (Acting Chair) in the chair. Abraham Arrington Barton Gowdy Murphy (FL) Wenstrup The Clerk read the title of the con- Aderholt Babin Bera Granger Neal Westerman current resolution. Aguilar Bacon Bergman Graves (GA) Newhouse Williams Allen Banks (IN) Biggs Graves (LA) Noem Wilson (SC) The Acting CHAIR. When the Com- Amash Barletta Bilirakis Graves (MO) Norman Wittman mittee of the Whole rose earlier today, Amodei Barr Bishop (GA) Green, Gene Nunes Womack

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.113 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7835 Woodall Yoho Young (IA) Wasserman Watson Coleman Yarmuth Westerman Womack Young (AK) Yoder Young (AK) Zeldin Schultz Welch Williams Woodall Young (IA) Waters, Maxine Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Yoder Zeldin NOT VOTING—11 Wittman Yoho Blunt Rochester Long Rooney, Thomas NOES—292 NOT VOTING—11 Bridenstine Murphy (PA) J. Abraham Gallagher Mooney (WV) Doyle, Michael Napolitano Rosen Blunt Rochester Long Rooney, Thomas Aderholt Garamendi Mullin F. Bridenstine Murphy (PA) J. Pelosi Titus Aguilar Garrett Murphy (FL) Kihuen Doyle, Michael Napolitano Rosen Allen Gianforte Newhouse F. Pelosi Titus Amash Gibbs Noem Kihuen b 2110 Amodei Gohmert Norman Mr. MCNERNEY and Mrs. COM- Arrington Goodlatte Nunes ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE ACTING CHAIR Babin Gosar O’Halleran STOCK changed their vote from ‘‘aye’’ Bacon Gottheimer O’Rourke The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). to ‘‘no.’’ Banks (IN) Gowdy Olson There are 2 minutes remaining. Ms. ADAMS and Mr. JOHNSON of Barletta Granger Palazzo b 2117 Georgia changed their vote from ‘‘no’’ Barr Graves (GA) Palmer Barton Graves (LA) Paulsen Mr. GARAMENDI changed his vote to ‘‘aye.’’ Bera Graves (MO) Pearce So the amendment in the nature of a Bergman Griffith Perlmutter from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ substitute was rejected. Biggs Grothman Perry So the amendment in the nature of a Bilirakis Guthrie Peters The result of the vote was announced substitute was rejected. Bishop (MI) Hanabusa Peterson The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Bishop (UT) Handel Pittenger Black Harper Poe (TX) as above recorded. AMENDMENT NO. 2 IN THE NATURE OF A SUB- Blackburn Harris Poliquin Mr. MACARTHUR. Mr. Chair, I move STITUTE OFFERED BY MR. SCOTT OF VIRGINIA Blum Hartzler Polis that the Committee do now rise. The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished Bonamici Hensarling Posey The motion was agreed to. business is the demand for a recorded Bost Herrera Beutler Quigley Accordingly, the Committee rose; vote on the amendment offered by the Brady (TX) Hice, Jody B. Ratcliffe Brat Higgins (LA) Reed and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. MAR- gentleman from Virginia (Mr. SCOTT) Brooks (AL) Hill Reichert SHALL) having assumed the chair, Mr. on which further proceedings were Brooks (IN) Himes Renacci MITCHELL, Acting Chair of the Com- postponed and on which the noes pre- Brownley (CA) Holding Rice (NY) Buchanan Hollingsworth Rice (SC) mittee of the Whole House on the state vailed by voice vote. Buck Hudson Roby of the Union, reported that that Com- The Clerk will redesignate the Bucshon Huizenga Roe (TN) mittee, having had under consideration amendment. Budd Hultgren Rogers (AL) the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. The Clerk redesignated the amend- Burgess Hunter Rogers (KY) Bustos Hurd Rohrabacher 71) establishing the congressional budg- ment. Byrne Issa Rokita et for the United States Government RECORDED VOTE Calvert Jenkins (KS) Rooney, Francis Carbajal Jenkins (WV) Ros-Lehtinen for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote Carter (GA) Johnson (LA) Roskam the appropriate budgetary levels for has been demanded. Carter (TX) Johnson (OH) Ross fiscal years 2019 through 2027, had come A recorded vote was ordered. Chabot Johnson, Sam Rothfus to no resolution thereon. The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 5- Cheney Jones Rouzer Coffman Jordan Royce (CA) f minute vote. Cole Joyce (OH) Ruiz The vote was taken by electronic de- Collins (GA) Katko Ruppersberger MONTANANS DEALING WITH vice, and there were—ayes 130, noes 292, Collins (NY) Keating Rush FEDERAL OVERREACH Comer Kelly (MS) Russell not voting 11, as follows: Comstock Kelly (PA) Rutherford (Mr. GIANFORTE asked and was [Roll No. 554] Conaway Kilmer Sanford given permission to address the House Cook Kind Scalise for 1 minute and to revise and extend AYES—130 Cooper King (IA) Schneider Adams Gabbard Meeks Correa King (NY) Schrader his remarks.) Barraga´ n Gallego Meng Costa Kinzinger Schweikert Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I met Bass Gomez Moore Costello (PA) Knight Scott, Austin last week with a couple of small busi- Beatty Gonzalez (TX) Moulton Courtney Kuster (NH) Sensenbrenner ness owners in Butte, Montana, who Beyer Green, Al Nadler Cramer Kustoff (TN) Sessions Bishop (GA) Green, Gene Neal Crawford Labrador Shea-Porter have been the target of an out-of-con- Blumenauer Grijalva Nolan Crist LaHood Shimkus trol Federal bureaucrat in the Food Boyle, Brendan Gutie´rrez Norcross Cuellar LaMalfa Shuster Safety and Inspection Service. F. Hastings Culberson Lamborn Simpson Pallone One of the bureaucrat’s targets is Brady (PA) Heck Panetta Curbelo (FL) Lance Sinema Brown (MD) Higgins (NY) Pascrell Davidson Langevin Smith (MO) Riley’s Meats. Over a period of 12 Butterfield Hoyer Payne Davis (CA) Latta Smith (NE) years, Dr. Jeffrey Legg with the FSIS Capuano Huffman Pingree Davis, Rodney Levin Smith (NJ) Ca´ rdenas Jackson Lee DeGette Lewis (MN) Smith (TX) ordered Bart Riley to comply with Pocan what he told Riley were Federal regu- Carson (IN) Jayapal Price (NC) Delaney Lipinski Smucker Cartwright Jeffries DelBene Raskin LoBiondo Soto lations. Castor (FL) Johnson (GA) Denham Loebsack Stefanik Richmond Mr. Riley spent over $10,000 in com- Castro (TX) Johnson, E. B. Dent Loudermilk Stewart Roybal-Allard Chu, Judy Kaptur DeSantis Love Stivers pliance costs and suffered years of har- Ryan (OH) Cicilline Kelly (IL) DesJarlais Lowey Suozzi assment, but these weren’t real Federal Sa´ nchez Clark (MA) Kennedy Deutch Lucas Swalwell (CA) Sarbanes regulations. They were costly measures Clarke (NY) Khanna Diaz-Balart Luetkemeyer Taylor Clay Kildee Schakowsky Donovan MacArthur Tenney dreamed up by this bureaucrat. Cleaver Krishnamoorthi Schiff Duffy Maloney, Sean Thompson (CA) I saw the toll that dealing with this Clyburn Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Duncan (SC) Marchant Thompson (PA) government harassment has taken on Scott, David Cohen Larson (CT) Duncan (TN) Marino Thornberry the Riley family over the last decade. Connolly Lawrence Serrano Dunn Marshall Tiberi Conyers Lawson (FL) Sewell (AL) Emmer Massie Tipton No one should have to endure such a Crowley Lee Sherman Eshoo Mast Torres nightmare. Stories like these are why Cummings Lewis (GA) Sires Estes (KS) McCarthy Trott the American people demand that Davis, Danny Lieu, Ted Slaughter Esty (CT) McCaul Turner DeFazio Lofgren Smith (WA) Farenthold McClintock Upton Washington is cleaned up. DeLauro Lowenthal Speier Faso McHenry Valadao For the Riley family and other Mon- Demings Lujan Grisham, Takano Ferguson McKinley Visclosky tanans dealing with Federal overreach, DeSaulnier M. Thompson (MS) Fitzpatrick McMorris Wagner I will continue to focus on this issue Dingell Luja´ n, Ben Ray Tonko Fleischmann Rodgers Walberg Doggett Lynch Tsongas Flores McNerney Walden until it is resolved. Ellison Maloney, Vargas Fortenberry McSally Walker f Engel Carolyn B. Veasey Foster Meadows Walorski Espaillat Matsui Vela Foxx Meehan Walters, Mimi MASS SHOOTING IN LAS VEGAS Evans McCollum Vela´ zquez Franks (AZ) Messer Weber (TX) Frankel (FL) McEachin Walz Frelinghuysen Mitchell Webster (FL) (Mr. SWALWELL of California asked Fudge McGovern Gaetz Moolenaar Wenstrup and was given permission to address

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.042 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7836 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 the House for 1 minute and to revise dent for the past 30 years. I would like and communities. This requires fundamental and extend his remarks.) to congratulate Steve on his retire- changes to NAFTA, including: Mr. SWALWELL of California. Mr. ment and wish him all the best in the 1. Creating a transparent and inclusive re- Speaker, America has again been years to come. negotiation process. NAFTA renegotiations should not be done in secret but should be rocked by a mass shooting, and our f hearts ache and our hands pray for the transparent and allow for public participa- TRADE AND JOBS HEARING IN tion. This means inviting and incorporating victims and those who are recovering. public input on U.S. proposals for the agree- You can’t help but watch the countless BROOK PARK, OHIO ment, and making negotiating texts avail- scores of video accounts and not feel an (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given able for public comment after each negoti- urge to act. permission to address the House for 1 ating round. Workers, environmentalists, My constituents ask: Are we helpless minute and to revise and extend her re- and other key stakeholders should be part of to stop the next mass shooting? marks.) the process to make sure negotiators under- We are only helpless once the trigger stand the impact of the deal on jobs and the Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, as the environment. It is critical that all stake- is squeezed and you are in the pathway NAFTA negotiations continue, it is im- of a bullet, but we are not helpless in holders and the general public be involved in portant for us to listen to our constitu- a transparent, fair, and participatory negoti- this House. In fact, if we come to- ents on how we can make NAFTA bet- ating process. gether, we are more powerful than any ter for them. 2. Eliminating corporate courts that weapon. To that end, I convened important incentivize offshoring and undermine envi- Aren’t the dead owed a dialogue, a stakeholders for a hearing in Ohio on ronmental protections. NAFTA’s Investor- conversation about whether we should how NAFTA has hurt American work- State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provision have background checks, a talk about ers and what we can do to help them. has created private courts in which foreign corporations can demand compensation for whether people who have weapons of Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD war should only be warriors, and what environmental protections and other demo- the testimony of Ms. Lee Geisse of the cratically enacted laws before unelected, un- about talking about restrictions on BlueGreen Alliance, Cheryl Johncox of ammunition purchases? accountable, panels of corporate lawyers. By the Sierra Club, and Mark Milko of creating unique privileges for foreign inves- I refuse to accept the tradeoff that Workers United. tors, ISDS can incentivize offshoring and we must allow and accept that a mass threaten the very safeguards we have demo- BLUEGREEN ALLIANCE TESTIMONY, LEE shooting is going to happen in this cratically enacted. NAFTA’s broad rights for GEISSE, REGIONAL PROGRAM MANAGER country for an unfettered access to foreign corporations, including ISDS, must firearms. We know that it is possible to have trade be eliminated—mere tweaks will not be suffi- If the police officers who went into agreements that don’t engage the U.S. in a cient. NAFTA’s replacement must eliminate race to the bottom, but instead lift up our that building so blindly and were so ISDS so as to safeguard workers and envi- own workers and workers throughout the ronmental and health protections. brave could do that and show that world. We applaud Congresswoman Kaptur’s 3. Including strong and binding labor and courage, we can come into this build- work on this issue and so many others that environmental protections—including wage ing and have the courage to have a dia- are vital to the future of Ohio’s workers, and climate standards—in the core text of economy and the environment! Thank you logue for those victims. the agreement. NAFTA has enabled corpora- for bringing these folks together and invit- f tions to offshore production to take advan- ing the BlueGreen Alliance to participate! tage of lower environmental and labor stand- RECOGNIZING THE WORK AND In 2006, the United Steelworkers and the ards abroad. This has significantly impacted ACHIEVEMENT OF STEVE Sierra Club formed this unique Alliance— workers in both the manufacturing and serv- founded with the belief that we no longer HILDRETH ice sectors. It has spurred the loss of good have to choose between good jobs and a clean paying jobs, carbon leakage, and the export (Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER asked and environment; we can and must have both. In of pollution, while undermining domestic was given permission to address the these 11 years, we’ve convened workers, envi- labor and environmental protections. To fix House for 1 minute.) ronmentalists, and industry leaders to forge this, NAFTA’s replacement should establish Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. Mr. partnerships that help us find solutions to a binding floor of labor and environmental address historic problems like climate Speaker, I rise today to recognize the protections across North America. It should change in ways that create and secure qual- work and the achievement of Steve require signatory countries to adopt living ity jobs. Together, we are a powerful voice Hildreth, an exemplary employee and wages for workers and to implement policies for good jobs, a clean environment, and a fair member of our community. Steve cele- to fulfill important international labor and and thriving economy. environmental agreements, including the brated his retirement last month after The North American Free Trade Agree- Paris Climate Agreement and the Inter- working for 30 years at the Georgia Pa- ment, also known as NAFTA, has been in ef- national Labor Organization’s conventions. cific Paper Mill in Camas, Washington. fect since 1994. The current Administration These commitments should be included in Steve started at the mill in 1987, as has announced plans for its renegotiation, the core text of the agreement and trade but without much detail. That renegotiation sleeter helper in the print department. sanctions should be used to penalize viola- begins this month. For far too many, NAFTA By the time he retired, he held the po- tions. NAFTA must make a commitment to has meant the loss of good, quality paying sition of the shift team leader for the prioritize workers and the environment. shift instrumentation technicians. He jobs and increased pollution, as the deal ex- acerbated offshoring and profiteering off the 4. Creating a stronger, independent en- was well respected by the operators backs of workers and the environment. It’s forcement mechanism. Rules mean nothing and crews of the machines, and he time for a trade agreement that levels the if they aren’t enforced. In the history of the knew the job was to make their job playing field and makes deep reforms to U.S. trade agreements, labor and environ- easier. strengthen workers’ rights and environ- mental provisions have consistently been ig- He was also a member of the Associa- mental standards. American workers should nored. Even post–2007 trade agreements with tion of Western Pulp and Paper Work- expect agreements that ensure that other labor and environmental provisions in the core text have failed to produce disputes ers union throughout his career and countries have to play by the same worker safety and environmental rules that we do. over widely documented labor and environ- held office in Local 5 for several years. mental violations. To fix this, the agreement Fortunately, Steve has options in re- Anything short of [this] would be a failure. NAFTA’s replacement must support good that replaces NAFTA must create a new, tirement. According to his wife, Shari, union jobs, livable wages, healthy commu- independent dispute settlement mechanism he is a true Renaissance man, in that nities, clean air and water, and a more stable for enforcing labor and environmental provi- he can build, troubleshoot, and fix just climate. Through an open, public process, sions rather than replicating the failed sys- about anything. He is spending his the U.S. can partner with other nations in tem of the past. Stronger enforcement is time remodeling their Washougal mutually beneficial trade and climate agree- critical to ensure that the agreement is home, setting up his new shop, and ments that are fair, protect workers’ rights upheld and that it creates a fair playing field among all parties. making his way through Shari’s exten- and jobs, safeguard the environment; ensure sive honey-do list. the democratic processes of sovereign na- 5. Protecting and promoting Buy American tions are not overturned by unelected bodies; and green procurement policies. Currently Mr. Speaker, southwest Washington and raise the bar for consumer and public NAFTA requires that the federal government has been fortunate to have someone protections in all nations that are signato- treat foreign bidders as if they were Amer- like Steve Hildreth as an employee, fa- ries. The BlueGreen Alliance recommends a ican bidders when deciding how to spend U.S. ther, husband, grandfather, and resi- new approach to trade that lifts up workers taxpayer money. It also includes rules that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:09 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.119 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7837 limit governments’ ability to use ‘‘green pur- governments in these cases, while pending failed to protect challenged policies. Instead; chasing’’ requirements that ensure govern- NAFTA claims total more than $35 billion. any deal that replaces NAFTA must include ment contracts support environmental pro- The cases are heard not by judges, but by a broad ‘‘carve-out’’ that exempts public in- tection. To protect and grow America’s man- corporate lawyers outside the normal court terest policies from all of the deal’s rules. ufacturing and service sector employment, system. Broad corporate rights, including Any NAFTA renegotiation must be con- create taxpayer funded jobs in the U.S., and ISDS, must be eliminated from NAFTA to ducted through an open process that invites safeguard our air and water, NAFTA’s re- safeguard our right to democratically deter- the public to help formulate U.S. positions placement should support domestic job cre- mine our own public interest protections. and to comment on negotiated texts after ation and responsible bidding standards. 2. Add strong, enforceable environmental each negotiating round. Bolstered by resur- 6. Strengthening rules of origin. Rules of and labor standards to the core text of agree- gent support for a new trade model, we com- origin should benefit producers and workers ment. NAFTA’s weak and unenforceable en- mit to push for this environmental overhaul across North America. For example, vironmental and labor side agreements fa- of NAFTA, and against any polluter-friendly NAFTA’s replacement needs to adopt more cilitated a race to the bottom in which cor- deal that masquerades as change. robust rules of origin that require auto- porations could offshore jobs to exploit lower motive manufacturers to make a higher per- environmental and labor standards in an- WORKERS UNITED, centage of new vehicles and their parts in other country. Any deal that replaces August 11, 2017. the originating country in order to qualify NAFTA must create a fair playing field by Re NAFTA field hearing. requiring each participating country to for tariff free trade. The agreement should Congresswoman KAPTUR, ensure the signatory countries receive manu- adopt, maintain, and implement policies to Cleveland Office, Cleveland, OH. facturing, investment, and production bene- ensure compliance with domestic environ- DEAR CONGRESSWOMAN KAPTUR: I just fits of the agreement. Under the current mental laws and important international en- wanted to respond in writing on a couple of agreement, many countries that are not part vironmental and labor agreements, including facts on how NAFTA can affect workers indi- of the agreement take advantage of loop- the Paris climate agreement, and treaties rectly impacted by NAFTA in manufac- holes to gain market access. The rules of ori- protecting Indigenous rights. In addition, turing. gin and regional value content need to be up- each country must make commitments to 1. Workers that supply the food service in dated so that they can incentivize manufac- tackle critical conservation challenges re- factories that are moved to Mexico. turing and production domestically. lated to illegal timber trade, illegal wildlife 2. Workers that work in the hospitality in- We know exactly what causes outsourcing: trade, and fisheries management. These com- dustry are impacted because of the loss of low wages, exploited workers in unsafe work- mitments must be included in the core text good paying jobs, those manufacturing work- ing conditions, and weak, or non-existent, of the agreement and made enforceable via ers no longer have the disposable income to environmental, protections in other coun- an independent dispute settlement process in go to a racetrack, ball game or other sport- tries. which trade sanctions are used to correct ing events at all or as often. Americans, Ohioans, and working people labor and environmental abuses. 3. The workers that still produce goods everywhere need fair trade deals that put 3. Safeguard energy sector regulation by like our garment workers are put in a bad workers and the environment first and don’t overhauling overreaching rules. NAFTA’s en- bargaining position at contract time because put corporate interests above our health, our ergy chapter, written before awareness of cli- of trade agreements like NAFTA. rights, and our safety. mate change was widespread, must be elimi- Please keep me in the loop on anything we The promise of NAFTA being a job creator nated.. Other NAFTA rules allow renewable can do to help in this process to get this was hollow, and thousands of Ohio workers portfolio standards, low-carbon fuel stand- trade agreement amended. watched helplessly as this flawed trade ards, and other climate-friendly energy regu- Sincerely, agreement led to the outsourcing of middle- lations to be challenged for impeding busi- MARK A. MILKO, class jobs. While Donald Trump has promised ness and hurting corporate bottom lines. Area Director Workers United. to renegotiate NAFTA, the skepticism is Such rules must be narrowed to protect cli- Ms. KAPTUR. Lee and Cheryl under- that his billionaire, climate-denying cabinet, mate policies in each country. 4. Restrict pollution from cross-border lined the adverse environmental effects could actually make it worse! of NAFTA and the need to strengthen All of our partners and allies must commit motor carriers. NAFTA encouraged a rise in cross-border motor traffic without doing environmental standards in any re- to helping champions like Congresswoman negotiated agreement. Kaptur watch closely and ensure that the anything to mitigate the resulting increase voices of working people are heard through- in harmful vehicle emissions. Any deal that I was proud to note their statements out this process to support—not undermine— replaces NAFTA must require cross-border that Ohio has become number one in good jobs, efforts to address climate change, motor carriers to reduce emissions in order solar manufacturing. Just as Mark and safe worksites and healthy communities! for their goods to benefit from reduced tar- said, it is important that we ensure iffs. In addition, all cross-border commercial that these valuable manufacturing vehicles must be required to comply with all CHERYL JOHNCOX, ORGANIZING state and federal standards to limit pollu- skills are passed along to our youth, REPRESENTATIVE, SIERRA CLUB tion. and not outsourced. Thank you, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, 5. Require green government purchasing I am grateful for their contributions for this very important hearing associated instead of restricting it. NAFTA’s procure- and welcome their continued engage- with the North American Free Trade Agree- ment rules limit governments’ ability to use ment as the negotiations proceed. ment Renegotiation. My name is Cheryl ‘‘green purchasing’’ requirements that en- Mr. Speaker, I thank you for allow- Johncox and I am a member of the national sure government contracts support renew- ing me to include their remarks in the field team of Sierra Club. able energy, energy efficiency, and sustain- For more than two decades, the North RECORD. They are important for all able goods. NAFTA’s replacement must re- Americans to read, especially those ne- American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) quire signatory governments to include a has harmed communities across Canada, preference for goods and services with low gotiating the new NAFTA. Mexico, and the U.S.—particularly people of environmental impacts and fair labor prac- f color and lower income families—by under- tices in procurement decisions. mining environmental protections, elimi- 6. Bolster climate protections by penal- RECOGNIZING CARE NET PREG- nating jobs, increasing air and water pollu- izing imported goods made with high climate NANCY CENTER OF CENTRAL tion, eroding wages, and fueling climate emissions and lax labor standards. NAFTA NEW YORK change. allows firms to shift production to a country (Ms. TENNEY asked and was given To transform NAFTA from a polluter- with lower climate standards, which can permission to address the House for 1 friendly deal into one that supports environ- spur ‘‘carbon leakage’’ and job offshoring. To minute and to revise and extend her re- mental protection, any renegotiation must prevent this, and encourage greater climate include, at a minimum, action from high-emissions trading partners, marks.) 1. Eliminate rules that empower corpora- each country must be required to impose a Ms. TENNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise tions to attack environmental and public border tax on imported goods made with sig- today to recognize the Care Net Preg- health protections in unaccountable tribu- nificant climate pollution, and unfair labor nancy Center of Central New York. nals. NAFTA’s investor-state dispute settle- practices. Founded in 1989, Care Net provides ment (ISDS) system has empowered multi- 7. Add a broad protection for environ- free, confidential services for women national corporations to bypass our courts, mental, labor and other public interest poli- facing an unplanned pregnancy across go to private tribunals, and demand money cies. NAFTA’s many overreaching rules re- our region. Nationwide, Care Net has a from taxpayers for policies that affect cor- strict the policy tools that governments can porate bottom lines. Corporations have used use to protect the environment and other network of over 1,100 pregnancy cen- NAFTA to challenge bans on toxic chemi- broadly-shared priorities. NAFTA includes ters. cals, the decisions of environmental review no provision that effectively shields public Through its work, Care Net of Cen- panels, and protections for our climate. They interest policies from such rules—only a tral New York has provided guidance have extracted more than $370 million from weak ‘‘exception’’ that has consistently and compassionate care to over 24,000

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:49 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC7.045 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7838 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 individuals, equipping women with the On October 1 of this year, less than HOW DID WE GET HERE? resources they need to make an in- one week ago, my brother of the thin Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, when formed decision about their pregnancy. blue line, Corporal Michael Paul Mid- someone with the service of my friend From pregnancy counseling to post- dlebrook, a nine-year veteran of the from Louisiana, Mr. HIGGINS, pays trib- abortion recovery services, Care Net of- Lafayette Police Department, was ute, you know it is somebody worthy, fers a wide range of support and assist- killed in the line of duty while respond- because my friend from Louisiana ance to women considering this life- ing to a ‘‘shots fired’’ call at a local served with distinction in the United changing, difficult decision. convenience store. States Army, wearing the uniform of During an emotional and challenging Corporal Middlebrook is survived by this country. He served as a law en- time, Care Net staff provides an unpar- his wife, three daughters, and his par- forcement officer. He knows about alleled level of compassion, support, ents. During his tenure at the Lafay- serving, protecting others, and a will- and dedication to the women and men ette Police Department, Corporal Mid- ingness to lay down his life for others. they serve. dlebrook accumulated seven letters of It has been deeply touching to have Care Net continues to lead the way in commendation for acts of bravery and seen accounts of what is going on in the mission to protect the sanctity of outstanding police work. Las Vegas. To understand what I have life, helping to save the lives of thou- Michael understood that his job as a seen in my years as a prosecutor, sands of unborn children each year. cop began with an oath. And that oath judge, and chief justice, when everyone It is an honor to stand here today to was not to a chief or a sheriff or a mar- is running away from the sound of a recognize Care Net’s service to our shal. It was an oath of allegiance to the gun, first responders and law officers community and its unwavering com- constitutional principles that his badge are running into harm’s way to help mitment to future generations. represents. Corporal Michael Middle- and protect others. f brook recognized unwaveringly the It was Jesus who said, ‘‘Greater love COMMENDING THE OFFICE OF civil constitutional rights of the citi- has no one than this, that a man lay MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET FOR zens he had sworn to protect and de- down his life for his friends.’’ THEIR ATTENTION TO fend and serve. Those who wear the uniform, as my WILDFIRES IN THE WEST In March of this year, Michael was friend has, of law officer and in the awarded the highly prestigious Heart military, they know what that means. (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 of Law Enforcement Award by the na- My 4 years in Active Duty in the Army, minute and to revise and extend his re- tional nonprofit group Beyond the we were not in combat, but Jesus was marks.) Badge. During the ceremony, Corporal right. Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I wish Middlebrook was recognized by Louisi- There were so many there in Las to commend this evening the Office of ana’s Governor and was presented a Vegas that put their own lives on the Management and Budget and Mr. commemorative State flag. This award line for the sake of the lives of others. Mulvaney for the special attention was given to recognize Corporal There are others that couldn’t wait they are taking to the wildfire situa- Middlebrook’s ongoing contributions to to rush to a microphone to demand: tion we have in this country, especially the low-income community that he pa- Gun control, gun control. in the West. trolled. I am waiting for them to rush to the They have put forward a request for Michael regularly took donated food mic and scream: Knife control, knife $576 million additional funding for fire items from local convenience stores control. suppression, but even more impor- and distributed the food to the home- Or after a van is used as the weapon: tantly is to get at the root of the prob- less and less fortunate. Michael also Van control, van control. lem with better forest management collected clothing on his off time and What is clear is we need to look at that will make sense and make a dif- delivered the clothing to poor souls he the real causation, whether it is ma- ference over the coming years of get- encountered during his shift deep in chetes being used to torture and kill ting rid of the fuel, getting the fuel out the night while the world slept. 800,000 precious humans in Africa, of the forest that is so much of the In the last 6 months alone, Corporal whether it is knives, whether it is am- problem, with millions and millions of Michael Middlebrook was recognized monium nitrate. People with evil in dead trees, brush, and all the other for having saved a person’s life by plac- their hearts are going to find a way to hazards that cause wildfires, that are ing himself between the victim and the wreak havoc. going to happen anyway, to become knife-wielding suspect, and for single- We know that without a gun being catastrophic fires. handedly apprehending an armed rob- used, the biggest—worst tragedy and So OMB calling for these reforms bery suspect seconds after the 911 call loss of life attack was on 9/11 in 2001. I that we have been talking about, me was placed. don’t believe there was a gun used in and my colleagues, for a long time is Corporal Middlebrook’s chief, my the whole process, yet it was a worse really a good sign that this administra- friend and brother, Chief Toby loss of American life than at Pearl Har- tion wants to get serious about cutting Aguillard, provided this quote: ‘‘For bor. way back on the wildfires and the se- many in our community, Corporal Mid- You have got to look at what is in vere damage to air quality, habitat, dlebrook was a spearhead that brought the heart, what’s causing it. If they are wildlife, and the asset the American them to justice. For many others, Cor- going to use knives, if they are going people own, that they are serious about poral Middlebrook was a cradle of com- to use planes, if they are going to use it. passion. He was an officer’s officer, vehicles, yeah, we need to protect our- f loved and respected by his peers. The selves, but we need to look at what is void he leaves in our department, in in the heart. b 2130 our community, in our hearts will be I know the sheriff said the shooter YOU HAVE EARNED YOUR REST felt for generations. He will never be may have been radicalized. We don’t CORPORAL MICHAEL PAUL MID- forgotten.’’ know yet. We know there was a trip to DLEBROOK That quote was from Michael’s chief. the Philippines. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Brother Michael, you have earned I am very proud to have met out in the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- your rest. Your watch has ended. We the jungles of the southern Philippines uary 3, 2017, the gentleman from Texas have got it from here. The thin blue with some of our special forces. Amaz- (Mr. GOHMERT) is recognized for half line will never forget your service. We ing. Some of the best America has to the remaining time until 10 p.m. shall always honor your memory, and offer, and they were out in the jungles Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield we shall watch over your family. teaching the Filipino soldiers, the best to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. May our Saviour bless your ascen- that the Philippines had, how to go HIGGINS), my friend. sion, and may He hold your loved ones after the radicalized Islamists in the Mr. HIGGINS of Louisiana. Mr. close to His own heart. southern Philippines. Speaker, I thank my colleague for Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague But we don’t know if this man with yielding to me. for yielding to me. evil in his heart had been radicalized.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:09 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.121 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7839 Others say there were no indications. don’t have us anywhere near the top of And then we have this document But one thing was certain, he looked being one of the freest countries in the where England swears in the name of down on that crowd of people enjoying world anymore. the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity life, enjoying their families, enjoying It is continuing to be, after tragedies, that they recognize our independence. their loved ones, and all he could see after people with evil in their heart do That came after the Great Awakening, was worthless people that needed to be evil things, that more cry out: We need in the 1700s, where pulpits were on fire eliminated. to lose more freedom. We need to lose with the glory of God and the recogni- Why did he have that in his heart? more freedom. tion of what God had given us and of Where do people get those ideas? That is not the answer. Let’s look at the importance of the Bible. I mean, we argue and disagree here what is in people’s hearts and what No, everybody wasn’t a Christian on the House floor. When I was a judge, would be good to have in their hearts. back then, but of the signers of the I watched argument. At times it I know where we came from, but even Declaration, you had over a third of seemed like they wanted to come to I was surprised when my pastor, David them were—may have been over half blows, but it was part of a civil process Dykes, and I and his wife, Cindy, my were actually ordained Christian min- in a bastion where we come and we dis- wife, Kathy, we were going through the isters. agree and we don’t use physical vio- State Department. I had not done a There were secularists that sup- lence, but we are still supposed to have tour of the State Department before ported the end of slavery, but the respect for each other and each other’s because it is mostly boring, but we churches drove that. The churches pro- position. came to a glass case that had a docu- vided the Underground Railroad, most To hear some comedian say, ‘‘Just do ment in it, and it said it was a dupli- often, to try to help Africans to be free something,’’ would have been viewed cate. Americans. by those who gave us the documents We know that many of our most im- It was an ordained Christian minister that have allowed us to be the greatest portant documents, including the Dec- who went on to help bring about the Nation—I think greater than Solo- laration of Independence, were made in full meaning of the Constitution, that mon’s Israel, more assets per person, duplicate, so I don’t know if this was this should mean what it said, an or- the only country in the history that one that was actually signed or it was dained Christian minister named Mar- I’m aware of where the number one a duplicate. It appeared to be of the tin Luther King, Jr. health problem for the Nation’s poor is era. So, Mr. Speaker, Abraham Lincoln, obesity, and it is a serious issue. I said to Dr. Dykes: Did you know the he started life early as, bragging to his But how did we get here? Treaty of Paris began like that? law partner, he was an infidel. Going Obviously, for the Japanese at Pearl I didn’t know. I study history most from that, as Steve Mansfield dis- Harbor, it was easier for them because every day. cusses, I believe the book is entitled they weren’t looking in the eyes of peo- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ‘‘Lincoln’s Struggle With God.’’ By the ple. tleman will suspend. time he became President, he knew It was easier for this guy 32 floors up Under the Speaker’s announced pol- there was a God. And just like Ben- because he was not looking at the eyes icy of January 3, 2017, the gentleman jamin Franklin said: ‘‘I have lived, sir, of these people, his people he wanted to from Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) is recog- a long time. The longer I live, the more kill that he didn’t think were worth al- nized until 10 p.m. convincing proofs I see of this truth— lowing to live, despite the love they Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I did God governs in the affairs of men. And were sharing with each other and the know that rule. if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground joy. But this was the Treaty of Paris, without His notice, is it probable that Where do people get those ideas that 1783, and John Adams was there. But an empire can rise without His aid? We somebody is that worthless? Is it from this is where we were negotiating with have been assured, sir, in the sacred hearing people with whom someone dis- England, the most powerful country in writings that, ‘except the Lord build agrees is deplorable, that they simply the world, imploring them to recognize the house, they labor in vain that build cannot be made worthy of living? this little upstart country of 13 States it.’’’ Here is a statement from this Octo- as an independent country, inde- He said: ‘‘I firmly believe this. I also ber 2 article. Some CBS executive said pendent and free of the shackles that firmly believe that without His concur- she was not even sympathetic for the were there as Colonies by England. ring aid, we shall succeed in our polit- victims of the shooting at a country Here they have got the biggest navy. ical building no better than the build- music festival. She said: ‘‘I am actually They have an impressive military, ers of Babel.’’ not even sympathetic because country most powerful nation, and we are ask- So this man, kind of homely look- music fans often are Republican gun ing them to swear on a document that ing—I thought Daniel Day-Lewis cap- toters.’’ we in the United States have the right tured his essence so well. When I met to be free and independent. Doris Kearns Goodwin over at the Li- b 2145 So as I contemplated that, well, brary of Congress, I said: You’ve got to Scott Pelley has questioned whether these first words that are in much big- tell me, you do such fabulous re- the shooting was ‘‘foreseeable, predict- ger letters than the rest of the docu- search—and, yes, she is a more liberal able and, to some degree, self-in- ment, began to make sense. Democrat, I know, but she does fabu- flicted.’’ What would you have asked some- lous research. And in her book, ‘‘Team But for someone who appears to body swear under, at the beginning of of Rivals,’’ she has well documented he know right from wrong, not suffering our Nation, asking the most powerful didn’t have a pleasant voice, kind of from mental disease or defect, to in- nation in the world to swear that they high, raspy. Daniel Day-Lewis nailed flict that kind of death on people who recognize, something important it. are just innocent, just having a good enough they would not want to break But Lincoln came to know what Ben time, there has to be so much evil and that oath, even with the anger and the Franklin testified to in 1787 at the Con- hate in his heart. despising attitude that many in Eng- stitutional Convention. He lost a son. So we have a Supreme Court that has land had at that time? He and his wife lost a son in 1861. There been saying for years: You have got to Well, the words they chose for those are indications he totally blamed him- get prayer out of schools. Never mind big, tall letters, were these, and this is self because he thought he hadn’t done the fact that prayer got this country a copy of the copy. ‘‘In the name of the quickly enough what God meant for started, that prayer and worship and Most Holy and Undivided Trinity.’’ him to do: end slavery. I don’t know if honoring God have been behind the Well, some say we were started with that is true or not. greatest developments in this coun- the Declaration of Independence, rec- But in March of 1863, this was Abra- try’s history that got us to this place, ognizing that we are free and, of right, ham Lincoln’s declaration, and I will to this plateau, as a nation. ought to be free because we are en- finish with this, Mr. Speaker. Abraham Although some would argue we have dowed by our Creator with these Lincoln’s words were: ‘‘But we have hit the height of freedom, some surveys unalienable rights. forgotten God. We have forgotten the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:09 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K04OC7.123 H04OCPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with HOUSE H7840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 4, 2017 gracious hand which preserved us in ADJOURNMENT of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- tion of the committee concerned. peace, and multiplied and enriched and Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I move strengthened us; and we have vainly By Mrs. HARTZLER (for herself, Ms. that the House do now adjourn. BORDALLO, and Mrs. NOEM): imagined, in the deceitfulness of our The motion was agreed to; accord- H.R. 3942. A bill to amend the Violence hearts, that all the blessings were pro- ingly (at 9 o’clock and 57 minutes Against Women Act of 1994 to include sex duced by some superior wisdom and p.m.), under its previous order, the trafficking victims in the transitional hous- virtue of our own.’’ House adjourned until tomorrow, ing assistance grant program, and for other Lincoln goes on and says: ‘‘Intoxi- Thursday, October 5, 2017, at 9 a.m. purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- cated with unbroken success, we have ary, and in addition to the Committee on Fi- f become too self-sufficient to feel the nancial Services, for a period to be subse- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS quently determined by the Speaker, in each necessity of redeeming and preserving case for consideration of such provisions as grace, too proud to pray to the God Under clause 2 of rule XII, public fall within the jurisdiction of the committee that made us. It behooves us then, to bills and resolutions of the following concerned. humble ourselves before the offended titles were introduced and severally re- By Mr. O’ROURKE (for himself, Mr. Power, to confess our national sins, ferred, as follows: GALLEGO, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. GON- ZALEZ of Texas, Mr. VELA, Mr. and to pray for clemency and forgive- By Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California CUELLAR, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. VARGAS, ness’’—Abraham Lincoln. (for herself, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. ELLI- Mr. PETERS, and Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN Mr. Speaker, I believe this was not SON, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas, Ms. KAP- GRISHAM of New Mexico): the act of God punishing Americans for TUR, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. SARBANES, Mr. H.R. 3943. A bill to amend the Immigration being country music fans or being con- RASKIN, and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY): and Nationality Act to prohibit the Sec- servatives. This was not the act of God H.R. 3937. A bill to require the Federal pru- retary of Homeland Security and the Attor- punishing Americans for turning away. dential banking agencies to determine ney General from using eminent domain to whether certain institutions they regulate acquire land for the purpose of constructing This was from a man with evil in his engage in a pattern or practice of violations heart in a country where God has been a wall, or other physical barrier, along the of Federal banking and consumer protection international border between the United driven out of the schoolhouse, driven laws and regulations, to provide for the rev- States and Mexico, and for other purposes; to out of government buildings by a ma- ocation of banking charters and Federal de- the Committee on Homeland Security, and jority of Supreme Court Justices who posit insurance for such institutions, and for in addition to the Committee on the Judici- have no clue how far from the original other purposes; to the Committee on Finan- ary, for a period to be subsequently deter- intent of the Constitution they have cial Services. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- wandered. By Mr. LYNCH (for himself, Mr. sideration of such provisions as fall within SUOZZI, Ms. NORTON, Mr. QUIGLEY, It is the result of years of teaching the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. Mr. POLIS, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. GALLEGO, people that there are those among our By Mr. COHEN (for himself, Mr. GRI- Mr. RASKIN, Miss RICE of New York, JALVA, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. ELLISON, what we deem innocent in society who Mr. PANETTA, Ms. SPEIER, Mr. Mr. HIGGINS of New York, Mrs. LAW- just should not be allowed to live. That PETERS, and Mr. LOWENTHAL): RENCE, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. MEEKS, is not the teaching of Jesus. It is not H.R. 3938. A bill to direct the Adminis- Ms. MOORE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. RYAN of the teaching in the Bible, and it is not trator of the Federal Aviation Administra- Ohio, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. SMITH of what this country grew so great believ- tion to enter into appropriate arrangements Washington, Mr. HASTINGS, and Mr. ing. with the National Academies of Sciences, POLIS): Engineering, and Medicine to provide for a I yield back the balance of my time. H.R. 3944. A bill to amend the Omnibus report on the health impacts of air traffic Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to f noise and pollution, and for other purposes; authorize a grant program to assist State to the Committee on Transportation and In- and local law enforcement agencies in pur- LEAVE OF ABSENCE frastructure. chasing body-worn cameras and securely By Mrs. NOEM (for herself and Mr. storing and maintaining recorded data for By unanimous consent, leave of ab- WALZ): law enforcement officers; to the Committee sence was granted to: H.R. 3939. A bill to amend the Federal Crop on the Judiciary. Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- Insurance Act and the Federal Agriculture By Mr. JEFFRIES (for himself, Mr. vania (at the request of Ms. PELOSI) for Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to MARINO, Mr. COLLINS of Georgia, Mr. today and the balance of the week on make the native sod provisions applicable to SMITH of Texas, Ms. JUDY CHU of the United States and to modify those provi- account of a death in the family. California, and Mr. TED LIEU of Cali- sions, and for other purposes; to the Com- fornia): Mr. KIHUEN (at the request of Ms. mittee on Agriculture. H.R. 3945. A bill to amend title 17, United PELOSI) for today and the balance of By Mr. POE of Texas (for himself, Mr. States Code, to establish an alternative dis- the week on account of work in district AL GREEN of Texas, Mr. VELA, Ms. pute resolution program for copyright small relating to tragic shooting in Las EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. claims, and for other purposes; to the Com- Vegas. BRADY of Texas, Mr. BISHOP of Geor- mittee on the Judiciary. Mrs. NAPOLITANO (at the request of gia, Mr. CARTER of Texas, Mr. GENE By Mr. ALLEN (for himself, Mr. AUS- GREEN of Texas, Mr. BABIN, Mr. Ms. PELOSI) for today after 5 p.m. and TIN SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. BISHOP of VEASEY, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. the balance of the week on account of Georgia, Mr. CARTER of Georgia, Mr. SCHRADER, Mr. WALDEN, Mr. GON- COLLINS of Georgia, Mr. FERGUSON, husband’s health. ZALEZ of Texas, Mr. O’ROURKE, Mr. Mr. GRAVES of Georgia, Mr. JODY B. SESSIONS, Mr. MCCAUL, and Mr. RYAN HICE of Georgia, Mr. JOHNSON of f of Ohio): Georgia, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 3940. A bill to amend title 38, United BILLS PRESENTED TO THE LOUDERMILK, Mr. DAVID SCOTT of States Code, to provide for housing stipends Georgia, Mrs. HANDEL, and Mr. PRESIDENT and supply fee payments under Post-9/11 WOODALL): Karen L. Haas, Clerk of the House, Educational Assistance Program for individ- H.R. 3946. A bill to name the Department of reported that on September 29, 2017, uals affected by extended school closures due Veterans Affairs community-based out- she presented to the President of the to natural disasters; to the Committee on patient clinic in Statesboro, Georgia, the Veterans’ Affairs. ‘‘Ray Hendrix Veterans Clinic’’; to the Com- United States, for his approval, the fol- By Ms. PINGREE (for herself, Mr. FOR- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. lowing bills. TENBERRY, and Mr. SEAN PATRICK By Mr. CICILLINE (for himself, Ms. H.R. 3823. To amend title 49, United States MALONEY of New York): ADAMS, Ms. BARRAGA´ N, Ms. BASS, Code, to extend authorizations for the air- H.R. 3941. A bill to improve food safety, to Mrs. BEATTY, Mr. BEYER, Mr. BLU- port improvement program, to amend the In- encourage greater production of agricultural MENAUER, Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Ms. ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the commodities for use in the locality in which BONAMICI, Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of funding and expenditure authority of the produced, to reauthorize and expand Depart- Pennsylvania, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to provide ment of Agriculture support of these efforts, vania, Mr. BROWN of Maryland, Ms. disaster tax relief, and for other purposes. and for other purposes; to the Committee on BROWNLEY of California, Mr. CAPU- H.R. 2519. To require the Secretary of the Agriculture, and in addition to the Com- ANO, Mr. CARBAJAL, Mr. CA´ RDENAS, Treasury to mint commemorative coins in mittee on Education and the Workforce, for Mr. CARSON of Indiana, Ms. CASTOR of recognition of the 100th anniversary of The a period to be subsequently determined by Florida, Ms. JUDY CHU of California, American Legion. the Speaker, in each case for consideration Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, Mr.

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CLEAVER, Mr. COHEN, Mr. CONYERS, H.R. 3950. A bill to specify the scope of ju- tion to the Committees on House Adminis- Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. CRIST, Mr. CROW- dicial review of certain agency actions, and tration, and Foreign Affairs, for a period to LEY, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mrs. DAVIS of for other purposes; to the Committee on the be subsequently determined by the Speaker, California, Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Il- Judiciary. in each case for consideration of such provi- linois, Mr. DEFAZIO, Ms. DEGETTE, By Mr. PAYNE: sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Ms. DELAURO, Ms. DELBENE, Mrs. H.R. 3951. A bill to authorize the Secretary committee concerned. DEMINGS, Mr. DESAULNIER, Mr. of Transportation to declare that an aviation By Mr. SOTO: DEUTCH, Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of humanitarian crisis exists for airports im- H.R. 3961. A bill to amend the Wild and Pennsylvania, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. pacted by a major disaster or emergency, Scenic Rivers Act to designate segments of ESPAILLAT, Ms. ESHOO, Ms. ESTY of and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Kissimmee River and its tributaries in Connecticut, Mr. EVANS, Ms. Transportation and Infrastructure. the State of Florida for study for potential FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. GALLEGO, By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina: addition to the National Wild and Scenic Mr. GARAMENDI, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. H.R. 3952. A bill to amend the Federal Elec- Rivers System, and for other purposes; to the GOMEZ, Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Ms. tion Campaign Act of 1971 to clarify the Committee on Natural Resources. HANABUSA, Mr. HASTINGS, Mr. HECK, treatment of coordinated expenditures as By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN (for her- Mr. HIGGINS of New York, Mr. HIMES, contributions to candidates, and for other self, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. BRENDAN Ms. NORTON, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. JACK- purposes; to the Committee on House Admin- F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, Mr. SON LEE, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. JEFFRIES, istration. CICILLINE, Ms. CLARK of Massachu- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina: setts, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Ms. KELLY H.R. 3953. A bill to amend the Federal Elec- Mr. DEUTCH, Ms. DEGETTE, Ms. of Illinois, Mr. KEATING, Mr. KEN- tion Campaign Act of 1971 to replace the Fed- ESHOO, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. HIMES, Mr. NEDY, Mr. KIHUEN, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. eral Election Commission with the Federal LANGEVIN, Ms. LOFGREN, Mrs. LOWEY, LANGEVIN, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Ms. LEE, Election Administration, and for other pur- Mr. LYNCH, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. PAS- Mr. LEVIN, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. poses; to the Committee on House Adminis- CRELL, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. POCAN, Mr. TED LIEU of California, Mr. LIPINSKI, tration. MCGOVERN, Mr. MCNERNEY, Ms. NOR- Ms. LOFGREN, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Mrs. By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina: TON, Mr. SIRES, Mr. SMITH of Wash- LOWEY, Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM H.R. 3954. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- ington, and Ms. SPEIER): of New Mexico, Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N enue Code of 1986 to reform the system of H.R. 3962. A bill to require face to face pur- of New Mexico, Mr. LYNCH, Mrs. public financing for Presidential elections, chases of ammunition, to require licensing of CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York, and for other purposes; to the Committee on ammunition dealers, and to require report- Ms. MATSUI, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. House Administration. ing regarding bulk purchases of ammunition; MCEACHIN, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina: to the Committee on the Judiciary. H.R. 3955. A bill to reform public financing MEEKS, Ms. MOORE, Mr. MOULTON, By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. RYAN of for Presidential elections and provide for Mrs. MURPHY of Florida, Mr. NADLER, Ohio, Mr. MEEHAN, Ms. ESTY of Con- public financing for Congressional elections; Mr. NOLAN, Mr. NORCROSS, Mr. PAL- necticut, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. JOYCE of to the Committee on House Administration, LONE, Mr. PANETTA, Mr. PAYNE, Mr. Ohio, Mrs. DINGELL, Ms. STEFANIK, and in addition to the Committee on Ways PERLMUTTER, Ms. PINGREE, Mr. Mr. HULTGREN, Mr. LARSON of Con- and Means, for a period to be subsequently POCAN, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, necticut, Mr. CICILLINE, Ms. KAPTUR, determined by the Speaker, in each case for Mr. RASKIN, Miss RICE of New York, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. consideration of such provisions as fall with- Ms. ROSEN, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. TONKO, Ms. SINEMA, Mr. BOST, Mr. in the jurisdiction of the committee con- RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, NADLER, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mrs. cerned. Mr. SABLAN, Mr. SARBANES, Ms. RADEWAGEN, Mr. MOULTON, Mr. By Mr. RENACCI (for himself, Mr. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. SCHNEI- COURTNEY, Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. SCHRADER, Ms. JENKINS of Kansas, DER, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. RENACCI, Ms. DELBENE, Mr. COSTELLO Mr. COSTA, Mr. BARLETTA, and Mr. SERRANO, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Mr. of Pennsylvania, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. SIRES, Ms. SLAUGHTER, JOYCE of Ohio): H.R. 3956. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- GROTHMAN, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. Mr. SOTO, Mr. SUOZZI, Mr. SWALWELL enue Code of 1986 to simplify the treatment BARLETTA, Mr. COSTA, Mrs. of California, Mr. TAKANO, Mr. of seasonal positions for purposes of the em- WALORSKI, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsyl- THOMPSON of California, Ms. TITUS, ployer shared responsibility requirement; to vania, Mr. KELLY of Mississippi, Mr. Mr. TONKO, Mrs. TORRES, Ms. TSON- the Committee on Ways and Means. LAHOOD, Mrs. TORRES, Mrs. BUSTOS, GAS, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. WALZ, Ms. By Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida Ms. NORTON, Mr. VEASEY, Mr. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Ms. MAXINE CHABOT, Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania, (for himself, Mr. GARRETT, Mr. LEWIS WATERS of California, Mrs. WATSON Ms. BROWNLEY of California, Mr. of Minnesota, Mr. FERGUSON, Mr. COLEMAN, Ms. CLARKE of New York, BLUM, Mr. SWALWELL of California, BRAT, Mrs. HANDEL, and Mr. Mrs. DINGELL, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. Mr. EMMER, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. GENE SMUCKER): ELLISON, Mr. FOSTER, Mr. KHANNA, H.R. 3957. A bill to repeal title VIII of the GREEN of Texas, Mr. JENKINS of West Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI, Mr. SEAN PAT- Higher Education Opportunity Act and title Virginia, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. LATTA, RICK MALONEY of New York, Ms. VIII of the Higher Education Act of 1965; to Mr. FERGUSON, Mr. KENNEDY, Mr. MENG, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. RUSH, Mr. the Committee on Education and the Work- MARSHALL, Mr. KHANNA, Mr. SCHNEI- SCHRADER, and Ms. SPEIER): DER, Ms. ADAMS, Mr. DELANEY, Mr. H.R. 3947. A bill to prohibit the possession force. By Mr. RUPPERSBERGER (for himself COLLINS of New York, and Mr. or transfer of certain firearm accessories, EVANS): and for other purposes; to the Committee on and Mr. CARTER of Texas): H.R. 3958. A bill to establish a pilot pro- H. Con. Res. 84. Concurrent resolution ex- the Judiciary. pressing support for designation of the first By Mr. DUFFY (for himself, Mr. gram on securing energy infrastructure, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Friday of October as ‘‘Manufacturing Day’’; HULTGREN, and Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Science, Space, and Technology. to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Georgia): ment Reform. H.R. 3948. A bill to prohibit the Securities By Mr. SCHWEIKERT (for himself, Mr. By Mr. GRIJALVA (for himself, Ms. and Exchange Commission from compelling CA´ RDENAS, and Mr. AGUILAR): OORE, Ms. JUDY CHU of California, a person to produce or furnish algorithmic H.R. 3959. A bill to amend the Clean Air M trading source code or similar intellectual Act to give States the option of monitoring Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. CARBAJAL, Mrs. property to the Commission unless the Com- covered criteria air pollutants in designated NAPOLITANO, Mr. LOWENTHAL, Ms. mission first issues a subpoena, and for other areas by greatly increasing the number of air BORDALLO, Mr. GARAMENDI, Ms. purposes; to the Committee on Financial quality sensors in exchange for greater regu- JAYAPAL, Mr. SCHIFF, Mr. BLU- Services. latory flexibility in the methods of moni- MENAUER, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. POLIS, By Mr. KHANNA (for himself, Mr. toring, and for other purposes; to the Com- Ms. TSONGAS, Mr. SOTO, Mr. ARRINGTON, and Mr. O’ROURKE): mittee on Energy and Commerce. MCEACHIN, Mr. GOMEZ, Mr. BROWN of H.R. 3949. A bill to amend title 38, United By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey (for him- Maryland, Mr. SABLAN, Mrs. TORRES, States Code, to provide for the designation of self and Ms. PELOSI): Ms. HANABUSA, Ms. BARRAGA´ N, Mr. State approving agencies for multi-State ap- H.R. 3960. A bill to award a Congressional CLAY, Mr. GALLEGO, and Mr. BEYER): prenticeship programs for purposes of the Gold Medal to Liu Xiaobo, and collectively H. Res. 555. A resolution of inquiry request- educational assistance programs of the De- to all advocates of democracy and human ing the President and directing the Sec- partment of Veterans Affairs; to the Com- rights in China, in recognition of their ex- retary of the Interior to transmit, respec- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs. traordinary advocacy for liberty and human tively, certain documents and other informa- By Mrs. LOVE (for herself, Mr. MITCH- rights despite repression and their impact on tion to the House of Representatives relating ELL, Mr. RATCLIFFE, Mr. WALKER, Mr. world peace and global understanding of to the executive order on the review of des- GOWDY, Mr. LABRADOR, Ms. TENNEY, China, and for other purposes; to the Com- ignations under the Antiquities Act; to the Mr. HILL, and Mr. LUETKEMEYER): mittee on Financial Services, and in addi- Committee on Natural Resources.

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By Mr. JONES (for himself, Mr. ROHR- foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vest- Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution and ABACHER, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. KAP- ed by the Constitution in the Government of Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution, TUR, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. GAETZ, and the United States, or in any Department or which give Congress power to make laws Mr. CONNOLLY): Office thereof. governing the time, place, and manner of H. Res. 556. A resolution urging the Presi- By Mr. COHEN: Federal elections. dent of the United States to allow for the H.R. 3944. By Mr. RENACCI: full public release of all remaining records Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3956. pertaining to the assassination of President lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- John F. Kennedy that are held by the Na- Article I, Section 8 lation pursuant to the following: tional Archives and Records Administration By Mr. JEFFRIES: Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18. To make all and to reject any claims for the continued H.R. 3945. laws which shall be necessary and proper for postponement of the full public release of Congress has the power to enact this legis- carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- those records; to the Committee on Over- lation pursuant to the following: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- sight and Government Reform. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 stitution in the Government of the United By Mr. JONES (for himself, Mr. ROHR- To make all laws which shall be necessary States, or in any Department or Officer ABACHER, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. KAP- and proper... therof. TUR, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. GAETZ, and By Mr ALLEN: By Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida: Mr. CONNOLLY): H.R. 3946. H.R. 3957. H. Res. 557. A resolution commending the Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legis- National Archives and Records Administra- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: tion and its staff for working to comply with Consistent with the original understanding Article 1 Section 8 the President John F. Kennedy Assassina- of the general welfare clause, the authority By Mr. RUPPERSBERGER: tion Records Collection Act of 1992 and re- to enact this legislation is found in Article 1, H.R. 3958. lease all records related to the assassination Section 8, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- of President John F. Kennedy by October 26, By Mr. CICILLINE: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3947. 2017; to the Committee on Oversight and Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 of the U.S. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Government Reform. Constitution lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. SCHWEIKERT: f Article I, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 3959. Constitution CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. DUFFY: lation pursuant to the following: STATEMENT H.R. 3948. Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. SMITH of New Jersey: the Rules of the House of Representa- lation pursuant to the following: Article I, section 8, clause 1 (relating to H.R. 3960. tives, the following statements are sub- Congress has the power to enact this legis- mitted regarding the specific powers the general welfare of the United States); and Article I, section 8, clause 3 (relating to lation pursuant to the following: granted to Congress in the Constitu- the power to regulate interstate commerce). Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution tion to enact the accompanying bill or By Mr. KHANNA: By Mr. SOTO: joint resolution. H.R. 3949. H.R. 3961. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: lation pursuant to the following: fornia: Article 1, Section 8, of the United States H.R. 3937. Article I, Section 8, clause 18 (necessary Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- and proper clause) By Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN: lation pursuant to the following: By Mrs. LOVE: H.R. 3962. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the United H.R. 3950. Congress has the power to enact this legis- States Constitution Congress has the power to enact this legis- lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. LYNCH: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3938. Article I, Section 8, and Article III, Sec- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 Congress has the power to enact this legis- tions 1 and 2, of the Constitution. f By Mr. PAYNE: lation pursuant to the following: ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 H.R. 3951. By Mrs. NOEM: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 3939. lation pursuant to the following: were added to public bills and resolu- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I Section 8 Clause 3—Congress has tions, as follows: lation pursuant to the following: the ability to regulate Commerce with for- Article 1, Section 8 eign Nations, and among the several States, H.R. 37: Mr. NORMAN. By Mr. POE of Texas: and with the Indian Tribes. H.R. 147: Mr. NORMAN. H.R. 3940. By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina: H.R. 246: Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee and Mrs. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3952. MURPHY of Florida. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 299: Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California Article 1, Section 8, Line 18 of the Con- lation pursuant to the following: and Mr. ROSKAM. stitution: The Congress shall have Power To Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution and H.R. 436: Ms. SINEMA. . . . make all Laws which shall be necessary Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution, H.R. 445: Ms. DEGETTE. and proper for carrying into Execution the which give Congress power to make laws H.R. 535: Mr. MARCHANT and Mr. BRAT. foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vest- governing the time, place, and manner of H.R. 598: Mr. KHANNA. ed by this Constitution in the Government of Federal elections. H.R. 613: Mr. DUNN. the United States, or in any Department or By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina: H.R. 619: Mrs. BEATTY. Officer thereof. H.R. 3953. H.R. 620: Mr. GUTHRIE, Mr. MACARTHUR, By Ms. PINGREE: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Mr. AMODEI, Mr. BUCK, and Mr. SAM JOHNSON H.R. 3941. lation pursuant to the following: of Texas. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution and H.R. 632: Mr. ROSKAM. lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution, H.R. 638: Ms. BASS and Ms. LOFGREN. Clause 1 of Section 8 of the US Constitu- which give Congress power to make laws H.R. 669: Mr. CUMMINGS and Mr. SOTO. tion governing the time, place, and manner of H.R. 686: Ms. ESHOO. By Mrs. HARTZLER: Federal elections. H.R. 750: Mr. KILMER. H.R. 3942. By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina: H.R. 807: Mr. MCCAUL and Mr. SENSEN- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3954. BRENNER. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 820: Mr. MACARTHUR, Mr. ROTHFUS, Clause 18 Section 8 of Article I of the lation pursuant to the following: and Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. United States Constitution Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution and H.R. 821: Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. JEFFRIES, Mr. By Mr. O’ROURKE: Article I, Section 4 of the Constitution, CAPUANO, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mrs. DEMINGS, H.R. 3943. which give Congress power to make laws and Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Congress has the power to enact this legis- governing the time, place, and manner of H.R. 846: Mr. RATCLIFFE, Mr. CASTRO of lation pursuant to the following: Federal elections. Texas, Mr. SCHRADER, and Mr. SIMPSON. Clause 18 of Section 8 of Article I of the By Mr. PRICE of North Carolina: H.R. 850: Mr. WITTMAN. Constitution: H.R. 3955. H.R. 866: Mr. BLUMENAUER. To make all Laws which shall be necessary Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 927: Mr. KNIGHT and Mr. BRADY of and proper for carrying into Execution the lation pursuant to the following: Pennsylvania.

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H.R. 1002: Mr. CLEAVER and Mr. BRADY of H.R. 2625: Mr. CARTWRIGHT, Ms. DELAURO, H.R. 3733: Mr. BEYER. Texas. Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. CLEAVER, Mrs. LAWRENCE, H.R. 3738: Ms. LEE, Mr. VISCLOSKY, and Mr. H.R. 1017: Mr. HUIZENGA, Mr. O’ROURKE, Mr. NEAL, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. WELCH. Ms. JENKINS of Kansas, Mr. CONAWAY, and FRANKEL of Florida, Mr. PASCRELL, Ms. H.R. 3755: Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. LANGEVIN, Ms. Mr. MACARTHUR. TITUS, Mr. MICHAEL F. DOYLE of Pennsyl- BROWNLEY of California, Mr. RASKIN, Mr. H.R. 1046: Mr. AMODEI. vania, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Mr. POCAN, Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. SHERMAN, Mr. H.R. 1057: Mrs. HARTZLER and Mr. ELLISON, Mr. CRAMER, Ms. NORTON, Mrs. CLAY, and Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. MCHENRY. NAPOLITANO, and Mr. SCHIFF. H.R. 3761: Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. H.R. 1078: Mr. KIND, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. H.R. 2633: Ms. WILSON of Florida, Ms. H.R. 3767: Mr. KATKO. ELLISON, Ms. MOORE, Mr. DEUTCH, and Mr. BLUNT ROCHESTER, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, H.R. 3775: Mr. HUDSON. POCAN. and Mr. NADLER. H.R. 3808: Ms. STEFANIK. H.R. 1094: Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 2644: Mr. CARTWRIGHT and Mr. KILMER. H.R. 3826: Mrs. DEMINGS, Mr. DEUTCH, Mr. H.R. 1111: Ms. JACKSON LEE. H.R. 2651: Mr. MCNERNEY. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. CRIST, and Mr. BUCHANAN. H.R. 1133: Mr. ZELDIN. H.R. 2705: Mr. STIVERS. H.R. 3832: Mr. GIBBS, Mr. JONES, and Mr. H.R. 1136: Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. H.R. 2740: Ms. SA´ NCHEZ, Mr. COLLINS of New LEWIS of Minnesota. H.R. 1148: Mr. KHANNA and Mr. BRADY of York, and Mrs. DAVIS of California. H.R. 3847: Mr. COOK. Pennsylvania. H.R. 2782: Ms. BORDALLO. H.R. 3849: Mr. CORREA. H.R. 1150: Mr. FORTENBERRY, Mr. KATKO, H.R. 2821: Mr. REICHERT. H.R. 3862: Ms. MATSUI. and Mr. LUETKEMEYER. H.R. 2862: Mr. RYAN of Ohio. H.R. 3866: Mr. TAKANO. H.R. 1164: Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia, H.R. 2890: Mr. KINZINGER and Mr. LIPINSKI. H.R. 3875: Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. GOSAR, Mr. MAST, Mr. NORMAN, Mr. H.R. 2901: Mr. GOTTHEIMER. H.R. 3877: Ms. NORTON. GRAVES of Georgia, and Mr. ALLEN. H.R. 2908: Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. H.R. 3896: Ms. CASTOR of Florida and Mr. H.R. 1167: Mr. BISHOP of Michigan. H.R. 2936: Mr. NEWHOUSE. RUSH. H.R. 1241: Ms. HERRERA BEUTLER. H.R. 2999: Mr. PALAZZO. H.R. 3923: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, Mr. H.R. 1273: Mr. STEWART. H.R. 3034: Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Ms. PANETTA, Mr. KHANNA, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. H.R. 1274: Mr. STEWART. HANABUSA, Ms. LEE, Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, CARSON of Indiana, and Mr. POCAN. H.R. 1276: Mr. CA´ RDENAS. Mr. REICHERT, and Mr. WOMACK. H.R. 3925: Mr. GARAMENDI. H.R. 1279: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. H.R. 3040: Mr. SMITH of Washington, Ms. H.J. Res. 48: Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. H.R. 1298: Mr. KATKO. CLARKE of New York, Mr. DEFAZIO, Mr. LAR- H. Con. Res. 63: Mr. DESAULNIER and Ms. H.R. 1374: Mr. CONNOLLY. SON of Connecticut, Ms. MENG, Mrs. CAROLYN BARRAGA´ N. H.R. 1406: Mr. VARGAS, Mr. PAULSEN, Mr. B. MALONEY of New York, Mr. TED LIEU of H. Con. Res. 72: Mr. TED LIEU of California, PASCRELL, Mr. NOLAN, and Mr. DELANEY. California, and Mr. LEVIN. Mr. RYAN of Ohio, and Miss RICE of New H.R. 1444: Mr. AMODEI. H.R. 3117: Mr. PERRY. York. H.R. 1459: Mr. DUFFY. H.R. 3222: Mr. ESPAILLAT, Mr. PASCRELL, H. Con. Res. 81: Mr. BLUMENAUER, Ms. NOR- H.R. 1552: Mr. MARCHANT and Mr. HILL. Mr. MEEKS, Ms. MAXINE WATERS of Cali- TON, and Mrs. DINGELL. H.R. 1566: Ms. DELAURO. fornia, and Ms. CLARKE of New York. H. Res. 142: Ms. BROWNLEY of California. H.R. 1568: Mr. LEWIS of Minnesota. H.R. 3303: Mr. GOTTHEIMER and Mr. BEYER. H. Res. 213: Mr. ELLISON. H.R. 1587: Mr. POLIS, Mr. RUSH, Mr. BLU- H.R. 3320: Mr. SENSENBRENNER. MENAUER, Mr. MCGOVERN, and Mr. TONKO. H.R. 3324: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. H. Res. 283: Mr. BEYER, Mr. CARBAJAL, and H.R. 1639: Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. H.R. 3329: Mr. BUDD, Mr. GROTHMAN, Mr. Mr. MOULTON. ´ H.R. 1661: Ms. STEFANIK and Mrs. BUCHANAN, and Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY H. Res. 367: Mr. LIPINSKI, Ms. SANCHEZ, Mr. HARTZLER. of New York. KILMER, Ms. TITUS, Mr. BRADY of Pennsyl- H.R. 1676: Mr. MACARTHUR and Mr. CAPU- H.R. 3345: Mrs. DEMINGS. vania, Mr. HECK, and Mr. GOMEZ. ANO. H.R. 3352: Mr. CORREA and Miss RICE of H. Res. 370: Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mr. H.R. 1729: Mr. NORMAN. New York. DOGGETT, Mr. GOMEZ, and Mr. HIGGINS of H.R. 1762: Mr. RATCLIFFE and Mr. GOWDY. H.R. 3363: Ms. MOORE. New York. H.R. 1825: Mr. SMITH of Missouri and Ms. H.R. 3380: Mr. RUSH, Ms. PINGREE, and Mr. H. Res. 401: Mr. CARSON of Indiana and Mr. TSONGAS. SMITH of Washington. TIPTON. H.R. 1896: Mrs. NOEM. H.R. 3394: Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. H. Res. 458: Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. H.R. 1953: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Ms. H.R. 3402: Mr. GALLAGHER. H. Res. 495: Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. RUPPERS- BROWNLEY of California, and Mr. CONAWAY. H.R. 3464: Mr. SUOZZI and Mr. RUPPERS- BERGER, and Mr. CLEAVER. H.R. 2133: Mr. RUTHERFORD, Mr. COLE, and BERGER. H. Res. 517: Mr. KIND. Mr. FLEISCHMANN. H.R. 3479: Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. H. Res. 535: Ms. MENG. H.R. 2193: Mr. MACARTHUR. H.R. 3497: Mr. HIMES and Mr. SWALWELL of H. Res. 544: Mr. COLLINS of New York and H.R. 2267: Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. California. Mrs. LOVE. H.R. 2285: Mr. BEN RAY LUJA´ N of New Mex- H.R. 3512: Mr. VALADAO and Mr. FERGUSON. ico, Mr. KENNEDY, and Mr. OLSON. H.R. 3528: Mr. KENNEDY. f H.R. 2318: Mr. KIHUEN. H.R. 3548: Mr. ROTHFUS and Mr. NORMAN. H.R. 2321: Mrs. NOEM. H.R. 3554: Mr. CLEAVER and Mr. SCHRADER. H.R. 2401: Mr. WALZ, Mr. MCEACHIN, and H.R. 3576: Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. DELETION OF SPONSORS FROM Ms. ADAMS. H.R. 3632: Ms. STEFANIK, Ms. SINEMA, and PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 2436: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. COHEN, Mr. Mr. KILMER. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors NOLAN, Ms. BROWNLEY of California, Mr. H.R. 3639: Mr. POLIS. were deleted from public bills and reso- ELLISON, and Mr. RUSH. H.R. 3711: Mrs. Handel. H.R. 2465: Mr. BURGESS. H.R. 3727: Mr. KHANNA. lutions, as follows: H.R. 2481: Ms. SLAUGHTER and Mr. KILMER. H.R. 3730: Mr. ROTHFUS. H.R. 367: Mr. DEFAZIO.

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Vol. 163 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2017 No. 159 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was appoint the Honorable RAND PAUL, a Senator put it in yours. That is the essential called to order by the Honorable RAND from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, to goal of tax reform. That is our message PAUL, a Senator from the Common- perform the duties of the Chair. to the American people. It is what I be- ORRIN G. HATCH, wealth of Kentucky. lieve. It is what Chairman HATCH be- President pro tempore. f lieves. It is what Chairman ENZI be- Mr. PAUL thereupon assumed the lieves as well. PRAYER Chair as Acting President pro tempore. Chairman ENZI has an important role The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- f to play in this process, too, because fered the following prayer: RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY later today he will lead his committee Let us pray. in marking up a comprehensive budget Almighty God, we are grateful that LEADER for fiscal year 2018 that will help our Your will prevails when reliance on hu- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- country achieve balance by reining in manity is futile. pore. The majority leader is recog- Federal spending. It will also help our Give our Senators the wisdom to un- nized. derstand that without Your help, they economy grow, and one of the ways it cannot succeed. Today, use them to f will do so is by providing legislative tools to advance tax reform. I thank work and act to accomplish Your pur- TAX REFORM AND THE BUDGET poses on Earth. Help them not to repay the Budget Committee for all its good Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, yes- evil with evil but plant seeds of good- work so far, and I look forward to its terday, Chairman HATCH held another continued efforts to get our fiscal ness that will bring a harvest of joy. hearing on a subject that is incredibly Arise, O Lord. Lift Yourself up in house in order and our economy back important to the economic future of these dangerous times to bring Your on a path to solid growth after the lost our country: tax reform. peace to our hearts. Help us to remem- decade of disappointment I just spoke For too long, our economy has failed ber that You save the upright in heart, about. to live up to its full potential. For too and Your justice will sustain us. Keep long, Americans have suffered through f us from conceiving troubles and em- stagnant paychecks, a lack of steady bracing falsehoods, as we focus on lov- work, and retirement that can seem to NOMINATIONS ing and serving You. We pray in Your loving Name. Amen. slip further away by the day. These are Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, ear- the forgotten men, women, and fami- lier this week, I filed cloture motions f lies of the last decade. For many Amer- on four qualified nominees for various PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE icans living on the coasts, working in agencies throughout the Federal Gov- The Presiding Officer led the Pledge Silicon Valley, or in finance, the reces- ernment. I shouldn’t have had to. In of Allegiance, as follows: sion of 2008 to 2009 may seem like just different times, we may have even con- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the a moment in history, but for too many sidered them on voice votes. But this is United States of America, and to the Repub- Americans, the last 10 years have been where we are, and now it is time to ad- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, a lost decade where our economy has vance and confirm them as soon as pos- indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. stumbled along and opportunities have sible. f declined for American workers and Later this morning, the Senate will APPOINTMENT OF ACTING their families. consider Eric Hargan to be Deputy Sec- PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Tax reform represents the single retary of the Department of Health and most important thing we can do today Human Services. As the people of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to get our economy back on track and Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the clerk will please read a communication give American workers a leg up. It is U.S. Virgin Islands continue to recover to the Senate from the President pro our once-in-a-generation opportunity from a series of devastating hurricanes, tempore (Mr. HATCH). to replace an outdated tax code that Mr. Hargan’s expertise in disaster re- The bill clerk read the following let- holds us back with one that works for sponse and public health will help the ter: American families and small busi- Department respond to these crises. I U.S. SENATE, nesses. We want to lower taxes and look forward to confirming Mr. Hargan PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, simplify rates. We want to expand job soon so he can help coordinate multiple Washington, DC, October 4, 2017. To the Senate: creation and grow paychecks. Put an- agencies under his supervision to re- Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, other way, we want to take more spond to the hurricanes, deliver relief, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby money out of Washington’s pocket and and help save lives.

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

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.000 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6294 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 After that, this afternoon we will own A.B. ‘‘Happy’’ Chandler, who The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- take up the nomination of Randal served as Governor, Senator, and base- pore. Without objection, it is so or- Quarles, the President’s nominee to ball’s second commissioner. Tom’s pas- dered. help oversee the Federal Reserve Sys- sion for Kentucky’s rich history is ob- RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY LEADER tem. Mr. Quarles brings with him both vious. The Democratic leader is recognized. domestic and international financial He has been a wonderful friend and PUERTO RICO AND U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS experience from multiple administra- resource for me, a real champion and RECOVERY EFFORT tions, and he will be a strong guide for advocate for our Commonwealth, and Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I un- our Nation’s monetary policy. We also has made a lasting impact on the next derstand the administration intends to intend to confirm Mr. Quarles to the generation through his teaching. As submit its first request for disaster aid position of Vice Chair for Supervision. one former student recalled, ‘‘Dr. Ap- for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Is- This is an essential role created by pleton’s mission in teaching Kentucky lands today. It is a good first step, but Dodd-Frank, and it is critical that Mr. history was less about imparting facts it is just the start of the financial aid Quarles begin this work over at the and dates and more about ensuring we will need to provide to the Amer- Fed. that students departed the class with ican citizens in Puerto Rico and the Tomorrow, the Senate will confirm an enhanced understanding of the rich U.S. Virgin Islands. Lee Francis Cissna to be Director of cultural tapestry of Kentucky. He ad- I urge my colleagues to work quickly U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Serv- monished students to be worthy of the to add additional and urgent funding ices. Mr. Cissna has a wealth of experi- proud legacy of our Commonwealth’s for recovery, like community develop- ence in immigration policy, serving in great statesmen, military leaders, ment block grant dollars, just as we senior policy positions in both the writers, and sports legends.’’ That is a did for Texas after Hurricane Harvey, Bush and Obama administrations and legacy to be proud of. with the understanding that an addi- then working for the chairman of the After his final semester of teaching, tional and more comprehensive request Senate Judiciary Committee. He was Tom could be forgiven for wanting to for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, voted out of committee with bipartisan retire from his work as a historian al- Florida, Texas, and the western support. I look forward to his con- together, but that is not Tom. He plans wildfires will be coming from the ad- firmation to this important role. to continue his research and writing ministration once the damage assess- Then we will consider Callista Ging- about the lives and events that shaped ments are complete. rich, whom the President has nomi- our home State, and I plan to continue LAS VEGAS MASS SHOOTING nated to be our Nation’s Ambassador reading his fascinating take on our Mr. President, returning to the to the Holy See. Ms. Gingrich’s work shared Kentucky heritage. events in Las Vegas on Sunday, we will continue the strong relationship I wish Tom well, and I urge all of my cannot let this American tragedy, an- between our Nation and the Vatican, colleagues to join me in congratulating other in a long line of American trage- building upon shared values, goals, and Dr. Tom Appleton on a truly remark- dies, fall out of our hearts and minds global responsibilities. able career. I thank each of these nominees for too quickly. f their willingness to serve our Nation. Let us pledge to be there for the fam- They are each well qualified and suited RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME ilies of the 59 Americans who were killed and the over 500 Americans who for their role. I look forward to the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Senate confirming them very soon. are still injured and recovering. Seeing pore. Under the previous order, the the pictures of so many of these beau- f leadership time is reserved. tiful, young people in the prime of TRIBUTE TO DR. TOM APPLETON f life—young, excited about the world, some of them newly married, some of Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I CONCLUSION OF MORNING them a little older with young chil- would like to take a moment to con- BUSINESS gratulate Dr. Tom Appleton of Lex- dren—breaks your heart. So not just ington, KY, on his retirement from the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- today or this week, but in the weeks History Department at Eastern Ken- pore. Morning business is closed. and months to come, let us pledge to tucky University. One of Kentucky’s f continue to show our gratitude to premier historians, Tom has spent his those firefighters and cops, the emer- career writing about the Common- EXECUTIVE SESSION gency and medical personnel, and all wealth’s rich heritage. He joined EKU’s the other first responders who rushed faculty in the fall of 2000, and over the to the scene. Let us pledge to remem- years, he has left a positive imprint on EXECUTIVE CALENDAR ber the acts of everyday heroism that his students, his field, and his State. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- are a beacon of light in this moment of He has also proved to be an invalu- pore. Under the previous order, the darkness: the lines to give blood that able resource for me. A number of Senate will proceed to executive ses- stretched around the block at 6 a.m., years ago, I began a series of talks fo- sion and resume consideration of the the teachers who went to school the cused on former U.S. Senators from Hargan nomination, which the clerk day after the shooting to try and give Kentucky. In each speech, I have tried will report. their students a sense of normalcy. I to convey a bit of political history The bill clerk read the nomination of hope these are the things President through the lives of these distinguished Eric D. Hargan, of Illinois, to be Dep- Trump highlights in his visit to Las individuals. Tom’s counsel has been in- uty Secretary of Health and Human Vegas today. valuable in my work to prepare these Services. And one more thing: President speeches and pay tribute to some of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Trump has an opportunity to wrench Kentucky’s prominent political lead- pore. Under the previous order, the his party out of the grasp of the NRA ers. time until 11 a.m. will be equally di- and get our country and our Congress Before joining EKU’s faculty nearly vided between the two leaders or their to start talking about commonsense 20 years ago, Tom spent more than two designees. gun safety reforms. Before President decades at the Kentucky Historical So- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I Trump ran for office, he repeatedly ciety. It certainly shows. Even the TV suggest the absence of a quorum. supported several sane, rational gun show ‘‘Jeopardy’’ has used him as a his- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- safety measures, including the assault torical resource. Tom has been the co- pore. The clerk will call the roll. weapons ban and longer waiting peri- editor of six books on the history of The bill clerk proceeded to call the ods to purchase a gun. As recently as the American South, including a roll. 2012, President Trump supported Presi- groundbreaking look into the lives of Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask dent Obama’s response to Sandy Hook. Kentucky women, and he is currently unanimous consent that the order for In the wake of Sandy Hook, President working on a biography of Kentucky’s the quorum call be rescinded. Obama called for action. In the wake of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.002 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6295 Las Vegas, President Trump should do shouldn’t increase the deficit. For This is what the Acting President pro the same. every reduction in rate, they ought to tempore, I believe, spoke about yester- We have heard it over and over again: close a loophole. We wanted it to go day. Now is not the time to talk about gun through regular order, not the way In the form of the repeal of the State safety because it would politicize the healthcare did, not reconciliation, but and local deduction—44 million Ameri- tragedy. My friend the majority leader work with us. You would get a much cans take the State and local deduc- said no less than three times at his more sensible product. Most impor- tion. That is one-third of all taxpayers. press conference yesterday that it is tantly, we didn’t want to give a tax cut This is not just a small, rarified group premature and inappropriate to talk to the top 1 percent. They are doing in California or New York. It is across about any legislative solutions to the great already. God bless them. They the country. They get an average of epidemic of gun violence. don’t need any more tax relief. It is the several thousand dollars off their taxes As Martin Luther King said in his middle class that does. But the frame- each year. That includes 40 percent of letter at the Birmingham Jail, ‘‘not work the GOP released last week vio- taxpayers making between $50,000 and now’’ means never. ‘‘Wait’’ means lates all three of these commonsense $75,000 per year and 70 percent of tax- never. That is what he said: Wait principles, vastly favoring the wealthy payers earning from $100,000 to $200,000. means never. over working Americans. This is a middle-class tax deduction The Republicans don’t want to talk I have spoken several times about worth several thousand dollars a year, about it today, tomorrow, next week, tax breaks for the rich included in this and the GOP tax plan yanks it away. next month, or next year. We know package—lowering the top rate from 39 Taking it away means double taxation why they don’t want to talk about it. to 36 percent, repealing the estate tax, on middle-class families. They know the country is totally opening up a gaping tax loophole for For many families, this will not be against their view. It is not political hedge fund managers, wealthy Wall offset by a larger standard deduction in out in the country. Over 90 percent of Street firms, lobbyists, and law firms the GOP plan. Largely due to the Americans support universal back- by lowering the rate on passthroughs elimination of State and local, the Tax ground checks. A significant majority so that these rich people would pay Policy Center estimates that 30 percent of Republicans support them. That is only 25 percent on their personal in- of those making between $50,000 and not political, I would say to my friend come tax while other people pay a lot $150,000 and 60 percent of those making the majority leader. more. between $150,000 and $300,000 will see a It is political for him because he is This morning, I want to highlight not tax increase with the GOP plan, and afraid of the NRA, a powerful lobby only how the Republican plan favors that is after doubling the standard de- that is off to the extreme. It is not po- the rich but also sticks it to the middle duction. By the way, don’t think that litical for American people or for Re- class. This is something that the Act- it is just a few States; the numbers are publicans. They are for it. Over 70 per- ing President pro tempore has brought astounding across the country, as folks cent of gun owners support background up. in every State claim this deduction. I checks for private sales and at gun Just this week we found a bombshell say to my dear friend the chairman of shows. The only place where this is po- contained within the GOP resolution the Finance Committee that 35 percent litical is here, and that is because the they are using to pass tax reform. The of Utahns take this deduction, 33 per- NRA, the gun manufacturers, and their Republicans plan to cut Medicare by cent of Georgians, and 32 percent of powerful lobby make these folks $473 billion and Medicaid by more than Coloradoans. afraid—afraid to do the right thing. $1 trillion. It can be a little hard to Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- They know it is the right thing. find, but it is right there in the GOP sent to have printed in the RECORD a The NRA and these lobbies are the budget—$473 billion for Medicare, $1 list of how many taxpayers are affected swamp the President is talking about. trillion for Medicaid. in every State by removing State and President Trump talks about the If you are an older American, if you local deductibility and how much it swamp, groups of lobbyists who thwart have a family in a nursing home or will cost them on average. the will of the American people. That someone in treatment for opioid addic- There being no objection, the mate- is what the NRA does. tion and you think the GOP plan rial was ordered to be printed in the So I say to the President, Mr. Presi- doesn’t affect you, think again. The RECORD, as follows: dent, you have an opportunity to buck AARP—not a political organization, it the NRA, buck the gun lobbyists, buck simply represents the interests of the FIGURE 7.—PERCENTAGE OF TAX UNITS THAT USE THE the swamp, and lead this country in an elderly—sent a letter yesterday oppos- SALT DEDUCTION AND THE AVERAGE DEDUCTION BY adult conversation about gun violence. ing this Republican plan, the one in the STATE The President can and should bring the House, and I think we have one in the Senate as well. It is the same group % with SALT Average SALT parties together—the leaders of this State Deductions Deduction* that represented senior citizens and Congress—and let both sides know he is fought the debacle on healthcare that MD ...... 46 $12,931 ready to address this issue head-on and CT ...... 41 19,664 the Republicans proposed. talk about sensible, moderate measures NJ ...... 41 17,850 The Republicans are proposing to pay DC ...... 40 16,442 of gun safety and, above all, back- for their giant tax cut to the rich by VA ...... 37 11,288 ground checks. MA ...... 37 15,571 gutting Medicare and Medicaid. That is OR ...... 36 12,616 The President’s visit is an important the bombshell this week. That is the UT ...... 35 8,291 one today. He should be going. He MN ...... 35 12,954 nugget that will destroy their whole NY ...... 35 22,169 should seek to provide comfort to the plan. Americans are so against those CA ...... 34 18,437 families and express gratitude to our GA ...... 33 9,158 kinds of cuts. RI ...... 33 12,434 first responders. But he should take it Amazingly, it is just like the inverse CO ...... 32 9,017 one step further. Call us together, lead DE ...... 32 9,194 of the Republican plan on healthcare. IL ...... 31 12,523 this Nation in a debate about rational, In each case, they gut healthcare for WI ...... 31 11,653 moderate gun safety laws. Get us start- NH ...... 31 10,121 Americans who need it most to pay for WA ...... 30 7,402 ed on the work that so many Ameri- taxes for Americans who need it the IA ...... 29 10,163 cans are desperate for us to do. HI ...... 29 9,905 least. NC ...... 29 9,587 TAX REFORM The healthcare plan focused on cuts PA ...... 29 11,248 AZ ...... 28 7,403 Mr. President, on one final matter, to Medicaid but snuck in tax cuts for MT ...... 28 9,357 the Republican tax plan, we Democrats the rich. This plan focuses on tax cuts ID ...... 28 8,862 ME ...... 28 11,431 have long said that we are willing to to the rich and sneaks in cuts to Medi- NE ...... 28 11,088 work with our Republican colleagues care and Medicaid. SC ...... 27 8,765 VT ...... 27 12,407 on tax reform, and we laid out our The GOP budget is another page out MI ...... 27 9,648 principles early on so that there would of the same playbook. The GOP plan MO ...... 26 9,886 OH ...... 26 10,444 be no mistake about them. We wanted contains another punch to the gut of KY ...... 26 9,955 tax reform to be deficit neutral. It the middle class. AL ...... 26 5,918

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:29 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.003 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 FIGURE 7.—PERCENTAGE OF TAX UNITS THAT USE THE What about Secretary Mnuchin? His self, with that kind of tax cut, that you SALT DEDUCTION AND THE AVERAGE DEDUCTION BY lack of credibility resembles Gary would be buying a very small car or re- STATE—Continued Cohn’s. He said that he believes the modeling a very small kitchen. The GOP plan would reduce deficits by $1 fact is, that is not, in my view, a com- % with SALT Average SALT State Deductions Deduction* trillion. ‘‘We think there will be $2 tril- ment that reflects a real understanding lion of growth. So we think this tax of what middle-class folks in America KS ...... 25 9,425 NV ...... 25 5,989 plan will cut the deficits by a trillion are going through. I don’t see very OK ...... 24 8,201 dollars.’’ Mnuchin’s claim is fake math many of them buying cars for $1,000 or MS ...... 23 6,302 LA ...... 23 6,742 at its worst. As was written in the remodeling their kitchens for $1,000. TX ...... 23 7,823 Washington Post, no serious econo- That comment was accompanied by IN ...... 23 8,756 FL ...... 22 7,373 mist, liberal or conservative, believes the comments of Treasury Secretary NM ...... 22 7,091 that a tax cut boosts economic growth Steve Mnuchin, who not only said a AR ...... 22 9,116 WY ...... 22 6,306 so much that the tax cut pays for couple of days ago that tax cuts would AK ...... 21 4,931 pay for themselves—a statement that TN ...... 19 5,611 itself, let alone adds $1 trillion in rev- ND ...... 18 6,864 enue as Mnuchin claims. Four was contradicted by Republican econo- WV ...... 17 9,462 SD ...... 17 6,098 Pinocchios were given by the Wash- mists yesterday in the Senate Finance ington Post. I am sure that he too— Committee—but that there would be * Calculated as SALT deduction amount divided by number of SALT de- ductions. Steve Mnuchin—would have earned something like $1 trillion left over. Mr. more Pinocchios. Mnuchin continues to make the case Mr. SCHUMER. I urge my colleagues Gary Cohn and Steve Mnuchin claim that there is somehow a magical to look in the RECORD and see how it to be economic experts, and they both growth fairy here in the American affects them. You are fooling yourself used to work at Goldman Sachs. If they economy that nobody else knows if you think that you are not affected had used this kind of math at Goldman about, including Republican econo- by the State and local deductibility. Sachs, they would have been shown the mists. Of course, if you are a family of four door a long time ago. As I said before, I am one who believes that behavior in one of those States, the repeal of they should know better, and they do does matter, and I am going to talk State and local could be a killer be- know better. They ought to stop delib- about a bipartisan approach to taxes in cause, again, you would lose the per- erately misleading the American peo- a minute—a responsible, bipartisan ap- sonal exemption. The larger the fam- ple. It demeans them. It demeans the proach to taxes, not one that helps the ily, the greater the loss of exemption. 1 percent or creates a huge new deficit I want to make one final point on tax administration. It demeans the debate or that kind of thing. I think that you reform. This is related to two people in this country. will generate some revenue, and Doug whom I know, and I knew one of them Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Elmendorf said that when he was the before he ever arrived in Washington. I sent that the time during the quorum head of the Budget Office, but it is not have to make this point because what calls be divided equally between both going to generate hundreds and hun- I heard them say over the weekend just sides. turned my stomach. It was astounding. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- dreds of billions of dollars, as in the It was awful. TON). Without objection, it is so or- case of what Mr. Mnuchin is talking Over the weekend, we heard some dered. about, which is something like $2 tril- pretty extraordinary claims from Re- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I sug- lion. There is no economic support for publican legislators and Cabinet offi- gest the absence of a quorum. that. cials about what the GOP tax plan was The PRESIDING OFFICER. The You have the President’s economic all about, but Gary Cohn and Secretary clerk will call the roll. team and his top advisers trying to de- of the Treasury Steve Mnuchin deserve The bill clerk proceeded to call the fend the indefensible, and I will go into a special admonition. roll. that more a little bit later today. Chief White House economic adviser Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask Right now, I think it is important Gary Cohn actually said: ‘‘The wealthy unanimous consent that the order for that we have a response that I am are not getting a tax cut under our the quorum call be rescinded. going to deliver to the distinguished plan.’’ That is not a surmising of what The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without majority whip, who is a member of the he said; that is a direct quote. ‘‘The objection, it is so ordered. Finance Committee, who made some wealthy are not getting a tax cut under Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I did not comparisons between the Republican our plan.’’ Comments like that should get a chance to hear the distinguished plan and the bipartisan legislation that make everyone’s head spin. According Democratic leader’s remarks, for I wrote—after months and months of to the Tax Policy Center, the top 1 per- Chairman HATCH and I were in the Sen- hard work—with two of our former Re- cent would reap 80 percent of the bene- ate Finance Committee. We managed publican colleagues, Senator Gregg and fits of the GOP plan. The top 0.1 per- to pass, by an overwhelming bipartisan Senator Coats. Senator Coats is now a cent—the folks who make more than $5 vote, the Children’s Health Insurance member of President Trump’s Cabinet. million a year—would get a break of Program—a vital program for 9 million The comparison that somehow the more than $1 million a year. kids. So that is a bit of good news in Republican plan is like the bipartisan Some might argue, of course, that it that this important piece of legislation approach that I wrote—these extreme will cause economic growth. I do not is advancing. I do know that the Demo- ideas in the Republican plan—is not think that it will, but at least make cratic leader touched on a number of just a bit of a stretch or a little off your real argument. Do not hide it. very important issues, particularly base; there is absolutely no compari- You know that the American people do some of these comments that have son—none—between the bipartisan pro- not agree with you. That is why you been made by top advisers to the Presi- posal and the extreme Republican plan. hide it. dent with respect to taxes. The distinguished majority whip, in Only in Wonderland, where down is I am struck by the fact that Mr. Gary my view, offered a complete and total up and up is down, could Gary Cohn’s Cohn, the President’s top economic ad- misrepresentation of what the two pro- comments be believed. It is something viser, said last week that middle-class posals are all about, and I am going to like out of the Ministry of Truth from folks were going to get $1,000 in tax re- illustrate this in two ways—first, with George Orwell’s ‘‘1984,’’ which would be lief—set aside the fact that that does respect to the policy. to cut the top rate by 4 percent and re- not look to be true for a number of The Republican tax cut framework peal the estate tax—yes, no tax cuts middle-class folks who have kids. I am green-lights the entire wish list for for the wealthy. Bunk. It is why the also struck by the comment that fol- major multinational corporations and Washington Post gave Gary Cohn four lowed. Mr. Cohn said that not only are the wealthy. There is a massive cor- Pinocchios for his statement. If they middle-class families going to get porate tax cut that overwhelmingly had allowed more Pinocchios on the $1,000 worth of tax relief but that they benefits shareholders. When it comes scale, I am sure he would have gotten would be able to go buy cars or remodel to international taxes, there is a pure them. He earned them, unfortunately. their kitchens. You just think to your- territorial system with barely a nod to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:36 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.001 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6297 the kind of tough rules that are needed Big 6 and the Trump administration ter century. Senator Coats, to his cred- to protect workers and the middle- want. The bipartisan plan was scored it, did yeoman’s work in updating it. class folks in the center of our tax as revenue neutral by authoritative There is no comparison from a process base. independent tax experts. It made the standpoint between that bipartisan There is, in the Republican plan, a Tax Code more progressive. The fact is, work that was done to update the sys- brand-new passthrough loophole. It is what we offered—Senator Coats, Sen- tem of more than a quarter century as big as the Grand Canyon. It is the ator Gregg, and I—was an actual bill. ago and the Republican tax cut frame- Grand Canyon of loopholes in the Re- It was the product of weeks and work. publican tax proposal, which invites months of work. The majority leader said from day tax cheats to skip out from paying Senator Gregg and I—and I think it one, at the beginning of the year, that their fair share to Social Security and is fair to say that all Senators may not he didn’t want Democratic input on tax Medicare. be aware of this, but Senator Gregg reform. He said: We are just going to do The Republican plan eliminates the was a top economic thinker with whom it on the ‘‘our way or the highway’’ ap- estate tax, which today only touches the majority leader consulted—sat proach with reconciliation. Reconcili- estates worth more than $11 million or next to each other for months in order ation is a rejection of bipartisanship $5.5 million for a single individual. The to put together what is still the first through and through. top rate goes down, and the bottom in- and only comprehensive Federal bipar- I note that the Presiding Officer is come tax rate goes up. When doing the tisan tax reform plan since 1986. It was the tallest Member of the Senate, math on what the Republicans have on an actual bill. It wasn’t four pages of along with Senator STRANGE, and I offer, we are looking at upwards of $4, rhetoric. talked fairly frequently with our $5, $6, or $7 trillion in tax giveaways to In the spring we got one page. It was former colleague Senator Bradley, who the most fortunate. shorter than your typical drugstore re- was another tall Democrat on the Fi- It is a different story under the Re- ceipt. Now I guess we are up to four nance Committee with a much better publican proposal if you are middle pages, when you take out all this kind jump shot than me. He has described class. You probably have a lot of unan- of white space. Our bill was an actual the bipartisan efforts of 1986, with key swered questions. All you know right bill and was designed to give everybody officials in President Reagan’s admin- now is that it virtually guarantees in America a chance to get ahead, not istration, Jim Baker and Don Regan, that, in order to pay for the giveaways just those in the 1 percent, not just who spent months talking to Demo- to the wealthy and corporations, cur- those who have real clout and power. crats—months and months—before rent middle-class tax breaks are going I have always said that this is the anything happened. That is not what to be on the chopping block—the per- heart of the difference. We have two happened here. The specifics are very sonal exemption, incentives for retire- Tax Codes in America. We have one for different, and the process is very dif- ment savings, education, and home the cops and the nurses. It is compul- ferent. ownership, to name just a few. From sory. Their taxes come right out of Recently, my Democratic colleagues everything we know, when you set up their paychecks—no Cayman Islands and I came forward with our principles these kinds of extreme approaches, deal for them. Then we have another for reform, and it was just a matter of when you raise the parts of the Tax Tax Code for the high flyers—the fortu- a few hours before Leader MCCONNELL Code that are a giveaway to those at nate and well-connected. They can rejected them in the media. One ad- the top, what you see is the middle pretty much pay what they want when ministration official actually said that class getting hurt. they want to. The bipartisan proposal tax reform would be worse if it in- Instead of tripling the standard de- that I wrote with Senator Gregg and cluded Democratic ideas, and the ‘‘go it duction, which is what we did in our bi- Senator Coats helps the first group, the alone’’ mentality is pretty obvious partisan bill, the Trump people double cops and nurses, but it was also fair to when you look at the framework that it, but then they take away the per- everybody. It gave everybody a chance came out last week. sonal exemptions for working-class to get ahead. The Republican plan is The tough questions haven’t been an- folks. So unlike our proposal, where another big gift to that second group, swered. For those at the top, it is all the middle class can count on hundreds the group that can decide what they sweet and no sour. There was not a sin- and hundreds of dollars in their pay- are going to pay in taxes and when gle shred of Democratic input in the check when you triple the standard de- they are going to pay it. So we really framework—not one Democratic fin- duction, under the Republican pro- couldn’t have two proposals that are gerprint anywhere to be found. The ad- posal, they give it with one hand by more different. ministration officials in charge of sell- doubling the standard deduction and The fact is, the Republican frame- ing it to the public are, in my view, take it away with the other hand by work looks less like a real effort at tax executing a con job on the middle eliminating the personal exemption. So reform than a shameless attempt, in ef- class. you have a very stark difference be- fect, to accommodate the President’s So I wanted to come here today to tween the bipartisan proposal that I of- boast about the biggest tax cut ever. highlight some of the recent comments fered with Senator Coats, a member of The bottom line is that it is a give- that the Senate Democratic leader has the President’s Cabinet, and what the away to those at the top, and it robs made with respect to some of these Republican extreme plan is all about. from the middle class. out-of-touch comments we have heard The bottom line is that the Repub- The differences don’t just end with recently from key administration offi- lican plan seeks to raise those parts of these specifics that I have described cials, like Gary Cohn and Steve our Tax Code that are all about the here. We took a fundamentally dif- Mnuchin, and I wanted to make sure middle class, and they are doing it to ferent approach. With Senator Gregg that Senators heard—after the com- pay for the giveaways for those folks at and Senator Coats, we were digging ments of the Senate Republican whip— the top. That is not what we did in the into the cobwebs of every dark corner that they now know that there is no bipartisan plan at all. Any middle-class of the Tax Code. We brought together comparison, none, between the bipar- person can sit at their kitchen table principles on which both sides had to tisan proposal that I had the honor to and look at the bipartisan plan that I find common ground with a lot of write with Senators Coats and Gregg, was involved with and see how the mid- sweat equity. which brought the two parties to- dle class wins. They get hundreds and If you are going to write a partisan gether, and the framework that came hundreds of dollars more in every pay- bill, you can go off on your own and do out last week that forced even more check by tripling the standard deduc- your thing. The fact is, if Senators polarization between the parties. The tion, and they can see how they as mid- Gregg, Coats, and I had written sepa- reality is that this Republican pro- dle-class folks—say, who make $70,000 rate bills on our own, they would have posal, this tax cut framework, is so and have a couple of children—lose looked very different, but the bill we radically skewed toward the wealthy under the Trump proposal. wrote together, starting with Senator and the big corporations, that it makes Now there are other differences be- Gregg and I, was the first comprehen- Ronald Reagan’s landmark reform look tween our bipartisan plan and what the sive bipartisan tax proposal in a quar- like the work of rabid socialists.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.007 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6298 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 So I appreciate the chance to set the Hoeven, John Thune, Mike Crapo, Bill ate jobs and how to put more money record straight by outlining the dif- Cassidy, James M. Inhofe, Tom Cotton. back in the pockets of the hard-work- ferences between a recent bipartisan The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- ing Americans who earn it. bill with two influential Republican imous consent, the mandatory quorum Even though the framework is just 1 Senators with whom I had the honor to call has been waived. week old, there are some who are imag- work and the extreme Republican The question is, Is it the sense of the ining the worst-case scenario. Rumors framework that came out last week. Senate that debate on the nomination are spreading like wildfire. Last week, These plans are not just trillions of of Eric D. Hargan, of Illinois, to be the Tax Policy Center fanned the dollars apart based on the numbers. It Deputy Secretary of Health and Human flames when it published a report ana- is clear they are written with entirely Services, shall be brought to a close? lyzing the plan—which, I want to em- different goals in mind. The yeas and nays are mandatory phasize, hasn’t been written yet. Let Our view is that tax reform ought to under the rule. me say that again. The Tax Policy Cen- be about giving everybody in America The clerk will call the roll. ter published a report criticizing a plan the opportunity to get ahead. What we The assistant bill clerk called the which hasn’t been written yet. have said is that, instead of it being an roll. This alleged or so-called nonpartisan ‘‘our way or the highway’’ partisan ap- Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators think tank has looked into its crystal proach, we ought to be doing—particu- are necessarily absent: the Senator ball and now claims to be able to see larly in the area of tax reform—what from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN), the the future, and it said the future has a storied history. The key to a suc- Senator from Nevada (Mr. HELLER), doesn’t look very good. The tax plan, it cessful tax reform, based on that his- and the Senator from Arizona (Mr. says, will be a resounding flop. Well, tory, is working in a bipartisan way. MCCAIN). give me a break. I, for one, am sick and I will close with the comments about Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the tired of this sort of pessimism parading the Democratic principles, which is Senator from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ as expertise—people talking about that we are not going to give relief to MASTO) and the Senator from New Jer- things they know nothing about and the people at the 1 percent, we are not sey (Mr. MENENDEZ) are necessarily ab- claiming to be the experts. It is pretty going to break the bank, and we are sent. common here, in Washington, DC, you going to focus on the middle class. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- might have noticed. It is not helpful to assume the worst Those principles don’t even go as far as LIVAN). Are there any other Senators in prematurely and to condemn this im- ideas advanced by President Reagan, the Chamber desiring to vote? portant exercise before we are even where he said that we are going to The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 57, starting, and it is irresponsible to mas- treat income from a wage and income nays 38, as follows: querade biased, partisan analysis as from investment in the same way. [Rollcall Vote No. 210 Ex.] somehow objective. I close by way of saying this. No. 1, YEAS—57 As the Wall Street Journal wrote a the distinguished Republican whip is Alexander Ernst Moran couple of days ago, in response to the wrong when he compares the bipartisan Barrasso Fischer Murkowski Tax Policy Center’s economists, they Blunt Flake Paul bill I have been a part of to what the made at least two baseless claims: administration’s tax framework is all Boozman Gardner Perdue Burr Graham Portman first, that our proposal would ‘‘reduce about. No. 2, the right way to do this is Capito Grassley Risch federal revenues by $2.4 trillion over to focus in a bipartisan way, not Carper Hatch Roberts the first ten years and $3.2 trillion over through partisanship only. The prin- Cassidy Heitkamp Rounds Collins Hoeven Rubio the subsequent decade’’; second, the ciples that we have outlined on our Coons Inhofe Sasse top 1 percent of taxpayers would ‘‘re- side, when you compare them, do not Corker Isakson Scott ceive about 50 percent of the total tax even go as far as some of the ideas em- Cornyn Johnson Shelby Cotton Kennedy Strange benefit.’’ braced by the late President Reagan. Crapo King Sullivan These statistics were pretty quotable I yield the floor. Cruz Lankford Thune and indeed raged like a prairie fire I suggest the absence of a quorum. Daines Lee Tillis across the news media in our country, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Donnelly Manchin Toomey Durbin McCaskill Wicker especially when the media is pre- clerk will call the roll. Enzi McConnell Young disposed to believe the worst, without The senior assistant legislative clerk NAYS—38 any question or semblance of skep- proceeded to call the roll. ticism. After all, the Tax Policy Cen- Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I ask unan- Baldwin Hassan Sanders ter’s report made for easy headlines, imous consent that the order for the Bennet Heinrich Schatz Blumenthal Hirono Schumer reciting the same tired refrains we quorum call be rescinded. Booker Kaine Shaheen have all heard before that are all too The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Brown Klobuchar Stabenow predictable; that, somehow, our tax objection, it is so ordered. Cantwell Leahy Tester Cardin Markey plan is only designed to help the rich. Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I ask unan- Udall Apparently, the temptation was just Casey Merkley Van Hollen imous consent that we start the sched- Duckworth Murphy Warner too great to resist, even though the re- Feinstein Murray uled 11 a.m. vote now. Warren port didn’t have a real author since no Franken Nelson The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Whitehouse Gillibrand Peters self-respecting economist wanted his or objection, it is so ordered. Harris Reed Wyden her name attached to it. As the Wall CLOTURE MOTION NOT VOTING—5 Street Journal pointed out, however, Pursuant to rule XXII, the Chair lays last week’s tax blueprint was just before the Senate the pending cloture Cochran Heller Menendez Cortez Masto McCain that—a starting place, a plan, a frame- motion, which the clerk will state. work, and nothing more. It excluded The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this many important data points which read as follows: vote, the yeas are 57, the nays are 38. would be important to a real analysis. CLOTURE MOTION The motion is agreed to. For example, the income ranges for The majority whip. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- the three consolidated tax brackets, ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the TAX REFORM those weren’t in the blueprint. The Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, begin- value of the expanded child tax credit move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- ning today, the Senate Budget Com- and when it would be phased out, that nation of Eric D. Hargan, of Illinois, to be mittee will take the next step in our wasn’t in the blueprint either, and you Deputy Secretary of Health and Human effort to enact pro-growth tax reform, would need to know that information Services. this time by marking up a budget reso- Mitch McConnell, Lamar Alexander, in order to make a reasoned, logical John Cornyn, John Barrasso, Mike lution. analysis. The blueprint also doesn’t Rounds, Chuck Grassley, Thad Coch- The committee’s work follows the re- mention tax rates for small businesses ran, Steve Daines, Roger F. Wicker, lease last week of our unified frame- and what deductions will be eliminated John Boozman, Thom Tillis, John work—the tax blueprint on how to cre- as part of the base broadening.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.008 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6299 As we all know, an army of lobbyists, GDP growth speeds up from the Obama The Internet Crimes Against Chil- lawyers, and other folks have, since administration’s pace of 2 percent a dren Task Force is a national network 1986, larded the Tax Code with a wide year to 3 percent, incomes would rise of 61 coordinated entities that rep- variety of deductions, credits, and and revenues would increase to the resent 3,500 Federal, State, and local other special preferences. What we Treasury by some $2.5 trillion. That is law enforcement agencies that inves- need to do is clear out some of that what is most often underlooked, in- tigate and prosecute child predators. thicket so we can lower the rates for cluding by some of the people who They develop victim support programs, everybody, so everybody gets a tax cut, score these bills. provide training and technical assist- and I mean everybody. If we are successful in passing pro- ance, and advance forensic methods. It is not going to be easy because we growth tax reform and tax cuts and we They also help facilitate community can imagine that army of lobbyists de- can get this sleeping giant of an econ- education to make parents more aware scending upon Capitol Hill trying to omy awake and roaring again just to of this threat against all of our chil- protect the special deals they were able get it to 3 percent—which is below the dren so we can prevent internet crimes to carve out of the Tax Code since 1986, average growth of the economy over against children before they even hap- but we have to do it. the last three decades—just at 3 per- pen. This is an issue I have cared about None of these facts that would be im- cent, it would put $2.5 trillion more in for a long time, starting with my serv- portant in order to conduct a reasoned the Treasury. That would be great be- ice as attorney general of Texas. I saw and objective analysis was included in cause it would help us not only pay our firsthand how vulnerable children can the framework, but all of them would bills, it would help us pay down the quickly become victimized at the have great potential to greatly move deficit and the debt. hands of some truly despicable individ- Obviously, these are important fac- the final numbers. These, and many uals. I also learned about the resources tors to acknowledge. The best way to other details, are essential for any hon- it takes to stop and prosecute these accomplish meaningful tax reform is to est fiscal assessment of changes in our predators. Like the Presiding Officer, lower rates and simplify provisions who also served as attorney general, we Tax Code. across the board, to give Americans When will we begin to see some of know that not all of our jurisdictions more take-home pay and have to spend those numbers? We need to pass the have access to the same sort of exper- less time hiring somebody just to com- budget resolution out of the Budget tise and resources so it is important to plete their tax return. We can’t simply Committee this week—which we will. have this resource in order to help throw up our hands, do nothing, and them investigate and prosecute these Then, after Columbus Day, we will accept the status quo because Amer- come back and have a debate and a crimes. ican workers and job creators can’t af- Back in 2000, when I started it in vote-arama to pass the budget resolu- ford the status quo. tion, which will equip us with the tech- Texas, we called it the Internet Bu- I am optimistic about the framework reau. It is kind of a quaint title these nical tools we need in order to pass a that has been released and look for- reconciliation bill. days. Now I think they call it the ward to working with my colleagues on Cyber Crime Unit, but we call it the Then the real work is going to be oc- the Finance Committee in the days and curring in the Finance Committee on Internet Bureau to fight internet weeks ahead. What we have now is a crimes like child pornography. Trag- this side of the Capitol, where we will useful starting point, and we need to take the chairman’s mark—the origi- ically, in this day and age, the internet fill in the blanks—and we will—so then provides a safe harbor for too many nal bill which Senator HATCH will in- we can have a debate based on the troduce at the committee—which will people who want to use it for their own facts, not based on somebody’s wild, fe- nefarious purposes. It can be a difficult fill in a lot of these details. I predict vered imagination about what the tax that will be sometime around the third arena for our law enforcement to navi- bill might look like. gate, but this bill ensures that they or maybe fourth week of this month. One last point on that. We have the Then we are going to have an amend- will have the resources to fight cyber highest tax rate in the world for cor- crimes and keep our communities safe ment process. The real question in my porations and businesses. This used to mind is, Will our Democratic col- by reauthorizing programs until 2022. be something that even the President I am happy the House has now acted, leagues participate and make this a bi- of the United States, Barack Obama, and I am thankful for the work of my partisan bill? I hope they will. back in 2011 acknowledged and said we colleagues from Connecticut, Min- I also want to mention two other re- need to reduce that in order to be com- lated points that deserve mention but nesota, and Nevada for joining me in petitive globally. We know too many of this effort. I look forward to working which were left out of the Tax Policy’s our jobs are moving overseas. expeditiously to ensure that we repass report. One is, the committees in Con- I mentioned yesterday that IBM, one this legislation in the Senate as soon gress will actually have the ability to of the largest businesses in the world, as possible. come up with the details I mentioned. has more employees in India than they I suggest the absence of a quorum. That will happen in the Ways and have in the United States. Now, there The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Means Committee in the House and in are probably varied reasons for that, clerk will call the roll. the Finance Committee in the Senate. including our Tax Code. Some of it is The legislative clerk proceeded to There will be, as there should be, dis- access to highly trained workers, lower call the roll. cussion, deliberation, and compromise costs of operation, and the like, but Mr. KING. Mr. President, I ask unan- as the normal legislative process works our Tax Code is a self-inflicted eco- imous consent that the order for the out. nomic wound for our country, and the quorum call be rescinded. There have been many around Cap- people who pay the price are the people The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without itol Hill who have said we don’t have whose wages are stagnant or people objection, it is so ordered. enough ‘‘regular order.’’ What that who are looking for a job and can’t find HEALTHCARE means is, we need to conduct the nor- one. We need to put more money back Mr. KING. Mr. President, I rise today mal legislative process and have the in their pocket, let them keep more of to talk about a subject that has been committees actually do what they are what they earn, and get this economy on our minds in recent weeks and designed to do—which is to have hear- growing again. months and, in fact, years; that is, ings and vote on amendments and pass PROTECT OUR CHILDREN ACT healthcare—one of the most complex the bill out so it is available to be Finally, just yesterday, the House and confusing but important topics heard on the floor of the Senate. Then passed a bill I introduced with Sen- that we have to consider. the Senate has a chance to amend it, ators BLUMENTHAL, KLOBUCHAR, and Before I get into the bulk of what I vote on it, and debate it. HELLER called the PROTECT Our Chil- want to address, I want to make the The second point I want to make is, dren Act. This bill helps to stop the ex- point once again that as we are debat- any analysis of tax reform must con- ploitation of children across the coun- ing healthcare and debating who pays, sider what will be the impact on eco- try and over the internet by reauthor- how much they pay, whether it is the nomic growth that will result from it. izing the Internet Crimes Against Chil- ACA or Medicare or Medicaid or pri- As the Journal stated, if the rate of dren, or ICAC, Task Force Program. vate insurance or private pay, we also

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.012 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6300 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 have to begin a serious discussion been working on proposals since the ments not being made. The testimony about the underlying cost of day I got here on how to improve it, is—it depends somewhat on the State, healthcare. how to fix some of the problems, how but roughly a 20-percent increase is at- Regardless of who is paying, it is to make it better, how to have the ef- tributable to just this fact. going to break us. If healthcare con- fects be less intense on some parts of If we could pass legislation here—un- tinues to grow in cost as it has over the our economy. It is the law of the land. fortunately, we missed the deadline, last 20 years, it is going to eat the Fed- The impacts of what we do here or but we may be able to work on that be- eral budget, family budgets, individual don’t do here fall on real people—real cause the deadline was just last week. budgets, and it is going to be some- people, in my case, in my home State But if we could simply ensure those thing we absolutely have to address. of Maine. payments are made, that in itself Usually around here we don’t address The Affordable Care Act is not col- would lower rates by 20 percent next something until it is a crisis. lapsing; it is being sabotaged. Here is a year on a silver plan. I would argue, as we are approaching partial list. By the way, if those CSRs aren’t 20 percent of GDP, with $1 out of every In January, during the period of the made and the rates go up, ironically, $5 in the country being committed to last open enrollment, one of the first that means the mandatory payments of healthcare costs—more than twice as acts of the new administration was to subsidies to individuals under the Af- much as most other countries in the cut the advertising on television, ad- fordable Care Act will also go up. So it world, far more than any other country vising people that they had this will cost the Treasury money—addi- in the world—we have to address this healthcare option. Cut the ads, that is tional money not accounted for, rough- issue. No. 1. That was in January. ly $200 billion over the next 10 years. Arguing about who pays is not going Then they announced they were What else has gone on? In May, there to solve the problem. That is impor- going to minimize the enforcement of was another one from the head of the tant because in the interim, that is the personal mandate. If you tell some- Office of Management and Budget. The what is going to protect our citizens’ body you are not going to enforce administration has not decided wheth- coverage and what is going to protect something, that is an invitation to not er to pay the CSRs. That is a big red our citizens from a healthcare disaster, abide by it, to not pay any attention to signal to the insurance companies: You a healthcare crisis. it. People can argue about whether can’t count on this, so you better raise I want to preface my remarks with— that is desirable, but that is the law. rates. In May, the budget was released. I think this is something we all need to To announce that administratively you In the budget, there were drastic cuts be thinking about—how do we move be- are not going to enforce it, again, what in the call centers for the Affordable yond the discussion we are having now, does that do? It reduces the number of Care Act, in the in-person assistance, not that it is unimportant, but we also people who are going to get healthcare. and in marketing. And just for good need to move beyond the discussion That, in turn, undermines the indi- measure, they announced they were and start talking about the underlying vidual market, and that, in turn, cutting the enrollment period in half, cost and why is it that Americans are from 3 months to 6 weeks. What pos- makes it less financially viable. That paying virtually twice as much as any- sible reason can there be to do that, ex- is a deliberate act that will undermine one in the world for healthcare per cap- cept that you want fewer people to sign the viability of this law. ita—or as a percent of GDP or however In April, there began a series of what up? That is called sabotage—reducing you want to calculate it—without no- turned into seven different threats from 3 months to 6 weeks. ticeably better results? In fact, most Then, all along, the Health and from various people in the administra- worldwide studies indicate the results Human Services Department has been tion to not make the legally mandated of our healthcare system are not as monkeying around with the website, CSR payments—the cost-sharing reduc- good as those in many other countries. taking down explanatory material It would be one thing if we were pay- tion payments—which are not bailouts about the Affordable Care Act, taking ing a lot of money and getting abso- to insurance companies but which were down material indicating why this lutely superior care across the board in designed as part of the law to hold the would be a good deal for people and, in- our country, but that is not the case. rates down and to hold the deductibles stead, putting up critical material. In measurements such as infant mor- down for those people buying coverage On August 31, the administration an- tality, longevity—standard basic under the Affordable Care Act. Con- nounced reductions in outreach of 90 healthcare indicators—we are not tinuously threatening the reduction or percent and cuts in assistance to peo- doing very well. Yet we are paying the elimination of these payments has ple trying to navigate this system by twice as much. There is something created an uncertainty in the market- 40 percent. This is complicated mate- wrong with that, and we have to ad- place that is now coming home to rial. Any of us who have signed up for dress it. roost. insurance—we all have the Affordable I want to talk about the Affordable Just last week, Anthem announced Care Act. Most people don’t know that. Care Act. I want to start with the point they are leaving the Maine market- But we had to go on the website and that it is the law of the land. It is the place. They cited a number of reasons, choose a policy for ourselves. It is law of the land. but one of the chief reasons was the un- hard, it is complicated, and to take I am rising today in sadness but also certainty created by whether these away the people who are in the commu- in anger because there is a lot of talk payments are going to be made. nities helping people work through about the Affordable Care Act col- Recently, the HELP committee had a these various decisions and weigh the lapsing, imploding. It is not collapsing. series of hearings on this subject. They different policies, the deductibles, and It is being mugged. It is being stabbed had a bipartisan group of Governors. how to compare them is the same as in the back. It is being sabotaged delib- They had a bipartisan group of insur- taking away the coverage. It is an act erately and consciously by the actions ance commissioners, health experts of sabotage. of the administration. from across the country. I was at all The most recent one I just learned I want to emphasize that this isn’t but one of those hearings. I believe I about this morning. This is amazing. about ideology. It is not about politics. am right in saying it was unanimous The Affordable Care Act is based on a It is not about who wins and who loses that we must ensure the continuation website, healthcare.gov. We all know it or which party is up or who voted or of the CSR payments in order to sta- had terrible problems when it started. who didn’t. This is about people. It is bilize the market and reduce premiums There is no excuse for that. I was crit- about people in Maine. It is about peo- projected to increase this coming year. ical of it at the time. Those were prob- ple, many of whom got care for the The number nationally is estimated lems that were not intentional. first time under the Affordable Care to be about 20 percent—a 20-percent in- Now intentional problems are being Act; lobstermen, small farmers, small crease attributable to the failure to en- created. This is the one that really gets businesspeople, individuals finally had sure that the CSR payments will be me. I just learned this morning that a shot at reasonably priced healthcare. made because an insurance company, if every Sunday during the bobtail enroll- It is not perfect by any means. I they are setting rates, has to factor ment period, the 6-week enrollment pe- would never argue that. In fact, I have into their rates the risk of these pay- riod, the website is going to be closed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.014 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6301 for 12 hours for maintenance. Isn’t that The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. tax reform that will spur economic amazing? For 12 hours on the one day ERNST). The Senator from Utah. growth, increase wages and well-paying of the week when many working people TAX REFORM jobs, and simplify our existing system. are going to have an opportunity to try Mr. HATCH. Madam President, last We need to deliver on that promise and to understand this system and enroll, week I joined with the Secretary of the not just because we will suffer politi- they are going to be down from mid- Treasury, the Director of the National cally if we do not. We need to deliver night Saturday night until noon on Economic Council, our Senate major- because the cost of doing nothing—the Sunday, the middle of the day on Sun- ity leader, the Speaker of the House, cost of maintaining the status quo for day. and the chairman of the House Ways the foreseeable future—will be too I want to go back to the beginning. and Means Committee in releasing a much for the American people and our This isn’t about ideology. This is about unified framework for tax reform. economy to bear. seeing that the laws are faithfully exe- This is a big step in the ongoing ef- The last major overhaul of our Tax cuted. That is why they call it the ad- fort to overhaul our Nation’s miserable Code was 31 years ago, and in many re- ministration. The administration is Tax Code. I have been in the Senate spects, our current tax system was supposed to administer the laws, not awhile, and I can only remember a few built for the economy of 1986 and is ill- unadminister them. times when the White House and the suited for the needs of today. In the We are talking about people. Why House and Senate leadership were in last 31 years, we have seen a dramatic does anyone want to have fewer people agreement on an issue as complicated increase in international trade and ex- with insurance? I am at a loss to un- as tax reform so the current state of af- panded globalization. We have seen the derstand the motivation. I can under- fairs is pretty remarkable. Still, as we fall of the Soviet Union and the col- stand if you don’t like the ACA. If you made clear in the framework docu- lapse of most centrally run economies, don’t like the ACA, let’s work together ment, this is only a step; it is not a and of course we have seen the develop- and find ways to improve it and change final product. ment and rapid expansion of the inter- it, but figure out how to keep people The House and the Senate tax-writ- net, which has, in many respects, re- with health insurance. ing committees will be tasked with made the entire world several times The uninsured rate in America has putting together legislation that is over. fallen 50 percent because of the Afford- aimed at meeting the goals and prin- America no longer has a competitive able Care Act. That is an enormous ciples that are outlined in the frame- Tax Code. Instead, we have a Byzantine achievement. It is one that should be work. Therefore, as the chairman of system with exceptionally high rates celebrated, not sabotaged. That is what the Senate Finance Committee, my top and an array of overlapping and often is so puzzling to me about this: fewer goal at the moment is to produce a less-than-effective deductions, exclu- people with coverage and higher costs comprehensive tax reform bill that can sions, and credits. This is not just a pa- to the Treasury. get at least 14 votes in the committee rade of horribles trotted out by Repub- We can do better than this. These are because, without that, there likely will licans, these problems have been ac- all things the administration in good not be any tax reform. Yet, before we knowledged by a number of prominent faith can say: OK, we don’t like the can get to that point, we have to pass Democrats, like Presidents Clinton and ACA, but we are going to move beyond the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution. Obama, not to mention our current the politics of this and try to help peo- Make no mistake, the budget resolu- Senate minority leader and the rank- ple get the coverage they desperately tion is critical to our tax reform ef- ing member of the Finance Committee, need. forts. If we are going to move a tax re- Senator WYDEN. This is about real people’s lives. This form vehicle in the current environ- We all know the system is not work- is about lifting the threat, the cloud of ment, we need a resolution in place ing. Still, in many respects, we have a healthcare disaster, both physically with a workable reconciliation instruc- politics as usual around here when we and financially, from families across tion that will allow us to produce a bill talk about tax reform. While both par- America. We are talking about mil- of sufficient size and scope to give mid- ties have supported reforms in the re- lions of families—not tens of thousands dle-class taxpayers a pay raise, grow cent past, including a number of re- but millions of families. I don’t get our economy, and create more Amer- forms that are included in the frame- why we are deliberately trying to un- ican jobs. work, we are already hearing the same, dermine and sabotage something that As we all know, the Budget Com- tired arguments that come up every is so meaningful to so many people. As mittee will begin marking up its reso- time Republicans want to talk about one can tell, it makes me angry. Most- lution later today, and it will include tax reform. ly, it makes me sad because I know the type of instruction we need in According to the opponents of re- people in Maine who have benefited, order to produce a bill that will fix our form, our ‘‘plan’’ will cut taxes on the who have gotten coverage, who did not broken tax system, boost economic superrich. Our ‘‘plan’’ will raise taxes have it before and who will not have it growth, and give a pay raise to middle- on the poor. Our ‘‘plan’’ will harm the if this is taken away—people who need class Americans. middle class. Our ‘‘plan’’ is a giveaway those navigators to help them, people I am grateful for the leadership of to greedy corporations. These are some who need to be able to use the website Chairman ENZI and all of our col- pretty odd claims given that as of right on a Sunday morning, people who need leagues on the Budget Committee for now, no completed ‘‘plan’’ exists. We to have rates that are lower because their work in crafting the resolution, have a framework, and we are not call- the CSRs have been funded, and we are and I urge everyone who supports tax ing it that simply for PR reasons. We not continuously raising the uncer- reform, whether he is in Congress or have some basic principles and targets tainty of that piece of this law. elsewhere, to support the budget reso- that the leaders have agreed upon, but We can do better. This is about the lution. as the framework makes clear, the Fi- health of our people. I cannot think of Once again, that is the next big step nance and Ways and Means Commit- anything more important. We can have in this process, and it is an absolutely tees have been tasked with filling in different ways of getting there, but essential step. Once that is done, the the details and writing legislation. right now we have a law that is in Finance Committee will be able to Here are just some of the details that place, and until we change it—and we move forward on crafting and marking are not included in the framework: should change it; we should fix it—we up a tax reform bill. Income thresholds for individual tax should administer it straight up, Some have said tax reform is a do-or- brackets. The framework includes rate straightforwardly, as it was written die moment for the GOP. I whole- targets for three brackets, but the and as it was intended. This is too im- heartedly believe that to be true, not breakdown of those brackets is still to portant for politics, and it is too im- just because we might lose an election be determined. portant for ideology. This is all about or that our poll numbers might go The size of the enhanced Child Tax people and their health. down, it is that Republicans have Credit. The framework anticipates an Thank you. promised, for some time now, that we increase, but it does not specify an I yield the floor. will deliver meaningful, comprehensive amount.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.015 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 The existence and rate of the highest report, authored by the TPC’s staff. ments of the country. The framework bracket. Our document leaves room for Evidently, no one in an organization specifies two deductions that should the creation of a fourth bracket at the that describes itself as ‘‘nonpartisan’’ stay in place because they benefit high end, but it does not include any wanted to put their name on a docu- many in the middle class and they are rate target. ment that would be used in such a par- designed to achieve important policy Safeguards to prevent abuse of the tisan manner, but let’s be clear. We goals. Everything else is currently on separate passthrough rates. cannot separate this kind of specula- the table, including items that I have These are just some of the key de- tive ‘‘analysis’’ from the way it is personally championed in the past. tails that need to be filled in. being used by our friends on the other We have already seen stories about My point is, no one can make any de- side. It has become fodder for more of how Republicans are already divided on finitive statements or make any cred- the same partisan attacks. the fate of the State and local tax de- ible estimates about the fiscal impact In going forward, I hope the TPC and duction. Make no mistake—that is a of the plan until the committees do other think tanks will acknowledge the pretty popular deduction, particularly more work. Still, that has not stopped still undefined features of the frame- among Democrats, but it has some Re- people from trying. work, including the commitment to publican supporters as well. I would re- Last week, the left-leaning Tax Pol- maintaining the current progressivity mind my colleagues who are adamant icy Center released an unattributed of the Tax Code, which will require ad- about preserving the State and local ‘‘analysis’’ of the framework that ap- justments in order to achieve. I think tax deduction that the benefits of that peared to confirm a number of blanket groups like the TPC can be helpful if particular provision skew heavily to- claims that critics have made about they avoid the partisan criticisms and ward higher income earners, especially our ‘‘plan.’’ As we all know, left-lean- focus on shedding light and providing those living in high-tax cities and ing pundits, liberal media outlets, and accurate assessments of various pro- States. So if our main goal is to help many of our friends on the other side posals. Everyone who has an interest in the middle class, I would hope that seem to love the TPC, apparently be- these issues should wait and let the there won’t be many Senators who will cause the TPC is willing to provide es- tax-writing committees do their work. fall on their swords in order to keep timates and analysis about tax plans In the Finance Committee, we are this particular deduction in place. without waiting for all of the boring going to write a committee bill. Any Still, nothing is set in stone, and details. Member who is sincerely interested in most items are currently still up for We all remember well when the TPC working with us will get a chance to negotiation. The State and local tax wrote Mitt Romney’s tax plan for him contribute, whether he is a Republican deduction is, like virtually every other and claimed that he wanted to raise or Democrat. We are going to have a tax provision, currently on the table, taxes on the middle class to finance a markup during which the bill will be and we may very well have to pare it tax cut for the top 1 percent. Their debated and amended in the light of back one way or the other. We need to analysis of the Romney plan—a plan the day. Thereafter, I expect that we see how the numbers work out before that was not yet in existence beyond a will have a fair and open amendment we can speak definitively on this or broad set of principles—became the process on the floor. Despite some odd any other tax policy item. gospel for our friends on the other side, claims to the contrary, the Joint Com- Before I conclude, let me just say and their estimates were repeated time mittee on Taxation will score the bill. that this is a once-in-a-generation op- and again; never mind the fact that At the end of the day, people will be portunity. There is currently more mo- they did not have nearly enough evi- free to disagree with the final bill and mentum in favor of tax reform than at dence to support their assertions. to vote against it, but no one will be any other time in the past three dec- The TPC appears to be on the same able to credibly claim that the legisla- ades. All of us should be willing to take track with regard to the unified frame- tion was written behind closed doors or advantage of this opportunity. All of us work. I guess they think they can get that the American people did not get a should be able to give in order to get a away with it again. Maybe they can. I chance to see what was in the bill and final bill done that will make sense and don’t know. The TPC’s document from read accurate accounts of its fiscal and will get us back on track. I am hopeful last week included a relatively precise economic impacts. that we can have a bipartisan effort estimate of lost revenue that they I want to work with anyone who is here, but whether we do or don’t, I in- claim would result from the frame- willing to come to the table in good tend to see that we get tax reform done work. It also estimated how much of faith. I think the framework puts for- and that we get it done in the best in- the tax benefit of the framework would ward a number of general proposals terest of our country, the best interest go to the top 1 percent of earners, that both parties can support. There is of our people, and above all, the best again with a fair amount of precision. fertile ground for bipartisanship here if interest of the middle class. How they got to these results is, cer- my Democratic colleagues are willing I suggest the absence of a quorum. tainly, to me, a mystery. to set aside some of the unreasonable The PRESIDING OFFICER. The There is simply no way for the TPC preconditions that they have put on clerk will call the roll. or anyone to deliver these kinds of spe- their involvement in tax reform. The The legislative clerk proceeded to cific estimates with the information last time I checked, both Republicans call the roll. that is provided in the framework. To and Democrats supported tax relief for Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I ask get their estimates, they filled in low- and middle-income families. The unanimous consent that the order for blanks with numbers from other pro- last time I checked, reducing our un- the quorum call be rescinded. posals, added a pile of exceptionally competitive corporate tax rate was a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pessimistic and biased economic as- bipartisan objective. The last time I objection, it is so ordered. sumptions, and came up with a tax checked, both Republican and Demo- LAS VEGAS MASS SHOOTING plan that, for all intents and purposes, cratic voters were in need of higher Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I is their own. Just because they say this wages, more jobs, and a more competi- come to the floor today for the second analysis was performed on the unified tive economy. time this week to highlight the tragic framework and was not just a plan This is going to be a difficult process, human cost of gun violence. I will they made up themselves does not sud- whether it is bipartisan or partisan. speak today about just one victim, but denly make their estimates credible. There is a long list of sacred cows in of course we are thinking as well about Still, I expect to hear a lot about the our Tax Code, each of them with a con- the 58 victims in Las Vegas. Not count- TPC’s ‘‘analysis’’ in the coming weeks. stituency that will fight to keep them ing the killer in that total, the last Some will treat their estimates as fact, in place. We are going to have to elimi- count was 58 victims and well over 500 and I expect we will see them cited in nate a number of tax deductions and injured. a few campaign commercials before too credits if we are going to be fiscally re- We have some sense of the gravity of long. Breaking from any notion of pro- sponsible, including a number of provi- the violence that played out in Las fessional accountability, the TPC’s sions that are, under the current sys- Vegas. I am not sure any of us can fully ‘‘analysis’’ was, according to the TPC’s tem, pretty popular in certain seg- understand it, and some of us will

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.017 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6303 never quite understand what happened work on legislation and policy that happening, and we are selling more there, but I think we have to dedicate will at least—at least—reduce the like- internationally. In America, over the ourselves to taking action. I will get to lihood that someone like Gerry will last 100 years, it has just slowly grown that in a moment. lose his life. It is part of a longer con- and grown and grown until the last 10 REMEMBERING GERARD GRANDZOL versation. I won’t get into the list of years, and, then, it has flattened out. Madam President, today I am here to issues we should be working on—some We are stuck. honor the memory of Gerard Grandzol, of those I have outlined already—but Now, when I was younger, we had a a resident of Philadelphia who lost his we can’t simply, as we often do, express record player in the house. Now, for all life to gun violence last month as he condolence and pay tribute that is ap- of you under 40, I would explain that a protected his 2-year-old daughter from propriate to those whose lives have record player is kind of like a CD play- carjackers. This was truly a senseless been lost and those who may have been er, only it was larger and made of tragedy, one that took a father from injured in Las Vegas and so many vinyl. But if I say that, then, all the his wife and two young daughters, one other places around the country. We under-20 crowd will say: What is a CD that robbed the Spring Garden neigh- have to do more than that. We can’t player? borhood in Philadelphia of a man who stop with those expressions—those ap- Let me just say this. The big black was a beloved member of the commu- propriate and essential expressions of pieces of vinyl that played music at my nity, and I think that is an understate- sympathy and solidarity and com- house occasionally would get stuck. ment. mendation for the great work of law The record needle would land in the Gerard was known as Gerry. His wife enforcement and emergency personnel. same groove and play the same part of Kristin and their 2-year-old daughter We have to do more than that. the song over and over. It was my job, had welcomed a second baby girl into Today, as we remember Gerry, we as the youngest one in the house, to go their family this past July. offer not only condolences but we offer over to the record and bump it and get In addition to raising his family and prayers to his wife Kristin, to their it out of that. Our economy needs that. working at a legal recruiting firm, daughters, and to the family and We need to be able to get over to our economy, which is stuck in the same Gerry dedicated his time and energy to friends of the Spring Garden neighbor- groove at 1.9 percent in this incredibly making his community a better place. hood in Philadelphia. As a member of the Spring Garden Once again, stopping there is not low-growth rate, and give it a bump. Civic Association, he was the go-to guy enough. There are plenty of examples Now, that bump can come in a lot of in his community, in the words of of people who have lost their lives in a ways: increasing international trade Philadelphia City Council president city like Philadelphia or in cities would be a great help, engaging more Darrell Clarke. Gerry was an avid around the country that may not add internationally, keeping our regula- hockey player, the neighborhood up to the 58 deaths, may not add up to tions common sense and as nonintru- sive as possible so that small busi- handyman, and the person who would 500-plus injured, but when you take nesses and medium-sized businesses man the grill at block parties and re- just one life—in this case, the life that aren’t panicked all the time of what pair bikes for kids in the neighborhood. we highlight today, Gerry’s life—it is the Federal Government is going to do His neighbors and friends have spoken reason enough to come together to to them with a new regulation. Just of his happy, magnetic personality and work on new approaches, commonsense keep them common sense and simple. his willingness to help others. approaches to, as I said before, reduce How about making sure that there You can tell how important Gerry the likelihood. No one is suggesting are fewer Federal forms and that the was to his family, friends, and commu- that we can pass something that will Federal forms that people have to fill nity. You can tell what an impact he be a magic wand to take away all of out not only are simple to do but they had on the people he met because thou- these acts of violence, but we shouldn’t don’t duplicate over multiple different sands of people lined up at the Cathe- throw up our hands and say there is ab- agencies. It would be good if people dral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul solutely nothing we can do to reduce who worked in small, medium, and a few weeks ago to pay their respects the likelihood that people will lose large businesses spent more time sell- to Gerry and to celebrate his life. The their lives due to an act of gun vio- ing products than they did filling out a people who knew him are keeping his lence. I refuse to accept that as an form for some Federal bureaucracy memory alive on his Facebook page, American, that there is nothing we can that is never going to read that form where they shared pictures of Gerry do legislatively to reduce that likeli- anyway. hiking, painting, playing hockey, full hood or even, God willing, to substan- The obvious way to be able to bump of life and surrounded by friends and tially reduce the likelihood. the record needle in our economy right family. So when we are thinking about Gerry now is tax reform. It is not the main This is a man who became yet an- today, I hope we can commit ourselves thing that is going to do everything, other victim of gun violence last to action and debate and maybe even but it is a pretty big element. If we can month after he refused to give a pair of reach consensus on legislation and pol- get tax reform done, it actually gives robbers his car keys because his 2-year- icy to move forward in the right direc- our economy a little bit of a boost. old daughter was in the back seat. This tion. Now, I have folks that will say: How was a truly senseless act of violence Madam President, I yield the floor. does that make a difference? When you that has shaken his family, friends, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- do tax reform, why does that actually and his community. Two suspects in ator from Oklahoma. increase economic activity? this terrible crime are now in custody, TAX REFORM Well, quite frankly, people around and I hope that proceedings in the jus- Mr. LANKFORD. Madam President, I the country and in my State of Okla- tice system in Philadelphia can provide would recommend to this body some- homa are struggling to be able to save some measure of relief, some measure thing that is obvious to all of us. Our money because their wages aren’t of comfort, and, we pray, even closure economy is stuck. We are in a bad spot growing at the same speed that every- to the Grandzol family. Whatever relief of just treading water. Over the last 11 thing else is going up in price. So peo- it might provide, justice can’t heal years, our gross domestic product— ple need to be able to save more money every wound. It can’t bring Gerry back that is how much our economy is grow- and to be able to have more money to to Kristin, their daughters, and their ing—has been 1.9 percent, and 1.9 per- be able to spend. family, friends, and neighbors. But we cent is a tiny change. Also, we need to create more jobs and can make sure his memory lives on in Just to give you a perspective, over we need to get companies going again the way we treat each other, and I hope the last 100 years, there has not been a and actually developing more jobs. If we can honor Gerry’s life by dedicating single decade when we have not had a people can actually get a job, if people ourselves to improving the lives of our year without at least 3 percent growth, can make more money at that job, and neighbors and working together to until the last decade. Literally, our if people actually have more take- solve problems. economy, is typically growing; that is, home pay, they spend a little more, One thing I hope we can do here on more jobs are being added, people are they save a little more, and the com- the specific issue of gun violence is to making more money, there is more pany expands a little more. If each

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.018 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 place does that a little bit, it dramati- every American is paying some taxes. So let’s increase the standard deduc- cally increases our economy around For those folks at the lowest end of the tion so everybody gets a flatter, sim- the country, and we know it because scale, I would propose dropping the pler, and fairer system, and let’s keep we feel it. rate to zero for them on income taxes, the biggest of the deductions that most Making the Tax Code simpler for but they are paying their fair share in Americans use, like the charitable de- every person in every business means property tax, in gas tax, and in sales duction or the mortgage interest de- people don’t have to pay as much to tax. They are helping their local fire duction. If there are any two deduc- have their taxes done. Maybe you can department and their local police de- tions that most people use, it is those do your own taxes because it would be partment. They are paying for the two. So let’s protect those two in the simple enough to do it, and it wouldn’t roads that are federally subsidized, system. cost so much. Accountants who work based on their gas tax. They are paying As for reducing the corporate tax for businesses could go back to work- taxes, but if they are not at a rate and rate, I have folks say that it only bene- ing for their businesses to see how they at an income high enough to be able to fits the biggest businesses. I always can make their businesses more effi- survive at that rate, then let’s drop smile and say: Those are actually peo- cient rather than spending all of their theirs to 0 percent for income tax. ple who employ people. If you reduce time just on tax policy. They will keep some of the other taxes the corporate rate, that means they I think we should follow the lead of so they can still contribute to society are more competitive internationally the President on this. The President and still be a part of this great Nation. and that means they are not having to made a very clear statement. He said: Dropping those rates down to the move their corporate headquarters Let’s help our companies compete, but lowest bracket being 0 percent for in- overseas. to do that we have to also knock down come tax, then 12 percent, 25 percent, For years, as a nation we have used barriers that stand in the way of their and 35 percent is a pretty standard the carrot-and-stick approach on try- success. For example, the President rate. Quite frankly, this is something ing to keep businesses here in the said: that was proposed in the Simpson- United States; that is, if they go over- Over the years, a parade of lobbyists have Bowles proposal before, which was a bi- seas, beat them with a stick and try to rigged the tax code to benefit particular partisan proposal, for it to be able to punish them for trying to move. Why companies and industries. Those with ac- come out, on how we can reform the don’t we use the carrot approach? Why countants or lawyers to work the system can system. don’t we find out why they are moving end up paying no taxes at all. But all the Eliminating the alternative min- overseas and fix that? Many of these rest are hit with one of the highest corporate imum tax—do you want to talk about a companies are moving overseas be- tax rates in the world. It makes no sense, complicated tax code? Basically, we and it has to change. cause of the very high corporate tax So tonight, I’m asking Democrats and Re- have two Tax Codes. We have the rate here in the United States. Let’s fix publicans to simplify the system. Get rid of standard Tax Code, and then we have that. Over the decades, many of our the loopholes. Level the playing field. And the alternative minimum tax. Every- competing nations have done that. We use the savings to lower the corporate tax one who does their taxes has to do should fix that. That increases the rate for the first time in 25 years. them twice to be able to evaluate number of jobs, that increases eco- Did I fail to mention that the Presi- which one of the codes they actually fit nomic activity, and that keeps Amer- dent who said that is President Obama? into. Now, if are using an electronic ican jobs in America. President Obama did, right down the system, you lose track of it because We should deal with the child tax hallway, in 2011, in his State of the the electronic system on the computer credit and continue to be able to pro- Union address. That is what he said we is doing that for you. But the AMT dra- tect that for families. should do: simplify the system, lower matically increases the complexity of We can deal with how we do expens- the corporate tax rate, and be able to the code. We should do away with that. ing. Now, if you don’t run a business, deal with all of the loopholes that are If we want to be able to protect the that doesn’t matter much to you. But in the system. folks who are in the lowest bracket, if you are the one who owns the small This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. then let’s double what is the standard business, you understand how expens- Everyone sees this, Republicans and deduction. Right now the standard de- ing works. If you have a cost to your Democrats alike. duction is about $12,000. Let’s double business this year and if you can’t So my focus is this. How do we actu- that to about $24,000. That $24,000 write it off in this year, you have to ex- ally get this done and not make it into amount for families would mean that pand that out, and you know that a partisan food fight here but actually the first $24,000 of income that you slows you down. do what is right for the American peo- would make as a family would fall into Here are the basics. If you are run- ple and help bump the economy to be that 0-percent bracket. So you are pay- ning a small business and you need to able to help get us going again? ing zero income tax to the Federal buy a new pickup for your business, if In my State—whether you live in Government until you make more than it takes you years to be able to depre- Valliant, Gotebo, Healton, Sayre, $24,000. That protects a lot of families ciate that out, you are slower to do it. Muskogee, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, or in the lowest end of the bracket to But if you know you can depreciate it Lawton—this matters because every- make sure they are not falling into out this year in your business, you are one unfortunately pays taxes. Every- this. more likely to buy that. So that busi- one knows it is a necessary thing, but Quite frankly, in Oklahoma, most ness buys a new truck this year. Well, we want to have it as simple as pos- Oklahomans just use the standard de- that not only benefits that business in sible and to have it as low as possible, duction. They don’t itemize. Doubling having new equipment, but it also ben- and we want to make sure it is as fair the standard deduction would mean efits the Ford dealership down the as possible. that for a lot of those specialized de- street that actually sold them the So the framework has been presented ductions that everyone else gets, it ac- truck, and it benefits all of the people this past week. It is a simple frame- tually flattens that out. It makes it in the area who helped supply that ve- work for how we deal with tax policy. fair. The No. 1 thing I hear from people hicle. So it trickles down through the It talks about consolidating our rates. when they fill out their taxes is not rest of the economy. We have seven rates now. We would only that they filled them out and There are ways to be able to accom- drop that down to four rates. There turned them in, but they say: I have no plish all of these things and to be able would be a 0-percent rate, a 12-percent, idea whether I did them right. It was so to be as simple as we possibly can be. a 25-percent, and a 35-percent rate. complicated, and I don’t know if it is There has been a lot of conversation Now, some folks have asked me about right. Then, the second thing they say, about worldwide taxation as well. Peo- the 0-percent rate, because a lot of though, right behind that, is this: Why ple seem to get confused on that area Americans say one simple thing: Every is it that, when I read through the hun- because most people don’t live in that American is an American, and every dred pages of instructions on the 1040 world. Here are the basics of it: Right American should pay a little bit in form, every deduction seems to be for now, if you are an American company taxes. I would agree, by the way. But someone else? and you are selling things overseas and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.019 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6305 doing business overseas, when you trated with it. May I remind us that There are basic rule changes that make a profit overseas and you try to the rules of the Senate are set by the will help that are not partisan issues. bring that money back, you get taxed Senate? So if we are frustrated with They are designed to get the Senate overseas at their tax rate, which you the rules, we should address them. moving regardless of who is in the ma- should, in that country you are making Many of you have heard me speak jority. We have to resolve this long the product and selling it, but you get about this in the past. term. If we don’t, the American people taxed again when you bring it back to There are three basic rule changes will continue to be frustrated, and we the United States. We are the only that I think will change dramatically as Senators will continue to be frus- country that does it that way. how business gets done in the Senate. trated. If we will just simplify the system, it The biggest one is the filibuster rule. DETENTION OF DR. ANDREW BRUNSON will actually encourage companies to We have two filibusters for every single Madam President, this weekend is an be able to stay in America and then do bill that comes up. There is one at the anniversary I don’t like bringing up. business all over the world rather than beginning. You have to get 60 votes to One year ago this weekend, a gen- moving their company out of America. start debate; you have to get 60 votes tleman named Dr. Andrew Brunson was It is a simple way to be able to do it, to stop debate; then the bill passes detained in Turkey. He has been a pas- and it is a way that we can do and with 51. That needs to change. We tor in Turkey for more than 20 years, should do. You will hear the term ‘‘re- should take away the first 60 votes at and he is a U.S. citizen. He has faith- patriation,’’ and that is really what it the beginning. We should be able to get fully served the people of Turkey for is about. It is Americans being able to onto a bill. Regardless of whether it is two decades. A year ago this weekend, move their money from overseas ac- Republicans or Democrats in the ma- he was picked up by local authorities counts back to the United States and jority, the majority party should be and was detained for months and get that money moving. able to bring up a bill and debate it months without charges. He was just There was a lot of conversation about without being stopped. Let’s bring up swept up and held. the stimulus plan back in 2009 trying any issue and actually debate it. Let’s Things are changing rapidly in Tur- to get almost a trillion dollars of gov- not inhibit debate in this body. If we key right now. Turkey is not the same ernment money—that is money from can’t find agreement, keep the 60 votes NATO ally and friend of the United you and me—and to be able to move at the end of it so we can keep the de- States that they have been. The leader- that around in a stimulus package. Let bate going until it gets resolved, but ship of Turkey is radically changing me give you the figure. Right now, it is we should be able to debate the issues. the nature of that very open democ- estimated that American companies The second big issue is that we have racy and is shutting it down to become have about $2.5 trillion of private to deal with nominations in an appro- more and more of an authoritarian money parked overseas that they are priate time period. Currently, my government. American citizens who do not going to bring back to our econ- Democratic colleagues are forcing the business there, who do mission work omy because of the high cost of the tax long periods of time in debate for every there, who have friends and family coming back. If we were able to change single nominee who comes up. I had there, need to be aware that Americans that system, $2.5 trillion of private folks say that is what Republicans did are being swept up and detained with- money would move from overseas back in the past. That is actually not true. out charges and held. In the case of Dr. into the United States. What effect This is the first time it has happened Brunson, he has been held for a year. I would that have on our economy? I like this. have to warn fellow Americans that would stipulate that it would be a pret- This week, we are going to move four Turkey is not necessarily a safe place ty dramatic effect that it would have nominees for the President in 1 week— to do business in and travel to any- on our economy. four. Under the current structure, it more. We can fix this. We can resolve this. will take 11 years for President Trump Right now, Turkey has the authority This shouldn’t be as hard as we are to get his staff. Let me give you a ba- to release Dr. Brunson. He is an Amer- making it, and it can be a bipartisan rometer of where things have been in ican citizen and a pastor. They have approach to be able to address some the past. As of yesterday, President the ability to do that. basic things—taking care of our fami- Trump had 153 confirmations. At this Recently, the Appropriations Com- lies, making sure we are watching out same point, President Obama had 337 mittee passed an amendment in an ap- for those who are in poverty, simpli- total. President Bush had 358 total at propriations bill giving additional au- fying the code, making sure deductions this same point. President Trump is thorities to our State Department to aren’t for a few but that they are not getting his nominees heard, and take action against Turkish officials spread out across the way that we han- they are being slow-walked through who hold American citizens like this dle it, protecting things like charitable the process. and to put specific sanctions on those giving and the mortgage interest de- We have to fix that. A simple way to individuals. I hope that in the days duction and things that most Ameri- fix it is to allow only 2, 4, or 8 hours of ahead, our State Department will use cans use. These are the parameters we debate, not this protracted 30 hours of that tool in their toolbox to apply pres- are trying to be able to work through debate per nominee. It is already a re- sure on the Turkish people to not im- over the next couple of weeks. solved issue. Everybody knows it. pose arbitrary detention on U.S. citi- Hopefully in the coming months, as These individuals have already gone zens. We can push back on the Turks. we work through all the details in the through committee. They were already I hope that in the days ahead, the committee process with amendments voted on in committee. By the time Turkish Government turns back and coming to the floor and being able they get to the floor, it is resolved. The around to more of an open democracy. fight our way through the process, we 30 hours of debate time is purely delay They have been a nation in the past will be able to actually get to a deci- tactics. We should be able to resolve that was historic for their stand for re- sion that will help us long term as a that within 2, 4, or 8 hours total. ligious liberty and democracy in that nation. This is something that can and Here is a radical idea: If we want to region. We would like to see a Turkish should be resolved. It is one of the get the Senate going again, we can ally that still stands for religious lib- issues I have to raise to this body agree to a rule change that would allow erty and the protection of all citizens again. for what is called dual-tracking. We in the days ahead. This body has had a hard time actu- would do nominations in the morning With that, I yield the floor. ally moving on the biggest issues we and legislation in the afternoon. Right The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- face as a nation because the rules of now, we can only do one thing at a ator from Oregon. this body prohibit us from debating time in the Senate, so while we are TAX REFORM them. The rules haven’t changed over waiting on a nomination vote, every- Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, as the past multiple decades, but the way thing waits until that is done. It slows the ranking Democrat on the Senate we operate has. The American people down the process. Why can’t we do Finance Committee, I followed the are ticked about it, and rightfully so. nominations in the morning and legis- Senator’s comments with respect to The Senators in this body are frus- lation in the afternoon? taxes and the debate over tax reform

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.021 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 with considerable interest. I will just formation from a fellow Congressman in half. People across the country used tell you, my goodness, how I wish we to get a sweetheart stock deal that to be able to sign up for healthcare could have what the Senator called an made him hundreds of thousands of from the beginning of November until uninhibited process with respect to the dollars. He frequently bought stocks in the end of January, and now they have debate over tax reform. I have written industries that he was overseeing as a literally half that time. That is going an actual bipartisan tax reform bill Member of Congress. He pushed to cause a whole lot of disruption for with our colleague who is now part of healthcare legislation that benefited people who are working hard and living the Trump administration, Senator industry insiders rather than patients. their lives rather than trying to follow Coats. He was confirmed on a party-line every little press account from Wash- Unfortunately, what our colleague vote, and it wasn’t very shortly after ington, DC. laudably called for is not on offer. The that that he proceeded to go forward Let’s imagine for a moment a 29- Senate majority leader has said that he with what I and others consider a sabo- year-old who just got locked out of the intends to use reconciliation—the most tage campaign that, in effect, has been healthcare system because he has had a partisan process for considering tax re- executed since day one. He was a top 3-year routine of signing up for health form. When we were talking about salesman for TrumpCare. He came be- insurance around the new year. That is healthcare, which is one-sixth of the fore our committee and made countless exactly the kind of individual the pri- economy, we had the same process— other public appearances in which he vate insurance market needs to attract reconciliation, all partisan. Now we are willfully misrepresented the massive in order to hold costs down—a young talking about taxes that involve the scale of the harm TrumpCare would person who is probably signing up right whole economy, and we are seeing the have done to American healthcare. He toward the deadline. Senate majority leader say once again also appeared on national television Then think of the single mom with that it is his intent, his preference, and and argued, in effect, that healthcare two kids who marked January 30, prob- his plan to use that same process. I funding cuts aren’t actually cuts. He ably with a big, bright pen on her cal- sure wish the world was like my col- denied that individuals would lose endar because she cut it close to the league has called for because I have health coverage or see increases as a end of enrollment last year. Her life is written a bipartisan plan. result of TrumpCare, even after there busy enough. She doesn’t read trade What is so striking is that the Senate were independent analysis showing publications from health industry majority leader has called for 20 hours that was wrong. Then, of course, he sources to see what is happening with of discussion, which is essentially what flew about the country scaring folks open enrollment. Because of the early you get with reconciliation, as opposed who just wanted affordable healthcare. enrollment cutoff, this mom and her to what happened when Ronald Reagan As far as the President’s promise to family, who just want affordable, pri- and a big group of Democrats got to- bring down the high prices of prescrip- vate healthcare from the private mar- gether in 1986 and spent a whole month tion medicine—that was a promise the ketplace, are going to be locked out. on tax reform. American people heard stop after stop The Department of Health and So before the Senator leaves—and it on the campaign trail in 2016. That Human Services is taking the is a pleasure to serve with him on the promise is nowhere to be seen or heard healthcare.gov website offline for Senate Select Committee on Intel- from at this point. It is my hope that maintenance on all but one Sunday ligence as well—I sure wish the world the President’s next pick to lead during the open enrollment period. The was along the lines of what my col- Health and Human Services will follow fact is, Sunday has been one of the league has called for. Perhaps he can through on what the American people most popular times for well-meaning use his intellect and energy to per- were told in the campaign they were assistance groups to help folks get suade the Senate majority leader to going to get—lower the cost of signed up at community centers. It is use that process on taxes because that healthcare and get our citizens cov- like the State Department of Transpor- is what some Democrats have called ered—but that nominee hasn’t been put tation blocking the highways and for. forward. digging up the blacktop with construc- I can just tell my friend, given my in- In the meantime, Mr. Hargan’s nomi- tion crews every Monday morning dur- terest in the subject, which goes back nation has him in line to serve as Act- ing the peak commute time. It is just well over a decade—we have a bipar- ing Secretary. I will tell you, having the opposite of common sense. tisan proposal written, coauthored by a examined the record as closely as I The Department is kneecapping the member of the President’s Cabinet, so could, I don’t think there is any reason programs that are designed to get high- we would very much like to have what to believe Mr. Hargan would deviate ly trained people. These are folks the Senator is talking about. from Secretary Price’s ideological called navigators, and what they do is Madam President, I rise now to op- agenda that included a constant effort get out into the communities and go to pose the nomination of Eric Hargan to to undermine and in my view sabotage various places where they know a lot of be Deputy Secretary of the Department the implementation of the Affordable folks aren’t signed up, and they help of Health and Human Services. This is Care Act. This campaign is driving up them get signed up. the No. 2 position at HHS, the chief op- premiums and confusing Americans The Department of Health and erating officer. Of course, with Sec- who just want to be able to see a doc- Human Services has slashed the budget retary Price’s departure, Mr. Hargan tor and get affordable healthcare serv- for getting the word out, including ze- would fill the top spot if he is con- ices. roing out the budget for TV ads. That firmed. I am going to tick through some of has been a big factor in getting enroll- My concern is that I don’t have any the actions the administration has ment up in the past. confidence that Mr. Hargan is going to taken that would undermine the up- Let’s be clear about what the Depart- lead the Department in a different di- coming open enrollment period and the ment has done under Secretary Price’s rection than it took under Dr. Price. effect that is going to have on our peo- leadership. They have been working Last week, the country watched as ple’s healthcare costs. overtime to make it harder for people more and more details emerged about First, just a few weeks into his ten- to get healthcare, plain and simple. Secretary Price’s travel. In my view, ure, Secretary Price cut the enroll- The sabotage doesn’t really end with the flights were an abuse of office. ment period. This is the period during just making enrollment a headache. In my view, from the very outset, which Americans sign up for health in- The administration continues to dan- there was reason to be concerned about surance. We are talking about a private gle the threat of cutting off cost-shar- Secretary Price and how he would han- marketplace. I am really struck by this ing payments as if it were a political dle the public trust. Ever since our debate about the role of government. gain without consequences in the real committee received the Price nomina- We are talking about a private market- world. In State after State after State, tion, it was clear that he had a little place where private healthcare plans insurers have made it clear that this trouble following the rules when it offer coverage. Secretary Price cut the gamesmanship is causing premiums to served his own personal interests rath- enrollment period for private go up. If the payments are cut off, fam- er than taxpayers. He used insider in- healthcare in the private marketplace ilies will face premium increases of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.023 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6307 hundreds of dollars or more, and it is tration’s abysmal record of responding There are plenty of ways in which this all because they are searching for a po- to oversight letters from Congress, es- Senate and an administration that litical trophy. pecially the Democrats. As far as I can really want to accomplish that can I want to talk about what this means tell, some of this is shared on both work together in a bipartisan way. for private sector healthcare. When sides. What I have been more interested in you have the President and the pre- I think this is profoundly undemo- than any other aspect of public service vious Secretary of Health and Human cratic, and our obligation to perform is to work in a bipartisan way on Services pouring gasoline on the fires oversight as Members of Congress is de- healthcare. That has been my No. 1 in- of uncertainty in the private health in- rived from the powers laid out in the terest. So nothing would please me surance marketplace, it makes it very Constitution, in article I. The issues we more than to be able to say: OK. We hard for insurers to make the calcula- raise in oversight inquiries to the De- have an official who is going to break tions that are involved in spreading partment of Health and Human Serv- with the past and, instead of trying to risk and getting people signed up and ices relate directly to the well-being of make the implementation of the Act as pricing products. people in North Carolina, in Oregon, bad as possible, is prepared to roll up The reality is, an administration and everywhere in between. I don’t his or her sleeves and make it as good that says they really care about the think Senators on either side, Demo- as possible. Unfortunately, that person private sector—the President contin- crats or Republicans, do it for sport. is not Mr. Hargan. I urge a no vote. ually says that he is from the business But the administration’s behavior is I yield the floor. community and he wants to be sen- not that of a government that sees I suggest the absence of a quorum. sitive to private sector economic itself as answerable to the public—ei- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. forces. The last thing you would do is ther that or it just doesn’t have good TILLIS). The clerk will call the roll. pour all this uncertainty into the pri- answers as to why it constantly, con- The bill clerk proceeded to call the vate healthcare landscape, which is stantly is out there undermining pri- roll. what they have been doing with the vate health insurance markets to make Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask gamesmanship in terms of whether it harder for people to get affordable unanimous consent that the order for they are going to pay these cost-shar- healthcare. Either way, they aren’t the quorum call be rescinded. ing payments so that folks who face doing their jobs, and they aren’t put- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without big deductibles and extra prices for ting the interests of the American peo- objection, it is so ordered. medicine and the like would know ple first. NOMINATION OF RANDAL QUARLES there is going to be help in their health Members on both sides of the aisle Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, today we plan for those costs. have expressed concern about the De- are considering the nomination of The Secretary was out jetting all partment of Health and Human Serv- Randal Quarles to be a member of the about, spreading falsehoods about the ices stonewalling important oversight Federal Reserve Board of Governors. private healthcare landscape. Some- issues presented by Members on both Since 1984, Mr. Quarles has revolved times he would say that it would be sides. Chairman HATCH and Senator between the public and private sectors. collapsing, and I would say: We know a GRASSLEY are two very senior Repub- He was most recently the director of lot of people who are trying to stabilize licans. Chairman GRASSLEY and Chair- the Carlyle Group from 2007 to 2013, and it, but you are making it harder by man HATCH deserve a lot of credit for then founded Cynosure Group, an in- pouring all this gas on the fires of un- calling out the Trump administration vestment management company. certainty. on this lack of responsiveness to basic I appreciate Mr. Quarles’ willingness While this was going on, they were oversight. to serve the public once again, but I also neglecting to work with States. The fact is, what our committee has don’t think he is the person we want in For example, Oklahoma designed a re- heard is basically a lot of sweet talk this important role at the Federal Re- insurance system intended to stabilize from nominees about how, of course, serve. the private insurance market and con- they are going to be responsive, and The financial crisis devastated com- trol costs, and they sought a waiver ap- then they go out, and it is business as munities in my State and across the plication to the Department of Health usual. We see them for that confirma- country—devastated in terms of lost and Human Services. But the Depart- tion hearing, and there is not much of jobs, foreclosed homes, and evaporated ment of Health and Human Services any kind of response when we ask the savings. We have made a lot of progress didn’t get around to approving it in questions. in the 7 years since we passed Wall time to help Oklahomans in 2018, so the I will not support Mr. Hargan’s nomi- Street reform. The Vice Chair of Super- State just pulled their application. nation today. In my view, under Tom vision at the Federal Reserve, a posi- I have been a strong supporter of Price and this administration, the De- tion created in Dodd-Frank, is sup- these waivers. I authored a provision in partment of Health and Human Serv- posed to look out for our financial sys- the Affordable Care Act, the innova- ices has done a miserable job of work- tem and make sure that our financial tion waiver, 1332. For the Secretary to ing to improve the health and well- system is sound. not work with Oklahoma in a timely being of the American people. The Mr. Quarles served as Treasury’s way and in a way that would stabilize irony is, it seems that one of the objec- Under Secretary for Domestic Finance the private insurance market is not tives from day one was to set out and in the years leading up to the 2008 fi- what those of us on this side are in try to accomplish that, to make it ap- nancial crisis. It was his job to coordi- favor of. pear that there were problems when nate oversight of the financial indus- There is no reason to believe Mr. the Affordable Care Act was being im- try. Many of his statements, however, Hargan would come in and clean up the plemented. Instead of rolling up their leading up to the crisis were far too mess. In my view, many States want to sleeves and tackling it, the idea was to credulous. He seemed to believe what- see stable or reduced premiums this try and get an ideological trophy: Let’s ever the banks were telling him. They coming year, but so far the Depart- tell the American people that every- were far too credulous when it came to ment is just marching in lockstep with thing about the Affordable Care Act is industry claims that we simply need the status quo. The President appar- horrible so we can get it repealed. not worry; the economy is in good ently is committed to continuing this The Affordable Care Act is far from shape and we don’t have to worry about kind of mismanagement and willful perfect. In fact, when we were debating a credit bubble. wrongdoing. Mr. Hargan has made it, I had an alternative plan. We had In the early 2000s, while at the Treas- clear what his stance is on the Afford- seven Senators on both sides of the ury Department, Mr. Quarles espoused able Care Act in plenty of public state- aisle. It was a bipartisan plan, but that the following view of the role of regu- ments. is history. lators in financial markets. It is a long Beyond this question of undermining The Affordable Care Act has made an quote, and I will quote him directly: the Affordable Care Act, we were also enormous difference for millions of Markets are always ahead of the regu- particularly troubled that Secretary Americans. What we ought to be doing lators, and frankly that’s how it should be. Tom Price shared the Trump adminis- is working together to improve it. It’s analogous to the advice that my father

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.024 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 provided me that ‘‘if you don’t miss at least tion, which said it wants to drain the There seems to be a collective amne- two or three planes a year, you’re spending swamp, instead looks like a retreat for sia in this body, in the White House, too much time in airports.’’ If the regulators Goldman Sachs executives. The num- and in the Banking Committee about aren’t a little behind the market in a few ber of people on Wall Street who have what people in our country went areas at any given time, they would be sti- fling innovation and evolution. The regu- influence on our government is just far through in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and lators’ task is to promote investor protec- and away worse than we have ever seen 2012, which was, in large part, because tion, while ensuring that prudential and su- it. of the influence of Wall Street in our pervisory activities do not stifle efficiency Putting Mr. Quarles—who should government. We can’t let that happen. gains. For effective regulation, the regu- know better but apparently doesn’t, That is why I urge my colleagues to op- lators must work with the markets. from his statements—at the Federal pose the nomination of Mr. Quarles to I am not sure where to start on pick- Reserve, in charge of financial regula- the Federal Reserve. ing that apart. More importantly, it is tion, is just the wrong thing. In 2015, I suggest the absence of a quorum. showing that someone who says that when asked about Dodd-Frank, he said: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The shouldn’t be in charge of financial reg- The macro issue is that the government clerk will call the roll. ulation at the Federal Reserve. should not be a player in the financial sec- The bill clerk proceeded to call the He said at his Senate nomination tor. It should be a referee. And the practice, roll. hearing: ‘‘That is probably the most and the policy, and the legislation that re- Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I ask sulted from the financial crisis tended to unanimous consent that the order for unfortunate use of language that I ever make the government a player. They put it made, and I do not stand behind that on the field as opposed to simply reffing the the quorum call be rescinded. statement.’’ That is what he said when game. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. COT- presented with these words at his con- How could he think that, when he TON). Without objection, it is so or- firmation hearing. He made other simi- was part of the government when it dered. larly unfortunate statements in the didn’t do its job and didn’t do the job TAX REFORM years leading up to the financial crisis. that regulators are supposed to do? In Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I am not In 2006, as Under Secretary for Do- response to questions for the record at aware of any Missouri constituents, for mestic Finance, he discussed the pros- his nomination hearing, he stated: ‘‘My whom I work, who wouldn’t like to see pects for an impending financial crisis. approach to policy making, and par- a tax code that was simpler, fairer, This was before things looked really, ticularly to regulation, has been that that did more to create jobs, that was really bad. He said: the discretion of policy makers, and better for individuals, and one that How would our current financial system particularly of regulators, should be as they understood. I don’t have anybody stand up to this sort of canonical crisis? On constrained as possible.’’ come up to me and say: What can we do the whole, I would say that the U.S. econ- He is really saying: Let Wall Street to complicate the Tax Code further, or omy is well positioned to weather such a re- do what it wants to do; let Wall Street what can we do to make us less com- trenchment in risk-taking. run the financial sector of our econ- petitive, or how much more of my This was about a year and a half be- omy, and government regulators money would you like to have to do fore the economy began to implode. He should sort of step aside. what you think the government ought was in a high position in the Treasury As vice chair for supervision and as a to do? I don’t have anybody say that to Department, and he had access to all of Member of the Federal Reserve Board me. the information he might possibly of Governors, Mr. Quarles will be mak- We are now at a time when we have want, and he said that the ‘‘economy is ing decisions about risk-based capital, the tools available. We have the focus well positioned to weather such a re- leverage and liquidity requirements, available that will allow us to move in trenchment.’’ resolution plans, concentration limits, the right direction. For almost a dec- In the same speech, on the potential risk committees, stress tests, and ade now, hard-working families and harm posed by increases in mortgage other important safeguards put into hard-working individuals have had to payments for families with exotic place after the crisis for the Nation’s deal with a below-average economy and mortgages he said: largest banks. The crisis showed we with below-average wage growth in While that is certainly a large number, it need strong financial watchdogs, not, that below-average economy. Surely, represents only a small hit to aggregate per- as he said, ‘‘constrained’’ ones. If con- we don’t want that to be the new nor- sonal income. Moreover, market reports in- firmed, I am not sure who Mr. Quarles mal. dicate that borrowers using such non-tradi- I kept hearing the last 3 or 4 years tional mortgages tend to be upper income in- will be working for, taxpayers and dividuals that can manage a sizable increase working families or Wall Street. that 2 percent growth is what we in their mortgage payment. Let me close by reminding my col- should expect now. The growth since He concluded by saying, again, in leagues that, last Congress, the Bank- World War II has averaged 3.4 percent 2006: ing Committee refused to consider for over 70 years. Suddenly, we were President Obama’s nominees to the told: No, 2 percent is the best we can Fundamentally, the economy is strong, the financial sector is healthy, and our future Federal Reserve Board. Mr. Quarles is do. looks bright. We will surely face challenges the first nominee President Trump has I understand that, even counting the in the future, but we can take comfort in the chosen. There are currently three other Great Depression, growth in the entire knowledge that our economy and financial vacancies. The term for Chair of the 20th century was over 3 percent. What system have proven remarkably resilient to Federal Reserve expires early next do we need to do to get our economy all manner of adverse shocks in the past. year. Because of that, President Trump growing in a way that creates better That was a lot of comfort to the mil- will likely fill at least five of the seven opportunities and better jobs? lions of Americans afflicted by the fi- Federal Reserve Board seats, which are Why would it create better jobs? Be- nancial crisis. 14-year terms. cause you have people who are looking My wife and I live in Cleveland, in Again, if the first one is someone who for workers who are more eager to pay ZIP Code 44105. The year after Mr. is so close to Wall Street, what does and keep a workforce in a growing Quarles made that statement and the that tell you about who is in the White economy than you do in an economy economy started to really tank, my House? What does it tell you about the that is not growing. You have people ZIP Code had more foreclosures than advisers in the White House? What does who understand they can compete bet- any other ZIP Code in the United it tell you about that executive retreat ter if they have a workforce that is the States. I know what that does to a for Goldman Sachs I talked about in workforce they want rather than the neighborhood. the White House? workforce they just happen to get and I am not confident Mr. Quarles took If all the nominees to the Federal Re- that there is competition for that to heart the costly lessons of the finan- serve are like Mr. Quarles, average workforce. So our goal here in tax re- cial crisis. He seems far too ready to Americans may once again pay the duction and tax reform should be to relax the rules for Wall Street and price. We can’t return to a time when help families and individuals keep those who protect consumers. He is an- financial watchdogs are asleep on the more of their hard-earned money, to other example that this administra- job. empower people to invest in their own

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.026 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6309 future in ways that we currently are how much they have gamed the tax I think the Senator from Georgia has not encouraging or just simply not al- system, they are still going to pay an come to talk about this same topic, lowing because we don’t let them take alternative minimum tax. This was along with Senator BARRASSO from Wy- enough of their money home from work just a few years ago. oming. that they make at work, and to make By 2015, the 155 had gone to 4.4 mil- I yield the floor. it easier for families to see a pathway lion people who paid the alternative The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- toward success and not to penalize peo- minimum tax. It is unbelievably suc- ator from Georgia. ple when they make the right deci- cessful if you are trying to collect peo- Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I thank sions. ple’s money in a way they don’t under- the Senator from Missouri. I make the The tradition has always been this: If stand. It is not very successful if all point that I have enjoyed the last 19 you want more of something, you don’t you were trying to do was to prevent years serving with him in the Congress tax it. You don’t regulate it. You en- 155 wealthy people a couple of decades of the United States. He was elected 2 courage it. ago from being able to not pay any tax years before me to the House of Rep- We need a tax code that encourages at all. They took a shot at 155 people resentatives. I came a little bit later, more success, that encourages higher and wound up hitting 5 million. but I preceded him in the Senate in take-home pay and better jobs. Most That is unacceptable. That is not 2004. He has been great to work with. people don’t realize that the individual what the Tax Code is supposed to do. The Show Me State of Missouri is an income tax is still the biggest source of We need to work hard to simplify that. awful lot like my State of Georgia. Federal money. More than half of all There are 14 pages of instructions that They are proud of their country. They Federal taxes collected come from the tell you or, more likely, your tax pre- are proud to be Americans. They are income tax. parer how to comply with the alter- proud of the chance to have an oppor- One of our goals should be how do we native minimum tax guidelines. tunity to make an honest living and get more taxpayers and not how do we I don’t have the one page with me, want to be a part of a country that make more from the taxpayers we but I was handed the one page of in- continues to grow and have prosperity have. Perhaps the greatest voluntary structions for the Tax Code from 1913. for the future. compliance in the history of the world By the way, the estimate was that not We had a hearing in the Finance is how Americans have complied with only not many people would pay it, but Committee yesterday where there was the income tax system. nobody would ever pay it because you an interesting study I had not seen be- The more Americans think the sys- didn’t pay anything unless you made at fore. It had been done by a Harvard tem is fair and understandable and ev- least $3,000, which in 1913 was a lot of student, who I assume was correct. erybody else is being treated the same money. But it was one page of instruc- Ninety percent of the people born in way they are being treated, they are tions. Now we have 1 page of index to the 1940s ended up making more than much more likely to comply with that the 100 pages of instructions, and 14 of their parents did when they went to system than a system where they hear: those pages are just for the alternative work. But only about 40 percent of the Well, some company made a lot of prof- minimum tax. When you fill the form people born in the 1980s will end up it, but because of the complexity of the out, there are 64 different lines that making more than their parents did, Tax Code, they paid zero taxes, or this you use to calculate now how almost 5 meaning that as we have gone along neighbor has figured out that and that million people are impacted by a part the way since World War II, we have neighbor has figured out that, and be- of the Tax Code that was designed for taken more and more away from the cause of the Tax Code, you work just as 155 people. opportunity in the earning level and hard as they did, but the Federal Gov- We can do a better job. We can do a more money has gone to different ernment somehow got a lot of your better job of being sure that hard- places, like taxation. money because you hadn’t set up your working families get to take home Personally, I think the Finance Com- tax planning in the right way. more of the money they have earned mittee and the leadership of the Big 6, Tax planning doesn’t need to be that with that hard work. We can also do a so to speak, have done us a great favor difficult. Right now the Tax Code has better job with the rest of the Tax Code to open the debate on tax reform in seven individual rates. We are pro- to make sure we are creating the kind America. Unlike some of the debates posing three individual rates, which of opportunity for us to compete as a we have had recently, this debate is maybe could go to four, but that would country, for us to compete as a nation, open-ended. We are starting with a still be barely half the number we for us to be more fairly aligned with framework, not an absolute dictate but have, even if it got to four. There are the other countries in the world that a framework. We are talking about an seven individual rates, and there are we compete with, and to make sure opportunity we have to see if we can more than 100 deductions, credits, and those hard-working families have bet- lower the burden of taxes on the Amer- exclusions that people use when they ter jobs with more take-home pay to ican people, while incentivizing the fill out their tax form. American peo- start with. American people to work more, to ple collectively pay billions and bil- If you are working hard for a living— make more, and to earn more. lions of dollars just to figure out how and Americans do; we are a working There are two ways to increase rev- much of their money the Federal Gov- country—the best of all circumstances enue to the government. First, you can ernment is going to get. is that you have a better job than you increase the rate of taxation. But then Most people would like to have the used to have and less money comes out you are not necessarily taking in any certainty of a postcard form that you of every dollar you make than used to more money. You might incentivize fill out, but instead they see this sys- come out of every dollar you make, and somebody to go somewhere else. The tem that has gotten increasingly com- that needs to be our goal. Whatever we other way is to improve the oppor- plex, often not indexed for inflation. So do on the individual side needs to be fo- tunity to make money and the atmos- you start with something that you cused on that. Whatever we do on the phere in which people make money so think is only going to apply to a few job-creating side needs to be focused on they invest their time and effort and people, and, before you know it, it ap- that. If we do that, we will not have they grow their revenue, which grows plies to a whole lot of people. the people we work for come in com- the revenue of the United States of I think that when the alternative plaining: What have you done? The Tax America. minimum tax was added to the Tax Code is too simple now. It is too easy The proposal in the framework before Code, there had been 155 wealthy indi- to fill out my tax form. I am walking us has any number of outlines and any viduals who hadn’t paid any income out on Friday with more money than I number of targets. The four things I tax. So the Federal Government de- used to walk away with, and, oh, by the want to focus on are these. One is the cided, and Congress decided, that we way, they tell me there is a better job middle class. I have gotten tired of are going to put the alternative mini- about to develop that I can apply for. hearing this reference to dividing us as mal tax in to be sure those 155 people, That is what we ought to do. I hope Americans by class. We are all Ameri- who are clearly wealthy people, are we keep focused on that and get this cans. Regardless of our station in life, going to pay income tax. No matter tax bill passed this year. we are all important. The code ought

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.029 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 to be important to every single person torial system is the way in which most tax for the people who would inherit who is an American and, if they can of the world competes, and we are the the assets. Those are normally the come to this country, to improve their biggest competitor within the rest of children or the spouses or maybe the life, raise their children, and live a the world. It is time we put an end to employees with whom they work in good life. a company making a dollar in Delhi, their companies. I am not into a class society. I am India, on a product they made there Have you ever thought about this? into an opportunity society. If you and sold there, pays the Indian tax, and If somebody were taxing you at 50 take a look at this proposal, for those then brings it back into America and percent or close thereto and you file people you put in the middle class has to pay the differential on the your first estate tax return after you today, it proposes lower rates, less American tax as well. It is time we did are dead, then if this were the value of brackets, and more opportunity to gain what the territorial tax does, which is your estate, you would be telling the wealth in the future through work, to tax the money where it is earned; government: OK, you get this half, through investment, and through earn- therefore, you will never have to do re- while my children, my wife, my family ings. patriation again, and you will never get the other half. A year later, when Second, this framework encourages have to talk about offshore tax havens you go back to the well—or a genera- job creation. I know that people are al- again because the Tax Code will not in- tion later—those kids who inherited ways demonizing the rich. Most people duce those things to happen. Instead, the business will have to go back and who are rich are people providing peo- people will pay the tax where it is pay taxes, and a quarter of it will be ple who aren’t rich with jobs. I don’t earned, bring the money back here to gone. So, in two generations, you took think it is bad to provide people with hire people, invest, build new products, an asset that was worth a lot and re- jobs. I think it is good to provide them and then take them overseas and sell duced it to 25 percent of what it was with jobs. We need a Tax Code that them. There is nothing more important worth. You are incentivizing people to incentivizes the creation of jobs. than going to the territorial tax sys- liquidate something that was paying The focus on the passthrough rate, tem. I am excited about this. taxes on an ongoing basis and pay a which is talked about by the Big 6, Have you ever thought about this? onetime exit in terms of an estate tax. may lower the passthrough rate to 25 If you were the president of a major That is backward thinking. percent. It is a job-creating proposal American corporation and it was com- What we should do is take those that works. ing to the end of the year and you were things people have worked for and I have run a sub-S corporation. I getting ready to have your stock- striven for and tried their best to build have been a partner in limited partner- holders’ meeting for the year and you and have an incentive for them to take ships. I have known people who have were looking at ways to show how the that and leave it to their heirs and had sole proprietorships. I have known stock could grow and how, next year, leave that company in a tax-paying people who have had independent oper- you were going to improve the profits mode or that farm in a tax-paying ations. They all pay their taxes at the of the company and, in turn, the net of mode so America benefits and they regular, ordinary tax rate on the indi- the company and, in turn, the divi- benefit as well. Just because you are vidual. They don’t pay at the corporate dends to the stockholders—right now, not taxing something does not mean rate. They pay at what is called the if you have a home office in America, you are not taking advantage of your passthrough rate, where the profits at that is your principal office, and you company or the benefit of that item. the end of the year of the partnership are taxed at 35 percent in America. If By abolishing the estate tax, you will or the LLC or the sub-S corporation you have a competitive company that actually put more money, over time, in flow in a K–1 to the individual and are is in Ireland and it is taxed at 121⁄2, it the Treasury of the United States of taxed at the ordinary income tax rate; just might cross your mind: If I move America in taxes than you ever will by whereas, corporations in C-corps, or my headquarters from America to Ire- taxing the one-time 50 percent. stock-held companies, pay a top rate of land, I could take my stockholders and So as we enter this debate—and I 35 percent. put 18 percent or 20 percent—or what- have been joined on the floor by a num- That rate is being proposed to go to ever the differential is—on the bottom ber of my colleagues who, I know, want 25 percent conceptually. If that goes to line for them. When your Tax Code to talk—let’s talk about what benefits 20 percent and the 25 percent rate is ap- causes people to think about things the American people, what incentivizes plied to passthroughs, we will have a like that, you are predicting a future innovation and competition, what puts good environment in which companies for a country that is not as bright, as more money in the pockets of middle- can form investments, form new com- rich, or as important as it should be. class Americans today but also creates panies, make investments of those Lastly, everybody thinks I am a city more people in the middle and upper companies, build opportunity, and, in slicker because I am from Atlanta, but classes in the future, not because we turn, build jobs. So it motivates Amer- I did grow up working on a farm in gave them anything except an oppor- ica to create more jobs. With jobs come Fitzgerald, GA, and Ocilla, GA. I love tunity, a fair place to compete, and income. With income comes money. farmers and I love farms. I know one of that competitive drive that only people With money comes investment. At the the proposals of the Big 6 is to do away in the United States of America have, end of that comes profit, which ends up with the remainder of the estate tax possess, and will always use to the ben- being taxed, which is revenue to our that is still with us. A few years ago, efit of our country. country, and it increases. we exempted all estates at $5 million or I yield the floor. We also need to recognize that we are less from the estate tax. Now it is $5.49 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- not as competitive as we used to be, in million because the index has been ator from Wyoming. large measure because of the code we used on inflation. The tax rate used to Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, it is have, not because we are not competi- be 55 percent, and it is now 40. Yet, in always such a privilege to come to the tive people. America is the most com- my State of Georgia, with the effective floor and hear Senator ISAKSON, of petitive environment in the world in application of the income tax, the tax Georgia, speak, as he speaks so elo- which to do business. Americans by is about 46 percent. So, for round fig- quently. He comes here and makes per- themselves were explorers to get here. ures and argumentative figures, for fect points. He was talking about the Americans by themselves are investors someone who dies in our State, after tax system looking to the future. What and inventors. Americans by them- the first $5 million, he pays a tax closer we have is a tax system that looks selves are risk-takers. We want to im- to 50 percent. backward, regrettably. A number of prove in every competitive opportunity A lot of people say that is rich people years ago, we had a Treasury Secretary we have, but the current code we have taking a benefit of the Tax Code. I named Bill Simon, who said: ‘‘The Na- suppresses competitiveness. don’t call being dead in order to collect tion should have a tax code that looks This proposal by the Big 6 takes us to a tax benefit a good idea. I do not like someone designed it on purpose.’’ a territorial tax system. We are one of think that that is a benefit to me at all That is what we are trying to do now— the few countries in the world that because the estate tax is on somebody’s have a Tax Code that looks like it was taxes the old-fashioned way. The terri- estate who passes away, who pays that designed on purpose.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.030 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6311 The person who really understood and the 106 pages of instructions. They go into the pockets of the people who this was Ronald Reagan. As we take a get that standard deduction, which has are shopping in the store or using that look at tax proposals, it is not about now doubled, making it a lot easier, business rather than into the pocket of taxes; it is about much more—about a with a lot less time having to be spent the Federal Government. better life for the American people. on taxes. Senator ISAKSON was talking about Ronald Reagan said that tax reform is What else are we going to do? something called repatriation and the the door to a bigger future and, I would We want to cut out a lot of the loop- amount of money businesses are taxed add, to a brighter future. He said it was holes and complicated rules so most that do some business overseas. If we the door to a future as big and hopeful people will be able to just fill out a can cut the taxes they pay on the and full of heart as the American form on a single page. Think of the money they earn overseas, it means dream. That is what we are talking hours that is going to save families— those businesses can bring back that about here today, a bright, big future, the millions and millions of hours— money to the United States and spend as big and bright as the American when you multiply it across the coun- it here. How much is it? Right now, dream. That is what we are aiming at try. Plus, think of the stress people about $2.6 trillion is sitting overseas with this plan, a big and hopeful future will not have to be living under in their because those businesses get taxed for all Americans. wondering if they actually followed the twice—once on the business done over- It all starts with increasing the instructions properly. When you call seas and then once on the business amount of money Americans get to the IRS help line, you get different an- done when they bring those profits keep in their pockets as a result of swers from different people with whom back to the United States. When we get their hard-earned paycheck dollars. you talk. It is hard to get a single an- that money back, that is going to help That is the most important thing. That swer because the complicated system grow the economy here as well. It is what families are concerned about. makes it hard to get the answer right. makes sure the American Tax Code That is what I hear about every week- So you end up with the expense of hir- ought to be helping American busi- end in Wyoming. Under the outline the ing lawyers, tax accountants, and peo- nesses and the American economy, not Republicans have proposed, every ple who can help you navigate a com- helping foreign countries. We need to working man and woman in this coun- plicated system. get that money back and put it to work try will be better off. That is our goal, People are looking for simpler lives, in the United States. to make everyone better off and to more free time, and more money of Those are all of the things the Re- make the country better off, more their own they can keep, not com- publicans are proposing. It means more money in the pockets of American prosperous, with a strong, healthy plicated government forms so the gov- workers, and it means simpler taxes economy. That is what we are hearing ernment takes more of their money. and more jobs for American workers. about today on the floor and what we There is a lot of room for us to improve Isn’t that what we are looking for? heard about from the Senator from the simplicity of the tax system and Isn’t that what prosperity means for Georgia. the actual challenges that come from America? Isn’t that what a healthy When we cut the amount of money filling out the forms. people have to pay in taxes, it is essen- The third thing we want to do with economy means—job growth and the sort of things that happen when we get tially like giving them a raise. That is the plan, of course, is to get the econ- the kind of tax reform we have pro- what this is about, giving people a omy growing faster so it is a strong and healthy economy, with more pros- posed? raise. We want working people to keep I want to address one other thing I perity and higher take-home pay in the more of their hard-earned money. One have heard over the past couple of days paychecks. With that, you will actu- of the ways you can do that, which is as our plan has come out. I have heard ally get an economy that creates more very popular, is by doubling the stand- some Members on the other side of the ard deduction. It is easy math to do. jobs and has more people working, aisle say that under the Republican The current standard deduction is which is a big part of tax reform. It is plan, certain people will win more than around $12,000 for a couple who files a direct benefit for American families. others. Under the Republican plan, the jointly. The Republican proposal dou- When you cut taxes on small busi- goal is for everyone to win. The Amer- bles it to $24,000. That means the first nesses, they can afford to hire more ican economy will win. When we have a $24,000 of a couple’s income will not be people or they can use the extra money growing economy, people keep more of taxed at all. to pay their workers more. There is a their hard-earned money. That is the Beyond that, we are going to reduce lot that can be done to reach that level goal. That is why the President and the the number of tax brackets. People will of prosperity—in individual paychecks Republicans in Congress wanted to like that. It is so complicated, the sys- as well as in having more people in the take up tax relief right now in the first tem we have now. We will move people workforce. place. We need to do this to help all into lower brackets. Isn’t that what we Under the outline the Republicans re- American families. are trying to do? Yes, it is. If you used leased last week, the top rate for most This gets back to Ronald Reagan, in to be in a bracket and paid 25 percent, small businesses is going to drop from that tax reform—tax reductions, tax there is a pretty good chance that a almost 40 percent down to 25 percent, relief—means a big and hopeful future significant amount of your income is allowing the businesses to pass on for all Americans. That should be the going to be moved down to the 12-per- those savings to their customers and goal. It should be the goal of every cent range. For most people, that is the savings to their employees. Larger Member of the U.S. Senate. It should like getting a big raise when they take businesses are going to get a tax break be the goal of every American. We a look at their paychecks at the end of too. The idea is to lower taxes for ev- want to make taxes fairer and simpler the week. That is what Republican tax eryone. and lower for everyone. relief looks like. When you take a look at it from a There are too many people in Wash- The second thing we want to do is to business owner’s standpoint, 70 percent ington right now who want to use actually make it a lot simpler. We of the cost of corporate taxes actually America’s tax laws to punish or reward talked about lowering the number of does not get paid by a corporation; it one group of Americans or another. brackets, making it simpler for every- gets paid by the people who work for Too many people in Washington want one who does their taxes. The instruc- those businesses. If we cut taxes, more to use this debate over tax reform to tions you get now from the IRS for the of that money is going to go to the stir up conflict and resentment. We 1040 tax form are 106-pages long, and workers. You will have higher wages, hear it already in the Democrats’ talk- that is if you just limit yourself to the better benefits, and more jobs, and ing points. There are some Democrats instructions. Remember that there are businesses will actually be able to in this Senate who think that is good 15 different worksheets to fill out just lower their prices. Every time there is politics. Well, it is terrible policy and so you can fill out your 1040 form. a tax increase, a business has to raise terrible for the direction of our coun- When more people take the standard the cost of a product to be able to col- try and economy. deduction, they can save a lot of time lect that tax and send it to the govern- The tax plan the Republicans have and not have to go to the 15 worksheets ment. I would rather have that money released this last week does nothing to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.032 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 change who bears the burden of taxes money that we spend today is found paying jobs from going overseas. Doing in the country. People who are fortu- within the 12 appropriations bills that so will unleash the full potential of nate and have high incomes will pay make up the defense and the non- this American economy. their fair share; people who make less defense discretionary side of the budg- One thing we can all agree on is that will pay less. That is how the Tax Code et. All of the remaining items, making taxes are too high and that the tax is spread today. Nothing in this plan up 72 percent, are in areas of manda- rate, no matter who you are, should be changes that. tory payments—Medicare, Medicaid, lowered. Allowing all American fami- We have a lot of work ahead of us. We Social Security, and interest on the lies to keep more of their hard-earned have to figure out the exact income debt. If we don’t do anything and if we dollars by taking them out of the levels for each of the tax brackets and continue on this same path, with the hands of Washington and putting them the size of some of the tax credits fami- type of growth we have, then we can back into their pocketbooks will result lies get. These are all important de- expect that within 9 years now, by the in a more prosperous America. That tails. That is the kind of debate we are year 2026, our country’s 250th birthday, means more people investing in Amer- going to be having—the markup on the 99 percent of all of the revenue we take ica long term. When our economy is budget and the mathematics of the tax in will go into Medicare, Medicaid, So- healthy, every American will feel the bill coming through committee. cial Security, and interest on the debt. positive effects. I am so grateful to Senator HATCH That means there will be only 1 per- I am encouraged by the ongoing dis- and members of the Finance Com- cent remaining for defense of our coun- cussions and progress being made to al- mittee for all of the hard work they try, roads, bridges, research, education, leviate the tax burden on American will be putting into this over the next and all of those other items that many businesses and American families, and several weeks. people really want to see and that help I will continue to work with anyone se- I will refer back to the quote of the us to move ahead as a country. rious about lowering taxes and reform- Treasury Secretary, Bill Simon, who We have to make changes now that ing the code to provide a much needed said: ‘‘The nation should have a tax will allow our country’s economy to boost to our sluggish economy. The code that looks like someone designed grow and prosper the way it used to. American people deserve better than it on purpose.’’ This is our chance. We The way we believe we do that is by the uncertain growth and burdens still need to make sure we take full advan- changing our Tax Code, changing the lingering from the previous adminis- tage of it. regulatory environment in the United tration. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. States, and sending the message back I yield the floor. I yield the floor. to the businesses that this is the place The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- where they want to do business. They ator from North Carolina. ator from South Dakota. don’t have to leave our shores in order Mr. TILLIS. Thank you, Mr. Presi- Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, today I to actually make a profit and be able dent. rise to speak about our country’s need to keep that profit. I appreciate the opportunity to speak for tax reform. As our previous speak- It is our intention to deliver policies today. Like last week, I didn’t plan on ers have indicated, this is a critical that will jolt our economy, allow hard- speaking on this subject, so my staff is time in our country, and we have an working families to keep more of their probably wondering once again what opportunity to make some good deci- paychecks, and provide financial op- their boss is going to say. But I was sions that will impact our Nation for portunities to lower and middle-class thinking that maybe we could trans- literally generations to come. families. Tax reform is a vital compo- late a little bit of what we are trying Reforming our Tax Code is a top pri- nent of this. to do with tax reform, because we talk ority not only for myself but for many Our current overly complicated Tax about tax rates, exemptions, excep- of my colleagues and the President. We Code is more than 70,000 pages in tions, and simplification—all this stuff are committed to delivering tax reform length. It takes Americans more than that is important because it gets baked that will provide more jobs, bigger pay- 8.1 billion hours each year to file their into the bill—but we don’t spend a lot checks, and a fairer tax system for the taxes. A fairer, simpler Tax Code will of time explaining why we are trying American people. grow the economy, increase wages for to do what we are doing. Over the 8 years of the previous ad- American families, improve American The last time we had real, meaning- ministration, economic growth aver- competitiveness overseas, and provide ful, impactful tax reform was back in aged a paltry 1.5 percent annually, much needed certainty for our business 1986. That is when Republicans and which is about half of the post-World community. Democrats came together and decided War II average. This anemic growth It has been 30 years since our Tax that the stagnant economy that I grew has led to stagnant wages and, accord- Code was last reformed. The rest of the up in—I graduated from high school in ing to the Joint Economic Committee, industrialized world has learned from 1978. I didn’t immediately go to col- has cost families an average of $8,600 in America what it takes to be competi- lege. I moved away from home when I income on an annual basis. It is no tive. They have seen what our tax rates was 17 years old, and I was working. It wonder that half of the American pub- have become. They have lowered their was an economy that was not unlike lic says they are living paycheck to tax rates. They are now inviting busi- today’s. In many respects, it may have paycheck. This is simply not accept- nesses to their shores rather than to been a little bit worse. The environ- able. ours. Businesses that can go anyplace ment was the same. Iran was behaving Even more concerning, the Congres- in the world they want to are not badly, and Russia was behaving badly. sional Budget Office is projecting eco- choosing America as their location We had sort of the same sort of global nomic growth to remain under 2 per- anymore. We have to change that be- environment that we have today. We cent over the next 10 years if we do not cause when they come back, they bring had the threats that we have to con- act. If that happens, let me just share good-paying jobs with them. They keep front every single day, and we had the with you the real concern. If we allow the profits here, which are reinvested threat to the future of a generation. I economic growth to stay under 2 per- within our borders rather than over- mean, literally, people had no earthly cent, then we will literally bring in seas, and that adds to a growing econ- idea, if they were getting an education, revenue based upon the size of our omy here, which allows us more rev- whether they would be able to get a job economy. If we allow economic growth enue through even lower tax rates. because the job-creation numbers when to move at a paltry 2 percent or less, The average corporate rate in the I was 26 years old were terrible. People then we won’t have the revenue to pay United States today is 39 percent, com- were worried about whether they could our bills. pared to 25 percent by our foreign com- pay for college. Today, right now, we are looking at petitors. This puts American busi- So why are we doing tax reform? We trillion-dollar deficits. Yet, if we take nesses at a disadvantage right out of are doing tax reform because it is time a look at where the dollars are going, the gate. We must reform the tax rate for the American economy to grow they go basically—looking at our en- to one that incentivizes businesses to back to what it is capable of doing, tire budget, about 28 percent of the remain here in America and keep good- what it has done in the past.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.033 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6313 We need tax reform so we can create As many know, the United States is Dreamers shared with me the hard economic expansion that lets us pay home to more than 56 million people of work and struggles they have endured down our debt, which many people in Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, com- to be successful in this country. Ending the military say is the single greatest prising over 17 percent of the Nation’s DACA, in my judgment, is wrong. First threat to our national security. total population. We set aside Sep- of all, it is wrong to break a sacred We need tax reform and we need to tember 15 to October 15 to mark Na- promise to hundreds of thousands of grow the economy because we owe it to tional Hispanic Heritage Month. This people living in our country, young this generation to have the same op- month is a reminder of the vibrant cul- people who were promised by their gov- portunities that I did. ture and substantial contributions that ernment, if they came forward, they It can be done, but we have to do it people of the Hispanic community have would be protected. Ending DACA probably through reconciliation be- made to our Nation. Although we have would be breaking that sacred promise. cause right now, even though many of only a 30-day time period as a designa- In Pennsylvania alone, estimates say the proposals that we are putting for- tion, we recognize the contributions that ending DACA would cost the Com- ward—the tax rate and the kinds of made by Latinos in this country every monwealth of Pennsylvania nearly $357 policies we are putting forward have day, not just between September 15 and million per year in GDP losses to our been supported by our colleagues and October 15. State, and that is according to the Cen- many of my friends on the other side of I have held a number of meetings ter for American Progress. Ending the aisle. For some reason, they don’t with Latinos and Latino leaders this DACA would result in the loss of $460.3 make sense anymore. They made sense past year in Pennsylvania and here in billion—not million but billion—from back in 1986 when Democrats and Re- Washington and recently just a couple the Nation’s GDP over the next decade, publicans joined together to do tax re- weeks ago, as well, to discuss issues of again according to the Center for form. If you were in your midtwenties concern to Hispanic Americans and American Progress. then, you saw prosperity unlike any- Latinos. The resounding theme I heard So it would be a betrayal to violate thing we have seen right up to today. from Pennsylvanians is the strong eco- this covenant with hundreds of thou- That was the last time we saw great nomic drive that Latinos and Hispanic sands of young people, and it is really growth in our economy. We need to get Americans share. a bad move for the economy of my back to providing those same sorts of As the second fastest growing minor- State of Pennsylvania and the econ- opportunities. ity in the United States, the Hispanic omy of our Nation. People will tell you that we are not community’s economic power con- I was proud to vote for the DREAM giving a cut to the little guy or the tinues to grow. Small businesses are Act in both 2007 and 2010, and I hope working man. Well, one thing you the backbone of our economy both in the Senate will have a clean vote on don’t see when you see the percentage Pennsylvania and across the Nation. the Dream Act soon. We should be fo- rates that we are talking about on in- Latinos are 1.4 times more likely than cused on humane and commonsense so- dividual tax rates that we are tar- the general population to become en- lutions that keep our Nation safe as geting is that there will be tens of trepreneurs. In fact, Latinos own some well as allowing it to thrive. Hispanic thousands of people who will pay zero 3.3 million businesses in the United Americans are a vital part of the fabric taxes. There is a actually a zero tax States, accounting for more than 40 of American society. bracket. There are people who, because percent of all minority-owned busi- With that, I yield the floor. of the exceptions and exemptions that nesses. Together, these businesses gen- I suggest the absence of a quorum. we are proposing, will actually fall erate almost $500 billion in economic The PRESIDING OFFICER. The below having a Federal tax liability. activity. Overall, the Latino commu- clerk will call the roll. We need to talk about that. nity accounts for a combined $1.3 tril- The senior assistant legislative clerk We need to recognize that we have to lion in economic activity. Their con- proceeded to call the roll. provide relief to the entire spectrum, Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask from the businesses that hire people tributions are projected to top $1.7 tril- lion by 2020—from $1.3 to $1.7 trillion in unanimous consent that the order for and create jobs to the working families the quorum call be rescinded. and the people who don’t make enough just a few years. Last month, I was proud to join The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without where we can take any more away from many of my Senate colleagues in desig- objection, it is so ordered. them because they need it to pay their nating the week beginning September THE BUDGET AND TAX REFORM bills. They need to pay their electric 18 as National Hispanic-Serving Insti- Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, The bills, their utility bills, their school tutions Week. This resolution recog- most powerful words in our Constitu- tuition, and all the other things that tion are the first three words: ‘‘We the working families are struggling to do nizes the achievements and goals of the today, just as I was struggling to do 472 Hispanic-serving institutions, People.’’ It sets out the mission state- back in 1986. known by the acronym HSI. These ment for our Nation, or, as President So I hope this Congress will deliver HSIs are throughout the Nation, and Lincoln put it, a nation ‘‘of the people, on the promise we made last year to they improve their local communities by the people, and for the people.’’ Our cut taxes, to get this economy moving and play a vital role in expanding ac- Founders did not start out our Con- again, and to provide the same oppor- cess to college for students across the stitution with ‘‘we the powerful’’ or tunities for the generation going to country. These HSIs represent 13 per- ‘‘we the powerful and privileged.’’ They school and the people who aren’t in cent of nonprofit colleges and univer- didn’t proceed to say that our form of school, who are struggling to make a sities. Yet they enroll 63 percent of all government is all about the powerful living—the same opportunities that I Latino students. These Hispanic-serv- and privileged ruling for themselves to got when I was that 26-year-old back in ing institutions are located in 18 States make themselves richer at the expense 1986. We can do it. I know we can do it and Puerto Rico. I am proud to be a co- of everyone else. because we have done it before. It is a sponsor of the resolution which recog- Thus, going back to the foundation, promise we made and a promise we nizes the important work these institu- the vision of our Nation is appropriate need to keep. tions play in expanding access to high- because our Republican colleagues Thank you, Mr. President. er education for everyone. have put forward a document—a budg- I yield the floor. This year, Hispanic Heritage Month et—with a tax plan that is all about The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- has become a month of advocacy and government for the powerful. It is all ator from Pennsylvania. action. I would be remiss if I didn’t about self-serving government for the NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH mention the Dream Act. This issue has privileged. There is nothing about Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I want to been on the forefront in recent discus- fighting for a foundation for ordinary speak today with regard to a month we sions, not only among the Latino com- people to be able to thrive here in the set aside—or I should say the equiva- munity, the Hispanic-American com- United States of America. lent of a month that spans two dif- munity but with many of my constitu- Indeed, the plan put forward by my ferent months—as National Hispanic ents across the board, and I am sure Republican colleagues is a plan fit for a Heritage Month. that is true in every Senate office. king living in a gilded castle—maybe

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.034 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 fit for King Trump living in Trump cent. For the seniors in middle Amer- doesn’t benefit from today because he Tower, but certainly not for working ica, this plan takes a trillion dollars hasn’t died. But when he dies, his es- Americans living and striving to build away from Medicare. Not only do my tate would benefit massively. If he is the wealth of America. No, this is not Republican friends hate having taking out insurance to be able to pay a plan for them. This is a plan for the healthcare for working people, but his tax bill when he dies, then he has to King Trumps of our Nation, who be- they want to destroy healthcare for take out less insurance. In that case, it lieve they can deceive the country older Americans at the same time. does benefit him today. Most wealthy again and again by putting forward an So if the bottom third doesn’t benefit individuals do have that kind of insur- argument that they are going to do and the middle third has taxes going ance investment to pay the estate tax. something to help the people while up, who benefits here? Simple answer: A very small number of Americans fall writing it for themselves. It is the billionaires. The millionaires into this category, and that very small We can take a look at this and real- and billionaires of America are those number have a whole team of financial ize that the President himself leads whom this plan is written for. planners. That means that, yes, even that effort to do the sales pitch when Well, let’s just look at the provisions though, technically, he wouldn’t pay he unveiled his tax plan at the Na- that cost so much money to the Treas- the tax benefit until he dies, he pays tional Association of Manufacturers ury. The alternative minimum tax is less for the preparation of paying that. last week. President Trump said: ‘‘My wiped out. Remember how the rich and As for the AMT, the lower tax bracket, plan is for the working people.’’ He powerful rigged the system so they the passthroughs, and the estate tax, said: ‘‘There’s very little benefit for were paying no taxes at all? We here in the President benefits enormously people of wealth.’’ And he went on to America established an alternative from every single one. say: ‘‘I don’t benefit. I don’t benefit.’’ minimum tax, saying that, if you are There you have it. There is nothing for the bottom third. The middle third He repeated it twice. wealthy, with a ton of money coming Well, as soon as you look at the tax in the door, you should pay at least a get hit with Medicare being slashed, plan, you see that this is wrong. He little. The one tax return we have for and also with an increase in taxes for a sent out his other Secretaries to rein- President Trump shows he paid taxes good share of them, but the billionaires at the top benefit enormously. Let’s be force his message. Secretary Mnuchin because of the alternative minimum fair. The President understands this. showed up on the shows and said: ‘‘The tax. That is the only reason he paid His advisers understand it. His Cabinet objective of the President is that rich taxes. So when President Trump says he is full of the types of individuals at the people don’t get tax cuts.’’ Well, that is doesn’t benefit, clearly that is wrong. very top—the 1 percent, the 0.1 per- a little bit of lawyerly work there. He If he knows it is wrong, it is a lie. Let’s cent—full of the richest Americans. didn’t want to confront the reality just say he is either incredibly igno- They wrote this plan for themselves that this plan is all about tax cuts for rant or trying to be incredibly mis- and to hurt the rest of America. That the wealthy. So he said the objective leading about the fact that this would is shameful. wasn’t to do that. benefit him enormously to get rid of There is another provision that the Well, let’s talk about the reality. The President has put in that probably bottom third economically here in the alternative minimum tax. What is the second thing it does? helps himself, and that is cutting the America get zero help from the tax pro- Where it raised the tax rate at the low- corporate tax rate to 20 percent. It is visions in this plan—none whatsoever. est bracket for working Americans, it keeping with the President’s demon- Plus, the broader budget slashes Med- lowers the tax rate for the wealthiest strably false statement that the United icaid by about $473 billion—you know, Americans, from 39.6 percent to 35 per- States is the most taxed nation in the the one thing that has improved for cent. That is a huge reduction that world. That is simply not true, as a working people. It has been tougher in benefits people at the very top, percentage of GDP. We have seen the a blue-collar communities to get a full- wealthy enough to be paying in the top share of tax revenue that companies time job. It has been tougher to get a bracket. Certainly, President Trump, pay decline. living wage. It has been tougher to by his own description of his own afflu- Here we have the argument that save for retirement, with pensions dis- ence, would be in that category. So somehow there will be prosperity be- appearing and employer-supported re- clearly, he benefits enormously from cause we reduce the tax rate. Let’s tirement and savings plans dis- that. look at those companies that already appearing. The third huge provision is getting a pay less than 20 percent in corporate One thing got better, and that is ac- special rate for passthrough entities. taxes because of the big difference be- cess to healthcare, thanks to Let’s say you own a big development, tween the nominal rate—the stated ObamaCare. In my State, over half a like a shopping complex or a Trump rate of corporations—and the reality of million Oregonians gained access to Tower, and it generates a lot of money what they actually paid. A report from healthcare. It didn’t just help them; it and you pass it through to pay your the Institute for Policy Studies ana- helped everyone. The uncompensated personal taxes from your limited liabil- lyzed 92 U.S. corporations that paid care rate went way down in hospitals ity corporation. Well, instead of being less than 20 percent in corporate taxes. and way down in clinics, which meant charged 39.6 percent, the current rate, Did they find that these firms have me- stronger clinics and stronger hospital or 35 percent, at the lower rate or at dium job growth of 20 percent? No. Ten services for everybody in the State. Ev- the corporate rate, no, you get this percent? No. Five percent? No. Zero? eryone benefited. special deal on this passthrough of 25 No. It is negative 1 percent. There is So the one thing that has improved percent. So you paid an enormous negative job growth even though these for working America the Republicans amount less. companies paid less than 20 percent in in this Chamber wanted to rip it Who benefits from this? Well, the corporate taxes, while the private sec- away—stomp on it, destroy it, shred it. people who own LLCs and pass through tor job growth over those years as a They couldn’t bear the thought that huge amounts of money are the ones whole was 6 percent positive. So those working Americans might finally have who benefit from this. Who has a lot of paying less than 20 percent had nega- affordable, quality healthcare. They LLCs? Who has, by various estimates, tive 1 percent growth, while the entire couldn’t stand the vision of healthcare hundreds and hundreds? I heard an esti- private sector grew with job growth at as a right. They wanted to return it to mate that the President has over 500 6 percent. In fact, during that period, healthcare being only for the wealthy LLCs. So if the President has hundreds these 92 firms that were studied—in and the healthy, but not for ordinary and hundreds of LLCs, passing through fact, just a fraction of them, or 48 of working people. income that is lowered from a 39.6-per- them together—eliminated basically Well, the bottom third is totally cent rate to a 25-percent rate—basi- about half a million jobs. They had unhelped—in fact, hurt by this plan. cally, a 15-percent reduction—he bene- very low taxes. How about the middle third? For the fits enormously from this, as do all of The argument is that they will do middle third—25 percent of the middle his millionaire and billionaire friends. more because they don’t have to pay as third—taxes go up, not down. The tax Finally, there is the estate tax. This much taxes. They will expand the num- bracket goes from 10 percent to 12 per- one, I have to admit, President Trump ber of people they hire. But instead,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.036 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6315 they slashed half a million jobs—just 48 work here not representing the people Nathali Bertran from Columbus, OH, of these firms that pay less than 20 per- of your State but just millionaires and is a student who graduated from col- cent. billionaires? If you are, then you lege after great sacrifice and has gone What happened to the CEOs of those should be full-throated supporting the on to become an engineer. She is cur- firms? Their salaries went through the Republican tax plan and the Repub- rently working in the Columbus area roof. Part of the plan here is that you lican budget on the floor of this Sen- for a global automotive company. She cut as many people as you can, and you ate. But if you believe in the mission of has a bright future if she is allowed to have a net profit increase. Sometimes, the United States of America, the ‘‘we stay in the United States. She doesn’t even when you don’t, you get a big in- the people’’ mission of providing a know the answer to that because we crease. foundation for families to thrive across haven’t come up with a replacement So if we take this as a model of what this land, then there is no choice but to for DACA, which was rescinded by the President wants to achieve, he take this budget and this tax plan and President Trump. wants to empower other companies to shred it, destroy it, burn it, put a stake Jesus Perez is from Tulsa, OK. He follow this track of having this model through its heart in every way pos- had given up on a college education of slashing hundreds of thousands of sible. and a future, and then DACA came jobs and jacking up the salaries of the I, for one, believe in this mission of along, and he decided he wanted to be already richest CEOs in the country. ‘‘we the people.’’ a doctor. He is on his way. He has fin- Who were these companies? Thank you. ished community college. He is now AT&T had an effective tax rate of 8 The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. about to complete his studies at Okla- percent. Wouldn’t that be nice for mid- TOOMEY). The Senator from Illinois. homa State, and he wants to go to Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask dle-class Americans, to have an effec- medical school. He works as a trans- unanimous consent to speak as in tive tax rate of 8 percent? While they porter and a surgical orderly in a hos- had that beneficial 8 percent tax rate, morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without pital to make enough money to stay in they slashed 80,000 jobs and doubled objection, it is so ordered. school. His future is completely in their CEO’s pay to $28.4 million. Think doubt because of the uncertainty DACA of how many ordinary working people around what is going to happen to Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, there would have a better life if they raised are many lobbyists around Capitol Hill. those who were protected by DACA. their pay by one dollar an hour. But I have said many times that these They perform the important task of in- no, the CEO slashes 80,000 jobs and young people were brought here by forming Members and their staff about raises to pay himself $28.4 million. their parents. They didn’t make the de- issues that are going to come before us. How about GE, which boosted its cision. I don’t want to look negatively Some of them are volunteers, and some CEO’s pay nearly $18 million in 2016, on their parents. If I were given a of them are paid very handsomely. while cutting 14,700 jobs over 9 years There is a special group of lobbyists choice of skirting the law or even and achieving a negative tax rate? A who are roaming the corridors of Cap- breaking the law to save my child’s life negative tax rate—get that. They itol Hill in the House and Senate today or to give them security and safety, I didn’t pay a dollar to the National and tomorrow. They are young people know what I would do. I also know Treasury—not a dollar. They had a from across the United States. Many of what these parents did. But the kids negative tax rate. The company got them are college students, and all of themselves were not in on that deci- more money back from the government them have one thing in common: They sion process. than it paid in taxes. are Dreamers. They are young people Now, all they are asking for is a How about ExxonMobil? Between 2008 who came to the United States under chance to be a part of the only country and 2015, they had an effective tax rate the age of 18, many of them 2 years old, they have ever known. They got up in of 13.6 percent. That is way below 20 4 years old, brought here by their par- the classroom every day at school and percent. In that time period, did we see ents. They grew up in this country. pledged allegiance to the only flag they a significant growth in the number of They went to our schools. Some of ever knew, and most of them can sing people they employed because they got them were excellent students. Many of only one national anthem, the anthem this hugely beneficial 13.6 percent tax them have gone on to college—at their of the country they believe is their rate? No, we did not. In fact, they cut own expense many times. Some have own, the United States. That is an im- their global workforce by a third. At even enlisted in our military. They portant part of this conversation. the same time, the CEO of that com- have a nagging problem. The problem If we believe in fairness and justice in pany, who just happens to be our Sec- is that they are not legally citizens of America—and I think we do—we want retary of State at the moment, saw his the United States. They don’t have to be fair and just to these young peo- compensation grow to $27.4 million. legal status in the United States, and ple. If they have not done something in The record shows that these compa- so the uncertainty about that status their lives that is dangerous, such as nies that are getting these low tax has led many of them to wonder what commit a crime, for example, that is rates are slashing their employees and their future will be. serious, they ought to be given a boosting their CEO salaries. Is that the About 5 years ago, President Obama, chance. If they are willing to go to model that makes for a prosperous at my urging, issued an Executive school or to work or to enlist in our middle-class America, slash jobs and a order that changed their lives. It was military, why wouldn’t we welcome dramatic increase of inequality in this called DACA. It gave them a chance to them in so that they can be a part of country? come forward and register with the our future, as they should be. The al- That is why this entire tax plan and government, submit themselves to a ternative, in many cases, is to ship the budget are so diabolical. It is ev- criminal background check, get them back to a country they cannot re- erything contrary to ‘‘we the people.’’ fingerprinted, pay a $500 fee, have their member or never really knew, to a lan- It is a vision of basically hijacking the background looked at in detail, and guage they don’t speak. That is not the National Treasury to inflate the gave them a chance to stay in the right outcome. wealth of the wealthiest in America, United States for 2 years at a time, and I want to thank LINDSEY GRAHAM of while doing as much harm as possible in that 2-year period not be subjected South Carolina. He is my Republican to working Americans, laying down a to deportation and be able to work. cosponsor of the Dream Act. Senator model on the corporate side of reward- Four weeks ago, President Trump an- GRAHAM has been a stalwart. He and I ing companies for slashing hundreds of nounced that the DACA Program was may disagree on an issue every other thousands of jobs and inflating the sal- going to be rescinded. Many of these day, but on this issue, we agree. We aries of their CEOs. young people don’t know what their fu- agree that America should step forward Here is the question every Member of ture will be from this point forward. A and do the right thing for these young this Chamber should ask: Is your pri- number of them came out to the steps people. ority adding more zeros to the bank of the Capitol this afternoon to talk I hope these lobbyists—I will use that balances of millionaires and billion- about their lives. Two in particular I term—who are Dreamers, who are aires? Is that your mission? Are you at wanted to mention. roaming the Halls of Congress, will

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.037 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6316 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 make the same impression on my col- Senate the pending cloture motion, NOT VOTING—5 leagues that they made on me—that which the clerk will state. Cochran Heller Menendez their special lives and their special fu- The bill clerk read as follows: Cortez Masto McCain ture will make this Nation a better Na- CLOTURE MOTION The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this tion in the years to come. We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- vote, the yeas are 62, the nays are 33. I yield the floor. ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the The motion is agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby f question is, Will the Senate advise and move to bring to a close debate on the nomi- consent to the Hargan nomination? nation of Randal Quarles, of Colorado, to be EXECUTIVE CALENDAR Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I ask a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the unexpired The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for the yeas and nays. clerk will report the nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a term of fourteen years from February 1, 2004. Mitch McConnell, Orrin G. Hatch, James The legislative clerk read the nomi- sufficient second? Lankford, Jerry Moran, Johnny Isak- nation of Randal Quarles, of Colorado, There appears to be a sufficient sec- son, John Thune, Thom Tillis, Shelley to be a Member of the Board of Gov- ond. Moore Capito, Mike Crapo, James E. ernors of the Federal Reserve System The clerk will call the roll. Risch, Mike Rounds, John Barrasso, for the unexpired term of fourteen The bill clerk called the roll. John Cornyn, Chuck Grassley, John years from February 1, 2004. Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators Boozman, John Hoeven, Rob Portman. are necessarily absent: the Senator The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- f from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN), the imous consent, the mandatory quorum LEGISLATIVE SESSION Senator from Nevada (Mr. HELLER), call has been waived. and the Senator from Arizona (Mr. The question is, Is it the sense of the MCCAIN). Senate that debate on the nomination MORNING BUSINESS Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the of Randal Quarles, of Colorado, to be a Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask Senator from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ Member of the Board of Governors of unanimous consent that the Senate MASTO) and the Senator from New Jer- the Federal Reserve System, shall be proceed to legislative session and be in sey (Mr. MENENDEZ) are necessarily ab- brought to a close? a period of morning business, with Sen- sent. The yeas and nays are mandatory ators permitted to speak therein for up The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there under the rule. to 10 minutes each. any other Senators in the Chamber de- The clerk will call the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without siring to vote? The assistant bill clerk called the objection, it is so ordered. The result was announced—yeas 57, roll. f nays 38, as follows: Mr. CORNYN. The following Senators [Rollcall Vote No. 211 Ex.] are necessarily absent: the Senator INDONESIA YEAS—57 from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN), the Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I want to Alexander Ernst Moran Senator from Nevada (Mr. HELLER), speak briefly about a recent report by Barrasso Fischer Murkowski and the Senator from Arizona (Mr. the Secretary of State concerning, Blunt Flake Paul MCCAIN). Boozman Gardner Perdue among other things, impunity within Burr Graham Portman Mr. DURBIN. I announce that the Indonesia’s military. This has been a Capito Grassley Risch Senator from Nevada (Ms. CORTEZ concern of mine, and of many others, Carper Hatch Roberts MASTO) and the Senator from New Jer- Cassidy Heitkamp Rounds for decades. Senate Report 114–290, Collins Hoeven Rubio sey (Mr. MENENDEZ) are necessarily ab- which accompanies division J of the Coons Inhofe Sasse sent. fiscal year 2017 Consolidated Appro- Corker Isakson Scott The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cornyn Johnson Shelby priations Act, requires the Secretary of ARDNER Cotton Kennedy Strange G ). Are there any other Sen- State to submit a report on steps taken Crapo King Sullivan ators in the Chamber desiring to vote? by the Indonesian military to, No. 1, Cruz Lankford Thune The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 62, deny promotion, suspend from active Daines Lee Tillis nays 33, as follows: Donnelly Manchin Toomey service, and/or prosecute and punish Durbin McCaskill Wicker [Rollcall Vote No. 212 Ex.] military officers who have violated Enzi McConnell Young YEAS—62 human rights, and to refine further the NAYS—38 Alexander Flake Perdue military’s mission and develop an ap- Baldwin Hassan Sanders Barrasso Gardner Peters propriate defense budget to carry out Bennet Heinrich Schatz Bennet Graham Portman that mission; No. 2, cooperate with ci- Blunt Grassley Blumenthal Hirono Schumer Risch Boozman Hatch vilian judicial authorities to resolve Booker Kaine Shaheen Roberts Burr Heitkamp cases of violations of human rights; No. Brown Klobuchar Stabenow Rounds Capito Hoeven Cantwell Leahy Tester Rubio 3, implement reforms that increase the Cardin Markey Carper Inhofe Sasse transparency and accountability of the Udall Cassidy Isakson Casey Merkley Van Hollen Scott military’s budget and operations, and Duckworth Murphy Collins Johnson Warner Shaheen Feinstein Murray Coons Kennedy achieve divestment of military busi- Warren Shelby Franken Nelson Corker King nesses; and No. 4, allow unimpeded ac- Whitehouse Cornyn Lankford Strange Gillibrand Peters Sullivan cess to Papua; respect due process and Harris Reed Wyden Cotton Lee Crapo Manchin Tester freedom of expression, association, and NOT VOTING—5 Cruz McCaskill Thune assembly in Papua; and release Daines McConnell Tillis Cochran Heller Menendez Papuans and Moluccans imprisoned for Donnelly Moran Toomey Cortez Masto McCain Enzi Murkowski Warner peaceful political activity. The nomination was confirmed. Ernst Nelson Wicker The Secretary submitted this report The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Fischer Paul Young on September 12, 2017, and the informa- the previous order, the motion to re- NAYS—33 tion it contains is both disturbing and consider is considered made and laid Baldwin Gillibrand Murray disappointing. upon the table and the President will Blumenthal Harris Reed Indonesia became a democracy after be immediately notified of the Senate’s Booker Hassan Sanders many years of brutal, corrupt dictator- Brown Heinrich Schatz action. Cantwell Hirono Schumer ship under President Suharto. He had f Cardin Kaine Stabenow the unwavering support of the Indo- Casey Klobuchar Udall nesian military, which was responsible CLOTURE MOTION Duckworth Leahy Van Hollen for widespread atrocities not only Durbin Markey Warren The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Feinstein Merkley Whitehouse against Indonesian citizens who op- to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the Franken Murphy Wyden posed Suharto but later against the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.039 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6317 people of East Timor and Papua. He banned separatist flag during a peace- facilities. More recently, his leadership was also a Cold War ally of the United ful pro-independence demonstration in and endless resourcefulness was on dis- States. 2014. . . NGOs in Papua continued to re- play through his work at Wholesome Suharto is gone, and Indonesia has port widespread monitoring of their ac- Wave. For Gus, the only things that changed for the better. It remains an tivities by intelligence officials as well mattered were that there were strug- important ally of the United States, as indirect threats and intimidation.’’ gling farmers and hungry people who but no democracy can achieve its po- Accusing people of being traitors and needed help. It did not matter where tential without an independent judici- imprisoning them for peacefully sup- because Gus understood that hunger ary and security forces that are profes- porting self-determination is itself a transcends all languages and cultures. sional and accountable or that fails to violation of human rights. We were fortunate to have Gus come defend such fundamental rights as free- Indonesia has come a long way since to Vermont several times, both during dom of expression and association. the dark days of President Suharto, his work at the USDA and Wholesome While the Indonesian military is no but when it comes to military reform, Wave. During his visits with the longer the criminal enterprise it was it has fallen far short. In January 2018, USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service, during the Suharto period, impunity it will be 10 years since Suharto’s Gus’s unflinching public service was al- for past crimes remains the norm. As death; yet the military remains a ways on display. He came to meet with the Secretary of State’s report notes, largely opaque, unaccountable institu- the farmers, the food processors, and the Government of Indonesia continues tion that has not even acknowledged the dairy co-ops. He came to help to take inadequate steps to hold mem- the extent of its responsibility for past Vermonters improve their lives, and I bers of the Indonesian military ac- crimes. That needs to change. will always be grateful for that. countable for human rights violations. His recent passing reminds all of us f of the need to continue his fight. The One stark example includes the re- REMEMBERING AUGUST ‘‘GUS’’ fight for the hungry, for our farmers, emergence on active duty and pro- SCHUMACHER, JR. and for the constant work of more fully motions of several former members of realizing America’s potential as both a the Special Forces’ Rose Team, who Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would great and a good nation. Gus believed, were convicted in 1999 of kidnapping like to take a moment to pay tribute as should we all, that hunger should pro-democracy activists. In another de- to August ‘‘Gus’’ Schumacher, Jr., who not exist in this country. We have the plorable incident, the Government of passed away on September 24. Gus was an altruist who dedicated his life to food and know-how to end it. Gus of- Indonesia appointed as the head of the fered creative solutions to fight it. Now Armed Forces Strategic Intelligence discovering ways to help both farmers and those who are hungry, both here in we need the political will to do it. Agency a military officer who was con- I ask unanimous consent that the the United States and abroad. His in- victed in 2003 for the murder of promi- September 27 Washington Post obit- tegrity, creativity, and his great cour- nent Papuan civil society leader Theys uary that describes Gus’s life and ca- age over decades to sustain a pas- Eluay. reer be printed in the RECORD. Furthermore, military-related enti- sionate commitment to assisting the There being no objection, the mate- ties, such as foundations and coopera- poor and hungry, as well as our farmers rial was ordered to be printed in the and rural communities, leaves an im- tives, continue to hold large amounts RECORD, as follows: measurable legacy that will not soon of land and other properties and busi- [From The Washington Post, Sept. 27, 2017] be forgotten. nesses, despite the government’s claim GUS SCHUMACHER, A FORCE IN THE FARM-TO- I have known Gus since his days in that the military has largely divested TABLE MOVEMENT, DIES AT 77 itself of private enterprises. Massachusetts. From the first time I (By Bert Barnes) met him, it was clear his passion was Military personnel are still not sub- Gus Schumacher, a fourth-generation ject to civilian judicial authorities. In- infectious. He brought that passion and farmer and third-ranking official at the Ag- stead, they are tried by military tribu- his creative ideas to us here in Con- riculture Department, told the story of his nals which lack transparency and often gress when he was the Massachusetts epiphany about food hundreds of times. grant much shorter prison sentences secretary of agriculture. It was that It was the end of a summer afternoon in than any credible judicial authority passion that propelled Senator Kerry 1980 at a farmers market in Boston, and he and me to craft the first legislation— was helping his brother load up his truck would deem appropriate. Although four with unsold produce grown on their family district courts are authorized to adju- which became law—to create a farmers’ property in Lexington, Mass. The bottom fell dicate cases involving human rights market coupon demonstration project out of a box of pears, scattering the fruit violations, none of them have heard or in 10 States. In 1988, the first year of into the gutter. ruled on any human rights cases since the demonstration program, we secured There, a young mother with two little boys 2005. $2 million in the Agriculture appropria- eagerly gathered them into the folds of her Simply authorizing changes or es- tions bill for the Women, Infants and unhemmed shirt. She was a single mom, she Children, WIC, Farmers Market Dem- explained, dependent on food stamps, which pousing rhetoric without following up back then made fresh fruit and vegetables with tangible action makes a mockery onstration Project. I was—and re- prohibitively expensive for her. The pear of the concept of reform. main—proud that Vermont was one of spill was a bonanza. Other findings in the report are also those 10 States chosen for the initial For Mr. Schumacher, he would say later, it illustrative of a resistance to reform. WIC Farmers Market Demonstration was a seminal moment in his life. He grew up For example, the report states, ‘‘Indo- Project. Now, nearly 30 years later, the on a farm, and it had never occurred to him nesian law provides that military pros- program helps over 7 million nutrition- that parents would find it hard to provide their children with fresh fruit and vegeta- ecutors are accountable to the Su- ally at risk women, infants, and chil- bles. preme Court. In practice, however, dren across the United States. None of He would change it, he told himself. they are responsible to the Indonesian this would have been possible without Mr. Schumacher—who in a 50-year career Armed Forces for the application of Gus’s brilliant innovation, determina- also served as the Massachusetts commis- laws.’’ tion, and leadership. sioner of food and agriculture, a food project With respect to the Moluccas and Gus put into action his innovative manager and agriculture development officer Papua, the report states that ‘‘accord- ideas first in Massachusetts and then for the World Bank and finally a co-founder of a nonprofit group that tries to improve af- ing to international NGO reports, ap- across the country and around the fordable access to fresh, locally grown food— proximately 10 Moluccan independence world with his work at the Foreign Ag- died Sept. 24 at his home in Washington. The activists, who were arrested in 2007, re- ricultural Service and as Under Sec- cause was an apparent heart attack, said his main in custody. . . In January 2015, a retary of Farm and Foreign Agricul- wife, Susan Holaday Schumacher. He was 77. court sentenced Simon Siya, a leader tural Service. His work led to a greater Since that farmers-market epiphany, Mr. in the Moluccan independence move- emphasis on organizing direct mar- Schumacher helped make food assistance programs more generous in allowances for ment, to five years in prison on treason keting, farmers’ co-ops, farmers’ mar- fresh fruit and vegetables. He also became a charges. He remains in prison. The kets, crop diversifications, and expand- force in the farm-to-table movement, en- court also sentenced seven others to ing opportunities for farmer-owned couraging restaurants and retail stores to two-to-three years for displaying a packaging, distributing, and processing buy produce locally.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G04OC6.043 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6318 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 In 2013, Mr. Schumacher received the Mr. President, I was unavailable for Mr. Erickson, and the Senate Judiciary James Beard Foundation’s Leadership Award rollcall vote No. 211, on the nomination Committee unanimously voted to ad- for ‘‘his lifelong efforts to improve access to of Eric D. Hargan to be Deputy Sec- vance his nomination to the full Sen- fresh local food in underserved commu- nities.’’ retary of Health and Human Services. ate. In Boston, the Globe wrote about a time Had I been present, I would have voted I hope Mr. Erickson’s confirmation several years ago when Mr. Schumacher, din- nay. reinforces the importance of biparti- ing out at tony Hamersley’s Bistro, sat down Mr. President, I was unavailable for sanship and the importance of main- at a table, reached into a brown paper bag rollcall vote No. 212, on the motion to taining the blue slip process. The Judi- and pulled out a shiny, ripe red tomato. He invoke cloture on the nomination of ciary Committee has used the blue slip asked for a serrated knife, olive oil and a Randal Quarles to be a member of the process since at least 1917, and the plate, then proceeded to make himself a salad. Board of Governors of the Federal Re- process is integral to maintaining the ‘‘Who’s this guy who’s making his own serve System. Had I been present, I bipartisan nature of the Senate. Under salad?’’ chef-owner Gordon Hamersley want- would have voted nay.∑ both Presidents Obama and George W. ed to know. His own tomatoes came from f Bush, even when a party had unified California. Where had Mr. Schumacher’s control of the Presidency and the Sen- come from? ‘‘Twenty minutes from your CONFIRMATION OF HALSEY ate, if a home State Senator objected doorstep,’’ Mr. Schumacher said. FRANK to a nominee, the nomination did not That scene, or a version of it, would play Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I wish over and over again between 1984 and 1990 proceed. There have been recent discus- when Mr. Schumacher was agriculture chief to express my strong support for the sions to suspend the blue slip tradition for Massachusetts. He was always asking confirmation of Halsey Frank to serve in order to force nominations through chefs whether they knew any farmers who as the U.S. Attorney for the District of the Judiciary Committee. I encourage could supply them food directly. He created Maine. Mr. Frank has 30 years of expe- my colleagues to reject any such meas- market coupon programs for seniors and low- rience working for the U.S. Depart- ures and to continue in the blue slip income families with children. He chastised ment of Justice in Washington, DC, tradition. breakfast diners for serving English jellies and in Maine, and he is highly qualified instead of American ones. f to assume this crucial law enforcement ‘‘Gus was instrumental in bringing two MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE seemingly obvious groups together who position. I thank the Senate for swiftly never talked to each other—chefs and farm- confirming him. At 10:22 a.m., a message from the ers,’’ Hamersley told the Globe. ‘‘He’s basi- Mr. Frank is an intelligent, highly House of Representatives, delivered by cally the architect of chefs featuring locally competent, experienced law enforce- Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- grown produce. As always, there was a team ment professional. Mr. Frank has nounced that the House has passed the of people with him, but he was sitting in the served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney following bills, without amendment: chair.’’ The Washington Post reported on Mr. for Maine for the past 17 years, during S. 178. An act to prevent elder abuse and Schumacher’s work with refugee and immi- which he has shown an indepth knowl- exploitation and improve the justice sys- grant farmers all over the United States. He edge of our country’s criminal justice tem’s response to victims in elder abuse and encouraged them to grow and market their system and significant experience in exploitation cases. native vegetables, such as amaranth. From both criminal and civil law. In this S. 652. An act to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a program for New England, the New York Times reported, role, he has prosecuted Federal crimes Mr. Schumacher made personal deliveries of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment re- related to fraud, drugs, white-collar of- garding deaf and hard-of-hearing newborns, Asian greens that included pea tendrils, Chi- fense, violence, civil rights, and envi- nese chive blossoms and Cambodian spear- infants, and young children. mint to the Washington restaurant TenPenh. ronmental violations. He has defended The message further announced that August Schumacher Jr. was born in Lin- the United States in civil cases and the House has passed the following coln, Mass., on Dec. 4, 1939. He grew up on a handled numerous appeals. Prior to his bills, in which it requests the concur- farm in Lexington, and his father was one of current post, Mr. Frank was an Assist- rence of the Senate: the largest parsnip growers in Massachu- ant U.S. Attorney for the District of setts. His grandfather and great-grandfather H.R. 36. An act to amend title 18, United Columbia, one of the country’s largest States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn were farmers in New York City. They grew offices, where he worked on a wide winter vegetables in glass-enclosed hot- children, and for other purposes. houses. range of civil and criminal matters. He H.R. 1624. An act to require the appropriate Mr. Schumacher graduated from Harvard is presently a resident of Portland, ME, Federal banking agencies to treat certain University in 1961 and attended the London and a graduate of Wesleyan University municipal obligations as no lower than level School of Economics. and Boston University School of Law. 2B liquid assets, and for other purposes. H.R. 1918. An act to oppose loans at inter- Over his career, he had a variety of Based on his demonstrated pro- consultancies, served as Massachusetts agri- national financial institutions for the Gov- ficiency and character, I have every ernment of Nicaragua unless the Govern- culture chief from 1984 to 1990 and was the confidence that Mr. Frank will success- USDA undersecretary of agriculture for farm ment of Nicaragua is taking effective steps and foreign agricultural services from 1997 to fully lead and coordinate local and to hold free, fair, and transparent elections, 2001. Federal law enforcement activities in and for other purposes. Since 2008 he had served as founding board Maine to faithfully uphold our Nation’s H.R. 2408. An act to enhance the trans- chairman of Wholesome Wave in Bridgeport, laws and ensure public safety and parency, improve the coordination, and in- Conn., which seeks to increase access to af- order. Throughout his long and distin- tensify the impact of assistance to support access to primary and secondary education fordable, locally grown fruits and vegetables. guished career, Mr. Frank has shown a His first marriage, to Barbara Kerstetter, for displaced children and persons, including ended in divorce. Survivors include his wife strong commitment to public service, women and girls, and for other purposes. of 25 years, Susan Holaday Schumacher of and I am confident that he will serve The message also announced that the Washington; a stepdaughter, Valarie Karasz the State of Maine and our Nation very House passed the following bill, with of Brooklyn; and two grandchildren. A step- well. an amendment, in which it requests son, Andrew Karasz, died earlier this month. f the concurrence of the Senate: (At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the CONFIRMATION OF RALPH R. S. 782. An act to reauthorize the National following statement was ordered to be ERICKSON Internet Crimes Against Children Task printed in the RECORD.) Force Program, and for other purposes. f Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I wish to support the confirmation of f VOTE EXPLANATION U.S. district judge Ralph Erickson to MEASURES REFERRED ∑ Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for The following bills were read the first was unavailable for rollcall vote No. the Eighth Circuit. and the second times by unanimous 210, the motion to invoke cloture on Mr. Erickson received the support of consent, and referred as indicated: the nomination of Eric D. Hargan to be both of his home State Senators, Dem- H.R. 36. An act to amend title 18, United Deputy Secretary of Health and Human ocrat HEIDI HEITKAMP and Republican States Code, to protect pain-capable unborn Services. Had I been present, I would JOHN HOEVEN. Both HOEVEN and children, and for other purposes; to the Com- have voted nay. HEITKAMP submitted their blue slips for mittee on the Judiciary.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.006 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6319 H.R. 1624. An act to require the appropriate rarily Stored in the United States Following EC–2985. A communication from the Pro- Federal banking agencies to treat certain Hurricane Irma or Hurricane Maria’’ (Notice gram Analyst, National Highway Traffic municipal obligations as no lower than level 2017–55) received in the Office of the Presi- Safety Administration, Department of 2B liquid assets, and for other purposes; to dent of the Senate on September 28, 2017; to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and the Committee on Finance. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Federal Urban Affairs. EC–2976. A communication from the Chief Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Electric- H.R. 1918. An act to oppose loans at inter- of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Powered Vehicles: Electrolyte Spillage and national financial institutions for the Gov- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Electrical Shock Protection’’ (RIN2127–AL68) ernment of Nicaragua unless the Govern- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the received in the Office of the President of the ment of Nicaragua is taking effective steps report of a rule entitled ‘‘2017–2018 Special Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- to hold free, fair, and transparent elections, Per Diem Rates’’ (Notice 2017–54) received in mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- and for other purposes; to the Committee on the Office of the President of the Senate on tation. Foreign Relations. September 28, 2017; to the Committee on Fi- EC–2986. A communication from the Man- H.R. 2408. An act to enhance the trans- nance. agement and Program Analyst, Federal parency, improve the coordination, and in- EC–2977. A communication from the Chief Aviation Administration, Department of tensify the impact of assistance to support of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to access to primary and secondary education Internal Revenue Service, Department of the law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Prohibi- for displaced children and persons, including Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the tion Against Certain Flights in the Damas- women and girls, and for other purposes; to report of a rule entitled ‘‘Revised Guidance cus (OSTT) Flight Information Region the Committee on Foreign Relations. Related to Obtaining and Reporting Tax- (FIR)’’ (RIN2120–AL07) received in the Office payer Identification Numbers and Dates of of the President of the Senate on September f Birth by Financial Institutions’’ (Notice 28, 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, EXECUTIVE AND OTHER 2017–46) received in the Office of the Presi- Science, and Transportation. dent of the Senate on September 28, 2017; to COMMUNICATIONS EC–2987. A communication from the Man- the Committee on Finance. agement and Program Analyst, Federal The following communications were EC–2978. A communication from the Chief Aviation Administration, Department of laid before the Senate, together with of the Publications and Regulations Branch, Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to accompanying papers, reports, and doc- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the uments, and were referred as indicated: ment of Class E Airspace; Falls City, NE’’ report of a rule entitled ‘‘Extension of Re- ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2016–9593)) EC–2970. A communication from the Coun- placement Period for Livestock Sold on Ac- received in the Office of the President of the sel, Legal Division, Bureau of Consumer Fi- count of Drought’’ (Notice 2017–53) received Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- nancial Protection, transmitting, pursuant in the Office of the President of the Senate mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Equal on September 28, 2017; to the Committee on tation. Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B) Eth- Finance. EC–2988. A communication from the Man- EC–2979. A communication from the Chief nicity and Race Information Collection’’ agement and Program Analyst, Federal of the Publications and Regulations Branch, ((RIN3170–AA65) (Docket No. CFPB–2017– Aviation Administration, Department of Internal Revenue Service, Department of the 0009)) received in the Office of the President Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the of the Senate on October 2, 2017; to the Com- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Extension of Re- mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- ment of Class E Airspace; Arkadelphia, AR’’ placement Period for Livestock Sold on Ac- fairs. ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0182)) count of Drought’’ (Notice 2017–53) received EC–2971. A communication from the Sec- received in the Office of the President of the in the Office of the President of the Senate retary of the Treasury, transmitting, pursu- Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- on October 2, 2017; to the Committee on Fi- ant to law, a six-month periodic report on mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- nance. the national emergency that was declared in tation. Executive Order 13694 of April 1, 2015, with EC–2980. A communication from the Chief of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–2989. A communication from the Man- respect to significant malicious cyber-en- agement and Program Analyst, Federal abled activities; to the Committee on Bank- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Aviation Administration, Department of ing, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to EC–2972. A communication from the Direc- report of a rule entitled ‘‘2017–2018 Special Per Diem Rates’’ (Notice 2017–54) received in law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- tor of Congressional Affairs, Office of Re- ment of Class E Airspace; Mason, MI’’ search, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Office of the President of the Senate on October 2, 2017; to the Committee on Fi- ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0722)) transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of received in the Office of the President of the a rule entitled ‘‘Emergency Planning for Re- nance. EC–2981. A communication from the Execu- Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- search and Test Reactors and Other Non- tive Analyst (Political), Department of mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Power Production and Utilization Facilities’’ Health and Human Services, transmitting, tation. ((Regulatory Guide 2.6, Revision 2) (NUREG– pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- EC–2990. A communication from the Man- 1537 and NUREG–0849)) received in the Office cancy in the position of General Counsel, De- agement and Program Analyst, Federal of the President of the Senate on October 2, partment of Health and Human Services, re- Aviation Administration, Department of 2017; to the Committee on Environment and ceived during adjournment of the Senate in Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Public Works. the Office of the President of the Senate on law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- EC–2973. A communication from the Direc- September 29, 2017; to the Committee on ment of Class E Airspace; Pauls Valley, OK’’ tor of Congressional Affairs, Office of Re- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0184)) search, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, EC–2982. A communication from the Execu- received in the Office of the President of the transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of tive Analyst (Political), Department of Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- a rule entitled ‘‘Regulatory Guides: ‘Conduct Health and Human Services, transmitting, mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- of Nuclear Material Physical Inventories’ pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- tation. and ‘Statistical Evaluation of Material Un- cancy in the position of General Counsel, De- EC–2991. A communication from the Man- accounted For’ ’’ (NRC–2017–0196) received in partment of Health and Human Services, re- agement and Program Analyst, Federal the Office of the President of the Senate on ceived during adjournment of the Senate in Aviation Administration, Department of October 2, 2017; to the Committee on Envi- the Office of the President of the Senate on Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ronment and Public Works. September 29, 2017; to the Committee on law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Amend- EC–2974. A communication from the Direc- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. ment of Class E Airspace; West Plains, MO’’ tor of Congressional Affairs, Office of Re- EC–2983. A communication from the Execu- ((RIN2120–AA66) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0165)) search, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, tive Analyst (Political), Department of received in the Office of the President of the transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Health and Human Services, transmitting, Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- a rule entitled ‘‘Physical Inventories and pursuant to law, a report relative to a va- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- Material Balances at Fuel Cycle Facilities’’ cancy in the position of General Counsel, De- tation. (Regulatory Guide 5.88, Revision 0) received partment of Health and Human Services, re- EC–2992. A communication from the Man- in the Office of the President of the Senate ceived during adjournment of the Senate in agement and Program Analyst, Federal on October 2, 2017; to the Committee on En- the Office of the President of the Senate on Aviation Administration, Department of vironment and Public Works. September 29, 2017; to the Committee on Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to EC–2975. A communication from the Chief Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–2984. A communication from the Li- Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the brarian of Congress, transmitting, pursuant off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the to law, the Annual Report of the Librarian of dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (12); report of a rule entitled ‘‘Treatment Under Congress for fiscal year 2016; to the Com- Amdt. No. 3764’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in Section 956(c) of Certain Property Tempo- mittee on Rules and Administration. the Office of the President of the Senate on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.010 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 September 28, 2017; to the Committee on EC–3001. A communication from the Man- EC–3009. A communication from the Man- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. agement and Program Analyst, Federal agement and Program Analyst, Federal EC–2993. A communication from the Man- Aviation Administration, Department of Aviation Administration, Department of agement and Program Analyst, Federal Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Aviation Administration, Department of law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– ness Directives; Dassault Aviation Air- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0808)) received planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- in the Office of the President of the Senate 2017–0529)) received in the Office of the Presi- off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- on September 28, 2017; to the Committee on dent of the Senate on September 28, 2017; to dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (82); Commerce, Science, and Transportation. the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Amdt. No. 3763’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in EC–3002. A communication from the Man- Transportation. the Office of the President of the Senate on agement and Program Analyst, Federal EC–3010. A communication from the Man- September 28, 2017; to the Committee on Aviation Administration, Department of agement and Program Analyst, Federal Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Aviation Administration, Department of EC–2994. A communication from the Man- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to agement and Program Analyst, Federal ness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters’’ law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Aviation Administration, Department of ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0308)) ness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to received in the Office of the President of the Turboshaft Engines’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Dock- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- et No. FAA–2011–0961)) received in the Office Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- of the President of the Senate on September off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- tation. 28, 2017; to the Committee on Commerce, dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (106); EC–3003. A communication from the Man- Science, and Transportation. Amdt. No. 3761’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in agement and Program Analyst, Federal EC–3011. A communication from the Man- the Office of the President of the Senate on Aviation Administration, Department of agement and Program Analyst, Federal September 28, 2017; to the Committee on Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Aviation Administration, Department of Commerce, Science, and Transportation. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to EC–2995. A communication from the Man- ness Directives; Ameri-King Corporation law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- agement and Program Analyst, Federal Emergency Locator Transmitters’’ ness Directives; Textron Aviation Inc. Air- Aviation Administration, Department of ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2016–6673)) planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to received in the Office of the President of the 2017–0608)) received in the Office of the Presi- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Standard Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- dent of the Senate on September 28, 2017; to Instrument Approach Procedures, and Take- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- the Committee on Commerce, Science, and off Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- tation. Transportation. EC–3004. A communication from the Man- dures; Miscellaneous Amendments (99); f Amdt. No. 3762’’ (RIN2120–AA65) received in agement and Program Analyst, Federal the Office of the President of the Senate on Aviation Administration, Department of EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to September 28, 2017; to the Committee on COMMITTEES law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. ness Directives; B/E Aerospace Protective The following executive reports of EC–2996. A communication from the Man- nominations were submitted: agement and Program Analyst, Federal Breathing Equipment Part Number 119003–11 By Mr. THUNE for the Committee on Com- Aviation Administration, Department of and Part Number 119003–21’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) merce, Science, and Transportation. Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to (Docket No. FAA–2017–0439)) received in the Office of the President of the Senate on Sep- *David J. Redl, of New York, to be Assist- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- ant Secretary of Commerce for Communica- ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– tember 28, 2017; to the Committee on Com- merce, Science, and Transportation. tions and Information. AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0339)) received EC–3005. A communication from the Man- *Ann Marie Buerkle, of New York, to be a in the Office of the President of the Senate agement and Program Analyst, Federal Commissioner of the Consumer Product on September 28, 2017; to the Committee on Aviation Administration, Department of Safety Commission for a term of seven years Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to from October 27, 2018. EC–2997. A communication from the Man- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- *Ann Marie Buerkle, of New York, to be agement and Program Analyst, Federal ness Directives; The Boeing Company Air- Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Aviation Administration, Department of planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– Commission. Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to 2016–9184)) received in the Office of the Presi- *Timothy Gallaudet, of California, to be law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- dent of the Senate on September 28, 2017; to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– the Committee on Commerce, Science, and and Atmosphere. *Howard R. Elliott, of Indiana, to be Ad- AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0809)) received Transportation. in the Office of the President of the Senate EC–3006. A communication from the Man- ministrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous on September 28, 2017; to the Committee on agement and Program Analyst, Federal Materials Safety Administration, Depart- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Aviation Administration, Department of ment of Transportation. *Walter G. Copan, of Colorado, to be Under EC–2998. A communication from the Man- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to agement and Program Analyst, Federal law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Aviation Administration, Department of ness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes’’ Technology. By Ms. MURKOWSKI for the Committee on Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2016–8177)) Energy and Natural Resources. law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- received in the Office of the President of the ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– *Bruce J. Walker, of New York, to be an Senate on September 28, 2017; to the Com- Assistant Secretary of Energy (Electricity AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0560)) received mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- in the Office of the President of the Senate Delivery and Energy Reliability). tation. *Steven E. Winberg, of Pennsylvania, to be on September 28, 2017; to the Committee on EC–3007. A communication from the Man- an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Fossil En- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. agement and Program Analyst, Federal ergy). EC–2999. A communication from the Man- Aviation Administration, Department of agement and Program Analyst, Federal By Mr. JOHNSON for the Committee on Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Aviation Administration, Department of law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to fairs. ness Directives; Dassault Aviation Air- *John Marshall Mitnick, of Virginia, to be law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– General Counsel, Department of Homeland ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– 2017–0524)) received in the Office of the Presi- Security. AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2016–0451)) received dent of the Senate on September 28, 2017; to in the Office of the President of the Senate the Committee on Commerce, Science, and *Nomination was reported with rec- on September 28, 2017; to the Committee on Transportation. ommendation that it be confirmed sub- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. EC–3008. A communication from the Man- ject to the nominee’s commitment to EC–3000. A communication from the Man- agement and Program Analyst, Federal respond to requests to appear and tes- agement and Program Analyst, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of tify before any duly constituted com- Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to mittee of the Senate. Transportation, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Airworthi- ness Directives; Dassault Aviation Air- f ness Directives; Airbus Airplanes’’ ((RIN2120– planes’’ ((RIN2120–AA64) (Docket No. FAA– INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND AA64) (Docket No. FAA–2017–0533)) received 2017–0525)) received in the Office of the Presi- JOINT RESOLUTIONS in the Office of the President of the Senate dent of the Senate on September 28, 2017; to on September 28, 2017; to the Committee on the Committee on Commerce, Science, and The following bills and joint resolu- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Transportation. tions were introduced, read the first

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.012 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6321 and second times by unanimous con- By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and S. 946 sent, and referred as indicated: Mr. LEAHY): At the request of Mr. FLAKE, the S. Res. 281. A resolution urging the Presi- By Mr. THUNE (for himself, Ms. KLO- name of the Senator from Delaware dent of the United States to allow for the BUCHAR, Mr. ROUNDS, and Mr. BEN- (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor full public release of all remaining records NET): of S. 946, a bill to require the Secretary S. 1913. A bill to amend the Federal Crop pertaining to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy that are held by the Na- of Veterans Affairs to hire additional Insurance Act and the Federal Agriculture Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to tional Archives and Records Administration make the native sod provisions applicable to and to reject any claims for the continued to provide treatment court services to the United States and to modify those provi- postponement of the full public release of justice-involved veterans, and for other sions, and for other purposes; to the Com- those records; to the Committee on Home- purposes. mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and For- land Security and Governmental Affairs. S. 1015 By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and estry. At the request of Mr. HATCH, the Mr. LEAHY): By Mr. WARNER (for himself and Mr. name of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. SCOTT): S. Res. 282. A resolution commending the SCHATZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 1914. A bill to amend title XVIII of the National Archives and Records Administra- Social Security Act in order to strengthen tion and its staff for working to comply with 1015, a bill to require the Federal Com- rules in case of competition for diabetic test- the President John F. Kennedy Assassina- munications Commission to study the ing strips, and for other purposes; to the tion Records Collection Act of 1992 and re- feasibility of designating a simple, Committee on Finance. lease all records related to the assassination easy-to-remember dialing code to be By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Ms. of President John F. Kennedy by October 26, used for a national suicide prevention WARREN, and Mr. VAN HOLLEN): 2017; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- and mental health crisis hotline sys- rity and Governmental Affairs. S. 1915. A bill to provide for the develop- tem. ment and use of technology for personalized By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Ms. handguns, to require that all handguns man- STABENOW, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. ENZI, S. 1498 ufactured or sold in, or imported into, the Mr. DONNELLY, and Mr. COCHRAN): At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the United States incorporate such technology, S. Res. 283. A resolution designating the names of the Senator from Illinois (Ms. and for other purposes; to the Committee on week beginning October 15, 2017, as ‘‘Na- DUCKWORTH) and the Senator from Or- Commerce, Science, and Transportation. tional Character Counts Week’’; considered egon (Mr. WYDEN) were added as co- By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. and agreed to. sponsors of S. 1498, a bill to establish in By Mr. CASSIDY (for himself, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, Mrs. GILLIBRAND, Ms. the Smithsonian Institution a com- KLOBUCHAR, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. MUR- MURPHY, Ms. WARREN, Mr. GRAHAM, prehensive American women’s history PHY, Mr. BLUMENTHAL, Mr. DURBIN, Mrs. CAPITO, Mr. KING, and Mr. BOOZ- Mr. CASEY, Mr. REED, Ms. HASSAN, MAN): museum, and for other purposes. Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. CARPER, Mr. S. Res. 284. A resolution calling on Con- S. 1632 CARDIN, Mr. COONS, Mr. FRANKEN, Mr. gress, schools, and State and local edu- At the request of Mr. MORAN, the BOOKER, Ms. HARRIS, Mr. WHITE- cational agencies to recognize the signifi- names of the Senator from North Da- HOUSE, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. SANDERS, Mr. cant educational implications of dyslexia kota (Mr. HOEVEN) and the Senator that must be addressed, and designating Oc- LEAHY, Ms. WARREN, Mr. SCHUMER, from Indiana (Mr. DONNELLY) were tober 2017 as ‘‘National Dyslexia Awareness Ms. CANTWELL, Mrs. MCCASKILL, Mr. added as cosponsors of S. 1632, a bill to NELSON, Mrs. MURRAY, Mr. UDALL, Month’’; considered and agreed to. and Mr. KAINE): establish an additional fund in the f S. 1916. A bill to prohibit the possession or Treasury to meet existing statutory transfer of certain firearm accessories, and ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS obligations to reimburse costs reason- for other purposes; to the Committee on the ably incurred as a result of the reorga- Judiciary. S. 251 nization of broadcast television spec- By Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Mr. At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the trum, and for other purposes. DURBIN, Mr. LEE, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, name of the Senator from Pennsyl- S. 1706 Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. LEAHY, Mr. FLAKE, vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- At the request of Mr. BOOKER, his Mr. BOOKER, Mr. SCOTT, Mrs. FEIN- sponsor of S. 251, a bill to repeal the STEIN, and Mr. BLUNT): name was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 1917. A bill to reform sentencing laws Independent Payment Advisory Board 1706, a bill to prevent human health and correctional institutions, and for other in order to ensure that it cannot be threats posed by the consumption of purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- used to undermine the Medicare enti- equines raised in the United States. ary. tlement for beneficiaries. S. 1718 By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Mr. PAUL, S. 298 Mrs. GILLIBRAND, and Mr. MERKLEY): At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the S. 1918. A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime At the request of Mr. TESTER, the name of the Senator from Missouri Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to au- name of the Senator from Iowa (Mrs. (Mr. BLUNT) was added as a cosponsor thorize a grant program to assist State and ERNST) was added as a cosponsor of S. of S. 1718, a bill to authorize the mint- local law enforcement agencies in pur- 298, a bill to require Senate candidates ing of a coin in honor of the 75th anni- chasing body-worn cameras and securely to file designations, statements, and versary of the end of World War II, and storing and maintaining recording data for reports in electronic form. for other purposes. law enforcement officers; to the Committee S. 479 on the Judiciary. S. 1724 By Mr. BOOKER (for himself, Mr. At the request of Mr. BROWN, the At the request of Mr. WARNER, the MERKLEY, Mr. PETERS, Mrs. MURRAY, name of the Senator from Nebraska name of the Senator from Michigan and Mr. CASEY): (Mrs. FISCHER) was added as a cospon- (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- S. 1919. A bill to end the use of body-grip- sor of S. 479, a bill to amend title XVIII sor of S. 1724, a bill to amend the Inter- ping traps in the National Wildlife Refuge of the Social Security Act to waive co- nal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a System; to the Committee on Environment insurance under Medicare for and Public Works. new tax credit and grant program to By Mr. BOOKER: colorectal cancer screening tests, re- stimulate investment and healthy nu- S. 1920. A bill to amend title 40, United gardless of whether therapeutic inter- trition options in food deserts, and for States Code, to direct the Administrator of vention is required during the screen- other purposes. General Services to incorporate bird-safe ing. S. 1757 building materials and design features into S. 832 At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the public buildings, and for other purposes; to name of the Senator from Oklahoma the Committee on Environment and Public At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the Works. name of the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- sor of S. 1757, a bill to strengthen bor- f (Mr. BOOKER) was added as a cosponsor of S. 832, a bill to enhance the trans- der security, increase resources for en- SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND parency and accelerate the impact of forcement of immigration laws, and for SENATE RESOLUTIONS programs under the African Growth other purposes. The following concurrent resolutions and Opportunity Act and the Millen- S. 1774 and Senate resolutions were read, and nium Challenge Corporation, and for At the request of Mr. HATCH, the referred (or acted upon), as indicated: other purposes. name of the Senator from Alabama

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:36 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.017 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 (Mr. STRANGE) was added as a cospon- MCCAIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. and Records Administration all records in sor of S. 1774, a bill to provide protec- Res. 211, a resolution condemning the their custody related to the assassination of tions for workers with respect to their violence and persecution in Chechnya. President Kennedy; Whereas former President and ninth Direc- right to select or refrain from selecting S. RES. 245 representation by a labor organization. tor of Central Intelligence George H.W. Bush At the request of Mr. CRUZ, the declared in his signing statement for the S. 1823 names of the Senator from New Jersey Records Collection Act that ‘‘[b]ecause of le- At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the (Mr. BOOKER) and the Senator from gitimate historical interest in this tragic name of the Senator from Louisiana New Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ) were added event, all documents about the assassination (Mr. KENNEDY) was added as a cospon- as cosponsors of S. Res. 245, a resolu- should now be disclosed’’; sor of S. 1823, a bill to amend the Rob- tion calling on the Government of Iran Whereas the Records Collection Act estab- ert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and to release unjustly detained United lished the Assassination Records Review Emergency Assistance Act to clarify States citizens and legal permanent Board to ensure that Federal agencies com- plied with the law; that houses of worship are eligible for resident aliens, and for other purposes. certain disaster relief and emergency Whereas the Records Collection Act estab- S. RES. 280 lished a deadline 25 years after enactment assistance on terms equal to other eli- At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the for the full public disclosure of all assassina- gible private nonprofit facilities, and names of the Senator from Maine (Mr. tion records whose disclosure was postponed for other purposes. KING) and the Senator from Minnesota or that were subject to redaction; S. 1827 (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) were added as cospon- Whereas the 25-year deadline for the full At the request of Mr. HATCH, the sors of S. Res. 280, a resolution desig- public disclosure of all remaining assassina- name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. nating the week of October 2 through tion records is October 26, 2017; Whereas the Assassination Records Review GRASSLEY) was added as a cosponsor of October 6, 2017, as ‘‘National Health In- S. 1827, a bill to extend funding for the Board uncovered records that were withheld formation Technology Week’’ to recog- from the staff of the President’s Commission Children’s Health Insurance Program, nize the value of health information and for other purposes. on the Assassination of President John F. technology in transforming and im- Kennedy, the House Select Committee on As- S. 1859 proving the healthcare system for all sassinations, and other Government entities; At the request of Mr. GARDNER, the people in the United States. Whereas the former Chairman of the Assas- name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. sination Records Review Board has publicly f ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. commented that records held by the Na- 1859, a bill to extend the moratorium SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS tional Archives and Records Administration on the annual fee on health insurance should be made public; providers. Whereas the National Archives and Records Administration holds approximately S. 1869 SENATE RESOLUTION 281—URGING 3,100 fully redacted records and approxi- At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED mately 31,000 partially redacted records con- name of the Senator from New Hamp- STATES TO ALLOW FOR THE cerning the assassination of President Ken- shire (Ms. HASSAN) was added as a co- FULL PUBLIC RELEASE OF ALL nedy; sponsor of S. 1869, a bill to reauthorize REMAINING RECORDS PER- Whereas Congress declared in the Records and rename the position of Whistle- TAINING TO THE ASSASSINATION Collection Act that all Government records blower Ombudsman to be the Whistle- OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KEN- related to the assassination should be pre- blower Protection Coordinator. NEDY THAT ARE HELD BY THE served for historical and governmental pur- S. 1874 NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND poses and eventually disclosed to enable the At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the RECORDS ADMINISTRATION AND public to become fully informed about the name of the Senator from Delaware TO REJECT ANY CLAIMS FOR history surrounding the assassination; THE CONTINUED POSTPONEMENT Whereas Congress declared in the Records (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor Collection Act that legislation was necessary of S. 1874, a bill to direct the Secretary OF THE FULL PUBLIC RELEASE because the implementation of the Freedom of Energy to establish certain dem- OF THOSE RECORDS of Information Act (section 552 of title 5, onstration grant programs relating to Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and Mr. United States Code) by the executive branch the demonstration of advanced dis- LEAHY) submitted the following resolu- prevented the timely public disclosure of tribution systems, smart water heat- tion; which was referred to the Com- records relating to the assassination of ers, vehicle-to-grid integration, and mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- President Kennedy; granular retail electricity pricing, and ernmental Affairs: Whereas public opinion surveys suggest for other purposes. that a large majority of the American public Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I re- supports the full release of all remaining as- S. 1875 quest unanimous consent that the text sassination records; At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the of the resolution urging the President Whereas Congress recently reaffirmed its name of the Senator from Delaware of the United States to allow for the commitment to transparency, account- (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor full public release of all remaining ability, and the public disclosure of Govern- of S. 1875, a bill to move the United records pertaining to the assassination ment records by enacting the FOIA Improve- States toward greater energy independ- of President John F. Kennedy that are ment Act of 2016 (Public Law 114–185; 130 ence and security, to increase the flexi- held by the National Archives and Stat. 538), which codifies a presumption of bility, efficiency, and reliability of the Records Administration and to reject openness; Whereas there is legitimate interest from electric grid, to increase the competi- any claims for the continued postpone- tiveness of the United States economy, the academic community, historical re- ment of the full public release of those searchers, and the general public in having to protect consumers, and to improve records, be printed in the RECORD. access to withheld records for research pur- the energy performance of the Federal There being no objection, the text of poses and general knowledge; and Government, and for other purposes. the resolution was ordered to be print- Whereas the National Archives and S. 1876 ed in the RECORD, as follows: Records Administration was formed to pre- serve and document Government and histor- At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the S. RES. 281 name of the Senator from Delaware ical records and to increase public access to Whereas May 29, 2017, marked the 100th an- those documents: Now, therefore, be it (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor niversary of the birth of President John F. of S. 1876, a bill to direct the Secretary Kennedy; Resolved, That the Senate urges the Presi- of Energy to establish a program to ad- Whereas nearly 54 years have passed since dent of the United States to— vance energy storage deployment by the tragic assassination of President Ken- (1) allow for the full public release of all reducing the cost of energy storage nedy on November 22, 1963; remaining records pertaining to the assas- through research, development, and Whereas the President John F. Kennedy sination of President John F. Kennedy that are held by the National Archives and demonstration, and for other purposes. Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 (44 U.S.C. 2107 note; Public Law 102–526) (re- Records Administration; and S. RES. 211 ferred to in this preamble as the ‘‘Records (2) reject any claims for the continued At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the Collection Act’’), directed all Federal agen- postponement of the full public release of name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. cies to transmit to the National Archives those records.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:17 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.018 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6323 SENATE RESOLUTION 282—COM- S. RES. 283 SENATE RESOLUTION 284—CALL- MENDING THE NATIONAL AR- Whereas the well-being of the United ING ON CONGRESS, SCHOOLS, CHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINIS- States requires that the young people of the AND STATE AND LOCAL EDU- TRATION AND ITS STAFF FOR United States become an involved, caring CATIONAL AGENCIES TO RECOG- WORKING TO COMPLY WITH THE citizenry of good character; NIZE THE SIGNIFICANT EDU- Whereas the character education of chil- PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY dren has become more urgent, as violence by CATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF ASSASSINATION RECORDS COL- and against youth increasingly threatens the DYSLEXIA THAT MUST BE AD- LECTION ACT OF 1992 AND RE- physical and psychological well-being of the DRESSED, AND DESIGNATING OC- LEASE ALL RECORDS RELATED people of the United States; TOBER 2017 AS ‘‘NATIONAL DYS- TO THE ASSASSINATION OF Whereas, more than ever, children need LEXIA AWARENESS MONTH’’ strong and constructive guidance from their PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY Mr. CASSIDY (for himself, Mr. MUR- BY OCTOBER 26, 2017 families and their communities, including schools, youth organizations, religious insti- PHY, Ms. WARREN, Mr. GRAHAM, Mrs. Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself and Mr. tutions, and civic groups; CAPITO, Mr. KING, and Mr. BOOZMAN) LEAHY) submitted the following resolu- Whereas the character of a nation is only submitted the following resolution; tion; which was referred to the Com- as strong as the character of its individual which was considered and agreed to: mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- citizens; S. RES. 284 Whereas the public good is advanced when ernmental Affairs: Whereas dyslexia is— Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I re- young people are taught the importance of (1) defined as an unexpected difficulty in quest unanimous consent that the text good character and the positive effects that reading for an individual who has the intel- good character can have in personal relation- ligence to be a much better reader; and of the resolution commending the Na- ships, in school, and in the workplace; tional Archives and Records Adminis- (2) most commonly caused by a difficulty Whereas scholars and educators agree that in phonological processing (the appreciation tration and its staff for working to people do not automatically develop good of the individual sounds of spoken language), comply with the President John F. character and that, therefore, conscientious which affects the ability of an individual to Kennedy Assassination Records Collec- efforts must be made by institutions and in- speak, read, and spell, and often, the ability tion Act of 1992 and release all records dividuals that influence youth to help young to learn a second language; related to the assassination of Presi- people develop the essential traits and char- Whereas dyslexia is the most common acteristics that comprise good character; learning disability and affects 80 percent to dent John F. Kennedy by October 26, Whereas, although character development 2017, be printed in the RECORD. 90 percent of all individuals with a learning is, first and foremost, an obligation of fami- disability; There being no objection, the text of lies, the efforts of faith communities, the resolution was ordered to be print- Whereas dyslexia is persistent and highly schools, and youth, civic, and human service prevalent, affecting as many as 1 out of 5 in- ed in the RECORD, as follows: organizations also play an important role in dividuals; S. RES. 282 fostering and promoting good character; Whereas dyslexia is a paradox, in that an Whereas the President John F. Kennedy Whereas Congress encourages students, individual with dyslexia may have both— Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992 teachers, parents, youth, and community (1) weaknesses in decoding that result in leaders to recognize the importance of char- (44 U.S.C. 2107 note; Public Law 102–526) di- difficulties in accurate or fluent word rec- acter education in preparing young people to rected the National Archives and Records ognition; and play a role in determining the future of the Administration (commonly known as (2) strengths in higher-level cognitive func- United States; ‘‘NARA’’) to establish a collection of records tions, such as reasoning, critical thinking, Whereas effective character education is to be known as the President John F. Ken- concept formation, or problem solving; based on core ethical values, which form the nedy Assassination Records Collection (re- Whereas great progress has been made in foundation of a democratic society; ferred to in this preamble as the ‘‘Collec- understanding dyslexia on a scientific level, Whereas examples of character are trust- tion’’); including the epidemiology and cognitive worthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, Whereas the Collection includes all Fed- and neurobiological bases of dyslexia; and caring, citizenship, and honesty; Whereas early screening for and early diag- eral Government records relating to the 1963 Whereas elements of character transcend assassination of President John F. Kennedy, nosis of dyslexia are critical for ensuring in- cultural, religious, and socioeconomic dif- dividuals with dyslexia receive focused, evi- including records of Presidential commis- ferences; sions, congressional committees and inves- dence-based intervention that leads to fluent Whereas the character and conduct of reading, promotion of self-awareness and tigations, executive branch agencies, and the youth reflect the character and conduct of judiciary, in addition to a variety of donated self-empowerment, and the provision of nec- society, and, therefore, every adult has the essary accommodations that ensure success historical materials; responsibility to teach and model ethical Whereas NARA has compiled a JFK Master in school and in life: Now, therefore, be it values and every social institution has the Resolved, That the Senate— System database of 319,106 documents com- responsibility to promote the development of prising 5,000,000 pages of assassination-re- (1) calls on Congress, schools, and State good character; and local educational agencies to recognize lated records, photographs, motion pictures Whereas Congress encourages individuals and recordings, and artifacts; and that dyslexia has significant educational im- and organizations, especially those that have plications that must be addressed; and Whereas the processing team at NARA, in- an interest in the education and training of cluding archivists and technicians from the (2) designates October 2017 as ‘‘National the young people of the United States, to Dyslexia Awareness Month’’. Special Access and Freedom of Information adopt the elements of character as intrinsic Act staff, staff from the Office of Innovation, to the well-being of individuals, commu- f and Public Affairs staff, have worked dili- nities, and society; AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO gently to fully release records related to the Whereas many schools in the United States MEET assassination of President Kennedy: Now, recognize the need, and have taken steps, to therefore, be it integrate the values of their communities Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I have Resolved, That the Senate commends the into teaching activities; and 17 requests for committees to meet National Archives and Records Administra- Whereas the establishment of ‘‘National during today’s session of the Senate. tion and its staff for working to comply with Character Counts Week’’, during which indi- They have the approval of the Majority the President John F. Kennedy Assassina- viduals, families, schools, youth organiza- and Minority leaders. tion Records Collection Act of 1992 and re- tions, religious institutions, civic groups, lease all records related to the assassination Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph and other organizations focus on character 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- of President John F. Kennedy by October 26, education, is of great benefit to the United 2017. States: Now, therefore, be it ate, the following committees are au- f Resolved, That the Senate— thorized to meet during today’s session (1) designates the week beginning October of the Senate: SENATE RESOLUTION 283—DESIG- 15, 2017, as ‘‘National Character Counts COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING AND URBAN NATING THE WEEK BEGINNING Week’’; and AFFAIRS OCTOBER 15, 2017, AS ‘‘NATIONAL (2) calls upon the people of the United The Committee on Banking, Housing CHARACTER COUNTS WEEK’’ States and interested groups— and Urban Affairs is authorized to Mr. GRASSLEY (for himself, Ms. (A) to embrace the elements of character meet during the session of the Senate identified by local schools and communities, STABENOW, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. ENZI, such as trustworthiness, respect, responsi- on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at 10 Mr. DONNELLY, and Mr. COCHRAN) sub- bility, fairness, caring, and citizenship; and a.m. to conduct a hearing entitled, ‘‘An mitted the following resolution; which (B) to observe the week with appropriate Examination of the Equifax cybersecu- was considered and agreed to: ceremonies, programs, and activities. rity breach.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.022 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE S6324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE October 4, 2017 COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE AND 2017, at 2:30 p.m., in room Hart 216, to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The TRANSPORTATION conduct a business meeting considering clerk will report the bill by title. The Committee on Commerce, the following: S. 943, Johnson-O’Malley The assistant bill clerk read as fol- Science, and Transportation is author- Supplemental Indian Education Pro- lows: ized to hold an Executive Session dur- gram Modernization Act. A bill (H.R. 1117) to require the Adminis- ing the session of the Senate on COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS trator of the Federal Emergency Manage- Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at 10 a.m. The Committee on Indian Affairs is ment Agency to submit a report regarding in room Hart 216. authorized to meet during the session certain plans regarding assistance to appli- cants and grantees during the response to an COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC of the Senate on Wednesday, October 4, emergency or disaster. WORKS 2017, at 2:30 p.m., in room Hart 216, to There being no objection, the Senate The Committee on Environment and conduct an oversight hearing entitled proceeded to consider the bill. Public Works is authorized to meet ‘‘Doubling Down on Indian Gaming: during the session of the Senate on Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask Examining New Issues and Opportuni- unanimous consent that the bill be Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at 10 a.m., ties for Success in the Next 30 years.’’ in room Dirksen 406, to conduct a hear- considered read a third time and passed COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY and the motion to reconsider be consid- ing on the following nominations: Mi- The Committee on Judiciary is au- chael Dourson, Matthew Leopold, ered made and laid upon the table. thorized to meet during the session of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without David Ross, and William Wehrum to be the Senate, on Wednesday, October 4, Assistant Administrators of the Envi- objection, it is so ordered. 2017, at 10 a.m., in room Dirksen 226 to The bill (H.R. 1117) was ordered to a ronmental Protection Agency; and conduct a hearing on nominations. Jeffery Baran to be a Member of the third reading, was read the third time, COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS Nuclear Regulatory Commission. and passed. The Committee on Veterans’ Affairs f COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL is authorized to meet during the ses- RESOURCES sion of the Senate on Wednesday, Octo- COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNI- The Committee on Energy and Nat- ber 4, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. to conduct a VERSARY OF THE 1992 LOS AN- ural Resources is authorized to meet hearing on pending nominations. GELES CIVIL UNREST during the session of the Senate on Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask Wednesday, October 4, 2017, after the SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING The Special Committee on Aging is unanimous consent that the Com- first vote scheduled at 11 a.m., in room mittee on the Judiciary be discharged S–216, to hold a business meeting to authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, October 4, from further consideration of S. Res. consider the following nominations: 147 and the Senate proceed to its imme- Bruce J. Walker and Steven E. 2017, at 9 a.m. in room Dirksen 562, to conduct a hearing ‘‘Still Ringing off diate consideration. Winberg, to be Assistant Secretaries of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Energy. the Hook: An Update on Efforts to Combat Robocalls.’’ objection, it is so ordered. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE The clerk will report the resolution SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE The Committee on Finance is author- by title. ized to meet during the session of the The Select Committee on Intel- The assistant bill clerk read as fol- Senate on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, ligence is authorized to meet during lows: the session of the Senate on Wednes- at 9:30 a.m., in room Dirksen 215, to A resolution (S. Res. 147) commemorating consider favorably reporting the Keep day, October 4, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. in room the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Kids’ Insurance Dependable and Secure Hart 219 to hold a closed briefing. civil unrest. (KIDS) Act of 2017. SUBCOMMITTEE ON WESTERN HEMISPHERE There being no objection, the Senate COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS The Committee on Foreign Relations proceeded to consider the resolution. The Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask is authorized to meet during the ses- is authorized to meet during the ses- unanimous consent that the resolution sion of the Senate on Wednesday, Octo- sion of Senate on Wednesday, October be agreed to, the preamble be agreed ber 4, 2017, at 9:15 a.m., to hold a brief- 4, 2017, at 11 a.m., to hold a hearing to, and the motions to reconsider be ing ‘‘Ordered Departure of Personnel ‘‘The Future of Iraq’s Minorities: considered made and laid upon the from the U.S. Embassy in Havana, What’s Next after ISIS.’’ table with no intervening action or de- Cuba.’’ SUBCOMMITTEE ON PRIVACY, TECHNOLOGY AND bate. THE LAW COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The Committee on Foreign Relations The Committee on Judiciary Sub- objection, it is so ordered. is authorized to meet during the ses- committee on Privacy, Technology and The resolution (S. Res. 147) was sion of the Senate on Wednesday, Octo- the Law is authorized to meet during agreed to. ber 4, 2017, at 10:30 a.m., to hold a hear- the session of Senate on Wednesday, The preamble was agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is ing on nominations. October 4, 2017, at 2:30 p.m., in room Dirksen 226, to conduct a hearing printed in the RECORD of April 27, 2017, COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR AND ‘‘Equifax: Continuing to Monitor Data- under ‘‘Submitted Resolutions.’’) PENSIONS The Committee on Health, Edu- Broker Cybersecurity.’’ f cation, Labor, and Pensions is author- f NATIONAL CHARACTER COUNTS ized to meet, during the session of the PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR WEEK Senate on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask at 3 p.m., in room Dirksen 406 to con- unanimous consent that my intern unanimous consent that the Senate duct a hearing entitled ‘‘Department of Nissa Koerner be granted floor privi- proceed to the consideration of S. Res. Labor and National Labor Relations leges for the remainder of the day. 283, submitted earlier today. Board Nominations.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. The COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND objection, it is so ordered. clerk will report the resolution by GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS f title. The Committee on Homeland Secu- The assistant bill clerk read as fol- rity and Governmental Affairs is au- REQUIRING THE ADMINISTRATOR lows: thorized to meet during the session of OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY A resolution (S. Res. 283) designating the the Senate on Wednesday, October 4, MANAGEMENT AGENCY TO SUB- week beginning October 15, 2017, as ‘‘Na- 2017, at 10 a.m. for a business meeting. MIT A REPORT tional Character Counts Week.’’ COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask There being no objection, the Senate The Committee on Indian Affairs is unanimous consent that the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. authorized to meet during the session proceed to the immediate consider- Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask of the Senate on Wednesday, October 4, ation of Calendar No. 222, H.R. 1117. unanimous consent that the resolution

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:50 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC6.027 S04OCPT1 lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with SENATE October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6325 be agreed to, the preamble be agreed There being no objection, the Senate ness be closed; finally, that following to, and the motions to reconsider be proceeded to consider the resolution. leader remarks, the Senate proceed to considered made and laid upon the Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask executive session and resume consider- table with no intervening action or de- unanimous consent that the resolution ation of the Quarles nomination, with bate. be agreed to, the preamble be agreed the time until 10 a.m. equally divided The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to, and the motions to reconsider be between the two leaders or their des- objection, it is so ordered. considered made and laid upon the ignees. The resolution (S. Res. 283) was table with no intervening action or de- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without agreed to. bate. objection, it is so ordered. The preamble was agreed to. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without (The resolution, with its preamble, is objection, it is so ordered. f printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- The resolution (S. Res. 284) was mitted Resolutions.’’) agreed to. ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. f The preamble was agreed to. TOMORROW NATIONAL DYSLEXIA AWARENESS (The resolution, with its preamble, is Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, if there is MONTH printed in today’s RECORD under ‘‘Sub- no further business to come before the Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask mitted Resolutions.’’) Senate, I ask unanimous consent that unanimous consent that the Senate f it stand adjourned under the previous proceed to consideration of S. Res. 284, order. submitted earlier today. ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER There being no objection, the Senate, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 5, 2017 at 4:29 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, clerk will report the resolution by Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I ask October 5, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. title. unanimous consent that when the Sen- The assistant bill clerk read as fol- ate completes its business today, it ad- f lows: journ until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Octo- A resolution (S. Res. 284) calling on Con- ber 5; further, that following the pray- CONFIRMATION gress, schools, and State and local edu- er and pledge, the morning hour be cational agencies to recognize the signifi- Executive nomination confirmed by cant educational implications of dyslexia deemed expired, the Journal of pro- the Senate October 4, 2017: that must be addressed, and designating Oc- ceedings be approved to date, the time DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES for the two leaders be reserved for their tober 2017 as ‘‘National Dyslexia Awareness ERIC D. HARGAN, OF ILLINOIS, TO BE DEPUTY SEC- Month.’’ use later in the day, and morning busi- RETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.

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TAIWAN’S NATIONAL DAY the government of Taiwan not only offered His friends and coworkers know Mr. Parker their support but also donated $800,000 to the as a humble man who quietly serves his com- HON. DENNIS A. ROSS disaster relief efforts. I would like to join my munity, but his brave actions in Watertown, OF FLORIDA colleagues in recognizing this generous dona- along with his decades of military service, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion and offer my sincere thanks. speak volumes about his character and deep Wednesday, October 4, 2017 I extend my best wishes to the people of care for others. He stays in contact with the Taiwan as they celebrate their National Day veteran he helped in 2014 as much as pos- Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, in addition to con- and I look forward to continuing our strong re- sible to ensure that he is getting the treatment gratulating the people of Taiwan on the occa- lationship for many decades to come. and attention that he deserves. sion of their National Day this coming October f Mr. Speaker, Mr. Clinton Parker has served 10, I would like to reiterate my strong support our country throughout his career, and he will- for both the Taiwan Relations Act (also known JILL BORSTELMAN KLAUSING ingly steps up to help others at moments of as the TRA) and the bilateral trade agreement crisis. His leadership, bravery, and selfless- between Taiwan and the United States. HON. FRANCIS ROONEY ness are inspiring, and it is therefore fitting Economic bonds between Taiwan and the OF FLORIDA and proper that we honor him here today. United States have continued to grow due to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f various bilateral mechanisms and exchanges including: the Trade and Investment Frame- Wednesday, October 4, 2017 PERSONAL EXPLANATION work Agreement, the Digital Economy Forum, Mr. FRANCIS ROONEY of Florida. Mr. the SelectUSA Investment Summit, the United Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an out- HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY States Business Day, and the Agricultural standing teacher in my district. OF NEW YORK Trade Goodwill Mission. In 2016, two-way I stand today to celebrate Dunbar High IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES trade of goods between Taiwan and the School teacher Jill Borstelman Klausing of United States exceeded $65 billion, making Cape Coral. She returned to the classroom Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Taiwan the United States’ 10th largest trading after a 16-month hiatus due to stage 3 breast Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, on October 2 partner. cancer. After months of extensive treatment, and 3, I was absent for recorded votes No. Since 1993, Taiwan has maintained its spot she is blessed to continue her passion of 544 through 547. Had I been present, on Roll on the list of the top seven countries importing teaching. Call No. 544 I would have voted YES; on Roll U.S. agricultural products. Altogether, Tai- Jill has devoted almost two decades to Call No. 545 I would have voted YES; on Roll wanese importers have purchased nearly $30 teaching intensive reading at Dunbar High Call No. 546 I would have voted NO; and on billion in U.S. grain products. In 2016, Taiwan School and has had a lasting impression to Roll Call No. 547 I would have voted NO. imported $3.4 billion worth of U.S. agricultural countless students. Her high energy and de- f products, roughly one-quarter of Taiwan’s an- termination is unmatched and enhances the nual agricultural imports. learning environment every day. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Taiwan is not only a valuable trade partner, I wish her and her family the best as she but our nations have a strong relationship continues her recovery. The students and fac- HON. LUIS V. GUTIE´RREZ based on shared values of freedom, democ- ulty of Dunbar are in a better place with Jill in racy, and human rights, as well as interests in OF ILLINOIS the classroom. This has been a challenging IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES enhancing peace, security and prosperity in start to the school year, and I wish all our the Asia Pacific region. I look forward to con- local educators the best. Wednesday, October 4, 2017 tinue working with my colleagues to address ´ f Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I was un- the global challenges that face Taiwan and avoidably absent in the House chamber for continue our prosperous relationship. HONORING MR. CLINTON PARKER Roll Call vote 546 on Tuesday, October 3, f 2017. Had I been present, I would have voted RECOGNIZING THE 106TH HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY Nay. NATIONAL DAY OF TAIWAN OF CONNECTICUT f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER HON. SCOTT DesJARLAIS Wednesday, October 4, 2017 TORRANCE MAYOR DELORES OF TENNESSEE Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I ‘‘DEE’’ HARDISON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rise today to honor Clinton Parker, who was Wednesday, October 4, 2017 recently named a 2017 Hero of the Year by HON. TED LIEU Mr. DESJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today the National Association of Letter Carriers. Mr. OF CALIFORNIA to acknowledge the 106th National Day of the Parker has proudly served as a mail carrier in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Republic of China, which falls on October Waterbury, Connecticut, but he has gone Wednesday, October 4, 2017 10th, and to extend my best wishes to the above and beyond the call of duty to help oth- people of Taiwan. ers in his community. Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I The U.S. and Taiwan have maintained a Mr. Parker has a long history of service to rise to celebrate the life of former mayor of the close and mutually-beneficial relationship our country, and is a 30-year Army veteran. City of Torrance Delores ‘‘Dee’’ Hardison—a based on our shared values of freedom, de- He takes his commitment to protecting others beloved wife, mother, and grandmother—who mocracy and free enterprise. The passage of seriously, and on December 6, 2014, Mr. passed away on September 30, 2017, at the the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979 has contrib- Parker helped first responders during a dan- age of 79. uted to the peace and stability of the Asia Pa- gerous situation. A fellow veteran experiencing Born Delores Grinton on January 22, 1938, cific region, and enabled the people of Taiwan post-traumatic stress was in a standoff with in Bellingham, Washington, Dee was one of to build a prosperous and democratic society. police; and, at the request of the man’s father, nine children born to Walter and June Grinton. Since then, Congress has continued to play a the police contacted Mr. Parker to ask for his She graduated from Western Washington Uni- strong role in bolstering our bilateral security, assistance in diffusing the situation. While on versity in 1960, where she met her future hus- economic and cultural ties. his mail route, Mr. Parker accepted the call band, Lowell Hardison, who worked for Boe- This close relationship was exemplified re- and bravely assisted police in a seven-hour ing. Dee later received a master’s degree from cently in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, when standoff, which ended peacefully. California State University, Long Beach. She

∑ 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 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K04OC8.001 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E1320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 4, 2017 taught at Lincoln High School in Seattle and coached their volleyball team for 19 years. Pennsylvania Hall of Fame. The Times-Trib- moved to Reno, Nevada with Lowell. Dee and During her coaching career at ECHS, she une also honored Ken by naming him Coach Lowell moved to Torrance, near what is now amassed 633 victories and 5 trips to the IHSA of the Year in 2011 and 2016. He also re- Sur La Brea Park, in 1967. State Volleyball Tournament. And in 2012, ceived The Joseph M. Butler Memorial Award Dee began mobilizing the local community Edwards County High School renamed their in 2016 in recognition of his contribution to to persuade the city to build Sur La Brea Park. gym to the ‘‘Linda Oxby Gymnasium’’ in her Scholastic athletics. This successful campaign led to her service honor. It is an honor to recognize Ken for his out- for almost a decade on the Parks and Recre- In 2011, Ms. Oxby was diagnosed with can- standing career as an educator and coach. I ation and Planning Commissions, while she cer, but remained dedicated to her community, am grateful for all the work he’s done to shape also worked as a physical education teacher school, and team as she continued to coach young minds throughout his lifetime. and later a special-education instructor for the volleyball through her treatments. On Sep- Torrance Unified School District. tember 28th, Linda Oxby passed away after a f She was then elected to the Torrance City 6-year battle with cancer, leaving behind a TRIBUTE TO JOANN EACCARINO Council in 1986 and became mayor in 1994. legacy of compassion, respect, and service. During her time as mayor, she was visible and While Linda Oxby experienced phenomenal HON. JOE COURTNEY accessible to her constituents. In the days im- success on the court, her number of victories OF CONNECTICUT mediately after 9/11, Dee was at Del Amo is unparalleled to the number of lives she im- Fashion Center talking to community members pacted as a coach, teacher, colleague, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and offering her support during that difficult friend. Wednesday, October 4, 2017 time. She oversaw the expansion of the Civic I send my most heartfelt condolences to Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise Center library, establishment of the Madrona Linda Oxby’s family, friends, and to the entire to recognize Ms. JoAnn Eaccarino upon her Marsh Nature Preserve and redevelopment of Edwards County School District. She will be retirement from the Child and Family Agency Old Torrance. missed dearly by all of those she has touched. of Southeastern Connecticut. Her outstanding public service extended to f For 23 years, JoAnn served the Child and other community organizations. For more than Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut’s 25 years, Dee was an active member of the IN RECOGNITION OF KENNETH BIANCHI, 2017 LACKAWANNA CO- school-based health centers through skilled Torrance Education Foundation and board and compassionate care for children, steady chair for LINC Housing, a nonprofit group that LUMBUS DAY ASSOCIATION ITALIAN MAN OF THE YEAR support for the centers’ medical and behav- builds housing for seniors and families ioral health professionals, and integration of throughout the state. She was the 2011 recipi- these services with the agency’s child care, ent of the Jared Sidney Torrance Award, HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT after-school, and outpatient behavioral health which recognizes an individual’s sustained OF PENNSYLVANIA services. Prior to her service in the health cen- service to the community and is considered IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ters, JoAnn served her country with distinction Torrance’s highest honor. She was also recog- Wednesday, October 4, 2017 as a nurse in the United States Air Force from nized as Torrance YMCA Woman of the Year, 1974 to 1977, before being discharged with a Switzer Center South Bay Woman of the Year, Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kenneth Bianchi, who will be Commendation Medal at the rank of Captain. and a Cal State Dominguez Hills Distinguished Through her distinguished career, JoAnn Alumni. recognized as the Italian Man of the Year by the Lackawanna Columbus Day Association has dedicated herself to improving the health Dee is survived by her husband, Lowell, her and well-being of individuals in a variety of two sons, Mark and Brad, and two grand- as they celebrate the 525th anniversary of Co- lumbus’ discovery of America. hospital, outpatient primary care, military, and children whom I hope take comfort in the way private, non-profit settings. JoAnn has been a Dee lived her life serving Torrance, the city Born and raised in West Scranton to Deno and Frances Ranakoski Bianchi, Ken received passionate, statewide advocate for improved that she loved. Torrance loved her back. May access to quality medical and behavioral her memory be a blessing to us all. his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Mansfield University and continued post- health care through her years of leadership f graduate studies at Penn State University. within the Connecticut Association of School- PERSONAL EXPLANATION While at Mansfield, Ken played varsity basket- Based Health Centers. ball and spent one year as team captain. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me HON. LYNN JENKINS In 1967, Ken began his teaching career in in recognizing Ms. Eaccarino’s career-long the Line Mountain School District in North- dedication to improving the health status of OF KANSAS umberland County, Pennsylvania. He returned Connecticut’s children and families through IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to Scranton a year later to teach history and compassionate, direct care and tireless advo- Wednesday, October 4, 2017 physical education at Cathedral High School, cacy. Ms. JENKINS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I where he served as Athletic Director. Ken f was absent for Roll Call votes No. 544 and went on to teach for the Scranton School Dis- 545 on the evening of October 2, 2017. Had trict, where he remained until his retirement in IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH AN- I been present, I would have voted in favor of 2004. NIVERSARY OF THE BOROUGH OF KEANSBURG, NEW JERSEY H.R. 1547, sponsored by Rep. MARTHA Ken was head boys basketball coach at MCSALLY; I would have voted in favor of H.R. Scranton Technical High School from 1976 to 965, sponsored by Rep. ANN KUSTER. 1991. In 1997, he became the head coach for HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. f boys basketball at Abington Heights High OF NEW JERSEY School. During his coaching career, Ken has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOGNIZING LINDA OXBY lead his teams to victory 747 times, and they made the ELITE 8 in the state three times, Wednesday, October 4, 2017 HON. JOHN SHIMKUS with last year’s squad ending up one of the Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to OF ILLINOIS Final Four teams in Pennsylvania. Ken’s recognize the Borough of Keansburg, New IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES teams have won 22 straight District II playoff Jersey as it celebrates its centennial this year. games and have won the District II Champion- It is my honor to join with its officials and resi- Wednesday, October 4, 2017 ship the past six years. dents in commemorating this significant mile- Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before In 1985, Ken received a citation from the stone. you today to recognize Linda Oxby, a longtime Pennsylvania House of Representatives when With its beautiful shoreline and proximity to educator, coach, and mentor. his Scranton Tech team won the Lackawanna New York City, the area attracted visitors from Ms. Oxby first found her love for coaching League Southern Division Championship for the north that helped transform Keansburg volleyball at Coal City High School where she the first time in twenty years. In 2005, the from a fishing community to a resort town dat- spent her first five years in education. Eventu- Scranton Times-Tribune recognized Ken as ing back to 1917. Over the years, its location ally she moved to Edwards County High one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s top twen- and affordability, as well as the Keansburg School in Albion, IL, where she taught and ty-five coaches of all time. In 2006, he was in- Amusement Park, helped the borough develop was an administrator for 28 years as well as ducted into the Northeast Chapter of the into a year-round residential town.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04OC8.004 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1321 Today, Keansburg continues to grow, revi- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Lackawanna Columbus Day Association. I am talizing its business district, improving its rec- grateful for all the work he has done to help reational resources and expanding its commu- HON. KAY GRANGER our young athletes strive for excellence. nity activities. Although the town was dev- OF TEXAS f astated by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING PULASKI COUNTY community remains resilient and continues to Wednesday, October 4, 2017 rebuild. In 2016, the borough celebrated the DEPUTY BRANSON EBER opening of the new Joseph Caruso Elemen- Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, due to per- tary School, a 122,000 square-foot state of the sonal reasons, I unfortunately missed votes on HON. JACKIE WALORSKI art facility for kindergarten through fourth September 27th and September 28th. OF INDIANA Had I been present, I would have voted grade students. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES YEA on Roll Call No. 538, YEA on Roll Call In its 100th year, the borough is governed No. 539, YEA on Roll Call No. 540, NAY on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 by Mayor George Hoff, Deputy Mayor Thomas Roll Call No. 541, YEA on Roll Call No. 542, Foley and Council members Arthur Boden, Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and YEA on Roll Call No. 543. James Cocuzza, Sr. and Sean Tonne, Sr. to recognize Deputy Branson Eber of Pulaski f Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my col- County on his recent outstanding actions. Ear- leagues will join me in marking the 100th anni- IN RECOGNITION OF ROSS lier this year, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s De- versary of the Borough of Keansburg and MACCIOCCO, 2017 LACKAWANNA partment awarded Deputy Eber with the Medal celebrating its rich history. COLUMBUS DAY ASSOCIATION of Valor for the integrity and commitment he ITALIAN MAN OF THE YEAR showed during a cross-county pursuit. Deputy Eber went above and beyond to en- f sure the safe rescue of a fellow Hoosier. His HONORING THE CAPITOL HILL HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT remarkable actions led to successful commu- OF PENNSYLVANIA JAZZ FOUNDATION nication between multiple agencies and saved IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a life. Deputy Eber’s bravery, instinct, and Wednesday, October 4, 2017 commitment to service are exemplary charac- HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise teristics of the men and women in our nation’s OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA today to honor Ross Macciocco, who will be law enforcement who work to keep our com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES recognized as the Italian Man of the Year by munities safe every day. I am grateful for the hard work and dedica- Wednesday, October 4, 2017 the Lackawanna Columbus Day Association as they celebrate the 525th anniversary of Co- tion Deputy Eber has shown in his career in Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lumbus’ discovery of America. local law enforcement as well as in the Na- ask the House of Representatives to join me Ross is the son of the late Joseph and Julia tional Guard. His spirit and courage are posi- in recognizing the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation Paris Macciocco and grew up on Cabrini Ave- tive reflections on northern Indiana, and our as it celebrates its inaugural annual event, Hill nue in West Scranton. Ross is a graduate of community is a safer place to live because of Fest, during Capitol Hill Jazz Week in the Dis- West Scranton High School, Keystone Junior his service. trict of Columbia. College, and East Stroudsburg University. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Indiana’s 2nd Dis- The Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation was con- Ross received his Bachelor’s Degree in Health trict, I want to thank Deputy Eber for his lead- ceived after recognizing a need for jazz in the and Physical Education in 1972. After grad- ership, determination, and conviction. I com- Washington, D.C.-area and the unique histor- uating from East Stroudsburg, Ross was hired mend the hard work of all our nation’s police ical and educational opportunities it provides to coach basketball by the Dunmore School officers, first responders, and emergency dis- to musicians. District. patchers, and I applaud Deputy Eber’s embod- The mission of the Foundation is to serve Ross began his coaching career at Dun- iment of law enforcement at its finest. the Washington, D.C. jazz community by pro- more High School in the 1980–1981 season f viding a weekly jam session, an annual jazz and spent 28 seasons as Head Girls Basket- IN RECOGNITION OF MR. CEDELL festival and arts advocacy on behalf of D.C. ball Coach. Over his tenure, Ross compiled BROOKS’ RETIREMENT FROM jazz musicians. The Foundation seeks to as- 528 wins, 12 league championships, 7 District THE KING GEORGE COUNTY sist Washington, D.C.-based jazz musicians, II Titles, and was runner-up in the 1994 State BOARD OF SUPERVISORS venues and jazz education programs. Championship. He coached three All-State This week, the Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation players, and 24 of his players went on to com- celebrates its Hill Fest, which brings together pete at the collegiate level. HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN musicians, community leaders and policy pro- Ross then went on to be head coach for OF VIRGINIA fessionals to address policy concerns that di- Scranton Preparatory School girls basketball IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rectly affect musicians at the local and na- team, where he spent 6 seasons. While at Wednesday, October 4, 2017 tional level. Hill Fest will also serve as an out- Scranton Prep he amassed 132 wins, three let for local music vendors to be introduced to League Championship, one District Title, two Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to a broader audience. Lynett Tournament Titles, and two AAA Elite 8 recognize Mr. Cedell Brooks, a citizen of King George County and Virginia’s First District, on Therefore, I ask the House of Representa- appearances. His Scranton Prep teams have his retirement from the King George County tives to join me in recognizing the Capitol Hill had two All-State players and 10 former play- Board of Supervisors. Mr. Brooks has served Jazz Foundation during Capitol Hill Jazz Week ers went on to play college basketball. his community well for decades. Mr. Brooks in the District of Columbia. Ross coached the Keystone State Games, Pocono Region Team in 1985–1986 and is a began his career in public service as the member of the Russell/WBCA 400–500 Vic- youngest African American to be elected to a f tory Club. He was inducted in the Chic Feld- County Board of Supervisors in the Common- PERSONAL EXPLANATION man Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Local wealth. Mr. Brooks leadership and service Chapter of the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in continued throughout his career on the Board 2005. He spent the 2016–2017 season as an with many important community projects in- HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at cluding: the establishment of Shiloh Park rec- OF FLORIDA Marywood University and is currently the reational facility, relocation of a landfill to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Boys’ Varsity Assistant to Joe Ferguson at Sealston, construction of Fire and Rescue Company #I in Courthouse and Company #3 Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Stroudsburg High School. Ross has been married to his wife Terry for in Fairview Beach, in addition to overseeing Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, 42 years. They reside in Dunmore, Pennsyl- the establishment of Sealston Elementary October 3, 2017, I mistakenly voted NAY on vania. They have two daughters Tara and School, King George Elementary School, and Roll Call Vote 550 for S. 782—To reauthorize Jenna and three grandchildren Lucas, Mollie, King George High School. Mr. Brooks also the National Internet Crimes Against Children and Jaxon. helped the County Fire and Rescue Depart- Taskforce Program, and for other purposes. I It is an honor to recognize Ross as he ac- ment transition to a full-time force to better intended to vote YEA on the measure. cepts the Italian Man of the Year award by the serve the community.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04OC8.009 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E1322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 4, 2017 During his tenure, Mr. Brooks served as the visits and has helped families in need receive all Members to help pass the Police CAMERA Chairman of the King George County Board of services from Project Self-Sufficiency. Act quickly. Supervisors five times, and as a member of Project Self-Sufficiency has always put their f the King George County’s Social Services’ clients first, which is what makes them con- Board for 20 years. tinue to be the successful organization it is HONORING TENNESSEE STATE I would like to thank Mr. Brooks for his today. UNIVERSITY IN NASHVILLE, many contributions throughout his 26 year ca- Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our col- TENNESSEE reer. I wish him, his wife Carolyn, and daugh- leagues join me in congratulating Project Self- ter Cayla, the best of luck in their future en- Sufficiency on the occasion of its 30th HON. JIM COOPER deavors. Anniversary. OF TENNESSEE f f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING THE PROJECT SELF- INTRODUCTION OF POLICE Wednesday, October 4, 2017 SUFFICIENCY 30TH ANNIVERSARY CAMERA ACT Mr. COOPER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tennessee State University for its 45 HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN HON. STEVE COHEN years of participation in the Federal Depository OF NEW JERSEY OF TENNESSEE Library Program. Tennessee State University IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and its renowned library are not only invalu- able to the Middle Tennessee community, but Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Wednesday, October 4, 2017 to America. Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Tennessee State University has been a sta- today to honor Project Self-Sufficiency, based support of the Police Creating Accountability ple of the community for more than a century. in Newton, New Jersey, serving Sussex and by Making Effective Recording Act, also Its library is unique and filled with knowledge. Warren counties, on the occasion of its 30th known as the Police CAMERA Act, a bill I in- In 1945, Ms. Lois H. Daniel was appointed the Anniversary. troduced earlier today with more than a dozen director. She led the library for 31 years, Project Self-Sufficiency was founded in of my colleagues here in the House and in co- reaching new heights and creating the Library 1987 with the core mission of improving fami- ordination with Senators BRIAN SCHATZ and Service Program to train school librarians. She lies’ lives by providing childcare, educating RAND PAUL who introduced the bill today in the also ushered in a new partnership in 1972 and helping single parents find jobs. Since Senate. If enacted, this bill would establish a when Tennessee State University joined the 1987, the organization continues to stay true grant program to assist state and local law en- Federal Depository Library Program. to its mission by emphasizing the importance forcement with the deployment of body-worn Through the Federal Depository Library Pro- of community. Project Self-Sufficiency’s staff camera programs. gram, Tennessee State University helps main- Safe communities require good police. members live in the community and many, tain access to government documents for the were once themselves, beneficiaries of its Good policing requires public trust. Unfortunately, in far too many communities, entire nation. It preserves history by storing services. and providing public access to our laws, rules, The first Founding Board President, Michael that trust has become strained. In the wake of recent police shootings, our research, and other documents. The Library J. Holub, played a huge role in creating the nation is facing sobering questions about the Service Program has thrived at Tennessee essence of Project Self-Sufficiency. Michael basic fairness of our criminal justice system. State University, and now it is leading the way was a supporter in the early stages and We face sobering questions about race. in transitioning to the digital age. It is fitting helped nurture the project into an organization Over the past several years, the wider avail- that a historic university with a bright future that works to enhance the lives of local com- ability of video has shined a much-needed should be a caretaker for our government’s munity members every day. light on police use of deadly force. Without documents. One amazing story that comes to mind is video of places like North Charleston, Staten I would also like to honor the countless peo- Matthew. Matthew was 17 years old when he Island, Chicago, Cleveland, Baton Rouge, ple that have helped grow the Library Service found out he had a daughter on the way. He Tulsa and Falcon Heights, Minnesota the Program, including Dr. Evelyn Fancher, Dr. knew this would bring many changes and he world might never know what occurred. Yildiz Binkley, Dr. Murle Kenerson, Ms. La- needed to, in his words, ‘‘man-up’’. He went The more we see of these types of videos, verne Walker, Ms. Jessie Hughes, Mr. Crayton from being a teenager sitting on his couch to the more we are left to wonder about all the Dudley, Ms. Sharon Johnson, Ms. Saundra working a wide variety of jobs. Even though incidents that were not recorded. Peterson, Ms. Anita Etheridge, and Ms. Angel he was making money, at 22, he still did not Had there been better video of the shooting Sloss. have his high school diploma. When Matthew of Darrius Stewart in my home town of Mem- I am proud to celebrate Tennessee State joined New Jersey Youth Corps of Sussex, phis, it might have helped to better inform the University’s Martha M. Brown/Lois H. Daniel which at the time was a new program, he grand jury that, sadly, refused to indict the po- Library. It has served our nation well during its found the missing puzzle piece in his life. lice officer who was responsible. first 45 years of public service as a Federal Through this program he was able to gain ex- Justice is supposed to be blind, but it is not Depository Library. perience at his community internships and supposed to be blind to the facts. f earn his GED. He graduated from the Youth Police body cameras can help provide evi- HONORING BRIDGETTE BEATTY Corps and his daughter was able to witness dence and restore some much-needed trust. her father get his diploma and understand the They can protect both police and citizens JONES power of education. alike. Project Self-Sufficiency has grown tremen- The vast majority of police are well mean- HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO dously in the past 30 years in both the hearts ing, dedicated public servants, and we depend OF MISSISSIPPI and homes of residents in Sussex and Warren upon them to keep us safe from criminals. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES counties. The organization began with two They have dangerous jobs, as we have seen Wednesday, October 4, 2017 staff members, who within the first year, were all too frequently. able to help 343 single parents and their chil- But the fact remains some officers go be- Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to dren. Project Self-Sufficiency began as a small yond the law in a callous disregard for due recognize Mrs. Bridgette Beatty Jones, former and passionate organization, which surpassed process. Their actions damage the public trust District Office Manager of Mississippi’s ‘‘Fight- public expectations. that is essential for good police to be able to ing 4th’’ Congressional District. More than 25,000 families have been serve and protect our communities. I am blessed with a team of professionals helped by Project Self-Sufficiency, not includ- Police body cameras, alone, won’t solve this who hit the ground running when I first came ing the 30,000 children whose quality of life problem. But they are an important step in the to Congress in 2011. The transition to a new has improved immensely from this organiza- right direction. office could have been overwhelming but for tion. Project Self-Sufficiency has helped I would like to thank Senators SCHATZ and the energy and leadership of Bridgette Jones 12,000 adults in the surrounding area in ca- PAUL for their leadership on this issue and for leading the way for my team in the district. reer training, and out of that number, 9,000 partnering with me on this legislation. One important aspect of Bridgette’s work adults have been granted employment. This I also thank my colleagues who have signed was planning and executing public events, organization has conducted over 38,000 home on as cosponsors of this legislation and I urge such as the Congressional Art Competition,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04OC8.015 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1323 our Salute to the Military, our Youth Leader- HONORING JACOBY CREEK was thirty-five books. Patrons paid a very ship Summit, and our Military Service Acad- ELEMENTARY SCHOOL small fee to borrow books. For several years, emy Day. Today, on the occasion of our an- this was the sole source of library revenue. nual Academy Day, I salute Bridgette in ap- HON. JARED HUFFMAN By 1907, Professor Hedden, Superintendent preciation for her passionate leadership of this OF CALIFORNIA of Schools, requested the Caldwell Borough Council to submit to the voters a referendum event. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to establish a free library under the State Li- Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Like the nominees and academy cadets brary Act. The measure was ultimately accept- Bridgette worked with over the years, she too Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ed and approved. represents the qualities of an excellent acad- recognize Jacoby Creek Elementary School, On June 8, 1908 a letter from the Carnegie emy candidate. In addition to her sharp, pro- which was selected as a 2017 National Blue Library Foundation offered a sum of seven fessional, albeit pint-sized, appearance, Ribbon School, in the Exemplary High Per- thousand five hundred dollars to construct a li- Bridgette possesses amazing intelligence, a forming Schools category, by the U.S. Depart- brary. For the next nine years, the library devotion to serving her community, a powerful ment of Education. This highly competitive board was confronted with problems, which hindered the construction of a new edifice. Ac- work ethic, seemingly endless athleticism—es- award reflects outstanding academic achieve- ment and the highest caliber of professional quiring a suitable location was the principal pecially on the tennis court—and a noble char- service and family and community engage- issue, until Mr. George W. Canfield of West acter. ment. Caldwell, generously donated $2,000.00 to- On my staff, she best understood the proc- With over 400 students from a variety of so- ward the purchase of a site for the library. ess of Academy Day, from coordinating with cioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds through- With the contribution, and donations from academy representatives and service mem- out rural Humboldt County, Jacoby Creek Ele- other interested persons, a total of $3,000.00 bers, schools, and families involved in the mentary School offers a well-rounded edu- was accumulated to purchase a new location. event, right down to the smallest detail. cational program that challenges its students On October 12, 1917 the Caldwell Library was formally dedicated. Mayor Peck, who, at Bridgette’s contagious enthusiasm was greatly academically in a safe and inclusive climate while fostering a lifelong love of learning. In the time, was President of the Library Trust- appreciated, as she facilitated the work of the ees, was delivered the key of the building. selection board and the cadet nominees who addition to a staff dedicated to helping stu- dents meet their fullest potential, Jacoby During the First World War, the Council of would come to represent our district at the National Defense made an appeal for maga- academies. Creek Elementary School’s educational suc- cess is uniquely supported by extremely high zines and books for soldiers on transport For these reasons, and so many more, I am parent and community participation in all as- ships. Miss Hasler designated the library as a proud and grateful for the opportunity to honor pects of the school program. The school has collection center for books from this area. The Bridgette Jones, my friend and former District earned a strong reputation for academic excel- public responded enthusiastically by donating Office Manager on the House floor today. I lence and prides itself on developing students more than five hundred volumes. On Armistice Day, November 12, 1919, two wish her and her husband, Bud Jones, as well who are kind, productive, and considerate citi- bronze tablets, installed on each side of the zens. as their children, Paige and A.J., all the best front entrance of the Caldwell Library, were Mr. Speaker, this hard-earned distinction re- for the future, and thank her for her service to dedicated and unveiled during auspicious flects a true community success. From the South Mississippi. Bridgette will always be a ceremonies. On Memorial Day and Veterans amazing students and their families to the member of Team Palazzo. Day, the James Caldwell Post 185 of the staff, administrators, and extended community, American Legion, and various local veterans Jacoby Creek Elementary School has devel- f organizations conduct joint exercises at this oped an effective education model for the memorial. 2017 MERIT SCHOLARS state and nation, empowering students of This event served as a turning point for today to be the problem-solvers, inventors, Caldwell, in that the library became a focal and pioneers of tomorrow. Please join me in point for the community; generating civic vol- HON. TOM EMMER congratulating Jacoby Creek Elementary unteerism. The ‘‘Friends of the Library,’’ con- School on this impressive achievement. OF MINNESOTA tinue to this day to promote its goals. f The purpose and aim of Caldwell library is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING THE CALDWELL PUBLIC to meet the cultural and intellectual needs of the people of the area. It is with this goal in Wednesday, October 4, 2017 LIBRARY’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY mind that the library hopes to continue and ex- Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN pand its services to the community. recognize seven students from my district who Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our col- OF NEW JERSEY leagues join me in congratulating the Caldwell have received 2017 National Merit Scholar- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Public Library on the occasion of its Centen- ships. Wednesday, October 4, 2017 nial Anniversary. The criteria that must be met to receive one Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise f of these scholarships is quite difficult. In fact, today to honor the Caldwell Public Library, lo- RECOGNIZING DOUG MCCUMBER of the 15,000 finalists selected, only half will cated in the Borough of Caldwell, New Jersey, actually receive scholarships. on the occasion of its 100th Anniversary. HON. JOHN SHIMKUS The recipients of this prestigious scholarship The forerunner of the present Caldwell Pub- lic Library dates back to the post-Revolu- OF ILLINOIS are Connor Schmidt of Ham Lake, Benjamin IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Caswell of Shoreview, Raffi Toghramadijan of tionary War era. Pioneers purchased books Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Blaine, Rachel Cho of Blaine, Piper and founded a library in 1804. The number of Christenson of Spring Lake Park, Catherine books increased relatively few to over five Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before Lewis of Blaine, and Kenneth Truong of Coon hundred volumes in the ensuing years. As a you today to recognize Doug McCumber for result of personal or home ownership of Rapids. his leadership and service to his community of books, the interest in the library waned, result- Tuscola, IL. Each one of these students has big plans ing in its dissolution in 1835. Doug graduated from Tuscola High School for their future, which include careers in medi- In early 1894, Caldwell High School held a in 1967 and then the University of Illinois in cine, science, and engineering—all fields that faculty meeting to discuss reading material for 1971. After graduating from the University of are critically important to the success of our students. At that time, nothing was available Illinois, Doug began his 40 year career in nation. except books owned by the residents in the banking and a life dedicated to his community. Over time, Doug served in many capacities I congratulate each of these students on re- community. After several meetings concerning this matter, the committee concluded that a li- such as the President of Tuscola’s Rotary ceiving this scholarship, and I look forward to brary was needed for the students as well as Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Community watching them achieve great success in their for the greater public. Development Corporation. Doug was also ac- respective careers. On December 4, 1894, the library opened tive in Tuscola’s United Methodist Church as Good work and good luck. its doors and the circulation for that first day a member of its Board of Trustees.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04OC8.019 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E1324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 4, 2017 An avid sports fan, Doug enjoyed cheering pleasant, it is critical that we never try to for- wood Cemetery, which is located in Spring- on the Illini and St. Louis Cardinals, but that get or erase it. If we do, then we have not field, Missouri. was nothing compared to his love for all things learned from our history and we are more like- The Hazelwood Cemetery was officially Tuscola Warriors. In fact, most knew Doug as ly to repeat mistakes of the past. dedicated on October 26, 1867, and was origi- the ‘‘Voice of the Warriors’’ as he was the I thank Dennis for sharing his knowledge nally located several miles outside of city lim- play-by-play announcer for Tuscola High and wisdom with my staff. They will never for- its. However, despite the original location out- School’s football team for 43 seasons. get him. side of the city, over the years Springfield has Doug McCumber passed away September f grown around the Hazelwood Cemetery. 26th, remembered as a beloved family man to IN RECOGNITION OF MID-CITIES On the 14th of October this year, the Hazel- his wife and children, a devoted Christian to wood Cemetery will celebrate its sesqui- his congregation, and a public servant to the TEXAS CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INC. centennial anniversary. 150 years of both his- entire Tuscola community. tory and service to the Springfield community Mr. Speaker, I wish to send my deepest will be celebrated on this day. The Hazelwood sympathies to Doug McCumber’s family, HON. MARC A. VEASEY Cemetery honors John Polk Campbell, the friends, and all of those he impacted in service OF TEXAS founder of Springfield, John T. Woodruff, the to his town. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES visionary of Route 66 and many other notable f Wednesday, October 4, 2017 members of the local Springfield community. HONORING THE NEW SHARON AND Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in On behalf of Missouri’s 7th Congressional OSKALOOSA FIRE DEPARTMENTS recognition of the Mid-Cities Texas Chapter of District, I ask my colleagues to join me in rec- The Links, Incorporated as they are awarded ognizing the significant role the Hazelwood HON. DAVID LOEBSACK the 2017 Community Service Award from the Cemetery has played in honoring the lives of the Springfield community. OF IOWA Pro-Duffers Foundation for their work to pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mote programs that provide services to pro- tect, enhance and enrich the educational, eco- f Wednesday, October 4, 2017 nomic, cultural and social aspects of the Dal- Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today las-Fort Worth Metroplex. OPERA AT FLORHAM 35TH to honor a group of firefighters from my dis- The Links was chartered on April 20, 1985 ANNIVERSARY trict. Millions across the country watched Hur- and has since expanded its association to 280 ricane Harvey hit parts of Texas in late Au- chapters worldwide with more than 14,000 HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN gust, causing tragic loss of life and dev- predominantly African-American members astating damage to areas such as Houston. A globally. Led by President Billie Hawkins, the OF NEW JERSEY group of Iowa first responders with a history of Mid-Cities Texas Chapter of The Links boasts IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES helping out during national disasters knew a coalition of 50 professional women focused Wednesday, October 4, 2017 they had to help. on a commitment to community, comradery, On Thursday, September 14th, members of and communication. To commemorate their Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise the New Sharon Fire and Oskaloosa Fire De- 30th anniversary, the Mid-Cities Chapter do- today to honor Opera at Florham, located in partments loaded up materials and drove nated $30,000 to six local charities whose Fairleigh Dickinson University, in the Borough twenty-two hours to Rockport, Texas to help a mission, vision and work in the community of Madison, New Jersey, on the occasion of community in need. Over the course of their aligned with the service focus areas of the their 35th Anniversary. From humble begin- time in Texas, these volunteers worked tire- chapter: services to youth, the arts, health and nings, this organization’s mission is to educate lessly to help their fellow first responders human services, and removing barriers for na- and provide affordable operatic and related clean up and recover from this storm. In a tional and international African American lead- musical performances. time of disaster, Iowans step up to help out ership development. In 1982 Violetta DuPont co-founded the or- those in need. To the volunteers from the New In years past, the Mid-Cities Texas Chapter ganization as an extension of Fairleigh Dickin- Sharon and Oskaloosa Fire Departments, I am collaborated with The University of Texas at son University’s Music Department. Since then in awe of your selflessness, and you have un- Arlington and The University of Dallas to de- Opera at Florham has been providing out- doubtedly made a significant impact on a com- velop programs encouraging K–12 students to standing operatic and other vocal selections munity devastated by Hurricane Harvey. consider careers in Science, Technology, En- from the American Song Book. Each perform- f gineering and Math (STEM). The organization ance features three outstanding vocalists who is also responsible for organizing Project have performed across the country. To this A CHIEF HISTORIAN ALERT (Alzheimer’s Link to Education, Re- day, Opera at Florham is New Jersey’s only search and Treatment) with The University of long running opera recital series. HON. TOM EMMER Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Alz- Part of Opera at Florham’s mission is to OF MINNESOTA heimer’s Disease Research Center helping provide stage and role opportunities to young IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES educating African-Americans about the dis- and upcoming artists. The inaugural Violetta Wednesday, October 4, 2017 ease and the importance of participating in DuPont Vocal Competition was held in 1987. clinical trials. Additionally, the Mid-Cities chap- This annual competition provides young oper- Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ter established the Sallye Moore Scholarship celebrate the renowned historian Dennis E. atic talent an opportunity to compete for cash Funding, awarding more than 30 four-year col- prizes in front of judges and a live audience. Frye for his dedication to preserving our na- lege scholarships to graduating seniors, and tion’s history and for his passion on sharing In 1995, Opera at Florham became a funded school construction in South Africa 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization our history with anyone lucky enough to meet among other service projects aimed at em- him. and continues to be affiliated with Fairleigh powering the African diasporic community. Dickinson University. Dennis Frye serves as the Chief Historian at I honor the Mid-Cities Chapter of The Links, Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park. Dennis a dedicated community service organization. Opera at Florham is most known for its staged opera. Each season four musicales are has authored several books on the Civil War f and has lectured on the topic throughout the performed in Lenfell Hall at Fairleigh Dickinson nation. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE University, in the former residence of the Recently, my staff had the good fortune of HAZELWOOD CEMETERY Vanderbilt’s and Twombley’s. These musicales taking a tour of Harper’s Ferry, led by Dennis. are priced affordably, yet feature high artistic He not only gave them great insight into the HON. BILLY LONG excellence. These events showcase the drama, passion, music, and story that good battle that took place at Harper’s Ferry, but he OF MISSOURI opera is known for. also gave them a wider understanding of one IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the most tumultuous times in our nation’s Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our col- history. Wednesday, October 4, 2017 leagues join me in congratulating Opera at As Dennis so aptly pointed out on their tour, Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- Florham on the occasion of their 35th Anniver- while our nation’s history has not always been ognize the 150th anniversary of the Hazel- sary.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC8.023 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1325 IN RECOGNITION OF UNITED Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which was largest export market, with over $450 million in COURT OF THE LONE STAR EM- signed into law by President Obama in 2009. exports sent to our friends in 2016. This is a PIRE’S DALLAS CHAPTER Michael also chairs the Hate Crime Coalition relationship I am proud to support and urge for the Leadership Conference on Civil and my colleagues to find areas where our two HON. MARC A. VEASEY Human Rights, the most important civil rights countries can partner to our mutual benefit. OF TEXAS coalition organization in Washington, and is The framework for the United States’ rela- tionship with Taiwan, the Taiwan Relations Act IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES widely recognized as one of our nation’s fore- most experts on hate crime laws. and the Six Assurances, were crafted almost Wednesday, October 4, 2017 As ADL’s point person on Federal and state four decades ago, but our belief in their prin- Mr. VEASEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in response to bullying and bias-motivated vio- ciples remains resolute. With continued com- recognition of the United Court of the Lone lence, Michael has participated in a number of mitment to this important relationship, I would Star Empire (UCLSE) in celebration of over 40 academic and law enforcement training semi- like to again wish the people of Taiwan a years of service to the Dallas LGBTQ commu- nars on the subject—including training at the Happy National Day. nity. FBI Academy at Quantico. He has written nu- f The UCLSE is a chapter of the International merous pieces on the issue, including training HONORING THE NEW JERSEY Court System, one of the largest LGBTQ orga- manuals and articles for criminal justice and STATE CONFERENCE OF THE nizations in the United States. In 1986, the civil rights publications. In 2015 he received NAACP UCLSE hosted its first coronation and has the Justice Department’s 2015 Meritorious since worked tirelessly to serve those in the Public Service Award for his leadership work Dallas Community affected by HIV/AIDS. in building coalitions to combat hate violence. HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN Members of the UCLSE have fiercely Michael embodies ADL’s mission. He works OF NEW JERSEY served the LGBTQ community by addressing tirelessly to stop the defamation of the Jewish IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the needs of those suffering from HIV/AIDS. people and to secure justice and fair treatment Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Due to the work of fearless LGBTQ advocacy to all. His entire career has focused on making Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise groups, like the UCLSE, they have made a the world a better place for all individuals, re- today to commend the New Jersey State Con- long lasting impact on the local community. gardless of who they are or where they came ference of the NAACP as it holds its annual UCLSE serves to ensure that Americans of from. He is a remarkable professional, mentor, convention in the Township of Parsippany, any sexual orientation are treated fairly, are and friend. Everyone that has an opportunity part of New Jersey’s 111th Congressional Dis- granted equal access to healthcare, and retain to work with Michael is constantly impressed trict. I am honored to have Morris County host equal protection of their rights under the law. by his drive and passion to make a difference. the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights orga- The generosity of the UCLSE extends not His work at the League has made an impact nization. The New Jersey State Conference of only to those fighting HIV/AIDS in North on countless lives, and we thank him for his the NAACP is commended for bringing to- Texas, but also includes a host of other orga- substantial contributions to the community and gether advocates in one place under the nizations across the country. UCLSE bene- our nation. theme: ‘‘Relating to the Past, Understanding ficiaries include the Aids Interfaith Network, f the Present, Preparing for the future.’’ Aids Services of Dallas, the Greg Dollgener PERSONAL EXPLANATION The NAACP has more than 500,000 mem- Memorial Aids Fund, the Sharon St. Cyr Fund, bers throughout the world serving as key lead- the Legacy Founders Cottage and Counseling ers in civil rights, campaigning for equal op- Center, and the Resource Nutrition Program. HON. C. A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER portunity and conducting voter mobilization. Over the past 40 years, the UCLSE has OF MARYLAND New Jersey, the nation’s most densely popu- raised over $500,000 for its charity partners in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lated state, has 41 branches, 9 college chap- the Dallas area. In addition to its efforts, the Wednesday, October 4, 2017 ters, a prison unit, 15 youth councils, and 2 UCLSE also supports other local organizations high school chapters devoting its time, through Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, due with similar missions and endeavors through volunteerism, to close the gaps of inequality in to my attendance at an event off the Capitol collaborative community efforts. the many social issues challenging us today— Hill campus, I was unable to make Roll Call The UCLSE will honor the work of its inspi- health, employment, education, justice, media vote No. 545. Had I been present, I would rational members in October 2017 at its XLIII and the environment. New Jerseyans are have voted aye. annual coronation in Dallas, Texas. working hard to ensure the legacies of the I honor the United Court of the Lone Star f great Civil Rights Leaders before us, live on. Empire, an institution of the Dallas and Texas RECOGNIZING TAIWAN NATIONAL Richard T. Smith, New Jersey’s NAACP Chap- LGBTQ community. DAY ter President, was just named one of New Jer- f sey’s ‘‘Most Influential African-Americans’’ in RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- HON. TOM EMMER South Jersey Journal. In Richard’s words, ‘‘we TIONS OF MICHAEL LIEBERMAN will fight for freedom until all people have real- OF MINNESOTA ized the equal hand of justice.’’ With esteemed IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES commendation, I thank Mr. Smith for his lead- HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. Wednesday, October 4, 2017 ership and wish the New Jersey State NAACP OF MICHIGAN conference a successful convention and year IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 106th national day of Tai- ahead. Wednesday, October 4, 2017 wan. The United States and Taiwan have en- By bringing together the state’s leaders in Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor joyed a fruitful partnership for decades, and I education, religion, business, health care, pub- the contributions of an extraordinary individual, would like to wish the people of Taiwan a very lic policy, and social advocacy, the convention Michael Lieberman, who in September cele- Happy National Day. fosters the very conversations we need to be brated 35 years at the Anti-Defamation Our two countries’ partnership has flour- having in order to break down racial barriers, League. Over his 35 year tenure with ADL, Mi- ished thanks to a mutual commitment to move the nation forward and reach equality for chael has made invaluable contributions to the democratic values and constitutional govern- Americans once and for all. civil rights community on issues such as reli- ment. Through its many successful elections f gious freedom, fighting anti-Semitism and all and commitment to an open election process, DEFERRED ACTION FOR forms of discrimination, and striking the right Taiwan serves as a strong example of democ- CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS PROGRAM balance between security and civil liberties. racy for not only the Asia-Pacific region, but As ADL’s Washington Counsel, his advo- also the world. Yet it is not just our commit- HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON cacy for hate crime legislation is particularly ment to democratic and constitutional values OF TEXAS noteworthy. Michael worked to secure pas- that ties our two countries together. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sage of a comprehensive federal hate crimes In 2016, Taiwan ranked as the United law for more than 15 years. His leadership on States’ 10th largest trading partner and 8th Wednesday, October 4, 2017 this issue was instrumental in the passage of largest export market for U.S. agricultural Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. products. In fact, Taiwan is Minnesota’s 5th Mr. Speaker, last month, the President made

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04OC8.029 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS E1326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 4, 2017 the irresponsible decision to rescind the De- her sister enjoyed many trips to the beach and IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. ALICIA ferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Disneyland. She attended the University of WOLFE WISECARVER DACA gives hundreds of thousands of young California, Berkeley, and after graduating with individuals the opportunity to come out from degrees in neurobiology and psychology, she the shadows and contribute to our great coun- earned her MD at the University of California, HON. DAVID G. VALADAO try without fear of being sent back to a country San Diego. Kathleen completed her pediatric OF CALIFORNIA that they barely know. residency and infectious diseases fellowship at Juan Carlos Cerda, a community organizer Children’s Hospital & Research Center Oak- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with the Texas Organizing project and recent land. She married Teddy during her residency Wednesday, October 4, 2017 graduate of Yale has already seen firsthand and after completing her fellowship, she prac- how much of an impact this policy change can ticed at Kaiser Permanente in San Jose. Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to have. Due to an error in USCIS’s system, During their time together Kathleen and thank Mrs. Alicia Wolfe Wisecarver for her Juan Carlos’s DACA status was temporarily Teddy embarked on many adventures, includ- service to my office and the people of Califor- suspended in the fall of 2016. He was forced ing triathlons, scuba diving in underwater cav- nia’s Twenty First Congressional District. to take a leave of absence from teaching at an erns, hiking the lava fields of Kilauea, climbing elementary school in the Dallas Independent Half Dome, and ice climbing on glaciers in Alicia Wolfe was born on June 28, 1987 to School District. He was even denied access to Switzerland. Don and Mary Kay Wolfe in Anaheim, Cali- volunteer on campus. If this is the havoc that While pregnant with Alex, at 34 years old, fornia. The Wolfe Family eventually settled in rescinding DACA can have on one individual, Kathleen was diagnosed with stage I breast Clovis, California where she attended and imagine how it would impact the 113,000 re- cancer. Alex was induced and born a few graduated from Clark Middle School and Clo- cipients in North Texas and the 800,000 re- days early so that Kathleen could begin treat- vis High School. She has three siblings, her cipients across the country. ment. After recovering from chemotherapy and brother Christopher, sister, Laura, and her DACA has allowed Erik Burgos, a Store surgery, Kathleen went back to work, ran half identical twin, Emily. Systems Engineer and graduate of Southern marathons with Teddy, and focused on being After graduating from Clovis High School in Methodist University, the opportunity to assist a mother. But the cancer was relentless, and 2005, Alicia went on to attend the University of local students in achieving their academic am- exactly two months after running the Orange California at Los Angeles where she received bitions as he currently does in his spare time. County Half Marathon in 2013, she was diag- two Bachelor of Arts Degrees in both History Without DACA he would be forced into the nosed with stage IV cancer, with extensive and Political Science in 2009. Alicia then re- shadows and would no longer have a mean- bone metastases causing pathologic fractures turned to Fresno to obtain her Masters in His- ingful impact on students’ lives. in her spine, and unresectable liver metas- tory at California State University, Fresno in Because of the President’s decision Maria tases. Kathleen’s oncologist didn’t expect her 2011. to live through the end of the year, and dis- Roman, Cynthia De La Torre Castro, and In July 2013, Alicia joined my team as Con- cussed transitioning to hospice care. But Kath- countless others would be prevented from pur- stituent Services Representative. She quickly leen was strong and full of will to live for her suing the careers that they studied on univer- proved to be a valuable asset to my Congres- children, and searched for a better alternative. sity campuses across this great country. sional Office and earned the title of Con- She found hope with the help of Dr. Michelle Bouzidi Najoa would be forced to return to a stituent Services Director. During her time in Melisko, an oncologist at the University of country where her family faced persecution by my office, Alicia maintained an impeccable California, San Francisco. their government without her parents or sib- work record and set high standards of organi- lings. Simply put, this policy change would not During the next four years, she went back to work despite the advice of her doctors, be- zation and customer service. She has an ex- just drastically impact DREAMers, it would im- cellent eye for detail and was instrumental in pact their friends, families, and communities. cause that was what she trained to do and she wanted to help her patients. Each time the daily operations of my District Office. In Mr. Speaker, these people are no different addition to casework, Alicia was responsible than you or I. They go to the same schools she was forced to go on disability leave, many of her patients waited for her to return. She for my U.S. Military Service Academy Pro- with our children, they’re involved with their gram, where she helped students throughout local church groups, and work hard every day worked part-time, ostensibly to rest and take it easy on her days off. Instead, she filled those California’s Central Valley realize their dreams to ensure that they too can one day live the of attending a military service academy. American dream. This is why we need to bring days off with volunteering at her children’s the DREAM Act to the floor and pass this im- school, and continued to be a supermom, Alicia’s willingness to reach out to the com- portant bipartisan piece of legislation. These somehow juggling motherhood, her medical munity created great relationships with local DREAMers have only known one home. It’s career, and cancer treatment. Kathleen in- veteran organizations and federal agencies. time for this Congress to step up to the plate sisted on living life to the fullest. She did many She was respected by her peers and was able and let these young people know that we want things likely inadvisable for a stage IV cancer to create and foster connections with constitu- them to always consider America their true patient with extensive bone metastases and ents, business leaders, and public officials, all home. several pathologic fractures including of which are integral skills of Congressional Staffers. f vertebrae, ribs, and hip. She ran or walked several 5Ks, biked, skied, bungee trampolined, On May 27, 2017, Alicia married her hus- CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF rode roller coasters, and other things that band Mr. Lee Wisecarver in Kingsburg, Cali- KATHLEEN PEILING CHANG, MD made her doctors cringe. She also had the fornia. Outside of work, the newlyweds enjoy chance to see her children finish second spending time with family, especially their two HON. TED LIEU grade and kindergarten, and renew her wed- dogs, Duke and Peter. Peter too, was part of OF CALIFORNIA ding vows with Teddy as the children looked our office family, serving as the unofficial mas- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES on. cot. The cancer, however, was implacable, not- Wednesday, October 4, 2017 withstanding Kathleen’s efforts to live life to Mrs. Wisecarver’s time with my office came Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I the fullest. She faced each heartbreaking set- to a close on September 1, 2017 so she may rise to celebrate the life of Kathleen Peiling back with incredible strength and courage, all pursue her new career as a teacher at Chang, MD, a physician, wife, mother, sister, the way to the end. Kathleen is survived by Buchanan High School in her hometown of daughter, Ironman triathlete, and tireless her husband, Teddy Chen, their two sons Mat- Clovis, California. Knowing Mrs. Wisecarver, school volunteer. Kathleen left this world thew and Alex, her sister, Jennifer, and her her character, and her work ethic, I have no peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2017 after a six- parents, Kuo-Cheng and Christine. She is also doubt that she will achieve many great things year battle with breast cancer. She was the survived by her extended family from Kaiser in her future. center of the universe to her loving husband, Permanente and from her residency at Chil- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the Teddy Chen, and their two sons, Matthew, dren’s Hospital Oakland, who provided love United States House of Representatives to aged 8, and Alex, aged 6. I have had the and support during her travails. She is and for- join me in commending Mrs. Wolfe Wisecarver honor of knowing Kathleen and Teddy and ever will be greatly missed. Her extraordinary for her public service to the people of Califor- their beautiful family for many years. life was cut too short at 40 years old, but the nia’s Twenty First Congressional District and Kathleen was born in December 1976 and things she did in life will ripple through the wishing her well as she embarks on the next grew up in Southern California where she and years to come. chapter of her life.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC8.034 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1327 MUNICIPAL FINANCE SUPPORT issuances. This results in increased borrowing mittees, subcommittees, joint commit- ACT OF 2017 costs for our state and local governments, es- tees, and committees of conference. pecially during times of economic stress. Sim- This title requires all such committees SPEECH OF ply put, high quality liquid municipal bonds to notify the Office of the Senate Daily HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ (issued by U.S. states and local governments) Digest—designated by the Rules Com- should not be viewed as inferior to that of for- mittee—of the time, place and purpose OF TEXAS eign sovereign debt. In fact, our domestic mu- of the meetings, when scheduled and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nicipal issuances often have superior credit any cancellations or changes in the Tuesday, October 3, 2017 quality and market liquidity than do many for- meetings as they occur. eign issuances. Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this As an additional procedure along The exclusion also discourages banks and bill requires federal banking regulators to de- with the computerization of this infor- fine municipal obligations as liquid, readily other financial institutions from holding invest- ment grade municipal securities and is caus- mation, the Office of the Senate Daily marketable and investment grade. ing many bank holding companies and na- Digest will prepare this information for Defining municipal securities in this way will tional banks to retreat from investing in such printing in the Extensions of Remarks allow financial institutions greater flexibility to securities, thereby forcing state and local gov- section of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD manage their liquidity requirements and use ernments to scale back spending on roads, on Monday and Wednesday of each their capital resources more impactfully and schools, and other infrastructure projects. week. effectively. In short, this bill goes a long way Various former governors of the Federal Re- Meetings scheduled for Thursday, Oc- to strengthen the liquidity risk management of serve have already suggested that some local tober 5, 2017 may be found in the Daily banks, savings associations, and bank holding and state debt is comparable to that of very Digest of today’s RECORD. companies. liquid corporate bonds. Chairman Yellen her- This bill does all this by redefining what self has frequently declared her support of the MEETINGS SCHEDULED qualifies as ‘‘High Quality Liquid Assets’’. Cur- expanded treatment of municipal securities as rently HQLAs are defined as U.S. Treasuries, HQLAs. OCTOBER 18 Government Debt, Investment Grade Cor- According to the American Society of Civil 10 a.m. porate Debt, and Excess Reserves held by the Engineers, our states and local governments Committee on the Judiciary Fed. Notably absent from that list are Munic- expect to confront an infrastructure spending To hold an oversight hearing to examine ipal Securities. gap of over $2 Trillion dollars over the next 10 the Department of Justice. Better public policy calls for such securities years. Let’s pass this bill now so that the SH–216 to be redefined as HQLAs. This is important, American people get the country they deserve. OCTOBER 25 because Municipal Securities are issued for f vital purposes such as transportation projects, 9:30 a.m. housing developments, healthcare and rec- SENATE COMMITTEE MEETINGS Committee on Armed Services Title IV of Senate Resolution 4, Subcommittee on SeaPower reational facilities, as well as bridges, schools To receive a closed briefing on the major and hospitals. agreed to by the Senate of February 4, threats facing naval forces and the The current exclusion of Municipal securities 1977, calls for establishment of a sys- Navy’s current and planned capabili- from the HQLA definition reduces the eligible tem for a computerized schedule of all ties to meet those threats. pool of potential purchasers of municipal meetings and hearings of Senate com- SVC–217

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:31 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A04OC8.037 E04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS Wednesday, October 4, 2017 Daily Digest Senate 2017, with the time until 10 a.m. equally divided Chamber Action between the two Leaders or their designees. Routine Proceedings, pages S6293–6325 Page S6325 Measures Introduced: Eight bills and four resolu- Nomination Confirmed: Senate confirmed the fol- tions were introduced, as follows: S. 1913–1920, and lowing nomination: S. Res. 281–284. Pages S6320–21 By 57 yeas to 38 nays (Vote No. EX. 211), Eric Measures Passed: D. Hargan, of Illinois, to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. Pages S6316, S6325 Federal Emergency Management Agency: Senate During consideration of this nomination today, passed H.R. 1117, to require the Administrator of Senate also took the following action: the Federal Emergency Management Agency to sub- By 57 yeas to 38 nays (Vote No. 210), Senate mit a report regarding certain plans regarding assist- agreed to the motion to close further debate on the ance to applicants and grantees during the response nomination. Page S6298 to an emergency or disaster. Page S6324 Messages from the House: Page S6318 25th Anniversary of the 1992 Los Angeles Civil Measures Referred: Pages S6318–19 Unrest: Committee on the Judiciary was discharged Executive Communications: Pages S6319–20 from further consideration of S. Res. 147, com- memorating the 25th anniversary of the 1992 Los Executive Reports of Committees: Page S6320 Angeles civil unrest, and the resolution was then Additional Cosponsors: Pages S6321–22 agreed to. Page S6324 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: National Character Counts Week: Senate agreed Pages S6322–23 to S. Res. 283, designating the week beginning Oc- Additional Statements: tober 15, 2017, as ‘‘National Character Counts Authorities for Committees to Meet: Week’’. Pages S6324–25 Pages S6323–24 National Dyslexia Awareness Month: Senate Privileges of the Floor: Page S6324 agreed to S. Res. 284, calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize Record Votes: Three record votes were taken today. the significant educational implications of dyslexia (Total—212) Pages S6298, S6316 that must be addressed, and designating October Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and ad- 2017 as ‘‘National Dyslexia Awareness Month’’. journed at 4:29 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Page S6325 October 5, 2017. (For Senate’s program, see the re- Quarles Nomination—Agreement: Senate resumed marks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s consideration of the nomination of Randal Quarles, Record on page S6325.) of Colorado, to be a Member of the Board of Gov- ernors of the Federal Reserve System. Page S6316 Committee Meetings During consideration of this nomination today, (Committees not listed did not meet) Senate also took the following action: By 62 yeas to 33 nays (Vote No. 212), Senate EQUIFAX CYBERSECURITY BREACH agreed to the motion to close further debate on the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: nomination. Page S6316 Committee concluded a hearing to examine the A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- Equifax cybersecurity breach, after receiving testi- viding for further consideration of the nomination at mony from Richard F. Smith, formerly of Equifax, approximately 9:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 5, Inc., Atlanta, Georgia. D1049

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2018 BUDGET ator Inhofe, each to be an Assistant Administrator, Committee on the Budget: Committee began consider- all of the Environmental Protection Agency, and ation of the concurrent resolution on the budget for Jeffery Martin Baran, of Virginia, to be a Member fiscal year 2018, but did not complete action there- of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, after the on, and will meet again at 11 a.m., on Thursday, nominees testified and answered questions in their October 5, 2017. own behalf. BUSINESS MEETING BUSINESS MEETING Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Committee on Finance: Committee ordered favorably Committee ordered favorably reported the following reported an original bill entitled, ‘‘Keep Kids’ Insur- business items: ance Dependable and Secure (KIDS) Act of 2017’’. S. 1885, to support the development of highly automated vehicle safety technologies, with an PERSONNEL DEPARTURE FROM THE U.S. amendment in the nature of a substitute; EMBASSY IN CUBA S. 1872, to authorize the programs of the Trans- Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee received a portation Security Administration relating to trans- closed briefing regarding the ordered departure of portation security, with an amendment in the nature personnel from the United States Embassy in Ha- of a substitute; vana, Cuba from Christian J. Schurman, Deputy As- S. 1015, to require the Federal Communications sistant Secretary and Assistant Director for Inter- Commission to study the feasibility of designating a national Programs, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, simple, easy-to-remember dialing code to be used for John S. Creamer, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau a national suicide prevention and mental health crisis of Western Hemisphere Affairs, and Charles hotline system, with an amendment in the nature of Rosenfarb, Medical Director, Bureau of Medical a substitute; and Services, all of the Department of State; and an offi- The nominations of Ann Marie Buerkle, of New cial of the intelligence community. York, to be Chairman of the Consumer Product Safe- ty Commission, and to be a Commissioner of the NOMINATIONS Consumer Product Safety Commission, Howard R. Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded Elliott, of Indiana, to be Administrator of the Pipe- a hearing to examine the nominations of Samuel line and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Dale Brownback, of Kansas, to be Ambassador at Department of Transportation, and Walter G. Large for International Religious Freedom, who was Copan, of Colorado, to be Under Secretary for Stand- introduced by former Representative Frank R. Wolf, ards and Technology, Timothy Gallaudet, of Cali- and Michele Jeanne Sison, of Maryland, to be Am- fornia, to be Assistant Secretary for Oceans and At- bassador to the Republic of Haiti, both of the De- mosphere, and David J. Redl, of New York, to be partment of State, after the nominees testified and Assistant Secretary for Communications and Informa- answered questions in their own behalf. tion, all of the Department of Commerce. BUSINESS MEETING FUTURE OF IRAQ’S MINORITIES Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on ordered favorably reported the nominations of Bruce Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian J. Walker, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, and Women’s Issues concluded a hearing to examine the Steven E. Winberg, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assist- future of Iraq’s minorities, focusing on what’s next ant Secretary for Fossil Energy, both of the Depart- after ISIS, after receiving testimony from former ment of Energy. Representative Frank R. Wolf, 21st Century Wilber- force Initiative, Falls Church, Virginia; and Denise NOMINATIONS Natali, National Defense University Institute for Committee on Environment and Public Works: Com- National Strategic Studies, Washington, D.C. mittee concluded a hearing to examine the nomina- tions of Michael Dourson, of Ohio, to be Assistant BUSINESS MEETING Administrator for Toxic Substances, who was intro- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- duced by Representative Chabot, and Matthew Z. fairs: Committee ordered favorably reported the fol- Leopold, of Florida, who was introduced by Rep- lowing business items: resentative Dunn, David Ross, of Wisconsin, who S. 146, to strengthen accountability for deploy- was introduced by Senator Barrasso, and William L. ment of border security technology at the Depart- Wehrum, of Delaware, who was introduced by Sen- ment of Homeland Security;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D04OC7.REC D04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1051 S. 1887, to grant expedited hiring authority to The nomination of John Marshall Mitnick, of Vir- the head of an agency to appoint college graduates ginia, to be General Counsel, Department of Home- and post-secondary students, with an amendment; land Security. S. 1886, to amend subchapter I of chapter 31 of NOMINATIONS title 5, United States Code, to authorize agencies to make noncompetitive temporary and term appoint- Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: ments in the competitive service, with an amend- Committee concluded a hearing to examine the ment in the nature of a substitute; nominations of Cheryl Marie Stanton, of South Caro- S. 1888, to amend title 5, United States Code, to lina, to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour Di- increase the maximum amount of a Voluntary Sepa- vision, who was introduced by Senator Scott, and ration Incentive Payment and to include an annual David G. Zatezalo, of West Virginia, to be Assistant adjustment in accordance with the Consumer Price Secretary for Mine Safety and Health, both of the Index, with an amendment; Department of Labor, and Peter B. Robb, of Vermont, to be General Counsel of the National S. 1847, to amend the Homeland Security Act of Labor Relations Board, after the nominees testified 2002 to ensure that the needs of children are consid- and answered questions in their own behalf. ered in homeland security, trafficking, and disaster recovery planning, with an amendment in the nature BUSINESS MEETING of a substitute; Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee ordered favor- S. 1867, to amend title 40, United States Code, ably reported S. 943, to direct the Secretary of the to eliminate the sunset of certain provisions relating Interior to conduct an accurate comprehensive stu- to information technology, to amend the Carl Levin dent count for the purposes of calculating formula and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense allocations for programs under the Johnson-O’Malley Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 to extend the Act, with an amendment in the nature of a sub- sunset relating to the Federal Data Center Consolida- stitute. tion Initiative; INDIAN GAMING S. 1884, to provide for joint reports by relevant Federal agencies to Congress regarding incidents of Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an terrorism, with an amendment in the nature of a oversight hearing to examine Indian gaming, focus- substitute; ing on new issues and opportunities for success in S. 1281, to establish a bug bounty pilot program the next 30 years, after receiving testimony from within the Department of Homeland Security, with Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri, Chairman, National In- an amendment in the nature of a substitute; dian Gaming Commission, and John Tahsuda III, S. 1769, to require a new or updated Federal Acting Assistant Secretary, Indian Affairs, both of website that is intended for use by the public to be the Department of the Interior; Keeny Escalanti, Sr., mobile friendly, with an amendment in the nature Quechan Tribe of the Fort Yuma Indian Reservation, of a substitute; Yuma, Arizona; Harold Frank, Forest County Pota- S. 1869, to reauthorize and rename the position of watomi Community, Crandon, Wisconsin; Leonard Whistleblower Ombudsman to be the Whistleblower Forsman, Suquamish Tribe, Suquamish, Washington; Protection Coordinator; and Ernest Stevens, Jr., National Indian Gaming As- sociation, Washington, D.C. S. 1305, to provide U.S. Customs and Border Pro- tection with adequate flexibility in its employment NOMINATIONS authorities, with an amendment in the nature of a Committee on the Judiciary: Committee concluded a substitute; hearing to examine the nominations of Stephanos S. 1791, to amend the Act of August 25, 1958, Bibas, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Circuit commonly known as the ‘‘Former Presidents Act of Judge for the Third Circuit, who was introduced by 1958’’, with respect to the monetary allowance pay- Senator Toomey, Liles Clifton Burke, to be United able to a former President; States District Judge for the Northern District of H.R. 3210, to require the Director of the Na- Alabama, who was introduced by Senators Shelby tional Background Investigations Bureau to submit a and Strange, Michael Joseph Juneau, to be United report on the backlog of personnel security clearance States District Judge for the Western District of investigations, with an amendment in the nature of Louisiana, who was introduced by Senator Cassidy, a substitute; A. Marvin Quattlebaum, Jr., to be United States H.R. 70, to amend the Federal Advisory Com- District Judge for the District of South Carolina, mittee Act to increase the transparency of Federal who was introduced by Senator Scott, Tilman Eu- advisory committees; and gene Self III, to be United States District Judge for

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D04OC7.REC D04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST D1052 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST October 4, 2017 the Middle District of Georgia, who was introduced Mason, of Virginia, to be Chairman of the Board of by Senators Isakson and Perdue, and John C. Veterans’ Appeals, and Randy Reeves, of Mississippi, Demers, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Attorney to be Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs, all of the General, Department of Justice, after the nominees Department of Veterans Affairs, after the nominees testified and answered questions in their own behalf. testified and answered questions in their own behalf. EQUIFAX INTELLIGENCE Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Privacy, Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in Technology and the Law concluded a hearing to ex- closed session to receive a briefing on certain intel- amine Equifax, focusing on continuing to monitor ligence matters from officials of the intelligence data-broker cybersecurity, after receiving testimony community. from Richard F. Smith, formerly of Equifax, Inc., ROBOCALLS Atlanta, Georgia; Jamie Winterton, Arizona State University Global Security Initiative, Tempe; and Special Committee on Aging: Committee concluded a Tyler Moore, The University of Tulsa Tandy School hearing to examine efforts to combat robocalls, after of Computer Science, Tulsa, Oklahoma. receiving testimony from Lois Greisman, Associate Director, Division of Marketing Practices, Bureau of NOMINATIONS Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission; Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Committee concluded a Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Harris- hearing to examine the nominations of Melissa Sue burg; Kevin Rupy, USTelecom, Washington, D.C.; Glynn, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assist- and Genie Barton, BBB Institute for Marketplace ant Secretary (Enterprise Integration), Cheryl L. Trust, Arlington, Virginia. h House of Representatives Meeting Hour: Agreed by unanimous consent that Chamber Action when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 26 pub- at 9 a.m. tomorrow, October 5th. Page H7834 lic bills, H.R. 3937–3962; and 4 resolutions, H. Establishing the congressional budget for the Con. Res. 84; and H. Res. 555–557 were intro- United States Government for fiscal year 2018 duced. Pages H7840–42 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary lev- Additional Cosponsors: Pages H7842–43 els for fiscal years 2019 through 2027: The House Reports Filed: There were no reports filed today. considered H. Con. Res. 71, establishing the con- gressional budget for the United States Government Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate appointed Representative Woodall to act as Speaker budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. pro tempore for today. Page H7753 Consideration is expected to resume tomorrow, Octo- Recess: The House recessed at 11:07 a.m. and re- ber 5th. Pages H7777–H7835 convened at 12 noon. Page H7760 Rejected: Guest Chaplain: The prayer was offered by the Grijalva amendment in the nature of a substitute Guest Chaplain, Imam Abdullah Antepli, Duke Uni- (No. 1 printed in H. Rept. 115–339) that sought to versity, Durham, NC. Page H7760 invest $2 trillion in 21st century infrastructure and jobs; including comprehensive immigration reform, Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Com- which protects DACA, and provide $200 billion for mission on Native Children—Appointment: Read immediate hurricane disaster recovery efforts and cli- a letter from Representative Pelosi, Minority Leader, mate change research (by a recorded vote of 108 ayes in which she appointed the following individual to to 314 noes, Roll No. 553); and the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Com- Pages H7817–26, H7834–35 mission on Native Children: Dr. Dolores Subia Scott (VA) amendment in the nature of a sub- BigFoot of Norman, Oklahoma. Page H7777 stitute (No. 2 printed in H. Rept. 115–339) that Recess: The House recessed at 7:18 p.m. and recon- sought to make investments in education, job train- vened at 8:45 p.m. Page H7834 ing, transportation and infrastructure, and advanced

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D04OC7.REC D04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST October 4, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1053 research and development programs that accelerate H.R. 1148, the ‘‘Furthering Access to Stroke Tele- economic recovery; protect the social safety net with- medicine Act of 2017’’; H.R. 2465, the ‘‘Steve Glea- out cutting Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, or son Enduring Voices Act of 2017’’; H.R. 2557, the SNAP; and reduce annual budget deficit to 2.7% of ‘‘Prostate Cancer Misdiagnosis Elimination Act of GDP by FY 2027 (by a recorded vote of 130 ayes 2017’’; H.R. 3120, to reduce the volume of future to 292 noes, Roll No. 554). Pages H7826–34, H7835 electronic health record-related significant hardship H. Res. 553, the rule providing for consideration requests; H.R. 3245, the ‘‘Medicare Civil and Crimi- of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 71) was nal Penalties Act’’; H.R. 3263, to extend the Medi- agreed to by a recorded vote of 232 ayes to 188 care Independence at home Medical Practice Dem- noes, Roll No. 552, after the previous question was onstration program; and H.R. 3271, the ‘‘Protecting ordered by a yea-and-nay vote of 231 yeas to 189 Access to Diabetes Supplies Act of 2017’’. H.R. nays, Roll No. 551. Pages H7764–77 2465, H.R. 3120, and H.R. 3245 were ordered re- Quorum Calls—Votes: One yea-and-nay vote and ported, without amendment. H.R. 1148, H.R. 2557, three recorded votes developed during the pro- H.R. 3263, H.R. 3271, H.R. 3921, and H.R. 3923 ceedings of today and appear on pages H7776, were ordered reported, as amended. H7776–77, H7834–35, H7835. There were no EXAMINING THE SEC’S AGENDA, quorum calls. OPERATIONS, AND BUDGET Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- Committee on Financial Services: Full Committee held journed at 9:57 p.m. a hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the SEC’s Agenda, Operations, and Budget’’. Testimony was heard from Committee Meetings Jay Clayton, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Agriculture: Full Committee held a STATE DEPARTMENT’S ANTITERRORISM markup on H.R. 2936, the ‘‘Resilient Federal Forests ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: THE GAO REVIEW Act of 2017’’; H.R. 2521, the ‘‘South Carolina Pea- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on the nut Parity Act of 2017’’; H.R. 2921, the ‘‘National Middle East and North Africa held a hearing enti- Forest System Vegetation Management Pilot Pro- tled ‘‘State Department’s Antiterrorism Assistance gram Act of 2017’’; H.R. 2941, the ‘‘Kisatchie Na- Program: The GAO Review’’. Testimony was heard tional Forest Land Conveyance Act’’; and H.R. 3567, from Jason Bair, Acting Director, International Af- to authorize the purchase of a small parcel of Nat- fairs and Trade, Government Accountability Office. ural Resources Conservation Service property in Riv- IRANIAN BACKED MILITIAS: erside, California, by the Riverside Corona Resource DESTABILIZING THE MIDDLE EAST Conservation District, and for other purposes. H.R. 2936 was ordered reported, as amended. H.R. 2521, Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Ter- H.R. 2921, H.R. 2941, and H.R. 3567 were or- rorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade held a hearing dered reported, without amendment. entitled ‘‘Iranian Backed Militias: Destabilizing the Middle East’’. Testimony was heard from public wit- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE nesses. Committee on Education and the Workforce: Full Com- MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE mittee held a markup on H.R. 3441, the ‘‘Save Local Business Act’’. H.R. 3441 was ordered reported, as Committee on Homeland Security: Full Committee held amended. a markup on H.R. 3548, the ‘‘Border Security for America Act of 2017’’. H.R. 3548 was ordered re- AIR QUALITY IMPACTS OF WILDFIRES: ported, as amended. PERSPECTIVES OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing entitled ‘‘Air Quality Committee on Natural Resources: Full Committee con- Impacts of Wildfires: Perspectives of Key Stake- cluded markup on H.R. 210, the ‘‘Native American holders’’. Testimony was heard from public wit- Energy Act’’; H.R. 424, the ‘‘Gray Wolf State Man- nesses. agement Act of 2017’’; H.R. 717, the ‘‘Listing Re- form Act’’; H.R. 1274, the ‘‘State, Tribal and Local MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES Species Transparency and Recovery Act’’; H.R. 1488, Committee on Energy and Commerce: Full Committee the ‘‘Indiana Dunes National Park Act’’; H.R. 2600, held a markup on H.R. 3921, the ‘‘HEALTHY to provide for the conveyance to the State of Iowa KIDS Act’’; H.R. 3922, the ‘‘CHAMPION Act’’; of the reversionary interest held by the United States

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:07 Oct 05, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D04OC7.REC D04OCPT1 dlhill on DSK3GLQ082PROD with DIGEST D1054 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST October 4, 2017 in certain land in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and IRS REFORM: CHALLENGES TO for other purposes; H.R. 2603, the ‘‘SAVES Act’’; MODERNIZING IT INFRASTRUCTURE H.R. 2897, to authorize the Mayor of the District Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on of Columbia and the Director of the National Park Oversight held a hearing entitled ‘‘IRS Reform: Service to enter into cooperative management agree- Challenges to Modernizing IT Infrastructure’’. Testi- ments for the operation, maintenance, and manage- mony was heard from Jeffrey Tribiano, Deputy Com- ment of units of the National Park System in the missioner for Operations Support, Internal Revenue District of Columbia, and for other purposes; and Service; Gina Garza, Chief Information Officer, In- H.R. 3131, the ‘‘Endangered Species Litigation Rea- ternal Revenue Service; Danny Verneuille, Assistant sonableness Act’’. H.R. 210, H.R. 1274, H.R. 1488, Inspector General for Security and Information Tech- H.R. 2600, and H.R. 2603 were ordered reported, nology Services, Treasury Inspector General for Tax as amended. H.R. 424, H.R. 717, H.R. 2897, and Administration; and David Powner, Director, IT H.R. 3131 were ordered reported, without amend- Management Issues, Government Accountability Of- ment. fice. LEGISLATIVE MEASURES MISCELLANEOUS MEASURE Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on In- dian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs held a hear- Committee on Ways and Means: Full Committee held ing on H.R. 146, the ‘‘Eastern Band Cherokee His- a markup on H.R. 849, the ‘‘Protecting Seniors’ Ac- toric Lands Reacquisition Act’’; H.R. 2402, the ‘‘San cess to Medicare Act of 2017’’. H.R. 849 was or- Juan County Settlement Implementation Act’’; and dered reported, as amended. H.R. 2606, the ‘‘Stigler Act Amendments of 2017’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Joint Meetings POWERING EXPLORATION: AN UPDATE No joint committee meetings were held. ON RADIOISOTOPE PRODUCTION AND f LESSONS LEARNED FROM CASSINI Committee on Science, Space, and Technology: COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, Sub- OCTOBER 5, 2017 committee on Space held a hearing entitled ‘‘Powering Exploration: An Update on Radioisotope (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Production and Lessons Learned from Cassini’’. Testi- Senate mony was heard from David Schurr, Deputy Direc- tor, Planetary Science Division, National Aeronautics Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: to hold and Space Administration; Tracey Bishop, Deputy hearings to examine the nominations of Gregory Ibach, of Nebraska, to be Under Secretary for Marketing and Reg- Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Infrastructure Pro- ulatory Programs, and William Northey, of Iowa, to be grams, Office of Nuclear Energy, Department of En- Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Serv- ergy; Shelby Oakley, Director, Acquisition and ices, both of the Department of Agriculture, 9:30 a.m., Sourcing Management, Government Accountability SR–328A. Office; and a public witness. Committee on the Budget: business meeting to continue SMALL BUSINESS TAX REFORM: to markup the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018, 11 a.m., SH–216. MODERNIZING THE CODE FOR THE Committee on Environment and Public Works: to hold hear- NATION’S JOB CREATORS ings to examine the nomination of Paul Trombino III, of Committee on Small Business: Full Committee held a Wisconsin, to be Administrator of the Federal Highway hearing entitled ‘‘Small Business Tax Reform: Mod- Administration, Department of Transportation, 9:30 a.m., ernizing the Code for the Nation’s Job Creators’’. SD–406. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. Committee on Finance: to hold hearings to examine the nominations of Jeffrey Gerrish, of Maryland, to be a Dep- BUILDING A 21ST CENTURY uty United States Trade Representative (Asia, Europe, the INFRASTRUCTURE FOR AMERICA: RAIL Middle East, and Industrial Competitiveness), Depart- STAKEHOLDERS’ PERSPECTIVES ment of State, Gregory Doud, of Kansas, to be Chief Ag- ricultural Negotiator, Office of the United States Trade Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- Representative, and Jason Kearns, of Colorado, to be a committee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Member of the United States International Trade Com- Materials held a hearing entitled ‘‘Building a 21st mission, 10 a.m., SD–215. Century Infrastructure for America: Rail Stake- Committee on Foreign Relations: business meeting to con- holders’ Perspectives’’. Testimony was heard from sider S. 832, to enhance the transparency and accelerate public witnesses. the impact of programs under the African Growth and

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Opportunity Act and the Millennium Challenge Corpora- of North Carolina, William M. Ray II, to be United tion, S. Res. 245, calling on the Government of Iran to States District Judge for the Northern District of Geor- release unjustly detained United States citizens and legal gia, Eric S. Dreiband, of Maryland, to be an Assistant At- permanent resident aliens, and S. Res. 211, condemning torney General, Robert M. Duncan, Jr., to be United the violence and persecution in Chechnya, 9:30 a.m., States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky for SD–419. the term of four years, Charles E. Peeler, to be United Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia for the nominations of Carla Sands, of California, to be Ambas- term of four years, and Brian D. Schroder, to be United sador to the Kingdom of Denmark, and W. Robert States Attorney for the District of Alaska, all of the De- Kohorst, of California, to be Ambassador to the Republic partment of Justice, 10 a.m., SD–226. of Croatia, both of the Department of State, 2:30 p.m., Select Committee on Intelligence: to hold closed hearings to SD–419. examine certain intelligence matters, 2 p.m., SH–219. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: to hold hearings to examine the Federal response to the House opioid crisis, 10 a.m., SD–430. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on En- Committee on the Judiciary: business meeting to consider ergy, hearing entitled ‘‘Powering America: Consumer- the nominations of Amy Coney Barrett, of Indiana, to be Oriented Perspectives on Improving the Nation’s Elec- United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, Joan tricity Markets’’, 10 a.m., 2123 Rayburn. Louise Larsen, of Michigan, to be United States Circuit Committee on Financial Services, Full Committee, hearing Judge for the Sixth Circuit, William L. Campbell, Jr., to entitled ‘‘Examining the Equifax Data Breach’’, 9:15 be United States District Judge for the Middle District a.m., 2128 Rayburn. of Tennessee, Thomas Lee Robinson Parker, to be United Committee on Foreign Affairs, Full Committee, hearing States District Judge for the Western District of Ten- entitled ‘‘The Rohingya Crisis: U.S. Response to the nessee, Annemarie Carney Axon, to be United States Dis- Tragedy in Burma’’, 9 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. trict Judge for the Northern District of Alabama, Michael Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Agri- Lawrence Brown, to be United States District Judge for culture, Energy, and Trade, hearing entitled ‘‘High-Tech the Northern District of Georgia, Thomas Alvin Farr, to Agriculture: Small Firms on the Frontier of Agri- be United States District Judge for the Eastern District business’’, 10 a.m., 2360 Rayburn.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Thursday, October 5 9 a.m., Thursday, October 5

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Thursday: Complete consideration of H. ation of the nomination of Randal Quarles, of Colorado, Con. Res. 71—Establishing the congressional budget for to be a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and Reserve System, post-cloture, and vote on confirmation of setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal the nomination at 10 a.m. years 2019 through 2027. Following disposition of the nomination of Randal Quarles, Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination of Lee Francis Cissna, of Maryland, to be Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. If cloture is invoked, Senate will then vote on confirmation of the nomination. Following disposition of the nomination of Lee Francis Cissna, Senate will resume consideration of the nomina- tion of Callista L. Gingrich, of Virginia, to be Ambas- sador to the Holy See, Department of State, and vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the nomination at 1:45 p.m.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

Frelinghuysen, Rodney P., N.J., E1322, E1323, E1324, Norton, Eleanor Holmes, The District of Columbia, E1325 E1321 Cartwright, Matt, Pa., E1320, E1321 Gonzalez, Vicente, Tex., E1327 Palazzo, Steven M., Miss., E1322 Cohen, Steve, Tenn., E1322 Granger, Kay, Tex., E1321 Pallone, Frank, Jr., N.J., E1320 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E1325 Gutie´rrez, Luis V., Ill., E1319 Rooney, Francis, Fla., E1319 Cooper, Jim, Tenn., E1322 Hastings, Alcee L., Fla., E1321 Ross, Dennis A., Fla., E1319 Courtney, Joe, Conn., E1320 Huffman, Jared, Calif., E1323 Ruppersberger, C.A. Dutch, Md., E1325 Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E1319 Jenkins, Lynn, Kans., E1320 Shimkus, John, Ill., E1320, E1323 DesJarlais, Scott, Tenn., E1319 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E1325 Valadao, David G., Calif., E1326 Emmer, Tom, Minn., E1323, E1324, E1325 Lieu, Ted, Calif., E1319, E1326 Veasey, Marc A., Tex., E1324, E1325 Esty, Elizabeth H., Conn., E1319 Loebsack, David, Iowa, E1324 Walorski, Jackie, Ind., E1321 Long, Billy, Mo., E1324 Wittman, Robert J., Va., E1321

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