Congressional Record United States Th of America PROCEEDINGS and DEBATES of the 114 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 114 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 162 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016 No. 176 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was them shouldn’t be broken. West Vir- The Coal Healthcare and Pensions called to order by the Speaker pro tem- ginia helped keep the lights on back Protection Act won’t cost taxpayers pore (Mr. NEUGEBAUER). then as well as today. Please don’t for- anything. It uses existing funds paid f get about us.’’ for by mining companies to provide for This promise dates back to 1946 when retired miners. This is not a tax. Tax- DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO the Truman administration signed an payers won’t be on the hook for these TEMPORE agreement with coal miners, an agree- pensions. This is about ensuring a The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- ment that guaranteed their pensions promise made is a promise kept. fore the House the following commu- and health care would be there for Mr. Speaker, as we approach the holi- nication from the Speaker: them when they retired. Now that day season, I hope we will remember WASHINGTON, DC, agreement—no, that promise—is in the retirees and widows worried about December 7, 2016. jeopardy. what the new year will bring. We must I hereby appoint the Honorable RANDY In just a few weeks, tens of thousands act now to pass a solution to this crisis NEUGEBAUER to act as Speaker pro tempore of miners and widows will lose their to keep our word. on this day. health insurance. These miners have PAUL D. RYAN, f Speaker of the House of Representatives. back problems, knee problems, and breathing problems, all from their FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE f work in the mines. They simply cannot STEVE ISRAEL MORNING-HOUR DEBATE go without insurance. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Kenny Meade’s father is one of those Chair recognizes the gentleman from ant to the order of the House of Janu- retired miners. He lives in California (Mr. SCHIFF) for 5 minutes. ary 5, 2016, the Chair will now recog- Chapmanville and reached out to me to Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I rise nize Members from lists submitted by share the story of his parents. Kenny today to speak about my friend and the majority and minority leaders for wrote about his father. He said: ‘‘He colleague, STEVE ISRAEL, who is retir- morning-hour debate. worked 31 years in the mines and often ing from Congress after 16 years. We The Chair will alternate recognition for less than other miners so he could came into Congress together and have between the parties, with each party bargain for their right to health care been the best of friends and brothers limited to 1 hour and each Member and pensions.’’ ever since. other than the majority and minority This is an issue we can fix, but it is Now, the last time I mentioned leaders and the minority whip limited not an issue that arose overnight. The STEVE ISRAEL on the House floor was to 5 minutes, but in no event shall de- war on coal has decimated coal jobs in after making a bet with STEVE over the bate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. West Virginia and across the country. Dodgers-Mets series, a bet that I lost, f An onslaught of overreaching Federal and I had to sing the ‘‘Meet the Mets’’ regulations have made it harder to song on the House floor. I want to as- PROTECTING PENSIONS OF COAL mine coal and harder to burn coal. sure all my colleagues that is never MINERS Coal-fired power plants have shut going to happen again either on the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The down, making electricity more expen- playing field or on the House floor. Chair recognizes the gentleman from sive and reducing the market for coal. When we came to Congress together, West Virginia (Mr. JENKINS) for 5 min- As demand has decreased and regula- we were given a book, like all incoming utes. tions have made it harder to mine coal, freshmen, called ‘‘Charting the Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia. Mr. mines are closing and companies are Course.’’ This is a book that basically Speaker, miners and their widows in filing for bankruptcy. A company in says that there are three different West Virginia and across the country bankruptcy isn’t going to have the re- models of being a Congressman. You are asking us to protect their pensions sources to meet its pension obligations. can be the policy expert or you can be and health care, families like Robin All of these market forces, regula- the political animal or you can be the Workman of Boone County, who wrote tions, and the war on coal have had pothole Congressman who is focused on to me about how she and her husband devastating impacts on our miners and district needs and excellent at meeting depend on these benefits. These are the their families. It is time for Congress the needs of constituents, but the gist benefits that they earned. to act to keep the promise and protect of the book is you can’t be all three. She said: ‘‘My husband put in 35 the benefits the miners worked their You have to pick where you are going years underground, a promise made to entire life to earn. to make your specialization, and if you

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 23:36 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.000 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 try to do all three, you will end up not gets published by a major publisher CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, doing any one of them very well. STEVE and does phenomenally well? HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ISRAEL proved the premise of that book When STEVE retires, this Congress is Washington, DC, October 14, 2016. wrong because he proved to be super- going to lose another of its great Mem- Hon. ASHTON B. CARTER, bers, someone of genuine talent, intel- Secretary of Defense, lative at each and every aspect of being Washington, DC. a Member of Congress. lect, and integrity, someone who has DEAR SECRETARY CARTER: I am responding On policy, STEVE developed an exper- come to be relied upon by Presidents. to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense tise in energy policy and became a We are also going to lose someone with (Acting) Jedidiah Royal’s October 3, 2016, re- leading champion of the development a great sense of humor, who is a won- sponse to the Office of the Special Inspector of renewable sources of energy. He be- derful friend and a bit of a practical General for Afghanistan Reconstruction came an expert on defense issues; and joker—like the time he convinced his (SIGAR)’s letter to you (dated August 5, 2016) regarding ‘‘ghost soldiers’’ in Afghanistan. as one of the members of the Appro- chief of staff that one of his district I am appalled that the U.S. taxpayer has, priations Committee, he helped elimi- staff had run over his dog. Yes, STEVE and continues to pay, for ‘‘ghost soldiers’’ in nate wasteful expenditures on systems is a cruel man, but funny. We are going Afghanistan. Moreover, I am also concerned we didn’t need and investment in de- to miss him tremendously. about the risks that inadequacy of data con- fenses that would really protect the I want to wish him all the luck in the cerning personnel levels of the Afghan Na- country. world in the exciting career that tional Security and Defense Forces (ANDSF) He became an expert on Middle East awaits him when he retires, and all his may pose to American forces in Afghanistan. new endeavors. I look forward to find- In Deputy Assistant Secretary Royal’s re- policy and sorting out the difficulties sponse to SIGAR, he indicates the systems of all the complicated relationships being him not in the center aisle nec- that U.S. Forces-Afghanistan are putting in tween the nations in the Middle East. essarily, but in a different aisle in the place to try to verify Afghan personnel data He became an expert on the Syrian bookstore near me with his latest will not be ready until at least July 2017. conflict. work. Given the estimate that there may be up to He also became an expert on issues I want to join my colleagues in 200,000 ‘‘ghost soldiers,’’ I would respectfully affecting the middle class and has al- thanking STEVE ISRAEL for his tremen- request an estimate of how much funding provided to the ANDSF for salaries in fiscal ways been a champion for what needs dous years of service and for his wonderful friendship. We will all miss him years 2016 and 2017 is expected to be wasted to be done to make sure that people in on ‘‘ghost soldiers.’’ this country can enjoy a secure retire- as, indeed, will this entire institution. Additionally, Deputy Assistant Secretary ment, can get a good job, can raise f Royal indicates that a limited amount of their family, and that their kids will TRAGIC LOSS OF AMERICAN LIFE funds has been withheld from the ANDSF for enjoy a quality of life at least as great not adhering to the agreed-upon timeline for IN AFGHANISTAN implementation of personnel verification as that of their parents, and hopefully The SPEAKER pro tempore. The systems. How much money was withheld, even better. Chair recognizes the gentleman from and what percentage does that number rep- He also founded and co-chairs the North Carolina (Mr. JONES) for 5 min- resent of the amount originally designated Center Aisle Caucus, doing something utes. to be allocated? very difficult in this institution, and Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I am back Given that many Afghan military and police outposts have limited, if any, access to that is bringing people together of both on the floor again today to discuss the parties—something we need to see a lot electricity and telecommunications systems, tragic loss of American life in Afghani- I would also ask whether there is a contin- more of. stan. This past week, I was touched by gency plan to back-up the biometric data- In addition to those policy strengths, George Stephanopoulos and ABC as base and personnel system given that units he was also and has been one of our they publicly listed the nine service- may not always have regular access to the greatest political leaders. He served for members that died in Iraq and Afghani- technology needed to operate them? Further, many years as the DCCC chair and had stan during the month of November. under the current deployment arrangement ordered by President Obama, U.S. forces do an encyclopedic knowledge of each and Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD not have the capability to witness firsthand, every district in the country belonging the names of the nine American heroes. to friend or foe alike. He was an ex- at the lowest levels of the ANDSF, whether Sergeant John W. Perry of Stockton, Cali- there is fraudulent use of the biometric traordinary chair, not only in terms of fornia; Private 1st Class Tyler R. Lubelt of cards. With that in mind, does DOD expect raising resources, but recruiting some Tamaroa, Illinois; Sergeant 1st Class Ryan there will be salary overpayments even after of the finest candidates, and a great A. Gloyer of Greenville, Pennsylvania; Cap- July 2017? many Members of this institution owe tain Andrew D. Byers of Rolesville, North I am also concerned about the effect the their very presence here to his incred- Carolina; Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott C. ‘‘ghost soldier’’ problem is having on U.S. Dayton of Woodbridge, Virginia; Specialist forces in Afghanistan. While the Afghan Min- ible work. Ronald L. Murray, Jr., of Bowie, Maryland; He then became the chair of the ister of Defense was recently quoted as say- Staff Sergeant James F. Moriarty of ing there is not a single ‘‘ghost soldier’’ in House Democratic Policy and Commu- Kerrville, Texas; Staff Sergeant Kevin J. Afghanistan, the Deputy Assistant Sec- nications Committee and was a very ef- McEnroe of Tucson, Arizona; Staff Sergeant retary’s letter makes clear that is not the fective Member at shaping our message Matthew C. Lewellen of Lawrence, Kansas. case. We know the collapse of the 215th Corps and at helping us articulate what the Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I find it in Helmand in 2015 was at least in part due Democratic Party was about and has quite ironic that the last moment of si- to an overestimation of ANDSF personnel in been among the most effective surro- lence for our men and women in uni- Helmand based on inflated numbers reported gates the Democrats have. form who have died serving this Nation to the Ministry of Defense. USFOR–A subse- In addition to his political expertise quently deployed additional personnel closer during wartime by the House Chair to the front lines in Helmand to assist with and policy expertise, having visited his took place on March 23, 2015, almost 2 improving that corps. The ‘‘ghost soldier’’ district and having met his constitu- years ago. I, frankly, do not under- issue clearly is affecting decision-making ents, I know he was also so attuned to stand how House leadership is not more within the Defense Department that affects the needs of his constituents, particu- concerned about those who have given U.S. personnel. I would like to know how larly the veterans and the homeless, their life serving this Nation. DOD plans to mitigate any further risk to but also in championing the economy Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I wrote to U.S. military and civilian personnel that and bringing improvements to Long Is- Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter may result from the ongoing ‘‘ghost solider’’ problem. land Sound. His casework was re- several weeks ago regarding an article Finally, how confident is the Defense De- nowned within New York, and his staff that said that there are 200,000 Afghan partment that the ANDSF and the Afghan was among the most superb anywhere soldiers who do not exist—they call government have the capability and the will on the Hill or in any district office. them ghosts—who are on the payroll of to effectively implement the new systems, In addition to all that—and that the Department of Defense. I asked and when will that implementation be fully would be enough for any of us—he also him in the letter: Why are we wasting achieved? When implemented, does the De- wrote a fabulous novel on his iPhone, fense Department expect the ‘‘ghost soldier’’ this money, and can you identify where problem to be eliminated, or merely re- ‘‘The Global War on Morris.’’ Who can the money is going? duced? do that? Who can write a book at all, Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD Mr. Secretary, the ‘‘ghost soldier’’ problem let alone one on his iPhone, let alone it my letter to Secretary Ashton Carter. has clearly existed in Afghanistan since the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.002 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7275 beginning of U.S. operations there. The De- capitals, carried out some of the largest ter- he served as a State legislator, Flor- fense Department should have known that rorist attacks in the capital city of Kabul, ida’s Governor, and as a United States ‘‘ghost soldiers’’ represented a major risk to and have pressed attacks in all 34 provinces Senator, and from my mother who American personnel and American taxpayers of the country, with an average of 68 attacks worked tirelessly as an advocate for no later than 2008, when a Government Ac- a day. countability Office report raised the issue. As a result, the Afghan army and police students and seniors. Together, they But year after year, the administration— forces have incurred about 15,000 casualties were a team that always put Florida with far too little oversight from Congress— so far this year, with civilians suffering more first. continues sending tens of millions of U.S. than 5,000 casualties, the highest levels ever Following in their footsteps, I served taxpayer dollars to pay the salaries of Af- recorded. An estimated 1.2 million Afghans my community as a PTA volunteer, ghan military and police, thousands of whom have been displaced because of the fighting and I worked for my local school dis- never show up for duty or may not even and are living as refugees in their own coun- trict. While I was happy to serve, I exist. And now, we are almost $20 trillion in try, with another 85,000 opting to leave the never planned to follow in my father’s debt. country in the first six months of 2016 alone After 15 years of wounded and murdered for the migrant trail to Europe. footsteps into politics. But as our Americans, it is time to bring this waste, Adding to the Taliban threat, ISIS has now country became more divided, my fraud and abuse to an end. It is sickening, established itself in two eastern Afghan thoughts began to change. Like so unaffordable, and it must stop. Many schol- provinces and Al Qaida operatives are active many Americans, I was disappointed to ars have said that Afghanistan is a grave- in seven provinces, according to a recent re- see our Nation’s civil discourse deterio- yard of empires—when this financial disaster port in ‘‘The Guardian.’’ With opium produc- rate to shouting matches on cable news finally brings us to our knees, maybe the tion also up by 43 percent in the country, and gridlock in government. there is no shortage of funds to fuel the in- ghost soldiers can visit the headstone that In 2013, I decided to run for office says United States of America. surgency and corruption. Sincerely, According to a 2016 World Bank report, the with my own message and my own mis- WALTER B. JONES, social and economic gains achieved with sion: to bring back civility, to work Member of Congress. international assistance over the last 15 with both parties to actually get Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, the reason years are also quickly eroding due to war things done, and to always put the peo- and corruption. ple of Florida first. I mentioned these ghost soldiers is be- The Obama administration has opted to cause Americans are still dying in this leave 8,400 troops in Afghanistan in 2016 in a b 1015 godforsaken country known as Afghan- support role to the Afghan army, down from I ran for office to bring the north istan, all while our Nation is headed a high of 100,000 in 2010. And the U.S. com- Florida way to Washington. Almost 4 pletely pays for the Afghan army and police for an economic collapse as we soon years after making that decision, I am will see the $20 trillion debt number forces. On the civilian side of reconstruction, the U.S. continues to pour money into the proud to say we have had many suc- come forward. For the sake of our mili- cesses in our own mission. tary, we need to end this madness in country for ‘‘nation-building.’’ At the Brus- sels Afghanistan ‘‘Donors Conference’’ in After winning my election, I imme- Afghanistan. early October, the international community diately began reaching out to my Flor- I have beside me a photograph of a pledged another $15 billion in support; the ida colleagues, Republicans and Demo- flag-draped coffin being taken off of an U.S. is the largest contributor. crats. I am proud to say that those airplane. This is a humble way that I Given the abysmal results achieved so far, friendships have paid off to the benefit can say to the nine Americans who also isn’t it time to re-evaluate U.S. foreign pol- of Florida. came home in a flag-draped coffin in icy goals in Afghanistan? Recently, a group of U.S. generals and former U.S. ambas- We were able to recruit almost the the back of a plane thank you for your entire State delegation to support our service. sadors to Afghanistan announced that a ‘‘generational commitment’’ of assistance Apalachicola Bay Restoration Act. I Mr. Speaker, it is time for Congress was still required of the American people to- cosponsored legislation with Congress- to have a debate on the floor of the ward Afghanistan to see it securely to the man PATRICK MURPHY to protect the House as to whether we need to stay in end goal of . . . what? Nobody can give a co- Everglades and with Congressman Afghanistan for another 16 years. We herent answer to that question, indicating DAVID JOLLY to ban oil drilling off the have been there for 16 years now. that we have seriously lost our way. coast of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD Most Americans have forgotten about Af- I asked to serve on the committees an article that tells the story of Af- ghanistan (or no longer want to hear about that were most important to my dis- ghanistan better than I can today on it) and are not aware of the ongoing costs in American lives and resources. It’s time for trict—the Armed Services Committee the floor. The title of that article is the next American president to drastically and the Agriculture Committee. ‘‘It’s Time for America to Get Out of change direction and explain it to the Amer- On the Armed Services Committee Afghanistan.’’ ican people. we were able to make substantial legis- [Dec. 2, 2016] That direction should be to start the pull- out of Afghanistan after 15 years of failure to lative gains. We were able to amend IT’S TIME FOR AMERICA TO GET OUT OF achieve any lasting policy objectives there. the National Defense Authorization AFGHANISTAN The U.S. should immediately stop the mul- Act with initiatives to protect pro- (By Mark Kryzer) titude of civilian ‘‘nation-building’’ programs that helped Florida’s economy, ‘‘Nation-building’’ hasn’t achieved lasting grams that have been so costly and failed to create jobs, and strengthen our na- goals, Afghanis continue to suffer casualties achieve their unrealistic goals. U.S. funding tional security, as well as the work we and be displaced, and the costs to the U.S. for the Afghan army and police forces should have done to improve our relationship keep mounting. be put on a diminishing schedule that would with Israel, including authorizing a After 15 years and $115 billion of taxpayer stop entirely after two years, forcing Af- dollars spent on failed ‘‘nation-building,’’ it’s ghanistan to finally stand or fall on its own. joint anti-tunneling program to fight time for the U.S. to let go of Afghanistan. It’s time to let go of Afghanistan and end terrorism and to protect both of our (The actual ‘‘total cost of war and recon- the 15-year drain on American lives and re- countries’ borders. struction’’ which includes all U.S. military sources. On the House Agriculture Com- spending, has been estimated at $783 billion Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I ask God mittee, I work closely with farmers by the Cost of War project at Brown Univer- across the State. I will never forget our sity.) to bless our men and women in uni- The situation in 2016 has been described by form, and I ask God to continue to 14-county north Florida farm tour, one senior U.S. government official as an bless America. where I tried my own hand at planting ‘‘eroding stalemate.’’ That’s optimistic. We f peanuts and even pregnancy checked a are losing whatever has been achieved there cow. I am so proud of the work we did and the Afghan government is slowly col- PUTTING FLORIDA FIRST to bring the U.S. Department of Agri- lapsing under the Taliban onslaught and its The SPEAKER pro tempore. The culture Strike Force program to Flor- own ineptitude driven by corruption. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from ida, which will help rural counties to The Taliban control more territory now protect their communities, to grow than at any time since their overthrow by Florida (Ms. GRAHAM) for 5 minutes. the U.S. in 2001 with the Afghan government Ms. GRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, I am so their economies, and to create jobs. controlling only two-thirds of the country— very fortunate to have grown up in a While we have had many successes in during daylight hours. Since January 2016, family dedicated to public service. I Washington, I am even more proud of the Taliban have contested five provincial watched and learned from my father as the work we have accomplished in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.003 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7276 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Florida. Our focus on constituent serv- United States’ entrance into World educate the illiterate. It managed hos- ices and cutting through bureaucratic War II. pitals, it rationed food and clothing for redtape has paid off. We have helped re- Though it is painful to think of all the destitute, and it even solemnized turn almost $2 million in benefits owed the brave men and women we lost that marriages. In the process, it gathered to Florida seniors and families, includ- day, I am grateful for this heroic gen- priceless handwritten personal infor- ing more than half-a-million dollars to eration of soldiers, including my own mation on potentially 4 million Afri- veterans. father, who served in defense of the can Americans. While the numbers are impressive, freedoms of our country during World Due to the work and commitment of the stories behind them are what really War II. I wear my father’s wings. I have over 25,000 volunteers, with the help of count. Stories like Kenneth McCray, a them on today. I wear them every day. the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Vietnam veteran who was denied bene- My mom and dad love their country day Saints and FamilySearch Inter- fits by the VA until our office stepped and they, like so many others, sac- national, they have been able to unin to help. In every vote and in every rificed so much. It was examples of he- cover the names and stories of over 1.9 way, we always put the people of Flor- roes such as these that led me to make million freed slaves. In some cases, for ida first. the decision when I was a young man the very first time, African Americans While working in Congress, the peo- to become a pilot in the Air Force. are able to discover their Civil War-era ple of north Florida have never let me I would like to take a moment and families through an online and search- down. I have felt their love and support share the story of one brave Utahn, able database. in each hug, whether at a press con- Mervyn Bennion, who was stationed at I was especially pleased to attend an ference or along a parade route. I have Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack. event yesterday where the newly in- witnessed their compassion after Hur- After graduating from high school in dexed database of the Freedmen’s Bu- ricane Hermine, when neighbors helped Salt Lake City, Bennion accepted his reau Records was delivered to the neighbors clear debris and sheltered appointment to the United States Smithsonian’s new National Museum those in need. I have seen local leaders Naval Academy, where he graduated of African American History and Cul- put partisanship aside to fight for our near the top of his class. He later as- ture. communities. sumed command of the USS West Vir- If I could just divert for a moment, I We call this the north Florida way, ginia in July of 1941. would like to share a story from this but we don’t have a monopoly on that The ship was moored with other ves- experience from one of the leaders of spirit. It is the essence of the American sels on Battleship Row on that Sunday the museum, and I hope he will forgive spirit. I have witnessed a bit of it here morning. Just shy of 8 a.m., Japanese me for stealing his story and repeating in Washington. Between campaigns and forces struck the USS West Virginia it to you. This gentleman told of how commercial breaks, I have seen that with at least six torpedoes and two his grandparents passed away when he Republicans and Democrats can actu- bombs. was very young. He had no memory of ally like one another. If we can begin Under attack and struggling to orga- his grandparents, except for going to talking to each other again instead of nize a defense from the bridge, Captain his grandmother’s house and watching shouting at each other, we can move Bennion was struck with shrapnel from her cook on some old tin cookie sheets. our country forward in a way that one of these bombs; but, still, he con- But as he was able to, for the first helps every American. tinued to direct the ship’s battle while time, research his own family records, So, as I prepare to leave Congress, I using one of his hands to hold his own he found the records of one of his an- offer up this parting advice to new and wounds closed. Several sailors at- cestors who was a slave; and part of veteran Members. Take the time to tempted to convince him to go to the those records was an accounting of form friendships, put partisanship first-aid station and seek medical at- money that was paid to her and some aside, and always put the people you tention, but he refused to leave his of the things that she was able to pur- represent first. post. Sadly, he later died from a loss of chase. One of them was a line which re- Now that I have shared this advice, I blood. corded that she paid 22 cents for a set would like to end my speech by saying Captain Bennion was recognized with of tin cookie sheets. What an emo- thank you. Thank you to my com- the Medal of Honor—our Nation’s high- tional moment it was for him to have mitted staff, my family, and, most im- est military honor—for his ‘‘con- that connection now with his ancestors portantly, I want to thank the people spicuous devotion to duty, extraor- that he would not have been able to of north Florida’s Second Congres- dinary courage, and complete disregard otherwise. sional District. I am so thankful to for his own life.’’ The Freedmen’s Bureau Records them for giving me the opportunity to Today, on the anniversary of the at- Project allows families to discover serve. Running for Congress and serv- tack on Pearl Harbor, let us remember their ancestors. It allows them to con- ing in the House has been an enriching not only the brave men and women nect with them. It allows them to see experience with many workdays, pos- who lost their lives in that attack, but the heroes among their ancestors that sum festivals, and parades along the also those who have continued to fight so many of them have. way. for our freedoms for the last 75 years. I would like to congratulate and I am sad it is coming to an end, but In dark and dangerous places all thank the thousands of volunteers who this moment is bittersweet. I will al- around the globe, American soldiers, sacrificed their time in this wonderful ways treasure the friendships and expe- sailors, and airmen are doing what project. rience I have gained in Congress. I they can to bring stability and safety f know that as this chapter closes, an- to many parts of the world. We should HONORING REID RIBBLE AND other opens, and I will continue to remember them. We should thank RICHARD HANNA serve my community and the people of them. We should keep them and their Florida for as long as I am able. families in our prayers. What we have The SPEAKER pro tempore. The f asked them to do is not easy. They de- Chair recognizes the gentleman from serve our gratitude and our respect. Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for 5 min- 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL CONGRATULATING COMPLETION OF THE utes. HARBOR FREEDMEN’S BUREAU RECORDS PROJECT Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. STEWART. Mr. Speaker, I would have been privileged to serve with Chair recognizes the gentleman from like to take a few minutes to congratu- many exceptional people during my Utah (Mr. STEWART) for 5 minutes. late the completion of the Freedmen’s tenure in Congress. This year, there Mr. STEWART. Mr. Speaker, as I Bureau Records Project. are a number of my Democratic col- think all of us know, today marks the The Freedmen’s Bureau was orga- leagues who are leaving who will be 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl nized by Congress in 1865 at the conclu- sorely missed. We just heard from Harbor; a devastating event that took sion of the Civil War. It offered assist- one—GWEN GRAHAM. And LOIS CAPPS is the lives of more than 2,300 Americans ance to freed slaves in a variety of in a chair in front of me and will be and ultimately led, of course, to the ways. The Bureau opened schools to speaking soon.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.007 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7277 Today I would like to take a moment tion a little better in a largely dysfunc- creased each decade since 1973, includ- to recognize two exceptional friends of tional climate. They have both given ing a tenfold increase over the past mine on the other side of the aisle, Re- good advice to their Republican col- decade. Eighty percent of the Tahoe publicans who enriched my time in leagues, which I hope, as they leave, Basin forests are now densely and dan- Congress and brought honor to this will find greater resonance with those gerously overgrown. They are dying. body. I rise today to speak of the serv- who are left. At lower elevations, there are now four ice of RICHARD HANNA and REID RIBBLE. We are going through a great period times as many trees as the land can These two gentlemen represent small of a national civics lesson, where support. Modeling by the Lake Tahoe town America—rural Upstate New Americans discover that elections have Basin Management Unit warns that, in York, in the case of RICHARD; and consequences, that facts really should two-thirds of the forest, conditions now Green Bay, Wisconsin, and surrounding matter, and voters need to be very dis- exist for flame size and intensity that environments in the case of REID. cerning about the decisions they make. are literally explosive. If a super fire of They have a number of similarities. RICHARD HANNA and REID RIBBLE the size we have seen in other parts of They are both hardworking, dedicated have helped, through their service, to the Sierra were to strike the Tahoe Members of this Chamber, who leave advance that civics lesson. I will be Basin, it could decimate this lake and after only three terms. They are fierce- grateful to them for as long as I am a its surroundings for a generation to ly dedicated to their family, and fam- citizen, and I look forward to years of come. ily concerns figured heavily into their friendship in the future and maybe For this reason, Congressman AMODEI decision not to seek reelection. ways to advance that national civics and I introduced a bill focused on fire They have both been very successful lesson that they speak to so eloquently prevention. This measure was specifi- businesspeople, building their own en- by their service. cally designed, after extensive input from fire districts throughout the terprises; taking pride, in the case of f REID, in the employment and terrific Tahoe region, to reduce excess fuel be- service from a roofing company; and b 1030 fore it burns. It provides for expediting collaborative fuel reduction projects RICHARD, founding and growing a con- WRDA CONFERENCE REPORT: struction enterprise. consistent with the Lake Tahoe Land WATER FOR CALIFORNIA; FIRE and Resource Management Plan, and it Both are accomplished in a broad PROTECTION FOR TAHOE range of other areas. RICHARD is a pilot calls for funds generated by timber who travels across the country piloting The SPEAKER pro tempore. The sales and other fee-based revenues to his own plane. REID recently completed Chair recognizes the gentleman from stay in the Tahoe Basin to provide for a motorcycle trip from Alaska, all the California (Mr. MCCLINTOCK) for 5 min- further fuels management and other way across North America to the Flor- utes. improvements. ida Keys; most of it with his wife Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, the This was falsely portrayed by left- riding along with him. conference report on the Water Re- wing activists in the region as a sub- They are both what normally would sources Development Act is the prod- stitute for the Senate bill. As Con- have been regarded as conservative Re- uct of many hours of good faith nego- gressman AMODEI and I made clear republicans. That description really be- tiations between the House and the peatedly, it was designed to supple- lies their approach and their value to Senate and between Republicans and ment that bill and fill a glaring defi- the institution. In some respects, they Democrats. Like any compromise, I ciency that ignored the single greatest may actually entertain some liber- don’t like everything that is in it, but environmental hazard to the lake. I am very pleased to note that the tarian leanings. But they believe in the net effect is an important step for- critical provisions of both bills—for less interference, whether it is liberal ward in protecting against the devasta- lake clarity and fire prevention—are overreach or zealotry of the other ex- tion of future droughts in California now in the conference report, thanks to treme. RICHARD is equally disdainful of and catastrophic wildfire that threat- bipartisan negotiations between House government telling women what they ens Lake Tahoe. and Senate negotiators, most notably and their doctors should do with wom- It provides $335 million for des- by Senator FEINSTEIN and House Ma- en’s bodies. perately needed surface water storage. It opens a new era of hatcheries to pro- jority Leader MCCARTHY. They are both deeply concerned Unfortunately, in the last 48 hours, about budgets and the economy—core vide for burgeoning populations of endangered fish species. It adds flexi- Senator BOXER has threatened to blind- Republican values in the past—with side this effort and destroy the fruit of bility to the management of New REID famously, in an exchange with these years of labor and endless hours Melones Reservoir and enables water some of his Tea Party constituents, in- of negotiation. She has threatened to transfers to assure that water can be dicating that they weren’t fair to their assemble enough votes, not to put for- more efficiently moved to where it is grandchildren by refusing to even con- ward a positive and credible plan of her the most needed. It adds strong protec- sider raising the gas tax to meet our own to address these critical needs but, tion to northern California area of ori- transportation needs, and he made an rather, to ruin the painstaking nego- gin water rights. It expedites the re- eloquent case. tiations of many others just as they view and approval of new projects. It RICHARD has been a partner with me are coming to fruition. for the last two Congresses as we work updates flood control management cri- In the last 4 years, the King Fire, the with transportation stakeholders to teria to make better use of our existing Butte Fire, the Rough Fire, and the try to inform one another and find reservoirs. Rim Fire have destroyed more than common ground, working forward on I particularly want to highlight the 1,000 square miles of forest in the Si- solutions to common problems of re- provisions related to Lake Tahoe. For erra Nevada. If we don’t restore sound building and renewing America. many years, we have spent enormous forest management for fire prevention I fully respect the decision of both resources to adjust drainage in the in the Tahoe Basin now, the next fire gentlemen to follow their instincts and basin to improve water clarity at the could reduce its magnificent forests to their families to the next phase of their lake. The Senate version of the meas- cinders and clog the lake with ash and careers, but their decision to end con- ure, which was introduced this session debris for decades to come. We can only gressional service weakens this institu- by Senators HELLER and FEINSTEIN, pray that wiser heads prevail in the tion. The fact that we could not find continued this effort; but the Heller- Senate and that this conference report enough incentive to keep them here, Feinstein bill neglected the most im- is speedily adopted by both Houses and being productive and adding their wis- mediate environmental threat to Lake signed into law by the President. Tahoe, and that is catastrophic wild- dom and energy, says something about f the challenges that this Congress faces fire. The Senate bill had no provision in the years ahead. for forest management, specifically for MY TENURE AS RESIDENT Serving with them has been a re- fire prevention. COMMISSIONER markable pleasure. They have helped The number of acres burned by wild- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The both Republicans and Democrats func- fire in the Lake Tahoe Basin has in- Chair recognizes the gentleman from

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:36 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.008 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7278 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Puerto Rico (Mr. PIERLUISI) for 5 min- dent Obama as he signed the bill into cessfully for the city council in 2006 utes. law and were honored at a ceremony in and served as the mayor of Montrose in Mr. PIERLUISI. Mr. Speaker, after 8 the Capitol, one that I will never for- 2009. years, this will be my last floor speech get. Mr. Speaker, it was not just his work as the Resident Commissioner of Puer- The toughest fight of my tenure that defined who Mr. Abeyta was. It to Rico in Congress. I want to thank came earlier this year when Congress was the devotion to serving others. As my constituents for giving me the op- and the White House worked together a husband, a father, a war veteran, a portunity to serve as their voice in to enact legislation, called PROMESA, little league coach, and a public serv- Washington. They are enduring dif- to prevent the Government of Puerto ant, he lived a life full of selfless serv- ficult times, but they never lose their Rico from collapsing. Nobody was ice and stood as an example for all hope, dignity, or appreciation for life’s pleased that such legislation was nec- Americans to live by. He started out as blessings. essary, and nobody liked every provi- the new guy in Montrose, and he ended I also want to thank my colleagues sion in the bill, but I firmly believe up serving as the mayor, which speaks in the House and the Senate. I respect that PROMESA, if properly imple- volumes about the impact he had on your dedication to public service, en- mented, provides a path to a better fu- his community. ergy, and commitment to the causes ture for Puerto Rico. Mr. Speaker, I am saddened by Jose’s you champion. In addition, I want to I close with this thought: Puerto passing because he was an irreplaceable thank my staff, which has served me Rico’s current territory status, which figure in Montrose, but I am grateful and the people of Puerto Rico with gives Congress license to treat my con- that I had the opportunity to know skill, passion, and loyalty. stituents like second class citizens, is him. His family is in my thoughts and Most importantly, I want to thank undignified and unsustainable. prayers, and I hope that the commu- my wife, Maria-Elena; my four chil- Following a 2012 local referendum in nity of Montrose will continue to cele- dren; and the rest of my family. They which island residents expressed their brate his tremendous accomplishments have walked alongside me on this jour- opposition to the current status and in the weeks and months to come. Jose ney through the peaks and valleys, and their support for statehood, Congress Abeyta will be missed. my love for them cannot be captured enacted legislation that provided fund- f with words. ing for the first federally sponsored ref- It is impossible to condense 8 action- erendum in Puerto Rico’s history. The END HUNGER NOW packed years into 5 minutes. However, significance of this achievement has The SPEAKER pro tempore. The if there is a central theme to my ten- yet to be sufficiently appreciated. Chair recognizes the gentleman from ure as Resident Commissioner, it has Puerto Rico should use this authority Massachusetts (Mr. MCGOVERN) for 5 been ‘‘fighting the good fight’’ on be- to conduct a vote on whether the terri- minutes. half of the 3.4 million American citi- tories should become a State. If the Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on the zens in Puerto Rico, who have been people of Puerto Rico ratify their sup- Monday and Tuesday before Thanks- treated unfairly for too long. port for statehood, as I expect they giving, back in Massachusetts, I par- In an example of baptism by fire, the will, it will be incumbent upon Con- ticipated in the seventh annual battle began almost as soon as I as- gress to implement that result. This Monte’s March, which is a 43-mile walk sumed office in 2009, when Congress country, which was founded on the to raise awareness about hunger in our was debating the stimulus bill known principles of equality and justice, must community and to raise money for The as ARRA. Even as I was still learning live up to its creed. Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. to navigate my way through the Cap- May God bless Puerto Rico and the The leader of this remarkable event itol, we managed to secure virtually United States of America. is Monte Belmonte, a well-known local State-like treatment for Puerto Rico, f radio personality with WRSI, the injecting almost $7 billion into the is- River, and a committed activist on be- land’s economy when we needed it PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOSE half of those who are most vulnerable. most. ABEYTA This year, the march raised a record The fight continued the following The SPEAKER pro tempore. The $211,213. This translates into over a half year with the Affordable Care Act, Chair recognizes the gentleman from a million meals for individuals and which resulted in the largest funding Colorado (Mr. TIPTON) for 5 minutes. families who struggle with food insecu- increase in history for Puerto Rico’s Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rity. I was impressed by the stamina of Medicaid program. Separately, we se- honor Mr. Jose Abeyta of Montrose, all of those who walked and by the in- cured legislative and administrative Colorado, who passed away on Novem- credible generosity of the community. action that eliminated many of the dis- ber 14, 2016. Jose is survived by his The sad reality is that there is no parities that Puerto Rico faced under wife, Loretta, whom he married 40 congressional district in the United the Medicare program. years ago, and they have two sons, States that is hunger free, and those I am also proud of our work to com- Lenny and Juan. who battle hunger defy stereotypes. bat drug-related violence in Puerto Jose was a personal friend of mine Some are homeless; some are jobless; Rico, requiring the Federal Govern- and was a beloved member of his com- but there are many who work but who ment to prepare the Caribbean Border munity. He served our country proudly earn so little that they can’t afford to Counternarcotics Strategy and per- during the Vietnam war from 1969 to put food on the table on a regular basis suading Federal lawsuit agencies to in- 1971, as a fixed wing mechanic for the for their families. crease their resources in Puerto Rico. Army’s 358th Aviation Detachment. He While food banks and food pantries The number of homicides on the island received an honorable discharge after and charitable organizations are vital was cut in half between 2011 and 2015. serving for 2 years. Mr. Abeyta was a in our efforts to combat hunger, they But this is not about statistics. It is hero for the time he spent in the Army, cannot do it alone. We need a strong about preserving human life. but the life he lived after his service commitment by our government to do Moreover, I have tried my best to showed us what an honorable man and its part. Indeed, I would argue that we serve those who have served us. Resi- model citizen he truly was. have fallen way short of doing what is dents of Puerto Rico have a rich mili- Jose married Loretta 1 month after needed to ensure that no one goes hun- tary tradition, and no unit exemplifies returning home from Vietnam, and gry. Those whom I marched alongside their courage and character better they moved to Colorado Springs, where during Monte’s March are good people than the 65th Infantry Regiment, he went to school and earned a degree who understand what it means to truly which fought the enemy on the battle- in sociology at the University of Colo- be part of a community. field and discrimination in the bar- rado at Colorado Springs. Mr. Abeyta I want to thank, first and foremost, racks. After we enacted legislation to paid his own way through school. He the incredible Monte Belmonte and all award them the Congressional Gold and Loretta then moved back to of the people at the River, including Medal, these warriors—now in the twi- Montrose, where he began his career as Mark Lattanzi, Joan Holliday, Michael light of their lives—stood beside Presi- a probation officer. He later ran suc- Sokol, Kaliis Smith, Dave Musante,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.010 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7279 and Matt Peterson. They are amazing making the shopping carts we used FAREWELL ADDRESS people who worked overtime to make during the march. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The this march a success. Mr. Speaker, I was glad to be part of Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from I am grateful to Andrew Morehouse, this, but I want to close by expressing California (Mrs. CAPPS) for 5 minutes. the executive director of The Food my deep concern about the future. I re- Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise Bank of Western Massachusetts, and to main worried about rumors of more today to address the House one last everyone at the food bank. They do in- cuts to SNAP or separating SNAP from time as a Member of Congress. Over 18 credible work. the farm bill or weakening child nutri- years ago, I was honored and humbled Thanks to all of the elected officials tion. With so many relying on these to be elected to this House. It has been who joined part of the march, including programs to help put food on the table, the job and the responsibility of a life- my colleagues, Congressmen RICHIE these cuts would be devastating for time. NEAL and JOE KENNEDY. We were also families across the country. We must After a career spent as a nurse and in joined by State Representatives Steve protect and strengthen these programs. our public schools as a school nurse, it Kulik and Aaron Vega, State Rep- I believe food ought to be a right for was the start of a life I never expected, resentative-elect Solomon Goldstein- every single individual in this country but I was eager to answer the call to Rose, as well as by Northampton and on the planet, but the sad reality public service on behalf of the citizens Mayor David Narkewicz and District is that it isn’t. All of us need to do bet- of the central coast of California. It Attorney Dave Sullivan. ter. All of us need to care more. All of was the same call that had beckoned We kicked off the march at Friends us need to recognize our moral failings my husband, Walter, before me. He was of the Homeless in Springfield, and I in not addressing this issue sooner. a religious studies professor who felt am grateful for all that they do. The So on behalf of the dedicated crew compelled to serve. Like Walter, I Sheriff’s Departments in Hampden, that took part in Monte’s March, I sought to help restore the bonds of Hampshire, and Franklin Counties, as urge all of us in Congress to act and trust between the people and their gov- well as the Deerfield Police, helped end hunger now. ernment. provide escorts for us during all 43 While the circumstances of my join- miles. ing Congress were unexpected, it has f A special thanks to the students who been a tremendous honor to serve with joined the march from Greenfield Cen- all of you over these years. Together ter School, HEC Academy, Conway IN HONOR OF DAVID HOWLE with our colleagues, our dedicated Grammar School, and Erving Elemen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The staff, and our constituents, I have been tary. We were joined by a contingent Chair recognizes the gentleman from proud to work on behalf of issues so from Greenfield Community College, North Carolina (Mr. HOLDING) for 5 important to our congressional district which included its president, Bob Pura. minutes. on the central coast of California, We also had a group of farmers from Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I rise issues important also to our entire Na- The Kitchen Garden in Sunderland who today to recognize David Howle. tion. joined the effort. For the past 29 years, Coach Howle We have worked hard to ensure that Sean Barry, from Four Seasons Liq- has served as the head football coach everyone has the chance to fulfill their uors in Hadley, was, as usual, Monte’s for the Bunn High School Wildcats in American Dream, while moving our right-hand man and always at the front Franklin County. During that time, economy and our country forward. We of the line. We had a large group of in- Coach Howle had unprecedented suc- have fought to protect women’s rights, dividuals who marched and raised a lot cess, amassing 214 wins and just 90 strengthen families, and push for of money. Thanks to all of them. My losses. He has had 45 players go on to equality. We have made great strides in friend Chia Collins of Northampton de- play at the collegiate level, a nearly making health care more accessible serves special credit for raising the unheard of number for an AA high and affordable so that no one has to go most. school. bankrupt just because they get sick. And we have championed a clean en- Thanks to all of the people who While Coach Howle built the Bunn ergy future while protecting our beau- greeted us along the way, including football program into a regional power- tiful landscapes, our coastlines, and Karen Blanchard of Kate’s Kitchen, house, it is more important to recog- our precious natural resources for fu- Andrea Marion at Lorraine’s Soup nize the impact he has had on thou- Kitchen and Pantry, Mindy Domb at ture generations. sands of students, parents, and staff in In recent months, I have often been the Amherst Survival Center, Lori Di- the Bunn community. His expectation vine and Vitek Kruta at Gateway City asked what I will miss most about of his players to work hard, not just on serving in Congress. While there is Arts, Chancellor Subbaswamy at the field, Mr. Speaker, but also in the UMass Amherst and his top aide Nat- much to miss, the answer is easy: it is classroom, translated into a 99 percent the people. To me, this job has always alie Blais, who marched 27 miles with graduation rate for his student ath- us. been and always will be about the peo- letes. ple: the people we represent, the people b 1045 Coach Howle has famously told his who work so hard to keep this place We are grateful to Northampton team, ‘‘show me your friends and I’ll going, the people on my staff over the Brewery for a wonderful dinner on show you your future,’’ encouraging his years who have been so dedicated to Monday, Chandler’s in Deerfield for a players not just to be good citizens, but making our community and our coun- great lunch on Tuesday, Richardson’s also to be productive members of soci- try just a little bit better—and the peo- Candy Kitchen in Deerfield for the in- ety. ple I serve with here, you, my col- dulgent chocolates that gave us en- And no matter the outcome of any leagues. ergy, and all the folks at Seymour’s in game—win, loss, or draw—Coach Howle It has been such a privilege and Greenfield for the magnificent celebra- was always there to encourage his pleasure to get to know you and work tion at the end of the march. Also, a players to keep their heads up and to alongside many of you over the years, special thanks to Tea Guys for their look to the future as the team ended learning more about your districts, wonderful tea in honor of the march every game with the Bunn High School your backgrounds, and your families. and for their generosity. fight song followed by the Lord’s pray- After all, isn’t this what Congress was Thanks to Ben Clark from Clarkdale er. meant to be? You, my colleagues, com- Fruit Farm in Deerfield for the apples David Howle exemplifies what the ing from all over the country, from all and for keeping us in line. Thanks to thousands of dedicated educators in walks of life, to represent your neigh- Erika Connell Cooper’s mother for the North Carolina do every day. The les- bors and communities in this place, delicious apple pies. And thank you to sons Coach Howle taught and the dif- this Congress, to work together for the Mr. Michael Brooks and the students ference he made in thousands of lives good of our Nation. at the Smith Vocational and Agricul- will be remembered in his community During my time in Congress, I have tural High School in Northampton for for years to come. been so proud of those laws we have

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.011 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7280 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 passed that have made a real difference neers, the Office of Surface Mining turnaround in natural gas production in people’s lives. When I am home, I Reclamation and Enforcement, and on State and private lands has been often hear about the positive impact of several other bureaucracies have dramatic, to be sure, but relative price our work, the role our office has played turned that pledge into a reality, chok- parity with coal does not explain two- in the district, the difference our ef- ing off investment in new state-of-the- thirds of mining jobs in Kentucky dis- forts have made in individual lives. art, clean-burning, coal-fired electric appearing in 7 years. I am proud of the progress we have generation; and it led to the premature The administration has targeted coal made as a country, but we need to keep closing of existing plants. supply and demand, prohibiting pro- this momentum going. As we all know, If we continue on this path, the other duction leases, rejecting mining permit cooperation and progress is not always promise made by candidate Obama will applications, stretching the Clean Air easy, but it is what we are sent here to also come to pass: electricity rates will and Clean Water Acts against congres- do and it is what we must do, regard- necessarily skyrocket. And that would sional intent, prohibiting new and ex- less of partisanship. We are here, each be a disaster for consumers, for whom isting plants from using coal—the list one, because we believe in the role of energy prices are often the second or goes on and on. government to make the lives of every- third largest line item in the family Many of these rules have been halted day Americans better, and that has budget. or overturned by the courts, and several more remain subject to challenge been my guiding light both as a Mem- I also think about industrial con- by the States and industry; but since ber of Congress and as a nurse before. sumers and the many manufacturers in the President could not get Congress’ As I have said, I may be retiring, but my district and around the Nation who support for his agenda of banning the I do not want to consider myself re- depend on affordable, reliable energy production and use of coal, most of tired. I prefer to say I am graduating that will face skyrocketing costs if we these regulations can be unwound by to continue working locally on issues fail to act and reverse these adminis- the courts or the next administration. that have defined my time in Congress. tration policies. However, it is a new I urge the incoming Trump adminis- Our work is cut out for us, but I am day; and voters—particularly in the tration to do just that and to engage deeply optimistic about what the fu- Rust Belt and Appalachia—turned out with Congress in a bipartisan fashion ture holds. I trust that the next Con- in November to close the book on this on our Nation’s energy and environ- gress will hold healthy debates about legacy of job-killing regulation and to mental policies. The livelihoods of peo- how to build a better country for our seek a new path forward. ple in the coalfields, of those working children. I urge my colleagues to re- President Obama said that elections in the manufacturing and rail indus- member that, even during the most have consequences, and this is true; tries, of families trying to keep their trying times, as my husband Walter but his administration ignored every homes warm and their lights on must often said: There is much more that electoral outcome since 2010, doubling never again be the collateral damage in unites us as a people than that which down on failed policies while the Amer- partisan warfare. divides us. ican people called for a different ap- I must address the issue of climate Now I want to take one last oppor- proach. change. Let the last 8 years serve as a tunity to thank my staff, the people The inverse is also true: con- lesson to all of us. Let’s never again at- who have become family to me both sequences drive elections. The con- tempt to solve problems through cen- here in D.C. and in the district. And I sequences of the Obama administra- tral planning by punishing innocent want to thank you, my colleagues, for tion’s unilateral decisions decided last Americans whose paychecks put food your camaraderie, your hard work, and November’s election, and no place in on their table. Instead, let’s address the friendship that has lasted over 18 this country felt those consequences as problems like climate change the years. It has meant the world to me. acutely as coal country. American way: not through central And finally, thank you. Thank you, National coal production is at its planning or government, but through truly, to the people of the central coast lowest level in 35 years. Pike County, innovation, science, technology. for trusting me as your Representative, the long leading coal producer in Ken- While it will be a tough road back for for inspiring me every single day with tucky, until losing that title in 2012, is coal country and it may never be the your passion and your dedication for down 89 percent since its peak in 1996. same after 8 years of regulatory at- our Nation and for California’s 24th Nationwide, consumption of coal has tack, I do look forward to a new day District. You make our community a dropped nearly a third since 2007. dawning in the coalfields. place in which I have been proud to In Kentucky, coal employment hit f raise my children and my grand- its lowest level in 118 years. To repeat, ROBERT LEVINSON STILL MISSING children now, one I am proud to call coal employment in Kentucky is now IN IRAN home. at its lowest level since 1898. In 2009, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The f 18,850 people were employed by coal. About 73,000 jobs were indirectly sup- Chair recognizes the gentleman from 8-YEAR ASSAULT ON AMERICA’S ported by that economic activity. Florida (Mr. DEUTCH) for 5 minutes. Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, the holi- COAL INDUSTRY Today, only about 6,500 Kentuckians day season is upon us. We are getting The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. now work in the coalfields, and those ready to head home to spend time with FLEISCHMANN). The Chair recognizes losses have rippled throughout the family and friends, yet I rise today the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. economy. Yet this is the legacy that with a heavy heart. BARR) for 5 minutes. this administration will earn as it For the family of my constituent Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, today I rise leaves office. Robert Levinson of Coral Springs, Flor- to mark the end of a long, harsh, par- Never in the history of our country ida, these weeks are a painful reminder tisan, politicized campaign, unprece- has an administration singled out and of another Thanksgiving, another dented in American history. I am not targeted a lawful industry—in this Christmas—their 10th, in fact—without talking about the recent election. No. case, an industry that has provided their father, grandfather, and husband. We are finally at the end of the Obama jobs and opportunities for American f administration’s 8-year assault on Ken- workers for generations, an industry tucky’s and America’s coal industry. that has literally powered America, b 1100 In two terms, President Obama’s and, through that overregulation, Bob has been missing in Iran for 3,561 policies have successfully put thou- crushed an entire sector of our econ- days. He disappeared from Kish Island, sands of coal miners and utility work- omy. Iran, on March 9, 2007. Late that year, ers into the unemployment line. In Now, Obama administration apolo- Bob’s wife, Christine, and his oldest 2008, then-candidate Obama pledged gists will say that depletion in Appa- son Dan traveled to Iran to learn as that any company looking to build a lachian coalfields and new competition much as they could about his where- coal-powered electric plant would be from natural gas are the primary fac- abouts. bankrupted. The combined regulations tors in those job losses, but they don’t It was a brutal 3-year wait for the of the EPA, the Army Corps of Engi- give the regulators enough credit. The first proof of life, a video of Bob

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.013 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7281 dressed in an orange jumpsuit, pleading Levinson family. I don’t want to have lies that make up Holy Cross Catholic for help. A year later, in 2011, another to introduce that legislation again Church are a living example of individ- proof of life, pictures of Bob, his beard next year. I don’t want to come back to uals who live out their faith in their long, his face thin, his gregarious smile the House floor in 2017 to plead for work and their daily lives. gone, a shadow of the exuberant family Bob’s return. This is the moment for Our country was founded on Judeo- man in this photograph. action. This is the time to bring Bob Christian principles. The First Amend- In March, marking the ninth anni- home. ment guarantees the freedom of reli- versary of Bob’s disappearance, south When the Levinson children were gion, freedom of speech, and freedom of Florida came together in support of growing up, they would pile into the conscience. It is my sincere hope that, Bob’s return with a rally. Each of Bob’s family Suburban before Christmas in as America moves forward, our leaders children spoke so beautifully about the search of the best holiday decoration will place the issue of religious liberty special relationship that they share displays. The kids would sit back sing- at the forefront of their political and with their father, his commitment to ing Christmas songs, and Bob would legislative agendas. his family, his words of wisdom, his hold Christine’s hand while he drove. On this 60th anniversary of Holy ability to touch the lives of everyone Even though the family has grown too Cross Catholic Church, it is my prayer that he meets. large to fit in one Suburban now, Bob that the parish will continue to grow Bob Levinson served this country for and his family deserve to see the lights and thrive, welcome new members, and nearly 30 years, first as a DEA agent, together this year. They deserve to share the Gospel with the world. and then as an FBI agent. He is the def- sing together. This must be the last f inition of a patriot. He loves this coun- season that Bob spends away from his THE WAR ON SCIENCE try. He dedicated his life to public family. service. Now we must do whatever we f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The can to bring Bob home; home to Chris- Chair recognizes the gentleman from tine, his wife of over 40 years; home to CELEBRATING 60TH ANNIVERSARY California (Mr. MCNERNEY) for 5 min- his daughters Susan, Stephanie, Sarah, OF HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC utes. and Samantha; home to his three sons, CHURCH Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise Dan, David, and Doug, and son-in-law The SPEAKER pro tempore. The today to discuss the growing Randy; home to meet, for the first Chair recognizes the gentleman from antiscience attitude in Washington. time, the newest members of his grow- Kansas (Mr. HUELSKAMP) for 5 minutes. This attitude has manifested itself ing family, his sons-in-law and daugh- Mr. HUELSKAMP. Mr. Speaker, this even on the cover of the respected Na- ter-in-law, Ralph, Ryan, and Sophia, year my parish, Holy Cross Catholic tional Geographic magazine, titled and his six beautiful grandchildren, Church in Hutchinson, Kansas, is cele- ‘‘The War on Science.’’ The war on Ryan, Grace, Caroline, Harry, Sean, brating its 60th anniversary. Sixty science is being conducted in two ways. and Bobby; home in time for the birth years ago, then-Bishop of Wichita, First, by rejecting or trying to dis- of two new grandchildren; and home in Most Reverend Mark K. Carroll, pro- credit legitimate science. Second, by time to hold 2-year-old Bobby as he be- claimed Holy Cross Parish to be the reducing Federal science funding. gins treatment for lymphoma. third parish in Hutchinson. On June 23, Skepticism of science is hardly new Bobby was named after Grandpa Bob. 1957, the church celebrated their first and is sometimes well founded, but Bob’s daughter Susan said: I always mass in a 4–H building. what is happening today is different wanted to name my son after my dad Holy Cross Parish has come a long and is part of a trend in the United not because he has been taken, but be- way from that first mass held on the States to discount or disbelieve experts cause growing up I always knew how Kansas State Fairgrounds. Now a beau- in any field. I hear from scientists who special my dad is. tiful church adorned with holy images, are very worried that the quality and The family needs Bob home. We can’t the parish serves Christ’s people from quantity of science produced in this wait any longer. Whether you support the moment they are born with the country will decline as a result. engagement with Iran or not doesn’t Sacrament of Baptism, to feeding them American inventors and innovators matter. The fact is, for the first time with the Word of God and the Holy Eu- have improved our lives and have given since Bob went missing, the United charist, to couples exchanging mar- our country an economic edge, helping States Government sits directly across riage vows, to those seeking forgive- make us the strongest country in the the table from their Iranian counter- ness in the confessional, and, finally, world. Let me share a partial list of parts. to when we prepare to meet our Lord revolutionary achievements by Amer- The future of our relationship with at the end of our earthly lives. At each ican scientists: airplanes, phonographs, Iran is uncertain. That is why we can’t milestone of a Catholic’s life, Holy practical incandescent lamps, wireless wait. The Iranians have spent the last Cross Catholic Church is there to guide communications, microwave ovens, la- 2 years seeking acceptance from the us toward the truth: to know, love, and sers, personal computers, washing ma- international community, but to be serve the Lord in this life so as to be chines, cyclotrons, 3D printing ma- treated as a responsible nation, they with Him in the next. chines, polio vaccinations, the nuclear must act as a responsible nation. After The work of the Holy Cross commu- bomb, light-emitting diodes or LEDs, Iran released other Americans this nity certainly extends outside the fiber optic cables, mobile telephones, year, the U.S. Government announced church walls. The parish is present in computer mouse, public key cryptog- Iran’s commitment to use newly estab- the community, serving meals to the raphy, global positioning systems or lished channels to move us closer to needy, visiting inmates in prison, GPS, and social media. Bob’s return, but, 11 months later, Iran working to save the lives of the pre- Now let’s recall an earlier battle has not fulfilled that commitment. cious unborn children, and comforting against science that used the discredit Our allies are looking to invest in those who grieve. tactic; namely, the tobacco companies’ Iran. U.S. businesses are seeking new Additionally, education has always effort to dispute the science that smok- economic opportunities, and Iran is been a high priority for the Holy Cross ing is addictive and causes deadly dis- seeking to change its standing in the Parish. Hundreds upon hundreds of eases. The tobacco industry tried to world. I am not here today to debate boys and girls, young men and women, both discredit and threaten the sci- U.S. policy. I am only here to remind have received a superb Catholic edu- entists who were advancing the facts, Iran and to remind the world that an cation at Holy Cross Catholic School and funded questionable scientists to American is still not home. and Trinity Catholic High School. create doubts about the actual sci- I am grateful to this Congress for the Dedicated teachers, administrators, entific results. The tactic worked for a unanimous passage of a resolution ear- coaches, committed families, holy time while tobacco producers were able lier this year calling on the Govern- priests and nuns, and supportive pa- to continually hook millions of new ment of Iran to find Bob and bring him rishioners have worked together to pre- people on their dangerous product. home and for the deep, deep support so pare each of these students to serve as Eventually the science won out, but many of my colleagues have offered the Christ’s light to the world. The fami- the cost was terrible.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.015 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Today a similar effort is underway the very beginning of our great Nation b 1115 with respect to climate change. The and the first American Congress, Ches- FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE BOB DOLD science is clear, with a vast majority of ter Countians have served their south- Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. climate scientists agreeing that the east Pennsylvania constituents in the Speaker, when I came to Congress, as I climate is warming and that con- United States House of Representa- suspect when most new Members come tinuing to emit carbon into the atmos- tives. Not all have been nationally to Congress, you tend to look around phere at current levels will bring sig- known leaders or internationally re- for those Members who you can take a nificant and mostly detrimental nowned legislators, but, by and large, little something from to improve your- change to our environment. Moreover, Congressmen from Chester County self and to see what they do and also even though the evidence that climate have played a major role in American what they don’t do. change is already taking place and is history.’’ That was written by Richard Congressman BOB DOLD is finishing overwhelming and increasingly obvi- T. Schulze, member of the United his second term. I would like Mr. DOLD ous, there is widespread denial that cli- States House of Representatives, serv- to know that I have taken a great deal mate change is even happening or that ing from 1975 to 1993. from him. I find him to be a very hon- it would be possible to help combat it. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize orable man and a friend who has served But the things that need to be done to Congressman JOE PITTS, who has with purpose, a positive attitude, and address climate change, such as taxing served Chester County, Lancaster is partisan-free. He is a great example carbon emissions, can be done gradu- County, and Berks County with tre- of how to serve in this body effectively, ally, predictably, and in a way that mendous distinction for the past two with distinction, and with a great atti- helps the economy grow and puts peo- decades. Whether it was his legislative tude. ple to work. focus and advocacy involving religious I wish Congressman DOLD the very So why is there so much resistance? liberty, life, health care, land con- best in all his future endeavors. The resistance in America is caused servation, or focusing on those issues FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE RICHARD HANNA by a well-funded campaign to create at the most local level, JOE PITTS’ leg- Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. doubt about obvious scientific facts. acy and achievements as a legislator Speaker, RICHARD HANNA, serving New The fossil fuel industry, in particular, will prove lasting in the history of York’s 22nd Congressional District, is has been paying its own scientists to Chester County and this Congress. retiring. I want to commend Congress- go on talk shows, to publish in their My predecessor, Jim Gerlach, serving man HANNA on his thoughtfulness, own denial journals, and generally to in the neighboring Sixth Congressional independence, and courage of convic- create doubt whenever possible about District, commented: ‘‘I had the good tions. I find him to be a great example climate change, suggesting that it fortune of working with JOE from my of how to serve in this body honorably, would be better to wait for conclusive first years as a State legislator in the and I wish him and his family the very evidence before doing anything. But to PA house all the way through my last best in his retirement. wait for conclusive evidence is to wait year in Congress. During those 24 FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE MIKE for catastrophe. years, JOE PITTS was a steady and com- FITZPATRICK While Republicans in Washington are mitted voice for conservative prin- Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. trying to reduce or eliminate funding ciples and policies that are the bedrock Speaker, Congressman MIKE for climate change research, there also of our economy and society. He cared FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania’s Eighth seems to be an effort by Republicans to deeply about his constituents and Congressional District is retiring. His reduce science funding across the country, and he always voted for what brother, Brian, has big shoes to fill to board. This will result in fewer sci- he believed was best for both. In short, serve in MIKE’s place. entific advances in the U.S., which will he was a principled leader who worked When I came to Congress, one thing likely cause us to fall behind our com- hard every day to do the right thing, that you would always hear in political petitors. But this is part of a larger and his leadership will be missed.’’ circles is that MIKE FITZPATRICK, while trend that denies there are real ex- JOE PITTS’ predecessor in Congress, serving in Congress, never stopped perts. Science denial has become a pop occupying what is commonly referred being a Bucks County Commissioner. culture. This is dangerous because to as ‘‘the Pennsylvania Dutch seat,’’ What that really means is, while he modern society is built upon the things Congressman Bob Walker, commented: came down here to focus on Wash- that science got right. ‘‘JOE PITTS has distinguished himself ington and issues important to this I see the war on science in this coun- and the district he represents with his country, he never stopped spending try as shortsighted and very damaging congressional service. He has become time in Bucks County, serving the dis- to our economy. We need to change the an acknowledged leader in healthcare trict with distinction. tone and direction toward a positive policy, and his human rights work has I wish MIKE FITZPATRICK the very process that acknowledges and sup- won worldwide claim. I have been best in retirement and thank him for ports the role science has played and proud to call him my congressman for his mentorship during my first year in will continue to play for our country. the past 20 years, and wish JOE and Congress. That means working with legislators Ginny the very best in the years f and getting more scientists and other ahead.’’ concerned citizens involved in the po- CONGRATULATING STAFF litical process to ensure that our Na- This book, ‘‘Congress: The Chester SERGEANT AARON TOBLER tion can continue to benefit from new County Line,’’ was written in 1992. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The scientific discoveries and innovation There will be a day when a second book Chair recognizes the gentleman from and which will help create the jobs we about the history of Congress and New York (Mr. TONKO) for 5 minutes. need to continue to be a great eco- Chester County will be written. We Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise nomic power. don’t know who will write it, but we do today to recognize Staff Sergeant know there will be a chapter on the f Aaron Tobler, an Albany native and La service of Jim Gerlach and on the serv- Salle Institute of Troy graduate who FAREWELL TO THE HONORABLE ice of Bob Walker; and there will also was recently selected for the Out- JOE PITTS be a very long chapter, rich in content, standing Airman of the Year award by The SPEAKER pro tempore. The on the contributions that JOE PITTS the United States Air Force. Chair recognizes the gentleman from has played in American history for the The Air Force provides this recogni- Pennsylvania (Mr. COSTELLO) for 5 min- betterment of this country, for the bet- tion to top enlisted Airmen for their utes. terment of Chester County, Berks unique individual achievements in Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Mr. County, and Lancaster County. leadership, job performance, signifi- Speaker, in my hand is a book, ‘‘Con- Congressman PITTS, I wish you the cant self-improvement, and community gress: The Chester County Line’’ writ- very best as you retire, and a long and involvement. ten by Wayne C. Woodward. A portion healthy retirement to you and your Sergeant Tobler is a fine example of of the foreword reads as follows: ‘‘From family. God bless you. the best the capital region, the Air

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.016 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7283 Force, and our Nation have to offer. In who survived the attack but chose to water system that we have in Cali- addition to his military service, he return to be buried with their col- fornia today. I hope more than any- serves as a manager at the California leagues. A Navy diver takes their ashes thing that we can get the legislation Department of Social Services, men- down and puts them on the USS Ari- across the finish line, but it seems that tors local youth, and is a regular blood zona. There are seven large windows on some of my colleagues in the House donor. one side representing December 7. and the Senate remain unconvinced I thank Staff Sergeant Tobler for his There are 21 windows altogether, rep- that a solution is necessary. I tell you military and civilian service to our Na- resenting a 21-gun salute. that a solution is necessary and we are tion. He and his colleagues are truly When Mr. Preis designed it, he said working on borrowed time. what has made, and continues to make, he wanted the memorial to be every- I would like to take the opportunity this country great. thing to anybody as they looked at it, to dispel that misconception. The pic- 109TH AIRLIFT BUZZ ALDRIN EVACUATION but, most importantly, he wanted it to ture next to me here is Mr. and Mrs. Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, last week, be serene. You have to ask yourself: Cabrera from Madera, California. I rep- the National Science Foundation an- Why? resent these constituents. As you will nounced that the 109th Airlift Wing What very few know about Mr. Preis notice, they look happy. The reason provided a humanitarian medical evac- is, like the Japanese Americans, he was they look happy is because, when I had uation flight from Amundsen-Scott detained because he was Austrian. In the pleasure of meeting with them that South Pole Station in Antarctica to as- Hawaii, there were internment camps, day, they found out that they had re- tronaut Buzz Aldrin, one of the first not only of Japanese Americans but of ceived a Federal resource grant to dig men to walk on the Moon. Germans of American descent, as well a new well in their backyard. Two As the Representative for New York’s as Italians. Mr. Preis was one of them. years prior to that day, their well had 20th Congressional District, I am, in- World War II created the Greatest gone completely dry. deed, honored that we are home to Generation of all time, and we must For my colleagues who do not rep- Stratton Air National Guard Base, never forget them. We must honor resent the rural constituencies across which hosts the 109th Airlift Wing in them. But we must always remember this country or in California, that Scotia, New York. Their unit flies the that ultimate sacrifice they made. means for 2 years the Cabrera family could not turn their faucet on to get world’s only ski-equipped LC–130s, bet- They made it for all of us so we would water to bathe or cook. Instead, they ter known as Ski Birds. appreciate and enjoy civil liberties. The 109th continues a proud tradition Remember, in February of the fol- went outside to haul buckets of water of critical contributions that New lowing year is when President Roo- into their house. A 2,500-gallon tank in their backyard was where they got the York’s capital region makes to our na- sevelt signed Executive Order 9066 put- water from. Some families are even tional security, our economy, and yes, ting Japanese Americans, whose only less fortunate and had to have water our standing in the world. I am, indeed, crime was that they were Japanese Americans, into internment camps. trucked into their neighborhoods. proud of their unique service to this Also, pictured next to them is Juana This group fought the fight to prove country and thank them for their con- Garcia. Juana lives in East Porterville. their loyalty to this country. tinued support. She was featured in a Fresno Bee story Let us not forget them, the Filipino f last year. Her family and 700 house- World War II veterans who also served, holds in East Porterville have no PEARL HARBOR and everyone who served in World War water. This photo illustrates the deliv- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The II. Let us not forget why they served ery of nonpotable water to Ms. Garcia Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from and why they did that ultimate sac- and her family. They walk to the local Hawaii (Ms. HANABUSA) for 5 minutes. rifice. It was so that we would be the church several times a week so they Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, 75 greatest country on this Earth and we years ago, the Imperial forces of Japan can take a shower. would provide people with civil lib- The Cabrera and Garcia families rep- attacked Pearl Harbor and other bases erties. resent the faces of thousands of fami- in Hawaii. This unforgivable act thrust So let us not, as we move forward, lies throughout the Valley who don’t our country into the war in the Pacific. forget that. Let us not forget what it have water and don’t have a long-term On this day, 2,403 Americans died, 1,177 means to be a country that welcomes plan to get water. They have been im- of them on the Arizona, and 1,178 were all and has protected the civil liberties. pacted. wounded. As we look and hear about things like Farmers, farm workers, and farm Today, to honor those who made the the Muslim registry or building walls, communities throughout the San Joa- ultimate sacrifice, there will be serv- would those brave men of the Greatest quin Valley have been impacted as ices here in D.C., throughout the Na- Generation really think they fought well. Without water, hundreds and tion, and particularly at Pearl Harbor. for that? Is that what they want this thousands of acres of productive ag This is where Pearl Harbor, the symbol country to become? I contend that land have gone fallow. That means of World War II and the attack, is they do not. they are not planted. Without planting, found. That, of course, is the USS Ari- On this day, Mr. Speaker, as we that means no jobs and no water. Un- zona Memorial. honor those who gave that ultimate employment, in many of these Valley Designed by Alfred Preis, it was con- sacrifice, let us not forget why we are farming communities, is in the double troversial when first unveiled because the greatest country on the face of this digits and at an all-time high. people could not understand the sig- Earth and why they are the Greatest While a California drought relief bill nificance of it. They said it kind of Generation. will not resolve every single challenge looked like a squashed milk carton. f we face in the Valley and in Califor- But when you really understood what DROUGHT: HUMAN IMPACT nia’s broken water system, it will pro- went behind it, it made sense. vide some relief to help these suffering The middle part that looks like it is The SPEAKER pro tempore. The families. sagging represented the defeat of De- Chair recognizes the gentleman from To my colleagues in California and cember 7; however, the two proud, California (Mr. COSTA) for 5 minutes. elsewhere who think that the language strong sides represented the victory Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in the WRDA bill is a poison pill, I say that our country faced. Think about it. to bring attention to the real human it is not. This is important to help There is a portion of it that is open to impact that the drought has had on solve the problems of the people in this the ocean. That is where leis like this families across California’s San Joa- Valley to ensure that more Valley fam- were thrown in to honor those who quin Valley. This drought has lasted ilies do not become the victims of pol- were buried below. for 6 years. luted water and dry wells. This is not a In addition, there is a wall with the Tomorrow, the House will have an poison pill. You should not look at it names of all those who perished. But opportunity to vote on legislation that that way. It is wrong. there is another wall—and this is very will help address the impacts of the Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in significant—with the names of those drought and begin to repair a broken the House and the Senate to support

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:47 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.018 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7284 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 this legislation and act swiftly, not he should do to clear up such potential official capacity as President-elect. only on the behalf of the people of the conflicts about his foreign invest- That is normal. What is not normal or San Joaquin Valley but Flint, Michi- ments, contacts, and his vast private appropriate, though, is for the public gan, and the others who will benefit in wealth that could compromise his posi- to hear afterwards that his adult chil- the very important WRDA bill that tion as President; yet President-elect dren, who are slated to take over the will be before us tomorrow. Trump’s advisers keep us waiting and family business, were also present. Time is of the essence. The drought- dodging the main question. The American public is well aware stricken community in California, es- He, himself, has said that action is that the Trump team has a steep learn- pecially in the San Joaquin Valley, and not legally required. He is wrong. He ing curve in understanding his role, the others who are impacted by very im- also incorrectly asserts there can be no operation and legal allowances of our portant and needed efforts that Sen- conflict of interest for a President. His- Federal Government, and he has a long ator FEINSTEIN and others have put to- tory shows that is false. way to go in separating his personal fi- gether as part of the WRDA bill, a bi- Without separation of his private in- nancial interests from his public finan- partisan bill that Congressman MCCAR- terests from his public interests, how cial interests. I can’t say in strong THY has worked on, should be passed will the American people know he is enough terms we do need to have his tomorrow. Do the right thing before acting fairly and impartially in his ap- tax filings on record, and we do need to Christmas. pointments to regulatory agencies, for have clarification for the American f example? or his funding recommenda- people that our Constitution must pre- tions of budgets and departments that vail. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN could impact his investments? Or how No public official—no public offi- TRUMP ADMINISTRATION about the contracts that are let by the cial—is exempt from the law of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Federal Government itself? land, and the highest law is the Con- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from How will he work with banks, and stitution of the United States. He must Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) for 5 minutes. which ones, nation-state-owned or for- separate himself from his business Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise eign, that have loaned him and his as- dealings. today with a strong recommendation sociates money? f that President-elect Trump address im- Who will he be appointing to key reg- mediately and put to rest the over- ulatory positions that could impact his ST. XAVIER FOOTBALL STATE whelming conflicts of interest that vast financial interests across many CHAMPIONSHIP abound with his personal business af- continents? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The fairs that threaten to undermine the A former Reform Party Vice Presi- Chair recognizes the gentleman from public interest and destabilize his fu- dential candidate opined on the Huff- Ohio (Mr. WENSTRUP) for 5 minutes. ture administration. ington Post site that Mr. Trump has Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on When America’s Founding Fathers three options to address his conflicts of Friday, December 2, my alma mater, wrote the Emoluments Clause in our interest: St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Constitution, their firm intention was Number one, to place his company Ohio, beat the odds in a true underdog to insulate our new government from and assets into a true blind trust, su- story and won the Ohio high school Di- unethical foreign inducement to our pervised by a totally independent enti- vision I football State championship. elected officials and corruption attend- ty; They join the St. Xavier water polo ant to the intertwining of Europe’s pol- Number two, to persuade the GOP- team as State champs this year as itics with our own. controlled Congress to enact a law that well. exempts the President from the Emolu- Through a tough regular season b 1130 ment Provision, which I would vote schedule, the St. X Bombers went into So reads our Constitution, Article I. against; or the final regular season game with a Article I, right at the beginning, Sec- Number three, to resign, or risk im- record of 4 and 5, needing one more win tion 9, clause 8: ‘‘No Title of Nobility peachment. to make it to the playoffs, and they shall be granted by the United As the Office of Government Ethics were losing at halftime. They won and States’’—that means we don’t coronate advised, only a true divestiture of his went on to win five more times, ulti- kings here—‘‘And no Person holding financial stake in his sprawling and mately beating a tough Cleveland any Office of Profit or Trust under global business dealings will resolve Saint Ignatius team, in front of 13,000 them, shall, without the Consent of the ethical concerns about conflicts of in- people at Ohio Stadium, to win the Congress, accept any present, Emolu- terest as he assumes the role of Presi- State championship. ment, Office, or Title, of any kind dent of the United States. In one of the most thrilling high whatever from any King, Prince, or for- Now, this map gives you a sense of school football games, St. X won 27–20 eign State.’’ some of his interests that he has ac- in double overtime. In fact, three of the No elected official in this country is knowledged in some of his filings, of five playoff victories were won in over- above the Constitution, the law of the 144 companies in 25 different countries. time. land. This is the strict, time-tested We don’t know what these relation- In a historic year, St. X became the standard, ethical standard to which the ships are. He has a sprawling global first team in Ohio high school athletic President and Congress and all senior business empire, and the list includes history to lose five regular season government appointees are held. countries with strained diplomatic ties games and then go on to win the State Unfortunately, American history has to the United States. championship. The 2016 football season no shortage of examples of Presidents As the President, his responsibilities can teach us all something about perse- and senior officials who attempted to will force him to make decisions on verance and never giving up. skirt this ethical standard outside of foreign policy and tax policy, for exam- I would like to congratulate the St. appropriate channels, and they paid ple, that will impact these significant Xavier players, Coach Steve Specht, the price: Ulysses S. Grant’s Whiskey business interests. Only a truly com- and his staff, for their hard work and Ring, or Warren G. Harding’s Teapot plete removal of his ownership can as- dedication. This win adds to a long his- Dome, or Richard Nixon’s Jewel Scan- sure the American people that his tory of sportsmanship and commit- dal or Watergate, to name a few. Each Presidential actions and political deci- ment on the field at St. Xavier High represents an instance of improper sions are not motivated by personal fi- School. gifting, self-dealing, and an array of nancial interests. Even then, suspicion Go Bombers. clandestine and illegal activities, of will arise about every move he makes f which President-elect Trump would be and be subject to prosecution. wise to reflect upon their con- In the 3 weeks since his election, CONGRATULATING DR. BEN sequences. President-elect Trump has held meet- CARSON There have been many suggestions ings and calls with foreign dignitaries, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The offered to the President-elect on what Prime Ministers, and Presidents in his Chair recognizes the gentleman from

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.020 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7285 South Carolina (Mr. WILSON) for 5 min- Members of this people’s House. Give 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL utes. them the generosity of heart, and the HARBOR Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. courage of true leadership, to work as (Ms. GABBARD asked and was given Speaker, I am grateful that President- true statesmen and women, toward a permission to address the House for 1 elect Donald Trump has appointed Dr. common solution to the many issues minute.) Ben Carson to serve as Secretary of facing our Nation. Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, my Housing and Urban Development, May all that is done be for Your heart is in Hawaii today. At almost where he will promote opportunity for greater honor and glory. this exact time, on this very day 75 success for everyone. Amen. years ago, the first bombs were dropped President-elect Trump announced: f in the attack on Pearl Harbor. More ‘‘Ben Carson has a brilliant mind and is than 2,400 people perished on that fate- passionate about strengthening com- THE JOURNAL ful day that will forever live in infamy. munities and families within those We remember our brothers and sis- communities . . . Ben shares my opti- The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- ters who paid the ultimate price and mism about the future of our country those who answered the call to serve in and is part of ensuring that this is a ceedings and announces to the House his approval thereof. the months and years that followed, in- Presidency representing all Ameri- cluding our two former Senators cans.’’ Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- nal stands approved. Inouye and Akaka, and the more than Dr. Carson knows that there is power 320,000 who gave their lives in that war. in education and hard work. He earned f We remember the Japanese Ameri- a full scholarship to Yale University, cans whose lives were forever changed received his doctorate from the Univer- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE when, after the attack on Pearl Har- sity of Michigan, and then, at just age The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman bor, were thrown into internment 33, became the director of pediatric from Texas (Mr. BARTON) come forward camps; and the brave nisei who, in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins. and lead the House in the Pledge of Al- spite of these atrocities, volunteered to With his dear wife, Candy, he started legiance. serve, forming the nisei-only ‘‘Go for the Carson Scholars Fund, a valuable Mr. BARTON led the Pledge of Alle- Broke’’ 442nd Infantry Regiment, serv- national scholarship program to em- giance as follows: ing courageously and sacrificing great- power students from all backgrounds ly. to strive for academic excellence and I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the May we never forget what happened community service. United States of America, and to the Repub- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, at Pearl Harbor, the lessons learned, Our Nation is fortunate that Dr. Ben indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. and the sacrifices of all who served. Carson has been nominated to this important position, and I am confident in f f his future success for American fami- HONORING NED RANDOLPH lies. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER In conclusion, God bless our troops, The SPEAKER. The Chair will enter- (Mr. ABRAHAM asked and was given and may the President, by his actions, tain up to 15 requests for 1-minute permission to address the House for 1 never forget September the 11th in the speeches on each side of the aisle. minute.) global war on terrorism. Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise 9/11 was the Pearl Harbor of our era, f today to honor a faithful public serv- being a surprise attack on our civiliza- ant of Louisiana, Mr. Edward Gordon RECOGNIZING DR. EDUARDO J. tion. President-elect Donald Trump, Randolph, Jr., better known as Ned, PADRON ON RECEIVING THE with Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, who passed away October 4, 2016, at the PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREE- will lead us to victory to protect Amer- age of 74. DOM ican families. Ned was a political force in Lou- isiana. He served in the Louisiana f (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House House of Representatives, the Lou- RECESS for 1 minute and to revise and extend isiana Senate, and served as mayor of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- her remarks.) his hometown, the great city of Alex- ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I andria, Louisiana. declares the House in recess until noon rise to recognize and congratulate Dr. Ned served in that capacity for over today. Eduardo Padron, president of my alma 20 years, and he had many, many ac- Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 38 mater, Miami Dade College, for receiv- complishments in that job. Among minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- ing the Presidential Medal of Freedom. those was the opening of the Alexan- cess. As a fellow refugee who escaped the dria Riverfront Center, and advocating f Castro regime, I was honored to help for the transition from England Air lead the effort to nominate Dr. Padron Force Base to England Airpark, which 1200 b for this meritorious recognition. He is still in existence. He revitalized that AFTER RECESS has always made it his life’s work to entire city and left behind a legacy of The recess having expired, the House advocate on behalf of underserved pop- great, great success. was called to order by the Speaker at ulations. So, again, just a tribute to Ned Ran- noon. Through his expert guidance and dolph. He will be missed. f leadership, Dr. Padron has propelled f Miami Dade College into national PRAYER prominence by improving student ac- 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick cess, retention, and graduation, as well HARBOR J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: as helping them with their professional (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given Eternal God, we give You thanks for achievements. permission to address the House for 1 giving us another day. Today, MDC enrolls and graduates minute.) On this day 75 years ago, our Nation more minority students than any other Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today was attacked, and war was visited upon institution of higher education in the marks the 75th anniversary of the trag- our people. In so many places in our country. ic attacks on Pearl Harbor. It is a day world, war rages still. May all leaders Congratulations to Dr. Padron on re- we reflect to remember over 2,400 be empowered to work toward lasting ceiving our Nation’s highest civilian Americans whose lives we lost that peace, with the help of Your grace. honor. South Florida and the MDC morning. We ask also this day for wisdom, pa- community could not be more proud of Today I especially remember Army tience, and understanding among the you. Corporal Earl Wickett, a south Buffalo

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:54 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.022 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7286 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 native, who was stationed at Pearl bility of protecting the President of The events of Pearl Harbor dem- Harbor on the day of the attacks. Mr. the United States or, in essence, those onstrated the resolve of the American Wickett went on to fight on behalf of who have the responsibility of gov- people and our Armed Forces. It is a our Nation for over 4 years. erning the United States military, day when we honor those who gave Following his tour, he returned home which includes the Congress and, cer- their lives in the defense of this coun- to western New York, raised a family, tainly, our Pentagon. try, but also honor those who have and continued to serve his community I am concerned when the incoming saved lives of others during this trag- as a Buffalo firefighter. person that will take the oath of office edy. Unfortunately, Mr. Wickett is no begins to abuse the process and sug- Petty Officer Doris ‘‘Dorie’’ Miller, longer with us, passing away a few gests that this is too costly and that from my hometown of Waco, was one years ago, but his stories and acts of this company—Boeing, in particular— such individual who went above and be- bravery live on. should be undermined. yond the call of duty in defense of this Today I join all Americans in remem- Our job is to create and save jobs, not country and his fellow Americans. bering those who paid the ultimate to destroy jobs. Our job also, Mr. Dorie Miller is widely recognized as a price at Pearl Harbor and those who Speaker, is to protect the President of hero after the attack on Pearl Harbor sought and seek to protect our freedom the United States; and that kind of infor his remarkable courage when his here and throughout the world. This terference, uninformed, should be ship, the USS West Virginia, came Nation is always grateful for those like stopped immediately. under attack by the Japanese. Mr. Wickett, for their bravery, dedica- f In the face of imminent danger, he tion, and selfless service. 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL assisted his ship’s commander, who was f HARBOR mortally wounded, to safety. He then reportedly manned a .50-caliber anti- CONGRATULATING FAIRFIELD (Mr. LAMALFA asked and was given aircraft machine gun to shoot down at AREA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ SOC- permission to address the House for 1 least 3 of the 29 Japanese planes that CER TEAM minute and to revise and extend his re- went down that day. (Mr. PERRY asked and was given marks.) Mr. LAMALFA. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. Speaker, ever since I have been a permission to address the House for 1 today, on the 75th anniversary of the Member of Congress, I have worked minute and to revise and extend his re- attack on Pearl Harbor, to remember, time and time again to get Dorie Mil- marks.) in particular, the recognition of one of ler awarded the Congressional Medal of Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I the survivors we still have with us, Honor. Yet, today he is left with still proudly honor my constituents, the David Edward Callahan, a great north- the Navy Cross. It is time we honor the Fairfield Area High School girls’ soccer ern California veteran who put his life unheard sacrifices of our men and team, for earning the PIAA 1A cham- on the line to serve in the United women in uniform and award Dorie pionship. These young women have States Navy at a time when the world Miller the Congressional Medal of brought home the first State team was on fire. Honor. sports title in Fairfield’s history. Less than 4 months after he reported f The Green Knights defeated District to the U.S. naval training station in 7 champion, Shady Side, in a 9–4 vic- San Diego at the age of 16—he fibbed a WHY THE CONSTITUTION IS tory, at Hersheypark Stadium, on No- little on his application—Mr. Callahan IMPORTANT vember 18, 2016. The Green Knights fin- soon would be standing to colors (Ms. FOXX asked and was given perished the season with a 25–1 record and aboard the USS New Orleans when the mission to address the House for 1 scored 27 goals in four State playoff drone of the first Japanese aircraft was minute.) games, including two nine-goal per- heard that morning at Pearl Harbor. Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, the United formances. It would only be the start of his serv- States of America is a nation of laws, For a team from a small community, ice to us in the U.S. For 6 years, he where the government derives its lim- the Green Knights had an army of would fight the Japanese in almost ited powers from ‘‘We the People,’’ the loyal supporters. every major battle of the Pacific war consenting governed. I extend my congratulations to the as a combat swimmer, which later be- Since 1789, the Constitution has team, to the head coach, Phomma came known as the Navy SEALs, from served as our country’s legal founda- Phanhthy, and the school officials, Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima, where he was tion. Its wisdom is timeless. And just family, and friends who supported awarded a Purple Heart. as George Washington called the Con- these young women on this incredible On behalf of the First District of stitution the guide he would never journey. We are all so very proud of California, we want to show our grati- abandon, we won’t abandon it either or you. tude to Mr. Callahan because his serv- try to tinker unnecessarily with its f ice didn’t end there. Later on in the brilliance. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PUBLIC Pacific nuclear proving grounds, he Thanks to the foresight of the Con- SERVANTS used his diving skills there to see how stitution’s Framers, their under- that would work in the nuclear testing standing of government overreach, and (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was that was going on at that time. their grasp of human nature, we have given permission to address the House He has never stopped serving. He has an abiding document that checks the for 1 minute.) never been less than an inspiration for power of the Federal Government and Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I, all of us. He will be taking part in protects the rights of individual citi- too, rise to acknowledge the fallen on Pearl Harbor ceremonies today. We are zens. this day, December 7, at Pearl Harbor, glad to have him, and we are proud to It is genius in its brevity, in its en- the day of infamy, and offer to them have him as an American. durance, and in its aforethought to our greatest admiration and gratitude. f limit and separate the governing pow- Our prayers continue to be with their ers established therein. ongoing families. 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF PEARL As a Member of Congress, it is an Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to HARBOR honor and sacred duty to protect and speak about the responsibilities of pub- (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of uphold the Constitution. lic servants. Texas asked and was given permission To my knowledge, Air Force One to address the House for 1 minute.) f does not belong to any particular Pres- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of b 1215 idency, regardless of party. Therefore, Texas. Mr. Speaker, today marks the any attempt to ensure the techno- 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl FBI AND WALL STREET logical sophistication and the quality Harbor. It was a defining moment in (Mr. PASCRELL asked and was given of that aircraft should be left to the de- our Nation’s history, and, as has been permission to address the House for 1 cisionmakers who have the responsi- said, a day that will live in infamy. minute.)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:44 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.024 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7287 Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I CONTINUING RESOLUTION: NYPD JOSIE AND ROLLIE HEATH wrote to FBI Director James Comey in REIMBURSEMENT FOR PRESI- (Mr. POLIS asked and was given per- September and requested the materials DENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP mission to address the House for 1 related to the FBI’s investigations into (Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of minute and to revise and extend his re- the 2008 financial crisis. ELIZABETH New York asked and was given permis- marks.) WARREN joined me in this request, sion to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, as Members which we made as a result of the prece- Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New of Congress, we know it is truly a privi- dent the FBI established in a high-pro- York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my lege to serve because of the people we file case involving a Secretary of deep disappointment in the continuing serve. Today, I want to acknowledge State’s emails. In citing ‘‘intense pub- resolution that was released last night. two very special constituents of mine lic interest’’ and ‘‘the interest of trans- The $7 million appropriated to reim- who are retiring this year. Josie and parency,’’ the FBI saw fit to provide burse New York City for costs incurred Rollie Heath are beloved members of extensive testimony to Congress and to provide security for President-elect the community in Boulder, Colorado. hundreds of pages of documents that Trump and his family was a mere frac- The pair moved to Boulder, Colorado, gave context to its decision not to tion of the $35 million requested by the in the 1970s, where their family and prosecute. city and the police department. love grew alongside their history of It has been 8 years since casino-style The security efforts involved are un- public service. In a recent newspaper bets and a culture of fraud on Wall precedented, and it is totally unfair to article, Josie said that people say to Street crashed our economy and caused ask New York City taxpayers alone to her: Oh, now that you are retiring, you millions of Americans to lose their jobs pay for these costs. This is the second can do what you want to do. and their homes; yet no top executives busiest intersection, not in New York And she thinks: Well, I have been were charged with crimes, and many City, not in New York State, but in the doing what I want to do. Americans have a gnawing sense that entire country. Over 10,000 residents This month, Josie retired after 20 justice has not been served. As of per hour cross at 57th and 5th. It is a years as the head of The Community today, I have not received one word. security challenge personified. Foundation Boulder County. Prior to The DOJ has obtained financial set- Because of this budget’s failure, New that, she was a county commissioner, tlements from major institutions, like Yorkers are now being forced to pro- and she served in the Carter and Clin- Citigroup and Bank of America. vide a no-interest loan to the Federal ton administrations. When I was 15 The American public has a clear in- Government and have no guarantee of years old, I volunteered on her United terest and stake in understanding why being paid back. States Senate race in 1990. the FBI did not pursue charges against This is a terrible deal. Securing the Early next month, Rollie Heath, a 23- the recommendations of its own com- President-elect is a national security year veteran of the Army, is retiring as mission. priority, and it must be paid for by the a State Senator. Prior to the legisla- Federal Government. ture, he had a career in international f business and founded the Rocky Moun- f tain World Trade Center. RECOGNIZING THE KEYSTONE For Rollie and Josie, their jobs LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM COMMENDING PRESIDENT-ELECT weren’t simply about the work they did. They were about building commu- (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania TRUMP’S PHONE CALL TO PRESI- DENT TSAI nity. Both served on so many boards asked and was given permission to ad- and advocated for so many just causes. dress the House for 1 minute and to re- (Mr. BARTON asked and was given Above all, they have remained true to vise and extend his remarks.) permission to address the House for 1 themselves as purveyors of progress in Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. minute and to revise and extend his re- all that they do. I am honored not only Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the marks.) to be their Congressman but to be their Pennsylvania State Little League Mr. BARTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise for friend. champions, the Keystone Little League two reasons today. On behalf of the United States House team, from Clinton County, Pennsyl- First, I honor the life of my father, of Representatives, I congratulate vania. Today, I had the privilege of Larry L. Barton. He died on this date, them on their life’s work, and I look hosting them for a Capitol tour, and December 7, 1996. He was a World War forward to joining them in future ad- they currently join me from the House II veteran and a B–24 Liberator navi- ventures. Gallery. gator. He was based in Italy and flew 40 f The team had a remarkable 2016 sea- combat missions over Central Europe. son, claiming their district and sec- I also rise to commend President- CAPTAIN WILLIAM M. PETERSON tional titles before winning the state- elect Trump for his phone call to the (Mr. NEWHOUSE asked and was wide championship for Pennsylvania. President of Taiwan, President Tsai. given permission to address the House As the Pennsylvania champions, they Taiwan is a friend of the United States. for 1 minute and to revise and extend made an impressive run in the regional We recognized Taiwan from the late his remarks.) playoffs and came just one game short 1940s to 1972. We then recognized Main- Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I rise of representing the mid-Atlantic region land China but maintained diplomatic to congratulate Captain William M. in the Little League World Series. relationships with Taiwan until 1978. Peterson of Richland, Washington, who Pennsylvania’s Fifth Congressional President-elect Trump was right to was recently inducted into the Wall of District has a rich history of great Lit- make a phone call to President Tsai. Gallantry in the Hall of Heroes at the tle League players and teams, and this They are a friend of the United States. United States Coast Guard Academy. year’s Keystone team continues that In my opinion, there is no reason we While serving as an aircraft com- legacy. They join greats such as Spe- can’t have diplomatic relations with mander with the Coast Guard in July cialist Ross A. McGinnis, a Medal of both nations. I am told that President of 1982, then-Lieutenant Peterson en- Honor winner and Little League Hall of Tsai is going to come through Texas in gaged in a perilous rescue of nine sur- Excellence inductee, and the 2011 Mid- the fall on her way to Guatemala. I vivors from an HC–130 that had crashed Atlantic Little League World Series will welcome her if that trip occurs and in bad weather on Attu Island, off the team, also the former Keystone team, will try to give her the hospitality that coast of Alaska. Flying in extremely which also hailed from Clinton County. she gave me when I visited her great hazardous conditions, with winds gust- In keeping with this tradition, Key- nation last month. ing up to 40 knots, and with visibility stone made their region proud through A phone call is a phone call, Mr. as low as 50 feet, Lieutenant Peterson their love and dedication to America’s Speaker. I commend the President- inched his helicopter along the side of favorite pastime—baseball. Congratu- elect for calling President Tsai. I hope a mountain and transported nine sur- lations to the players and coaches on this means a warming of a relationship vivors back to safety over multiple such a great run. with Taiwan. trips from the crash site.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:44 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.026 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7288 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Captain Peterson demonstrated the the President-elect. Maybe the points of order against provisions in the bill, highest forms of courage, judgment, mediacrats should try balanced report- as amended, are waived. The previous ques- and unwavering devotion to duty that ing. It surely would help their credi- tion shall be considered as ordered on the bill, as amended, and on any further amend- day. I congratulate him on this much- bility. ment thereto, to final passage without inter- deserved honor. I also offer my humble f vening motion except: (1) one hour of debate appreciation to Captain Peterson for FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW equally divided and controlled by the chair serving on my Academy Nomination and ranking minority member of the Com- MUST BE ENFORCED Board. mittee on Financial Services; (2) the further Your heroic service is an inspiration (Mr. HARRIS asked and was given amendment printed in the report of the Com- to these future military leaders. permission to address the House for 1 mittee on Rules accompanying this resolution, if offered by the Member designated in f minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) the report, which shall be in order without HONORING LINDA CHRISTLE intervention of any point of order, shall be Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, a dis- considered as read, shall be separately debat- (Mrs. HARTZLER asked and was turbing trend has developed of leading able for the time specified in the report given permission to address the House universities in their promoting lawless- equally divided and controlled by the pro- for 1 minute.) ness by refusing to comply with Fed- ponent and an opponent, and shall not be Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise eral immigration law; so, today, I am subject to a demand for a division of the to recognize Linda Christle, who is re- introducing the Federal Immigration question; and (3) one motion to recommit tiring as executive director of Eco- Law Compliance Act of 2016, with co- with or without instructions. SEC. 2. On any legislative day of the second nomic Development Sedalia-Pettis sponsors from California to New York session of the One Hundred Fourteenth Con- County. to Florida. gress after December 8, 2016— She has faithfully served the commu- This act requires any entity that re- (a) the Journal of the proceedings of the nity of Sedalia for the past 12 years. ceives Federal funds, including institu- previous day shall be considered as approved; Throughout her tenure as executive di- tions of higher learning, to comply and rector, Linda has achieved many ac- (b) the Chair may at any time declare the with all lawful requests made by Fed- House adjourned to meet at a date and time, complishments, including the creation eral immigration enforcement authori- within the limits of clause 4, section 5, arti- of three enhanced enterprise zones, re- ties. Should the entity refuse to com- cle I of the Constitution, to be announced by sulting in over 50 companies benefiting ply with Federal immigration enforce- the Chair in declaring the adjournment. and growing their businesses in her ment requests, all Federal funding can SEC. 3. The Speaker may appoint Members community. Additionally, this past be withheld. For instance, the Univer- to perform the duties of the Chair for the du- year, the community was able to com- sity of Pennsylvania, which charges ration of the period addressed by section 2 of plete its third strategic plan in 15 this resolution as though under clause 8(a) of $51,000 tuition, despite its having an rule I. years. As a result, multiple task forces endowment of $10.7 billion, would stand SEC. 4. Each day during the period ad- were established to enhance the com- to lose $700 million in Federal grants if dressed by section 2 of this resolution shall munity, which also led to the eventual they were to choose to continue their not constitute a calendar day for purposes of creation of the entrepreneurial pro- policy of not complying with Federal section 7 of the War Powers Resolution (50 gram called 1 Million Cups. immigration law. U.S.C. 1546). Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to con- Congress has the responsibility to SEC. 5. Each day during the period ad- gratulate and to thank Linda Christle dressed by section 2 of this resolution shall protect the rule of law in our country not constitute a legislative day for purposes for her years of distinguished service in and to provide for the safety of our of clause 7 of rule XIII. Sedalia and Pettis County. I am citizens. The American people have SEC. 6. It shall be in order at any time on blessed to represent her in Congress, spoken loudly in this past election that the legislative day of December 8, 2016, for and I wish her all the best in her future they want Federal immigration law en- the Speaker to entertain motions that the endeavors. forced. Shame on those universities House suspend the rules as though under clause 1 of rule XV. The Speaker or his des- f that take Federal money and then pro- ignee shall consult with the Minority Leader MEDIACRATS mote lawlessness. or her designee on the designation of any f (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was matter for consideration pursuant to this section. given permission to address the House PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION for 1 minute and to revise and extend OF H.R. 5143, TRANSPARENT IN- b 1230 his remarks.) SURANCE STANDARDS ACT OF The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. 2016; PROVIDING FOR PRO- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we BOST). The gentleman from Alabama is need a new word for the dictionary, a CEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD recognized for 1 hour. new term for the merger of the liberal FROM DECEMBER 9, 2016, Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, for the media and the Democratic Party. THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2017; AND purpose of debate only, I yield the cus- Obviously, the liberal media have no PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION tomary 30 minutes to the gentleman intention of treating President-elect OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE from Florida (Mr. HASTINGS), pending Trump objectively or fairly. They want RULES which I yield myself such time as I to continue to link arms with the Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, by direc- may consume. During consideration of Democrats. This is no surprise, given tion of the Committee on Rules, I call this resolution, all time yielded is for that 96 percent of national reporters’ up House Resolution 944 and ask for its the purpose of debate only. contributions went to Hillary Clinton. immediate consideration. GENERAL LEAVE As chairman of the Media Fairness The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask Caucus, here is my proposal: let’s com- lows: unanimous consent that all Members bine the two words—‘‘media’’ and H. RES. 944 may have 5 legislative days to revise ‘‘Democrat’’—and go with Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- and extend their remarks. ‘‘mediacrat.’’ It is short; it gives the lution it shall be in order to consider in the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there media first mention; and it sounds like House the bill (H.R. 5143) to provide greater objection to the request of the gen- a new species. Now, I realize the liberal transparency and congressional oversight of tleman from Alabama? media is not likely to use this word international insurance standards setting There was no objection. ‘‘mediacrat’’ very often, but there are processes, and for other purposes. All points Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, House Res- two reasons for them to do so—first, to of order against consideration of the bill are olution 944 provides for consideration show they have a sense of humor, and, waived. In lieu of the amendment rec- of H.R. 5143, the Transparent Insurance second, to show they have a sense of ommended by the Committee on Financial Standards Act of 2016. The resolution Services now printed in the bill, an amend- humility. ment in the nature of a substitute consisting provides for a structured rule. This leg- I think most Americans would be of the text of Rules Committee Print 114-68 islation is an important effort to pro- happy if the liberal media didn’t dis- shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as tect the U.S. model of insurance super- play their bias every time they covered amended, shall be considered as read. All vision, provide for improved oversight,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:44 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.027 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7289 and keep the U.S. insurance industry gress at least twice a year about ongo- Department of the Treasury, allow our strong and competitive. ing negotiations. regulators to work to ensure that our For over 150 years, individual States I appreciate Mr. LUETKEMEYER and unique insurance regulatory regime have successfully regulated insurance Chairman HENSARLING for their leader- provides stability in our financial sys- and coordinated their activities. This ship on this very important issue, and tem, both nationally and globally. model has worked and ensured that the I hope we can come together to pass Now, however, the majority seems to focus remains on the consumer. this very important legislation. have forgotten the lessons of the 2008 Well, when Congress passed the Dodd- I just don’t understand why anyone financial crisis. Frank Act back in 2010, the Federal would be opposed to greater congres- Mr. Speaker, at best, this legislation Government assumed a new role in the sional oversight over such an impor- is unnecessary. Under the guise of regulation of the insurance industry. tant issue. Adoption of these standards transparency, H.R. 5143 would require This change included the creation of or entering into an agreement with the additional public notice and comment the Federal Insurance Office, otherwise European Union could fundamentally regarding potential agreements on known as FIO, and charged FIO with alter the U.S. insurance industry and, international insurance standards. But representing the interests of U.S. in- yes, hurt consumers. It only makes such international agreements would surers—not consumers, insurers—dur- sense for the democratically elected only take effect domestically after reg- ing the negotiation of any inter- Congress to play a role in the process. ulations were promulgated in accord- national agreements. This legislation is simply about im- ance with U.S. law, which already in- The change also allowed for both the proving oversight and protecting the cludes a notice and comment period. FIO Director and the Federal Reserve State-based model of insurance regula- The transparency this bill is seeking is to participate in an international orga- tion that has held up so well in our already enshrined in our rulemaking nization known as the International country over the last 150 years and has process. Association of Insurance Supervisors. enjoyed wide, bipartisan support. Most Then, at worst, this bill will harm Previously, insurance regulators from importantly, this bill is about ensuring U.S. negotiators by tying their hands the individual States participated in the concerns of the American people and making setting workable insurance the international discussions. Remem- come first, not the worries of some for- standards nearly impossible to achieve. ber, the State insurance regulators are eign government or group. Mr. Speaker, by requiring our nego- I urge my colleagues to protect in- there to protect consumers. tiators to seek consensus positions surance consumers across America by The International Association of In- with all 50 State insurance commis- supporting House Resolution 944 and surance Supervisors is responsible for sioners, this bill weakens the United developing regulatory guidelines and the underlying bill. I reserve the balance of my time. States’ ability to work with other best practices for insurance supervisors Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield countries to improve the regulation of around the world to adopt. Europe and myself such time as I may consume, large global insurance companies. By the United States have very different and I thank the gentleman from Ala- placing unnecessary, counter- regulatory models for insurance. bama for yielding to me the customary productive, and overly cumbersome re- Recently, the European Union has 30 minutes for debate. porting and negotiating requirements developed a regulatory protocol known I rise to debate the rule for consider- on the Federal Reserve and Treasury, as Solvency II. Solvency II is signifi- ation of H.R. 5143, the Transparent In- we will not be able to achieve the glob- cantly different from the successful surance Standards Act of 2016. At best, al insurance stability we need to pre- State-based insurance regulatory sys- this bill is unnecessary. At worst, it vent future financial disasters. tem that has been successful in the will harm our ability to reach vital As we approach the end of the 114th U.S. for the last 150 years. The fear is international agreements to protect Congress, I am dismayed to see that that the International Association of our financial system. consideration of this bill is how the Insurance Supervisors will adopt Sol- Mr. Speaker, the 2008 financial crisis majority has decided we should spend vency II as the gold standard, which and the subsequent Great Recession what few precious legislative days re- would put U.S. insurers and consumers was the worst financial disaster in our main. I guess my dismay carries over at a severe disadvantage. Nation’s history since the Great De- from last night’s so-called impeach- More alarming, the Treasury Depart- pression. Nearly 9 million Americans ment consideration of the IRS Com- ment and the U.S. Trade Representa- lost their jobs, doubling the unemploy- missioner, who will be gone from office tive are already engaged in negotia- ment rate. More than 11 million Ameri- by the time they could get through tions with the European Union regard- cans lost their homes to foreclosures. this process. I was pleased to see the ing a ‘‘covered agreement’’ over insur- Home values dropped more than 30 per- chairman of the Judiciary Committee ance regulations. If based on the Sol- cent. Our Nation lost more than $13 refer it to his committee, where I am vency II model, this could severely trillion in economic output. To put sure it will die. hurt the U.S. insurance industry and that in perspective, that is the equiva- It just seems that we get to this im- consumers. lent of losing a year’s gross domestic portant juncture and we find ourselves That is where our legislation comes product. caught up in bumper sticker politics, in. The Transparent Insurance Stand- From this disaster, we learned many as we have for most of the session of ards Act simply enhances Congress’ lessons and passed the Dodd-Frank the 114th Congress. It appears that, in oversight of international delibera- Wall Street Reform and Consumer Pro- the final hours of this Congress, the tions relating to insurance standards. tection Act to ensure that we are bet- majority is attempting to throw up The bill sets reasonable requirements ter able to prevent such a financial ca- roadblocks to prevent commonsense fi- that must be met before the United lamity from occurring again. nancial regulations aimed at pre- States can agree to accept, establish, One lesson we learned was the signifi- venting large insurance companies or enter into the adoption of any inter- cant risk posed to our financial system from once again threatening the sta- national insurance standard. The same by potentially unstable, large, globally bility of our economy. requirements would be followed active insurance companies, as dem- The American people—all of them, throughout any negotiations over a onstrated by the near collapse of AIG. Republican and Democrat—deserve bet- covered agreement with the European As a result, commonsense reforms to ter. Assuredly, we can anticipate that Union. the insurance industry were put in if this measure were to become law— To be clear, this bill would not stop place, including the creation of the and I predict it won’t—but if it were to the international process. It simply Federal Insurance Office to coordinate become law, then I can see us, at some will ensure that the United States is Federal efforts, develop policy, and point, faced with another serious finan- leading on the issues instead of being represent the United States in the cial crisis. led by foreign governments. International Association of Insurance Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of This bill also requires that the Fed- Supervisors. my time. eral Insurance Office and the Federal This office, along with new authori- Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Reserve report and testify before Con- ties for the Federal Reserve and the self such time as I may consume.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:44 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.030 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7290 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 I have listened to my colleague from and I agree with him the three meas- overseas. My hometown of Paterson, Florida’s remarks, and I certainly un- ures that he cited, and I can cite others New Jersey, was formerly the hub of derstand the concern that we all have during the course of the 114th that the textile manufacturing industry, with the aftermath of the Great Reces- were substantive legislation that right- which no longer exists. sion of 2008. But there are many of us ly we should have bipartisan support So why are we subsidizing it? Why who believe that the Dodd-Frank law, for and did, and I agree with him that are we subsidizing American companies which contains the provision that we the WRDA bill will be one that we to move to other shores? That is what are trying to affect here, really did could equally wear proudly on our we are doing. Right now, when compa- things that went way outside of what bumper stickers. nies move overseas, they can take a we should have been doing to try to The point that I was making was tax deduction for the cost of the move. prevent another recession from hap- that we spent a good portion of the That is a huge tax break. How do we pening again. 114th Congress, number one, doing defend it and why do we defend it? How does ceding control over the nothing. We didn’t even make any So the bill that the gentleman from U.S. insurance market to foreign gov- bumper stickers because we weren’t Florida (Mr. HASTINGS) referred to ernments and groups help our economy here that often to undertake to do any- eliminates this tax deduction and gives or help prevent a future recession? How thing. At the very same time, many of a tax credit of up to 20 percent of the does a bill like the underlying bill, that the things that we did fell in the cat- cost of moving businesses, bringing protects consumers and provides con- egory, at least as I perceive it, of being businesses back to the United States of gressional oversight, hurt our econ- bumper sticker measures: 60-plus times America through U.S. companies. That omy? How does that not help our econ- repealing the Affordable Care Act, seems to me to make more sense. Why omy, help the consumers? knowing full well that the sitting are we paying folks to leave when we could be paying them to get back into b 1245 President was not going to sign anything, so all we did it for was for cer- this country? I don’t know how you This bill is necessary because the tain people to have talking points. disagree with that. United States faces losing control over Now, we are entitled; that is a part of The companies would have to add our insurance that is so very important what politics is. But make no mistake jobs to claim the tax credit. That is the to everybody in the United States of about it: we did a lot of bumper sticker caveat. I think it works. I ask you to America. legislation in the last session because a consider it. Let’s stop subsidizing com- My colleague talked about State in- lot of it went nowhere, and a lot of it panies that ship jobs overseas and start surance departments. One thing we was done during a period that we bringing jobs back to our shores. Let’s have seen these last several years is a should have been about the business of stop talking about it. Let’s do some- steady effort to take power away from substantive legislation. thing about it. Mr. Speaker, it doesn’t State governments, which is, frankly, Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the pre- get much simpler than that. contrary to the intent of our Constitu- vious question, I am going to offer an This is not a new idea at all. Presi- tion. amendment to the rule to bring up a dent Obama and the Democrats in Con- Our State governments do very im- bill that would close a tax loophole gress have raised this bill for years, portant things, like they are the pri- that rewards companies for moving and the Republican Congress has mary providers for public education. jobs overseas and would, instead, pro- blocked the bill at every turn. Senator But they are also the primary regu- vide a tax credit for companies that STABENOW of Michigan leads this bill in lators for insurance, and they have move jobs back to the United States. the Senate, where it cleared a proce- done a good job of that. We have 150 Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- dural vote 93–7 in 2014. years of experience with that. We have sent to insert the text of my amend- I challenge you today to take up and bipartisan support for that. Why would ment in the RECORD, along with extra- pass the bill, to stand up for American we be taking power away from them? neous material, immediately prior to manufacturing and the workers here at Why isn’t continuing to allow them to the vote on the previous question. home who need help. Don’t be all talk. have that power and utilize it as each The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Step up to the plate. Take a stand State sees fit, why isn’t that a good objection to the request of the gen- where it counts. thing? tleman from Florida? I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the previous Finally, my colleague talked about There was no objection. question so we can bring up the Bring how, at the end of this Congress, we are Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Jobs Home Act and start bringing jobs doing bumper sticker things. Well, I such time as he may consume to the back to the United States of America, believe that passing, with a huge bipar- distinguished gentleman from New Jer- the greatest country in the world. tisan vote, the National Defense Au- sey (Mr. PASCRELL), the bill’s sponsor Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- thorization Act last week was a good and my good friend, to discuss our pro- self such time as I may consume. thing. If that is a bumper sticker, I posal. This bill, the underlying bill, has want that bumper sticker. Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise nothing to do with Wall Street and ev- We passed, last week, the 21st Cen- in opposition to the rule. erything to do with consumers, so I re- tury Cures Act that I really believe is In the waning days of the 114th Con- spectfully disagree with my colleague going to save lives. If that is a bumper gress, here we are debating a bill once from New Jersey. I know that it would sticker, I want that bumper sticker. again to roll back Wall Street reforms. be good for them to try to characterize And I predict on the floor tomorrow This is what it comes down to. this bill as something having to do we are going to take a WRDA bill for How tone deaf can we be? Here is a with Wall Street, but it really has to everybody in the United States that is news flash: the whole country is fo- do with you and me and the average going to enhance the well-being of peo- cused on defending blue-collar jobs, people in this country. ple all over this country. That is an- bolstering our industrial manufac- I listened to his remarks about his other bumper sticker I will be happy to turing base. Folks are zoned in on that, proposal regarding doing things to try have on my car. focused on that issue. So we need to to keep American companies from So I appreciate my colleague’s re- stop outsourcing now. going abroad and doing everything we marks. He knows the tremendous re- This Congress should start by defeat- can to attract other companies abroad, spect that I have for him, but I respecting the previous question and bringing whether they are U.S. based or not, to fully disagree with the premise for his up the Bring Jobs Home Act. Around 5 come back here. That sounds a whole arguments. million United States manufacturing lot like what President-elect Trump is Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of jobs have been lost since 1994, good- saying, and I think it is pretty clear my time. paying jobs. Their loss has led to a that that is going to be a big priority Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield somewhat demise of the middle class in for him when we come back in Janu- myself such time as I may consume. America. Just ask folks in places like ary. My colleague from Alabama and I do Ohio and Pennsylvania, who have seen Now, we had been talking about tax have mutual respect for each other, steel mills and rubber factories shipped reform here in this House, and there is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:44 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.031 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7291 a proposal moving forward that is com- We need to protect and wisely con- outsourcing. The first reading of the bill prehensive that will not only provide tinue to implement commonsense regu- shall be dispensed with. All points of order the appropriate incentives for Amer- lations and oversight passed in the against consideration of the bill are waived. ican companies to stay here, but also wake of the 2008 financial crisis to en- General debate shall be confined to the bill and shall not exceed one hour equally di- provide incentives for companies that sure it doesn’t happen again. I urge my vided and controlled by the chair and rank- are in other countries to come here and colleagues to oppose the rule and the ing minority member of the Committee on provide jobs for the American people, underlying measure. Ways and Means. After general debate the which is really what this is all about. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance bill shall be considered for amendment under Our tax reform proposal would actu- of my time. the five-minute rule. All points of order ally lower tax rates for everybody in Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- against provisions in the bill are waived. At America, and we should be about that self the balance of my time. the conclusion of consideration of the bill for as well. Instead, our friends on the In closing, I want to go back to some amendment the Committee shall rise and report the bill to the House with such amend- other side of the aisle, every time we remarks I made at the very beginning. talk about tax reform, they want to ments as may have been adopted. The pre- No one wants to see a repeat of the vious question shall be considered as ordered stick some tax increases in there. Great Recession. It harmed everybody on the bill and amendments thereto to final The American people don’t want a in this country. But in response to it, passage without intervening motion except tax increase. They are tired of tax in- by passing the Dodd-Frank law, which one motion to recommit with or without increases. They are tired of the over- this provision is going to try to affect, structions. If the Committee of the Whole extension of the Federal Government, we essentially took a liberal grab bag rises and reports that it has come to no reso- and they are tired of ceding control of ideas that have been hanging around lution on the bill, then on the next legislative day the House shall, immediately after over things in America to inter- for years and just threw it into a bill national governments and groups. the third daily order of business under clause and then tried to pretend that some- 1 of rule XIV, resolve into the Committee of What the underlying bill does is it how that was going to have something keeps control over our domestic insur- the Whole for further consideration of the to do with preventing a future reces- bill. ance market here in America and sion. SEC. 8. Clause 1(c) of rule XIX shall not doesn’t give that control, doesn’t give apply to the consideration of H.R. 2963. any of that authority to people in b 1300 other countries. Virtually everything that is in the THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT I listened with interest to the re- Dodd-Frank law has nothing to do with IT REALLY MEANS marks that were just made. I am look- preventing a future recession, and the This vote, the vote on whether to order the ing forward to President-elect Trump particular provision that we are talk- previous question on a special rule, is not being President Trump so that we can ing about with the underlying bill has merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- have a comprehensive approach to nothing to do with preventing a future dering the previous question is a vote against the Republican majority agenda and keeping American businesses here and recession. What it does do is take the attracting more businesses here for a vote to allow the Democratic minority to bill we have right now—not the under- offer an alternative plan. It is a vote about more jobs. I believe that is exactly lying bill but the law we have right what the House should be debating. what we are going to see during this now—and take authority away from Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the very exciting year to come. the American people. House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of We have sat back the last several scribes the vote on the previous question on my time. years and watched this administration the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield go through negotiation and agreement consideration of the subject before the House myself the balance of my time. being made by the Member in charge.’’ To after agreement that were bad for the As my friend from Alabama knows, defeat the previous question is to give the American people. My colleague and I we are currently debating the rule. opposition a chance to decide the subject be- This is a tool used to set the House’s have agreed over and over again that fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s agenda and to prioritize consideration the Iran deal was a bad deal for the ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that of legislation. For that very reason, American people. So why would we ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the demand for the previous question passes the this is, in fact, the appropriate time for continue to cede control to foreign governments and groups? control of the resolution to the opposition’’ us to explain to the American people in order to offer an amendment. On March what legislation we would like to I think the election that we just had was, in part, about taking control of 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- prioritize and what agenda we would fered a rule resolution. The House defeated like to pursue in this House. That is our country back—taking it back from the previous question and a member of the why we have a previous question. Federal overreach and taking it back opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker, the gentleman will also from ceding authority to people in asking who was entitled to recognition. be pleased to learn that our amend- other countries. Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R-Illinois) said: ment does not prevent the House from This bill, the underlying bill that ‘‘The previous question having been refused, this rule deals with, gets that author- the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- considering the majority’s bill. Our gerald, who had asked the gentleman to amendment simply allows the House to ity back for the American people and gets the control back to the States, yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to consider our bill as well. As Mr. PAS- the first recognition.’’ CRELL pointed out, it is not as if this where it has been successful for 150 The Republican majority may say ‘‘the isn’t something that hasn’t been years. That is what is good for the vote on the previous question is simply a brought up for the last 2 years; and American people, and that is why we vote on whether to proceed to an immediate therefore, I join the gentleman in his have chosen to bring this bill forward. vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] excitement about the possibilities Mr. Speaker, I, again, urge my col- has no substantive legislative or policy im- going forward of us being able to ad- leagues to support House Resolution plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what they have always said. Listen to the Repub- dress this legislation, but now is the 944 and the underlying bill. The material previously referred to lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative time that we can do it if we were to Process in the United States House of Rep- vote the previous question as re- by Mr. HASTINGS is as follows: resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s quested. AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 944 OFFERED BY how the Republicans describe the previous Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me reit- MR. HASTINGS question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- erate that the bill before us is unneces- At the end of the resolution, add the fol- though it is generally not possible to amend sary; it is a waste of valuable time; and lowing new sections: the rule because the majority Member con- if it were ever to be enacted into law, SEC 7. Immediately upon adoption of this trolling the lime will not yield for the pur- which I predict it won’t, it would be resolution the Speaker shall, pursuant to pose of offering an amendment, the same re- harmful to our country’s fiscal well- clause 2(b) of rule XVIII, declare the House sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- resolved into the Committee of the Whole vious question on the rule . . . When the mo- being. Let me go back and put a caveat House on the state of the Union for consider- tion for the previous question is defeated, there. It won’t become the law in the ation of the bill (H.R. 2963) to amend the In- control of the time passes to the Member 114th session. It may very well pass the ternal Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage do- who led the opposition to ordering the pre- 115th session. mestic insourcing and discourage foreign vious question. That Member, because he

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:44 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.033 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7292 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 then controls the time, may offer an amend- INDIAN EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING U.S.C. 3403), as amended by section 2 of this ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of AND RELATED SERVICES CON- Act, is amended to read as follows: amendment.’’ SOLIDATION ACT OF 2016 ‘‘SEC. 4. INTEGRATION OF SERVICES AUTHOR- In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House IZED. of Representatives, the subchapter titled Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ‘‘The Secretary shall, after approving a ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal move to suspend the rules and pass the plan submitted by an Indian tribe in accord- to order the previous question on such a rule bill (H.R. 329) to amend the Indian Em- ance with section 8, authorize the Indian [a special rule reported from the Committee ployment, Training and Related Serv- tribe to, in accordance with the plan— on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- ices Demonstration Act of 1992 to fa- ‘‘(1) integrate the programs and Federal ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- cilitate the ability of Indian tribes to funds received by the Indian tribe in accord- tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- ance with waiver authority granted under jection of the motion for the previous ques- integrate the employment, training, section 7(d); and tion on a resolution reported from the Com- and related services from diverse Fed- ‘‘(2) coordinate the employment, training, mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- eral sources, and for other purposes, as and related services provided with those ber leading the opposition to the previous amended. funds in a consolidated and comprehensive question, who may offer a proper amendment The Clerk read the title of the bill. tribal plan.’’. or motion and who controls the time for de- The text of the bill is as follows: SEC. 6. PROGRAMS AFFECTED AND TRANSFER OF bate thereon.’’ H.R. 329 FUNDS. Clearly, the vote on the previous question Section 5 of the Indian Employment, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- on a rule does have substantive policy impli- Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 resentatives of the United States of America in cations. It is one of the only available tools U.S.C. 3404), as amended by section 2 of this Congress assembled, for those who oppose the Republican major- Act, is amended to read as follows: ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Indian Em- ‘‘SEC. 5. PROGRAMS AFFECTED. native views the opportunity to offer an al- ‘‘(a) PROGRAMS AFFECTED.— ternative plan. ployment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act of 2016’’. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The programs that may Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I yield be integrated pursuant to a plan approved SEC. 2. AMENDMENT OF SHORT TITLE. under section 8 shall be only programs— back the balance of my time, and I (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1 of the Indian ‘‘(A) implemented for the purpose of— move the previous question on the res- Employment, Training and Related Services ‘‘(i) job training; olution. Demonstration Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3401 ‘‘(ii) welfare to work and tribal work expe- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The note; 106 Stat. 2302) is amended to read as rience; follows: question is on ordering the previous ‘‘(iii) creating or enhancing employment question. ‘‘SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE. opportunities; The question was taken; and the ‘‘This Act may be cited as the ‘Indian Em- ‘‘(iv) skill development; Speaker pro tempore announced that ployment, Training and Related Services Act ‘‘(v) assisting Indian youth and adults to the ayes appeared to have it. of 1992’.’’. succeed in the workforce; Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, on that (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in law to ‘‘(vi) encouraging self-sufficiency; the ‘‘Indian Employment, Training and Re- I demand the yeas and nays. ‘‘(vii) familiarizing individual participants lated Services Demonstration Act of 1992’’ with the world of work; The yeas and nays were ordered. shall be deemed to be a reference to the ‘‘In- The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8 ‘‘(viii) facilitating the creation of job op- dian Employment, Training and Related portunities; of rule XX, further proceedings on this Services Act of 1992’’. ‘‘(ix) economic development; or question will be postponed. SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE. ‘‘(x) any services related to the activities f Section 2 of the Indian Employment, described in clauses (i) through (x); and Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 ‘‘(B) under which an Indian tribe or mem- COMMUNICATION FROM THE U.S.C. 3401), as amended by section 2 of this bers of an Indian tribe— CLERK OF THE HOUSE Act, is amended— ‘‘(i) are eligible to receive funds— The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- (1) by striking ‘‘The purposes of this Act ‘‘(I) under a statutory or administrative fore the House the following commu- are to demonstrate how Indian tribal govern- formula making funds available to an Indian ments can’’ and inserting ‘‘The purpose of tribe; or nication from the Clerk of the House of this Act is to facilitate the ability of Indian Representatives: ‘‘(II) due to their status as Indians under tribes and tribal organizations to’’; Federal law; or OFFICE OF THE CLERK, (2) by inserting ‘‘from diverse Federal ‘‘(ii) have secured funds as a result of a HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, sources’’ after ‘‘they provide’’; competitive process, a noncompetitive proc- Washington, DC, December 7, 2016. (3) by striking ‘‘and serve tribally-deter- ess, or a specific designation. Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, mined’’ and inserting ‘‘, and serve tribally ‘‘(2) TREATMENT OF BLOCK GRANT FUNDS.— The Speaker, House of Representatives, determined’’; and For purposes of this section, programs fund- Washington, DC. (4) by inserting ‘‘, while reducing adminis- ed by block grant funds provided to an In- DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- trative, reporting, and accounting costs’’ dian tribe, regardless of whether the block mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of after ‘‘policy of self-determination’’. grant is for the benefit of the Indian tribe be- the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. cause of the status of the Indian tribe or the tives, the Clerk received the following mes- Section 3 of the Indian Employment, status of the beneficiaries the grant serves, sage from the Secretary of the Senate on De- Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 shall be eligible to be integrated into the cember 7, 2016, at 12:24 p.m.: U.S.C. 3402), as amended by section 2 of this plan. Appointments: Act, is amended— ‘‘(b) PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION.—The Sec- United States-China Economic Security (1) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting retary shall, in cooperation with the Attor- Review Commission the following: ney General, the Secretary of Agriculture, Virgin Islands of the United States Centen- ‘‘(2) INDIAN TRIBE.— the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of nial Commission ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The terms ‘Indian tribe’ Education, the Secretary of Energy, the Sec- With best wishes, I am and ‘tribe’ have the meaning given the term retary of Health and Human Services, the Sincerely, ‘Indian tribe’ in section 4 of the Indian Self- Secretary of Homeland Security, the Sec- KAREN L. HAAS. Determination and Education Assistance Act retary of Housing and Urban Development, f (25 U.S.C. 450b). the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER ‘‘(B) INCLUSION.—The term ‘Indian tribe’ Transportation, and the Secretary of Vet- includes tribal organizations (as defined in erans Affairs, after the Secretary approves a PRO TEMPORE section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination plan submitted by an Indian tribe or tribal The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. organization under section 8, authorize the ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair 450b)).’’; Indian tribe or tribal organization, as appli- will postpone further proceedings (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as para- cable, to coordinate, in accordance with the today on motions to suspend the rules graph (5); and plan, federally funded employment, training, (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol- and related services programs and funding in on which a recorded vote or the yeas lowing: a manner that integrates the programs and and nays are ordered, or on which the ‘‘(4) PROGRAM.—The term ‘program’ means funding into a consolidated and comprehen- vote incurs objection under clause 6 of a program described in section 5(a).’’. sive program.’’. rule XX. SEC. 5. INTEGRATION OF SERVICES AUTHORIZED. SEC. 7. PLAN REQUIREMENTS. Record votes on postponed questions Section 4 of the Indian Employment, Section 6 of the Indian Employment, will be taken later. Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:46 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.006 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7293 U.S.C. 3405), as amended by section 2 of this a waiver request, the head of the affected cation of disapproval of the plan that con- Act, is amended to read as follows: agency shall decide whether to grant or deny tains a specific finding that clearly dem- ‘‘SEC. 6. PLAN REQUIREMENTS. the request. onstrates, or that is supported by a control- ‘‘A plan submitted to the Secretary for ap- ‘‘(2) DENIAL OF REQUEST.—If the head of the ling legal authority, that the plan does not proval under this Act shall— affected agency denies a waiver request, not meet the requirements described in section 6. ‘‘(1) identify the programs to be integrated later than 30 days after the date on which ‘‘(4) PARTIAL APPROVAL.— and consolidated; the denial is made, the head of the affected ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—If a plan is denied under ‘‘(2) be consistent with the purposes of this agency shall provide the requesting Indian paragraph (3) solely on the basis that a re- Act; tribe and the Secretary with written notice quest for a waiver that is part of the plan has ‘‘(3) describe— of the denial and the reasons for the denial. not been approved (or is subject to dispute ‘‘(A) a comprehensive strategy identifying ‘‘(3) FAILURE TO ACT ON REQUEST.—If the resolution) under section 7, the Secretary the full range of potential employment op- head of an affected agency does not make a shall, upon a request from the tribe, grant portunities on and near the service area of decision under paragraph (1) by the deadline partial approval for those portions of the the Indian tribe; identified in that paragraph, the request plan not affected by the request for a waiver. ‘‘(B) the education, training, and related shall be considered to be granted. ‘‘(B) APPROVAL AFTER RESOLUTION.—With services to be provided to assist Indians to ‘‘(f) SECRETARIAL REVIEW.—If the head of respect to a plan described in subparagraph access those employment opportunities; an affected agency denies a waiver request (A), on resolution of the request for a waiver ‘‘(C) the way in which services and pro- under subsection (e)(2), not later than 30 under section 7, the Secretary shall, on a re- gram funds are to be integrated, consoli- days after the date on which the request is quest from the tribe, approve the plan or dated, and delivered; and denied, the Secretary shall review the denial amended plan not later than 90 days after ‘‘(D) the results expected, including the ex- and determine whether granting the waiv- the date on which the Secretary receives the request. pected number of program participants in er— ‘‘(5) FAILURE TO ACT.—If the Secretary does unsubsidized employment during the second ‘‘(1) will be inconsistent with the provi- not make a decision under paragraph (1) quarter after exit from the program, from sions of this Act; or within 90 days of the date on which the Sec- the plan; ‘‘(2) will prevent the affected agency from retary receives the plan, the plan shall be ‘‘(4) identify the projected expenditures fulfilling the obligations of the affected considered to be approved. under the plan in a single budget covering all agency under this Act. ‘‘(c) EXTENSION OF TIME.—Notwithstanding ‘‘(g) INTERAGENCY DISPUTE RESOLUTION.— consolidated funds; any other provision of law, the Secretary ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 30 days ‘‘(5) identify any agency of the Indian tribe may extend or otherwise alter the 90-day pe- after the date on which the Secretary deter- to be involved in the delivery of the services riod identified in subsection (b)(1) for not mines that granting the waiver will not be integrated under the plan; more than 90 additional days, if, before the inconsistent with the provisions of this Act ‘‘(6) identify any statutory provisions, reg- expiration of the period, the Secretary ob- ulations, policies, or procedures that the In- and will not prevent the affected agency tains the express written consent of the In- dian tribe believes need to be waived to im- from fulfilling the obligations of the affected dian tribe. plement the plan; and agency under this Act, the Secretary shall ‘‘(d) REVIEW OF DENIAL.— ‘‘(7) be approved by the governing body of establish and initiate an interagency dispute ‘‘(1) PROCEDURE UPON REFUSAL TO APPROVE the Indian tribe.’’. resolution process involving— PLAN.—If the Secretary denies a plan under SEC. 8. PLAN REVIEW; WAIVER AUTHORITY; AND ‘‘(A) the Secretary; subsection (b)(3), the Secretary shall— DISPUTE RESOLUTION. ‘‘(B) the participating Indian tribe; and ‘‘(A) state any objections in writing to the Section 7 of the Indian Employment, ‘‘(C) the head of the affected agency. Indian tribe; Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 ‘‘(2) DURATION.—A dispute subject to para- ‘‘(B) provide assistance to the Indian tribe U.S.C. 3406), as amended by section 2 of this graph (1) shall be resolved not later than 30 to overcome the stated objections; and Act, is amended to read as follows: days after the date on which the process is ‘‘(C) unless the Indian tribe brings a civil ‘‘SEC. 7 PLAN REVIEW. initiated. action under paragraph (2), provide the In- ‘‘(h) FINAL AUTHORITY.—If the dispute reso- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Upon receipt of a plan dian tribe with a hearing on the record with from an Indian tribe, the Secretary shall lution process fails to resolve the dispute be- the right to engage in full discovery relevant consult with— tween a participating Indian tribe and an af- to any issue raised in the matter and the op- ‘‘(1) the head of each Federal agency over- fected agency, the head of the affected agen- portunity for appeal on the objections raised, seeing a program identified in the plan; and cy shall have the final authority to resolve under such rules and regulations as the Sec- ‘‘(2) the Indian tribe that submitted the the dispute. retary may promulgate. plan. ‘‘(i) FINAL DECISION.—Not later than 10 ‘‘(2) CIVIL ACTIONS.— ‘‘(b) IDENTIFICATION OF WAIVERS.—The par- days after the date on which the dispute is ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The district courts of ties identified in subsection (a) shall identify resolved under this section, the Secretary the United States shall have original juris- any waivers of applicable statutory, regu- shall provide the requesting Indian tribe diction of a civil action against the appro- latory, or administrative requirements, or of with— priate Secretary arising under this section. Federal agency policies or procedures nec- ‘‘(1) the final decision on the waiver re- ‘‘(B) ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING AND APPEAL essary to enable the Indian tribe to effi- quest; and NOT REQUIRED.—An Indian tribe may bring a ciently implement the plan. ‘‘(2) notice of the right to file an appeal in civil action under this paragraph without re- ‘‘(c) TRIBAL WAIVER REQUEST.—In consulta- accordance with the applicable provisions gard to whether the Indian tribe had a hear- tion with the Secretary, a participating In- described in section 8(d).’’. ing or filed an appeal under paragraph (1). dian tribe may request that the head of each SEC. 9. PLAN APPROVAL; SECRETARIAL AUTHOR- ‘‘(C) RELIEF.—In an action brought under affected agency waive any statutory, regu- ITY; REVIEW OF DECISION. this paragraph, the court may order appro- latory, or administrative requirement, pol- Section 8 of the Indian Employment, priate relief (including injunctive relief to icy, or procedure identified subsection (b). Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 reverse a denial of a plan under this section ‘‘(d) WAIVER AUTHORITY.— U.S.C. 3407), as amended by section 2 of this or to compel an officer or employee of the ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in Act, is amended to read as follows: United States, or any agency thereof, to per- paragraph (2), notwithstanding any other ‘‘SEC. 8. PLAN APPROVAL; SECRETARIAL AU- form a duty provided under this Act or regu- provision of law, the head of each affected THORITY; REVIEW OF DECISION. lations promulgated thereunder) against any Federal agency shall waive any applicable ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall action by an officer or employee of the statutory, regulatory, or administrative re- have exclusive authority to approve or dis- United States or any agency thereof con- quirement, regulation, policy, or procedure approve a plan submitted by an Indian tribe trary to this Act or regulations promulgated promulgated by the agency that has been in accordance with section 6. thereunder. identified by the parties under subparagraph ‘‘(b) APPROVAL PROCESS.— ‘‘(3) FINAL AGENCY ACTION.—Notwith- (b). ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days standing any other provision of law, a deci- ‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—The head of an affected after the date on which the Secretary re- sion by an official of the Department of the Federal agency shall not grant a waiver ceives a plan, the Secretary shall, after co- Interior or the Department of Health and under paragraph (1) if the head of the af- ordinating with the Secretary of each Fed- Human Services, as appropriate (collectively fected agency determines that a waiver will eral agency providing funds to be used to im- referred to in this paragraph as the ‘Depart- be inconsistent with— plement the plan, approve or deny the plan. ment’) that constitutes final agency action ‘‘(A) the purposes of this Act; or ‘‘(2) APPROVAL.—If the Secretary approves and that relates to an appeal within the De- ‘‘(B) the provision of law from which the a plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary partment that is conducted under paragraph program included in the plan derives its au- shall authorize the transfer of program funds (1)(C) shall be made— thority that is specifically applicable to In- identified in the plan in accordance with sec- ‘‘(A) by an official of the Department who dians. tion 13. holds a position at a higher organizational ‘‘(e) DECISION ON WAIVER REQUEST.— ‘‘(3) DENIAL.—If the Secretary denies the level within the Department than the level ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall of the departmental agency (such as the In- after the head of an affected agency receives provide to the Indian tribe a written notifi- dian Health Service or the Bureau of Indian

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Affairs) in which the decision that is the sub- ‘‘(B) INCLUSIONS.—The memorandum of U.S.C. 3412), as amended by section 2 of this ject of the appeal was made; or agreement under subparagraph (A) shall in- Act, is amended to read as follows: ‘‘(B) by an administrative law judge.’’. clude provisions relating to— ‘‘SEC. 13. TRANSFER OF FUNDS. SEC. 10. EMPLOYER TRAINING PLACEMENTS. ‘‘(i) an annual meeting of participating In- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any Section 10 of the Indian Employment, dian tribes and Federal departments and other provision of law, not later than 30 days Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 agencies, to be co-chaired by— after the date of apportionment to the appli- U.S.C. 3409), as amended by section 2 of this ‘‘(I) a representative of the President; and cable Federal department or agency, the Act, is amended to read as follows: ‘‘(II) a representative of the participating head of a Federal agency overseeing a pro- Indian tribes; ‘‘SEC. 10. EMPLOYER TRAINING PLACEMENTS. gram identified in a plan approved under this ‘‘(ii) an annual review of the achievements Act shall transfer to the Director of the Bu- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subsection under this Act, including the number and reau of Indian Affairs for distribution to an (b), an Indian tribe that has in place an ap- percentage of program participants in unsub- Indian tribe any funds identified in the approved plan under this Act may use the sidized employment during the second quar- proved plan of the Indian tribe. funds made available for the plan under this ter after exit from the program, and any ‘‘(b) TRANSFER OF FUNDS.—Notwith- Act— statutory, regulatory, administrative, or standing any other provision of law, at the ‘‘(1) to place participants in training posi- policy obstacles that prevent participating request of the Indian tribe, all program funds tions with employers; and Indian tribes from fully and efficiently car- transferred to an Indian tribe in accordance ‘‘(2) to pay the participants a training al- rying out the purposes of this Act; and with the approved plan of the Indian tribe lowance or wage for a training period of not ‘‘(iii) a forum comprised of participating shall be transferred to the Indian tribe pur- more than 24 months, which may be non- Indian tribes and Federal departments and suant to an existing contract, compact, or consecutive. agencies to identify and resolve interagency funding agreement awarded pursuant to title ‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.—An Indian tribe may conflicts and conflicts between the Federal I or IV of the Indian Self-Determination and carry out subsection (a) only if the Indian Government and Indian tribes in the admin- Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et tribe enters into a written agreement with istration of this Act. seq.).’’. each applicable employer under which the ‘‘(b) REPORT FORMAT.— SEC. 14. ADMINISTRATION OF FUNDS. employer shall agree— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The lead agency shall de- Section 14 of the Indian Employment, ‘‘(1) to provide on-the-job training to the velop and distribute to Indian tribes that Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 participants; and have in place an approved plan under this U.S.C. 3413), as amended by section 2 of this ‘‘(2) on satisfactory completion of the Act a single report format, in accordance Act, is amended— training period described in subsection (a)(2), with the requirements of this Act. (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as sub- to prioritize the provision of permanent em- ‘‘(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The lead agency shall section (d); ployment to the participants.’’. ensure that the report format developed (2) by striking the section designation and SEC. 11. FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITIES. under paragraph (1), together with records maintained by each participating Indian heading and all that follows through sub- Section 11 of the Indian Employment, tribe, contains information sufficient— section (a) and inserting the following: Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 ‘‘(A) to determine whether the Indian tribe ‘‘SEC. 14. ADMINISTRATION OF FUNDS. U.S.C. 3410), as amended by section 2 of this has complied with the requirements of the ‘‘(a) REQUIREMENTS.— Act, is amended to read as follows: approved plan of the Indian tribe; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— ‘‘SEC. 11. FEDERAL RESPONSIBILITIES. ‘‘(B) to determine the number and percent- ‘‘(A) CONSOLIDATION AND REALLOCATION OF ‘‘(a) LEAD AGENCY.— age of program participants in unsubsidized FUNDS.—Notwithstanding any other provi- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any employment during the second quarter after sion of law, all amounts transferred to a other provision of law, the lead agency re- exit from the program; and tribe pursuant to an approved plan may be sponsible for implementation of this Act ‘‘(C) to provide assurances to the head of consolidated, reallocated, and rebudgeted as shall be the Bureau of Indian Affairs. each applicable Federal department or agen- specified in the approved plan to best meet ‘‘(2) INCLUSIONS.—The responsibilities of cy that the Indian tribe has complied with the employment, training, and related needs the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs all directly applicable statutory and regu- of the local community served by the Indian in carrying out this Act shall include— latory requirements not waived under sec- tribe. ‘‘(A) in coordination with the head of each tion 7. ‘‘(B) AUTHORIZED USE OF FUNDS.—The Federal agency overseeing a program identi- ‘‘(3) LIMITATION.—The report format devel- amounts used to carry out a plan approved fied in the plan, the development of a single oped under paragraph (1) shall not require a under this Act shall be administered in such model report for each Indian tribe that has participating Indian tribe to report on the manner as the Secretary determines to be in place an approved plan under this Act to expenditure of funds expressed by fund appropriate to ensure the amounts are spent submit to the Director reports on any con- source or single agency code transferred to on activities authorized under the approved solidated activities undertaken and joint ex- the Indian tribe under an approved plan plan. penditures made under the plan; under this Act but instead shall require the ‘‘(C) EFFECT.—Nothing in this section ‘‘(B) the provision, directly or through con- Indian tribe to submit a single report on the interferes with the ability of the Secretary tract, of appropriate voluntary and technical expenditure of consolidated funds under such or the lead agency to use accounting proce- assistance to participating Indian tribes; plan.’’. dures that conform to generally accepted ac- ‘‘(C) the development and use of a single SEC. 12. NO REDUCTION IN AMOUNTS. counting principles, auditing procedures, and monitoring and oversight system for plans Section 12 of the Indian Employment, safeguarding of funds that conform to chap- approved under this Act; Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 ter 75 of title 31, United States Code (com- ‘‘(D)(i) the receipt of all funds covered by a U.S.C. 3411), as amended by section 2 of this monly known as the ‘Single Audit Act of plan approved under this Act; and Act, is amended to read as follows: 1984’). ‘‘(ii) the distribution of the funds to the re- ‘‘SEC. 12. NO REDUCTION IN AMOUNTS. ‘‘(2) SEPARATE RECORDS AND AUDITS NOT RE- spective Indian tribes by not later than 45 ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In no case shall the QUIRED.—Notwithstanding any other provi- days after the date of receipt of the funds amount of Federal funds available to an In- sion of law (including regulations and circu- from the appropriate Federal department or dian tribe that has in place an approved plan lars of any agency (including Office of Man- agency; and under this Act be reduced as a result of— agement and Budget Circular A–133)), an In- ‘‘(E)(i) the performance of activities de- ‘‘(1) the enactment of this Act; or dian tribe that has in place an approved plan scribed in section 7 relating to agency waiv- ‘‘(2) the approval or implementation of a under this Act shall not be required— ers; and plan of an Indian tribe under this Act. ‘‘(A) to maintain separate records that ‘‘(ii) the establishment of an interagency ‘‘(b) INTERACTION WITH OTHER LAWS.—The trace any service or activity conducted dispute resolution process. inclusion of a program in a tribal plan under under the approved plan to the program for ‘‘(3) MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT.— this Act shall not— which the funds were initially authorized or ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year ‘‘(1) modify, limit, or otherwise affect the transferred; after the date of enactment of the Indian eligibility of the program for contracting ‘‘(B) to allocate expenditures among such a Employment, Training and Related Services under the Indian Self-Determination and program; or Consolidation Act of 2016, the Secretary (act- Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et ‘‘(C) to audit expenditures by the original ing through the Director of the Bureau of In- seq.); or source of the program. dian Affairs), in conjunction with the Secre- ‘‘(2) eliminate the applicability of any pro- ‘‘(b) CARRYOVER.— taries of Agriculture, Commerce, Education, vision of the Indian Self-Determination and ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Any funds transferred to Energy, Health and Human Services, Home- Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450 et an Indian tribe under this Act that are not land Security, Housing and Urban Develop- seq.), as the provision relates to a specific obligated or expended prior to the beginning ment, Labor, Transportation, and Veterans program eligible for contracting under that of the fiscal year after the fiscal year for Affairs and the Attorney General, shall enter Act.’’. which the funds were appropriated shall re- into an interdepartmental memorandum of SEC. 13. TRANSFER OF FUNDS. main available for obligation or expenditure agreement providing for the implementation Section 13 of the Indian Employment, without fiscal year limitation, subject to the of this Act. Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 condition that the funds shall be obligated or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:43 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.008 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7295 expended in accordance with the approved (1) affects any plan approved under the In- work group’s tireless advocacy, this plan of the Indian tribe. dian Employment, Training and Related bill would not have been possible. ‘‘(2) NO ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION.—The Services Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.) (as I would also like to thank Chairman Indian tribe shall not be required to provide so redesignated) before the date of enact- BISHOP and Ranking Member GRIJALVA any additional justification or documenta- ment of this Act; and their staffs for their work on the tion of the purposes of the approved plan as (2) requires any Indian tribe or tribal orga- a condition of receiving or expending the nization to resubmit a plan described in bill and commitment to advancing it funds. paragraph (1); or through the process. I would specifi- ‘‘(c) INDIRECT COSTS.—Notwithstanding any (3) modifies the effective period of any plan cally like to recognize Ken Degenfelder other provision of law, an Indian tribe shall described in paragraph (1). on Chairman BISHOP’s staff and Alex be entitled to recover 100 percent of any indi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Ortiz on my staff. rect costs incurred by the Indian tribe as a ant to the rule, the gentleman from Finally, I would like to offer my result of the transfer of funds to the Indian thanks to Chairman BRADY, Chairman tribe under this Act.’’; and Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) and the gentleman KLINE, and Chairman GOODLATTE and (3) in subsection (d) (as redesignated by from the Northern Mariana Islands paragraph (1))— (Mr. SABLAN) each will control 20 min- their staffs for working together on the (A) by striking ‘‘All administrative’’ and utes. committee on which I serve to improve inserting the following: The Chair recognizes the gentleman this bill. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—All administrative’’; and from Alaska. I would like to thank them for agree- (B) by striking ‘‘regulations)’’ and all that GENERAL LEAVE ing to help expedite consideration of follows through the end of the subsection Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I this bill today, and I urge adoption of and inserting the following: ‘‘regulations). H.R. 329. ‘‘(2) TREATMENT.—The amount equal to the ask unanimous consent that all Mem- bers may have 5 legislative days to re- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of difference between the amount of the com- my time. mingled funds and the actual administrative vise and extend their remarks and in- cost of the programs, as described in para- clude extraneous materials on the bill HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COM- graph (1), shall be considered to be properly under consideration. MITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE spent for Federal audit purposes if the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there WORKFORCE, Washington, DC, December 5, 2106. amount is used to achieve the purposes of objection to the request of the gen- this Act. Hon. ROB BISHOP, tleman from Alaska? Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, ‘‘(e) MATCHING FUNDS.—Notwithstanding There was no objection. any other provision of law, any funds trans- House of Representatives, Washington, DC. ferred to an Indian tribe under this Act shall Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I write to confirm our be treated as non-Federal funds for purposes yield myself such time as I may con- mutual understanding with respect to H.R. of meeting matching requirements under any sume. 329, the Indian Employment, Training and other Federal law, except those administered Mr. Speaker, my bill, the Indian Em- Related Services Consolidation Act of 2015. by the Department of Labor or the Depart- ployment, Training and Related Serv- Thank you for consulting with the Com- ment of Health and Human Services. ices Consolidation Act, will empower mittee on Education and the Workforce with regard to H.R. 329 on those matters within ‘‘(f) CLAIMS.—The following provisions of tribes and tribal organizations to offer law shall apply to plans approved under this my committee’s jurisdiction and making im- workforce development issues that up- provements to the legislation to address con- Act: lift Native communities throughout ‘‘(1) Section 314 of the Department of the cerns. Interior and Related Agencies Appropria- the country. This bipartisan legislation In the interest of expediting the House’s tions Act, 1991 (Public Law 101–512; 104 Stat. will make the tribal 477 program per- consideration of H.R. 329, the Committee on 1959). manent and make improvements to its Education and the Workforce will forgo fur- ‘‘(2) Chapter 171 of title 28 (commonly administration. ther consideration of this bill. However, I do known as the ‘Federal Tort Claims Act’). The 477 program was established in so only with the understanding this procedural route will not be construed to preju- ‘‘(g) INTEREST OR OTHER INCOME.— 1992—by the way, I was the sponsor of ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—An Indian tribe shall be dice my committee’s jurisdictional interest that legislation at that time, also—as a and prerogatives on this bill or any other entitled to retain interest earned on any demonstration program. It allows funds transferred to the tribe under an ap- similar legislation and will not be considered proved plan and such interest shall not di- tribes to combine employment, child as precedent for consideration of matters of minish the amount of funds the Indian tribe care, and job training funding from a jurisdictional interest to my committee in is authorized to receive under the plan in the variety of Federal sources to conduct the future. year the interest is earned or in any subse- consolidated, comprehensive reporting. I respectfully request your support for the quent fiscal year. This has enabled tribes to run innova- appointment of outside conferees from the Committee on Education and the Workforce ‘‘(2) PRUDENT INVESTMENT.—Funds trans- tive programs and saved both the ferred under a plan shall be managed in ac- should this bill or a similar bill be consid- tribes and the Federal Government ered in a conference with the Senate. I also cordance with the prudent investment stand- money and resources. ard.’’. request you include our exchange of letters I would suggest respectfully that this on this matter in the Committee Report on SEC. 15. LABOR MARKET INFORMATION ON IN- H.R. 329 and in the Congressional Record DIAN WORK FORCE. is a great piece of legislation. The 477 during consideration of this bill on the Section 17(a) of the Indian Employment, program embodies tribal self-deter- House Floor. Thank you for your attention Training and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 mination by allowing tribes to provide to these matters. U.S.C. 3416(a)), as amended by section 2 of opportunities tailored to the unique Sincerely, this Act, is amended in the first sentence— needs of their communities. Signifi- JOHN KLINE, (1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and all cant education and training needs exist Chairman. that follows through ‘‘manner,’’ and insert- in Indian country, and the 477 program ing ‘‘The Secretary of Labor, in consultation has a proven track record of success. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, with the Secretary, Indian tribes, and the COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, Director of the Bureau of the Census, shall’’; This is particularly true in Alaska, Washington, DC, December 2, 2016. and where the Cook Inlet Tribal Council Hon. KEVIN BRADY, (2) by striking ‘‘, by gender,’’. has pioneered a smart model that provides holistic services, all under one Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, SEC. 16. REPEALS; CONFORMING AMENDMENTS. Washington, DC. (a) REPEALS.—Sections 15 and 16 of the In- roof, for individuals and families. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On November 16, 2016, dian Employment, Training and Related My bill improves accounting proce- the Committee on Natural Resources favor- Services Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. 3414, 3415), as dures and reporting mechanisms to up- ably reported as amended H.R. 329, the In- amended by section 2 of this Act, are re- hold the original intent of the pro- dian Employment, Training and Related pealed. gram, ensures that agencies treat Services Consolidation Act of 2016. The bill (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Sections 17 tribes fairly, and sets a foundation for was sequentially referred to the Committee and 18 of the Indian Employment, Training on Ways and Means and the Committee on and Related Services Act of 1992 (25 U.S.C. participants’ continued success. I especially, at this time, would like Education and the Workforce until Decem- 3416, 3417) (as amended by this Act) are redes- ber 8, 2016. ignated as sections 15 and 16, respectively. to thank the members of the 477 tribal I understand our staffs have been able to SEC. 17. EFFECT OF ACT. work group who, over the past 4 years, negotiate out text that is agreeable to you. Nothing in this Act or any amendment have been dedicated to developing and Therefore, I ask that you allow the Com- made by this Act— advancing this legislation. Without the mittee on Ways and Means to be discharged

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:18 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.008 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 from further consideration of the bill before the bill, and it will not serve as precedent for this text from the bill or similar legislation December 8, 2016, so that this revised text for future referrals. In addition, should a con- when it is considered by the House, the Judi- H.R. 329 may be scheduled by the Majority ference on the bill be necessary, I would sup- ciary Committee will not seek a sequential Leader. This discharge in no way affects port your request to have the Committee on referral of the bill. The Committee takes your jurisdiction over the subject matter of Ways and Means represented on the con- this action with our mutual understanding the bill, and it will not serve as precedent for ference committee. Finally, I would be that by forgoing a sequential referral of H.R. future referrals. In addition, should a con- pleased to submit this letter and any re- 329 at this time, we do not waive any juris- ference on the bill be necessary, I would sup- sponse to the Congressional Record. diction over subject matter contained in this port your request to have the Committee on Thank you for your consideration of my or similar legislation and that our com- Ways and Means represented on the con- request and for the extraordinary coopera- mittee will be appropriately consulted and ference committee. Finally, I would be tion shown by you and your staff over mat- involved as this bill or similar legislation pleased to submit this letter and any re- ters of shared jurisdiction. I look forward to moves forward so that we may address any sponse to the Congressional Record. further opportunities to work with you next remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Our Thank you for your consideration of my Congress. committee also reserves the right to seek ap- request and for the extraordinary coopera- Sincerely, pointment of an appropriate number of con- tion shown by you and your staff over mat- ROB BISHOP, ferees to any House-Senate conference in- ters of shared jurisdiction. I look forward to Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. volving this or similar legislation and asks further opportunities to work with you next that you support any such request. Congress. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, I would ask that a copy of our exchange of Sincerely, COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, letters on this matter be included in your ROB BISHOP, Washington, DC, September 12, 2016. committee report and in the Congressional Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. Hon. BOB GOODLATTE, Record during floor consideration of H.R. Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, 329. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, DC. Sincerely, COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On March 16, 2016, the BOB GOODLATTE, Washington, DC, December 2, 2016. Committee on Natural Resources favorably Chairman. Hon. ROB BISHOP, reported as amended H.R. 329, the Indian Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Employment, Training and Related Services myself such time as I may consume. Washington, DC. Consolidation Act of 2016, by unanimous con- Mr. Speaker, Public Law 102–477 es- DEAR CHAIRMAN BISHOP: I write with resent. My staff has shared the reported text of tablished what is commonly known as spect to H.R. 329, the ‘‘Indian Employment, the bill with your staff. Training and Related Services Consolidation The reported bill contains provisions re- the 477 program to foster employment Act of 2015,’’ on which the Committee on garding judicial review, a matter within the and economic development in Indian Ways and Means received a sequential refer- jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judici- country. This highly successful pro- ral. ary. Specifically, section 9 of the bill amends gram authorizes tribal governments to I appreciate your willingness to work with section 8(d) of the Indian Employment, consolidate up to 13 different Federal my Committee on this legislation. In order Training and Related Services Act of 1992 to grant programs into a single plan with to allow H.R. 329 to move expeditiously to provide for judicial review of the Secretary a single budget and a single reporting the House floor, I agree to forgo a markup of of the Interior’s denial of a plan. I under- system. this bill. The Committee on Ways and Means stand that you have concerns regarding this Current participants in the program takes this action with our mutual under- provision. Based on my agreement to drop standing that by forgoing consideration of this text from the bill when it is considered have significantly improved effective- H.R. 329 at this time, we do not waive any ju- by the House of Representatives, I ask that ness of the delivery of services included risdiction over subject matter contained in the Committee on the Judiciary not seek a in the 477 plan, while lowering adminis- this or similar legislation, and that our Com- sequential referral of the bill so that it may trative costs. These cost savings have mittee will be appropriately consulted and be scheduled by the Majority Leader before been translated into more and better involved as this bill or similar legislation the House adjourns for the election. This direct services for their communities. moves forward. Our Committee also reserves concession in no way affects your jurisdic- H.R. 329 will build on this success by the right to seek appointment of an appro- tion over the subject matter of the bill, and permanently authorizing the program, priate number of conferees to any House- it will not serve as precedent for future re- by increasing the scope and avail- Senate conference involving this or similar ferrals. In addition, should a conference on ability of participating Federal grant legislation, and asks that you support any the bill be necessary and the issues raised by such request. the omitted text are within the scope of the programs, and by setting a streamlined I would appreciate your response to this conference, I would support your request to process for tribes to follow. letter confirming this understanding, and have the Committee on the Judiciary rep- I want to congratulate Chairman would request that you include a copy of this resented on the conference committee. Fi- YOUNG for his tireless work on this leg- letter and your response in the Congres- nally, I would be pleased to include this let- islation and for putting together a sional Record during the floor consideration ter and any response in the Congressional piece of legislation that we should al- of this bill. Thank you in advance for your Record to document this agreement. ways consider and for bringing to- cooperation. Thank you for your consideration of my gether all of the stakeholders to ad- Sincerely, request, and I look forward to further oppor- dress the concerns and find a workable KEVIN BRADY, tunities to work with you this Congress. Chairman. Sincerely, solution. ROB BISHOP, I ask my colleagues to join me in HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. supporting this legislation. COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, Mr. Speaker, I have no further speak- Washington, DC, December 2, 2016. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ers, and I yield back the balance of my Hon. KEVIN BRADY, COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, time. Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, September 22, 2016. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I Washington, DC. Hon. ROB BISHOP, have no further speakers, and I urge DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On November 16, 2016, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, passage of the legislation. the Committee on Natural Resources favor- Washington, DC. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ably reported as amended H.R. 329, the In- DEAR CHAIRMAN BISHOP: Thank you for dian Employment, Training and Related your letter regarding H.R. 329, the ‘‘Indian of my time. Services Consolidation Act of 2016. The bill Employment, Training and Related Services Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise was sequentially referred to the Committee Consolidation Act.’’ I appreciate your will- to express my concerns with H.R. 329. While on Ways and Means and the Committee on ingness to work with me on this issue. the legislation seeks to provide additional flexi- Education and the Workforce until Decem- As you note in your letter, the reported bility and support to Indian tribes—a worthy ber 8, 2016. bill contains provisions regarding judicial re- goal—I remain concerned that it could have I understand our staffs have been able to view that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction the effect of weakening the services provided negotiate out text that is agreeable to you. of the Committee on the Judiciary. Specifi- to families and children in Indian tribes. Therefore, I ask that you allow the Com- cally, section 9 of the bill amends section Currently, Indian tribes have the option to mittee on Ways and Means to be discharged 8(d) of the Indian Employment, Training and from further consideration of the bill before Related Services Act of 1992 to provide for consolidate certain federal funding streams re- December 8, 2016, so that this revised text for judicial review of the Secretary of the Inte- lated to work and job training into one grant. H.R. 329 may be scheduled by the Majority rior’s denial of a plan. The Judiciary Com- H.R. 329 includes a number of changes to this Leader. This discharge in no way affects mittee has concerns with this provision. consolidation option and expands the number your jurisdiction over the subject matter of However, based on your agreement to drop of programs that can be consolidated.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.011 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7297 The legislation could be interpreted in an program provisions. For example, this would A motion to reconsider was laid on overly broad fashion resulting in the inclusion mean the Department of Health and Human the table. of programs that may not be appropriate to in- Services (HHS) could deny an Indian tribe’s f clude—programs or services only ‘‘relating to’’ request to use federal child care funds for the JOHN H. CHAFEE COASTAL BAR- job training, skill development, and economic purchase or improvement of land, as such use RIER RESOURCES SYSTEM development, or other related goals. of child care funds is not permitted under cur- BOUNDARIES REVISION The Education and the Workforce Com- rent law. HHS could also forbid a tribe from mittee, on which I serve as Ranking Member, using federal TANF funds to pay for medical Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I was given a sequential jurisdictional referral services, something states and tribes are not move to suspend the rules and pass the on this legislation, but has not considered the permitted to do under current law. At the same bill (H.R. 6400) to revise the boundaries legislation nor considered its impact on edu- time, agencies and departments, like HIS, are of certain John H. Chafee Coastal Bar- cation and training programs within our juris- encouraged to waive program requirements rier Resources System units in New diction. when they will assist the tribe in streamlining Jersey. Specifically, our Committee has an interest the administration of their social service pro- The Clerk read the title of the bill. in ensuring that program funds are used for grams to better serve their members, as long The text of the bill is as follows: their intended purpose. Whether the TANF as they don’t undermine the central purposes H.R. 6400 program or Head Start, adequate reporting for which the money was originally appro- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- and oversight protect beneficiaries and ensure priated. resentatives of the United States of America in the quality of services. For example, Head Second, there was some concern that the Congress assembled, Start performance standards are vital to the bill would eliminate requirements that tribes re- SECTION 1. REPLACEMENT OF JOHN H. CHAFEE success of the program. port how they spend funds consolidated in COASTAL BARRIER RESOURCES SYS- TEM MAP. While I do not intend to oppose the legisla- section 477 projects. Mr. YOUNG has modified (a) IN GENERAL.—The map subtitled tion, I encourage continued robust oversight of the bill to reiterate that tribes must report how ‘‘Seidler Beach Unit NJ–02, Cliffwood Beach the programs impacted by this bill to ensure funds are spent, but that they will not be re- Unit NJ–03P, Conaskonk Point Unit NJ–04’’, that quality and effective education and job quired to report spending by specific program. dated August 1, 2014, that is included in the training programs remain available to our na- Since 2011, a tribal working group has worked set of maps entitled ‘‘Coastal Barrier Re- tion’s tribes. diligently to simplify tribal financial reporting, sources System’’ referred to in section 4(a) of Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in and the group has recently agreed upon a uni- the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (16 U.S.C. support of H.R. 329, the Indian Employment, fied financial report that allows tribes to report 3503(a)) and relating to certain John H. Training, and Related Services Consolidation Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System by category, instead of by program. This form units in New Jersey, is hereby replaced by Act of 2015. allows taxpayers to understand broadly how another map subtitled ‘‘Seidler Beach Unit In particular, I’m grateful for the opportunity dollars are spent, without requiring tribes to NJ–02/NJ–02P, Cliffwood Beach Unit NJ–03P, I had to work with Representative YOUNG and maintain complex accounting systems nec- Conaskonk Point Unit NJ–04, Sayreville the Natural Resources Committee to address essary to report on spending per the rules for Unit NJ–15P, Matawan Point Unit NJ–16P’’ some concerns I had with a previous version each separate program. This form is now in and dated October 7, 2016. of the bill, and I’m grateful for the collaborative use, and I hope this working group, or future (b) AVAILABILITY.—The Secretary of the In- effort between our two committees so this bill iterations of it, will continue to engage, as terior shall keep the replacement map referred to in subsection (a) on file and avail- can move forward today. needed, to ensure this form adequately serves Under current law, Indian tribes can com- able for inspection in accordance with sec- all stakeholders in the same manner. tion 4(b) of the Coastal Barrier Resources bine funding for employment, training, and re- Third, the earlier version of this bill allowed Act (16 U.S.C. 3503(b)). lated services to streamline their administra- tribes operating section 477 projects to count The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tion of social service programs—often referred federal funding received through HHS and the ant to the rule, the gentleman from to as ‘‘section 477 demonstration projects.’’ Department of Labor (DOL) to count as tribal Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) and the gentleman Many times the dollar amounts received from spending for matching purposes. Because this from the Northern Mariana Islands the individual programs are rather small, so would have allowed tribes to use federal funds (Mr. SABLAN) each will control 20 min- being able to combine funds with similar pur- as match to draw down additional federal dol- utes. poses allows tribes to achieve more effective lars—and because it would have advantaged The Chair recognizes the gentleman economies of scale. However, in recent years tribes operating these demonstrations com- from Alaska. these tribes have run into challenges as they pared to those not operating these demos—I have sought to operate these demonstration asked that this language not apply to funding GENERAL LEAVE projects to best serve their members. The goal administered by HHS and DOL. Mr. YOUNG Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I of H.R. 329 is to clarify confusion related to agreed to incorporate this change, and I’m ask unanimous consent that all Mem- these demonstration projects, increase the grateful for his willingness to do so. bers may have 5 legislative days to re- flexibility Indian tribes have in consolidating Finally, I’m glad we could work together to vise and extend their remarks and in- these programs, and ensure accountability of restore language in the bill regarding coordina- clude extraneous materials on the bill taxpayer dollars. tion between the Department of the Interior under consideration. While I agreed with the general intent of the and other departments as these projects are The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there prior version of this bill, I was concerned that approved. It is important that agencies work objection to the request of the gen- it may have unintentionally undermined impor- together to ensure tribes have the flexibility tleman from Alaska? tant requirements in current law for programs they need to streamline their services, while There was no objection. under Ways and Means jurisdiction, such as maintaining a balance between flexibility and Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I TANF and child care. To balance the goal of accountability. yield myself such time as I may con- increased flexibility for tribes with appropriate Together, these changes will support tribes sume. oversight and accountability, I asked Rep- as they seek to better serve their members, Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6400, introduced by resentative YOUNG to amend the text to en- while maintaining appropriate accountability of my colleague, Mr. PALLONE, makes sure the bill would not: taxpayer dollars and ensuring funds are used boundary adjustments to multiple Undermine important rules regarding how to meet the goals for which they were appro- units of the Coastal Barrier Resources funds appropriated for specific purposes can priated. System along the coast of his New Jer- be used; The SPEAKER pro tempore. The sey congressional district. I have no Eliminate requirements specifying how the question is on the motion offered by objection to this bill and compliment spending of consolidated funds must be ac- the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. the gentleman for introducing the bill. counted for; and YOUNG) that the House suspend the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Change how funds authorized by the Ways rules and pass the bill, H.R. 329, as my time. and Means Committee are treated for match- amended. Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield ing purposes. The question was taken; and (two- myself such time as I may consume. First, I’m glad this bill now reiterates that thirds being in the affirmative) the Mr. Speaker, under the Coastal Barrier Re- agencies providing funding to tribes have the rules were suspended and the bill, as sources Act—or CoBRA—the U.S. Fish and authority to approve or deny waivers of key amended, was passed. Wildlife Service identifies hazardous areas on

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:43 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.024 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7298 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, and submits Again, passing this bill is vitally im- (5) identify cost estimates for any develop- maps to Congress recommending that we portant. It is noncontroversial. I want ment, interpretation, operation, and mainte- make Federal subsidies off limits to people to thank Chairman BISHOP, Ranking nance associated with the alternatives. (c) APPLICABLE LAW.—The study required Member GRIJALVA, and House leader- who choose to develop those lands. under subsection (a) shall be conducted in ac- This is a commonsense, scientific, fiscally ship for allowing this legislation to be cordance with section 100507 of title 54, United conservative way to protect private property considered under suspension of the States Code, except that the study shall not con- and public infrastructure, while also ensuring rules. sider any options that involve Federal acquisi- that taxpayers do not have to foot the bill for I urge my colleagues to support H.R. tion of lands, interests in lands, or any other risky coastal development. In this time of ris- 6400. The people of Union Beach have property related to the Chicano Park and its ing sea levels and increased storm surge waited long enough to rebuild and pro- murals. brought on by climate change, CoBRA is be- tect their community from future (d) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after storms. the date on which funds are first made available coming more and more important every day. for the study under subsection (a), the Secretary H.R. 6400 would adjust the boundaries of Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield shall submit to the Committee on Natural Re- several Coastal Barrier Resources System back the balance of my time. sources of the House of Representatives and the units in New Jersey, including one that con- Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of tains an important flood control structure. yield myself the balance of my time. the Senate a report containing the results of the These changes have been carefully mapped Mr. Speaker, I have no further speak- study and any conclusions and recommenda- by the Fish and Wildlife Service, and reflect ers, and I would like to compliment the tions of the Secretary. improvements in technology that have allowed gentleman from New Jersey. I do hope The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- us to show with great accuracy which parcels he understands that this is his district ant to the rule, the gentleman from of land do and do not constitute ‘‘coastal bar- and I will support his legislation. I Alaska (Mr. YOUNG) and the gentleman rier resources’’ under the law. would like to have him do the same from the Northern Mariana Islands As a result, numerous properties that were thing when I bring legislation to the (Mr. SABLAN) each will control 20 min- originally included by mistake will be removed, floor that only affects my district. utes. and other properties that have been identified So, with courtesy to him, I will urge The Chair recognizes the gentleman as at-risk will be included. a ‘‘yes’’ vote on this legislation. from Alaska. These changes to the C.B.R.S. are protec- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance GENERAL LEAVE tive of private property rights, the environment, of my time. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I and the taxpayers, and I support passage of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- the bill. DOLD). The question is on the motion bers may have 5 legislative days to re- Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he offered by the gentleman from Alaska vise and extend their remarks and in- may consume to the gentleman from (Mr. YOUNG) that the House suspend clude extraneous materials on the bill New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE), the author the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6400. under consideration. of the bill. The question was taken; and (two- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise thirds being in the affirmative) the objection to the request of the gen- today in support of H.R. 6400. rules were suspended and the bill was tleman from Alaska? This bill is extremely important to passed. There was no objection. my constituents, especially those liv- A motion to reconsider was laid on Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ing in Union Beach, New Jersey. Pass- the table. yield myself such time as I may con- ing this bill will allow the U.S. Army f sume. Corps of Engineers to move forward on CHICANO PARK PRESERVATION Mr. Speaker, located in the Barrio an important flood control project for ACT Logan community of San Diego, Chi- Union Beach. cano Park is a 7.4-acre parcel known Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I H.R. 6400 would realign the mapping for its display of nearly 50 vibrant mu- move to suspend the rules and pass the of several New Jersey units of the John rals depicting the history, culture, and bill (H.R. 3711) to authorize the Sec- H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resource its civil rights movement. System. Congressional approval is re- retary of the Interior to conduct a spe- quired for any changes to these maps cial resource study of Chicano Park, lo- b 1315 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. cated in San Diego, California, and for Residents secured the creation of the Over the past year, the Fish and Wild- other purposes, as amended. park in 1970 by protesting the construc- life Service worked with the Corps to The Clerk read the title of the bill. tion of a parking lot on the vacant land make noncontroversial changes to the The text of the bill is as follows: the city previously promised for the de- mapping, completed its review, and H.R. 3711 velopment of the community park. transmitted them to Congress on No- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- After successfully taking over the land, vember 21 of this year. resentatives of the United States of America in artists painted dozens of vibrant mu- Until these maps are approved by Congress assembled, rals on the pillars and ramps of the San Congress, Mr. Speaker, the Union SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge located in Beach flood control project will be in This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Chicano Park Preservation Act’’. the park, creating the largest con- limbo. The Corps cannot sign a project centration of these murals in the SEC. 2. SPECIAL RESOURCE STUDY. partnership agreement or make other (a) STUDY.—The Secretary of the Interior world. progress until the updated maps are ap- shall conduct a special resource study of Chi- H.R. 3711 authorizes the Secretary of proved. cano Park and its murals located in San Diego, the Interior to evaluate the national Union Beach was devastated by California. significance of the park, determine the Superstorm Sandy, and residents have (b) CONTENTS.—In conducting the study under suitability and feasibility of desig- been waiting far too long for this subsection (a), the Secretary shall— nating it as a national historic land- project to be completed. It was ini- (1) evaluate the national significance of the mark or affiliated area of the National site; tially authorized by the Water Re- (2) determine the suitability and feasibility of Park Service through a special resources Development Act of 2007 on No- designating the site as a National Historic source study. The bill prohibits the vember 8, 2007, and funding and author- Landmark or Affiliated Area of the National Secretary from considering any options ization for the project came from Park System; that result in the Federal acquisition Sandy relief funding in 2013. (3) consider other alternatives for preserva- of the park. Moving forward on this project is a tion, protection, and interpretation of Chicano I urge adoption of this bill, H.R. 3711. priority for the State of New Jersey, Park and its murals by Federal, State, or local Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of local authorities in Union Beach, and governmental entities, or private and nonprofit my time. organizations; the Army Corps; however, that can (4) consult with interested Federal, State, or Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield only be done if Congress approves the local governmental entities, private and non- such time as he may consume to the new maps, which it can do by passing profit organizations or any other interested in- distinguished gentleman from Cali- H.R. 6400. dividuals; and fornia (Mr. VARGAS).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:00 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.012 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7299 Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise where people are working together to The motion to suspend the rules and today to ask my colleagues for their have a place to rest and save some pass S. 3028. support of H.R. 3711, the Chicano Park great art. I congratulate the gentleman The first electronic vote will be con- Preservation Act. Again, I thank the for introducing the legislation. So I ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining chairman for those kind words about urge the passage of the legislation. electronic votes will be conducted as 5- the park. I appreciate it very much. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of minute votes. Ranking member, thank you again my time. for allowing me to be here to support Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield f moving this legislation forward. myself the balance of my time. Chicano Park is a historic park under Mr. Speaker, this bill will permit the PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION the San Diego-Coronado Bridge that National Park Service to study and OF H.R. 5143, TRANSPARENT IN- embodies the spirit of the Hispanic cul- evaluate the Chicano Park for inclu- SURANCE STANDARDS ACT OF ture in San Diego. sion on the National Register of His- 2016; PROVIDING FOR PRO- As was said, in the spring of 1970, the toric Places and possibly to become an CEEDINGS DURING THE PERIOD Barrio Logan community in San Diego affiliated site of the agency. FROM DECEMBER 9, 2016, united to advocate for the community Chicano Park has come to represent THROUGH JANUARY 3, 2017; AND park and, with the support of the city not only the civil rights struggles and PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION and State officials, the park was born. victories for the residents of the Barrio OF MOTIONS TO SUSPEND THE Since then, the park has been trans- Logan community, but has become a RULES formed by world-renowned muralists center for discussions around civil The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- who have adorned the freeway pillars rights movements for all Mexican finished business is the vote on order- with breathtaking murals, sculptures, Americans today. ing the previous question on the reso- and architectural pieces that tell the Today, this space has become a vi- lution (H. Res. 944) providing for con- story of the Hispanic community in brant expression of the history and sideration of the bill (H.R. 5143) to pro- San Diego. concerns of the community and, be- vide greater transparency and congres- Chicano Park is home to the largest cause of their efforts, I know it will sional oversight of international insur- collection of outdoor murals, 89 of continue to remain a relevant site for ance standards setting processes, and them, in the country, in addition to generations to come. I am glad to see for other purposes; providing for pro- various sculptures, earthworks, and an that this community will receive the ceedings during the period from De- architectural piece dedicated to the national recognition it deserves. cember 9, 2016, through January 3, 2017; cultural heritage of the community. I thank my colleague, Congressman and providing for consideration of mo- The murals are recognized at the local, VARGAS, for introducing this bill, and I tions to suspend the rules, on which State, and national levels as historical, am very pleased to see that we are able the yeas and nays were ordered. cultural, and public art. to move this through the House expedi- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- This legislation, as was said, author- tiously. tion. izes a special resource study of Chicano I would also like to, one day, visit The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Park and its murals to evaluate the Alaska, but at this point in time I urge question is on ordering the previous feasibility of the park becoming a na- adoption of this legislation. question. tional historic landmark or an Affili- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance The vote was taken by electronic de- ated Area of the National Park Serv- of my time. vice, and there were—yeas 231, nays Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I ice. 178, not voting 24, as follows: It is also interesting that now the would assure both gentlemen, Alaska will welcome you on a visit. I hope to [Roll No. 609] community has taken it on as a com- YEAS—231 munity park. Unfortunately, the area visit both of their communities in the Abraham Crawford Herrera Beutler has very few parks, and this is one of future. The only way we can get things done around here is if we understand Aderholt Culberson Hice, Jody B. the places where the community now, Allen Curbelo (FL) Hill since 1970, has been coming and having your locations, your people, and what Amash Davidson Holding you will treasure, as I do in my State Amodei Davis, Rodney Hudson picnics there with their families, their Babin Denham Huelskamp children, and it has become really a of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Barletta Dent Huizenga (MI) wonderful opportunity for the people Barr DeSantis Hultgren of my time. that live in the community. Barton DesJarlais Hunter The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Benishek Diaz-Balart Hurd (TX) Even more than that, if you go there question is on the motion offered by Bilirakis Dold Hurt (VA) on a Saturday, you will find artists and Bishop (MI) Donovan Issa the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. different people from throughout the Bishop (UT) Duffy Jenkins (KS) YOUNG) that the House suspend the State, and Arizona, and other places Black Duncan (SC) Jenkins (WV) rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3711, as Blackburn Duncan (TN) Johnson (OH) coming to look at the murals and to amended. Blum Emmer (MN) Johnson, Sam Bost Farenthold Jones look at the art. It is quite a vibrant The question was taken; and (two- area. If you take a look at some of the Boustany Fleischmann Jordan thirds being in the affirmative) the Brady (TX) Fleming Joyce things that are sold in the area, you rules were suspended and the bill, as Brat Flores Katko will see T-shirts and you will see lots Bridenstine Fortenberry Kelly (MS) amended, was passed. Brooks (AL) Foxx Kelly (PA) of cultural food. It has become a won- A motion to reconsider was laid on derful place for everyone to come to- Brooks (IN) Franks (AZ) King (IA) the table. Buchanan Frelinghuysen King (NY) gether. f Buck Gibbs Kinzinger (IL) So I appreciate very much the oppor- Bucshon Gibson Kline tunity here, and I thank the ranking ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Burgess Gohmert Knight Byrne Goodlatte Labrador member, and especially the chairman, PRO TEMPORE Calvert Gosar LaHood for this opportunity. Again, I encour- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Carter (GA) Gowdy LaMalfa age them to come to the park. It is not ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Carter (TX) Granger Lamborn quite as grand as some of the things in Chabot Graves (GA) Lance will resume on questions previously Chaffetz Graves (LA) Latta Alaska, and I look to going to Alaska postponed. Clawson (FL) Griffith LoBiondo some day because I have only seen Votes will be taken in the following Coffman Grothman Long them in the pictures. Again, I thank Cole Guinta Loudermilk order: Collins (GA) Guthrie Love you for your kind words about the Ordering the previous question on Collins (NY) Hanna Lucas park. House Resolution 944; Comer Hardy Luetkemeyer Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I Adoption of House Resolution 944, if Comstock Harper Lummis have no additional speakers on this ordered; Conaway Harris Marchant Cook Hartzler Marino legislation. I do urge the passage of the The motion to suspend the rules and Costello (PA) Heck (NV) Massie legislation as a classic example of pass H.R. 1219; and Cramer Hensarling McCarthy

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:00 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.045 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7300 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 McCaul Ratcliffe Stefanik NOT VOTING—24 Rogers (AL) Simpson Walker McClintock Reed Stewart Rogers (KY) Smith (MO) Walorski Brown (FL) Garrett Poe (TX) McHenry Reichert Stivers Rohrabacher Smith (NE) Walters, Mimi Clyburn Graves (MO) Rothfus McKinley Renacci Rokita Smith (NJ) Stutzman Crenshaw Honda Sanchez, Loretta Weber (TX) Rooney (FL) Smith (TX) McMorris Ribble Thompson (PA) Ellmers (NC) Jolly Serrano Webster (FL) Ros-Lehtinen Stefanik Rodgers Rice (SC) Thornberry Farr Kirkpatrick Sewell (AL) Wenstrup Roskam Stewart McSally Rigell Tipton Fincher Lee Tiberi Westerman Ross Stivers Meadows Roby Trott Fitzpatrick MacArthur Westmoreland Williams Rouzer Stutzman Meehan Roe (TN) Turner Forbes Miller (MI) Zeldin Wilson (SC) Royce Thompson (PA) Messer Rogers (AL) Upton Wittman Russell Thornberry Mica Rogers (KY) Valadao Womack Miller (FL) Rohrabacher b 1349 Salmon Tipton Wagner Sanford Torres Woodall Moolenaar Rokita Walberg Messrs. CICILLINE, PETERS, VELA, Scalise Trott Yoder Mooney (WV) Rooney (FL) Walden and VISCLOSKY changed their vote Schweikert Turner Yoho Mullin Ros-Lehtinen Walker Scott, Austin Upton Young (AK) Mulvaney Roskam from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Walorski Sensenbrenner Valadao Young (IA) Murphy (PA) Ross Walters, Mimi So the previous question was ordered. Sessions Wagner Young (IN) Neugebauer Rouzer Weber (TX) The result of the vote was announced Shimkus Walberg Zeldin Newhouse Royce Webster (FL) as above recorded. Shuster Walden Zinke Noem Russell Wenstrup Nugent Salmon The SPEAKER pro tempore. The NOES—180 Westerman Nunes Sanford question is on the resolution. Williams Adams Fudge Napolitano Olson Scalise Wilson (SC) The question was taken; and the Aguilar Gabbard Neal Palazzo Schweikert Wittman Speaker pro tempore announced that Amash Gallego Nolan Palmer Scott, Austin Womack Ashford Garamendi Norcross Paulsen Sensenbrenner the ayes appeared to have it. Woodall Bass Graham O’Rourke Pearce Sessions RECORDED VOTE Beatty Grayson Pallone Perry Shimkus Yoder Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I de- Becerra Green, Al Pascrell Pittenger Shuster Yoho Bera Green, Gene Payne Pitts Simpson Young (AK) mand a recorded vote. Beyer Grijalva Pelosi Poliquin Smith (MO) Young (IA) ´ A recorded vote was ordered. Bishop (GA) Gutierrez Perlmutter Pompeo Smith (NE) Young (IN) Blumenauer Hanabusa The SPEAKER pro tempore. This is a Peters Posey Smith (NJ) Zinke Bonamici Hastings 5-minute vote. Peterson Price, Tom Smith (TX) Boyle, Brendan Heck (WA) Pingree The vote was taken by electronic de- F. Higgins Pocan vice, and there were—ayes 232, noes 180, Brady (PA) Himes NAYS—178 Polis not voting 21, as follows: Brownley (CA) Hinojosa Adams Fudge Napolitano Bustos Hoyer Price (NC) Aguilar Gabbard Neal [Roll No. 610] Butterfield Huffman Quigley Ashford Gallego Nolan AYES—232 Capps Israel Rangel Bass Garamendi Norcross Capuano Jackson Lee Rice (NY) Beatty Graham O’Rourke Abraham Duncan (TN) LaHood Ca´ rdenas Jeffries Richmond Becerra Grayson Pallone Aderholt Emmer (MN) LaMalfa Carney Johnson (GA) Roybal-Allard Bera Green, Al Pascrell Allen Farenthold Lamborn Carson (IN) Johnson, E. B. Ruiz Beyer Green, Gene Payne Amodei Fleischmann Lance Cartwright Kaptur Ruppersberger Bishop (GA) Grijalva Pelosi Babin Fleming Latta Castor (FL) Keating Rush ´ Blumenauer Gutierrez Perlmutter Barletta Flores LoBiondo Castro (TX) Kelly (IL) Ryan (OH) Bonamici Hanabusa Peters Barr Fortenberry Long Chu, Judy Kennedy Sa´ nchez, Linda Boyle, Brendan Hastings Peterson Barton Foxx Loudermilk Cicilline Kildee T. F. Heck (WA) Benishek Franks (AZ) Love Pingree Clark (MA) Kilmer Sarbanes Brady (PA) Higgins Bilirakis Frelinghuysen Lucas Pocan Clarke (NY) Kind Schakowsky Brownley (CA) Himes Bishop (MI) Gibbs Luetkemeyer Polis Clay Kuster Schiff Bustos Hinojosa Bishop (UT) Gibson Lummis Price (NC) Cleaver Langevin Schrader Butterfield Hoyer Black Gohmert Marchant Quigley Cohen Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Capps Huffman Rangel Blackburn Goodlatte Marino Connolly Larson (CT) Capuano Israel Blum Gosar Scott, David Rice (NY) McCarthy Conyers Lawrence Ca´ rdenas Jackson Lee Bost Gowdy McCaul Sewell (AL) Richmond Cooper Levin Carney Jeffries Boustany Granger McClintock Sherman Roybal-Allard Courtney Lewis Carson (IN) Johnson (GA) Brady (TX) Graves (GA) McHenry Sinema Ruiz Crowley Lieu, Ted Cartwright Johnson, E. B. Brat Graves (LA) McKinley Sires Ruppersberger Cuellar Lipinski Castor (FL) Kaptur Bridenstine Griffith McMorris Slaughter Rush Cummings Loebsack Castro (TX) Keating Brooks (AL) Grothman Rodgers Smith (WA) Ryan (OH) Davis (CA) Lofgren Chu, Judy Kelly (IL) Brooks (IN) Guinta McSally Speier Sa´ nchez, Linda Davis, Danny Lowenthal Cicilline Kennedy Buchanan Guthrie Meadows Swalwell (CA) T. DeFazio Lowey Clark (MA) Kildee Buck Hanna Meehan Takano Sarbanes DeGette Lujan Grisham Clarke (NY) Kilmer Bucshon Hardy Messer Thompson (CA) Schakowsky Delaney (NM) Clay Kind Burgess Harper Mica Thompson (MS) Schiff DeLauro Luja´ n, Ben Ray Cleaver Kuster Byrne Harris Miller (FL) Titus Schrader DelBene (NM) Cohen Langevin Calvert Hartzler Moolenaar DeSaulnier Lynch Tonko Connolly Larsen (WA) Scott (VA) Carter (GA) Heck (NV) Mooney (WV) Tsongas Scott, David Deutch Maloney, Conyers Larson (CT) Carter (TX) Hensarling Mullin Dingell Carolyn Van Hollen Cooper Lawrence Sherman Chabot Herrera Beutler Mulvaney Vargas Sinema Doggett Maloney, Sean Costa Levin Chaffetz Hice, Jody B. Murphy (PA) Veasey Sires Doyle, Michael Massie Courtney Lewis Clawson (FL) Hill Neugebauer Vela Slaughter F. Matsui Crowley Lieu, Ted Coffman Holding Newhouse Vela´ zquez Smith (WA) Duckworth McCollum Cuellar Lipinski Cole Hudson Noem Visclosky Speier Edwards McDermott Cummings Loebsack Collins (GA) Huelskamp Nugent Walz Swalwell (CA) Ellison McGovern Davis (CA) Lofgren Collins (NY) Huizenga (MI) Nunes Wasserman Takano Engel McNerney Davis, Danny Lowenthal Comer Hultgren Olson Schultz Thompson (CA) Eshoo Meeks DeFazio Lowey Comstock Hunter Palazzo Waters, Maxine Thompson (MS) Esty Meng DeGette Lujan Grisham Conaway Hurd (TX) Palmer Watson Coleman Titus Evans Moore Delaney (NM) Cook Hurt (VA) Paulsen Farr Moulton Welch ´ Tonko DeLauro Lujan, Ben Ray Costa Issa Pearce Foster Murphy (FL) Wilson (FL) Torres DelBene (NM) Costello (PA) Jenkins (KS) Perry Frankel (FL) Nadler Yarmuth DeSaulnier Lynch Tsongas Cramer Jenkins (WV) Pittenger Deutch Maloney, Van Hollen Crawford Johnson (OH) Pitts NOT VOTING—21 Vargas Dingell Carolyn Culberson Johnson, Sam Poliquin Brown (FL) Garrett Miller (MI) Veasey Doggett Maloney, Sean Curbelo (FL) Jones Pompeo Clyburn Graves (MO) Poe (TX) Vela Doyle, Michael Matsui Davidson Jordan Posey Crenshaw Honda Rothfus Vela´ zquez F. McCollum Davis, Rodney Joyce Price, Tom Ellmers (NC) Jolly Sanchez, Loretta Visclosky Duckworth McDermott Denham Katko Ratcliffe Fincher Kirkpatrick Serrano Walz Edwards McGovern Dent Kelly (MS) Reed Fitzpatrick Lee Tiberi Wasserman Ellison McNerney DeSantis Kelly (PA) Reichert Forbes MacArthur Westmoreland Engel Meeks Schultz DesJarlais King (IA) Renacci Eshoo Meng Waters, Maxine Diaz-Balart King (NY) Ribble ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Esty Moore Watson Coleman Dold Kinzinger (IL) Rice (SC) The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Evans Moulton Welch Donovan Kline Rigell Foster Murphy (FL) Wilson (FL) Duffy Knight Roby the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Frankel (FL) Nadler Yarmuth Duncan (SC) Labrador Roe (TN) ing.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:00 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.014 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7301 b 1357 Hardy Marino Ruiz Rothfus Schweikert Tiberi Harper Massie Ruppersberger Sanchez, Loretta Serrano Westmoreland Mrs. TORRES changed her vote from Harris Matsui Rush ‘‘no’’ to ‘‘aye.’’ Hartzler McCarthy Russell ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE So the resolution was agreed to. Hastings McCaul Ryan (OH) The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Heck (NV) McClintock Salmon the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- The result of the vote was announced Heck (WA) McCollum Sa´ nchez, Linda as above recorded. Hensarling McDermott T. ing. A motion to reconsider was laid on Herrera Beutler McGovern Sanford b 1405 the table. Hice, Jody B. McHenry Sarbanes Higgins McKinley Scalise Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New f Hill McMorris Schakowsky Himes Rodgers Schiff York changed her vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ARBUCKLE PROJECT MAINTE- Hinojosa McNerney Schrader ‘‘yea.’’ NANCE COMPLEX AND DISTRICT Holding McSally Scott (VA) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Hoyer Meadows Scott, Austin tive) the rules were suspended and the OFFICE CONVEYANCE ACT OF Hudson Meehan Scott, David 2016 Huelskamp Meeks Sensenbrenner bill, as amended, was passed. Huffman Meng Sessions The result of the vote was announced The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Huizenga (MI) Messer Sewell (AL) as above recorded. finished business is the vote on the mo- Hultgren Mica Sherman A motion to reconsider was laid on Hunter Miller (FL) Shimkus tion to suspend the rules and pass the the table. bill (H.R. 1219) to authorize the Sec- Hurd (TX) Moolenaar Shuster Hurt (VA) Mooney (WV) Simpson f retary of the Interior to convey certain Israel Moore Sinema land and appurtenances of the Ar- Issa Moulton Sires DANIEL J. EVANS OLYMPIC buckle Project, Oklahoma, to the Ar- Jackson Lee Mullin Slaughter NATIONAL PARK WILDERNESS ACT buckle Master Conservancy District, Jeffries Mulvaney Smith (MO) Jenkins (KS) Murphy (FL) Smith (NE) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- and for other purposes, as amended, on Jenkins (WV) Murphy (PA) Smith (NJ) finished business is the vote on the mo- which the yeas and nays were ordered. Johnson (GA) Nadler Smith (TX) tion to suspend the rules and pass the The Clerk read the title of the bill. Johnson (OH) Napolitano Smith (WA) Johnson, E. B. Neal Speier bill (S. 3028) to redesignate the Olym- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Johnson, Sam Neugebauer Stefanik pic Wilderness as the Daniel J. Evans question is on the motion offered by Jones Newhouse Stewart Wilderness, on which the yeas and nays the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) Jordan Noem Stivers Joyce Nolan Stutzman were ordered. that the House suspend the rules and Kaptur Norcross Swalwell (CA) The Clerk read the title of the bill. pass the bill, as amended. Katko Nugent Takano The SPEAKER pro tempore. The This is a 5-minute vote. Keating Nunes Thompson (CA) question is on the motion offered by The vote was taken by electronic de- Kelly (IL) O’Rourke Thompson (MS) Kelly (MS) Olson Thompson (PA) the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) vice, and there were—yeas 412, nays 1, Kelly (PA) Palazzo Thornberry that the House suspend the rules and not voting 20, as follows: Kennedy Pallone Tipton pass the bill. [Roll No. 611] Kildee Palmer Titus Kilmer Pascrell Tonko This is a 5-minute vote. YEAS—412 Kind Paulsen Torres The vote was taken by electronic de- Abraham Cartwright Dold King (IA) Payne Trott vice, and there were—yeas 401, nays 8, Adams Castor (FL) Donovan King (NY) Pearce Tsongas Aderholt Castro (TX) Doyle, Michael Kinzinger (IL) Pelosi Turner answered ‘‘present’’ 2, not voting 22, as Aguilar Chabot F. Kline Perlmutter Upton follows: Knight Perry Valadao Allen Chaffetz Duckworth [Roll No. 612] Amodei Chu, Judy Duffy Kuster Peters Van Hollen Ashford Cicilline Duncan (SC) Labrador Peterson Vargas YEAS—401 LaHood Pingree Veasey Babin Clark (MA) Duncan (TN) Abraham Capps Davis, Rodney LaMalfa Pittenger Vela Barletta Clarke (NY) Edwards Adams Capuano DeFazio Lamborn Pitts Vela´ zquez Barr Clawson (FL) Ellison Aderholt Ca´ rdenas DeGette Lance Pocan Visclosky Barton Clay Emmer (MN) Aguilar Carney Delaney Langevin Poliquin Wagner Bass Cleaver Engel Allen Carson (IN) DeLauro Larsen (WA) Polis Walberg Beatty Coffman Eshoo Amodei Carter (GA) DelBene Larson (CT) Pompeo Walden Becerra Cohen Esty Ashford Carter (TX) Denham Latta Posey Walker Benishek Cole Evans Babin Cartwright Dent Lawrence Price (NC) Walorski Bera Collins (GA) Farenthold Barletta Castor (FL) DeSantis Levin Price, Tom Walters, Mimi Beyer Collins (NY) Farr Barr Castro (TX) DeSaulnier Lewis Quigley Walz Bilirakis Comer Fleischmann Barton Chabot DesJarlais Lieu, Ted Rangel Wasserman Bishop (GA) Comstock Fleming Bass Chaffetz Deutch Lipinski Ratcliffe Schultz Bishop (MI) Conaway Flores Beatty Chu, Judy Diaz-Balart LoBiondo Reed Waters, Maxine Bishop (UT) Connolly Forbes Becerra Cicilline Dingell Loebsack Reichert Watson Coleman Black Conyers Fortenberry Benishek Clark (MA) Doggett Lofgren Renacci Weber (TX) Blackburn Cook Foster Bera Clarke (NY) Dold Long Ribble Webster (FL) Blum Cooper Foxx Beyer Clawson (FL) Donovan Loudermilk Rice (NY) Welch Blumenauer Costa Frankel (FL) Bilirakis Clay Doyle, Michael Love Rice (SC) Wenstrup Bonamici Costello (PA) Franks (AZ) Bishop (GA) Cleaver F. Lowenthal Richmond Westerman Bost Courtney Frelinghuysen Bishop (MI) Coffman Duckworth Lowey Rigell Williams Boustany Cramer Fudge Bishop (UT) Cohen Duffy Lucas Roby Wilson (FL) Boyle, Brendan Crawford Gabbard Black Cole Duncan (SC) Luetkemeyer Roe (TN) Wilson (SC) F. Crowley Gallego Blackburn Collins (GA) Duncan (TN) Lujan Grisham Rogers (AL) Wittman Brady (PA) Cuellar Garamendi Blum Collins (NY) Edwards (NM) Rogers (KY) Womack Brady (TX) Culberson Gibbs Blumenauer Comer Ellison Luja´ n, Ben Ray Rohrabacher Woodall Brat Cummings Gibson Bonamici Comstock Emmer (MN) (NM) Rokita Yarmuth Bridenstine Curbelo (FL) Gohmert Bost Conaway Engel Lummis Rooney (FL) Yoder Brooks (AL) Davidson Goodlatte Boustany Connolly Eshoo Lynch Ros-Lehtinen Yoho Brooks (IN) Davis (CA) Gosar Boyle, Brendan Conyers Esty MacArthur Roskam Young (AK) Brownley (CA) Davis, Danny Gowdy F. Cook Evans Maloney, Ross Young (IA) Buchanan Davis, Rodney Graham Brady (PA) Cooper Farenthold Carolyn Rouzer Young (IN) Buck DeFazio Granger Brady (TX) Costa Farr Maloney, Sean Roybal-Allard Zeldin Bucshon DeGette Graves (GA) Bridenstine Costello (PA) Fleischmann Marchant Royce Zinke Burgess Delaney Graves (LA) Brooks (AL) Courtney Fleming Bustos DeLauro Grayson Brooks (IN) Cramer Flores Butterfield DelBene Green, Al NAYS—1 Brownley (CA) Crawford Forbes Byrne Denham Green, Gene Amash Buchanan Crowley Fortenberry Calvert Dent Griffith Buck Cuellar Foster Capps DeSantis Grijalva NOT VOTING—20 Bucshon Culberson Foxx Capuano DeSaulnier Grothman Burgess Cummings Frankel (FL) Ca´ rdenas DesJarlais Guinta Brown (FL) Fitzpatrick Kirkpatrick Bustos Curbelo (FL) Franks (AZ) Carney Deutch Guthrie Clyburn Garrett Lee Butterfield Davidson Frelinghuysen Carson (IN) Diaz-Balart Gutie´rrez Crenshaw Graves (MO) Miller (MI) Byrne Davis (CA) Fudge Carter (GA) Dingell Hanabusa Ellmers (NC) Honda Poe (TX) Calvert Davis, Danny Gabbard Carter (TX) Doggett Hanna Fincher Jolly

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:20 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.049 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Gallego Lowey Roskam ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—2 for which a review is conducted under sub- Garamendi Lucas Ross Mulvaney Rice (SC) section (a); or Gibbs Luetkemeyer Rouzer (2) to modify the requirement that employ- Gibson Lujan Grisham Roybal-Allard NOT VOTING—22 ees of the Department assist with any re- Gohmert (NM) Royce Brown (FL) Honda Rothfus view, audit, evaluation, or inspection con- Goodlatte Luja´ n, Ben Ray Ruiz Clyburn Jolly Sanchez, Loretta Gowdy (NM) Ruppersberger ducted by the Office of the Inspector General Crenshaw Jones Serrano Graham Lummis Rush of the Department. Ellmers (NC) Kirkpatrick Sewell (AL) Granger Lynch Russell The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Graves (GA) MacArthur Fincher Lee Tiberi Ryan (OH) Fitzpatrick Miller (MI) Graves (LA) Maloney, Westmoreland ant to the rule, the gentleman from Salmon Garrett Pittenger Grayson Carolyn Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman Sa´ nchez, Linda Graves (MO) Poe (TX) Green, Al Maloney, Sean T. from California (Mr. TAKANO) each will Green, Gene Marchant Sarbanes ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE control 20 minutes. Griffith Marino Scalise The SPEAKER pro tempore (during The Chair recognizes the gentleman Grijalva Matsui Schakowsky McCarthy the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- from Tennessee. Guinta Schiff Guthrie McCaul Schrader ing. GENERAL LEAVE Gutie´rrez McClintock Schweikert Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Hanabusa McCollum b 1413 Scott (VA) Hanna McDermott ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Scott, Austin Hardy McGovern Mr. RICE of South Carolina changed bers may have 5 legislative days in Scott, David Harper McHenry his vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘present.’’ Sensenbrenner which to revise and extend their re- Hartzler McKinley So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Sessions marks. Hastings McMorris tive) the rules were suspended and the Heck (NV) Rodgers Sherman The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Heck (WA) McNerney Shimkus bill was passed. objection to the request of the gen- Hensarling McSally Shuster The result of the vote was announced tleman from Tennessee? Herrera Beutler Meadows Simpson as above recorded. Sires There was no objection. Hice, Jody B. Meehan A motion to reconsider was laid on Higgins Meeks Slaughter Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Hill Meng Smith (MO) the table. yield myself such time as I may con- Himes Messer Smith (NE) f sume. Hinojosa Mica Smith (NJ) I rise today in support of H.R. 6435, a Holding Miller (FL) Smith (TX) b 1415 Hoyer Moolenaar Smith (WA) bill to authorize the Directors of Vet- Hudson Mooney (WV) Speier AUTHORIZING DIRECTORS OF VET- erans Integrated Service Networks, or Huelskamp Moore Stefanik ERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE VISN, of the Department of Veterans Huffman Moulton Stewart NETWORKS TO ENTER INTO CON- Affairs to enter into contracts with ap- Huizenga (MI) Mullin Stivers TRACTS TO INVESTIGATE MED- Hultgren Murphy (FL) Stutzman propriate civilian accreditation enti- Hunter Murphy (PA) Swalwell (CA) ICAL CENTERS ties or appropriate health care evalua- Hurd (TX) Nadler Takano Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I tion entities to investigate VA medical Hurt (VA) Napolitano Thompson (CA) move to suspend the rules and pass the centers. Israel Neal Thompson (MS) This bill would allow VISN directors Issa Neugebauer Thompson (PA) bill (H.R. 6435) to authorize the Direc- Jackson Lee Newhouse Thornberry tors of Veterans Integrated Service to contract with an appropriate non- Jeffries Noem Tipton Networks of the Department of Vet- VA entity with expertise and civilian Jenkins (KS) Nolan Titus accreditation or healthcare evaluation Norcross erans Affairs to enter into contracts Jenkins (WV) Tonko to investigate any medical center with- Johnson (GA) Nugent Torres with appropriate civilian accreditation Johnson (OH) Nunes Trott entities or appropriate health care in that director’s catchment area. Johnson, E. B. O’Rourke Tsongas evaluation entities to investigate med- It is no secret that the last few years Johnson, Sam Olson Turner have been tumultuous for the VA Palazzo ical centers of the Department of Vet- Jordan Upton healthcare system, beginning with the Joyce Pallone Valadao erans Affairs. Kaptur Palmer Van Hollen The Clerk read the title of the bill. access and accountability crisis in Pascrell Katko Vargas The text of the bill is as follows: Phoenix and across the country in 2014, Keating Paulsen Veasey and continuing to just last week when Kelly (IL) Payne H.R. 6435 Vela reports surfaced of potential infectious Kelly (MS) Pearce Vela´ zquez Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Kelly (PA) Pelosi Visclosky disease concerns at a troubled VA med- Perlmutter resentatives of the United States of America in Kennedy Wagner ical center in Tomah, Wisconsin. Perry Congress assembled, Kildee Walberg While the committee has an impor- Peters Kilmer Walden SECTION 1. AUTHORITY OF DIRECTORS OF VET- Peterson ERANS INTEGRATED SERVICE NET- tant oversight and investigative re- Kind Walker King (IA) Pingree WORKS TO INVESTIGATE MEDICAL sponsibility toward VA, as a Federal Walorski King (NY) Pitts CENTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF Walters, Mimi bureaucracy, VA is all too often Kinzinger (IL) Pocan VETERANS AFFAIRS. Walz charged with policing itself through in- Kline Poliquin Wasserman (a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of a Vet- Knight Polis ternal watchdogs like the Office of Schultz erans Integrated Service Network of the De- Kuster Pompeo Waters, Maxine partment of Veterans Affairs may contract Medical Inspector and the VA Office of Labrador Posey Watson Coleman with an appropriate entity specializing in ci- Inspector General. However, despite all LaHood Price (NC) Weber (TX) LaMalfa Price, Tom vilian accreditation or health care evalua- of our best efforts, waste, fraud, and Webster (FL) Lamborn Quigley tion to investigate any medical center with- abuse still persist and still continue to Welch Lance Rangel in such Network to assess and report defi- harm veterans throughout the VA Langevin Ratcliffe Wenstrup ciencies of the facilities at such medical cen- Westerman healthcare system. Larsen (WA) Reed ter. Larson (CT) Reichert Williams H.R. 6435 would provide VA regional Wilson (FL) (b) COORDINATION.—Before entering into leadership yet another tool to root out Latta Renacci any contract under subsection (a), the Direc- Lawrence Ribble Wilson (SC) deficiencies within the VA medical fa- Wittman tor of a Veterans Integrated Service Net- Levin Rice (NY) cilities while providing VISN directors Lewis Richmond Womack work shall notify the Secretary of Veterans Lieu, Ted Rigell Woodall Affairs, the Inspector General of the Depart- the ability to work with an experi- Lipinski Roby Yarmuth ment of Veterans Affairs, and the Comp- enced, objective entity to assess a LoBiondo Roe (TN) Yoder troller General of the United States for pur- given VA medical center’s operations Loebsack Rogers (AL) Yoho poses of coordinating any investigation con- Young (AK) and management. Lofgren Rogers (KY) ducted pursuant to such contract with any Long Rohrabacher Young (IA) I believe this bill will empower VISN Loudermilk Rokita Young (IN) other investigations or accreditations that leaders to take a more active role in Love Rooney (FL) Zeldin may be ongoing. creating a culture of quality and ac- Lowenthal Ros-Lehtinen Zinke (c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section may be construed— countability and lead to the provision NAYS—8 (1) to prevent the Office of the Inspector of better, safer care to veteran pa- Amash Grothman Sanford General of the Department of Veterans Af- tients. Brat Harris Sinema fairs from conducting any review, audit, I am grateful to my friend and col- Gosar Massie evaluation, or inspection regarding a topic league Congressman MARKWAYNE

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.020 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7303 MULLIN of Oklahoma for sponsoring This is a commonsense bill that will (D) A private entity. this legislation, and I encourage all of help improve the care of our veterans (E) A donor or donor group. my colleagues to join me in supporting who need us the most. I urge passage of (F) Any other non-Federal Government en- it. this bill. tity. (3) LIMITATION.—The Secretary may accept I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I encour- not more than five donations of real prop- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield age all of my colleagues to support this erty and facility improvements under the myself such time as I may consume. important legislation and to join me in pilot program and as described in this sec- I rise today in support of this legisla- passing H.R. 6435. tion. tion by the gentleman from Oklahoma I yield back the balance of my time. (b) CONDITIONS FOR ACCEPTANCE OF PROP- (Mr. MULLIN). Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, ERTY.—The Secretary may accept the dona- Ensuring VA delivers safe and high- as Mr. MULLIN said, this is a very com- tion of a property described in subsection quality health care to veterans is an monsense piece of legislation. (a)(1) under the pilot program only if— important priority for this committee. I worked in hospitals for almost four (1) the property is— This bill will allow Veterans Integrated (A) a property with respect to which funds decades that had joint commission su- have been appropriated for a Department fa- Service Network directors to contract pervision. It is a good way. It is best cility project; or with civilian accreditation and for patient safety. With that, I encour- (B) a property identified as— healthcare evaluation organizations to age all Members to support this legisla- (i) meeting a need of the Department as inspect and investigate VA medical tion. part of the long-range capital planning proc- centers. This gives VA another tool to I yield back the balance of my time. ess of the Department; and evaluate and improve the quality of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (ii) the location for a Department facility care provided at its facilities. question is on the motion offered by project that is included on the Strategic VA medical centers are routinely in- Capital Investment Planning process pri- the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. ority list in the most recent budget sub- spected and accredited by recognized ROE) that the House suspend the rules mitted to Congress by the President pursu- organizations in the healthcare world, and pass the bill, H.R. 6435. ant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United such as the Joint Commission on Ac- The question was taken; and (two- States Code; and creditation of Hospitals and the Com- thirds being in the affirmative) the (2) an entity described in subsection (a)(2) mission on Accreditation of Rehabili- rules were suspended and the bill was has entered into or is willing to enter into a tation Facilities. This bill would allow passed. formal agreement with the Secretary in ac- other organizations to inspect and ac- A motion to reconsider was laid on cordance with subsection (c) under which the credit VA hospitals at VA’s discretion. entity agrees to independently donate the the table. real property, improvements, goods, or serv- Since the VA inspector general and f ices, for the Department facility project in Government Accountability Office also an amount acceptable to the Secretary and routinely conduct investigations, in- COMMUNITIES HELPING INVEST at no additional cost to the Federal Govern- spections, and audits of VA medical fa- THROUGH PROPERTY AND IM- ment. cilities, I would like to emphasize that PROVEMENTS NEEDED FOR VET- (c) REQUIREMENT TO ENTER INTO AN AGREE- this bill requires both GAO and the IG ERANS ACT OF 2016 MENT.— to be notified when a VISN chooses to (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may accept Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I real property and improvements donated contract with civilian inspection and move to suspend the rules and pass the accreditation organizations. under the pilot program by an entity de- bill (H.R. 5099) to establish a pilot pro- scribed in subsection (a)(2) only if the entity Coordination of efforts with GAO and gram on partnership agreements to enters into a formal agreement with the Sec- the IG will avoid duplication and pre- construct new facilities for the Depart- retary that provides for— vent the waste of taxpayer dollars. I ment of Veterans Affairs, as amended. (A) the donation of real property and im- also want to emphasize that this au- The Clerk read the title of the bill. provements (including structures and equip- thority should not be used to replace The text of the bill is as follows: ment associated therewith) that includes a the role of the IG and GAO in con- constructed facility; or H.R. 5099 ducting investigations, inspections, (B) the construction by the entity of a fa- and evaluations of VA medical facili- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- cility on— resentatives of the United States of America in (i) real property and improvements of the ties. Congress assembled, Department of Veterans Affairs; or I urge my colleagues to support this SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (ii) real property and improvements do- bill. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Commu- nated to the Department by the entity. I reserve the balance of my time. nities Helping Invest through Property and (2) CONTENT OF FORMAL AGREEMENTS.—With Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Improvements Needed for Veterans Act of respect to an entity described in subsection yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 2016’’ or the ‘‘CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016’’. (a)(2) that seeks to enter into a formal agree- Oklahoma (Mr. MULLIN), who brought SEC. 2. PILOT PROGRAM ON ACCEPTANCE BY ment under paragraph (1) of this subsection this legislation to our committee. THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS that includes the construction by the entity Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank AFFAIRS OF DONATED FACILITIES of a facility, the formal agreement shall pro- AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS. vide for the following: Chairman-elect ROE for yielding and (a) PILOT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.— (A) The entity shall conduct all necessary for his work on the committee. I have (1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding sections environmental and historic preservation due no doubt that he will perform admi- 8103 and 8104 of title 38, United States Code, diligence, shall comply with all local zoning rably in his new role, and I want to ex- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may carry requirements (except for studies and contend my appreciation to him and to out a pilot program under which the Sec- sultations required of the Department under Chairman MILLER for their leadership retary may accept donations of the following Federal law), and shall obtain all permits rein getting this bill to the floor for con- property from entities described in para- quired in connection with the construction sideration. graph (2): of the facility. This bill is simple, so I will keep it (A) Real property (including structures and (B) The entity shall use construction standards required of the Department when short. All the bill does is authorize the equipment associated therewith)— (i) that includes a constructed facility; or designing, repairing, altering, or building the Department of Veterans Affairs to con- (ii) to be used as the site of a facility con- facility, except to the extent the Secretary tract with appropriate civilian structed by the entity. determines otherwise, as permitted by appli- healthcare accrediting or evaluating (B) A facility to be constructed by the en- cable law. groups to investigate the VA medical tity on real property of the Department of (C) The entity shall provide the real prop- centers. Veterans Affairs. erty, improvements, goods, or services in a Our veterans deserve care equal to (2) ENTITIES DESCRIBED.—Entities described manner described in subsection (b)(2) suffi- the finest civilian hospitals, so let’s in this paragraph are the following: cient to complete the construction of the facility, at no additional cost to the Federal allow the VA to invite the people who (A) A State or local authority. (B) An organization that is described in Government. evaluate and accredit those private section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (d) NO PAYMENT OF RENT OR USAGE FEES.— hospitals to take a look at our VA of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under The Secretary may not pay rent, usage fees, medical centers when they have prob- section 501(a) of such Code. or any other amounts to an entity described lems. (C) A limited liability corporation. in subsection (a)(2) or any other entity for

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Is there tion program and to leave no stones (A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not provide funds to help the entity finance, de- objection to the request of the gen- unturned when looking for new ways to sign, or construct a facility in connection tleman from Tennessee? ensure that VA has facilities they need with real property and improvements do- There was no objection. to provide the services our veterans re- nated under the pilot program by an entity Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I quire. I believe that the pilot program described in subsection (a)(2) that are in ad- yield myself such time as I may con- could lay the foundation for doing just dition to the funds appropriated for the facil- sume. that. ity as of the date on which the Secretary and Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support I urge my colleagues to join me in the entity enter into a formal agreement of H.R. 5099, as amended, the Commu- under subsection (c) for the donation of the supporting this legislation. nities Helping Invest Through Property I reserve the balance of my time. real property and improvements. and Improvements Needed for Veterans (B) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—The Secretary Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield shall provide funds pursuant to subparagraph Act of 2016—and that is a mouthful—or myself such time as I may consume. the CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016. This (A) under such terms, conditions, and sched- I rise in support of H.R. 5099, as bill, sponsored by our colleague Con- ule as the Secretary determines appropriate. amended, Communities Helping Invest (2) FROM ENTITY.—An entity described in gressman BRAD ASHFORD from Ne- through Property and Improvements subsection (a)(2) that is donating a facility braska, would authorize the Depart- Needed for Veterans Act of 2016. In- constructed by the entity under the pilot ment of Veterans Affairs to carry out a deed, it is a mouthful but is a very, program shall be required, pursuant to a for- pilot program to accept from certain very important, potentially trans- mal agreement entered into under subsection non-Federal entities up to five dona- (c), to provide other funds in addition to the formative piece of legislation. Other- tions of either real property that in- amounts provided by the Department under wise, we can shorten it down to the cludes a constructed facility or is to be paragraph (1) that are needed to complete CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016, which was used as a site of a facility constructed construction of the facility. introduced by my friend and colleague, (f) APPLICATION.—An entity described in by the entity, or a facility to be con- the gentleman from Nebraska, BRAD subsection (a)(2) that seeks to donate real structed by the entity on VA real prop- ASHFORD. The bill is a testament to his property and improvements under the pilot erty. Such donation may be accepted hard work, as well as many Members program shall submit to the Secretary an ap- only if it is for a project for which plication to address needs relating to facili- and staff on both sides of the Capitol, funds have been appropriated for a VA ties of the Department, including health care that we are considering this bill today. facility or is identified as meeting both needs, identified in the Construction and This bipartisan legislation will au- a VA need as part of the Department’s Long-Range Capital Plan of the Department, thorize a pilot program, allowing the long-range capital planning process at such time, in such manner, and con- Department of Veterans Affairs to taining such information as the Secretary and as the location for a VA facility partner with nonprofit and private do- may require. project that is included on the stra- nors to build VA hospitals, receive do- (g) INFORMATION ON DONATIONS AND RE- tegic capital investment plan. LATED PROJECTS.— VA is one of our government’s larg- nated land, and acquire other VA fa- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall in- est real property holders; and, consid- cilities so that the VA may continue to clude in the budget submitted to Congress by serve veterans. the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of ering that the average age of a VA medical building is five times older Today there are generous donors and title 31, United States Code, information re- organizations ready to pitch in and in- garding real property and improvements do- than the average age of a building in a nated under the pilot program during the nonprofit hospital system, VA’s capital vest in their community’s willingness year preceding the submittal of the budget needs continue to grow in both cost to support and serve our veterans. That and the status of facility projects relating to and complexity. Meanwhile, the high- is why we must take immediate action that property. profile scandals and failures that VA’s and pass H.R. 5099, as amended. (2) ELEMENTS.—Information submitted construction and capital asset program This bill will permit the VA to accept under paragraph (1) shall provide a detailed has undergone have been well pub- facilities constructed by donors, land status of donations of real property and im- where a future facility will be con- provements conducted under the pilot pro- licized over the last few years. gram and facility projects relating to that In April of 2013, the Government Ac- structed by a donor, and permit a property, including the percentage comple- countability Office found that VA’s donor to construct a facility on VA tion of the donations and projects. major medical facility construction property under an agreement to donate (h) BIENNIAL REPORT OF COMPTROLLER GEN- projects, which are already costly, the facility to VA upon completion. It ERAL OF THE UNITED STATES.—Not less fre- complicated endeavors, experienced will also preserve VA’s authority to de- quently than once every two years until the cost increases ranging from 66 percent termine need by only allowing projects termination date set forth in subsection (i), to 427 percent and schedule delays to move forward under this program the Comptroller General of the United States based on projects authorized and fund- shall submit to Congress a report on the do- ranging from 14 months to 86 months. nation agreements entered into under the Needless to say, it is clear that the ed by Congress or included on the VA’s pilot program. time to look for innovative solutions strategic capital investment planning (i) TERMINATION.—The authority for the to VA’s capital needs is now. process priority list. Secretary to accept donations under the Currently, VA has the authority to This bill is necessary not only be- pilot program shall terminate on the date accept a donated facility if that facil- cause of the Federal Government’s sig- that is five years after the date of the enact- ity is already complete; however, it can nificant budget constraints, but also so ment of this Act. that VA has clear authority to under- (j) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this be challenging to find existing facili- section shall be construed as a limitation on ties that both meet demonstrated VA take these projects and accept dona- the authority of the Secretary to enter into need and satisfy all the requirements tions for the acquisition of facilities. other arrangements or agreements that are and mandates that a Federal facility It also allows VA and Congress to de- authorized by law and not inconsistent with must meet. Allowing VA to accept un- termine whether this pilot program this section. conditional donations of real property, that permits the VA and non-Federal The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- improvements, goods, or services from organizations to combine resources to ant to the rule, the gentleman from community donors, within certain pa- construct facilities is a viable future Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman rameters, could provide a viable solu- model for the funding and management from California (Mr. TAKANO) each will tion to meeting VA’s capital needs in of major and minor VA construction control 20 minutes. an expedient, fiscally responsible man- projects. The Chair recognizes the gentleman ner while allowing communities and Thanks to the public-private partner- from Tennessee. individuals the opportunity to step up ships this legislation will foster, the GENERAL LEAVE and contribute in honor of their vet- VA will be able to take meaningful Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I eran friends and neighbors in a mean- steps in improving its capacity to pro- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- ingful way. vide our veterans the quality care they

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.018 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7305 deserve at state-of-the-art VA facili- nacity to stick it through and bring There have been other staff members ties, all the while saving American tax- this legislation finally in this form to as well, and certainly they have all payers millions of dollars in the proc- the floor. added a tremendous amount to this ess. It is the very definition of a win- Mr. ASHFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank bill: Christine Hill and Grace Rodden win situation. Ranking Member TAKANO, Chairman most particularly. Mr. Speaker, strengthening the VA ROE, certainly Chairman MILLER, and Moving this bill ensures that Senator and increasing its capacity to provide Mr. Speaker for bringing this impor- FISCHER’s bill, which is now in the Sen- and coordinate care is one of our high- tant bill up for a vote today. ate, can move in the Senate and be- est priorities at the Committee on Vet- H.R. 5099, the CHIP IN for Vets Act, come law so we can begin this project erans’ Affairs, and I am pleased to sup- was introduced by myself and others in now. My friends in Omaha, in Ne- port H.R. 5099, as amended, which will the House and by my good friend and braska, and Iowa are ready to donate only improve VA’s ability to do so. colleague, Senator DEB FISCHER, in the what is necessary to unleash, as Mr. I reserve the balance of my time. United States Senate. There is an iden- FORTENBERRY suggests, the money that Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I tical bill in the Senate awaiting action has already been appropriated for our yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from as we speak. Omaha facility. Nebraska (Mr. FORTENBERRY) for his As has been suggested and men- Lastly, I would like to thank the comments. tioned, this bill allows for the Depart- Secretary of the Veterans Administra- Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, as ment of Veterans Affairs to enter into tion, Robert McDonald. I met Bob we are about to conclude this legisla- donation agreements with community McDonald 2 years ago about just now tive session, I hope everyone here real- groups in order to complete VA con- when I was coming in to Congress. I izes the magnitude of what this bill be- struction projects. This is a new and suggested to him that we needed some- fore us does. innovative idea not necessarily thing to be done in Omaha, and I also Yes, we have got a lot going on. We brought to this body by myself, but by suggested that I thought that our are distracted. We are eager to finish so many other people, as has been men- donor community and our veterans up business and start a transition pe- tioned, who have worked on this bill community would work together on an for literally 2 years. I appreciate my riod. But, as Congressman TAKANO just innovative public-private partnership said, this is transformative. This cre- good friend, Congressman FORTEN- to enable some sort of new way, some BERRY from Lincoln, Nebraska, for his ates a blueprint of the architecture for sort of center of excellence to develop; comments and his ability to hold me a 21st century VA. And why? As Con- and certainly Secretary McDonald and back from time to time as we pro- gressman ROE pointed out, we have had his team have been great and have been ceeded down this course. extreme difficulties and complexities I think when we started out with this so incredibly helpful in moving this and problems in the VA with service process, what I was focused on was the along. Lastly, again, I thank my colleague delivery as well as budgetary cost over- idea that in our own communities it is runs. veterans who can make those tough de- and friend actually from our years to- b 1430 cisions as to what their needs are. No- gether in the unicameral legislature in Nebraska, DEB FISCHER, whose staff has We have had for a very long time an body better than our veterans understands those needs. What this bill will been tireless and helpful in this mat- aging hospital in Omaha. We have had ter. a community that is very eager to find allow us to do is to combine community donors with veterans to actually Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I a new innovative way out of this prob- yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from lem. We have a pot of money that has involve themselves together in the development of these projects. Certainly Iowa (Mr. YOUNG), my good friend, to been sitting here for a very long time speak on this issue. and will continue to sit here for a very in Omaha, in my community in Iowa, and Nebraska area, we have had a need Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, long time unless we become innova- today I rise to speak in support of H.R. tive, unless we do something different. for such a renovated facility for many, many years. 5099, the bipartisan CHIP IN for Vets That is what Congressman ASHFORD My bill, I believe, empowers our vet- Act of 2016, which is sponsored by my has done with the rest of the Federal erans. It puts an end to the decades- colleague from across the river, Con- delegation from Nebraska, including long wait for hundreds of thousands of gressman BRAD ASHFORD in Nebraska. Senator FISCHER. He has come up with veterans in my area who have been Our veterans make great sacrifices in an innovative transformative model promised new facilities. I think, as defense of our freedoms, and it is in- that will create a new center of excel- clearly as Congressman FORTENBERRY, cumbent upon us to provide them with lence based on a public-private part- Ranking Member TAKANO, and Chair- the best possible health care when they nership, using existing Federal mon- man ROE mentioned, that this really return home. eys, using a base of community support does open up opportunities for VA fa- Now, many of our Department of that has already come forward looking cilities across the entire country and Veterans Affairs facilities are aging. to help the VA better integrate with starts the course moving forward. They are in need of upgrades and re- the private facilities that already exist Let me just conclude by thanking so pair, some complete overhauls, yet cost in the community of Omaha, which are many of you. I would be here much overruns and significant delays trouble quite extraordinary. As Congressman longer than 5 minutes if I were going to VA construction programs and hinder TAKANO said, this is a win-win-win. name everyone, but certainly I appre- work on other VA facilities in need of I want to congratulate my friend and ciate my cosponsors, Congressman improvements. colleague, Congressman ASHFORD, for WALZ from Minnesota, Congressman The CHIP IN for Vets Act of 2016 his extraordinary leadership and vision FORTENBERRY, Congressman SMITH seeks to address some of these prob- in this regard as well as the integrity from Nebraska, Congressman DAVE lems by authorizing the VA to carry to stay with it until the very end. We YOUNG from across the river in Iowa. out a 5-year pilot program examining have had some complexities along the I thank Chairman MILLER, who gave the feasibility of leveraging private do- way, but it is my hope, Mr. Chairman, me the opportunity to discuss, even on nations to construct new VA facilities, particularly as you take over the reins weekends, some of the positive ele- that public-private partnership. of the entire committee, that you will ments of what we were trying to do in This is a new way of doing things and help us implement this rapidly, as I Nebraska. a unique opportunity for the taxpayer know you will, because it is a trans- Lastly, thanks to the staff and cer- and for veterans. This bill could help formative mechanism by which we are tainly my staff leader on this bill, facilities—and it will—like the Omaha going to deliver the highest and best Denise Fleming. I am going to be in the VA Medical Center, which serve my possible care for our veterans back House only a few more weeks, but I constituents in Iowa as well as those in home. can’t say that she is actually wel- Nebraska. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 coming me leaving, but she certainly Now, I appreciate my colleague’s minutes to the gentleman from Ne- has been a tenacious advocate and has work, Congressman ASHFORD, for push- braska (Mr. ASHFORD), who had the te- worked very, very hard. ing this bill along. I was proud to sign

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.057 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 on as a cosponsor. Congressman is a finite amount of money we can (3) To advance the goal of long-duration ASHFORD has shown great leadership provide for services, and looking for and exploration spaceflight missions, United and tenacity in getting this bill over public-private partnerships, as my city States government astronaut Scott Kelly the finish line. That is what he came in Johnson City, Tennessee, is doing participated in a one-year twins study in space while his identical twin brother, here to do, to get things done. right now with other projects. I think former United States government astronaut I urge my colleagues to support this this is a model for what could go on in Mark Kelly, acted as a human control speci- bill. the country. men on Earth, providing an understanding of Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield I have a CBOC in my district where the physical, behavioral, microbiological, myself the balance of my time. the local mayor provided use at a hos- and molecular reaction of the human body to I want to add some more comments pital for a dollar a year for the VA to an extended period of time in space. about the legislation that we are about have the VA facility there. I think that (4) Since the Administration currently pro- to pass. I concur in and associate my- is going on in Nebraska right now. vides medical monitoring, diagnosis, and self with the remarks of my colleague treatment for United States government as- They are trying to see that happen. We tronauts during their active employment, from Nebraska, Mr. FORTENBERRY. I need to be thinking about how we can given the unknown long-term health con- certainly want to extend my apprecia- provide these facilities to serve these sequences of long-duration space explo- tion to the majority for its generosity great veterans who have served our ration, the Administration has requested of spirit in this particular case. If there country. statutory authority from Congress to pro- is anything that fills me with great Mr. Speaker, I encourage all Mem- vide medical monitoring, diagnosis, and hope that we can restore the esteem of bers to support this legislation. treatment to former United States govern- this great institution in the eyes of the I yield back the balance of my time. ment astronauts for psychological and med- American people, it is when we pass ical conditions associated with human space The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. flight. legislation such as Mr. ASHFORD’s bill RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois). The question today. We rose above politics—both (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of is on the motion offered by the gen- Congress that— sides rose above politics—to do the tleman from Tennessee (Mr. ROE) that (1) the United States should continue to right thing for veterans. It was our re- the House suspend the rules and pass seek the unknown and lead the world in gard for veterans that brought us to- the bill, H.R. 5099, as amended. space exploration and scientific discovery as gether. It is fitting that this action is The question was taken; and (two- the Administration prepares for long-dura- happening in the heartland of our thirds being in the affirmative) the tion and exploration spaceflight in deep country. This is no small measure rules were suspended and the bill, as space and an eventual mission to Mars; (2) data relating to the health of astro- today. The American people do not amended, was passed. really see the drama. It looks very ef- nauts will become increasingly valuable to A motion to reconsider was laid on improving our understanding of many dis- fortless about what we are going to do the table. eases humans face on Earth; because it is going to be voice voted. f (3) the Administration should provide the No real big drama is going to play out type of monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment in front of everybody, but I am going b 1445 described in subsection (a) only for condi- to tell you that Republicans and Demo- TO RESEARCH, EVALUATE, AS- tions the Administration considers unique to crats worked together. SESS, AND TREAT ASTRONAUTS the training or exposure to the spaceflight I want to congratulate and show my ACT environment of United States government astronauts and should not require any appreciation to my whip, Mr. HOYER. Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I move to former United States government astronauts He worked his relationships with some suspend the rules and pass the bill to participate in the Administration’s moni- Members on the other side in the Sen- (H.R. 6076) to require the Adminis- toring; ate, and it showed that we shouldn’t be trator of the National Aeronautics and (4) such monitoring, diagnosis, and treat- so hasty to move our more senior Mem- Space Administration to establish a ment should not replace a former United States government astronaut’s private bers so quickly out of their positions program for the medical monitoring, because these relationships matter health insurance; diagnosis, and treatment of astronauts, (5) expanded data acquired from such moni- after so many years. I will go more and for other purposes, as amended. into detail with anyone who cares to toring, diagnosis, and treatment should be The Clerk read the title of the bill. used to tailor treatment, inform the require- know more about it later. Mr. MCCAR- The text of the bill is as follows: ments for new spaceflight medical hardware, THY, of my home State of California, H.R. 6076 and develop controls in order to prevent dis- my own Leader PELOSI, and staff on ease occurrence in the astronaut corps; and both sides of the aisle worked tirelessly Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (6) the 340-day space mission of Scott Kelly to bring this bill. resentatives of the United States of America in aboard the ISS— Congress assembled, We are about to head home for the (A) was pivotal for the goal of the United holiday season, and I can’t think of a SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. States for humans to explore deep space and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘To Re- greater gift that we can give—well, I Mars as the mission generated new insight search, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astro- into how the human body adjusts to can think of a lot of greater gifts, but nauts Act’’ or the ‘‘TREAT Astronauts Act’’. weightlessness, isolation, radiation, and the this is a very important gift that we SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF CONGRESS. stress of long-duration space flight; and are going to give. It is truly a poten- (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the fol- (B) will help support the physical and men- tially transformative piece of legisla- lowing findings: tal well-being of astronauts during longer tion. (1) Human space exploration can pose sig- space exploration missions in the future. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speak- nificant challenges and is full of substantial SEC. 3. MEDICAL MONITORING AND RESEARCH ers at this time. I just want to encour- risk, which has ultimately claimed the lives RELATING TO HUMAN SPACE age all of my colleagues to support this of 24 National Aeronautics and Space Admin- FLIGHT. important piece of legislation and join istration astronauts serving in the line of (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter III of chapter me in passing H.R. 5099, as amended. duty. 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amend- (2) As United States government astro- ed by adding at the end the following: Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance nauts participate in long-duration and explo- of my time. ration spaceflight missions they may experi- ‘‘§ 20148. Medical monitoring and research re- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ence increased health risks, such as vision lating to human space flight yield myself the balance of my time. impairment, bone demineralization, and be- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any I, too, want to associate myself with havioral health and performance risks, and other provision of law, the Administrator the remarks of all the speakers and may be exposed to galactic cosmic radiation. may provide for the medical monitoring and thank Mr. ASHFORD for his persever- Exposure to high levels of radiation and diagnosis of a former United States govern- ance in bringing this, along with Mr. microgravity can result in acute and long- ment astronaut or a former payload spe- term health consequences that can increase cialist for conditions that the Administrator FORTENBERRY on our side and Chair- the risk of cancer and tissue degeneration considers potentially associated with human man MILLER and Ranking Member and have potential effects on the musculo- space flight, and may provide for the treat- TAKANO. This is the way we are going skeletal system, central nervous system, ment of a former United States government to have to do this more. There is a fi- cardiovascular system, immune function, astronaut or a former payload specialist for nite amount of money we have. There and vision. conditions that the Administrator considers

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associated with human space flight, includ- ‘‘(e) REGULATIONS.—The Administrator sharing beyond the Federal Government of ing scientific and medical tests for psycho- shall promulgate such regulations as are data acquired under the activities of the Na- logical and medical conditions. necessary to carry out this section. tional Aeronautics and Space Administra- ‘‘(b) REQUIREMENTS.— ‘‘(f) DEFINITION OF UNITED STATES GOVERN- tion under section 20148 of title 51, United ‘‘(1) NO COST SHARING.—The medical moni- MENT ASTRONAUT.—In this section, the term States Code, as added by subsection (a). toring, diagnosis, or treatment described in ‘United States government astronaut’ has (2) REPORT.—Not later than 270 days after subsection (a) shall be provided without any the meaning given the term ‘government as- the date of the enactment of this Act, the deductible, copayment, or other cost sharing tronaut’ in section 50902, except it does not Administrator shall submit to the Com- obligation. include an individual who is an international mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of ‘‘(2) ACCESS TO LOCAL SERVICES.—The med- partner astronaut. the House of Representatives and the Com- ical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment ‘‘(g) DATA USE AND DISCLOSURE.—The Ad- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- described in subsection (a) may be provided ministrator may use or disclose data ac- tation of the Senate a report containing the by a local health care provider if it is quired in the course of medical monitoring, results of the study carried out under para- unadvisable due to the health of the applica- diagnosis, or treatment of a former United graph (1). ble former United States government astro- States government astronaut or a former (f) INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT.—The Inspec- naut or former payload specialist for that payload specialist under subsection (a), in tor General of the National Aeronautics and former United States government astronaut accordance with subsection (d). Former Space Administration shall periodically or former payload specialist to travel to the United States government astronaut or audit or review, as the Inspector General Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, as deter- former payload specialist participation in considers necessary to prevent waste, fraud, mined by the Administrator. medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment and abuse, the activities of the National Aer- ‘‘(3) SECONDARY PAYMENT.—Payment or re- under subsection (a) shall constitute consent onautics and Space Administration under imbursement for the medical monitoring, di- for the Administrator to use or disclose such section 20148 of title 51, United States Code, agnosis, or treatment described in subsection data.’’. as added by subsection (a). (a) shall be secondary to any obligation of (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of the United States government or any third The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- contents for chapter 201 of title 51, United ant to the rule, the gentleman from party under any other provision of law or States Code is amended by inserting after contractual agreement to pay for or provide the item relating to section 20147 the fol- Texas (Mr. BABIN) and the gentle- such medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treat- lowing: woman from Maryland (Ms. EDWARDS) ment. Any costs for items and services that each will control 20 minutes. may be provided by the Administrator for ‘‘20148. Medical monitoring and research relating to human space flight’’. The Chair recognizes the gentleman medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment from Texas. under subsection (a) that are not paid for or (c) ANNUAL REPORTS.— provided under such other provision of law or (1) IN GENERAL.—Each fiscal year, not later GENERAL LEAVE contractual agreement, due to the applica- than the date of submission of the Presi- Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- tion of deductibles, copayments, coinsur- dent’s annual budget request for that fiscal imous consent that all Members may ance, other cost sharing, or otherwise, are year under section 1105 of title 31, United have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- States Code, the Administrator of the Na- reimbursable by the Administrator on behalf tend their remarks and to include ex- of the former United States government as- tional Aeronautics and Space Administra- tion shall publish a report, in accordance traneous material on H.R. 6076, the bill tronaut or former payload specialist in- under consideration. volved to the extent such items or services with applicable Federal privacy laws, on the are authorized to be provided by the Admin- activities of the National Aeronautics and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there istrator for such medical monitoring, diag- Space Administration under section 20148 of objection to the request of the gen- nosis, or treatment under subsection (a). title 51, United States Code, as added by sub- tleman from Texas? ‘‘(4) CONDITIONAL PAYMENT.—The Adminis- section (a). There was no objection. trator may provide for conditional payments (2) CONTENTS.—Each report under para- Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- for or provide medical monitoring, diagnosis, graph (1) shall include a detailed cost ac- self such time as I may consume. counting of the Administration’s activities or treatment described in subsection (a) that Mr. Speaker, for over 50 years, the is obligated to be paid for or provided by the under such section 20148 of title 51, United States Code, and a 5-year budget estimate. United States of America has asked its United States or any third party under any bravest to travel to space in service of other provision of law or contractual agree- (3) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—The Admin- ment to pay for or provide such medical istrator shall submit to the appropriate com- their country. From the dynamic monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment if— mittees of Congress each report under para- launch environment to the unforgiving ‘‘(A) payment for (or the provision of) such graph (1) not later than the date of submis- vacuum of space, to the energetic re- medical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment sion of the President’s annual budget request entry of Earth, human spaceflight services has not been made (or provided) or for that fiscal year under section 1105 of title places astronauts in challenging envi- 31, United States Code. cannot reasonably be expected to be made ronments. Even training for spaceflight (or provided) promptly by the United States (d) COST ESTIMATE.— (1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 90 days carries significant risks. I am very or such third party, respectively; and proud to say that I represent a great ‘‘(B) such payment (or such provision of after the date of enactment of this Act, the services) by the Administrator is conditioned Administrator of the National Aeronautics number of these astronauts who call on reimbursement by the United States or and Space Administration shall enter into an Houston their home. such third party, respectively, for such med- arrangement with an independent external As a nation, we have an obligation to ical monitoring, diagnosis, or treatment. organization to undertake an independent those whom we put in harm’s way. As ‘‘(c) EXCLUSIONS.—The Administrator may cost estimate of the cost to the National a Congress, we have a responsibility to not— Aeronautics and Space Administration and provide for the treatment of conditions the Federal Government to implement and ‘‘(1) provide for medical monitoring or di- caused by Federal service. As a agnosis of a former United States govern- administer the activities of the National ment astronaut or former payload specialist Aeronautics and Space Administration under healthcare professional myself, and as under subsection (a) for any psychological or section 20148 of title 51, United States Code, their Representative, you can say it is medical condition that is not potentially as- as added by subsection (a). The independent my duty to make sure that these folks sociated with human space flight; external organization may not be an entity are taken care of properly. This is why ‘‘(2) provide for treatment of a former of the National Aeronautics and Space Ad- I have sponsored H.R. 6076, the TREAT United States government astronaut or ministration, such as the Office of Safety Astronauts Act, a very commonsense, former payload specialist under subsection and Mission Assurance. fiscally responsible, bipartisan bill (2) SUBMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—Not later (a) for any psychological or medical condi- that makes sure that our brave men tion that is not associated with human space than one year after the date of the enact- flight; or ment of this Act, the Administrator shall and women who venture into space re- ‘‘(3) require a former United States govern- submit the independent cost estimate under- ceive the support for medical issues as- ment astronaut or former payload specialist taken pursuant to paragraph (1) to the Com- sociated with their service. to participate in the medical monitoring, di- mittee on Science, Space, and Technology of The psychological and medical data agnosis, or treatment authorized under sub- the House of Representatives and the Com- associated with an astronaut’s human section (a). mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- spaceflight service is very important ‘‘(d) PRIVACY.—Consistent with applicable tation of the Senate. for our future space endeavors. The (e) PRIVACY STUDY.— provisions of Federal law relating to privacy, TREAT Astronauts Act will provide the Administrator shall protect the privacy (1) STUDY.—The Administrator of the Na- of all medical records generated under sub- tional Aeronautics and Space Administra- this additional data and will enable section (a) and accessible to the Administra- tion shall carry out a study on any potential NASA to better understand the med- tion. privacy or legal issues related to the possible ical risks of spaceflight, minimize

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:14 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.019 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7308 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 these risks, and enable future long-du- cost estimate and an annual fiscal re- The first principle is getting care to ration missions to Mars and even be- port. These reports will ensure that former astronauts under this program yond. Congress is well informed and able to as soon as possible. NASA has indi- I am very thankful to Chairman conduct appropriate oversight. cated that some former astronauts LAMAR SMITH for his support of the Participation in the program is vol- could already benefit from this new au- TREAT Astronauts Act and for his untary. No astronaut should be forced thority. leadership as chairman of the Science, or coerced to participate in this pro- As Chairman BABIN noted, this bill Space, and Technology Committee. I gram. In the event that an astronaut provides NASA with supplementary au- am also very glad that my colleague, chooses not to participate in the pro- thority. As such, I would expect that Ms. EDWARDS, is an original cosponsor gram, there are still other occupa- monitoring provided by NASA’s Life- and that the bill was reported out of tional healthcare options available to time Surveillance of Astronaut Health committee by a voice vote with broad them. But if they do participate, the program will continue to be made bipartisan support. astronauts have consented that NASA available to any former astronaut or The amendment before us today rep- can use and disclose the data they col- payload specialist electing not to par- resents compromise language agreed lect, subject to protecting their person- ticipate in the program being estab- upon with the Senate in good faith ally identifiable health information. lished by this legislation. that this language will be included and In conclusion, I strongly support the The second principle is being respect- passed in a NASA Authorization Act TREAT Astronauts Act, and I urge my ful of astronaut rights and privacy. As before the 114th Congress recesses. The colleagues to support this common- we expand the amount of data collected program established under this com- sense, fiscally responsible, bipartisan on former astronaut health, it is im- promise language is very similar to the bill that makes sure that our brave portant that we place a priority on en- program that passed out of the com- men and women who venture into suring the privacy of the data. NASA is mittee. space receive the support for medical tasked to report on how the agency In developing this bill, my staff and I issues associated with their service. will ensure the privacy of astronauts in had extensive discussions with former Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of the program when data is shared be- astronauts, NASA, and a number of my time. yond the Federal Government. Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield other Federal agencies. The TREAT The third principle is ensuring that myself such time as I may consume. Astronauts Act is also informed by a Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. the program is in sync with the goal of hearing the Space Subcommittee held 6076, as amended, the TREAT Astro- sending humans to Mars. Expanded back in June, at which a number of nauts Act. data acquired from the monitoring, di- former astronauts testified, including The House-passed, bipartisan NASA agnosis, and treatment of former astro- Captain Scott Kelly, who spent a year Authorization Act of 2015 set the long- nauts and former shuttle payload spe- on the International Space Station. term goal of sending humans to the cialists will be invaluable for inform- Under existing statutes, NASA has surface of Mars. The amendments to ing the requirements for new the authority to collect voluntary as- the TREAT Astronauts Act being con- spaceflight medical hardware and de- tronaut medical data for research. It sidered today will help provide the re- veloping controls to prevent disease oc- exercises that authority through the search results needed to achieve this currence in the astronaut corps. Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut goal. As Chairman BABIN noted, the Mr. Speaker, it is also my hope that Health program, or LSAH. However, amendment reflects compromise lan- Congress and the administration will there are limitations on the usefulness guage agreed upon with the Senate in enable NASA to get to Mars sooner of the LSAH program. Former astro- good faith. rather than later. As part of that ef- naut participation is only 61 percent Committee Ranking Member JOHN- fort, we must establish the safeguards and the existing LSAH program only SON and I thank Space Subcommittee that will get our astronauts there and affords NASA access to yearly checkup Chairman BABIN and his staff for work- back safely. Supporting this bill will data, not the entirety of the former as- ing together to achieve bipartisan and allow us to stay on that vector. tronauts’ medical records. bicameral consensus on this amend- I ask my colleagues to support the Furthermore, NASA is unable to pro- ment. bill. vide for the appropriate diagnosis and Chairman BABIN and I both want to Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of treatment under the existing authority do the right thing for the health of our my time. to conduct research. The TREAT As- current and future astronauts. That is Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 tronauts Act solves this problem by why I was pleased to be a cosponsor of minutes to the gentleman from Texas supplementing existing authorities. this act to provide for monitoring, di- (Mr. SMITH), the chairman of the full Congress would be remiss not to en- agnosis, and treatment of former astro- committee. sure that the TREAT Astronauts Act is nauts. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I fiscally responsible. The TREAT Astro- Our astronauts are heroes. They thank my colleague from Texas, the nauts Act is not a mandate and is sub- serve this Nation in the face of extreme author of this bill, for yielding. I also ject to existing discretionary appro- risks. Some of those risks involve the want to say that Congressman BRIAN priations. potential for medical conditions that BABIN is an excellent chairman of the In order to address cost risks, the bill may not reveal themselves for years or Space Subcommittee of the full establishes NASA as a secondary payer even decades after an astronaut’s serv- Science, Space, and Technology Com- to existing obligations of the United ice. mittee. States or third parties, ensuring that It is our responsibility to ensure that Mr. Speaker, since NASA selected the cost to NASA is minimal. Estab- we, as a nation, acknowledge the risks the first group of astronauts in 1959, lishing NASA as a secondary payer is that these heroes have taken and, in more than 300 brave American astro- not unprecedented. For example, the return, provide our astronauts with the nauts have ventured into the cosmos as Department of Defense is a secondary medical monitoring and treatment explorers. In an age when spaceflight payer to veteran and civilian they need. has come to seem almost routine, it is healthcare programs. It is also our responsibility to miti- easy to overlook how dangerous it is Allow me to make this clear for the gate the risks for future NASA explor- and how little we know about its long- record. Although NASA is a secondary ers, especially as we put in place the term health effects. payer, the TREAT Astronauts Act pro- systems and missions to prepare the H.R. 6076, the TREAT Astronauts vides that no participating former as- way for human exploration to Mars. Act, ensures that our courageous men tronaut or payload specialist will have Such risk mitigation requires data and women who venture into space re- to pay for anything out of pocket, in- about astronauts’ mental and psycho- ceive support for medical issues associ- cluding deductibles and copayments as- logical health. ated with their service. sociated with the primary payer. H.R. 6076, as amended, maintains the The TREAT Astronauts Act also will There are a number of reporting re- three principles I identified as critical help us better understand the medical quirements, including an independent to this legislation in the original bill. science of human spaceflight, enabling

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I should say where no man or medical or psychological conditions as- that in what seems like a contentious woman has gone before. sociated with human spaceflight. environment sometimes but has been a The TREAT Astronauts Act builds Through this authorization, NASA lot of collegiality. upon NASA’s existing Lifetime Sur- would be able to acquire data from a As I close my service in the Congress, veillance of Astronaut Health program larger set of participants, and the data I am, Mr. Speaker, reminded that, as a and will operate within existing NASA acquired on former astronauts would little girl, I used to picnic with my fa- resources. It provides for enhanced be more comprehensive. ther and my mother and my siblings on monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment This bill, as amended, reflects several the west front of the Capitol. My dad of conditions associated with changes that strengthen and improve was in his Air Force uniform, prepared spaceflight service. the bipartisan bill that passed out of to go back to work after we had had I thank Space Subcommittee Chair- committee in September. In particular, our little picnic. man BRIAN BABIN again for introducing the provision that would sunset the As little girls, we would run around this legislation and for his persistence monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment to the east front of the Capitol, Mr. in getting us to the point of passage. program for former astronauts after 10 Speaker, and climb the steps, when you We wouldn’t be here today without years has been removed. could climb the steps. And we would sit him. In addition, the current version of there in between my father and look I urge my colleagues to support the the bill removes a provision that would out on the United States Supreme TREAT Astronauts Act. have denied a fiscal year’s authoriza- Court and the Library of Congress. Before I conclude, Mr. Speaker, I I never would have imagined, Mr. would just like to take a moment to tion of appropriations for the program if NASA did not submit an annual re- Speaker, that I would have an oppor- thank the gentlewoman from Maryland tunity to serve in the House of Rep- (Ms. EDWARDS), who is a friend and has port on time. Mr. Speaker, NASA’s astronauts are resentatives; and it has been a great been the ranking member of the Space privilege and a joy to represent the Subcommittee for the last 2 years, for some of the most accomplished, highly trained, and courageous individuals people of the Fourth Congressional Dis- her outstanding service to Congress trict of Maryland. and for being a wonderful contributor who serve our Nation in the pursuit of furthering our exploration of outer I wish for my colleagues here in the to the Science Committee as a whole, Congress that, as we approach the 115th space. We owe them a debt of gratitude and in particular the Space Sub- Congress, and in the spirit of service to for their willingness to risk their committee. To almost any subject, she this great Nation, that we work to- health and their lives in the further- always brings enthusiasm, knowledge, gether in service to the Nation. and in this case, an almost unequal ance of space exploration. I would urge When we come to work every day, dedication to space exploration, which all of the House Members to vote for Mr. Speaker, people think about things we will continue to appreciate both and pass H.R. 6076, as amended. that are big and small; but for a lot of now and in the future. I just thank her I too want to join the chairman to people out there, a lot of our constitu- again for, as I said, her many contribu- express my appreciation and thanks for ents, it is about their health and their tions to the committee and the sub- the services of Congresswoman DONNA life, their safety and their security, the committee and say that I hope she EDWARDS for her leadership in bringing ability of them to raise their children, stays in touch with us. She will always this measure to this point and to her and to move forward. And I wish that, be a friend of the committee and many overall leadership as subcommittee in the upcoming Congress, that we members of this side of the aisle. ranking member of the Space Sub- have an opportunity to do those things Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I want committee. She has made many ef- together, and that you do. to share with Chairman SMITH that I forts, has led the committee with much Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank am so grateful for his remarks today understanding, and we certainly will the staff of the Science, Space, and on the floor. He beat me to the punch, miss her. Technology Committee, and the Space but it has been a pleasure both to work Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I have no Subcommittee, Allen Li, Pam Whitney, on the committee since the beginning further speakers, and I reserve the bal- Dick Obermann; Anne Nelson on the of my time here in the Congress. It is ance of my time. minority staff, and the majority staff the most fun I think that I have ever Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield for all of their work; to the people who had, and I have truly enjoyed the colle- myself such time as I may consume. serve in this institution and serve us gial working relationship and friend- Mr. Speaker, I hope that my col- tremendously, from the Parliamentar- ship that we have shared on both sides leagues will join us in this bipartisan ians to the stenographers and the of the aisle. effort to make sure that we can get Clerk’s staff, and the Marshals Service Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she signed into law the TREAT Act for our may consume to the gentlewoman from and the Capitol Police, and all of it, be- current, former, and future astronauts. cause it makes the trains run, and it Texas (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON) the I would like to close by expressing ranking member of the Science, Space, means that we can get the job done of my gratitude to Chairman LAMAR the people of the United States. and Technology Committee. SMITH, to Ranking Member EDDIE BER- Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of God bless the United States of Amer- NICE JOHNSON, and to our Sub- Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of ica. committee Chair BABIN for their gra- H.R. 6076, as amended, To Research, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ciousness and for their leadership. It Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astronauts of my time. has truly been a joy to work on the Act, or the TREAT Astronauts Act. Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, once again, Long-duration exposure to micro- Science, Space, and Technology Com- I would like to thank our full com- gravity and space radiation can lead to mittee. It is one of the few places in mittee chairman, LAMAR SMITH; our chronic health effects such as muscle the United States House of Representa- ranking subcommittee member, Ms. atrophy, bone loss, permanent vision tives where our charge is really to EDWARDS from Maryland; and also our impairment, and cancer. However, think about the future, and it is in this ranking member of the full committee, there is much we still need to under- spirit that this legislation is in front of EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON from Texas as stand regarding how the space environ- us today. well. ment relates to these effects and other I hadn’t anticipated, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my staff critical biological functions, such as that I would have a moment on the and the staff of the full committee, as immunity and tissue healing, so that floor of the House, my last moment on well as the subcommittee, who have appropriate countermeasures can be the floor of the House before I depart worked so hard to make this bill hap- developed. my service to the United States House pen. It was so badly needed for our as- of Representatives, but I am grateful tronauts. b 1500 for that. Mr. Speaker, I include a letter from This bill, as amended, would provide As I reflect on the last 81⁄2 years, it the American Association of Space Ex- NASA with the statutory authority to has really been a pleasure, particu- plorers into the RECORD. This is signed

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BRIAN BABIN, the Administrator determines are necessary Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- Chair, Subcommittee on Space, House Committee to administer the System. sistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5141 et seq.) is amend- on Science, Space and Technology, Wash- ‘‘(f) APPOINTMENT OF SYSTEM MEMBERS ed by adding at the end the following: ington, DC. INTO FEDERAL SERVICE.— DEAR CHAIRMAN BABIN: I am writing on be- ‘‘SEC. 327. NATIONAL URBAN SEARCH AND RES- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator may half of the U.S. chapter of the international CUE RESPONSE SYSTEM. appoint a System member into Federal serv- Association of Space Explorers (ASE–USA) ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the fol- ice for a period of service to provide for the to strongly endorse H.R. 6076, the ‘‘To Re- lowing definitions shall apply: participation of the System member in exer- search, Evaluate, Assess, and Treat Astro- ‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Adminis- cises, preincident staging, major disaster and nauts’’ (TREAT) Act, that is under consider- trator’ means the Administrator of the Fed- emergency response activities, and training ation by the House of Representatives. eral Emergency Management Agency. events sponsored or sanctioned by the Ad- Our organization counts over 210 American ‘‘(2) AGENCY.—The term ‘Agency’ means ministrator. the Federal Emergency Management Agen- current and former flown astronauts as its ‘‘(2) NONAPPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN CIVIL cy. members. Our mission is to provide a forum SERVICE LAWS.—The Administrator may for professional dialogue among individuals ‘‘(3) HAZARD.—The term ‘hazard’ has the make appointments under paragraph (1) who have flown in space, to promote edu- meaning given the term in section 602. without regard to the provisions of title 5, cation in science and mathematics and in- ‘‘(4) NONEMPLOYEE SYSTEM MEMBER.—The United States Code, governing appointments spire in students a lifelong commitment to term ‘nonemployee System member’ means in the competitive service. learning, to foster environmental awareness a System member not employed by a spon- ‘‘(3) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER AUTHORITIES.— and encourage planetary stewardship, to pro- soring agency or participating agency. The authority of the Administrator to make mote the benefits of space science and explo- ‘‘(5) PARTICIPATING AGENCY.—The term appointments under this subsection shall not ration and to advocate for international co- ‘participating agency’ means a State or local affect any other authority of the Adminis- operation and operational compatibility in government, nonprofit organization, or pri- trator under this Act. current and future space exploration endeav- vate organization that has executed an ‘‘(4) LIMITATION.—A System member who is ors. agreement with a sponsoring agency to par- appointed into Federal service under para- We in the astronaut community applaud ticipate in the System. graph (1) shall not be considered an employee your Committee for recognizing the risks in- ‘‘(6) SPONSORING AGENCY.—The term ‘spon- of the United States for purposes other than herent in traveling to and exploring space, soring agency’ means a State or local gov- those specifically set forth in this section. and for ensuring that the men and women ernment that is the sponsor of a task force who do so on behalf of our nation receive designated by the Administrator to partici- ‘‘(g) COMPENSATION.— support for medical issues associated with pate in the System. ‘‘(1) PAY OF SYSTEM MEMBERS.—Subject to their service. ‘‘(7) SYSTEM.—The term ‘System’ means such terms and conditions as the Adminis- I urge the House to pass the TREAT Act so the National Urban Search and Rescue Re- trator may impose by regulation, the Admin- that my colleagues and future generations of sponse System to be administered under this istrator shall make payments to the spon- Americans can continue to explore and ex- section. soring agency of a task force— pand the frontiers of space and human ‘‘(8) SYSTEM MEMBER.—The term ‘System ‘‘(A) to reimburse each employer of a Sys- knowledge, and can return home to Earth member’ means an individual who is not a tem member on the task force for compensa- suitably protected from the potential med- full-time employee of the Federal Govern- tion paid by the employer to the System ical consequences of those endeavors on be- ment and who serves on a task force or on a member for any period during which the Sys- half of the United States. System management or other technical tem member is appointed into Federal serv- Sincerely, team. ice under subsection (f)(1); and MICHAEL LOPEZ-ALEGRIA, ‘‘(9) TASK FORCE.—The term ‘task force’ ‘‘(B) to make payments directly to a non- President. means an urban search and rescue team des- employee System member on the task force Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back ignated by the Administrator to participate for any period during which the nonemployee the balance of my time. in the System. System member is appointed into Federal service under subsection (f)(1). The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ‘‘(b) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—Subject to the ‘‘(2) REIMBURSEMENT FOR EMPLOYEES FILL- DUNCAN of Tennessee). The question is requirements of this section, the Adminis- ING POSITIONS OF SYSTEM MEMBERS.— on the motion offered by the gen- trator shall continue to administer the emergency response system known as the ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to such terms tleman from Texas (Mr. BABIN) that National Urban Search and Rescue Response and conditions as the Administrator may im- the House suspend the rules and pass System. pose by regulation, the Administrator shall the bill, H.R. 6076, as amended. ‘‘(c) FUNCTIONS.—In administering the Sys- make payments to the sponsoring agency of The question was taken. tem, the Administrator shall provide for a a task force to be used to reimburse each em- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the national network of standardized search and ployer of a System member on the task force opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being rescue resources to assist States and local for compensation paid by the employer to an in the affirmative, the ayes have it. governments in responding to hazards. employee filling a position normally filled by the System member for any period during Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, on that I ‘‘(d) TASK FORCES.— which the System member is appointed into demand the yeas and nays. ‘‘(1) DESIGNATION.—The Administrator Federal service under subsection (f)(1). The yeas and nays were ordered. shall designate task forces to participate in ‘‘(B) LIMITATION.—Costs incurred by an em- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the System. The Administration shall determine the criteria for such participation. ployer shall be eligible for reimbursement ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- under subparagraph (A) only to the extent ceedings on this motion will be post- ‘‘(2) SPONSORING AGENCIES.—Each task force shall have a sponsoring agency. The that the costs are in excess of the costs that poned. Administrator shall enter into an agreement would have been incurred by the employer f with the sponsoring agency with respect to had the System member not been appointed into Federal service under subsection (f)(1). NATIONAL URBAN SEARCH AND the participation of each task force in the System. ‘‘(3) METHOD OF PAYMENT.—A System mem- RESCUE RESPONSE SYSTEM ACT ‘‘(3) COMPOSITION.— ber shall not be entitled to pay directly from OF 2016 ‘‘(A) PARTICIPATING AGENCIES.—A task the Agency for a period during which the Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I move force may include, at the discretion of the System member is appointed into Federal Service under subsection (f)(1). to suspend the rules and pass the bill sponsoring agency, 1 or more participating (S. 2971) to authorize the National agencies. The sponsoring agency shall enter ‘‘(h) PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, DIS- Urban Search and Rescue Response into an agreement with each participating ABILITY, OR DEATH.— agency with respect to the participation of ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A System member who is System, as amended. the participating agency on the task force. appointed into Federal service under sub- The Clerk read the title of the bill. ‘‘(B) OTHER INDIVIDUALS.—A task force may section (f)(1) and who suffers personal injury, The text of the bill is as follows: also include, at the discretion of the spon- illness, disability, or death as a result of a S. 2971 soring agency, other individuals not other- personal injury sustained while acting in the Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- wise associated with the sponsoring agency scope of such appointment, shall, for the pur- resentatives of the United States of America in or a participating agency. The sponsoring poses of subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, Congress assembled, agency of a task force may enter into a sepa- United States Code, be treated as though the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.064 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7311 member were an employee (as defined by sec- ance required by the System, the System for Fiscal Year 2013 is amended as follows tion 8101 of that title) who had sustained the member is deemed to be performing a Fed- (which amendments shall take effect as if injury in the performance of duty. eral activity when rendering aid involving enacted on January 2, 2013)— ‘‘(2) ELECTION OF BENEFITS.— such skill or assistance during a period of ap- (1) in paragraph (1)— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—A System member (or, pointment into Federal service under sub- (A) by striking ‘‘paragraph (1)’’ and insert- in the case of the death of the System mem- section (f)(1). ing ‘‘paragraph (2)’’; and ber, the System member’s dependent) who is ‘‘(l) PREPAREDNESS COOPERATIVE AGREE- (B) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘filed entitled under paragraph (1) to receive bene- MENTS.—Subject to the availability of appro- or’’ and inserting ‘‘filed (consistent with pre- fits under subchapter I of chapter 81 of title priations for such purpose, the Adminis- existing effective dates) or’’; and 5, United States Code, by reason of personal trator shall enter into an annual prepared- (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking injury, illness, disability, or death, and to re- ness cooperative agreement with each spon- ‘‘amendments made by this Act’’ and insert- ceive benefits from a State or local govern- soring agency. Amounts made available to a ing ‘‘amendments made to section 1204 of the ment by reason of the same personal injury, sponsoring agency under such a preparedness Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act illness, disability or death shall elect to— cooperative agreement shall be for the fol- of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b) by this Act’’. ‘‘(i) receive benefits under such subchapter; lowing purposes: ‘‘(1) Training and exercises, including The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- or ant to the rule, the gentleman from ‘‘(ii) receive benefits from the State or training and exercises with other Federal, local government. State, and local government response enti- Pennsylvania (Mr. BARLETTA) and the ties. ‘‘(B) DEADLINE.—A System member or de- gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) pendent shall make an election of benefits ‘‘(2) Acquisition and maintenance of equip- each will control 20 minutes. ment, including interoperable communica- under subparagraph (A) not later than 1 year The Chair recognizes the gentleman tions and personal protective equipment. after the date of the personal injury, illness, ‘‘(3) Medical monitoring required for re- from Pennsylvania. disability, or death that is the reason for the sponder safety and health in anticipation of GENERAL LEAVE benefits, or until such later date as the Sec- and following a major disaster, emergency, Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask retary of Labor may allow for reasonable or other hazard, as determined by the Ad- cause shown. unanimous consent that all Members ministrator. ‘‘(C) EFFECT OF ELECTION.—An election of may have 5 legislative days in which to ‘‘(m) RESPONSE COOPERATIVE AGREE- revise and extend their remarks and in- benefits made under this paragraph is irrev- MENTS.—The Administrator shall enter into ocable unless otherwise provided by law. a response cooperative agreement with each clude extraneous material on S. 2971, as ‘‘(3) REIMBURSEMENT FOR STATE OR LOCAL sponsoring agency, as appropriate, under amended. BENEFITS.—Subject to such terms and condi- which the Administrator agrees to reimburse The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tions as the Administrator may impose by the sponsoring agency for costs incurred by objection to the request of the gen- regulation, if a System member or dependent the sponsoring agency in responding to a tleman from Pennsylvania? elects to receive benefits from a State or major disaster or emergency. There was no objection. local government under paragraph (2)(A), the ‘‘(n) OBLIGATIONS.—The Administrator may Administrator shall reimburse the State or incur all necessary obligations consistent Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield local government for the value of the bene- with this section in order to ensure the effec- myself such time as I may consume. fits. tiveness of the System. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by thank- ‘‘(4) PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER CLAIMS.—Noth- ‘‘(o) EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE AND RE- ing Chairman SHUSTER for his tremen- ing in this subsection shall be construed to PLACEMENT.—Not later than 180 days after dous support and leadership on this bar any claim by, or with respect to, any the date of enactment of this section, the issue. For over 8 years, the bipartisan Administrator shall submit to the appro- System member who is a public safety offi- leadership of the Transportation and cer, as defined in section 1204 of title I of the priate congressional committees (as defined Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of Infrastructure Committee has been the of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b), for any benefits au- 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101)) a report on the develop- driving force behind trying to get these thorized under part L of title I of that Act ment of a plan, including implementation reforms through Congress, and, today, (42 U.S.C. 3796 et seq.). steps and timeframes, to finance, maintain, we are closer than ever. ‘‘(i) LIABILITY.—A System member ap- and replace System equipment.’’. I also want to thank Ranking Mem- (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— pointed into Federal service under sub- ber DEFAZIO and Ranking Member CAR- section (f)(1), while acting within the scope (1) APPLICABILITY OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES SON for their bipartisan support. of the appointment, shall be considered to be CODE.—Section 8101(1) of title 5, United an employee of the Federal Government States Code, is amended— The House unanimously passed a under section 1346(b) of title 28, United (A) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘and’’ nearly identical measure earlier this States Code, and chapter 171 of that title, re- at the end; year as part of the FEMA Disaster As- lating to tort claims procedure. (B) by transferring subparagraph (F) to be- sistance Reform Act, H.R. 1471. ‘‘(j) EMPLOYMENT AND REEMPLOYMENT tween subparagraph (E) and the matter fol- Today, when members of the search RIGHTS.—With respect to a System member lowing subparagraph (E); and rescue teams are federalized and who is not a regular full-time employee of a (C) in subparagraph (F)— sponsoring agency or participating agency, (i) by striking ‘‘United States Code,’’; and sent across State lines, they don’t the following terms and conditions apply: (ii) by adding ‘‘and’’ at the end; and know who, if anyone, will pay for their ‘‘(1) SERVICE.—Service as a System mem- (D) by inserting after subparagraph (F) the injuries, disabilities, or death. So S. ber shall be considered to be ‘service in the following: 2971 addresses that issue and clarifies uniformed services’ for purposes of chapter ‘‘(G) an individual who is a System mem- that longstanding concern which has 43 of title 38, United States Code, relating to ber of the National Urban Search and Rescue hindered the deployment of critical employment and reemployment rights of in- Response System during a period of appoint- search and rescue teams between ment into Federal service pursuant to sec- dividuals who have performed service in the States. uniformed services (regardless of whether tion 327 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster the individual receives compensation for Relief and Emergency Assistance Act;’’. Currently, there are 28 USAR teams such participation). All rights and obliga- (2) INCLUSION AS PART OF UNIFORMED SERV- across the Nation. Members of these tions of such persons and procedures for as- ICES FOR PURPOSES OF USERRA.—Section 4303 teams are cross-trained in areas such sistance, enforcement, and investigation of title 38, United States Code, is amended— as search, rescue, medical, hazardous shall be as provided for in such chapter. (A) in paragraph (13), by inserting ‘‘, a pe- materials, and logistics. The teams in- ‘‘(2) PRECLUSION.—Preclusion of giving no- riod for which a System member of the Na- clude firefighters, physicians, struc- tice of service by necessity of appointment tional Urban Search and Rescue Response tural engineers, and first responders, under this section shall be considered to be System is absent from a position of employ- and they are trained and equipped with preclusion by ‘military necessity’ for pur- ment due to an appointment into Federal poses of section 4312(b) of title 38, United service under section 327 of the Robert T. help from FEMA. While the members States Code, pertaining to giving notice of Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency As- of these teams are not Federal, they do absence from a position of employment. A sistance Act’’ before ‘‘, and a period’’; and not hesitate to respond to disasters in determination of such necessity shall be (B) in paragraph (16), by inserting ‘‘System other States. made by the Administrator and shall not be members of the National Urban Search and These teams have been deployed over subject to judicial review. Rescue Response System during a period of the years to numerous disasters, in- ‘‘(k) LICENSES AND PERMITS.—If a System appointment into Federal service under sec- cluding the Pentagon and World Trade member holds a valid license, certificate, or tion 327 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Center on 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, and, other permit issued by any State or other Relief and Emergency Assistance Act,’’ after governmental jurisdiction evidencing the ‘‘Public Health Service,’’. most recently, Hurricane Matthew. member’s qualifications in any professional, (c) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Section 1086(d) The challenge has been that when mechanical, or other skill or type of assist- of the National Defense Authorization Act these team members are federalized,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.023 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 they do not have clarity on who would b 1515 As a result, USAR team members be responsible if they were injured or The 28 urban search and rescue teams must wait another day before we afford even killed while performing their jobs. that are strategically located across them the protections that they de- It is amazing that we ask these men the United States provide timely reserve. They deserve better, and they and women to go into collapsed struc- sponse when needed in the aftermath of deserve laws that will ensure that Con- tures to search for trapped survivors, a disaster. In fact, USAR teams can be gress will appropriate adequate funds risking life and limb, without pro- ready for deployment within 6 hours of to support them and their activities. viding them with clarity when it comes being called up. I thank all the USAR teams for their to liability and injuries. These specialized teams of first re- service, and I thank Mr. BARLETTA for The stories of the selfless heroism of sponders provide search and rescue working on this bill as well. I urge my these men and women are numerous services, extraction from structural colleagues to support our USAR teams and humbling. Their work is tireless, collapses, and swift, rapid rescue, by supporting the legislation. physically and emotionally demanding, among other activities, after disaster Mr. Speaker, I have no further speak- and nerve-racking. strikes. Their dedication is truly com- ers. In Hurricane Matthew, one team mendable, as they drop everything in I yield back the balance of my time. helped make more than 100 rescues in their busy daily lives to come to the Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, I North Carolina alone, including the prompt assistance of others when need- again urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ rescue of a 98-year-old hospice patient, ed. on S. 2971. when they had to go into areas where It should be noted that USAR teams I yield back the balance of my time. the water was 5 to 7 feet above street even respond internationally when as- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The level, and they could only see the tops sistance is requested. In fact, two question is on the motion offered by of the street signs. USAR teams deployed in the aftermath In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. a single task force rescued more than of Nepal’s earthquakes in 2015 and were BARLETTA) that the House suspend the 850 individuals in 17 hours from a flood- responsible for many rescues from rules and pass the bill, S. 2971, as ed area overwhelmed by a tidal surge. structural collapses. amended. It is only appropriate that we ensure And there are hundreds more such as The question was taken. that they have the protection they these accounts. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the These heroes play an essential role in need to perform their jobs as well as opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being the Federal response to national disas- the peace of mind that will come from in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ters and catastrophes. In addition, the clarity in compensation and liability Mr. BARLETTA. Mr. Speaker, on National USAR system benefits our issues. that I demand the yeas and nays. USAR teams may be composed of State, local, and regional emergency The yeas and nays were ordered. firefighters, law enforcement officers, managers and first responders through The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- paramedics, engineers, medical profes- training, equipment, and preparedness. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- The local government and other enti- sionals, and canine handlers. Often, ceedings on this motion will be post- ties that sponsor the members of the these team members are civil servants. poned. teams should not have to worry about By extending job protection benefits f when activated for Federal service, being left vulnerable or exposed by al- MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE lowing their employees to participate team members know that their jobs in such a critical national asset. will be waiting at home for them. In A message from the Senate by Ms. After 8 years, it is time to give men addition, it helps USAR teams recruit Curtis, one of its clerks, announced and women who put their lives at risk and retain new members. that the Senate concurs in the House the liability protections they and their Tennessee’s USAR, known as Ten- amendment to the Senate amendment families need and deserve. I urge my nessee Task Force One, has a strong to the bill (H.R. 34) ‘‘An Act to author- colleagues to support this bill. commitment to their jobs, and they do ize and strengthen the tsunami detec- I reserve the balance of my time. an extraordinarily good job. Tennessee tion, forecast, warning, research, and Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Task Force One is based in Memphis, mitigation program of the National self such time as I may consume. Tennessee, and consists of firefighters, Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- First, I would like to compliment the police officers, and civilians; and they tion, and for other purposes.’’. responded when called to assist in the Senate on passing the bill we passed f last week, the 21st Century Cures Act, aftermath of disasters, such as Hurri- which will help research and save the cane Matthew in South Carolina and, FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA- lives of many Americans, something we most recently, for the tragic wildfires TION WHISTLEBLOWER PROTEC- did in a bipartisan fashion. I am in our Smoky Mountains. They did so TION ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2016 pleased that that happened. despite the uncertainty of whether Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I move I rise in support of S. 2971, the Na- they would be covered for any injuries. to suspend the rules and pass the bill tional Urban Search and Rescue Re- Their actions are truly heroic, and I (H.R. 5790) to provide adequate protec- sponse System Act of 2016, as amended, applaud them and their dedication. The tions for whistleblowers at the Federal which codifies the Urban Search and protections in today’s bill are long Bureau of Investigation, as amended. Rescue Response System. overdue, and team members can now The Clerk read the title of the bill. Authorizing the urban search and rest assured that they will be taken The text of the bill is as follows: rescue teams, better known as USAR care of if they are injured when per- H.R. 5790 teams, and codifying protections for forming Federal duties. I am sadly disappointed, though, that Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- team members, such as workers’ comp resentatives of the United States of America in and liability protections, have been a the Republican leadership is once again Congress assembled, selectively choosing when and when top priority of mine since I first intro- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. duced a bill to do so in 2007, my first not to enforce its budget rules. The un- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Federal Bu- year in Congress. derlying Senate bill we are considering reau of Investigation Whistleblower Protec- I was pleased that the late former authorized ‘‘such sums as necessary’’ tion Enhancement Act of 2016’’. Democratic Transportation and Infra- to carry out the USAR system. Despite SEC. 2. PROHIBITED PERSONNEL PRACTICES IN structure Chairman, an outstanding the House having passed a bill author- THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVES- Member, Mr. Oberstar, now deceased, izing ‘‘such sums as necessary’’ for the TIGATION. included my USAR language in a bill Integrated Public Alert and Warning Section 2303(a) of title 5, United States that was reported from the committee System earlier this year, we are now Code, is amended by striking ‘‘any employee of the Bureau’’ and all that follows through in 2010. Since then, legislation author- told that this authorization violates ‘‘health or safety’’ and inserting the fol- izing USAR teams has passed the budget rules and an amendment and lowing: ‘‘an employee in, or applicant for, a House several times, and now the Sen- further consideration by the Senate is position in the Bureau as a reprisal for a dis- ate has passed one as well. required. closure of information—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.067 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7313 ‘‘(1) made— 1978 in the Whistleblower Protection For example, it would have strength- ‘‘(A) in the case of an employee, to a super- Act. ened the appeals process for whistle- visor in the direct chain of command of the The FBI Director, Mr. Comey, testi- blowers by requiring appellate review employee, up to and including the head of fied a year ago in the Senate that he by the Attorney General and giving the employing agency; ‘‘(B) to the Inspector General; ‘‘very much’’ supports legal protec- employees access to the courts. It ‘‘(C) to the Office of Professional Responsi- tions for FBI employees who follow would have defined prohibited per- bility of the Department of Justice; FBI’s own policies and report wrong- sonnel practices to be consistent with ‘‘(D) to the Office of Professional Responsi- doing to their supervisors. Similarly, those of other Federal employees, and bility of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, it would have prohibited the use of ‘‘(E) to the Inspection Division of the Fed- testified: ‘‘We certainly support pro- nondisclosure agreements unless the eral Bureau of Investigation; tecting those who report within their employee was fully aware of his or her ‘‘(F) as described in section 7211; chain of command.’’ rights before signing such an agree- ‘‘(G) to the Office of Special Counsel; or I want to thank, in particular, the ‘‘(H) to an employee designated by any of- ment. ficer, employee, office, or division described Senate Judiciary Committee, and spe- We should work to enact these addi- in subparagraphs (A) through (G) for the pur- cifically Chairman CHUCK GRASSLEY for tional improvements in the next Con- pose of receiving such disclosures; and his leadership in first introducing this gress. All employees deserve strong ‘‘(2) which the employee or applicant rea- version of the bill. We are also grateful whistleblower protections, including sonably believes evidences— for the support of my colleagues, in- the employees of the FBI. ‘‘(A) any violation of any law, rule, or reg- cluding Representative HAKEEM Mr. Speaker, I want to say to my ulation; or JEFFRIES, who joined me as the lead ranking member, Mr. CUMMINGS, and to ‘‘(B) gross mismanagement, a gross waste Democrat on this bill in this House. of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substan- our chair of the Oversight and Govern- tial and specific danger to public health or I also want to particularly thank ment Reform Committee, thank you safety’’. ELIJAH CUMMINGS, the ranking member for the hearings and the dedicated of the Oversight and Government Re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- work to ensure that our FBI agents are form Committee, a great friend and ant to the rule, the gentleman from protected in any case of whistle- colleague and somebody who also has blowing. Utah (Mr. CHAFFETZ) and the gentle- been very supportive of the passage of Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance woman from Michigan (Mrs. LAW- this bill. I thank him for his work and of my time. RENCE) each will control 20 minutes. commitment on this issue. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I want Mr. CUMMINGS, personally and from Utah. to thank, again, Mrs. LAWRENCE. I through his dedicated staff, contin- want to thank the ranking member, GENERAL LEAVE ually has worked hand in hand on whis- Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask tleblower protections, and this is no This is a good, bipartisan issue. It is unanimous consent that all Members exception. Together, we have sent the really a nonpartisan issue. It is to pro- may have 5 legislative days in which to message throughout the Federal Gov- tect Federal employees within the FBI revise and extend their remarks and in- ernment that protecting whistle- so that they can have the whistle- clude extraneous materials on the bill blowers is not a partisan issue, and blower protections that, really, most of under consideration. passing this bill will not mark the end the rest of the government has, and I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there of the road for reforming whistleblower urge its adoption. objection to the request of the gen- protections at the FBI. In fact, in the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tleman from Utah? next Congress, I look forward to ad- of my time. There was no objection. dressing other issues raised by the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield whistleblower community in the GAO question is on the motion offered by myself such time as I may consume. as well as the Department of Justice. the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support I urge my colleagues to support this CHAFFETZ) that the House suspend the of H.R. 5790, the FBI Whistleblower bill. rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5790, as Protection Enhancement Act of 2016, as Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of amended. amended. my time. The question was taken. We have great respect and admira- Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the tion for the FBI. They do wonderful yield myself such time as I may con- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being work. In fact, I was always proud of my sume. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. grandfather. He was a career FBI agent Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, on serving here in the Greater Wash- 5790, as amended. This bill will provide that I demand the yeas and nays. ington, D.C., area and then up in Penn- FBI employees with protection for The yeas and nays were ordered. sylvania for a long period of time. It is blowing the whistle to a supervisor and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- because I respect the FBI and its make it a prohibited personnel practice ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- agents that I helped introduce this bill. to retaliate against a whistleblower for ceedings on this motion will be post- The whistleblower protections in the making such a disclosure. poned. FBI have really not kept up with the This bill will also ensure that FBI f rest of government. That is why we employees are protected when they need a change here. The whistleblowers blow the whistle to certain other indi- TRANSPARENT INSURANCE at the FBI should be treated the same viduals, including the Inspector Gen- STANDARDS ACT OF 2016 as they are within the rest of the Fed- eral of the Department of Justice and Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, pur- eral Government, and this simple bill the Office of Special Counsel. suant to House Resolution 944, I call up goes to help correct that. These small improvements to protect the bill (H.R. 5143) to provide greater H.R. 5790 would clarify Congress’ FBI whistleblowers are why I support transparency and congressional over- longstanding intent to protect whistle- this measure before us. sight of international insurance stand- blowers when they make disclosures to The version of this bill that was re- ards setting processes, and for other the same supervisors who have the ported by the Oversight and Govern- purposes, and ask for its immediate power to take personnel actions ment Reform Committee would have consideration in the House. against them. While a great many done much more to protect the whistle- The Clerk read the title of the bill. changes remain to be made in how the blowers at the FBI than the measure The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Department of Justice and the FBI re- before us today. The introduced version ant to House Resolution 944, in lieu of spond to whistleblowers, this clarifica- of this bill would have strengthened the amendment in the nature of a sub- tion is not a minor one. If imple- the whistleblower protections for FBI stitute recommended by the Com- mented, it would have far-reaching im- employees by more closely aligning mittee on Financial Services, printed plications in protecting whistleblowers them with those of the rest of the Fed- in the bill, an amendment in the na- at the FBI just as Congress intended in eral workforce. ture of a substitute consisting of the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.026 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 text of Rules Committee Print 114–68, (7) To ensure that there is a sufficient period ard-setting organization or a foreign govern- is adopted and the bill, as amended, is for public consultation and comment regarding ment, authority, or regulatory entity unless— considered read. any proposed international insurance standard (1) the Secretary and the Board have— (A) conducted an analysis under subsection The text of the bill, as amended, is as before it takes effect. (8) To ensure that the Secretary of the Treas- (c) of the proposed international insurance follows: ury and the Board of Governors of the Federal standard; and H.R. 5143 Reserve System achieve consensus positions with (B) submitted to the covered congressional Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- State insurance commissioners when the Sec- committees, on a day on which both Houses of resentatives of the United States of America in retary and the Board are United States partici- Congress are in session, a copy of the proposed Congress assembled, pants in discussions on insurance issues before final text of the proposed international insur- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. the International Association of Insurance Su- ance standard and the report required under This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Transparent In- pervisors, Financial Stability Board, or any subsection (c)(2) regarding such analysis; (2) the Secretary and the Chairman of the surance Standards Act of 2016’’. other international forum of financial regulators or supervisors that considers such issues. Board have determined, pursuant to such anal- SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS. (9) To consider the impact of any such stand- ysis, that the proposed standard will not result The Congress finds the following: ard on the availability and cost of products to in any change in State law; (1) The State-based system for insurance regu- consumers. (3) with respect to a capital standard under lation in the United States has served American (10) To avoid measures that could limit the subsection (a)(2), the Secretary and the Chair- consumers well for more than 150 years and has availability and accessibility of risk protection man of the Board certify that the proposed fostered an open and competitive marketplace and retirement security products that are essen- international capital standard is designed solely with a diversity of insurance products to the tial to meeting the needs of aging populations. to help ensure that sufficient funds are avail- benefit of policyholders and consumers. (11) To ensure that the merits of existing able to pay claims to an insurer’s policyholders (2) Protecting policyholders by regulating to State-based capital standards are recognized in the event of the liquidation of that entity; ensure an insurer’s ability to pay claims has and incorporated in any domestic or global in- and been the hallmark of the successful United surance capital standard. (4) a period of 90 calendar days beginning on States system and should be the paramount ob- (12) To advocate for insurance regulatory the date on which the copy of the proposed final jective of domestic prudential regulation and standards that are based on the nature, scale, text of the standard is submitted to the covered emerging international standards. and complexity of the risks posed by the regu- congressional committees under paragraph (3) United States officials participating in dis- lated insurance group and entity or activity. (1)(B) has expired, during which period the cussions or negotiations regarding international SEC. 4. REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSENT TO ADOPT Congress may take action to approve or reject insurance standards shall support standards de- INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE STAND- such final standard. signed for the protection of policyholders. ARDS. (c) JOINT ANALYSIS BY CHAIR OF THE FEDERAL (4) The Secretary of the Treasury shall seek (a) PUBLICATION OF STANDARDS; ADOPTION OF RESERVE AND SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.— advice and recommendations from a diverse CAPITAL AND PRUDENTIAL STANDARDS.—The (1) IN GENERAL.—An analysis under this sub- group of outside experts in performing the duties United States may not agree to, accept, estab- section of a proposed final international insur- and authorities of the Secretary to coordinate lish, enter into, or consent to the adoption of a ance standard shall be an analysis conducted Federal efforts and develop Federal policy on final international insurance standard with an by the Secretary and the Chairman of the Board prudential aspects of international insurance international standard-setting organization or a of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in matters. foreign government, authority, or regulatory en- consultation with the State insurance commis- (5) The draft of the Higher Loss Absorbency tity unless the requirements under both of the sioners, of the impact of such standard on con- capital standard adopted in 2015 by the Inter- following paragraphs are complied with: sumers and markets in the United States and national Association of Insurance Supervisors, (1) PUBLICATION.—The requirements under whether any changes in State law will result notwithstanding the concerns of U.S. parties to this paragraph are complied with if the condi- from such final standard. the International Association of Insurance Su- tions under one of the following subparagraphs (2) REPORT.—Upon completion of an analysis pervisors, unequally affects insurance products have been met: under this subsection of a final international in- offered in the United States, an issue that must (A) BY FEDERAL RESERVE AND TREASURY.—The surance standard, the Secretary and the Board be addressed. Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Fed- shall submit a report on the results of the anal- (6) Any international standard agreed to at eral Reserve System and the Secretary of the ysis to the covered congressional committees and the International Association of Insurance Su- Treasury have caused the proposed text of the the Comptroller General of the United States. pervisors is not self-executing in the United proposed final international insurance standard The report shall include a statement setting States for any insurer until implemented to be published in the Federal Register and forth the determination made pursuant to para- through the required Federal or State legislative made available for public comment for a period graph (1) regarding any changes in State law or regulatory process. of not fewer than 30 days (which period may resulting from such final standard. SEC. 3. OBJECTIVES FOR INTERNATIONAL INSUR- run concurrently with the 90-day period re- (3) NOTICE AND COMMENT.— ANCE STANDARDS. ferred to in subsection (b)(3)). (A) NOTICE.—The Secretary and the Chairman The objectives of the United States regarding (B) BY STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONERS.— of the Board of Governors of the Federal Re- international insurance standards are as fol- The State insurance commissioners have caused serve System shall provide notice before the date lows: the proposed text of the proposed international on which drafting the report is commenced and (1) To ensure standards that maintain strong insurance standard to be published in a similar after the date on which the draft of the report protection of policy holders, as reflected in the form and manner that provides for notice and is completed. United States solvency regime. public comment. (B) OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMENT.—There shall (2) To ensure, pursuant to enactment of the (2) CAPITAL STANDARD.—In the case only of a be an opportunity for public comment for a pe- Insurance Capital Standards Clarification Act final international insurance standard setting riod beginning on the date on which the report of 2014 (Public Law 113–279), standards that are forth any capital standard or standards for in- is submitted under paragraph (2) and ending on appropriate for insurers and are not bank-cen- surers— the date that is not fewer than 60 days after the tric in nature. (A) such international capital standard is date on which the report is submitted. Nothing (3) To promote a principles-based approach to consistent with capital requirements set forth in in this subparagraph shall affect the authority insurance supervision, in which capital ade- the State-based system of insurance regulation; of the Board to issue the rule referred to in sub- quacy is assessed using risk-based capital re- (B) the Board has issued capital requirements section (a)(2). quirements for insurance combined with quali- for insurance companies supervised by the (4) REVIEW BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL.—Upon tative risk assessment and management tools. Board and subject to such requirements, which submission of a report pursuant to paragraph (4) To consider the most efficient and least shall be issued through rulemaking in accord- (2) to the Comptroller General, the Comptroller disruptive approaches to enhancing regulatory ance with the procedures established under sec- General shall review the report and shall submit assessment of the capital adequacy of insurance tion 553 of title 5, United States Code, regarding a report to the Congress setting forth the con- groups, including tools that are already in substantive rules, under which the periods for clusions of the Comptroller General’s review. place. notice and public comment shall each have a (d) LIMITED EFFECT.—This section may not be (5) To ensure that any international insur- duration of not fewer than 60 days; and construed to establish or expand any authority ance standard recognizes prudential measures (C) to the extent that such international cap- to implement an international insurance stand- used within the United States as satisfying ital standard is intended to be applied to a com- ard in the United States or for the United States standards finalized by international standard- pany or companies supervised by the Board of or any representative of the Federal Government setting organizations. Governors of the Federal Reserve System, is con- to adopt or enter into any international insur- (6) To support increasing transparency at any sistent with the capital requirements of the ance standard. global insurance or international standard-set- Board for such companies. (e) TREATMENT OF STATE LAW.—In accord- ting organization in which the United States (b) SUBMISSION AND LAYOVER PROVISIONS.— ance with the Act of March 9, 1945 (Chapter 20; participates, including advocating for greater The Secretary and the Board may not agree to, 59 Stat. 33; 15 U.S.C. 1011 et seq.), commonly re- stakeholder public observer access to working accept, establish, enter into, or consent to the ferred to as the ‘‘McCarran-Ferguson Act’’, this groups and committee meetings of the Inter- adoption of an international insurance stand- section may not be construed to preempt State national Association of Insurance Supervisors. ard established through an international stand- law.

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SEC. 5. REPORTS. laws governing State officials’ receipt of, bene- ‘‘(d) CONSULTATION WITH STATE INSURANCE (a) REPORTS AND TESTIMONY BY SECRETARY fitting from, or being subsidized by, outside COMMISSIONERS.—In any negotiations regarding OF THE TREASURY AND CHAIR OF THE FEDERAL funds; a contemplated covered agreement, the Sec- RESERVE.—The Secretary and the Chairman of (C) the budget, including revenues and ex- retary and the United States Trade Representa- the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve penses, of any organization identified pursuant tive shall consult with and directly include System shall submit to the covered congressional to paragraph (1) relating to participation in State insurance commissioners. committees an annual report and provide testi- international insurance discussions on issues ‘‘(e) PROHIBITION ON REGULATORY AUTHOR- mony, not less often than every 6 months, to the before, involving, or relating to the Inter- ITY.—In accordance with subsections (k) and (l) covered congressional committees on the efforts national Association of Insurance Supervisors, of section 313, a covered agreement shall not be of the Secretary and the Chairman with the the Financial Stability Board, or any other used to establish or provide the Federal Insur- State insurance commissioners with respect to international forum of financial regulators or ance Office or the Treasury with any general international insurance standard-setting orga- supervisors that considers such issues, and how supervisory or regulatory authority over the nizations and international insurance stand- the organization collects money to fund such ac- business of insurance or with the authority to ards, including— tivities; participate in a supervisory college or similar (1) a description of the insurance standard- (D) whether each such budget of such an or- process. setting issues under discussion at international ganization is developed under a process com- ‘‘(f) TREATMENT UNDER OTHER LAW.—A cov- standard-setting bodies, including the Financial parable in its transparency and accountability ered agreement shall not be considered an inter- Stability Board and the International Associa- to the process under which budgets are devel- national insurance standard for purposes of the tion of Insurance Supervisors; oped and appropriated for State departments of Transparent Insurance Standards Act of 2016 (2) a description of the effects that inter- insurance and Federal executive branch regu- and shall not be subject to such Act.’’. national insurance standards could have on latory agencies, including— SEC. 8. DUTIES OF INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF FI- consumers and insurance markets in the United (i) an identification of any bodies independent NANCIAL STABILITY OVERSIGHT States; of the organization that set standards for and/ COUNCIL. (3) a description of any position taken by the or oversee that organization’s budgeting proc- Subsection (a) of section 112 of the Dodd- Secretary and the Board in international insur- ess; and Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protec- ance discussions or on any international insur- (ii) a description of the extent to which and tion Act (12 U.S.C. 5322(a)) is amended by add- ance standard; how the organization, in funding its operations, ing at the end the following new paragraph: (4) a description of the efforts by the Secretary uses or benefits from its members’ ability to com- ‘‘(3) DUTIES OF INDEPENDENT MEMBER.—To as- and the Board to increase transparency and ac- pel entities subject to its members’ regulatory sist the Council with its responsibilities to mon- countability at the Financial Stability Board authority to use the services of the organization itor international insurance developments, ad- with respect to insurance proposals and the or any of its affiliates; and vise Congress, and make recommendations, the International Association of Insurance Super- (E) the extent to which the work product of Independent Member of the Council shall have visors, including efforts to provide additional any organization identified pursuant to para- the authority to— public access to working groups and committees graph (1)has the effect of establishing any self- ‘‘(A) regularly consult with international in- of the International Association of Insurance executing national standards, and in what way, surance supervisors and international financial Supervisors; and and whether such standards are developed stability counterparts; (5) a description of how the Secretary and the under processes comparable in their trans- ‘‘(B) consult with, advise, and assist the Sec- Board are meeting the objectives set forth in sec- parency and accountability to the process under retary of the Treasury with respect to rep- tion 3, or, if such objectives are not being met, which national standards are developed by the resenting the Federal Government of the United an explanation of the reasons for not meeting Congress or Federal executive branch agencies. States, as appropriate, in the International As- such objectives. SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS. sociation of Insurance Supervisors (including to (b) REPORTS AND TESTIMONY BY STATE INSUR- In this Act: become a non-voting member thereof), particu- ANCE COMMISSIONERS.—The State insurance (1) BOARD.—The term ‘‘Board’’ means the larly on matters of systemic risk, and to consult commissioners may provide testimony or reports Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve Sys- with the Board of Governors of the Federal Re- to the Congress on the issues described in sub- tem, or the designee of the Board. serve System and the States concerning such section (a). (2) COVERED CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.— matters; (c) REPORT ON TRANSPARENCY.—Not later The term ‘‘covered congressional committees’’ ‘‘(C) attend the Financial Stability Board of than 180 days after the date of enactment of this means the Committee on Financial Services of The Group of Twenty and join with other mem- Act, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the House of Representatives and the Committee bers from the United States, including on mat- the Federal Reserve System and the Secretary on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs of the ters related to insurance and financial stability, shall submit to the Congress a report and pro- Senate. and provide for the attendance and participa- vide testimony to the Congress on the efforts of (3) INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE STANDARD.— tion at such Board, on matters related to insur- the Chairman and the Secretary pursuant to The term ‘‘international insurance standard’’ ance and financial stability, of State insurance subsection (a)(4) of this section to increase means any international insurance supervisory commissioners; and transparency at meetings of the International standard developed by an international stand- ‘‘(D) attend, with the United States delega- Association of Insurance Supervisors. ards setting organization, or regulatory or su- tion, the Organization for Economic Coopera- (d) GAO REPORT ON TRANSPARENCY OF OUT- pervisory forum, in which the United States tion and Development and observe and partici- SIDE ORGANIZATIONS.— participates, including the Common Framework pate at the Insurance and Private Pensions (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after for the Supervision of Internationally Active In- Committee of such Organization on matters re- the date of enactment of this Act, the Comp- surance Groups, the Financial Stability Board, lated to insurance and financial stability.’’. troller General of the United States shall submit and the International Association of Insurance SEC. 9. STATE INSURANCE REGULATOR INVOLVE- to the covered congressional committees a re- Supervisors. MENT IN INTERNATIONAL STAND- port, and provide testimony to such committees, (4) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means ARD SETTING. identifying and analyzing the transparency and the Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary’s Parties representing the United States at the accountability of any organization acting as a designee. Financial Stability Board of the Group of Twen- designee of, or at the direction of, the head of (5) STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONERS.—The ty on matters, and in meetings, related to insur- a State insurance department on issues related term ‘‘State insurance commissioners’’ means ance and financial stability shall consult with, to international insurance standards, which is the heads of the State insurance departments or and seek to include in such meetings, the State not employed directly by the State. their designees acting at their direction. insurance commissioners. (2) CONTENT.—The report and testimony re- SEC. 7. TREATMENT OF COVERED AGREEMENTS. SEC. 10. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. quired under this section shall include a de- Section 314 of title 31, United States Code is Nothing in this Act or the amendments made scription and analysis of— amended— by this Act may be construed to support or en- (A) the role, involvement, or relationship, of (1) in subsection (c)— dorse the domestic capital standard for insurers any organization identified pursuant to para- (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as referred to in section 4(a)(2) or any such domes- graph (1), of, with, or to the State insurance de- paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively; and tic capital standards established by the Board. partments’ activities as authorized by, directed (B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so re- SEC. 11. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMIS- by, or otherwise referred to in this Act, includ- designated, the following new paragraph: SION RESERVE FUND. ing a description and analysis regarding such ‘‘(1) the Secretary of the Treasury and the Clause (i) of section 4(i)(2)(B) of the Securities organization’s participation in policy and deci- United States Trade Representative have caused Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78d(i)(2)(B)(i)) sion-making deliberations and activities related to be published in the Federal Register, and is amended by inserting before the semicolon the to international insurance standards; made available for public comment for a period following: ‘‘, except that for fiscal year 2017, the (B) any financial support provided by such of not fewer than 30 days (which period may amount deposited may not exceed $43,000,000’’. organization to any State insurance department run concurrently with the 90-day period for the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- personnel in furtherance of their activities recovered agreement referred to in paragraph (3)), lated to international insurance standards, the the proposed text of the covered agreement;’’; tleman from Texas (Mr. HENSARLING) nature and amount of such support, and any and and the gentlewoman from California understandings between the organization and (2) by adding at the end the following new (Ms. MAXINE WATERS) each will control the State regarding travel protocols and State subsections: 30 minutes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.027 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7316 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 The Chair now recognizes the gen- regulatory authority over insurance, I urge my colleagues to support this tleman from Texas. except where Federal law expressly important piece of legislation. GENERAL LEAVE provides otherwise. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, this changed with the my time. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- passage of the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. bers may have 5 legislative days in Dodd-Frank changed the insurance Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time which to revise and extend their re- landscape and further enlarged the as I may consume. marks and submit extraneous mate- Federal Government’s role in the in- Mr. Speaker, here we go again. Last rials on the bill under consideration. surance industry by creating a Federal week, the majority made it clear that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there office specifically tasked with insur- it was just getting started with the objection to the request of the gen- ance matters. Dodd-Frank established special interest giveaways at the ex- tleman from Texas? the Federal Insurance Office at Treas- pense of financial stability and con- There was no objection. ury and charged its director with rep- sumer protection. resenting the interest of U.S. insurers Now, before we adjourn, we are here b 1530 during negotiations of international to debate one last holiday gift to Wall Mr. HENSARLING. I yield myself agreements. Street. This bill’s gift is less oversight such time as I may consume. Among other things, H.R. 5143 seeks of the largest insurers in the United Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support to prevent any Federal overreach and States, which will put us at risk for an- of H.R. 5143, the Transparent Insurance establishes essential guardrails for the other AIG. Don’t forget, AIG was bailed Standards Act of 2016. Federal Government when discussing out to the tune of $182 billion. Introduced by my good friend and international insurance issues abroad. While Democrats passed Wall Street colleague, the chairman of the Housing The bill is not intended to bring inter- reform to prevent another crisis and and Insurance Subcommittee of our national negotiations to any type of future bailouts, Chairman HENSARLING committee, BLAINE LUETKEMEYER, H.R. halt. Team USA has experienced vic- and Donald Trump have made it clear 5143 enhances Congress’ constitutional tories at the International Association that Dodd-Frank is on the chopping oversight of international delibera- of Insurance Supervisors, and has kept block. Without the safeguards in Dodd- tions relating to insurance standards. Congress informed of its intent to ne- Frank, a lack of capital standards for Mr. Speaker, again, this is legislation gotiate the first of what could be many large insurance companies will put our which is about accountability, trans- covered agreements. economy at risk. parency, and oversight. However, we should not underesti- No one should be surprised at what is More specifically, the legislation es- mate the importance of these conversa- taking place here. This is Donald tablishes a series of requirements to be tions or the implications they can have Trump’s agenda. Despite promises to met before the Federal Insurance Of- on insurers and the American con- hold Wall Street accountable, the fice or the Federal Reserve may agree sumers because they need to be heard President-elect is proposing an admin- to accept, establish, enter into, or con- and they need to be represented. istration that is heavy on Wall Street sent to the adoption of a final inter- As the leader of a Missouri-based insiders. Their plans will do little to national insurance standard. Permit midsized insurance company has told help the millions of Americans strug- me to go into greater detail. our committee, Mr. Speaker: gling to get ahead, but that is by de- First, the Federal Insurance Office We worry about the potential negative im- sign. Because ‘‘Trumpism’’ isn’t really and the Fed must publish any proposed pacts any international agreement could about helping the middle class. It is final standard and allow for public have on the domestic marketplace or the State-based regulatory system that has about lining the pockets of some of our comment. A public comment is critical served consumer and insurance needs for biggest banks and insurance compa- to our negotiating posture, Mr. Speak- more than a century. nies. er. In so doing, the involved agencies He added: AIG, as I mentioned, is a poster child must provide a joint analysis of the im- Congress should conduct strong oversight of the financial crisis. It engaged in fi- pact the standard will have on con- in this area in order to protect domestic in- nancial activities that more closely re- sumers and the U.S. insurance mar- surance markets, companies, and especially semble investment banking than tradi- kets. Before agreeing to any inter- their policy holders. tional insurance. national standard relating to capital, Strong oversight and transparency Prior to the crisis, State regulators, the Fed is required to first promulgate are, indeed, absolutely essential, and which have primary jurisdiction over its domestic capital standard rule. that is what we get with this bill. insurance companies, did not effec- The bill makes similar requirements It is simply imperative that our tively account for AIG’s activities re- for negotiations concerning insurance States, the executive branch, and Con- lated to credit derivatives or securities covered agreements. It sets negotiating gress work cooperatively to signify to lending, for example, which allowed it objectives for U.S. parties and also the International Association of Insur- to skate by with minimum capital. mandates that the Federal Insurance ance Supervisors, the Financial Sta- When AIG’s bets on subprime mort- Office and the Fed report and testify bility Board, and to foreign govern- gage-backed securities failed, it col- before Congress twice annually. ments that we will only lend our name lapsed and required a taxpayer bailout. Finally, H.R. 5143 ensures that the to standards and agreements that ben- Recall that we bailed out AIG because independent member with insurance efit U.S. consumers. The bill we are it was a counterparty to nearly all of expertise who sits on the Financial considering today will assuredly lead the largest global banks; meaning that Stability Oversight Council, known as us to this goal. if AIG failed, it would bring down a se- FSOC, is permitted to assist the FSOC Again, H.R. 5143 provides greater ries of global megabanks with it. in international discussions and attend transparency, allows for a stronger So under Dodd-Frank, we improved meetings of international bodies where Team USA in negotiations, and sends a the oversight of insurance companies insurance standards are discussed. signal to foreign governments and by giving Federal regulators the nec- Mr. Speaker, for almost 150 years, international organizations that the essary tools to prevent another col- U.S. insurance companies of every United States will lead and not be led lapse of large, globally active insur- type—including property-casualty, life, into bad agreements. With the greater ance companies. We are talking about reinsurance, health, and auto—have congressional oversight the bill pro- the big boys here: AIG, MetLife, and been primarily regulated by our States. vides, we can ensure that any deal that Prudential. For the past several years, Congress and the States have occasion- is reached will be a fair deal, and a Federal regulators have been over- ally reviewed the effectiveness of the good deal, for the American people. seeing systematically important finan- State-based regulation of insurance Again, I thank my colleague, the cial institutions, which are identified and coordinated efforts to achieve gentleman from Missouri (Mr. LUETKE- as such because they are expected to greater regulatory uniformity. In 1949, MEYER), for his leadership, yet again, pose a substantial risk to our financial Congress passed the McCarran-Fer- on bringing an excellent bill to the stability if they fail. Our Federal regu- guson Act, which confirmed the States’ House floor. lators have also been negotiating with

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In doing so, the bill would not standards in the United States. nancial stability. That just doubles only help protect the best interests of In fact, H.R. 5143 would add layers of down on the irresponsible policy- U.S. insurance customers, but it would burdensome red tape and unworkable making we have seen by the opposite also be a step in restoring the powers requirements on our Federal nego- side of the aisle. vested to Congress in Article I of the tiators, making it virtually impossible As the veto threat issued by the Constitution. for them to advocate effectively for White House on this bill states: Mr. Speaker, when the Financial U.S. interests on these issues or agree The Nation has made great progress as a Services Committee embarked on this to any kind of standard. For example, result of Dodd-Frank, and we cannot allow journey, the intent was to craft a bill this bill would prevent negotiators this bill to hamper the United States’ ability that not only respected the process, from agreeing to any standard unless it to implement the best standards for our unique regulatory regime. but that provided this body and the focuses exclusively on a company’s public with more opportunity. As such, Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Re- ability to pay claims. However, focus- H.R. 5143 has been drafted with the publicans will go to any lengths nec- ing exclusively on a company’s ability input of a wide variety of stakeholders, essary to give industry what it wants— to pay claims can lead those same pol- and it has generated broad support. less oversight, less supervision, and icyholders vulnerable to systemic fail- This bill is not intended to bring the less regulation. Republicans have re- ure. international process to a halt. Rather, peatedly tried to hamstring our efforts Moreover, by crippling our ability to it will serve as leverage for U.S. nego- to more effectively monitor and re- engage effectively on international in- tiators and will ensure that we are in a spond to systemic risk by working to surance issues, this bill will ensure position to export domestic standards dismantle the FSOC and its designa- that the rest of the world will move on rather than import European-centric tion authority for SIFIs. They have to adopt standards that are not in our ones. best interest. called the FSOC unconstitutional and The truth of the matter, Mr. Speak- At worst, this bill is unconstitu- helped companies like MetLife chal- er, is that our constituents don’t read tional—something that the administra- lenge its designation in court. So I am about international insurance stand- tion detailed in its statement of pol- not really surprised that Republicans ards in the local paper or discuss them icy—raising multiple conflicts between would close out 2016 by bringing this at the dinner table. However, these the President’s exclusive authority on bill to the floor, but I am disappointed conversations and the negotiations at international agreements and the bill’s because the American people deserve the IAIS have real implications on U.S. requirements to directly include State better. companies and, more importantly, on For these reasons, I urge my col- insurance commissioners in inter- every American policyholder. leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. national negotiations. Given that, consideration of this bill Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of At best, this bill is a solution in shouldn’t be a partisan affair. Many of my time. search of a problem. It caters to an un- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I my friends across the aisle and their founded fear that internationally yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from constituents would like to see more agreed upon policies would be forced Missouri (Mr. LUETKEMEYER), the au- sunshine on this international process, upon the small, domestic insurance thor of H.R. 5143 and the chairman of and this bill does just that. It is imper- companies and unwilling States. our Housing and Insurance Sub- ative that the United States—that is, Let me again reiterate that the committee. the States, the executive branch, and standards being negotiated inter- Congress—work cooperatively to signal nationally are for the largest insurers b 1545 to the IAIS and foreign governments that operate all over the world—com- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. I thank the that we will only lend our name to panies like AIG, MetLife, and Pruden- chairman for his tireless help and sup- standards and agreements that benefit tial. It is a scare tactic to claim that port in getting this bill to where it is U.S. customers. We will lead and not be these standards would be applied to today. led, as our chairman just said. anyone but the largest and most inter- Mr. Speaker, insurance serves as the Again, I thank Chairman HENSARLING connected global insurers. backbone of financial independence for for his support of this important bill, Second, States can never be com- millions of Americans. It offers support and I urge my colleagues to join me in pelled to adopt international standards when it is needed the most so that con- voting in favor of H.R. 5143. such as these. These standards are non- sumers can be assured that they are Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. binding and each individual State has protected in the event of a loss. Our Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the the discretion to adopt them, modify Nation has a history of thoughtful in- gentleman from Missouri (Mr. them, or reject them entirely after surance regulation and strong con- CLEAVER), the ranking member of the going through their full regulatory sumer confidence. To ensure that, we Housing and Insurance Subcommittee process. need to make sure that foreign regu- on the Financial Services Committee. Third, stakeholders have ample op- lators don’t do anything to jeopardize Mr. CLEAVER. I thank the ranking portunity to weigh in on these discus- that. member for allowing me to speak on sions. For example, Federal nego- The Transparent Insurance Stand- this legislation. tiators have held multiple sessions for ards Act would establish a series of Mr. Speaker, I find much greater sat- stakeholders to provide input, and the reasonable requirements to be met be- isfaction in working on legislation International Association of Insurance fore our Team USA, if you will—the with the subcommittee chairman, Supervisors has greatly improved pub- Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office, BLAINE LUETKEMEYER, than opposing lic access and consultation. Yet, this the Federal Reserve, or any other such; but, Mr. Speaker, I do, in fact, bill, H.R. 5143, would require several party to international regulatory con- believe that H.R. 5143 would prescribe additional notice and comment periods versations—consents to the adoption of narrowly tailored reporting and negoti- and several other layers of unnecessary a final insurance standard. H.R. 5143 ating requirements that must be com- red tape. would also require Team USA to pub- pleted before any international regu- To make matters worse, the sponsor lish any proposed final standard for latory insurance standard could be proposes to pay for the bill’s costs by congressional review and public com- agreed on. taking $7 million from the Securities ment. In the wake of the financial crisis and Exchange Commission’s reserve Additionally, H.R. 5143 would insti- with the passage of Dodd-Frank, the fund, which means that our financial tute a 90-day layover period, allowing Federal Insurance Office, FIO, was

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.074 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7318 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 tasked with representing the United It has been a great pleasure to serve I urge my colleagues to support H.R. States at international insurance fo- on this Financial Services Committee. 5143. rums. Currently, the FIO has been ne- I think we have done some good work. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. gotiating alongside the Federal Re- I enjoyed working with my colleagues Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the serve and the National Association of on the other side of the aisle on some gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Insurance Commissioners, NAIC, on be- issues as well. I wish you the very best CAROLYN B. MALONEY), the ranking half of our country’s insurance inter- as you continue as a committee to member of the Capital Markets and ests. The Housing and Insurance Sub- work on behalf of Americans all across Government Sponsored Enterprises committee has held numerous hearings the country to make sure that they Subcommittee on the Financial Serv- on this topic, giving us ample oppor- have access to the financial products ices Committee. tunity to more fully understand the that they need for their families. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New process that is being undertaken at the Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. York. I thank the gentlewoman. International Association of Insurance 5143, offered by my good friend from I join the chairman in thanking Con- Supervisors as well as with other inter- Missouri (Mr. LUETKEMEYER). gressman NEUGEBAUER for his out- national bodies. The Transparent Insurance Stand- standing service to this institution, to It is critical that Team USA con- ards Act is critically important to en- his district, and to this country. He has tinue to advocate strongly on behalf of suring that the U.S. State-based model been an outstanding Member. It has the U.S. insurance system, and it is im- for regulating insurance is preserved been a pleasure to serve with him. perative that we do not hamstring and that international agreements ben- We will miss you. Thank you for your their ability to do so. More specifi- efit U.S. consumers. Since the passage friendship, your consideration, and cally, the bill contains a number of of the Dodd-Frank Act, the increased your really hard work for good, sound provisions that would ultimately delay role of the Federal Government in in- policy in this country. Thank you. our negotiations abroad. If we limit the surance regulation has led to changes Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- ability of our negotiators to do their to U.S. participation in international tion to H.R. 5143. job, we lose our seat at the inter- insurance forums, like the Inter- I believe that it would undermine the national table, which, I believe, will national Association of Insurance Su- Fed’s ability to negotiate international weaken our position. Like most on the pervisors. agreements on insurance regulation, The Federal Insurance Office, FIO, is other side, I am a strong proponent of and I think that that will cause a big charged with representing the interests the State-based system. problem for insurance in our country. Our Missouri insurance commissioner of U.S. insurers during negotiations of Telling the Fed that it can’t agree to has recently held a national position. international agreements. Further, the any international standard on insur- FIO, along with the Federal Reserve, is In order to effectively communicate ance that isn’t already the law in the an active participant in international our position and advocate for this United States absolutely makes no standard-setting bodies. Over the last unique American system, we need to sense whatsoever. The other countries several years, developments in inter- ensure that our international rep- would simply stop negotiating with us, national insurance supervision have resentatives are empowered, and we be- and I believe we would lose our voice created tension with our State-based lieve that this actually impacts their and our seat at the table, and that is model. not good for America. role at the table. The European Union has moved to- Additionally, none of the standards It is also important to remember ward a single regulatory structure for that nothing the Fed or Treasury that may be decided upon internation- its member states. This effort, known agrees to internationally can be bind- ally are binding. This is, perhaps, the as Solvency II, will harmonize the var- ing on State insurance regulators. most significant thing I am saying. As ied regulatory regimes in each Euro- That is already the law, and we don’t everyone knows, the States would have pean nation. Many have raised concern need a new law to tell us that. The Fed to approve any standards because we that Solvency II will be adopted as the does regulate 14 insurance companies can’t impose those standards on them. gold standard for international insur- through its holding companies. This These standards would have to be ance supervision. Solvency II could put has been a Federal authority, and there agreed to domestically—they would the U.S. insurance industry and the is nothing new about that. have to go to each and every State— U.S. policyholders at a disadvantage. and they won’t be approved on the Fed- H.R. 5143 is important legislation The Fed should be able to align the eral level. This process would include a that enhances the congressional over- insurance regulations that it has au- notice and a comment period. sight of international deliberations for thority over with the regulations in I do believe that this bill does not ad- insurance regulation. It holds both the other countries. One of the big lessons dress a single problem, that it does not FIO and the Federal Reserve to impor- of the scandal and of the economic fix any broken part of this process that tant benchmarks that ensure that U.S. downturn of 2008 was that different regis going on. interests are being represented. For ex- ulatory regimes in different countries Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, it is ample, the agencies must provide joint could have different incentives, and with great pride and a heavy heart that analyses on the impact of proposed some of them were bad incentives—for I yield to the next gentleman. I have a international standards on U.S. con- example, AIG. The only problem that heavy heart because I fear this will be sumers and insurance markets. Fur- existed with this country was in the the last time I yield time to the gen- ther, it allows for public comment on different incentives in England. tleman from Texas (Mr. NEUGEBAUER); any proposed final standard that the I am very uncomfortable with a bill but it is with great pride that, for 14 U.S. may agree to. that hamstrings the Federal Reserve’s years, I have called him friend and col- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ability to regulate the safety and league. He is retiring from this institu- time of the gentleman has expired. soundness of the large insurance hold- tion. He has been tireless in his service Mr. HENSARLING. I yield the gen- ing companies that it has authority to our committee, his constituents, tleman an additional 1 minute. over and to ensure that those regu- and this country. He has been a tireless Mr. NEUGEBAUER. These regulatory latory standards are consistent inter- advocate for the cause of freedom, free checks are not new to many U.S. agen- nationally, so I urge my colleagues to enterprise, and the lot of the common cies, which already must comply with vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. man and the common woman; and this certain Administrative Procedure Act Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I will be a lesser institution upon his de- requirements when setting Federal yield the balance of my time to the parture. standards. While there may be a crit- gentleman from Missouri (Mr. LUETKE- I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman ical role for U.S. representatives to MEYER), and I ask unanimous consent from Texas (Mr. NEUGEBAUER), my play in the international insurance dis- that the gentleman be able to control friend. cussion, it is important that our advo- the remainder of such time. Mr. NEUGEBAUER. I thank the cates ensure that U.S. interests are not The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there chairman and thank him for his leader- recklessly pushed aside in the name of objection to the request of the gen- ship and his kind words. global harmony. tleman from Texas?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.076 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7319 There was no objection. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Look, there is a better way. I offer it Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the to you. It is a bill I have introduced, yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from gentleman from Washington (Mr. which is H.R. 6436, that takes a prin- Michigan (Mr. HUIZENGA), who is the HECK), who is a member of the Finan- ciple-based approach. It merely says Monetary Policy and Trade Sub- cial Services Committee. that the State-based insurance regu- committee chairman. Mr. HECK of Washington. Mr. Speak- lators have got to be at the table, and Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. I thank er, I am especially grateful to the we have to protect that system. It is a my fellow subcommittee chairman for ranking member for allowing me this principle-based, not a top-down, com- working with me to protect the State- opportunity. mand and control heavy bureaucracy based insurance regulatory model that First, I would like to associate my- approach to achieving the same objec- has served our Nation so well for 150 self with the remarks of the gentle- tive while at the same time ensuring years. woman from New York and the other that we provide adequate protection To my colleague from New York, I gentleman from Texas regarding our and regulation for international insur- am very comfortable with this bill and colleague, Mr. NEUGEBAUER. From the ance companies, but respecting the with the underlying philosophy that day that I walked into this Chamber, State-based system. has brought us here. he has been nothing but a paragon of I don’t know why we can’t get the Mr. Speaker, I am a former State gentlemanliness toward myself and my win-win here. You know, I find it ironic representative in the Michigan Legisla- colleagues. In fact, every freshman re- that my legislation, H.R. 6436, actually ture, and I know firsthand that Michi- ceives a flag flown over the Capitol enjoys broad-based support among the gan does a better job of protecting pol- that Congressman NEUGEBAUER has had stakeholders: the regulated and, yes, icyholders within their borders than flown. And wouldn’t you know it, small the regulators. The State-based insur- the Federal Government does or could. world category: 2,000 miles away, he ance regulators believe that this is the Even more so, Michigan certainly happened to be good friends with my best approach to take, and it is the one knows how to maintain a robust insur- uncle, which I didn’t even know until I think is a win-win for everybody. It ance marketplace that works for he arrived here. He will be missed. He achieves everybody’s objectives. That Michigan customers. Additionally, is a testament to how you can see the is not what H.R. 5143 will do. Michigan serves as an entry point for world completely differently, yet be H.R. 5143 goes too far in some cases, several foreign companies which then able to treat one another with respect. won’t work in others, and doesn’t go come into the U.S. marketplace. Mr. Speaker, I am a little uncomfort- However, there are bureaucrats in far enough in others. So I hope that able because this is the second time in Washington who believe that they you will reject it, provide us with an a week I have risen to oppose a pro- know best. The Dodd-Frank Act sig- opportunity to continue to negotiate in posal by my friend from Missouri who nificantly expanded the Federal Gov- good faith, and get to win-win because I think actually is trying to do the ernment’s role in the insurance mar- win-win is possible in this cir- right thing and with whom I have dealt ketplace by creating the Federal Insur- cumstance. in good faith and who has dealt in good ance Office and charging the Director I, once again, thank the ranking faith with us. But I do, in fact, rise to with representing the U.S. during the member very much for this oppor- oppose this bill because in some cases negotiations of international agree- tunity. it goes too far, in some cases it won’t Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I ments. At the same time, the Dodd- work, and in some cases, frankly, it yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Frank Act changed domestic insurance doesn’t go far enough. Wisconsin (Mr. DUFFY), who is chair- regulation, which also led to the It goes too far in terms of stealing man of the Oversight and Investiga- changes in U.S. participation at the the money from the SEC reserve to pay tions Subcommittee. International Association of Insurance for this. Its costs and those associated Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Supervisors, or IAIS. with its implementation should not be Chairman LUETKEMEYER for all of his b 1600 borne by another enforcement agency work on this bill, H.R. 5143. The IAIS develops international in- whose job it is to keep us safe. As we enter into this debate, I think surance regulations for its 190 jurisdic- It won’t work in terms of its report- it is important to look at who supports tions in more than 140 countries to ing requirements: all of these expen- what. If you look at insurers in States then adopt those. I am concerned that sive requirements that require the rate like Wisconsin, they have looked at this could influence the U.S. to replace on the SEC, the transparency, the re- Mr. LUETKEMEYER’s bill and they love the State-based insurance regulatory porting. Anybody who knows anything it. They think it is a great bill because model with international standards about negotiations knows you can’t it protects the American State-based that were created by unelected Euro- post a public notice about what you in- model. pean bureaucrats. tend to do and hope to be successful on If you are a large global insurer, you Mr. Speaker, our States are, as Jus- the outcome. don’t like this bill because you want tice Brandeis so eloquently coined, I happen to have been a professional one global international standard that ‘‘laboratories of democracy;’’ and in his on both sides of the labor management you have to comply with. words that means that a ‘‘State may, if negotiations table, and I can tell you, So we are here fighting for the little its citizens choose, serve as a labora- the last thing in the world you want to guy, those little insurance companies tory; and try novel social and economic do is post your playbook. That would that dot all of our States, that serve experiments without risk to the rest of be a little bit like the football team our communities and our families; and the country.’’ saying: Come here, defense; let me tell the opposition is standing with the I can’t think of a better example of a you what we are going to do. large insurers which have been more successful experiment than the State- That would, in fact, be the net effect concerned about this bill than the lit- based insurance regulatory system, es- of this particular approach. tle guy, which goes to my point. pecially in my home State of Michigan. The objective: to maintain the integ- I am concerned that the Federal Re- That is why the protections provided in rity in the McCarran-Ferguson Act is serve and Treasury could enter into an the Transparent Insurance Standards the right one. It is the wrong approach. international framework that under- Act are so vitally important. In some cases it, frankly, doesn’t go far mines the U.S. system in favor of, The straightforward bill simply gives enough because, the truth is, we ought again, this European-centric model the States and Congress the oppor- to have these international discussions that is inconsistent with our American tunity to comment on any inter- and negotiations for international model. If you look at this great Amer- national insurance standard before it firms; but this bill would only apply to ican model, it has worked for 150 years. may be adopted. the IAIS. There are a lot of inter- Look back to the 2008 crisis. This I urge my colleagues to join me in national forums where insurance is at system in America, with a ton of pres- support of this very, very important the table. The fact of the matter is, the sure, it performed beautifully. It did bill and support our system that has State regulators ought to be at those really well. Why do you want to cash existed for 150 years. tables as well. that in for a different model?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.078 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 I guess my concern is that those but, finally, we need the stabilizing CAMERON INSURANCE COMPANIES, State insurers like in my State, they force here, the ability for Americans to August 19, 2016. are not even regulated at the Federal determine what we are going to do. To: MEMBERS OF THE MISSOURI CONGRES- level, but they are concerned that on SIONAL DELEGATION I think that the recent election has DEAR REPRESENTATIVES: On behalf of Cam- the track that we are going, they very been maybe a referendum on: Do we eron Mutual Insurance Company and the well may be. want to give up power to the local peo- 39,370 policyholders/employees in Missouri, I This is pretty simple stuff. ple, or do we just send it away? am writing to ask for your support. During What Mr. LUETKEMEYER is looking the next few months, U.S. negotiators and Mr. LUETKEMEYER’s bill preserves for is openness and transparency. He their international counterparts are sched- just doesn’t want Washington bureau- power for the people. It preserves uled to meet behind closed doors around the crats negotiating a deal. He wants all power for the Congress. I would urge globe approximately three dozen times to stakeholders as part of this deal. And support for Mr. LUETKEMEYER’s bill, make strategic decisions on new inter- lo and behold, it is a remarkable con- H.R. 5143. national capital and regulatory standards. cept; but if we are going to have funda- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. The U.S. is under pressure from inter- mental changes to our insurance law, national regulators to adopt their standards. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to reserve These types of changes have the very real po- why only have unelected bureaucrats the balance of my time. tential to drive up costs here at home. make those decisions? Why not em- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I It is important that the U.S. defend its ef- power the Congress, the people who are yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman fective system of insurance regulation. Our responsive to the American electorate? from Missouri (Mrs. WAGNER). U.S. negotiators should not agree to new We should have a say in this process. standards that could eventually weaken U.S. Put us back in control, which is ex- Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I am consumer protections, reduce competition, actly what Chairman LUETKEMEYER proud to cosponsor H.R. 5143, the and, according to economist Robert Shapiro, does. Transparent Insurance Standards Act cost homeowners insurance consumers up to It is a great bill. I encourage all of of 2016, with my good friend and col- an additional $100 per year. my friends on both sides of the aisle to league from the State of Missouri, Rep- H.R. 5143, the Transparent Insurance resentative BLAINE LUETKEMEYER. Standards Act of 2016, introduced by Mis- show their resounding support. souri’s own Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer, pro- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Dodd-Frank reversed a nearly 150- vides critically important checks and bal- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of year precedent of the U.S. insurance ances regarding negotiations on inter- my time. industry being regulated primarily by national insurance standards by requiring Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I the States. From property-casualty, transparency, accountability, and consulta- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from life, reinsurance, health, and even tion with Congress, and allowing for public New Mexico (Mr. PEARCE). auto, the Obama administration and input. The bill passed the House Financial Mr. PEARCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Dodd-Frank created a more invasive Services Committee in June. the gentleman from Missouri for his It is critical for Congress to act on this role for the Federal Government to in- legislation now and I am asking you to de- work on H.R. 5143. I rise in strong sup- tervene in this industry. port of the legislation. fend U.S. insurance markets and to preserve Now, what we are hearing on the Where this has become apparent is our effective, consumer-focused, state-based during the negotiations of inter- system of insurance regulation. Please con- floor today is very similar, I suspect, tact House leadership and the Financial to the discussion at the founding of national agreements regarding insurance standards, where our foreign Services Committee leadership and request a this country, yet some who wanted a September House floor vote on H.R. 5143. strong central government, strong reg- counterparts, particularly in the Euro- Transparency, accountability, and con- ulating powers from Washington and pean Union, are trying to force us to sultation with Congress and the public is a some who said, no, that will not be the adopt their standard and forgo our simple and reasonable approach to ensure best way to provide a strong economy, State-based insurance regime. our system is not undermined by closed-door that we should send the decisions clos- Most concerning is that many of international regulatory fora. H.R. 5143 these meetings take place behind strengthens the U.S. voice by requiring U.S. er to where people live. Frankly, that state and federal negotiators reach con- choice is being played out worldwide closed doors with little accountability sensus on advocacy positions and supporting right now, and that is the case with the or transparency while our Federal Gov- them by shining a light on the negotiations. question in front of us. ernment says they are negotiating on Sincerely, Should we allow people in Europe to behalf of our best interests. BRAD M. FOWLER, tell us what our markets will look like H.R. 5143 would enhance congres- President/Chief Executive Officer, here? sional oversight into these delibera- Cameron Mutual Insurance Company. Now, there are those who say yes. I tions by establishing requirements to SHELTER INSURANCE COMPANIES, am in the group that says no. Because be met before the Federal Government our system here has created its own September 7, 2016. can agree to the adoption of any final Re: H.R. 5143, the ‘‘Transparent Insurance stability. In the financial difficulties of international insurance standards or Standards Act of 2016’’ 2008 and 2009, our market performed covered agreements. Setting these pro- Hon. ANN WAGNER, just perfectly. We have got 56 different cedures in place ensures that Missouri Washington, DC. regulators, each one has their own re- policyholders and customers will be DEAR REPRESENTATIVE WAGNER: Shelter In- sponsibility. It provides a safer market protected from premium increases by surance is the largest domestic property and for the consumer. It provides a safer having to adopt international stand- casualty insurance company in Missouri, product for the consumers to purchase. ards that don’t apply or make sense writing more than $1.6 billion in premium, and is home to almost 1,700 Missouri con- Why we would send that authority to here in the United States. some other country across the oceans stituents/employees. just never made sense to those of us Americans are sick and tired of the On behalf of Shelter Insurance Company, our agents, employees and mutual policy who want the decisions made closer to Federal Government making choices on their behalf without proper input holders in Missouri, I am writing to ask for the people. your help to defend the state-based system of Secondly, we have to think that it is and oversight. Congress needs to be more involved in these negotiations insurance regulation. Congressman good for American jobs. Anytime peo- Luetkemeyer’s bill, H.R. 5143, the Trans- ple in a different country are deciding that could have substantial impacts on parent Insurance Standards Act of 2016, pro- what the rules are, they are going to policyholders across the country. vides critically important checks and bal- skew it in favor of themselves. Again, I have two letters of support from ances regarding negotiations on inter- our market is well diversified. It is companies in Missouri that represent national insurance standards by requiring spread among the States, and it pro- over 40,000 customers and employees in transparency, accountability, and consulta- the State. The companies state that tion with Congress, and allowing for public vides insurance markets for every indi- input. vidual State and some more than just this bill will help prevent costs from We ask that you please encourage Chair- the one. being driven up in Missouri, and I man Hensarling and House leadership to So that tells us that it is good for the would like to include these letters in schedule a House vote on this legislation in economy, it is good for the consumer; the RECORD. September.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.080 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7321 As you well know, the next few months are Congress should have a stake in this versations focused on insurance stand- important when it comes to international in- process and engage in robust oversight ards and establish a series of require- surance regulation. By the end of 2016, U.S. of any Federal or international stand- ments to be met by our top negotiators negotiators and their international counter- ards. at Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office. parts are scheduled to meet behind closed The Transparent Insurance Stand- Furthermore, transparency and ac- doors around the globe approximately three dozen times to make strategic decisions on ards Act achieves just that. The legis- countability is often lacking in inter- new international capital and regulatory lation sets clear objectives, or rules of national regulatory discussions, some- standards. The U.S. is under pressure from the road, for the Federal Insurance Of- thing that is fundamental to the State- international regulators to adopt their fice and the Federal Reserve that must based system. It is important that Con- standards. These types of changes have the be met during negotiation and, ulti- gress takes every opportunity to open very real potential to drive up costs here at mately, adoption of any international doors, not close doors, and allows all home in Missouri. insurance standards or covered agree- interested parties to participate in ne- It is important that the U.S. defend its ef- ments. gotiations with our international coun- fective system of insurance regulation. Our The bill ensures that State insurance terparts. Mr. Speaker, this legislation U.S. negotiators should not agree to new commissioners or their designees are will strongly encourage increased standards that could eventually weaken U.S. consumer protections, reduce competition. directly involved in the negotiation transparency and information sharing Again, our ask is that you please work process; and before adoption of such an and bring to light the true objectives. with House leadership and the Financial international standard, the public and Just as Congress is routinely in- Services Committee leadership and request a Congress must have access to the final volved in international trade negotia- September House floor vote on H.R. 5143, text and the opportunity to provide tions, this should be no different. It is I thank you for your help on this bill and comments. important we work cooperatively and for your continued leadership on these ef- FIO and the Fed would be required to only agree to standards and agree- forts that are important to my company and file reports and come before Congress ments that benefit U.S. consumers and many insurers around the United States. twice a year to brief us on the progress allow us to maintain a strong insur- Sincerely, and implementation. If the standards ance marketplace. RICK MEANS, President and CEO. include capital requirements, the Fed Again, I want to thank Chairman BRIAN WALLER, must have promulgated a domestic LUETKEMEYER for his leadership and Director of Government Relations. standard first, and this will prevent the the work our committee has done to Mrs. WAGNER. Mr. Speaker, I simply tail wagging the dog that we have seen stand up for U.S. insurers and con- ask my colleagues to support this com- with other international financial sumers. I strongly urge passage of this monsense piece of legislation that in- standards. bill. In God we trust. Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. stills transparency and accountability These reforms and several other provisions ensure that, if the United Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance for our government when negotiating States is going down the road of Fed- of my time to close. with their foreign counterparts. eral and international insurance stand- The gentleman who just gave testi- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. ards, the process is transparent, and mony indicated that the secret is out. Mr. Speaker, I will continue to reserve Congress, the States, and the American I don’t think he described the secret the balance of my time. people have a say in that process. accurately, but let me just say it is Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, For these reasons, I am a proud co- out, and, just as Mr. HENSARLING said may I inquire as to how much time is sponsor of this legislation, and I urge on the floor the other day, we ain’t remaining on each side? its passage. seen nothing yet. They are out to de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. stroy Dodd-Frank, they are out to de- tleman from Missouri has 111⁄2 minutes Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the stroy the Consumer Financial Protec- remaining. The gentlewoman from balance of my time. tion Bureau, and they keep coming for- California has 12 minutes remaining. Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I ward, as they are doing today, to pro- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I believe this is my last speaker. Last tect Wall Street. yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman but not least, I yield 2 minutes to the I ask my colleagues to consider the from Kentucky (Mr. BARR). distinguished gentleman from Texas great progress we have made since the b 1615 (Mr. WILLIAMS), an entrepreneur who enactment of Wall Street reform to fix understands the importance of our free the blind spots that prevented our reg- Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, I would like enterprise system and how important ulators from seeing the big picture. to thank the chairman and his staff for it is for the insurance industry to be Our U.S. financial system is increas- the hard work that went into crafting able to protect those interests of the ingly complex, and the regulatory this legislation, coordinating with the free enterprise folks. structure for the oversight of our sys- insurance industry and the diverse Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I think tem was fragmented before the finan- array of stakeholders and consumers. by now the secret is out the Dodd- cial crisis. This was particularly true Mr. Speaker, for about 150 years, the Frank Wall Street Reform and Con- of the insurance industry, which is reg- American insurance industry has been sumer Protection Act has been a com- ulated primarily by the States. regulated at the State level. This has plete failure. While our State-based system for in- enabled the tailoring of regulations For the last 6 years, in an effort to surance regulation has many and business models to local cir- protect consumers, the Dodd-Frank strengths, by its very nature, it is ill- cumstances for insurance companies of Act has instead stifled job creation for suited to address all of the issues re- all types, structures, and sizes. This millions of Americans with regulation lated to large, globally active insur- system has provided our domestic in- after regulation. H.R. 5143, which I am ance companies. That is why Dodd- surance industry a competitive advan- a proud cosponsor of, aims to roll back Frank, while continuing to recognize tage that benefits consumers and the one of the many unintended con- the primacy of State-based regulation, market for insuring against risk. It is sequences forced upon U.S. insurers. changed many of the ways in which the a superior model to the concentrated For 150 years, the State-based model, insurance industry is supervised for national champion insurance models of the American model, has been success- consolidated supervision and enhanced Europe. ful because it focused on one thing— regulation. Some of Dodd-Frank’s policies the consumer. The U.S. State-based in- If we take a look at AIG, of course, threaten to upend this existing regu- surance regulatory system is un- one cannot help but ask: What State latory infrastructure by interjecting matched by any insurance regulatory regulated AIG; and why did we get into the Federal Government, and ulti- system in the world. It is important the problem that we got into with AIG? mately international regulators, into that U.S. insurers are not put at a com- It was because of its London-based op- the oversight of the American insur- petitive disadvantage worldwide and eration. That is why it is so important ance industry. Regardless of one’s we continue to act in their interest. to have cooperation between the coun- views on Federal oversight of insur- H.R. 5143 requires Congress to con- tries on these big insurance companies ance, I think we should all agree that duct oversight of international con- that are operating all over the world.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.031 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Let’s remind everyone what this bill ‘‘Because this legislation seeks to tie tives from the United States, one of really does. It takes us backward. It the hands of U.S. representatives, in an which was created by Dodd-Frank, to says: forget about examining systemic unconstitutional manner, and prevent represent the United States insurance risks across jurisdictions, and, instead, them from effectively negotiating on industry at the negotiating table with let’s continue to leave the largest international insurance matters, the regards to the International Associa- internationally active insurers in the Administration strongly opposes H.R. tion of Insurance Supervisors. Now, world off the hook for any risk they 5143.’’ this is a group of people from around may pose to our economy. Not the Mr. Speaker, despite the fact that my the world that regulate insurance com- small, domestic insurers that engage in colleague, the chairman of the Com- panies in each of these other countries. traditional activities, not the compa- mittee on Financial Services, promised Now, these regulators have a dif- nies that make up such an important me and threatened me and others that ferent set of rules and regulations and part of our economy in rural areas, and we ain’t seen nothing yet, I think it is a different purpose from the standpoint certainly not the insurers that had ab- very clear about what is happening on that they regulate insurance at the na- solutely nothing to do with the finan- the opposite side of the aisle and how tional level in each one of these coun- cial crisis. We are talking about the Mr. HENSARLING and the committee are tries, where we in this country regu- biggest and most complex insurers that already carrying out the Trump agen- late insurance at the State level. have operations all over the globe and da. b 1630 pose risks to international financial They are making sure that before we stability. leave here on break everyone under- When the IAIS tries to promulgate This bill is not about transparency, stands that they are not about to sup- rules and regulations, it is like trying as its title would suggest. It is about port Dodd-Frank in any shape, form, or to put a square peg in a round hole weakening oversight of these large fashion, but, rather, they are going to when they try and put those rules and firms and making it virtually impos- take every opportunity to undermine regulations on our companies here. As sible to agree to any kind of inter- Dodd-Frank because they don’t believe a result, this bill is to try and give le- national insurance standard. This bill in reforming Wall Street. verage to our negotiations so that is also not about protecting policy- Mr. Trump said that he was running doesn’t happen and so they can protect holders. It is about burying our head in for the United States President be- our industry. In fact, the negotiators the sand and going back to the cause he wanted to drain the swamp, want this bill because they need that precrisis days where all of us, including but Mr. Trump and his leadership are leverage to be able to go and say no to policyholders, were vulnerable to a sys- already showing us that they intend to some of the standards that are being temic failure. expand the swamp, that they are going proposed so that they can protect our So let’s call this bill what it is. It is to grow the swamp, that they are going industry. a giveaway to the insurance industry to make sure that they have everybody Now, I will give you a quick example. that is trying to escape more over- from Wall Street, many of whom have In my own State, we have a company sight. And let’s not pretend that this that provides reinsurance in one of the bill would ensure a more unified U.S. already been fined, been accused of fraud, who are under investigation— countries in Europe. That country posture on the international stage be- right now is trying to impose some new cause, under the provisions of this bill, somehow he is bringing them close to him, and I wonder why. standards on that company to be able the U.S. will be severely crippled in its to do business there. ability to negotiate on these issues, This legislation today basically tells you a story. It tells you a story that We need to have the regulators be which means that the rest of the world able to go to the IAIS and say: Look, will move forward while American in- they are talking about. They are saying, in essence, that we, the United this is not working. You cannot impact terests get left behind. and undermine our own companies in What are we talking about? We are States of America, operate unto our- this country with these rules that do talking about capitalization. And if we selves. Yes, we have these big firms, not work. They need to be on a level are not willing to engage with other and we don’t mind that they have big countries in this international commu- businesses in other countries, like AIG. playing field with everybody else. So this is a way that we can protect nity about these big insurance compa- We don’t mind that they are operating nies that are operating all over the internationally. We have State regula- our companies and our industries and world about capital standards, we are tions, and our State regulations will our consumers from this regulation putting our own country at risk. The take care of whatever our needs are for that is basically out of control some- administration has already issued a oversight of insurance. times. strong veto threat for all of these rea- But they can’t tell you why that Mr. HUIZENGA made a great point. He sons. For these reasons, I urge my col- didn’t happen with AIG. As a matter of said: Why would we allow unelected leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. fact, they don’t mention AIG. They foreign regulators to tell our industry Let me share with you exactly what wish the story of AIG would just sim- what to do? That is what we have got. the administration is saying. ‘‘The re- ply go away. They don’t want the We have got a group of bureaucrats strictions that this legislation seeks to American people to be reminded of from around the world who are trying place on United States representatives what happened with AIG that almost to tell our companies, our insurance in- in international insurance matters brought this country to its knees. They dustry—it isn’t one company; it is ev- under H.R. 5143 would raise serious con- don’t want to remind the people that erybody in this country—what to do. stitutional concerns and severely out- we had to bail them out. They don’t They are not elected, but we are in this weigh any potential attendant benefits. want to remind the people that they Congress. Shouldn’t we put the people’s ... were undercapitalized, their credit de- representatives in charge of this? ‘‘FIO, the Federal Reserve, and state fault swaps were fraudulent, and they Mr. PEARCE made that comment. insurance commissioners are all ac- didn’t have anything to back it up. So These regulations need to be decided by tively engaged at the IAIS and regu- here we are, and they are asking the the people’s representatives. That is larly coordinate with one another, en- American people to ignore all of this, us. That is what this bill does. It puts suring that each aspect of the unique just forget all of this. We are out to us in charge of saying yes or no to United States regulatory regime is ade- protect those who certainly should not whatever agreements are done over quately represented in any inter- be protected. there. national negotiation. Despite their ef- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Mr. BARR made the comment that we fective coordination and extensive of my time. need to protect the insurance model of work thus far to improve global insur- Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I our industry. And that is what this ance regulation, the restrictions which yield myself the balance of my time. does. We in the Congress can look and H.R. 5143 seeks to impose would stop Just to recap what we are doing here: see if these rules and regulations will this work in its tracks and would put We have a bill in front of us here that protect the industry. in place cumbersome and counter- is basically trying to give leverage to It doesn’t mean we throw them all productive requirements. . . . Team USA, which are the representa- out either. The underlying principle of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.083 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7323 everything that the minority ranking the standpoint that AIG is made up of just requires it to be written in a way member is talking about here is that two separate entities: one is an insur- that doesn’t require you to hire $500- we are going to throw out every regula- ance company; one is the securities and an-hour attorneys to interpret it for tion that is being proposed. No, this is investment company. The company you. So I think it is a commonsense not the case. that was in trouble was the securities way to help small business with no tax- What we want to do is make sure the and investment part. The insurance payer expense. ones that are being proposed are okay company stayed solid and solvent. I would note that the need for plain and will not negatively impact our in- That is not the one that was bailed out. writing has been something that the dustry. The ones that are going to be So, again, the point was made by one Congress, on both sides of the aisle, has helpful, we will support those. We will of my colleagues—Mr. DUFFY, I believe embraced over decades. let them go through. That is up to Con- it was—that in 2008 our system worked. I appreciate my friend from Mis- gress. We should be in charge of those And he is correct; it did work. Our in- souri’s bill. I intend to support it. I decisions, not somebody else around surance industry in this country with- think this amendment will be added this world. stood one of the largest and most dev- protection for those who are struggling Mr. WILLIAMS made a good point. He astating recessions in history since the to do well in an economy in which so said this is kind of like a trade agree- Great Depression, and it came out of it much that comes out of Washington ment. We approve all the trade agree- with very little negative problems that seems to be making it more difficult ments over in the other body, if I am could impact the quality of insurance for them to succeed. not mistaken. Should we approve an being provided for our citizens. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of agreement like this where we are going So, Mr. Speaker, let me just close by my time. to impact an entire industry? I think saying this bill does what we would Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. so, Mr. Speaker. hope that every bill would do in this Mr. Speaker, I claim the time in oppo- Let me just move on to a couple of Congress, and that is that it gives le- sition to the amendment, although I points that were made by a couple of verage to people who can do good to am not opposed to the amendment. folks during the discussion on the protect our industries and our people, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without other side. our way of life and our economy. objection, the gentlewoman is recog- They talked about the pay-for in the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance nized for 5 minutes. bill. The pay-for in the bill actually of my time. There was no objection. comes from a slush fund of the SEC, The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. which is overfunded at this point and for general debate has expired. Mr. Speaker, this amendment requires that they are going to use less than 20 AMENDMENT NO. 1 PRINTED IN HOUSE REPORT that any final standard agreed to under percent of that money this year. It is 114–846 OFFERED BY MR. DESANTIS the terms of this bill be composed in well paid for. It is well within the rea- Mr. DESANTIS. Mr. Speaker, I have plain writing in accordance with the son of being able to afford this, and it an amendment at the desk. Plain Writing Act of 2010. That law ba- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The is not going to impact that regulator sically requires that Federal agencies Clerk will designate the amendment. at all. So I think we are in great shape. use ‘‘clear government communication The text of the amendment is as fol- Somebody made the comment that that the public can understand and lows: the Fed does have the authority to use.’’ make these rules. No, they don’t. They Page 4, line 11, before the period insert the As a matter of general policy, I think following: ‘‘and that any such final standard don’t have authority to make a rule is composed in plain writing (as such term is that makes good sense. We want the across the board on all insurance com- defined in section 3 of the Plain Writing Act public to be able to understand the panies in this country. That is not a of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301 note))’’. rules and regulations that impact their true statement. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- daily lives. When government regula- The statement was also made about ant to House Resolution 944, the gen- tions are difficult to comprehend, it the G-SIFIs and systemic institutions. tleman from Florida (Mr. DESANTIS) undermines rather than enhances our This bill doesn’t do anything to address and a Member opposed each will con- goal of setting clear rules of the road G-SIFI designation. This bill is about trol 5 minutes. and preventing misconduct. But no protecting the IAIS, which is a super- The Chair recognizes the gentleman amount of clear communication or visory body. It is not the Federal Sta- from Florida. plain writing will improve the basic bility Board. It is not the international Mr. DESANTIS. Mr. Speaker, my issues with the underlying bill. board that decides all of these G-SIFI amendment is very simple. It requires Of course we support plain writing. I designations. This is the board that that any international agreement wish that all of us would adopt and oversees the regulatory structure of in- needs to be written in plain writing as carry out and implement the legisla- surance companies. a condition to enter into the agree- tion that was passed, supported by both Somebody said it has constitutional ment. sides of the aisle, for plain writing, for concerns. If it has constitutional con- I am offering this from the perspec- plain English. I wish the State would cerns, then you have just told me that tive of people in Florida, my district, do it with their propositions, et cetera. Dodd-Frank is unconstitutional. That and elsewhere who are small busi- We all pay lip service to it, but then we is all we are doing is dealing with what nesses, who are small companies who come with the gobbledygook that the has gone on in Dodd-Frank when set- can’t afford to hire large legal teams American public has to try and under- ting up the FIO office to try and give simply to understand overly complex stand. them the leverage and power they need regulations. They are already beset So, yes, I support plain writing. I to do something. with way too much, both in terms of support the public being able to under- It is interesting because the ranking the scope, but also in terms of the com- stand what we do, but I don’t want peo- member last week was railing on a bill plexity; and when you have complex ple to be confused. Plain writing has that we had on the floor about trans- agreements or regulations imposed on nothing to do with the basic issues in parency and oversight of regulators. them, it not only makes life difficult this underlying bill. You know what? We listened to her. for them, it actually gives them a com- While I do not take issue with the This bill today does that very thing. It petitive disadvantage over some of the amendment offered by the gentleman adds to transparency, and we are pro- big companies that we are always hear- from Florida, I continue to urge my viding oversight for the regulators. I ing about. colleagues to oppose this bill. It is a so- would think she would be excited about So I think writing in plain language, lution in search of a problem, one that this legislation and be willing to sup- clear and concise, makes it easier for certainly does not exist. port it. small businesses to comply without Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance One other comment, Mr. Speaker, amassing huge amounts in legal fees of my time. and I will close. and other overhead costs. Mr. DESANTIS. Mr. Speaker, I am The ranking member keeps throwing Plain writing doesn’t change the reg- glad that this is an amendment that AIG at us. That is a red-herring from ulation. You can have a regulation. It my friend from California can embrace.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.085 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 I urge everyone to embrace it and McCarthy Posey Smith (TX) Graves (MO) Miller (MI) Serrano would just urge people to support the McCaul Price, Tom Stefanik Hurt (VA) Neal Tiberi McClintock Ratcliffe Stewart Israel Poe (TX) Wasserman amendment. McHenry Reed Stivers Jolly Rice (NY) Schultz Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance McKinley Reichert Stutzman Kirkpatrick Roskam Westmoreland of my time. McMorris Renacci Thompson (PA) Lee Sanchez, Loretta Rodgers Ribble Thornberry McDermott Scott, Austin The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- McSally Rice (SC) Tipton ant to the rule, the previous question Meadows Rigell Trott b 1705 is ordered on the bill, as amended, and Meehan Roby Turner Messer Roe (TN) Upton Mr. MESSER changed his vote from on the amendment offered by the gen- Mica Rogers (AL) Valadao ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ tleman from Florida (Mr. DESANTIS). Miller (FL) Rogers (KY) Wagner So the bill was passed. The question is on the amendment by Moolenaar Rohrabacher Walberg The result of the vote was announced the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mooney (WV) Rokita Walden Mullin Rooney (FL) Walker as above recorded. DESANTIS). Mulvaney Ros-Lehtinen Walorski A motion to reconsider was laid on The amendment was agreed to. Murphy (PA) Ross Walters, Mimi the table. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Neugebauer Rothfus Weber (TX) Newhouse Rouzer Webster (FL) f question is on the engrossment and Noem Royce Wenstrup third reading of the bill. Nugent Russell Westerman TO RESEARCH, EVALUATE, AS- The bill was ordered to be engrossed Nunes Salmon Williams Olson Sanford Wilson (SC) SESS, AND TREAT ASTRONAUTS and read a third time, and was read the Palazzo Scalise Wittman ACT third time. Palmer Schweikert Womack The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Paulsen Sensenbrenner Woodall The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. question is on the passage of the bill. Pearce Sessions Yoder CARTER of Georgia). The unfinished Perry Shimkus Yoho The question was taken; and the business is the vote on the motion to Peterson Shuster Young (AK) suspend the rules and pass the bill Speaker pro tempore announced that Pittenger Simpson Young (IA) the ayes appeared to have it. Pitts Smith (MO) Young (IN) (H.R. 6076) to require the Adminis- Poliquin Smith (NE) Zeldin trator of the National Aeronautics and Ms. MAXINE WATERS of California. Pompeo Smith (NJ) Zinke Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas Space Administration to establish a and nays. NAYS—170 program for the medical monitoring, The yeas and nays were ordered. Adams Fudge Nadler diagnosis, and treatment of astronauts, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Aguilar Gabbard Napolitano and for other purposes, as amended, on Bass Gallego Nolan ant to clause 8 of rule XX, this 15- which the yeas and nays were ordered. Beatty Garamendi Norcross The Clerk read the title of the bill. minute vote on passage of the bill will Becerra Graham O’Rourke be followed by 5-minute votes on mo- Bera Grayson Pallone The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tions to suspend the rules with respect Beyer Green, Al Pascrell question is on the motion offered by Bishop (GA) Green, Gene Payne the gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) to H.R. 6076, S. 2971, and H.R. 5790, in Blumenauer Grijalva Pelosi each case by the yeas and nays. Bonamici Gutie´rrez that the House suspend the rules and Perlmutter pass the bill, as amended. The vote was taken by electronic de- Boyle, Brendan Hanabusa Peters F. Hastings vice, and there were—yeas 239, nays Pingree This is a 5-minute vote. Brady (PA) Heck (WA) Pocan The vote was taken by electronic de- 170, not voting 24, as follows: Brownley (CA) Higgins Polis vice, and there were—yeas 413, nays 0, [Roll No. 613] Bustos Himes Price (NC) Butterfield Hinojosa Quigley not voting 20, as follows: YEAS—239 Capps Honda Rangel [Roll No. 614] Capuano Hoyer Abraham Crenshaw Heck (NV) Richmond Ca´ rdenas Huffman YEAS—413 Aderholt Cuellar Hensarling Roybal-Allard Carney Jackson Lee Allen Culberson Herrera Beutler Ruiz Abraham Byrne Davis (CA) Carson (IN) Jeffries Amash Curbelo (FL) Hice, Jody B. Ruppersberger Adams Calvert Davis, Danny Cartwright Johnson (GA) Amodei Davidson Hill Rush Aderholt Capps Davis, Rodney Castor (FL) Johnson, E. B. Ashford Davis, Rodney Holding Ryan (OH) Aguilar Capuano DeFazio Castro (TX) Kaptur Babin Denham Hudson Sa´ nchez, Linda Allen Ca´ rdenas DeGette Cicilline Keating Barletta Dent Huelskamp T. Amash Carney Delaney Clark (MA) Kelly (IL) Barr DeSantis Huizenga (MI) Sarbanes Amodei Carson (IN) DeLauro Clarke (NY) Kennedy Barton DesJarlais Hultgren Schakowsky Ashford Carter (GA) DelBene Clay Kildee Benishek Diaz-Balart Hunter Schiff Babin Carter (TX) Denham Bilirakis Dold Hurd (TX) Cleaver Kilmer Barletta Cartwright Dent Cohen Kuster Schrader Bishop (MI) Donovan Issa Scott (VA) Barr Castor (FL) DeSantis Bishop (UT) Duffy Jenkins (KS) Connolly Langevin Barton Castro (TX) DeSaulnier Conyers Larsen (WA) Scott, David Black Duncan (SC) Jenkins (WV) Sewell (AL) Bass Chabot DesJarlais Blackburn Duncan (TN) Johnson (OH) Cooper Larson (CT) Beatty Chaffetz Deutch Courtney Lawrence Sherman Blum Ellmers (NC) Johnson, Sam Sinema Becerra Chu, Judy Dingell Bost Emmer (MN) Jones Crowley Levin Benishek Cicilline Doggett Cummings Lewis Sires Boustany Farenthold Jordan Slaughter Bera Clark (MA) Dold Brady (TX) Fitzpatrick Joyce Davis (CA) Lieu, Ted Beyer Clarke (NY) Donovan Davis, Danny Lipinski Smith (WA) Brat Fleischmann Katko Speier Bilirakis Clawson (FL) Doyle, Michael Bridenstine Fleming Kelly (MS) DeFazio Loebsack Bishop (GA) Clay F. DeGette Lofgren Swalwell (CA) Brooks (AL) Flores Kelly (PA) Takano Bishop (MI) Cleaver Duckworth Brooks (IN) Forbes Kind Delaney Lowenthal Bishop (UT) Coffman Duffy DeLauro Lowey Thompson (CA) Buchanan Fortenberry King (IA) Thompson (MS) Black Cohen Duncan (SC) Buck Foxx DelBene Lujan Grisham Blackburn Cole King (NY) Titus Duncan (TN) Bucshon Franks (AZ) Kinzinger (IL) DeSaulnier (NM) Blum Collins (GA) Edwards ´ Tonko Burgess Frelinghuysen Kline Deutch Lujan, Ben Ray Blumenauer Collins (NY) Ellison Torres Byrne Garrett Knight Dingell (NM) Bonamici Comer Ellmers (NC) Tsongas Calvert Gibbs Labrador Doggett Lynch Bost Comstock Emmer (MN) Van Hollen Carter (GA) Gibson LaHood Doyle, Michael Maloney, Boustany Conaway Engel Vargas Carter (TX) Gohmert LaMalfa F. Carolyn Boyle, Brendan Connolly Eshoo Veasey Chabot Goodlatte Lamborn Duckworth Maloney, Sean F. Conyers Esty Vela Chaffetz Gosar Lance Edwards Matsui Brady (PA) Cook Evans Vela´ zquez Clawson (FL) Gowdy Latta Ellison McCollum Brady (TX) Cooper Farenthold Visclosky Coffman Graves (GA) LoBiondo Engel McGovern Brat Costello (PA) Farr Walz Cole Graves (LA) Long Eshoo McNerney Bridenstine Courtney Fitzpatrick Collins (GA) Griffith Loudermilk Esty Meeks Waters, Maxine Brooks (AL) Cramer Fleischmann Collins (NY) Grothman Love Evans Meng Watson Coleman Brooks (IN) Crawford Fleming Comer Guinta Lucas Farr Moore Welch Brownley (CA) Crenshaw Flores Comstock Guthrie Luetkemeyer Foster Moulton Wilson (FL) Buchanan Crowley Fortenberry Conaway Hanna Lummis Frankel (FL) Murphy (FL) Yarmuth Buck Cuellar Foster Cook Hardy MacArthur Bucshon Culberson Foxx Costello (PA) Harper Marchant NOT VOTING—24 Burgess Cummings Frankel (FL) Cramer Harris Marino Brown (FL) Clyburn Fincher Bustos Curbelo (FL) Franks (AZ) Crawford Hartzler Massie Chu, Judy Costa Granger Butterfield Davidson Frelinghuysen

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.087 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7325 Fudge Love Ros-Lehtinen NOT VOTING—20 Frankel (FL) Loebsack Rohrabacher Gallego Lowenthal Ross Franks (AZ) Lofgren Rokita Brown (FL) Graves (MO) Poe (TX) Garamendi Lowey Rothfus Frelinghuysen Long Rooney (FL) Clyburn Israel Roskam Garrett Lucas Rouzer Fudge Loudermilk Ros-Lehtinen Costa Jolly Sanchez, Loretta Gibbs Luetkemeyer Roybal-Allard Gabbard Love Ross Diaz-Balart Kirkpatrick Serrano Gibson Lujan Grisham Royce Gallego Lowenthal Rothfus Fincher Lee Tiberi Gohmert (NM) Ruiz Garamendi Lowey Rouzer Forbes McDermott Westmoreland Goodlatte Luja´ n, Ben Ray Ruppersberger Gabbard Miller (MI) Garrett Lucas Roybal-Allard Gosar (NM) Rush Gibbs Luetkemeyer Royce Gowdy Lummis Russell ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Gibson Lujan Grisham Ruiz Graham Lynch Ryan (OH) The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Gohmert (NM) Ruppersberger Granger ´ MacArthur Salmon the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Goodlatte Lujan, Ben Ray Russell Graves (GA) Maloney, Sa´ nchez, Linda Gosar (NM) Ryan (OH) Graves (LA) Carolyn T. ing. Gowdy Lummis Salmon Grayson Maloney, Sean Sanford Graham Lynch Sa´ nchez, Linda Green, Al Marchant b 1713 Sarbanes Granger MacArthur T. Green, Gene Marino Scalise Graves (GA) Maloney, Sarbanes Griffith Massie So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Schakowsky Graves (LA) Carolyn Scalise Grijalva Matsui tive) the rules were suspended and the Schiff Grayson Maloney, Sean Schakowsky Grothman McCarthy Schrader bill, as amended, was passed. Green, Al Marchant Schiff Guinta McCaul Schweikert The result of the vote was announced Green, Gene Marino Schrader Guthrie McClintock Matsui Scott (VA) as above recorded. Griffith Schweikert Gutie´rrez McCollum McCarthy Scott, Austin Grijalva Scott (VA) Hanabusa McGovern A motion to reconsider was laid on McCaul Scott, David Grothman Scott, Austin Hanna McHenry the table. McClintock Sensenbrenner Guinta Scott, David Hardy McKinley McCollum Sessions f Guthrie Sessions Harper McMorris ´ McGovern Sewell (AL) Gutierrez Sewell (AL) Harris Rodgers Hanabusa McHenry McNerney Sherman NATIONAL URBAN SEARCH AND Sherman Hartzler Hanna McKinley McSally Shimkus Shimkus Hastings RESCUE RESPONSE SYSTEM ACT Hardy McMorris Heck (NV) Meadows Shuster Shuster OF 2016 Harper Rodgers Heck (WA) Meehan Simpson Simpson Hartzler McNerney Hensarling Meeks Sinema The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Sinema Hastings McSally Herrera Beutler Meng Sires Sires finished business is the vote on the mo- Heck (NV) Meadows Hice, Jody B. Messer Slaughter Slaughter tion to suspend the rules and pass the Heck (WA) Meehan Higgins Mica Smith (MO) Smith (MO) Hensarling Meeks Hill Miller (FL) Smith (NE) bill (S. 2971) to authorize the National Smith (NE) Herrera Beutler Meng Himes Moolenaar Smith (NJ) Urban Search and Rescue Response Smith (NJ) Hice, Jody B. Messer Hinojosa Mooney (WV) Smith (TX) Smith (TX) System, as amended, on which the yeas Higgins Mica Holding Moore Smith (WA) Smith (WA) and nays were ordered. Hill Miller (FL) Honda Moulton Speier Speier Himes Moolenaar Hoyer Mullin Stefanik The Clerk read the title of the bill. Stefanik Hinojosa Mooney (WV) Hudson Mulvaney The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Stewart Moore Stewart Huelskamp Murphy (FL) Holding Stivers question is on the motion offered by Moulton Stivers Huffman Murphy (PA) Honda Stutzman the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Mullin Stutzman Huizenga (MI) Nadler Hoyer Swalwell (CA) Mulvaney Swalwell (CA) Hultgren Napolitano BARLETTA) that the House suspend the Hudson Takano Murphy (FL) Takano Hunter Neal rules and pass the bill, as amended. Huelskamp Thompson (CA) Murphy (PA) Thompson (CA) Hurd (TX) Neugebauer Huffman Thompson (MS) This is a 5-minute vote. Nadler Thompson (MS) Hurt (VA) Newhouse Huizenga (MI) Thompson (PA) The vote was taken by electronic de- Napolitano Thompson (PA) Issa Noem Hultgren Thornberry Neal Thornberry Jackson Lee Nolan vice, and there were—yeas 405, nays 7, Hunter Tipton Neugebauer Tipton Jeffries Norcross not voting 21, as follows: Hurd (TX) Titus Newhouse Titus Jenkins (KS) Nugent Hurt (VA) Tonko [Roll No. 615] Noem Tonko Jenkins (WV) Nunes Israel Torres Torres Johnson (GA) O’Rourke YEAS—405 Issa Nolan Trott Norcross Trott Johnson (OH) Olson Abraham Byrne Curbelo (FL) Jackson Lee Tsongas Nugent Tsongas Johnson, E. B. Palazzo Adams Calvert Davidson Jeffries Turner Nunes Turner Johnson, Sam Pallone Aderholt Capps Davis (CA) Jenkins (KS) Upton Upton Jones Palmer Aguilar Capuano Davis, Danny Jenkins (WV) O’Rourke Valadao Jordan Pascrell Allen Ca´ rdenas Davis, Rodney Johnson (GA) Olson Valadao Van Hollen Joyce Paulsen Amodei Carney DeFazio Johnson (OH) Palazzo Van Hollen Vargas Kaptur Payne Ashford Carson (IN) DeGette Johnson, E. B. Pallone Vargas Veasey Katko Pearce Babin Carter (GA) Delaney Johnson, Sam Palmer Veasey Vela Keating Pelosi Barletta Carter (TX) DeLauro Jordan Pascrell Vela Vela´ zquez Kelly (IL) Perlmutter Barr Cartwright DelBene Joyce Paulsen Vela´ zquez Kelly (MS) Perry Visclosky Barton Castor (FL) Denham Kaptur Payne Visclosky Kelly (PA) Peters Wagner Bass Castro (TX) Dent Katko Pearce Wagner Kennedy Peterson Walberg Beatty Chabot DeSantis Keating Pelosi Walberg Kildee Pingree Walden Becerra Chaffetz DeSaulnier Kelly (IL) Perlmutter Walden Kilmer Pittenger Walker Benishek Chu, Judy DesJarlais Kelly (MS) Perry Walker Kind Pitts Walorski Bera Cicilline Deutch Kelly (PA) Peters Walorski King (IA) Pocan Walters, Mimi Beyer Clark (MA) Diaz-Balart Kennedy Peterson Walters, Mimi King (NY) Poliquin Walz Bilirakis Clarke (NY) Dingell Kildee Pingree Walz Kinzinger (IL) Polis Wasserman Bishop (GA) Clawson (FL) Doggett Kilmer Pittenger Wasserman Bishop (MI) Clay Dold Kline Pompeo Schultz Kind Pitts Schultz Bishop (UT) Cleaver Donovan Knight Posey Waters, Maxine King (IA) Pocan Watson Coleman Black Coffman Duckworth Kuster Price (NC) Watson Coleman King (NY) Poliquin Blackburn Cohen Duffy Weber (TX) Labrador Price, Tom Weber (TX) Kinzinger (IL) Polis Blum Cole Duncan (SC) Webster (FL) LaHood Quigley Webster (FL) Kline Pompeo Welch Welch Blumenauer Collins (GA) Duncan (TN) LaMalfa Rangel Knight Posey Wenstrup Wenstrup Bonamici Collins (NY) Edwards Lamborn Ratcliffe Kuster Price (NC) Westerman Westerman Bost Comer Ellison Lance Reed Boustany Comstock Ellmers (NC) Labrador Price, Tom Williams Williams Langevin Reichert Boyle, Brendan Conaway Emmer (MN) LaHood Quigley Wilson (FL) Wilson (FL) Larsen (WA) Renacci F. Connolly Engel LaMalfa Rangel Wilson (SC) Wilson (SC) Larson (CT) Ribble Brady (PA) Conyers Eshoo Lamborn Ratcliffe Wittman Wittman Latta Rice (NY) Brady (TX) Cook Esty Lance Reed Womack Womack Lawrence Rice (SC) Bridenstine Cooper Evans Langevin Reichert Woodall Richmond Woodall Levin Brooks (AL) Costello (PA) Farenthold Larsen (WA) Renacci Yarmuth Lewis Rigell Yarmuth Larson (CT) Rice (NY) Brooks (IN) Courtney Farr Yoder Lieu, Ted Roby Yoder Latta Rice (SC) Brownley (CA) Cramer Fitzpatrick Yoho Lipinski Roe (TN) Yoho Lawrence Richmond Buchanan Crawford Fleischmann Young (AK) LoBiondo Rogers (AL) Young (AK) Buck Crenshaw Fleming Levin Rigell Young (IA) Loebsack Rogers (KY) Young (IA) Bucshon Crowley Flores Lewis Roby Young (IN) Lofgren Rohrabacher Young (IN) Burgess Cuellar Fortenberry Lieu, Ted Roe (TN) Zeldin Long Rokita Zeldin Bustos Culberson Foster Lipinski Rogers (AL) Loudermilk Rooney (FL) Zinke Butterfield Cummings Foxx LoBiondo Rogers (KY) Zinke

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.033 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 NAYS—7 Davidson Jenkins (KS) Palazzo Walker Webster (FL) Woodall Davis (CA) Jenkins (WV) Pallone Walorski Welch Yarmuth Amash Massie Sensenbrenner Davis, Danny Johnson (GA) Palmer Walters, Mimi Wenstrup Yoder Harris Ribble Davis, Rodney Johnson (OH) Pascrell Walz Westerman Yoho Jones Sanford DeFazio Johnson, E. B. Paulsen Wasserman Williams Young (AK) NOT VOTING—21 DeGette Johnson, Sam Payne Schultz Wilson (FL) Young (IA) Delaney Jones Pearce Waters, Maxine Wilson (SC) Young (IN) Brat Graves (MO) Rush DeLauro Jordan Pelosi Watson Coleman Wittman Zeldin Brown (FL) Jolly Sanchez, Loretta DelBene Joyce Perlmutter Weber (TX) Womack Zinke Clyburn Kirkpatrick Serrano Denham Kaptur Perry Costa Lee Tiberi Dent Katko Peters NOT VOTING—29 Doyle, Michael McDermott Waters, Maxine DeSantis Keating Peterson Brown (FL) Lee Schrader F. Miller (MI) Westmoreland DeSaulnier Kelly (IL) Pingree Clyburn McDermott Serrano Fincher Poe (TX) DesJarlais Kelly (MS) Pittenger Costa Miller (MI) Sinema Forbes Roskam Deutch Kelly (PA) Pitts Doyle, Michael Nolan Smith (NJ) ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Diaz-Balart Kennedy Pocan F. Nugent Smith (TX) Dingell Kildee Poliquin Fincher Poe (TX) Stivers The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Doggett Kilmer Polis Forbes Roskam Tiberi the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Dold Kind Pompeo Graves (MO) Roybal-Allard Vela ing. Donovan King (IA) Posey Jolly Rush Vela´ zquez Duckworth King (NY) Price (NC) Kirkpatrick Sanchez, Loretta Westmoreland Duffy Kinzinger (IL) Price, Tom b 1719 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Duncan (SC) Kline Quigley So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Duncan (TN) Knight Rangel The SPEAKER pro tempore (during tive) the rules were suspended and the Edwards Kuster Ratcliffe the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Ellison Labrador Reed ing. bill, as amended, was passed. Ellmers (NC) LaHood Reichert The result of the vote was announced Emmer (MN) LaMalfa Renacci b 1726 as above recorded. Engel Lamborn Ribble A motion to reconsider was laid on Eshoo Lance Rice (NY) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- the table. Esty Langevin Rice (SC) tive) the rules were suspended and the Evans Larsen (WA) Richmond bill, as amended, was passed. Stated for: Farenthold Larson (CT) Rigell Mr. BRAT. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably Farr Latta Roby The result of the vote was announced detained. Had I been present, I would have Fitzpatrick Lawrence Roe (TN) as above recorded. Fleischmann Levin Rogers (AL) A motion to reconsider was laid on voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 615. Fleming Lewis Rogers (KY) Flores Lieu, Ted Rohrabacher the table. f Fortenberry Lipinski Rokita PERSONAL EXPLANATION Foster LoBiondo Rooney (FL) Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA- Foxx Loebsack Ros-Lehtinen TION WHISTLEBLOWER PROTEC- Frankel (FL) Lofgren Ross 611 (motion to suspend the rules and pass, as TION ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2016 Franks (AZ) Long Rothfus amended H.R. 1219), 612 (motion to suspend Frelinghuysen Loudermilk Rouzer the rules and pass, as amended S. 3028), 613 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Fudge Love Royce (on passage of H.R. 5143), 614 (motion to finished business is the vote on the mo- Gabbard Lowenthal Ruiz suspend the rules and pass, as amended H.R. tion to suspend the rules and pass the Gallego Lowey Ruppersberger Garamendi Lucas Russell 6076), 615 (motion to suspend the rules and bill (H.R. 5790) to provide adequate pro- Garrett Luetkemeyer Ryan (OH) pass, as amended House Amendment to S. tections for whistleblowers at the Fed- Gibbs Lujan Grisham Salmon 2971), and 616 (motion to suspend the rules eral Bureau of Investigation, as amend- Gibson (NM) Sa´ nchez, Linda ´ and pass, as amended H.R. 5790) I did not ed, on which the yeas and nays were or- Gohmert Lujan, Ben Ray T. Goodlatte (NM) Sanford cast my vote due to a death in the family. Had dered. Gosar Lummis Sarbanes I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on The Clerk read the title of the bill. Gowdy Lynch Scalise all of the votes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Graham MacArthur Schakowsky Granger Maloney, Schiff f question is on the motion offered by Graves (GA) Carolyn Schweikert the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Graves (LA) Maloney, Sean Scott (VA) BETTER ONLINE TICKET SALES CHAFFETZ) that the House suspend the Grayson Marchant Scott, Austin ACT OF 2016 Green, Al Marino Scott, David rules and pass the bill, as amended. Green, Gene Massie Sensenbrenner Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I This is a 5-minute vote. Griffith Matsui Sessions ask unanimous consent to take from The vote was taken by electronic de- Grijalva McCarthy Sewell (AL) the Speaker’s table the bill (S. 3183) to vice, and there were—yeas 404, nays 0, Grothman McCaul Sherman Guinta McClintock Shimkus prohibit the circumvention of control not voting 29, as follows: Guthrie McCollum Shuster measures used by Internet ticket sell- [Roll No. 616] Gutie´rrez McGovern Simpson ers to ensure equitable consumer ac- Hanabusa McHenry Sires YEAS—404 Hanna McKinley Slaughter cess to tickets for any given event, and Abraham Boyle, Brendan Chu, Judy Hardy McMorris Smith (MO) for other purposes, and ask for its im- Adams F. Cicilline Harper Rodgers Smith (NE) mediate consideration in the House. Aderholt Brady (PA) Clark (MA) Harris McNerney Smith (WA) Aguilar Brady (TX) Clarke (NY) Hartzler McSally Speier The Clerk read the title of the bill. Allen Brat Clawson (FL) Hastings Meadows Stefanik The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Amash Bridenstine Clay Heck (NV) Meehan Stewart objection to the request of the gentle- Amodei Brooks (AL) Cleaver Heck (WA) Meeks Stutzman woman from Tennessee? Ashford Brooks (IN) Coffman Hensarling Meng Swalwell (CA) Babin Brownley (CA) Cohen Herrera Beutler Messer Takano There was no objection. Barletta Buchanan Cole Hice, Jody B. Mica Thompson (CA) The text of the bill is as follows: Barr Buck Collins (GA) Higgins Miller (FL) Thompson (MS) S. 3183 Barton Bucshon Collins (NY) Hill Moolenaar Thompson (PA) Bass Burgess Comer Himes Mooney (WV) Thornberry Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Beatty Bustos Comstock Hinojosa Moore Tipton resentatives of the United States of America in Becerra Butterfield Conaway Holding Moulton Titus Congress assembled, Benishek Byrne Connolly Honda Mullin Tonko SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. Bera Calvert Conyers Hoyer Mulvaney Torres Beyer Capps Cook Hudson Murphy (FL) Trott This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Better On- Bilirakis Capuano Cooper Huelskamp Murphy (PA) Tsongas line Ticket Sales Act of 2016’’ or the ‘‘BOTS Bishop (GA) Ca´ rdenas Costello (PA) Huffman Nadler Turner Act of 2016’’. Bishop (MI) Carney Courtney Huizenga (MI) Napolitano Upton SEC. 2. UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE ACTS AND PRAC- Bishop (UT) Carson (IN) Cramer Hultgren Neal Valadao TICES RELATING TO CIRCUMVEN- Black Carter (GA) Crawford Hunter Neugebauer Van Hollen TION OF TICKET ACCESS CONTROL Blackburn Carter (TX) Crenshaw Hurd (TX) Newhouse Vargas MEASURES. Blum Cartwright Crowley Hurt (VA) Noem Veasey Blumenauer Castor (FL) Cuellar Israel Norcross Visclosky (a) CONDUCT PROHIBITED.— Bonamici Castro (TX) Culberson Issa Nunes Wagner (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in Bost Chabot Cummings Jackson Lee O’Rourke Walberg paragraph (2), it shall be unlawful for any Boustany Chaffetz Curbelo (FL) Jeffries Olson Walden person—

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(A) to circumvent a security measure, ac- (ii) CONTENTS.—The notification required form of a certificate, document, voucher, cess control system, or other technological by clause (i) with respect to a civil action token, or other evidence indicating that the control or measure on an Internet website or shall include a copy of the complaint to be bearer, possessor, or person entitled to pos- online service that is used by the ticket filed to initiate the civil action. session through purchase or otherwise has— issuer to enforce posted event ticket pur- (iii) EXCEPTION.—If it is not feasible for the (A) a right, privilege, or license to enter an chasing limits or to maintain the integrity attorney general of a State to provide the event venue or occupy a particular seat or of posted online ticket purchasing order notification required by clause (i) before ini- area in an event venue with respect to one or rules; or tiating a civil action under paragraph (1), more events; or (B) to sell or offer to sell any event ticket the attorney general shall notify the Com- (B) an entitlement to purchase such a in interstate commerce obtained in violation mission immediately upon instituting the right, privilege, or license with respect to of subparagraph (A) if the person selling or civil action. one or more future events. offering to sell the ticket either— (B) INTERVENTION BY FEDERAL TRADE COM- (4) TICKET ISSUER.—The term ‘‘ticket (i) participated directly in or had the abil- MISSION.—The Commission may— issuer’’ means any person who makes event ity to control the conduct in violation of (i) intervene in any civil action brought by tickets available, directly or indirectly, to subparagraph (A); or the attorney general of a State under para- the general public, and may include— (ii) knew or should have known that the graph (1); and (A) the operator of the venue; event ticket was acquired in violation of sub- (ii) upon intervening— (B) the sponsor or promoter of an event; paragraph (A). (I) be heard on all matters arising in the (C) a sports team participating in an event (2) EXCEPTION.—It shall not be unlawful civil action; and or a league whose teams are participating in under this section for a person to create or (II) file petitions for appeal of a decision in an event; use any computer software or system— the civil action. (D) a theater company, musical group, or (A) to investigate, or further the enforce- (3) INVESTIGATORY POWERS.—Nothing in similar participant in an event; and ment or defense, of any alleged violation of this subsection may be construed to prevent (E) an agent for any such person. this section or other statute or regulation; the attorney general of a State from exercising the powers conferred on the attorney The bill was ordered to be read a or third time, was read the third time, (B) to engage in research necessary to general by the laws of the State to conduct identify and analyze flaws and investigations, to administer oaths or affir- and passed, and a motion to reconsider vulnerabilities of measures, systems, or con- mations, or to compel the attendance of wit- was laid on the table. trols described in paragraph (1)(A), if these nesses or the production of documentary or f research activities are conducted to advance other evidence. the state of knowledge in the field of com- (4) PREEMPTIVE ACTION BY FEDERAL TRADE DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF puter system security or to assist in the de- COMMISSION.—If the Commission institutes a THE SENATE TO MAKE A CER- velopment of computer security product. civil action or an administrative action with TAIN CORRECTION IN THE EN- respect to a violation of subsection (a), the (b) ENFORCEMENT BY THE FEDERAL TRADE ROLLMENT OF S. 1635 attorney general of a State may not, during COMMISSION.— the pendency of such action, bring a civil ac- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I (1) UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRAC- tion under paragraph (1) against any defend- send to the desk a concurrent resolu- TICES.—A violation of subsection (a) shall be ant named in the complaint of the Commis- tion and ask unanimous consent for its treated as a violation of a rule defining an sion for the violation with respect to which immediate consideration in the House. unfair or a deceptive act or practice under the Commission instituted such action. section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Com- The Clerk read the title of the con- (5) VENUE; SERVICE OF PROCESS.— current resolution. mission Act (15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B)). (A) VENUE.—Any action brought under (2) POWERS OF COMMISSION.— paragraph (1) may be brought in— The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. (A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall en- (i) the district court of the United States FORTENBERRY). Is there objection to force this section in the same manner, by the that meets applicable requirements relating the request of the gentlewoman from same means, and with the same jurisdiction, to venue under section 1391 of title 28, United Florida? powers, and duties as though all applicable States Code; or There was no objection. terms and provisions of the Federal Trade (ii) another court of competent jurisdic- Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were The text of the concurrent resolution tion. is as follows: incorporated into and made a part of this (B) SERVICE OF PROCESS.—In an action section. brought under paragraph (1), process may be H. CON. RES. 181 (B) PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES.—Any per- served in any district in which the defend- Resolved by the House of Representatives (the son who violates subsection (a) shall be sub- ant— Senate concurring), That in the enrollment of ject to the penalties and entitled to the (i) is an inhabitant; or the bill S. 1635, the Secretary of the Senate privileges and immunities provided in the (ii) may be found. shall make the following corrections: Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 (6) ACTIONS BY OTHER STATE OFFICIALS.— (1) In section 113, in the proposed sub- et seq.). (A) IN GENERAL.—In addition to civil ac- section (j)(1) of section 4 of the Foreign Serv- (C) AUTHORITY PRESERVED.—Nothing in tions brought by attorneys general under ice Buildings Act, 1926, strike ‘‘subject to this section shall be construed to limit the paragraph (1), any other consumer protec- paragraphs (2) and (3), the Secretary may authority of the Federal Trade Commission tion officer of a State who is authorized by transfer to, and merge with, any appropria- under any other provision of law. the State to do so may bring a civil action tion for embassy security, construction, and (c) ENFORCEMENT BY STATES.— under paragraph (1), subject to the same re- maintenance such amounts appropriated for (1) IN GENERAL.—In any case in which the quirements and limitations that apply under fiscal year 2018 for any other purpose related attorney general of a State has reason to be- this subsection to civil actions brought by to the administration of foreign affairs on or lieve that an interest of the residents of the attorneys general. after January 1, 2017, if the Secretary deter- State has been or is threatened or adversely (B) SAVINGS PROVISION.—Nothing in this mines such transfer is necessary to provide affected by the engagement of any person subsection may be construed to prohibit an for the security of sites and buildings in for- subject to subsection (a) in a practice that authorized official of a State from initiating eign countries under the jurisdiction and violates such subsection, the attorney gen- or continuing any proceeding in a court of control of the Secretary’’ and insert ‘‘subject eral of the State may, as parens patriae, the State for a violation of any civil or to paragraph (2), the Secretary may transfer bring a civil action on behalf of the residents criminal law of the State. to, and merge with, any appropriation for of the State in an appropriate district court SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. fiscal year 2018 under the heading ‘Diplo- of the United States— In this Act: matic and Consular Programs’, including for (A) to enjoin further violation of such sub- (1) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’ Worldwide Security Protection, and under section by such person; means the Federal Trade Commission. the heading ‘Embassy Security, Construc- (B) to compel compliance with such sub- (2) EVENT.—The term ‘‘event’’ means any tion, and Maintenance’ funds appropriated section; and concert, theatrical performance, sporting under such headings if the Secretary deter- (C) to obtain damages, restitution, or other event, show, or similarly scheduled activity, mines such transfer is necessary to imple- compensation on behalf of such residents. taking place in a venue with a seating or at- ment the recommendations of the Benghazi (2) RIGHTS OF FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.— tendance capacity exceeding 200 persons Accountability Review Board, or to prevent (A) NOTICE TO FEDERAL TRADE COMMIS- that— or respond to security situations and re- SION.— (A) is open to the general public; and quirements’’. (i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in (B) is promoted, advertised, or marketed in (2) In section 113, in the proposed sub- clause (iii), the attorney general of a State interstate commerce or for which event tick- section (j) of section 4 of the Foreign Service shall notify the Commission in writing that ets are generally sold or distributed in inter- Buildings Act, 1926, strike the proposed para- the attorney general intends to bring a civil state commerce. graph (2). action under paragraph (1) not later than 10 (3) EVENT TICKET.—The term ‘‘event tick- (3) In section 113, in the proposed sub- days before initiating the civil action. et’’ means any physical, electronic, or other section (j) of section 4 of the Foreign Service

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.038 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7328 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Buildings Act, 1926, redesignate the proposed (E) A plan to strengthen and promote the House adjourns today, it adjourn to paragraph (3) as paragraph (2). rule of law, including by improving the ca- meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow. (4) In paragraph (7) of section 307, strike pacity of the civilian police and judicial sys- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ‘‘Office of Inspector General of the Depart- tem in Nigeria, enhancing public safety, and objection to the request of the gentle- ment of State and the Broadcasting Board of responding to crime (including gender-based Governors’’ and insert ‘‘offices of inspectors violence), while respecting human rights and woman from Florida? general of relevant United Nations agen- strengthening accountability measures, in- There was no objection. cies’’. cluding measures to prevent corruption. f (F) Strengthen the long-term capacity of The concurrent resolution was agreed ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER to. the Government of Nigeria to enhance security for schools such that children are safer PRO TEMPORE A motion to reconsider was laid on and girls seeking an education are better The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the table. protected, and to combat gender-based vio- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair f lence and gender inequality. (G) Identify and develop mechanisms for will postpone further proceedings b 1730 coordinating the implementation of the today on additional motions to suspend REQUIRING A REGIONAL STRAT- strategy across the inter-agency and with the rules on which a recorded vote or EGY TO ADDRESS THE THREAT the Government of Nigeria, regional part- the yeas and nays are ordered, or on POSED BY BOKO HARAM ners, and other relevant foreign partners. which the vote incurs objection under (H) Identify the resources required to clause 6 of rule XX. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I achieve the strategy’s objectives. Any record votes on postponed ques- ask unanimous consent that the Com- (b) ASSESSMENT.—The Director of National tions will be taken later. mittee on Foreign Affairs and the Per- Intelligence shall submit, to the appropriate manent Select Committee on Intel- committees of Congress, an assessment re- f garding— ligence be discharged from further con- VIETNAM HELICOPTER CREW sideration of the bill (S. 1632) to require (1) the willingness and capability of the Government of Nigeria and regional partners MEMORIAL ACT a regional strategy to address the to implement the strategy developed under Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I threat posed by Boko Haram and ask subsection (a), including the capability gaps, for its immediate consideration in the move to suspend the rules and pass the if any, of the Government and military bill (H.R. 4298) to direct the Secretary House. forces of Nigeria that would need to be ad- The Clerk read the title of the bill. dressed to enable the Government of Nigeria of the Army to place in Arlington Na- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and the governments of its partner countries tional Cemetery a memorial honoring objection to the request of the gentle- in the region— the helicopter pilots and crew members woman from Florida? (A) to counter the threat of Boko Haram; of the Vietnam era, and for other pur- and poses. There was no objection. (B) to address the legitimate grievances of The text of the bill is as follows: The Clerk read the title of the bill. vulnerable populations in areas affected by The text of the bill is as follows: S. 1632 Boko Haram; and H.R. 4298 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (2) significant United States intelligence resentatives of the United States of America in gaps concerning Boko Haram or on the will- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Congress assembled, ingness and capacity of the Government of resentatives of the United States of America in Nigeria and regional partners to implement Congress assembled, SECTION 1. REGIONAL STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE THREAT POSED BY BOKO the strategy developed under subsection (a). SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. HARAM. (c) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Vietnam (a) STRATEGY REQUIRED.— Congress that lack of economic opportunity Helicopter Crew Memorial Act’’. (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days and access to education, justice, and other SEC. 2. PLACEMENT OF MEMORIAL HONORING after the date of the enactment of this Act, social services contributes to the ability of HELICOPTER PILOTS DURING THE the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Boko Haram to radicalize and recruit indi- VIETNAM WAR. Defense shall jointly develop and submit to viduals. (a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the require- the appropriate committees of Congress a (d) APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES OF CONGRESS ments of section (c), the Secretary of the five-year strategy to help enable the Govern- DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘appro- Army shall place in Arlington National Cem- ment of Nigeria, members of the Multi- priate committees of Congress’’ means— etery a memorial honoring helicopter pilots national Joint Task Force to Combat Boko (1) the Committee on Armed Services, the and crew members who served on active duty Haram (MNJTF) authorized by the African Committee on Foreign Relations, the Com- in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam era. Union, and relevant partners to counter the mittee on Appropriations, and the Select (b) DESIGN.—The memorial placed under regional threat of Boko Haram and assist the Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; subsection (a) shall measure 4 feet in height, Government of Nigeria and its neighbors to and 5 feet in width, and 1 foot in depth, and shall accept and address legitimate grievances of (2) the Committee on Armed Services, the be based on a design approved by the Sec- vulnerable populations in areas affected by Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Com- retary of the Army and the Vietnam Heli- Boko Haram. mittee on Appropriations, and the Perma- copter Pilots Association. (2) ELEMENTS.—At a minimum, the strat- nent Select Committee on Intelligence of the (c) AGREEMENT FOR UPKEEP AND MAINTE- egy must address the following elements: House of Representatives. NANCE.—The Secretary of the Army may (A) Enhance, pursuant to existing authori- The bill was ordered to be read a only place a memorial under subsection (a) if ties and restrictions, the institutional capac- third time, was read the third time, the Secretary enters into an agreement with ity, including military capabilities, of the and passed, and a motion to reconsider the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association under which the Association agrees to pay Government of Nigeria and partner nations was laid on the table. in the region, as appropriate, to counter the all costs necessary to construct, install, and threat posed by Boko Haram. f maintain the memorial, and to such other (B) Provide humanitarian support to civil- provisions as the Secretary may require. ian populations impacted by Boko Haram’s GENERAL LEAVE (d) APPROVAL OF SITE.—The Secretary of activity. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I the Army shall approve an appropriate site (C) Specific activities through which the ask unanimous consent that all Mem- within Arlington National Cemetery for the memorial under subsection (a) to be placed. United States Government intends to im- bers may have 5 legislative days to sub- prove and enhance the capacity of Multi- (e) WAIVER OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESS- national Joint Task Force to Combat Boko mit statements and extraneous mate- MENT.—Section 102 of the National Environ- Haram partner nations to investigate and rials for the RECORD on S. 1632. mental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332) prosecute human rights abuses by security The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there shall not apply with respect to the memorial forces and promote respect for the rule of objection to the request of the gentle- placed under subsection (a). law within the military. woman from Florida? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (D) A means for assisting Nigeria, and as There was no objection. ant to the rule, the gentleman from appropriate, Multinational Joint Task Force Nevada (Mr. HECK) and the gentle- to Combat Boko Haram nations, to counter f woman from California (Mrs. DAVIS) violent extremism, including efforts to ad- HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW dress underlying societal factors shown to each will control 20 minutes. contribute to the ability of Boko Haram to Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I The Chair recognizes the gentleman radicalize and recruit individuals. ask unanimous consent that when the from Nevada.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.039 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7329 GENERAL LEAVE construction addition and the planned copter pilots during the Vietnam war Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I additional constructed addition—30 were critical to saving many lives. As ask unanimous consent that all Mem- million square feet. This bill seeks this somebody who was an Army flight sur- bers may have 5 legislative days in amount of space out of 30 million geon, who spent hundreds of hours in which to revise and extend their re- square feet. the back of a helicopter, and who marks and to insert extraneous mate- For those of you who are challenged served as the chief of aeromedical evac- rial on the bill under consideration. by visual numbers, that is 5 square feet uation for the 325th Combat Support The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there that they have asked for for all serv- Hospital in Iraq in 2008, I can person- objection to the request of the gen- ices—not just the Army but all serv- ally attest to the dedication, bravery, tleman from Nevada? ices—and to commemorate the fact and commitment of the helicopter pi- There was no objection. that they were nearly 10 percent of the lots and of the crew members and what Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I casualties in the Vietnam war—the they do for our men and women in uni- yield myself such time as I may con- Helicopter war. form. Therefore, I strongly urge the sume. I understand graves to be the pri- House to support this bill and provide I rise in support of H.R. 4298, which mary mission for Arlington National this memorial at Arlington National directs the Department of the Army to Cemetery, and I respect that. I under- Cemetery. place in Arlington National Cemetery a stand that there is a concern about I yield back the balance of my time. memorial honoring helicopter pilots being overrun with requests for memo- Mr. THORNBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I include and crew members who served on Ac- rials, and I concur with that concern. the following exchange of letters in the tive Duty in the Armed Forces during My problem is that that public law RECORD during consideration of H.R. 4298: the Vietnam war. doesn’t say there will be no memorials HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Mr. Speaker, it is hard to think at Arlington National Cemetery. COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, about the Vietnam war without think- By the decision that the administra- Washington, DC, December 6, 2016. ing about the significant role both man tion at Arlington has made that says Hon. WILLIAM M. ‘‘MAC’’ THORNBERRY, and machinery played throughout the you can’t have 5 square feet, they have Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, war effort. The helicopter was the basically changed the law effectively Washington, DC. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I am writing to you mainstay for operational mobility, to: there are no memorials. The high concerning H.R. 4298, the Vietnam Helicopter with approximately 12,000 helicopters bar that there should be for memorials, Crew Memorial Act. There are certain provi- used during the war by the Army, in effect, has been set up there, touch- sions in the legislation which fall within the Navy, Marines, and Air Force. ing the ceiling. If these folks—for all Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Vet- These helicopters, flown by tremen- services and for nearly 10 percent of erans’ Affairs. dously skilled pilots and manned by the casualties in the Vietnam war— In the interest of permitting your com- brave and competent crew chiefs, door can’t qualify, I wonder who can. So the mittee to proceed expeditiously to floor con- gunners, and medics, brought a consideration of this important bill, I am will- necessity for this legislation: 5 square ing to waive this committee’s right to se- stant stream of troops and supplies to feet. quential referral. I do with the under- the battlefields and carried the wound- By the way, in the last quarter of a standing that by waiving consideration of ed from the battlefields—all while op- century, do you know how many me- the bill, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs erating under extreme conditions and morials have been approved for place- does not waive any future jurisdictional at tremendous personal risk. Heli- ment at Arlington? You don’t need all claim over the subject matters contained in copter support to combat operations in of the fingers on one hand. Four. You the bill which fall within its Rule X jurisdic- Vietnam was not without significant need all of the fingers; you just don’t tion. I request that you urge the Speaker to loss. An estimated 5,000 helicopter pi- name members of this committee to any need the thumb. Four. We are not over- conference committee which is named to lots and crew members made the ulti- run with memorials. consider such provisions. mate sacrifice during the war. As we sit here on the anniversary of Please place this letter into the committee Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman Pearl Harbor and as we talk again report on H.R. 4298 and into the Congres- from Nevada for introducing this bill about some Vietnam veterans, isn’t it sional Record during consideration of the to permanently honor and remember funny that we now have to come to measure on the House floor. Thank you. the sacrifice by the extraordinary heli- Congress and run a bill to respect those Sincerely, copter pilots and crew members who folks who, by the way, probably kept a JEFF MILLER, Chairman. served in Vietnam by placing a memo- heck of a lot more names off that wall rial in their honor in Arlington Na- a little farther down the Mall from HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, tional Cemetery. Therefore, I strongly here. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, urge all Members to support this bill. I thank the bipartisan support that I Washington, DC, December 6, 2016. I reserve the balance of my time. have received from Members in both Hon. JEFF MILLER, Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- Houses—nationwide support. My re- Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, er, I reserve the balance of my time. quest is this: if we want to say ‘‘no House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I more memorials at Arlington,’’ then DEAR CHAIRMAN MILLER: Thank you for yield 5 minutes to the distinguished your letter regarding H.R. 4298, the Vietnam we ought to say that in the law. We Helicopter Crew Memorial Act. As you gentleman from Nevada (Mr. AMODEI), shouldn’t talk about space not being noted, the bill contains subject matter that my friend and colleague and the spon- available for graves, and we shouldn’t falls within the Rule X jurisdiction of the sor of this bill. talk about people who represent almost Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Mr. AMODEI. I thank my colleague 10 percent of the casualties in a con- I am most appreciative of your decision to from the Silver State and also the flict not being entitled to 5 square feet. waive formal consideration of H.R. 4298 so ranking member from the sub- By the way, at no cost to the govern- that it may proceed expeditiously to the committee. ment and with maintenance at no cost House floor. I acknowledge that although Mr. Speaker, I really shouldn’t be you waived formal consideration of the bill, to the government. the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is in no here talking about this bill right now. With that in hand, I urge bipartisan way waiving its jurisdiction over the subject The reason this bill was necessitated is nationwide support to do the right matter contained in those provisions of the that the public law says that the Sec- thing for almost 5,000 people who paid bill that fall within your Rule X jurisdiction. retary of the Army can have monu- the ultimate sacrifice in the Helicopter I will urge the Speaker to appoint Members ments placed only in those sections of war in the service, in these—what were of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to any Arlington National Cemetery that are then—cutting-edge iconic machines. conference committee named to consider designated by the Secretary for such I thank my colleagues. this legislation. placement and only on land that the I will include a copy of our letters in the Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- Congressional Record during consideration Secretary deems not suitable for bur- er, I yield back the balance of my time. of this legislation on the House floor. ial. There are about 30 million square Mr. HECK of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, as Sincerely, feet at Arlington National Cemetery my colleague stated, the service, com- WILLIAM M. ‘‘MAC’’ THORNBERRY, when you take the presently under- mitment, and dedication of the heli- Chairman.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.101 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7330 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The expeditiously and based on the facts and (B) statuary art and sculpture; question is on the motion offered by merits of the claims and all the relevant doc- (C) engravings, prints, lithographs, and the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. HECK) uments submitted by all parties.’’. The Dec- works of graphic art; that the House suspend the rules and laration also urged participants to ‘‘consider (D) applied art and original artistic assem- all relevant issues when applying various blages and montages; pass the bill, H.R. 4298. legal provisions that may impede the res- (E) books, archives, musical objects and The question was taken; and (two- titution of art and cultural property, in manuscripts (including musical manuscripts thirds being in the affirmative) the order to achieve just and fair solutions, as and sheets), and sound, photographic, and rules were suspended and the bill was well as alternative dispute resolution, where cinematographic archives and mediums; and passed. appropriate under law.’’. (F) sacred and ceremonial objects and A motion to reconsider was laid on (6) Victims of Nazi persecution and their Judaica. the table. heirs have taken legal action in the United (3) COVERED PERIOD.—The term ‘‘covered States to recover Nazi-confiscated art. These period’’ means the period beginning on Janu- f lawsuits face significant procedural obsta- ary 1, 1933, and ending on December 31, 1945. cles partly due to State statutes of limita- (4) KNOWLEDGE.—The term ‘‘knowledge’’ HOLOCAUST EXPROPRIATED ART tions, which typically bar claims within means having actual knowledge of a fact or RECOVERY ACT OF 2016 some limited number of years from either circumstance or sufficient information with Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I the date of the loss or the date that the regard to a relevant fact or circumstance to move to suspend the rules and pass the claim should have been discovered. In some amount to actual knowledge thereof. bill (H.R. 6130) to provide the victims of cases, this means that the claims expired be- (5) NAZI PERSECUTION.—The term ‘‘Nazi fore World War II even ended. (See, e.g., De- persecution’’ means any persecution of a spe- Holocaust-era persecution and their troit Institute of Arts v. Ullin, No. 06–10333, cific group of individuals based on Nazi ide- heirs a fair opportunity to recover 2007 WL 1016996 (E.D. Mich. Mar. 31, 2007).) ology by the Government of Germany, its al- works of art confiscated or misappro- The unique and horrific circumstances of lies or agents, members of the Nazi Party, or priated by the Nazis. World War II and the Holocaust make stat- their agents or associates, during the cov- The Clerk read the title of the bill. utes of limitations especially burdensome to ered period. The text of the bill is as follows: the victims and their heirs. Those seeking SEC. 5. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. recovery of Nazi-confiscated art must pains- (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any H.R. 6130 takingly piece together their cases from a other provision of Federal or State law or Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- fragmentary historical record ravaged by any defense at law relating to the passage of resentatives of the United States of America in persecution, war, and genocide. This costly time, and except as otherwise provided in Congress assembled, process often cannot be done within the time this section, a civil claim or cause of action SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. constraints imposed by existing law. against a defendant to recover any artwork This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Holocaust (7) Federal legislation is needed because or other property that was lost during the Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016’’. the only court that has considered the ques- covered period because of Nazi persecution SEC. 2. FINDINGS. tion held that the Constitution prohibits may be commenced not later than 6 years Congress finds the following: States from making exceptions to their stat- after the actual discovery by the claimant or (1) It is estimated that the Nazis con- utes of limitations to accommodate claims the agent of the claimant of— fiscated or otherwise misappropriated hun- involving the recovery of Nazi-confiscated (1) the identity and location of the artwork dreds of thousands of works of art and other art. In Von Saher v. Norton Simon Museum or other property; and property throughout Europe as part of their of Art, 592 F.3d 954 (9th Cir. 2009), the United (2) a possessory interest of the claimant in genocidal campaign against the Jewish peo- States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit the artwork or other property. (b) POSSIBLE MISIDENTIFICATION.—For purple and other persecuted groups. This has invalidated a California law that extended poses of subsection (a)(1), in a case in which been described as the ‘‘greatest displacement the State statute of limitations for claims the artwork or other property is one of a of art in human history’’. seeking recovery of Holocaust-era artwork. group of substantially similar multiple (2) Following World War II, the United The Court held that the law was an unconsti- artworks or other property, actual discovery States and its allies attempted to return the tutional infringement of the Federal Govern- of the identity and location of the artwork stolen artworks to their countries of origin. ment’s exclusive authority over foreign af- or other property shall be deemed to occur Despite these efforts, many works of art fairs, which includes the resolution of war- on the date on which there are facts suffi- were never reunited with their owners. Some related disputes. In light of this precedent, cient to form a substantial basis to believe of the art has since been discovered in the the enactment of a Federal law is necessary to ensure that claims to Nazi-confiscated art that the artwork or other property is the United States. artwork or other property that was lost. (3) In 1998, the United States convened a are adjudicated in accordance with United States policy as expressed in the Washington (c) PREEXISTING CLAIMS.—Except as pro- conference with 43 other nations in Wash- vided in subsection (e), a civil claim or cause Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated ington, DC, known as the Washington Con- of action described in subsection (a) shall be Art, the Holocaust Victims Redress Act, and ference, which produced Principles on Nazi- deemed to have been actually discovered on the Terezin Declaration. Confiscated Art. One of these principles is the date of enactment of this Act if— (8) While litigation may be used to resolve that ‘‘steps should be taken expeditiously to (1) before the date of enactment of this claims to recover Nazi-confiscated art, it is achieve a just and fair solution’’ to claims Act— the sense of Congress that the private resolu- involving such art that has not been (A) a claimant had knowledge of the ele- tion of claims by parties involved, on the restituted if the owners or their heirs can be ments set forth in subsection (a); and merits and through the use of alternative identified. (B) the civil claim or cause of action was dispute resolution such as mediation panels (4) The same year, Congress enacted the barred by a Federal or State statute of limi- established for this purpose with the aid of Holocaust Victims Redress Act (Public Law tations; or experts in provenance research and history, 105–158, 112 Stat. 15), which expressed the (2)(A) before the date of enactment of this will yield just and fair resolutions in a more sense of Congress that ‘‘all governments Act, a claimant had knowledge of the ele- efficient and predictable manner. should undertake good faith efforts to facili- ments set forth in subsection (a); and tate the return of private and public prop- SEC. 3. PURPOSES. (B) on the date of enactment of this Act, erty, such as works of art, to the rightful The purposes of this Act are the following: the civil claim or cause of action was not owners in cases where assets were con- (1) To ensure that laws governing claims to barred by a Federal or State statute of limi- fiscated from the claimant during the period Nazi-confiscated art and other property fur- tations. of Nazi rule and there is reasonable proof ther United States policy as set forth in the (d) APPLICABILITY.—Subsection (a) shall that the claimant is the rightful owner.’’. Washington Conference Principles on Nazi- apply to any civil claim or cause of action (5) In 2009, the United States participated Confiscated Art, the Holocaust Victims Re- that is— in a Holocaust Era Assets Conference in dress Act, and the Terezin Declaration. (1) pending in any court on the date of en- Prague, Czech Republic, with 45 other na- (2) To ensure that claims to artwork and actment of this Act, including any civil tions. At the conclusion of this conference, other property stolen or misappropriated by claim or cause of action that is pending on the participating nations issued the Terezin the Nazis are not unfairly barred by statutes appeal or for which the time to file an appeal Declaration, which reaffirmed the 1998 Wash- of limitations but are resolved in a just and has not expired; or ington Conference Principles on Nazi-Con- fair manner. (2) filed during the period beginning on the fiscated Art and urged all participants ‘‘to SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. date of enactment of this Act and ending on ensure that their legal systems or alter- In this Act: December 31, 2026. native processes, while taking into account (1) ACTUAL DISCOVERY.—The term ‘‘actual (e) EXCEPTION.—Subsection (a) shall not the different legal traditions, facilitate just discovery’’ means knowledge. apply to any civil claim or cause of action and fair solutions with regard to Nazi-con- (2) ARTWORK OR OTHER PROPERTY.—The barred on the day before the date of enact- fiscated and looted art, and to make certain term ‘‘artwork or other property’’ means— ment of this Act by a Federal or State stat- that claims to recover such art are resolved (A) pictures, paintings, and drawings; ute of limitations if—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.102 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7331 (1) the claimant or a predecessor-in-inter- Since World War II ended, the United is needed to ensure that the United est of the claimant had knowledge of the ele- States has pursued policies to help Hol- States fulfills its promises to ‘‘facili- ments set forth in subsection (a) on or after ocaust victims reclaim artwork and tate just and fair solution with regard January 1, 1999; and other cultural property that was un- to Nazi-confiscated and looted art’’ and (2) not less than 6 years have passed from the date such claimant or predecessor-in-in- lawfully taken. to ‘‘make certain that claims to re- terest acquired such knowledge and during In recent years, the United States cover such art are resolved expedi- which time the civil claim or cause of action has joined with other nations to de- tiously and based on the facts and mer- was not barred by a Federal or State statute clare the importance of restoring Nazi- its of the claims.’’ of limitations. looted and confiscated art to its right- I urge my colleagues to support this (f) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this ful owners. For instance, in the 1998 legislation so that cases involving Act shall be construed to create a civil claim Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-confiscated artwork are resolved or cause of action under Federal or State Nazi-Confiscated Art, the United in our courts in a just and fair manner law. States and 43 other nations declared on the merits of those claims. (g) SUNSET.—This Act shall cease to have that Holocaust victims and their heirs effect on January 1, 2027, except that this Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of Act shall continue to apply to any civil should be encouraged to come forward my time. claim or cause of action described in sub- and make known their claims to art Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- section (a) that is pending on January 1, 2027. that was confiscated by the Nazis and self such time as I may consume. Any civil claim or cause of action com- not subsequently restituted and that I appreciate the work Mr. CONYERS, menced on or after that date to recover art- steps should be taken expeditiously to the ranking member, has done on this work or other property described in this Act achieve a just and fair solution to such bill; Mr. GOODLATTE, the chairman and shall be subject to any applicable Federal or claims. the sponsor; and Mr. NADLER, our State statute of limitations or any other In 2009, we joined with 48 other coun- Democratic colead. Federal or State defense at law relating to tries in declaring that governments the passage of time. I rise in support of H.R. 6130, the Hol- should ensure that their legal systems ocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- facilitate just and fair solutions with of 2016. H.R. 6130 creates a new 6-year ant to the rule, the gentleman from regard to Nazi-confiscated and looted Federal statute of limitations for civil Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE) and the gen- art and make certain that the claims claims filed in Federal or State court tleman from Tennessee (Mr. COHEN) to recover such art are resolved expedi- to allow a claimant to recover artwork each will control 20 minutes. tiously and based on the facts and mer- and other cultural property that was The Chair recognizes the gentleman its of the claims. stolen, seized, sold under duress, or from Virginia. The enactment of the HEAR Act is otherwise lost as a result of Nazi perse- GENERAL LEAVE an important step in following through cution during the period from January Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask on these principles. The vast majority 1, 1933, to December 31, 1945. unanimous consent that all Members of victims whose property was mis- The bill provides that this limitation may have 5 legislative days in which to appropriated during the Holocaust sim- period begins upon a claimant’s ‘‘ac- revise and extend their remarks and to ply lacked the information, resources, tual discovery’’ of the identity and lo- include extraneous materials on H.R. and sometimes wherewithal to pursue cation of the art that was unlawfully 6130, currently under consideration. litigation to recover their property. lost, and information or facts sufficient The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Even for those with the resources, lo- to indicate that the claimant has a objection to the request of the gen- cating and proving ownership of Nazi- possessory interest in the art. tleman from Virginia? looted art proved to be extremely dif- In addition, the bill specifies that There was no objection. ficult. Moreover, the psychological this new limitations period applies to Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I trauma of the Holocaust often pre- cases filed prior to December 31, 2026. yield myself such time as I may con- vented victims from pursuing lost Finally, the bill’s provisions sunset on sume. property. January 1, 2027. Those who have seen the recent From 1933, when Hitler took power in The new Federal limitations period movie ‘‘Woman in Gold,’’ which tells Germany, until 1945, when the Allied established by H.R. 6130 is necessary the story of Maria Altmann’s arduous Forces liberated Europe, the Nazis and because State statutes of limitations legal battle to recover her family’s pos- their collaborators stole countless often bar claims if they are not filed sessions that were seized by the Nazis, works of art and cultural objects from within some specified number of years including the famous portrait of her museums and private collections from the date of the loss. aunt by Gustav Klimt, can understand throughout Europe. For Holocaust-era claims concerning just how difficult litigation to reclaim Indeed, according to the American stolen art, this means that most stat- Nazi-confiscated art can be. Alliance of Museums, the Nazi regime utes of limitations would bar cases orchestrated a system of theft, confis- b 1745 even before victims are able to have ac- cation, coercive transfer, looting, pil- Ms. Altmann was in litigation for tual knowledge of whether their art or lage, and the destruction of objects of many years before her family’s art- other cultural property had been stolen art and other cultural property in Eu- work was recovered from the Austrian by the Nazis and been located and still rope on a massive and an unprece- Government in 2006. At least in Ms. was present. dented scale. Millions of such objects Altmann’s case, litigation was success- Importantly, H.R. 6130 restores the were unlawfully and often forcibly ful. claims that were barred by existing taken from their rightful owners. This However, as the Ninth Circuit Court State statutes of limitations by deem- systematic looting and confiscation of of Appeals has observed: ‘‘Many obsta- ing the bill’s date of enactment as the the cultural property of the Jews and cles face those who attempt to recover moment of ‘‘actual discovery’’ for pur- of other persecuted groups has been de- Holocaust-era art through lawsuits,’’ poses of triggering the bill’s new 6-year scribed as the greatest displacement of including ‘‘procedural hurdles, such as limitations period. art in human history. statutes of limitations’’ that prevent This critical legislation reinforces In order to provide the victims of the the merits of claims from ever being longstanding American policy, encour- Holocaust and their heirs a fair oppor- adjudicated. aging restitution for victims of the tunity in our courts to recover artwork Given the unique and horrific cir- Nazi government or its allies and that had been confiscated or misappro- cumstances of World War II and the agents, including with respect to Nazi- priated by the Nazis, Representative Holocaust, State statutes of limita- confiscated or looted art. NADLER and I, along with several other tions can be an unfair impediment to As recently as this morning, a fea- bipartisan cosponsors, introduced the the victims and their heirs and con- ture article was in The New York Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery trary to the stated policy of the United Times: ‘‘Jewish Dealer’s Heirs File Act, or HEAR Act. Companion legisla- States. Suit Over Art in Bavarian State Collec- tion has been introduced by Senators Accordingly, the HEAR Act’s uni- tion.’’ Indeed, that case is about the CORNYN and SCHUMER in the Senate. form, 6-year Federal limitations period facts, but it shows that there are still

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:15 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.054 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 active cases where it has been discov- by the Nazis was not brought to light from Jewish people and other per- ered that there was art that was owned until many years later, forcing courts secuted groups by the German Nazi re- by Jewish people that was taken by to dismiss cases before they could be gime from 1933 to 1945. others and put in the hands of the judged on the merits. In some cases, In the times that I visited Israel, I Nazis, and there is an issue about the law would have required a claim to have spent much time in the Holocaust whether or not there is a right to re- be brought even before World War II Museum, as I have spent time in the covery. ended. This is obviously unjust. Holocaust exhibit and tribute here in This would guarantee that those peo- Some States have attempted to make Washington, and our own Holocaust ple who discover art—and this art was an exception to their statutes of limi- Museum in Houston, Texas. discovered some person’s house that tations to accommodate these claims, I have been on the advisory board of had been hidden for years in a person’s but such efforts have been ruled uncon- the Holocaust Museum in Houston, house behind walls, and all of this valu- stitutional, as an infringement on the Texas, and have participated in the able art that had been stolen and hid- Federal Government’s exclusive au- Holocaust ceremonies here. den was only discovered about 3 years thority over foreign affairs. Federal This is a very important legal rem- ago—that the rightful owners, or heirs legislation, therefore, is needed to edy. While the United States is a signa- to the owners, would have a right in bring justice to this area. tory of the 2009 Terezin Declaration, American courts to pursue justice. This bill would set a uniform 6-year which states legal systems can facili- In recognition of the Nazi govern- Federal statute of limitations for the tate claims of ownership of items lost ment’s deliberate campaign to steal claims of Nazi-confiscated art from the during the Holocaust, the claims of po- artwork and other cultural property time that the identity and location of tential owners in the U.S. have, how- from its victims, H.R. 6130 rightfully the artwork and the ownership inter- ever, faced barriers because of State ensures victims are given a chance to ests of the claimant are actually dis- statutes of limitation, which in some have their day in court to pursue jus- covered. It would also restore the cases would have expired even before tice. claims of those claimants whose cases the end of World War II. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to were dismissed previously because of a Under this legislation, individuals join me in supporting this legislation. statute of limitations. would have as much as 6 years from the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of This bill would finally ensure that time they discover the identity and lo- my time. the rightful owners and their decedents cation of a piece of art or other prop- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I re- can have their claims properly adju- erty or learned that they may have serve the balance of my time. dicated. ownership of such art or property to Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 I thank Ronald Lauder, president of file an ownership claim. minutes and 36 seconds to the gen- the World Jewish Congress, for his de- The bill’s findings would express the tleman from New York (Mr. NADLER). termined efforts to see that this issue sense of Congress that setting one Fed- Mr. NADLER. I thank the gentleman is resolved; and Chairman GOODLATTE eral statute of limitations will allow for yielding. for working with me and our colleagues claims to be settled through alter- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support to bring this legislation forward. native dispute resolution methods that of H.R. 6130, the Holocaust Expropri- While no legislation or act of contri- will produce more just and fair out- ated Art Recovery Act. This legislation tion will ever reverse the many horrors comes. will help restore artwork and heritage committed by the Nazis, one thing we The actual bottom line of this legis- stolen by the Nazis during the Holo- can do is establish a fair judicial proc- lation, as we were able to see in the caust to the rightful owners or heirs. ess so that some victims can achieve Academy Award-winning actress in the I was proud to join Chairman GOOD- some small measure of justice. film ‘‘Woman in Gold,’’ which many of LATTE in introducing this bill, and I ap- Mr. Speaker, I urge strong support us saw, is that it is a fair and just relief preciate his efforts in moving it for- for this legislation. for those so persecuted. ward. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I What more can be taken from you— In addition to their crimes of geno- have no more speakers and I am pre- your life, your liberty, your lost loved cide and mass murder, the Nazis en- pared to close. ones—and then those special artifacts, gaged in comprehensive, systemic theft I reserve the balance of my time. antiquities that would bring back the of art and property mostly, but not en- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 21⁄2 memories of your family and your his- tirely, from Jews all across Europe. minutes to the gentlewoman from tory? The scope of their theft was massive, Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE), the carrier of This legislation is well needed. It is a and the damaging effects remain with the spirit of Congresswoman Barbara relief for those who are in pain. I sup- us today, with victims still seeking Jordan. port and ask my colleagues to support justice and some form of compensa- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recov- tion. thank the manager, Mr. COHEN; the ery Act of 2016. Nearly 20 years ago, in 1998, the chairman of the committee; both spon- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. United States brought together 44 na- sors; the lead sponsor, Mr. NADLER of 6130, the ‘‘Holocaust Expropriated Art Recov- tions to produce a set of principles on New York; and I thank the ranking ery Act of 2016’’. Nazi confiscated art. They agreed that member, Mr. CONYERS. I thank our colleague, Chairman GOODLATTE steps should be taken expeditiously to I rise in strong support of H.R. 6130, for his work in guiding this legislation through achieve a just and fair solution to the the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recov- the people’s House. outstanding claims. ery Act of 2016. I am very grateful that This legislation provides the victims of Holo- In 2009, the United States joined 45 my colleagues have brought this to the caust-era persecution and genocide and their other nations in Prague to issue what attention of the House. This important heirs a fair opportunity to recover works of art was known as the Terezin Declaration, legislation tries to bring some remedy confiscated or misappropriated by the Nazis. which reaffirmed these principles. and solace to a devastating era of geno- People wishing to claim ownership of art Unfortunately, today, 71 years after cide, the Holocaust. It provides the vic- lost or confiscated during the Holocaust would the defeat of the Nazis and the libera- tims of Holocaust-era persecution and have the proper time necessary to do so tion of Europe, many American victims genocide and their heirs a fair oppor- under H.R. 6130. are still unable to pursue their claims tunity to recover works of art con- The bill would apply to art and other antiq- in court because of restrictive statutes fiscated or misappropriated by the uities, such as books, that were stolen from of limitations in the States. These laws Nazis, and there were many. Jewish people and other persecuted groups generally require a claimant to bring a People wishing to claim ownership of by the German Nazi regime from 1933 to case within a limited number of years art lost or confiscated during the Holo- 1945. from when the loss occurred or should caust would have the proper time nec- While the United States is a signatory of the have been discovered; but in many in- essary to do so under H.R. 6130. The bill 2009 Terezin Declaration, which urged legal stances, the information required to would apply to art and other antiq- systems can facilitate claims of ownership of file a claim regarding artwork stolen uities, such as books, that were stolen items lost during the Holocaust, the claims of

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DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED Things that happened there should federal authority over foreign affairs. AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS Under this legislation, individuals would never be forgotten. Elie Wiesel was re- ACT, 2016, AND PROVIDING FOR have as many as six years from the time they membered at the Holocaust Museum CONSIDERATION OF S. 612, discovered the identity and location of a piece recently, after he passed earlier this GEORGE P. KAZEN FEDERAL of art or other property, or learned that they year. He told us that we can never for- BUILDING AND UNITED STATES may have ownership of such art or property, get, and we always should bear witness. COURTHOUSE to file an ownership claim. We should bear witness and remem- The bill’s findings would express the sense ber and try to do justice for the vic- Mr. WOODALL, from the Committee of Congress that setting one federal statute of tims of the Holocaust, as we should to on Rules, submitted a privileged report limitations will allow claims to be settled the people who have been disenfran- (Rept. No. 114–849) on the resolution (H. through alternative dispute resolution methods chised and damaged and hurt by our Res. 949) providing for consideration of that will produce more just and fair outcomes. periods of Jim Crow and slavery. Keep the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. Pre-existing claims would be considered dis- us attuned and aware and alert. 2028) making appropriations for energy covered on the date of the bill’s enactment, in- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance and water development and related cluding claims that had previously been barred of my time. agencies for the fiscal year ending Sep- by federal or state statutes of limitation. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, this tember 30, 2016, and for other purposes, While we can never erase the horrors of the is important legislation. I commend and providing for consideration of the Holocaust from human history, we can do our my colleagues on the other side of the bill (S. 612) to designate the Federal part to bring these treasures back to the fami- aisle, as well as Members on this side building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in La- lies of those who suffered and sacrificed so of the aisle, for their bipartisan spirit redo, Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen much during that dark time. in passing this. Federal Building and United States I join the American Society of Appraisers, This will only do a small thing rel- Courthouse’’, which was referred to the B’nai B’rith International, the Federal Bar As- ative to trying to right the wrongs of House Calendar and ordered to be sociation, the World Jewish Congress, and the the history of the Nazi regime, but it is printed. World Jewish Restitution Organization in sup- an important step in that process. I porting this important legislation. strongly support the bill and urge my f Academy Award-winning actress Helen colleagues to do the same. b 1800 Mirren, who starred in the 2015 film ‘‘Woman Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance KEVIN AND AVONTE’S LAW OF 2016 in Gold,’’ about the real life Maria Altmann’s of my time. fight to reclaim a painting taken from her fam- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ily during this horrific atrocity, has pledged her port of H.R. 6130, the ‘‘Holocaust Expropriated move to suspend the rules and pass the support as well, testifying on behalf of com- Art Recovery Act of 2016.’’ bill (H.R. 4919) to amend the Violent panion bi-partisan legislation introduced in the This bill creates a new uniform Federal 6- Crime Control and Law Enforcement Senate Judiciary Committee by the Senior year statute of limitations for Nazi-stolen art- Act of 1994, to reauthorize the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Pro- Senator from Texas, my friend JOHN CORNYN. work and other cultural property and would gram, and to promote initiatives that We know there are many cases that still cry allow Nazi-era stolen art claims currently will reduce the risk of injury and death out for justice. barred by existing statutes of limitations to relating to the wandering characteris- For 75 years, since the start of World War proceed in court. It also makes clear that the tics of some children with autism, as II, these unremedied claims have seared fes- statute of limitations begins only after a claim- amended. tering wounds into the lives of brave survivors ant makes an actual discovery of his or her The Clerk read the title of the bill. and their families. claim to artwork of disputed provenance. The text of the bill is as follows: This legislation will finally allow us to cele- Victims of Nazi theft of artwork deserve ac- H.R. 4919 brate the heirlooms and artifacts of varied her- cess to the courts so that they can try to get Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- itage that stitch together the diversity of Amer- some justice for the wrongs committed against resentatives of the United States of America in ican culture with the thread of age-old and in- them. This bill is critical to giving them that Congress assembled, tegral property rights we still cherish today. chance. The Nazis were notorious for, among SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. The legislation before us is intended to help other things, stealing hundreds of thousands This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Kevin and us remove that stain once and for all. of artworks from Europe during their reign of Avonte’s Law of 2016’’. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I strongly support terror in the 1930’s and 1940’s, in what has TITLE I—MISSING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE this legislation and urge all Members to join been described as the greatest displacement PATIENT ALERT PROGRAM REAUTHOR- me in voting for its passage. of art in human history. IZATION Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- The American Jewish Congress, B’nai B’rith SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. self such time as I may consume. International, and the Association of Art Mu- This title may be cited as the ‘‘Missing This legislation is supported by Americans Alert Program Act of 2016’’. seum Directors, among others, support this SEC. 102. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE MISSING many, including the American Jewish bill. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENT Committee, B’nai B’rith International, While nothing we do can ever fully com- ALERT PROGRAM. the Commission for Art Recovery, the pensate victims of the Nazis, we can at least (a) AMENDMENTS.—Section 240001 of the World Jewish Congress, the World Jew- take this modest step towards helping those Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement ish Restitution Organization, and the victims get some measure of restitution. Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14181) is amended— (1) in the section header, by striking ‘‘ Association of Art Museum Directors. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this ALZ- HEIMER’S DISEASE PATIENT’’ and inserting I do applaud Chairman GOODLATTE bill. ‘‘AMERICANS’’; and and Mr. NADLER for their work on this The SPEAKER pro tempore. The (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting important legislation. I urge my col- question is on the motion offered by the following: leagues to support it. the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. ‘‘(a) GRANT PROGRAM TO REDUCE INJURY Just kind of parenthetically, I GOODLATTE) that the House suspend AND DEATH OF MISSING AMERICANS WITH DE- watched a movie called ‘‘Race,’’ which the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 6130. MENTIA AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES.— Subject to the availability of appropriations was put out last fall, about Jesse The question was taken; and (two- to carry out this section, the Attorney Gen- Owens. It was a movie about the 1936 thirds being in the affirmative) the eral, through the Bureau of Justice Assist- Olympics and how Hitler didn’t want rules were suspended and the bill was ance and in consultation with the Secretary him to participate and how there were passed. of Health and Human Services—

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‘‘(1) shall award competitive grants to ‘‘(e) GRANT ACCOUNTABILITY.—All grants discretionary funds through a cooperative health care agencies, State and local law en- awarded by the Attorney General under this agreement under this section, to host or sup- forcement agencies, or public safety agencies section shall be subject to the following ac- port any expenditure for conferences that and nonprofit organizations to assist such countability provisions: uses more than $20,000 in funds made avail- entities in planning, designing, establishing, ‘‘(1) AUDIT REQUIREMENT.— able by the Department of Justice, unless or operating locally based, proactive pro- ‘‘(A) DEFINITION.—In this paragraph, the the head of the relevant agency or depart- grams to prevent wandering and locate miss- term ‘unresolved audit finding’ means a find- ment, provides prior written authorization ing individuals with forms of dementia, such ing in the final audit report of the Inspector that the funds may be expended to host the as Alzheimer’s Disease, or developmental General of the Department of Justice that conference. disabilities, such as autism, who, due to the audited grantee has utilized grant funds ‘‘(B) WRITTEN APPROVAL.—Written ap- their condition, wander from safe environ- for an unauthorized expenditure or otherwise proval under subparagraph (A) shall include ments, including programs that— unallowable cost that is not closed or re- a written estimate of all costs associated ‘‘(A) provide prevention and response infor- solved within 12 months from the date when with the conference, including the cost of all mation, including online training resources, the final audit report is issued. food, beverages, audio-visual equipment, and referrals to families or guardians of such ‘‘(B) AUDITS.—Beginning in the first fiscal honoraria for speakers, and entertainment. individuals who, due to their condition, wan- year beginning after the date of enactment ‘‘(C) REPORT.—The Deputy Attorney Gen- der from a safe environment; of this subsection, and in each fiscal year eral shall submit an annual report to the ‘‘(B) provide education and training, in- thereafter, the Inspector General of the De- Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate cluding online training resources, to first re- partment of Justice shall conduct audits of and the Committee on the Judiciary of the sponders, school personnel, clinicians, and recipients of grants under this section to House of Representatives on all conference the public in order to— prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of funds by expenditures approved under this paragraph. ‘‘(i) increase the safety and reduce the inci- grantees. The Inspector General shall deter- ‘‘(4) ANNUAL CERTIFICATION.—Beginning in dence of wandering of persons, who, due to mine the appropriate number of grantees to the first fiscal year beginning after the date their dementia or developmental disabilities, be audited each year. of enactment of this subsection, the Attor- may wander from safe environments; ‘‘(C) MANDATORY EXCLUSION.—A recipient ney General shall submit, to the Committee ‘‘(ii) facilitate the rescue and recovery of of grant funds under this section that is on the Judiciary and the Committee on Ap- individuals who, due to their dementia or de- found to have an unresolved audit finding propriations of the Senate and the Com- velopmental disabilities, wander from safe shall not be eligible to receive grant funds mittee on the Judiciary and the Committee environments; and under this section during the first 2 fiscal on Appropriations of the House of Represent- ‘‘(iii) recognize and respond to and appro- years beginning after the end of the 12- atives, an annual certification— priately interact with endangered missing month period described in subparagraph (A). ‘‘(A) indicating whether— individuals with dementia or developmental ‘‘(D) PRIORITY.—In awarding grants under ‘‘(i) all audits issued by the Office of the this section, the Attorney General shall give disabilities who, due to their condition, wan- Inspector General under paragraph (1) have priority to eligible applicants that did not der from safe environments; been completed and reviewed by the appro- have an unresolved audit finding during the ‘‘(C) provide prevention and response train- priate Assistant Attorney General or Direc- 3 fiscal years before submitting an applica- ing and emergency protocols for school ad- tor; tion for a grant under this section. ministrators, staff, and families or guardians ‘‘(ii) all mandatory exclusions required ‘‘(E) REIMBURSEMENT.—If an entity is of individuals with dementia, such as Alz- under paragraph (1)(C) have been issued; and awarded grant funds under this section dur- heimer’s Disease, or developmental disabil- ‘‘(iii) all reimbursements required under ing the 2-fiscal-year period during which the ities, such as autism, to help reduce the risk paragraph (1)(E) have been made; and entity is barred from receiving grants under of wandering by such individuals; and ‘‘(B) that includes a list of any grant re- subparagraph (C), the Attorney General ‘‘(D) develop, operate, or enhance a notifi- shall— cipients excluded under paragraph (1) from cation or communications systems for ‘‘(i) deposit an amount equal to the the previous year. alerts, advisories, or dissemination of other amount of the grant funds that were improp- ‘‘(f) PREVENTING DUPLICATIVE GRANTS.— information for the recovery of missing indi- erly awarded to the grantee into the General ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Before the Attorney viduals with forms of dementia, such as Alz- Fund of the Treasury; and General awards a grant to an applicant heimer’s Disease, or with developmental dis- ‘‘(ii) seek to recoup the costs of the repay- under this section, the Attorney General abilities, such as autism; and ment to the fund from the grant recipient shall compare potential grant awards with ‘‘(2) shall award grants to health care that was erroneously awarded grant funds. other grants awarded by the Attorney Gen- agencies, State and local law enforcement ‘‘(2) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION REQUIRE- eral to determine if grant awards are or have agencies, or public safety agencies to assist MENTS.— been awarded for a similar purpose. such agencies in designing, establishing, and ‘‘(A) DEFINITION OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZA- ‘‘(2) REPORT.—If the Attorney General operating locative tracking technology pro- TION.—For purposes of this paragraph and awards grants to the same applicant for a grams for individuals with forms of demen- the grant programs under this part, the term similar purpose the Attorney General shall tia, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, or children ‘nonprofit organization’ means an organiza- submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of with developmental disabilities, such as au- tion that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Senate and the Committee on the Judici- tism, who have wandered from safe environ- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is ex- ary of the House of Representatives a report ments.’’; empt from taxation under section 501(a) of that includes— (3) in subsection (b)— such Code. ‘‘(A) a list of all such grants awarded, in- (A) by inserting ‘‘competitive’’ after ‘‘to ‘‘(B) PROHIBITION.—The Attorney General cluding the total dollar amount of any such receive a’’; may not award a grant under this part to a grants awarded; and (B) by inserting ‘‘agency or’’ before ‘‘orga- nonprofit organization that holds money in ‘‘(B) the reason the Attorney General nization’’ each place it appears; and offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding awarded multiple grants to the same appli- (C) by adding at the end the following: paying the tax described in section 511(a) of cant for a similar purpose.’’. ‘‘The Attorney General shall periodically so- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. (b) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than 2 licit applications for grants under this sec- ‘‘(C) DISCLOSURE.—Each nonprofit organi- years after the date of enactment of this Act tion by publishing a request for applications zation that is awarded a grant under this and every year thereafter, the Attorney Gen- in the Federal Register and by posting such section and uses the procedures prescribed in eral shall submit to the Committee on the a request on the website of the Department regulations to create a rebuttable presump- Judiciary and the Committee on Appropria- of Justice.’’; and tion of reasonableness for the compensation tions of the Senate and the Committee on (4) by striking subsections (c) and (d) and of its officers, directors, trustees, and key the Judiciary and the Committee on Appro- inserting the following: employees, shall disclose to the Attorney priations of the House of Representatives a ‘‘(c) PREFERENCE.—In awarding grants General, in the application for the grant, the report on the Missing Americans Alert Pro- under subsection (a)(1), the Attorney General process for determining such compensation, gram, as amended by subsection (a), which shall give preference to law enforcement or including the independent persons involved shall address— public safety agencies that partner with non- in reviewing and approving such compensa- (1) the number of individuals who bene- profit organizations that appropriately use tion, the comparability data used, and con- fitted from the Missing Americans Alert Pro- person-centered plans minimizing restrictive temporaneous substantiation of the delibera- gram, including information such as the interventions and that have a direct link to tion and decision. Upon request, the Attor- number of individuals with reduced unsafe individuals, and families of individuals, with ney General shall make the information dis- wandering, the number of people who were forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s Dis- closed under this subparagraph available for trained through the program, and the esti- ease, or developmental disabilities, such as public inspection. mated number of people who were impacted autism. ‘‘(3) CONFERENCE EXPENDITURES.— by the program; ‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ‘‘(A) LIMITATION.—No amounts made avail- (2) the number of State, local, and tribal There are authorized to be appropriated to able to the Department of Justice under this law enforcement or public safety agencies carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of section may be used by the Attorney Gen- that applied for funding under the Missing fiscal years 2017 through 2021. eral, or by any individual or entity awarded Americans Alert Program;

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(3) the number of State, local, and tribal (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days use of tracking devices established by the local law enforcement or public safety agen- after the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General in accordance with sub- cies that received funding under the Missing Attorney General, in consultation with the section (a). Americans Alert Program, including— Secretary of Health and Human Services and (2) DETERMINATION OF COMPLIANCE.—The (A) the number of State, local, and tribal leading research, advocacy, self-advocacy, Attorney General, in consultation with the law enforcement or public safety agencies and service organizations, shall establish Secretary of Health and Human Services, that used such funding for training; and standards and best practices relating to the shall determine whether an entity that re- (B) the number of State, local, and tribal use of non-invasive and non-permanent ceives a grant under subsection (a)(2) of sec- law enforcement or public safety agencies tracking technology, where a guardian or tion 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and that used such funding for designing, estab- parent, in consultation with the individual’s Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. lishing, or operating locative tracking tech- health care provider, has determined that a 14181), as added by this Act, acts in compli- nology; non-invasive and non-permanent tracking ance with the requirement described in para- (4) the companies, including the location device is the least restrictive alternative, to graph (1). (city and State) of the headquarters and locate individuals as described in subsection (c) APPLICABILITY OF STANDARDS AND BEST local offices of each company, for which (a)(2) of section 240001 of the Violent Crime PRACTICES.—The standards and best prac- their locative tracking technology was used Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 tices established by the Attorney General by State, local, and tribal law enforcement U.S.C. 14181), as added by this Act. under subsection (a) shall apply only to the or public safety agencies; (2) REQUIREMENTS.—In establishing the grant programs authorized under subsection (5) the nonprofit organizations, including standards and best practices required under (a)(2) of section 240001 of the Violent Crime the location (city and State) of the head- paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall— Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 quarters and local offices of each organiza- (A) determine— U.S.C. 14181), as added by this Act. tion, that State, local, and tribal law en- (i) the criteria used to determine which in- (d) LIMITATIONS ON PROGRAM.— forcement or public safety agencies dividuals would benefit from the use of a (1) DATA STORAGE.—Any tracking data pro- partnered with and the result of each part- tracking device; vided by tracking devices issued under this nership; (ii) the criteria used to determine who program may not be used by a Federal entity (6) the number of missing children with au- should have direct access to the tracking to create a database. tism or another developmental disability system; and (2) VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION.—Nothing in with wandering tendencies or adults with (iii) which non-invasive and non-perma- this Act may be construed to require that a Alzheimer’s being served by the program nent types of tracking devices can be used in parent or guardian use a tracking device to who went missing and the result of the compliance with the standards and best prac- monitor the location of a child or adult search for each such individual; and tices; and under that parent or guardian’s supervision (7) any recommendations for improving the (B) establish standards and best practices if the parent or guardian does not believe Missing Americans Alert Program. the Attorney General determines are nec- that the use of such device is necessary or in (c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- essary to the administration of a tracking the interest of the child or adult under su- tents in section 2 of the Violent Crime Con- system, including procedures to— pervision. trol and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 is (i) safeguard the privacy of the data used amended by striking the item relating to by the tracking device such that— TITLE IV—MISCELLANEOUS section 240001 and inserting the following: (I) access to the data is restricted to law SEC. 401. NO FUNDS AUTHORIZED FOR BYRNE ‘‘Sec. 240001. Missing Americans Alert Pro- enforcement and health agencies determined CRIMINAL JUSTICE INNOVATION gram.’’. necessary by the Attorney General; and PROGRAM. For fiscal year 2017, no funds are author- TITLE II—EDUCATION AND OUTREACH (II) collection, use, and retention of the data is solely for the purpose of preventing ized to be appropriated for an Edward Byrne SEC. 201. ACTIVITIES BY THE NATIONAL CENTER injury or death to the patient assigned the Memorial criminal justice innovation pro- FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHIL- gram. DREN. tracking device or caused by the patient as- Section 404(b)(1)(H) of the Missing Chil- signed the tracking device; The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. dren’s Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5773(b)(1)(H)) (ii) establish criteria to determine whether HULTGREN). Pursuant to the rule, the is amended by inserting ‘‘, including cases use of the tracking device is the least re- gentleman from Virginia (Mr. GOOD- strictive alternative in order to prevent risk involving children with developmental dis- LATTE) and the gentlewoman from abilities such as autism’’ before the semi- of injury or death before issuing the tracking Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) each will con- colon. device, including the previous consideration trol 20 minutes. TITLE III—PRIVACY PROTECTIONS of less restrictive alternatives; (iii) provide training for law enforcement PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS. agencies to recognize signs of abuse during In this title: Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I am interactions with applicants for tracking de- (1) CHILD.—The term ‘‘child’’ means an in- inquiring whether anyone is in opposi- dividual who is less than 18 years of age. vices; tion to the bill. If not, I would like to (iv) protect the civil rights and liberties of (2) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ claim the time. has the meaning given that term in section the individuals who use tracking devices, including their rights under the Fourth The SPEAKER pro tempore. The 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Chair would inquire if the gentle- Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)). Amendment to the Constitution of the woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) (3) LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.—The term United States; ‘‘law enforcement agency’’ means an agency (v) establish a complaint and investigation is opposed to the bill. of a State, unit of local government, or In- process to address— Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I dian tribe that is authorized by law or by a (I) incidents of noncompliance by recipi- support the bill. government agency to engage in or supervise ents of grants under subsection (a)(2) of sec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- the prevention, detection, investigation, or tion 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and tleman from Texas will control 20 min- prosecution of any violation of criminal law. Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. utes in opposition to the bill. (4) STATE.—The term ‘‘State’’ means each 14181), as added by this Act, with the best practices established by the Attorney Gen- The Chair recognizes the gentleman of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, from Virginia. the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the eral or other applicable law; and United States Virgin Islands, American (II) use of a tracking device over the objec- GENERAL LEAVE Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the tion of an individual; and Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask Northern Mariana Islands. (vi) determine the role that State agencies unanimous consent that all Members (5) UNIT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT.—The term should have in the administration of a track- may have 5 legislative days within ing system. ‘‘unit of local government’’ means a county, which to revise and extend their re- (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The standards and municipality, town, township, village, par- marks and include extraneous mate- ish, borough, or other unit of general govern- best practices established pursuant to para- ment below the State level. graph (1) shall take effect 90 days after publi- rials on H.R. 4919, currently under con- (6) NON-INVASIVE AND NON-PERMANENT.— cation of such standards and practices by the sideration. The term ‘‘non-invasive and non-permanent’’ Attorney General, unless Congress enacts a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there means, with regard to any technology or de- joint resolution disapproving of the stand- objection to the request of the gen- vice, that the procedure to install the tech- ards and practices. tleman from Virginia? nology or device does not create an external (b) REQUIRED COMPLIANCE.— There was no objection. or internal marker or implant a device or (1) IN GENERAL.—Each entity that receives Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I a grant under subsection (a)(2) of section other trackable items. yield myself such time as I may con- SEC. 302. STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR 240001 of the Violent Crime Control and Law USE OF NON-INVASIVE AND NON- Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14181), as sume. PERMANENT TRACKING DEVICES. added by this Act, shall comply with any Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that 60 (a) ESTABLISHMENT.— standards and best practices relating to the percent of the 5.3 million individuals

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.057 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7336 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 with Alzheimer’s disease and 49 percent Mr. Speaker, I rise, but I actually do son is, and we look to the bill, and of of children with autism are susceptible so with a heavy heart. The level of recourse in trying to make this bill to wandering or leaving safe areas and spect I have for the people involved in broader so it would include autism and the protection of a responsible care- this bill is really off the charts. These other developmental disabilities, we giver. The results of wandering can be are wonderful people. I appreciate their see, on page 2, in the section header, we devastating to individuals with Alz- mental clarity, their intellect, and want to make clear this isn’t just Alz- heimer’s disease and children with de- their big hearts all involved in pushing heimer’s disease patients so we insert velopmental disabilities. this legislation in Congress. I can’t at- the word ‘‘Americans,’’ which is a little The legislation we are considering tribute motive outside Congress, but in broader than ‘‘Alzheimer’s disease pa- today is named in honor of two boys Congress, I know it is with the best of tient.’’ with autism who wandered away from intentions and best of hearts. Again, that is in the header, so it is their caregivers and tragically When we start a Federal program, not necessarily language, and people drowned. The special circumstances things that will be only temporary— like me that have had to review lan- surrounding cases of wandering indi- things that were going to be only tem- guage as a judge or a chief justice and viduals are circumstances that people porary come to mind like the income write opinions on what words mean, in local communities such as first re- tax, and it was going to be small and how they apply to these circumstances, sponders and school personnel are often temporary. Well, it is still going on, I see where this goes. We will have a not specifically trained to handle. and it has gotten bigger. I have read Federal tracking program, but it is The cost to local communities for a the bill, and I want to thank the people only for people with Alzheimer’s or au- search for a missing person is ex- involved. I have ultimate respect for tism that wander off. Well, yeah, or de- tremely expensive, even in instances both Chairman GOODLATTE and my velopmental disabilities, and that is where the local law enforcement agen- friend CHRIS SMITH. I just couldn’t have pretty far reaching where we go with cy is trained. That is why we are con- stronger feelings for people. And my that. But it is just a mental health sidering Kevin and Avonte’s Law of friend across the aisle, it would sur- issue and it is a physical issue because 2016. It reauthorizes the Missing Alz- prise some people, but we get along we know—and I know this is what has heimer’s Disease Patient Alert Pro- quite well, and I appreciate the care driven my friend supporting this bill, gram and broadens the program to pro- she has for people. we have had people wander off and be tect children with autism. Though there have been provisions found dead. All of us have seen stories This legislation authorizes DOJ to added—there have been changes made like that. make grants to law enforcement agen- to try to deal with some of the con- The question is: Is it the job of the cies, public safety agencies, and non- cerns that people like me have had—it Federal Government to start a track- profit organizations to provide edu- is still a problem. If you look at page ing program? And since it is mental cational wandering prevention pro- 21, the last page of the bill, it has this disease, obviously the person who gramming to families and caretakers language added: ‘‘Voluntary participa- would be in charge of such a wonderful of individuals who wander, as well as tion. Nothing in this Act may be con- program that would help us track peo- training to first responders and school strued to require that a parent or ple with Alzheimer’s, autism, or other personnel to facilitate rescue and re- guardian use a tracking device to mon- developmental disability, it would be covery. the Secretary of Health and Human The bill also enables parents and itor the location of a child or adult Services. But wait. The bill gives the caregivers to apply for voluntary, under that parent or guardian’s super- authority to the Attorney General of noninvasive tracking technology that vision if the parent or guardian does the United States. We are talking De- can be used to help locate a person who not believe the use of such device is partment of Justice. has wandered away from the care and necessary.’’ Frankly, I looked at making a provi- It does say a couple of places the AG safety of his or her home. While these sion like that and asking that it be in will get with the Secretary of Health devices are already in widespread use, the bill, and then I realized: Wait a and Human Services and collaborate, there are many families that simply but ultimately these decisions are the can’t afford them. The result is often- minute. There are back doors. There decisions of the Attorney General. The times an expensive search borne by are things the Attorney General could Attorney General will make the call. State and local enforcement agencies do that could satisfy the language we The bill specifically says that the At- that all too frequently results in tragic have for ‘‘voluntary.’’ Okay. No, the torney General will also, basically, consequences. parent or guardian won’t have to do We have worked hard to address the that or monitor that, but we have the make all the rules and regulations with privacy concerns that some have raised system in place. It is a Federal system. regard to this tracking system. And about this bill. The updated language So now we have the capability to then it also says that the Attorney makes it explicitly clear that this is a monitor and track people so, you General will formulate the ‘‘best prac- completely voluntary program, that all know, gee, this person is a problem. tices.’’ So maybe to me or someone in tracking devices must be noninvasive, The definition of who could have this this body, developmental disability and that the Federal Government may procedure or implement used is, as we would mean one thing, and we do have not store location data related to the are told, people with Alzheimer’s, peo- definition in Federal law, but there, devices. ple with autism, people who may wan- too, it is quite broad. Finally, we make it clear that such der off or, and the words are, a develop- I so much appreciate the insertion of devices are only to be recommended mental disability. Well, developmental the word ‘‘noninvasive’’ for the track- where they are the least restrictive al- disability, that is a severe or chronic ing device or system, and nonperma- ternative. American communities are disability of an individual 5 years or nent. Well, I know tattoos are non- safer when they are equipped with the older that is attributable to a mental permanent if you go through what I un- training to prevent tragedies from hap- or physical impairment or combination derstand is a pretty painful process. I pening. This legislation will assist of those. And so then we get over into had felony judge friends who would communities in receiving valuable edu- the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual order people to have tattoos removed, cation on how to prevent individuals of Mental Disorders, and we have seen so I guess you could say those were with Alzheimer’s disease and children the evolution of the DSM through 1, 2, nonpermanent. But when you look at with autism from wandering and to re- 3—major changes at 3—4, 5. Personality definitions of what noninvasive is—and spond quickly and appropriately in disorders like antisocial disorder were I don’t find it in the bill. Perhaps it is cases in which they do. I urge all Mem- once called sociopath or psychopath, somewhere in Federal law. But even bers to support this important legisla- but there is an argument that they are then, you have the word ‘‘noninvasive’’ tion. a developmental disorder, and they are subject to interpretation. Whose inter- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of chronic for so many people. pretation? The Attorney General, the my time. So then you begin to see, well, we Department of Justice’s head, to make Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield don’t have a very tight definition of the determination of what is myself such time as I may consume. what a developmentally disabled per- noninvasive.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.109 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7337 A definition in medicine, this or tation of the words on the pages of the squarely, on its face, simply about sav- some similar are often used, that Constitution, that makes you a bigger ing lives. noninvasive would be a process that threat. I support this bipartisan measure be- does not violate the integrity of the So when we are talking about terms cause it addresses an urgent need, one mucocutaneous barriers. Well, if you that we have seen change over the with which I have had firsthand experi- insert a chip just above the subcuta- years, we have seen the Diagnostic and ence. As a Member of the United States neous barriers, would that be Statistical Manual have massive Congress, I take great concern, as we noninvasive? If you go a little bit change. Why? Sometimes it is because all do, with the individual lives of our under the subcutaneous barriers, would medicine, psychology, or psychiatry constituents. I have had at least two that be noninvasive? Well, there is only has made great discoveries and im- occasions to deal with missing adults one way to find out, and that is once provements, and sometimes it is be- whose families have been in pain. the Attorney General formulates the cause one group has a better lobbying Those adults have been missing be- regulations and the best practices, group than others. cause of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Out then we find out what is actually Mr. Speaker, by the way, other good of their plight, we have sought law en- noninvasive. language here is that none of the forcement to be of help to look for There is a procedure, and this indi- money can be used for conferences that these loved ones. cates the people who prepared this may cost more than $20,000, unless they This bill would amend the Violent bill—and I am not being sarcastic. do certain things. Another good provi- Crime Control and Law Enforcement They were really trying to figure out a sion is that none of the money may be Act of 1994 to reauthorize and expand way to protect an overoppressive gov- used to create a Federal database, but the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Pa- ernment. You have to have a procedure the money will be used for State, local, tient Alert Program. Across our Na- of appeal, and the Attorney General nonprofit organizations. tion, there are millions of children who will help set that up. If you have a I can’t find anything that says that suffer from autism or mental develop- complaint, you think something is not we in the Federal Government cannot mental disorders, as well as individuals being done properly, well, the Attorney fund State and local databases of indi- suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or General is going to help create the viduals that have developmental dis- other forms of dementia. What is the crux of this bill? A few rules that allow you to complain or ap- abilities such as they are too religious years ago, Congresswoman WATERS and peal on that. and, therefore, they are deemed to have a developmental disability, antisocial myself introduced amendments to the b 1815 Elder Justice Act and Elder Abuse Vic- personalities. It is just too open and tims Act, which reauthorized and ex- Oh, and by the way, I never wanted there are too many loopholes. to be in a football, basketball, or base- I like the idea; and the more I panded the Missing Alzheimer’s Dis- ease Patient Alert Program’s key pro- ball game—and I love all those sports thought about it, the more I read the visions. and played them all—but I never want- language, the more I saw the open ed to be in the game where the referee The Department of Justice program loopholes that could result in a Federal supports the use of new technologies to is the one that wrote the rules for our tracking system that George Orwell league, because they didn’t yield and help local communities and law en- would have been embarrassed about. forcement officials quickly locate and their opinion was better than the rules So, with brotherly and appeared ap- on the page, no matter what the page identify people with Alzheimer’s dis- preciation for those pursuing this bill ease who wander or are missing and re- said. So the Attorney General can tell out of the best of intentions—just us what he really meant or she really unite them with their families, pro- wanting to stop death and harm to viding vital assistance to a vulnerable meant. one’s self because you have autism, Voluntary, I appreciate that part, population. Alzheimer’s—Mr. Speaker, I humbly Again, Mr. Speaker, it is about sav- but we have a Federal tracking system submit this is a dangerous door for any ing lives. We know, in 2016, one in nine and it says here in the bill it is to pre- government to open, a door that Orwell older Americans have Alzheimer’s dis- vent violence or injury or even death would have warned about. ease; 6 in 10 people with dementia will to one’s self, to the person, or injury to People told me, well, gee, there is ink wander. Alzheimer’s was the sixth lead- someone else. that you can use in a tattoo that can ing cause of death in 2013 in Texas Now, why would this be a concern be tracked. I don’t know. It is a door alone. today, other than the fact that we have that we should not open at the Federal As it relates to children and autism, seen reports come out of the U.S. Com- level to begin a program of tracking, nearly half of the children with autism mission on Civil Rights and the De- no matter whether it is State or local engage in wandering behavior. More partment of Homeland Security who officials that have the database and we than one-third of children with autism think that people who deny manmade get it and look at it or what. who wander are never or rarely able to climate change are committing, basi- So I hope that the bill doesn’t pass communicate their name, address, or cally, a law against nature. They are and we can work together to find ways phone number. Accidental drowning ac- violating a law against nature. to help those who cannot help them- counts for approximately 90 percent of We see now where there are people selves. lethal outcomes as relate to children who just put in your search engine reli- I reserve the balance of my time. with autism who wander. gious beliefs, mental disorders, and you Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, may Let me speak specifically to the leg- will have all kinds of investigations I inquire how much time remains on islation before us and answer the con- come up. There are people in this gov- each side. cerns. There is no evidence in this bill ernment, like those in the U.S. Com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- that any invasive activity will occur. mission on Civil Rights, that think tleman from Virginia has 17 minutes No chip will be put in an adult or a that those who claim to be Christians remaining. The gentleman from Texas child who is suffering either from au- and use code words like ‘religious lib- has 41⁄2 minutes remaining. tism as a child—a wanderer—or an erty,’ that that is code for Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I adult. Islamophobia, homophobia, xeno- yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman It clearly says that this is a collabo- phobia, not understanding that a true from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). ration between the Attorney General Christian is basing their beliefs and Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, let and the Secretary of Health and their trust in Jesus Christ, who is love me thank the gentleman from Virginia Human Services, who will only focus incarnate. for yielding and let me thank the spon- on leading research advocacy, self-ad- Nonetheless, we have government of- sor of this bill. vocacy, and service organizations to ficials that think that religious beliefs Five minutes certainly will not be help establish standards and best prac- are a problem, and that the even bigger enough time to refute my good friend tices relating to the use of noninvasive, problem is, if you are a veteran—that from Texas, but let me start by saying nonpermanent tracking technology is what Homeland Security has said— to my colleagues that this bill is about where the guardian or parent, in con- and you believe in the strict interpre- saving lives. Let me say it again. It is sultation with the individual’s

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.110 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 healthcare provider, has determined Across our Nation, there are millions of chil- developmental and adults with Alzheimer’s or that a noninvasive and nonpermanent dren who suffer from autism or mental devel- dementia—something I have long advocated tracking device is the least restrictive opmental disorders as well as individuals suf- for and worked to make law. alternative to locate individuals. Noth- fering from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms Thousands of adults and children go missing will occur, Mr. Speaker, to any of dementia. ing each year. loved ones without the permission of These children and adults are often at seri- While we must be concerned for all individ- that loved one’s guardian or parent, ous risk of injury or even death when they uals who go missing, adults and children, with and it is only to be able to save lives. wander away from their caregivers. In many mental deficiencies or disabilities, require The Attorney General and the Sec- cases, they are disoriented and unable to more particularized consideration due to their retary of Health and Human Services seek help for themselves. They may not even vulnerability. will have no further input, other than remember their name or where they live. Adults who suffer from Alzheimer’s or de- to make sure that whatever is utilized Worse yet, they can be seriously injured or mentia and children with autism spectrum dis- is noninvasive, best practices, and will worse. orders, or other developmental disorders, are do no harm. This bill, in fact, is named for two young prone to wander away from safe places. What is the role of the Federal Gov- boys—Kevin and Avonte—who died tragically A study published this year by researchers ernment? It is to solve problems. We after wandering away from their caregivers. at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New are attempting to come here today for To address this problem, H.R. 4919 would York reported that more than 250,000 school- the loved ones all over America. Meet significantly improve the Missing Alzheimer’s age children with autism or other develop- the family of an autistic child—a lov- Disease Patient Alert Program in several sig- mental disorders wander away from adult suing child, a loving family. They know nificant respects. pervision each year. that is a talented and wonderful, beau- First, the bill would expand the scope of the The National Crime Information Center re- tiful child, but they have a tendency to Program to authorize grants to locally based ported that, between 2011 and 2015, roughly wander. organizations to fund initiatives, activities, and 16–17 percent of adults reported missing suf- Come, for example, and stand in the services related to children with autism and fered from a mental or physical disability or shoes of a family in Houston, Texas. developmental disabilities. senility. During a wonderful holiday season, the Second, the bill would authorize grants for When these individuals wander away, they Thanksgiving season, a time of joy and the development and operation of location are oftentimes at great risk of serious injury or family gathering, a beautiful little 9- tracking services in appropriate circumstances. even death. year-old boy walked out of the house. H.R. 4919 also expands the grant program This bill is named for two children who wan- They said he may have his iPad with authorized by the Missing Children’s Assist- dered away and drowned. him, he may have his earphones, he ance Act specifically for the National Center Sadly, each one of us has a similar story might not have any shoes on, but don’t for Missing and Exploited Children to provide about a constituent. I have pushed so hard for this type of legis- call his name, don’t bother to chase technical assistance and training in cases in- lation so that we do not have to tell more sto- him, because the likelihood is he will volving children with developmental disorders. ries like the one of Mr. Sammy Kirk, a native run away from you. Although H.R. 4919 expands the existing The SPEAKER pro tempore. The grant system and renames it as the Missing of Houston, whose family called me for help in time of the gentlewoman has expired. Americans Alert Program, the central purpose locating him. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I of the Program will remain the same. Mr. Kirk was 76 years old and suffered from yield the gentlewoman from Texas an Grants would continue to be provided to the dementia when he wandered away. His family searched for him for days to no additional 1 minute. many agencies and organizations that protect avail. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Just think, if and locate missing individuals suffering from In their desperation, they called on me to there had been that acceptable track- disorders that result in wandering with the goal lend my services to them to help find him. ing device, noninvasive. of reducing incidences of wandering and the We searched together for Mr. Kirk for three Mr. Speaker, I am as concerned about resultant risk of injury and death. days and nights. privacy as my good friend from Texas. To ensure these efforts are done effectively, When we found him, he had succumbed to We have sat on the Judiciary Com- prevent abuse with respect to any use of dehydration. mittee together and we have supported, tracking technology, and protect privacy inter- His body lay alongside a bayou, many miles first, when we were dealing with the ests, the bill establishes standards and best away from his home. issues of terrorism after 9/11, the PA- practices. I have advocated for so long, along with my TRIOT Act. We came together. We While H.R. 4919 will help address an impor- colleague, Rep. MAXINE WATERS, in attempting were standing strong against the tant issue, I am concerned that the suspen- to establish a pilot program during the 109th invasiveness that violates the privacy sion version of the bill will reduces the author- and 110th Congresses to provide voluntary of the American people and violates ization for funding for another grant program in electronic monitoring services to elderly indi- the Constitution. This is not that case. order to satisfy the ‘‘cut-go’’ requirements of viduals to assist in locating such individuals There are families out there who are the Majority. when they are reported missing. suffering the loss of their loved ones, I do not see the need to reduce the author- Mr. Kirk and many others might have been whether it is an elderly person or ization for one good program to fund another, saved if such a program already existed. whether it is that beautiful, young and I hope we will be able to address this The need for individual location tracking is child who happens to be autistic, who issue as we work with the Senate on final leg- just as critical as it was in 2008, when I and is in a world of their own and who de- islation for enactment. Congresswoman WATERS offered amendments cided to wander. Just think of the won- Nevertheless, H.R. 4919 overall is an impor- to several bills providing for such programs, derful device that would help save tant measure that will provide real assistance including the Elder Justice Act and the Elder lives. to those who are among the most vulnerable Abuse Victims Act. I ask my colleagues to vote on this in our society. I am pleased that the key provisions of the bill as a lifesaving bill that needs the As this Congress comes to a close, I am Jackson Lee-Waters Amendments have been love and affection of every Member of pleased that my colleagues on both sides of incorporated into the bill before us today. Congress to give love and affection to the aisle have worked together in a spirit of More than 5 million Americans suffer from those families that are suffering and compromise to address a critical issue that un- Alzheimer’s disease and 1 in 68 children has need our help. We are problem solvers. fortunately affects so many Americans. an autism spectrum disorder. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4919, It is my hope that this spirit of cooperation Almost half of wandering Alzheimer’s pa- the ‘‘Kevin and Avonte’s Law of 2016,’’ as will continue into the next Congress, particu- tients will be seriously injured or die if they are amended. larly in the area of criminal justice reform. not found within 24 hours of their departure. I support this bipartisan measure because it I am pleased to support H.R. 4919 because Like their older counterparts, almost half of addresses an urgent need. The bill would this bill would reauthorize and expand the autistic children are expected to wander away amend the Violent Crime Control and Law En- Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Pro- from their caregivers. forcement Act of 1994 to reauthorize and ex- gram and authorize grants to establish and Several studies predict that many of these pand the Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient operate programs that provide location track- children will be at risk of drowning or sus- Alert Program. ing services for children with autism or other taining a traffic injury.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:01 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.112 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7339 The number of citizens suffering from Alz- age 65 and older, and approximately 200,000 being lost, wandering, they find them. heimer’s, dementia, autism, or developmental individuals are under age 65 (younger-onset Those who are not found in 24 hours, disorders is expected to grow rapidly and ex- Alzheimer’s). not only have got a 50 percent chance Almost 2/3 of Americans with Alzheimer’s of getting hurt themselves, but can ponentially. were women in 2014. The time has come for us to offer all that we Among people age 70, 61% of those with hurt other people. About 60 percent of have available to prevent any more stories like Alzheimer’s are expected to die before the the Alzheimer’s community wander at that of Kevin Curtis Wills, or Avonte Oquendo, age of 80 compared with 30% of people with some point. This is a way of protecting Mr. Sammy Kirk, or just as recently as this Alzheimer’s—a rate twice as high. and preventing injury. Thanksgiving holiday, Marcus McGhee. In 2015, 15.9 million family and friends pro- I say to my colleague, my good friend Let us focus our efforts on assisting state vided 18.1 billion hours of unpaid care to from Texas, he is reading into the and local governments in the development of those with Alzheimer’s and other demen- things that are not there. One of the alert systems and technology to protect some tias—an estimated $221.3 billion. groups put out an alert suggesting a In 2016, Alzheimer’s and other dementias of our most vulnerable constituents and locate will cost the nation $236 billion. vote against this and hadn’t even read them, if the time ever comes. Studies have shown that early diagnosis the clarifications out of an abundance This bill would provide for a host of entities and the creation of a stimulating and sup- of caution, again, put in there by Mr. and measures that work together to protect, portive environment can be beneficial in GOODLATTE. locate, and recover loved ones, including edu- slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s. So I would hope that Members would cation and training. In addition to looking for a cure, research- support this. This will save lives. And This bill would also expand the grants that ers are focusing more and more on sup- we are not reinventing the wheel. The can be awarded to the National Center for porting the caregivers who spend upwards of Alzheimer’s program was in effect 13 hours a day caring for loved ones. Missing and Exploited Children to provide without any parade of horribles occur- technical assistance and training in the pre- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ring as a result. vention, investigation, prosecution, and treat- yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from I check with Alzheimer’s patients all ment of cases to also include children with de- New Jersey (Mr. SMITH), the chief spon- the time, Alzheimer’s Association and, velopmental disabilities. sor of this legislation. of course, Autism Speaks, and others Mr. Speaker, I am glad to see this bill be- Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. who are all for this. They want this fore us today. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the desperately because wandering is a se- It is a good piece of legislation that re- Judiciary Committee, Mr. GOODLATTE, rious problem. sponds to a need that has reached a tipping for his enormous efforts and those of We want to get our loved ones, find point. his staff to, out of an abundance of cau- our loved ones who have developmental I am concerned about the cutting of funds tion, address some of the issues that disabilities or have Alzheimer’s, and for the Byrne Innovation program for 2017, were raised by my friend from Texas. I make sure they get back to a safe and however the Continuing Resolution will provide don’t think some of his concerns were secure environment as quickly as pos- funding until April 2017. included or at risk in the bill, but we sible. That is all this does. clarified and made very clear about So I urge my colleagues to support it. CHILDREN WITH AUTISM FACT SHEET voluntary participation and the issue I, again, thank the chairman. I thank Autism is one of the fastest-growing devel- of noninvasiveness and nonpermanent, Mr. CONYERS and others. This is a bi- opmental disorders in the U.S. which is now clearly defined in the leg- Nearly half of children with autism engage partisan bill. Senators GRASSLEY and in wandering behavior. islation. So it is an improvement. Mr. SCHUMER sponsored it on the Senate More than 1/3 of children with autism who GOODLATTE was the one who came up side, Ms. MAXINE WATERS—it is the wander are never or rarely able to commu- with that language. The language that left, right, middle, everybody in be- nicate their name, address or phone number. deals with the collection, use, and re- tween. This is about helping people Accidental drowning accounts for approxi- tention of data is solely for the purpose who are at grave risk when they wan- mately 90% of lethal outcomes among chil- of preventing injury or death to the pa- der. dren with autism who wander. tient. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I Other dangers include dehydration; heat Mr. Speaker, in the year 2000, I co- have no other speakers other than my- stroke; hypothermia; traffic injuries; falls; physical restraint encounters with a strang- founded two caucuses: the Autism Cau- self, and I believe I have the right to er. cus and the Alzheimer’s Caucus. I close, so I will reserve the balance of After intellectual disabilities, autism is wrote three laws on autism, including my time. the most common developmental disorder. the most recent Autism CARES Act, Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield A white child with autism is almost 3 which not only provides $1.3 billion for myself such time as I may consume. times more likely to receive an accurate di- autism and research at NIH, CDC, and I will not bow to anyone who may agnosis of autism on their first visit to a spe- HRSA, but also looks at the aging out think they have greater love or care or cialist, than a black child. issue. commitment to people who suffer from Children diagnosed as early as 18 months to 3 years have the benefit of preschool Law enforcement is not ready to deal dementia or other developmental dis- intervention programs in their most forma- with severely autistic children who, abilities. I have spent an awful lot of tive years. when you approach them, need a cer- time with people I love. The average African-American child with tain approach so that they don’t react But let me just tell you, Mr. Speak- autism is not diagnosed until they are 5 violently, especially if they have a er—let me finish that. The people I years old. sense of threat. love, I don’t know if they knew where Recently, the Centers for Disease Control As my good friend and colleague from they were. I have spent time with fam- released a 2016 report, announcing an in- Virginia, the distinguished chairman ily and people I love who struggle with crease in autism from one child in 88 to one these very issues. I know there is a in 42. said, about 50 percent of autistic chil- Autism costs a family $60,000 a year on av- dren wander. We know at least 100 chil- danger of death. There is a danger of erage. dren since 2011 have died. The bill is injury. Boys are nearly five times more likely named after two of them who drowned. Whether Franklin said it or not, than girls to have autism. those who will give up a little liberty Half of families report they have never re- b 1830 to get security deserve neither. Who- ceived advice or guidance about elopement A benign tracking device that is ever said it, I think it was Franklin, from a professional. noninvasive, there is no collection or some say it wasn’t, but it is true. use other than for the prevention of in- We are told, this is strictly for all AMERICANS WITH ALZHEIMER’S FACT SHEET jury or death, and, of course, there is those people out there that have autis- In 2016, 1 in 9 older Americans had Alz- no national storage. If you ask, I say to tic kids or people with developmental heimer’s disease. my colleagues, your local sheriffs, your disability. Well, they haven’t used—no- 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander. Alzheimer’s was the 6th leading cause of law enforcement about the lifesaving body here has used developmental dis- death in 2013 in Texas. program, some have it, some don’t. ability but me. Of the 5.4 million Americans with Alz- Within about one-half hour of an Alz- But the truth is, the reason I heard heimer’s, an estimated 5.2 million people are heimer’s patient or an autistic patient about this bill, my staff tells me, is we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:01 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.060 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 just got a call from someone who has keeping them safe, and sometimes they Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, on that an autistic child, and they are scared are not. I demand the yeas and nays. to death that the Federal Government But I would argue to you that a The yeas and nays were ordered. is going to start a tracking program tracking device that is not federally The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- for kids with autism. administered, that does not have data ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- And yeah, they will provision in here that is stored by the Federal Govern- ceedings on this motion will be post- that it is supposed to be voluntary, but ment, that is simply a program that al- poned. once you have the system in place—I ready exists and is simply being f can guarantee you, I have seen pro- changed to allow it to apply to families PROMOTING TRAVEL, COMMERCE, grams like this get started. And when with autistic members of the family AND NATIONAL SECURITY ACT I am a judge and law officers come in who want to voluntarily participate in OF 2016 and say, this person is a threat, they this, and is something that not only swear to it, the evidence is in the affi- saves lives but also creates more free- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I davit then, yes, I will give them a war- dom, not more government surveil- move to suspend the rules and pass the rant to go use whatever they say they lance or more government intervention bill (H.R. 6431) to ensure United States believe will be the best way to handle in people’s lives, as the gentleman is jurisdiction over offenses committed the situation. concerned about, but actually more by United States personnel stationed Once it is in place, it is going to be freedom, more freedom so that people in Canada in furtherance of border se- used by more than parents; you can can move about a little more freely, curity initiatives. count on it. And if you look at Page 17: and others can know, family members The Clerk read the title of the bill. The Attorney General shall determine can know where they are. The text of the bill is as follows: the criteria. The Attorney General I think that this is an important H.R. 6431 shall determine the criteria for deter- change in this law that is going to Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- mining who should have direct access make life better for families and give resentatives of the United States of America in to the tracking system and determine them peace of mind, more freedom of Congress assembled, what is noninvasive, what is nonperma- movement, and the ability to find them SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. nent. The Attorney General shall make if they do wander off, as has happened This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Promoting Travel, Commerce, and National Security sure that the tracking device access to so often, as happened in the case of Kevin and Avonte, the children for Act of 2016’’. data is restricted to law enforcement SEC. 2. JURISDICTION OVER OFFENSES COM- and health agencies, but whoever the whom this legislation is named. I want to thank the gentleman from MITTED BY CERTAIN UNITED Attorney General determines. STATES PERSONNEL STATIONED IN I am telling you, this is opening Pan- New Jersey for his hard work over a CANADA. dora’s box. And as a parent said to us, long period of time on this. I think the (a) AMENDMENT.—Chapter 212A of title 18, United States Code, is amended— we can track our child using our own Judiciary Committee has done good work to improve this. (1) in the chapter heading, by striking resources. And if we don’t have the re- I want to thank the ranking member. ‘‘TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS’’; and sources, there are charities that will I want to thank the gentlewoman from (2) by adding after section 3272 the fol- help us. Please don’t let the govern- Texas. I want to thank the staff on lowing: ment start a tracking program because both sides of the aisle for their hard ‘‘§ 3273. Offenses committed by certain United people in this room could end up being work to make this bill, a good bill, States personnel stationed in Canada in on the list of people who end up having even better. furtherance of border security initiatives developmental disabilities; and they To address the concerns raised by the ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Whoever, while em- are a threat, as Homeland Security gentleman from Texas, again, this is ployed by the Department of Homeland Se- says, so many of our veterans and our curity or the Department of Justice and sta- voluntary. We are not starting a pro- tioned or deployed in Canada pursuant to a constitutionalists are today. gram. It already exists. This is about using resources that treaty, executive agreement, or bilateral And the authority of the Attorney memorandum in furtherance of a border se- people have, and if they don’t then let’s General, in conjunction with the De- curity initiative, engages in conduct (or con- use charitable money so that the gov- partment of Health and Human Serv- spires or attempts to engage in conduct) in ernment doesn’t invade our privacy ices, because it is primarily a training Canada that would constitute an offense for any more than it already has, already and education program to State and which a person may be prosecuted in a court does. local law enforcement, so that when of the United States had the conduct been I care about the injuries. I have de- first responders and law enforcement engaged in within the United States or within the special maritime and territorial juris- voted so much of my life to punishing personnel and so on are called to look those who violate people’s space; that diction of the United States shall be fined or for someone whose life is endangered, imprisoned, or both, as provided for that of- harm others; that kill others. I have as it happens every day, unfortunately, fense. not backed away from that commit- somewhere in this great country, they ‘‘(b) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ment. But the government’s job is not will have a new, good, noninvasive tool ‘employed by the Department of Homeland to be a dictator or to be a big brother. to help protect the lives of the inno- Security or the Department of Justice’ We never do that well. cent, the lives of those who don’t know means— I yield back the balance of my time. where they might be headed or where ‘‘(1) being employed as a civilian employee, Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I a contractor (including a subcontractor at they might be and, therefore, can help any tier), or an employee of a contractor (or yield myself the balance of my time. families find them, help first respond- Mr. Speaker, I would say to my good a subcontractor at any tier) of the Depart- ers find them, bring them back to safe- ment of Homeland Security or the Depart- friend from Texas, and he is my good ty, save their lives. That is what this ment of Justice; friend from Texas, that I know that he bill is about. ‘‘(2) being present or residing in Canada in loves people with developmental dis- I urge my colleagues to support this connection with such employment; and abilities, people with Alzheimer’s, fam- legislation. ‘‘(3) not being a national of or ordinarily ilies that face the challenge of autism, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance resident in Canada.’’. and I know that his heart is in the of my time. (b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- right place. But I also know that we The SPEAKER pro tempore. The MENTS.—Part II of title 18, United States have just an honest difference of opin- Code, is amended— question is on the motion offered by (1) in the table of chapters, by striking the ion about what we are doing here and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. item relating to chapter 212A and inserting the best way to save the lives of people GOODLATTE) that the House suspend the following: when they are lost. the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4919, as ‘‘212A. Extraterritorial jurisdiction I know in my community of Roa- amended. over certain offenses ...... 3271’’; noke, Virginia, that we have people, The question was taken. and both with Alzheimer’s and with au- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the (2) in the table of sections for chapter 212A, tism, who wander off. Sometimes fami- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being by inserting after the item relating to sec- lies are able to provide other means of in the affirmative, the ayes have it. tion 3272 the following:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.114 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7341 ‘‘3273. Offenses committed by certain United I want to thank Representatives U.S. airports from Canada. That is a States personnel stationed in KUSTER and STEFANIK for their work on very, very important aspect of this leg- Canada in furtherance of border this bill, and I urge my colleagues to islation, along with its very strong se- security initiatives.’’. support this important legislation. curity commitment. The expansion (c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in I reserve the balance of my time. will include rail preclearance facilities this section or the amendments made by this Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I for the first time, thereby creating an- section shall be construed to infringe upon or otherwise affect the exercise of prosecu- yield myself such time as I may con- other safe and efficient way to travel torial discretion by the Department of Jus- sume. between each country. This bill is in- tice in implementing this section and the Mr. Speaker, my first order of busi- tended to resolve a final procedural im- amendments made by this section. ness is to thank Congresswoman pediment to the full expansion of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- KUSTER for her leadership on this legis- preclearance facilities in Canada by en- ant to the rule, the gentleman from lation; and then to make mention of a suring that U.S. personnel who work at Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE) and the gen- bill just an hour or two ago that bears these facilities are held accountable tlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON mentioning, that I want to take note of under U.S. law. LEE) each will control 20 minutes. the importance of its passage, and that Again, I thank my good friend, Con- The Chair recognizes the gentleman is S. 1632. In the House it was H.R. 3833. gresswoman KUSTER. Her leadership is from Virginia. The Senate bill has now passed, a bill one that we are greatly appreciative of. GENERAL LEAVE to require a regional strategy to ad- I ask my colleagues to support H.R. Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I ask dress the threat posed by Boko Haram. 6431. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6431, unanimous consent that all Members b 1845 may have 5 legislative days within the ‘‘Promoting Travel, Commerce, and Na- As I begin to discuss this bill, the which to revise and extend their re- tional Security Act of 2016.’’ issue of security is on all of our minds, marks and include extraneous mate- This bill would establish U.S. criminal juris- certainly the tragedy of the Boko rials on H.R. 6431, currently under con- diction over offenses committed by federal Haram onslaught in Nigeria, the miss- sideration. employees conducting border security duties The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ing Chibok girls should be on our mind, in Canada. objection to the request of the gen- and this bill that I just mentioned that In so doing, H.R. 6431 will strengthen our tleman from Virginia? was passed and supported by Congress- national security as well as promote the safe There was no objection. woman WILSON of Florida will be a and efficient flow of travelers and goods be- Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I very, very important initiative, one of tween the United States and Canada. yield myself such time as I may con- which I cosponsored and will continue In addition, it will facilitate the expansion of sume. to work on this issue. the U.S. Customs and Border Protection pre- Today we consider on suspension Now I rise in strong support of H.R. clearance facilities in Canada, which is our H.R. 6431, the Promoting Travel, Com- 6431, the Promoting Travel, Commerce, Nation’s largest trading partner. merce, and National Security Act of and National Security Act of 2016. The Each day, our countries trade billions of dol- 2016. The bill’s origin stems from an bill would establish U.S. criminal juris- lars of goods, services and stock investments. international agreement entered into diction over offenses committed by Annually, this relationship generates in excess between Canada and the United States Federal employees conducting border of $1.4 trillion in value. And, this partnership in March 2015, known as the agreement security duties in Canada. In so doing, also creates millions of jobs for both Cana- on Land, Rail, Marine, and Air Trans- H.R. 6431 will strengthen our national dians and Americans. To protect this incredibly important relation- port Preclearance. This agreement es- security as well as promote the safe ship, the ‘‘Beyond the Border Agreement’’ be- tablished an immigration and trade and efficient flow of travelers and tween the United States and Canada created preclearance system to strengthen eco- goods between the United States and a plan to enhance national security and pro- nomic competitiveness and national se- Canada, one of the United States’ strongest allies. mote efficient travel and trade. curity. This Agreement is intended to facilitate the Preclearance facilities permit trav- In addition, it will facilitate the ex- expansion of U.S. Customs and Border Pro- elers to pass through U.S. Customs and pansion of the U.S. Customs and Bor- tection pre-clearance facilities in Canada, Border Protection inspections at a par- der Protection preclearance facilities which prevents inadmissible people and items ticular foreign port prior to entering in Canada, which is our Nation’s larg- from entering the United States before they the United States. This process expe- est trading partner. Each day, our countries trade billions of dollars of reach a U.S. entry point. dites a traveler’s arrival in the U.S., The United States, as a result of this Agree- goods, services, and stock investments. while also protecting national security ment, saves millions of dollars in processing Annually this relationship generates in by preventing from entry those individ- costs and our national security is strengthened excess of $1.4 trillion in value. This uals deemed a threat. because potential threats are stopped before CBP officers currently conduct partnership also creates millions of they access U.S. soil. jobs for both Canadians and Americans. preclearance operations at airports In addition, pre-clearance facilities help al- To protect this incredibly important around the world, including various Ca- leviate congestion for millions of travelers and relationship, the Beyond the Border nadian airports, marine ports, and a traders arriving at U.S. airports from Canada. agreement between the United States rail station in British Columbia. And, the expansion will include rail pre-clear- and Canada created a plan to enhance H.R. 6431 helps implement the fore- ance facilities for the first time, thereby cre- national security and promote efficient going agreement by ensuring that U.S. ating another safe and efficient way to travel travel and trade. Government personnel who are sta- between each country. tioned in Canada, particularly CBP This agreement is intended to facili- This bill is intended to resolve a final proce- preclearance officers, may be held ac- tate the expansion of U.S. Customs and dural impediment to the full expansion of the countable in U.S. courts if they com- Border Protection preclearance facili- preclearance facilities in Canada by ensuring mit a crime while performing their of- ties in Canada, which prevents inad- that U.S. personnel who work at these facili- ficial duties, assuming their actions missible people and items from enter- ties are held accountable under U.S. law. would constitute a crime, if committed ing the United States before they reach H.R. 6431 is an important bill that will ad- in the United States. a U.S. entry point. vance the interests of the United States. Strengthening our Nation’s relation- The United States, as a result of this I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- ship with our northern neighbor is im- agreement, saves millions of dollars in porting this bill, which will allow the expansion portant for both our economy and na- processing costs, and our national se- of preclearance facilities in Canada and there- tional security. H.R. 6431 helps pave curity is strengthened because poten- by enhance national security and promote the way for increased cooperation with tial threats are stopped before they ac- trade and travel in the United States. Canada to spur economic growth here cess U.S. soil. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of at home and prevent those who In addition, preclearance facilities my time. shouldn’t be coming to the United help alleviate congestion for millions Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I States from arriving in the first place. of travelers and traders arriving at yield such time as she may consume to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.062 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. every day in goods and services, sup- woman ELISE STEFANIK, for her tireless STEFANIK), who is one of the chief spon- porting millions of jobs in the U.S. efforts to advance this critical piece of sors of this legislation. Furthermore, approximately 380,000 legislation. I would also thank the 23 Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise people cross our border every day, and bipartisan cosponsors who have cham- today in strong support of H.R. 6431, can do so safely because of the close co- pioned this bill and supported our ef- the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and ordination between U.S. and Canadian forts to pass the bill before the close of National Security Act. border security officials. Many of these the 114th Congress. First I want to take a moment to travelers save time by utilizing I ask for immediate passage of the thank my colleague, Congresswoman preclearance facilities that are oper- bill. I thank the chair and the gentle- KUSTER, for all of her efforts on this ated by Customs and Border Protection woman from Texas. important bill. As you can see, the officials at nine different Canadian air- Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, need for preclearance and this bill ports. I have no further speakers, and I will stretches across party lines and across Preclearance has numerous security, close at this time. our great Nation. travel, and trade benefits that present It is my pleasure to indicate what an In my district and communities in the United States and Canada with a important bill H.R. 6431 is because it northern New York, Canada is more win-win opportunity. First and fore- will advance the interests of the United than just a bordering nation. They are most, preclearance enhances our na- States. I thank the two leading cospon- our neighbors, our friends, and our tional security efforts by detecting sors for their collaboration and for largest trading partner. Plattsburgh, a threats early before they reach U.S. their leadership: the gentlewoman from city in my district, has even branded soil. Because travelers go through cus- New York and the gentlewoman from itself as Montreal’s U.S. suburb, home toms and border inspection prior to New Hampshire. I thank the gentle- to more than 100 U.S. subsidiaries of boarding their plane, preclearance can women so very much for bringing this Canadian companies with 15 percent of intercept inadmissible travelers before bill forward and working so hard on it our area workforce working for a Cana- they reach the U.S. In fact, in 2014 to improve the relationships and the dian or border-related employer. alone, preclearance operations pre- ability for travel and commerce be- That is why I helped lead the efforts vented more than 10,000 inadmissible tween Canada and the United States. to craft H.R. 6431, the Promoting Trav- travelers from coming to the United Madam Speaker, I urge my col- el, Commerce, and National Security States, saving American taxpayers leagues to join me in supporting this Act—a necessary step to solidify the more than $20 million in detention, bill, which will allow the expansion of preclearance agreement between the processing, and repatriation costs. preclearance facilities in Canada, U.S. and Canada, which was reached Second, preclearance boosts cross- thereby enhance national security and over a year ago. border trade by increasing foreign di- promote trade and travel in the United This significant, bipartisan legisla- rect investment, creating new jobs and States. I ask my colleagues to support tion is great news for U.S.-Canadian re- opening up high value tourism to re- this bill. lations. It maintains a positive work- gional markets in the United States. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- ing relationship with border officials, Third, preclearance improves the ance of my time. especially in rural regions like ours in overall experience for travelers—par- Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I the north country, and it allows for fa- ticularly those who travel frequently yield myself the balance of my time. cility sharing along the border. This for work—by reducing wait times at Madam Speaker, I would just like to bill also expands U.S. preclearance op- border crossings. Because passengers say congratulations and good work to erations to help provide expedited undergo screening prior to travel, they the gentlewoman from New York and screening for Amtrak passengers prior are not subjected to long lines when the gentlewoman from New Hampshire. to traveling. This process will allow for they arrive in the United States. This is a good bill, and we should pass an easier and accelerated trip while en- To build upon the existing benefits of it right now. suring necessary protections for our preclearance, the United States and Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- national security. Canada signed a new, groundbreaking ance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage preclearance agreement in 2015 that Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I rise in my colleagues to support this vital leg- will pave the pathway for the expan- support of H.R. 6431, the ‘‘Promoting Travel, islation to maintain a secure northern sion of these facilities at land, rail, Commerce, and National Security Act of border and facilitate travel and com- marine, and air ports of entry. 2016.’’ merce between the U.S. and Canada. I This new agreement represents a 21st The United States and Canada have en- urge the Senate to act quickly to send century approach to border security, joyed a long and fruitful trade relationship this measure to the President. but in order for the 2015 preclearance which has created millions of jobs and Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I agreement to be finalized, we must pumped trillions of dollars into both econo- yield 5 minutes to the distinguished pass legislation in both the United mies. gentlewoman from New Hampshire States Congress and the Canadian Par- This bill protects and supports this relation- (Ms. KUSTER), who is the author of this liament, which is what brings us to the ship by taking the final step necessary to ex- legislation. floor today. pand the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank My bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6431, pre-clearance facilities in Canada. the gentlewoman from Texas, and I the Promoting Travel, Commerce, and It does this by establishing U.S. criminal ju- thank the chair, Mr. GOODLATTE. National Security Act, will finalize the risdiction over offenses committed by federal Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support 2015 preclearance agreement by ensur- employees conducting border security duties of my bill, H.R. 6431, the Promoting ing that the United States has the in Canada. Travel, Commerce, and National Secu- legal authority to fairly hold CBP offi- Pre-clearance facilities help expedite travel rity Act of 2016. cials accountable if they engage in between the United States and Canada by al- In my home State of New Hampshire, wrongdoing abroad. Under the new lowing the U.S. Customs and Border Protec- Granite Staters understand the special preclearance agreement, the United tion to inspect people before they leave Can- relationship that Americans have with States secured the right to prosecute ada. This helps travelers avoid the backlog at Canada. For families in the north coun- U.S. officials if they commit crimes on our Nation’s airports. And helps stop potential try and my district, many of their rel- the job while stationed in Canada. Our threats to our national security before they atives live just across the border in legislation gives the United States the reach the United States. Quebec, and many of our businesses ability to prosecute any cases of Moreover, this joint effort each year saves rely on cross-border trade to grow and wrongdoing on our own soil and en- the United States millions of dollars by repa- expand their operations. sures that we are holding all officials triating individuals and items that are not al- According to the State Department, accountable. lowed in the United States. the United States and Canada share I am so proud of the bipartisan ef- This bill, which is required for the expansion the single longest international border forts to get this bill across the finish of pre-clearance operations in Canada, simply in the world and trade over $1.8 billion line. I thank my colleague, Congress- ensures that U.S. personnel who work at

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.119 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7343 these facilities are accountable under federal ‘‘(3) REVIEW OF CLOSED CASES.—The Deputy and communities to address tensions raised criminal law for their conduct. Chief may, to the extent practicable, reopen by Civil Rights era crimes.’’; I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. and review any case involving a violation de- (6) in section 7— 6431, which ensures a safer and more effi- scribed in paragraph (1) that was closed prior (A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘DEFINITION to the date of the enactment of the Emmett OF ‘CRIMINAL CIVIL RIGHTS STATUTES’’’ and in- cient trade relationship with Canada. Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthor- serting ‘‘DEFINITIONS’’; The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. ization Act of 2016 without an in-person in- (B) in paragraph (6), by redesignating sub- STEFANIK). The question is on the mo- vestigation or review conducted by an officer paragraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), tion offered by the gentleman from or employee of the Criminal Section of the respectively, and indenting the clauses ac- Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE) that the Civil Rights Division of the Department of cordingly; House suspend the rules and pass the Justice or by an agent of the Federal Bureau (C) by redesignating paragraphs (1) bill, H.R. 6431. of Investigation. through (6) as subparagraphs (A) through (F), The question was taken; and (two- ‘‘(4) PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.— respectively, and indenting the subpara- thirds being in the affirmative) the ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Department shall graphs accordingly; rules were suspended and the bill was hold meetings with representatives of the (D) by striking ‘‘In this Act, the term’’ and Civil Rights Division, Federal Bureau of In- inserting: ‘‘In this Act: passed. vestigation, the Community Relations Serv- ‘‘(1) CRIMINAL CIVIL RIGHTS STATUTES.—The A motion to reconsider was laid on ice, eligible entities, and where appropriate, term’’; and the table. state and local law enforcement to discuss (E) by inserting at the end the following: f the status of the Department’s work under ‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE ENTITY.—The term ‘eligible this Act. entity’ means an organization whose pri- EMMETT TILL UNSOLVED CIVIL ‘‘(B) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— mary purpose is to promote civil rights, an RIGHTS CRIMES REAUTHORIZA- In addition to amounts made available to institution of higher education, or another TION ACT OF 2016 carry out this Act under section 6, there is entity, determined by the Attorney General Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I authorized to be appropriated to the Attor- to be appropriate.’’; and move to suspend the rules and pass the ney General $1,500,000 for fiscal year 2017 and (7) by striking section 8. bill (S. 2854) to reauthorize the Emmett each of the next 10 subsequent fiscal years to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- carry out this paragraph.’’; and ant to the rule, the gentleman from Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of (B) in subsection (c)— Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE) and the gen- 2007, as amended. (i) in paragraph (1)— The Clerk read the title of the bill. (I) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘1969’’ tleman from Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) The text of the bill is as follows: and inserting ‘‘1979’’; each will control 20 minutes. S. 2854 (II) in subparagraph (F), by striking ‘‘and’’ The Chair recognizes the gentleman Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- at the end; from Virginia. resentatives of the United States of America in (III) in subparagraph (G), by striking the GENERAL LEAVE Congress assembled, period at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (IV) by inserting after subparagraph (G) ask unanimous consent that all Mem- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Emmett Till the following: bers may have 5 legislative days within Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthoriza- ‘‘(H) the number of cases referred by an eli- which to revise and extend their re- tion Act of 2016’’. gible entity or a State or local law enforcement agency or prosecutor to the Depart- marks and include extraneous mate- SEC. 2. INVESTIGATION OF UNSOLVED CIVIL rials on S. 2854, currently under consid- RIGHTS CRIMES. ment within the study period, the number of The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights such cases that resulted in Federal charges eration. Crime Act of 2007 (28 U.S.C. 509 note) is being filed, the date the charges were filed, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there amended— and if the Department declines to prosecute objection to the request of the gen- (1) in section 2— or participate in an investigation of a case so tleman from Virginia? (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘and’’ at referred, the fact that it did so, and the out- There was no objection. the end; reach, collaboration, and support for inves- Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I (B) in paragraph (2), by striking the period tigations and prosecutions of violations of yield myself such time as I may con- at the end and inserting a semicolon; and criminal civil rights statutes described in sume. (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol- section 2(3), including murders and including Madam Speaker, this bill is an im- lowing: disappearances described in section 2(4), within Federal, State, and local jurisdic- portant step in continuing to inves- ‘‘(3) meet regularly with eligible entities tigate the crimes and terror inflicted to coordinate the sharing of information and tions.’’; and to discuss the status of the Department’s (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the on so many involved in the civil rights work under this Act; period at the end the following: ‘‘and a de- movement. This bill will help to right ‘‘(4) support the full accounting of all vic- scription of the activities conducted under those past wrongs and help to find jus- tims whose deaths or disappearances were subsection (b)(3)’’; tice for the families who lost loved the result of racially motivated crimes; (3) in section 4(b)— ones in the civil rights effort. ‘‘(5) hold accountable under Federal and (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘1969’’ and Specifically, this bill reauthorizes State law all individuals who were perpetra- inserting ‘‘1979’’; and and updates the Emmett Till Unsolved tors of, or accomplices in, unsolved civil (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the period at the end the following: ‘‘, and eligi- Civil Rights Crimes Act that was rights murders and such disappearances; passed 10 years ago. It responds to con- ‘‘(6) express the condolences of the author- ble entities’’; ity to the communities affected by unsolved (4) in section 5— cerns that victims’ families and those civil rights murders, and to the families of (A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘1969’’ working in this area have had about the victims of such murders and such dis- and inserting ‘‘1979’’; and the implementation of the original leg- appearances; (B) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘each of islation. In doing so, it strengthens the ‘‘(7) keep families regularly informed the fiscal years 2008 through 2017’’ and in- collaboration between the FBI, the De- about the status of the investigations of serting ‘‘fiscal year 2017 and each of the 10 partment of Justice, and local law en- such murders and such disappearances of subsequent fiscal years’’; and (5) in section 6— forcement to make sure that the goals their loved ones; and of this legislation are met. By pro- ‘‘(8) expeditiously comply with requests for (A) in subsection (a)— information received pursuant to section 552 (i) by striking ‘‘each of the fiscal years 2008 viding clearer direction and improved of title 5, United States Code, (commonly through 2017’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal year 2017 coordination between all the relevant known as the ‘Freedom of Information Act’) and each of the 10 subsequent fiscal years’’; stakeholders, this bill will help to en- and develop a singular, publicly accessible and sure that these crimes will be solved repository of these disclosed documents.’’; (ii) by striking ‘‘1969’’ and inserting ‘‘1979’’; and families who lost loved ones will be (2) in section 3— and able to find justice. (A) in subsection (b)— (B) by amending subsection (b) to read as This legislation also addresses some follows: (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘1969’’ and of the concerns with the Senate-passed inserting ‘‘1979’’; ‘‘(b) COMMUNITY RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE language by making sure that the bill (ii) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.—Using funds appro- period at the end the following: ‘‘, and eligi- priated under section 3(b)(4)(B), the Commu- is fully offset, that a sunset provision ble entities’’; and nity Relations Service of the Department of is included, and by providing greater (iii) by adding after paragraph (2) the fol- Justice shall provide technical assistance by clarity regarding the collaboration be- lowing: bringing together law enforcement agencies tween various stakeholders.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.064 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Finally, I thank both Ranking Mem- racially motivated hate and violence. I will just say, in concluding, this bers CONYERS and LEWIS—civil rights Emmett Till was a 14-year-old African legislation will have to be a document leaders and icons on these issues—for American young man from Chicago which the Members of Congress will working with Senator BURR and other who allegedly whistled at a White have to breathe life into. We will have stakeholders to reach agreement on woman. Shortly thereafter, he was to insist, regardless of the changing of this bill, as well as for their tireless found murdered and tortured. the guard at the Department of Jus- work on the underlying legislation. Though his accused killers were tice, that this section have the kind of tried, they were acquitted by an all b 1900 funding that is necessary. So the task White jury. Despite attempts at gain- of this Congress is not finished by the It is important that the Federal Gov- ing a Federal indictment in the case, authorization; it must be funded. ernment investigates and prosecutes his torture and murder remain Many families have come to my of- these crimes to the greatest extent unpunished. While his family still fice in deep pain needing more re- possible, and this important legislation grieves, they have channeled their sor- sources for that section, more lawyers, will give the Department of Justice the row into activism for those victims more energetic activity. And so I say ability and the direction to do just still seeking justice. to those who may be assigned to this at that. I believe that it remains important the Department of Justice, take this as I reserve the balance of my time. that the perpetrators of civil rights era a special cause. It is not just unsolved Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I crimes be brought to justice, even 50 cold cases. It is a smear on the democ- yield myself such time as I may con- years later. While justice has been de- racy of this Nation. It is a stain. It is sume. layed for the victims of these crimes, a taint that we should live above by in- Madam Speaker, in June of 2007, this the fact that we are raising these cold sisting that every family have justice body passed, and the President subse- cases breathes new life into our new for the murder of their loved ones, par- quently signed, the Emmett Till Un- justice system. I am thankful to the ticularly those who were in the battle solved Civil Rights Crime Act. Since chairman of the Judiciary Committee, of civil rights when many in this coun- that time, the Department of Justice Chairman GOODLATTE. try lived in the second-class shadow of Ultimately, that commitment bodes and cold case advocates have reviewed racism and discrimination. hundreds of cases in a search for jus- well for our collective future and rec- The civil rights battles were real; tice and a sense of closure for the fami- onciliation within these communities. they were violent in some instances; lies of those who fell victim to racial So I, accordingly, urge my colleagues but thank God there were leaders like to join those of us who are leading in violence in one of the most tumultuous JOHN LEWIS, JOHN CONYERS, many in this movement and effort and support periods of this Nation’s history. this Congress, and certainly the late For those who did not live through this important legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. Dr. Martin Luther King, who always the civil rights era, it is difficult to un- believed, as I do, that we can do this derstand the combined climate of ex- Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my through peace and nonviolence. This is citement for change that coexisted a tool of nonviolence. We must insist with one of fear and violence. Simply time. Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I that they do their task and that we for acting on their ideals of racial yield such time as she may consume to solve these unsolved murderous civil equality, innocent people—young and the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. rights cases, and we do so to heal the old, Black and White—were struck JACKSON LEE). Nation and to continue to promote our down. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, democracy. In some cases, unfortunately, State I thank the dean of this institution. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of and local law enforcement colluded Anyone who has had the privilege of House Amendment to S. 2854, the ‘‘Emmett with the perpetrators of anti-civil working with JOHN CONYERS and JOHN Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthoriza- rights violence; and attempts at justice LEWIS have nothing but admiration and tion Act.’’ often proved to be a charade, ending understanding through their teachings I thank our colleague, JOHN LEWIS of Geor- with jury nullification or tampering by of the lives which they lived. This im- gia, who is widely recognized as the moral racist citizens’ councils. portant legislation is a reflection of conscience of the House for sponsoring the The civil rights community has re- their commitment to these families original legislation and I thank Chairmen ported that for every infamous killing and their personal knowledge of the GOODLATTE and Ranking Member CONYERS, that tore at the South in the 1950s and pain that so many families still now for their work in shepherding this reauthoriza- 1960s, there were many more that were experience through unsolved civil tion through the Congress. barely noted or investigated. We, I am rights crimes. This legislation reauthorizes the ‘‘Emmett proud to say, passed the Emmett Till Emmett Till was one of the most Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Act of 2007,’’ Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act in 2007 noteworthy and violent, and many of which I co-sponsored and strongly support to help bring these cases to light and us still are able to see in our vision the when it was reported favorably by the Judici- seek justice for victims and their fami- picture of the open casket, of brutal- ary Committee, passed by the House and lies. ized and beaten young Emmett Till, a Senate, and signed into law by President Even after nearly a decade of effort 14-year-old boy, and what he had to George W. Bush on October 7, 2008 as Public by advocates in the Justice Depart- suffer. His mother was willing to go Law 110–344. ment, it remains clear that much work through what might have been consid- The legislation before extends until 2027 the remains to heal the wounds of this pe- ered absolute humiliation in terms of authority of the Department of Justice to in- riod of history. To that end, the Em- seeing her son’s body open to the vestigate and prosecute unsolved criminal civil mett Till Reauthorization Act will cre- world; but because it was such a hei- rights crimes, and it expands by a decade the ate a formal framework for public en- nous crime, she was willing for the time period for which the department can re- gagement between the Department of world to see. open cases to investigate; under current law Justice and cold case advocates to This legislation is enormously impor- the cut-off date is 1970. share information and review the sta- tant because it extends, until 2027, the The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights tus and closure of cases through 1980. authority of the Department of Justice Crimes Act of 2007 is and remains necessary The legislation further authorizes ap- to investigate and prosecute unsolved legislation intended to complete some of the propriations and tasks the Depart- criminal civil rights cases and expands, nation’s most important unfinished business. ment’s Community Relations Service by a decade, the time period for which And that is to solve some of the most de- with bringing together law enforce- the Department can reopen cases to in- praved acts of violence against persons be- ment agencies and communities to ad- vestigate. Under current law, the cut- longing to a racial group that was vulnerable, dress the tensions raised by civil rights off date was 1970. The Emmett Till Un- politically powerless, and innocent, and era crimes. solved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007 against those persons who risked life and limb The title of this bill serves as a re- remains necessary legislation intended to help them secure the rights promised in the minder of one of the many lives that to complete some of the Nation’s most Declaration of Independence and made real in was cut much too short as a result of important unfinished business. the Constitution.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.122 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7345 Madam Speaker, in 1989, the Civil Rights Herbert Lee of Liberty, Mississippi, for ex- We are confronted primarily with a moral Memorial was dedicated in Montgomery, Ala- ample, was shot in the head by a state legis- issue. It is as old as the scriptures and is as bama, the birthplace of the modern Civil lator in broad daylight in 1961. clear as the American Constitution. It is, of course, fitting and proper that this One hundred years of delay have passed Rights Movement. since President Lincoln freed the slaves, yet The Memorial honors the lives and memo- legislation bears the name of Emmett Till, their heirs, their grandsons, are not fully ries of 40 martyrs who were slain during the whose slaying in 1955 and his mother’s deci- free. They are not yet freed from the bonds movement from 1954 to 1968, including Em- sion to have an open casket at his funeral of injustice. They are not yet freed from so- mett Till. stirred the nation’s conscience and galvanized cial and economic oppression. And this Na- But we know that many more people lost a generation of Americans to join the fight for tion, for all its hopes and all its boasts, will their lives to racial violence during that era. equality. not be fling free until all its citizens are free. In fact, at the time the Memorial was dedi- Sadly, hundreds of them were killed in that S. 2854 will help ensure that justice is re- cated, the killers of 13 of the 40 martyrs struggle, and many of the killers, like those of ceived by those for whom justice has been de- whose names are inscribed on the Memorial Emmett himself, were never successfully pros- layed for more than two generations. had not been prosecuted or convicted. ecuted. In doing so, this legislation will help this Na- In 10 of the 40 deaths, defendants were ei- Madam Speaker, the heart of the Emmett tion fulfill its hopes and justify its boast that in ther acquitted by all-white juries or served only Till Unsolved Civil Rights Cases Act is sec- America all persons live in freedom. token prison sentences. tions 3 and 4. I strongly support this legislation and urge We also know there are many cases that Section 3 establishes a Deputy Chief of the all Members to join me in voting for its pas- still cry out for justice. Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division. sage. These unsolved crimes represent a con- Section 3 now requires the Attorney General Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I tinuing stain on our nation’s honor and mock to designate a Deputy Chief of the Criminal yield back the balance of my time. its commitment to equal justice under law. Section of the Civil Rights division who will be Mr. GOODLATTE. Madam Speaker, I The legislation before us is intended to help responsible for coordinating the investigation yield myself such time as I may con- us remove that stain once and for all. and prosecution of violations of criminal civil sume simply to say to the gentleman The 40 victims selected for inclusion in the rights statutes that occurred before December from Michigan (Mr. CONYERS), the gen- Civil Rights Memorial fit at least one of three 31, 1979, and ended in death. tleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS), and criteria: (i) they were murdered because they Section 3 also requires a study and report the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. were active in the civil rights movement; (2) to Congress about the number of cases JACKSON LEE) that this is a quest for they were killed by organized hate groups as opened, the number of federal prosecutions justice that needs to be ongoing. I am acts of terror aimed at intimidating blacks and commenced, the number of cases of state and pleased to support this legislation, and civil rights activists; or, (3) their deaths, like local prosecutions where the DOJ assisted, I urge my colleagues to do so. the death of Emmett Till, helped to galvanize the number of cases that have been closed, I yield back the balance of my time. the movement by demonstrating the brutality and the number of open pending cases. Mr. LEWIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in faced by African Americans in the South. Section 4 of the bill establishes a parallel strong support of S. 2854, the Emmett Till Un- The 40 persons who fit the selection criteria component in the Civil Rights Unit of the Fed- solved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization ranged in age from 11 to 66. eral Bureau of Investigation to be headed by Act. Seven were white, and 33 were black. a Supervisory Special Agent designated by This is the Senate companion to H.R. 5067, They were students, farmers, ministers, the Attorney General. the bill I introduced with the gentleman from truck drivers, a homemaker and a Nobel lau- This Supervisory Special Agent in the Civil Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gentleman reate. Rights Unit is responsible for investigating vio- from Wisconsin (Mr. SENSENBRENNER). This But Madam Speaker, there are many, many lations of criminal civil rights statutes that oc- has been a bipartisan, bicameral effort from other victims besides the 40 who are remem- curred not later than December 31, 1979, and the first day, and I ask each and every one of bered on the Memorial. resulted in death. our colleagues to support this important legis- The Southern Poverty Law Center reports The Supervisory Special Agent should, lation. that its research uncovered approximately 75 where appropriate, coordinate investigations Ten years ago, I stood on the House Floor other people who died violently between 1952 with State and local law enforcement officials. and promised to work tirelessly to pass this and 1968 under circumstances suggesting that Madam Speaker, over the past half century, legislation. Two years later, we were success- they were victims of racial violence. the United States has made tremendous For most of them the reason their names progress in overcoming the badges and ful in passing the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil were not added to the Memorial is because vestiges of slavery. Rights Crime Act. That legislation created a not enough was known about the details sur- But this progress has been purchased at Federal strategy to bring justice and healing to rounding their deaths. great cost. the victims, survivors, and families. Sadly, the reason so little is known about Examples of unsolved cases include the When the bill was signed into law, family these cases is because they were not fully in- 1968 ‘‘Orangeburg Massacre’’ at South Caro- members, academics, historians, lawyers, ad- vestigated or, in some cases, law enforcement lina State University where state police shot vocates started working towards a full ac- officials were involved in the killings or subse- and killed three student protesters; the 1967 counting for these gross human and civil rights quent cover-ups. shooting death of Carrie Brumfield, whose atrocities. The reauthorization that we are con- And because the killings of African Ameri- body was found on a rural Louisiana road; the sidering today responds to the their appeals to cans were often covered up or not seriously 1957 murder of Willie Joe Sanford, whose Congress to make the law whole—to ensure investigated, there is little reason to doubt that body was fished out of a creek in that their thoughtful, tireless work did not fall many slayings were never even recorded by Hawkinsville, Georgia; the 1946 killing of a on deaf ears and end up in a forgotten draw- the authorities. black couple, including a pregnant woman, er. The reason justice had not been served was who was pulled out of a car in Monroe, Geor- So many people have died; so many fami- the callous indifference, and often the criminal gia, and dragged down a wagon trail before lies have mourned; so many communities collusion, of many white law enforcement offi- being shot in front of 200 people. have suffered. Mr. Speaker, as you know this cials in the segregated South. Solving these cases like these is part of the bill is named for a 14-year-old boy who was There simply was no justice for African great unfinished work of America. brutally murdered 61 years ago for allegedly Americans during the civil rights era. Madam Speaker, 53 years ago, Medgar whistling at a white woman. Many people here The whole criminal justice system—from the Evers was murdered in Jackson, Mississippi; tonight will recognize the names of Emmett police, to the prosecutors, to the juries, and to justice would not be done in his case for more Till, Medgar Evers, James Chaney, Andrew the judges—was perverted by racial bigotry. than twenty years. Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, but few African Americans were routinely beaten, But that day was foretold because the know of the countless other possible victims of bombed and shot with impunity. evening before the death of Medgar Evers, on racially motivated crimes during this period. Sometimes, the killers picked their victims June 11, 1963, President John F. Kennedy This bill restores hope for the families of so on a whim. addressed the nation from the Oval Office on many who have unanswered questions—like Sometimes, they targeted them for their ac- the state of race relations and civil rights in the Atlanta Five in my congressional district. In tivism. America. 1974, five African-American men—Lee Roy In other cases, prominent white citizens In his historic speech to the nation President Holloway, Robert Walker, Marvin Walker, John were involved and no consequences flowed. Kennedy said: Sterling and Lonnie Merritt—left Atlanta for a

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The question was taken; and (two- for the site acquisition, design, management I said before, and I will say it again—we thirds being in the affirmative) the and inspection, and construction of a new rules were suspended and the bill, as federally-owned headquarters facility for the have a mission, an obligation, and a mandate Federal Bureau of Investigation of not more to restore faith in the cornerstones of our de- amended, was passed. than 2.1 million rentable square feet in the mocracy and accountability in the pursuit of A motion to reconsider was laid on National Capital Region for the General truth and justice whenever possible. This bill the table. Services Administration, for which a pro- does just that. f spectus is attached to and included in this In developing this legislation, we took the resolution. COMMUNICATION FROM CHAIR OF time to research and study what happened Provided, the total funds made available COMMITTEE ON TRANSPOR- after the original bill was signed into law. We through appropriations, including funds TATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE listened to and were guided by the advocates, transferred to the ‘‘Federal Bureau of Inves- by law professors, by families, and by the The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- tigation, Construction’’ account, do not express. We worked across the aisle and across fore the House the following commu- ceed $2.11 billion (excluding the value realized from the exchange of the J. Edgar Hoo- the Dome to develop a bill that fulfills our nication from the chair of the Com- mittee on Transportation and Infra- ver building, outfitting, and decommis- promise to never give up on this effort—to sioning costs). never abandon the pursuit of truth. structure; which was read and, without Provided further, the Administrator con- Madam Speaker, at this time, I would like to objection, referred to the Committee on Appropriations: siders transportation impacts, including Na- thank the Civil Rights and Restorative Justice tional Capital Planning Commission rec- Project at Northeastern University School of HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COM- ommendations on parking and proximity to Law; the Cold Case Justice Initiative at Syra- MITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND metro rail. cuse University College of Law; the Emmett INFRASTRUCTURE, Washington, DC, December 7, 2016. Provided further, the Administrator con- Till Justice Campaign; the Emmett Till Legacy Hon. PAUL RYAN, siders the total costs to the government for Foundation; the Georgia Civil Rights Cold Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, relocations, site preparation, and site acqui- Case Project at Emory University; the Leader- The Capitol, Washington, DC. sition. ship Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR); the DEAR MR. SPEAKER: On December 7, 2016, Provided further, that such appropriations Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation; the pursuant to section 3307 of Title 40, United are authorized only for a project that results National Association for the Advancement of States Code, the Committee on Transpor- in a fully consolidated FBI Headquarters fa- tation and Infrastructure met in open ses- Colored People (NAACP); the NAACP-Legal cility. sion to consider six resolutions included in Provided further, that the Administrator of Defense Fund (NAACP-LDF); the National the General Services Administration’s Cap- General Services shall transmit to the Com- Urban League; and the Southern Poverty Law ital Investment and Leasing Programs. mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure Center (SPLC). The leadership and staff of The Committee continues to work to re- of the House of Representatives and the these institutions fought long and hard for this duce the cost of federal property and leases. Committee on Environment and Public legislation. They deserve recognition and ap- Of the six resolutions considered, the two construction projects include a federal Works of the Senate a report on the con- preciation. struction of a new headquarters for the Fed- I would also like to thank the thousands of courthouse consistent with existing funding, and the four lease prospectuses include sig- eral Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The re- people across the country who signed peti- nificant reductions of leased space. In total, port transmitted under this provision shall tions, called, emailed, and urged for Congress these resolutions represent $56 million in include a summary of the material provi- to act. Mr. Speaker, we must thank them for avoided lease costs and offsets. sions of the construction and full consolida- their determination, their passion, and their I have enclosed copies of the resolutions tion of the FBI in a new headquarters facil- commitment to justice. adopted by the Committee on Transpor- ity, including but not limited to, a schedule, tation and Infrastructure on December 7, the square footage, proposed costs to the In closing, I would like to thank the Chair, Government, and a description of all build- the Ranking Member, the lead sponsors, our 2016. Sincerely, ings and infrastructure needed to complete House Leadership, the staff, and all the Mem- BILL SHUSTER, the project. bers who supported this effort. I ask each and Chairman. Provided further, that the Administrator every one of my colleagues to support this im- Enclosures. shall not delegate to any other agency the portant legislation and let it become law. COMMITTEE RESOLUTION authority granted by this resolution. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The CONSTRUCTION—FBI HEADQUARTERS Provided further, that the Administrator’s question is on the motion offered by CONSOLIDATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION authority to make an award of this project the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Resolved by the Committee on Transportation expires two years from the date of the adop- GOODLATTE) that the House suspend and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- tion of this resolution.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS -CONSTRUCTION FBI HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Prospectus Number: PNCR-FBI-NCR 17 Congressional Districts: MD4,5 VA8

FY 20J7 Project Summar~ The Generul Services Administration (GSA) proposes construction of a new federally owned facility of approximately 2.1 million rentable square feet (RSF)1 to provide a consolidated Headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the National Capital Region (NCR). The FBI Headquarters facility will bring together employees from the J. Edgar Hoover Building (JEH) and 13 leased locations across the NCR into a new, modem and secure facility tailored to fully support FBI's national security, intelligence and law enforcement missions. The proposed GSA construction funding in this prospectus will partner with construction funding requested in appropriations to the FBI, FY 2016 enacted appropriations, the value of the JEH exchange and other available FBI resources to support the construction cost ofthe FBI Headquarters facility.

FY 2017 Committee Approval and Appropriation Requested (Design, Construction, and Management and lnspection) ...... $759,000,000

Overview of Project As an intelligence-driven and a threat-focused national security organization with both national security and law enforcement responsibilities, the mission of the FBI is to protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of the United States, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to federal, state, municipal, and international agencies and partners.

The proposed FBI Headquarters facility will consolidate FBI personnel from the JEH and 13 leased locations. The proposed facility will accommodate approximately 11,000 personnel, resulting in an open-plan workspace environment to include state-of-the-art IT infrastructure as required by the FBI's national security mission. The facility will be built to meet ISC Level V security specifications on one of three previously identified sites. Initial programming provides 6,697 to 8,155 structured and unstructured parking spaces2 for official vehicles, employees, and visitors.

At the time of project initiation, the FBI was housed in 21 locations throughout the NCR, including JEH, occupying an aggregate total of3,029,709 rentable square feet. Over the

1 This prospectus references an estimated total rentable square feet. The total rentable square footage will vary depending upon the final rentable to usable factor which will be detennined by the winning bid, design and selected site. 2 The actual amount of parking required will be dependent upon final site selection and the availability of alternate means of transportation.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION FBI HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Prospectus Number: PNCR-FBI-NCR 17 Congressional Districts: MD4,5 VA8

intervening years, FBI .has taken a number of actions resulting in a decrease in the agency's footprint Today, FBI Headquarters functions in the NCR are housed in 14 locations, totaling 2,930,552 rentable square feet. Staff in each of these 14 locations will be consolidated into the new FBI Headquarters facility. The precise RSF for the new FBI Headquarters facility will vary based on the final RIU factor which is dependent upon the winning bid, design and selected site.

Location and Site Area The project includes conveying title to JEH to the winning bidder in exchange for a newly constructed FBI Headquarters facility at one of the three previously identified potential sites in Greenbelt, MD, Landover, MD, and Springfield, VA.

Greenbelt...... z ...... 61 acres Greenbelt - Comprised of approximately 61 acres of land owned by the State of Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and controlled by GSA pursuant to a purchase option agreement. Located at the Greenbelt Metrorail Station, in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Landover ...... 80 acres Landover- Comprised of approximately 80 acres, privately owned, and controlled by GSA pursuant to a purchase option agreement between GSA and the current site owner. Located at the site of the former Landover Mall, in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Springfield ...... 58 acres Springfield - Comprised of approximately 58 acres of federally owned land under the custody and control of GSA. Located at the current site of the GSA Franconia Warehouse Complex in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Building Area The proposed transaction allows the bidders to submit proposals to construct the FBI Headquarters facility on one of the tlrree sites described above. Bidders have the opportunity to submit proposals on one, two or all three of the identified potential sites. Building (excluding parking) ...... ~ ...... 2,100,000 RSF

Bidders are required to accommodate parking consistent with the number of spaces required for each location: 6,697 spaces for Greenbelt; 8,155 spaces for Landover; 7,039

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS "'CONSTRUCTION FBI HEADQUARTERS CONSOLJDATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Prospectus Number: PNCR-FBI-NCR 17 Congressional Districts: MD4,5 VA8

spaces f·or Springfield, each inclusive of 425 official vehicles (including Bureau Cars and FBI police). Distribution between structured and unstructured parking will be dependent upon the site and the proposal made by the bidder. Project Budget I The costs of the consoJidated FBI Headquarters facility will be supported by: (1) FY 2016 enacted funds from the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, which included $180 million in FBI construction funding, $135 million in resources made available from the FBI's prior year balances, and $75 million in GSA FBF construction funding; (2) the value realized from the exchange of the JEH; (3) the President's Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal of $759 million in construction funding within the GSA FBF; and (4) the President's Fiscal Year 2017 budget proposal of $646 million in the FBI's Construction account. Combined, these funds should ensure that GSA is in a position to award the project on schedule in FY 2017, and support the design and construction of the full consolidation. It is anticipated that outfitting and transition costs will be addressed by the FBI in future years. Schedule Start End* GSA Construction Management/Oversight Activities FY2016 FY2022 Design and Construction FY 2017 FY2022

(*Identified end dates for both management and oversight, and design and construction arc estimates. Actual schedules will be established following award with the winning bidder during design development)

Tenant Agencies Federal Bureau oflnvestigation

Justification The FBI is in urgent need of a consolidated Headquarters facility to support infommtion sharing) collaboration, and integration of strategic priorities. Currently, FBI Headquarters elements are dispersed over 14 locations in the greater Washington, DC area. This dispersion and fragmentation has created significant challenges to effective command and control and to facilitating organizational change. Dispersion diverts time and resources, hampers coordination, decreases flexibility, and impedes the FBI's ability to rapidly respond to ever changing, asymmetric threats. The FBI needs a consolidated Headquarters facility and operations center to support infonnation sharing, collaboration and integration of strategic priorities. By consolidating into a single location, FBI will

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS ---CONSTRUCTION FBI HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Prospectus Number: PNCR-FBI-NCR 17 Congressional Districts: MD4,5 VAS

realize significant mission synergies, and greatly increase workforce and mission security compared to the varying risk scenarios existing throughout the current facilities.

The FBI has occupied JEH since 1974. The approximately 1.8 million rentable square foot (2.4 million gross square toot) JEH sits on 6.7 acres of land fronting Pennsylvania Avenue and is a prime location for office, retail, and residential uses. The building was designed at a time when FBI operated differently, and it cannot be redeveloped to provide the necessary space to consolidate the FBI Headquarters components or to meet the agency's physical security and current and projected operational requirements. Furthermore the IT infrastructure in JEH has reached capacity and cannot be expanded further. These challenges can best be addressed through consolidation and by providing a flexible infrastructure capable of supporting multiple IT systems. The JEH was not designed to support today's FBI mission that includes an increased emphasis on national security.

JEH and virtually all of the 13 offsite leased facilities do not meet the applicable Interagency Security Committee (ISC) Standards. Senate Report 110-397 - Departments of Commerce and Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2009, conc1uded that JEH does not meet the lSC physical security criteria. As the central facility for the management of intelligence and national security programs, the FBI Headquarters facility must have high reliability and survivability of utilities and infrastructure.

Due to the critical need for continuous operations of the FBI. the consolidated FBI Headquarters must be resilient to safeguard the mission it houses and remain operational and capable in the event of local or regional emergency. The facility must provide the FBI the ability to anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing conditions and withstand, respond to, and recover rapidly from disruptions. In order to achieve resilience, the program includes utility and building systems redundancy, back-up power generation and water storage requirements, and energy and water efficiency targets. Requirements for utility redundancy include dual feed~ for communications, electric service, potable water, and natural gas. Where appropriate, delivery of building services must also be redundant to ensure continued operability in the event of a disruption internal to the facility.

Summaa of Energy Compliance The consolidated FBI Headquarters facility will be designed to attain a Gold rating in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building Design and Construction (BD+C) rating system, as required by GSA policy for new Federal

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION FBI HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Prospectus Number: PNCR-FBI-NCR 17 Congressional Districts: MD4,5 VA8

lacilities. Furthennore, it will be LEED Operations and Maintenance (O+M) "ready" to ensure that the building systems are operated and maintained efficiently over the long tcnn, protecting the government's investment.

Energy and Resources- Design, construction, and ongoing operation of the facility will minimize the impact on the environment and the utilization of energy and other scarce and non-renewable resources. The project will consider operational requirements, and focus on strategies that support energy surety goals, incorporating principles of energy source diversity, onsite renewable energy, energy storage, net-zero energy readiness, and micro-grids, as appropriate, infonned by mission goals and life-cycle cost analyses.

Sustainability - Design and construction of the facility will achieve a minimum of LEED Gold rating in the BD+C v4 rating system. The new facility will comply with all applicable federal sustainability requirements. It will also consider operational requirements, and incorporate principles of passive design, onsite management of stonn water and waste, resource efficiency, human health and well-being, and life cycle costing.

Reliability and Resilience - The facility will be designed to have high reliability and survivability of utilities and infrastructure. It will include efficient, state-of-the-art HV AC, lighting, power, security, and telecommunications systems and equipment that require minimal. maintenance and are designed with backup capabilities to ensure minimal loss of service or downtime. Design of the site and buildings will include principles of energy and water surety, and resistance and resilience to climate change. Incremental climate change impacts, extreme weather conditions, and/or other extreme events, will result in minimal disruption to the mission of the FBI Headquarters complex and the safety of its occupants. The building enclosure systems and critical building systems will be designed to optimize performance and resilience in response to potential extreme events and conditions.

Prior Appropriations

Prior Appropriations Public Law Fiscal Year Amount Purpose 114-113 2016 $75,000,000 Construction Management and oversight activities and other project support costs Aj>propriations to Date $75,000,000

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GSA ______~~--~------~------~P~B==S

PROSPECTUS- CONSTRUCTION FBI HEADQUARTERS CONSOI.JDATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Prospectus Number: PNCR-FBI-NCR 17 Congressional Districts: MD4,5 VAS

Prior Committee Approvals None

Alternatives Considered The proposed state-of-the-art FBI Headquarters facility is a unique asset, built to the Government's specifications in the form of a detailed Program of Requirements. The proposed facility will meet the long term needs of the FBI. GSA analyzed the modernization and redevelopment of JEH, but in addition to being cost prohibitive, the current facility as sited is not capable of meeting the square footage, security setback, or operational requirements of the FBI. A leased alternative is not cost-effective given FBI's 46 year history in the current location and the stated 50+ year requirement for the proposed facility. A leased alternative is not considered to be cost effective and the 30 year present value of such altemati ve was not analyzed.

Recommendation CONSTRUCTION

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GSA PBS

I)ROSPECTUS CONSTRUCTION FBI HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATION NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Prospectus Number: PNCR-FBI-NC'R 17 Congressionul Districts: MD4,5 VA8

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

Submitted at Washington, DC. on -~ __ _E'ebruary 8, ~~--0_16=----·-----~-~------·----·- .

Recommended:

Approved: ---'~uo::>t'C"-----;1£'--.-"'-~""""-"-=-.;;;:....-=..______Administrator, General Services Administration

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION total estimated construction cost of adopted by the Judicial Conference of the $32,527,000, and total management and in- NEW U.S. COURTHOUSE—ANNISTON, AL United States. spection cost of $3,234,000 for a total esti- Resolved by the Committee on Transportation Provided further, that the Administrator of mated project cost, including prior author- General Services shall ensure that the con- and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- izations, of $42,575,000, for which a prospectus struction of the new courthouse contains no resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, is attached to and included in this resolu- more than two courtrooms, including one for appropriations are authorized for the site action. This resolution amends prior authoriza- Senior District Judges and one for Bank- quisition, design and construction of a new tions of July 24, 2002 and July 23, 2003. U.S. Courthouse of approximately 63,000 Provided, that the Administrator of Gen- ruptcy Judges. gross square feet, including approximately 13 eral Services shall ensure that construction Provided further, that the design of the new parking spaces, in Anniston, Alabama at an of the new courthouse complies, at a min- courthouse shall not deviate from the U.S. additional site and design cost of $2,414,000, a imum, with courtroom sharing requirements Courts Design Guide.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS NEW U.S. COURTHOUSE ANNISTON, AL

Prospectus Number: PAL..cTC~AN 16 Congressional District: 03

FY 2016 Pro led Summary The General Services Administration {GSA) proposes the acquisition of a site. and the design and construction of a new U.S. Courthouse of approximately 63,000 gross square feet (gsf), including 13 inside parking spaces in Anniston, AL. GSA will construct the courthouse to meet the 1()..year space needs of the court and court-related agencies and the site will accommodate the anticipated 3Q..year needs of the court. The Judici8!}''s Courthouse Project Priorities list (approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States on September 17, 2015) includes a courthouse projed in Anniston, AL.

FY 2016 House and Senate Committee Approval Rsguested (Additional Site and Desigu, Construction, Management & Inspection) ······~--.-S38,175,000

FY 2016 Funding Requested (as outlined in tbe FY 2016 Spend Plag) (Additional Site nnd Design, Construction, Management & Inspection) .. -.-.... 538,175,000

Overview of Proiect The courts and related agencies are currently located in the Federal Building-Courthouse (FB CT) as well as one leased location in Anniston. The FB-CT, built in 1906, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places The new courthouse will provide two courtrooms and three chambers consistent with the application of courtroom sharing policies and limitation on the provision of space for projected judgeships. The site for the new courthouse will be in the central business area of Anniston.

Site Information To Be Acquired ...... Approximately 3 acres

Building Area 1 Gross square feet (excluding inside parking) ...... 57,000 Gross square feet (Jncludins inside parking) ...... 63,000 Inside parking spaces...... 13

1 Square footages and number of parking spaces are approximau:. The acrual project may cootain a variance in gross square footage from that listed in this ~IUS.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS NEW U.S. COURTHOUSE ANNISTON, AL

Prospectus Number: Congressional District:

Estimated Proiect Budget Site Cost (FY 2004) ...... $2,500,000 Estimated Additional Site ...... $554,000 Design (FY 2004) ...... $1~900,000 Estimated Additional Design ...... $1,860,000 Estimated Construction Cost (ECC} ($516/gsf, including inside parlcing) ...... $32,527,000 Estimated Management and Inspection (M&J) ...... $3,234,000 Estimated Total Project Cost (ETPC)* ...... --...... - ...-·----· $42,575,0001

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

Schedule Start End Design & Constntction FY 2016 FY 2021

Teuaut Agencies U.S. District Court. U.S. Bankntptcy Court, U.S. Probation Office, U.S. Department ofJustice~ Marshals Service, trial preparation space for the U.S. Department of Justice- Office of the U.S. Attorney, and OSA.

Justification The existing FB·CT, constructed in 1906 and expanded in 1935t does not meet the U.S. Courts Design Guide standards, does not provide for future expansion, and lacks adequate security. There is no separate circulation for judicial officers and prisoners, and no secure elevators in the building. Further, there are no courtroom holding cells, central cellblock, prisoner sallyport, and no secured parting available to the courts. The new courthouse will provide separate circulation for the public, judges, and prisoners, thereby improving security, as well as the efficiency of court operations. Relocation of agencies from leased space to the new courthouse will result in savings of approximately $195,000 in future annual lease payments to the private sector.

Due to changes in program since previous project approval. courtroom sharing, and exclusion of projected new judgeships, the proposed project has decreased in size and scope (from the previously approved 65A82 gsf).

~ GSA requests approval for a total project cost. As ooecd in the estimated pmjm bud&c:t above, GSA identified sub-totals comprising the estimated project budget are intended to provide a bmWiown in support of the ETPC. The actual toml cosa 10 perform the entire project may differ from what is represenled in this pmspeaus by the various subcompoamu.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS NEW U.S. COURTHOUSE ANNISTON, AL

Prospectus Number: PAL..cTC·AN 16 Congressional District: 03

Space Requirements or the U.S. Courts

Current Proposed Courtrooms Judees Courtrooms Judees District ' -Active I I 0 ' 0 -Senior 0 0 1 1 -Visiting 0 0 1

Bankruptcy 1 1 1 1

Total: 2 2 2 3

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

Future or Ex.lstiDg Federal 8uUdlng3 The Federal tenancy in Anniston does not support the need for two courthouses; therefore, GSA will explore alternatives associated with the disposal of the existing courthouse. Some of these alternatives include donation or exchange.

1 11.Us section is included to address recom.mendations in the following GAO Report: Fcdcrnl Courthouses· Better PIIUUling Needed Regarding Reuse of Old Courthous.es {GA0-14-48).

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS NEW U.S. COURTHOUSE ANNISTON, AL

Prospectus Number: PAL-crC-AN J6 Congressional District: 03

Prior Appropriations

Prior Appropriations Pubtie Law Fiscal Year Amount Proposed Project 108-199 2004 $4,400,000 Site and Design 114-113* 2016 $38, J75,000 Additional Site & Design, ECC & M&I

Appropriations to Date S4:Z.S75,000 .. ... •Public Law 114-J 13 funded $947,760,000 for new construction projects oflbc Fedeml Judsa:ary as pnontized m the Federal Judiciary Courthouse Project Priorities list, of which Anniston is included. GSNs Spend Plen

Prior Committee Approvals

Prior Committee Approvals Committee Date Amount Proposed Project HouseT&l 7'2412002 $3,090,000 Site and Design for 65,482 gsf. 20 inside parking spaces Senate EPW 9126/2002 $3,090,000 ·Site and Design for 65,482 gsf; 20 inside parking spaces HouseT&I 72312003 $1,291.000 Additional Site and Design for 65.482 gsf, 20 inside parking spaces Senate EPW 62312004 $1,291,000 Additional Site and Design for 65,482 gsf; 20 inside parking spaces

House Approvals to Date $4,381,000 Senate Approvals to Date $4,.381,000

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS NEW U.S. COURTHOUSE ANNISTON, AL

Prospectus Number; PAL-CTC-AN 16 Congressional District: 03

Certification of Need

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

Submitted at Washington, DC, on ..

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION $21,918,000 for a lease term of up to 15 years, an overall utilization rate of 124 square feet LEASE—DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, a prospectus for which is attached to and in- or higher per person. cluded in this resolution. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, OFFICE Provided that, to the maximum extent Approval of this prospectus constitutes au- OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, NORTHERN VA practicable, the Administrator shall include thority to execute an interim lease for all Resolved by the Committee on Transportation tenants, if necessary, prior to the execution in the lease contract(s) a purchase option. and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- of the new lease. Provided further, that the Administrator resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, Provided that, the Administrator of General shall require that the delineated area of the appropriations are authorized for a lease of Services and tenant agencies agree to apply procurement is identical to the delineated up to 562,000 rentable square feet of space, in- an overall utilization rate of 124 square feet area included in the prospectus, except that, cluding 4 official parking spaces, for the De- or less per person, except that, if the Admin- if the Administrator determines that the department of Homeland Security, Customs istrator determines that the overall utiliza- lineated area of the procurement should not and Border Protection, Office of Information tion rate cannot be achieved, the Adminis- be identical to the delineated area included Technology currently located in 11 separate trator shall provide an explanatory state- in the prospectus, the Administrator shall buildings dispersed across six locations in- ment to the Committee on Transportation provide an explanatory statement to the cluding six buildings in the VA–95 complex and Infrastructure of the House of Rep- Committee on Transportation and Infra- located at Boston Boulevard and Fullerton resentatives prior to exercising any lease au- structure of the House of Representatives Road in Springfield, Virginia and other loca- thority provided in this resolution. prior to exercising any lease authority pro- tions at 1801 N. Beauregard Street in Alexan- Provided that, except for interim leases as vided in this resolution. dria, 6350 Walker Lane in Springfield, 7799 described above, the Administrator may not Leesburg Pike in Falls Church, 13990 Park enter into any leases that are below pro- Provided further, that the General Services East Circle in Chantilly, and 5971 spectus level for the purposes of meeting any Administration shall not delegate to any Kingstowne Village Parkway in Alexandria, of the requirements, or portions thereof, in- other agency the authority granted by this Virginia at a proposed total annual cost of cluded in the prospectus that would result in resolution.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CUSTOMS AND BOR.DER PROTECTION OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NORTHERN, VA

Prospectus Number: PV A-0 1-W A 17 Congressional Districts: 8, I0, I I

Executive Summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a lease for approximately 562,000 rentable square feet (RSF) of space for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of lnfonnation Technology (OIT), currently located in leased space in II separate buildings dispersed across six locations including six buildings in the V A-95 complex located at Boston Boulevard and Fullerton Road in Springfield, VA. Other locations are ISO I N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA; 6350 Walker Lane, Springfield, VA; 7799 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA; 13990 Park East Circle, Chantilly, VA; and 5971 Kingstowne Village Parkway, Alexandria, VA.

The lease will enable DHS/CBP/OIT to provide continued housing as well as more modem, streamlined, and efficient operations. It will significantly improve space utilization, as the office utilization rate will be improved from 113 to 64 usable square feet (USF) per person, and the overall utilization rate from 184 to 124 USF per person, reducing the DHS/CBP/OIT footprint for this occupancy by approximately 67,680 RSF.

Description

Occupant: Customs and Border Protection Current Rentable Square Feet (RSF) 629,680 (Current RSFIUSF:; 1.08) 1 Proposed Maximum RSF : 562,000 (Proposed RSFIUSF = 1.20) Expansion/Reduction RSF: 67,680 (Reduction) Current Usable Square Feet/Person: 184 Proposed Usable Square Feet/Person: 124 Proposed Maximum Leasing Authority: 15 years Expiration Dates of Current Lease(s): 09/30/19,08/01120, 12/07/20, 12/31120, 5/31/21, 08/10/21 De1ineated Area: Northern Virginia 2 Number of Official Parking Spaces : 4 Scoring: Operating Lease 3 Maximum Proposed Rental Rate : $39.00/RSF

1 The RSFIUSF at the current location is approximately 1.08; however, to maximize competition a RSF/USF ratio of 1.20 is used for the proposed maximum RSP as indicated in the housing plan. 2 OIT security requirements may necessitate control of the parking at the leased location. This may be accomplished as a lessor-furnished service, as a separate operating agreement with the !essor. or as part of the Government's leasehold interest in the building.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-- LEASE DEPARTMENT OJl' HOMELAND SECURITY CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NORTHERN, VA

Prospectus Number: PVA-Ol-WA17 Congressional Districts:· 8, I 0, II

4 Proposed Total Annual Cost : $21,918,000 Current Total Annual Cost: $17,079,000 {Leases effective: I 0/01/94, 12/08/00, 01/17/02,07/15/02,08/02/05, 11/14/07, 11/21/08,02/02/09,06/01/1 J, and 0811 Jill) Background

OIT is responsible for implementation and support of information technology, research and development functions, and automation and technological strategies for meeting mission-related needs. OIT is responsible for automated information systems, management of the research and development functions, and all forensic and laboratory support of CBP. OIT personnel manage all computer and related resources and establish requirements for computer interfaces between CBP and various trade groups and Government agencies. OIT is responsible for managing all aspects of tactical communications, including the 24/7 operations of the National Law Enforcement Communications Center and Continuity of Operations Planning.

Justification

OIT's mission is to be responsible for all aspects of technology support across all mission areas within CBP. This CBP component designs, develops, programs, tests, implements, tmins, and maintains the agency's automated systems. OIT is responsible for managing CBP computer facilities, including all the hardware, software, data, video and voice communications, and related financial resources. OIT develops and maintains the Enterprise Information System Architecture and administers the operational aspects of the CBP Computer Security Program. OIT also represents CBP on matters related to automated import, export, and interagency processing and systems development.

3 These estimates are for fiscal year 2017 and may be escalated by 1.95 percent annually to the effective date of the lease to account for inflation. The proposed rental rates are fully serviced including all operating expenses whether paid by the lessor or directly by the Government. GSA will conduct the procurement using prevailing market rental rates as a benchmark for the evaluation of competitive offers and as the basis for negotiating with offerors to ensure that lease award is made in the best interest of the Government 4 New leases may contain an escalation clause to provide for annual changes in real estate taxes and operating costs. 2

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NORTHERN, VA

Prospectus Number: PV A-0 1-WA 17 Congressional Districts: 8, I 0, II

The current leases are for space in II separate buildings in Northern Virginia and expire between September 30, 2019 and August I 0, 2021. OIT requires continued housing to carry out its operational mission and functions. The total space requested will reduce the OIT footprint by 67,680 RSF or more than I 0 percent of the 629,680 RSF currently occupied. In the absence of this reduction, the status quo cost of continued occupancy at the proposed market rental rate would be at least $24.6 million per year.

Acquisition Strategy

In order to maximize the flexibility and competition in acquiring space to house the DHS/CBP/OIT elements, GSA may issue a single, multiple award solicitation that will allow offerors to provide blocks of space able to meet requirements in whole or in part. All offers must provide space consistent with the delineated area defined by this prospectus.

Summary of Energy Compliance

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

Resolutions of Approval

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

Interim Leasing

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

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NORTHERN, VA

Prospectus Number; PVA-01-WAI7 Congressional Districts: 8, l 0, 11

Certification of Need

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

Submitted at Washington, DC, on ---~--S_e_p_te_m_b_e_r_1_5_, _20_1_a______

//.jl~ Recommended: /(j l ----~------Commissioner, Public Buildings Service

. I /J ' c:J/'.._-:f/' "V Approved . ...lt/?f4't~ z, /[CJ 71<-_._..·----:------ Administrator, General Services Administration

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.043 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE Insert offset folio 1035/22 here EH07DE16.017 H7366 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016

600

544

906

1,8!2

5,980

2,899

2,174

6,054

8,516

8,057 2,748 8,516

13,741

13,335

37,124

21,382

140,388

468,291

468.291

USF

Total

140,388

(USF)

Northern,

Soecial

Rooms

PVA-Ol-WA17

Feet

Space

Sauare

Rooms

Room

Special

Locker

17,576

Copy

Food

Sit

/Telco

Room

Center

Storao~

Room

Usable

Mail EOC

Security

Reception

TOC

LAN Total File Break

Lactation Shower HSDNISCIF Sup]JIV Data

Lab

Conference TrainiJ1g

327

PROPOSED

310,327

Office

783

3,783 3

Total

Personnel

3,783

Offiee

15,999 15,751 17.476

74,426

85,399

85,902

75.756

23,186 43,008

99,!55

44,686

580,744

Total

building.

Protection

Technology

the

Plan

8,681

9,102 2,562

3,293

3,1:28

2,705

3,740

4,635

12,638

16,269

42,094

108,847

USF)'

Homeland Security

Border

Special

Feet

occupants

and

Housing

Information

the

160 167

522

870

215

284 433

Square

2,810

jointly

Stora2e

Usable

Customs

Office

Department

available

CURRENT

18,029

13,270 12,397 14,771

75,427

65,647 73,104

59,272

38,984

57,061

41,125

469,087

space

Office

and

112

126 144

541 315

527

472

411

427

3,239

fumishings

Total

and

people

.10

Persom1el

personnel 112

144

541 126

315

527

472

411

427

.1,239

than

Office

tenant's

less

with

personnel

use

space

total

Rate

fOr

agencies

support

and

person

available

Overall

divided

Utiliz..ation

office

per

totallJSF

Alexandria,

USF

VA VA

Congress

2015

usf

building

usf

Office

space

total

Church,

Locations

the

Pkwy,

Factor

Alexandria

Rate

divided

Chantilly,

office

plan

68,272

Soringfield,

Falls

Judiciary,

St.,

103,199

RflJ

Sorin£fie1d,

Sormgfield,

Springfield,

Soringficid, Soringfield,

Springfield,

RSF

Lt:ased

Village

'"ard

Circle.

portion

Pike,

Road,

housing

November Lane,

Max

Blvd, Blvd, Blvd,

Blvd,

excludes

amoW1t

the

excludes

•stowne

Beaure

Parkeast

Walker

Leesburg

Fullerton

Kin

Boston Boston Boston Boston

Boston

means

Factor

nosed

1801

13990

7799

7451 7435 750 7400

Pmposed 7681

USF

6350 7375

5971

NOTES:

Total

Calculation

Pro Cun·ent

UR~""avcrage

Proposed

Current

'USF/Person 1 'RIU

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.043 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE Insert offset folio 1035/23 here EH07DE16.018 December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7367 tenants, if necessary, prior to the execution Provided that, to the maximum extent COMMITTEE RESOLUTION of the new lease. practicable, the Administrator shall include LEASE—FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION, Provided that, the Administrator of General in the lease contract(s) a purchase option. ATLANTA, GA Services and tenant agencies agree to apply Provided further, that the Administrator Resolved by the Committee on Transportation an overall utilization rate of 322 square feet shall require that the delineated area of the and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- or less per person, except that, if the Admin- procurement is identical to the delineated resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. 3307, istrator determines that the overall utiliza- area included in the prospectus, except that, appropriations are authorized for a lease of tion rate cannot be achieved, the Adminis- if the Administrator determines that the de- up to 162,000 rentable square feet of space, in- trator shall provide an explanatory state- lineated area of the procurement should not cluding 27 official parking spaces, for the ment to the Committee on Transportation be identical to the delineated area included Food and Drug Administration currently lo- and Infrastructure of the House of Rep- in the prospectus, the Administrator shall cated at the FDA Atlanta complex con- resentatives prior to exercising any lease au- provide an explanatory statement to the sisting of three leased buildings; Crawford thority provided in this resolution. Committee on Transportation and Infra- Building, Annex I and Annex II, and an addi- Provided that, except for interim leases as structure of the House of Representatives tional lease location in College Park, Geor- described above, the Administrator may not prior to exercising any lease authority pro- gia at a proposed total annual cost of enter into any leases that are below provided in this resolution. $5,994,000 for a lease term of up to 20 years, spectus level for the purposes of meeting any a prospectus for which is attached to and in- of the requirements, or portions thereof, in- Provided further, that the General Services cluded in this resolution. cluded in the prospectus that would result in Administration shall not delegate to any Approval of this prospectus constitutes au- an overall utilization rate of 322 square feet other agency the authority granted by this thority to execute an interim lease for all or higher per person. resolution.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-LEASE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION ATLANTA,GA

Prospectus Number: PGA-01-A Tl7 Congressional District: 5

Executive Summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a lease of approximately 162,000 rentable square feet (RSF) of space' for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), currently housed at the FDA Atlanta complex consisting of three leased buildings; The Crawford Building, Annex I and Annex II, and an additional lease location in College Park, Georgia, at the Gateway Center Building One.

The proposed lease will provide continued housing for FDA and will improve the office utilization rate from 176 to 103 usable square feet (USF) per person.

Description

Occupant: Food and Drug Administration Current Rentable Square Feet (RSF) 134,491 (Current RSF/USF = 1.15) Estimated Maximum RSF: 162,000 (Proposed RSF/USF =LIS) Expansion/Reduction RSF: 27,509 (expansion) Current Usable Square Feet/Person: 292 Estimated Usable Square Feet/Person: 322 Proposed Maximum Lease Term: 20 Years Expiration Dates of Current Leases: IL24.2017, 12.30·2017,and 7i31 /2022 Delineated Area: Atlanta Midtown Business District Number of Official Parking Spaces: 27 secured Scoring: Operating lease 1 Estimated Rental Rate : 37.00/RSF 2 Estimated Total Annual Cost : $5,994,000 Current Total Annual Cost: $5,863,625 (Leases effective 1125.'2005, 12/3l'l997,8L2012)

l This estimate is for Fiscal Year 2019 and may be escalated by 2.0 percent armually to the effective date of the k

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-LEASE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION ATLANTA,GA

Prospectus Number: PGA-Ol-AT17 Congressional District: 5

Justification

The current leases are unable to provide the FDA Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta District Office, and Southeast Regional Laboratories (SRL) with the necessary office and special space to efficiently carry out its mission. The new lease will provide a more modern and streamlined office layout and improve office utilization from 176 square feet per person to I 03 square feet per person.

SRL testing includes foods, ceramics, meats, cosmetics, drugs, and other products falling under the purview of the FDA. In addition, the SRL has specialized capabilities and is horne to the Atlanta Center for Nutrient Analysis, which is the servicing laboratory to all FDA districts for nutrient analysis on domestic and imported foods that bear nutrition labeling. The size of the existing SRL causes the FDA to constantly retro-fit the aging space, leading to higher maintenance costs. A modem laboratory is needed to properly carry out its mission.

Acquisition Strategy

In order to maximize the flexibility in acquiring space to house the FDA elements. GSA may issue a single, multiple award solicitation that will allow offerors to provide blocks of space able to meet requirements in whole or in part. All offers must provide space consistent with the delineated area defined by this prospectus.

Summary of Energy Compliance

Resolutions of Approval

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

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-LEASE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION ATLANTA,GA

Prospectus '!\'umber: PGA-0 I-A Tl 7 Congressional District 5

Interim Leasing

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

Certification of Need

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

SEP 1 3 2016 Submitted at Washington, DC, on ------/I(}L Recommended: ______/~?~--'------Commissioner, Public Buildings Service

;L~ 1: /1(1:~ Approved=------~~~~------ Administrator, General Services Administration

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AMENDED COMMITTEE RESOLUTION tenants, if necessary, prior to the execution Provided that, to the maximum extent LEASE—NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS AD- of the new lease. practicable, the Administrator shall include MINISTRATION, JACKSON AND CLAY COUNTIES, Provided that, the Administrator of General in the lease contract(s) a purchase option. MISSOURI, AND JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS Services and tenant agencies agree to apply Provided further, that the Administrator Resolved by the Committee on Transportation an office utilization rate of 129 square feet or shall require that the delineated area of the and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- less per person, except that, if the Adminis- procurement is identical to the delineated resentatives, That pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, trator determines that the office utilization area included in the prospectus, except that, appropriations are authorized for a lease of rate cannot be achieved, the Administrator up to 806,794 rentable square feet of space, in- if the Administrator determines that the de- shall provide an explanatory statement to lineated area of the procurement should not cluding 142 official parking spaces, for the the Committee on Transportation and Infra- be identical to the delineated area included National Archives and Records Administra- structure of the House of Representatives in the prospectus, the Administrator shall tion, Federal Records Center currently lo- prior to exercising any lease authority pro- cated at 200 NW Space Center in Lee’s Sum- vided in this resolution. provide an explanatory statement to the mit, Missouri at a proposed total annual cost Committee on Transportation and Infra- of $5,647,558 for a lease term of up to 20 years, Provided that, except for interim leases as structure of the House of Representatives a prospectus for which is attached to and in- described above, the Administrator may not prior to exercising any lease authority pro- cluded in this resolution. This resolution enter into any leases that are below provided in this resolution. amends the resolution adopted by the Com- spectus level for the purposes of meeting any mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the requirements, or portions thereof, in- Provided further, that the General Services on September 14, 2016. cluded in the prospectus that would result in Administration shall not delegate to any Approval of this prospectus constitutes au- an office utilization rate of 129 square feet or other agency the authority granted by this thority to execute an interim lease for all higher per person. resolution.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS -LEASE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION JACKSON AND CLAY COUNTIES, MISSOURI, AND JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS

Prospectus Number: PM0-0 1-LS 17 Congressional District: MO 05, 06, KS 03

Executive Summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a lease of approximately 806,794 rentable square feet (RSF) for the National Archives and Records Administration - Federal Records Center (NARA-FRC), cunently located at 200 NW Space Center, Lee's Summit, MO.

The lease will provide continued housing for NARA-FRC, will maintain its cunent office utilization rate of 129 usable square feet (USF) per person, and allow for continued temporary and permanent record storage capabilities for Federal agencies.

Description

Occupant: National Archives and Records Administration Cunent Rentable Square Feet (RSF) 806,794 (Current RSF/USF = 1.00) Estimated Maximum RSF: 806,794 (Proposed RSF/USF = 1.00) Expansion/Reduction RSF: None Current Usable Square Feet/Person: 129 Estimated Usable Square Feet/Person: 129 Proposed Maximum Lease Term: 20 Years Expiration Dates of Current Leases: 8/14/2017 Delineated Area: Jackson and Clay Counties, Missouri, and Johnson County, Kansas Number of Official Parking Spaces: 142 Scoring: Operating lease 1 Estimated Rental Rate : $7.00 I RSF

1 This estimate is for fiscal year 2017 and may be escalated by 2.0 percent annually to the effective date of the lease to account for inflation. The proposed rental rate is fully serviced including all operating expenses whether paid hy the lessor or directly by the Government. GSA will conduct the procurement using prevailing market rental rates as a benchmark for the evaluation of competitive offers and as a basis for negotiating with offerors to ensure that lease award is made in the best interest of the Government. 1

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS - LEASE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION JACKSON AND CLAY COUNTIES, MISSOURI, AND JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS

Prospectus Number: PM0-0 1-LS 17 Congressional District: MO 05, 06, KS 03

2 Estimated Total Annual Cost : $5,647,558 CuiTent Total Annual Cost: $3,211,969 (Lease effective 8/15/1997)

Acquisition Strategy

The NARA-FRC is cuiTently located in subteiTanean space. In order to maximize competition, GSA will consider aboveground and subteiTanean space for this procurement and will relocate the agency if economically advantageous to the Federal Government.

Justification

NARA-FRC is one of 18 Federal Records Centers across the nation used by Federal agencies for records-related services. The FRCs work together to provide temporary and permanent record storage services. The facility storage services are full at this location and any new incoming client boxes are accommodated by moving existing records to other Federal Records Centers or by the disposal of eligible records. The cuiTent location provides storage conditions that meet pe1manent or archival requirements, which accounts for 57 percent of permanent record storage.

NARA-FRC requires space to accommodate the movement, processing, and retrieving of large quantities of client record boxes into its computer systems, along with the ability to store client records in an environment that meets regulations tor Federal Records Storage (36 CFR 1234). The movement of client record boxes is accommodated using eight-foot carts, which require ample circulation space for maneuvering. Although Federal agencies are attempting to convert to electronic storage, the demand for paper record storage still remains and since 2000 has grown by 2.38 percent per year.

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

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION JACKSON AND CLAY COUNTIES, MISSOURI, AND JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS

Prospectus Number: PM0-01-LS17 Congressional District: MO 05, 06, KS 03

Summary of Energy Compliance

Resolutions of Approval

Interim Leasing

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS -LEASE NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION JACKSON AND CLAY COUNTIES, MISSOURI, AND JOHNSON COUNTY, KANSAS

Prospectus Number: PMO-OI-LS17 Congressional District: MO 05, 06, KS 03

Certification of Need

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

Submitted at Washington, DC, on·----~. AUlwst 9. 2016 ··---~-

Recommended: __ /()...:;___~------Commissioner, Public Buildings Service

Approved: ---~f-;?J;__._~_·-:-.------ Administrator, General Services Administration

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County,

Counties,

209

702

PMO-Ol-LS17

1.315

806,794j

806,794

USF

Total

Clay

Johnson

I 1

and

794.6os

794,6os

(USF)

Spedal

Jackson

Feet

Space

Proces~in!!

Total

2,600

3,_6_0.2

S4uare

Data

Special

-==~~~~~+----~

___

Storage

U~ablc

---

p::::=="'------.J------20_1

9,ss6

9586j_

Office

ESTIMATED/PROPOSED

Total

Personnel

normal

Office

the

I I

above

Administration

so6,794

$lorage

806.794

buildmg.

Total

Plan

the

client

Records of

I I

And

794,6os

794,608

Housing

USF'

oc<:upant~

Special

lhe

Feet

Archives

movcmcnUprocessing

Sqwre

jointly

2,600!

2,600

for

Storage

Usable

40G/o

available

National

~pace

CURRENT

9,586

9.586

and

Office

requi'remenl

fumi~h!ngs

Circulation

~nd

Total

people.

persunnel

Personnel

than

tenam'~

less

Office

wttb

per~onnel.

u:;e

total

space

tot

space

agenc1es

port

and

suppott

USF

~up

person

available

divided

per

total

Gfficc

office

USF

Congres.s

!)torage.

building

space

usf

total

usf

the

Loc1tions

divid

Rate

plan office

2,109

~------

2.109

Lease

RSF

circulation

Leased

porrion

Center

housing

---

Max

cxciudcs

amoum

cxlr<>

the

cxdudesJudicmry,

2015

aclud!!s

Space

or~

ated/Proposed

means

moved

Fan

E.tlrn~~d/Proposed

USF

NOTES:

UR=avcrage ~CalculalJOn

·'USr:/Person

Proposed 22%, Cunent

'RIU

October

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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION tenants, if necessary, prior to the execution Provided that, to the maximum extent of the new lease. practicable, the Administrator shall include LEASE—NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH, Provided that, the Administrator of General in the lease contract(s) a purchase option. MONTGOMERY AND PRINCE GEORGE’S COUN- Services and tenant agencies agree to apply TIES, MD Provided further, that the Administrator an overall utilization rate of 183 square feet shall require that the delineated area of the Resolved by the Committee on Transportation or less per person, except that, if the Admin- procurement is identical to the delineated and Infrastructure of the U.S. House of Rep- istrator determines that the overall utiliza- area included in the prospectus, except that, tion rate cannot be achieved, the Adminis- resentatives, that pursuant to 40 U.S.C. § 3307, if the Administrator determines that the de- trator shall provide an explanatory state- appropriations are authorized for a lease of lineated area of the procurement should not ment to the Committee on Transportation up to 238,000 rentable square feet of space, in- be identical to the delineated area included and Infrastructure of the House of Rep- cluding 5 official parking spaces, for the De- in the prospectus, the Administrator shall partment of Health and Human Services, Na- resentatives prior to exercising any lease authority provided in this resolution. provide an explanatory statement to the tional Institutes of Health currently located Provided that, except for interim leases as Committee on Transportation and Infra- at 6001 and 6101 Executive Boulevard in described above, the Administrator may not structure of the House of Representatives Rockville, Maryland at a proposed total an- enter into any leases that are below pro- prior to exercising any lease authority pro- nual cost of $8,330,000 for a lease term of up spectus level for the purposes of meeting any vided in this resolution. to 15 years, a prospectus for which is at- of the requirements, or portions thereof, in- Provided further, that the General Services tached to and included in this resolution. cluded in the prospectus that would result in Administration shall not delegate to any Approval of this prospectus constitutes au- an overall utilization rate of 183 square feet other agency the authority granted by this thority to execute an interim lease for all or higher per person. resolution.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-LEASE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MONTGOMERY AND PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTIES, MD

Prospectus Number: PMD-0 1-W A17 Congressional District: 8

Executive Summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) proposes a lease of approximately 238,000 rentable square feet (RSF) of space for tpe Department of Health and Human Services - National Institutes of Health (NIH), cun·ently located at 6001 and 6101 Executive Boulevard in Rockville, MD, under five NIH direct leases. The four leases at 6001 Executive Boulevard expire on January 31, 2019, and the one lease at 6101 Executive Boulevard expires on August 31, 2019.

The proposed lease will enable NIH to provide continued housing. The lease will significantly improve space utilization, as the office utilization rate will be reduced from 172 to 133 usable square feet (USF) per person, and the overall utilization rate from 221 to 183 USF per person, resulting in Nfl-I being housed in approximately 31 ,632 RSF less space than it has at the current locations.

Description

Occupant: National Institutes of Health Current Rentable Square Feet (RSF): 269,632 (Cun·ent RSFIUSF = 1.22) Estimated Maximum RSF: 238,000 (Proposed RSFIUSF = 1.20) ·Expansion/Reduction RSF: 31,632 (Reduction) Current Usable Square Feet/Person: 221 Estimated Usable Square Feet/Person: 183 Proposed Maximum Lease Term: 15 Years Expiration Dates of Current Leases: l/31/2019, 8/31/2019 Delineated Area: Portions of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties proximate to the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD Number of Official Parking Spaces: 5 Scoring: Operating lease 1 Estimated Proposed Rental Rate : $35.00/RSF 2 Estimated Total Annual Cost : $8,330,000

l This estimate is for fiscal year 2018 and may be escalated by 1.95 percent annually to the effective date of the lease to account for inflation. The proposed rental rate is fully serviced including all operating expenses whether paid by the lessor or directly by the Government. GSA will conduct the procurement using prevailing market rental rates as a benchmark for the evaluation of competitive offers and as a basis for negotiating with offerors to ensure that lease award is made in the best interest of the Government.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MONTGOMERY AND PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTIES, MD

Prospectus Number: PMD~Ol·WA17 Congressional District: 8

Current Total Annual Cost:

Justification

The multiple NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) located at 6001 and 6101 Executive Boulevard include the National Institute of Drug Abuse, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, Office of Director-Office of Strategic Coordination, and the Office of Research Services, and are integral components of NIH's mission. The current leases expire on January 31, 2019, and August 31, 2019. NIH ICs have a continuing need for space and efficient transportation access to the NIH campus in Montgomery County. The lease will streamline operations and improve NIH's footprint by 31,632 rsf. In the absence of this reduction, the status quo cost of continued occupancy at the existing footprint would be $9,437,120.

Acquisition Strategy

In order to maximize the flexibility in acquiring space to house the NIH elements, GSA may issue a single, multiple award solicitation in up to two proximate buildings that will allow offerors to provide blocks of space able to meet requirements in whole or in part. All offers must provide space consistent with the delineated area defined by this prospectus.

~ew leases may contain an escalation clause to provide for annual changes in real estate taxes and operating costs.

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS-LEASE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH .MONTGOMERY AND PIUNCE GEORGE'S COUNTIES, MD

Prospectus Number: PMD-0 1-W A 17 Congressional District: 8

Summary of Energy Complia!!££

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

Resolutions of Approval

Interim Leasing

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

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GSA PBS

PROSPECTUS- LEASE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH MONTGOMERY AND PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTIES, MD

Prospectus Number: PMD~O 1-W A 17 Congressional District: 8

Certification of Need

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

Submitted at Washington, DC, on August 19,2016

Commissioner, Public Buildings Service

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00112 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE7.046 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE Insert offset folio 1035/44 here EH07DE16.033 December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7385 There was no objection. Mr. ADERHOLT. I appreciate the the best interest of this country. I wish f time to come to honor JOE PITTS. Con- JOE PITTS and his family all the best in gressman SMITH, I appreciate your or- the many years to come. HONORING CONGRESSMAN JOSEPH ganizing this evening so we could Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank R. PITTS thank JOE PITTS for his many years of the gentleman. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under service to not only this Chamber, but Madam Speaker, I yield to the distin- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- also to the public in general. guished gentlewoman from Tennessee, uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from New Madam Speaker, of course, JOE is re- DIANE BLACK. Jersey (Mr. SMITH) is recognized for 60 tiring after 20 years of service to this Mrs. BLACK. I thank the gentleman minutes as the designee of the major- institution and to the American peo- for yielding, my good friend, who is ity leader. ple. He served, as has been said, 24 also very involved in protecting life Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam years in the Pennsylvania Legislature. and families, and I appreciate his work Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from The gentleman from Pennsylvania, JOE in this area as well. ODY ICE Madam Speaker, I rise to honor my Georgia (Mr. J B. H ). PITTS, is a hero for conservatives. He Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. fights daily for families, for unborn friend and colleague, Congressman JOE Madam Speaker, what an honor it is to children, and for persecuted Christians PITTS, on his upcoming retirement join my colleagues this evening in tak- around the world. from the House of Representatives. ing a moment to honor my good friend I know firsthand about his work for As a former teacher, Congressman and fellow alum from Asbury College, persecuted Christians because one of PITTS spent years investing in the next OE ITTS generation of leaders, and as an Air Pennsylvania Congressman J P . the first overseas trip opportunities My friend, JOE PITTS, has spent his Force captain, with three tours of duty that I had as a Member of Congress was life literally engaged in serving those in Vietnam, he was on the front lines to travel with JOE PITTS to the country around him. In fact, early in his career, of protecting the freedoms that we talk of Egypt to advocate on behalf of per- JOE and his wife worked as teachers to about in this Chamber every day. educate the next generation until he secuted Christians. I had the chance to His service in Congress, now span- joined the Air Force in 1963. He an- sit there with JOE as we both talked ning nearly 20 years, will be marked by swered the call of duty, serving three about the plight of the Coptic Chris- a quiet strength and a steady leader- tours in Vietnam, where he completed tians in the country of Egypt. We sat ship that always sought solutions over 116 combat missions and earned the Air across the table from Hosni Mubarak, attention, and that ran towards an- Medal with five oakleaf clusters. who, at the time, was the President of swers instead of running to the cam- Just a few years after returning Egypt, and we let him know of the con- eras. Congressman PITTS was never the home from the war effort, JOE contin- cerns that we had and that the Amer- loudest person in the room, but often- ued his service in his State and our Na- ican people had for Christians who times he may very well have been the tion as a member of the Pennsylvania were treated unfairly for no other rea- wisest. House of Representatives, spending son than because of their beliefs and As the founder of the Values Action some 24 years assisting his fellow their faith. Team, Congressman PITTS created a Pennsylvanians. JOE PITTS has been a friend and a col- platform to build stronger relation- In 1997, JOE brought his leadership league since we were first elected. He ships between value-oriented Members skills and his servant’s heart right here and I were first elected back in 1996. We of Congress and grassroots organiza- to the Halls of Congress, where he has started here in January of 1997. He has tions that shared those same prin- now served for 20 years. worked tirelessly as chairman of the ciples. Through his appointment as the Values Action Team since the late b 1915 chairman of the Energy and Commerce 1990s. That was when Newt Gingrich Health Subcommittee, Congressman In this role and through his service had asked him to work on pro-life, pro- PITTS worked to advance real-world as chairman of the Values Action family issues. He has been an active, healthcare solutions that empowered Team, JOE has been a guiding force for leading member of the Pro-Life Cau- patients, not bureaucrats. bringing our Judeo-Christian ethics cus, along with Congressman SMITH, I will always be most grateful to Con- and moral values to Washington, D.C., since that time. gressman PITTS for his fearless, un- and he has literally been a champion I also had the opportunity to work flinching defense of our Nation’s unfor the cause of life. with JOE on OSCE issues, the Organiza- In Mark, chapter 10, the Lord tells us born. From his own legislation, like tion for Security and Co-operation of Protect Life Act, to his invaluable that those who aspire to leadership Europe. We would meet in the par- must be great servants. Further, in leadership in the fight to pass the liamentary assembly once a year with Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Matthew, chapter 7, we find that we other parliamentarians to try to work are recognized by our fruits. Act, to his work on the Select Inves- on issues. I can tell you the pro-life tigative Panel on Infant Lives, Con- In other words, you can tell who issue and trying to protect the unborn someone is not merely by what one gressman PITTS has been a champion and the family has been at the fore- for the voiceless and vulnerable at says, but by what one does. front of those issues with him as well JOE, I would just say to you, sir, every turn. with the OSCE. thank you. You have been tested, and I thank Congressman PITTS for his I want to take a minute to thank his you have shown yourself approved. service, for his friendship, for his guid- We are all going to sincerely and staff. Over the years, they have worked ance. I wish him and his wife, Ginny, hand in glove with Congressman PITTS. deeply—genuinely—miss JOE PITTS. and his beautiful family all the best in I hope, JOE, that as you continue in They have been champions for the con- the next chapter of their lives. your next chapter that, in your ab- servative causes over the last 20 years Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank sence here, we may each have a portion alone here in the House of Representa- the gentlewoman very much for those of your servant’s heart, and how tives, and we will certainly miss work- very, very eloquent remarks. blessed this body will be if we do so. ing with them as they go on to the next Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- I just thank the gentleman so much chapters of their lives. tleman from Illinois, RANDY HULTGREN. for the opportunity to take a moment Again, I wish JOE PITTS all the best Mr. HULTGREN. I thank my very to say ‘‘thank you’’ to this giant of a as he moves on to the next phase of his good friend, CHRIS SMITH, for doing leader here in Congress and how we life. I certainly pray that he and his this. will deeply miss him. wife, Ginny, will have, maybe, a slight- Madam Speaker, it is such a privilege Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank ly slower pace as they go back to Penn- to serve in this amazing place. Some of my good friend for his very eloquent sylvania. I know that JOE, in whatever us have the opportunity—really, the remarks about our great friend and col- next chapter of life he is involved, will blessing—to be able to meet our heroes. league, the distinguished JOE PITTS. be involved in protecting families; he Some of us have the greater blessing of Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- will be protecting the unborn—the being able to actually not only get to tleman from Alabama, ROBERT ADER- most vulnerable—and he will be mak- meet them, but to work with our he- HOLT. ing sure that he does what he feels is in roes; and those very special few get to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00113 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.126 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 become friends with our heroes. That is things that, I like to say, are going to GENERAL LEAVE the feeling I have with JOE PITTS. be remembered long past all the other Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam JOE PITTS is truly a mentor to me, a stuff we do—the fiscal-related things Speaker, as there are a number of hero to me, someone who has served so and some other things—that nobody Members who would like to submit, I well in every step of his lifetime. I am will remember. I like to think they ask unanimous consent that all Mem- here to honor him tonight, to thank will remember that we stood up for the bers may have 5 legislative days in him for his service, and to let him things that were truly important to which to revise and extend their re- know that we are forever grateful. families, to the things that endure over marks and to insert extraneous mate- JOE PITTS is known for many things. time; so being able to join in tonight in rials on the topic of this Special Order. Clearly, he is a man of faith. Faith is recognizing our friend from Pennsyl- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there such a part of his life—his love for God, vania is a privilege for me as it was to objection to the request of the gen- his love for Jesus Christ. His passion be able—and it is—to work with JOE. tleman from New Jersey? for serving Him influences everything Over the few short years I have been There was no objection. he does. I also love JOE PITTS’ commit- in the House, I have gotten to know Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam ment and love for his family. JOE and what he is about, and I respect him Speaker, it is hard to imagine a Con- his wife have had a long tradition—for greatly as a man of faith and courage gress without the incomparable JOE many years—of having grandkids in standing against the tide that is PITTS—a remarkable and highly ac- camp, where they will have pretty unpopular these days, a lot of complished lawmaker, a distinguished grandkids—no parents allowed—come times, in this era of political correct- statesman, a man of principle and bed- and be with them for a week. They will ness where what is up is down and what rock moral conviction and a Christian, take special trips, do special training, is down is up. He stood in there on who faithfully seeks to do God’s will on raise up the grandkids to love God, to some very difficult issues—on life, on Earth as it is in Heaven no matter the love this Nation, and to share the val- basic liberties, on moral conscience, cost, no matter the sacrifice, no matter ues that are so important to JOE and and even on religious conscience. He the hardship. his family. joined in on some issues from crazy b 1930 I am also so grateful for his service California sometimes, where I come As I think some of my colleagues here in this Congress. JOE has been from, in helping to fight a battle there know—particularly those who know faithful over his years. He was tapped that would allow people to have reli- him well—JOE was born in Kentucky early on to be the leader of the Values gious freedom and freedom of con- into a family of strong Christian faith, Action Team so as to recognize that science. Again, I think a cornerstone of a faith that has been passed on to his our values are so important. We need the founding of this country has been own three children; Carol, Karen, and champions every single day to be look- lost a lot of times here, in recent rein- Daniel. ing out and to be making sure that we terpretations, as to what I think true, JOE’s father was an Army chaplain are passing legislation that reflects our traditional values are. during World War II, serving in the values—the values of our Founders, the He has given that voice to the un- values of so many who have led South Pacific after the war. The elder born. He stood side by side with the Pitts returned to the Philippines with throughout our Nation—and to be Little Sisters of the Poor in their di- making sure that we are going in the his wife and children to serve as a mis- rect fight for religious liberty. He de- sionary in a war-ravaged country. It right direction as we go forward. JOE fended the conscience of Americans was there that JOE saw the after effects has been faithful there as well—a who should never be forced to finance champion for life, a champion for the of war; and that so profoundly affected something that goes against one of the him, he developed a heart there for persecuted, especially for the religious very principles our Nation was founded persecuted around the world. He has human rights and a commitment to a on—life—with their religious convic- strong national defense. been fighting for them, stepping up for tions. them, making sure that their voices After high school, JOE attended As- JOE PITTS, when it comes down to are heard. Fighting for the unborn is bury College in Kentucky, as my friend protecting conservative values in our something that is a passion—a big and colleague earlier pointed out. He government or outside of it, there was part—of JOE’s life as well. met Virginia—Ginny, as we know her— no issue too small, too insignificant, or I am forever grateful to have had the a wonderful lady. My wife Marie and I anything that he would shy away from. privilege not only to meet JOE PITTS, and JOE and Ginny have traveled and Indeed, he inspires us to be bold, to to get to know JOE PITTS, but to say have been together many times. She is stand up for those who can’t always that JOE is a friend of mine. just a wonderful wife of a half a cen- speak for themselves or who have been JOE, thank you for your service to tury. Again, they not only have three America. Thank you for your love for beaten down by political correctness to children but a number of grandchildren your God and for your family. Thank even be able to speak for themselves. as well. you for all that you have done to make We need these conservative values. We JOE taught math, science, English, America this wonderful place and for need visions like JOE PITTS has always and physical education, as well as exhibited. To have been able to have 1 leaving not only a heritage, but such a coached basketball. He served 5 ⁄2 years rich challenge as we go forward to pro- worked beside him these years I have in the United States Air Force, includ- tect the wonderful values that we been here in the House, it has been a ing three tours in Vietnam. He was the enjoy. We appreciate you. God bless privilege, and I appreciate his work and EW officer, electronic warfare officer, his courage in being fearless against a you, JOE, and God bless America. on a B–52 and completed 116 combat Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank tide that sometimes I can’t under- missions and earned the Air Medal the gentleman from Illinois. stand. with five oak leaf clusters. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gen- At the end of all of this, I think some Here in Washington, JOE has worked tleman from California (Mr. LAMALFA). of the most rewarding words and the hard helping political prisoners, in- Mr. LAMALFA. I thank Mr. SMITH. I ones that we can try and express here cluding people like Saeed Abedini and really appreciate his efforts in hon- tonight—but that will be expressed in a other Christian and non-Christian— oring JOE PITTS here tonight and all of bigger place—is: well done, good and Jewish and other religious and polit- the gentleman’s efforts over the many faithful servant. ical prisoners around the world. years in sticking up for the values that God bless JOE PITTS. Again, we thank He has been tenacious in promoting really are important; so I thank the him for his service on the Values Ac- prayer breakfasts all around the world gentleman for that. tion Team and for all he has stood for, so that members of parliaments and Madam Speaker, indeed, it is a night and I am proud to be able to stand be- congresses from many countries would to recognize our leader of the Values side him. know the blessings of fellowship and Action Team, Mr. JOE PITTS, and all of Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. I thank prayer and being in touch with God. his dedication to these important my good friend from California for his He even traveled to Mongolia for the causes for our values, which are the very, very fine remarks. first prayer breakfast in the late 1990s.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00114 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.128 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7387 JOE leads an ambassadors’ prayer his chairmanship of the powerful Ap- I wish him all the best in the years to come, breakfast fellowship at the Cedars, propriations Committee, to which he and, after decades of serving the lives of oth- right nearby in northern Virginia. I was elected by his peers, was filled ers, that he enjoys time with his family, espe- have had the privilege to join him for with accomplishments, including his cially his grandchildren. those breakfasts on occasions. It is a bold leadership in enacting the Abor- time for ambassadors to get together tion Control Act. f from all over the world—different re- Someday future generations will look gions meeting at different times, some- back on America’s culture of death and RETIRING MEMBERS times many from many regions—to wonder how and why a seemingly en- break bread, to talk about the Scrip- lightened society, so blessed with civil The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under tures with some emphasis on policy but rights protections, wealth, educational the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- mostly about how God does minister to opportunities, information, medical uary 6, 2015, the gentlewoman from us, how forgiving He is, and how all of breakthroughs, a free press, and a California (Ms. LOFGREN) is recognized us are in need of reconciliation. And strong and diverse faith community for 60 minutes as the designee of the JOE PITTS is there leading that fellow- could have allowed 60 million unborn minority leader. ship and has been doing it for decades. children to be killed by abortion. Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I JOE has been a leader in the fight When the day comes and legal protec- am honored to be here this evening to against ongoing human rights abuses tions for the weak and the most vul- talk about the remarkable records of in Western Sahara and elsewhere. He is nerable are restored, I believe future five individuals who are retiring from co-chair of the Lantos Human Rights generations of Americans will remem- the Congress. I have had the honor of Commission. And in Congress, of ber and celebrate the tenacious heroes, chairing the California Democratic del- course, we know he has served in a the human rights heroes of today, peo- egation for many years; and these five number of key leadership positions, in- ple like Henry Hyde, compassionate Members—Representative SAM FARR, cluding his current position as chair- women like Mother Teresa, and JOE Representative LOIS CAPPS, Represent- man of the Health Subcommittee of PITTS, who persevered, prayed, and ative LORETTA SANCHEZ, Representa- the Energy and Commerce Committee, worked tenaciously on behalf of the tive MIKE HONDA, and Representative obviously working on so many impor- least of these. Janice Hahn—are going home to Cali- tant issues on diseases and disabilities. St. Francis once famously said: Al- fornia after serving distinguished ca- Top officials from the healthcare sys- ways preach the gospel, and when nec- reers here in the House. tem present themselves before his com- essary, use words. mittee for his review and oversight. He By his example, by his perpetual ra- THE HONORABLE SAM FARR has been a problem-solver—he and his diating of Christ—just look at his eyes; Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I staff, working across the aisle to try to there is kindness and compassion and will start with my near neighbor, who find solutions to these often vexing empathy in JOE PITTS’ eyes—he has in- has served since 1993. He came in in a issues of health care. spired all of us to strive to do His will special election, and that is Congress- On the greatest human rights issue of on Earth, as it is in Heaven. And it is man SAM FARR. He has honorably rep- our time—protecting unborn babies a distinct privilege and honor to be resented the central coast of California and their mothers from the violence of known as one of JOE PITTS’ friends. for more than 40 years and here in Con- I yield back the balance of my time. abortion—JOE PITTS has not only saved gress for the last 23. Mr. ROTHFUS. Madam Speaker, JOE PITTS countless precious lives and fostered is a man whose faith and values, I believe, SAM was born and raised in the Mon- reconciliation and hope for post-abor- animate him to protect life in all its stages. terey County area. Before his service tive women, but he has also been an ex- Through his decades of service both in the here in the House, he early on served in traordinary inspiration to all of us in military and public office—and as a dedicated the Peace Corps in Colombia, and his Congress. husband and dad—Congressman JOE PITTS wonderful fluent Spanish is a product The way he comports himself. He has nurtured, protected, and preserved the of his Peace Corps service in Colombia. never gets angry. He deals with the lives of others. To this day, he has a special soft spot issue in a way that reaches out to peo- First, as a young married man and a public for that country. ple who may have a different view in school teacher, he nurtured the intellectual life the hopes that they will see the wis- As the ranking member on the House of his students. Appropriations Subcommittee on Agri- dom of protecting the innocent and Then, so that he could better support his most vulnerable. culture, Rural Development, Food and wife and children, he signed up for Officer Drug Administration, and Related JOE has been a leader on every pro- Training School. life congressional policy—bills, amend- As an Air Force Captain, he did three tours Agencies, he has championed safe and ments, administrative actions—since in Vietnam over a five and a half year period, nutritious food for consumers, farmers, he won his seat in Congress in 1996. We completing 116 combat missions throughout and producers. He has made sure that are grateful for his powerful voice and that time, and earning an Air Medal with five the need of getting fresh food into school lunches has never been far from vote on ending the hideous method oak leaf clusters. Once again, JOE risked his called partial birth abortion; enacting own life to protect the lives of others. our thoughts, and he has had remark- multiple annual abortion funding bans; After retiring from military service, JOE re- able success there, which has served proscribing sex selection abortion, turned to teaching, and in 1972, he com- the health of children across the coun- which is the ultimate violation of menced his 24-year tenure as a PA State try. women’s rights to say: you are suscep- Representative, where he was known for After serving in the Peace Corps, SAM tible to killing because you happen to being a key advocate of the 1990 Abortion represented his constituents on the be female; protecting pain-capable un- Control Act. Monterey County Board of Supervisors born children as well as born-alive in- In 1997, JOE became a member of Con- for 6 years. As a member of the Board fants; and enforcing the conscience gress, and understanding that from the family of Supervisors, he continued to fight rights of pro-life Americans has been springs new life, he was asked to chair the for environmental issues and for people remarkable. His leadership has been re- pro-family Values Action Team. who were disadvantaged. After that, he markable. Throughout his service at the state and fed- served in the California Legislature. Had the Senate adopted the House- eral level, he has worked to improve the lives SAM founded the bipartisan House passed Pitts-Stupak amendment, of others by exercising fiscal responsibility. As Oceans Caucus and authored the ObamaCare, with all of its egregious a member of the House Armed Services Com- Oceans Act, which created the U.S. flaws, would have at least been abor- mittee, he fougtht to improve our military read- Commission on Ocean Policy. tion-free. iness, so that our service members can better JOE PITTS has been the greatest protect American lives. He is the longest serving Democrat friend and ally of persons with disabil- I know that each of us here today honoring on the Subcommittee on Military Con- ities, including his robust defense of JOE feel that he has touched our lives, both as struction, Veterans Affairs, and Re- Terri Schiavo. a colleague and as a friend. He has touched lated Agencies. And while he served on His service in the Pennsylvania Gen- the lives of countless others through his serv- that subcommittee, he did something eral Assembly from 1973–1997, including ice. simply remarkable. We all know that

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Madam Speaker, our miss him because, although we have a local community to make sure that colleague LORETTA SANCHEZ is a true very distinguished member in DORIS that base could be repurposed to good trailblazer. Beginning with her election MATSUI, who was actually born in an use, and he led the effort to make the in 1996, where in then-Republican Or- internment camp, I believe that MIKE Cal State University at Monterey a re- ange County, she had an upset victory HONDA is the last of our Members who ality at Fort Ord. against former Representative Bob actually was old enough to remember SAM is a former chair of the congres- Dornan. She defeated Representative being in that internment camp. sional Democratic delegation and did Dornan by less than 1,000 votes. We have discussions in our country such a great job when he chaired this 1945 today about locking up people based on group. He stands for peace, for diplo- b When she got here, she immediately their ethnicity or their religious be- macy. SAM is always standing up for liefs. It is important that people like the little guy. And one of the things in tried to do what she could for the defense of this Nation. She has served MIKE HONDA can stand up and say addition to that is that he has been the America made a mistake. America photographer for House Democrats. honorably as a senior member on the House Committee on Armed Services apologized for that mistake. Let’s Whenever we go anywhere, SAM is never make that mistake again. there with his camera, and we really and the House Committee on Homeland don’t know who is going to keep track Security and ranking member of the MIKE serves on the House Committee of our activities when SAM retires. Subcommittee on Tactical Air and on Appropriations and is serving now We wish him well. We know he is Land Forces. She is considered a leader as the ranking member of the Sub- going to have a great time in the se- on military and national security committee on Commerce, Justice, rene beauty of the region where he issues. Science, and Related Agencies. In that grew up. He said: It is time to go home She is also the co-chair of the Con- position, he played a key role with me and be a grandpa. And we know that he gressional Women in the Military Cau- and Congresswoman ANNA ESHOO in is a wonderful grandpa. cus, where she advocated for female helping to locate the Patent Office in THE HONORABLE LOIS CAPPS servicemembers to serve in combat San Jose and to make sure that the De- Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, LOIS roles, and she fought to end sexual as- partment of Justice has the resources CAPPS is also retiring. LOIS was sworn sault in the Armed Forces. to address the backlog in rape kits. He in on March 17, 1998. But I remember She served on the Subcommittee on also serves on the Subcommittee on the day that her late husband, Walter Strategic Forces, where she made sure Energy and Water Development, and Capps, passed away unexpectedly. She our Nation is prepared for anything, Related Agencies. and Walter were on their way to the any missile or nuclear attack. He is chair emeritus of the Congres- Another thing that I know so well Capitol, and Walter passed away. sional Asian Pacific American Caucus, about LORETTA is how much she cares We had an unplanned Special Order the founding chair of the Congressional about human rights, and specifically here. We were all so shocked that that Caucus to End Bullying, the vice chair her advocacy for human rights in Viet- had happened. And LOIS was here with of the Congressional Progressive Cau- nam. She and I have co-chaired the us. She later went on to run for the cus, and the Congressional LGBT Congressional Caucus on Vietnam. She seat that her husband had represented Equality Caucus. In fact, he spent has gone to Vietnam, and she is a reli- really for a short time: Santa Barbara, many years fighting anti-Muslim big- able, vocal, smart, and dedicated advo- San Luis Obispo, and parts of Ventura otry and discrimination against the cate for human rights, for religious County. She has represented that area LGBT community. with tremendous distinction. freedom and labor rights for people in You know, she will be the first to tell Vietnam. THE HONORABLE JANICE HAHN you, she never expected to be a Member Obviously a member of the Congres- Ms. LOFGREN. Finally, I want to of Congress. She is a former nurse, a sional Hispanic Caucus, she served in mention our friend Janice Hahn, who public health advocate. She was a the past as co-chair of the Immigration took office just, I think, this week as a school nurse and still talks about the Task Force. She is a spectacular per- member of the Los Angeles County work she did as a school nurse with son. I will miss her a great deal, and I Board of Supervisors. Janice was elect- children. And when she got elected to am thinking about who do I go to on ed to Congress in 2011 and immediately Congress, she was committed to im- the committee to talk about the nerdy made strong contributions to her dis- proving schools, to quality health care, but important things like the National trict in a short time. But the story of and a cleaner environment. She built a Ignition Facility and big science Janice doesn’t begin with her election legacy of commonsense solutions that projects that are also part of the armed to Congress. It begins long before that. have helped make her district, her services. She has served her country so Her father, Supervisor Kenny Hahn, State, and our country cleaner, well. served longer as a member of the board healthier, and more sustainable. THE HONORABLE MIKE HONDA of supervisors than anyone in the his- And here is something not everyone Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, tory of the United States; and Janice knows; but when they hear it, it makes MIKE HONDA will also be going home. I tells stories of growing up with her fa- so much sense. She has been voted the have had the honor of knowing MIKE ther and understanding that public nicest Member of Congress over and HONDA for many decades. As a matter service means getting down and actu- over again, and so she is. of fact, I think I first met MIKE when She serves on the powerful Energy he was serving on the planning com- ally talking with your constituents, and Commerce Committee and sits on mission of the city of San Jose, ap- providing direct services to them. He the Health Subcommittee, the Energy pointed by then-Mayor Norm Mineta, had a tremendous influence on her, and and Power Subcommittee, as well as who later became a Member of Con- she served on the Los Angeles City the Environment and the Economy gress. He was later elected to the San Council before she ran for Congress Subcommittee. She has focused on Jose Unified School Board, and then to successfully. Medicare reform, the nursing shortage, the Santa Clara County Board of Su- Here, Janice served on the Com- mental health, the protection of our pervisors. In fact, MIKE and I served to- mittee on Transportation and Infra- air and water. She also serves on the gether on the Santa Clara County structure, where she did important House Natural Resources Committee. Board of Supervisors. things like helping to pass the Na- LOIS is someone who not only serves Many of us know his history. During tional Freight Network Trust Fund with distinction but who is a warm World War II, MIKE HONDA and his fam- Act to increase investments in port friend. We will miss her greatly next ily spent 3 years imprisoned in an in- and freight network infrastructure. As

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:01 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.131 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7389 a result of her efforts, the harbor main- the Democratic side of the aisle in our when you are trying to draw the whole tenance trust fund provided over $1 bil- caucus from California, the largest country into a common purpose. It is lion in resources to operate more effi- caucus just the Democrats alone. I very difficult to get at least 218 people ciently and remain globally competi- would just like to point out what the to agree, and that is the challenge tive. politics of the West has done since I here. The Port of Long Beach, which she first got elected in 1975. I have had the privilege of serving on represented in Congress and now as a I arrived here, and there were an the Agriculture Committee, the De- Los Angeles County supervisor, moves even number of Democrats and Repub- fense Committee, the Resources Com- more than $180 billion of goods each licans representing California. Today mittee, and, in the last 20 or so years, year and is the second busiest seaport there are 39 Democrats, and that is be- on the Appropriations Committee. It in the United States. She has always cause the State has really shifted in has been a wonderful experience be- made sure that that port got the re- their registration and voting. So the cause you are able to really get in- sources necessary to be efficient not California Democratic delegation, it is volved in the Appropriations Com- only for the need for business in her interesting that ZOE is the chair of be- mittee with all the details of running district, but recognizing that the goods cause it is the most diverse delegation government. that come through that port help sup- in Congress: majority women, the high- I am ranking member, the chief Dem- port the economy across the United est delegation of Hispanics, of women, ocrat on the Agriculture Sub- States. of Asians, and I would like to say with, committee of the Appropriations Com- She served also on the Committee on MIKE HONDA and Mr. GARAMENDI and mittee, and our budget for that com- Small Business, where she worked to myself, the largest delegation of re- mittee is about the same as the entire improve access to loans for small busi- turned Peace Corps volunteers. It has budget for the State of California. That nesses to improve job creation. She co- been quite a change in the 23 years is an agency which was created by founded the bipartisan Congressional that I have been in Congress. Abraham Lincoln. It was created to es- Ports Opportunity, Renewal, Trade, I first arrived in 1993. I was the last sentially deal with the home ec of and Security Caucus, the PORTS Cau- guy in the door here because Leon Pa- westward expansion. cus, and she also served with JIM COSTA netta, my predecessor, had been elected So all of the rural development, the and me on the California High-Speed in the 1992 election, sworn in to the rural poverty programs, are in the De- Rail Caucus, where she championed the Congress that January; and then when partment of Agriculture. Plus you have California high-speed rail project, President Clinton was sworn in for his ag attaches in every Embassy in the which will improve transportation in first term, he turned around and ap- United States, in the world. You have California and reduce traffic conges- pointed Leon Panetta to be head of the the commodities futures exchange. You tion and airport wait times. Office of Management and Budget. have Wall Street. You have everything Janice Hahn is someone who really Leon resigns on that day, notifies Gov- in that committee and it is really in- cared about her district in Congress, ernor Wilson, who declares a special teresting, and the biggest feeding pro- but her district in Congress is tiny election. gram through food stamps, the WIC compared to the district she represents Interesting enough, in the special program, Food for Peace, and so on. on the L.A. County Board of Super- elections in California, it is an open I have been able to do a lot in chang- visors. We know that she will do a ter- election, so the highest vote getter ing policies so that we got fresh fruits rific job there. from each party at the time would be and vegetables, and trying to get them Many also know her as someone who in the runoff, and 27 people filed. I was in every school lunch program in the was very involved in the prayer break- in the state assembly. They said: You United States. That is good for Cali- fast movement here in Congress. She file and you will clear the field. fornia agriculture, and it is, more im- made many friends across the aisle as No, it didn’t happen at all. It was portantly, good for the kids of this Na- she did that, and we will miss her. quite a primary, and it ended up with a tion. We know that we will see all of these June election; and on June 15, I think I have had the privilege of being, I fine individuals when we go home, as I was sworn here, right in this very think, the only one in this House to we do every week to California. Now spot, to the United States Congress. create a national park during my serv- before calling on my colleague Mr. What was interesting is I was the ice. The Pinnacles National Park was FARR, I would also like to note that the 435th Member of Congress, the last per- the 59th national park created in the timing of this was a little bit different son, and today I think my seniority history of this country. than we had expected, and a lot of ranks me around 50, from 51 to 55. So it We have done a big expansion of Members have statements. takes 23 years to move from the bot- ocean protection with the Monterey GENERAL LEAVE tom slot all the way up to the top 50 or Bay National Marine Sanctuary. We Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I so slots in this House. It has been a have created a visitors center for that ask unanimous consent that Members very interesting experience. sanctuary. We have created, for the De- have 5 legislative days to revise and ex- This truly is—and I have seen it partment of Fish and Wildlife, a center tend their remarks and insert extra- through all the years—a representa- in Santa Cruz. neous material into the RECORD. tional democracy. There are all kinds We have created a brand-new univer- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there of people in Congress with all kinds of sity out of the largest base closure that objection to the request of the gentle- issues: personal issues, family issues, ever happened in the history of the woman from California? financial issues. It really is representa- United States, with the closure of Fort There was no objection. tional of the society we live in. One Ord. Cal State Monterey Bay is really Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I thing in common is that they all want up and coming, about 7,000 students, a yield to SAM FARR. to serve the public; they want to serve great university, really reaching out to Mr. FARR. Madam Speaker, I thank this country. the underserved populations of Cali- the gentlewoman for yielding. This is That service, particularly in this fornia. probably the last time I rise on this House, because we are representatives, I have been able to raise the pay for floor to speak after 23 years of serving we serve districts. Madam Chair was a Federal workers in my district, what here. It may take me a little more than former county supervisor, as I was, and they call the locality pay. 5 minutes. I like jokingly saying that, frankly, be- I have been able to, I think, save the Ms. LOFGREN. That is all right. cause we all serve districts, we are like Naval Postgraduate School and the De- Mr. FARR. My daughter is on the 435 county supervisors back here. We fense Language Institute from being way with my grandkids, who are trying are more concerned about our district closed or reorganized, realigned to to watch this. Maybe we can delay it a than the whole country. other States. The list goes on and on. little more than that. That is a strength for the constitu- I think what I am most proud of is Madam Speaker, I want to thank Ms. ents of the district, to be able to have the fact that I have had such incredible LOFGREN for her leadership in the Cali- direct access to their elected Members staff. I would just like to take a mo- fornia delegation. She is the head of of Congress. It is probably a drawback ment to tell you about Rochelle

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Got WH to use Antiquities Act to establish Coastal 2000 our country is that we have 200 people National Monument. walk in from 150 countries, and they b 2000 House Oceans Caucus ...... 2000–present. Marine Protected Area center in Santa Cruz ...... 2000 walk out the citizens of just one coun- On my district staff, Alec Arago, Ca- Plan Colombia (revising aid for local capacity 2000 try. rina Chavez, Nancy DeSerpa, Bertha growth). Annual Citizenship ceremonies ...... 2001(?)–present. SAM has been a leader in immigra- Munoz, Kristen Petersen, and Alicia Cleaned up FUDS at Monterey Airport ...... 2001 tion, the environment, and so many Castro. Kristen Petersen just got elect- Got Fair Trade Sustainable Coffee mandated for 2001 House restaurant facilities. things, and we honor him and respect ed to the Capitola City Council. Wilderness bill (Ventana, Silver Peak) ...... 2001 him for his service to our country. All of these people are moving on as Prevented the Navy from expanding bombing runs at 2002 Fort Hunter Liggett. Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I passed leg- I leave tomorrow, and I am very ex- Provided the funds (via earmark) for a new Olympic- 2002 islation called Proud to be an Amer- cited that they were part of my life. sized public pool in Salinas. Created the U.S. Travel & Tourism Board ...... 2003 ican Day. I was hoping that we could Just in closing, I would like to say Legislated FHL lands into permanent status as a 2004 do that on the morning of the Fourth that my daughter, Jessica, is here in national forest under the direction of the Forest Service if FHL is ever surplussed by the military. of July, but, because it is a Federal the cloakroom, I hope, and she has Moved FORA policy from 0% affordable housing to a 2004 holiday, the Federal immigration peo- with her my grandson, Zachary, and minimum of 20%. Passed a law making California Missions eligible for 2004 ple don’t work that day. So we have my granddaughter, Ella. I am so federal restoration/rehabilitation grants. been scheduling this around the Fourth pleased that they could be here and Won locality pay for federal workers in Monterey 2004 County. of July and days before. share this moment with me. Environmental Services Contract Agreement—Fort 2006–2014 It has been a huge turnout. It is the Congress is a great experience. It is Ord (clean up complete). Golf carts for the disabled at military golf courses .. 2006 largest turnout for press because there the check and balance. It is the Transferred Pt. Pinos Lighthouse to City of Pacific 2006 are so many interesting people to initiator of new ideas. It is the people’s Grove. Established the Center for Homeland Defense and 2007 interview. I really appreciate the gen- House. And I just hope that as Mem- Security at NPS. tlewoman coming as an immigrant ber’s face this next uncertainty of a Organized Team Monterey—all DOD entities in Mon- 2007 terey County. family and talking about her family new administration—there is always A Salad Bar in Every School ...... 2008 background. It has been a highlight to uncertainty, and probably more so now Launched the Civilian Response Corps ...... 2008 Negotiated the swap of lands at Fort Ord (‘‘Stilwell 2008 see the smiles and enthusiasm of a day with the controversial election we had Kidney’’) to allow the expansion of military hous- when we are really proud to be Ameri- in this country, but I really hope that ing and a new ‘‘gateway’’ for the City of Seaside. Saved post office in Aromas from closure ...... 2008 cans. this House will rise to the occasion to Finalized new VA/DOD health clinic (now under con- 2012 Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I yield not let the people down. We fight for struction). Got WH to use Antiquities Act to establish Fort Ord 2012 to the gentlewoman from California all kinds of wonderful reasons. This National Monument. (Mrs. DAVIS), a distinguished Member House, the people’s House, has really Legislated elevation of Pinnacles National Monument 2012 to full National Park status. of the Armed Services Committee and got to protect the people. Marine debris bill (became law) ...... 2012 the Education and the Workforce Com- So I thank the gentlewoman for Saved DLI, NPS from BRAC ...... 1995, 2005 Legislated the Economic Development Conveyance 1993, 2009 mittee. yielding time for me to make a few for BRAC properties. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- comments. I am sure that I will have a ‘‘Monterey Model’’ for contracting municipal services 2000, 2012 at military bases. er, as the only member from the 53rd lot more that I would love to say, but Secured increased per diems for government rates 2003, 2012 District, the only district that is 53rd I include in the RECORD a list that I in the district. Proud to be An American Act (became law) ...... 1996, 2006, 2008 in the country—the highest number have here of over 20 years of getting re- Santa Cruz Visitors Center ...... 2012 district ever—and I am so aware of the sults for the 20th Congressional Dis- Helped break the logjam on H–2A visas for local 2013 growers during the government shutdown, ensur- size and scope of California and its con- trict. ing a sufficient workforce for the holiday growing gressional delegation. & harvest season. OVER 20 YEARS OF GETTING RESULTS. ... Overcame the government shutdown that had closed 2013 We have such a wide range of talents Helping change things for the better while off parking for the annual Jade Festival in Big and perspectives and contributions in Congress doesn’t just mean passing bills, Sur. Passed a bill in the House (and sent it to the Sen- 2013 and 2014 that California Members bring to this though Sam Farr did a lot of that. It means ate) to name the new VA-DOD health clinic after body. As we see the 114th Congress now looking for every opportunity—to form part- Gen. Bill Gourley. come to a close, we have more depart- nerships, to push for White House involve- Approximate total dollars brought in to the district $1,016,000,000+ in 22 years (appropriations only, not formula ing Members than many delegations ment, to secure earmarks, and even on occa- money). sion, to block others from interfering in the Approximate number of constituent letters answered 511,000 have in the first place. So I am here to district’s welfare. in 22 years. talk about some of them. Pajaro River flood prevention ...... Multi-year. Sam Farr did all this while in Congress and Provided nearly $7 million to Salinas/Monterey Coun- Various. We are losing leaders, we are losing will continue to do so until the day he ty to fight gangs. friends and mentors, Members whom leaves. There is never a time when Sam Farr San Clemente Dam—working toward removal ...... Multi-year. Secured waivers for Salinas and Hollister so they Various, on-going. we have looked to and served beside. is not working for the best interests of the can get Rural Development money. We are losing Members who have been community. He leaves an indelible mark on Authored legislation on medical marijuana that be- 2014, 2015 so influential as they have shared to the district that will have long-term, wide- came law. Forced FAA to review the SAFR flight plan over 2015 make their passion to make lives bet- ranging impact now and far into the future. Santa Cruz (on-going). Secured the funds to renovate the ‘‘Low Water 2015 ter, each in their own way. As we bid Bridge’’ at Fort Hunter Liggett. them farewell, I want to take this mo- Locked in $56.3 million from previous appropriations 2015 for a new barracks at DLI. ment to pay tribute to five members Item Approximate Date Saved PEPRA funds for Monterey-Salinas Transit ..... 2015 that I am going to dearly miss. Guaranteed a new ARS station would be built in Sa- 2015 OIS APPS OIS Authored federal organic standards legislation/law .. 2002 linas by USDA. The first one is L C . L has Got WH to include Salinas in its Violence Prevention 2010–present. Reinstated $7.2 million in funding for NOAA’s B-WET 2015 really been an example and a role strategy (to fight gangs). program. Helped legislate the RCI program, which has rebuilt 2001–ongoing. Engineered the highest appropriations level for the 2015 model for how to be the quintessential military housing at Fort Ord (now the Ord Military Peace Corps in its history (410 million). Congresswoman. She is generous, Community). Got the House to pass H.R. 1838 to allow the rec- 2016 Monterey Bay Sanctuary Trail ...... 2001–present. reational use of BLM land at Clear Creek as a classy, hardworking, collaborative, and Obtained approval of VA cemetery at Fort Ord ...... 1993–2014 public recreation area. never afraid to stand up for people who NMFS lab in Santa Cruz ...... 1996–2002 Provided approximately $65 million, total, to under- 1994–1999 are in need. One of the things about write the new CSUMB. Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I think LOIS that we all know is she has a lock Oceans 21/National Ocean Policy ...... 2000/2014 Helped negotiate, then got $$ for Salinas Valley 1994–95 the comments the gentleman has made on the Nicest Member of Congress Water Reclamation project and the Castroville show what a difference a Member of award, and that is for a really good Water Intrusion project. Opened up DLI to civilian students on a selected, 1994 Congress can make in the lives of his reason. space-available basis. or her constituents. She has been very helpful to me, and Congressional Travel & Tourism Caucus ...... 1997–present. AM White House Oceans Conference ...... 1998 One of the things I will say as S my staff, from the minute I came to Prevented closure of local Social Security office ...... 1999 leaves is that we have joint swearing-in Congress. I came a few years after she

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We know she is The group of them who are in charge ergy and Commerce Committee. never afraid to be herself, and she is now at LA County, I know, will make She has always looked out for and de- not like anyone else who has ever tremendous strides for the region and livered for women, kids, consumers, served. for all of their constituents. and anyone who has had problems with She surprised people when she came It is very clear that Janice is an ex- healthcare coverage. On that com- to Congress after a very long-shot cam- pert on transportation and infrastruc- mittee, she really has been a leader on paign that really wasn’t decided for ture. She has helped a lot of us to un- the environment and a leader in pro- months after she came here. Of course, derstand port issues and stands up for moting clean energy and green tech- she has never been afraid to take on a the working people who make the nology. tough-odds fight. She was one of the goods move. It is always a great privilege to trav- Everybody knows LOIS here on the first younger women before we had a el with Janice. I had that opportunity floor. We all just look for her assurance lot of women coming here to Con- on a few occasions. I am certainly glad and her smile all the time. gress—women who had young chil- she will be serving in elected office. SAM FARR just spoke a few minutes dren—who were really in their earlier She still has such a great contribution ago. He really is a Member that you years. A lot of us waited until we were to make. look to for results. later in our careers, but not LORETTA. So, in closing, I just want to say that I learned about SAM when I was a She came when she was really a young we certainly are going to miss these member of the California legislature. woman. Members for different reasons, but One year, when the California members LORETTA is famous, of course, for her those of us still here will carry on their came to visit our Members of Congress, holiday cards and a lot of things that I legacies and never forget the marks Sam was there to greet us. I remember just can’t repeat right now, and for they have each made. having discussions with him. I think being one of the smartest, thoughtful, I have learned from all of them, and we were both chairing Consumer Af- and funniest Members that we have I will try to carry on their legacies by fairs at one time in the State legisla- here in Congress. making my New Year’s resolution to be ture and so we became kind of fast I know that when San Diego groups as genuine as LOIS, as edgy as LORETTA, friends. come to town and want an interesting as engaging as SAM, as good at singing SAM was also one of my walking bud- speaker, I always recommend LORETTA. as MIKE, and as spiritual as Janice. dies. There were a few years there I never know what she is going to say, Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I yield where we walked often in the morning, but that is why people listen. to the gentleman from California (Mr. meeting about six o’clock. We had a She is someone I will dearly miss, HUFFMAN), who represents north of San gang of us who went down to the park. but at least she is leaving her little sis- Francisco and the north coast. We were there always talking and hav- ter here with us in leadership, no less. Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, one of ing a good time and really sharing our We are glad to have LINDA in that posi- the things I love about serving in Con- experience here. tion. gress is I am always presented with One thing we all know about SAM is I want to talk about my friend, MIKE new and interesting experiences. Each that he was a legendary photo taker. I HONDA. MIKE and I have been on the year brings more of these experiences, can assure you, whenever you see SAM same path. We served in the legislature but I have already, in just 4 years, wandering down here on the floor, he together, we campaigned in the year of found that there is one experience I was often bringing pictures of people George W., and we came to Congress in have quite enough of, and that is say- from one event or another that he had the same small Democratic class in ing goodbye to incredible, irreplaceable taken. They were great mementos. I 2000. Our staffs have worked very close- colleagues who are just remarkable know that we all treasured them dearly together, and he has ruled the sev- public servants. I wish them well. I am ly. enth floor of Longworth from the same happy for them in retiring, but I am SAM is known from Monterrey, which office that he has held the whole time going to really miss them. he represents, to Colombia. Every- he has been here in Congress. Last year, we had the tough duty of where he goes, he speaks to people. Like SAM FARR, MIKE was shaped by saying goodbye to Henry Waxman and Often, if you travel with SAM, you his service in the Peace Corps in El George Miller. This year, we have got know how hard it is to get him moving Salvador. He has been a warrior for jus- another class of terrific people who are because he really wants to stop and tice, whether it is educational justice moving on. talk to everybody along the way. or civil rights, and he has taken API b 2015 SAM was really shaped by his service issues to a new level and really made I am going to miss all of my Cali- in the Peace Corps and dedicated him- people aware of the struggles of Asian fornia colleagues, including our south- self to giving back and looking at Americans from internment camps to ern California friends, Janice Hahn and tough issues from a global perspective. POW issues to sex trafficking. LORETTA SANCHEZ; but I want to focus He has been an earmark and appropria- MIKE is something of a bridge as well the time I have on our northern Cali- tions leader. His staff made him a book between the generations. He has rep- fornia neighbors, starting with our of accomplishments, and it was so resented Silicon Valley with pride and great friend, SAM FARR. thick. There were so many things that been an advocate and example of new A lot will be said, now and long into they had to share about SAM and what technology. His office always crushes the future, about SAM’s incredible pub- he has accomplished. all of us in the Golden Mouse Web site lic service career. People will talk Just like my colleague had said, he competition, and I think he was the about his time in Colombia in the really stands for how we can work hard first Member to drive a Prius. He still Peace Corps, the 6 years that he spent and we can get things done, especially has that same green Prius with a on the Monterey County Board of Su- when we know how to work with peo- stuffed animal we see parked all over pervisors, his 12 years in the State as- ple. And SAM knows how to do that. campus. sembly, his nearly 23 years in Congress. That is why he has such a great, thick More than anything, we miss stories SAM has been such a dedicated and pas- binder and lots of wonderful pictures. of MIKE’s famous karaoke nights. I sionate public servant. It is not just SAM has been a leader in the fight hear nobody does Sinatra better. the duration and the breadth of those against offshore drilling and a smart Janice Hahn. Janice actually turned offices. It is really the quality and the thinker when it comes to BRAC solu- out to be one of my newer colleagues character of SAM’s service and, particu- tions. from nearby LA, and I certainly hate larly, when it comes to the ocean. I also want to talk about LORETTA to see her leave, but she will be a huge SAM was the founder of the House SANCHEZ. As my Armed Services col- asset as a member of the Los Angeles Oceans Caucus, and a longstanding ad- league, my housemate, and Longworth Board of Supervisors. She joins a vocate for our coasts and oceans, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:01 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00119 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.136 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7392 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 reminding all of us and our country, It is extra special because, of course, UNMANAGEABLE CABINET how important they are to our econ- she holds the seat in Congress that was AGENCIES omy. He helped lay the groundwork for previously held by the late Walter The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. a National Ocean Policy that recog- Capps, a UCSB professor who was one LAHOOD). Under the Speaker’s an- nizes that there are tens of millions of of my favorite professors way back in nounced policy of January 6, 2015, the jobs across this country and trillions of the 1980s when I was a Gaucho student. Chair recognizes the gentleman from dollars of economic activity that de- Finally, it is tough to say good-bye, Arkansas (Mr. HILL) for 30 minutes. pend on healthy oceans. but we have to, to our great friend, Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate SAM has helped all sorts of special MIKE HONDA, who has so ably rep- the opportunity to address the people’s places throughout his career, espe- resented the Bay Area on the Appro- House this evening. cially in the Central Coast. He has priations Committee. He has made sure Last night, I talked about my initial never rested on his laurels. Despite his that Congress has invested in key pri- reflections on having been a freshman many accomplishments—and there are orities for our Bay Area region. The ex- Congressman spending my first term in too many to list here—I think it is im- tension of BART is just one of many, the United States House of Representa- portant to note that he created the tives. Last evening, I talked at length many examples of MIKE’s great work. Pinnacles National Park, which was about the growth of the administrative signed into law in 2013. He served in public life for more than state, the expansion of executive He successfully lobbied to have a na- 3 decades, from the San Jose School power, to the detriment of the first tional monument at Fort Ord, which Board to the Santa Clara County Board branch, the legislative branch. I traced was designated in 2012. And SAM has of Supervisors, the California Assem- those changes from my previous serv- told me many times, even in recent bly, and here in Congress. ice on Capitol Hill as a young man in days, that the most satisfying part of MIKE’s very special service draws the Senate staff of the U.S. Senate his work here in Congress is the endur- upon his life experience. He has just Banking Committee, and then, most ing part of his legacy, those permanent been an incredible champion for civil recently, working for President Bush 41 protections that he, through a lot of rights and human rights and equality. during his 4 years in the Presidency. hard work and perseverance, has been He has really been our North Star, I Tonight I want to turn and continue able to make happen. think, here in Congress on these crit- that discussion with our American peo- Beyond all of this, all of these ical issues. ple, Mr. Speaker, and talk about how achievements, all of these offices that the cabinet agencies, since I worked for define SAM’s public service career, I He has gone to bat for the AAPI com- President Bush, worked in cabinet af- think it is also important to just note munity, the LGBT community and, fairs, coordinated economic policy dur- he is a heck of a human being. frankly, anyone who has been dis- ing the last 2 years of his Presidency I will miss SAM. It has been said by advantaged and who needs a champion from the White House staff. I want to Susan and others that he has just al- in their quest for equality. talk tonight about those cabinet agen- ways got a warm smile. He greets you MIKE is my neighbor here in Wash- cies and how, in my view, they have be- on the airplane. He is a pleasure to ington. I will miss running into him. I come essentially unmanageable. travel with. He will come up and give will miss seeing that old, beat-up, first- You can see the critical need for you a picture that he took from the generation Toyota Prius with all the spending and personnel reform in many last holiday party, sometimes like a faded stickers on the bumper. Most of of our departments. In fact, one may year and a half earlier because he has all, I will just miss MIKE’s great sense assume that change is desired by both kept it in his pocket for a long time of humor, his warm smile, and his the legislative and executive branches, waiting to see you. friendship; but I do know that that yet reform flounders, whether it was at SAM, you are just a wonderful friend friendship will continue. the Pentagon under Secretary Rums- and human being, and I am so honored feld during Bush 43 or the Veterans Af- Mr. Speaker, and my colleague, ZOE to have served with you. fairs Department today under the cur- So let’s talk about another great LOFGREN, thank you for the time to lend my voice of appreciation and grat- rent administration. human being and public servant, LOIS I have watched the VA for the past 2 itude to these great, great, champions CAPPS. What I love about LOIS and will years. Secretary McDonald’s plans for California and for our country. We deeply miss is the fact that she is a changed, laws are changed, yet malfea- wish them well. nurse to the core, and a health advo- sance, incompetence, and worse persist. cate. She really, as a Member of Con- Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I had a On just this Monday, Mr. Speaker, gress, and as a health advocate, just number of other Members who had The Washington Post published a walks the walk all the time, constantly planned to be here but, because of the shocking report that Pentagon officials advocating for affordable and acces- hour, there is a conflicting event, so buried evidence of $125 billion in bu- sible health care for all, and that in- they will be adding their voices to the reaucratic waste during 2015. For that cludes, obviously, being a champion RECORD. horrific activity, they were the recipi- with her work for the Affordable Care Let me just close by saying that our ent of this month’s Golden Fleece Act. She really does leave this institu- delegation—really, all the Congress Award by my office. tion, I think, as one of its most re- and the public—are going to miss the To make it worse, they even made spected members, one of the kindest distinguished service of SAM FARR, the effort, according to The Wash- members, certainly one of the ones LOIS CAPPS, LORETTA SANCHEZ, MIKE ington Post, of hiding this effort, with widespread affection from her col- knowing that it would be impetus for HONDA, and Janice Hahn. Each of them leagues. That is a reputation that I very different, but each of them made the Congress to come together and cut think everyone in public life should their mark in a way that will not be their budget. Clearly, that is a problem strive for. forgotten. We are sad to see them go, with an unmanageable cabinet agency. LOIS, of course, is another stalwart I have seen this firsthand right in but here’s the good news: we have fresh for California’s oceans and our coast, Little Rock, my hometown, where the faces coming in to replace them who and has helped lead the charge against center of the Air Force’s C–130 program are very distinguished and who will offshore drilling throughout her ten- is, for America’s airlift, where the De- also make their mark because none of ure. partment of the Air Force officials us here will be here forever. We are just I think the part of LOIS that I will es- planned for years to transfer aircraft pecially appreciate and especially miss passing through this people’s House in from Keesler Air Force Base in Mis- is that she is my living bridge to a an effort to serve our country as best sissippi to Little Rock Air Force Base, wonderful time in my life when I was a we can. Certainly, these Members have basing it as a critical, cost-saving ini- student at UC Santa Barbara. Of served that public with tremendous tiative, along with other force struc- course, LOIS herself is a graduate of distinction, and we are honored to have ture changes of some $922 million USCB, and I know that my fellow served with them. across future years of their 5-year plan. alumni and everyone in the UCSB com- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Yet, Congress’ meddling prevented munity is so proud of her. of my time. this commonsense Air Force plan cost-

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00120 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.138 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7393 saving initiative. So these bureaucratic 1994. My, that is a terrible track owed to foreign investors outside the efforts in the cabinet agencies that record. U.S., principally in Japan and China. make them, in my view, unmanageable So this is not a President Obama This debt is a percentage of our GDP, come both from the executive and from issue or a President Bush issue. This is that is $19 trillion, which is about 100 the legislative. an issue of the Congress itself. Now you percent of GDP. Looking at the Veterans Affairs De- know why, after 20 years, I have seen Back in my twenties, when I worked partment, some 360,000 employees, up so many things change, and not for the for Senator Tower from Texas on the 140,000 in the past decade alone. About better, coming back to Washington to Senate Banking Committee, debt to two-thirds of the members are civilian represent the people of central Arkan- GDP was about 30 percent. When I employees, are part of the American sas. worked for President Bush 41 as a member of his White House staff for Federation of Government Employees b 2030 and Service Employees International economic policy, our debt was about 50 Union. These VA employees are subject What happens without such a process or 60 percent of GDP. Now you know to, of course, the protections by the of appropriations bills is what we will why after 20 years I remain so con- Merit Systems Protection Board. be voting on this week: a continuing cerned, because it has now doubled. While there are many hardworking resolution which simply freezes spend- There is a lot of economic research and dedicated VA employees, both in ing at current levels and extends for- that tells us about the dampening im- the healthcare area, across our VA hos- ward to a date certain, or, as an alter- pact on our national growth rates if we pitals, and in benefits, and many union native to that kind of continuing reso- have national debt at these kinds of members fight for high standards and lution, an omnibus spending bill where levels. It saps capital alternatives to fight for high quality across our vet- everything is rolled into one. the private sector that can bring faster erans system, the facts are stubborn These massive bills reflect the work, growth. Clearly, since the Great Reces- things, and they remain that the VA hopefully, of our House and Senate sion of 2008, we have had low growth— has had serious quality, ethics, and committees. They frequently contain well below what I believe should be the management issues that are hurting items, Mr. Speaker, that are growth rate of this great economy. veterans and hurting the reputation of parachuted into the bill at the end of Likewise, we are at a time of low interest rates. Interest rates are likely the Federal Government. the negotiations between the House Just in this Congress alone, under and the Senate, and those produce fire- on the rise. And while we are paying a modest amount of interest on that the leadership of Congressman JEFF works on both sides of the political soon-to-be $19 trillion dollars today, MILLER, the chairman of our Veterans spectrum. Affairs Committee during this Con- The irony about that debate of that the Congressional Budget Office believes that, as interest rates gradually gress, we have seen reforms to rein in $1.1 trillion in typical annual spending, increase over the next few months and construction spending by the VA, approved by this body, is that it years, interest will move from about clawback bonuses, fire bad actors, stop composes about $600 billion—50 per- $220 billion to $830 billion, Mr. Speaker, paying official time to do union work. cent—that goes to our national defense over the next 10 years, surpassing what We have seen, though, people not fired, that funds the essential expenditures we spend as a nation on our national even though people have died in VA for our men and women in uniform. defense. So there is no doubt the Fed- health care. About $80 billion goes to our veterans eral Government has grown too big and We have seen a $300 million hospital and military construction projects too complex and interferes too greatly. complex, Mr. Speaker, be $1 billion around the United States and the world, and the balance is for every- We must get our fiscal house in order. over budget; not possible, in my view, Mr. Speaker, eliminating waste and in the private sector. So there is no thing else that we consider government: highway finance, local education fraud will not do it. Raising taxes doubt that our cabinet agencies need won’t do it. I am always reminded by initiatives that go to our States, our reform. We talked about regulatory remembers of the opposition that insist national parks, and help for our Corps form, executive overreach reform, but that we can only balance our budget by of Engineers on our ports and along our we must have work rule reform in our raising taxes. Winston Churchill’s fa- rivers. agencies. vorite quote about taxes: ‘‘We contend What shocks the Arkansans that I re- The other thing I want to touch on that for a nation to try to tax itself spond to about their letters is that, tonight before I talk about solutions is into prosperity is like a man standing while I appreciate their correspond- just spending overall to fund the obli- in a bucket and trying to lift it himself ence, their emails about that $1.1 tril- gations of our Federal Government. by the handle.’’ It is not going to do it, lion in spending, the so-called domestic Every month, I receive numerous let- Mr. Speaker. ters about the $1.1 trillion in annual discretionary spending, I remain frus- This problem is too large and re- spending that Congress typically ap- trated that Congress’ lack of action on quires reform, and it requires this Con- proves each year. When done properly, the other $3.5 trillion that this govern- gress to reform in the out-years and this annual spending is approved by ment spends is in the mandatory put us on the right track. Former Joint way of 12 appropriations bills in this spending portion of the budget. It is Chief of Staff Chairman Michael body, the people’s House, and six ap- not subject to annual appropriations. Mullen said in 2010, 6 years ago, Mr. propriations bills in the Senate. They So I thank you for your mail and Speaker, that the biggest national se- are conferenced together, and they are your suggestions about how we can re- curity problem facing the United presented to the President for his veto form spending at the Pentagon or re- States was the size of our national or approval. form spending in our national forests debt. The problem is that this very typical, or our national parks, but $3.5 trillion So let me talk now, Mr. Speaker, very constitutional program that has is in mandatory spending which funds about potential solutions that this been applied for 240 years about how to Social Security, Social Security Dis- Congress has to adopt working with authorize and appropriate funds to op- ability, Medicaid health care for the our President-elect in the coming days, erate our government just no longer poor, Medicare health care for the el- in the coming years, and in the early typically happens, yet this is Congress’ derly, and interest on our national months of the Trump administration. most fundamental obligation under Ar- debt—and these programs are essen- First, Congress, heal thyself. We must ticle I. tially based on eligibility. reassert our Article I powers: the The appropriations clause is but 16 Yet, many of us remain concerned power of the purse; the power of the words long. ‘‘No money shall be drawn about the size of our annual deficits— proper appropriations process. We don’t from the Treasury, but in Consequence the total size of our national debt—par- need someone to impose that. We need of Appropriations made by law.’’ ticularly when you consider the size of to impose it on ourselves. This is our job, yet the last time that the national debt to our total econ- We need to remind the American peo- all the appropriations bills were passed omy. We currently have about $19 tril- ple to contact us, to help us return to individually and enacted into law be- lion in outstanding debt of the United regular order and return to the appro- fore October 1 of a new fiscal year was States with about $6 trillion of that priations process. We need all 12 of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00121 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.139 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7394 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 those bills passed and we need to stop years, and now spending programs and Federal computer system that is sup- depending on continuing resolutions reforms, in my view, ought to be cal- posed to be the best. like we will this week. This is some- culated and take into account the Our chairman of the House Oversight thing I think that is fundamental. agency costs and the carrying costs on and Government Reform Committee, Let’s talk about some of the reforms our national debt. JASON CHAFFETZ, has expressed his sup- to that budget process tonight. In this Another recommended reform to the port for modernizing our government’s Congress, I was proud to support the CBO from our House Budget Com- aging systems, calling it a vital part of Biennial Budgeting and Enhanced mittee would be to eliminate built-in infrastructure that we need in order to Oversight Act, which was introduced discretionary inflation, removing the have a fully functional government. I by REID RIBBLE of Wisconsin. If this automatic extensions of expiring pro- couldn’t agree more. We don’t need to bill passes, it would help the govern- grams, and removing the current as- shortchange these agencies when it ment fix our broken budget system by sumption that entitlement payments comes to delivering a safe, cyber-pro- establishing a biennial budget cycle. I will continue at current levels even tected IT infrastructure. think this would provide Federal agen- when their trust funds are predicted to Last night I talked about the admin- cies with the kind of planning capa- be insolvent. These practices currently istrative state, the growth of regula- bility that would make them much used by CBO result in automatic plus- tion, and the cost of regulation exceed- more effective. We could identify cost ups for the baseline budget, and these ing that of all the revenues from the savings, no doubt, in the important in- reforms, in my view, will remove the tax system. Let’s talk about what we frastructure area and long-term sys- current bias to ever higher spending can do to rein in regulatory costs. The tems issues that we have, particularly levels. House passed a Separation of Powers in the Pentagon. This would be a large We ought to consider what we do in Restoration Act in 2016, which would advantage. the private sector, Mr. Speaker, zero- amend the Administrative Procedure After reflecting on this, I support based budgeting to assess what is real- Act, to require the courts to decide all abolishing our Budget Committee proc- ly needed and not needed in our Fed- de novo relevant questions of law, iness. Put in place in 1974, the intent was eral agencies. What a great idea for Mr. cluding the interpretation of constitu- to have a way to rein in the executive. Trump’s incoming new Director of the tional and statutory provisions and The Budget Act of 1974 was to help pun- Office of Management and Budget. In- rules. This bill would eliminate the ish Richard Nixon. I believe that if we terior Department, let’s go to zero- Chevron deference, which, in my view, abolish the Budget Committee, we can based budgeting. Let’s have you justify is blocking common sense being used allow our authorizing committees to to the Chief Financial Officer in the In- and direction of this people’s House serve both an authorizing and an ap- terior Department every program, and and the Senate over our regulatory propriating function. We can eliminate then come to Congress with your rec- body. redundancies in our Federal Govern- ommendation of what we really should This is not a new topic, Mr. Speaker. ment, and we can look inward in how be doing at Interior or any other bu- James Madison in Federalist 51 dis- we can eliminate also unnecessary pro- reau or cabinet agency of the govern- cussed the need of each branch of gov- cedures in Congress that waste time. In ment. ernment to guard against overreach by turn, our Appropriations Committee House and Senate bills have been in- another. He stated that when an over- would oversee the budget resolutions, troduced on this issue. Representative reach occurs, ambition must be to making sure that Congress spends no DUNCAN of Tennessee and Senator counteract ambition. more than what we have approved in a THUNE of South Dakota would, I think, That is what we want to do in this budget resolution and that we can re- bring a lot of common sense. They House, Mr. Speaker. We have passed view individual ceilings for appro- would say that if private enterprises the REINS Act, Regulations From the priating money for those government are performing activities duplicated by Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act. The functions that don’t require an author- an arm of the Federal Government, REINS Act, which passed this act over- ization. then they would have the opportunity whelmingly, said that any major rule I also support the idea of properly di- to compete for that work that Federal like those that I described last night recting the Congressional Budget Of- agencies unnecessarily handle in-house that cost the economy more than $100 fice to account for, or score, in their and, therefore, give better value to our million would require coming back to terminology, for long-term invest- taxpayers. Congress for approval. That will put ments as budget impacts versus just IT investments—information tech- the people’s Representatives here in current-year spending. These ideas are nology—is a critical function in all of charge of the administrative state and not revolutionary; they are well our private sector life. Yet, GAO, the not the other way around. known. Government Accountability Office, I referenced a few minutes ago The We are stuck in the past, Mr. Speak- found that 75 percent of the technology Washington Post story about uncover- er, and we must reform ourselves start- budget for the Federal Government ing $125 billion of hidden-away, mising with this budget and appropria- goes to just painting up and fixing directed spending at the Pentagon that tions process. In fact, these ideas are as aging technology rather than modern- I awarded this month’s Golden Fleece old as my boss’ suggestions. John izing and going in a different direction Award. Tower was a 24-year veteran of the on IT. Senate. He served on the Budget Com- They are actually still using floppy b 2045 mittee and was chairman of the Armed disks at the Pentagon and maintaining I brought back the Golden Fleece Services Committee in the Senate. 1970s-era computer platforms. Look, from the seventies. It was created by These were his ideas upon his retire- that stuff ought to be in the Smithso- Senator William Proxmire of Wis- ment in 1984 as to how to make the nian, not at the Pentagon. The report consin. It is that kind of thing that I Congress more effective. notes that the Social Security systems think calls attention to egregious be- The Congressional Budget Office re- that are used to determine our eligi- havior by the Executive and allows us lies on a set of government statistics bility and our benefits are more than 30 to have policy changes here. I com- including GDP growth, inflation, and years old and are based on COBOL commend former Senator Tom Coburn and tax receipts. It takes into accounts dy- puter language. Mr. Speaker, I used his successor Senator LANKFORD for the namic scoring. In my view, these COBOL computer language when I was same kind of work. things need to be done in a more proper in college almost 40 years ago. We need Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to turn way to better calculate the cost of leg- that kind of reform in order to be com- to the subject of the Community Em- islation and the benefits for the econ- petitive and provide services to our powerment Initiative, something that I omy. For example, CBO does not cur- constituents and safe, cyber-ready pro- have spent a lot of time on in my dis- rently include interest payments on tections. We have already witnessed trict in Little Rock, finding ways to the debt when scoring new legislation. the Office of Personnel Management fight poverty and use the talents and As previously mentioned, this interest losing people’s identities and creating time of the private sector to do that, will grow exponentially in the coming identify theft right in the middle of a and also to identify ways that we can

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.140 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7395 find a better way to enhance the lives The motion was agreed to; accord- Offer and Acceptance for the Government of of American citizens, get them out of ingly (at 8 o’clock and 47 minutes Peru, Transmittal No. 16-76, pursuant to Sec. poverty, get them the education they p.m.), under its previous order, the 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended; to the Committee on Foreign Af- need and the skills they need to suc- House adjourned until tomorrow, fairs. ceed in our economy. Thursday, December 8, 2016, at 9 a.m. 7794. A letter from the Director, Defense This is the big challenge before the f Security Cooperation Agency, Department of incoming Trump administration and Defense, transmitting a proposed Letter of EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, this Congress. It is important that peo- Offer and Acceptance for the Government of ETC. ple have a vested interest in their com- Finland, Transmittal No. 16-65, pursuant to munity and have a sense of community Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive Sec. 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, communications were taken from the as amended; to the Committee on Foreign engagement about how we do what I Affairs. talked about last night, the idea that Speaker’s table and referred as follows: 7795. A letter from the Director, Defense we let people closest to the problems 7785. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- Security Cooperation Agency, Department of solve those problems and not be de- ment of Defense, transmitting a letter on the Defense, transmitting a proposed Letter of pendent on one-size-fits-all challenges approved retirement of Lieutenant General Offer and Acceptance to the Government of here. Anthony G. Crutchfield, United States Australia, Transmittal No. 16-54, pursuant to Army, and his advancement to the grade of So, Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to Sec. 36(b)(1) of the Arms Export Control Act, lieutenant general on the retired list, pursu- as amended; to the Committee on Foreign have been reelected and continue to ant to 10 U.S.C. 1370(c)(1); Public Law 96-513, Affairs. serve the citizens of Arkansas and our Sec. 112 (as amended by Public Law 104-106, 7796. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, country. I am humbled to be asked to Sec. 502(b)); (110 Stat. 293); to the Committee Legislative Affairs, Department of State, raise my hand on January 3 and again on Armed Services. transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 16-069, affirm my allegiance to our country 7786. A letter from the Director, Regula- pursuant to the reporting requirements of and our beloved Constitution. tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Every Thursday morning, we assem- Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department’s final rule — 7797. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, ble for the House prayer breakfast, and Submission of Food and Drug Administra- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, every Thursday morning I feel the tion Import Data in the Automated Commer- transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 16-110, prayers around our country, for our cial Environment [Docket No.: FDA-2016-N- pursuant to the reporting requirements of country. We in that group pray for all 1487] (RIN: 0910-AH41) received December 2, Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control of our families. We pray for our men 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the 7798. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, and women in uniform around our Legislative Affairs, Department of State, world protecting our liberties and our Committee on Energy and Commerce. 7787. A letter from the Director, Regula- transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 16-098, freedoms. I pray for each of the fami- tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, pursuant to the reporting requirements of lies in my district, that they have the Department of Health and Human Services, Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control health and prosperity and the ability transmitting the Department’s direct final Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 7799. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, to pursue happiness under our great rule — New Animal Drugs for Use in Animal Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Constitution. Feed; Category Definitions; Confirmation of transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 16-039, Effective Date [Docket No.: FDA-2016-N-1896) On behalf of my family, I wish all of pursuant to the reporting requirements of received December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 the people of the Second Congressional Section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. District of Arkansas a blessed Christ- Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- 7800. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, mas season. May God bless our troops ergy and Commerce. overseas and our great Nation. Legislative Affairs, Department of State, 7788. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 16-095, GENERAL LEAVE U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland pursuant to the reporting requirements of Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- Security, transmitting the Department’s Section 36(d) of the Arms Export Control mous consent that all Members may temporary final rule — Safety Zone; Arkan- Act; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. have 5 legislative days in which to re- sas River; Little Rock, AR [Docket No.: 7801. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, USCG-2016-0992] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received Legislative Affairs, Department of State, vise and extend their remarks and in- December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. clude extraneous materials on the sub- transmitting Transmittal No. DDTC 16-112, 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 pursuant to Sections 36(c) and (d) of the ject of this Special Order. Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- Arms Export Control Act; to the Committee The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tation and Infrastructure. on Foreign Affairs. objection to the request of the gen- 7789. A letter from the Secretary, Federal 7802. A letter from the Deputy Chief Finan- tleman from Arkansas? Trade Commission, transmitting the twelfth cial Officer, Department of Education, trans- There was no objection. annual Federal Trade Commission Report on mitting the Department’s FY 2014 and 2015 Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I yield back Ethanol Market Concentration, pursuant to Inventory of Inherently Governmental Ac- 42 U.S.C. 7545(o)(10)(B); July 14, 1955, ch. 360, the balance of my time. tivities and of Commercial Activities, pursu- title II, Sec. 211 (amended by Public Law 109- ant to 31 U.S.C. 501 note; Public Law 105-270, f 58, Sec. 1501(a)(2)); (119 Stat. 1074); to the Sec. 2(c)(1)(A); (112 Stat. 2382); to the Com- Committee on Energy and Commerce. mittee on Oversight and Government Re- LEAVE OF ABSENCE 7790. A letter from the Secretary, Federal form. By unanimous consent, leave of ab- Trade Commission, transmitting the Com- 7803. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, sence was granted to: mission’s final rule — Energy Labeling Rule Regulatory Affairs Law Division, Office of (RIN: 3084-AB15) received December 2, 2016, the General Counsel, Department of Home- Mr. CLYBURN (at the request of Ms. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law land Security, transmitting the Depart- PELOSI) for today. 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- ment’s final rule — Freedom of Information f mittee on Energy and Commerce. Act Regulations [Docket No.: DHS-2009-0036] 7791. A letter from the Secretary, Federal (RIN: 1601-AA00) received December 5, 2016, SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED Trade Commission, transmitting the Com- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law mission’s final rule — Used Motor Vehicle The Speaker announced his signature 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- Trade Regulation Rule (RIN: 3084-AB05) re- mittee on Oversight and Government Re- to enrolled bills of the Senate of the ceived December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. form. following titles: 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 7804. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, S. 795. An act to enhance whistleblower Stat. 868); to the Committee on Energy and Department of Transportation, transmitting protection for contractor and grantee em- Commerce. a notification of a federal vacancy and des- ployees. 7792. A letter from the Principal Deputy ignation of acting officer, pursuant to 5 S. 3395. An act to require limitations on Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political- U.S.C. 3349(a); Public Law 105-277, 151(b); (112 prescribed burns. Military Affairs, Department of State, trans- Stat. 2681-614); to the Committee on Over- mitting the 2016 edition of the Department’s sight and Government Reform. f annual ‘‘To Walk the Earth in Safety’’ re- 7805. A letter from the Program Specialist, ADJOURNMENT port; to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. LRAD, Office of the Comptroller of the Cur- 7793. A letter from the Director, Defense rency, Department of the Treasury, trans- Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I move that Security Cooperation Agency, Department of mitting the Department’s final rules — Ap- the House do now adjourn. Defense, transmitting a proposed Letter of praisals for Higher-Priced Mortgage Loans

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE7.142 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7396 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 Exemption Threshold [Docket No.: OCC-2015- under the Jerusalem Embassy Act, pursuant Representatives who agree to restrictions on 0021] (RIN: 1557-AD99) received December 5, to Public Law 104-45(7)(a); (109 Stat. 400); the types of contributions such candidates 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public jointly to the Committees on Foreign Affairs raise and the types of expenditures such can- Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the and Appropriations. didates make, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Financial Services. f Committee on House Administration, and in 7806. A letter from the Director, Congres- addition to the Committee on Energy and sional Affairs, Federal Election Commission, REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON Commerce, for a period to be subsequently transmitting the Commission’s Fiscal Year PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS determined by the Speaker, in each case for 2016 Agency Financial Report, pursuant to 31 Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of consideration of such provisions as fall with- U.S.C. 3515(a)(1); Public Law 101-576, Sec. in the jurisdiction of the committee con- 303(a)(1) (as amended by Public Law 107-289, committees were delivered to the Clerk cerned. Sec. 2(a)); (116 Stat. 2049); to the Committee for printing and reference to the proper By Mr. CHAFFETZ (for himself, Mr. on Oversight and Government Reform. calendar, as follows: CUMMINGS, and Mr. MEADOWS): 7807. A letter from the Executive Director, Mr. BISHOP of Utah: Committee on Nat- H.R. 6450. A bill to amend the Inspector Federal Retirement Thrift Investment ural Resources. H.R. 3764. A bill to provide General Act of 1978 to strengthen the inde- Board, transmitting the Board’s Report of that an Indian group may receive Federal ac- pendence of the Inspectors General, and for FY 2016 Audits, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. app. knowledgment as an Indian tribe only by an other purposes; to the Committee on Over- 8G(h)(2); Public Law 95-452, Sec. 8G(h)(2) (as Act of Congress, and for other purposes; with sight and Government Reform. added by Public Law 100-504, Sec. 104(a)); (102 an amendment (Rept. 114–847). Referred to By Mr. DENHAM (for himself and Mr. Stat. 2525); to the Committee on Oversight the Committee of the Whole House on the CHAFFETZ): and Government Reform. state of the Union. H.R. 6451. A bill to improve the Govern- 7808. A letter from the Treasurer, National Mr. GOWDY: Select Committee on the ment-wide management of Federal property; Gallery of Art, transmitting the Perform- Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist At- to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- ance and Accountability Report for the year tack in Benghazi Final Report of the Select ment Reform, and in addition to the Com- ended September 30, 2016, pursuant to 31 Committee on the Events Surrounding the mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- U.S.C. 3515(a)(1); Public Law 101-576, Sec. 2012 Terrorist Attack in Benghazi (Rept. 114– ture, for a period to be subsequently deter- 303(a)(1) (as amended by Public Law 107-289, 848). Referred to the House Calendar. mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- Sec. 2(a)); (116 Stat. 2049); to the Committee Mr. WOODALL: Committee on Rules. sideration of such provisions as fall within on Oversight and Government Reform. House Resolution 949. Resolution providing the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. 7809. A letter from the Executive Analyst, for consideration of the Senate amendment By Mrs. RADEWAGEN: Office of the Secretary, Department of to the bill (H.R. 2028) making appropriations H.R. 6452. A bill to implement the Conven- Health and Human Services, transmitting a for energy and water development and re- tion on the Conservation and Management of notification of a federal vacancy and des- lated agencies for the fiscal year ending Sep- High Seas Fisheries Resources in the North ignation of acting officer, pursuant to 5 tember 30, 2016, and for other purposes, and Pacific Ocean, to implement the Convention U.S.C. 3349(a); Public Law 105-277, 151(b); (112 providing for consideration of the bill (S. 612) on the Conservation and Management of Stat. 2681-614); to the Committee on Over- to designate the Federal building and United High Seas Fishery Resources in the South sight and Government Reform. States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Pacific Ocean, and for other purposes; to the 7810. A letter from the Special Counsel, Street in Laredo, Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Committee on Natural Resources, and in ad- U.S. Office of Special Counsel, transmitting Kazen Federal Building and United States dition to the Committee on Science, Space, the Counsel’s FY 2016 Performance and Ac- Courthouse’’ (Rept. 114–849). Referred to the and Technology, for a period to be subse- countability Report, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. House Calendar. quently determined by the Speaker, in each 3515(a)(1); Public Law 101-576, Sec. 303(a)(1) case for consideration of such provisions as (as amended by Public Law 107-289, Sec. 2(a)); DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE fall within the jurisdiction of the committee (116 Stat. 2049); to the Committee on Over- Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XIII, the concerned. sight and Government Reform. Committees on Education and the By Mr. FITZPATRICK: 7811. A letter from the General Counsel, Workforce and Ways and Means dis- H.R. 6453. A bill to clarify the effect of a National Credit Union Administration, charged from further consideration. Memorandum Opinion for the Assistant At- transmitting the Administration’s final rule H.R. 329 referred to the Committee of torney General, Criminal Division, dated — Civil Monetary Penalty Inflation Adjust- September 20, 2011, and pertaining to the ment (RIN: 3133-AE59) received December 5, the Whole House on the state of the lawfulness of proposals by Illinois and New 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Union. York to use the Internet and out-of-state Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the f transaction processors to sell lottery tickets Committee on the Judiciary. to in-state adults, and for other purposes; to 7812. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS the Committee on Financial Services, and in U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Under clause 2 of rule XII, public addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, Security, transmitting the Department’s bills and resolutions of the following for a period to be subsequently determined final rule — Security Zone; Potomac River titles were introduced and severally re- by the Speaker, in each case for consider- and Anacostia River, and adjacent waters; ferred, as follows: ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- Washington, DC [Docket No.: USCG-2016- risdiction of the committee concerned. 0675] (RIN: 1625-AA87) received December 2, By Mr. SWALWELL of California (for By Mr. GARAMENDI: 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public himself and Mr. CUMMINGS): H.R. 6454. A bill to require a certain per- Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the H.R. 6447. A bill to establish the National centage of LNG and crude oil exports be Committee on Transportation and Infra- Commission on Foreign Interference in the transported on United States-built and structure. 2016 Election; to the Committee on Foreign United States-flag vessels, and for other pur- 7813. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, Affairs. poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland By Mr. BEYER: merce, and in addition to the Committee on Security, transmitting the Department’s H.R. 6448. A bill to establish the National Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subse- temporary final rule — Safety Zone; Great Wildlife Corridors System to provide for the quently determined by the Speaker, in each Egg Harbor Bay, Marmora, NJ [Docket No.: protection and restoration of native fish, case for consideration of such provisions as USCG-2016-1011] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received wildlife, and plant species and their habitats fall within the jurisdiction of the committee December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. in the United States that have been dimin- concerned. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 ished by habitat loss, degradation, frag- By Mr. GARAMENDI (for himself and Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- mentation, and obstructions, and for other Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee): tation and Infrastructure. purposes; to the Committee on Natural Re- H.R. 6455. A bill to require a certain per- 7814. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, sources, and in addition to the Committees centage of LNG and crude oil exports be U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland on Armed Services, Agriculture, and Trans- transported on vessels documented under the Security, transmitting the Department’s portation and Infrastructure, for a period to laws of the United States, and for other pur- final rule — Anchorage Grounds; Delaware be subsequently determined by the Speaker, poses; to the Committee on Energy and Com- Bay and River, Philadelphia, PA [Docket in each case for consideration of such provi- merce, and in addition to the Committee on No.: USCG-2016-0110] (RIN: 1625-AA01) re- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subse- ceived December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. committee concerned. quently determined by the Speaker, in each 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- case for consideration of such provisions as Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- sylvania: fall within the jurisdiction of the committee tation and Infrastructure. H.R. 6449. A bill to amend the Federal Elec- concerned. 7815. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, tion Campaign Act of 1971 to provide polit- By Mr. VEASEY: Legislative Affairs, Department of State, ical advertising vouchers and payments to H.R. 6456. A bill to render the amounts au- transmitting a memorandum of justification defray the costs of postage for candidates in thorized to be appropriated for U.S. Customs regarding the suspension of limitations general elections to the Senate or House of and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L07DE7.000 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7397 and Customs Enforcement for fiscal years By Mrs. DAVIS of California: ical to the economic security of the United 2018 through 2021 contingent upon the H.R. 6464. A bill to direct the Secretary of States and to direct the Assistant Secretary amount appropriated for the Executive Of- Education to award grants for teacher-led of Commerce for Communications and Infor- fice for Immigration Review for fiscal year projects to improve academic growth in ele- mation to submit to Congress a report on the 2017; to the Committee on Homeland Secu- mentary school and secondary school, and costs of information security; to the Com- rity, and in addition to the Committees on for other purposes; to the Committee on mittee on Energy and Commerce. Ways and Means, and the Judiciary, for a pe- Education and the Workforce. By Mr. WALDEN (for himself, Mr. YAR- riod to be subsequently determined by the By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee: MUTH, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. Speaker, in each case for consideration of H.R. 6465. A bill to authorize the incorpora- RUSH, Mr. BILIRAKIS, Mr. OLSON, and such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of water quality improvement partner- Mr. GUTHRIE): tion of the committee concerned. ship programs into Federal Water Pollution H.R. 6474. A bill to eliminate the daily By Mr. VEASEY: Control Act NPDES permit programs, and newspaper cross-ownership rule of the Fed- H.R. 6457. A bill to amend title XVIII of the for other purposes; to the Committee on eral Communications Commission; to the Social Security Act to provide Medicare cov- Transportation and Infrastructure. Committee on Energy and Commerce. erage of preventive services that are re- By Mr. EMMER of Minnesota (for him- By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: quired to be covered by group and individual self and Mr. DEFAZIO): H.R. 6475. A bill to remove reversionary health plans; to the Committee on Energy H.R. 6466. A bill to establish a website for clauses on property owned by the munici- and Commerce, and in addition to the Com- Federal Government apps, and for other pur- pality of Anchorage, Alaska; to the Com- mittee on Ways and Means, for a period to be poses; to the Committee on Oversight and mittee on Natural Resources. subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Government Reform. By Mr. RUSH: each case for consideration of such provi- By Mr. GRAYSON: H. Con. Res. 180. Concurrent resolution ex- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the H.R. 6467. A bill to provide that individuals pressing the sense of Congress that rates for committee concerned. may elect to retain work-related benefits inmate calling service should not exceed the By Mr. VEASEY: when moving throughout the workforce, and affordable modified rates adopted by the H.R. 6458. A bill to amend title IV of the for other purposes; to the Committee on Federal Communications Commission; to the Social Security Act to prohibit a State from Education and the Workforce. Committee on Energy and Commerce. requiring individuals to submit to drug test- By Mr. HARRIS (for himself, Mr. By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN: ing as a condition of assistance under the PERRY, Mr. DAVIDSON, Mr. GOSAR, H. Con. Res. 181. Concurrent resolution di- program of block grants to States for tem- Mr. BRAT, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- recting the Secretary of the Senate to make porary assistance to needy families, to lina, Mr. WEBSTER of Florida, Mr. a certain correction in the enrollment of S. amend the United States Housing Act of 1937 BABIN, Mr. GOHMERT, Mr. FRANKS of 1635; considered and agreed to. to prohibit a public housing agency from re- Arizona, Mr. YOHO, Mr. LAMALFA, By Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia (for quiring individuals to submit to drug testing Mr. KING of Iowa, Mr. ROE of Ten- himself, Mr. MCKINLEY, and Mr. as a condition of assistance under the Hous- nessee, Mr. COLLINS of New York, Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia): ing Choice Voucher Program, and for other SMITH of Texas, Mr. DUNCAN of South H. Con. Res. 182. Concurrent resolution purposes; to the Committee on Ways and Carolina, Mr. JODY B. HICE of Geor- commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Means, and in addition to the Committee on gia, Mr. SMITH of Missouri, Mr. attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Financial Services, for a period to be subse- WALKER, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. PITTS, Mr. and the sinking of the U.S.S. West Virginia quently determined by the Speaker, in each LAMBORN, Mr. SANFORD, Mr. CON- during that attack; to the Committee on case for consideration of such provisions as AWAY, Mrs. HARTZLER, Mr. ALLEN, Armed Services. fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Mr. KELLY of Mississippi, Mr. WEBER By Ms. LEE: concerned. of Texas, Mr. WENSTRUP, Mr. H. Res. 948. A resolution honoring the indi- By Mr. CURBELO of Florida (for him- LAHOOD, Mr. PALMER, Mr. GROTHMAN, viduals who lost their lives in the tragic fire self and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia): and Mr. POSEY): in Oakland, California, on December 2, 2016; H.R. 6459. A bill to reauthorize and improve H.R. 6468. A bill to prohibit any entity that to the Committee on the Judiciary. the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Pre- receives Federal funds and does not comply By Mr. GARRETT: vention Act of 1974, and for other purposes; with a lawful request for information or de- H. Res. 950. A resolution expressing support to the Committee on Education and the tainment of an alien made by any officer or for the designation of October 23 as a na- Workforce. employee of the Federal government who is tional day of remembrance of the tragic 1983 By Mrs. BUSTOS (for herself, Mr. charged with enforcement of the immigra- terrorist bombing of the United States Ma- LIPINSKI, Mr. JONES, Mr. RUSH, Ms. tion laws from receiving additional funding; rine Corps Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon; to KAPTUR, Mr. NOLAN, Ms. NORTON, Ms. to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in the Committee on Oversight and Govern- MOORE, Mr. POCAN, Mr. GALLEGO, Mr. addition to the Committees on Oversight and ment Reform. GARAMENDI, Mr. FOSTER, and Ms. Government Reform, and Appropriations, for f SCHAKOWSKY): a period to be subsequently determined by H.R. 6460. A bill to amend the Safe Drink- the Speaker, in each case for consideration CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY ing Water Act to require, for projects for the of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- STATEMENT construction, alteration, maintenance, or re- tion of the committee concerned. Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of the pair of treatment works funded through a By Mr. HUFFMAN: Rules of the House of Representatives, the State drinking water treatment revolving H.R. 6469. A bill to revise the Yurok res- following statements are submitted regard- loan fund, the use of iron and steel products ervation, and for other purposes; to the Com- ing the specific powers granted to Congress that are produced in the United States; to mittee on Natural Resources. in the Constitution to enact the accom- the Committee on Energy and Commerce. By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. panying bill or joint resolution. By Mr. COHEN: MESSER): By Mr. SWALWELL of California: H.R. 6461. A bill to encourage school bus H.R. 6470. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H.R. 6447. safety; to the Committee on Transportation enue Code of 1986 to permit fellowship and Congress has the power to enact this legis- and Infrastructure, and in addition to the stipend compensation to be saved in an indi- lation pursuant to the following: Committee on Education and the Workforce, vidual retirement account; to the Committee Article I, Section 8 for a period to be subsequently determined on Ways and Means. By Mr. BEYER: by the Speaker, in each case for consider- By Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia: H.R. 6448. ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- H.R. 6471. A bill to expand retroactive eli- Congress has the power to enact this legis- risdiction of the committee concerned. gibility of the Army Combat Action Badge to lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. COLLINS of New York (for him- include members of the Army who partici- This bill is enacted pursuant to the power self, Mr. GUTHRIE, Mrs. BLACKBURN, pated in combat during which they person- granted to Congress under Article I, Sec. 8, Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana, Mr. FLORES, ally engaged, or were personally engaged by, Clause 3; Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2; and and Mr. MULLIN): the enemy at any time on or after December Article I, Sec. 8, Clause 18 of the United H.R. 6462. A bill to amend title XIX of the 7, 1941; to the Committee on Armed Services. States Constitution. Social Security Act for purposes of By Miss RICE of New York (for herself By Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- prioritizing the most vulnerable Medicaid and Ms. STEFANIK): sylvania: patients; to the Committee on Energy and H.R. 6472. A bill to amend the Elementary H.R. 6449. Commerce. and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to es- Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. COLLINS of New York (for him- tablish a Volunteer Teacher Advisory Com- lation pursuant to the following: self and Mr. LONG): mittee and a Volunteer Parents and Families Article I, section 8 of the U. S. Constitu- H.R. 6463. A bill to direct the Secretary of Advisory Committee; to the Committee on tion, which grants Congress the power to Health and Human Services to issue guid- Education and the Workforce. ‘‘lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and ance with respect to three-dimensional By Mr. UPTON: Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the human tissue models, and for other purposes; H.R. 6473. A bill to express the sense of common defense and general Welfare of the to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Congress that information security is crit- United States.’’

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:31 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L07DE7.100 H07DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7398 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 7, 2016 By Mr. CHAFFETZ: 8, Clause 18 of the United States Constitu- Article I, Section 8 H.R. 6450. tion. By Mr. UPTON: Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Mr. COLLINS of New York: H.R. 6473. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 6462. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: To make all Laws which shall be necessary lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United and proper for carrying into Execution the Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- States Constitution. foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vest- tion. By Mr. WALDEN: ed by this Constitution in the Government of By Mr. COLLINS of New York: H.R. 6474. the United States, or in any Department or H.R. 6463. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Officer thereof. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: By Mr. DENHAM: lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United H.R. 6451. Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitu- States Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- tion. By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska: lation pursuant to the following: By Mrs. DAVIS of California: H.R. 6475. Article I, Section 8 of the United States H.R. 6464. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution, specifically Clause 1 (relating Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: to providing for the general welfare of the lation pursuant to the following: Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 United States), Clause 6 (relating to post of- Article 1, Section 8 ‘‘The Congress shall have Power to dispose fices and post roads), and Clause 18 (relating By Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee: of and make all needful Rules and Regula- to the power to make all laws necessary and H.R. 6465. tions respecting the Territory or other Prop- proper for carrying out the powers vested in Congress has the power to enact this legis- erty belonging to the United States; and Congress), and Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 lation pursuant to the following: nothing in this Constitution shall be so con- (relating to the power of Congress to dispose Congress has the power to enact this legis- strued as to Prejudice any Claims of the of and make all needful rules and regulations lation pursuant to Article I, Section 8, United States, or of any particular State.’’ respecting the territory or other property Clause 3 of the United States Constitution. belonging to the United States). By Mr. EMMER of Minnesota: f H.R. 6466. By Mrs. RADEWAGEN: ADDITIONAL SPONSORS H.R. 6452. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3: To regulate were added to public bills and resolu- Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Commerce with foreign Nations, and among tions, as follows: Constitution. the several States, and with the Indian H.R. 239: Mr. PERLMUTTER. By Mr. FITZPATRICK: tribes H.R. 446: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- H.R. 6453. By Mr. GRAYSON: sylvania. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 6467. H.R. 1095: Ms. ESHOO. lation pursuant to the following: Congress has the power to enact this legis- In conjunction with the Commerce Clause lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1098: Mr. SERRANO. (Article 1 Section 8 Clause 3) which states Article I, Section 8, of the United States H.R. 1111: Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of that Congress has the power to regulate Constitution. Texas. commerce with foreign nations, and among By Mr. HARRIS: H.R. 1258: Mr. PAULSEN. the several states, and with the Indian H.R. 6468. H.R. 1305: Mr. VISCLOSKY. tribes. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1342: Mrs. RADEWAGEN and Mr. LUCAS. By Mr. GARAMENDI: lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1401: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. H.R. 6454. Clause 4 of Section 8 of Article 1 of the H.R. 1459: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- Congress has the power to enact this legis- Constitution of the United States. sylvania. lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. HUFFMAN: H.R. 1571: Mr. BERA. Article 1, Section 8 H.R. 6469. H.R. 1733: Mr. DOGGETT. By Mr. GARAMENDI: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1814: Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia. H.R. 6455. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2016: Mr. NORCROSS and Ms. NORTON. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: To make all H.R. 2067: Mr. COFFMAN. lation pursuant to the following: Laws which shall be necessary and proper for H.R. 2519: Mr. DELANEY. Article 1, Section 8 carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- H.R. 2798: Mr. PALLONE. By Mr. VEASEY: ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- H.R. 2849: Ms. NORTON. H.R. 6456. stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 2863: Mr. DELANEY. Congress has the power to enact this legis- States, or in any Department or office there- H.R. 2972: Ms. DUCKWORTH. lation pursuant to the following: of. H.R. 3084: Mr. KATKO and Ms. JUDY CHU of Article 1, Section 8 By Mr. KENNEDY: California. By Mr. VEASEY: H.R. 6470. H.R. 3222: Mr. DAVIDSON. H.R. 6457. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 3861: Ms. PINGREE. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: H.R. 3970: Mr. COHEN. lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 (relating to H.R. 4298: Mr. ROSS. Article 1, Section 8 the power of Congress to provide for the gen- H.R. 4622: Mr. VELA. By Mr. VEASEY: eral welfare of the United States) and Clause H.R. 4794: Mr. PASCRELL and Ms. KUSTER. H.R. 6458. 18 (relating to the power to make all laws H.R. 4795: Mr. PASCRELL and Ms. KUSTER. Congress has the power to enact this legis- necessary and proper for carrying out the H.R. 4796: Mr. LOWENTHAL. lation pursuant to the following: powers vested in Congress). H.R. 4813: Mr. PASCRELL. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 By Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia: H.R. 4833: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas and Mr. By Mr. CURBELO of Florida: H.R. 6471. Gutie´rrez. H.R. 6459. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 4919: Ms. MENG. Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant to the following: H.R. 4932: Mr. VISCLOSKY. lation pursuant to the following: Article I, Section 8. of the United States H.R. 4938: Mr. VEASEY. Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution of Constitution, wherein it reads: ‘‘Congress H.R. 5008: Mr. CLAY. the United States shall have the power . . . to provide for orga- H.R. 5067: Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois, By Mrs. BUSTOS: nizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, Mr. DESAULNIER, Ms. KAPTUR, Ms. H.R. 6460. and for governing such Part of them as may DUCKWORTH, Ms. FUDGE, Mr. DELANEY, and Congress has the power to enact this legis- be employed in the Service of the United Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. lation pursuant to the following: States . . .’’ and ‘‘Congress shall have the H.R. 5183: Mr. LARSON of Connecticut and This bill is enacted pursuant to the power power to . . . make all Laws which shall be Mr. HECK of Washington. granted to Congress under Article I, Section necessary and proper for carrying into Exe- H.R. 5235: Mr. RUIZ and Mrs. MIMI WALTERS 8, Clause 18 of the United States Constitu- cution the foregoing Powers, and all other of California. tion. Powers vested by this Constitution in the H.R. 5272: Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of By Mr. COHEN: Government of the United States or in any New York and Ms. MCCOLLUM. H.R. 6461. Depaitinent or Officer thereof.’’ H.R. 5369: Ms. LOFGREN. Congress has the power to enact this legis- By Miss RICE of New York: H.R. 5386: Mr. LANGEVIN, Mr. BEYER, and lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 6472. Mr. NADLER. This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5474: Mr. PALLONE. granted to Congress under Article I, Section lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5589: Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia.

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H.R. 5654: Mr. DAVIDSON. H.R. 6343: Mr. CA´ RDENAS. H.R. 6436: Mr. DAVID SCOTT of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 5851: Ms. MENG, Mr. KILMER, and Mr. H.R. 6377: Ms. JUDY CHU of California. KIND, Mr. PERLMUTTER, Mr. FOSTER, and Mr. SMITH of Washington. KILMER. H.R. 6041: Ms. SINEMA. H.R. 6382: Ms. KUSTER, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. H.R. 6446: Mr. PASCRELL. H.R. 6117: Ms. JUDY CHU of California and DEFAZIO, Ms. PINGREE, Mr. DELANEY, Mr. H. Con. Res. 144: Ms. BONAMICI, Mr. DEFA- Mr. PALLONE. ENGEL, Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts, Mr. ZIO, and Mr. TIPTON. H.R. 6159: Mr. NEAL. SERRANO, and Mr. GRIJALVA. H. Con. Res. 159: Mr. PERLMUTTER and Mr. H.R. 6166: Mr. ROKITA. H.R. 6417: Mr. COHEN, Mr. CASTRO of Texas, KEATING. H.R. 6176: Mr. ROKITA. H.R. 6205: Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, and Mr. YARMUTH. H. Con. Res. 175: Mr. NADLER. ´ H.R. 6208: Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Penn- H.R. 6421: Mr. CURBELO of Florida, Mr. CAR- H. Con. Res. 176: Mr. CARDENAS. sylvania. TER of Georgia, Mr. JEFFRIES, Mr. ZELDIN, H. Res. 12: Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. H.R. 6226: Mr. BURGESS. Mr. FITZPATRICK, and Mr. DENT. H. Res. 289: Mr. TONKO and Mr. BRENDAN F. H.R. 6320: Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. H.R. 6340: Mr. KEATING, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. H.R. 6424: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. SERRANO, H. Res. 590: Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. LOWENTHAL, Ms. JUDY CHU of California, and Mr. TONKO, and Mr. QUIGLEY. H. Res. 833: Mr. TAKANO and Mr. CARSON of Mr. SMITH of Washington. H.R. 6428: Ms. JUDY CHU of California. Indiana.

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Vol. 162 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2016 No. 176 Senate The Senate met at 9:30 a.m. and was RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY have fittingly been renamed for Beau called to order by the President pro LEADER Biden in this legislation. I will have tempore (Mr. HATCH). The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. more to say about the Vice President PAUL). The majority leader is recog- when he joins us again this afternoon, f nized. but for now I look forward to passing the 21st Century Cures Act today. f PRAYER On another matter, we will have an- LEGISLATION BEFORE THE other important vote this afternoon. It The PRESIDENT pro tempore. To- SENATE is a vote to move forward on the na- day’s opening prayer will be offered by Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, the tional defense authorization conference Elder D. Todd Christofferson, a mem- continuing resolution was filed in the report. ber of the Quorum of the Twelve Apos- House yesterday. As we wait for the We all know the world the next ad- tles of The Church of Jesus Christ of House to take the next step, I encour- ministration will inherit is a difficult Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. age all Members to continue reviewing and dangerous one. There are many The guest Chaplain offered the fol- the legislative text, which has been threats. There are numerous national lowing prayer: available for some time. security challenges, and there is much Let us pray. The Water Resources Development to be done to better prepare our mili- Our Father who art in Heaven, we Act legislation has been filed in the tary and the next administration to bow before Thee this day, the 75th an- House as well. This is bipartisan legis- deal with them. That is what this bi- niversary of the attack on Pearl Har- lation that will strengthen our Na- partisan national defense legislation bor, and remember with soberness and tion’s infrastructure and commerce aims to do. It will help strengthen our humility the sacrifice of so many who while investing in the safety and reli- military posture. It will send clear have offered their lives to preserve our ability of our drinking water. As col- messages to both our allies and our ad- liberty. We pray that Thou wilt bless leagues know, it includes, let me re- versaries, and it will provide more of their descendants and sustain the vital peat, aid for families in Flint. the tools our servicemembers need to institutions of our government that As we wait for final passage in the be successful. It makes clear that we this precious liberty may be preserved House, I encourage Senators to keep must also pass the continuing resolu- through the generations to come. doing our part to ensure that we can tion that includes funding for the war We ask Thy blessing upon the U.S. bring WRDA and its assistance for against ISIL and for our forces in Af- Senate and each of its individual Mem- Flint over the finish line as soon as ghanistan. bers this day and in the days and possible. We have already seen the con- months ahead. Grant them the wisdom On another matter, I am pleased the sequences of failing to take the nec- and judgment they seek in the disposi- 21st Century Cures Act bill will pass essary steps to confront our national tion of all matters that come before this afternoon with significant support security challenges. It is another rea- them. Honor their desire to contribute from both sides of the aisle. This med- son we need to move forward and pass to the well-being of the people of this ical innovation bill will help foster so- this defense legislation so we can take Nation and indeed those of all nations lutions when it comes to heartbreaking forward-looking steps now to help take who may be influenced for good by illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, opioid on these challenges and support our their decisions. addiction, mental health disorders, and men and women in uniform. We thank Thee for Thy abundant cancer—heartbreaking illnesses that f mercy and constant blessings upon us. affect our families, friends, and con- In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. stituents. This is one of the most 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE meaningful bills we will pass this year, ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR f and it would not have been possible Mr. MCCONNELL. Of course, Mr. without the hard work of colleagues President, it is fitting that we are talk- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE such as Chairman ALEXANDER, Sen- ing about the bravery of our service- The President pro tempore led the ators CORNYN, HATCH and CASSIDY, and members on December 7. Today marks Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: of course along with Ranking Member the 75th anniversary of the attack on I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the MURRAY. Pearl Harbor, a date that FDR rightly United States of America, and to the Repub- Let us also again recognize Vice predicted ‘‘will live in infamy.’’ It is a lic for which it stands, one nation under God, President BIDEN for his work on the time when we reflect on the meaning of indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Cancer Moonshot initiatives, which this day for our country and for our

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

S6765

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As a former prosecutor times they like to jump in on the ac- est experiences has been the oppor- who has been among the loudest voices tion themselves. tunity I have had to meet with distin- drawing attention to this horrible epi- In fact, Kate recently made a guished Kentucky veterans as they demic, she knows how devastating it cameo—alongside her mother—in an ad visit Washington through the Honor has been in her State and across the featuring the two shooting hoops and Flight Program. I know many of our country. She worked with first re- practicing layups. From what I hear, colleagues do the same thing when vet- sponders and families to figure out how Kate may even have her sights on a fu- erans from their States come to town. to address this heartbreaking chal- ture in politics. She once advised her Today I ask our colleagues to join me lenge. She sponsored and helped pass mom not to run for President. in remembering all those who served comprehensive legislation that will Senator AYOTTE was taken aback. and sacrificed so much and in thanking help us tackle it. Now, in no small part She said she wasn’t planning on it but our men and women in uniform who because of her efforts, we will pass crit- wondered why she would ask in the are stationed around the world this ical funding this very week that will first place. Well, Kate replied: ‘‘Be- holiday season. help our communities begin to heal. cause I want to be the first woman f Like New Hampshire, my home State President.’’ of Kentucky has been among the hard- I guess it is true what they say, the TRIBUTE TO KELLY AYOTTE est hit by this epidemic. It has been a apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, privilege working with my friend to is not surprising when you consider the ‘‘God gave us two ears so we would lis- help do something about it. example KELLY AYOTTE has set, not ten more than talk.’’ Senator AYOTTE has helped make a just for Kate but for so many others as It is a simple phrase that many of us difference as an expert on national sewell. If anyone can do it all, it is KELLY have likely heard before, but to Sen- curity issues too. This military spouse AYOTTE. From sports practices and ator KELLY AYOTTE, it is the best piece didn’t need someone to tell her what it Lego competitions to 5Ks and trips to of advice she says she ever received, means to serve nor what it means for the largest lake in New Hampshire, the and it is a proverb she has lived by dur- veterans and their families. She mas- time with her kids is what truly brings ing her time in the Senate. In fact, it tered the issue almost overnight. She KELLY joy. is how she got her start here in the fought for language in the VA reform As all of you know, this job can make first place. legislation to expand choice when it you appreciate the little things even As New Hampshire’s first female at- comes to veterans’ health care. She more. It is why you will never hear her torney general, KELLY listened to the helped prevent dangerous Guantanamo complain about waiting in the pickup concerns of those around her. She terrorists from being moved to U.S. line at school. It is why she enjoys heard their concerns about the direc- soil, and she has long spoken out about spending her weekend grocery shopping tion our country was going, about the the threat posed by Iran. She just at the Market Basket, probably pick- numerous security threats facing our voted to extend some critical sanctions ing up the ingredients for Grape-Nuts Nation, and about out-of-control spend- against the regime last week, and Sen- pudding—whatever that is. Apparently, ing. She could have just sat on the ator AYOTTE has helped lead efforts to it is one of KELLY’s favorites. I will sidelines as these problems escalated— counter its ballistic missile program just take her word for that. it certainly would have been the easier for years. I wish to acknowledge what a privi- choice—but she chose to jump in the It is clear she has been a leader on lege it has been getting to know Sen- game and work to solve them instead. national security issues right from the ator AYOTTE and working with her over From day one, Senator AYOTTE rolled start. I was proud to have Senator the past few years. Her impact has up her sleeves and got to work. As the AYOTTE join me and other colleagues been immeasurable, her friendship in- most prominent New Hampshire news- on a congressional delegation I led to disputable. I know she has made her paper put it, she has never been a the Middle East not long after she took family proud as well. ‘‘freshman back-bencher,’’ she has been office. It was evident then what a dif- I want to conclude with a mantra a dynamo from the start. ference she would make on these im- that KELLY and Joe rely upon when I can’t say I was surprised. I still re- portant matters. She has regularly facing a challenge: ‘‘Brush the dirt off member the first time I heard about joined in efforts with two other leading and get back in the game.’’ It is a good KELLY. It was from our former col- voices in our conference on defense, reminder for each of us. I feel confident league Judd Gregg, who told me about too, Senators MCCAIN and GRAHAM. To- in saying that Senator AYOTTE will be this rising star in New Hampshire. Boy, gether, they are the ‘‘Three Amigos’’ back in the game, looking out for her was he right. It didn’t take long for ev- or, as our former colleague Joe Lieber- State and making our country stronger eryone to reach a similar conclusion. man might point out, we should really and safer no matter where her next KELLY is tough, she is a problem call them the ‘‘Three Amigos 2.0.’’ journey leads. solver, and she is a fighter. Senator Either way, here is what is clear. It f AYOTTE doesn’t view the challenges of is an equal partnership, one of mutual this job as obstacles either. She prefers respect and trust, one that has TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING to call them opportunities. She says: strengthened our conference and de- SENATORS ‘‘It’s how you react to those bends in fense policy, and one that I am sure Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, fi- the road that will make the biggest dif- Senators MCCAIN and GRAHAM would nally, as each session of Congress ference in your life.’’ During her 6 tell you has enriched both their Senate comes to a close, both leaders tradi- years here, she has clearly made a dif- work and their lives. I am sure many tionally pay tribute to the retiring ference in the lives of a lot of others as other colleagues feel exactly the same Members of their own parties. This well. way. year is a bit different, of course, with Senator AYOTTE has helped make a Senator AYOTTE set out to make an the retirement of the Democratic lead- difference as a champion for jobs and impact. She clearly made one on her er. So in addition to what I will be say- as a champion for the economy. As State, her country, for her constitu- ing about him tomorrow, I figured I someone who has helped start a small ents, and her colleagues, but I know might shake things up just a bit more, business, she knows firsthand how reg- Senator AYOTTE would tell you the just this one time. I figured I would ulations can stifle growth. She fought most cherished moments of her life tell my colleagues about two col- to cut through the redtape and the bur- aren’t those spent in classified brief- leagues from across the aisle who have densome rules. She cosponsored a law ings or on congressional delegations, made their own mark on this Chamber to help small businesses expand and re- they are the ones spent with her fam- for many years.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:58 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.001 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6767 BARBARA MIKULSKI announced her retirement via rhyme: it will also be ‘‘the best thing you will The first colleague I wish to speak ‘‘More than 20 years in a job I love,’’ ever do.’’ I think this is something we about is from Maryland. Some call her she wrote, ‘‘thanks to California and can all relate to regardless of which Senator MIKULSKI, some call her Sen- the Lord above.’’ You get the picture. party we belong to and regardless of ator BARB, but everyone knows this: It goes on, but here is the key line: ‘‘As which State we come from. At the end She is tough. It explains how she got long as there are issues and challenges of the day, we all came here to accom- here in the fist place. and strife, I will never retire, ‘cause plish things for the people we rep- You see, BARBARA MIKULSKI had a lot that’s the meaning of my life.’’ That resent, even if we have different ideas of dreams growing up. She wanted to sure sounds like the Senator BOXER I on how to do them. be a scientist. She wanted to be a nun. know. So, thankfully, there should be no She even wanted to be an astronaut. It is not always easy to find common disagreement over this next task. I ask And if not for a ‘‘C’’ in chemistry, a ground around here. It takes hard all Senators to join me in recognizing vow of obedience, and the thought of work. It takes negotiation. It often our colleagues for their service and to wearing a flight suit—or so we have takes those intangibles too—like comic join me in wishing them good luck as heard—she probably could have done relief. So enter Senator INHOFE. I am they begin the next chapters of their all of those things. But Senator BARB really going to miss the JIM and BAR- lives. chose a different path—or rather all of BARA show when it comes to an end f them at once. You see, you don’t have next year, especially after such a sto- to work in a lab to champion science ried run over at EPW. One day, she is RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY research; you can serve as the lead the boss; the next day, it is he. They LEADER Democratic appropriator on the Com- are the best of pals; they are the fierc- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. COL- merce-Justice-Science Subcommittee. est of rivals. They work together on ev- LINS). The Democratic leader is recog- You don’t have to put on a habit to erything; they agree on almost noth- nized. look out for others; you can serve as ing. It sounds like the premise for some dean of the Senate women and cul- buddy comedy from the 1980s, but here f tivate mentorship among your col- is what it really is: a political TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT BARACK leagues. And you certainly don’t have masterstroke. OBAMA to blast into space to blaze a trail— This unlikeliest of partnerships led something this longest serving female this year to the first significant envi- Mr. REID. Madam President, I apolo- Member of Congress knows very well. ronmental reform law in decades. It gize to Senator BOXER and Senator MI- It wasn’t an easy road getting here. It also led this year to Senate passage of KULSKI. They are going to give their wasn’t an easy road when she got here. a waterways infrastructure bill that final speeches, but I would like to have No Democratic woman had ever been will support important projects across this opportunity to speak a few words elected to the Senate in her own right our country. And while some may refer about President Obama. Of course I before BARBARA MIKULSKI. But, as she to BOXER and INHOFE as the ‘‘oddest of will be here for their full speeches. said on the stump, ‘‘I might be short, Senate odd couples,’’ here is what I It is hard to imagine today, but it but I won’t be overlooked.’’ And, boy, would call them: pretty smart. wasn’t that long ago that Barack she hasn’t been. I doubt she ever will I remember Senator INHOFE always Obama was a little-known Illinois leg- be. Maybe it has something to do with telling me how much he enjoyed work- islator with a very unusual name. I the mantra she follows: Do or do not— ing with Senator BOXER and how there still remember the first time I heard there is no try. No surprise that this were things they could actually agree that name. I was in the House gym, ‘‘Star Wars’’ fan is taking advice from on, so I made a note of it and kept an where Members congregated, and one Master Yoda. eye out for an opportunity of my own. of the people I shared the room with She has learned a lot from others, It finally happened in this very Con- was Abner Mikva, a longtime Illinois too, like her great-grandmother, who gress. Senator BOXER and Senator Congressman, an appellate court judge, emigrated from Poland with hope and INHOFE and I worked together to pass and President Clinton’s chief legal offi- little else—hope that her family might the longest term highway transpor- cer. one day experience this country’s tation and infrastructure bill in nearly I had known that Republican Senator many freedoms and opportunities. I two decades. This isn’t something the Peter Fitzgerald decided not to run for know she would be proud of her great- critics thought could be done. We each reelection after one term. Judge Mikva granddaughter today, proud of this harbored our own doubts. Yet, a bill turned to me and said he knew the per- crime novelist, this crab cake gourmet, that repeatedly threatened to come fect person to fill that open seat. this senior Senator from Maryland. apart actually never did. As Senator I said: Who could that be? So here is what we have come to BOXER put it, it was ‘‘the impossible He said: Barack Obama. know about Senator MIKULSKI: Her dream.’’ And it succeeded because we I said: What? word is her bond, she is a passionate worked in good faith, because we came He said: Barack Obama. advocate for the causes she supports, together, and because we focused on I said: Who? What kind of a name is and good luck stopping her once she the areas where we did agree and not that? puts her mind to something. just the ones where we didn’t. He said: He is one of the most tal- BARBARA BOXER That is what happens around here ented people I have ever met in all of You could say the same thing about when the Senate is working the way it my years. another BARBARA I know too. Senator should. We see colleagues from oppo- That said a lot to me, even though at BOXER, like her colleague from Mary- site sides working through political that time I smiled and left the room. land, is hardly the tallest Member differences and coming together on so- It didn’t take long, though, before I around here, but she is not in the habit lutions for the American people. Per- understood what Abner Mikva said to of getting overlooked either. The Boxer haps that is one reason why nearly a me. Barack Obama won that election box helps with that, of course. It is quarter of a century later, Senator in the Senate. He came from nowhere, what she stands on at press conferences BOXER says she is leaving the Senate a man with an unusual name, but once to give her just a little more height. with a full heart. I know she is leaving he was here, it was obvious he was the And, yes, if that sounds familiar, that with the respect of many of her col- real deal. His ability to communicate is because it is that box which once leagues, too, including some she might was, and is, stunning. I can remember served as inspiration for an episode of not have expected when she first came. one of the first floor speeches he gave HBO’s ‘‘Veep.’’ Let me finish with some advice BAR- here in the Senate on George Bush’s It is a good thing our colleague has a BARA MIKULSKI gave to young BARBARA policy regarding the Middle East war. sense of humor. She understands how BOXER as she contemplated her first It was eloquent, thoughtful, powerful. I far that can go around here. She has Senate run. ‘‘If you run,’’ Senator MI- was so impressed that following his often relied on it through her years in KULSKI said, ‘‘it will be the toughest speech—there had been a quorum call— the Senate, in fact, including when she thing you will ever do,’’ but, she added, his seat was way back there, and I

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.003 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 walked up to him and I said—he was son with whom to leave public service comprehensive Wall Street and finan- sitting, I was standing looking over than Barack Obama. For 8 years I was cial reform legislation since the Great him, and I said: Senator, that was real- his point man, and it has been an honor Depression. His administration estab- ly terrific. That was really good. and an effort of pleasure. lished a new watchdog to help protect I will never forget his response. With- What this man accomplished, despite consumers from unfair financial prac- out hesitation, without any bragga- unprecedented obstruction from the tices. He signed legislation into law docio, no conceit, but with humility, Republicans, is remarkable. History that protects homeowners from mort- he looked up to me and said: I have a will remember President Barack gage fraud. gift. Obama’s many accomplishments. I President Obama took more action to It wasn’t a boast; it was a fact. I have don’t want to get the Presiding Officer protect our planet from a changing cli- never met anyone with the ability to in trouble, but it was because of her mate, including the historic Paris communicate as well as Barack and two other Republican Senators Agreement. Obama. Whether it is in his writing, that his first congressional session was I met yesterday with Native Alas- speaking to huge crowds of tens of remarkably historic. We wanted to do kans. It was scary to talk to a Native thousands of people or small crowds, or more, but this good woman presiding Alaskan woman. In her town of 800, someone on a one-on-one basis, he is over the Senate today said: Enough is people are having trouble getting in without equal when it comes to com- enough. We had to retract some of the and out of the town. She told me the municating. things we wanted to do. It was hard, animals are confused because the sea- His reputation was well known even but I do say this: It would not have sons are changing. before he came to the Senate. He had happened but for the Presiding Officer. The caribou have traveled for 20,000 written a book—a bestseller called President Obama saved the country years, we believe, 3,000 miles to mi- ‘‘Dreams from My Father’’—a decade from economic collapse, ushering in a grate every year. They walk in single before arriving here in the Senate. new era of growth. Since 2010, the eco- file, not in large herds jammed to- Like his 2006 book—also a bestseller— nomic recovery has added more than 16 gether. She said they are having such called ‘‘The Audacity of Hope,’’ this million private sector jobs. Median difficulty. They used to be able to walk book was full of lyrical and insightful household incomes have risen signifi- over the ice. They can’t. There is no writing. cantly. The unemployment rate is now ice. They have to swim. President Obama made the largest In ‘‘Dreams from My Father,’’ he 4.6 percent. In some States, like the investment ever in renewable energy. outlined the remarkable story of his State of Nevada, it is more than 14 per- He tripled wind power and increased life we have all come to know. Born in cent. President Obama brought the solar power by 30 times, creating more Kenya in faraway Africa was his fa- American auto and manufacturing in- than 200,000 jobs in solar alone, with ther. His mother was from Kansas. He dustries back from the brink of col- hundreds of thousands more jobs in the was raised by his grandparents in Ha- lapse with unique programs—Cash for next few years. waii. His mother and grandparents set Clunkers—and more than 800,000 new President Obama protected more positive examples for him. They pushed manufacturing jobs since 2010. The than 260 million acres of public lands him to always do better, to be the man auto industry has added almost 700,000 and waters. That includes more than he was born to be. That upbringing jobs since 2009. Domestic production of 700,000 acres in Nevada with one order would serve him well. automobiles doubled from below 6 mil- that he signed called the Basin and Barack Obama went to some of the lion units per year to 12 million per Range National Monument, a place most elite schools in the world. He was year in 2015. where John Muir came looking around an undergraduate at Columbia, where, President Obama brought health care for special places in America. He of course, he was an honor student, to tens of millions of Americans camped in hills in the Basin and Range. then Harvard Law School. He grad- through the Affordable Care Act. Every Hopefully, some day every Senator can uated with distinction. He made his- day, we learn how important this bill go to this magnificent place in the tory as the first African American to has been. We heard from the very con- desert. It has taken 40 years to build. be elected president of the Harvard servative American Hospital Associa- One man has done it, a famous artist Law Review. Just to be a member of tion today that doing away with by the name of Michael Heizer. It is the Harvard Law Review—having gone ObamaCare would bankrupt the hos- called the City. It is stunning. When I to law school myself—is significant, pital industry. We would lose over the talk about 40 years, it wasn’t work but he was the No. 1 guy in that very next few years almost $200 billion. done on weekends. It was days, week- prestigious law school. Even then, his Through the Affordable Care Act, 21 ends, overtime, and large contingencies reputation for bringing people together million more Americans now have af- of people he directed. This magnificent and his gift of communication were re- fordable health care. The uninsured thing in the middle of the desert is now nowned. rate is at an all-time low, and 92 per- protected forever. He continued to excel after law cent of Americans now have coverage. President Obama and First Lady school. He became a professor of con- Insurance companies cannot deny cov- Michelle Obama have made our Na- stitutional law at one of America’s erage and charge more to cover people tion’s children a top priority. In 2010, great law schools. He became a commu- with preexisting conditions. President Obama signed a bill into law nity organizer, as he has spoken about How many of us have gone out to our to fight child hunger and improve a lot. He became an Illinois State sen- home States and had people with tears school meals to ensure children receive ator before giving one of the most drain their eyes say: You know, Debbie the nutrition they need to have matic convention speeches in Amer- has been sick since she was a little girl healthy, successful futures. ican history at the 2004 Democratic with diabetes, and now, for the first President Obama made strides on Convention in Boston. time in her life, she can have health in- education. Our Nation’s high school Throughout it all, his ability to com- surance. graduation rate is the highest in the municate and connect with people Insurance companies can’t discrimi- history of our country. He reformed fueled his ascendancy. Those skills nate anymore against anyone because student loan programs, increased Pell made Barack Obama a terrific Senator, of their gender. All women were dis- grants, made student loan repayment and they have greatly benefited our criminated against before. Every more affordable, and expanded loan for- country over the past 8 years. American with insurance has access to giveness for graduates who enter public In just a few weeks, Barack Obama preventive care without cost sharing. service professions. will finish his term as the 44th Presi- That means no copays for immuniza- President Obama granted deferred dent of our great country. He will be tions, cancer screenings, contraceptive action to immigrant youth who would leaving office. I don’t know if I am coverage for women, diabetes have qualified under the DREAM Act, leaving with him or if he is leaving screenings, or blood pressure and cho- bringing nearly 800,000 young people with me. I guess I leave a few days be- lesterol tests. out of the shadows. fore he does, but we are leaving to- President Obama held Wall Street ac- President Obama made our country gether. I cannot think of a better per- countable. He signed into law the most more inclusive. He signed the repeal of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:58 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.004 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6769 don’t ask, don’t tell. He signed Execu- streak of private sector job growth from the House came over in the midst tive orders protecting LGBT workers. ever. We have the lowest unemploy- of all their work. I love them. I have Americans are now free to marry the ment rate in nearly a decade. enjoyed working with them. person they love, regardless of their After 8 years of President Obama, we I look around this Chamber, and I re- gender. are now as a country on a sustainable alize the reason I am able to actually As Commander in Chief, President path to fight climate change and grow leave is because I know each of you and Obama brought bin Laden to justice. renewable energy sources. We are more your passion to make life better for These are just a few aspects of Presi- respected around the world. We reached people, and that is what it is all about. dent Obama’s storied legacy, and it is international agreements to curb cli- When I decided not to run for reelec- still growing—what a record. It is a mate change, stop Iran from obtaining tion, you know how the press always legacy of which he should be satisfied. a nuclear weapon, and we are on the follows you around. They said: ‘‘Is this America is better because of this good path to normalizing relations with our bittersweet for you?’’ man being 8 years in the White House. neighbor Cuba. My answer was forthcoming: ‘‘No I am even more impressed by who he Our country has made significant way is it bitter. In every way it is is as a person than who he is as Presi- strides in nearly every way. There is no sweet.’’ dent. He is a man of integrity and hon- doubt that the United States is better Why do I feel that way? It is because esty. I have learned so much from him. now than we were 8 years ago, and we this has been a dream, to be in a pro- I have never heard Barack Obama deni- have Barack Obama to thank for that. fession that I think is noble, no matter grate anyone, ever. There have been Thank you, President Obama, for how beaten up it gets, for 40 years—for times he could have. Perhaps, I being the person you are. more than half my life—and I was able to do every day what I always wanted thought a negative word should have f been said and I suggested that to him, to do, which is simply to make life bet- but he would never take it. No, he RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME ter for people. I didn’t always succeed. wouldn’t do that. That is Barack The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under Were there frustrations? Yes. Were Obama. the previous order, the leadership time there disappointments? Yes. Were Above all, I admire the attention he is reserved. there defeats? Yes, many, but every has given his family. He may be Presi- morning when I woke up, I knew I had f dent of the United States, but nothing a chance to do something good. gets in the way of his family. He is a TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, As a first generation American on terrific husband to Michelle and an AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2015 my mother’s side, and, most particu- outstanding father to Sasha and Malia. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under larly, as a woman, I never in my He arrives home for dinner with his the previous order, the Senate will re- wildest dreams imagined that I could family virtually every night he is in sume consideration of the House mes- be in the U.S. Senate. It was an uphill Washington. He goes to their plays and sage to accompany H.R. 34, which the battle, and I know I speak for a lot of games. President or not, he is a hus- clerk will report. people sitting right here who know band and a father. The senior assistant legislative clerk what I am talking about. His devotion extends to his staff as read as follows: When I first ran for the Marin Coun- well, and he has had a terrific staff ty Board of Supervisors in 1972, it was House message to accompany H.R. 34, an working for him. I can’t mention all of act to authorize and strengthen the tsunami a Republican landslide year. It was them, but I will mention his present detection, forecast, warning, research, and more than tough. I will never forget Chief of Staff, Denis McDonough. He mitigation program of the National Oceanic one woman I spoke with after knocking and I have a very close relationship. and Atmospheric Administration, and for on her door. I introduced myself and Close relationships come with a lot of other purposes. said, ‘‘Hi, I am Barbara Boxer. I am difficulty sometimes. It has been Pending: running for county supervisor.’’ tough, but we tried to work through it McConnell motion to concur in the amend- She greeted me by saying, ‘‘I never together. ment of the House to the amendment of the thought you would be so short.’’ Then, Pete Rouse is one of the nicest people Senate to the bill. she said she wasn’t supporting me be- I have ever known. He also worked McConnell motion to concur in the amend- cause, quote, ‘‘You have four kids, and with the President very closely. He was ment of the House to the amendment of the you are going to neglect them if you his chief of staff as Senator, and, of Senate to the bill, with McConnell amend- are elected.’’ course, a chief adviser when he was in ment No. 5117, to change the enactment date. Well, never mind that this was a McConnell amendment No. 5118 (to amend- part-time job just a few minutes from the White House. ment No. 5117), of a perfecting nature. Rahm Emanuel, now the leader of the house. Never mind that the man I Chicago, IL, was former Chief of Staff, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- was running against had a family and a and is currently mayor of Chicago. He ator from California. full-time job. Never mind that I actu- is a man known for his bluntness and FAREWELL TO THE SENATE ally had two kids, but she insisted. She his productivity as a Member of Con- Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, this said, ‘‘I know you have four kids be- gress and as Chief of Staff. is a moment for me that, I think it is cause I read it in the newspaper.’’ Alyssa Mastromonaco was former fair to say, I will never ever forget. I said, ‘‘Lady, when you give birth, Deputy Chief of Staff and I hope that I I am so honored. I am so honored to you never forget it, and I did it twice.’’ had something to do with the romance have members of my family here, staff Well, I lost that seat, but two things that wound up with her marrying my from past and present from both my helped get me through it. The first was chief of staff, David Krone. personal office and committee, extraor- an article by Gloria Steinem, who es- These are just a few of the incredible dinary colleagues whom I adore and sentially said women tend to take people I have had the pleasure of work- love, whom I worked with, fought with losses too personally. We have to un- ing with. They are all wonderful. and debated. I am so honored that Sen- derstand that we could be just a little Then there is President Obama’s Cab- ator MCCONNELL and Senator REID bit ahead of our time, and we can’t give inet—a Cabinet of quality. That in- have said really nice things about me. up. cludes my friend, Secretary of Interior I think, in Senator REID’s case, we go Second, my son Doug, only seven at Ken Salazar, a wonderful man and a back so long, and I will talk a little bit the time, ignored any attempts to terrific public servant, a man of sub- more about that. In Senator MCCON- cheer him up by saying, ‘‘Mom, can stance like no other ever known. NELL’s case, we didn’t talk for a long you make me a peanut butter and jelly After 8 years leading the country, time, and then we did get together and sandwich for lunch?’’ President Obama is leaving office on a we did some great work together. But I The point is that life goes on no mat- high point. When he first took office, think he was here just to make sure I ter how deep the disappointments. You our country was in an economic free am leaving. My leader over in the pick yourself up, and you keep fighting fall and hemorrhaging jobs. Now the House is here—NANCY PELOSI. I will because this is your country. It is our country is experiencing the longest talk about her more. My colleagues country, and it is worth fighting for. I

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.013 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 ran again four years later and won. I the face of a crisis, never look away, I always say, ‘‘It is not important to was eager to get to work on issues such never back down, and never be afraid. be something; it is important to do as: In the case of AIDS, I got to work something.’’ Afterschool for kids. with the Chairman of the House Appro- If you choose my path and the path Protecting the natural beauty of my priations Committee, a southern gen- of many in this room, I want to be county. tleman. He had never heard of AIDS. clear: You will need mentors and you Ensuring that a child walking to He said to me: ‘‘If people are sick, then will need friends like two of mine— school would be safe. I put up so many we must help.’’ We got the first double- John Burton and BARBARA MIKULSKI. stop signs to protect kids that I soon digit Federal AIDS funding, and we es- John encouraged me to run for the became known as the ‘‘Stop Sign tablished an AIDS Task Force and House, where he had always been a Queen.’’ brought in people such as Elizabeth fighter for those without a voice. It was local government, and the Taylor and Elizabeth Glaser, and we BARBARA had been my friend in the world was changing. The Vietnam War fought back. We took it under our wing House and encouraged me to run for was raging. The women’s movement to solve this crisis—both adult AIDS the Senate. When I went to see her, she was ramping up. The oil companies and pediatric AIDS. said, very simply: ‘‘Go for it.’’ That wanted to drill off the pristine coast of By that time, I had an extraordinary and $40 million—that was good advice. California. Even from my position as a new partner in the House, NANCY And I did. Senator MIKULSKI is every- local county supervisor representing PELOSI. We immediately bonded. I was thing a Senator should be. She is intel- only 40,000 people, I was exposed to so impressed with her passion and her ligent, caring, always focused, and as these national issues that would soon energy. We remain the dearest of an added bonus, she can have you in require all of my attention. friends to this day. I am so proud of stitches. I am so grateful for her guid- Tip O’Neill, one of NANCY PELOSI’s her. NANCY has changed the face of pol- ance and, most important, her friend- great predecessors, was known for his itics in America, and she will go down ship. saying that ‘‘All politics is local,’’ but in history as one of the most influen- I launched my campaign for the Sen- the global became local when Marin tial leaders of our time. ate. It was very difficult. No one pre- County got a Federal grant saying the Recently—on a recent issue—I was dicted I would win. I was less than an threat of nuclear attack is real, and expressing deep disappointment, and asterisk in the polls. I was filled with you have to have a plan to evacuate NANCY told me: ‘‘Don’t agonize. Orga- doubt. Coming to my aid was my senior the county in case there is a bomb nize!’’ This was two nights ago. She is Senator, DIANNE FEINSTEIN. She stood dropped in San Francisco. This was in right. When things get tough, that is by my side, even though it could have the 1980’s. what you do. cost her votes. I will never, ever forget The Reagan administration, I think, Over the years, the issues kept com- that. Thank you, DIANNE. missed the obvious. Getting in a car on ing my way and came the way of a lot I also need to pay tribute to Anita a narrow road to evacuate to Napa or of people in this room: the Violence Hill because without her, I never would going under your desk was not going to Against Women Act, LGBT equality, have been elected to the Senate. Anita protect you, so all five supervisors— protecting a woman’s right to choose, Hill courageously told her story to the three Republicans and two Demo- workers’ rights, protecting the Clean all-male U.S. Senate Judiciary Com- crats—rejected the grant. Instead, we Air Act and the Clean Water Act, and mittee, breaking the silence on this mailed an informational booklet to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Those painful issue. In addition, people saw every household, telling them there are all examples. These fights con- there were only two women in the Sen- was no way to evacuate from a nuclear tinue, and they keep coming whether ate. bomb; you have to prevent it in the you are in elected office or not. They Anita Hill, you showed us all that we first place. come to you if you are a single parent must never be afraid to take on the During that same period, James Watt trying to raise a child and struggling powerful. It certainly isn’t easy, but if wanted to drill off the coast of Cali- to make ends meet on a minimum wage you learn to be tough in the right way, fornia. We put together business peo- that is not fair. They come to you if you can find the sweet spot, even in ple, environmentalists, farmers, and we your kid gets asthma. They come to this atmosphere where the parties have said no. The tourist industry joined us, you if your job has been outsourced grown so far apart. This is one of my and we stopped it. and you have nowhere to turn. They biggest regrets—how far the parties That was my first attempt at very come to you when college tuition gets have grown apart, especially when it broad coalition building. As national out of reach. comes to the environment. issues unfolded before my eyes, I had to Whether it is happening to you or Remember, Richard Nixon created do more if I really wanted to stay true someone else, the great thing about the Environmental Protection Agency. to making life better for people. our participatory democracy is each of He signed the Clean Air Act, the Clean When John Burton’s seat for Con- us has a chance to make a difference. Water Act and the Endangered Species gress opened up in 1982, I jumped in. It You can make a difference by holding Act. George H.W. Bush signed the ex- was a long shot. And I will always be an elected office or working for some- tension of the Clean Air Act. Many Re- grateful to the people who brought me one who does. You can make a dif- publicans led the charge for environ- to that dance: working people, environ- ference by working for a campaign. mental protection. Now, unfortunately, mentalists, children’s advocates. They You can make a difference by starting protecting the environment has be- put me over the top. a business and employing good people come a divide where we truly duke it After I won this election, I began to help you build it. You can make a out. hearing about the mysterious disease difference by becoming a teacher, a As I leave here, I intend to do every- that was stealing the lives of so many nurse, a firefighter or a police officer. thing in my power to work to bridge in my congressional district. I remem- There are so many noble ways to that divide because we all live on one ber feeling so helpless because we make a difference in America. The one planet. It doesn’t matter what party we didn’t know what it was and what thing you cannot do, even when it is are. We all breathe the same air. We all caused it. One thing was clear: AIDS tempting: You cannot turn away— want our families to be healthy and was devastating, and too many in never. The forces and the people who live on a planet that can sustain us and Washington were not taking action. shape you cannot be ignored. I say to all of God’s creations. In this time of When we found out it could be trans- everybody within the sound of my deep division, we have to find areas to mitted sexually, I had to go up against voice that you have it within you to work together. the far rightwing who didn’t want to step out and make your mark. I think I found a proven formula in provide any information about the dis- A lot of young people come up to me my relationship with my friend and ease. Yet here I was, a middle-aged and say, ‘‘I would love to do what you chairman of the Environment and Pub- mother of two from the suburbs, talk- do. How do I become a U.S. Senator?’’ lic Works Committee, Senator JIM ing about condoms. It was uncomfort- I am sure a lot of us get that ques- INHOFE. We never surprise each other, able, but this would become my way. In tion. even where we disagree—ever. Our

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Once we got here, he made that continues, but I will not go off on found that we could work as a winning sure we had major responsibilities. that; setting clean drinking water team to build and strengthen our Na- HARRY, you will go down in history for standards to protect pregnant women, tion’s infrastructure, and we have that. children, and other vulnerable people; made incredible progress for the Amer- I am, of course, ecstatic that my suc- the dolphin-safe tuna label; protecting ican people on those issues—long-term cessor is Kamala Harris, who served as victims of rape in the military from ir- highway bills, long-term water bills attorney general for my State with relevant, harassing questions that have and the first update on the Toxic Con- great distinction and who will continue already been barred in civilian courts; trol Act. That was a doozy for us. I will the tradition of having a strong, pro- establishing the first-ever sub- never forget that battle. gressive woman in this seat. committee to oversee global women’s Transportation turned out to be a Kamala, you heard it here—a strong, issues, which JEANNE is going to carry sweet spot between Majority Leader progressive woman in this seat is what on; recommending a diverse group of MITCH MCCONNELL and me. We hadn’t we need. supremely qualified judicial nominees talked seriously for 20 years because of As I wind down my remarks, I must who are carrying out our laws in Cali- the Packwood case. It was: Hello, hello. be completely honest about my broken fornia’s Federal courts. There are That was it. But we did come together heart. I worked hard, along with so many more I could talk about, and we to save the Highway Trust Fund at an many millions of Americans, so that all know this because each one of them urgent time. we would have our first female Presi- is like a child to us and we remember Our work together surprised so many dent. It was not to be this time, but we how hard it was to get it done, but let of our colleagues, but I think it sur- made history with Hillary Clinton, the me be clear, you don’t get anything prised the two of us more than any- first female nominee of a major party, done here unless your colleagues help thing else. But it worked because we who, I might add, won the popular vote you from both sides of the aisle. set aside all of our past legitimate divi- by millions and still counting. She My biggest regret is that I couldn’t sions in order to rescue America’s truly shattered the glass ceiling and end the war in Iraq. It hurt my soul. I transportation system. We took a risk, showed that women had the ability to came down to the floor every day and and the risk paid off. And, of course, all take it on the chin again and again. read the names of fallen soldiers. I was of my colleagues helped make that pos- My message to everyone who sup- accused of being too emotional. I asked sible. ported Hillary is, the work goes on. probing questions in committee to ex- Also, I want to mention my Repub- Yes, you build on success and you learn pose the fact that we were in the mid- lican counterpart on the Ethics Com- from failure, but you never stop work- dle of a civil war. Day after day I made mittee, Senator JOHNNY ISAKSON, being for human rights, civil rights, my case, but the war went on and on. cause when it comes to ethics, we have women’s rights, voting rights, chil- It took President Obama to finally end proven there is no room for partisan- dren’s rights and the environment. I that war, and I will always be grateful ship. All we want to do is make sure certainly don’t plan to stop. the Senate is a respected institution. to him. I am not only fortunate to have had Of course, there is unfinished busi- Friendship and trust with Members on this extraordinary career, but I am ness, and I know my colleagues are both sides and in the House of Rep- also so fortunate to be going home to a going to carry on. We must restore the resentatives—I am so proud so many of State that stands for everything I be- you are here—that is the only way to Voting Rights Act. We need to restore lieve in. trust between our communities and get things done. I wish to thank every one of my Having a leader who has your back is law enforcement. We have to continue staffers—those who worked for me in essential. A good leader knows and un- to protect and provide affordable Washington, either on my personal derstands each member of his caucus health care. We must take action on staff, committee staff, those who and where they draw the line. HARRY is climate change or we are in deep trou- worked for me in the State, and those so humble. Whenever you talk about ble as humankind. We must protect the who helped me get elected. A lot of him, he puts his head down. DREAMers and immigrants who con- them are here today. Without them, I HARRY, could you just look at me for tribute to our communities every day. a second? never ever could have done my job, and We must raise the minimum wage and A good leader knows when to speak I never could have accomplished the ensure equal pay for equal work. We up and when to listen. A good leader things I have accomplished that I am must protect reproductive freedom and knows when to pick up the gloves and proud of. work across party lines for a safe fight like hell. That is what HARRY I also wish to thank the floor staff. world. REID has done. He is not a show horse; The floor staff never gets thanked I have often joked about some of the he is a workhorse. enough because they deal with us when things that have been said to me over He is a soft-spoken man. How many we are very nervous. They have to deal the years that are too colorful, in a of us have to say: HARRY, could you with us when we are about to have an negative way, to repeat here, but I speak up? He is a soft-spoken man of a amendment come up or about to vote want everyone to know, whether friend few words, but he chooses his words on something and need to understand or foe, whether critic or admirer, I do wisely, and he chooses his fights wise- the rules and our rights. appreciate the fact that you let me ly. He doesn’t seek the spotlight. When To Gary and his team, Trish, Tim, know how you felt about my work one it comes to standing up for what is and all of you—thank you. way or the other. right, he is right there when others try When I look back on everything I To close, I will read a handwritten to slip out of the room. fought for, there are more than a thou- letter I received in October from one of HARRY has not only been an extraor- sand accomplishments, and I am cer- the greatest jazz musicians in our dinary leader and colleague, he and his tainly not going to talk about all of country, Sonny Rollins, into the wife, Landra, have been close and those, but I am going to, briefly, very RECORD. He was recently honored at treasured friends of me and my hus- fast, go through 10 of my favorites. The the Kennedy Center. He wrote in band, Stewart. I call him the brother I first afterschool programs that were longhand the following: never had, and he calls me the sister he funded by the Federal Government, Greetings—so so sorry that we are not never had. He treats me like a sister; covering more than 1.6 million kids going to have you for us anymore. I’ve al- he always hangs up on me when I call every day; 1 million acres of California ways been interested in politics, marching as him. And he never calls on me when I wilderness preserved; the first-ever a 6 year old with my activist grandmother madly wave my hand at caucus. You comprehensive combat casualty care for civil rights. It has been such a joy and in- know, I am like a sister. You don’t center in California for our most spiration knowing that Barbara Boxer was have to worry, the love will be there. I wounded warriors; ensuring that our there for us. God bless you, your family, and loved am forever grateful for his leadership transportation programs remain in ones—And thank you. and his friendship. place for years to come with millions You will be missed and we all love you. Another quality of HARRY REID is of jobs protected; upholding our land- Have a beautiful life, just like you have that he encouraged women to run for mark environmental laws, and I hope made life beautiful for so many citizens.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:58 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.016 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 I wish to thank Sonny Rollins. I I thought about it for the next 8 years. we have to deal with, but we knew don’t know him personally. I met him She said that we look at things dif- there was no way we could come to- once, but what he said is all I wanted ferently. We had an election and elec- gether so we kind of put it aside and to do—make life beautiful for people. I tions have consequences. Remember didn’t let it spoil our friendship or our didn’t always succeed. I didn’t always that elections have consequences. Well, ability to work together in any way. prevail. I felt the pain of losing many 2 years ago, the Republicans took over, So I think it is a very important times, but I can honestly say I never and I gave her a T-shirt that said: message to many chairmen and rank- stopped trying. I was able to do it be- ‘‘Elections have consequences.’’ During ing members that if there is honesty— cause of the love, understanding and all that time, we didn’t really change set it aside if you can’t work together, support of my husband of 55 years, in terms of what we were doing to- but where you can find those sweet Stewart, who is here today. He gave me gether. I have a list of the things we spots, do it because everyone wants— so much, including the best political have done that I left someplace, but, they are cheering us on from the out- name ever. I did it because of my son nevertheless, we did the highway bill in side. I can’t tell you how many people Doug, my daughter Nicole, my daugh- 1998 and 2005. All of the things we did at home tell me: We don’t know how ter-in-law Amy, my son-in-law Kevin, actually worked. I remember when we you do it, but it is great what you and and four incredible grandchildren, had a news conference on TSCA. When INHOFE get done. Zach, Zain, Sawyer, and Reyna, and be- I looked around, I saw all of my very Fortunately, we never lost an elec- cause of the people of California who liberal Democratic friends and me, and tion over our friendship, which could sent me here time and time again—10 I thought: Wait a minute. How did this have happened, you know. They could years in the House and 24 years in the happen? have said: I am not going to vote for Senate. I had the opportunity to never We have been able to work together him; he talks to her. But we were able stop trying. I had the opportunity to and get things done, and I have been to prove that we can do it. speak out, and no matter how many very proud of that. In fact, I shouldn’t So, JIM, I am honored that you came times I had to try, I did. Here is the say this because I am going to divulge down to the floor. I am honored that thing. I have this platform, which is an our confidence, but we have meetings Senator MCCONNELL said such nice extraordinary honor. This is a sacred just as Democrats have their meetings. things. I am so honored that so many position, and I say to my colleagues All the chairmen get together, and came to the floor to hear my farewell that no matter who says what about it, when it was my turn to make a state- remarks. it is a sacred position. Hold your head ment, I said: Now, from the committee Again, I yield the floor. high. that gets things done. Anyway, that is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- So many here have fought the good the way it has been. ator from New Hampshire. fight and will continue to fight the I disagreed with Senator BOXER on a FAREWELL TO THE SENATE good fight, and I will always treasure lot of the regulations, and I have told Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, it is my time serving the people. They gave her many times she has every right to with deep gratitude that I rise today to me a purpose in my life that I will al- be wrong. address my Senate colleagues and ways cherish. They made me a better Mrs. BOXER. You do. members of my staff with whom I have person. They made my life more beau- Mr. INHOFE. But on the things that had the privilege of serving over the tiful than I ever could have imagined, were really important, we did manage last 6 years. and for that I am forever grateful. to get things accomplished. There is an First and foremost, I want to thank I thank the Presiding Officer and awful lot of hate around here, and it is the people of New Hampshire for giving yield the floor. so unnecessary. You can disagree with me the extraordinary opportunity to (Applause, Senators rising.) serve them. From Nashua to Newport, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. someone and love them anyway. I have to say that confession is good for the to the North Country, they have in- COATS). The Senator from Oklahoma. soul, but I want my good friend to spired me. The people of our State are TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BOXER know I am truly going to miss her hard-working, caring, compassionate Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, that was people with grit. They have a fierce a very emotional and heartfelt speech. around here. Mrs. BOXER. I thank the Senator sense of independence that I respect As I look around, I know there are a lot and admire. That spirit has guided me of people who want to respond and be from Oklahoma so much. Mr. INHOFE. I yield the floor. during my time here, and it has been heard, but I grabbed it first. This will The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the privilege of a lifetime to serve be real short. I believe it was the majority leader ator from California. them. Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, the rela- I want to thank my family—my hus- who gave me a quote this morning. He band Joe, my wingman. Joe is a patriot made the comment that the two of you tionship we felt was based on trust and with a heart of service. That is why he agree on nothing, but you get every- honesty. We never ever misled each thing done. other. I just love the Senator’s staff. I served our country as a fighter pilot in Mrs. BOXER. That is right. really do. Our staff developed the same the Air Force and why he has been my Mr. INHOFE. There is a reason for type of relationship that we devel- biggest supporter during my service that. If you stop and think about it, we oped—disagreeing on many things but not only as New Hampshire’s attorney came to the House and Senate at about understanding that we can work to- general but as a Senator. We are so the same time. There are no two people gether and find common ground. I just proud of our children, Kate and Jake, in this body who are further apart from hope, as I step out the door—Lord who are now 12 and 9. My family has each other than BARBARA BOXER and knows when that will be, given this sacrificed so that I could serve the peo- JIM INHOFE. Yet we have something place—that others will form this type ple of New Hampshire, and I am grate- beautiful. I hesitate to show this AP of bond across party lines because ful for their patience and love. I also picture of our embrace, but it has to be without it, things just don’t work thank my mother Kathy, who is and al- in the record here somewhere. right. ways has been my mentor and No. 1 For 12 years, we swapped—back and I want my friend to know it has been cheerleader. I could not have done it forth—being chairman of the Environ- a great pleasure to work with him in without her help and that of my step- ment and Public Works Committee. I every way, shape, and form. One of us father Jim, my uncle Jack, my aunt always remember when the Repub- is from Venus and one of us is from Jane, and all of our extended family licans were in the majority back in— Mars, and that is just the way it is. We who have done so much for us. They let’s see. We lost it in 2006. I remember just see the world differently, but it made it possible for me to serve, and seeing BARBARA, Al Gore, and all these hasn’t stopped us from putting aside there are not adequate words to ex- other people danced in and out the door those disagreements. We were never press how much their love and support saying the world is going to come to an bitter with each other. means to me. end unless we do all of these things. We had a pretty big divide. One per- I also thank my wonderful and hard- At that time, she said something son said climate change is a hoax and working staff in New Hampshire and very profound that I never forgot, and the other said it is the biggest threat Washington, whose dedication, work

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I am so proud of our team and and our men and women in uniform tional security. all we have accomplished together. I and their families. Today, we mark the We made progress in saving taxpayer am confident that they will continue 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl dollars at the Pentagon—and I know to work to create a brighter future for Harbor. We are reminded once again of there is more work that needs to be New Hampshire and for our country. their selfless service and sacrifice on done—by ending wasteful programs, I ask unanimous consent to have a behalf of our great Nation. such as the missile to nowhere, and list of their names printed in the I was honored during my time here to passing the Never Contract With the RECORD. lead the charge to repeal unfair cuts Enemy legislation that cut through There being no objection, the mate- for our military retirees and to help redtape and helped prevent tens of mil- rial was ordered to be printed in the make progress toward improving ac- lions of dollars from ending up in the RECORD, as follows: cess to local health care for veterans in hands of our enemies. CURRENT STAFF New Hampshire, who for far too long Working with Chairman MCCAIN, I Kristine Adams, Erica Andeweg, Daniel have been forced to travel long dis- was proud to help lead the successful Auger, Camden Bisson, Bradley Bowman, tances to receive care from a VA facil- effort to help prevent the premature John Chambers III, Ryan Clark, Frederick ity because we don’t have a full-service retirement of the A–10 aircraft, ensur- Dressler, Adam Hechavarria, Kelsey Keegan, hospital, unfortunately, in the State of ing that our ground troops continue to Shaylyn Kelly, Marne Marotta, Myles New Hampshire. Too often, our vet- have the best close air support possible Matteson, Richard Murphy III, Kayla Na- erans are not treated as they should be, to keep them safe. tions, Gabriel Noronha, Taylor Reidy, During my time on the committee, I Samantha Roberts, Chloe Rockow, Bethany and this has to change. They have sac- Scully, DeWayne Thomas, Elizabeth John- rificed so much for our freedom and de- have had the privilege of working son, Gene Chandler, Jerome Maslan, Cynthia serve only the best from us. closely with Chairman JOHN MCCAIN Woodward, Jane Bosse, Christopher As the wife of a combat veteran who and Senator LINDSEY GRAHAM to ensure Connelly, Joseph Doiron, Orville Fitch, Mi- served in Iraq, nothing has been more that America maintains the strongest chael Garcia, Eric Hensel, Stephen Monier, important to me than keeping our and best military in the world and to John Pearson, Neva Varsalone, Gretchen country safe. That commitment is ensure that our country continues to Wade, Lauren Zelt, Matthew Bartlett, Bren- deeply personal to me. One of the be the greatest force for good in the da Kittle, Anne Warburton, Kathryn Sul- greatest privileges I have had as a Sen- world. There are no stronger voices in livan. ator is to visit with members of our this body for America’s leadership in FORMER STAFF New Hampshire National Guard and the world, nor fiercer advocates for our Kelcey Raymond, Nathanael Anderson, our men and women in uniform who men and women in uniform than Chair- Robin Anderson, William Ardinger, Christin Ballou, Benjamin Bradley, Gwendolyn Cas- serve overseas and are there now as we man JOHN MCCAIN and Senator LINDSEY sidy, Thomas DeRosa, Virginia Demers, Den- are here today. We pray for their safe GRAHAM. Now more than ever, we need nis Deziel, Elizabeth Drumm, Danielle return. They make us so proud. They their leadership, expertise, and passion Duchesne, John Easton, Robert Fraser, Rob- represent the very best of our State for keeping this country safe with the ert Ganim, Elliot Gault, Claire Gimbastiani, and our country. challenges we face around the world. I Jeffrey Grappone, Elizabeth Guyton, Tim- As a member of the Armed Services am honored to have worked with them othy Hefferan, Brian Hodges, Kathryn Committee, I have been proud to advo- and, most of all, to call them my Horgan, Debra Jarrett, Alison Kamataris, cate for the Portsmouth Naval Ship- friends. Sean Knox, John Lawrence, Andrew Leach, Emily Lynch, Cathy Myers, Francy Nichols, yard and the skilled workers there who Serving on the Armed Services Com- Margaret Ouellette, Irina Owens, Kelsey Pat- make vital contributions to our na- mittee has been one of the best experi- ten, Brianna Puccini, Matt Reeder, Wade tional security. This has been a team ences I have had in the Senate. I want Sarraf, Michael Scala, Robert Seidman, effort between New Hampshire and to express my gratitude to all of my Lauren Spivey, Alexander Stanford, Susan- Maine. I thank my colleagues—Senator fellow committee members because it Anne Terzakis, Simon Thomson, Linda SHAHEEN; Senator COLLINS, whom I see has truly been a bipartisan effort each Tomlinson. here today; and Senator ANGUS KING— year to ensure our troops have the re- Ms. AYOTTE. I want to take a mo- for their incredible work in supporting sources they need to do their jobs. ment to thank the Capitol Police, who the shipyard. I see Senator MCCASKILL, the Sen- devote themselves to keeping us safe I especially want to thank Senator ator from Missouri, here. I have deeply each and every day and who have be- SHAHEEN for all the work we did to- appreciated the work we have done to- come friends to my staff and me over gether on important issues for our gether on behalf of our men and women the years. I am so grateful for all of State. Whether it was advocating for in uniform. Thank you. our first responders who put their lives the shipyard, for Pease and the 157th Going forward, it is critical that Con- on the line each and every day to keep Air Refueling Wing to receive the new gress and the next administration work us safe. I also thank the Senate floor tanker, for our National Guard, or for together to reverse the harmful cuts to staff, the pages, and everyone who our veterans, we always looked for our military and to ensure that we works so hard behind the scenes to ways to come together for the people of have a defense budget based on the make our work possible here. New Hampshire, and I appreciate her threats we face around the world right During the past 6 years, I have trav- dedication and service. now, which are unprecedented. eled throughout New Hampshire talk- Since I first came to the Senate, one Another issue that has been near and ing to people from all walks of life, lis- of my top priorities has been reversing dear to my heart is addressing a dev- tening to their ideas and learning from the Obama administration’s misguided astating epidemic that is facing the their experiences. I have met so many policy to empty and close the Guanta- State of New Hampshire; that is, the hard-working people in our State who namo Bay detention facility. Each year heroin and prescription opioid epi- have, in turn, inspired me to work hard I have led efforts to prevent the trans- demic that is taking a devastating toll on their behalf. True to the nature of fer of terrorist to the United States, to on our State. I have met so many peo- our great State, they have never been our soil here, and to urge the adminis- ple in New Hampshire who are hurting shy about letting me know what is on tration to be transparent with the because of this epidemic—mothers and their minds, whether it was at one of American people about these dangerous fathers who have lost children, broth- the 50 townhall meetings we held or in detainees. ers and sisters who have lost siblings. the grocery aisle at the Market Basket. As I have called for previously, I hope Many of the families who have been af- They sent me to the Senate with a the new administration will imme- fected have become my dear friends, sense of purpose. It has been an honor diately halt the dangerous policy of re- like Doug and Pam Griffin of Newton,

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They in- behalf of the people of this country. I AYOTTE: that we always managed to spired me to work with a group of am humbled by what I have learned disagree without being disagreeable. I great Senators and my colleagues: Sen- from each of you and from each of my am grateful to Senator AYOTTE for ator ROB PORTMAN, who I know is here colleagues in the Senate and for the op- this, and I am proud that we have been today; Senator SHELDON WHITEHOUSE portunity to serve with so many good able to maintain that civility and bi- from Rhode Island; and Senator AMY people on behalf of our great Nation. I partisanship even in the course of two KLOBUCHAR from Minnesota. The four thank each of you for your dedicated very close and very tough election cy- of us came together and worked on service and, most of all, for your cles. That is the New Hampshire way— what is called the Comprehensive Ad- friendship. putting partisanship aside whenever diction and Recovery Act. This bill will Without leadership here, things just possible and seeking practical, prag- provide a much needed framework for don’t get done. I especially want to matic solutions to address people’s addressing this epidemic through pre- thank Majority Leader MITCH MCCON- critical needs. vention, treatment, recovery, and sup- NELL for his commitment to making As she said, time and time again, port for our first responders, who are the Senate work and to making sure Senator AYOTTE and I have teamed up doing so much for this epidemic. As a we are doing the people’s business. to advance legislation of special impor- bipartisan team, we worked on this leg- On a personal note, I have deeply ap- tance to the Granite State, including islation for more than 2 years. Our bill preciated his mentorship and his strongly advocating for veterans, for passed the Senate overwhelmingly and friendship. the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and was signed into law earlier this year. Working with our new President, the for the New Hampshire National Guard CARA will focus on the best pro- Senate has a fresh opportunity to cre- and that new KC–46 tanker. Together, grams to help State and locale efforts ate a better quality of life for all we fought to secure more resources for in turning around the tide of addiction Americans in this great country. That law enforcement and treatment profes- that is facing so many in this country. means elected leaders will need to sionals who are on the frontlines of the CARA is an important first step, but work together and put aside our par- opioid crisis, including this week im- there is so much more work that needs tisan differences. portant new funding in the 21st Cen- to be done. I am encouraged that be- During this election, we heard the tury Cures Act. cause of our efforts, this body has rec- frustrations of the American people I want to publicly express my grati- ognized the seriousness of this crisis. with their government. They rightly tude to KELLY for her dedicated service I was particularly glad to advocate expect this body to move forward in to the people of New Hampshire and, for $1 billion in funding to address the solving the significant challenges fac- more broadly, the people of the United heroin epidemic being included in the ing our Nation, such as getting our fis- States. Over the last 6 years, Senator 21st Century Cures Act, which we are cal House in order, ensuring that fami- AYOTTE has earned respect on both expected to pass and send to the Presi- lies can afford quality health care sides of the aisle in this body and in dent this week. I thank Senator LAMAR without Washington between them and New Hampshire. I know that her hus- ALEXANDER for his incredible leader- their doctors, reforming our broken band Joe and their two wonderful chil- ship in getting this important public Tax Code so we can keep and grow jobs dren, Kate and Jacob, are very, very health bill passed. The funding in the here in the United States of America, proud of her service in the Senate. 21st Century Cures bill goes hand in and foremost, keeping America safe in Looking to the future, there is no ques- hand with the important policy provi- a dangerous world. tion in my mind that she will continue sions in the CARA bill and will help My hope is that the Members of this to serve the State and the country she save lives in New Hampshire and across body will appeal to the better angels of loves. this country. our nature, put partisanship aside, and KELLY, I wish you and your family Finally, I would like to return to the focus on the challenge of building a all the best in the years ahead. Thank reason I ran for the Senate back in more perfect union because the chal- you. 2010: to make sure we leave New Hamp- lenges before us are great and we can- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- shire and our Nation stronger and bet- not hope to overcome them unless we ator from Arizona. ter off for the next generation. As the do so working hand in hand. I know my Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I come mother of two young children, I was in- Senate colleagues are people of great to the floor today to pay tribute to my creasingly concerned that, left un- character, and they are up to this chal- dear friend and colleague, the Senator checked, our skyrocketing national lenge. I wish them the very best as from New Hampshire, KELLY AYOTTE. I debt would ultimately burden future they continue their very important first met KELLY in 2010 when I joined generations and diminish their oppor- work on behalf of the people of the her for a townhall meeting in Nashua, tunities. greatest Nation on Earth. NH. My affection for the State of New I ran because I believed it was time To the people of New Hampshire, Joe Hampshire dates back to my bid for for New Hampshire to bring some of its and I thank you from the bottom of President in 2000, so it was a familiar common sense here to Washington to our hearts for the greatest honor of a setting to join so many old friends in deal with our Nation’s spending habits. lifetime, for serving you and for the support of her campaign for the U.S. On every committee I served on, we privilege of serving in the United Senate. I was impressed with Senator looked for ways to cut wasteful spend- States Senate with so many good peo- AYOTTE’s deep understanding of the top ing and fought to hold the government ple. challenges facing the country, the seri- accountable for the way it spends our Mr. President, I thank you, and I ousness with which she approached her hard-earned taxpayer dollars. It is my yield the floor. work, and the ease with which she en- hope that this issue will be at the top (Applause, Senators rising.) gaged with members of the audience, of the agenda of the incoming Congress The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- gracefully handling spirited debates and the new administration. If there is LIVAN). The Senator from New Hamp- and sparring matches with voters—a anything I have learned in my time shire. staple of the townhall meetings in New here, it is that it takes cooperation TRIBUTES TO KELLY AYOTTE Hampshire I always admired. I knew from both sides of the aisle to get Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am then we would be fast friends. things done. pleased that I could be here for Senator In the Senate, Senator AYOTTE It has been a privilege to serve with AYOTTE’s farewell address and honored brought the same tenacity to her work, so many in this body who care about to have had the opportunity to serve distinguishing herself as a rising star

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The more contentious, pragmatically—something that is all server of more than one occasion in the better you were. too often lacking in politics today. ‘‘I which a bureaucrat withered under So, KELLY, the best way we can pay call them like I see them,’’ she once skilled cross-examination by Senator you back is to keep up the fight and said. ‘‘And that means not just with AYOTTE. She takes her oversight role make sure that we have a fair military the opposing party, but with my own extremely seriously and believes in justice system and that commanders party.’’ Senator AYOTTE took this holding our Nation’s leaders account- are accountable but they are still in mantra on the road, continuing the able. charge. tradition of the New Hampshire town- In every way, Senator AYOTTE rose to An observation: For people with hall meetings by holding more than 50 meet the responsibilities and opportu- young kids, this has to be a tough job. townhall meetings in small towns and nities of her office. There are many I don’t have any children, but I can’t cities across New Hampshire, where she qualities that are important to being a imagine the schedule if you have young spoke directly with her constituents good Senator, but none, in my opinion, kids. I have gotten to know KELLY, about the issues impacting their fami- is more important than standing firm Joe, and Kate and Jake, and I can only lies. for what you believe. That is what Sen- imagine what it is like for Joe to be a But, in my view, Senator AYOTTE’s ator AYOTTE has done. She has never single parent 3 days a week, running a best work lies in her contribution to wavered in her commitment to prin- business, trying to get kids off to defense and national security as a ciple, and this body is better for it. school. I can tell you from being member of the Armed Services Com- On a more personal note, I have cher- KELLY’s friend—and JOHN and I have mittee. Coming from a military family, ished the friendship and partnership of traveled all over the world with her commitment to strengthening our Senator KELLY AYOTTE. The kindness KELLY—that was a constant strain for Armed Forces is deeply personal. That and courtesy she has extended to her her. I am sure it is true of every young has contributed to her tireless advo- colleagues has made this institution a mother in America doing any job, but cacy on issues important to New better place, and her principled leader- having to be gone and having to bal- Hampshire, to Pease Air National ship has served as an example to all of ance the needs of her kids and being a mom and a wife and all that good Guard Base, the Portsmouth Naval us. In KELLY, you could always find a Shipyard, and to all military and civil- warm smile that served as a reminder stuff—all I can tell you, for you and ian personnel supporting our national that serving here is truly a joy and a Joe—if you meet Kate and Jake, you security who call New Hampshire privilege. all did good. If you meet these kids, it has been an enriching 6 years. They are home. While I will miss KELLY’s presence in As chairman of the Subcommittee on the Senate, I will continue to rely on full of life. I think you both handled it Readiness, Senator AYOTTE has called her wise counsel and friendship, and I very well. You should be proud of the long list attention to the dangerous readiness am confident our Nation will continue of things you have accomplished. But I crisis and has been a consistent advo- to benefit from her talents for many guess what I saw in you and what I cate for making sure the men and years to come. With this in mind, I wish more of us would embrace is an women of our Armed Forces have the thank my dear friend and valued col- attitude that nothing is too hard, noth- resources they need to defend the Na- league, Senator KELLY AYOTTE, for her ing is too challenging if you really be- tion. She has authored numerous legis- service to the Nation and this body. lative proposals to eliminate wasteful lieve you are here for a purpose. And until the Nation calls on her You didn’t talk about immigration. I and duplicative spending in the Depart- again, I wish her and her husband Joe don’t blame you. The immigration ment of Defense so that we can rein- and their children, Katherine and fight is one of the hardest fights I have vest the savings in rebuilding our mili- Jacob, fair winds and following seas. ever been in, particularly on our side. tary. She passed legislation to save The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- It is not easy on your side, but on our over $1 billion in the Pentagon’s budget ator from Missouri. side it is really tough. KELLY was there and to keep U.S. tax dollars out of the Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, I pushing over the line a bill that I think hands of America’s enemies. She has don’t have eloquent prepared remarks, made a lot of sense. been a leading advocate for repealing as the chairman just delivered, but I The debt. Everybody talks about it, arbitrary budget cuts and the mindless will tell you this: I have been lucky but nobody wants to do anything about mechanism of sequestration which con- enough to be in the trenches with it. We have had a couple of sessions tinues to weaken our military and puts KELLY AYOTTE, and when you are in with 10 and 20 Senators trying to find a the lives of our servicemembers at the trenches with KELLY AYOTTE, there way to get more revenue and do enti- greater risk. is something about her demeanor that tlement reform, something like Simp- Senator AYOTTE’s fight to prevent lifts you up. It was a tough fight where son-Bowles. If you don’t do that, the the Air Force from mothballing the A– we were outnumbered, particularly by country is going to become like 10 Warthog attack planes showed the our fellow women Senators, and it was Greece. Every time we had a meeting, very best she has to offer. As the wife hard. It was really hard and emotional, every time we had a session about of a retired A–10 pilot who flew combat and every time I would walk up to doing hard stuff, KELLY was there. missions in Iraq and an expert in de- KELLY in full-blown panic mode, this I remember sequestration. JEANNE fense policy, Senator AYOTTE under- smile would radiate; the reassuring pat SHAHEEN and KELLY AYOTTE were two stood the critical role this aircraft on my shoulder that we have the facts of the six Senators trying to find a way plays in providing close air support for on our side, that the emotional argu- to set aside these defense cuts in a bal- our fighting men and women. Year ments might be on the other side but anced approach without destroying the after year, she led the fight to prevent the facts were on our side. It kept me military. the Obama administration from fol- strong and it kept me focused. I think what you should be most lowing through on its plan to retire I will tell you three things I know in proud of is that you served for 6 years that fleet, pushing through measures my heart about KELLY AYOTTE: She is and your kids are great, that you made in annual Defense authorization bills a warrior, she is a class act, and she is a lot of friendships that will last a life- that would prevent any premature di- my friend. time, and that your best days are yet vestment of this aircraft. At the end of Thank you, KELLY. to come. the day, she was right. The Air Force The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- You can tell the people of New Hamp- conceded to this aircraft’s value and ator from South Carolina. shire—or I will tell them for you if reversed its decision, delaying any di- Mr. GRAHAM. Thank you very much. they can understand me. Apparently vestment until at least 2022. Mr. President, I just want to attest they couldn’t because I didn’t do that Anyone who has watched Senator to CLAIRE and KELLY—if I go to war, I well when I ran for President. The bot- AYOTTE question a witness in the want to go with you all because when tom line is that KELLY never blinked.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.006 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 She went into the sound of gunfire. She than KELLY AYOTTE, and it comes out colleagues today and most especially took on the hardest challenges. She did of experience. It is borne of experience pleased to be here to honor my good it with style and grace, and everybody of walking around New Hampshire friend KELLY AYOTTE as she leaves the in this body is better off for having met communities with families who have Senate but does not leave public serv- KELLY AYOTTE. lost a loved one. Earlier she talked ice. I look forward to working with you about befriending a family who had Believe it or not, I first met KELLY for years to come. The three amigos lost their beautiful daughter to this on the softball field when we were on are now two, and there will never be a horrible epidemic. It comes from going the Congressional women’s softball third amigo like you. to the treatment centers and seeing team. I was in the House, and KELLY I yield. the people who are in the trenches, sav- was the cocaptain in the Senate. We The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ing lives, and improving lives. It comes raised money for young survivors of ator from Ohio. from talking to those who at one point breast cancer. I knew then I wanted to Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, we had great promise in their lives and got get to the Senate to be good friends have heard a lot of wonderful things off track, seeing those people in a with KELLY because when you talk about KELLY AYOTTE today and all are detox unit as she has done or seeing about being in the trenches, she was deserved. You notice they have come them in a treatment center or, promis- such a competitor. from both sides of the aisle, and they When you think about a team, a ingly, seeing them now in recovery and come from Members who were talking baseball team or a softball team, who beginning to get their lives back to- about her expertise on national secu- is the toughest person on the team? gether. rity—as JOHN MCCAIN did eloquently— This is not an issue of Republicans or Everybody wants to say the pitcher. In and homeland security. Democrats. It is not an issue that is po- my view, it is the catcher. Guess who I certainly have worked with her on our catcher was. KELLY AYOTTE was litical. It is an issue that is in the those issues. I was with her on the and is, and so we became good friends heart of KELLY AYOTTE because it af- Armed Services Committee when I first then. came to the Senate, and we are on the fects the communities she knows in We found we have a lot of love for Homeland Security Committee now. New Hampshire, the people she loves in physical activities. We are both run- She has been a champion for those New Hampshire, and now, sadly, our ners. We have run a couple of times to- issues, there is no question about it. Nation. gether. We participate in the 3-mile On that issue, she has led, not just to She has helped to keep our country run that we have every May that deter- safer, and legislation that she has draft legislation—and she talked about mines who is the fastest male Senator, championed will help to make it safer the CARE legislation which is going to who is the fastest woman Senator. for our kids and grandkids. change the dynamic and get the Fed- Well, guess who the fastest woman I have also worked with her on other eral Government to be a better partner Senator is. You got it. She just blew issues, and I wish to talk about that for with State and local and begin to turn right by me every year so I might have a second. One is this way in which we this tide—not just the Cures legisla- hope next year. I don’t know. I will as a Chamber can ensure we are cre- tion, which does have funding for the have to check out the newcomers. But ating more jobs, being more energy next 2 years to try to stop some of this KELLY was always such a great compet- independent, helping the environment, horrible growth in addictions, itor on the softball field, running in and that is energy efficiency. She has overdoses and deaths, but she has done 5Ks, and just being around in general. been a leader on that issue. this house-to-house, family-to-family, As we have heard from everybody, JEANNE SHAHEEN and I have legisla- person-to-person back home to give you have served your State with integ- tion that we are still working to get all people hope and to help gather the sup- rity and passion. I know it is tough on of it done, but we have gotten some of port in communities around New your family. I see Joe in the Gallery. I it done, and KELLY AYOTTE was a huge Hampshire to fight back. She will con- have met your beautiful children, Kate part of that. In fact, her legislation on tinue to do that. She is not doing it as and Jake. I have heard you on the Tenant Star is now law of the land. It a U.S. Senator. After all, she is doing it phone planning daycare while the rest is helping to make commercial build- as a mom, she is doing it as a citizen. of us are figuring out how we are going ings and office buildings, more energy I am looking forward to continuing to get home that night or what we are efficient. Again, it has the added ben- to work with her on that issue as well doing in our committees. As a young efit of creating jobs and making the as the other issues we have talked mother, KELLY is still trying to make economy stronger while improving our about today. Her public service career the ends meet. I have such admiration environment. That is what she has led is not over; in a sense, it is really just for that as a mother myself. I know on as well. beginning. I know she will be active on how difficult it is, but I know the three I have also worked with her on issues the national security issues, on fight- of them know that no matter if you you would expect someone who is a na- ing against the heroin epidemic, on en- were here figuring that out, they were tional security expert to lead on. Iran suring that we continue to have a safer always No. 1 in your heart. I think that sanctions, she has taken the lead on and stronger country. I, for one, look is a real tribute to you. some of the issues that resulted in the forward to working with her on that. We have heard all of the issues she incredible vote we had on the floor of I thank her for her service. I thank has been so out front on. Particularly this Senate just a few days ago when her, her kids, and Joe for their sac- as I am from a State like West Vir- virtually every Senator voted to ex- rifice because this isn’t an easy job. It ginia—the opioid issue has really im- tend those sanctions, but I have does take you away from your family. pacted our rural areas. When I visited worked with her on another issue that Yet, in 2009, she decided she was going KELLY twice over the last 6 months in has nothing to do with our national se- to serve her country because she was New Hampshire, it was the same kind curity; it has everything to do with our worried about the direction it was of impact. It is small towns, families, family security. It has to do with en- going. She did that, she did it val- people who know each other. It hurts suring that people have the oppor- iantly, and she deserves our praise everybody. KELLY, thank you for your tunity to achieve their God-given pur- today. leadership there. That is going to make pose in life. It has to do with stopping KELLY, we are going to miss you, but not just a mark in your State but the deterioration of our communities, we also look forward to continuing to across our Nation and in my State in families being torn apart, and the enor- work with you on all of the issues that particular. mous impact we have seen of the opioid were talked about today. Thank you We traveled to Gitmo together. I had epidemic. Starting often with prescrip- for your service. never been to Gitmo before. To have an tion drugs, often leading to heroin— I yield back the remainder of my expert such as KELLY explain to me and now synthetic heroins such as time. to hear her question what is going on fentanyl, carfentanil, and U–4, these The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- there and how important it is and was, are very difficult issues. ator from West Virginia. she continues to be in the fight that I have seen no one in this Chamber Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I am she led to make sure we don’t have ter- who has a greater passion for this issue very pleased to be on the floor with my rorists on our own home soil. The fact

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.007 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6777 that Gitmo is still open and is still I end by saying what I really learned the people who were behind me. Well, functioning to keep those very dan- from my mentor was from watching guess what. No, I was behind them, be- gerous folks off of our shores I think is the way she dealt with other people, cause they certainly have led the way. a tribute to KELLY’s leadership. the way she always treated people with Along the way, there were people In terms of New Hampshire, as you respect, with class, with optimism, and who also not only helped me get elect- move away from here, I know you are with dignity. That is probably more ed, but they helped me govern—people going to realize how you have impacted important than anything, not only in who, again, volunteered their own the people where you live and in your the U.S. Senate but in our country. time. I had a wonderful service acad- home State, but just kind of multiply I thank KELLY as a mentor. She was emy board that helped me pick the best that all over the Nation. We have a a great role model not only for me but and the brightest to serve in our mili- huge debt of gratitude to you and your all of the 13 Members of the class of tary academies—people with distin- family for being here for 6 years, but as 2014. I know she will be serving her guished careers in either the military I have told you repeatedly since the country and her State in a lot more or in education. I had a judicial ap- election, this is not the last time we ways. I look forward to watching that pointment advisory board that made are going to hear from KELLY AYOTTE and continuing to call her my good sure I helped nominate the best people or about KELLY AYOTTE. To me, that is friend. to serve in the Federal judiciary. Also, a very strengthening thing when I talk I yield the floor. I had a veterans advisory group that about my friend. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- brought to me what was really hap- I am not going to say goodbye be- LIVAN). The Senator from Maryland. pening to the veterans, not what was in cause I don’t think we will be saying FAREWELL TO THE SENATE the press releases from the Veterans’ goodbye. I am going to say Godspeed, Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise Administration. Of course, I had a fab- good luck. You will land on your feet to take the floor for what I call my ulous strategy group that functioned because you always do. Keep running, I summing-up speech. It is not my fare- as a kitchen cabinet. It was a kitchen will keep running, and maybe I can well speech because I have the honor cabinet. We spent a lot of time cooking keep running and improve my time so and privilege of being the ranking things up to try to make our country I can at least see the backs of your feet member and former chairman of the and our communities better places. So as you are running past me. Appropriations Committee. I will I thank them all for what they did. It has been a real privilege to serve speak later on this week when we move But, when we come here to try to with you. It has been great to be your the continuing resolution. serve the people who sent us here, we friend, and I look forward to keeping It is the practice and the tradition of cannot do it alone. So we have a fabu- our relationship very viable and alive the Senate that when a Senator is de- lous staff, both that serves us in Wash- as the time moves on. parting the Senate, they give what ington and serves us in our State. I Thanks, KELLY. I yield the floor. they call their farewell address. Well, wish to thank my current staff: my The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. mine is not going to be as memorable chief of staff, Shannon Kula; my dep- CAPITO). The Senator from Alaska. as when George Washington resigned uty chief of staff, Rachel MacKnight; Mr. SULLIVAN. Madam President, his commission or other memorable my State director, Nichelle Schoultz; like my friends on both sides of the speeches, but I do want to say words my legislative director, Brigid Houton; aisle, I, too, come to the floor to say a about how I feel today about having my communications director, Matt few words about my friend and mentor, the great opportunity to serve in the Jorgenson; my scheduling director, Senator KELLY AYOTTE. I use the word Congress. Catie Finley; my office manager, Josh ‘‘mentor’’ in actually an official capac- I have spent 30 years in the Senate, 10 Yearsley; my appropriations staff di- ity. When you come to the Senate—and years in the House of Representatives, rector, Chuck Kieffer; and my appro- like you, Madam President, I am part and, yes, 5 years in the Baltimore City priations deputy staff director, Jean of the new class of 2014. When you come Council. I have served in elected public Toal Eisen; and of course, all of my to the Senate, you are assigned a men- office for 45 years. More than half of staff in my State office who helped me. tor. I think the idea is that you come my life has been in elected public serv- There is also the support staff who in, you are clueless, you don’t really ice but, at the same time, all of my life made sure that the phones got an- know what is going on, and so you have has been focused on service. swered. You didn’t get one of those somebody who is smart and experi- I rise today to thank the people of ‘‘call 1, call 2, press 7, press 184,’’ et enced to mentor you. Everybody gets a Maryland. I rise to thank them for cetera. Also, there are the people who mentor. their vote of confidence. When people answer the mail, whether it was snail I was very fortunate to have KELLY vote for you, it is not only that they mail, which so much of it was when I AYOTTE as my mentor. I certainly are sending you to Washington or send- came, or email, because we really be- learned a lot from her. She took the ing you to city hall. They are giving lieved that we needed to be here for the time to help me understand how this you a vote of confidence that you will people. important body works. We talked be their voice, that you will be their I called their names, but there are about things like work life balance— vote, that you will be at their side and also others who filled those jobs with somebody such as KELLY who has on their side, and that is what I want throughout my time in public office. kids. to be able to talk about today. They worked very hard to make sure It wasn’t just those kinds of issues. I The people of Baltimore gave me my that we could represent the people of had the great opportunity to serve on a first shot at running for the Baltimore Maryland and to be on their side. couple of very important committees City Council. When I beat the political After 45 years, though, it is time for with Senator AYOTTE—on the Armed bosses, when running for political of- me to say goodbye to elected office, but Services Committee, on the Commerce fice as a woman was considered a nov- not to service. Committee—and like my colleague elty, they said: You don’t look the I have the high privilege of being the from Missouri, I really learned a lot part. But I said: This is what the part longest serving woman in congres- watching her in action. She was always looks like, and this is what the part is sional history. But I say it is not how prepared, always engaged, and always going to be like. Along the way, so long you serve but how well you serve. tenacious when it came to certain wit- many people helped me. Behind ‘‘me’’ For those who know me and have been nesses. Of course, like a lot of us, we is a whole lot of ‘‘we.’’ to rallies and so on, they know that I shared certain passions for our coun- I got started in public life because of say: ‘‘I am here to work on the macro try—certainly a strong national de- volunteers and activists who, on their issues and I am here to work on the fense. own time and on their own dime, vol- macaroni and cheese issues’’—to work My State, like a lot of States such as unteered themselves to not only help on the big picture, to make sure that New Hampshire, is suffering from the me get elected but to be involved in the people’s day-to-day needs were con- opioid crisis. Watching her and Senator their communities, to be civically en- verted into public policy or, while we PORTMAN literally lead the country on gaged, to make their community and are working on public policy, to try to this issue was so important. their country a better place. These are help our communities.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.009 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 We also have to remember in our own lieved in it in my community. When right. Though I was all by myself, I was States that we have constituent serv- my great grandmother came to this never alone. When I came, there was ice issues. One of the things I am really country from Poland in 1886, she had only one other woman here—the won- proud of is my constituent service little money in her pocket, but she had derful and distinguished colleague from staff, where if you were a veteran and big dreams in her heart. Women didn’t Kansas, Senator Nancy Kassebaum, a you needed help or you had a Social Se- even have the right to vote. One hun- wonderful colleague. When I say I was curity or Medicare problem, you could dred years to the year that she landed by myself as the only woman in the call Senator BARB and you didn’t feel in this country, I landed in the Senate. Democratic caucus, I say I was never that you had to go to a $100 fundraiser That is what opportunity means in the alone because of the great men that we or know somebody who had connec- United States of America. could work with in the Senate. tions. The only connection you needed I never thought I would come into Now, I have had the privilege to work was a phone. You didn’t even need Wi- politics. Growing up in Baltimore, my with two of the best men in America. Fi. You could just call me. Summer, family wasn’t involved in politics. My Senator Paul Sarbanes, who was my winter, spring, or fall, they had Sen- family was involved more in church senior Senator when I came and who ator BARB. I tried to be of service be- work, philanthropy, doing good works certainly was my champion, helped me cause service was in my DNA. I was in the way they did their business. In to get on the right committees and raised to think about service. Baltimore in those days, there were po- convinced everybody that my name My mother and father ran a small litical bosses—guys with pot bellies was BARB MIKULSKI and not Bella neighborhood grocery store in one of who smoked cigars and did deals, et Abzug. But I was a little bit of both. As Baltimore’s famous row house neigh- cetera—and that wasn’t going to be to Senator Sarbanes and now, of borhoods. Every day they would get up, me. I thought I would go into the field course, Senator BEN CARDIN, who also and they would open that grocery store of social work. has been at my side, we have worked and say to their customers: Good But I got involved because they together on issues related to Maryland morning. Can I help you? wanted to put a 16-lane highway both large and small. Now, in running that business, they through the European ethnic neighbor- But there were others who taught also wanted to be sure that they were hoods of Baltimore and not even give me, like Senator Byrd, Senator Ken- connected to the community. We the people relocation benefits, and they nedy, and others. What it was all about weren’t a big-box shop. We were a shop were going to smash and bulldoze the was being able to work for jobs and for for the little people. If anybody was in first African-American home-owner- justice. difficulty, my father was happy to ex- ship neighborhood in Baltimore, in a Though I was the first Democratic tend credit. It was called: We will write community called Rosemont. woman, I wanted to be the first of your name down in a book. Pay us I said: Look, we can fight this. We many. I wanted to help women get when you can. Don’t worry that you just have to give ourselves a militant elected to the Senate and do what I got laid off at Bethlehem Steel. We name. could to be able to help them to do know that your wife had a difficult I helped put together a group called that. It has been just wonderful to see childbirth and needs this extra stuff. SCAR, or the Southeast Council that now there are 20 women who are We are here to help. Against the Road. Our African-Amer- currently serving in the Senate. One of My father would say: BARBARA, de- ican neighbors were on the other side the great joys has been to work to help liver those groceries. Take it down in of town, and they had a group called empower them so that they can be a that little red wagon I got for you. RAM, or Relocation Action Movement. powerhouse. That is why we have those With my little red wagon, I would Then the citywide coalition had a power workshops that struck fear into maybe take orange juice down to a group called MAD, or Movement the hearts of the guys—not to worry shut-in, but my father would say: Don’t Against Destruction. So you see, I have about us but to keep an eye on us. take a tip. But the tip he gave me was always had a certain flair about these I have been proud of what I have to always be of service and to treat things. learned, taking the values that I had people fair and square. So we did take on city hall. But the growing up and trying to put them in The other place where I learned so more I knocked on doors—and our com- the Federal lawbooks, because, for me, much about service was from the nuns munity did—we weren’t heard. So I de- no issue was too small to take up, and who taught me. I had the great fortune cided: the heck with it. If I knocked on no cause was too big for me to not take to go to Catholic schools. I was taught a door and I wasn’t going to be heard, on. by the Sisters of Notre Dame and the I was going to knock on the door to get I firmly believe that the best ideas Sisters of Mercy. These wonderful elected, and that is what I did—knock- come from the people. That is where women, who led the consecrated life, ing on doors, putting together a coali- some of my greatest accomplishments taught us not only about reading, writ- tion, defying the odds, defying what came from. One of the things I loved ing, and arithmetic, but they taught us people said: You can’t win. No woman the most was being in Maryland, mov- religion and emphasized the Beati- can win in an ethnic, hard-hat neigh- ing around the State, going to all of tudes. If anybody reads the Scripture, borhood. No woman can win who isn’t the counties in the State. I loved my if you go to Matthew 5 and you go to part of the political machine. And no Mondays in Maryland, where I could the Beatitudes, you know what has woman could win who had been active meet and go into unannounced places shaped us. One of them is this: Blessed in the civil rights movement. I said: like diners. A lot of people like to do are those who are meek at heart. I had Guess what. We defied the odds, and we townhalls, and they are terrific, but I to really work at that one—really, denied the odds, and that is how I came like to show up at a diner, go from really work at that one. At the same into public office—a champion on be- table to table to table and not only time, there were those who said: those half of the people. eyeball the french fries but listen to who hunger and thirst after justice. I wanted to come to be an advocate what the people have to say. That is what motivated me. It was fo- for people to have better lives, to have The other thing that I really liked cusing on the values of faith, like love better livelihoods and better neighbor- was roundtables—absolutely those your neighbor, care for the sick, and hoods, to be able to save jobs and to do roundtables—where you could engage worry about the poor. what I could to be able to help them. I in conversation with people and listen I was also inspired by a motto from knew that to do that I had to show up, to them, not show off how smart or something called the Christopher stand up, and speak up for my con- cool you were. I really loved doing Movement, where you would help carry stituents, staying close enough to the that. Out of it came some of my first the burden. It said: ‘‘It is better to people so they wouldn’t fall between big accomplishments. light one candle than to curse the the cracks and meeting their day-to- When I came to the U.S. Senate, my darkness.’’ That is what was moti- day needs and the long-range needs of father was quite ill with Alzheimer’s. vating me to service. the Nation. My father was a wonderful man. He You see, we really believed in Amer- When I came to the Senate, I was the worked hard for my sisters and me so ica in my family, and we really be- very first woman elected in her own that we would have an education. He

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.011 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6779 saw his role as a protector and pro- voucher to pay down their student put in only $500. What Senator vider, and by providing us an edu- loans. Hutchison wanted to do was to make it cation, we could always take care of Then there was a roundtable where I have parity—that old word, ‘‘parity.’’ I ourselves. met with parents of special needs chil- said yes. Our staffs told us not to work When he became so ill and went into dren, and a mother asked me to change with each other, but we were going to a nursing home, I listened to other the law from ‘‘retardation’’ to ‘‘intel- forge ahead. families who would come to visit peo- lectual disability’’ because she was We went out to dinner to talk over ple in long-term care. We saw that the being bullied. Well, I came back here strategy, but we talked together about very cruel rules of our own government and drafted legislation. Again, on the our lives, how she got her start, obsta- were forcing people to spend down their other side of the aisle was MIKE ENZI, cles she faced. We had such a good time entire life savings and put in their fam- who worked with me to pass that. that we said: Let’s invite other women. ily home or their family farm as an Rosa now is a member of the Special Well, that became the famous dinners— asset base. Well, listening to them, Olympics. She wins medals. She was the famous dinners that the women of BARBARA MIKULSKI said this: Family Person of the Week on TV. That is the Senate have. We knew we would responsibility—yes, you need to take what Mondays in Maryland means. It is never be a caucus because we were not responsibility for your family, but the worth everything to do things like uniform in our views or the way we cruel rules of government should never that. voted, but what we wanted to be was, push a family into family bankruptcy. In Maryland, we worked along with No. 1, a zone of civility where we would So I crafted something called the Senators Sarbanes and Hardin to clean treat each other with respect, our de- spousal anti-impoverishment rules that up the bay. We worked to make sure bates would be observed with intellec- enable elderly couples to keep their as- our port was viable. We worked not tual rigor, and when the day was over, sets and keep their home. AARP tells only on our Port of Baltimore for ships the day would be over. Those dinners me that since that legislation passed of commerce, but also we worked on have now stood the test of time, and I over 20 years ago, we have helped 1 mil- the space community at Goddard. I am am so proud of them. lion seniors not lose their homes or so proud of the fact that I worked very I have been so proud to work with my their family farms because one be- hard to save the Hubble Space Tele- colleague, the senior Senator from comes too ill because of that dreaded scope. That Hubble Space Telescope Maine, Ms. COLLINS, who has been such A-word or Parkinson’s or others. That turned out to be the richest contact a friend and such an ally. Though we is what I mean about the best ideas lens in world history. But again, with are not a caucus, we are a force when coming from the people. astronaut Senators Jake Garn and we can come together. We have made Then I also listened to women who John Glenn working together, we did change, and we have made a difference. worked hard every single day yet it, and it ensured America’s premier That doesn’t go down in the roll books, weren’t getting equal pay for equal leadership in astronomy and in space but I think it certainly should go down work. Of course we heard it from Lilly for years and for several decades. in the history books. Ledbetter, but we heard it from lots of Over the years, though, I could go So as I get ready to leave the Senate, Lillies, and we heard it from lots of through accomplishment after accom- what will I miss? Well, I will never Roses and lots of Marys and lots of plishment, but one of the things I have have another job as consequential as Otanias and lots of Marias. That is why learned as my lesson in life is that the this. This is pretty consequential. The we worked hard to pass the equal pay best ship you could sail on in life is fate of this country, and maybe even for equal work act. something called friendship. It is the world, lies in the hands of the Con- Working together with Senator friendship that makes life worth living. gress of the U.S. Senate. Nancy Kassebaum, Olympia Snowe, our It enables life to have the value of giv- I will miss the people in the Senate friends over in the House, Connie ing. That is what friendship is. When I the wonderful professional staff, but I Morella, Pat Schroeder, we also found think about the friends along the way am also going to miss the doorkeepers, that women were being excluded from whom I have met both in my home- the elevator operators, the cafeteria the protocols of NIH. The famous study town and my State, there are also workers, the police officers who say: In to take an aspirin and keep a heart at- those who are here, people who on both helping the one, we help the many. We tack away was done on 10,000 male sides of the aisle are absolutely so im- learn so much from them; I have medical students, not one woman. So portant to me—and the fact that we learned so much from them. Olympia, Connie, Pat, BARB showed up have worked on both sides of the aisle. I learned a lot from the elevator op- at NIH and pounded the table and said: I spoke about Senator CARDIN and erators. One was a lady of very modest Let’s start practicing good science in- Senator Sarbanes. But also on the Sen- means who every day would say to me stead of bad stereotypes and make sure ate Appropriations Committee, it was and to all of us, ‘‘Have a blessed day.’’ we are included where we should be in Senator SHELBY and Senator Kit Bond; What a great gift she gave us: ‘‘Have a a legitimate, scientific way. Out of we could actually work together. We blessed day.’’ that came the appointment of put our heads together to try to come Another elevator operator, who him- Bernadine Healy as the head of NIH; up with real solutions for real prob- self has recovered from very chal- out of that came the Office of Research lems, and we could do that. lenging health issues, always cheerful, on Women’s Health at NIH; and out of The other is not to judge one another asks, ‘‘How is your day?’’ The last that came the famous hormone re- because we have a party label. I am so thing you could do is to not return a placement study that Dr. Healy cham- darned sick of that. In the year of the smile. Those are the kinds of people pioned. Then Tom Harkin and Arlen women, so many came—like BARBARA whom I will always remember, all Specter helped us get money in the BOXER and PATTY MURRAY and DIANNE those helping hands. Federal checkbook. FEINSTEIN, also Senator Kay Bailey So I say to my colleagues now that I One study changed medical practice Hutchison, who came from Texas. I got will never, ever forget you. Helen Kel- and lowered breast cancer rates in this a call from Senator Hutchison one day, ler, though she was blind, was a great country by 15 percent. Wow. That is and my staff said: Ew, she wants to visionary, and she said that all that what working together does—to try to work with you on something. Ew, ew. you deeply love you never lose. And all save lives a million at a time. That was She is a conservative from Texas and whom I have ever met have become a on women’s health. she wants to do something for women. part of me; each and every one of you Then we saw growing concerns about I said: How about if we listen? Could have become a part of me. Everybody I the issue of the high cost of college. we start with listening? Could we start met along the way, whether it was at The first mortgage many of our kids with just listening? roundtables or the elevator operators, are facing is their student loans. Work- Senator Hutchison had a fabulous have become a part of me. You shaped ing together with the other side of the idea on IRA contributions. In those me, and you have helped me become a aisle, we created AmeriCorps, making days, if you were in the marketplace, better person. sure we enabled people to be able to be you could put in $2,000, but if you So when I wrap up and people say of service to our country and earn a worked full-time at home, you could ‘‘Well, what do you think you are going

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.022 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 to do, Barb,’’ I will say my plan is not the Senate comes to a close. As the Two years ago, I was honored to a job description but a life description. longest serving woman in the history stand alongside Senator BARB to accept Every day I am going to learn some- of the United States Congress—30 years Allegheny College Prize for Civility in thing new. Every day I am going to in this Chamber, in addition to 10 years Public Life. We were representing all of give something back. Every day I am in the House—she has earned the grati- the women of the Senate for our lead- going to do something where I keep an tude of the people of her beloved Mary- ership in bringing an end to the dev- old friend or make a new one. I want to land and of the entire Nation. That astating government shutdown of 2013 thank God that I live in the United gratitude is based on much more than and working together on so many other States of America, which enabled me simple arithmetic, much more than issues. to do this. just how many years she has served With our dean setting the example, In conclusion, George Bernard here, impressive though that is. In re- we have always rejected the idea of a Shaw—I don’t know how he would have flecting on her service, it is difficult to women’s caucus because we, like the felt about me, but he wrote this, and I decide where to begin—her accomplish- men in the Senate, span the ideological think it is pretty good. He said this: ments, her vision, or her complete spectrum. Who would expect other- I am [of the opinion] that my life belongs dedication to the people she serves, the wise? We have worked together across to the [whole] community, and as long as I dedication that began in that neighbor- party lines to serve all Americans. As live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever hood in Baltimore that she describes so Senator MIKULSKI puts it ‘‘It’s not I can. passionately today. No matter where about gender, it’s about the agenda.’’ For the harder I work, the more I live. I we begin, we end up in the same place— will rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no In fact, all of us have our favorite it is all about her character. sayings that the Senator from Mary- ‘‘brief candle’’ to me. It is a sort of splendid Perhaps the best way to describe torch which I have got hold of for the mo- land has taught us, and we will miss Senator MIKULSKI’s character is by ment, and I want to make it burn as brightly her way with words so much. noting that she is not only officially as possible before handing it on to future When Senator MIKULSKI reached her generations. the longest serving woman in the his- Senate longevity milestone 5 years tory of the Congress, but she is also un- God bless the United States Senate, ago, she surpassed my personal role officially the dean of the women in the and God bless the United States of model in public service, the legendary Senate. That title perfectly dem- America. Senator from Maine, Margaret Chase onstrates the trust and respect she has (Applause, Senators rising.) Smith. Just as the great lady from earned her from her colleagues. As a The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Maine inspired me and countless other brandnew Senator in 1997, I was one of ator from Maryland. young women of my generation to those tutored by this accomplished and TRIBUTES TO BARBARA MIKULSKI serve, the great lady from Maryland in- experienced dean. At that time, Sen- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, yester- spires the young women of today, al- ator MIKULSKI had already been in the day I had an opportunity on the floor ways encouraging them to go for it. House and the Senate for a combined 20 to talk about Senator MIKULSKI, but I Throughout her life in public service, years. She didn’t know me from just want to take 1 minute—because I she has lived by one guiding principle: Adam—or perhaps I should say from to help our people meet the needs of know a lot of my colleagues want to Eve—yet, despite the difference in our today as she helps our Nation prepare speak—to thank her on behalf of the seniority, our States, and our parties, people of Maryland. she took me under her wing. She was for the challenges of tomorrow. Yesterday I was with Senator MIKUL- What an honor it has been to serve one of the first people who called me SKI at the inauguration of Catherine alongside Senator BARBARA MIKULSKI. I after I was sworn in as a new Senator. Pugh, our new mayor of Baltimore. As have learned so much from her. I will I was so grateful for her kindness and is the tradition on programs, the senior her wisdom. She invited me to a power never forget the day she told me I had Senator speaks and then the junior workshop in her office, along with the soul of an appropriator, which I Senator speaks, so I had the oppor- Mary Landrieu, the other woman who knew was the highest compliment she tunity to speak after the dynamic re- was elected that year. She taught me could give me. And she was right. We marks of Senator MIKULSKI. That has the ropes of the appropriations process have worked on that committee to get been a burden that I have had now for and instituted regular bipartisan din- so much done. 10 years. As I pointed out to the people ners for the women of the Senate. I wish her many more years of of Maryland, we are losing one of the In the years since then, I have come health, happiness, and, most of all, great giants and advocates for our to know her as a fighter, a trailblazer, that most important ‘‘ship,’’ friend- State, and that is going to be a great and a person of such integrity. ship. loss. The only benefit I can see is that Maybe it is all those years with the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- I will not have to follow Senator MI- nuns that taught you that. ator from California. KULSKI on the program in the future. It has been a privilege to work with Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, be- We are living part of a legacy, and we her on such vital issues as home health fore Senator COLLINS leaves the floor, I know that. We know that what we do care, maritime issues, higher edu- want to thank Senator COLLINS for her here in the U.S. Senate one day will be cation, pay equality, and an issue near beautiful remarks about BARBARA MI- recorded in the history of our country. and dear to both of us, Alzheimer’s re- KULSKI. As I leave here, I have said I know that Senator MIKULSKI will be search. Serving with her on the Appro- publicly—the press has asked: What is mentioned frequently for her incredible priations Committee, I have witnessed your hope? accomplishments here in the U.S. Sen- firsthand what an extraordinary leader I often say: My hope is with the Sen- ate. she is—fair, openminded, yet with firm ator from Maine, Senator COLLINS, to On a personal basis, I just wanted to expectations and a clear sense of direc- bridge some of the partisan divides. express that my life in the U.S. Senate tion. It has been an honor to serve with has been special. For all of us, being in Senator MIKULSKI is, above all, a you. I know you have a lot on your the Senate is special, but my enjoy- hard worker. Growing up in East Balti- shoulders as we move forward. ment, productivity, and life in the Sen- more, she learned the value of hard Senator MIKULSKI, I want to take a ate has been made so much greater be- work in her family’s grocery store, as few minutes to talk about you. Some cause of my seatmate and friend, Sen- we have heard today. Her commitment Senators have focus and drive. Some ator BARBARA MIKULSKI. to making a difference in her neighbor- have compassion. Some have empathy. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. hood led her to become a social worker, Some have sharp negotiating skills. ERNST). The Senator from Maine. helping at-risk children and our sen- Some have a quick wit. Some are great Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, it is iors. The statement she made sums up students of history. Some are cham- with deep affection, admiration, and her approach to serving in Congress: ‘‘I pions for the least among us. Senator appreciation that I rise today to offer was a social worker for Baltimore fam- BARBARA MIKULSKI, you are all of these my heartfelt congratulations to our ilies. Now I’m a social worker building things. You are everything a Senator colleague and my dear friend, Senator opportunities for families throughout should be and more. As my mentor, as BARBARA MIKULSKI, as her service in America.’’ my treasured friend, you have been a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.023 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6781 major influence in my career. Hon- In the years since, as you have heard, There are many words to describe you, estly, I can say I would not be here as she has hosted regular dinners for all such as outspoken, feisty, and all of a United States Senator without your the women in the Senate—Democratic that, but I would say the word that de- guidance. and Republican alike. We reach across scribes you best is ‘‘authenticity.’’ You One of my favorite things about BAR- party lines and come together because are who you are. The people of Cali- BARA is her wonderful sense of humor. of her. We talk about our work, our fornia have loved you for it and sent It is legendary. She is hilarious when families. We share our struggles and you to the Congress. she wants to be. our triumphs. What is said there stays We started out together basically in When I was in the House of Rep- there. city council roles, sometimes called resentatives, I was fighting to inte- Senator MIKULSKI has led us by ex- the pothole parliament. It has been a grate the all-male House gym. The ample, showing us how to build coali- pleasure to serve with the Senator room to which they had assigned the tions, how to bridge the partisan di- from California. I have watched you women was about 6 by 6, and it had vide, which includes strong partnership stand up for your beliefs, and along the showers and hair dryers. You know the with our male colleagues, whom she way, as you stood up for your beliefs, big hair dryers that come over your calls ‘‘Sir Galahads.’’ She has also you made believers of us all. head like that? It had no exercise shown us how to stand up and make Godspeed to you, BARBARA. We are equipment. It had no space. It was the our voices heard. As she says, go friends forever. size of a shoebox. We women decided we ‘‘earring to earring’’ with our oppo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- needed some exercise, so we packed nents and ‘‘put on our lipstick, square ator from Michigan. into the tiny room. our shoulders, suit up and fight.’’ Leg- TRIBUTE TO DEPARTING SENATORS There was then-Congresswoman MI- endary Mikulski words. Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, I KULSKI, Congresswoman Ferraro, Con- To me, Senator MIKULSKI is the wish to speak about Senator MIKULSKI gresswoman Schroeder, Barbara Ken- whole package—a skilled, intelligent and then also Senator BOXER, the two nelly, Olympia Snowe, who looked like negotiator, a Senator who fights for great Senator BARBARAs who have been she had just stepped out of Vogue mag- the people, and a woman who helps such giants in the Senate. We are so azine. I was in my sweat suit, and so other women. She is our cherished grateful to both of them. was BARB. The teacher was leading us leader, and that is why she will always BARBARA MIKULSKI in an aerobics class, and she said: Put be known as the dean of the Senate Madam President, I do have to say your hands above your head. We did it. women. that among the many things with She said: Put your hands out on the which I have been honored and have ap- side. We did it. Then she said: Put your When BARBARA announced she would preciated was when Senator MIKULSKI hands on your hips and bend at the be leaving the Senate, I wrote her a rhyme. I love to write rhymes and accepted my offer to stay at the Stabe- waist. And with that, BARBARA yelled: now bed and breakfast after long ses- ‘‘Look, if I had a waist, I wouldn’t be lyrics. I wrote her the following rhyme: Before Mikulski won the day, sion nights and days when the Appro- here.’’ That is my BARB. She can use priations Committee was negotiating laughter to defuse any situation. I will A guy would have to pass away, and doing the incredible work that had always love her for it. And then his wife would take his place. Finally, a woman in a Senate space. to be done. I had the honor of being When I started thinking about my But Barb she got there in her own right. able to put up a plaque in my home own long shot bid for the Senate—and First Democratic gal to win that fight. it was worse than a long shot—the first that says: Senator BARB slept here. I She won the race and joined the misters. will always be honored to have had person I went to after my family was But finally NOW she has nineteen sisters! that opportunity on top of all of the BARB. It was a few years after she had BARBARA, next year, because of what made history by becoming the first other ways we have worked together. you started, because of the people you It really is an honor to stand here. I Democratic woman ever elected in her encouraged, there will be 21 women in can’t imagine the Senate without Sen- own right to the U.S. Senate. She got the Senate—a record. Sitting here in ator MIKULSKI and Senator BOXER. I right to the point: ‘‘How old are you, my chair, my seat, will be an incredible can’t imagine the Senate without the Babs?’’—using the nickname she calls woman. me to this day. I told her I was almost incredible service of my dear friend and Senator MIKULSKI, BARB, my treas- colleague, who is our dean in every 50. ured mentor, my dear friend, thank God, that sounds so young, BARBARA. sense of the word—the senior Senator I told her I was almost 50. I explained you for everything. We have been from the State of Maryland. For over it was going to be a tough fight. I was through battles together. I am forever 30 years she has worked tireless. We up against two powerful male oppo- grateful to you, and I will always know that. We hear it every day. We nents in the Democratic primary, and I treasure our friendship. know what the people in Baltimore, was an asterisk in the polls. What was I yield the floor. the Chesapeake Bay area, and all of her response? She looked at me and she The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Maryland care about. She has been said: ‘‘Go for it. It’s worth the fight ator from Maryland. fighting and standing up for them you’ll have to wage to get here. And it Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, I every single moment of every single will be a fight.’’ And it was. thank the gentlelady from California. day. I so admire that, and I am so In 1992, four new women came to the Mrs. BOXER. I like ‘‘gentlelady.’’ grateful. She has been a wonderful in- Senate, and who was waiting for us Ms. MIKULSKI. That is the way we spiration and mentor to me. We have with open arms? Senator MIKULSKI. talk here. I thank the gentlelady from all heard about our dinners and the And this is what she said: ‘‘Some California for her kind words. We have power briefings on appropriations. She women stare out the window waiting been together through thick, thin, and has been a continual source of inspira- for Prince Charming. I stared out the the attempt to get thin, and that story tion and a mentor to me. window waiting for more women Sen- about bending at the waist is a true She reached out to me, as she does to ators—and it is finally happening!’’ one. all of our colleagues, when I was first That is who BARBARA is. She never set I am not the person with the best elected. She welcomed me and showed out to make a name for herself. She hairdo or sleek or chic, but one of the me what it meant to be a good Senator wanted to blaze a trail that was wide things I have so admired about my representing my State of Michigan and enough for all of us to follow. friend is her authenticity. We first got how to get things done. Senator MIKUL- Just days after I won that first Sen- to know each other in the House, and SKI has always been willing to lend a ate race, she sent all the new women then I encouraged you to come to the helping hand and has never given up Senators a guidebook she herself had Senate, which certainly was the right when it comes to fighting for the peo- written about how to get started in the thing to do. You are yourself. You are ple she represents and being a trail- Senate, how to get on committees. She true to yourself, you are true to your blazer. invited us to her office for lessons on beliefs. You are true to your constitu- I came into the Senate with a mas- Senate procedure and how to set up our ents, and you are true to the Constitu- ter’s degree in social work. Senator MI- offices. She had covered everything. tion. You are such a true, blue person. KULSKI has often said that we are the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.025 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 two official do-gooders in the Senate. therefore build the Nation. The Sen- country can be safer and more secure We have taken our interest from help- ator from Michigan’s championship in in their own neighborhood. ing people individually to another level that area has been amazing to me. She has been an incredible supporter by becoming policymakers, thereby I am so glad my friend from Michigan of transportation, extending the high- giving us the opportunity to touch is here in the Senate, whether she is way trust fund, helping protect over 1 more lives by using our skills and our standing up for the people in Flint, MI, million jobs. Or her Mat Map–21 Trans- background in education as well. so they have safe drinking water, or portation Bill, which modernized Fed- We all know—but I think it is impor- standing up for those who need help in eral highway, highway safety, and tant to remind ourselves—that she was the area of food and nutrition so there transportation programs. only 26 when Senator MIKULSKI talked aren’t food deserts in communities. And she has fought for children and about the highway proposal that would That is one of the biggest public health families, her work in the Fostering have destroyed a neighborhood full of initiatives. If you are a diabetic, you Connections to Success and Increasing working people. She spoke up. She was can’t comply if all you can get is fast Adoptions Act—providing extra serv- noticed, and she wasn’t afraid to say food and french fries. If you are a child, ices for young adults under 21 and help- exactly what she was thinking. She you need good food and good nutrition. ing some of America’s young people was and is absolutely fearless in every My friend knows more than anybody who need it most. good sense of that word. She brought that you need to feed the body, the On a personal note, I have greatly en- that fearlessness to the Senate. That mind, and the spirit, and she has cer- joyed sharing a love of music with my fearlessness made her the first woman tainly done that. It has been great friend, BARBARA. Her creativity and to serve as chair of the Appropriations being your pal and partner. passion for song has been a special part Committee of the Senate. It doesn’t get Many people don’t know this, but of who she is. more important than that in setting Senator CARDIN and I commute every Her retirement, while well earned, policy and having an impact on peo- day. When those appropriation cycles will be a loss for all of us. ple’s lives in our country by got pretty late, after midnight, the Thank you so much for your service. prioritizing the interests of the Amer- gentlelady from Michigan offered her The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- ican people in every funding decision. home to me. We had a saying: Stop ator from Delaware. That fearlessness was on display when whining and have a glass of wine. TRIBUTE TO BARBARA MIKULSKI she helped bring us closer to the Lilly There was nothing like being able to Mr. COONS. Madam President, I wish Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, making talk about your day with a colleague to offer a few brief comments, if I it closer to having equal pay for equal who will offer inspiration and encour- might, so I may thank and congratu- work than it has ever been before. agement at the end of the day. My late Senator MIKULSKI for her tireless Senator MIKULSKI fought for health friend offered her home, but she has contributions to the State of Maryland care. I was proud to join her in making really fought for so many people to and the whole country. sure that women could receive preven- have a home and a community in order As many know, she is a passionate, tive care without a copay. She made to have what they need so they can capable, effective champion for people sure that women were truly rep- learn and prosper in this country. of all backgrounds, and she got her resented and that our needs were met I just wish you so much and wish you start in local government. One of the in health care reform, and that will all the best. things we have in common is that I, continue to impact all of the lives of Thank you very much. too, started in a very humble office as women across the country. BARBARA BOXER a county council member in my home When she turned her eyes to the Ms. STABENOW. Madam President, community of New Castle County, DE. stars, wondering what was up there, as her name suggests, Senator BOXER The way I first met BARBARA MIKUL- she made sure that the Goddard Space has always been a fighter, a champion SKI and first saw her toughness, grit, Flight Center was a leader in exploring for the people of California, and a good passion, and determination was in a the unknown. Like the supernova friend. fight over a program she helped give named after her, she has absolutely as- Though Senator BOXER began her life life to, the national service program tonished us with her brilliance, and in Brooklyn, California has always known as AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is a nothing will be quite the same after been her home. fantastic national program that part- she leaves here. It is where she got elected to the ners with the Federal Government, Her work in the Senate has made it Marin County Board of Supervisors, be- State, and local governments, the pri- possible for so many women and girls coming the first woman to hold the vate sector, and nonprofit volunteers. across America to put their hat in the board’s presidency. She has been a tireless champion for ring and say: I want to run for office, It is where she first got elected to the AmeriCorps over many years and has and I can do it. House of Representatives, where she made a lasting difference in its areas of Senator MIKULSKI said it best—there quickly rose and became a leader we focus and work. are so many wonderful quotes I will al- could all aspire to be. During my short 6 years here, she has ways use—when she said: Put your lip- And as Senator, she has worked tire- been a great friend and a mentor to me stick on, square your shoulders, and lessly for families, children, con- and to so many others on both sides of suit up. Go into the fight and get sumers, everyone in the State of Cali- the aisle. JOE BIDEN, our Vice Presi- things done. That has become a mantra fornia and Americans everywhere. dent, has often said: Show me your for us in working together. Senator BOXER has always been a budget, and I will show you your val- I thank Senator BARB. You will be wonderful mentor to me, and she has ues. As leader of the Senate Appropria- greatly missed, but I know you have so been relentless on moving forward on tions Committee, Senator MIKULSKI much more to give. I know you will al- some of the most critically important helped to lift up our values and helped ways make a difference in people’s issues of our time. to make sure we invested in effective lives in every single thing you do every As the first woman to chair the Envi- programs that made sure we fed the single day, and we will be forever ronment and Public Works Committee, hungry, housed the homeless, fought grateful. she has provided the support that has for manufacturing, and ensured that Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, kept America’s air and water safe and Federal workers who lived in Maryland again, I thank the gentlelady from to fight climate change. She defended and Federal agencies that were rooted, Michigan. We both have master’s de- mercury and lead standards and in- not just in Maryland but around the grees in social work. I joke, but I am stalled choking warnings on packages. country, had the resources, support, actually serious when I say we are cer- I will personally always be grateful and capacity to make a lasting dif- tified do-gooders. When people hear for her tireless advocacy and support ference here in our region and for the about social work, they sometimes for the 100,000 Flint citizens who have entire country. think it is about giving money away, been poisoned by lead in their water. I just wanted to add my voice to col- but it is really about trying to help We have her to thank when we know leagues who stood here on the floor and people build lives, build families, and that children and families all over the said: We are so grateful to Senator

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.026 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6783 BARBARA MIKULSKI for her decades of stand what is really going on there. On Just as the pipeline company must service to Baltimore, to Maryland, and Saturday, the Obama administration follow the law, the protesters them- to our country and for all she has done announced its refusal to issue the final selves need to follow the law as well. to lift us up together. easement for the Dakota Access Pipe- By continuing to remain in the camp, Thank you. line to cross a narrow section deep un- the protesters are defying Federal and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- derneath the Missouri River. State orders to leave. They are sub- ator from Iowa. This easement is required to finish jecting residents in the area to addi- 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY the 1,172-mile-long pipeline which is al- tional weeks of disruption and hard- COMMITTEE ready 98 percent complete in North Da- ship. They also require our law enforce- Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, kota—98 percent complete in North Da- ment to continue their around-the- this Saturday, December 10, marks the kota—and 86 percent complete overall. clock presence, 24 hours a day, 7 days a 200th anniversary of the establishment As I have indicated before on the floor, week. of the Committee on the Judiciary of it runs from the Bakken oilfields in The protesters need to follow the the Senate. I am very proud to be the North Dakota, moving North Dakota law, just like everyone else. I repeat, it chairman of that committee—the first light sweet crude all the way to Pato- is time—past time—to leave this ille- chairman who is not a lawyer, I might ka, IL, so oil can go into all of the re- gal camp. I would like to address the add—and I will be submitting a resolu- fineries along the eastern part of the dedication of our State and local law tion, along with some other committee country and the eastern seaboard. enforcement officers—the professionals members, to commemorate this 200th In fact, our light sweet crude oil who make up the North Dakota High- anniversary. competes with OPEC. If they are not way Patrol, our sheriffs, and our depu- Madam President, 200 years ago, the using our light sweet crude, they are ties around the State and from other Senate established 11 original standing bringing in oil from places like Saudi States who have come in to assist us. committees. Today, although there are Arabia for these eastern refineries. So Members of the North Dakota Na- many committees, the Senate Judici- very important in terms of energy tional Guard and other first responders ary Committee is one of four original independence for our country, but as I have acted with professionalism and committees that still meet today. Dur- said, this pipeline is 98 percent com- diligence to maintain peace and order ing the past two centuries, some of the plete in our State. Now, again, the under very difficult circumstances. most vital and important questions Obama administration is delaying it. They continue to protect the public, Unfortunately, this latest Obama ad- facing the Nation have come before the especially now with the onset of chal- ministration decision fails to follow committee. For example, during the lenging winter conditions. In my 10 the rule of law, it fails to resolve the Civil War, the committee ensured that years as Governor of North Dakota, I issue, and it perpetuates an extremely President Lincoln had the emergency spent a lot of time working with our difficult situation for North Dakotans. powers he needed to pursue the Civil Furthermore, it is estimated that over law enforcement officers to prepare for War effort, and in 1864, the committee 5,000 protesters are still unlawfully weather emergencies. I know the prep- took a critical step in ending slavery in gathered on Federal or Corps of Engi- arations these situations require. Even today, our law enforcement and the United States when it reported the neers land in our State. They are there State Department of Transportation 13th Amendment of the Constitution. in direct violation of the Army Corps’ The committee has jurisdiction over crews are working to keep evacuation December 5 eviction notice, as well as routes open, rescuing people stranded issues that directly impact American an evacuation order from North Dako- lives and is on the forefront of deciding ta’s Governor. on the highways and providing assist- important policy issues, including im- However, now that the Obama admin- ance to many from outside North Da- migration, civil liberties, criminal laws istration has made its decision, pro- kota who are unprepared to deal with and the protection for victims, and, of testers should move from their unlaw- the recent blizzard we had in North Da- course, civil rights. In addition, the ful site on the Army Corp of Engineers’ kota. committee examines those nominated land. Even Standing Rock Chairman The men and women in law enforce- for lifetime appointments to the Fed- David Archambault has finally said ment are doing their best to protect ev- eral bench. that protesters need to leave and re- eryone, including the protesters. We Over the years, the committee has turn home. Let me repeat that. Even owe our law enforcement a debt of reported legislation that has been vital Standing Rock Sioux Chairman David gratitude for their diligence, for their to the safety and protection of the Archambault has finally said pro- dedication, and for their profes- American people. I don’t have time testers need to leave and return home. sionalism, but North Dakota’s law en- today to discuss all the committee has He is the tribal chairman. The Obama forcement resources are severely accomplished over the last 200 years, administration needs to do the same. strained. I have repeatedly called on but I do want to take a minute to rec- The administration needs to call on the the U.S. Department of Justice to pro- ognize this important anniversary. I protesters to leave this illegal site as vide additional funding and law en- am very proud of the committee’s sto- well. forcement officers to ensure public ried history. Today, I celebrate these As I said, the Dakota Access Pipeline safety. accomplishments and will follow that issue has been difficult for the people Our State has requested Federal as- up with the submission of a resolution. of North Dakota. In recent months, sistance and was assured—was as- I am truly humbled today to be its protesters have trespassed on private sured—by the Attorney General that chairman. property, they have blocked state high- we would be given expedited consider- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- ways and damaged bridges, they have ation, but that has not been the case. sence of a quorum. committed acts of vandalism to con- Our Byrne grant application for Fed- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The struction equipment by cutting hy- eral assistance has still not been ap- clerk will call the roll. draulic hoses, breaking windows, filling proved by the Attorney General. I will The senior assistant legislative clerk gas tanks with gravel, and setting continue to call on the U.S. Depart- proceeded to call the roll. equipment on fire. ment of Justice, the U.S. Department Mr. HOEVEN. Madam President, I Protesters have blocked intersections of the Interior, and the Corps to pro- ask unanimous consent that the order in Bismarck and Mandan. They have vide additional Federal resources, infor the quorum call be rescinded. disrupted area businesses, and farmers cluding funding and law enforcement The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and ranchers in the area have reported personnel to assist our State and local objection, it is so ordered. instances of trespassing and butchered law enforcement officers and ensure DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE livestock. The rule of law matters in public safety. Mr. HOEVEN. Madam President, I this country, but by committing acts As I have said before, everyone has a rise again to speak about the Dakota of lawlessness at this construction site right to be heard, but it must be done Access Pipeline issue in North Dakota. as a proxy for changing broader envi- lawfully and peacefully, whether that Again, I want to emphasize that we ronmental policies, the rule of law is is during the permitting process, with need to focus on the facts and under- undermined. its opportunities for public comment,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.027 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 or through the court system. I empha- Corps’ Omaha district commander, the Dakota Access Pipeline—we need size through the court system. That is John Henderson, convened representa- to focus on ways to improve the per- the established method in our country tives from the pipeline company, the mitting process. We need to improve for dispute resolution. So it is time—it Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Army the process so we can make sure all is past time—for the protesters to Corps officials. They met in Bismarck people’s voices are heard and provide stand down and to recognize that the for 5 hours. The meeting included trib- regulatory certainty to companies will- courts and the next administration will al staff and the company’s engineering ing to invest in large infrastructure resolve this issue. and technical experts who came to- projects. This should be done prospec- It is also important to recognize that gether for the sole purpose of reviewing tively, not retroactively—looking for this pipeline is not unique or unusual Standing Rock’s 19 specific safety and ways to better streamline procedures, as an infrastructure project. There are environmental concerns raised in the reduce duplicative hurdles, and im- more than 38,000 crude oil pipeline tribe’s October 2016 letter to the Corps. prove methods for public input. river and water body crossings in the In this meeting, the pipeline com- This pipeline can be built safely and United States—more than 38,000—and pany, tribe, and Army Corps discussed include necessary protections for both more than 1,000 in my State of North all 19 concerns raised by the Standing the tribe and everyone else down- Dakota alone. This is one more. These Rock, and they considered 36 potential stream. The fact is that our country crossings range from rivers, streams, terms and conditions that could fur- needs energy, and we cannot have it and lakes to ponds, canals, and ditches. ther reduce the risk of a spill or pipe- without energy infrastructure—pipe- Also, it is important to understand the line rupture. Again, let me repeat that. lines, transmission lines, roads, rail, oil is already being transported across In order to directly address the river and bridges—to move both traditional a river on rail and across bridges. crossing concerns raised by the tribe and renewable energy from where it is Once again, I just want to show—this and the protesters, the pipeline com- produced to where it is consumed. is the network of oil pipelines in the pany was willing to consider more than Move it both safely and efficiently. country. They cross many bodies of 36 additional safeguards for this cross- Let’s all work together to make that water. We are doing it one more time ing. happen. with the latest, greatest technology. Friday’s meeting actually resulted in With that, Madam President, I yield The pipeline does not go in the river in a revised proposed easement, which the floor. any way, shape or form. It is about 100 was presented to the Assistant Sec- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- feet underneath the river. So even if retary of the Army, Jo-Ellen Darcy, ator from Hawaii. the next day, on Saturday, December there was a leak, somehow that oil 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK ON PEARL would have to come up through bed- 3—last Saturday. However, the fol- HARBOR rock to even get into the area. lowing day, on Sunday, December 4, Mr. SCHATZ. Madam President, I In other words, it is the latest, great- Assistant Secretary Darcy promptly rise to commemorate the 75th anniver- est technology. This oil is already mov- rejected the revised easement and in- sary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. ing to market. It is already crossing stead required more ‘‘broad public For the people of Hawaii, it started the river on rail and on truck. If we input and analysis.’’ as an ordinary sunny Sunday morning Clearly, the Obama administration is don’t build this, we are relying on the in December. Families were getting not interested in finding a way forward old infrastructure, which is less safe ready for church; others were preparing based on the merits of the project, even and less environmentally sound, in- breakfast. It was quiet. It was peaceful. in light of two Federal court rulings stead of building the new, latest, great- Just before 8 a.m., the first wave of upholding the Army Corps’ reviews and est infrastructure with the tech- Japanese warplanes started their co- even with subsequent attempts by the nologies that will be more efficient, ordinated surprise attack on the island company to specifically address the more safe, more environmentally of Oahu. Bombers attacked aircraft tribe’s remaining environmental con- sound. That is what makes sense. clustered wing tip to wing tip at cerns. Wheeler and Hickham Airfields, mak- Again, it is not unique. In recent days, I have met directly ing it too easy for Japanese pilots to Additionally, the pipeline company with President-Elect Trump’s transi- destroy their targets. By the end of the has modified its route on its own 140 tion team and conveyed the impor- attack, Japanese forces sunk four of times in North Dakota to avoid any tance of bringing this situation to a important or cultural resources. So resolution. I have also spoken directly the eight battleships at Ford Island. they have modified the route to avoid on the matter to Vice President-Elect Another battleship intentionally ran any cultural resources 140 times just in Mike Pence and to the next Attorney aground in the harbor to avoid blocking the channel. Three destroyers and our State. General, JEFF SESSIONS. In July 2016, the Army Corps issued President-Elect Trump has now pub- seven other ships were sunk or severely its final environmental assessment, licly communicated his support for the damaged. It was the worst disaster in which concluded with the finding of project, as well as for providing Fed- U.S. naval history. There were 2,403 ‘‘no significant environmental impact’’ eral assistance, including additional servicemembers killed or mortally and ‘‘no historic properties affected.’’ resources and law enforcement per- wounded, and 1,247 servicemembers These determinations have been upheld sonnel. This project should be decided were injured. Fifty-seven civilians were not once but twice by the Federal on the merits and in accordance with killed. courts, including a judge appointed by the law. Failure to do so will cast new Across Oahu, people watched as the Obama administration—a Federal uncertainty on all future infrastruc- smoke and fire blackened the sky over district court judge here in Wash- ture projects, from pipelines that carry Pearl Harbor. Among those were two ington, DC. oil and gas and other liquids to trans- 17-year-olds, Daniel K. Inouye and Dan- As for the way forward for this dif- mission lines carrying both traditional iel K. Akaka. Like many others that ficult issue, we need to look at the and renewable energy. day, they were called to duty. Senator facts at hand. In the midst of the ongo- If companies and individuals cannot Daniel Akaka, then an ROTC student ing news coverage, it can seem that rely on a system that follows the rule at the Kamehameha School for Boys, heated rhetoric leaves little room for of law, nobody will risk making future grabbed a rifle and guarded the hills good-faith efforts to find common investments in our country’s vital in- above the school from potential Japa- ground, but I want to highlight that frastructure. That will make our Na- nese paratroopers. Senator Inouye, there continues to be attempts at find- tion less safe, less secure, and less com- then a volunteer medical aid, reported ing consensus among the stakeholders, petitive. As I said a minute ago, think to Lunalilo Elementary School, where even as recently as last Friday. about it. If we can’t build new infra- for a week he tended to the wounded. To that point, in a meeting I had yes- structure, then we will continue to use In the weeks that followed, the ship- terday with the Army Corps’ North- the old infrastructure, which is less yard was back to work repairing ves- western Division Commander, BG safe and less environmentally secure. sels raised from the harbor. Incredibly, Scott Spellman, he stated that last To avoid this situation in the fu- all but two ships returned to service in Friday, on December 2, the Army ture—the kind of standoff we have with just 2 years. The Nevada went on to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.029 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6785 support the invasion of Normandy. TRIBUTE TO BARBARA MIKULSKI by the Department and reorganizing Five other ships damaged at Pearl Har- Mr. COCHRAN. Madam President, I the Office of Acquisition, Technology bor later met Japanese forces in the rise to compliment and congratulate and Logistics to ensure that the Pen- Philippines. That ‘‘Day of Infamy’’ and my good friend and colleague, the sen- tagon emphasizes research and innova- the events that followed would ulti- ior Senator from Maryland, BARBARA tion in support of our warfighters. mately galvanize more than 12 million MIKULSKI, on her decision to retire In particular, one of the most impor- Americans to serve in uniform during from the U.S. Senate. We are going to tant reform efforts included in the the Second World War. We remember miss her very much. She has been a final conference agreement is a Senate the men and women who left their very effective Senator in speaking not provision that would create cross-func- homes to fight an enemy they did not only as a representative for the State tional teams. This is a new tool for the know in places they had never heard of. of Maryland but also for the entire Secretary of Defense to manage the They said goodbye to their families to country on so many different issues formation and implementation of poli- protect their neighbors—foreclosed the and Federal responsibilities of our gov- cies and solutions for complex prob- promise of their own dreams to protect ernment. She has been very successful lems that inherently cut across the our freedom. We know well the stories in every way—serving as chair of the many stovepiped functional organiza- of courage and devotion: the Tuskegee committee on Appropriations, where it tions in the Department of Defense. Airmen, the 442nd Infantry Regiment. has been my pleasure to work closely The private sector has pioneered and We remember the ingenuity and her- with her as the vice chair when the Re- mastered this highly effective integra- oism of Doolittle’s Raiders, the Navajo publicans were in the minority, and tion mechanism for a generation, and code-talkers, and Nisei translators. then coming to chair the committee, business schools and business The war in the Pacific lasted 2,194 with her as the ranking Democratic consultancies have championed its use days. When American occupation member during other periods. for decades. I consider this provision to forces landed 4 years later at the end of It has been a distinct honor to serve be one of the most important reform the war, Japan was in ruins. But in- with her on the Appropriations Com- initiatives in this bill. None of this stead of turning our backs on the peo- mittee. In 2012, she became the first would have happened without the lead- ple of Japan, we extended a hand. We woman to chair the committee. She ership, guidance, and constant urging chose to turn an enemy into an ally. has also served as vice chairwoman for of the chairman, Senator MCCAIN. Once American occupiers immediately set the past 2 years. I am pleased that we again, I commend him for his extraor- out to transform Japan into a peaceful have been able to work together to re- dinary efforts. democracy, implementing land and port bills that reflect our shared com- As these reforms are introduced, it is economic reforms, improving working mitment to national security, sci- imperative that we continue to col- conditions, and granting women the entific research, education, and eco- laborate with the Department of De- right to vote. The United States sent nomic development. Senator MIKULSKI fense to ensure that these reforms con- billions of dollars in economic aid to has been a very valuable partner tribute to our national security and do rebuild Japan. Most of that assistance throughout. Her approach to funding not create unnecessary and detri- was delivered as food, for even several decisions as chairwoman and vice- mental consequences. This will be a years after the surrender, there was chairwoman highlights the importance partnership going forward to ensure widespread starvation in Japan. It is of the constitutional role of Congress that these reforms are adequate, appro- hard to forget someone who sends you to be good stewards of taxpayer money. priate, and work for the benefit of the milk for hungry children, as Prime I congratulate BARBARA MIKULSKI on men and women in uniform, and that is Minister Abe recently told Congress. her distinguished career representing a process in which we will all be en- The attack on Pearl Harbor set in the people of Maryland which reflects motion a chain of events with painful gaged. great credit on our U.S. Senate. Best With respect to the budget, the con- consequences for our two countries, wishes to her. ference agreement we are considering but the decision we made to partner I yield the floor. today authorizes a total of $619 billion, with, rather than punish, Japan helped The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- which includes $543.4 billion in base to forge between our two countries ator from Rhode Island. budget funding for the Department of what Senator Mike Mansfield described NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL Defense and certain security activities as ‘‘the most important bilateral rela- Mr. REED. Madam President, I rise of the Department of Energy and $67.8 tionship in the world, bar none.’’ Today, Japan is a leader in the West- to discuss the National Defense Au- billion in overseas contingency oper- ern world. We cooperate as partners to thorization Act. After several months ations, or OCO, funding. maintain regional peace. Our countries of debate and negotiation, the House This OCO amount includes $5.8 bil- work together to stop the flow of extre- and Senate Armed Services Commit- lion in supplemental funding requested mism and arms in the Indian Ocean. tees have arrived at a completed con- by President Obama for operations in We work side by side in humanitarian ference agreement. This will be the Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, as well as relief missions and to defend against 55th consecutive time that we pass a an additional $3.2 billion above Presi- ballistic missile threats. Our relation- National Defense Authorization Act, dent Obama’s budget request for base ship has never been stronger. President which sets national security policy and budget requirements primarily devoted Obama’s trip in May to Hiroshima and provides important authorities to the to increased end strength. I have seri- President Abe’s trip to Pearl Harbor Department of Defense. ous concerns about increasing OCO demonstrate the endurance of this I want to begin by thanking Chair- funding above the President’s budget friendship and the importance of rec- man MCCAIN for his leadership during request without a corresponding in- onciliation. the course of this year. At his direc- crease in domestic spending. While the So as we commemorate the 75th an- tion, the Senate Armed Services Com- OCO account is exempt from budget niversary of the attack on Pearl Har- mittee undertook a robust review of caps, the purpose of the Budget Control bor, we remember the service and sac- how the Department develops strategic Act was to establish proportionately rifice of the men and women who lost guidance and executes their business equal caps on defense and nondefense their lives on that day in December. In processes to help the Department oper- discretionary spending to force a bipar- remembering them and the service of ate more effectively and efficiently. I tisan compromise on the budget. those who fought, we know that their commend the chairman for making During consideration of the NDAA, sacrifices were not in vain. America this effort a priority for the com- the House and Senate had different ap- and Japan are forever joined in history. mittee, and I appreciate his willingness proaches on how best to fund these We move forward together, in the to work in a bipartisan fashion on this base budget requirements and ongoing memory of those who sacrificed for a important endeavor. military operations. However, after a better world and for peace. The conference report we are consid- robust debate, we reached an agree- Madam President, I yield the floor. ering today includes many Senate re- ment on a modest increase in OCO to The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. forms, including efforts to improve the fund increased end strength and to re- CAPITO). The Senator from Mississippi. defense strategy documents produced plenish depleted munitions inventories.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.030 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6786 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 With respect to Afghanistan, the con- that we are continuing two-per-year practices modeled on private sector ference agreement supports our mili- construction of the Virginia-class sub- best practices, including the use of big tary operations. Specifically, the bill marine. It also supports additional re- data to improve Pentagon business authorizes approximately 8,400 troops quests for advance procurement to processes. I believe that refining Pen- in Afghanistan in 2017, including fully keep this production on track. Fur- tagon management practices will re- funding the Afghan Security Forces thermore, it authorizes $1.9 billion for sult in cost savings and efficiencies, Fund at $4.26 billion to continue sup- the Ohio-class replacement, including freeing up funds for other critical port to the Afghan National Defense the first strategic nuclear submarine needs. and Security Forces. Likewise, the bill procurement funds, to begin the proc- I note that the conferees did not in- contains $814 million to enhance the ess of reinvigorating and rebuilding our clude several provisions regarding the capabilities of the Afghan Air Force underwater nuclear deterrence through application of Obama administration and begin a transition from Mi-17 to the Ohio-class replacement. Executive orders related to labor, safe the UH–60 helicopters. In addition to modernization of our workplace, and LGBT issues. Many of Also—and this is an issue that I sup- underwater forces, we are also looking these are very problematic. I hope we port very strongly after a recent trip at modernizing our triad of air, sea, continue to work to ensure the Depart- to Afghanistan—it accelerates the Af- and ground delivery platforms for stra- ment engages with fiscally and socially ghan Aviation Initiative, which is de- tegic deterrence. This is the beginning responsible and effective contractors to signed to build greater rotary wing ca- of a multi-decade effort involving three the best benefit of warfighters and tax- pability and fixed-wing capabilities in major acquisition programs: our bal- payers alike. the Afghan Air Force. This is a critical listic missile submarines—as I have Of course, one of the key issues for battlefield advantage that the Afghan mentioned, the Ohio-class replace- the committee was the readiness of forces will have over the Taliban. ment—long-range penetrating bombers, troops. I am pleased the conference re- With respect to Europe, we have fully and also the land-based interconti- port includes significant resources for funded the President’s request of $3.4 nental ballistic missiles. Most impor- the military services’ unfunded re- billion for the European Reassurance tantly, we will be modernizing their quirements, with the goal of restoring Initiative. This funding will support command and control systems to en- full-spectrum readiness as soon as pos- critical investments that will increase sure that our President always has sible. For example, the bill includes ad- rotational U.S. military presence in positive control of these forces. As I ditional funding for Army units to con- Europe, improve key infrastructure, have stated many times, modernization duct additional home station training and enhance allied and partner mili- is critical in light of the increasingly in order to prepare them for future tary capabilities to respond to external belligerent actions by Russia, which combat training center rotations, as aggression and preserve regional sta- conducted a nuclear exercise imme- well as additional flight training for bility. The agreement also includes an diately after invading Crimea as a form the other services. authorization of $350 million for the of nuclear intimidation. We have also included significant re- Ukraine training assistance initiative, In the area of technology and acqui- sources in order to provide additional to continue and expand security assist- sition, I am pleased the conference re- depot maintenance to repair our mili- ance and intelligence support to the port takes a number of important steps tary aircraft, ships, and combat vehi- Ukrainian security forces to protect to help DOD maintain its technological cles. There is also additional funding to their sovereignty and encourage a con- superiority. We continue to build on better sustain our military installa- tinued focus on robust defense reform past work on acquisition reform under- tions, specifically in the facilities res- efforts. taken by the committee, as well as the toration and modernization accounts. With regard to our special operations successes of Defense Secretary Carter In the area of military personnel, the forces, they are at the forefront of our and his colleagues, including Under conference agreement accomplishes fight against ISIL, Al Qaeda, and other Secretary Kendall, in controlling the much on behalf of our servicemembers terrorist groups. The bill also includes costs of major weapons systems pro- and the Department of Defense because important reforms designed to improve curement programs. we owe them much. It authorizes a 2.1 the oversight and advocacy for their The agreement includes a number of percent pay raise for all servicemem- important efforts by enhancing the steps to improve defense acquisition bers, supports requested increases in role of the Assistant Secretary of De- processes, including strengthening the the housing benefit, and reauthorizes a fense for Special Operations and Low acquisition workforce, simplifying and number of expiring bonus and special Intensity Conflict. I think those re- streamlining regulatory and bureau- pay authorities to encourage enlist- forms will be something we watch and cratic burdens on the government and ment, reenlistment, and continued encourage. industry, making it easier for DOD to service by Active-Duty and Reserve With respect to other aspects of our work with innovative small businesses component military personnel. security programs, the conference and commercial companies, and pro- Unfortunately, the bill does not in- agreement includes a comprehensive moting the use of prototyping and clude the provision in the Senate- reform of Defense Department security rapid fielding to speed the development passed bill that would have required cooperation programs. This is the first and deployment of advanced new sys- women to register for the draft to the time such a reform has been under- tems. same extent men are required. I con- taken, and it is an effort to ensure In the area of technological innova- tinue to believe this is the right policy there is unity of effort across our gov- tion, I hope that reconstituting the po- for the Nation and the military. If we ernment in the security assistance sition of Under Secretary of Research are going to have a draft, women must arena. and Engineering will help promote con- share equally the burden and privilege Likewise, the conference agreement nections with innovators both inside of service. We must be able to take ad- includes a provision that would en- and outside of the government and en- vantage of their extraordinary talents hance the scope and authority of the sure that the policies and practices because without those talents our mili- Global Engagement Center. For too governing our R&D programs, our de- tary today could not function as it long we have been losing the informa- fense labs, and our engagements with does. tion space to our adversaries—both universities and industry are optimized However, the bill does establish an state and nonstate actors. It is my to promote the most efficient and ef- independent national commission on hope that by providing this critical fective development of new systems military, national, and public service center at the State Department with a and technologies. to study the need for a military selec- powerful mandate, we can begin to im- Finally, I think the conference report tive service process, including whether prove our efforts in the information includes important provisions designed the Nation continues to need a mecha- space. to streamline and modernize Pentagon nism designed to draft large numbers The bill also supports modernization management processes. The bill sup- of replacement combat troops; whether efforts of many different weapons plat- ports efforts to develop and execute the women should be required to partici- forms. I am particularly pleased to see modern management techniques and pate equally in the process; the means

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.031 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6787 by which to foster a greater attitude National Defense Authorization Act. main a stronghold for our military and ethos of service among the United Yesterday I was here talking about the training and power. States’ young men and women, includ- Cures Act, and I know that is the busi- As we head into the holidays, I am ing an increased propensity for mili- ness of the day, but I also want to rec- pleased that servicemembers and their tary service; and how to obtain mili- ognize the importance of the NDAA families will receive, with the cer- tary, national, and public service indi- and its assumed or hoped-for passage tainty of the passage of this bill, bene- viduals with skills for which the Na- today or this week. I appreciate Sen- fits which they have earned and that tion has a critical need. This commis- ator MCCAIN working with me and sup- they deserve, which includes a 2.1-per- sion could provide valuable insight on porting my amendment to remove lan- cent pay increase, which is the largest how we should proceed, particularly in guage that would allow the administra- increase in 5 years. a state of national emergency, in pull- tion to expend taxpayer dollars on 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACK ON PEARL ing together the best of our young peo- plans to close Guantanamo Bay deten- HARBOR ple to serve the Nation. tion facility. As we pass this defense legislation to With respect to health care, the bill As in previous years, the NDAA con- support our military men and women, contains a robust package of health tinues to prohibit the closure of Gitmo those who serve our Nation, we must care reforms that will bring the mili- and the transfer of detainees to U.S. take a moment to also reflect upon the tary health care program in line with soil. Fort Leavenworth, in my home significance of this day—December 7, the best practices in the civilian health State of Kansas, has been a site under 1941—that horrific attack on Pearl Har- care industry. This is something we this administration’s consideration. bor 75 years ago. That day forever have to continue to emphasize—the This administration and foreign coun- changed our Nation and our national ability to care and treat all of our per- tries have lost track of numerous de- defense. We should never forget those sonnel and retirees with respect to tainees, which escalates the risk for who perished in that attack, as they their health care. military men and women if the de- made that ultimate sacrifice: 2,008 I think we have done a lot of impor- tainee is returned to the battlefield. naval men, 109 Marines, 218 Army men, tant work in this legislation. With the total reengagement rate at and 68 civilians. Let me conclude, as I began, by Gitmo detainees returning to that bat- Shortly after I was elected to the thanking Chairman MCCAIN and my tlefield at more than 30 percent, this U.S. Senate on December 7, 2010, I had Senate colleagues on the committee provision is a life-and-death matter. the distinct opportunity to present for their thoughtful contributions to This Defense authorization also halts service medals to Kansans who had this process. I also thank my col- troop reduction and increases end served and survived the attack on leagues on the House Armed Services strength across our Active, National Pearl Harbor. It took us 69 years after Committee, Chairman MAC THORN- Guard, and Reserve Forces. In every they survived that attack, but I was BERRY and Ranking Member ADAM Senate Appropriations Defense Sub- honored to bestow U.S. Navy veterans SMITH. They did a superb job, along committee hearing this past year with Arthur Dunn and Paul Aschbrenner with their staffs. This was truly a Department of Defense officials, from with their much deserved commenda- thoughtful, bipartisan process that re- service chiefs to the Chairman of the tions. It was a special moment I will sulted in a bill that I believe will re- Joint Chiefs, I received answers that not forget. ceive overwhelming support on the concluded our Armed Services would VETERANS HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS floor of the Senate, as it did in the welcome more forces, not less. LEGISLATION House. I introduced the POSTURE Act, S. To honor those who perished that day Finally, of course, this agreement 2563, with my colleagues Senator as well as those who survived, like Ar- would not have been possible without BLUNT and Senator PERDUE, to reverse thur and Paul, we must care for the the extraordinary work of the staff. I these force reductions, increase end 21.8 million veterans who live among us thank so many, but I particularly strength in the Active Duty, National today and who deserve the best our Na- thank Chris Brose, Steve Barney, and Guard and Reserve, and specifically in- tion can offer. We have an opportunity all the majority committee staff for crease levels for our ground forces in to better care for our veterans with the their hard work. the Army and Marine Corps. I am passage of H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and On the Democratic side, I thank my pleased this defense legislation—the Richard Blumenthal Veterans Health staff director, Elizabeth King. I also one we are considering this week—re- Care and Benefits Improvement Act of thank Gary Leeling, Creighton Greene, flects the objectives of the POSTURE 2016, which has passed the House and is Carolyn Chuhta, Maggie McNamara, Act by stopping force reductions and coming to the Senate. Jonathan Clark, Jonathan Epstein, increasing end-strength levels across This legislation includes 76 bipar- Ozge Guzelsu, Jody Bennett, Mike the Armed Services. tisan provisions to improve VA health Kuiken, Kirk McConnell, Mike Noblet, There are many unknowns around care, streamline disability compensa- John Quirk, Arun Seraphin, and Jon the world, and to reduce the size of our tion, and address other benefits and Green. defense force would be a mistake. We services that must be reformed to bet- I deeply appreciate all of their ef- have been impacted already by budget ter serve our veterans. I thank the forts. They have made this bill pos- decisions rather than based upon what chairman of my committee, the Sen- sible. our Armed Forces need to defend ator from Georgia, for his leadership in With that, I yield the floor. America. Readiness is paramount, and this regard. I suggest the absence of a quorum. this NDAA allows for increased funding I am particularly pleased that this The PRESIDING OFFICER. The to make certain we are training, equip- legislation includes legislation that I, clerk will call the roll. ping, and readying our forces as chal- along with Senator BLUMENTHAL, have The senior assistant legislative clerk lenges around the world unfold. As diligently worked on for over the last proceeded to call the roll. Chief of Staff of the Army GEN Mark several years. It is sponsored by 48 of Mr. MORAN. Madam President, I ask Milley has repeatedly said, ‘‘Readiness our Senate colleagues. It is the Toxic unanimous consent that the order for wins wars.’’ Exposure Research Act. This legisla- the quorum call be rescinded. The Big Red One—the Army’s 1st In- tion takes a significant step toward re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without fantry Division located at Fort Riley searching the potential health effects objection, it is so ordered. in Manhattan, KS, near Junction City, of toxic exposure to veterans and their Mr. MORAN. Madam President, I ask KS, has deployed its headquarters to descendants. To send a strong message unanimous consent to speak as in Iraq for a second time in less than 2 to our veterans, we must pass this leg- morning business. years. That kind of turnaround re- islation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without quires the highest levels of readiness. I often meet with World War II vet- objection, it is so ordered. This bill also authorizes critical mili- erans at the memorial that was built in Mr. MORAN. Madam President, I tary construction funding for Fort their honor on the National Mall. The come to the Senate floor to thank Riley, Fort Leavenworth, and McCon- message I try to convey is one that I Chairman MCCAIN for his efforts on the nell Air Force Base, helping Kansas re- also shared with my dad upon my first

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.033 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6788 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 visit to the memorial. I stepped away looked at me and they said he couldn’t tions they have never had before. These and called my dad at home in Plain- have had these operations had it not are important provisions. ville, KS, and I said: Dad, I should have been for the Affordable Care Act. Had There has been discussion that I have said this a long time ago, but I thank it not been for the Affordable Care Act, been reading and following that what you for your service, I respect you, and he now would have exceeded his life- some want to do is just repeal the Af- I love you. That, we do again today. On time limit of any policy he could ever fordable Care Act, with a vague prom- this significant day in our Nation’s his- get, and he also would have a pre- ise that something will happen down tory, with the passage of veterans leg- existing condition because of his heart the line. Of course, those who want to islation, with the passage of NDAA, we condition that would render him un- repeal the Affordable Care Act who certainly can tell our service men and able to get insurance for the rest of his voted against it in March of 2010 have women and our veterans, those who life. They looked at me, and—the fa- had 6 or now nearly 7 years to come up served our country so diligently and so ther especially is a pretty big guy—and with what they think would be better, faithfully, that we thank you for your they asked: Will you do all you can— and there has been no consensus about service, we respect you, and we love will you do all you can to make sure what they think would be better. So you. that this act is not repealed? You can the notion of we are going to repeal it Madam President, I yield the floor. strengthen it, you can improve it, but and don’t worry, we will come up with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- will you do all you can to make sure it a better alternative, rings pretty hol- ator from Virginia. is not repealed? I looked at them and I low to a family like Jude’s parents and grandparents who have a three-and-a- AFFORDABLE CARE ACT said—because I believed this even behalf-year-old-boy who needs open heart Mr. KAINE. Madam President, I rise fore they asked me the question: I will surgery. The notion that don’t worry, to talk about the ongoing discussions do anything to my last breath to make we will find a replacement, we will find about the repeal of the Affordable Care sure that we improve this but that we a fix—I think we could forgive some- Act. I basically want to make the case don’t get rid of it. That is why I stand that this repeal, without a replacement body like Jude’s family for not having on the floor today. a lot of confidence in that. being known, would be malpractice for Since the Affordable Care Act was If, in fact, we are serious about find- the health care of millions of Ameri- passed in March of 2010, 20 million ing a fix, why don’t we go to work find- cans as well as malpractice for the Americans have health insurance and ing a fix before we pass legislation to American economy. Before I talk about many of them for the first time in repeal the law. why, I just want to tell two stories. their life. That is, I think, the com- I have said I think it is health mal- On Monday of this week, I visited bined population of about 14 or 15 practice and economic malpractice. Neighborhood Health, which is a com- States, having health insurance for the Let me start with the economic mal- munity health center in Northern Vir- first time in their lives. practice. The worst thing Congress can ginia that serves 14,000 patients. It is Now, when you have health insur- do for the economy is to inject uncer- not a walk-in clinic; they are sort of a ance, it is not only that you can get tainty into it. I have been a mayor and medical home for 14,000 low-income care for an illness or an accident, even I have been a Governor and I am a cer- Northern Virginians, mostly working when you are healthy, you can go to tainty fanatic. What I have learned people. Community health centers in bed at night with the knowledge that if about the economy is that our strong Virginia, West Virginia, and in every something happens to my wife tomor- and resilient business sector—if you State are a critical part of the health row, if something happens to me to- give them certainty, they can plan. care safety net. In Virginia, they serve morrow, if something happens to my They may not like a policy, they might about 300,000 patients and millions na- child tomorrow, they will be able to re- not like a budget number, but if you tionally. ceive care. tell them this is the way it is going to They are medicine with a mission. The percentage in the Nation of peo- be, the ingenuity of our private sector They don’t deny anybody primary ple who were uninsured when the Af- is significant. They are going to be able health care services because of inabil- fordable Care Act was passed was 16 to plan, they are going to be able to ity to pay, and residents have equal ac- percent. One in six Americans was un- make the best of it, they are going to cess regardless of where they live, their insured. Now it is down to 8.6 percent. be able to figure it out, but if you pro- culture, their gender, their race, or re- That is the lowest level of uninsured vide uncertainty and don’t tell people sources. we have had probably since we have what you are going to do, that is very Many centers, including the one I measured it. In Virginia, the drop has devastating. visited just 20 minutes from here, were been from 13 percent—we were a little I am on the Budget Committee. I centers that were able to build or ex- better than the national average—and came into the Budget Committee in pand because of the Affordable Care we have dropped down to 9.1 percent the Senate, and I told me colleagues on Act. Facilities have gotten better in uninsured. We are a little higher than both sides of the aisle: I am a certainty communities across the country be- the national average now because my fanatic. We should be doing a budget. cause of the Affordable Care Act. That State does not accept Medicaid expan- We shouldn’t be doing a continuing res- visit made powerfully clear to me how sion, but the difference in 6 years is olution right now. We should be doing much every ZIP Code in this country 327,000 more Virginians have health in- appropriations bills because when we has been affected by the Affordable surance in 2015 than had it in 2010. That tell both our own planners in our own Care Act because of these centers and is a powerful thing. departments and also the private econ- other services that are provided. In addition to having health insur- omy: This is what it is going to be for The second story is a story from my ance, families are protected because the next year, they can figure it out, recently completed, 105-day, unsuccess- they can’t get turned away because of they can adjust, and they can do well. ful venture as part of a national ticket. preexisting conditions, they can’t get When we instead deliver a message I was at the Iowa State Fair. A grand- turned away because they have reached that we don’t know what we are going father was carrying a little boy who lifetime limits in terms of their med- to do—oh, there will be a fix, but it will looked to be about 31⁄2 years old. I said: ical care, as Jude would have reached be a few years from now, we can’t tell Tell me this youngster’s name. The by age 31⁄2. Children can stay on family you what it is going to be now, and grandfather said: This is Jude. Of policies until age 26. Women cannot be really we can’t even promise we will do course, I said: Hey, Jude, and I said: charged different health care premiums it since we haven’t done it in 6 years— Tell me about Jude. The grandfather than men. Insurance companies are re- you inject uncertainty into the econ- and now the father walked over and quired to rebate excess premium pay- omy, and that is the worst thing we started to talk to me, and what they ments back to consumers if they over- can do. said is this: Jude is 31⁄2 years old and he charge. I have made the argument that the has already had five open heart oper- It is not just about the millions who recovery we have been on economi- ations at the Omaha Children’s Hos- have health insurance who have never cally—which is not a robust recovery, pital, which is just across the river had it before, there are also millions but it is a steady recovery—the prin- from Western Iowa, in Nebraska. They and millions more to receive protec- cipal reason it has been steady but not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.034 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6789 robust is because of uncertainty, and health insurance on the open market. I I fear the rush is for one reason: a de- the principal generator of uncertainty didn’t have an employer who could sire to do something before this Presi- in the United States is this body, Con- cover it. Two insurers turned me down dent leaves office that can be a little gress. Congress’s inability to do budget because they said: We can’t write a pol- bit of a poke in his eye, but it is a poke in regular order, Congress’s inability to icy for your whole family because of a in his eye politically in a way that tackle priorities, Congress’s inability preexisting condition. One insurer takes families like Jude’s family or the to work on big picture fiscal issues turned me down because of something families I saw at the neighborhood generates uncertainty. about me, and one insurer turned me health center in Alexandria and puts So now we are talking about a repeal down because of something about one deep fear and uncertainty in their lives of the Affordable Care Act, the single of my children. Again, we are the and also puts uncertainty into one- largest sector in the American econ- healthiest family there is. sixth of the American economy. omy. One-sixth of the GDP of this We were able to say: Wait a minute. I know we will be having this discus- country is health care. If you tell the The Affordable Care Act just passed. sion in earnest, I suspect a little bit entire American economy we are going You are not legally allowed to do that over the next couple of days but more to go into the largest sector in the now. You have to write a policy for the when the year begins, just as we are economy, we are going to repeal it, and whole family. going to be having discussions about don’t worry, we will get to something The insurance agent who dealt with Medicare and Medicaid, with 1.3 mil- down the road as a replacement, you us on the phone said: Let me talk to lion Medicare enrollees in Virginia as will inject uncertainty into an econ- my supervisor, and then called back of 2015. The CHIP and Medicaid Pro- omy in a degree that has never been and said: You know, what. You are grams in Virginia have an additional done by this body that I think will right. We have to write you a policy. 970,000 enrollees. I read dramatic dis- have catastrophic economic con- This is a law that not only provides cussions about these programs as well, sequences even beyond health care. health insurance to 20 million people these basic safety net programs. It is also malpractice in the health who never had it before but for even I will conclude and say there is no lives of Americans. The Urban Insti- healthy families like mine provides reason we shouldn’t be able to sit down tute has come out with a study today, benefits to protect against some of the around the table and talk about im- an update of a study they did a year worst and most predacious behaviors of provements. What I might call a re- ago. There was a proposal a year ago to insurance companies. If the act is reform somebody else could call a re- repeal the Affordable Care Act that pealed, this all goes away. placement. I don’t care about the label, President Obama vetoed. They did a Americans agree, repeal is not the but what I do care about is repealing a study about what would repeal mean. answer. A Kaiser Foundation poll that law that provides millions of people the This is what repeal means to the Amer- was done in the last 2 weeks showed confidence that they have health care for the first time in their lives, doing it ican public as we get ready to celebrate that only 26 percent of Americans sup- and having the discussion during the the holidays, a time when we are mind- port a repeal of the Affordable Care holiday season, doing it in a way that ful of the needs of others: Act. Of the other 75 percent, some The number of uninsured people in think it should stay the same, some will hurt working people, will hurt the United States, if the ACA is rethink it should be tweaked backward a working people who don’t have high pealed, would rise from its current 28.9 little bit, some think it should be ad- school degrees, doing it in a way that million to 58.7 million, an increase of vanced, but only one in four Americans will hurt people who are already sick, 29.8 million uninsured in this country. believe we should repeal this law. Over- who are already dealing with illnesses in their families. The share of nonelderly people without whelmingly, what the American public I am a student of this body. I am not insurance would increase from 11 per- is telling us is, we should improve the a historian. I am a student of this law. That is what we should be about in cent to 21 percent. body, but my prediction would be this: Of the 29.8 million newly uninsured this body. If this body goes down the path of re- as a result of the repeal, 22.5 will be- When I was the Governor of Virginia, pealing this important law that pro- come uninsured as a result of elimi- I noticed at the end of every legislative vides important protections to millions nating premium tax credits, Medicaid session there would be 1,100 bills on my with no idea about what the replace- expansion, and the individual mandate, desk for me to review, sign, veto, or ment is, I think it will be a day we will and the additional 7.3 million would be- amend. Of the 1,100 bills, pretty much look back on and those who care about come uninsured because of the near every year 200 or 300 would be new, but this body will look back on, probably 800 would be improvements to existing collapse of the nongroup insurance in the not-too-distant future, and will law. The job of a legislature is more market, and 82 percent of the new 29 say this will be one of the low moments about taking existing laws and reform- million who will become uninsured are in the history of the United States ing and improving it than repealing or working families, 82 percent; 38 percent Senate. There is no need for it because doing something brand new. That is would be ages 18 to 34; 56 percent would there are people of good will in this what puzzles me. Why aren’t we doing be non-Hispanic Whites; 80 percent of body who are willing to sit down and that? Clearly, there is no rush. There is adults becoming uninsured are adults find solutions and find improvements no rush because the discussions are, we who do not have college degrees. There and find reforms, but nobody seems will be 12.9 million fewer people with would repeal the Affordable Care Act willing to have that discussion. Let’s Medicaid or CHIP coverage in 2019 if with a promise we will find a replace- have that discussion rather than the the Affordable Care Act is repealed, ment in 2 or 3 years. So if the notion is repeal discussion, and we will serve our and nearly 9.5 million people who have we are going to work for 2 or 3 years to constituents better. received tax credits to help them pur- find a replacement, there is no rush, Madam President, I yield the floor. chase private nongroup health cov- and if there is no rush, why aren’t we Mr. LEAHY. Madam President, erage in 2019 will no longer receive that sitting down right now? Instead of re- today, the Senate will vote on signifi- assistance. This is catastrophic to tens pealing the law, why aren’t we sitting cant legislation—a bill that aims to of millions of Americans. down right now? Let’s sit down around make it easier for innovative medical I will tell a third story that is a story the table, let’s talk about what we treatments to be approved, while in- about me. I have to have the healthiest don’t like, let’s talk about what we do vesting over $6 billion in medical re- family in the United States, my wife like, let’s talk about what it means to search and combating the opioid crisis. and I and our three children. The only have 20 million people in this country The bill also takes an important step hospitalizations we have ever had, with health insurance, many for the toward improving our mental health until my wife recently broke a bone, first time in their lives, and what they system, specifically by strengthening was for three child births. Our kids are might think. Let’s get the perspectives our parity laws to ensure mental 27, 24, and 21. We are the healthiest of hospitals. Let’s get the perspectives health treatments are covered by in- family in the United States. I was re- of insurers, of doctors, and other med- surance companies. quired once to go out right after the ical professionals. That is what we Medical research holds tremendous Affordable Care Act passed to buy should be doing. What is the rush? promise, but our commitment to this

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.036 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6790 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 funding has not kept pace with what is We all want to ensure that patients First, I would like to highlight divi- needed to make more breakthroughs have access to medications, but we sion B of this legislation, the Mental with diseases like cancer and Alz- must also be sure those treatments are Health Reform Act. The Mental Health heimer’s. In recent years, Congress has both safe and effective. I have concerns Reform Act represents years of work in supported increased funds for medical that this bill may weaken the stand- Congress across party lines to improve research, but these increases have ards by which the FDA can review cer- the quality of and access to mental come at the expense of other important tain medications, for example, by al- health and substance abuse treatment, domestic programs. We can and should lowing the agency to use existing data such as training more behavioral do more. from different drug trials to prove the health workers and strengthening par- In October, Vice President BIDEN safety of new medications that include ity for mental health and substance joined me in Vermont to discuss the fu- similar drug compounds. abuse treatment. This bill also includes ture of cancer treatment. We learned Furthermore, while the bill makes it my legislation, the Garrett Lee Smith that we are on the cusp of so many de- easier in many cases to get drugs ap- Memorial Reauthorization Act, which velopments in fighting the disease, but proved, it does nothing to address the supports youth suicide prevention that more research is needed to get unreasonable price hikes we have seen grants for schools—elementary schools there. This bill contains $1.8 billion in some prescription drugs. I filed an through college where children and dedicated to Vice President BIDEN’s amendment with Senators GRASSLEY, young adults spend most of their cancer moonshot and another $1.4 bil- KLOBUCHAR, and LEE that would ad- time—to be able to reach at-risk lion in precision medicine to help tar- dress some of the anticompetitive be- youth. I am especially pleased that, for get treatments to individual patients. havior many drug companies are en- the first time, this bill will allow fund- It also includes $1.5 billion for Presi- gaging in to help drive up the cost of ing to be used for mental health treat- dent Obama’s BRAIN Initiative, to ex- their drugs. For example, in order to ment on college campuses, the most ef- pand brain mapping technologies that delay approval of generic drugs enter- fective way to prevent suicide. I have help scientists understand brain dis- ing the market, some drug companies worked with advocates across the men- orders and diseases affecting the cen- withhold drug samples or refuse to tal health community for the better tral nervous system. Since the BRAIN enter into shared safety agreements part of the last decade on this effort, so Initiative was established in 2013, it with generic manufacturers—both of I am pleased to see this come to fru- has already made significant advances which are necessary for FDA approval. ition. This legislation also includes an infu- in medical knowledge, including im- Our amendment, which mirrors our sion of funding for National Institutes proving artificial limb technologies CREATES Act, would close this loophole and help generic drugs come to of Health and the Food and Drug Ad- and discovering more links between ministration—$4.8 billion over the next brain chemical functions and depres- the market faster. Unfortunately, the Senate will not 10 years, including $1 billion to be con- sion. have the opportunity to consider this centrated over the next 3 years for the I am also pleased that this bill fi- improvement to the bill or any others Cancer Moonshot initiative. I com- nally fulfills our commitment to fund before we vote on the bill’s passage. I mend Vice President BIDEN for his efforts to combat the opioid crisis. This am frustrated that a bill of this enor- work to spearhead the Cancer Moon- is especially critical since Congress mity—that has never been considered shot initiative over the last year, and I failed to include necessary funding re- by the full Senate—is being placed on think it was a fitting tribute that the sources when the Comprehensive Ad- the calendar at the end of a session Senate agreed unanimously to rename diction and Recovery Act passed ear- with no opportunity for amendments. I this title of the bill after his son, Beau lier this year. This bill contains $1 bil- hope the Senate leadership will Biden, who tragically lost his life to lion to combat the opioid crisis, with promptly schedule floor debates on this cancer last year. The remaining fund- the first half of the funding to be dedi- and other improvements to this packing will be used to support key efforts cated this fiscal year. Each day, 129 age early next year. at the NIH, such as the Precision Medi- people die from drug overdoses in this Nevertheless, improvements were cine Initiative, the BRAIN Initiative, country. Vermont and many other pre- made to this bill before it was consid- and regenerative medicine using adult dominately rural States have been hit ered by the House last week. For exam- stem cells. In addition, the bill con- particularly hard by this epidemic. I ple, the bill no longer includes a provi- tains $1 billion in funding for States to suspect that almost every Vermonter sion that would weaken the disclosure respond to the ongoing opioid epi- knows someone who has been impacted requirements for physicians receiving demic. Earlier this year, passage of the by addiction. It is something I hear gifts. The bill also now clearly directs Comprehensive Addiction and Recov- about regularly when I am home in opioid funding to States that have been ery Act was an important first step in Vermont. This is not the future we hit hardest by the crisis. Lastly, more addressing this crisis, but my col- want for our children, for our grand- of the funding for medical research is leagues on the other side of the aisle children, or for our communities. I am set to go out this fiscal year, which voted against efforts to fund the legis- hopeful that the funding included in will have an immediate impact on im- lation and provide access to treatment this bill will help States move people proving the important work of the NIH in our communities. I am pleased that into treatment to eventually stop the and our overall medical research com- we will finally have real funding going tragic cycle of abuse. munity. to communities this year to provide While I strongly support this fund- On balance, this is an important this treatment. ing, in addition to the bill’s expansion piece of legislation that offers a great However, I am disappointed that this of medical research and mental health promise to move the bar forward on bill does not make this funding manda- parity, this bill is far from perfect. medical research, while also providing tory. We will still have to rely on ap- Whereas the bill contains $6.3 billion in critical relief to families suffering from propriations in the future to ensure upfront cuts to offset funding for its opioid addiction. I believe these strong that this funding goes out as intended. many efforts, these funds are not in investments will benefit us for genera- I am also concerned about the cuts in fact guaranteed each year. Rather, the tions to come, and I will support the this bill, which many of my colleagues Appropriations Committee must act passage of this bill. have spoken about at length during each year to ‘‘unlock’’ the funding. Re- Mr. REED. Madam President, I am consideration of the bill, and I would publican leaders assure us that this pleased to support the 21st Century like to echo those comments. For ex- funding will go out the door, and as the Cures Act, which includes a number of ample, this legislation cuts the Preven- incoming vice chairman of the Appro- critical mental health provisions, tion and Public Health Fund by $3.5 priations Committee, I intend to hold much needed funding for medical re- billion, to the detriment of worthy and them to that promise. search and innovation at the National vital efforts such as youth suicide pre- I am also concerned that the bill in- Institutes of Health and the Food and vention, immunizations, and lead poi- cludes provisions to fast-track pre- Drug Administration, as well as fund- soning prevention. scription drug approval through the ing to help combat the opioid crisis in While I have these reservations, I am Food and Drug Administration, FDA. our country. pleased that the Congress is able to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.062 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6791 support bipartisan reforms to our men- ticularly Senator BENNET, Senator tent that, if the results by trained and tal health system, as well as funding HATCH, and Senator WARREN, for their untrained users are comparable, a test for medical research and the opioid re- work on the Advancing Targeted is considered to be accurate for CLIA sponse. I hope that we will be able to Therapies for Rare Diseases Act. Devel- waiver purposes. If we are going to en- work on a bipartisan basis to ensure oping drugs for rare diseases is particu- sure devices are able to reach Ameri- that these efforts continue to be funded larly difficult, but as our genetic un- cans in as timely a manner as possible, over the next several years. derstanding of rare diseases increases, we need to focus on what is necessary Mr. BURR. Madam President, I am there will be new opportunities to pur- to know to meet FDA’s gold standard pleased to rise to talk about the 21st sue treatments for Duchenne muscular for approval. What might be nice to Century Cures bill we have before us dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and certain know is not necessarily central to what today. cancers, and these provisions will help FDA needs to know to make regulatory At the beginning of this Congress, to pave the way for these therapies to decisions. These provisions will help my good friend Senator ALEXANDER reach patients sooner. With these op- provide needed regulatory certainty and I issued a report entitled Innova- portunities will come renewed hope for and focus when it comes to FDA’s re- tion for Healthier Americans in which the children, adults, and families bat- view of medical devices. we asked a simple, but critical, ques- tling these conditions. As we worked on the Cures bill this tion: how can we do it better? Chair- I am particularly pleased that the Congress, we have been reminded of the man ALEXANDER and I asked this ques- final Cures bill also includes the Ad- need to be prepared for the full range of tion because we must do it better for vancing Breakthrough Devices for Pa- public health threats that may present our constituents and their loved ones tients Act. This legislation builds on themselves, whether naturally occur- who are battling devastating diseases— the Advancing Breakthrough Therapies ring, like the Zika virus, or the result diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and for Patients Act, which was enacted 4 of a deliberate attack. I want to thank rare pediatric conditions—for which we years ago and has been very effective Senator CASEY for his partnership in have no treatments today, but hope in helping to bring forward break- making sure we are as prepared as pos- that we will in time to help the coura- through therapies for patients. I want sible for these threats. The final Cures geous individuals with these diseases to thank Senator BENNET and Senator bill includes provisions from our bipar- to win their fight. I commend Chair- HATCH for their collaboration and part- tisan bill, the Medical Counter- man ALEXANDER for his resolute focus nership on these breakthrough bills. measures Innovation Act, which will on this critical work and for his leader- Like our 2012 bill, these provisions will encourage the development of the med- ship in bringing forward the bill we ensure an all-hands-on-deck approach, ical products needed to protect the have before us today. this time for devices, with the goal of American people in the event of a glob- For decades, our Nation has led the expediting the development and review al pandemic or biological weapons at- world in medical innovation, but the of breakthrough technologies. These tack. Cochairs of the Blue Ribbon challenges to maintaining this global provisions are appropriately focused on Study Panel on Biodefense, Joe Lieber- edge have never been greater. We rec- what these technologies will mean for man and Tom Ridge, wrote that this ognized that our Nation’s biomedical patients. In order to qualify for FDA legislation would further strengthen discovery and development must work designation as a breakthrough device, the underpinnings of biological pre- as well as possible to ensure that a device must provide more effective paredness by creating new incentives Americans are able to benefit from the treatment or diagnosis of life-threat- for public-private partnerships; clari- most cutting-edge medical innovations ening or irreversibly debilitating dis- fying and streamlining contracting in as timely a manner as possible. We eases or conditions. These devices must processes at the Biomedical Advanced are at a tremendously exciting era in represent breakthrough technologies, Research and Development Authority; medicine that will be defined by inno- have no approved alternatives, offer and ensuring that our Nation’s health vation. Innovation holds great poten- significant advantages over existing care providers have the guidance they tial. Our ability to respond to public approved alternatives, or their avail- need to use medical countermeasures health threats, including those that ability must be in the best interest of in an emergency. The Alliance for Bio- pose a direct threat to our national se- patients. These devices might be the security has said that the medical curity, will in large part be defined by next technology that better prepares countermeasure priority review vouch- whether or not we embrace innovation. us to respond to needs in a disaster or er provided for in our legislation, and In other words, the stakes could not be life-threatening situation or the inno- the final Cures bill, would be a game greater and innovation will be the key vation that improves the manner and changer for investment in biodefense. to our success in these endeavors. quality of an individual’s episode of Researching, developing, and getting a The bill before us today reflects a care. In other words, bringing forward medical countermeasure across the ap- tremendous amount of bipartisan work these breakthrough devices will im- proval finish line to market is a long, and covers many areas of health care. I prove health care. difficult, costly, and very risky but want to take just a few moments to The timely and predictable review of necessary endeavor. The priority re- highlight a handful of provisions on medical products is key to promoting view voucher for medical counter- which I have partnered with my col- and protecting the public health. The measures will help to invigorate part- leagues and that I believe answer the FDA Modernization Act I authored in nerships to ensure we have the medical question of how we can do it better. 1997 sought to modernize the agency in countermeasures we need against the I am pleased that the final Cures bill a way that supported regulating in the most serious identified threats— includes the Advancing Targeted least burdensome manner, while ensur- threats that have been found to affect Therapies for Rare Diseases Act, legis- ing that innovative products would our national security. We have heard lation that will help advance the devel- reach patients in as timely a manner that this program will benefit not only opment of targeted drugs for patients as possible. The FDA Device Account- our civilian needs, but those of our Na- with serious or life threatening rare ge- ability Act’s bipartisan provisions in- tion’s warfighters, and, in doing so, netic diseases. Each of us has met concluded in the final Cures bill build on better protect the American people. I stituents facing a difficult diagnosis, these efforts. I want to thank Senator look forward to continuing to work and these cases are particularly dev- FRANKEN for his collaboration on this with my colleagues to ensure we fully astating when the patient is a young legislation, which will ensure that FDA leverage this provision, including en- child who should have a lifetime ahead eliminates unnecessary burdens when suring that partners and innovators in of them, but for which we have no reviewing devices. It will also permit this space have the certainty of know- treatment to offer them. These are the more efficient device clinical trials. In ing the Federal Government is com- patients who move us to bring an addition, the bill will require FDA to mitted to seeing this work through and unapologetic urgency to our work on update guidance on certain tests per- not undercutting it by stopping our these issues. The choice between noth- formed in doctors’ offices to ensure work on these fronts before we are ing and nothing is not a choice. And so that the guidance on this matter aligns fully prepared to protect the American I want to thank my colleagues, par- with the FDA Modernization Act’s in- people from these serious threats.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.063 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 I also want to take this opportunity The House of Representatives added the bill last December that President to thank Senator CASEY for working to the bill a Mental Health Reform Obama called a Christmas miracle with me in our annual efforts to advo- Act—actually three separate bills that when we fixed No Child Left Behind cate for the National Institutes of Senator MURPHY, Senator CORNYN, and and came forward with a piece of legis- Health having the robust resources it Senator CASSIDY worked on especially lation about which there was a con- needs to advance its lifesaving work. In here, which is the most important re- sensus not just to fix it but on how to addition to the funding increases the form of many mental health programs fix it, a consensus supported by Gov- NIH has been provided through the ap- in more than a decade. It is very im- ernors as well as teachers unions, propriations process, this legislation portant to one out of five adult Ameri- classroom teachers as well as school will give NIH a meaningful booster cans who have a mental illness. boards. On that bill, there will not be a shot in dedicated funding to enhance It caused me to think this: This is movement in Congress to repeal it be- its work in promising areas. Pearl Harbor Day. Pearl Harbor Day is cause everybody voted for it. So those While passage and enactment of this a day when we remember the terrifying who are teaching in our classrooms in legislation is a significant step, it is by attacks on the American military that our 100,000 public schools and those no means the last. I will continue to killed more than 2,000 and launched us who are working in State departments hold the NIH and FDA accountable for into World War II. We also remember it of education and the parents will know their work on behalf of America’s pa- as a day that began to create and de- that for the foreseeable future, there is tients, and I look forward to con- fine what we now refer to as the a consensus and stability about ele- tinuing to partner with my colleagues ‘‘greatest generation’’—the generation mentary and secondary education. on these important issues. As I have distinguished by the men and women of We hear every day that we have a said before, the day-to-day actions— that era, the era of Bob Dole, George fractured country, that we have so and, in many cases, inaction—at the H.W. Bush, and men and women now in many differences of opinion, we can’t FDA has a profound effect on our Na- their nineties and late eighties. They operate. Well, there is one institution tion’s patients. It also directly impacts were defined by being willing to work in the country that is an institution our economy, as FDA-regulated prod- hard on behalf of the entire country, that is capable of leading the country ucts account for about 25 cents of every put their differences aside and work for toward consensus on important issues, dollar spent by American consumers the greater good; to recognize that our and it is the U.S. Senate. Sometimes each year. The importance of holding diversity is important, but what is we are able to do that. We were able to the agency accountable for its actions more important is the fact that we are do it last year. As the President said— and inactions—all the way from front- all Americans. he called it a Christmas miracle. We line reviewers to the Commissioner— There have been some other times in fixed No Child Left Behind. We are able has never been more important. our recent history when we have been to do it today on mental health legisla- The former FDA Commissioner, Dr. reminded of that, and 9/11 is the most tion, which had to navigate its way Andy von Eschenbach, once wrote that important of those. I remember how I through gun issues, funding issues, and government policy can either inhibit or felt after 9/11. I watched President a whole variety of other issues. We are accelerate the next revolution in George W. Bush speak, and I thought doing it on 21st Century Cures, which, science and technology. We must con- he spoke eloquently, as did Al Gore at as I and the majority leader have said, tinue to advance and see through poli- that time, about the principles that is the most important piece of legisla- cies that spur, foster, and support the unite us a country. tion we will act on. innovation and regulatory pathways Celebrating our diversity is a good It is pretty rare that we have legisla- necessary to realize cutting-edge treat- thing. Celebrating our oneness is more tion that the President of the United ments. Like the FDA Modernization important, and it is harder work. What States says is an opportunity we just Act in 1997, the bill before us today rep- we are doing today is a more modest— can’t miss and the Vice President of resents a remarkable opportunity—the much more modest—example of the the United States is telephoning Sen- opportunity to embrace innovation for same sort of spirit. I do not want to ators before they go into their caucus healthier Americans. The director of suggest that passing a bill in Congress meetings to urge them to support it. the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer equals going to war or running into a At the same time, the Speaker of the Institute at the University of North burning building in New York City House, a Republican, is saying: This is Carolina at Chapel Hill summed it up after it has been attacked, but it is the part of my agenda for the future of our well when he wrote to me and said that same spirit. I don’t have any apology country. And the majority leader is passage of this legislation will not only for suggesting that. It is a spirit of fac- saying it is the most important bill we touch lives, it has the potential to save ing up to a big issue, a complex issue will act on. them. Therefore, it is my strong hope that affects lots of people, about which It still wasn’t easy to pass because that the tools provided by this legisla- there are lots of legitimate differences, we are dealing with a lot of life-and- tion will be leveraged and the medical and working hard to resolve those dif- death issues: How rapidly can we move products our constituents are counting ferences so that we are not celebrating treatments and cures through the Food on accelerated. This will be good for those differences, we are celebrating and Drug Administration and make America’s innovators, North Caro- the fact that we came together and—as sure they are still safe or how slowly linians, and our Nation. we did in the House of Representatives can we do it and run up the cost so Mr. KAINE. I suggest the absence of last week 392 to 26 and as we did on high that nobody can afford these a quorum. Monday in the Senate with 85 votes in treatments? How long can we take so The PRESIDING OFFICER. The favor of 21st Century Cures—we moved that everybody is dead by the time the clerk will call the roll. toward a solution that we all can sup- medicine is ready? We don’t want that The legislative clerk proceeded to port. to happen. Those were the issues we call the roll. Sometimes we govern by Executive had. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I order in Washington, and Executive or- What kind of incentives can we give ask unanimous consent that the order ders can be repealed by any new admin- to drug companies so they can tackle for the quorum call be rescinded. istration. Sometimes we have partisan rare diseases in children like the ones The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. exercises, as we did with Obamacare 6 at St. Jude whom we see from Mis- WICKER). Without objection, it is so or- years ago, and we have been like the sissippi, Tennessee, and across the dered. Hatfields and McCoys ever since, shoot- country? They have rare cancers and Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam President, ing each other until we forget what we other diseases. Nobody is making medi- at 2 p.m., the Senate will move to a are arguing about. We actually remem- cines for those diseases because there final passage vote on legislation we ber, but it makes it much more dif- is no incentive in the marketplace for call 21st Century Cures. It has been ficult than to come together and get a it, so we give some incentive in the called by the majority leader the most consensus. marketplace for such things. important piece of legislation the Con- Other examples are the civil rights Electronic medical records have been gress is likely to act on this year. bill of the 1960s, the Medicare bill, and a real burden to doctors. We spent 30

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.025 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6793 billion taxpayer dollars, and they were both Senator MURRAY’s staff and my Brandt, Jennifer Kuskowski, Erin in a ditch. This legislation moves it staff. Dempsey, Brett Baker, Chris Campbell, out of the ditch. On Senator MURRAY’s staff, John and Jay Khosla. Francis Collins, the distinguished Righter, Nick Bath, Andi Fristedt, I would also like to thank much of head of the National Institutes of Wade Ackerman, Remy Brim, Colin the hard-working staff from the White Health, says that in the next 10 years, Goldfinch, Madeleine Pannell, Julia House and Department of Health and we will be able hopefully to prevent Tierney, Kalah Auchincloss—I thank Human Services who provided great Alzheimer’s or to identify it before them very much for their passion for help in getting this bill completed. symptoms, an artificial pancreas for the issue and their willingness to work From the White House, I would like diabetes, a vaccine for HIV/AIDS, a toward a result. to thank Chief of Staff Denis vaccine for Zika and a universal vac- On our staff, in addition to David, I McDonough and Kate Mevis. cine for flu, which killed 30,000 last thank Mary-Sumpter Lapinski, From the U.S. Department of Health year. According to the Mayo Clinic, re- Lindsey Seidman, and Grace Stuntz, and Human Services, I would like to generative medicine is a game chang- who did an enormous amount of work, thank Secretary Sylvia Burwell, NIH er—using our own stem cells to restore as did Laura Pence. I thank Brett Director Dr. Francis Collins, Dr. Kathy eyesight or to restore our damaged Meeks, Kara Townsend, Melissa Pfaff, Hudson, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert hearts. There are provisions in this leg- Liz Wroe, Margaret Coulter, Curtis Califf, Dr. Janet Woodcock, Dr. Jeffrey islation to move that ahead. There is Vann, Kathryn Bell, Andrew Burnett, Shuren, Dr. Karen Desalvo, Acting $4.8 billion in funding for the National Bobby McMillin, Lowell Schiller, Jim SAMHSA Administrator Kana Institutes of Health. The bill includes Jeffries, Liz Wolgemuth, Margaret At- Enomoto, Sara Singleton, Jill the EUREKA Act, sponsored by the kinson, Taylor Haulsee, Alicia Hennie, Adleburg, Dayle Cristinzio, Jennifer Senator from Mississippi, which is so and Jamie Garden. Tomasello, Rachel Stauffer, Maren We have had an unusual opportunity important. The funding includes money McBride, Karson Mahler, Lauren Hig- in this to work across the aisle with for the President’s Precision Medicine gins, Adrienne Hallett, Laura Berkson, Chairman UPTON, Representative PAL- Initiative, for the Vice President’s Can- Ned Culhane, Patricia Brandt- LONE, Representative DEGETTE, and cer Moonshot, and for the BRAIN Ini- Hansberger, Dena Morris, Miranda others in the House of Representatives tiative. There is an additional $500 mil- Katsoyannis, Brian Payne, Brian Alt- and their staffs. I want to especially lion for the FDA and $1 billion for man, and Peggie Rice. thank Speaker RYAN and Senator State grants over the next 2 years to We always rely on the experts at the MCCONNELL. Speaker RYAN did a triple Congressional Research Service to give fight opioid abuse. somersault to try to find a funding As the President says, this is an opus good information in a timely man- mechanism that would satisfy both ner, so I extend my thanks to Andrew portunity we cannot miss. It is an op- Democrats and Republicans, and Sen- portunity we cannot miss and we are Nolan, Maeve Carey, and Wendy ator MCCONNELL made time on the Ginsberg. not going to miss. We are going to have floor for it. Not everyone is satisfied The Senate and House legislative this bill down to the President very with the funding mechanism, but we counsel staff worked long hours on the shortly, and he will have an oppor- are all voting for it because this is such many drafts of this bill, so I would like tunity to be presented with another an important bill. to extend my thanks to Bill Baird, Jes- Christmas miracle. On Chairman UPTON’s staff, I would I ask unanimous consent to have like to thank Gary Andres, Paul sica Shapiro, Kim Tamber, Katie printed in the RECORD following my re- Edattel, John Stone, Carly Grendon, Warren Burke, and Margaret marks today’s editorial from the Wall McWilliams, Adrianna Simonelli, Katie Bomba. Street Journal, which says: Novaria, James Paluskiewicz, Josh From the Congressional Budget Of- Cures is a stride toward a more rational Trent, and Clay Alspach. fice, I would like to thank Chad and humane drug development system, and On Ranking Member PALLONE’s staff, Chirico, Holly Harvey, and Ellen legislation is about compromise. The bill I would like to thank Tiffany Werble. could become a useful precedent for success- Guarascio, Kimberlee Trzeciak, Megan On Senator MCCONNELL’s staff, I ful progress as the 115th Congress starts to would like to thank Scott Raab. take shape next year. Velez, Waverly Gordon, and Arielle Woronoff. On Speaker RYAN’s staff, I would like On Pearl Harbor Day when we cele- I would like to thank the hard-work- to thank Matt Hoffman. brate the ‘‘greatest generation’’ and ing staff of our Senate HELP Com- Finally, I would like to thank all the the contributions they made by re- mittee members, who played important patients, doctors, researchers, membering that while diversity is im- roles in reaching this agreement, in- innovators, thought leaders, and ex- portant, our oneness is more impor- cluding Liz Schwartz with Senator perts who dedicated time and expertise tant, this is a much more modest ex- ENZI, Anna Abram and Angela Wiles to helping us come up with this legisla- ample but a very important one of the with Senator BURR, Jordan Bartolomeo tion. same spirit, one that affects virtually with Senator ISAKSON, Natalie I see my colleague, the Senator from every family in America. Burkhalter with Senator PAUL, Olivia Washington, on the floor. I once again I would like to extend my deep Kurtz and Amanda Lincoln with Sen- thank her for her strong leadership in thanks and sincere appreciation to the ator COLLINS, Chelsea Holt with Sen- helping create the environment where dedicated staff who worked on the bill. ator MURKOWSKI, Cade Clurman and 21st Century Cures and the mental We talk about that a lot here, but Andrew Vogt with Senator KIRK, Claire health legislation can succeed. every one of us who is a Senator knows Brandewie with Senator SCOTT, Mat- There being no objection, the mate- how crucial that is. We have worked thew Richardson and Stuart Portman rial was ordered to be printed in the for 2 years on the bill, numerous hear- with Senator HATCH, Emily Mueller RECORD, as follows: ings, numerous discussions. It passed with Senator ROBERTS, Robb Walton [From the Wall Street Journal, Dec. 6, 2016] the House of Representatives twice. It and Brenda Destro with Senator CAS- CONGRESS’S CURES BREAKTHROUGH came through our committee, the Sen- SIDY, Jean Doyle with Senator MIKUL- Medicine moves faster than government, ate HELP Committee, in the form of 19 SKI, Sophie Kasimow with Senator thank goodness, but every now and again different bipartisan bills. Every one of SANDERS, Sarah Mabry with Senator government tries to catch up. After years of those bills, by the time it passed, 2 was CASEY, Beth Wickler with Senator thoughtful bipartisan work, Congress is now the largest number of recorded votes FRANKEN, Rohini Kosoglu with Senator poised to pass the 21st Century Cures Act, a against each one of those 19 bills. BENNET, Jennifer DeAngelis with Sen- bill designed to accelerate the development of new medicines and modernize a malfunc- The staff did a tremendous job on ator WHITEHOUSE, Kathleen Laird with that. I want to especially thank David tioning corner of the regulatory state. Senator BALDWIN, and Joe Dunn with The sweeping measure cleared a Senate Cleary, who is my chief of staff, and Senator MURPHY, and Beth Pearson procedural vote 85–13 on Monday night and Evan Schatz, Senator MURRAY’s chief with Senator WARREN. passed the House 392–96. These margins are on these issues, for the remarkable way From the Senate Finance Com- testimony to renewed self-confidence in U.S. they are able to work together with mittee, I would like to thank Kim innovation and health-care progress, not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.038 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 much expressed in Washington until re- aisle who put in very long hours and Laird and Jasmine Badreddine; from cently. A few dead-enders like Bernie Sand- weekends and more to get this legisla- Senator CASEY’s staff, Sara Mabry and ers and Elizabeth Warren are denouncing tion finished. Doug Hartman; from Senator Cures for its lack of pharmaceutical price As a result of a lot of strong bipar- FRANKEN’s staff, Beth Wilder and Ra- controls, which might have become a reality had Hillary Clinton won on Nov. 8. tisan work, we are now sending a bill chel Cumberbatch; from Senator BEN- Cures includes a $4.8 billion infusion for to the President’s desk that will invest NET’s staff, Rohini Kosoglu and Rina the National Institutes of Health for basic in tackling our hardest-to-treat dis- Shah; from Senator MIKULSKI’s staff, research. The bill funds the NIH’s neuro- eases, put real dollars behind the fight Jean Doyle, Jessica McNiece, and logical program on diseases like Alzheimer’s, against the opioid epidemic, and make Amanda Shelton; from Leader REID’s Joe Biden’s ‘‘cancer moonshot’’ and rare dis- badly needed changes to mental health staff, Kate Leone and McKenzie Ben- eases, while one encouraging earmark is for care in our country. I am particularly net; from Senator SCHUMER’s staff, ‘‘high risk, high reward’’ studies that might thankful for the strong bipartisan Veronica Duron; from Leader PELOSI’s not be financed by the private economy. By the way, these new dollars are roughly work of Senator MURPHY and Senator office, Wendell Primus; from Rep- offset with budget cuts elsewhere, which ex- CASSIDY, as well as Congressman MUR- resentative HOYER’s office, Charlene poses the liberal claims of crisis if every pro- PHY. MacDonald. gram doesn’t last forever. Congress is sup- I am confident that I am not alone in Thank you to the tireless staff of the posed to set priorities. saying that I have heard from so many Senate legislative counsel: Kim Perhaps the most promising component of people in my home State about each Tamber, Bill Baird, and Katie Grendon; Cures is a new regulatory model for Food and every one of these challenges. and Holly Harvey, Ellen Werble and and Drug Administration approvals. The Julia Christensen of the Congressional FDA remains fused to an outdated clinical There are patients and families waiting and hoping for new cures and treat- Budget Office. model that is too slow, costly and arbitrary. At the White House, let me thank The FDA was not designed to govern an era ments, people from every walk of life of genomics, biomarkers, systems biology, who make clear that the opioid epi- Amy Rosebaum, Jeanne Lambrew, Car- artificial intelligence and other advances, demic has cost too many lives and torn ole Johnson, and Kate Mevis. Each of not that its own inadequacy has prevented it too many families apart, and families the agency heads played a crucial role from trying. who have struggled to get loved ones in pushing this bill forward: Secretary Thus Cures encourages the FDA to supple- the mental health care they need, and of Health and Human Services Sylvia ment classical randomized clinical trials Mathews Burwell, National Institutes with more information, such as adaptive our broken mental health care system got in their way, rather than helping. of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins, trial designs that target patient sub-groups Food and Drug Administration Com- who are more likely to benefit. This would I listened to these stories in my allow research to succeed or fail faster at home State of Washington. I brought missioner Dr. Robert Califf, Principal some fraction of the current expense. The them back and told them here on the Deputy Administrator for the Sub- agency is also ordered to consider ‘‘real- Senate floor, and now I am very proud stance Abuse and Mental Health Serv- world evidence’’ in approvals outside of to be taking bipartisan steps to help ices Administration Kana Enomoto, trials. give patients, families, and commu- and National Coordinator for Health What the FDA calls ‘‘RWE’’ is controver- nities the relief they need in response Information Technology Dr. Vindell sial because the agency is preoccupied with Washington and his predecessor Dr. ‘‘proving’’ how a medicine will perform. But to some of the biggest challenges in health care of our time. Karen DeSalvo. The staff of each of modern trials are so tightly controlled that these agencies did invaluable work the results are often artificial, or irrelevant Thank you again to all of the Sen- to how a medicine will be used and refined in ators who worked on this and all of our over a long period of time: Andrea actual medical practice. In any case, debates colleagues in the House for this bipar- Palm, Jim Esquea, Sara Singleton, Jer- about drug approval are never about ‘‘proof,’’ tisan effort. emy Sharp, Dayle Cristinzio, Rachel but how to interpret evidence of benefits and I want to thank the Congressional Sher, Sara Walinsky, Adrienne Hallett, risks. staff from both Houses and both parties Laura Berkson, Lauren Higgins, Alex The main limitation of Cures is that the Khalife, Rachel Stauffer, Maren problems at FDA aren’t due to a shortage of who worked so hard over the last 2 years on this legislation. McBride, Steven Posnack, Karson laws. They flow from the agency’s institu- Mahler, Tom Coderre, Brian Altman, tional culture of control, delay and abuse of From my staff, Wade Ackerman, regulatory discretion. Cures requires the Kalah Auchincloss, Nick Bath, Jane Brian Payne, Peggie Rice, and Jon FDA merely ‘‘to evaluate the use of real- Bigham, Remy Brim, Andi Fristedt, White. I thank Senator ALEXANDER, who has world evidence,’’ and this wouldn’t be the Colin Goldfinch, Megan Howard, Mad- worked diligently across the aisle to first political instruction that the bureauc- eleine Pannell, Melanie Rainer, Julie racy has defied. get this done. Still, Cures is a stride toward a more ra- Tierney, Elizabeth Wagner, Eli My sincere thanks to you today. tional and humane drug development sys- Zupnick, Helen Hare, Evan Schatz, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- tem, and legislation is about compromise. John Righter, Aravind Sreenath, Nat- ator from Tennessee. The bill could become a useful precedent for alie Kirilichin, and Kate Blizinsky. Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, the successful progress as the 115th Congress From Chairman ALEXANDER’s staff Senator from Washington knows how starts to take shape next year. David Cleary, Margaret Coulter, much I appreciate her leadership and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- MarySumpter Lapinski, Brett Meeks, enjoy working with her, and I think we ator from Washington. Laura Pence, Melissa Pfaff, Kara all respect the fact that she enjoys get- Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I Townshend, Curtis Vann, Lindsey ting results that help the American would like to express my heartfelt Seidman and Elizabeth Wroe. people. thanks to all of our colleagues in the From Representative PALLONE’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under House and the Senate who worked so staff, Eric Flamm, Waverley Gordon, the previous order, all postcloture time hard to make this bill the best it could Tiffany Guarascio, Rachel Pryor, Kim has expired. be for the patients and families we Trzeciak, Arielle Woronoff, and Megan VOTE ON MOTION TO CONCUR WITH AMENDMENT serve. In particular, I want to express Velez. NO. 5117 my appreciation to Vice President From Chairman UPTON’s staff, Paul Mr. ALEXANDER. I move to table BIDEN for his leadership, vision, and de- Edattel, Adrianna Simonelli, John the motion to concur with the amend- termination. I especially want to Stone, Carly McWilliams, JP ment. thank the chairman of the HELP Com- Paluskiewicz, Adam Buckalew, Jay The PRESIDING OFFICER. The mittee, Senator ALEXANDER, for his Gulshen and Josh Trent. question is on agreeing to the motion work and his leadership on this bill, as Thank you to the staff from all our to table. well as Energy and Commerce Chair- committee Democrats who worked so The motion was agreed to. man FRED UPTON, Ranking Member hard on the package: from Senator VOTE ON MOTION TO CONCUR FRANK PALLONE, and Congresswoman MURPHY’s staff, David Bonine and Joe The PRESIDING OFFICER. The DIANA DEGETTE. Dunn; from Senator WHITEHOUSE’s question is on agreeing to the motion I would like to reiterate my grati- staff, Jen DeAngelis and Anna Esten; to concur in the House amendment to tude to our staff on both sides of the from Senator BALDWIN’s staff, Kathleen the Senate Amendment to H.R. 34.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.006 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6795 Mr. ALEXANDER. I ask for the yeas report accompanying S. 2943, an origi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- and nays. nal bill to authorize appropriations for ator from Delaware. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there a fiscal year 2017 for military activities Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I suggest sufficient second? of the Department of Defense, for mili- the absence of a quorum. There appears to be a sufficient sec- tary construction, and for defense ac- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. ond. tivities of the Department of Energy, TOOMEY). The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk called the roll. to prescribe military personnel The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator strengths for such fiscal year, and for proceeded to call the roll. is necessarily absent: the Senator from other purposes, shall be brought to a Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I ask Arkansas (Mr. COTTON). close? unanimous consent that the order for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Are there The yeas and nays are mandatory the quorum call be rescinded. any other Senators in the Chamber de- under the rule. The VICE PRESIDENT. Without ob- siring to vote? The clerk will call the roll. jection, it is so ordered. The result was announced—yeas 94, The senior assistant legislative clerk Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I ask nays 5, as follows: called the roll. unanimous consent that the following [Rollcall Vote No. 157 Leg.] Mr. CORNYN. The following Senator Senators who wish to speak in honor of the Presiding Officer be recognized in YEAS—94 is necessarily absent: the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. COTTON). the following order for up to 4 minutes Alexander Fischer Murray each: me, the majority leader Senator Ayotte Flake Nelson The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Baldwin Franken Paul CRUZ). Are there any other Senators in MCCONNELL, the minority leader Sen- Barrasso Gardner Perdue the Chamber desiring to vote? ator REID, Senator SCHUMER, Senator Bennet Gillibrand Peters HATCH, Senator LEAHY, Senator Blumenthal Graham The yeas and nays resulted—yeas 92, Portman MCCAIN, Senator DURBIN, Senator ISAK- Blunt Grassley Reed nays 7, as follows: SON URRAY EIN Booker Hatch Reid [Rollcall Vote No. 158 Leg.] , Senator M , Senator F - Boozman Heinrich Risch STEIN, Senator COLLINS, Senator MI- Boxer Heitkamp YEAS—92 Roberts KULSKI, and Senator CARPER. Brown Heller Rounds Alexander Feinstein Murray Burr Hirono Ayotte Fischer The VICE PRESIDENT. The Demo- Rubio Nelson Cantwell Hoeven Baldwin Flake cratic leader. Sasse Perdue Capito Inhofe Barrasso Franken Peters Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- Schatz Cardin Isakson Bennet Gardner Portman Schumer imous consent that the Senator from Carper Johnson Blumenthal Graham Reed Casey Kaine Scott Delaware amend his request so that Blunt Grassley Reid Cassidy King Sessions Booker Hatch Risch Senator MCCONNELL and I will use our Coats Kirk Shaheen Boozman Heinrich Roberts leader time. That will not count Cochran Klobuchar Shelby Boxer Heitkamp Rounds against his hour. Collins Lankford Stabenow Brown Heller Rubio Coons Leahy Sullivan Burr Hirono The VICE PRESIDENT. Is there ob- Sasse Corker Manchin Tester Cantwell Hoeven jection? Schatz Cornyn Markey Thune Capito Inhofe Schumer Without objection, it is so ordered. Crapo McCain Tillis Cardin Isakson Scott The Senator from Delaware. Cruz McCaskill Toomey Carper Johnson Daines Sessions McConnell Udall Casey Kaine TRIBUTES TO VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN Donnelly Menendez Shaheen Vitter Cassidy King Mr. COONS. Mr. President—and it Durbin Mikulski Shelby Warner Coats Kirk Enzi Moran Cochran Stabenow does bring me some joy to call you Mr. Whitehouse Klobuchar Ernst Murkowski Collins Lankford Sullivan President. I am honored to be here Wicker Feinstein Murphy Coons Leahy Tester today with so many of our colleagues, Thune NAYS—5 Corker Manchin and I am grateful to Majority Leader Cornyn McCain Tillis Lee Sanders Wyden Crapo McCaskill Toomey MCCONNELL and Leader REID for their Merkley Warren Cruz McConnell Udall enthusiasm in pulling together this bi- Daines Menendez Vitter NOT VOTING—1 partisan tribute. I am honored to be Donnelly Mikulski Warner joined by my senior Senator from Dela- Cotton Durbin Moran Warren Enzi Murkowski Whitehouse ware, TOM CARPER, who will make clos- The motion was agreed to. Ernst Murphy Wicker ing remarks this afternoon. f NAYS—7 Before I begin, I would like to remind my colleagues that there will be a re- CLOTURE MOTION Gillibrand Merkley Wyden Lee Paul ception for the Vice President in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Pursuant Markey Sanders Mansfield Room, after we conclude to rule XXII, the Chair lays before the NOT VOTING—1 here, beginning sometime after 4. We Senate the pending cloture motion, have many Senators who wish to speak Cotton which the clerk will state. so we will move quickly through the The senior assistant legislative clerk The PRESIDING OFFICER. On this order. I encourage my colleagues to read as follows: vote, the yeas are 92, the nays are 7. submit their remarks for the RECORD, CLOTURE MOTION Three-fifths of the Senators duly cho- those who are not able to speak in the sen and sworn having voted in the af- We, the undersigned Senators, in accord- next hour. Their remarks will be com- ance with the provisions of rule XXII of the firmative, the motion is agreed to. bined with all the other remarks given Standing Rules of the Senate, do hereby f on the floor, and the resulting speeches move to bring to a close debate on the con- NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZA- printed, bound, and presented to the ference report to accompany S. 2943, Na- Presiding Officer. tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal TION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017—CONFERENCE REPORT Mr. President, in a place known these Year 2017. days for some disagreements, my col- Mitch McConnell, Deb Fischer, Thom The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Tillis, Daniel Coats, James M. Inhofe, leagues—our colleagues, Republicans, clerk will report the conference report. Democrats, and Independents—are all John Hoeven, Cory Gardner, Orrin G. The senior assistant legislative clerk Hatch, Mark Kirk, Tom Cotton, John here today because we agree on one Cornyn, Lindsey Graham, Mike read as follows: powerful and simple thing: our deep Rounds, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sul- Conference report to accompany S. 2943, a gratitude for the difference you have livan, John McCain. bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal made in your decades in public service. The PRESIDING OFFICER. By unan- year 2017 for military activities of the De- The greatest honor of my life is to partment of Defense, for military construc- imous consent, the mandatory quorum tion, and for defense activities of the Depart- serve in the seat that you held for 36 call has been waived. ment of Energy, to prescribe military per- years—and not just literally this seat The question is, Is it the sense of the sonnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for in the Senate but also a seat on the 7:15 Senate that debate on the conference other purposes. Amtrak train down from Wilmington

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.041 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 every morning. You logged over 2 mil- which we passed finally just an hour like Burma—and regarding the vote we lion miles on Amtrak and millions ago, would not have happened without just took a few moments ago—21st Cen- more traveling around the world fight- your leadership. tury Cures, and the Cancer Moonshot. ing for our country, and as long as I Now, let me close with a line you We have also negotiated in good faith have the privilege of representing our know all too well, a line you shared when the country needed bipartisan State in the Senate, I will be humbled countless times in this Chamber, some- leadership. We got results that would by the challenge of living up to your times from this very desk. As the Irish not have been possible without a nego- legacy of fighting for and making a poet Seamus Heaney once wrote, ‘‘His- tiating partner like JOE BIDEN. Obvi- real difference for the people of our tory says, don’t hope on this side of the ously, I don’t always agree with him, shared home. grave. But then, once in a lifetime, the but I do trust him implicitly. He Like so many Americans, I have long longed-for tidal wave of justice can rise doesn’t break his word. He doesn’t been inspired by your loyalty to your up, and hope and history rhyme.’’ waste time telling me why I am wrong. family, and I am so glad to see so many No one, sir, no one has done more to He gets down to brass tacks, and he familiar faces in the Gallery today. make hope and history rhyme than keeps in sight the stakes. There is a This job requires a strong partner and you. Thank you, Mr. President, for reason ‘‘Get JOE on the phone’’ is teammate, and to Dr. Biden, Jill, your your service, your counsel, your ad- shorthand for ‘‘time to get serious’’ in unwavering support for your family, vice, your friendship, and your leader- my office. for Delaware, and your country is ship. The Vice President is a likeable guy something for which we are all deeply It is now my pleasure to yield to the too. He has a well-developed sense of grateful. majority leader, Senator MCCONNELL of humor. He doesn’t take himself too se- As a son of Delaware, and of Cath- Kentucky, who has been so generous riously either. When The Onion ran a erine Eugenia and Joe Senior, you have with floor time and support this after- mock photo of him washing a Trans- never forgotten from where you came noon. Am in the White House driveway, The VICE PRESIDENT. The majority or for whom you are fighting. Even as shirtless, Americans embraced it, and leader. Vice President, our fellow Delawareans so did he. ‘‘I think it’s hilarious,’’ he Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, it is have the blessing of a surprise visit great to see the Presiding Officer back said, but ‘‘by the way, I have a Cor- week in and week out, to see you at the in the Senate. It is good news for ev- vette—’67 Corvette—not a Trans-Am.’’ Columbus Day breakfast or Return Day eryone he is in the chair. Good news for So you see what I mean. or St. Anthony’s Procession. JOE BIDEN may exist in the popular him because, as Senator COONS said, Whether meeting personally with the rest of us have to call him ‘‘Mr. imagination aboard an Amtrak, but world leaders you have known for dec- President.’’ Good news for the rest of this son of a used car salesman will al- ades, whether chairing the Judiciary or us because he has to let everyone else ways be a muscle guy at heart. Foreign Relations Committees or just And what a road he has traveled, talk. stopping by a Claymont diner, there is The amazing thing is, the man we from New Castle to the Naval Observ- universal agreement about what you honor today wasn’t always a talker. He atory, from Scranton to the Senate. have brought to this work—your pas- suffered from a debilitating stutter for His journey in this body began by the sion, your heart, your character, and most of his childhood. He was teased side of those who loved him; hand on your integrity. That is because you for it, but he was determined to over- the Bible, heart in a knot, swearing the genuinely listen to people, you ask come it, and so he did—with hard work, same oath he now administers to oth- them questions, and then you lift them with determination, with the support ers. It is a journey that ends now by up. We know that when you give us the side of those who care about him of his family. It is classic JOE BIDEN. your word as a BIDEN, you mean it, and He has never stopped talking since. still—those like his wife Jill, who un- you will keep it. He cites overcoming that stutter as derstands the full life he has lived. Your service as a Senator stands as a one of the most important lessons in Here is a man who has known great model for all of our colleagues and for his life. It led him down a path few joy, who has been read his last rites, me. Through challenging times, you al- might have foreseen: winning election and who has never lost himself along ways worked across the aisle, through to the county council, securing an im- the way. eight Presidents. You were willing to probable victory for the U.S. Senate, ‘‘Champ,’’ his father used to say, reach across to anyone willing to roll becoming our Nation’s 47th Vice Presi- ‘‘the measure of a man is not how often up their sleeves and get to work for the dent. he is knocked down, but how quickly American people. Now, the Presiding Officer would be he gets up.’’ That is JOE BIDEN right So many families across Delaware the first to tell you that he has been there—unbowed, unbroken, and unable and this country and I, myself, as we blessed in many ways. He has also been to stop talking. have struggled with loss—maybe the tested, knocked down, pushed to the It is my privilege to convey the Sen- loss of a job or loss of hope or the im- edge of what anyone could be expected ate’s warm wishes to the Vice Presi- pending loss of a loved one—have expe- to bear, but from the grip of unknow- dent on this Delaware Day as the next rienced the incredible personal comfort able despair came a new man—a better steps of his long journey come into and power of a call from you. When it man: stronger and more compas- view. There are many here who feel comes to providing advice and inspira- sionate, grateful for every moment, ap- this way in both parties. tion that touches our hearts and makes preciative of what really matters. I am reminded of something the Pre- a real difference, no one—no one—is Here in the Senate he heeded the ad- siding Officer said when he addressed better than you. We know you will vice of Mike Mansfield. Here is what the University of Louisville several share our challenges, you will give us Senator Mansfield had to say: years ago. It was one of the McConnell meaningful comfort and encourage us, Your job here is to find the good things in Center’s most popular lectures ever. and you will fight for us. your colleagues. And, Joe, never attack an- And as I sat beside him, he offered his As we look ahead to next year and other man’s motive, because you don’t know theory as to why that might be: I think beyond, I know you and Jill have so his motive. you’re all here today—remember, these much more great and good work to do, Look for the good. Don’t attack mo- are young people, students. He said: I starting with the fight to cure cancer tives. It is the basis of a simple philos- think you are all here today because through the Cancer Moonshot. This ophy and a very powerful one. ‘‘you want to see whether or not a Re- next chapter will be every bit as excit- Vice President BIDEN says he views publican and Democrat really like each ing and meaningful as the life of serv- his competitors as competitors, not en- other,’’ he said. ‘‘Well,’’ he continued, ice you have led for 44 years. What an emies, and he has been able to cul- flashing a smile, ‘‘I’m here to tell you honor to see you in that chair earlier tivate many unlikely friendships we do.’’ It was true then, and it is true this week as the majority leader led across the aisle—with Jesse Helms, today. the Senate in a unanimous vote to re- with Strom Thurmond, with me. I hope the Presiding Officer won’t name a title of the 21st Century Cures Over the years, we have worked to- mind if I conclude with some words di- cancer initiative after Beau. That bill, gether on issues of mutual interest, rected to the Chair.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.047 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6797 Mr. President, you have been a real University of Delaware, he enrolled in for me. It was a big deal to get this friend, you have been a trusted part- law school in Syracuse to be closer to senior Senator to come to Nevada. He ner, and it has been an honor to serve her. came. Every place he traveled, he had with you. We are all going to miss you. The story of his and Neilia’s relation- one of his boys with him. Godspeed. ship is stunning. I repeat, it was some- With the support of his sister and The VICE PRESIDENT. The minor- thing that movies are made of. Without other members of his family, JOE em- ity leader. being too personal, I will say it the barked on a long, storied, 36-year ca- Mr. REID. Mr. President, to everyone way it is because it is a wonderful reer that was productive and unsur- listening, JOE BIDEN’s life has been the story, and I can identify with it so well passed in the history of the Senate. material of which movies are made. because of Landra and me. There came That was not the end of JOE’s dif- JOE was born in Scranton, PA, to Joe a time when her father came to her and ficulties. JOE is, as you can see now, a and Jean Biden, the first of four chil- said: You know, he is not that much. very well-conditioned man. He always dren. As a young man, as we have He comes from a family that is not like has been. As a Senator, he suffered a heard about today—once in a while, ours. And she said: Dad, stop. If you massive bleed on the brain, and he was though not very often, Senator BIDEN make me choose between you and JOE, hospitalized for a long time. He didn’t talks about his stammering. He didn’t I am going to choose JOE. come to the Senate for a long time. get any professional help, no therapy. So that was that relationship. I re- When I got hurt, one of the first people He did it on his own, long hours of peat, Landra and I understand that to call me was JOE. He said: Look, the reading, mostly poetry. He would stand story quite well. They were married a fact you are going to be missing a little in front of a mirror and recite poetry short time later. They had three chil- time in the Senate doesn’t mean you time after time after time, watching dren, Beau, Hunter, and Naomi. can’t be a good Senator. That was the himself to make sure he didn’t contort After starting his law practice and example that JOE BIDEN set. his face when he stammered or stut- serving as city councilman in New Cas- He recovered, and he became chair- tered. This wasn’t easy for a young tle, DE, JOE stunned and embarrassed a man of the Senate Judiciary Com- man. People made fun of him, but he few of his friends and relatives by say- mittee, the Foreign Relations chair, knew he could do it on his own. He felt ing he was going to run for the Senate. author of many pieces of legislation— that, and he did it. He worked hard. He You will run for the Senate against a Violence Against Women—too numer- developed a rhythm and a cadence of two-term incumbent, Caleb Boggs? ous to mention. speaking that helped him overcome his I think I can do it. In a love story unsurpassed, he also stammer to become one of the United I am sure he said to himself: A lot of met a woman who has been by his side States Senate’s all-time great orators, people said I couldn’t overcome certain for 40 years, Jill Biden. It is an incred- without any qualification. things, and I did, and I am going to do ible love story. JOE says it was love at JOE was an outstanding high school my best to overcome this race I am in. first sight. It was the same for his running back and wide receiver. His I am starting way behind. boys. JOE remembers the day that Beau coach said he had never seen anyone JOE and his family went at this as and Hunter came to him with the rec- with such hands. His coach saw in JOE hard as they could. They canvassed the ommendation: ‘‘Daddy, we were talk- what we all see, a hard worker who re- entire State. They pulled off an incred- ing and we think we should marry fuses to fail. His coach said: ible upset. JOE Biden was elected to the Jill,’’ not he should marry Jill. ‘‘We Joe was a skinny kid. But he was one of U.S. Senate. In every respect, JOE’s life should marry Jill,’’ a direct quote. the best pass receivers I had in 16 years as a has been unique. It has been special. JOE and Jill were married, and before coach. His election to the Senate was no dif- long, Beau and Hunter had a new sis- In college, JOE continued to display ferent. ter, Ashley, and a new mom. There is his athletic prowess, playing football The great Constitution that leads not a family that I know of who is any for the University of Delaware. this Nation stipulates that the person closer, more tight-knit than the This is quite a story. During spring must be 30 years old to be elected to Bidens. JOE BIDEN loves his family break, his junior year—JOE and I were the Senate. JOE was 29 on election day. above all else. He is a good Senator, a traveling from Indianapolis to Reno, He turned 30 2 weeks after the election. terrific Vice President, but he is a fam- NV, and he talked to me about this, Just a few weeks later, tragedy struck ily man. just the two of us. I will never forget and struck really hard. Neilia and their For the last 8 years as Vice Presi- that conversation. He and one of his three children were in a terrible car ac- dent, he has traveled the world, meet- college buddies had gotten a tax re- cident just days before Christmas. He ing with dignitaries in trouble spots on turn, and they were going to take a lit- had not been sworn in as a Senator yet. behalf of this country, oftentimes at tle vacation away from the cold of His wife was killed, their baby girl the direction of President Obama. He Delaware. They went to Florida. was killed, and Beau and Hunter were has done it with dignity—more than a Frankly, they didn’t like it. They had grievously injured—hospitalized, of million miles. a few dollars left over from their tax course. To say JOE was grief-stricken is As we have heard from the junior returns, and I believe they went to the an understatement. How can you de- Senator from Delaware, that pales in Bahamas. They got an inexpensive scribe how he felt? I am sure, as I have comparison to the miles he has trav- hotel. I was going to say ‘‘cheap,’’ but heard, he didn’t know what to do. He eled on Amtrak. He has traveled more I will say ‘‘inexpensive’’ hotel. had two boys to raise. He wasn’t a man than 2 million miles on Amtrak. He Right next to them was an exclusive of great means. He strongly considered: took the train home every night to hotel, and they noticed when the peo- I shouldn’t be sworn in to the Senate; Delaware. If we worked late, he would ple came out of the fancy hotel off that I can’t do this. go to a hotel here. If it had been nec- private beach, many times they would He had friends, people who didn’t essary, he would have gone more than lay their towels on the fence. JOE and know him who were Senators, who 2 million miles to take care of his boys his pal said: Well, those towels aren’t treated him as fathers. Without the and to be with Jill. even wet. They went down to that pri- help of Valerie, his sister, JOE BIDEN’s Vice President BIDEN’s time serving vate beach, and it was there that he life may have been completely dif- at President Obama’s side has been his- met a young woman by the name of ferent because with the support he got toric. He has been the President’s rock, Neilia, Neilia Hunter. I am sure that, from her, the encouragement he got his confidant, and his friend. I have just like Jill, she must have been a from Democratic and Republican Sen- been told that not by JOE BIDEN but by knockout to look at. She went to the ators, and the fact that she moved in, the President. JOE has had a stellar ca- University of Syracuse. She was on the took care of Beau and Hunter to re- reer as Vice President of our great dean’s list. She had been homecoming place their mom—she was there for 4 country. He has used his skills and his queen. years helping with those boys. experience to help shape American di- That was the beginning of the rela- JOE is a remarkable man. When I was plomacy. tionship that they had. JOE had been in the House of Representatives, he Vice President BIDEN is helping lead smitten. After graduating from the agreed to come to the house in Nevada the quest for a cure for cancer. His

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.048 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 Moonshot initiative is the most ambi- were considered in many ways lesser Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, it is an tious plan ever to accelerate cancer re- crimes—crimes in which the victim honor for me to rise and talk about our search. I say, through the Chair, to my was as much at fault as the perpe- friendship and what you have done for friend LAMAR ALEXANDER, that this trator. It was disgraceful. If you were this country. would not have happened but for the beaten, abused, sexually assaulted, you I rise today to pay tribute to a dedi- good man from Tennessee. faced a hostile, skeptical criminal jus- cated public servant, distinguished We know that JOE and Jill know tice system. That got at JOE BIDEN and leader, and dear friend, Vice President firsthand the pain and heartache his sense of justice, so he exploded the JOE BIDEN. caused by cancer and the toll it takes myths behind domestic violence. For more than three decades, I had on families. Tragically, just last year, I remember hearing the speeches the distinct privilege of serving along- Beau was diagnosed with terminal can- against sexual abuse and put together side JOE in the U.S. Senate. As anyone cer, which took his life. He was some- the strongest ever violence against who worked closely with JOE can tell body I knew well. He was an Iraq vet- women law on the books. Not only did you, he was no ordinary Senator. He eran. He didn’t have to go to Iraq, but the law make women safer; it made had boundless energy and undeniable he did. He was attorney general of the men better. It moved our society for- charm. He paired an unmatched work State of Delaware. ward. ethic with a disarming smile that Beau was a light to everyone who Our work on these issues is not near- dared you not to smile back. JOE’s in- knew him but especially to his family. ly over, but I am certain there are lit- nate ability to befriend anyone—and I Beau’s passing broke JOE’s, Hunter’s, erally millions of women who have mean anyone, including his fiercest po- and Jill’s hearts and, of course, their avoided pain and suffering—both phys- litical opponents—was critical to his sister’s. As with all the other heart- ical and mental—because of the cour- success as a legislator. His genuine sin- breaking challenges and setbacks, JOE age, the steadfastness, and the legisla- cerity endeared him to all, and his gre- BIDEN continues his life’s work. He is tive brilliance of the then-senior Sen- gariousness transcended partisan still the same kid that his coach ator from the great State of Delaware. boundaries. praised. His No. 1 asset is that he I could go on and on and almost write Even in the most polarizing debates, works hard; he does the best he can. a book on accomplishments like that JOE never let politics stand in the way JOE BIDEN continues to serve his where JOE almost singlehandedly of friendship. One minute JOE could be country, and he will continue after changed the world. He was also a great scolding you from the Senate floor, and January 20. He continues to do what is friend and leader to so many of us. the next minute he could be hugging right. And above all, he continues to I will conclude with one little story. you in the hallway, cracking jokes and love and take care of his family. I was elected to the Senate after 18 asking about your grandkids. I am, of I have been gratified to call Senator years in the House, and an issue I course, speaking from plenty of per- BIDEN a man of the Senate, Senator wanted to get going on was college af- sonal experience. It is no secret that BIDEN, Vice President BIDEN, JOE. He is fordability. I had run for the Senate on JOE and I often found ourselves on op- an awe-inspiring man, so Steven the promise of making college tuition posite sides of almost every major Spielberg, Hollywood, you should be tax deductible. So I get to the Senate, issue—that is not quite true. We agreed listening. JOE BIDEN’s life is that which introduce my bill, make my speech, on a lot of things. In countless legisla- movies are made of. and get ready to lead the way on what tive battles, JOE proved himself to be a I yield the floor. I thought was my issue. We have all ex- worthy political opponent and an able The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator perienced this. A call comes into my sparring partner. Whether on the Sen- from New York. office from JOE’s chief of staff. Of ate floor or in the Judiciary Com- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, it is course I spoke to him. ‘‘Mr. Biden has mittee hearing room, JOE and I locked such a pleasure and honor to rise to been working on this issue for 10 years. horns on a number of occasions, some- recognize a great son of Scranton—sit- Go work on something else.’’ That was times on a daily basis. Indeed, we were ting next to me, another son of Scran- the nice version. Naturally, me and my at odds about as often as we were on C– ton—a grandson of Ireland—sitting in brandnew office were in a panic. I was SPAN. this Chamber are many grandchildren chastened. I didn’t know what to do. I At the end of the day, I couldn’t help of Ireland—and a Syracuse University am sitting on the floor and feeling real- but admire the man. You see, JOE graduate. How many others in the ly forlorn. Why did I even come here? I BIDEN was beloved by everyone in this room can say that? More importantly was a senior Member of the House. I Chamber, even those he drove crazy than any of those, he is one of the most feel an arm on my shoulder, and I look from time to time, and I count myself dedicated public servants, one of the up. There is the revered and exalted among that group. Through his ability most successful public servants I have Senator JOE BIDEN. He says to me: I to forge friendship even amid conflict, ever had the pleasure to serve with understand you have your college tui- he embodies the ethos of a noble gen- during my time in Washington. tion tax deduction bill. Go ahead, take eration of legislators—a generation Everyone knows JOE is proud of his the issue. I know what it is like for that embraced the virtues of comity ancestry. His ancestors came from Ire- new Senators to carve their own path. and compromise above all else. I be- land, as many millions have. He is How many times can any freshman lieve this body—indeed, this Nation— deeply proud of being an Irish-Amer- say any senior Senator has said that to could learn from JOE’s example of ican. Like so many others from the them? They can’t because he is unique. kindness, courtesy, and compassion. Emerald Isle, our Vice President inher- Not only is he a towering figure and su- For 17 years, then-Senator BIDEN ited the gift of gab, and thank God for perb man, but he has a good heart and served as chairman and ranking mem- that because he has used his booming looks out for the Members of this body. ber of the Judiciary Committee, over- voice to speak out on so many issues. He always has, does to this day, and al- seeing some of the most significant We have only a little time today. I ways will because I know in JOE’s court appointments of our time. know my colleagues are eager to speak, heart, with all of his accomplishments, Chairing the Senate Judiciary Com- so I will just focus on one of the issues he is still a Senator—our Senator. mittee is no easy task. I know because that Senator BIDEN led the charge on Mr. President, I say to Mr. Vice I have been there. The committee and changed America. I worked with President, thank you. Thank you for boasts some of the biggest egos on this him on the Assault Weapons Ban and your heart and passion, thank you for side of the Potomac—or this side of the the Brady law when he was a Senator bringing every ounce of yourself to Milky Way, for that matter. It takes a and I was Congressman and we were public service, and thank you for that certain kind of political genius to navi- each head of the crime committees. lesson of humility and leadership you gate the assertive personalties and But maybe the thing he was proudest taught me when I first came to this lofty ambitions of its members, but of was the Violence Against Women Chamber. JOE was more than up to the task. As Act. It sounds like a different world, I yield the floor. both chairman and ranking member, he but a few years ago, a few decades ago, The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator was tough and tenacious but also de- rape and domestic violence and abuse from Utah. cent and fair. Through his trademark

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When President Obama tapped JOE at you as my senior Senator, and I am because you could run to the station in to be his Vice President, the Senate delighted to be your junior. 3 minutes and get on the train, where lost a seasoned statesman, but our Na- I think back to some of the things we you would go home to Beau and Hunter tion gained a wise and capable leader did together, Mr. President. I remem- and, later, Jill and Ashley—because with unparalleled experience in public ber when I was running for the Senate even though you were a leader in the affairs. in Vermont in 1974, and people told me United States Senate, and later Vice JOE was the administration’s bridge I was far too young to get elected to President, you were, first and fore- to Congress, often serving as an inter- the Senate at 34 years old. My prede- most, a father and a husband. mediary between the President and leg- cessor was somebody who had been You and I and Marcelle talked about islators. On more than one occasion, elected here when I was born and that this summer, when you came to his close relationship with lawmakers served there until I arrived. You put Vermont for the Cancer Moonshot. I and his deft negotiating skills helped your arm around me and you said, it told you what an important part of our our Nation to overcome some of its would be nice to have an older person lives you have been. You have gone greatest obstacles. He was the Presi- that I could look up to. I believe you through tragedy and glory, but you dent’s trusted emissary and an invalu- were 32, and I was 34. But that helped. have remained yourself throughout all able asset in helping Congress resolve Of course, little did I know until I of it. the fiscal cliff dilemma in late 2012— came here how closely we would work something I wasn’t sure we could re- And the memories of those evenings together. We served on the Judiciary when you let this Irish-Italian boy solve. He was also a brilliant ambas- Committee throughout that time. We sador for our country, leveraging his come in and sit as a member of the worked on such duties as Supreme Irish—we would speak of our values, we foreign policy expertise in meetings Court nominations, civil rights, and with leaders across the world. would speak of America, we would the criminal justice system. Then, speak of friendship. That is why I ad- I am deeply grateful for my friend when you were chairman of the For- JOE BIDEN. I have long admired his de- mire you, Mr. President, and I am glad eign Relations Committee, and bring- to be here on the floor with you. votion to his family, as well as his ing the rest of the world American val- grace amid suffering, and he did suffer, Mr. President, I yield the floor. ues—which happened to be JOE BIDEN The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator and I know it. I was here. Having expe- values—how I enjoyed traveling with from Arizona. rienced tremendous loss in his family you. life, he draws from a rich reservoir of I think of the time, Mr. President, Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I join empathy to connect with everyday when you and I, and our wives, Jill and my colleagues today in addressing a Americans. Ask anyone Vice President Marcelle traveled together. We had few thoughts directly to the occupant BIDEN has served: When you speak, JOE been good friends throughout all of of the chair, to commend his long and listens. He loves, and he cares. He is that time. I will take the liberty of honorable service to the United States perhaps the most personable public fig- telling one story. When the four of us and to thank him for his friendship. ure in American politics today. were in Paris, we had gone out to din- Mr. President—I know how much you In the nearly 8 years he has served as ner. It was a cold, winter night. We enjoy my calling you Mr. President— Vice President, JOE BIDEN has become were coming back. I think Marcelle you and I have served together in this a fixture of American public life. mentioned that the Eiffel Tower lights body for three decades. We have been Today, I wish to join my colleagues in up on the hour. You and Jill stood on friends for almost 40 years, since I was thanking Vice President JOE BIDEN for the Navy Senate liaison and used to his dedication to the American people. a bench and were hugging each other, the Eiffel Tower behind you. I snapped carry your bags on overseas trips. Although his tenure as Vice President I joked recently that I resented it is drawing to a close, I am confident a picture. Now, we had a close friendship. We never lied to each other, but ever since. But that was part of my job that his service to our Nation will only description—escorting and handling lo- continue. This is said by a Republican that was one time I lied to you because you asked me, ‘‘Where is the picture?’’ gistics for Senate codels, including who loves JOE BIDEN and believes he is making certain everyone’s luggage ar- one of the truly great people who I said, I think I lost it. I apologize. We were conspiring to print out that pic- rived at our destinations. Back then, served here in this body. some Senators, unlike the 100 egali- I just want JOE BIDEN to know that ture, and I know your wonderful wife gave it to you for a wedding anniver- tarians who occupy the Senate today, we all respect him, and I think most all could be a little haughty and high- of us love him. Those of us who have sary present with words to the effect that you ‘‘light up her life.’’ handed. A few held an exalted opinion worked with him really appreciated of themselves that exceeded the esteem how he would from time to time put Well, you lit up many, many lives. I think of our Irish bond of friendship, with which their colleagues and con- his arm around us, put politics aside, stituents held them in. If they paid any and speak the truth. stories I can’t tell. Some of those closed-door sessions with other Irish- attention to staff, it was only because JOE BIDEN is a wonderful man. I wish we had annoyed them somehow. him the absolute best as we go into the Americans, such as Pat Moynihan, But not my friend JOE BIDEN—he was future, and I will be there to help if he Chris Dodd, and Ted Kennedy, when we fair and courteous to everyone, even needs it. would have some holy water together. people who did not always deserve it. God bless JOE BIDEN. Somehow it came from Ireland. It was I yield the floor. usually at least 12 years old. And we He is always an example of how a pow- The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator would tell Irish stories. And after 42 erful person with character and class from Vermont. years here, I know the rules well treats anyone in a subordinate posi- Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I enjoy enough, I can’t repeat any of those sto- tion. He treats them with humility, as calling you by that title. I hope you do, ries here. But they were good ones be- God’s children, with dignity equal to too—because you know that you could cause it was a friendship and we his own. easily hold that title as President of worked together. We learned how to In the book ‘‘The Nightingale’s this body or President of the United bring in others from both parties. Song,’’ the late journalist Bob Timberg States—you have shown your qualifica- And, Mr. President, I remember you wrote about one military liaison offi- tions for either one. and others showing all of us how to cer, escorting a codel to Athens, who But let me speak about your role as find common ground, and we did things joined some of the Members in a tavern President of the Senate. It makes you together. And I respect you so much for a little after-hours merriment and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:19 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.052 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 was later observed dancing on a table- to remain the same good guy that you President have made a difference in top with Senator BIDEN’s lovely wife, were when you first got here. Thank America to millions of lives. Whether Jill. you, most of all, for your friendship. we are talking about coming out of a I don’t recall witnessing such an My life and the lives of many have been recession where we were losing 800,000 event myself, and I can’t testify to it enriched by it. jobs a month, making sure that Wall having actually happened. Neither can Thank you, Mr. President. Street didn’t make the same mistakes I imagine the temerity of that rascal, The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator again at the expense of businesses and whoever he was. He was lucky the Sen- from Illinois. families across America, or making ator whose spouse he made endure Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, there is sure that some father did not face the awkward moves he euphemistically a story about an Irishman walking heartbreak of a sick child with no called ‘‘dancing’’ was JOE BIDEN. Few down the street. He passes two guys health insurance. You made a dif- other Senators would have seen the who are fighting. He asks them: Is this ference in their lives. humor in it. a private fight or can anybody get into Just this week, there is the Cancer Many years have passed since we it? Moonshot. Who knows, Mr. Vice Presi- shared those adventures, and many Well, you know a little bit about dent, what will happen as a result of events have transpired, personal and that; don’t you, Mr. Vice President? that investment in your son’s name. public, that enriched our lives with the For 40 years or more, you have always But I sense that something good is rewards and disappointments, blessings been ready to fight for those who need- going to happen for a lot of people and challenges. We were still young ed a champion and never walked away around this country. I am glad that the when we came to the Senate. We are from a good fight for a good cause. BIDEN name is closely associated with old men now. Although you can’t tell Your public career has been marked by it. from looking at us, the Vice President so many amazing victories but also by Mr. President, there is an old story— is actually a little younger than me, unbearable losses and sorrows. You a joke—about the Pope. The story goes though we both passed the Biblical have had joys and passions, determina- that the day came when he said to his threescore and ten. tions and immense accomplishments. driver: You know, I haven’t had a This place, the Senate, has been cen- The list of your legislative achieve- chance to drive the car in a long time. tral to both of our lives. Here we work ments has been recounted on the floor Why don’t you sit in the back and I’ll together on our country’s challenges. today. One of them I am sure you are drive. Here we fought and argued over the most proud of is the Violence Against The story goes that the Pope started country’s direction. Here we com- Women Act. You made a big difference driving the car and started speeding promised and joined forces to serve the in the lives of so many people whom and got pulled over. This policeman public interest. Here we watched his- you will never meet, in protecting looked inside the car, then looked out tory made and made our small con- them and giving them hope in a hope- again, and looked back and said: Ex- tributions to it. Neither of us is the shy less circumstance. cuse me. He got on his cell phone and and retiring type. We both have been Between 1993, when your bill was he called the police station. He said: I known to hold a strong opinion or two. passed, and 2010, the rate of violence have an extraordinary circumstance When circumstances warrant, we would against intimate partners—almost all here. I have just pulled over a car with rather make our points emphatically women—declined by 67 percent in the someone very important in it. then elliptically. I know that JOE ap- United States. We often wonder here, They said: Well, who is it? preciates the adage that I have tried to when bills we take to law are passed He said: I don’t know who he is, but follow in my public life: a fight not and signed by the President, whether he has the Pope for a driver. joined is a fight not enjoyed. they can make a difference. We know The reason I remember that story is When we have had differences of that your unsparing effort when it that one time I was on Air Force Two opinions over the years, we have man- came to violence against women made with Vice President JOE BIDEN. We flew aged to make our positions crystal a significant difference. you home to Delaware. I was going to clear to each other, perhaps in the per- I had that in mind 9 years ago when catch an Amtrak train at Wilmington, sistent triumph of hope over experi- I was riding around Florida in a rec- and I asked you to drop me off. ence. We both still cling to the expec- reational vehicle. It was with my fel- You said: No, I’m going to take you tation that we can persuade the other low Senator from Illinois by the name up to the train. that he is mistaken. I think deep down of Barack Obama. He was running for So we get up to the train, and the we probably know better. President, and we were in the back of train is pulling in the station. You In addition to being regularly mis- this RV as he was cruising through look at what I have for a ticket and taken, here is what I have also known Florida. We were talking about poten- you said: That ticket is not good. You about my friend and occasionally spar- tial running mates, someone who could need a real ticket. I will get it for you. ring partner. He is a good and decent be his Vice President. You grabbed it and took off running, man, God-fearing and kind, a devoted We went through a short list. We with the Secret Service trailing behind father and husband, a genuine patriot came to your name, and I said to the you as the train pulled into the sta- who puts our country before himself. I soon-to-be President, then Senator and tion. I am thinking: Am I going to know, too, that it has been a great my colleague: You couldn’t pick a bet- make this train? Is he going to make it privilege to call him my friend. ter choice than JOE BIDEN. I know him back? You came running up the steps Mr. President, if I haven’t made clear as a person. I know him as a fellow with the Secret Service trailing behind to you over these many years how Senator. I know his heart. You would you while the train was stopped. All of much I appreciated your friendship and be blessed to have him on your team. these passengers were looking as the have admired you, I beg your forgive- He made that choice, even though at Vice President of the United States ran ness. We both have been privileged to the beginning, I am sure both of you up to me, handed me a ticket, and said: know Members of this body who were wondered: Is this going to work? It did. Go ahead and get on the train. legends in their own time and are re- It did for your purpose and for his and Now, the people on the train had no membered as important historical fig- for America’s. I am reminded of that idea who I was, but they knew if the ures. But I haven’t known one who was famous poet Seamus Heaney. He wrote: Vice President was carrying my ticket, a better man than you. You are an ex- History says, Don’t hope I must be somebody important. emplary public servant, a credit to On this side of the grave, Let me say one personal word. You your family, to the Senate, and to the But then, once in a lifetime and your wife Jill really embody what country. The longed-for tidal wave I consider to be the best of public life— On behalf of the country and the Sen- Justice can rise up, not only your commitment to people ate, thank you for your lifetime service And hope and history rhyme. who are less fortunate around the to America. Thank you for your exam- Obama-Biden—hope and history cer- world but your genuine sense of caring ple of how to represent your constitu- tainly did rhyme. The things that you and your good heart, both of you. I re- ents with honor and humility and how have been able to achieve with this call when my colleague Marty Russo of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.054 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6801 Illinois had a son who was sick with President of the United States and tion, and JOE picked himself up and cancer. There was one person who said: JOHNNY, I have got the mayor of was sworn in to his first term in the called every day to make sure that he Baltimore and the mayor of Philadel- U.S. Senate from his son’s hospital was doing well. phia going with me to Panama City room. Well, that is the way you not only next week to look at the deepening of Maybe they saw it last year when build a friendship but you build a rep- the Panama Canal. I know Savannah’s JOE’s son Beau, following in his fa- utation as not just a glad-handing poli- port is important to you. I know you ther’s footsteps to be an extraordinary tician but someone who really, really have been fighting with us to get the public servant and, more importantly, cares. I have been honored to count authorization you need to deepen the a wonderful father, lost a long and you as a friend. I am honored that the Port of Savannah. How about flying hard-fought battle with cancer. I know President whom I love chose you as his with me down there and let’s take a as a mother and grandmother myself Vice President. I am honored that we look at it and let’s do a press con- that I will never understand what JOE have served in the Senate together and ference together. And I did and he did went through. that I can tell my kids and grandkids. and we did, and today the Port of Sa- Mr. President, again, JOE picked I wish you the best whatever life brings vannah is being deepened to 47 feet. himself up and continued to serve our you next. Panamax ships will be sailing through country as a strong, dedicated Vice The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator it in 4 more years. I am convinced it President in the midst of a raucous from Georgia. would not have happened at the level of election season when Americans need- Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I rise the administration had it not been for ed him the most. JOE BIDEN’s commit- to pay tribute to a person who has had JOE BIDEN, the Vice President of the ment to his family, his struggles, and a tremendous impact on my life and United States but more importantly his service encompass what it means to my career in the Senate and also a tre- my friend. be not just Vice President and a bril- mendous impact on my country, the JOE, I don’t have the words to ade- liant husband and father but an Amer- United States of America. I still re- quately tell you how much I appreciate ican. member to this day the date and time you as a person and as a leader, but JOE grew up in a middle-class family MITCH MCCONNELL called me in 2007 there is a little poem I know that says who worked hard for everything they and said: Hey, we have an opening for a more about what you really are than had. He was just 29 years old when he Republican on Foreign Relations and anything I could say. ran for a seat in the United States Sen- nobody will take it. Will you take it? I’d rather see a sermon ate. I did not know if that was a benefit— Mr. President, you might have been a perk or whoever—but I said: Anytime Than hear one any day; I’d rather one should walk with me young, but you already saw what di- you are offered a gift, don’t look a gift Than merely tell the way. vided people in Delaware. horse in the face. So I did it. The eye’s a better pupil He also knew that people across the Two days later, JOE BIDEN saw me at And more willing than the ear, State also held the same hopes for the committee and said: I am glad you Fine counsel is confusing themselves and their families, and he joined our committee. I am glad to But example’s always clear; believed he could work through those have you. I have an opening on the Af- And the best of all preachers disparities. In an upset victory, he won rica Subcommittee. I can’t get a Re- Are the men who live their creeds, a seat in the Senate in November of publican to take it. Will you do it? For to see good put in action 1972. I said: Mr. BIDEN, I have never been Is what everybody needs. Since his swearing in, JOE has to Africa. I soon can learn to do it He said: Well, you will soon. How If you’ll let me see it done; worked every day on behalf of families I can watch your hands in action, about taking it? in Delaware and for the entire country, But your tongue too fast may run. especially the last 8 years. I did. I have been to Africa 12 times And the lecture you deliver since. It has become a passion in my When JOE lost his son to cancer, he May be very wise and true, launched a Moonshot for this genera- career, and I give Vice President BIDEN But I’d rather get my lessons a lot of credit for the influence he had By observing what you do; tion to end cancer as we know it today. on that. I also remember the day when For I might misunderstand you He is now working on behalf of every the mock swearing-in took place down And the high advice you give, family whoever lost a loved one to can- on the second floor, and I had my nine But there’s no misunderstanding cer to push forward on medical innova- How you act and how you live. grandchildren here to watch me being tions and discoveries. I am so proud sworn into the Senate. JOE, you have lived the life of a pa- JOE’s Moonshot is included in the final At the mock signing ceremony, JOE triot and you act like a gentleman. Cures bill we just voted on this after- stood there, and we all raised our hand, You are my friend, and may God bless noon and even more so that the Senate and we repeated the ceremony that we you and your family and thank you for renamed the provisions to support can- had done on the floor. Then JOE greet- your service to the country and your cer research in that bill to honor Beau ed each one of my grandchildren one by friendship to me. in calling it the Beau Biden Cancer one as they walked by. When little I yield back. Moonshot. We will now use those in- Jack, who was then 7 years old, The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator vestments to fight to cure cancer so we stopped, JOE BIDEN said: Jack, what do from Washington. can look forward to a world where no you like about the Capitol? Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President—and it family has to go through what the Jack said: Well, Mr. Vice President, is a pleasure to say that. Some may Bidens did and the devastation that there is no Lego store. know him as ‘‘the guy in the aviators’’ millions of other Americans have expe- JOE BIDEN said: The next time you deboarding Air Force Two or the man rienced after being touched by cancer. come here, there will be one. in the 1967 Corvette in the viral Inter- Mr. President, back when I was serv- I want to tell the Vice President that net video, gleeful, as he had the rare ing with the Presiding Officer, JOE, my he is coming on January 2 to see me opportunity to drive himself around in friend, in the Senate in 1994, I had the sworn in again. I have already bought his favorite car. pleasure of working with him to pass the Lego box. It is on the desk in my Mr. President, it is so clear that the the Violence Against Women Act, hideaway, and I am going to tell him American public has embraced this VAWA, as we know it. It was a land- that Vice President JOE made sure he grinning, approachable, unstoppable mark piece of legislation that changed had Legos when he came back to the life force known as Vice President JOE the way our country responded to do- Capitol. You know the real character BIDEN, but little do many Americans mestic violence and sexual assault. JOE of a man and the real credit to a man know of the heart of our Vice Presi- has come out as a strong advocate for is what influence he has on children. I dent. They have caught glimpses of it ending violence against women can tell you from that story, it is just in 1972, when his wife and daughter through his campaign, ‘‘1is2Many,’’ one of many that JOE BIDEN has had. were killed in a terrible car accident spreading awareness and working to On me, personally, I will never forget and his two sons severely injured. It is help reduce dating violence and sexual the day JOE BIDEN called me as Vice hard to imagine that kind of devasta- assaults among students, teens, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.055 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 young adults. And his ‘‘It’s On Us’’ ultimately led him to the second high- not only that I know you as my friend campaign has been a wake-up call to est office in the land. With his Cancer JOE, the people of Delaware know you the epidemic of campus sexual assaults Moonshot Initiative, JOE BIDEN once as ‘‘my friend Joe.’’ The fact is, your across the country. Women are safer again has turned personal tragedy into colleagues, both present and past, here today in America than they were 20 a public cause that undoubtedly will feel the same way about you and so do years ago due in part to JOE’s fearless save lives. the American people. leadership on these issues that affect To know JOE BIDEN is to admire him, You have a unique ability to make a too many in our Nation. his warmth, his devotion to friends and visceral connection to people. You ac- Despite everything he has been family, his commitment to all things tually connect to them, not only on through or maybe because of every- Delaware, and his fierce loyalty to his the abstraction of big ideas, of which thing he has been through, he gets party that somehow never alienated you were more than capable, but I back up and he fights on and he fights those of us on the other side of the think your connection was hand to on behalf of every family in our coun- aisle. Perhaps that is due to the many hand, heart to heart. I think when you try, and that is heart. That is heart, thoughtful gestures the Vice President talk with people, that is why you have the way he always wants to make peo- demonstrates every day. this visceral connection. ple happy, no matter what the cir- How well I remember bringing my Sure, you can debate the great ideas, cumstance. younger brother to the White House whether it is national security or eco- Last time he was in Seattle, he holiday party one year and running nomic growth, but it is that heart con- brought a little stuffed animal—a little into the Vice President just as he was nection you are able to make that I dog—to give to my granddaughter. leaving after a long day of work. He in- think has been one of your great, great Now, she is very shy, but the second he stantly stopped and asked if we would signatures. smiled and handed her that little dog, like for him to give us a personal tour We in Maryland know you as a neigh- she became his best friend ever, and of the West Wing of the White House. bor, the Delmarva gang from Delaware, she keeps it by her side, JOE. That is For the next 45 minutes, instead of Maryland, and Virginia. We also know why he is going to be missed, by his being driven home, the Vice President you as ‘‘Amtrak Joe.’’ I think that is colleagues and by the entire country, of the United States took my brother so fitting because not only have you because of his humanity. That is the and me on the best tour of the White been a champion of Amtrak and ridden JOE BIDEN I know and I want everyone House that anyone could ever have. I the train so faithfully—which has now else to know that too. still remember the shocked look on the become the stories of fact and fiction— It has been an honor to call JOE a fel- face of the marine at the situation but also Amtrak JOE is right because, low Senator, Mr. Vice President, but room when we arrived there. really, in the way you have lived your mostly a great friend. Another wonderful memory that I life, conducted yourself in public serv- I want to thank JOE for what he has have was of the time JOE BIDEN and I ice, you have kept America on track taught me and all of our colleagues were named Irish Americans of the and going in the right direction be- through his service and thank him for Year by the American Ireland Fund. I cause you knew what your destinations his extraordinary and inspiring leader- thought it was so telling that both of were. I salute you for that. You have ship throughout his life in the best of us brought our family members to the done a great job in everything you times and in the worst. JOE—and his celebratory dinner, and both of us have undertaken. aviators—will be sorely missed. talked about our Irish mothers. Now, I I know you because while others just Mr. President, I yield the floor. do remember that JOE’s speech was go for the pomp and they love the pol- The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator considerably better than mine, but icy—if I hear one more ‘‘I’m going to from Maine. mine was much, much shorter. dive deep in policy,’’ I am going to Ms. COLLINS. Thank you, Mr. Presi- In a time of almost suffocating par- shake my head. dent. tisanship, JOE BIDEN is a breath of bi- I am like you. I believe that we do In 1974, a freshman Senator from partisan fresh air. People may disagree need policies that help people, keep our Delaware named JOE BIDEN was identi- with JOE on 1 or 2 or even 10 issues, but Nation strong and safe, help our people fied as one of Time magazine’s ‘‘200 nobody finds him disagreeable. It is be able to help themselves, and make Faces for the Future.’’ That prescient often said that if you don’t love JOE sure there is an opportunity structure prediction anticipated the more than BIDEN, it is time for some serious here. But we are here to be champions four decades of contributions and ac- introspection. You may have a serious of the people. That is what you have complishments that followed. JOE problem. been, a champion of the people, and BIDEN served six terms in the U.S. Sen- No one can say with certainty what you have been a steady friend. ate and became Vice President of the lies ahead for Vice President JOE When I arrived in the Senate, I was United States, but he is exactly the BIDEN, but this much is certain: He will the only Democratic woman. I have same person today as he was when face the future with unbridled enthu- often said that, though I was all by more than 40 years ago he took that siasm, extraordinary energy, and an myself, I was never alone. I was sur- first train trip from Wilmington to unwavering commitment to his family, rounded by the good men in the Sen- Washington to be sworn in as a United his friends, and his country. ate, and particularly the Democrats States Senator. He is everybody’s I thank the Vice President for his reached out their hands and helped me. friend—but nobody’s fool. And while outstanding service to our country, but Of course, my very good friend Paul JOE BIDEN changed Washington, Wash- most of all I thank him for his extraor- Sarbanes, who is here today, was my ington never changed him. dinary friendship to me. I wish the senior Senator when I came and was It is an article of faith among those Vice President and his wonderful fam- my colleague and my champion, but of us who know and love JOE BIDEN ily all the best. you were right up at the top of the list that nothing is more important to him Thank you, Mr. President. too. I call the men who were so incred- than family. It is, therefore, a cruel The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator ibly helpful to me, Galahads. You help irony that this good and decent man from Maryland. me in every way you can. has faced so many family tragedies Ms. MIKULSKI. Thank you very In my time in the Senate, when I during his long and fruitful career in much, Mr. President and Vice Presi- reached out to you, you were always public service. dent. there. When I reached out to fight for Although he has been sorely tested Well, Mr. President, we all take women to be included in the NIH proto- by several wrenching losses, Vice pleasure in calling you that. Mr. Vice cols, you were there to help me. When President BIDEN’s irrepressible spirit President, Senator, foreign policy I reached out to fight against the has never been broken. He is as opti- guru, the Senator who was tough on skimpy and spartan money for breast mistic about his country today as he crime but a soft touch when it came to cancer research, you were there to help was in 1972, when as a county council- compelling human need, a longtime me. When we organized the women of man he defeated a long-serving Senate colleague, but most of all, I know you the Senate, the Democratic women, to incumbent and began the journey that as my friend JOE. My friend JOE. It is fight then-Bush on the privatizing of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:57 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.056 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6803 Social Security, when we said we was feisty. She was a delight. If there of thing that doesn’t happen enough these shouldn’t rely on the bull of political is anything spunkier, feistier, or more days in Washington, in politics, or in the in- promises while we fear the bear mar- delightful than an Irish mother, it is a stitution which Joe reveres, the U.S. Senate. ket, you joined right there with us, Polish mother. I wish you could have I first heard the name ‘‘Joe Biden’’ about 38 years ago. 1972—The first year Joe and I side by side, shoulder to shoulder. met mine. Those two would have been ran for national office. We shared a set of Whether it was equal pay for equal kindred spirits. friends and political teammates in progres- work or so many issues, you were al- Do you remember when the Pope sive politics, friends Joe and I have shared to ways there when we called upon you. came to Baltimore? The Pope was com- this day—and they shuttled between Wil- You were always such tremendous ing to Baltimore, and I told my mother mington, Delaware and Lowell, Massachu- help. I wanted to greet the Pope in Polish. setts, trying to help both us to victory. In I was also there to try to help you. I My mother’s response was: Oh, my God. that improbable year, I lost and Joe won— remember a day in the mid-1990s when I grew up in a family that before and weeks later tragedy intervened and I got a call from you. Maybe you re- World War II was bilingual. I was bilin- changed the trajectory of Joe’s life not as a Senator, but as a father and a person. I won’t member that, but I remember it. You gual as a child, but during World War forget reading his words back then: ‘‘Dela- said you really wanted to stop violence II we stopped speaking all foreign lan- ware can find another Senator, but my boys against women. You knew of my social guage, so my pronunciation is really can’t find another father.’’ We are all grate- work background, my advocacy for awkward. My mother made me practice ful that Joe was persuaded not to give up on what was then called battered women. Polish words, how to say hello to the public service, but to be sworn in, and to You said: Can you help me kind of go Pope and how to say goodbye to the rely—as the Bidens do in their remarkable over this legislation to make sure that Pope. way—on the closeness of family—of Val and the money goes to people who will help You and I were at the Baltimore- Jimmy in particular—to help him be both a remarkable father and a remarkable public those women and not to people who Washington airport. There goes the servant. just want to get grants? Pope in his popemobile. He is heading Twelve years as Joe was elected, I finally So we worked together. We talked up, he is getting on ‘‘Shepherd Two,’’ arrived in Washington—a junior Senator, about the need for shelters. We talked and you are saying goodbye: Goodbye second to last in seniority—and one of the about the reform of police, courts, and Your Holiness. first people to pull me aside and offer him- so on. Then you came up with that fab- I say: No, say it in Polish. You have self up not as a generational rival, but as a ulous, fabulous idea to have a hotline. a large Polish community. slightly older big brother ready to show me So it didn’t matter whether you lived I taught you how to say one simple the ropes was the then, senior Senator from in Delaware or in Des Moines or in San phrase, ‘‘sto lat.’’ In the tongue of my Delaware—two years older than me, Senator Joe Biden. Diego, there was always help on the ethnic heritage, when you say ‘‘sto lat’’ I loved serving with Joe—and I don’t just other side of that line. to someone, you say may they live 100 mean we served contemporaneously; we were I was so happy to work with you and years. friends and partners in so many efforts—en- to support you as you led that battle So, JOE, sto lat. vironment, civil rights, the empowerment of through—as only a good man could—to The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator women, foreign policy—and always—always stand for women who were being bat- from Delaware. with Joe Biden, whether you agreed or dis- tered in their own homes and facing Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I wish to agreed with him, no matter where you were danger. recognize the presence in the Chamber from in the country or where you stood ideo- Lately I checked on the statistics on logically, you knew exactly what you could of five former Senators—Senators expect: a person of conviction, a person of that hotline. JOE BIDEN, since that hot- Bayh, Harkin, Kaufman, Salazar, and character, a person who studied the issues line legislation passed, over 1.5 million Sarbanes—and to thank many Senators and never cut corners—and a Senator in the have called that hotline. Many of them who have asked that their comments best tradition whose word was his bond. were in lethal danger—lethal danger. be placed in the RECORD. For Joe, that’s a quality that’s deeply per- Because of you, JOE BIDEN, there are Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- sonal. The Vice President lives by a very old- thousands, if not tens of thousands, of sent to have printed in the RECORD, fashioned code of loyalty: You always tell women and children alive today be- given the lateness of the hour, the the truth, you never forget where you came cause you had the foresight and the lengthy and moving remarks that from, and your word is your bond. And I fortitude to create this legislation. can’t tell you how many times in the Senate former Senator and now Secretary of when I was listening to Joe negotiate or we That in and of itself would have been State Kerry has provided. were working on something he would say, ‘‘I enough for a career. But, oh, you did so There being no objection, the mate- give you my word as a Biden.’’And you knew many other things. rial was ordered to be printed in the you had a very special commitment that Now we know you are advocating the RECORD, as follows: would not be broken. That never changed when he became Vice President. national Cancer Moonshot, but you SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY have been a champion on finding the That code also guided his approach as a STATEMENT ON JOE BIDEN cure for cancer for a long time, wheth- legislator—not just in how he worked with DECEMBER 7, 2016 er it was for women with breast cancer his colleagues, but to how he approached the or others. I am so pleased that in that Mr. President: Almost four years ago this issues. I’d been a prosecutor back in the days winter, after almost 29 years serving in the when some people still argued that violence cloture vote we are going to include Senate from Massachusetts, and after five against women wasn’t crime—but it was Joe $352 million for that. So on issue after times the people of Massachusetts voted to Biden who was far, far ahead of the curve in issue, we were there. send me to Washington—my Senate col- the Senate—throughout the 1980’s and I know you have been a great leader, leagues were kind enough to vote to send me 1990’s—beating the drum on the Judiciary but I also know that behind great men away, but not far away, just up the street to Committee to pass a Violence Against there are also very terrific women. I the State Department. Women Act because there was no crime com- think we owe a salute to Jill. She is a So, as a prodigal United States Senator, I parable, as he saw it, in robbing a human wonderful woman, a leader in her own am especially grateful to Senator Coons for being of two things to which everyone is en- the privilege to share some thoughts about titled, two words Joe talks about often: dig- right, with a belief in higher education, my colleague of a quarter century in the nity and respect. a belief in working at the community Senate, and my colleague of the last four That is why he was so outspoken about the college level so people who had big years in the Obama Administration—the horrors happening in Bosnia and Kosovo— dreams in their hearts but not a lot of Vice President of the United States, Joe thousands of miles from our shores—and why money in their pockets could be able to Biden. That Senator Coons—who sits in the as one of those most powerful voices on the go on to college. What a champion she Senate seat which Joe held for almost thirty Senate Foreign Relations Committee he has been there and also what a cham- seven years—organized this remarkable trib- stood up to Slobodan Milosevic, looked him pion for our veterans and for our ute says something about Delaware—a small in the eye, and called him a war criminal. state where politics is personal, where cour- That’s Joe Biden—on issues of moral clarity, wounded warriors. Wow, she is just ter- tesy is still the currency—but it says much you know exactly where he stands. It is no rific. I know she has been at your side. more about the kind of friend and mentor surprise to me then that long before he There are so many stories I could Joe has been to Chris, and to so many of us served in Iraq, his beloved son Beau volun- tell, but I want to wrap up with one. I who have known the Vice President. It is, teered to go to Kosovo and do legal work met your mother. She was spunky. She simply, the right thing to do—but the kind helping victims find justice, helping victims

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.069 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 reclaim dignity through the judicial system. After I came to the Senate in 1992— ica, they had the right to be free from For the Bidens, this was an article of faith. known as ‘‘the Year of the Woman’’— violence and free from fear. Over the years, I had the privilege of trav- then-Senator JOE BIDEN invited me to JOE’s legacy as chair of the Judiciary eling with Joe overseas—often with Chuck Hagel and Lindsey Graham. I saw firsthand lunch at his office in the Russell Sen- is matched by his time leading the For- that when Senator Biden traveled overseas, ate Office Building. We sat at small eign Relations Committee. From atop it wasn’t government tourism, whether the table in his elegant office and discussed the committee, he was a forceful advo- Administration was Democratic or Repub- the importance of having a woman on cate for peace and stability around the lican, Joe always traveled with a construc- the Judiciary Committee, of which he world. He called for strategic arms lim- tive purpose in mind: To learn first-hand was chairman at the time. itations with the Soviet Union, helped about foreign leaders and other perspec- This was in the wake of the Anita secure peace in the Balkans, helped tives—to forge relationships—and to advance America’s cause. In long flights and long Hill hearings, and there were no women bring former Soviet bloc states into meetings headed into places like Afghani- on the committee. It was a real honor NATO, called for U.S. action to end the stan and Pakistan, again and again I saw when JOE BIDEN asked me to join. He genocide in Darfur, and spoke out someone who leads by listening, who leads then asked Senator Carol Moseley against failed policies in Iraq. by learning, and who speaks with convic- Braun to join, giving the committee He was also a critic of the CIA’s de- tion—wherever the place, whatever the lan- two women for the first time. tention and interrogation program and guage. Serving on the committee with him, backed our efforts to release the tor- Joe’s leadership as Vice President has been a terrific asset on domestic issues, and his I noticed immediately that he had a ture report. During heated debate, JOE fluency in the ways of the Senate a special commanding presence. As I watched made the argument simple and easy to tool called upon at many key moments by him chair the committee, I was im- understand: America will be stronger Leaders McConnell and Reid. But as Sec- pressed by the passion he displayed by saying the following: ‘‘This was a retary of State I’ve been particularly grate- while working to slow the drug trade, mistake, we should not have done what ful for the role he has played on foreign pol- protect women from domestic violence, we’ve done and we will not do it icy. Joe believes to his core that American and help advocate for a ban on assault again.’’ diplomacy isn’t about admiring problems— weapons. These were issues that I, He was right, and our Nation is it’s about solving them. When thousands of unaccompanied children showed up on our along with millions of other Ameri- stronger for having the courage to southwestern border, Joe Biden worked with cans, felt strongly about, and we had a admit that. Congress to provide funding to help Central champion in JOE BIDEN. JOE BIDEN’s willingness to speak the America’s leaders make the difficult reforms During discussions about a proposed truth is one of the many reasons Presi- and investments required to address the re- crime bill in 1993, I told JOE I was dent Obama tapped him to be his run- gion’s multifaceted challenges—because he working on an assault weapons ban. ning mate. The President knew JOE knew the security and prosperity of Central This was in the wake of a mass shoot- would discuss every issue with the America are inextricably linked with our own. As the conflict in Ukraine has pressed ing in San Francisco that shocked me. same frank honesty—whether he was on, Joe has worked hard—not only to keep I told JOE we had at least 48 votes and offering counsel in the Oval Office or the Minsk deal in place, but to encourage I wanted to introduce it as an amend- chatting with someone on the train and help the government of Ukraine take on ment to the crime bill. He laughed—a ride back home. corruption and make necessary economic re- big raucous laugh—and said, ‘‘Well, President Obama relied on his Vice forms that will help Ukraine flourish and you’re just a freshman. Wait till the President to oversee the recovery after thrive in the years to come. And again and gunners get to you.’’ the worst economic recession since the again, in our breakfasts at the Naval Observ- He may have had his doubts, but he Great Depression. He was tasked with atory and in phone calls from far flung places, he always encouraged me to keep was a staunch supporter of the amend- implementing the American Recovery pressing—to speak up and speak out, and to ment, and with the help of President and Reinvestment Act, the Ready to fight—even inside the Administration—for Clinton and CHUCK SCHUMER in the Work Initiative and to chair the Mid- the policies I believed in, even when he House, we were able to secure bipar- dle Class Task Force. didn’t agree. That’s Joe Biden. tisan support and pass the amendment. JOE BIDEN was the perfect choice for We still joke about a trip that we took It was a proud day for me when it was the job. He is the product of his Catho- with Chuck Hagel to Afghanistan back in lic faith and the values instilled in him 2008. We went up to a forward operating base signed into law. up in Kunar province. And our helicopter, on JOE was right about the gunners, growing up in Scranton. Those same the way back, got caught in a snow squall in though. The gun lobby did come after values that he carried throughout his the mountains. And our pilot found himself us, and they continue to oppose com- career in Delaware and into the Vice effectively snow blind, and suddenly we were monsense gun laws today. Presidency. banking and heading down and braced for an During that debate and in every fight He is a tough individual who has emergency landing on this snow-covered since then, JOE BIDEN has been faced adversity that would knock a road high in the mountains near Bagram staunch, impassioned, and a committed lesser man down; yet through it all, Airbase. And Joe Biden turned to Hagel and me and he offered an alternative. He said, partner. JOE never wavered from his commit- ‘‘Maybe we could keep the helicopter aloft if That crime bill was a monumental ment to serving others. the three of us just started to give a speech.’’ piece of legislation. In addition to our To those of us who have had the But laughter aside, on that frozen mountain- assault weapons ban, it put 100,000 pleasure of working with him and to top, as we waited to be rescued, you learn more cops on the street, protected chil- millions of Americans, JOE BIDEN is a the measure of a person. And throughout dren from dangerous predators and in- good and honest man who simply wants that time, what Joe kept coming back to cluded a very important piece of legis- to make the world a better place. was the gift of family, and the privilege of lation: the Violence Against Women After 44 years in this Chamber, the public service. America has known Vice President Biden Act. last 8 as the President of the Senate, in moments of great triumph and also on oc- It has been two decades since JOE in- JOE can leave knowing he has accom- casions of immeasurable pain. We revere the troduced the Violence Against Women plished just that. The world is a better dignity with which he carries himself Act. In that time, domestic violence place thanks to you, and it is grateful through all of it. We admire him. We love rates have decreased by 64 percent, for your service, JOE BIDEN. him. And above all, we thank him—a great conviction rates for abusers increased, Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, for more Vice President, a ‘‘Senate man’’ still to the and 3.4 million women and men have than 30 years, Vice President JOE core, and someone I know I can call on and count on as a friend long after we both leave been helped by the National Domestic BIDEN has held a big place in my heart. office on January 20th. Thank you, Sen- Violence Hotline. Through thick and thin, he trusted me ator—Mr. Vice President—‘‘Joe’’—and I Beyond the numbers, JOE changed to be his partner in so many fights, and know you will carry on in contribution to the debate around domestic violence I will be forever grateful to him. the cause of country. with enactment of this bill. States and JOE first impressed me after he took Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, localities changed outdated laws. Vic- a stand against the Reagan administra- today I wish to honor JOE BIDEN, the tims were given courage to speak out tion’s support of South Africa when it 47th Vice President of the United and seek help, and millions of women was still in the depths of apartheid. So States. felt empowered knowing that in Amer- when he asked me to help organize

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.026 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6805 women for his 1988 Presidential cam- Who could ever forget his long his- then as the Vice President of the paign, I was all in. tory of fighting for community polic- United States, to save the auto indus- While that race wasn’t meant to be, I ing and to strengthen the bonds be- try back in 2008. fell in love with JOE’s vision of ‘‘re- tween police officers and their commu- You know that the only way we suc- claiming the idea of America as a com- nities? ceed is if we do everything we can to munity’’ and his beautiful, persistent No one has fought harder for the support and grow America’s middle optimism and hope—qualities we all things he believes in than JOE BIDEN— class, which you have done your entire still love him for today. no one—and there is nothing that he career. I cherished our time serving in Con- will not do for the country he so deeply There are countless instances over gress together, and I was so honored loves. your 40 years of service when you were that he asked me to carry the Violence Love of country is second only to the on the right side of history: when you against Women Act in the House. JOE love JOE has for his beautiful family. led the passage of the Violence Against was determined to put the spotlight on When he talks about his incredible Women Act; in your work as the chair this quiet epidemic—and he has been wife, children, and grandchildren, you of the Judiciary and Foreign Relations doing just that ever since. know they are his guiding star. Committee; through your wise counsel I took 5 years, but President Bill It is because of this love that we have as Vice President and your ability to work with us to get so much done over Clinton finally signed VAWA into law all come to know and adore JOE, and in 1994. It was one of JOE’s many monu- for that same reason, it is why our the last 8 years; with Dr. Biden, who is here today, for your work supporting mental achievements. hearts broke for him over the profound, By then, I had won election to the Michigan’s military families and com- unspeakable loss of his son, Beau. All U.S. Senate where JOE played a major munity colleges; and now in your effort of America mourned with JOE. role in one of my own biggest personal to cure cancer through the Cancer He had every right to stay down, but accomplishments: the Dolphin-Safe Moonshot. JOE is as resilient as they come. He tuna label law. Well, if I am being hon- Early on in your career, you said likes to tell the advice that his father est, it was his then 8-year-old daugh- that the work that we do here allows gave him as a child: ‘‘Champ, when you ter, Ashley, who got him involved. us to ‘‘literally have the chance to Schoolchildren across the country get knocked down get up. Get up.’’ shape the future—to put our own stamp were boycotting their tuna fish sand- Well, JOE always gets up. He gets up on the face and character of America, wiches after learning that dolphins again and again and again. to bend history just a little bit.’’ I could be killed as tuna was caught, and And we are all so fortunate that he would believe, as every one of my col- Ashley was begging her father to take does because, from the U.S. Senate to leagues does, that you have done more action. the Office of the Vice President, JOE than bend the future of America ‘‘just I was so proud that JOE chose to has never stopped fighting for the a little bit.’’ partner with me on a bill that required things he believes in—for civil rights, You have changed this Nation and companies that sell dolphin-safe tuna women’s rights, worker’s rights, eco- you have changed this Senate for the to prove that dolphins were not hurt in nomic fairness, a world-class education better. the fishing process. Like any good fa- for our kids, health care for all, and a There is a great quote from a poet I ther, JOE wanted to show Ashley that safe and peaceful world. know that you admire very much, Wil- he would come through for her—and he JOE has taught me so much, and I am liam Butler Yeats. did. so proud to call him my forever friend. It is a piece of advice that he gave Our bill became law in 1992, and it is Many of you know that I love to re- out frequently to young writers. It estimated that it saves tens of thou- write song lyrics. goes: ‘‘Think like a wise man but com- sands of dolphins every year. This is what I wrote for JOE: municate in the language of the peo- JOE also served as an extraordinary Joe is a many splendored thing. ple.’’ chairman on the Foreign Relations He is tough and smart and strong and wise. Yeats—like you Mr. President—un- Committee, where I am a member. He Winter, fall and spring. derstood that the best way to reach was gracious and respectful, listening He’s for kids and health and child care. people is by appealing to their heart, to every viewpoint, but he also wasn’t Our Joe will always be there. meeting them where they are. A smile, a glow, And I think, moving forward, we afraid to speak up and take charge. I It’s not for show, it’s true. have to remember that we all have to thought he was very courageous to Joe worked with us for years and years, reach people’s hearts and strive to point out a better way to solve the And there is no sleep for our busy Veep. serve as well as you have. civil war in Iraq, and I was so proud to He has hope not fears. Thank you for your service to this stand with him. Whether guy or gal, Senate and to the American people. For all of these reasons, and so many Joe is our pal. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, it And this we know is true, more, it is no surprise that President is fitting that JOE BIDEN ascended from Barack Obama chose JOE BIDEN to Joe Biden, colleagues, All love you. Senator to Vice President—or as the serve as his Vice President. office is known around here, President Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I And it is no surprise that JOE will go of the Senate. down as one of the most effective Vice join my colleagues today in honoring JOE was elected to the Senate as a Presidents in history because of his you and thanking you for the incred- very young man. We have heard JOE warm, open relationship with President ible devotion you have shown to the talk about how hard it was after losing Obama. They have spent a great deal of United States Senate and to express his wife, Neilia, and baby daughter, time together, exchanging thoughts my deep respect for you—respect that I Naomi, in an automobile accident, just and ideas, and JOE was one of the key know the people of Michigan share. weeks before he was to be sworn in, to advisors who influenced President You have been a longtime friend to come to Washington and assume his Obama as he successfully confronted me and to the people of my home duties. He credits his older colleagues horrific challenges, such as: two wars; State. One thing we have always had in like Mike Mansfield, Ted Kennedy, the worst recession since the Great De- common: our parents were both in the Danny Inouye, Hubert Humphrey, Fritz pression; and rising violence in our automobile industry. As of course you Hollings, and Rhode Island’s Claiborne communities. know, your dad was a car salesman, Pell, who opened his Washington home Who could ever forget JOE BIDEN’s and my father owned an Oldsmobile to the young Senator, with convincing immense respect and gratitude for our dealership. him to stick it out, just for a few men and women in uniform and their So we have both known, from the months. families and his determined fight to very beginning, how critically impor- Well, he did more than stick it out. bring them home safely? tant American manufacturing is for so He dove in. The Senate saved his life, Who could ever forget how he shep- many people in Michigan and across he has said, in that time of grief. And herded the Recovery Act through Con- the country. in return, he gave his life to the Sen- gress—a near impossible feat in this We worked together, both when you ate, serving the people of Delaware for polarized political climate? were the Senator from Delaware and more than three decades.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:19 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.027 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 JOE BIDEN presided over Supreme I thank him for his faithful service Obama’s foreign relations trouble- Court nomination hearings as chair- and for his enduring example. And I shooter. man of the Judiciary Committee. He wish him and Jill great happiness in From my service on the Foreign Re- shepherded the assault weapons ban the adventures to come. lations Committee, I have a keen ap- and the Violence Against Women Act. Mr. UDALL. Mr. President, I wish to preciation for the complexity of for- He served also as the chairman of the pay tribute to Vice President JOE eign policy matters in today’s world. Foreign Relations Committee, facing BIDEN, a man who has dedicated his life JOE’s foreign policy is at once prag- down dictators and championing nu- to serving our country, working across matic and sophisticated. He has stal- clear nonproliferation. the aisle whenever he can, and always wartly promoted peace and non- He is, of course, recognized in Senate doing his best to get things done for proliferation. But he understands the lore as a particularly strong speaker the American people. need for military force when national and debater. From his familiar perch in I am proud to have known and ad- interests are at stake, diplomacy is not the back row of the Chamber, JOE mired JOE a long time. I first met JOE an option, and such action will bear in- would hold forth on the merits of legis- toward the end of his first campaign tended results. lative proposals and the positions of for the Senate, in the fall of 1972. My JOE recently summed up what can be his colleagues. If the Chamber was father, Stewart Udall, had been called called the Biden Doctrine in Foreign empty of Senators, he would even turn to Delaware to help the young Demo- Affairs. He identifies the broad themes and deliver his speeches to the captive cratic candidate with environmental of Obama foreign policy strategy and audience in the staff gallery behind issues. I tagged along with my dad and advises the next administration. The him. spent a day on the campaign trail with essay should be required reading for But JOE can always be counted on for a man who would come to spend 36 dis- anyone serious about foreign policy, telling it like it is. Not long ago, he tinguished years in the Senate and be- and I hope the new administration was in my home State of Rhode Island come our 47th Vice President. takes his advice to heart. to tout needed infrastructure projects. The following summer, I worked as a While JOE’s legislative accomplish- Now, Rhode Island has one of the high- staffer in his Senate office—writing ments are too many to list, I would est rates of structurally deficient constituent letters, researching policy like to underscore one achievement bridges in the Nation, and my senior issues, preparing press materials. That that has made a difference in my home Senator, JACK REED, and I have worked was my first job in the Senate. State of New Mexico—The Violence hard to bring Federal resources to bear In so many ways, JOE Biden is the Against Women Act. in addressing that need. But JOE put it same person now as then—caring, pas- As chair of the Senate Judiciary no uncertain terms. Standing under sionate, energetic, tenacious, and Committee, JOE drafted VAWA and led the East Shore Expressway Bridge on ready and able to get things done. the charge for enactment. Passed in Warren Avenue in East Providence, the JOE gave me my first Senate job, and 1994, VAWA reordered how the Federal Vice President cried, ‘‘For 10 years this January—44 years later—he swore criminal justice system handled rape, you’ve had Lincoln logs holding the me in for the 114th Congress. damn thing up! No, I mean go look at sexual assault, and domestic violence I note that Senators from across our it. The press went and looked at it. If cases. VAWA gave victims needed pro- country—from both parties—have lined everybody in Rhode Island watched the tections and strengthened prosecutors’ up to speak to JOE’s character and ac- news tonight and saw that, they’d try tools. complishments. We respect him as a to go around the damn bridge!’’ I was attorney general of New Mexico Whatever his style or accomplish- colleague, and we love him for his pas- in 1994. In the wake of VAWA’s passage, sion and commitment to public service. ments, JOE will always pin his success I formed the Violence Against Women in the Senate on the personal relation- JOE has never forgotten his blue col- Task Force. We got strengthened ships he forged so deeply and so sin- lar roots. He has never forgotten our antistalking laws passed in the New cerely, with ideological allies and country’s working class. JOE has Mexico Legislature in 1997. strange bedfellows alike. ‘‘Every good fought all his life to make sure the While VAWA was easily reauthorized thing I have seen happen here, every working class gets a fair shake. He and strengthened during the 2000s, re- bold step taken in the 36-plus years I sounded the clarion call in the last authorization became difficult in 2012. have been here, came not from the ap- months and weeks of the Presidential As Vice President, JOE was instru- plication of pressure by interest campaign—that we not forget working mental in breaking impasses. groups, but through the maturation of families and, more broadly, America’s VAWA represented a sea change for personal relationships,’’ he said in his middle class. how our society addresses violent 2009 farewell speech. ‘‘Pressure groups In his words, ‘‘The middle class is not crime against women. can and are strong and important advo- a number; it’s a value set. It’s being The law was reauthorized and cates. But they’re not often vehicles able to own your house and not have to strengthened in 2013, and now extends for compromise. A personal relation- rent it; it’s being able to send your kid protections to gay and transgender per- ship is what allows you to go after to the local park and know they’ll sons, immigrant women, and on-res- someone hammer and tong on one issue come home safely. It’s about being able ervation Native Americans. and still find common ground on the to send your kid to the local high Like JOE, I am a husband and father next.’’ school and if they do well they can get of a daughter. I am proud to have voted That is why JOE BIDEN was uniquely to college, and if they get to college, in favor of reauthorization. well suited for the one job in this coun- you can figure out how to [pay to] get We all know that JOE has faced deep, try with one constitutional foot in the them there, and when your mom or dad personal tragedies. But he has con- executive branch and the other in the passes away, you can take care of the fronted tragedy with courage and love legislative. He was at the center of a other who is in need and hope your for his family and with an unimagi- number of high-stakes compromises be- kids never have to take care of you. nable determination to keep working tween the White House, Congress, and That’s JOE BIDEN’s definition of the for the American people—turning his the two parties. And every once in a middle class, and the middle class has own losses into ways to help others. while, he still got to vote. been clobbered.’’ JOE and his equally capable, deter- ‘‘Except for the title ‘father,’ ’’ he JOE championing the working and mined, and indefatigable wife Jill have said, ‘‘there is no title, including ‘vice middle class helps my State of New brought new energy and urgency to the president,’ that I am more proud to Mexico, helps all of our States. fight to cure cancer. The Cancer Moon- wear than that of United States sen- His policy expertise is broad and deep shot has already had many successes. ator.’’ JOE BIDEN is a great father to but maybe in no area as much as for- JOE turned the premature death of his Hunter and Ashley, and to Beau, whose eign policy. He has spent decades work- son into actions to help others with passing last year was felt by the entire ing on international matters—as a cancer. Senate family. He served honorably as member of the Senate Foreign Rela- This week, the Senate that JOE gave Vice President. But he will always be tions Committee, as the committee’s so much to gave something back, send- the pride of the Senate. chair or ranking member, as President ing the 21st Century Cures Act to

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The Vice President has also consist- initiatives in the Cures Act after Beau I recall a dinner the Vice President ently advocated for the leadership role Biden. attended at my home where, before he the United States plays in the world. JOE BIDEN leaves the Vice Presi- greeted a single guest, he made sure to Over the years, Vice President BIDEN dency, but he will never leave the fight spend time with my children—greeting has lent his diplomatic hand to U.S. for all Americans—Black, Brown, them and engaging them in a real con- engagement in development and secu- White, poor, working class, middle versation. They have never forgotten rity in places like Eastern Europe and class, gay, straight, Muslim, Chris- that. the Northern Triangle countries of tian—everyone—fighting for what is And, as the meal was ending, the Central America. He has worked tire- right, fighting to make sure we all Vice President said he wanted to hear lessly to strengthen our partnerships have a fair shot. from each of our guests. Now, this may across the globe, in places like Asia, JOE’s heart is as big as they come. I come as no surprise to those of you Europe, and the Middle East, in an ef- honor his decades of work, commit- who know JOE BIDEN, but he actually fort to further U.S. interests and the ment, and accomplishments, and I look spoke at some considerable length values upon which our Nation has forward to JOE continuing being JOE— about how important he thought it was thrived. the same guy I met in 1972—working to hear from everybody who was there. When he was in Denver this past Sep- hard every day to make a difference in Two and a half hours into a dinner tember to speak at the Korbel School, the lives of all Americans. scheduled to last just 90 minutes, I the Vice President warned against Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, today I think one guest got to ask the Vice ‘‘turning inward.’’ JOE has no capacity wish to honor the contributions and President a question. to turn inward in any walk of life. His the long and colorful career of Vice I know Vice President BIDEN and his career is characterized by reaching President JOE BIDEN—the pride of exceptional partner, Jill, will continue outward to the American people and to Scranton, PA—and of Wilmington, to be engaged in the life of our Nation, the world, working to listen, collabo- DE—and the pride of the entire United so I will simply thank him today for rate, heal, and serve. We can all learn States. four decades of public service—and a lot from that open and inclusive ap- JOE BIDEN lived, learned, and grew up pledge my continued respect for his proach. among hard-working Americans in the many contributions to this great Na- We are grateful for the Vice Presi- 1950s and 1960s, when everything in tion which he loves so completely. dent’s leadership and example. I thank America seemed possible—and it was. Thank you, Mr. Vice President. him and his incredible family for their Remarkably, this gifted orator grew up Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I want service to our Nation. with a crippling stutter—a challenge to join in honoring Vice President Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I which he overcame through determina- BIDEN’s lifetime of service and sacrifice would like to pay tribute to an incred- tion and perseverance. He displayed to our country. ible leader, public servant, mentor, and that same uncommon strength after he Throughout his career, Vice Presi- friend. lost his wife and daughter in a horrific dent BIDEN has carried out his work It seems impossible to place a period car accident just weeks after being with a sense of humility, integrity, and on the public service career of JOSEPH first elected to the United States Sen- authenticity that often seems missing ROBINETTE BIDEN, Jr. ate. in today’s politics. So perhaps this is just an ellipsis. Vice President BIDEN considered giv- He served as either chairman or For 36 years, JOE BIDEN was a tow- ing up his seat to tend to his injured ranking member of the Senate Judici- ering presence in this body. As a mem- children. It is one of this country’s ary Committee for 17 years. In this ca- ber, ranking member, and chairman of great fortunes that JOE BIDEN decided pacity, he crafted the Violence Against the Foreign Relations Committee, he against that. Scarred by the tragedy Women Act, which provided critical dove headfirst into the most chal- and by a close brush with death himself new protections to victims of domestic lenging issues in a volatile world, shap- and more recently by the loss of his violence and sexual assault. The landing a generation of U.S. foreign policy. son Beau, the Vice President has shown mark bill also supported local law en- He tackled arms control issues, stood us the power of and the comfort de- forcement to help increase prosecu- up directly to Slobodan Milosevic, rived from a deep personal faith. tions and convictions of abusers. He fought against apartheid in South Afri- When he was first elected to the has continued this legacy by serving as ca, and strongly advocated for NATO United States Senate in 1972, he was the White House Adviser on Violence bombing of Serbia in the 1990s. He once only 29 years old. And in a Senate ca- Against Women. called his contribution to ending the reer spanning 36 years, Senator BIDEN Most recently, he led the White Yugoslav wars one of the ‘‘proudest left behind a legacy as chairman of the House’s efforts on the Cancer Moonshot moments’’ of his political career. For Senate Foreign Relations Committee. initiative, which seeks to hasten our years, he worked to shape our policy in Perhaps his greatest achievement was advances in cancer research, preven- Iraq and the Middle East. He did so not his tireless advocacy for civil rights, tion, and treatment. Earlier today, the just from his Washington office, but especially the protection of women and Senate passed a bill to help make the through regular visits to warzones, children from domestic violence. The Cancer Moonshot initiative a reality, where he met face to face with military passage of the Violence Against Women which is a further testament to the leaders and enlisted men and women, Act in 1994 is an enduring Biden legacy Vice President’s leadership and char- alike. This is JOE BIDEN’s legacy. which we will continue to build upon acter. As a member and chairman of the Ju- for years to come. The Vice President’s involvement in diciary Committee, Senator BIDEN And now, even as he is about to retire the Cancer Moonshot initiative was spearheaded the Federal assault weap- from political life, Vice President born out of the death of his son, Beau, ons ban, presided over Supreme Court BIDEN has taken on a new cause: to find who lost his battle with brain cancer confirmations, and—in perhaps his a cure for the disease which has last year. The Vice President also grap- most significant legislative triumph— claimed too many millions of Ameri- pled with tragedy at a young age when authored the Violence Against Women cans, including his beloved son, Beau. his first wife and his 13-month-old Act. The Cancer Moonshot has refocused daughter were killed in a car accident. For generations, violence against and reinvigorated our Nation’s efforts The poise, dignity, and humility that women was a private matter—a trag- to eradicate this devastating disease, the Vice President has been able to edy suffered over and over by women and I was proud to support renaming maintain in the face of these tragedies with no recourse against abusive part- the legislation to honor Beau Biden. speaks to his strength and his char- ners. VAWA brought this scourge out

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He This year, after the loss of his be- called the National Domestic Violence came to Washington on the shoulders loved son Beau, JOE harnessed his grief Hotline and gotten the support they of his family, which fanned out across to spearhead a new Cancer Moonshot need. From 1994, when VAWA became Delaware and knocked on doors until initiative to accelerate finding cures law, until 2010, the rate of domestic vi- there were no more doors to knock. for cancer. olence in the United States has fallen When tragedy struck—between his im- This past Monday night, with JOE by 64 percent. These are real accom- probable election victory and his presiding, we named this initiative in plishments and real people—not just swearing in—and he suffered the un- memory of Beau. statistics. This is JOE BIDEN’s legacy. imaginable loss of his wife and infant After Monday’s vote, JOE said that it And, as everyone knows, he did it all daughter, his family pulled him closer. made him realize all of the support he commuting daily from and to his be- He stayed by the hospital beds of his has had since Beau’s passing. loved Delaware. two sons, Beau and Hunter, and nursed In the face of his own loss, JOE has Then he got a job that included ac- them back to health, questioning all supported countless other families in commodation in Washington, DC. along whether he would ever serve in similar situations. JOE BIDEN has transformed the job of the Senate. I will remember JOE for this incred- Vice President. A key liaison to Con- But this body—this Senate—pulled ible empathy. gress because of his years of relation- him closer, too. Senators Inouye, This year we lost our colleague and ships on the Hill, JOE BIDEN stood Mansfield, Humphrey, Hollings, and friend Congressman Mark Takai of Ha- shoulder to shoulder with President Kennedy all pleaded with him to give waii. Obama and brought our economy back the Senate a chance: ‘‘Just six months, I affectionately called Mark my from the brink. Vice President BIDEN JOE. Just stay six months.’’ younger brother, and his passing was a was tasked with implementing and He stayed 36 years. And he learned shock to many of us. overseeing the American Recovery and lessons about character and motives— JOE joined us to honor Mark at a me- Reinvestment Act, which laid the foun- lessons we are all still learning today. morial service here in the Capitol. dation for a sustainable economic fu- He learned from Mike Mansfield never Reflecting on his own life, JOE spoke ture we are experiencing today. to question another man’s motive— directly to Mark’s wife, Sami, and his He also tackled longer term eco- question his judgment but never his children, Matthew and Kaila: nomic challenges, traveling the coun- motive. It was a lesson that bridged di- I promise you that the day will come when try in support of American manufac- vides that too often keep us apart. The Mark’s memory brings a smile to your lips turing jobs and working tirelessly to lesson made for lasting friendships before it brings a tear to your eye. rein in the exorbitant cost of college with Jesse Helms and Strom Thur- My prayer for you and your family is that and spiraling student loan debt. JOE mond—whose eulogy he delivered. they come sooner rather than later. But I promise you. I promise you it will come. BIDEN believes in his bones that all JOE BIDEN arrived in the Senate after Americans deserve a fair shot. a 1972 campaign heavy on civil rights. Like so many times in his life, JOE’s That is why he was an early advocate Years later, the centerpiece in his Sen- words spoke to our hearts. for marriage equality. He accelerated ate office was a large table that had be- From his own experience, he com- change, forcing a conversation that, at longed to Senator John Stennis, forted the Takais and so many of us its heart, was about love and the sim- around which Senator Richard Russell who knew Mark. ple premise of all men and women and Southern segregationists had That is who JOE is—a man of empa- being equal. planned the demise of the civil rights thy and soul, who always had a kind His belief in a fair shot for all is why movement. In 2009, JOE BIDEN became word, and who will leave a legacy of Vice President BIDEN devoted incred- Vice President to our first African- commitment to doing the right thing, ible energy after the Sandy Hook American President. and a legacy of hope. shooting to sparing other families the The arc of the moral universe is long, JOE, you will be missed. heartbreak felt by too many in New- but it does indeed bend toward justice. Mahalo for your service. town. Some of the most challenging We have not seen the end of JOE Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I days of the Obama administration were BIDEN. Just this week, he presided over would like to join with my colleagues days of mass shootings. this body as we took an important step to honor Vice President JOSEPH R. Aurora, San Bernardino, Orlando, toward realizing the dream of the Can- BIDEN. Fort Hood, Charleston, Tucson, and of cer Moonshot—an ambitious project to Though I did not have the privilege course Newtown—to anyone who has end cancer as we know it. to serve with Vice President BIDEN been active in the push for common- It is another effort that has profound while he was a Member of the Senate, sense gun safety measures—as I have— personal meaning to the Vice Presi- I have long admired JOE and his sincere the Vice President’s steady hand, com- dent, who lost his son Beau to this hor- commitment to the people of this mitment, and leadership in this space rible disease. It is also a place where country and especially to those in his have been obvious. Along with the JOE BIDEN’s work will have lasting, in- beloved home State of Delaware. President, he has comforted families, delible effect on Americans—indeed all The details of JOE’s early years are devoted countless hours to healing, and of humanity—if he is successful. well known to this body and to the Na- contributed energy and ideas to a And that is JOE BIDEN’s legacy. tion, but because they are so central to years-long push that will eventually af- He brought people together. He tack- his character, they bear repeating. fect real change and keep the most le- led the impossible. He overcame obsta- After an upset win of a U.S. Senate thal weapons out of the hands of the cles. He bridged divides. Tireless and seat at just 29 years old, JOE experi- most dangerous people. fierce, JOE BIDEN put family and coun- enced a tragedy that most of us cannot And that will be JOE BIDEN’s legacy. try first. We cannot ask for more than even begin to fathom—the death of his Vice President JOE BIDEN was taught that. wife, Neilia, and his young daughter, early on by his parents that hard work Ms. HIRONO. Mr. President, I rise to Naomi, in a car accident just weeks be- mattered, that how you treat others join my colleagues to pay tribute to fore he was set to take office. A now- matters, and above all else that family Vice President JOE BIDEN. iconic photograph shows a young JOE matters most. Throughout his career, JOE has made countless contributions being sworn into office at his sons’ hos- he had a rule in his office: if one of his to our country throughout his more pital bedside. children, his wife Jill, or a sibling than 40 years in public service and six A tragedy of that magnitude, so called, staff was to pull him out of a terms in the U.S. Senate. early in JOE’s career, would have been

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:57 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.059 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6809 reason for most to put on hold—or even ciated more with political rancor than briefly: Senator ALEXANDER, Senator end—a promising future in public serv- authenticity, JOE has long been a CARDIN, Senator CASEY, and Senator ice. Indeed, no one would have faulted breath of fresh air, an homage to a KAINE. My senior Senator, TOM CARPER JOE had he decided that the demands of more amicable past. His ability to get of Delaware, will conclude this session the work he was set to undertake were things done while making steadfast today. not worth pursuing after the unimagi- friends on both sides of the aisle is a I yield the floor to the Senator from nable loss he had just experienced. But, model for all of us and an inspiration Tennessee. from the depths of his sorrow, JOE sum- to me. The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator moned the courage to press forward, I wish JOE and his wife, Jill, nothing from Tennessee. committing himself to his two sons and but the best as they move onto their Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, to his work fighting for Delaware in next adventure. I know in times of knowing there is a reception coming, I the U.S. Senate. Committed to caring trial, I will look to JOE’s leadership will try to set a good example. After for his young family in the wake of and example for the wisdom to make hearing a speech, my late friend Alex such loss, JOE would take the train the right decision. Haley, the author of ‘‘Roots,’’ said: from Wilmington to Washington each Mr. Vice President, on behalf of the May I make a suggestion? day the Senate was in session. people of Maine, I thank you for your I said: Well, yes. During his 36 years as a member of service to our country. He said: If, when you make a speech, this body, JOE distinguished himself as Ms. WARREN. Mr. President, today I you would say ‘‘Instead of making a a thoughtful, principled leader on a join my colleagues in celebrating the speech, let me tell you a story,’’ some- number of critical issues. JOE’s leader- many contributions of Vice President one might actually listen to what you ship on the Senate Judiciary Com- JOE BIDEN, a man who has spent his ca- have to say. mittee put him at the center of some of reer fighting for working families. I have always remembered that, so the most consequential debates in re- For more than four decades, Vice let me tell one short story about a Vice cent years, from passage of the 1994 President BIDEN has tirelessly served President who knows how to get things Crime Law to the enactment of the Vi- the people of Delaware and the United done. olence Against Women Act. In his role States. As many of my colleagues have Nearly 2 years ago, you and Presi- on the Senate Foreign Relations Com- already noted, he has been on the dent Obama invited Senator CORKER mittee, JOE garnered the respect of frontlines of some of our Nation’s and me to go with you to Knoxville lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as toughest battles—from steering the when the President announced his com- he helped to shape U.S. foreign policy. Foreign Relations and Judiciary Com- munity college program. Before that, His leadership in both of these areas, as mittees, to introducing the Violence we had lunch privately, and we talked well as the respect of his colleagues in Against Women Act and championing about many things, but the President Congress, made JOE a natural pick to efforts to reduce gun violence in our talked about his interest in precision join then-Senator Obama as his run- communities. He takes on every fight medicine. ning mate in 2008. with restless energy and relentless op- I said: Mr. President, we are working As Vice President, JOE has been a timism. on something we call 21st Century trusted adviser to President Obama I first met then-Senator BIDEN back Cures. Why don’t we fold that into your and has been tasked with overseeing in the 1990s when I was a law professor precision medicine interest, and we significant initiatives within the ad- with no experience in the ways of will do it together. ministration. From his work on the Washington. We tangled over an issue, At the State of the Union address a economic stimulus package in 2009 to each of us laying into the fight with year later, the President talked about his continued leadership in the fight determination. Senator BIDEN won, and the Cancer Moonshot and announced against sexual assault and domestic vi- I lost. Years later, when I next saw Vice President JOE BIDEN would be in olence, JOE has brought to the White him, he held out his arms and shouted charge of that. So I talked to you and House his characteristic dedication and from halfway across the room, ‘‘Pro- said: Well, we will just fold that in as charisma. It has been a pleasure to ob- fessor! Come here and give me a hug!’’ well. serve the real friendship that the Vice He had not forgotten our earlier bat- It wasn’t moving along as fast as I President has forged with President tle, but he made it clear that he con- would like because, as you know and as Obama, one grounded in mutual re- tinued to think and rethink issues most people here know, it is full of dif- spect and admiration for one another. about working families and that, even ficult issues—FDA, safety, moving We saw again last year JOE’s when we disagreed, we could respect— things though, drug companies’ incen- strength in the face of adversity when and even like—each other. And when I tives, and then the funding issue on cancer claimed the life of his son, was later sworn into the United States both sides of the aisle. Beau. Like his father, Beau Biden was Senate, I thought about the example he So I called you and I said: JOE, we are a gifted communicator, and the Nation set to fight hard, but to treat each not moving as we should. mourned alongside JOE at the news of other with respect. You said: Well, let me see what I can his passing. In the aftermath of Beau’s The Vice President has faced down do. death, JOE accepted the President’s hardship with exceptional grace and And you held a meeting of the Demo- charge to lead the Cancer Moonshot courage, and he continues to wake up crats and Republicans in the House— initiative to accelerate cancer re- every day with a steadfast commit- Senator MURRAY and me—and you search—yet another shining example of ment to ensuring that the voices of or- moved us along pretty well and off we JOE channeling his experience with loss dinary Americans are heard here in would go. You didn’t take credit for into advancement for the public good. Washington. And for me personally, he that; nobody knew much about it. You It is a fitting testament to JOE’s lead- has provided encouragement, wisdom, were the key to that. ership that the cancer provisions in the and good counsel, time and again—and Then it got stuck again. So I called bill currently under consideration in for that, I am truly grateful. you again. I said: JOE, I have the preci- the Senate, the 21st Century Cures Act, So, Vice President BIDEN: those of us sion medicine, I have the Cancer Moon- were renamed in honor of Beau. I know here in the Senate are fortunate to shot, we have the BRAIN Initiative, we of few people who have endured the have had the opportunity to work have the opioids money, but I can’t get magnitude of loss that JOE has over the alongside you. And I know I speak for a response. I feel like the butler stand- course of his life, and the fact that he millions of Americans when I say that ing with a silver platter outside the carries on every day with a full heart we all are enormously grateful for your Oval Office, and no one will take the and renewed dedication to fighting for many years of service to this country. order. the American people is an inspiration. Thank you, and I wish you the very You said: If you want to feel like a Beyond his accomplishments—which best as you begin the next chapter of butler, try being Vice President. are many—JOE is perhaps best known your life and career. Well, the fact was, you went to work for his good humor and genuine ability Mr. COONS. We have five Senators again. The President called; he went to to connect with people. In a city asso- remaining who have asked to speak work. Speaker RYAN went to work,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:40 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.061 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 Senator MCCONNELL went to work, and very difficult issues, your openness, resentatives. JOE’s sister Valerie ran today that legislation on which you your willingness to listen, and your the campaign; most of the other worked so hard passed the Senate with ability to find a way to go forward ‘‘staff’’ were other family members. He 94 votes. That is an example of a man were incredibly helpful. I think it al- demonstrated his extraordinary ability who understands the issues, who knows lowed the Senate to do the right thing to connect with voters and won the how to get things done, and who has on that issue—as well as the oversight. election by 3,162 votes and became the the respect of everyone in this body. I thank you very much. sixth-youngest Senator in U.S. history. This is Pearl Harbor Day. Pearl Har- That wasn’t your only opportunity to Just a few weeks after the election, bor Day reminds us of the greatest gen- help us resolve issues. You have heard JOE’s wife and their infant daughter eration of men and women who cared Members talk about the Violence Naomi were killed in a traffic accident; about the country, didn’t care about Against Women Act and how important their two young sons, Hunter and Beau, the credit, resolved their differences, that was. The Cancer Moonshot is were seriously injured. JOE was sworn and realized that diversity is impor- going to be incredibly valuable. Each in to the U.S. Senate next to his sons’ tant but turning that diversity into one of our families has been affected by hospital beds and steadfastly began one America is even more important. cancer. Through your efforts, we know commuting to Washington from Wil- You are not of that generation, but you we are going to find the answer to this mington every day by train, a practice show the same spirit as that genera- dread disease. You have done this in so he maintained throughout his career in tion did. Your work on 21st Century many different areas, law enforce- the Senate. Cures and the fact that the Cancer ment—the list goes on and on. In 1977, Vice President BIDEN married Moonshot section is not only some- Last year I was in Central America. I Jill Jacobs. Jill has a Ph.D. in edu- thing that is your initiative—is named think there you could easily run for of- cation and is a lifelong educator. To- for your son—is important not just to fice and have no problems at all. They gether, JOE and Jill had daughter, Ash- you but to all of us. know what you have done to give them ley, who is a social worker. You are a friend of every single one a hope, to give them a future. You take JOE’s affinity for the people of Dela- of us. We honor you today. We are dean interest in an area and find a way to ware was reciprocal: he was re-elected lighted you came down to let us tell a be helpful that I think has made our to the Senate six times, including in few stories about your effectiveness as country stronger. You have given hope 2008 when he was also elected Vice Vice President of the United States. to people all over the world. President. The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator You have a love for people. You hear In February of 1988, JOE was admit- from Maryland. that. You hear that often. It was Will Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I also Rogers who famously said he never met ted to Walter Reed Army Medical Cen- wish to join in thanking you for your a man he didn’t like. That is true of ter. He had an intracranial aneurysm that had begun leaking. The situation incredible service. Senator MIKULSKI JOE BIDEN. It is incredible. talked about a lot of things you have I remember when I was being sworn was dire, a priest had actually adminis- done. The two of us represent the State in, in the ceremony in the Old Senate tered last rites at the hospital. The of Maryland. Other than the two of us, Chamber, you not only talked to Mem- surgery was successful but he suffered there is no other Senator who has bers of the Senate, you talked to every a pulmonary embolism and had to un- spent more time in Maryland than the member of our families. I don’t know if dergo another operation, which was Vice President. you had the best staff work or not, but successful, in May 1988. Two brain op- Admittedly, most of that time was you knew every Member’s family. To erations might slow down most people, spent on an Amtrak train, but we con- this day my grandchildren talk about but not JOE. Two years after he nearly sider you to be a resident of Maryland. the conversation they had with you died, he won re-election to a fourth We have tried to find a way to tax you, during that swearing-in ceremony. You Senate term. but we will let you get by. We very really care about people, and that real- JOE’s Senate career wasn’t just long; much appreciate your interest in our ly shows. This is a family here, and you it was distinguished. He became the entire region and in our entire country. have truly shown that to us. Myrna Ranking Member of the Judiciary When I was elected to the Senate in and I look at you and Jill as people Committee in 1981. Three years later, 2007, I talked to Senator Sarbanes—the who are part of our family. he helped to steer the Comprehensive person whom I was replacing in the I think you are, perhaps, the most Crime Control Act to passage. It was Senate—about committee assignments, ebullient politician in America. Hor- the first of many major legislative ac- and we talked about the Senate For- rific family tragedies and life-threat- complishments which included the Vio- eign Relations Committee. He said: Get ening cranial aneurysms severely test- lent Crime Control & Law Enforcement on the committee. JOE BIDEN is an ined, but ultimately didn’t diminish, Act of 1994. That bill contained the as- credible leader. Any time you can your faith in God or your love for the sault weapon ban and the Violence spend with him is going to be time well ‘‘retail’’ aspect of politics—meeting Against Women Act, and it established spent. and greeting people, making those the Community Oriented Policing I talked to Senator MIKULSKI, and human connections. Services (COPS) program. she told me the same thing. I was hon- Mr. President, for those who may not JOE’s accomplishments on the domes- ored to be able to serve on the Senate know your story, I would like to tell tic policy side are impressive, but he Foreign Relations Committee and saw them part of it. JOE BIDEN was born in also became a foreign policy expert. firsthand your extraordinary leader- Scranton and raised there before his When Congress refused to ratify the ship on behalf of our country. But parents moved the family to Delaware. Strategic Arms Limitation Talks bringing us together in that com- He was the first member of his family (SALT) II Treaty Soviet leader Leonid mittee, you didn’t know who the to attend college. He earned his B.A. Brezhnev and President Jimmy Carter Democrats and who the Republicans from the University of Delaware and signed in 1979, JOE met with Soviet were. We worked together in a unit in then went to law school at Syracuse Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko. He the best interests of our country. That University, during which time he mar- was able to secure changes to the Trea- really was a model for all of us in the ried his college sweetheart, Neilia Hun- ty to overcome the Senate Foreign Re- service of the Senate and service on be- ter. They had three children—two sons lations Committee’s objections. He has half of our people. and a daughter. played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. A little over 8 years later, I became a In 1972, just four years after JOE foreign policy ever since. I was honored ranking member of the Senate Foreign graduated from law school and when he to serve on the Foreign Relations Com- Relations Committee, and we had some was just 29 years old—he ran a bare mittee for the last 2 years JOE served extremely challenging issues that bones, longshot campaign for the U.S. as Chairman. I have been honored to could have divided us. You helped me Senate against the incumbent, Caleb work with him in his current capacity through that period. I really wish to ‘‘Cale’’ Boggs, who had previously been as Vice President to expand the North thank you for that. Your extraordinary Delaware’s Governor and had served Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, leadership in helping us resolve some three terms in the U.S. House of Rep- to include the former Warsaw Pact

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:40 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.070 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6811 countries of Eastern and Central Eu- means to be able to stand on the floor justice. His whole public life could be rope and support a sovereign, demo- and talk about his record, his life, his summarized in that word and the com- cratic Ukraine. He is a champion of achievements, but mostly to talk mitment he has had to justice. We Israel and has been one of the principal about who he is. could quote from the Bible: ‘‘Blessed architects of administration’s rebal- When I consider what he has contrib- are they who hunger and thirst for jus- ance to the Asia-Pacific. He has devel- uted to our country, to his State, and tice, for they shall be satisfied.’’ I am oped deep relationships with the world to the world, it is difficult to encap- not sure JOE BIDEN has ever been satis- leaders by excelling at face-to-face di- sulate it. I tried to jot down a few fied yet with justice. He is always pur- plomacy. notes to remind myself of how best to suing it, always trying to bring justice Mr. President, we were all devastated encapsulate that life. to a problem or to a situation or to the when your beloved son Beau lost his I guess I would start with the word life of a fellow citizen. battle with brain cancer last year. ‘‘integrity.’’ It may be a word that we We think of what Saint Augustine Beau was just 46. It was a poignant mo- take for granted, but it is a word that said about justice a long time ago, but ment on Monday when you were in the has to be part of the life of a public of- it still bears repeating: ‘‘Without jus- Chair, presiding over the Senate as we ficial. I would say in the case of JOE tice, what are kingdoms but great voted to invoke cloture on the motion BIDEN, he has the kind of integrity that bands of robbers?’’ That is what Saint to concur in the House message to ac- is uncommon—uncommon not because Augustine said hundreds of years ago. company H.R. 34, the 21st Century it is a rare trait but uncommon be- JOE BIDEN has lived his life as a public Cures Act. The bill contains provisions cause it is so much a part of his whole official and as a man, as a citizen, with to implement the administration’s life. He was a public official with integ- that same burning desire to bring jus- ‘‘Cancer Moonshot’’—yet another one rity, and we hope he is again when he tice into the dark corners of our world. of your sparking accomplishments. I might consider public office again. But And he knows that without that jus- want to commend Senator MCCONNELL he is also a person of great integrity tice, someone is, in fact, robbed of so and the majority for renaming that when it comes to the fights he has had much—robbed of their dignity, robbed title of the bill the ‘‘Beau Biden Cancer to wage on behalf of people without of their safety, robbed of a full life. Moonshot and National Institutes of power, the work he has had to do as a But I think I would say that maybe Health (NIH) Innovation Projects’’. I public official infused with that kind of the best line, with all due respect to know it means a lot to you and your integrity and, at the same time, the the Scriptures and to Saint Augustine, family. same kind of integrity we expect from was one my father said. He wrote it I have made my lifetime serving in a family member and a friend. So I down years ago, but he probably gave public life. You have made that profes- would start with that word. maybe the best description of what a sion an honorable profession through Certainly the word ‘‘compassion’’ public official should be about. I am the manner in which you have con- comes to mind. Every one of us can tell not sure I have ever attributed this to ducted yourself, your integrity, who a story. I was hearing stories just yes- anyone else but him. He said the most you are, and the way that you bring terday from a colleague about a phone important qualities a public official people together. I am proud to have call the Vice President made over the can bring to their work are two things: served with you in this body. last couple of years to someone who No. 1, a passion for justice—which, of Mr. President, you have been an ex- was grieving, who was in the depths of course, JOE BIDEN has in abundance— traordinary public servant for nearly the darkness of grief, and the phone and a sense of outrage in the face of in- half a century. You have also been a call he made to that person. justice; that if you have both of those, dedicated family man and a good I have heard stories over the years on most days, you are going to get it friend. I said at the beginning of my re- about not just phone calls but visits right. And his life as a U.S. Senator for marks that you never met a man you with people, stopping into a funeral 36 years, as Vice President for 8 years, didn’t like. I don’t think anyone who home for a long lost friend who had and as a citizen for all of those years has ever met you didn’t like you, too. lost a loved one, letters he has written. and more, has been about that passion Congratulations. I know a personal friend who lost his for justice and a sense of outrage in the The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator wife and his sons had lost their mom face of injustice. from Pennsylvania. and what the Vice President wrote to We all know his record; we don’t have Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, it is an them just this summer. Over and over to recite all of it. From the Violence honor to be here today. I was thinking again, he has demonstrated that kind Against Women Act, which we know is about what I would say today and mak- of compassion. an acronym—VAWA—but it doesn’t do ing it as brief and as personal as I I can remember my own case in a justice to the name of what that could. I have to say that on a day like very personal way. It was only an elec- meant. So many today have talked today it is difficult. We all have the tion loss. I ran for Governor of Penn- about how he saved the lives of women privilege of being able to go to this sylvania in a primary. As many of my and families because of that legisla- floor on a regular basis to talk about colleagues know, primaries are par- tion. So from VAWA to ARRA, as we issues, to talk about our country, and ticularly difficult. I lost badly. No one call it—the American Recovery and Re- to talk about the world, but we also called on Wednesday after Tuesday. investment Act, the act that helped dig have one of the great privileges to talk One reporter showed up at my door, this economy out of the ditch it was in about those with whom we have served and I opened the door and I really and rescued this country and improved and for whom we have great respect. couldn’t say much to this reporter, but the lives of so many people—he not This is one of those moments. It is of I was grateful she was there. But I got only worked to get it passed, but then great significance for me that I am one phone call on Wednesday—maybe a he made sure it was implemented. It able to stand on the floor of the Senate couple of family members; I come from might be the most popular piece of leg- as a native of and as a resident of the a family of eight. I think my wife was islation 25 years from now when people city of Scranton in Lackawanna Coun- talking to me, but other than that, the really appreciate what happened with ty to talk about a son of Scranton. only person who called me was JOE the Recovery Act. I know this is a pretty big day for BIDEN. He made some kind of grand From diplomacy, to law enforcement, Delaware—Delaware’s No. 1 citizen and prediction—I thought he was just being to not just supporting our troops, not on this historic day for Delaware. But nice—that I would somehow come just working on legislation and sup- I have to say I am so grateful to be back. But he was right. And he made porting them not only when his son able to say on behalf of the people of me feel much better that day. He may was a member of our Armed Forces but Scranton and Lackawanna County in not remember it, but I will remember long before that, to what he did very Northeastern Pennsylvania how proud that for the rest of my life. specifically to protect our troops—we we are today to be able to pay tribute I think certainly when we think know the scourge of IEDs, which was to Vice President JOE BIDEN. about the Vice President, we could cen- the No. 1 killer of our troops in Iraq There is so much to say about that ter on another one word: ‘‘justice’’—an and in Afghanistan. A lot of those history, so much to say about what it abiding and enduring commitment to troops’ lives were saved because of JOE

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:16 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.029 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 BIDEN up-armoring vehicles and doing preciated. That, of course, is why he is State that day when Senator JOE BIDEN all the work he did to protect our such a big fan of the Nelson household, was running for Vice President with troops. not only of Grace and Nan Ellen but our President, Barack Obama. So whether it was national security also of Bill Junior. He always treats I received a call in the middle of the or security on our streets, whether it our children with respect and goes out morning: There was going to be a sur- was protecting women who would be of his way. prise visit to a polling place in Rich- the subject of abuse or helping children In Florida, fortunately we had the mond. After having voted in Wil- or improving our economy—on and good fortune of seeing him a lot in his mington, Senator BIDEN was going to on—we could talk about that record. two campaigns as Vice President and make a stop in Richmond and wanted But just as you can’t just list achieve- then the campaign for the ticket in to meet some voters before he headed ments in a record and encapsulate this last campaign. I can remember to Chicago to await the election re- what it means, so the same is true of a those days. It was so cold in a horse sults. We gave him the address of an el- 36-year career in the U.S. Senate and pasture west of Ocala. And I can re- ementary school polling place that was then 8 years as Vice President. member recently just absolutely cook- very near the Richmond Airport, and I Lincoln probably said it best. Lincoln ing in North Palm Beach on the stage raced there with my security detail to said, ‘‘It is not the years in your life in the hot sun, and JOE was always get there a few minutes before he ar- that matters, in the end, it is the life there making the case for whoever it rived for a surprise visit with voters in those years.’’ And that is, I think, was he was standing up for. who were going to love having the true of JOE BIDEN as well. Of course, he always made you feel chance to meet the soon-to-be Vice Two more points. One of the best that you were welcome. I remember President. I got there a few minutes be- qualities of the Vice President as a one time we got off an airplane, and he fore Senator BIDEN arrived, and I saw a man especially but also as a public offi- was going to his limousine and I am friend who had come to vote. I asked cial is his sense of gratitude. If you going back to the guest van in the how he was doing. He said: I am doing knew him for half an hour or for your back. He motions, I am to come with great. I am really excited about voting whole life, you know that almost al- him. I said, ‘‘Mr. Vice President, I today. And it is also a special day be- ways he is speaking about people in his never presumed that I should come cause I have a nephew with sickle cell life who made him who he is today, here.’’ He says, ‘‘I always want you anemia and he is casting his first vote, whether it is his mother and father or here with me when we are traveling to- but he is so sick, he can’t even get out whether it is his whole family, includ- gether.’’ That is what makes him so of the vehicle. ing brothers and sisters and his sons special. I watched the election officials at the and daughters and, of course, Jill. It is Finally, I want to comment about polling place take a voting machine a reminder of how grateful we should Moonshot. Why is the effort at cancer from inside the school into the car so be. In so many ways, when you hear research called the Moonshot? It is be- that his 18-year-old nephew could cast JOE BIDEN speak, his speeches tend to cause we achieved what was almost the the first vote of his life. I saw this be, on many occasions, a hymn to grat- impossible when the President said we young man, the nephew of my friend, itude, and that comes through all the are going to the moon and return safe- and he was very ill. time. ly within the decade, and America mar- I said to my friend and his nephew: We know how much he suffered with shaled the will and in fact did that in- Can you wait here for 5 minutes? Be- all of the losses he has sustained. I was credible accomplishment. That is why cause I think we can do something talking to him recently at an event in we are going to have the Moonshot for really exciting. Scranton about his son Beau and his cancer. What? life and what a patriot Beau Biden was. We have already made so much Well, just wait. I think today we can say the following progress; but now, with the former And they said they would. about the Vice President: This is a man Vice President of the United States Within 5 minutes, Senator BIDEN who was a great, great Vice President. heading up all the efforts where we can came up to meet voters and shook the This is a man who was a committed keep the attention on NIH, so it hands of those in line. I said: Senator, and very effective U.S. Senator, but doesn’t go from a level rocking along there is a young man here, and just as maybe most important, he has been a about $24 billion, $25 billion a year, and this day is very important to you, be- faithful son, a loving and proud hus- the stimulus shoots it in the first 2 cause I think you are about to be elect- band and father, and a patriot. years of the Vice President’s office up ed Vice President of the United States, Thank you, sir, and God bless you. to $30 billion a year, then it drops down for this young African-American male, The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator to $24 billion, $25 billion, and Dr. who is very ill but extremely excited from Florida. Francis Collins has to cancel 700 of the even in his illness to get out of his Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, these medical research grants that he has al- house to come here and cast his vote to speeches were just supposed to go on ready issued. Because we have the elect the first African-American Presi- for 1 hour, and we are already at the 2- Moonshot headed by JOE BIDEN, we are dent—he is sitting there in that vehi- hour mark, but perhaps, since we are going to find the cure for all those cle. Will you go and visit with him? honoring you, this is most appropriate. kinds of cancer. That is the great leg- I didn’t even have to finish the sen- I would say to our colleagues and our acy that the Vice President of the tence and put the question mark at the guests, you say the name among us of United States will have. end before Senator BIDEN shot across JOE BIDEN, and a smile automatically Mr. President, I yield the floor. the parking lot and went up to the ve- comes to our lips, and that is because The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator hicle. The press corps was following the Vice President is a lover of people. from Virginia. him. The young man was sitting in the That is true. We know it is true. And Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, I rise in back seat. JOE just jumped in the front that is why today we have this genuine honor of your service. seat, closed the door, rolled up the win- affection being expressed. I just want to tell my favorite JOE dow so nobody could hear the conversa- Since the hour is late, my remarks BIDEN story. This is a story the Vice tion, and the press corps gathered are going to be very short, but I just President has heard me tell, but I want around all four sides of the vehicle want to highlight that it is very true it on the Record because everyone with their cameras taking pictures of and it is very characteristic. I can even should know this story. It is the story Senator BIDEN in an extremely ani- tell all of the stories of the Biden fam- of an interaction between our Vice mated and somewhat lengthy conversa- ily because I have heard them so much. President on one of the most important tion with the 18-year-old who had just It is also very true that if you are days of his life and a young man from cast his vote. To me, that will always talking to JOE and suddenly your wife Richmond, VA, my hometown, on one be the quintessential JOE BIDEN story. comes up or your daughter comes up, of the most important days of his life. JOE BIDEN is the Irish poet of Amer- all of a sudden, JOE is not focusing on It was election day 2008, and I was ican politicians. He and I share a pas- you, he is giving his total attention to Governor of Virginia. I was responsible sion for the Irish poet William Butler the ladies present, and that is most ap- for the running of the elections in my Yeats. Yeats, like our Vice President,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:17 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.075 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6813 was not just a poet. He was a man of his dad is of him, his pride in his dad is better public servant in American his- the public. He was a public official. an example that all of us as parents tory. All my best. People asked him to weigh in on polit- hope our children have for us. The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator ical matters all the time. I am proud to be in this Chamber and from Indiana. Once, in the middle of the First to have been sworn in to this Chamber Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, on World War, somebody asked Yeats to by you, Mr. Vice President. I hope our behalf of all the people in our great write a war poem. He wrote a war paths will continue to cross, as I know State—and our dear colleague Senator poem, and the poem was titled ‘‘On they will, with so many of us in this Bayh is here because of his love as Being Asked for a War Poem.’’ The Chamber and in this country. Thank well—we want to tell you how grateful poem says this: you for your service. we are for your services, for the ex- I [often] think it better that in times like I yield the floor. The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator traordinary job you have done as Vice these President for President Obama. A poet’s mouth be silent, for in truth . . . from Missouri. He has had enough of meddling who can Mrs. MCCASKILL. Mr. President, me Everybody is telling stories. As you please too. know, I had the privilege of having you A young girl in the indolence of her youth, The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator put your arm around me, and when ev- Or an old man upon a winter’s night. from Massachusetts. erybody said there was no chance I The meaning of the poem is this: I Mr. MARKEY. Mr. President, in 1972 could ever win, you said: You and I are may be a public figure. I may have a I was a young man in my last year at a lot alike and you can do this and you public job to do. I may be asked to do Boston College Law School, and I de- can win. a public job and to claim upon matters cided to run for State representative. I I came back, and they said: What ad- of public importance. But sometimes had a cousin who worked at NASA, an vice did Vice President BIDEN give you? even more than the matter of public older cousin, the smart one, the physi- I said: He told me that I could win. importance is the ability to please a cist. He said: Well, there is a young They said: Well, he is right a lot; I young girl or an old man—or an ill man in Delaware who is running for don’t know about that one. young man casting a first vote, an im- the Senate. You turned out to be right. So what is his name? portant vote. Then we were blessed that your sons, The fact that you took your time on JOE BIDEN. From that moment on, I was fol- Hunter and Beau, often came to Indi- that day of importance to you to shed lowing the career of this Irishman, this ana during the summers. You would some light and offer some joy to some- latter-day descendent of Hubert Hum- then come out as well. I will never for- one who was struggling—that is the phrey, a happy warrior, the man who get going to the coffee shop one Sun- JOE BIDEN who has us here for 2 hours stands up for the common man and day morning. The lady at the coffee offering these tributes. shop said to me: This has been an unbe- I yield the floor. woman in our country. The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator In 1972 you had this great campaign lievable day because the Vice President from Connecticut. team led by John Marttila—the great came in with all his grandchildren; Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I John—who captured your spirit, your and, by the way, JOE, he bought ice never had the privilege of serving with soul, what you represented now in this cream for everybody in the store, and you in this Chamber, but, like many of half century of American politics. you have never done that. my colleagues, I have come to know In 1976, when I ran for Congress, just I said how sorry I was that I never you as a friend and public servant and 4 years later—the same as you, age 29— did that. a model and a mentor. I have barely saying ‘‘I think I can run,’’ I walked She also said: This is one of the enough time to say a few words of trib- into the office of this man, John greatest days of my life, to meet some- ute here, but I will add more to my re- Marttila, in Boston, and it looked like body who has always looked out for marks on the RECORD. a museum to JOE BIDEN with all the working families, who has always What I want to say very simply is JOE BIDEN literature and messages on looked out for us. that you have inspired so many of us, his wall. So from that moment on, That is how we see you back home. beyond this Chamber, beyond the peo- from John Marttila, through Larry You have always looked out for us. You ple whom you have known directly, Rasky, through Ron Klain—through all have always cared about us. As a sec- and beyond the people with whom you of these people who worked for me and ond-generation Irish immigrant, you have worked. Countless young people worked for you, I have been privileged have always been an example to all of are involved in this noble profession to be able to chronicle your journey of us that we can accomplish anything we because of your example. work and inspiration for our country. dream of. I think it is just perfect that you are At a time when public officials and God bless you and Jill and your politics are often held in little repute the commander in chief of this rocket ship to the Moon to find the cure for whole family. We are so lucky to have and often challenged in their integrity, been touched by you. you have given us a good name, you cancer because that is a mission that The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator have given politics a good name, and has the right man who is going to be from Minnesota. you have enabled so many of us to leading it. I think that each and every serve with pride in a profession that is one of us out here knows that one of Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Vice President so vital to the continuance of our de- the reasons this bill is receiving such BIDEN, earlier Hubert Humphrey’s mocracy. Beyond pieces of legislation, an overwhelming vote today is because name was mentioned. You know the whether it is the Violence Against of you, Mr. President. It is because of great love the people of Minnesota Women Act or the assault weapon ban the respect we have for you. It is the have for you. Vice President Humphrey or criminal justice—the list goes on—is knowledge that when you were negoti- was your mentor when you first got to that model of public service. ating this bill, at the end of the day, the Senate, where you didn’t even I want to close by saying that as long you were going to put the American know if you were going to last a few as I have known JOE BIDEN, I really people first, you were going to make months here, and he was there for you. came to know him through the eyes of sure that bill reflected the highest as- You have extended that kindness to so his son. I had the honor of working and piration of every American. many since then. serving with Beau Biden when he was So I want to speak briefly because Vice President Mondale, another attorney general of the State of Dela- there is a reception after this, and Minnesotan, has great affection and ware and I was attorney general of my many people are still waiting to say love for you, and I will report back to State of Connecticut. My ambition in hello to you. I think every Member him tonight that I was here with you life is to have my four children talk wanted to come out here, and you in- today. about me with the sense of admiration spired them to speak a lot longer than When I first got elected to the Senate and love and pride that Beau Biden they may have intended on speaking, and made one of my first speeches talked about his dad. but it is because of the incredible re- about police funding to a completely I am very proud and grateful that we spect and admiration they have for empty Chamber—and I thought even had the opportunity to vote today on a you. My best to you. My wife Susan’s my mom wasn’t watching on C–SPAN— law that bears his name. As proud as best to you. There has never been a I walked out of this place and I got a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.076 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 phone call on my cell phone and it was valued education and made sure you In the case of Jill Biden, she helped JOE BIDEN, then a Senator, saying got a good one, along with his brother to mend one. As much as anybody, Val ‘‘that was a really great speech.’’ and sister. Val is up there somewhere. and your family are hugely supportive When you came to my State and one I want to say hi to Val. They valued and helped you get through a terribly of my best friends suddenly lost her education and people of faith. I am tough time, but I think Jill perhaps husband and you heard about it, you Protestant, and JOE and his family are made you whole. She got her did not know who she was, you just Catholic, but he doesn’t wear it on his undergrad, I believe, from the Univer- heard the story, and in 2 weeks, on her sleeve. I will tell you this, nobody be- sity of Delaware. She has two master’s first day back at work, she was driving lieves in the Golden Rule of treating degrees—a Ph.D. focused on how to in- home and she got a call from you. You other people the way you want to be crease retention in community colleges talked to her for 20 minutes. When you treated any more than JOE BIDEN. around the country. She got those ad- were done and had given her all this Nobody adheres to Matthew 25, the vanced degrees while working and rais- wonderful advice, you said: We are not ‘‘Least of These,’’ any more than JOE ing a family, three kids that any of us done; I want you to write down my BIDEN. Nobody does a better reading of would be proud to claim as our own. phone number. James 2: ‘‘Show me your faith by your Last week, I happened to be in a She said: I am driving, Mr. Vice words, and I will show you my faith by classroom in a school where the Vice President; I can’t do that. my deeds.’’ He doesn’t just talk a good President probably has been before, You said: Pull over. game. He doesn’t talk a whole lot Mount Pleasant Elementary School, She wrote your phone number on her about his faith, but he sure lives it. right down the road from the high hand. You did that for her, Mr. Vice From his family—from his mom and school. I was in a classroom of a President, and you have done that for dad—he learned the importance of fam- woman by the name of Wendy Turner, so many Americans. On behalf of our ily and the importance of loyalty to his who is the Delaware Teacher of the entire State of Minnesota that has family and, frankly, to his friends—his Year. I had a chance to be with her and loved you forever, thank you. multitude of friends. He learned there her grade school kids. We all gathered I yield the floor. is a difference between right and wrong The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator and figure out what it is and do right. around together, and I sat on a stool. from Delaware. Do it all the time. They gathered around me. There were Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, a few He learned a little bit about common about 20, 25 kids. I said: Why is she minutes ago, I sent up a note to you sense. My dad used to say to my sister such a great teacher? Talking about that I handwrote that said: ‘‘Flattery and me when we did some boneheaded Wendy Turner, Teacher of the Year. won’t hurt you if you don’t inhale, so stuff, just use some common sense. I They said: She loves kids. She loves don’t breathe too deeply up there.’’ think your dad said that to you once or us. They said: She knows her stuff. She I also recall walking into a hearing twice as well. One of the things your really knows what she is talking to us with EPA Administrator Gina McCar- mom used to say to you was, if you are about. She knows how to make clear thy not too long ago in the House of knocked down, get up—the idea you why it is important, like when we leave Representatives, a joint House-Senate just never give up. You know you are school, and why it is important we hearing. A lot of people had been there right, never give up. That is JOE BIDEN. learn these things. She believes every- asking questions, and she was in the People say to us in this Chamber I body can learn—everybody can learn. seat for 4 hours. It finally became my am sure every day that they wouldn’t I thought about her, and I think turn to ask a question, and I said to want our job. I wouldn’t want your job. about Jill Biden today. She is that her: Is there any question, Adminis- I know you heard that a lot of times. I kind of educator as well, continues to trator McCarthy, that you have not think we are fortunate to have these be that kind of educator as well. been asked today? She said: I wish jobs and responsibilities to serve. An A lot has been said today of the Can- somebody had asked me if I needed a even tougher job is to be married to cer Moonshot that JOE has been lead- bathroom break. one of us. Several people talked about ing with great skill and success here, There are 30 more Senators in the Jill and your bride—for how many especially today. Before there was Can- cloakroom who want to come out and years? Almost 40 years. Is that pos- cer Moonshot, there was JOE BIDEN’s speak. If you need one, let us know and sible? I first saw Jill Biden when I was breast health initiative, which helped one of the pages or somebody will take a graduate student when I was just out thousands of young women to learn your spot up there. of the Navy. I was a graduate student about the importance of early detec- It has been a joy to sit here and lis- at the University of Delaware. I hap- tion for breast cancer. ten to all these stories. JOHN CARNEY, pened to see her on campus. I thought Beau went into the military, Dela- our Congressman, Governor-elect, has then, and I would say now, one of the ware National Guard, deployed to Iraq. been here and come and gone. He has two loveliest people I think I have ever Some people would send cookies and gone back to the House to go into ses- seen. The other being Martha Carper. packages to their kids and maybe write sion. He used to work for you, and you Not only is she lovely—as JOE knows— emails or Skype with them. Jill de- are one of his great mentors. He wants on the outside, really lovely on the in- cided she was going to take that expe- you to know he was here, in case you side. She is a person with deep caring, rience and create something with Dela- didn’t. a person with incredible warmth and ware Boots on the Ground to look out I want to say to CHRIS COONS, who compassion. She is a terrific educator. for families. Later on, as Second Lady, put this all together, making possible a She taught in our State in public working with Michelle Obama, she cre- wonderful tribute, this is the Senate at schools. She taught in a hospital for ated something they called Joining its best. It is wonderful to see some of folks with special needs. She taught at Forces, which focuses on education for our still young colleagues who have Delaware Technical Community Col- military families—education, employ- come back to visit us and to be with us lege when it was selected as the best ment opportunities, access to wellness on this special, special day. technical community college in the services. Over the years, people have asked me Nation during the time that she was on She even managed to write a book. why I have had some success in my life, the faculty there. She wrote a book from a child’s point and I say that my sister and I picked She continued as Second Lady to of view of having a loved one in their the right parents. My sister and I continue to critique, but she started off family deployed overseas in the mili- picked the right parents. JOE BIDEN in a place called Willow Grove, PA. tary. As I said earlier, she helped raise and his brother and sister picked the There is a naval air station there three terrific kids. right parents. I have had the privilege where I used to fly P–3 aircraft—mis- Sometimes I like to quote Maya of knowing them both. When your dad sion commander—out of there. I retired Angelou, who sang at the second inau- was sick and in the hospital, I visited as a Navy captain in 1991. She was just guration of Barack Obama and JOE and spent time with him, just the two down the road, growing up with her BIDEN, and she passed away not long of us. four sisters, Jill Jacobs and the Jacobs ago. Maya Angelou said something JOE, I want to say for those who girls. I am sure they broke a lot of that I think is appropriate for all of us maybe didn’t know your parents, they hearts. today when she said: People may not

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.078 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6815 remember what you said, people may State of New Hampshire. KELLY’s designed because of our investigation. I not remember what you do, but they parture from the Senate is a great loss take no pride in anyone leaving the will remember how you made them for all of us. I remember the day KELLY Senate because of the actions of the feel. One of the threads through every- AYOTTE became a rising star, not only committee, but I take great pride in thing that has been said here today on the horizon of Republican politics the fact that no one in 9 years has really reminds me of what Maya but more importantly on the horizon of questioned the integrity of the Senate Angelou said because people may not the Senate. Ethics Committee, the job it has done, remember what we said. They may not During her campaign 6 years ago, we or the final decision it has made, and I remember what we do, but there are would get phone calls asking: Have you give most of the credit for that to BAR- not just thousands, not just tens of heard about KELLY? Everybody knew BARA BOXER. She is a liberal Democrat, thousands, not just hundreds of thou- who KELLY was. She was the attorney and I am a conservative Republican, sands, but there are millions of people general of the State of New Hampshire, but when it comes to calling balls and in this country who will remember how running for the U.S. Senate, and she strikes in terms of ethics, we call them you and Jill made them feel—cared for, was catching fire. She did catch fire down the middle. That is a credit to important, loved. and won in convincing fashion. She is a the institution, a credit to her, and a I know our Vice President likes great lady with a great family and has credit to the Ethics Committee. music, and as a Boomer he later on done a phenomenal job. At this moment, I want to pause and liked a British group. I forget what Our U.S. Armed Forces are better say to my retiring friend BARBARA their Fab Four was called. I think it today because of her efforts and hard BOXER: Thank you for your service to might have been the Beatles, and work. We passed the agreement to go the country, thank you for what you maybe the best rock ’n’ roll album to the final passage on the authoriza- have meant to the State of California, ever, ‘‘Abbey Road,’’ ends with these tion of the military appropriations and thank you for what you have lyrics—the last part of Abbey Road, today, and in large measure, KELLY meant to the institution of the Senate and the commitment to ethical behav- side two, was largely written by Paul AYOTTE was behind that. When we were McCartney. The last words on ‘‘Abbey debating our policy on interrogation ior by our Members. Thank you for making it a standard that you and I Road’’ were these words: ‘‘The love you and torture, KELLY AYOTTE was on top take is equal to the love you make.’’ of that. Every significant decision we stood for. It was a pleasure for me to You are going to take a lot of love have made in the last 6 months, wheth- serve with you and be called one of the with you, and Jill as well, far from er it was our military, policies, or proc- members of the odd couple. ISAKSON and BOXER, the two Senate chairs that here and for the rest of your lives. God ess, she has been at the forefront of love our country, are committed to bless you. those decisions and has done a phe- ethics and will always try to do what is Mr. President—I have always wanted nomenal job. to call you Mr. President. With that, I wish her the very best in her career exactly right. God bless you, BARBARA. Best of luck Mr. President, I suggest the absence of and future, and I thank her for the a quorum. to you. service she has given to our country. I yield the floor. The VICE PRESIDENT. The clerk As a son of the South, in Georgia we HURRICANE MATTHEW RECOVERY will call the roll. love New Hampshirites anytime we can The legislative clerk proceeded to Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, about a get one, and KELLY is the best. They call the roll. month and a half ago, I came into this have the best lobsters, the best clams, Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I ask Chamber to talk about the damage and the best attorney general and Sen- unanimous consent that the order for that occurred in the aftermath of Hur- ator in KELLY AYOTTE. the quorum call be rescinded. ricane Matthew. It was actually 2 God bless you, KELLY, and best of The VICE PRESIDENT. Without ob- months ago to the day that Hurricane luck to you. jection, it is so ordered. Matthew hit eastern North Carolina, Mr. COONS. Mr. President, I would BARBARA BOXER and I don’t think that many people, like to invite all of my colleagues to At this point, I wish to pause and pay unless you have been down there—even join us in a reception in honor of the attention to BARBARA BOXER from Cali- in the State, it is hard to really con- Vice President. I remind any col- fornia. A lot of my colleagues will say: ceive of the extent of damage that Mat- leagues who wish to speak who did not Wait a minute. Why are you talking thew caused, even for people in my part have the opportunity to submit their about BARBARA BOXER? You are a Re- of the State, the middle part of the comments for the RECORD, and I very publican. She is an icon in the Demo- State, Charlotte, so I know it is dif- much look forward to our jointly pre- cratic Party. She is a liberal, and you ficult for those who may be in other senting a bound copy to the Vice Presi- are a conservative. States and did not see the local news dent. She is a great Senator, and I will tell coverage. Matthew took 28 lives. It dis- Thank you for your service, and we you why. BARBARA and I served on the placed tens of thousands of people in look forward to hearing from you at Ethics Committee for the last 9 years. the near term, and now thousands of the reception. When I was asked to go on the com- people are still without homes. It dam- With that, I suggest the absence of a mittee, she was the chairman. Later aged businesses and infrastructure. quorum. on, I succeeded her as the chairman. I Miles of Interstate 95 were underwater. The VICE PRESIDENT. The clerk am the chairman today, and she is still Bridges have been washed out. We have will call the roll. a member until she retires. a lot of damage we have to recover The legislative clerk proceeded to The Ethics Committee is the one as- from. call the roll. signment nobody wants to get. But We have one community that was Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask when you get it, you want to have washed away by Hurricane Floyd and unanimous consent that the order for somebody who will do what is right. was washed away again just about 17 the quorum call be rescinded. Regardless of their party, you need years later with Hurricane Matthew, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. LEE). somebody who will do what is right for neighborhoods completely underwater. Without objection, it is so ordered. the Member, the institution, and will I was in Fayetteville. There was a TRIBUTE TO DEPARTING SENATORS carry out their responsibilities under Habitat for Humanity neighborhood Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, this is the Constitution, which all of us are that had 90 homes. Six of the houses one of those weeks where, every 6 years obligated to do in the Senate. are uninhabitable now. They were in or 4 years or 2 years, we pause and pay In the last 9 years, I worked with areas that were not flood plains. tribute to those who have been elected BARBARA BOXER on any number of com- This was a 1,000-year rain event, a to the Senate and have served with us plaints, allegations, and cases against 500-year flood event. In other words, and will be retiring or were possibly de- Members of the Senate for unethical this is not likely to happen again in feated in the last election. conduct or conduct unbecoming of a our lifetime, maybe not even in the KELLY AYOTTE Senator. We have admonished some, pages’ lifetimes. The first Senator I wish to talk cleared some, and recommended the ex- It was an incredible event that is about is KELLY AYOTTE, from the great pulsion of some, and some have re- going to take a lot of time and effort to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.080 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 recover from and a lot of resources to cleared out so that we can get the students in his high school, in his col- rebuild. We are still trying to tally the ninth largest agriculture State in the lege, and now in his graduate program. human and economic toll. It is going to Nation ready to produce crops next When I met him last Friday—he is a take probably decades to fully recover year. very quiet fellow—I said: What do you from this disaster, as we are seeing I know we will do it. I know we will want to do, Luke? with Floyd, but we will recover because do it because we have the support of He said: I want to teach. That is what that is what North Carolinians do. this body, and we are going to be able I would like to do, research and teach- That is what Americans do. to start sending that money and that ing. To begin the long rebuilding process, desperately needed support to North Well, here is the problem: He is un- though, we need Federal assistance. Carolina. But in the coming weeks and documented. He is not legally in the That is why Gov. Pat McCrory for- months, we will also spend time fig- United States of America. His family mally requested a disaster assistance uring out what more we can do. In the brought him here. They did not file the package and why we very quickly got a meantime, I want to let everybody in papers, or if they could have, they did team together—my staff, who led the North Carolina know that if they need not file the papers. Whatever the case, effort, working with Congressman help, they should contact my office. this young man grew up here in the PRICE, members of the delegation, Sen- They can reach me online at United States, took advantage of the ator BURR—to try to figure out what tillis.senate.gov. We will do everything best schools in New Jersey, and now is we need to do to provide assistance to we can to help them recover and to get going to one of the best universities in North Carolina so that they can begin back to their daily lives. the United States and is destined to do their recovery. Over the past weeks, we Again, I thank the Members of this great things in his life. Maybe he will have worked very closely with the Ap- body who have supported our efforts to teach. Maybe he will start a company. propriations Committee. provide this much-needed aid. Maybe he will just come up with some I want to particularly thank the I yield the floor. breakthrough achievement in chem- leadership of the Appropriations Com- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- istry that will change the lives of mittee. They have done an extraor- ator from Illinois. many people. dinary job of working with us, advising DACA What are we going to do with Luke us on what we need to do to make our Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I want Hwang? Well, there are 744,000 people requests clear, to make it more likely to introduce the Senate to a young just like him. These are young people that we would be able to get some re- man I met last Friday. His name is who are undocumented, whom Presi- sources for North Carolina. Luke Hwang. Luke was born in Korea. dent Obama gave a chance to stay here I specifically want to thank two of His parents brought him to the United in the United States after they went my staff who have worked very hard. States when he was in the fifth grade. through a criminal background check, They were literally working on the dis- They took him to New Jersey. Luckily after they paid their filing fee. aster plan after the rains fell and be- he had taken some classes in Korea and He said: You can stay and study in fore the rivers started cresting. I want was able to speak English. He grew up the United States of America. We to thank Towers Mingledorff and Kayla in Palisades Park. won’t deport you. You can travel to an- Dolan from my office. They did ex- He said: other country and come back without traordinary work. I am proud of the It didn’t take me long to adjust and as- being arrested. You can work in this work they have done on our behalf and similate because my elementary school of- country if you wish. You have a work on behalf of North Carolinians. At the fered bilingual classes. . . . This is the kind permit. end of the day, we now have a con- of America I have known and experienced— There are 744,000 of them under what tinuing resolution as a result of their not just mundanely accepting diversity but is called the DACA Program. Well, the hard work and cooperation with the going above and beyond to serve the unique new President says he is going to needs of a diverse community. Appropriations Committee. We have a eliminate that program and eliminate provision in the continuing resolution This is an amazing young man. He the only thing that is keeping Luke to allocate some $300 million to North started off with a passion for science. Hwang in the United States; that is, Carolina for immediate needs to assist He was accepted into the math and the DACA Program protection against in recovery efforts. This is a beginning. science magnet school called Bergen deportation. We can’t let that happen. We will continue to work with the Fed- County Academies, ranked by News- Why would we do that to this young eral agencies which that money will be week as one of the top five public high man who was brought here as a fifth directed to and then ultimately down schools in the United States. At Bergen grader? Why would we walk away from to the State so that we can find out County Academies, Luke won several his talents? Why would we say: Despite what additional needs are there. awards at regional science fairs. He all that you have achieved with the I think it is extraordinary that 8 volunteered as an emergency medical highest grade point average in chem- weeks to the day, we were able to work technician in the local ambulance istry, America does not need you, together, get the support of the Mem- corps as a high school kid. Luke. Of course we need him and many bers of this body, and get the support Because of his academic achieve- more just like him. of the Appropriations Committee to at ments, Luke was accepted as a univer- I am trying to find a way to give peo- least begin the process. We have to sity scholar in the Macaulay Honors ple like him a chance to stay in the help these North Carolinians get back College at the City College of New United States without being deported, to their normal lives. We have to put York. In 2013 Luke graduated summa to continue their education in medical people back in their homes. We have to cum laude with a bachelor’s of science school, in law school, in graduate pro- allow businesses to recover and bring in chemistry. He received an award for grams, and in so many other different people back in and let them go back to the highest grade point average of any fields. Well, there was a breath of hope their daily lives and working. We are chemistry major in the school. today. The President-elect was inter- going to do it. This brilliant young man is currently viewed for Time magazine. Here is We also need to help the farmers. a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at the what he said about DREAMers and peo- There are thousands of acres of land University of Chicago. He works as a ple like Luke: that were affected by the floods. In researcher at the university. In his spare time, he volunteers for the Chi- We’re going to work something out that’s some cases, the flooding was so exten- going to make people happy and proud. They sive that these farms—many of them cago Korean American Resource and got brought here at a very young age, were already ready for next year’s Cultural Center, an organization that they’ve worked here, they’ve gone to school crops. Some of them still have crops in tries to help poor people in that com- here. Some were good students. Some have the field, covered by sand and sedi- munity. wonderful jobs. And they’re in never-never ment. They will need to be cleared. Here is the kicker: Luke is undocu- land because they don’t know what’s going In other cases, there are washed-out mented. He was brought to the United to happen. bridges, and there are ditches and States in the fifth grade and turned out That statement by the President- drainage areas that will all have to be to be one of the smartest chemistry elect gives me some hope that I can

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.082 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6817 give Luke some hope and others just Federal regulations imposed by Wash- A 2014 report from the Government like him. ington bureaucrats who think they Accountability Office found that on We can straighten out this immigra- know what is best for American fami- multiple occasions and with major tion system in this country, but let’s lies, States, local governments, and costly regulations, the EPA did not not do it at the expense of these young businesses. provide the public with an explanation people. Let’s do our job, but in the According to the American Action of the economic information behind its meantime, let’s us protect them. Let’s Forum, since 2009 this administration decisionmaking, despite its obligations let them continue their education. has finalized 2,973 regulations at a cost to do so. Let’s let them achieve what they want of $862.7 billion dollars as of today, De- The U.S. Supreme Court recently to achieve for themselves and for cember 7. issued the Michigan v. EPA decision, America. We will be a better nation for Of these, 179 regulations have come finding that the EPA unreasonably it. from the Environmental Protection failed to consider costs when deciding Senator LINDSEY GRAHAM and I are Agency, costing American taxpayers to regulate mercury emissions from working on a bill. Whether you are for $342.5 billion. powerplants. This impacts the ability immigration reform or against immi- Since writing this speech—or begin- of our businesses to conduct business gration reform, join us in the basic ning to write it, about 1 week ago—10 on a daily basis, to compete in a com- proposition that we need to protect more regulations have been finalized, petitive global marketplace, and to young people like this while we debate with 5 of those coming from the EPA. employ Americans in steady, well-pay- this important issue. I think that is EPA regulations alone make up nearly ing jobs. Notably, small businesses the right to do. It is certainly the right half of the cost of all the regulations fi- make up 99.7 percent of U.S. employer thing to do for this young man. Some nalized in the last 7 years. firms. day, he is going to do something very As chairman of the EPW Sub- Federal agencies are required by law committee on Superfund, Waste Man- important in this world. I would like to to examine the impact of their regula- agement, and Regulatory Oversight, it have it happen in the United States. tions and what it will have on small has become clear to me that EPA is I yield the floor. businesses. Throughout our oversight one of the most egregious government I suggest the absence of a quorum. process, we found that the U.S. Small agencies in imposing burdensome Fed- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Business Administration Office of Ad- eral regulations on citizens, States, clerk will call the roll. vocacy submitted comments to the and businesses. We have found a failure The legislative clerk proceeded to EPA expressing concerns over a num- to review the most current and impor- call the roll. ber of recent rulemakings, such as the tant science the Agency supposedly Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I ask waters of the United States rule and unanimous consent that the order for bases its regulations on. We have found that the sue-and-set- the EPA’s greenhouse gas regulations. the quorum call be rescinded. However, the EPA moved forward The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. tle process utilized by special interest groups leads to a rushed and reckless with these regulations with little to no TILLIS). Without objection, it is so or- regard for their impact on U.S. small dered. rulemaking process that does not follow the proper regulatory process or businesses. They are the backbone of REGULATORY REFORM allow for adequate public participation the U.S. economy. Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I rise from those these rules will impact the As a result, rather than creating jobs today to speak on the need for regu- most. and focusing on growing their business, latory reform and also on the work Further, the EPA regularly fails to U.S. small businesses are forced to use that we have been doing and are doing take into account how their regula- limited resources to comply with a in the Environment and Public Works tions will impact States and shows lit- myriad of costly and burdensome regu- Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste tle regard for how the States will use lations. Management, and Regulatory Over- their limited resources to comply with This year alone, the Sixth Circuit sight, of which I have had the great these regulations, thereby issuing rules Court of Appeals imposed a nationwide privilege to chair in the 114th Congress. that impose Federal unfunded man- injunction on the waters of the United I would be remiss if I did not also rec- dates on States and local and tribal States rule, and the Supreme Court im- ognize our ranking member from Mas- governments. posed a nationwide stay on the Clean sachusetts, Senator MARKEY, for his From 2009 to 2015, the EPA issued a Power Plan. While I applaud these deci- contributions to our oversight efforts. total of 19 rules that contained costly, sions, we should not be forced to rely As chairman, one of our main goals unfunded mandates on State govern- on the courts to prevent such regula- has been to conduct a thorough and ments. tions from taking effect. systemic review of the regulatory proc- The Office of Management and Budg- I am also deeply troubled by the re- ess, focusing on the impacts of these et’s 2015 report to Congress estimated ports that the EPA and the Army regulations on citizens, businesses, that Federal regulations and unfunded Corps are illegally continuing to imple- and—most importantly—solutions to mandates cost States, cities, and the ment the Waters of the United States these problems. We have sought to general public between $57 billion and rule despite the court’s nationwide make certain that Federal regulations $85 billion every single year. State and stay. are promulgated in a transparent, open local governments are then required to During our subcommittee field hear- process with adequate public participa- enforce these misguided regulations ings in Rapid City, SD, earlier this tion. Our subcommittee has held hear- that have been promulgated by Wash- year, we heard from several witnesses ings conducting oversight on various ington bureaucrats who lack any un- about the difficulty and confusion aspects of the rulemaking process. This derstanding of the real-world con- landowners are facing with regard to includes the adequacy of the science sequences of their regulations or the the waters of the United States. I am the agencies rely on when promul- unique characteristics of the various concerned that, if this continues, it gating regulations, the increasing States. may get to the point where the prop- number of unfunded mandates agencies Alarmingly, we have also found that erty that is the subject of these bur- impose on State and local govern- the EPA regularly fails to conduct a densome regulations loses its value. ments, the impact of lawsuits on the thorough and accurate economic anal- Make no mistake. I understand that rulemaking process, and the impact ysis, which should provide an accurate rules and regulations have a place in these regulations have on small busi- representation of the cost their regula- society. We all want clean air, clean nesses, State and local governments, tions will impose on taxpayers and water, and safe chemicals, but there is and landowners. businesses. a better way to achieve this without Since I began working in the Senate This leads to grossly inaccurate eco- imposing burdensome regulations. nearly 2 years ago, it has become in- nomic analysis of regulations that af- These flaws in the EPA’s rulemaking creasingly clear that economic growth, fect huge swathes of the U.S. economy process have prevented agencies from American innovation, and job creation and thousands of U.S. businesses and making well-informed decisions. Even are being smothered by heavy-handed American jobs. more troubling, the public, State and

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It comes from dec- That is what we are in the midst of the economy so we can afford to actu- ades of increased Federal bureaucracy, right now. ally provide for the next generation so out-of-control spending, and Federal I have a friend who is the head of the they don’t have the problems we see agencies not being held accountable for Oklahoma Farm Bureau who came to right now with family income down their actions. Similarly, we will not me and he said: Have you seen this doc- over 6 percent in just the last 9 years. come to a solution overnight. It will ument that we have? This is true in So this is a part of it. It is a signifi- take a serious bipartisan effort to South Dakota as well as Oklahoma, cant part not just in the cost but in the move the ball forward to address this that the major problem with the farm- impact on our economy as well. problem. Throughout this Congress, ers in America today is not anything I thank the Chair, and I yield the the goal of our subcommittee has been that is found in the agriculture bill, it floor. to unify and lead an effort to advance is overregulation, primarily by the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- meaningful regulatory reform in Con- EPA. The Senator from South Dakota ator from Oregon. gress. struck a nerve when he spoke about Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask We must make certain the regulatory the waters bill, the Waters of the unanimous consent to speak as in process reflects transparency and United States. My State is an arid morning business, and I ask unanimous sound science and is based on a real- State, but they know full well if the consent that our distinguished col- istic economic foundation and mean- Federal Government can take away league from Colorado, Senator BENNET, ingful public participation that con- from States that jurisdiction of regu- follow my remarks. siders the multitude of facets of the lating water, what will happen in my The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there U.S. economy. State of Oklahoma? objection? With an ally in the White House next So I would ask my friend—I think a Without objection, it is so ordered. year who has committed to reducing lot of what happened on November 8 FAMILY FIRST LEGISLATION burdensome regulations, I plan to con- has to do with overregulation, and I Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, right tinue this effort throughout the next think we have devoted a lot of time to now, this evening, hundreds of thou- Congress and beyond. The success of that. I would suspect the same thing is sands of vulnerable youngsters across the U.S. economy and the creation of true in South Dakota. America are living in foster care, sepa- American jobs depends on Congress Mr. ROUNDS. I thank the Senator rated from family and growing up in a making a concerted effort to take back for the question. The answer is, yes, we constant struggle instead of in a loving their authority and rein in the rule- have spent a lot of time not only be- home. For years, this body has worked making process. cause it is critically a very important on a bipartisan basis to come up with I thank you, and I yield the floor. item to address—because in the United an alternative—we call it the Family Mr. INHOFE. Will the Senator yield? States today we spend over $1.9 trillion First legislation—in order to give new The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- a year responding to the Federal regu- hope to our youngsters. ator from Oklahoma. latory morass that we have. That is I am particularly grateful to Senator Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, if the one-half of a trillion dollars more than BENNET because he and I have teamed Senator from South Dakota would re- what we pay in personal income taxes up on this with our colleagues on the scind his request to yield the floor, I on April 15. other side of the aisle, including Chair- would like to share one thought. For people who are producers and man HATCH, KEVIN BRADY—the chair- First of all, I am honored to chair the have to respond not only in terms of man of the Ways and Means Com- committee of which you are a sub- the cost of the regulations but in terms mittee—and Congressman BUCHANAN. committee chairman, and what a God- of requesting from a Federal agency We have had a bipartisan team working send the Senator from South Dakota the ability simply to mow the ditches, for this. Now, in the waning moments has been, I have to say to my friend. I seems to me to be overreach that most of this Congress, after the legislation was concerned, with this last election people with common sense and the rest passed the House unanimously, after coming along, with what might be hap- of America simply don’t think is nec- there were a number of hearings in the pening. I think people are aware of essary. Finance Committee, and after objec- what has happened to our military. Mr. INHOFE. And, too, I would say tions were raised when we used the They are aware of what is happening the wisdom of the statements brought process in the Senate called the hotline with the debt going all the way up out that if we stop and think about it, to see if Senators had problems with from $10.6 trillion to $20 trillion, the over half of the States had a lawsuit this legislation and three indicated largest increase of all the Presidents, against the Clean Power Plan. That is they had concerns, and we resolved all from George Washington, Bush 1, and 29 States. Of course, I am sure that had of them—yet it looks like this Senate Bush 2. a lot to do with the U.S. Supreme is going to go home and end up con- My concern was that people wouldn’t Court putting a stay on this, and now tinuing a policy that causes so much realize what an impairment the over- of course we will have a different ad- pain to vulnerable children and their regulation has been to our businesses ministration, but I guess maybe we families. in how we are no longer competitive. I missed the boat on that one. What our bipartisan bill would do is think the Senator really struck the Overregulation has been the problem. to say that for the first time, foster note here that it had a lot to do with People have not been as aware of that care dollars could be used to keep fami- the awareness of the public. as they are of other problems. I think lies together instead of ripping them The Senator knows how many hear- that had a lot to do with what hap- apart. For example, if in a family a ings we had on the Clean Power Plan in pened on November 8 and what is going parent has bumped up against sub- our committee, and the Senator’s sub- to happen in the future, particularly in stance abuse challenges or mental committee. We actually had 10 hear- your subcommittee and my committee. health services and a grandparent or an ings and we had three oversight re- Mr. ROUNDS. Mr. President, I appre- uncle would like to help out, that is exports. ciate those comments, and I appreciate actly what could be done under our I have to say the liberals really like the facts that the Senator is bringing proposal. overregulation. Does the Senator know out here. This is something that can- Now, over Thanksgiving—and I trun- why? This is the question I want to ask not be done overnight; it has to be done cated the description of what happened the Senator because, generally, if you in a businesslike manner. into just a couple of sentences—over are of a liberal philosophy, you want to The real challenge is to listen to the Thanksgiving, the Family First Act have as much control centered here in individuals who are impacted and to was included in the 21st Century Cures Washington, DC. However, when you make reasonable regulations because package. The legislation passed earlier

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.084 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6819 today. And all of us—Senator BENNET, face the prospect of growing up in the weighed in on this and said we should Chairman BRADY—all of us said to- kinds of struggling circumstances I have this legislation passed. We have gether that it sure looks like we are on have described. There would be stand- had testimony in the Finance Com- our way. ards guided by the States and laid out mittee from people who were foster After having months to come forward to protect the kids. They would raise children who came to the Congress to to work out concerns—and I will say to the bar for group homes and make sure testify about what had gone wrong in the distinguished Presiding Officer who the kids aren’t sent away and forgot- their lives as a result of the system we has been kind enough to talk to me ten. In effect, the bill turns the system have in place today, who still made the about this, we basically said that if a on its head. I think I shared that time to come here to advocate on be- State is having problems meeting these thought with the distinguished Pre- half of children all over the country kinds of opportunities—perhaps there siding Officer. Instead of paying a dol- who are situated in the same way they aren’t enough families—well, we just lar for families to be split up, the bill once were. give them more time. In effect, we says let’s find a way to use that dollar Now, because of a disagreement in would say: OK. You have made a good- to help the families stay together. the Senate, this bipartisan bill that faith effort, we will give you a bit more Let’s see if the dollar can keep a passed the House unanimously, that time. But still, at the last moment, youngster safe at home or with kin, has almost 30 cosponsors in the U.S. there was opposition that swooped in— where he or she is most likely to be Senate, a bill that was supported uni- opposition that really hadn’t registered healthy and happy and succeed in versally by the testimony we had in any specific concerns during those school. the Finance Committee, somehow can’t years and months in which we worked The bill has 28 bipartisan cosponsors get done before we leave for the holi- on this legislation. At the eleventh in the Senate. days. That would be a terrible shame, a hour, the Family First Act was I also want to thank Chairman terrible stain on this Senate. stripped out of the Cures package. That GRASSLEY because he has been in our Tonight there are 50,000 children in is why I voted no. corner, along with Senator BENNET and Colorado who are in foster care. There By dropping Families First, the Sen- Chairman HATCH, month after month are over 650,000 children in the United ate basically is sending a message after month. I hope we can work this States of America. What we have heard today to the most vulnerable, ne- out overnight so Families First can from them, what we have heard from glected children in America that it is pass; if not tonight, in the morning. It their advocates, what we have heard just fine with us if they just wait a lit- is the right policy for vulnerable kids. from people who serve them—Repub- tle bit longer. They probably are say- It is the right policy for families, the licans and Democrats alike—is that the ing: Well, where else do we look for right policy for taxpayers. What we are institutional settings that too many of help? By the way, there aren’t a lot of doing today isn’t helping vulnerable them are consigned to because of the places because Chairman BRADY, Chair- kids and families the way it ought to. way the law is written today is not the man BUCHANAN, Congressman LEVIN, Five hundred organizations, led by best thing for foster children; that fam- the other part of the Capitol, did a ter- the pediatricians, nurse practitioners, ilies who can support them and who rific job coming together. So when the Catholic bishops, and the Chil- can nurture them, when they get the those families who have been neglected dren’s Defense Fund, all agree with our benefit of some help, are a far better go looking for somebody else to help, basic premise: try to find ways to keep place for foster children to be than when the House has done its job and families together and only look for these institutions. When it comes to the administration is with you, there is something else where you have those drug addiction, when it comes to grad- only the U.S. Senate. I am curious extraordinary circumstances where uation rates from high school, when it whether anybody is going to come here you need another kind of care. The sta- comes to attending college—all of tonight and say they are not on the tus quo is not working, and it seems to these things are affected by the way side of the neglected youngsters and me we have a choice. We have a choice the current law exists. families whom Senator BENNET and I tonight and in the morning, with the The Presiding Officer may know that want to stand up for. 114th Congress wrapping up, closing the half of the cases of foster children in So I am going to just make a couple books, packing up, heading home for the United States are related, one way of additional comments and then turn the holiday season—let’s make sure be- or another, to the scourge of opium ad- this over to Senator BENNET. fore that wrap-up is finished that we diction that is happening in the United The Family First Act reaches out to haven’t forgotten vulnerable children States. This bill allows us to recognize the families who are struggling with and families. that. It allows the people who serve the addiction to opioids or other sub- With that, I yield the floor. children and the families best to be stances, it helps with programs that I note by virtue of unanimous con- able to intervene in a way that can fight child abuse and neglect, and it sent that Senator BENNET has recogni- keep the families together longer. also makes it a special priority to set tion. He has been an invaluable col- What we know from the testimony in basic standards for foster care facili- league, a terrific member of the Fi- the hearings is that is the best thing ties and group homes. I want to empha- nance Committee, and I appreciate his for foster kids, it is the best thing for size that point just for a moment. leadership. our States, and it is the best thing for Some troubled or abused youngsters The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- the country. have been through such severe trauma ator from Colorado. So I join my colleague from Oregon that they need the kind of help you can Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I will be in saying we should not go home with only get in a temporary, high-quality brief. this unresolved. We should not go treatment facility. They are kids who I want to thank Mr. WYDEN, the Sen- home, with the kind of momentum are struggling with mental illnesses ator from Oregon and the ranking that exists for this bill inside the Con- and behavioral problems, young people member of the Finance Committee, for gress and, much more important than suffering from addiction, victims of sex his leadership on this bill. I thank, as that, outside the Congress, without trafficking. The support they need is he did, Senator HATCH for his leader- having addressed this vulnerable popu- unique and they need access to reliable ship on this bill and Senator GRASSLEY lation of people who live in the United care in a safe place. for his leadership on this bill. States. But these kinds of placements As the Senator from Oregon indi- It is my fervent hope that we in the shouldn’t be a destination; they should cated, this bill passed unanimously in Senate will find a way to come to our really be an intervention. And when- the House of Representatives. This bill senses and do our job, just as the peo- ever we can, we need to make it pos- passed with 500 groups supporting the ple who came here to testify did their sible for the kids to have the oppor- bill from every geographic area in the job, expecting that the U.S. Congress tunity to reunite with kin or join a fos- United States. There are groups from would respond to their description of ter or adoptive family. Oregon. There are groups from Colo- their life experience, and what went For the first time, our bill laid down rado. There are groups from the Pre- wrong in a foster care setting has been a roadmap so youngsters don’t have to siding Officer’s State that have established by the U.S. Congress. It is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.086 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 up to us to fix it, and that is what we North American headquarters in Plano reate, Liu Xiaobo, into prison, con- can do tonight or tomorrow morning, I this year and creating some 4,000 new structed 3,000 acres of weaponized arti- hope, at the very latest. jobs, all in Texas. Also this year, the ficial islands in the middle of one of With that, Mr. President, I thank my Lockheed Martin plant in Fort Worth the world’s busiest shipping lanes, and colleague from Oregon for his leader- has started to produce the F–35s that utterly failed to contain North Korea, ship on this bill. I thank, once again, Japan is purchasing to bolster its de- while dismantling the last vestiges of the thoughtful chairman of the Fi- fenses against increasing regional ag- freedom in Hong Kong. Even so, I don’t nance Committee, ORRIN HATCH from gression from China and North Korea. think our President-elect needs to Utah, for his leadership on this bill, So against all odds, the attack on clear his phone calls with Beijing. The and I hope over the next 12 or 24 hours Pearl Harbor has been transformed, phone call between President Tsai and we find a way to get this through the and as we face great challenges around the new American President was, in Senate. the world, and particularly in Asia, we fact, an acknowledgement of a simple Mr. President, I yield the floor. can be grateful today to have our Japa- truth: that Taiwan has become an im- I suggest the absence of a quorum. nese friends standing by our side, portant friend to the United States, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The which is yet another lesson from the even after Jimmy Carter downgraded clerk will call the roll. post-World War II era to be on the them in 1979 in acknowledgement of The senior assistant legislative clerk lookout not just for challenges and the ‘‘One China’’ policy the elites are proceeded to call the roll. dangers but for unexpected opportuni- so eager to perpetuate. Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I ask unan- ties. We might be forgiven as we con- That is another thing. Just because a imous consent that the order for the tend with hostile nations with nuclear policy is old doesn’t make it sac- quorum call be rescinded. capability or intent—nations such as rosanct. I don’t think anyone here can The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without North Korea or Iran—to see a glass half honestly say our relations with the objection, it is so ordered. empty and become consumed with fears PRC is so fantastic that we shouldn’t PEARL HARBOR DAY AND FOREIGN POLICY of another Pearl Harbor-like attack po- do anything to rock the boat. I don’t Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, on this tentially so much more catastrophic think the Carter-era foreign policy was Pearl Harbor Day, we should learn the and deadly than the one in 1941. such a success that we should unques- lessons of the past and seize new oppor- That would be a mistake. As with tionably continue it. tunities for America and Asia and be- some of the fortitude our parents and I hope the President-elect continues yond. The great lesson of Pearl Har- grandparents showed, we can now to make clear that while he under- bor—and more broadly World War II— count new allies as our partners, not stands the importance of China and was America’s commitment to utterly just Japan but also—and equally stun- looks forward to a positive relationship defeat our enemies by whatever means ningly—Germany. The list does not end with Beijing, he is not going to ignore necessary and then, when victory was there. We have Israel, which had yet to our friends in the region. secure, to bring them back into the be born in 1941, not to mention the The call between President Tsai and community of civilized nations. eastern and central European countries the President-elect reminded me of an- It was an extraordinary achievement. that languished so long under Soviet other phone call which took place in To think that if, on December 7, 1941, I domination but now are helping build September of 2013. At the end of that were to tell you that Japan would be, enduring democracies, many of which year’s United Nations General Assem- on December 7, 2016, a staunchly demo- have joined NATO. bly in New York, while driving to the cratic ally, a vital security and eco- That is simply amazing. If I had told airport, the new President of the Is- nomic partner to the United States, you even 30 years ago that there would lamic Republic of Iran, Hasan Ruhani, you would have said that I was barking be a Czech Republic or a Republic of took out his cell phone and called mad. Poland that would be key NATO allies, President Obama. The Obama adminis- Here we are, three-quarters of a cen- I would have again been met with well- tration was in a tizzy of excitement tury later, and the day of infamy has founded skepticism. But they are, and over Mr. Ruhani’s election, as they be- become a day of remembrance, reflec- as we look forward to a new American lieved him to be a ‘‘moderate’’ who tion, and above all gratitude—grati- administration, it is my hope that we would be a good-faith partner in their tude for that greatest of generations can get off on a much better foot than planned and hoped-for negotiations who answered the call to service after the last one did in the region when over Iran’s nuclear program. Even at Pearl Harbor, who stood staunchly they canceled the missile defense in- this early day, the signs were not with our allies, looked the evil of the stallations intended for those coun- promising. Despite Mr. Obama’s offers, axis squarely in the eyes, and saved the tries, squandering an opportunity to President Ruhani had refused to have a free world. They are leaving us now, link them more closely to us. face-to-face meeting at the United Na- making it all the more important that I have to say I am encouraged in this tions, opting for a call instead. There we assure each and every one of them department by the activities of the were no preconditions placed on this of our boundless thanks while we still President-elect, particularly in terms first direct exchange between an Ira- can. Indeed, I would encourage each of the congratulatory phone call he re- nian and American leader since 1979, and every one of us to thank every vet- ceived last week from the President of such as, say, demanding that the Ira- eran we know, every veteran we en- the Republic of China, Tsai Ing-wen. nians release their American hostages counter, every man and woman serving The liberal foreign policy elites were, and acknowledging Israel’s right to this country who risks their lives to of course, shocked and appalled. How, exist—steps that would have indicated keep us safe. they wonder, could the President-elect a fundamental shift in Iran’s virulent We can also find much to be thankful have committed such an appalling hostility to the United States and our for today as what had seemed unthink- gaff? Wasn’t he aware we had degraded allies and suggested we were truly on a able has come to pass. A nation that our relationship with Taiwan for more new path. brutally attacked us 75 years ago today than 35 years and no longer recognized We all know what has happened over can now be a great and good friend. It this friendly, prosperous, and demo- the last 3 years as the Obama adminis- is a tribute to both the Japanese and cratic country as a nation state? tration made concession after conces- the American people that we have been Compounding their consternation was sion to get a deal—any deal—with able to not ignore or whitewash the the concern that the People’s Republic Tehran. Even as Iranian belligerence past but to learn from it and come to of China might not like it. Quelle and hostility had grown, as they have the understanding that we are so much horreur. The Chinese might not like it. tested ballistic missiles, violated the stronger as allies than as adversaries. Now, to be fair, given the flaming Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, As a Texan, I am personally appre- train wreck that is the Obama foreign detained our citizens, and repeatedly ciative of the fruits of this alliance. We policy writ large, our relationship with threatened to wipe Israel off the map, host a range of Japanese companies the PRC is, by comparison, a bright Mr. Obama has over and over again who have invested in our State, with spot. All they have done is throw Mr. proffered his hand in friendship, even Toyota, for example, building its new Obama’s successor as Nobel Peace lau- sending them $1.7 billion in cash as a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.087 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6821 sweetener, all of which may well re- ster, again, keeping the family to- to group facilities and group homes in sult, as I said earlier, in a terrible gether. his State. threat to the United States that could Sometimes foster care is lifesaving. I I said: Look, if there is a problem in dwarf Pearl Harbor. think all of us have said that from the North Carolina in terms of trying to In closing, I want to leave you with a beginning. But it should not be the meet these measures, we said we will message of hope. Our friendship with only option. That is what kids who give States more time. We will give Japan, as well as Germany, Israel, the have been in the foster care system them more flexibility. I would just like Czech Republic, and Poland, makes me came to the Senate this week to tell to point out that there seems to be hopeful. There is a discrete reason us. It is our job as policymakers to pro- enormous support across North Caro- these nations are now aligned allies: tect the most vulnerable. Those kids lina with respect to this bill because in the persistence and resolve of Amer- don’t have a powerful lobby. They North Carolina they seem to be saying ican leadership—leadership to discern don’t have deep pockets. that they understand that what this moral from immoral, freedom from It just seems to me, as we wrap up legislation is all about—what Family tyranny, right from wrong, life from this session and everyone here goes First is all about—is just getting high- death, and then to fight for the right. back to their families and their holi- quality care for these youngsters. Such leadership has been sorely lack- days, that it is not in good conscience All of the providers would be eligible. ing in the past 8 years. Yet the past to turn our backs on the foster kids It does not speak to the type of provider. It is all the providers. So I am month affords ample reason for hope. and allow this important bipartisan Quite frankly, I think talking to legislation to wither and to die in the just going to wrap up by a few quotes that came into the Finance Committee President Tsai and not to President last days of the 114th Congress. over the course of this legislation. Ruhani was a material improvement So in a moment I will make this From the North Carolina Association for the national security interests of unanimous consent request. I ask that of County Directors of Social Services, the United States, and it demonstrates our colleagues end this standing in the which, as I understand, is the associa- renewed resolve to once more assume way of providing a new measure of tion of entities that administer child hope for vulnerable kids and their fam- the mantle of leadership. That is welfare programs in the State of North enough to make all of us hopeful. ilies and that we help lift the weight of Carolina supports the legislation, we With that, I suggest the absence of a this broken status quo—this broken have a letter that reads: ‘‘We go on quorum. status quo that falls heaviest on the record as supporting the act and re- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. SUL- hundreds of thousands of foster kids spectfully request your support in pass- LIVAN). The clerk will call the roll. living in a quiet struggle every single ing this important legislation.’’ The senior assistant legislative clerk day. The North Carolina Association of proceeded to call the roll. So at this time, I ask unanimous con- Social Workers supports the bill. They Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I ask sent that the Senate proceed to the im- wrote: ‘‘The legislation would unanimous consent that the order for mediate consideration of Calendar No. strengthen families so that more chil- the quorum call be rescinded. 527, H.R. 5456; that the Wyden sub- dren could remain safely with their The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without stitute amendment at the desk be parents and family caregivers and objection, it is so ordered. agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be avoid the need for foster care.’’ For the UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 5456 read a third time and passed; and that overwhelming majority of children, Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, in a mo- the motion to reconsider be considered this North Carolina group says: This ment, I am going to ask unanimous made and laid upon the table with no legislation could be a lifesaver. consent to pass the bipartisan Family interviewing action or debate. The North Carolina Pediatric Society First Act, to help the hundreds of thou- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there writes: sands of vulnerable children and their objection? The bill is a pivotal opportunity for a parents stay together and make the The Senator from North Carolina. major Federal policy shift away from placing biggest improvement in child welfare Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, reserving children in out-of-home care and toward policy in decades and decades in Amer- the right to object, I was wondering if keeping families together. Congregate care ica. I could direct a question through the remains one of the options on the con- tinuum, and the bill doesn’t impose time Right now, Federal policy says tax- Chair to the Senator from West Vir- limits or restrictions on the use of these set- payer money can be used to split fami- ginia. I was curious as to whether or tings for children who need them. But the lies apart and uproot the family home. not the good Senator, my friend and focus is on keeping families together. The With Families First, our bipartisan colleague, intends to object to this only changes this bill makes for congregate bill, terrific work has been done by so measure. care providers is raising the standards for many Members on both sides of the Mr. MANCHIN. To this measure? No, quality so that all children-needs settings benefit from the therapeutic value of the aisle. Senator BENNET was here and sir. best providers, of which we have several in gave an eloquent address about how Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I actually North Carolina. important this is. With Chairman think Senator WYDEN has done some So the Children’s Home Society of HATCH, Chairman GRASSLEY, and Chair- good work on this measure. I hope that North Carolina, Children’s Hope Alli- man BRADY, this has been a bipartisan we can get to a point where we can ance, the Exchange Family Center, effort for months for a number of Mem- bridge the gap and address some con- Family Preservation Community Serv- bers for close to 3 years. cerns that some of the Members have ices, and FIRST North Carolina—a With our reform, the Family First in States that are concerned with unin- number of groups, all based there and bill, families will finally see that they tended consequences. But at this time, serving in North Carolina citizens— will get some assistance to stay to- and for reasons unrelated to this meas- have come out for this. gether and stay together when it is ure but to our inability to get other So I recognize that there has been an safe to do so. If a parent can get a leg unanimous consents through, I am objection. It is my intention to keep up with some help if they face a drug going to have to object. working through the night, through addiction or a mental health problem, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- the early part of tomorrow. I appre- everybody wins because the family tion is heard. ciate that this Senator from North stays together. The Senator from Oregon. Carolina has kept an open mind on A grandparent can step in. One of the Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I will be this. He has indicated in our conversa- things I am proudest of is that I wrote very brief. As I have indicated to our tions that he understands that there is the kinship care law as part of welfare colleague from North Carolina—and he a lot of good in this bill, and for the reform when I was a new Member of is new to the Senate—he really brings reasons he has stated, he cannot sup- this body. So we know that there are a refreshing openness to these debates. port it tonight and I gather reasons un- hundreds of thousands of grandparents I know this was a new topic for him. He related to the bill. out there who could step in in those has not had a chance to hear a lot I look forward to working with him. situations, or an uncle, and they could about it over the last few years. He was He has come to the Senate fairly re- get a little bit of help raising a young- concerned about what this would mean cently, but I have found him open and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.089 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6822 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 accessible. That is all you can ask of a motion to reconsider be considered We are going to have fun with our colleague. made and laid upon the table. families. These widows, these retired With that I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there miners, well, it is not so much fun with The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- objection? their families because they don’t know ator from North Carolina. The Senator from Ohio. when their health insurance is going to Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I appre- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, reserving run out. ciate the comments of the Senator the right to object, we have heard a lot Mr. President, we need to do this. We from Oregon. I may be new to the Sen- of talk during the election, since the need to do it right. We need to do it ate, but I am not new to North Caro- election about communities like my today or tomorrow. We have no busi- lina. I was speaker of the house for 4 hometown of Mansfield, OH, not far ness going home before that. For these years, and I worked with a lot of the from where the Presiding Officer grew reasons, I object. agencies that the Senator from Oregon up—communities that have been ig- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- referenced. But the fact of the matter nored by their representatives in Wash- tion is heard. is that the first time I heard that these ington. The Senator from North Carolina. agencies supported the bill was about A lot of politicians responded during Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I appre- 90 seconds ago. the election, since the election. They ciate the comments of the Senator This has not been fully vetted in the pledged to do better. This is our chance from Ohio. I believe, if I have the facts Senate. It sounds like it has a lot of to actually show that we mean it—with correct, that it was the majority leader merit, but even having said that, this the work that Senator MANCHIN has who pushed for the patch into the CR. is not why I am objecting to the bill. I done, and Senator CASEY, Senator I am not quite sure I agree with some am objecting at this time, in large WARNER, Senator PORTMAN in my of the specifics that were put forth by part, because of a number of other ob- State, a Republican, and Senator DON- the distinguished Senator from Ohio, jections we are receiving that are not NELLY of Indiana—simply to take care but I would like to move on. allowing things that would otherwise of these mine workers. UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 2763 move through unanimous consent. Senator MANCHIN has been on this Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 2912 floor, as I have—but he has been on unanimous consent that the Senate Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, on that this floor even more times—talking proceed to the immediate consider- note, I ask unanimous consent that the about taking care of those mine work- ation of Calendar No. 654, S. 2763, the Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- ers, living up to the promise that Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery sions Committee be discharged from Harry Truman made, extending their Act of 2016, with a committee-reported further consideration of S. 2912, the health insurance. substitute amendment. I further ask Trickett Wendler Right to Try Act of Instead, the only offer we have had that the committee-reported substitute 2016, and the Senate proceed to its im- from the majority leader, the one per- amendment be agreed to, the bill, as mediate consideration. I ask unani- son—Senator TILLIS is not standing in amended, be considered read a third mous consent that the bill be read a the way. Senator SULLIVAN is not time and passed, and the motion to re- third time and passed and the motion standing in the way. It is one Senator— consider be considered made and laid to reconsider be considered made and the majority leader. For whatever rea- upon the table. laid upon the table. son he does not like the United Mine The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there Workers union. I don’t really care objection? objection? about what he thinks about the union. The Senator from Indiana. The Senator from West Virginia. I support the union. Mr. DONNELLY. Reserving the right Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, reserv- But I care about these workers. What to object, Mr. President, I rise today to ing the right to object, I will continue they proposed is a 4-month extension, discuss a crisis facing 16,000 retired to object to any unanimous consent on which means these workers, these wid- coal miners and widows across the legislation until the CR includes a per- ows, these retired workers got a notice country. We made promises. Roughly manent long-term solution for our back in the last couple of weeks saying 1,000 of these people are in my State. miners’ health care, as included in the they were going to lose their health These retirees will lose their health in- Miners Protection Act, S. 3470. care. We do 4 months, and they will get surance at the end of this year unless So this is something that we have another notice—Senator MANCHIN, Congress acts. been talking about and working on for right?—in January. My colleagues, Senators MANCHIN, 2 years. That is all we have asked: Ful- We are going to make these retired BROWN, CASEY, and WARNER have spo- fill our promises as those representa- mine workers, these widows who saw ken on this topic, and together, along tive of people who have given every- their husbands die from an accident in with a larger bipartisan group, we thing. So I will have to object for these a mine or died from black lung disease pushed for months for the passage of reasons. or died from heart diseases every 3 the Miners Protection Act to guar- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- months get another notice and then antee pension and health benefits to tion is heard. say: Well, we will extend it for 4 hundreds of thousands of retirees. The Senator from North Carolina. months. No, we have to make sure that We have a responsibility to enact Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I appre- we provide them—this is not giving this legislation to ensure that the Fed- ciate that, but the reason I directed them—the health insurance they have eral Government makes good on its the question about the objection to the earned. promise—its promise to the miners. It motion of the Senator from Oregon is It is the right thing to do. It is the wasn’t a suggestion. It was a promise that there seems to be maybe selective moral thing to do. For one Senator, to these people who risked their lives application of a strategy that the Sen- who happens to be from Kentucky, of to help our country meet our energy ator from West Virginia is trying to do all places, who happens to also be the needs. In fact, many of us stood here to get a measure passed. majority leader, to stand in the way— together in June calling for action be- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 3084 Senator WYDEN is on my committee fore it was too late. Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, if I may and Senator HATCH, Senator PORTMAN, Well, now it is almost too late. While move on. I ask unanimous consent that Senator TOOMEY. Congress is in a rush to get out of the Senate proceed to the immediate We passed 18-to-8 a bipartisan bill to town, those 16,000 retirees are des- consideration of Calendar No. 695, S. move forward on this and do this right. perate for help. Their health needs are 3084, the American Innovation and Senator MCCONNELL asked to go not dependent on our schedule. Their Competitiveness Act. I further ask that through regular order. We have to do desire to be able to stay alive shouldn’t the committee-reported substitute this right. Yet we are going to go home be subject to our desire to leave town. amendment be withdrawn, the Gardner for Christmas. We are going to go home They are praying this legislation is en- substitute amendment be agreed to, for the holidays. Whether you celebrate acted so the health insurance is still the bill, as amended, be considered Christmas or not, we are going home there next month when they still need read a third time and passed, and the for the holidays. it.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.098 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6823 It is inexcusable. It is beyond dis- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 3364 weeks ago we were told, and I have had appointing to learn that the bill we are Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask good, honest, upfront negotiations with set to consider to keep the Federal unanimous consent that the Com- the majority leader. He said: I just Government running includes only a mittee on Veterans’ Affairs be dis- don’t think the pension is going to fly scaled-down provision for our miners. charged from further consideration of this year. I said: I understand it. I am Rather than guarantee the promised S. 3364, a bill to authorize the Sec- still going to work my tail off for this benefits, leadership chose only to in- retary of Veterans Affairs to carry out thing. clude the bear minimum of a 4-month a pilot program to accept the donation I had to tell all the widows and all extension of health coverage through of facilities and related improvements the people whom we represent—16,300 April without addressing the pension for use by the Department of Veterans who were notified in October. They concerns. Affairs, and the Senate proceed to its have to give a 90-day notification that I have seen leadership. That is not it. immediate consideration; further, that you are going to lose your health care I will repeat once again: 16,000 mining the bill be considered read a third time benefits. They gave that notification in retirees, 1,000 from Indiana, will lose and passed and the motion to recon- October for December 31. That hap- their health coverage in 3 weeks unless sider be considered made and laid upon pened. I had to tell them now that we Congress acts. For the health and the the table. are not going to get the pension this financial security of thousands of fami- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there year. We are doing everything we can, lies, immediate attention is required. objection? but I am almost positive we are going Kicking the can down the road for 4 The Senator from West Virginia. to get the health care because I was months has never been a solution. En- Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, reserv- told we were going to get the health rollment periods for other health plans ing the right to object, I would like to care. Not until 2 days ago did I have end this week and next. These retirees explain why we are here and what is any inkling that now, all of a sudden— are watching us closely and are already really happening, so people have a good I am not blaming my colleagues here— in the process of making painful and grasp of things. the House said: Oh, I am sorry. We are costly decisions. First of all, the Miners Protection only going to do an extension for the This is about life and death for thou- Act—this protection act basically goes CR—the same extension for the health sands of retirees across the country back to a commitment, a promise, and care. right now. They are praying that we a transaction that we have done in I know that my colleagues would will stand up and keep our word. We Congress in 1946, under President Harry agree with this. Let’s say it was your made a promise. The United States Truman. It is the Krug act. Basically, aunt or your grandmother or a retired made a promise to our citizens, to our it was said that from that day forward, person basically being paid those bene- coal miners. The provision in the we are basically taking certain fits. They were told in October. Now we spending bill does not come close to amounts of money from all the coal are supposed to accept this CR coming meeting that promise that was made. that is mined. This is not public funds. over with this language that says: Ok, I urge the Senate to act immediately We are not asking for public funds. If now let’s tell Mrs. Smith again. We are to consider a stronger measure that ad- we had done what we were supposed to basically going to say: OK, we gave you dresses this crisis facing thousands of do, we would have taken that money a 4-month extension, but we are going retirees in my State and in so many and put that money in the funds for the to notify you again in January that other States across the country. These miners’ protection of their health and you are going to lose it again in April. are not just numbers. These are our their pension. They had nothing before They don’t even have time to work citizens. These are the people we rep- that. They are the ones who basically with the deductibles to get any insur- resent. These are the people who dug gave us the energy that we had to win ance—nothing. the coal to keep the lights on in this two world wars and become the super Let me tell you how they were going building. Their ancestors dug the coal power of the West. All they asked for to pay for it. This is what came from that helped win the war in World War was that. It wasn’t guaranteed by tax- the House—not my colleagues here but II. We made a promise, and here we payers going to pay it. It was going to from the House. The House says: OK, stand making a decision whether it come from the coal that was mined. we are going to take $47 million from will be kept or whether it will not. Now this same Congress comes back the VEVA transfers. VEVA was money This is about who we are as a country 20, 30 years later, and we changed the that was set aside for other bank- and who we are as Senators. Do we bankruptcy laws to allow companies ruptcies. These were bankruptcies that honor the word of the people before us? Do we honor the coal miners with now to declare bankruptcy and to shed were basically going to give people who black lung, with broken kneecaps, with their legacy costs. They don’t have to were retired under those bankruptcies broken shoulders, with widows who are pay it no more. So we are caught. at least health care coverage until wondering if they are going to be able Every promise we made now is this: June. Those same people are going to to make it alone? Oh, I am sorry; we can’t pay you. lose theirs because it is going to take I will continue to object to any unan- So we did step in. We stepped in a their money and they are going to lose imous consent request or legislation couple of times—in 1993, in 2006. Con- theirs also. It is almost incomprehen- until the CR includes a permanent gress has basically a history with this sible that they would give us some- long-term solution for our miners’ piece of legislation. So we are working thing like this and think it is some- health care as included in the Miners now to shore it up. thing we could do. Protection Act, S. 3470. Therefore, Mr. AML means abandoned mine lands. We got a bipartisan agreement here President, for these reasons, I object. That is money that goes from every on this side, and we can’t get just a The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- kind of coal into a reclamation fund consideration from our colleagues over tion is heard. that takes care of any reclamation in the House. So I just can’t explain it. The Senator from North Carolina. that is needed from the mining process. I can’t go home and explain this. We Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, let me di- As you are putting the mines back or are walking out of here, trying to get rect a question through the Chair to putting the environment back and tak- out this weekend because everybody the Senator from Indiana. ing the environment and putting the wants to go home. That is wonderful. I don’t believe the Senator was in at land back, that money would be used The only thing we have this time cer- the time that the Senator from Oregon for that. If there was not much rec- tain is December 31. They know they offered his motion. Would the Senator lamation or if that money accumu- are going to lose everything—their have objected to that motion—Senator lated, then we have a surplus. We have health care benefits. It is in doubt that WYDEN’s motion? only asked for the surplus. they will have their pensions taken Mr. DONNELLY. I was not here to So we were all on the same page, and care of, and we won’t stay here because listen to what he said. I was elsewhere. we have been negotiating back and it is too much of an inconvenience. So I cannot answer the question be- forth. This is 2 years ago and up until That is why we are prepared. We are cause I didn’t hear what the Senator present. We have been negotiating back going to stay. If they want to stay had to say. and forth, up to 2 weeks ago. Two through Christmas, fine—through the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.100 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 New Year, fine. I think that they ing this when, No. 1, he wouldn’t do it, tomorrow, we are going to be here the think: I know everybody wants to go he wouldn’t do it, he wouldn’t do it, he next day. If we don’t do it at the end of home; so I am sure everybody will fold wouldn’t do it. Senator MANCHIN has this week, we are going to be here next their hands and leave. asked him for weeks and months and week because we are not leaving. We I want to thank all of you and all of months to take care of the pension and are going to stay here as long as we my colleagues for jumping up here be- the health insurance, and the majority need to, even if it means a session on cause you all have been helping us. leader refused month after month after Christmas Day, in order to get these They just have to get the message that month. retirees and their widows the pensions we are sincere about helping these peo- The majority leader said: I need you and the health care that they earned, ple. to do several things. We need you to not a little 4-month bump. Everybody is standing for the work- follow regular order. We did. We went Mr. President, I object. ing person. Every campaign ad I saw through the Finance Committee, 18 to The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- this year said: We are all for the work- 8. Senator HATCH, the chairman, helped tion is heard. ing man and the working woman. Well, us. Senator WYDEN, the ranking mem- The Senator from North Carolina. you got a chance to prove it right now. ber, was one of the strongest sup- Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, earlier You got a chance to show that I am for porters, joined by Senators CASEY and the distinguished Senator from Oregon you, that I respect what you did, what WARNER, Finance Committee members said he recognizes that I am new to the your husband did, what your family who represent a lot of mine workers. Senate and there may be something has done for the country, and I am try- The Senate majority leader then different between what we would call a ing to help you. said: You have to find a way to pay for blanket position in the North Carolina What we are asking for is to give us it. We did it. We found a way to pay for House and a blanket position here. a permanent long-term solution for the it. It comes from the abandoned mine Mr. President, I want to ask a ques- miners, included in the Miners Protec- fund. There are no tax dollars involved tion of the distinguished Senator from tion Act that we have been working on in this. The majority leader still Ohio. I might add that I appreciate the for so long, S. 3470. Reluctantly, there- wouldn’t do anything. kind comments that I think you were fore, for these reasons, I have to object. So finally, Senator MANCHIN comes recently reported as saying. We are The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- to the floor, I come to the floor, Sen- working together on veterans issues, tion is heard. ator CASEY comes to the floor, and and I look forward to continuing to Mr. TILLIS. Objection? Senator WARNER comes to the floor work for you. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- over and over, and we say we are not Mr. President, I would ask the Sen- tion is heard. going to agree to anything until you ator from Ohio, if he was in the Cham- The Senator from North Carolina. take care of these pensioners, until you ber at the time of the motion offered Mr. TILLIS. Thank you, Mr. Presi- take care of these miners’ widows. by Senator WYDEN, would he have been dent. Then, out of the goodness of the major- prepared to object to that motion being The Senator from West Virginia, I ity leader’s heart, he gives these min- consistent with the position that they believe, is trying to make a compelling ers—these retired miners and widows— are having blanket objections to all argument. I understand that he feels 4 months. What does 4 months mean? motions? very strongly about this. We feel very It means that these widows and min- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President—Senator strongly about a number of these mo- ers—these retired miners and widows TILLIS, I heard the tail end of it. I was tions I am going to continue to make got a notice in the last couple of weeks in the cloakroom trying to find out ex- and hopefully not get objection. saying their insurance will expire De- actly what the parliamentary proce- Mr. President, I do want to remind cember 31. If we agree to the majority dure was going be on this. I would be the Senator from West Virginia that it leader’s bountiful offer, then they will willing to say yes to a lot of these once was the majority leader who worked to get another notice in January or Feb- we take care of the mine workers. This at least get the patch in the CR, and ruary saying: Oh, it is going to run out is a wide-open forum. Let’s take care of like so many things around here, we again in 4 months. the mine workers, and then we can wish we were working on longer hori- What is really interesting around consider each of these other bills. But zons, but that seems to be the chal- here is, I hear Republican Senators day none of these bills has the immediacy lenge we have to deal with and that we after day after day—whether it is the of thousands of mine workers, retirees, will have to deal with in the waning Affordable Care Act, whether it is and their widows in West Virginia, days of this session. Dodd-Frank—say: All we want is pre- Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, and Indi- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 1831 dictability. We want to be able to plan. ana. None of them have the immediacy Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Businesses can’t produce jobs, can’t of these mine workers’ health care sent that the Committee on the Judici- create jobs, unless we have a path for- being cut off December 31. ary be discharged from further consid- ward, unless we can predict what will These are important public initia- eration of S. 1831, the Preventing Ani- happen, unless we can have some cer- tives. I can’t think of anything that we mal Cruelty and Torture Act, and the tainty. are considering—I mean, I really want Senate proceed to its immediate con- That is all right for corporate Amer- to get ‘‘Buy American’’ in the WRDA sideration; further, that the Toomey ica. They want certainty. Corporate bill. We had it in the Senate bill. It was substitute amendment be agreed to, America wants to be able to plan. But bipartisan. the bill, as amended, be considered it is not all right for mine workers’ Speaker RYAN—even though we read a third time and passed, and the widows? It is OK to jack them around— tweeted the President-elect of the motion to reconsider be considered pardon my language—it is OK for them United States asking him to weigh in made and laid upon the table. to stumble around every 4 months and on ‘‘Buy American,’’ saving thousands The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. we renew their pensions, we renew of dollars in Coshocton, OH, in Wheel- GARDNER). Is there objection? their health care? Really. ing, and in other places all over this The Senator from Ohio. This is so easy. Give us a year, and country, we couldn’t get any response Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, reserving then we will be back next year and we to that. I want to see us do that. I the right to object, I am a bit incred- will work on this. But, as Senator would like to stay and do that, but the ulous. I like the Senator from North MANCHIN said, for us to go home for immediate question is, How do we pro- Carolina. We sit across from each other Christmas—whether or not you cele- tect these miners and retirees and how in the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. We brate Christmas—and be with our fami- do we protect these widows and wid- have done at least 2 or 3 bills that lies, which I really want to do—I have owers, for that matter, make sure their reached the President’s desk and were five grandchildren. I can’t wait to get health care is protected? That is the signed into law together. to spend time with them in the next 3 fundamental question. I am willing to But I think my Republican friends weeks. But we have to do our job. If we do a whole lot of other things. Do this are kind of missing the point here—to don’t do it tonight, then we are going first, and then the floor is open to do give the majority leader credit for fix- to be here tomorrow. If we don’t do it other things.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.101 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6825 The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- by June. Now they are going to lose it saying to these widows and mine work- ator from North Carolina. by April, by this provision that has ers and retired mine workers that I UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 3286 been passed by the House. And on top guess you don’t matter very much be- Mr. TILLIS. In a moment, I will be of that, they will have $2 million in cause we are going to have our Christ- making another unanimous consent re- surplus. mas vacation and you are going to quest. I will give a classic example of I had a lady call me today. She said: have to worry about your health care. the kinds of things I wish we could get You know, Senator MANCHIN, where I Their health care runs out December done before we leave here. come from, they call that theft. They 31. Senator MCCONNELL, finally, after The unanimous consent request I am call that theft. And why would you all great pressure from constituents and about to make would encourage effec- let them do that? If they don’t do any- mine workers and us, finally said he tive, voluntary private sector invest- thing, some of our miners are, till would give us 4 months. You can’t run ments to recruit, employ, and retain June—16,000 of us lose. We don’t want your life not knowing your health in- men and women who have served in the to punish them, but now you are pun- surance is going to run out in 4 months U.S. military, with annual Presidential ishing them. You are punishing them or 8 months or 3 months. awards to private sector employers rec- an extra 3 months. Why would you all So we shouldn’t keep repeating our- ognizing such efforts for their pur- do that? selves, but Senator TILLIS keeps bring- poses. I am not sure they really realize it on ing up one issue after another. We are This is an example of something that the other side. going to keep saying no until we get in right now, today, without objection, we Like I said, I am not at our col- this bill much more time for this can get through. leagues here, my friends and Repub- health care for these retired mine Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- lican colleagues I have here, but why workers and their families and their sent that the Senate proceed to the im- would the House send that to you, and widows. mediate consideration of H.R. 3286, a why would you all accept it? Mr. President, I object. bill to encourage effective, voluntary That is all we are asking for. We can The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- private sector investments to recruit, all gather forces here and send a large tion is heard. Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I just employ, and retain men and women message to them that we are not going want to be clear that my friend from who have served in the U.S. military, to do this until they come to their West Virginia, whom I actually con- with annual Presidential awards to pri- senses and take care of the miners’ sider to be one of my favorites, to be vate sector employers recognizing such health care benefits. honest with you, since I have been You know what. We can come back. efforts, which was received from the here—I have loved serving with him on We can let all of this—all of our UCs House. I further ask consent that the committees, and I serve with him on that have been worked on and that I bill be considered read a third time and the Senate Armed Services Committee think are so needed can go right passed and the motion to reconsider be and Veterans’ Affairs. I asked the Sen- through, we can all go home, and hope- considered made and laid upon the ator from West Virginia if he would table. fully our miners know they have have objected to the motion set forth The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there health care, we know we have done a by the Senator from Oregon, Mr. objection? lot of good for a lot of people, and WYDEN, and the answer was no. So we The Senator from West Virginia. hopefully everyone will have a better have an inconsistency here. Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, reserv- Christmas. So all I am asking for— ing the right to object, first, I say to UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—SENATE until the CR includes that permanent, RESOLUTION my good friend from North Carolina, long term, I am going to have to ob- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Mr. TILLIS, I have been in the Senate ject. sent that the Senate proceed to the for 6 years, so I have never used this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- consideration of a Senate resolution at procedure—never believed it, never tion is heard. the desk honoring the individuals who thought I would have to, never thought The Senator from North Carolina. lost their lives in the tragic fire in anything would be so direly needed UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—SENATE Oakland, California, on December 2, that I would even have to stand here RESOLUTION 2016, submitted earlier today. I ask and object to all the good things we Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution both have worked on. I have so many unanimous consent that the Senate be agreed to, the preamble be agreed good things on my side that I am not proceed to the immediate consider- to, and the motions to reconsider be moving right now, and you have so ation of a Senate resolution at the considered made and laid upon the many great things on your side that I desk designating December 17, 2016, as table with no intervening action or de- would love to help you with. ‘‘Wreaths Across America Day,’’ sub- bate. But, sir, if you were in my position— mitted earlier today. I ask unanimous The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there let me go a little bit further because I consent that the resolution be agreed objection? don’t think maybe I made it. If you to, the preamble be agreed to, and the The Senator from West Virginia. want to add insult to injury to what motions to reconsider be considered Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, reserv- has happened to our retired miners and made and laid upon the table with no ing the right to object, I would like to all the people dependent on their intervening action or debate. explain to my good friend, the Senator health care benefits, the $47 million The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there from North Carolina, that I have been that I told you they transferred—that objection? deferring to you the pleasure of object- is what they are going the pay for from The Senator from Ohio. ing, and that is the reason I didn’t ob- the House, the VEBA—basically takes Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I reserve ject to the Senator from Oregon. As it from other bankrupt funds that were the right to object. We can keep doing you said, we can stay here. I think we set aside. They are going to do that, this. I think it is very clear what Sen- all have a lot of appreciation for the and when all is said and done—and it ator MANCHIN and I are asking for. We situation. has even been scored that Medicaid and are not asking for anything unusual; With that being said, we have come Medicare would save so much because we are asking for the Senate to honor to an impasse that if we cannot get the now they are paying for it out of the the pledge made by President Truman House, with the help of our Senate col- miners health care fund, and they are more or less seven decades ago to take leagues on both sides, to agree to a per- not going to have to. But on top of care of the health care that mine work- manent, long-term fix and a solution that, from the $47 million they took, ers earned. for the miners’ health care—and I they are going to make $2 million prof- Don’t ever forget, we all work around would say to the Senator, we took off it returned back to the Treasury. They here. We wear coats and ties, and our the pension; you heard me say that. We are going to take $2 million from work might be stressful, sort of, but we took the pensions off of that. We money set aside to pay—that the bank- are not likely risking our lives, we are thought that might provide us a way to ruptcy courts put aside to pay miners not likely picking up occupational dis- move forward. We thought we had a because they will lose their health care eases from the work we do. But we are way to move forward.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.104 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6826 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 With that being said, we stand here tions that don’t mean anything except ment at the desk be agreed to; the bill, today objecting to things that we they are nice. I am for these resolu- as amended, be read a third time and would all like to move forward on. It tions. I love to support anything we do passed, and the motion to reconsider be pains all of us to be in this position. to say something nice and pat some- made and laid upon the table with no Hopefully, you all can help us, talking body on the back. But we have these intervening action or debate. to the House and basically asking them two resolutions saying aren’t they The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there to come to their senses and, hopefully, nice, aren’t we nice, compared to tak- objection? take care of this. ing care of widows who are going to see Mr. BROWN. I object. So for that reason, until we have a their health care expire on December The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- long-term solution for our miners’ 31. I don’t understand the equivalency. tion is heard. health care as included in the Miners I suppose we could go all night if The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Protection Act, S. 3470, I object. Senator MCCONNELL were perhaps in ator from West Virginia. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- his office or perhaps out to dinner or Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, reserv- tion is heard. perhaps he went home. But it is ordering the right to object— Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I would ing or asking or however we do things The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- like to direct another question through around here—Senators come to the tion has been heard. the Chair to the Senator from West floor and delay and delay and delay and The Senator from North Carolina is Virginia. I just want to be clear that, try to change the subject so that peo- recognized. hypothetically, if the Senator from Or- ple forget about these mine workers. Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I am egon were to come back to the Cham- Well, we are not going to let the Pre- happy to yield the floor to the Senator ber and offer that motion, would the siding Officer or Senator TILLIS or Sen- from West Virginia. Senator from West Virginia actually ator MCCONNELL or Senator CORNYN or The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- object to that motion? anybody else—we are not going to let ator from North Carolina yields the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there you forget the mine workers. We are floor to the Senator from West Vir- objection to the Senator posing a ques- going to keep talking about this. ginia. tion? I don’t mind working late tonight. I Mr. MANCHIN. I just want to clarify. Mr. BROWN. I object. don’t mind working late tomorrow. I I think there is some confusion. It The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- would rather not work until December seems like everybody is in a hustle tion is heard. 24, but Senator MANCHIN said he will, right now. I think they think we are Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, we may and I will. My wife is not thrilled about being selective. I want to make it very have that opportunity. it, and my children and my grandkids clear. I have been very clear to every- UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—SENATE aren’t thrilled about it. But these are body. I have had to object on every- RESOLUTION thousands of people who are going to thing. I have had to object on my own Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- lose their health insurance on Decem- pieces of legislation to stop everything. sent that the Senate proceed to the ber 31, and all that Senator MCCONNELL With that being said, I think I was consideration of a Senate resolution at can do, after huge pressure from mine asked about Senator WYDEN’s request, the desk recognizing the 75th anniver- workers around the country and his and I said, no, I wouldn’t at that time, sary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and constituents in Kentucky and from and then I think at that time Senator the lasting significance of National us—all Senator MCCONNELL can do is TILLIS objected. For that you were Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day sub- say, well, we can give you maybe 4 asked did I object, and I said no. mitted earlier today. I ask unanimous months, and that is supposed to satisfy With that being said, I would have consent that the resolution be agreed us. It doesn’t matter if it satisfies us; objected to everything, and I think ev- to, the preamble be agreed to, and the it matters that we take care of these erybody knew where I stood in this motions to reconsider be considered retired mine workers and their widows. body that I will and have to reluc- made and laid upon the table with no For all of those reasons, I object. tantly—I don’t want to be in this posi- intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- tion. I am so committed to fulfilling The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there tion is heard. the promise and commitment we have objection? Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, the dis- made. That is all. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, reserving tinguished Senator from Ohio did men- I am sorry if there has been confu- the right to object, I was incredulous tion a couple of resolutions, but I sion. I have to, for the position we have at the beginning of the night, not quite would add there was also the American taken. I think the good fight that we believing that Senator MCCONNELL—I Innovation and Competitiveness Act have here—and, basically, what the don’t know what he is doing now—was that we worked very hard on to provide House has done to us is not humane to sending his people to the floor and find- much needed resources for a number of the people we represent. That is all I ing ways to push back against the mine States, including Ohio. There are a said. I am sorry for that. workers in West Virginia and Ohio and number of other items, including I So if there is a motion on the table, Pennsylvania and Indiana and Vir- think hiring vets, providing programs I object to that too. ginia, not willing to help those pen- or providing preferences and trying to f sioners and widows. Now we have this do everything we can to get our vet- incredible coincidence that the last erans hired; preventing animal cruelty MORNING BUSINESS two resolutions—we are talking about and torture I think is a worthwhile Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask mine workers—retired mine workers’ cause, and a number of other things. unanimous consent that the Senate be health care; we are talking about wid- But, again, the point here is that we in a period of morning business, with ows of mine workers who have either are trying to move things that we gen- Senators permitted to speak therein died on the job or died perhaps from an erally have consent on, and for one rea- for up to 10 minutes each. illness that mine workers so often son or another—and I don’t question The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- have—brown lung or some kind of the motives of the Senator from West ator from Ohio. heart disease. Instead, my friend from Virginia—they are being held up. We Mr. BROWN. Reserving the right to North Carolina has offered two resolu- kind of have a double standard in that object, but I withdraw my reservation. tions, one to honor people who died in some of these things do not rise to the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without a fire—a tragedy—and one to mark the same level as the unanimous consent objection, it is so ordered. 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, both request made by Senator WYDEN ear- f reasonable things. But they are not lier. resolutions to provide college to the UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—H.R. 5456 TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BOXER children of the people who died in the So I ask unanimous consent that the Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, in 1922, fire, and they are not to increase bene- Senate proceed to the immediate con- Rebecca Latimer Felton was the first fits for the grandchildren of people who sideration of Calendar No. 527, H.R. woman to sit in the U.S. Senate. She died in Pearl Harbor; they are resolu- 5456; that the Wyden substitute amend- served in this body for only 1 day, but

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.105 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6827 during those 24 hours she made a bold class town of Brooklyn. Or maybe it is Because we have let another year and prediction for her time about the fu- because her parents and Jewish grand- holiday season come and go without ture role women would play in the Sen- parents, who immigrated to this coun- closing the online sales tax loophole, ate. She said: ‘‘When the women of the try from Russia instilled in her a deep States missed out on millions of dol- country come in and sit with you . . . love for America’s Constitution and lars in sales tax revenue owed to them you will get ability, you will get integ- freedoms—a sense of obligation to give from online purchases. And Main rity of purpose, you will get exalted pa- something back and a determination to Street retailers continued to lose busi- triotism, and you will get unstinted fight for underdogs, truth and justice. ness. usefulness.’’ I will second that. She has sponsored or cosponsored However, this was not without try- BARBARA and I served together in the more than 1,200 pieces of legislation ing. House—and we have served together in and helped lead the fight on issues Around this time last year, Senators ranging from women’s rights to the Senate for 20 years. And let me tell ENZI, ALEXANDER, HEITKAMP, and my- you, no one embodies Senator FELTON’S healthcare to protecting California’s self opposed the air dropping of legisla- natural wonders to keeping lead and prediction better than BARBARA BOXER. tion in the customs conference report other potentially lethal hazards out of Throughout the years, I have loved that would have taken away a State’s getting to know BARBARA as a col- children’s toys. The vote that sealed our spiritual right to collect taxes on accessing the league, but more importantly as a internet unless we gave States the abil- friend. Loretta and I joined BARBARA kinship took place in October 2002 when she and I voted against the Iraq ity to collect taxes on internet sales and her husband, Stu, on official trips, that were already owed, and we leveled personal vacations and countless din- war resolution. One of our dear friends, Paul Wellstone, also voted against the the playing field for brick and mortar ners. We have eaten, drank, joked, and businesses. bonded. And as her career in the Sen- resolution. Paul was in a tough reelec- Despite our opposition, the customs ate comes to an end, keeping those tion fight that year. A reporter asked bill passed, and Majority Leader bonds of friendship strong as she heads him if it was a hard choice to vote MCCONNELL promised to give us a vote west is one my life goals. against the war. Paul said it was a later this year on the Marketplace BARBARA made quite an impact on risk, but not a choice. His conscience the Senate Chamber before she even wouldn’t let him vote any other way. It Fairness Act or similar e-fairness legis- entered this body. On October 9, 1991, seems to me that is how BARBARA lation. the Senate Judiciary Committee was BOXER approaches every one of her This would give House Republicans set to vote on the nomination of Jus- votes in Congress: It might be a risk, the opportunity to go through regular tice Clarence Thomas to serve a life- but it is not a choice. She listens to her order, a process they said was nec- time appointment on the U.S. Supreme conscience, and the people of California essary to address the issue. Court, without listening to Professor respect her for it. But let me be clear: Yet, unfortunately, here we are, at Anita Hill’s allegations of sexual har- that doesn’t mean she will not work the end of the Congress, and House Re- assment. At the time, there were two hard to find a compromise. publicans have still refused to act. She proved that in recent years when women in the Senate, BARBARA MIKUL- The Marketplace Fairness Act levels she and JIM INHOFE—the unlikeliest of SKI and Nancy Landon Kassebaum. the playing field for retailers by allow- Now, while this was going on in the odd couples—worked together to pass ing States to treat brick and mortar Senate, the women of the House tried important legislation updating regula- retailers the same as remote retailers speaking out in that body. They were tions on toxic chemicals and shep- in the collection of State and local herding through a surface transpor- censured. And they had enough. So sales and use taxes. tation bill that no one thought could they marched out of the House and Internet retailers benefit under our be done. over to the Senate—29 women House current system with a 5–10 percent I will close with this. Early in BAR- Members, led by Congresswoman Pat price advantage over their Main Street BARA’S political career, people used to Schroeder from Colorado and BARBARA come up to her and say: How did you competitors. BOXER from California. American poli- get so strong, how did you get so This is because customers visit local tics has never been the same. tough? BARBARA would humbly re- retailers, browse goods, use their phone The following year, a number of es- spond: Oh, not tough. I am just an ordi- to take a picture of it, and go online to teemed women were elected to the U.S. nary person, and I do what I think is purchase the item tax-free. Senate. Several reporters deemed 1992: right. I agree with most of that, but let Products sold online seem cheaper ‘‘the Year of the Woman.’’ Senator MI- me tell you—BARBARA is as tough as when sales taxes are not collected at KULSKI, the dean of women, as she is they come. She can’t be bullied or in- the point of sale. But they are not be- often referred to, said: ‘‘Calling 1992 timidated, and she never loses her cause the tax is still owed, though not the Year of the Woman makes it sound courage. I want to thank BARBARA for paid, by the customer. like the Year of the Caribou or the sacrificing so much time with her own This is not fair, and it is not right. Year of the Asparagus. We’re not a fad, family to make the families of America Thousands of Main Street businesses fancy or a year.’’ She was right. But safer, healthier, and more hopeful. For have worked hard to grow their busi- California made history. For the first that and a thousand other reasons, I nesses, but have become showrooms be- time, one State sent two women to rep- will miss her in the Senate. But I know cause of this price advantage, making resent them in the Senate: DIANNE I can count on her to keep pushing it difficult, and, in some cases, impos- FEINSTEIN and BARBARA BOXER. those of us who remain to listen to our sible for them to compete. BARBARA often reminds me of the consciences—to fight for change and do I have come to this floor in the past line from Shakespeare’s—A Mid- the right thing. summer Night’s Dream: ‘‘Though she to share the stories of Main Street be but little, she is fierce.’’ In 1994, f businesses, such as Play It Again when Republicans took control of Con- MARKETPLACE FAIRNESS BILL Sports in Naperville and Soccer Plus in Palatine, that have gone out of busi- gress, one of the first things they did Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, this past ness due, in large part, to the unfair was go after environmental regula- Thanksgiving marked the beginning of advantage of their online competitors. tions, including rules to limit the the holiday shopping season. amount of arsenic in the drinking In an effort to find deeply discounted Since then, Sports Authority has met water. BARBARA immediately launched electronics, toys, and other Christmas that same fate, and many department a good, old-fashioned, 3-day ‘‘Ms. gifts for family and friends, bargain- stores and big-box retailers have closed Smith Goes to Washington’’ filibuster. hunting shoppers searched for Black a number of stores because of the in- And like most of the fights she takes Friday and Cyber Monday deals. crease in online shopping. on, she won. While these deals provided great sav- These are local jobs and community BARBARA is a call-it-as-you-see-it ings for shoppers, Main Street retailers anchors that no longer exist. kind of person. Maybe it is because she and States did not reap the same bene- There is nothing we can do now for grew up in the no-nonsense, working- fits. these shuttered retailers. But we can,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.033 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 and should, still help thousands of re- States collect sales tax without con- took power in a coup, with troubling tailers avoid the same fate by leveling gressional action. arrests and disappearances of journal- the playing field for Main Street retail- This week, a Federal court in South ists, activists, and opposition members. ers. Dakota will begin hearing oral argu- I and several of my Senate colleagues For the first time in history, con- ments on a South Dakota law that re- raised a number of these cases over the sumers said they made more of their quires remote retailers to collect and years, most notably the 2007 disappear- purchases online than in stores. remit sales tax. ance of journalist Ebrima Manneh—for This trend is evidenced by an in- And we may know, as early as next which I now hope there will finally be crease in online retail spending, which week, if the Supreme Court will grant a fair and healing accounting. grew 14.6 percent last year, to $341 bil- review of a law Colorado recently en- And yet, last Thursday night, the lion, and is projected to reach $523 bil- acted that imposes reporting and noti- people of The Gambia, voting with col- lion in 2020. fication requirements on remote retail- ored marbles placed in different con- During the weekend following ers. tainers to make it easier for illiterate Thanksgiving—the biggest shopping Let me be clear. This is not the ap- voters, chose a new leader in a peaceful weekend of the year—online retail proach I prefer. I would rather Con- and democratic process. spending was over $9.3 billion, a 16.4 gress do its job to pass a uniform, com- And outgoing President Yahya percent increase from 2015. prehensive Federal solution instead of Jammeh honorably conceded the elec- As online sales increase, the poten- the States moving forward individually tion and agreed to a peaceful transfer tial sales tax revenue that States lose so we don’t have a patch work of laws of power. increases. that small businesses have to navigate. He offered to help President-Elect The longer we delay in closing this But I understand that, in the absence Adama Barrow. loophole, the longer we perpetuate an of Congressional action, the States While we have had our differences, I uneven playing field between local and have no other options. They must ei- want to acknowledge this important online retailers that erodes the reve- ther raise taxes or cut vital public act of leadership and love of country by nues needed by State and local govern- services if Congress continues to sit on outgoing President Jammeh. ments to fund essential public services. the sidelines. And not only has there been this no- Despite the looming budget deficits As you can see, the States are no table peaceful transfer of power, but in State and local governments are facing longer waiting for Congress to get its just the few short days since the elec- and the competitive disadvantage expe- act together. tion, at least 18 political prisoners have But there is still time for us address rienced by brick and mortar busi- been released from jail, including a key nesses, House Republicans have refused this issue. And I hope my colleagues in the opposition figure. to address the issue for more than a So to the Gambian people, let me say decade. House will work with me to do that before it is too late. congratulations on your important This year is no different. demonstration of democracy—a model Numerous requests to the chairman f for the African continent and the of the House Judiciary Committee to ELECT AND FREEING OF POLIT- world. markup e-fairness legislation from the ICAL PRISONERS IN THE GAMBIA I look forward to significantly im- ranking member and other bipartisan Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, in re- proved relations between our two na- members on committee, Main Street cent years, we have seen a troubling tions and working together on a host of retailers, State and local governments, trend of democratic backsliding in sev- shared concerns. labor, and the sponsors of the Market- eral parts of the world, including Rus- f place Fairness Act remain unanswered. sia, Thailand, Uganda, Turkey, and Instead, Chairman GOODLATTE draft- Venezuela. TRIBUTE TO BARBARA MIKULSKI ed his own proposal that created more Even some parts of Europe and the Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, history is problems than it solved. United States have seen long estab- dotted with the stories of trailblazers. I didn’t support the chairman’s pro- lished democratic norms challenged in People who shape the public discourse posal, but I supported the process and deeply upsetting ways. at a pivotal moment in time or change his calls for regular order and encour- So imagine my great surprise late the direction of the debate. One of aged him to work with his colleagues last week when the people of The Gam- those trailblazers is BARBARA MIKUL- in the House to send us a bill so that bia peacefully voted for a new demo- SKIm, the longest serving woman in we can resolve our differences. cratic government. We are still waiting. Many probably don’t know much Senate history, the first woman to rep- The chairman has continued to about The Gambia—a small West Afri- resent Maryland in the U.S. Senate, refuse to work with us on reasonable can nation whose uniquely odd colonial and the first woman to chair the Sen- compromise legislation that didn’t borders have it straddling the mean- ate’s Appropriations Committee. She is turn 100 years of sales and use tax law dering Gambia River almost com- tough. She is direct. She is dedicated. on its head, even though he doesn’t pletely surrounded by Senegal. She is a fighter. She is a leader. have the support of the majority of the Gambia is English speaking—Senegal BARBARA MIKULSKI has always fought House Republican Caucus on his ap- speaks French—with several local lan- for our families and our children. From proach. guages shared between the unusual her roots as a social worker and com- It is apparent that these calls for borders. munity activist to the levels of leader- compromise and regular order are Some of you may remember The ship in the Senate, she has held firm to nothing more than veiled attempts to Gambia was the ancestral home in the her adage that she is not just the Sen- delay and obstruct, which have so far novel and then-television miniseries ator from Maryland, she is the Senator been successful. ‘‘Roots.’’ for Maryland. From her first years in If Congress continues to ignore this Because of its strong ties to the U.S. the Senate until now, she has promoted issue and fails to act, the courts will. and geographic location, for some time education, nutrition, healthcare, and Because States are missing out on an The Gambia also had a unique distinc- gender equality in the Senate. estimated $23 billion a year in poten- tion of being an emergency landing She led our historic efforts to pass tial sales tax revenue, they are looking spot for the Space Shuttle should one the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act— to the courts for a solution, heeding need to abort its mission early in the shouting from the rooftops the simple the call from Supreme Court Justice launch phase. principle that women deserve equal pay Kennedy to reexamine the Court’s And until 1994, it had the proud dis- for equal work. She continued that leg- precedent on the issue. tinction of being the longest acy with the Paycheck Fairness Act. This year alone, 16 States have intro- postcolonial democracy on the African Wouldn’t it be a fitting tribute if the duced over 40 sales tax bills, and others continent. Senate considered and approved that have enacted legislation that have trig- You see, for the last 22 years, The commonsense legislation before she re- gered legal challenges that would help Gambia was ruled by a regime that tires?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.032 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6829 Like others in this Chamber, she was DEFENSE SECURITY POLICY JUSTIFICATION a vocal and steadfast supporter of Vio- COOPERATION AGENCY, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—CH–47F Chinook lence Against Women Act and our most Arlington, VA. Cargo Helicopters recent efforts to reauthorized and ex- Hon. BOB CORKER, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has re- Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, pand those lifesaving programs. She led quested a possible sale of: U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Major Defense Equipment (MDE): the efforts to ensure that the Afford- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- Forty-eight (48) CH–47F Chinook Cargo able Care Act made clear that no one porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of Helicopters. should be discriminated against in pre- the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, One hundred twelve (112) T55–GA–714A En- ventive care. Who can forget her fierce we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. gines (ninety-six (96) installed, sixteen (16) advocacy to make the letter of the law 16–31, concerning the Department of the spares). clear that being a woman is not a pre- Army’s proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Ac- One hundred sixteen (116) Embedded Global existing condition? ceptance for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Naviga- for defense articles and services estimated to tion Systems (EGI (ninety-six (96) installed, And when BARBARA assumed the cost $3.51 billion. After this letter is deliv- twenty (20) spares)). mantle chairing the Appropriations ered to your office, we plan to issue a news Fifty-eight (58) AN/AAR–57 Common Mis- Committee, she brought with her the release to notify the public of this proposed sile Warning Systems (CMWS) (forty-eight tough but fair grit that has been her sale. (48) installed, ten (10) spares). hallmark in the Senate. When asked Sincerely, Forty-eight (48) M240H 7.62mm Machine about earmarks, her retort was simple: JAMES WORM, Acting Deputy Director, Guns with spare parts. ‘‘I’ve told senators that if you’re op- (For J. W. Rixey, Vice Admiral, USN, Non-MDE: This request also includes the following Non-MDE: M134D Mini-Guns or posed to earmarks, I’ll honor that and Director). Enclosures. equivalent type guns with support equip- won’t include any for your state.’’ You ment and training; Aircraft Survivability TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–31 always know where you stand with Equipment (AN/APR–39A(V)1/4, AN/AVR–2B, BARBARA MIKULSKI. Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of AN/ARC–231, AN/ARC–201D, AN/APX–123A, Thirty years ago, when she first Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the ARN–147 VOR/1LS, ARN–153 TACAN, APN– came to the Senate, women filled just Arms Export Control Act, as amended 209, IDM–401 Improved Data Modem, and AN/ two seats in this body. When the Sen- (i) Prospective Purchaser: The Kingdom of ARC–220); Infrared Signature Suppression ate convenes next year, there will be Saudi Arabia. System (IRSS); Fast Rope Insertion Extrac- (ii) Total Estimated Value: tion System (FRIES); Extended Range Fuel 21. I hope it won’t be another 30 years Major Defense Equipment* $2.60 billion. System (ERPS); Ballistic Armor Protection for the Senate to be truly representa- Other $ .91 billion. System; facilities; air worthiness support; tive of the country we serve. Total $3.51 billion. spares and repair parts; communications A lifelong Baltimore resident, ‘‘Sen- (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- equipment; personnel training and training ator Barb’’ has never forgotten her tities of Articles or Services under consider- equipment; site surveys; tool and test equip- roots, probably because she never left. ation for Purchase: ment; Ground Support Equipment (GSE); re- She remains a Marylander through and Maior Defense Equipment (MDE): pair and return; publications and technical through, dedicated to her State and Forty-eight (48) CH–47F Chinook Cargo documentation; Quality Assurance Team (QAT); U.S. Government and contractor en- never forgetting that listening to your Helicopters. One hundred twelve (112) T55–GA–714A En- gineering, technical and logistics support constituents is the most important job gines (ninety-six (96) installed, sixteen (16) services; and other related elements of logis- of all. When Senator MIKULSKI an- spares). tics and program support. The total overall nounced her retirement, she told her One hundred sixteen (116) Embedded Global estimated value is $3.51 billion. constituents that the question came Positioning System (GPS) Inertial Naviga- This proposed sale will contribute to the down to whether she wanted to spend tion Systems (EGI) (ninety-six (96) installed, foreign policy and national security of the her time ‘‘raising money or raising hell twenty (20) spares). United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner which has been to meet your day-to-day needs?’’ That Fifty-eight (58) AN/AAR–57 Common Mis- sile Warning Systems (CMWS) (forty-eight and continues to be a leading contributor of is BARBARA. This rang through in her political stability and economic progress in farewell speech today to the Senate. (48) installed, ten (10) spares). Forty-eight (48) M240H 7.62mm Machine the Middle East. This sale will increase the We often talk of the lions of the Sen- Guns with spare parts. Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Com- ate. BARBARA MIKULSKI ranks among Non-MDE: This request also includes the mand’s (RSLFAC) interoperability with U.S. them. I will miss her fierce advocacy, following Non-MDE: M134D Mini-Guns or forces and convey U.S. commitment to Saudi her counsel, her commitment, her te- equivalent type guns with support equip- Arabia’s security and armed forces mod- nacity, and her grit. I value her friend- ment and training; Aircraft Survivability ernization. The proposed sale of this equipment and ship, and we will miss her. Equipment (AN/APR–39A(V) 1/4, AN/AVR–2B, AN/ARC–231, AN/ARC–201D, AN/APX–123A, support will not alter the basic military bal- ARN–147 VOR/ILS, ARN–153 TACAN, APN– ance in the region. f The proposed sale of the CH–47F aircraft 209, IDM–401 Improved Data Modem, and AN/ will improve Saudi Arabia’s heavy lift capa- ARC–220); Infrared Signature Suppression bility. Saudi Arabia will use this enhanced ARMS SALES NOTIFICATION System (IRSS); Fast Rope Insertion Extrac- capability to strengthen its homeland de- tion System (FRIES); Extended Range Fuel Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, section fense and deter regional threats. Saudi Ara- System (ERPS); Ballistic Armor Protection bia will have no difficulty absorbing these 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act System; facilities; air worthiness support; aircraft into its armed forces. requires that Congress receive prior no- spares and repair parts; communications The prime contractors will be The Boeing tification of certain proposed arms equipment; personnel training and training Military Aircraft Company, Ridley Park, sales as defined by that statute. Upon equipment; site surveys; tool and test equip- Pennsylvania, and Honeywell Aerospace ment; Ground Support Equipment (GSE); re- such notification, the Congress has 30 Company, Phoenix, Arizona. There are no pair and return; publications and technical calendar days during which the sale known offset agreements in connection with documentation; Quality Assurance Team may be reviewed. The provision stipu- this potential sale. lates that, in the Senate, the notifica- (QAT); U.S. Government and contractor en- Implementation of this sale will require up gineering, technical and logistics support tion of proposed sales shall be sent to to sixty (60) U.S. Government and contractor services; and other related elements of logis- representatives to travel to Saudi Arabia for the chairman of the Senate Foreign tics and program support. Relations Committee. up to sixty (60) months for equipment de- (iv) Military Department: Army (SR–B– processing, fielding, system checkout, train- In keeping with the committee’s in- ZAG). ing, and technical logistics support. tention to see that relevant informa- (v) Sales Commission. Fee, etc., Paid, Of- There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- tion is available to the full Senate, I fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. fense readiness as a result of this proposed ask unanimous consent to have printed (vi) Sensitivity of Technology Contained in sale. the Defense Article or Defense Services Pro- in the RECORD the notifications which TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–31 have been received. If the cover letter posed to be Sold: See Annex attached. (vii) Prior Related Case, if any: None. Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of references a classified annex, then such (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the annex is available to all Senators in December 7, 2016. Arms Export Control Act the office of the Foreign Relations * as defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Ex- Annex Item No. vii Committee, room SD–423. port Control Act. (vii) Sensitivity of Technology:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.095 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 1. The CH–47F Chinook Cargo Helicopter is fense articles and services estimated to cost The prime contractor will be the Boeing a medium-lift helicopter equipped with the $700 million. After this letter is delivered to Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. The U.S. Common Avionics Architecture System your office, we plan to issue a news release Government is not aware of any known off- (CAAS) cockpit, which provides aircraft sys- to notify the public of this proposed sale. sets associated with this sale. Any offset tem, flight, mission, and communication Sincerely, agreement will be defined in negotiations be- management systems, five multifunction JAMES WORM, Acting Deputy Director tween the purchaser and the contractor. displays, two general purpose processor (For J.W. Rixey, Vice Admiral, USN, Implementation of this sale will require units, two control display units and two data Director). the assignment of approximately five addi- concentrator units. The navigation system Enclosures. tional U.S. Government and approximately will have two Embedded Global Positioning TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–62 50 contractor representatives to Qatar. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/ Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of INS), two Digital Advanced Flight Control fense readiness, as a result of this proposed Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the Systems (DAFCS), one ARN–149 Automatic sale. Arms Export Control Act, as amended Direction Finder, one ARN–147 Very High TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–62 (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Instru- Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Qatar. ment Landing System (VOR/ILS) marker Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the beacon system, one ARN–153 Tactical Air- (ii) Total Estimated Value: Major Defense Equipment (MDE)* $ 0 mil- Arms Export Control Act borne Navigation (TACAN) system, two air Annex A Item No. vii data computers, and one Radar Altimeter lion. Other $700 million, (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: system. The aircraft survivability equipment Total $700 million. 1. This sale will involve the release of sen- includes the AN/APR–39A(V)1/4 Radar Signal (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- sitive technology to Qatar in the perform- Detecting Set, and the AN/AAR–57 Common tities of Articles or Services under Consider- ance of services to sustain eight (8) Qatar C– Missile Warning System. ation for Purchase: 17 aircraft. While much of the below equip- The Embedded Global Positioning System/ Major Defense Equipment (MDE): None. ment supporting the C–17 is not new to the Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) is SE- Non-MDE includes: Follow-on support for country, there will be replenishment spares CRET. The AN/AAR–57 Common Missile eight (8) C–17 aircraft, to include contract of the below sensitive technologies pur- Warning System (CMWS) is CONFIDEN- labor for sustainment engineering, on-site chased to support the fleet. TIAL. Releasable technical manuals for op- COMSEC support, Quality Assurance, sup- 2. The Force 524D is a 24-channel SAASM eration and maintenance are SECRET. The port equipment repair, supply chain manage- based Global Positioning System (GPS) re- AN/APR–39A(V)1/4 Series Radar Detecting ment, spares replenishment, maintenance, ceiver, with precise positioning service Set (RDS) is SECRET. The AN/AVR–2B, back shop support, and centralized mainte- (PPS) capability built upon Trimble’s next Laser Warning Set is CONFIDENTIAL. Re- nance support/associated services. Required generation OPS technology. The Force 524D leasable technical manuals for operation and upgrades will include fixed installation sat- retains backward compatibility with the maintenance are SECRET. The AN/ARC–231 ellite antenna, Mode 5+ installation and proven Force 5GS, while adding new (V)(C) is UNCLASSIFIED. The AN/ARC–201D sustainment, Automatic Dependent Surveil- functionality to interface with digital an- Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio lance-Broadcast Out, and two special oper- tenna electronics, to significantly improve System (SINCGARS), performance capabili- ations loading ramps. anti-jam (AJ) performance. The host plat- ties, Electronic Countermeasures/Electronic (iv) Military Department: Air Force (QAI). form can select the radio frequency (RF) or Counter Counter-Measures (ECM/ECCM) (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: QA–D–QAB. digital antenna electronics (DAE) interface. specifications and Engineering Change Or- (vi) Sales Commission. Fee. etc., Paid, Of- In the digital mode, the Force 524D is capa- ders (ECOs) are SECRET. The AN/APX–123A, fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. ble of controlling up to 16 independent Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Trans- (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained beams. The hardware and software associ- ponder is UNCLASSIFIED. The AN/ARN–147, in the Defense Article or Defense Services ated with the 524D receiver card is UNCLAS- Very High Frequency Omni Ranging/Instru- Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex. SIFIED. ment Landing System (VOR/ILS) receiver is (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: 3. The C–17 aircraft will be equipped with UNCLASSIFIED. The AN/ARC–220 is UN- December 7, 2016. the GAS–1, which is comprised of the Con- CLASSIFIED. The KN–77 is UNCLASSIFIED. * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms trolled Reception Pattern Antennas (CRPA), The AN/PYQ–10 (C) Simple Key Loader (SKL) Export Control Act. with the associated wiring harness and the is UNCLASSIFIED. The TSEC KY–58 voice POLICY JUSTIFICATION Antenna Electronics (AE)–1, to provide AJ secure equipment is CONFIDENTIAL if soft- capability. The hardware is UNCLASSIFIED. Qatar—Continuation of Logistics Support ware fill is installed. The TSEC KY–100 voice 4. The KIV–77 is the crypto applique for Services and Equipment secure equipment is used with the FM Com- Mode V Identification Friend of Foe (IFF). mand Radio to provide secure two-way com- The Government of Qatar has requested a The hardware is UNCLASSIFIED and munication. It is Communications Security possible sale of continued logistics support COMSEC controlled. (COMSEC) Equipment and is classified SE- for eight (8) C–17 aircraft which will include 5. Software, hardware, and other data/in- CRET if software fill is installed. The AN/ contract labor for sustainment engineering, formation, which is classified or sensitive, is AVS–6/7(V)1 is UNCLASSIFIED. on-site COMSEC support, Quality Assurance, reviewed prior to release to protect system 2. If a technologically advanced adversary support equipment repair, supply chain man- vulnerabilities, design data, and performance were to obtain knowledge of the specific agement, spares replenishment, mainte- parameters. Some end-item hardware, soft- hardware and software elements, the infor- nance, back shop support, and centralized ware, and other data identified above are mation could be used to develop counter- maintenance support/associated services. Re- classified at the CONFIDENTIAL and SE- measures or equivalent systems which might quired upgrades will include fixed installa- CRET level. Potential compromise of these reduce weapon system effectiveness. tion satellite antenna, Mode 5+ installation systems is controlled through management 3. A determination has been made that and sustainment, Automatic Dependent Sur- of the basic software programs, of highly Saudi Arabia can provide the same degree of veillance-Broadcast Out, and two special op- sensitive systems and software-controlled protection for the sensitive technology being erations loading ramps. The estimated total weapon systems, on a case-by-case basis. released as the U.S. Government. This sale is cost is $700 million. 6. Qatar is both willing and able to protect necessary in furtherance of the U.S. foreign The proposed sale contributes to the for- United States classified military informa- policy and national security objectives out- eign policy and national security of the U.S. tion. Qatari physical and document security lined in the Policy Justification. by helping to improve the security of an im- standards are equivalent to U.S. standards. 4. All defense articles and services listed in portant regional ally. Qatar is a vital part- Qatar has demonstrated its willingness and this transmittal have been authorized for re- ner for political stability and economic capability to protect sensitive military tech- lease and export to the Kingdom of Saudi progress in the Middle East. The C–17 pro- nology and information released to its mili- Arabia. vides a heavy airlift capability and com- tary in the past. plements the normal, day-to-day operations 7. If a technologically advanced adversary DEFENSE SECURITY of the Government of Qatar’s C–130J fleet. were to obtain knowledge of the specific COOPERATION AGENCY, Qatar will have no difficulty absorbing this hardware or software source code in this pro- Arlington, VA. equipment into its armed forces. posed sale, the information could be used to Hon. BOB CORKER, The proposed sale will enhance Qatar’s develop countermeasures, which might re- Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, ability to operate and maintain its C–17s, duce weapon system effectiveness or be used U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. supporting its capability to provide humani- in the development of systems with similar DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- tarian aid in the Middle East and Africa re- or advanced capabilities. The benefits to be porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of gion and support its troops in coalition oper- derived from this sale in the furtherance of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, ations. Qatar’s current contract supporting the U.S. foreign policy and national security we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. its C–17 fleet will expire in September of 2017. objectives, as outlined in the Policy Jus- 16–62, concerning the Department of the Air The proposed sale of this equipment and tification, outweigh the potential damage Force’s proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Ac- support will not alter the basic military bal- that could result if the sensitive technology, ceptance to the Government of Qatar for de- ance in the region. where revealed to unauthorized persons.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:00 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.044 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6831 8. All defense articles and services listed in The prime contractor will be the Boeing (1,200) TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Mis- this transmittal are authorized for release Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. The U.S. siles (BGM–71–413–RF) and fourteen (14) TOW and export to the Government of Qatar. Government is not aware of any known off- 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (Fly-to- sets associated with this sale. Any offset Buy Lot Acceptance Missiles). Also included DEFENSE SECURITY agreement will be defined in negotiations be- with this request is U.S. Government and COOPERATION AGENCY, tween the purchaser and the contractor. contractor engineering, technical and logis- Arlington, VA. Implementation of this proposed sale will tics support services; and other related ele- Hon. BOB CORKER, not alter current assignment of additional ments of logistics and program support. The Chairman, Committee On Foreign Relations, U.S. Government or contractor representa- estimated MDE sale is $101 million. The total U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. tives to Qatar. The number of U.S. Govern- estimated value is $108 million. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- ment and contractor representatives re- This proposed sale will contribute to the porting requirements of Section 36(b)(I) of quired in Qatar to support the program will foreign policy and national security of the the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, be determined in joint negotiations as the United States by helping to improve the se- we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. program proceeds through the development, curity of a Major Non-NATO Ally that con- 16–61, concerning the Department of the Air production and equipment installation tinues to be an important force for the polit- Force’s proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Ac- phases. ical stability and economic progress in North ceptance to the Government of Qatar for de- There is no adverse impact on U.S. defense Africa. This proposed sale directly supports fense articles and services estimated to cost readiness as a result of this proposed sale. Morocco and serves the interests of the Mo- $81 million. After this letter is delivered to All defense articles and services listed in roccan people and the United States. your office, we plan to issue a news release this transmittal are authorized for release The proposed sale of TOW 2A Missiles and to notify the public of this proposed sale. and export to the Government of Qatar. technical support will advance Morocco’s ef- Sincerely, forts to develop an integrated ground defense capability. Morocco will have no difficulty JAMES WORM, Acting Deputy Director DEFENSE SECURITY absorbing this equipment into its armed (For J.W. Rixey, Vice Admiral, USN, COOPERATION AGENCY, forces. Director). Arlington, VA. Enclosures. The proposed sale of this equipment and Hon. BOB CORKER, support will not alter the basic military bal- TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–61 Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, ance in the region. Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. The principal contractors involved in this Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- program are: Raytheon Missile Systems, Arms Export Control Act, as amended porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset (i) Prospective Purchaser: Government of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, agreements proposed in connection with this Qatar. we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. potential sale. (ii) Total Estimated Value: 16–52, concerning the Department of the Implementation of this proposed sale will Major Defense Equipment (MDE) * $51 mil- Army’s proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Ac- require the U.S. Government or contractor lion. ceptance to the Kingdom of Morocco for de- representatives to travel to Morocco. Other $30 million. fense articles and services estimated to cost There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- Total $81 million. $108 million. After this letter is delivered to fense readiness as a result of this proposed (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- your office, we plan to issue a news release sale. tities of Articles or Services under Consider- to notify the public of this proposed sale. TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–52 ation for Purchase: Sincerely, Major Defense Equipment (MDE): Four (4) Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of JAMES WORM, Acting Deputy Director Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the F117–PW–100 C17 Engines (spares). (For J.W. Rixey, Vice Admiral, USN, Non-MDE includes: Quick Engine Change Arms Export Control Act, as amended Director). Annex Item No. vii (QEC) Kits, Engine Transport Trailers, En- Enclosures. gine Platforms, Engine Trailers, and other (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: various support. TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–52 1. The Radio Frequency (RF) TOW 2A Mis- (iv) Military Department: Air Force (LAC). Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of sile (BGM–71E–4B–RF) is designed to defeat (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: QA–D–QAB. Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(I) of the armored vehicles, reinforced urban struc- (vi) Sales Commission, Fee. etc., Paid, Of- Arms Export Control Act, as amended tures, field fortifications and other such tar- fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. (i) Prospective Purchaser. Kingdom of Mo- gets. TOW missiles are fired from a variety (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained rocco. of TOW launchers in the U .S. Army, USMC, in the Defense Article or Defense Services (ii) Total Estimated Value: and FMS customer forces. The TOW 2A RF Proposed to be Sold: None. Major Defense Equipment* $101 million. missile can be launched from the same (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: Other: $7 million. launcher platforms as the existing wire-guid- December 7, 2016. Total: $108 million. ed TOW 2A missile without modification to * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms the launcher. The TOW 2A missile (both wire Export Control Act. (iii) Description and Quantity or Quan- tities of Articles or Services under Consider- & RF) contains two trackers for the launcher POLICY JUSTIFICATION ation for Purchase: to track and guide the missile in flight. Qatar—Spare C–17 Engines and Equipment Major Defense Equipment (MDE): Guidance commands from the launcher are The Government of Qatar has requested a One thousand two-hundred (1,200) TOW 2A, provided to the missile by a RF link con- possible sale of the following in support of Radio Frequency (RF) Missiles (BGM–71–4B– tained within the missile case. The hard- its eight (8) C–17 Globemaster III aircraft RF) ware, software, and technical publications procured under a Direct Commercial Sale Fourteen (14) TOW 2A, Radio Frequency provided with the sale thereof are UNCLAS- (DCS): four (4) spare F117–PW–100 engines, (RF) Missiles (Fly-to-Buy Lot Acceptance SIFIED. However, the system itself contains Quick Engine Change (QEC) Kits, Engine Missiles) sensitive technology that instructs the sys- Transport Trailers, Engine Platforms, En- Non-MDE includes: U.S. Government and tem on how to operate in the presence of gine Trailers, and other various support. The contractor engineering; technical and logis- countermeasures. estimated total program cost is $81 million. tics support services; and other related ele- 2. The highest level of classified informa- The proposed sale would contribute to the ments of logistics and program support. tion that must be disclosed in training to use foreign policy and national security of the (iv) Military Department: Army (VTG). the end item is UNCLASSIFIED. The highest U.S. by helping to improve the security of an (v) Prior Related Cases, if any: MO-B-USZ level of classified information that must be important regional ally. Qatar is a vital for $137,034.913 signed on 4 May 2016. disclosed in maintenance of the end item is partner for political stability and economic (vi) Sales Commission, Fee. etc., Paid, Of- UNCLASSIFIED. The highest level of classi- progress in the Middle East. The C–17 pro- fered, or Agreed to be Paid: None. fied information that could be disclosed by vides a heavy airlift capability and com- (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained sale of the end item is SECRET. The highest plements the normal, day-to-day operations in the Defense Article or Defense Services level of classified information that could be of Qatar’s C–130J fleet. Qatar will have no Proposed to be Sold: See Attached Annex. revealed by testing the end item is SECRET. difficulty absorbing this equipment into its (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: The highest level of classified information armed forces. December 7, 2016. that could be revealed by reverse engineer- The proposed sale would enhance Qatar’s * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms ing of the end item is SECRET. ability to operate and maintain its C–17s, Export Control Act. 3. If a technologically advanced adversary supporting its capability to provide humani- were to obtain knowledge of the specific POLICY JUSTIFICATION tarian aid in the Middle East and Africa re- hardware and software elements, the infor- gion and support its troops in coalition oper- Government of Morocco—Radio Frequency mation could be used to develop counter- ations. (RF) TOW 2A, Radio Frequency (RF) Mis- measures that might reduce weapon system The proposed sale of this equipment and sile (BGM–71–4B–RF and Support) effectiveness or be used in the development support will not alter the basic military bal- The Government of Morocco has requested of a system with similar or advanced capa- ance in the region. a possible sale of one thousand two-hundred bilities.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:00 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.046 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6832 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 4. All defense articles and services listed in (viii) Date Report Delivered to Congress: cept, millimeter-wave radar, combined with this transmittal have been authorized for re- December 7, 2016. a passive AN/APR–48B Modernized Radar lease and export to the Government of Mo- * As defined in Section 47(6) of the Arms Frequency Interferometer (M–RFI) mounted rocco. Export Control Act. on top of the helicopter mast. The FCR POLICY JUSTIFICATION Ground Targeting Mode detects, locates, DEFENSE SECURITY United Arab Emirates—Apache AH–64E classifies and prioritizes stationary or mov- COOPERATION AGENCY, Helicopters and Services ing armored vehicles, tanks and mobile air defense systems as well as hovering heli- Arlington, VA. The Government of the United Arab Emir- copters, helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft Hon. BOB CORKER, ates (UAE) has requested a possible sale of Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations, in normal flight if desired, the radar data twenty-eight (28) AH–64E Remanufactured can be used to refer targets to the regular U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Apache Attack Helicopters; nine (9) new AH– DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Pursuant to the re- electro-optical Modernized Target Acquisi- 64E Apache Attack Helicopters; Seventy-six tion and Designation Sight (MTADS). This porting requirements of Section 36(b)(1) of (76) T700–GE–701D Engines (56 remanufac- the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, information is provided in a form that can- tured, 18 new, 2 spares); thirty-nine (39) AN/ not be extracted by the foreign user. The we are forwarding herewith Transmittal No. ASQ–170 Modernized Target Acquisition and 16–15, concerning the Department of the content of these items is classified SECRET. Designation Sight/AN/AAR–11 Modernized User Data Module (UDM) on the RFI proc- Army’s proposed Letter(s) of Offer and Ac- Pilot Night Vision Sensors (28 remanufac- ceptance to the Government of the United essor, contains the Radio Frequency threat tured, 9 new, 2 spares); thirty-two (32) re- library. The UDM, which is a hardware as- Arab Emirates for defense articles and serv- manufactured AN/APR–48B Modernized— ices estimated to cost $3.5 billion. After this semblage, is classified CONFIDENTIAL when Radar Frequency Interferometers forty-six programmed with threat parameters, threat letter is delivered to your office, we plan to (46) AAR–57 Common Missile Warning Sys- issue a news release to notify the public of priorities and/or techniques derived from tems (31 remanufactured, 9 new, 6 spares); U.S. intelligence information. this proposed sale. eighty-eight (88) Embedded Global Posi- Sincerely, b. The AN/ASQ–170 Modernized Target Ac- tioning Systems with Inertial Navigation (72 quisition and Designation Sight/AN/AAQ–11 J. W. RIXEY, new, 16 spares); forty-four (44) Manned-Un- Pilot Night Vision Sensor (MTADS/PNVS) Vice Admiral, USN, Director. manned Teaming-International (MUMTi) Enclosures. provides day, night, and limited adverse systems (28 remanufactured, 9 new, 7 spares); weather target information, as well as night TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–15 and fifteen (15) new MUMTi System Upper navigation capabilities. The PNVS provides Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of Receivers. This request also includes train- thermal imaging that permits nap-of-the- Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the ing devices, helmets, simulators, generators, earth flight to, from, and within the battle Arms Export Control Act, as amended transportation, wheeled vehicles and organi- area, while TADS provides the co-pilot gun- Prospective Purchaser: United Arab Emir- zation equipment, spare and repair parts, ner with search, detection, recognition, and ates. support equipment, tools and test equip- designation by means of Direct View Optics (ii) Total Estimated Value: ment, technical data and publications, per- (DVO), EI2television, and Forward Looking Major Defense Equipment* $1.68 billion sonnel training and training equipment, U.S. Infrared (FLIR) sighting systems that may Other $1.82 billion government and contractor engineering, be used singularly or in combinations. Hard- Total $3.50 billion technical, and logistics support services, and ware is UNCLASSIFIED. Technical manuals (iii) Description and Ouantity or Quan- other related elements of logistics support. for authorized maintenance levels are UN- tities of Articles or Services under Consider- Total estimated program cost is $3.5 billion. CLASSIFIED. Reverse engineering is not a ation for Purchase: This proposed sale will enhance the foreign major concern. Major Defense Equipment (MDE): policy and national security of the U.S. by c. The AN/APR–48B Modernized Radar Fre- Twenty-eight (28) AH–64E Remanufactured helping to improve the security of a friendly quency Interferometer (M–RFI) is an updated Apache Attack Helicopters. country that has been and continues to be an version of the passive radar detection and di- Nine (9) new AH–64E Apache Attack Heli- important force for political stability and rection finding system. It utilizes a detach- copters. economic progress in the Middle East. able UDM on the M–RFI processor, which Seventy-six (76) T700–GE–701D Engines (56 The proposed sale will improve the UAE’s contains the Radar Frequency (RF) threat li- remanufactured, 18 new, 2 spares). capability to meet current and future brary. The UDM, which is a hardware assem- Thirty-nine (39) AN/ASQ–170 Modernized threats and provide greater security for its blage item is classified CONFIDENTIAL Target Acquisition and Designation Sight/ critical infrastructure. The UAE will use the when programmed. Hardware becomes CLAS- AN/AAR–11 Modernized Pilot Night Vision enhanced capability to strengthen its home- SIFIED when populated with threat para- Sensors (28 remanufactured, 9 new, 2 spares). land defense. The UAE will have no difficulty metric data. Releasable technical manuals Thirty-two (32) remanufactured AN/APR– absorbing these Apache aircraft into its are Unclassified/restricted distribution. 48B Modernized—Radar Frequency armed forces. d. The AAR–57 Common Missile Warning Interferometers. The proposed sale of this equipment and System (CMWS) detects energy emitted by Forty-six (46) AAR–57 Common Missile support will not alter the basic military bal- threat missiles in-flight, evaluates potential Warning Systems (31 remanufactured, 9 new, ance in the region. false alarm emitters in the environment, de- 6 spares). The prime contractor will be Boeing in clares validity of threat and selects appro- Eighty-eight (88) Embedded Global Posi- Mesa, AZ and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, priate countermeasures. The CMWS consists tioning Systems with Inertial Navigation (72 FL. Offsets are a requirement of doing busi- of an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), Electro- new, 16 spares). ness in UAE; however offsets are negotiated Optic Missile Sensors (EOMSs), and Se- Forty-four (44) Manned-Unmanned directly between the Original Equipment quencer and Improved Countermeasures Dis- Teaming-International (MUMTi) Systems (28 Manufactures or other vendors and the UAE penser (ICMD). The ECU hardware is classi- remanufactured, 9 new, 7 spares). government and details are not known at fied CONFIDENTIAL; releasable technical Fifteen (15) new MUMTi System Upper Re- this time. manuals for operation and maintenance are ceivers. Implementation of this proposed sale will classified SECRET. Non-MDE: Training devices, helmets, sim- not require the assignment of contractor e. The AN/APR–39 Radar Signal Detecting ulators, generators, transportation, wheeled representatives to the UAE. Set is a system that provides warnings of vehicles and organization equipment, spare There will be no adverse impact on U.S. de- radar-directed air defense threats and allows and repair parts, support equipment, tools fense readiness as a result of this proposed appropriate countermeasures. This is the and test equipment, technical data and pub- sale. 1553 databus-compatible configuration. The lications, personnel training and training TRANSMITTAL NO. 16–15 hardware is classified CONFIDENTIAL when equipment, U.S. government and contractor programmed with U.S. threat data; releas- Notice of Proposed Issuance of Letter of engineering, technical, and logistics support able technical manuals for operation and Offer Pursuant to Section 36(b)(1) of the services, and other related elements of logis- maintenance are classified CONFIDENTIAL; Arms Export Control Act tics support. releasable technical data (technical perform- (iv) Military Department: Army (AE–B– Annex Item No. vii ance) is classified SECRET. The system can GUA). (vii) Sensitivity of Technology: be programmed with threat data provided by (v) Prior Related Cases. if any: FMS case: 1. The AH–64E Apache Attack Helicopter the purchasing country. AE–B–JAH–02 Jan 92–$617M, FMS case: AE– weapon system contains communications f. The AN/AVR–2B Laser Warning Set is a B–UDE–06 Jan 00–$195M, FMS case: AE–B– and target identification equipment, naviga- passive laser warning system that receives, UDN–28 Nov 05–$755M, FMS case: AE–B-ZUL– tion equipment, aircraft survivability equip- processes, and displays threat information 21 Oct 09–$252M, FMS case: AE–B–ZUF–22 Dec ment, displays, and sensors. The airframe resulting from aircraft illumination by la- 08–$174M itself does not contain sensitive technology; sers on the multi-functional display. The (vi) Sales Commission, Fee, etc., Paid, Of- however, the pertinent equipment listed hardware is classified CONFIDENTIAL; re- fered. or Agreed to be Paid: None. below will be either installed on the aircraft leasable technical manuals for operation and (vii) Sensitivity of Technology Contained or included in the sale: maintenance are classified SECRET. in the Defense Article or Defense Services a. The AN/APG–78 Fire Control Radar g. The Embedded Global Positioning Sys- Proposed to be Sold: See Annex Attached. (FCR) is an active, low-probability of inter- tem/Inertial Navigation System plus

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While in flight, the SIT provides The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid The EGI is a velocity-aided, strap down, ring simultaneous communication, voice or data, Services, CMS, clearly agreed when laser gyro based inertial unit. The EGI unit on two key waveforms. they issued provider numbers to all houses a GPS receiver. The receiver is capa- 2. If a technologically advanced adversary four new outpatient departments in ble of operating in either non-encrypted or were to obtain knowledge of the specific September and October 2015. For hos- encrypted. When keyed, the GPS receiver hardware and software elements, the infor- pitals like Jackson, the subsequent will automatically use anti-spoof/jam capa- mation could be used to develop counter- change in the law essentially changed bilities when they are in use. The EGI will measures which might reduce weapon system the rules in the middle of the game. I retain the key through power on/off/on cy- effectiveness or be used in the development cles. Because of safeguards built into the of a system with similar or advanced capa- urge CMS to work with all hospitals in EGI, it is not considered classified when bilities. similar situations. keyed. Integrated within the EGI is an Iner- 3. A determination has been made that the I am very pleased that the 21st Cen- tial Measurement Unit (IMU) for processing recipient country can provide the same de- tury Cures Act will provide relief to functions. Each EGI also houses a Multi- gree of protection for the sensitive tech- the Jackson Health System and hos- Mode Receiver (MMR). The MMR is incor- nology being released as the U.S. Govern- pitals like it that had made these in- porated to provide for reception of ground ment. This sale is necessary in furtherance vestments in future outpatient based NAVAID signals for instrument aided of the U.S. foreign policy and national secu- flight. Provides IMC I IFR integration and rity objectives outlined in the Policy Jus- healthcare departments prior to the Bi- certification of improved Embedded Global tification. partisan Budget Act of 2015. Positioning System and Inertial (EGI) unit, 4. All defense articles and services listed in There being no objection, the mate- with attached MMR, with specific cockpit this transmittal have been authorized for re- rial was ordered to be printed in the instrumentation allows Apaches to operate lease and export to the Government of the RECORD, as follows: within the worldwide IFR route structure. United Arab Emirates. Also includes integration of the Common f f Army Aviation Map (CAAM), Area Naviga- FEDERAL RULE OF CRIMINAL tion (RNAV), Digital Aeronautical Flight In- 21ST CENTURY CURES BILL PROCEDURE 41 formation File (DAFIF) and Global Air Traf- fic Management (GATM) compliance. Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, I am Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask h. Manned-Unmanned Teaming-Inter- pleased to see that the 21st Century unanimous consent that the following national (MUMT–I) provides Manned-Un- Cures Act will fix one of the issues as- letters from law enforcement groups be manned Teaming with Unmanned Aerial sociated with payments for hospital printed in the RECORD in support of the Systems (UASs), other Apaches and other outpatient departments that arose interoperable aircraft and land platforms. recent changes to Federal Rule of from the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. Criminal Procedure 41 that was the Provides ability to display real-time UAS You will recall that section 603 of that sensor information to aircraft and transmit subject of debate on the floor of the MTADS video. Capability to receive video act changed the way these departments Senate on November 30, 2016: a Decem- and metadata from Interoperability Profile will be reimbursed by Medicare in the ber 6, 2016, letter signed by the Associa- compliant (IOP) as well as legacy systems. It future. Hospital outpatient depart- tion of State Criminal Investigative is a data link for the AH–64E that provides a ments that were billing Medicare prior Agencies, the International Associa- fully integrated multiband, interoperable ca- to November 2, 2015, however, were ex- pability that allows pilots to receive off- tion of Chiefs of Police, the Major Cit- empted from these reduced payments. ies Chiefs Association, the National board sensor video streaming from different We have heard from a number of hos- platforms in non-Tactical Common Data District Attorneys Association, the Na- Link (TCDL) bands. The MUMT–I data link pitals in Florida that were in the mid- tional Sheriffs’ Association, and the can retransmit Unmanned Aerial System dle of developing hospital outpatient Sergeant’s Benevolent Association (UAS) or Apache Modernized Target Acquisi- departments when the new law went NYPD; a December 5, 2016, letter signed tion Designation Sight full-motion sensor into effect. They had made substantial by the Federal Law Enforcement Offi- video and metadata to another MUMT–I- investments in these new departments cers Association; a December 5, 2016, equipped Apache. It can also transmit to under the assumption that Medicare ground forces equipped with the One Station letter signed by the Federal Bureau of would pay them just as it had been Investigation Agents Association; a Remote Video Terminal. It provides Apache doing for years. I am pleased to see aircrews with increased situational aware- December 5, 2016, letter signed by the ness and net-centric interoperability while that the 21st Century Cures Act will National Fraternal Order of Police; significantly reducing sensor-to-shooter permit hospitals that were in the proc- and, a December 5, 2016, letter signed timelines. This combination results in iness of developing outpatient depart- by the National Association to Protect creased survivability of Apache aircrews and ments to be reimbursed under the pre- Children. ground forces by decreasing their exposure vious payment system. to hostile fire. In my State, Jackson Health System, DECEMBER 6, 2016. Re: Rule 41 Changes. i. Link 16 is a military tactical data ex- a large public hospital which is known change network. Its specification is part of throughout the world for its high-qual- Hon. CHUCK GRASSLEY, the family of Tactical Data Links. Link 16 Chairman provides aircrews with enhanced situational ity healthcare and its value as a public Hon. PATRICK LEAHY, awareness and the ability to exchange target hospital in our community, was in the Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary, information to Command and Control (C2) process of building four new outpatient U.S. Senate Washington, DC. assets via Tactical Digital Information departments for patients in the Miami- DEAR CHAIRMAN GRASSLEY AND RANKING Link-Joint (TADIL–J). Link 16 can provide a Dade County area when the new law MEMBER LEAHY: We write in support of range of combat information in near-real was passed. They had executed binding changes to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of time to U.S. and allies’ combat aircraft and leases on three of the departments, Criminal Procedure that improve the ability C2 centers. This will contribute to the inte- constructed facilities, and finalized of law enforcement to obtain evidence de- grated control of fighters by either ground- spite efforts by criminals to hide behind based or airborne controllers and will great- contracts for architectural and engi- technology. The changes encourage judicial ly increase the fighters’ situational aware- neering reviews on several of the facili- oversight of complex online investigations ness and ability either to engage targets des- ties. They had gone through a long and give investigators a clear roadmap to ignated by controllers or to avoid threats, process of getting the necessary ap- seek authorization for their techniques. thereby increasing mission effectiveness and provals and financing from the county Rule 41 improvements help solve a simple reducing fratricide and attrition. The Link and State governments. conundrum for law enforcement: if you don’t 16 enables the Apache to receive information It is obvious that all four of Jack- know where a computer is located that is from the command-and-control platforms son’s outpatient facilities meet the being used to commit a crime, how do you and enables it to share this data with all the know which court to ask for a search war- other services, making it more efficient at ‘‘mid-build’’ exception contained in rant to find the computer? Investigators locating and prosecuting targets. The mate- section 16001 of the 21st Century Cures sought these common-sense changes because rial solution for the AH–64E is currently the Act. The actual construction of these they needed court oversight and authoriza- Small Tactical Terminal (SIT) KOR–24A facilities was complete, and Jackson tion to identify criminals hiding behind

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technological barriers, not because they tions, but the previous version of Rule 41 NATIONAL FRATERNAL wanted to avoid oversight. only allowed magistrate judges to issue war- ORDER OF POLICE, Rule 41 only governs cases where investiga- rants for evidence within their jurisdictions. Washington, DC, December 5, 2016. tors are seeking a search warrant issued by This situation created ambiguity and signifi- Hon. CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, a neutral magistrate based upon probable cant burdens for investigators allowing Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, cause, particularly describing the place to be transnational sexual predators and cyber U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. searched and the persons or things to be criminals anonymity. Hon. PATRICK J. LEAHY, seized. If these changes are not made, then The Rule 41 amendments resolve the uncer- Ranking Member, Committee on the Judiciary, criminals could hide behind anonymizing tainty surrounding the warrant process by U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. services with impunity, knowing that law establishing a court-supervised framework DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN AND SENATOR LEAHY, I enforcement could never lawfully figure out for conducting investigations that will pro- am writing on behalf of the members of the which court had jurisdiction over them. tect the privacy interests of the public. Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of The stated goal of several legislative re- FLEOA believes these changes, which took our strong and continued support for the forms addressing law enforcement access to effect on December 1, 2016 are reasonable and changes to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of digital evidence is to modernize the law to necessary. Criminal Procedure made by the U.S. De- accommodate changing technology, pre- Respectively, partment of Justice. serving law enforcement access while pro- NATHAN CATURA, The FOP supports these changes and we tecting privacy. Ensuring that law enforce- FLEOA National President. believe they will benefit law enforcement of- ment can access evidence it needs with ap- ficers conducting online investigations. These changes will ensure that Federal propriate judicial oversight is precisely what FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION agents know which judge to go to in order to these Rule 41 changes will do. AGENTS ASSOCIATION, apply for a warrant when the cybercriminals Sincerely, Alexandria, VA, December 5, 2016. they are investigating have hidden their lo- ASSOCIATION OF STATE Re: Rule 41 Amendments. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE cation through anonymizing technology. Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, AGENCIES, This search warrant will help law enforce- Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. INTERNATIONAL ment discover where these criminals are lo- Hon. CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS cated and end their illicit activity. Chairman, Senate Committee on the Judiciary, OF POLICE, Law enforcement officers are now able to U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. MAJOR CITIES CHIEFS obtain warrants from a single judge instead Hon. HARRY REID, ASSOCIATION, of multiple applications in many jurisdic- Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. MAJOR COUNTY SHERIFFS’ tions to obtain the same information. This Hon. PATRICK J. LEAHY, ASSOCIATION, will help speed up investigations into crimes Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Ju- NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF like computer hacking, where offenders un- diciary, POLICE ORGANIZATIONS, lawfully access computers remotely and U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. NATIONAL DISTRICT cross jurisdictional boundaries. On behalf of the more than 330,000 members ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION DEAR SENATORS: On behalf of the FBI of the Fraternal Order of Police, I want to NATIONAL SHERIFFS’ Agents Association (‘‘FBIAA’’), a voluntary thank you for your consistent strong support ASSOCIATION, professional association currently rep- for the men and women of law enforcement NATIONAL SHERIFFS’ resenting over 13,000 active duty and retired throughout this country. I look forward to ASSOCIATION, FBI Special Agents, I write to express our working with you and your staff on this SERGEANT’S BENEVOLENT support for the recently implemented issue. If I can be of any additional help in ASSOCIATION NYPD. amendments to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (‘‘Rule 41’’). These this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT amendments will enhance the ability for law my Washington office. OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, enforcement officials to investigate and Washington, DC, December 5, 2016. prosecute criminals, such as terrorists and Sincerely, Re: Rule 41 Amendments. child pornographers, who use computer net- CHUCK CANTERBURY, works to disguise their physical location. National President. Hon. MITCH MCCONNELL, The FBIAA shares the opinion of FBI Di- Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, U.S. Capitol, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO Washington, DC, rector Comey and the Department of Justice that the narrow changes included in the Rule PROTECT CHILDREN, Hon. CHARLES E. GRASSLEY, 41 amendments are necessary to address in- Knoxville, TN, December 5, 2016. Chairman, Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Hon. JOHN CORNYN: U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. vestigative obstacles that result from the difficulty of identifying the specific location U.S. Senate, Majority Whip, Chair, Judiciary Hon. HARRY REID, of a computer when seeking a warrant. Subcommittee on The Constitution, Wash- Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, ington, DC. Washington, DC. Criminals frequently use complex computer networks spread across the country and the DEAR SENATOR CORNYN, We are writing you Hon. PATRICK J. LEAHY, world to anonymize their communications, in support of the amendment to the Federal Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Ju- Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 41. It has diciary, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. but the previous version of Rule 41 only allowed magistrate judges to issue warrants been with great concern over the last decade DEAR SENATORS: On behalf of the Federal for evidence within their jurisdictions. This that we have watched as child sexual preda- Law Enforcement Officers Association tors take advantage of new technologies, in- (FLEOA)—the nation’s largest professional, situation created uncertainty and significant administrative burdens for investigators, cluding ways to hide their exploitation of non-profit association representing over children through the use of proxies, 26,000 federal law enforcement officers from and as Director Comey noted earlier this year, the previous iteration of Rule 41 cre- anonymizers and encryption. 65 agencies—I am writing to express our The internet was not created to give tech- ated problems ‘‘for some of our most impor- strong support for the recently implemented nologically savvy offenders an advantage in tant investigations.’’ amendments to Rule 41 of the Federal Rules obfuscating their crimes, and offenders who of Criminal Procedure. These amendments The Rule 41 amendments resolve the uncer- participate in the global demand for the rape will enhance and improve the ability for law tainty surrounding the warrant process by and torture of children should not be re- enforcement officials to investigate and establishing a court-supervised framework warded for being good at hiding. prosecute terrorists, transnational child por- for conducting investigations that will pro- Make no mistake, the offenders who take nographers, and cyber criminals who use tect the privacy interests of the public. The advantage of the ‘‘dark web’’ are some of the computer networks to conceal their physical FBIAA believes these changes, which took most dangerous offenders that exist. For location. effect on December 1, 2016, are reasonable proof of this one need look no further than FLEOA shares the same opinion of the and necessary. one of the most notorious ICE cases in his- Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent’s As- The FBIAA is pleased that the Senate did tory, the recent ‘‘Operation Delego’’. This sociation (FBIAA), the National Association not interfere with the implementation of the transnational child exploitation case in- of Assistant United States Attorneys Rule 41 amendments, and we look forward to volved between 600–900 of the worst offenders (NAAUSA) and the National Association to continuing our work with Congress on these ICE has seen. It led to 72 indictments (of Protect Children. We all agree that the Rule important issues. which 15 are for ‘‘John Doe’’ warrants) and 57 41 amendments are necessary to address in- If you have any questions, please contact arrests. This investigation uncovered a pri- vestigative hindrances that result from the me, FBIAA General Counsel Dee Martin, vate bulletin board where hands on offenders difficulty of identifying the exact location of [email protected], and Joshua produced hardcore child rape imagery and a computer when seeking a warrant. Terror- Zive, [email protected]. shared it by utilizing sophisticated proxies ists and criminals frequently use complex Sincerely, and encryption methods. The members were computer networks, spread across the coun- THOMAS O’CONNOR, segregated into groups, including a ‘‘Super try and the world to anonymize communica- President. VIP’’ section and according to the ‘‘Hawkeye

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:00 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.047 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6835 Indictment’’ provided by the US Department I would also like to speak to three of The day BARBARA was sworn in was of Justice, ‘‘The rules controlling what could my closest colleagues on our side of the historic; it was the first time two be posted in that section were as follows: aisle. women represented their State to- ‘‘Keep the girls under 13, in fact, I really Over the past 24 years, I have had the gether in the Senate. That is an honor need to see 12 or younger to know your (sic) a brother’’. pleasure of serving in the Senate with I am grateful to have shared with my and: HARRY REID, BARBARA MIKULSKI, and good friend. ‘‘It’s very young kids, getting (expletive), BARBARA BOXER, and I am grateful not From the Marin County Board of Su- and preteens in distress and or crying, just for our working relationships but pervisors, to the House of Representa- etc. . . Getting hit hard on the ass, with a for the close friendships I have formed tives, to the United States Senate— belt and so on . . . I can’t believe some of with each of them. Senator BOXER has been a champion for you guys can’t work it out for yourselves? HARRY REID families, children, consumers, and the And ‘‘pretend’’ bondage, ‘‘pretend light whip- Mr. President, Senator REID has environment. ping’’ is not super hardcore. If the girl looks She rose to become the chair and now total (sic) comfortable, she’s not in distress, served in Congress since 1983, and he it does NOT belong I (sic) this section has been our party’s leader for the past ranking member of the Environment (smiley face icon)’’. decade. Despite more than three dec- and Public Works Committee. I have In another transnational child exploitation ades in Washington, Senator REID still great respect for Senator BOXER’s pas- case investigated by ICE dubbed ‘‘Operation retains the values instilled in him sion, dedication, and enthusiasm for Round Table’’, Jonathon Johnson, a 27 year while growing up in Searchlight, NV. protecting the environment. No one old predator from Louisiana, operated a does it better. 27,000 member hidden service site on TOR for Often described as a tough fighter, he has respect from both sides of the aisle She led an effort to protect Califor- the production and dissemination of child nia’s coast from offshore drilling. She sexual abuse images. Johnson created a for being a consensus builder who is ‘‘honeypot’’ site by stealing a young wom- willing to constantly work to find a authored the California Missions Pres- an’s identity and pretending to be her. Not deal. ervation Act to restore and protect the only did he persuade over 251 child victims to One issue on which Senator REID and 21 historic missions in California. She provide him with sexually explicit images I share a passion is Lake Tahoe, the helped create Pinnacles National Park, and video but he was successful in con- High Sierra lake that straddles the Fort Ord National Monument, and Cae- vincing some of his victims to sexually as- sar Chavez National Monument. And sault their younger relatives on camera for California-Nevada border. Twenty years ago, HARRY invited she led the effort to expand the Gulf of him, some of whom were under the age of 3. Farallones and Cordell Bank National We applaud Congress and the US Supreme President Bill Clinton to announce a Court for providing this amendment to rule major commitment to restoring the Marine Sanctuaries. 41, which can only be described as long over- health of Lake Tahoe. That first sum- In California, there are now more due. mit launched a public-private partner- than 1 million acres of protected wil- The internet has provided vexing chal- ship that has now invested $1.2 billion derness thanks to Senator BOXER. lenges to today’s law enforcement efforts to in conservation and restoration But she was more than just a cham- protect children and for their sake govern- projects around the lake. pion for our environment. ment must keep pace. In the Senate, BARBARA was a With much gratitude, This year, Senator REID told me he wanted to turn the annual summit into staunch advocate for issues related to CAMILLE COOPER, children. Director, Government a celebration by inviting President Affairs, The Na- Obama to speak. The event was a huge She pushed to protect children from tional Association to success, with more than 7,000 people at- dangerous toys by removing lead or PROTECT Children tending. other dangerous chemicals and requir- & PROTECT. ing cautionary warnings on children’s I will miss HARRY’s passion and lead- f ership, but if anyone deserves a break, products sold over the Internet. She it is him. fought to remove arsenic from drinking TRIBUTE TO DEPARTING water to protect children. As chair of BARBARA MIKULSKI SENATORS the After School Caucus, she wrote leg- Mr. President, BARBARA MIKULSKI is Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, islation to secure Federal funding for another fearless leader whom I admire. today I wish to honor our colleagues afterschool programs. Thanks to Sen- When I first came to the Senate in who are leaving us at the end of this ator BOXER, 1.6 million children now November of 1992, there were only Congress, six individuals who have have a safe place to go after school. three female Senators: Jocelyn Bur- done a lot to shape how the Senate op- She fought for our servicemembers. dick of North Dakota, who retired a erates today. She founded the Military Families month later; Nancy Kassebaum of Kan- First I would like to thank my three Caucus to provide support for the fami- sas; and, of course, Senator BARB. Republican colleagues who are depart- lies of servicemembers. She helped es- Senator MIKULSKI often quips, ‘‘I ing. Thank you not only for their serv- tablish the West Coast Combat Care may be short, but I won’t be over- ice to our country but your willingness Center in San Diego, so that southern looked.’’ History certainly will not to work with me and other members of California veterans with traumatic overlook the contributions she has my party on a number of issues. wounds would have access to quality made. DAN COATS care. Rising to become the first woman to And Senator BOXER fought for con- Mr. President, Senator COATS and I chair the Senate Appropriations Com- sumers. served on the Intelligence Committee mittee, Senator MIKULSKI is often de- She authored a bipartisan measure to together. He was a supporter of many scribed as a trailblazer. To the women prevent a conflict of interest with of our efforts, including our encryption in the Senate, she is a mentor, the banks acting as real estate brokers. bill to require all companies to abide dean of the Senate women. After the housing crisis, she wrote by lawful court orders. From three women in 1992 to 20 measures to protect homeowners whose MARK KIRK women senators today—and 21 in the mortgage is transferred or sold. And Mr. President, Senator MARK KIRK next Congress, much of that progress she pushed for legislation to help took a brave stance on gun violence can be attributed to the leadership of homeowners refinance with lower issues, bucking his party by cospon- the longest serving woman in Congress, rates—thanks to that effort, 1 million soring our amendment to close the ter- Senator MIKULSKI. borrowers were able to save thousands rorist loophole. BARBARA BOXER of dollars in interest payments each KELLY AYOTTE Mr. President, finally, I would like to year. Mr. President, Senator AYOTTE and I talk about my partner from California, And finally, BARBARA was a staunch have worked very closely to improve BARBARA BOXER. defender of women’s rights. breast cancer detection. I am hopeful Senator BOXER and I were elected to She led the floor fight to pass the that together we can pass our bill be- the Senate on the same day in 1992, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances fore the end of this Congress. ‘‘Year of the Woman.’’ Act and pushed back against repeated

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:08 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.049 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6836 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 attacks on women’s health and a wom- protect women from violence, in our lope Valley community with pride. an’s right to privacy. Her efforts led to country and around the world. Well known for his courage as well as the passage of the Violence Against In her first campaign for Congress in kindness, Sergeant Owen received a Women Act that protects women from 1982, she ran under the slogan, ‘‘Bar- Meritorious Conduct Medal in 2014 domestic and sexual abuse. bara Boxer Gives a Damn.’’ She always after safely rescuing a hostage held at She worked closely with then-Sen- has and always will. It is a pleasure to gunpoint, devising the rescue plan and ator JOE BIDEN to pass that landmark thank Senator BARBARA BOXER for her ensuring that his deputies were kept bill. After she announced her retire- years of service and to wish her and her out of harm’s way. ment, the Vice President said: ‘‘You al- husband, Stewart, many more years of Colleagues fondly remembered Ser- ways knew in the Senate if you had good health and great happiness. geant Owen’s tireless work ethic, self- BARBARA on your side, you didn’t need f less nature, and deep commitment to much more.’’ the community he served. ‘‘Sergeant Well, I have been lucky to have BAR- TRIBUTE TO KELLY AYOTTE Owen had the qualities of a religious BARA by my side for the past 24 years. Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, Maine man—maybe a priest, a minister or a She has been a strong advocate for and New Hampshire share a border, a rabbi, or someone who took vows to the people of California, and I am history, and an invigorating climate. serve mankind,’’ said Los Angeles grateful to have served with her. When KELLY AYOTTE came to the Sen- County Sheriff Jim McDonnell. ‘‘He fed I am also grateful for the friendship ate 6 years ago, I immediately saw in the hungry, he clothed those who need- we have shared over the years. her those traits shared by the people of ed it, and Steve Owen comforted the BARBARA and her husband, Stewart, our two States: a strong work ethic, a traumatized.’’ are two of the kindest, most caring respect for tradition balanced by a Outside of work, Sergeant Owen people I have had the pleasure of know- spirit of innovation, and fiscal pru- spent most of his time volunteering, ing. Their marriage of more than 50 dence always tempered by compassion. coaching youth football, and men- years has brought them considerable During those years, I came to know toring young students. He also taught joy. Together they raised two wonder- Senator AYOTTE as a diligent, ener- landlords and businessowners how to ful children and are now blessed with getic, and committed public servant. reduce crime on their properties. A four grandchildren. She brought with her to the Senate a skilled water-skier and equestrian, I am sure she is looking forward to remarkable record of public service. As Sergeant Owen also enjoyed camping spending more time with them. her State’s attorney general, she While she may be retiring from the and gardening in his free time. fought hard to protect the people of Above all else, Sergeant Owen was Senate, the passion BARBARA displayed New Hampshire and the environment devoted to his family and his faith. On for public service will not end. I know she will continue to advocate that is so crucial to their way of life. behalf of the people of California, It has been rewarding to work with and remain a powerful voice for the whom Sergeant Owen served so brave- her on such bipartisan efforts as the causes she championed here in the ly, I extended my gratitude and deepest Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act, the United States Senate. sympathies to his wife, Tania; children, I look forward to seeing what she is Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, and Branden, Chadd, and Shannon; and his able to accomplish in the next phase of addressing the opioid addiction crisis entire extended family. her life and offer her best wishes in a confronting our States. From her sup- f well-deserved retirement. port for land conservation to advancing biomass energy, she has been a strong HONORING OFFICER LESLEY f leader in the wise use of natural re- ZEREBNY TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BOXER sources and their role in growing the Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, today I economy. colleagues to join me in honoring to wish to pay tribute to Senator BAR- Coming from a military family, she the life of Police Officer Lesley BARA BOXER, who has served her State has demonstrated her respect for our Zerebny, a beloved wife, devoted moth- and country with boundless energy, en- men and women in uniform as a mem- er, and esteemed colleague who was thusiasm, and exuberance. ber of the Armed Services Committee tragically killed in the line of duty on Senator BOXER’s 24 years in the Sen- and is recognized as a leading voice on October 8, 2016. ate are only part of her legacy of lead- national security issues and the well- Officer Zerebny was born in Hemet, ership and accomplishments. Pre- being of our veterans. We have joined CA, to David and Luanne Kling. She viously, she served for 10 years in the together on many occasions to advo- was raised in a law enforcement family House of Representatives for Califor- cate for the Portsmouth Naval Ship- and expressed a desire to become a po- nia’s Sixth Congressional District and yard that is so important to our Na- lice officer from a young age. In 2014, before that as the first woman presi- tion’s defense and to the dedicated men Officer Zerebny joined the Palm dent of the Marin County Board of Su- and women of our two States who work Springs Police Department as a police pervisors. there. officer trainee and was promoted to po- That remarkable record of service in- It has been an honor to serve with lice officer after graduating from the cludes another record. In her reelection KELLY AYOTTE in the United States Riverside County Sheriff’s Academy. in 2004, Senator BOXER received nearly Senate, and the American people are Her positive attitude and commit- 7 million votes, the most in Senate his- better off for her service. I wish KELLY ment to the job helped Officer Zerebny tory until that time and a mark that and her wonderful family all the best stand out at the Palm Springs Police stood for 8 years. in the years to come. Department. She consistently accepted During her service in the Senate, f additional assignments and always of- Senator BOXER has established herself fered a helping hand to her colleagues. as a champion of the environment, in- HONORING SERGEANT STEVEN C. She was described as ‘‘small in stature, frastructure, and medical research. OWEN but fearless’’ and ‘‘fiery, creative, full Along with Senator INHOFE, she au- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I of life and tough as nails.’’ Hard-work- thored a 5-year transportation bill that ask my colleagues to join me in honing, dedicated, and compassionate, Of- many thought was an impossible task oring the life of Sergeant Steven C. ficer Zerebny courageously served her in a gridlocked Senate. But she worked Owen, a beloved husband and father community with distinction. across the aisle and did it. The United who tragically lost his life in the line Officer Zerebny took enormous pride States-Israel Enhanced Security Co- of duty on October 5, 2016. in everything she set out to do—espe- operation Act she authored in 2012 re- Sergeant Owen was born in Encino, cially in her service as a police offi- affirmed the special relationship be- CA, and proudly joined the Los Angeles cer—but her proudest accomplishment tween our two countries and is another County Sheriff’s department almost was her family. On behalf of the people of Senator BOXER’s accomplishments. three decades ago. He spent most of his of California whom Officer Zerebny It has been especially rewarding to career at the Lancaster Sheriff’s sta- served so bravely, I extend my heart- work with her on legislation to better tion, patrolling the streets of his Ante- felt condolences to her husband, Zach;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:11 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.094 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6837 daughter, Cora; and her parents, David Men’s Golf Club, and he was an active Leroy Smith honorably served with and Luanne. member of Pearl Harbor Survivors, life the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. f member of VFW and American Legion, Air Force for more than 25 years, in- and member of the Anacortes Elks cluding further combat tours in Korea REMEMBERING HAROLD JOHN Lodge. and Vietnam. He retired in 1968 as a SHIMER Mr. Shimer is survived by his wife, master sergeant. Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, Carolyn; daughters Patricia Arm- Leroy Mazell Smith passed away on today marks the 75th anniversary of strong, Terrie Hughes, and step-daugh- December 1, 2016. He will be laid to rest the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. ter Brenda Eissenstat; grandchildren on December 9, wearing an Air Force It was during that fateful event that Toni Gill and Clayton Hughes and step- uniform complete with the medals he more than 2,400 American lives were grandsons Ethan and Daniel earned during his service, a recent re- lost and another 1,100 were wounded. Eissenstat; great-grandchildren Mitch- quest that the nonprofit veterans’ sup- While that day took a tragic toll, he- ell, Jamie, and Katelin Gill and Hayley port group Team Red, White and Blue roes were made of those who rushed to and Brynn Hughes; step-sister Gale helped fulfill. action. I wish to honor the life and Angelostro; sister-in-law Blanche Smith is an American hero whose ad- memory of one such Pearl Harbor hero Shimer; and numerous nieces and neph- mirable service is recognized and ap- who went on to serve his country for an ews. preciated by all Arkansans. I extend additional 20 years after that day. That Please join me in extending our my sincere condolences to his family man is Harold John Shimer, who warmest gratitude to Mr. Shimer and and friends, and I hope that they take passed away on October 30, 2016, at the his family for the years of dedicated comfort in the wonderful legacy that age of 97 in Anacortes, WA. service to his country and for being an he leaves behind. Mr. Shimer was born on February 12, upstanding and active member of the f 1919, in Wurstboro, NY, the son of Har- Anacortes community. His stories, old and Irma Shimer. He attended which were described as no less than TRIBUTE TO JOE AND LOUISE schools in Wurstboro and Middleton, ‘‘amazing’’, will be missed, but they HEAD NY, and enjoyed working with his fa- will also live on in the memories of Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, today ther on their 640-acre dairy farm. After family and friends that knew him well. I wish to recognize Joe and Louise graduating high school, Mr. Shimer f Head, recipients of the Greater Cin- joined the U.S. Navy. cinnati Foundation’s 2016 Jacob E. Mr. Shimer had begun his naval ca- REMEMBERING LEROY MAZELL Davis Volunteer Leadership Award, reer as a storekeeper third class aboard SMITH which is presented annually to honor the newly commissioned USS Helena, Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today citizens who have made significant where the ship’s first assignment was I wish to honor Leroy Mazell Smith, an contributions to the greater Cincinnati as neutrality patrol in South America, aviation mechanic from Fordyce, AR, community. protecting Uruguay and Argentina who was part of the illustrious Recognized for their generosity as prior to the United States’ entrance Tuskegee Airmen and served his coun- philanthropic and civic leaders, Joe into World War II. Mr. Shimer had the try with honor and distinction. and Louise have volunteered their very unique and rare account of watch- Born in 1927, Smith loved to tell the time, talents, and treasure to countless ing the famous German Graf Spee war- story of his birth with wry humor and ship and its captain, which had sunk community endeavors to make the fondness. A midwife helped his mother nine merchant ships, scuttle itself greater Cincinnati community a better deliver him while on a bridge where after being pursued by English war- place to live. some had taken refuge from the great ships. They have both been very active vol- The USS Helena was assigned to the Mississippi River flood of that year. unteers to many local organizations in- Pacific, where it was at Pearl Harbor They remained there for 4 days before cluding Xavier University, Seven Hills on December 7, 1941. It was hit by a his birth was documented. The result School, the Metropolitan Growth Alli- Japanese torpedo and lost 23 men. Mr. was that his birth certificate indicated ance, and the Cincinnati Nature Cen- Shimer and the other surviving crew- a different date of birth, 4 days after ter. Joe and Louise have also provided members immediately fired back his actual birthday. significant leadership by serving as against the attackers. He passed am- From that unusual beginning, he trustees and board members to many munition for the new guns that had went on to lead a remarkable life. He civic and charitable organizations. just been installed that summer. He re- credited his Baptist grandfather with Louise is a former governing board called, ‘‘In a superhuman effort we having a large influence on him grow- chair of the Greater Cincinnati Foun- emptied the ammunition locker in less ing up, including teaching him the dation, and Joe is a former chair of the than two hours.’’ Mr. Shimer and his value of hard work. He graduated from Christ Hospital Health Network board team were credited with saving the high school at age 16 and took preflight of directors. No couple is more commu- USS Pennsylvania, the flagship of the aeronautical classes. After graduation, nity-minded, and the people of greater fleet in a drydock just forward of the Smith joined the U.S. Army Air Corps Cincinnati have been the beneficiaries. Helena. Following repairs, the Helena and became a mechanic. I would like to congratulate Joe and went on to win fame for sinking a num- He completed basic training in Texas Louise Head on this award. ber of Japanese ships before being sunk and was stationed at Chanute Field in f Illinois. Later, during World War II, he herself by a submarine in 1943. NASHVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT’S Mr. Shimer returned to the States was sent to Europe where he was as- CENTENNIAL before being reassigned to establish a signed to the Tuskegee Airmen Red submarine depot in Fremantle, Aus- Tail squadron. He remembered being Mr. BURR. Mr. President, today I tralia, and was promoted to chief war- scared during his time in theater but wish to recognize the Nashville Fire rant officer. In 1947, he was assigned to always relayed his sense of pride in the Department in North Carolina. On De- the Bureau of Naval Personnel in work he did and the fact that the cember 17, 2016, the men and women of Washington, DC, then to Japan Naval Tuskegee unit never lost a bomber. the department will celebrate their Supply Depot, Yokosuka, Japan, and Smith also helped break social and 100th anniversary. finally Naval Depot, Seattle, WA. Mr. racial barriers in the military. As part The Nashville Fire Department has a Shimer had served aboard the USS of the group of African Americans who tremendous history of dedicated serv- Philippine Sea, USS Mount McKinley, served in the Armed Forces in the mid- ice to its community. On December 17, and USS Constellation. He retired from 20th century, he was among many serv- 1916, it was outfitted with their first Naval Station Seattle in June 1961, icemembers who confronted segrega- hose and reel to replace the previous after 22 years of patriotic service to his tion within the barracks and beyond. bucket brigades. As the oldest fire de- country. Even so, he recalled his time in the partment in Nash County, NC, its vol- Mr. Shimer’s great pleasure was golf- Army Air Corps as ‘‘one of his best unteers and employees continue, to ing with all his friends in the Similk memories.’’ this day, risking their lives to protect

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.039 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6838 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 the welfare of their citizens. I am so I want to congratulate the city of Young has always placed his commu- proud of their dedication to keeping us Santa Barbara for its dedicated efforts nity and country first. We are all safe in the Tar Heel State. to preserve our precious natural re- grateful for his dedicated service which The mission of the Nashville Fire De- sources. Santa Barbara’s leadership will long be remembered. On behalf of partment is to ‘‘protect lives, property, will continue to make a profound dif- the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the environment by providing ference for generations to come.∑ and a grateful Nation, I would like to skillful and cost effective fire and life f once again extend my congratulations safety services.’’ The Nashville Fire TRIBUTE TO BRYON J. YOUNG to Mr. Young on his retirement and Department goes above and beyond ac- thank him for his decades of public ∑ complishing this by answering approxi- Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I service. I wish him all the best in the mately 1,700 calls for service yearly for wish to honor the career of Mr. Bryon years ahead.∑ either fire protection, EMS response, J. Young, executive director of the or vehicle extrication. Additionally, Army Contracting Command—Aber- f this department specializes in trench deen Proving Ground (ACC–APG). Mr. MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Young will be retiring after 40 years of rescue—one of the most challenging A message from the President of the rescue events that emergency respond- distinguished service to the country. Throughout his career, Mr. Young has United States was communicated to ers can face. the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- I salute the brave men and women of proven himself a true public servant retaries. the Nashville Fire Department for 100 and his leadership will be truly missed. years of protective service to the peo- I would like to take this time to send f my congratulations to Mr. Young on ple of Nashville, NC. Through their ef- EXECUTIVE MESSAGE REFERRED forts, they make their community a his retirement and reflect upon his better, safer place. long career, exemplified by his hard As in executive session the Presiding Officer laid before the Senate a mes- f work, dedication, and passion. Mr. Young dedicated his career to the sage from the President of the United ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS defense and service of his Nation and States submitting a nomination which his fellow citizens. A graduate of the was referred to the Committee on Com- merce, Science, and Transportation. RECOGNIZING THE CITY OF SANTA University of Delaware and Boston University in the 1970s, Mr. Young (The message received today is print- BARBARA went on to complete degrees at the De- ed at the end of the Senate pro- ∑ Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my fense Systems Management College ceedings.) colleagues to join me in recognizing Program manager’s course and execu- f the tremendous accomplishments of tive program manager’s course, as well the city of Santa Barbara, a commu- as the U.S. Army War College and the MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE nity that has pioneered efforts in sus- U.S. Army Command and General Staff tainability and environmental preser- ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED College. At 9:33 a.m., a message from the vation for many years. Prior to his time with the Army Con- House of Representatives, delivered by For over four decades, the city of tracting Command, Mr. Young served Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- Santa Barbara has been a leader in pro- for 27 years as an air defense officer in nounced that the Speaker has signed tecting and enhancing the local envi- the Army with the 101st Airborne Divi- the following enrolled bills: ronment. In 1969, a devastating oil spill sion and as an ROTC instructor at released an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 Princeton University. Throughout his S. 1555. An act to award a Congressional barrels of oil into the Santa Barbara Gold Medal, collectively, to the Filipino vet- career, Mr. Young has displayed a com- erans of World War II, in recognition of the Channel, resulting in public outcry mitment to excellence, and his numer- over the significant damage to the dedicated service of the veterans during ous commands over the years are a tes- World War II. ocean waters and wildlife. Local resi- tament to his work ethic and dedica- S. 2234. An act to award the Congressional dents and civic leaders immediately tion. Among his many commands, Mr. Gold Medal, collectively, to the members of began advocating for environmental re- Young has served as director of the the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in rec- forms, and a few months later, Con- U.S. Army Research Development and ognition of their superior service and major gress passed the National Environ- Engineering Command Contracting contributions during World War II. mental Policy Act, one of the first laws Center, director of the U.S. Army Con- The enrolled bills were subsequently to establish a national framework for tracting Agency in Falls Church, Vir- signed by the President pro tempore protecting our environment. Soon ginia, chief of staff to the Army Con- (Mr. HATCH). after, the California Coastal Commis- tracting Agency, commander of the De- sion was created in 1972 as an inde- fense Contract Management Agency At 1:47 p.m., a message from the pendent State agency committed to Raytheon, and procurement team chief House of Representatives, delivered by preserving California’s beautiful coast- of U.S. Army Missile Command. Mr. Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- line. Young’s years of service and experience nounced that the House has passed the As the Santa Barbara community have benefited not only those around following bills, without amendment: grew and the effects of global climate him, but the Nation as a whole. In his S. 817. An act to provide for the addition of change became more apparent, local most recent role as executive director certain real property to the reservation of leaders developed innovative initia- of the Army Contracting Command— the Siletz Tribe in the State of Oregon. tives to reduce waste, decrease emis- Aberdeen Proving Ground, Mr. Young S. 818. An act to amend the Grand Ronde sions, and conserve natural resources. managed a geographically dispersed Reservation Act to make technical correc- Specifically, the city imposed tions, and for other purposes. contracting center responsible for exe- S. 2873. An act to require studies and re- stormwater requirements for develop- cuting more than 35,000 contracting ac- ment projects to prevent runoff and ports examining the use of, and opportuni- tions valued at $11 billion. ties to use, technology-enabled collaborative implemented a shared-use vehicle pro- Mr. Young’s dedication to the Armed learning and capacity building models to im- gram to reduce fuel costs and the num- Services and our country are evident prove programs of the Department of Health ber of vehicles in the city’s fleet. These not only from his four decades of serv- and Human Services, and for other purposes. efforts helped cut water consumption ice and leadership, but also from his S. 3076. An act to amend title 38, United by 15 to 20 percent and reduce emis- numerous decorations, which include States Code, to authorize the Secretary of sions by 10 percent, respectively. Next the Defense Superior Service Medal, Veterans Affairs to furnish caskets and urns year, Santa Barbara will begin using a Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious for burial in cemeteries of States and tribal state-of-the-art water desalination fa- organizations of veterans without next of Service Medal, Meritorious Service kin or sufficient resources to provide for cas- cility that will reduce electrical de- Medal, Army Commendation Medal, kets or urns, and for other purposes. mand and environmental impacts while and the Army Achievement Medal. S. 3492. An act to designate the Traverse supplying roughly 30 percent of the Throughout his long and distin- City VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic city’s water. guished career in public service, Mr. of the Department of Veterans Affairs in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G07DE6.091 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6839 Traverse City, Michigan, as the ‘‘Colonel Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- S. Con. Res. 30. A concurrent resolution ex- Demas T. Craw VA Clinic. nounced that the House has passed the pressing concern over the disappearance of The message also announced that the following bill, in which it requests the David Sneddon, and for other purposes. House has passed the following bills, in concurrence of the Senate: H. Con. Res. 40. A concurrent resolution encouraging reunions of divided Korean which it requests the concurrence of H.R. 5790. An act to provide adequate pro- American families. the Senate: tections for whistleblowers at the Federal S. Con. Res. 57. A concurrent resolution H.R. 756. An act to amend the Energy Pol- Bureau of Investigation. honoring in praise and remembrance the ex- icy and Conservation Act to provide for the f traordinary life, steady leadership, and re- dissemination of information regarding markable, 70-year reign of King Bhumibol available Federal programs relating to en- MEASURES READ THE FIRST TIME Adulyadej of Thailand. ergy efficiency projects for schools, and for By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on other purposes. The following bill was read the first time: Foreign Relations, with an amendment in H.R. 875. An act to provide for alternative the nature of a substitute and with an financing arrangements for the provision of S. 3516. A bill to authorize the Secretary of amended preamble: certain services and the construction and Veterans Affairs to conduct a best-practices S. Res. 535. A resolution expressing the maintenance of infrastructure at land border peer review of each medical center of the De- sense of the Senate regarding the trafficking ports of entry, and for other purposes. partment of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the of illicit fentanyl into the United States H.R. 3381. An act to maximize discovery, efficacy of health care delivered at each such from Mexico and China. and accelerate development and availability, medical center. By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on of promising childhood cancer treatments, f Foreign Relations, with an amendment in and for other purposes. the nature of a substitute and an amendment H.R. 4150. An act to amend title 38, United ENROLLED BILLS PRESENTED to the title and with an amended preamble: States Code, to allow the Secretary of Vet- The Secretary of the Senate reported S. Res. 537. A resolution expressing pro- erans Affairs to modify the hours of employ- found concern about the ongoing political, ment of physicians employed on a full-time that on today, December 7, 2016, she economic, social and humanitarian crisis in basis by the Department of Veterans Affairs. had presented to the President of the Venezuela, urging the release of political H.R. 4352. An act to direct the Secretary of United States the following enrolled prisoners, and calling for respect of constitu- Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot pro- bills: tional and democratic processes. gram establishing a patient self-scheduling By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on appointment system, and for other purposes. S. 795. An act to enhance whistleblower Foreign Relations, with an amendment in H.R. 4680. An act to prepare the National protection for contractor and grantee em- the nature of a substitute: Park Service for its Centennial in 2016 and ployees. H.R. 1150. A bill to amend the Inter- for a second century of promoting and pro- S. 1555. An act to award a Congressional national Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to tecting the natural, historic, and cultural re- Gold Medal, collectively, to the Filipino vet- improve the ability of the United States to sources of our National Parks for the enjoy- erans of World War II, in recognition of the advance religious freedom globally through ment of present and future generations, and dedicated service of the veterans during enhanced diplomacy, training, counterter- for other purposes. World War II. H.R. 5399. An act to amend title 38, United S. 2234. An act to award the Congressional rorism, and foreign assistance efforts, and States Code, to ensure that physicians of the Gold Medal, collectively, to the members of through stronger and more flexible political Department of Veterans Affairs fulfill the the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in rec- responses to religious freedom violations and ethical duty to report to State licensing au- ognition of their superior service and major violent extremism worldwide, and for other thorities impaired, incompetent, and uneth- contributions during World War II. purposes. ical health care activities. S. 2577. An act to protect crime victims’ By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on H.R. 6375. An act to provide for consider- rights, to eliminate the substantial backlog Commerce, Science, and Transportation, ation of the extension under the Energy Pol- of DNA and other forensic evidence samples without amendment: icy and Conservation Act of nonapplication to improve and expand the forensic science S. 1182. A bill to exempt application of JSA of No-Load Mode energy efficiency standards testing capacity of Federal, State, and local attribution rule in case of existing agree- to certain security or life safety alarms or crime laboratories, to increase research and ments. surveillance systems. development of new testing technologies, to By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on H.R. 6394. An act to require the Federal develop new training programs regarding the Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Communications Commission to submit to collection and use of forensic evidence, to with an amendment in the nature of a sub- Congress a report on promoting broadband provide post-conviction testing of DNA evi- stitute: Internet access service for veterans. dence to exonerate the innocent, to support S. 2658. A bill to amend title 49, United H.R. 6401. An act to amend Public Law 94– accreditation efforts of forensic science lab- States Code, to authorize appropriations for 241 with respect to the Northern Mariana Is- oratories and medical examiner officers, to the Federal Aviation Administration for fis- lands. address training and equipment needs, to im- cal years 2016 through 2017, and for other H.R. 6416. An act to amend title 38, United prove the performance of counsel in State purposes. States Code, to make certain improvements capital cases, and for other purposes. By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on in the laws administered by the Secretary of S. 3395. An act to require limitations on Foreign Relations, with an amendment: Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. prescribed burns. H.R. 2845. A bill to promote access to bene- H.R. 6438. An act to extend the waiver of fits under the African Growth and Oppor- limitations with respect to excluding from f tunity Act, and for other purposes. gross income amounts received by wrong- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on fully incarcerated individuals. Foreign Relations, with an amendment in The message further announced that The following reports of committees the nature of a substitute: the House agreed to the amendment of were submitted: H.R. 4481. A bill to amend the Foreign As- By Mr. ISAKSON, from the Committee on sistance Act of 1961 to provide assistance for the Senate to the resolution (H. Con. developing countries to promote quality Res. 174) directing the Clerk of the Veterans’ Affairs, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to basic education and to establish the goal of House of Representatives to make a the title: all children in school and learning as an ob- correction in the enrollment of H.R. 34. S. 425. A bill to amend title 38, United jective of the United States foreign assist- ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED States Code, to provide for a five-year exten- ance policy, and for other purposes. The message also announced that the sion to the homeless veterans reintegration H.R. 4939. A bill to increase engagement Speaker has signed the following en- programs and to provide clarification regard- with the governments of the Caribbean region, the Caribbean diaspora community in rolled bills: ing eligibility for services under such programs (Rept. No. 114–395). the United States, and the private sector and S. 795. An act to enhance whistleblower By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on civil society in both the United States and protection for contractor and grantee em- Foreign Relations, without amendment: the Caribbean, and for other purposes. ployees. S. 3395. An act to require limitations on S. 8. A bill to provide for the approval of f prescribed burns. the Agreement for Cooperation Between the Government of the United States of America EXECUTIVE REPORT OF The enrolled bills were subsequently and the Government of the Kingdom of Nor- COMMITTEE signed by the President pro tempore way Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear En- (Mr. HATCH). ergy. The following executive report of a By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on nomination was submitted: At 5:46 p.m., a message from the Foreign Relations, without amendment and By Mr. THUNE for the Committee on Com- House of Representatives, delivered by with a preamble: merce, Science, and Transportation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.012 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 *Ann Begeman, of South Dakota, to be a sion, would threaten the stability of Europe overall percentage share of the United States Member of the Surface Transportation Board and jeopardize United States national secu- in the common budgets of NATO. for a term expiring December 31, 2020. rity interests; (B) The inclusion of Montenegro in NATO *Nomination was reported with rec- (C) Montenegro, having established a does not detract from the ability of the United States to meet or to fund its military ommendation that it be confirmed sub- democratic government and having demonstrated a willingness to meet the require- requirements outside the North Atlantic ject to the nominee’s commitment to ments of membership, including those nec- area. respond to requests to appear and tes- essary to contribute to the defense of all (2) Annual Report on NATO Member De- tify before any duly constituted com- NATO members, is in a position to further fense Spending.—Not later than December 1 mittee of the Senate. the principles of the North Atlantic Treaty of each year during the 8-year period following the date of entry into force of the f and to contribute to the security of the North Atlantic area; and Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 EXECUTIVE REPORT OF (D) extending NATO membership to Monte- on the Accession of Montenegro, the Presi- COMMITTEE—TREATY negro will strengthen NATO, enhance sta- dent shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report, which shall be The following executive report of bility in Southeast Europe, and advance the interests of the United States and its NATO submitted in an unclassified form, but may be accompanied by a classified annex, and committee was submitted: allies. By Mr. CORKER, from the Committee on (3) Support for NATO’s Open Door Pol- which shall contain the following information: Foreign Relations: icy.—The policy of the United States is to (A) The amount each NATO member spent Treaty Doc. 114–12: Protocol to the North support NATO’s Open Door Policy that al- on its national defense in each of the pre- Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of lows any European country to express its de- vious 5 years. Montenegro with 2 conditions and 7 declara- sire to join NATO and demonstrate its abil- (B) The percentage of GDP for each of the tions (Ex. Rept. 114–16) ity to meet the obligations of NATO mem- previous 5 years that each NATO member The text of the committee-rec- bership. spent on its national defense. ommended resolution of advice and (4) Future Consideration Of Candidates For (C) The percentage of national defense Membership In NATO.— consent to ratification is as follows: spending for each of the previous 5 years (A) Senate Finding.—The Senate finds that that each NATO member spent on major As reported by the Committee on Foreign the United States will not support the acces- equipment, including research and develop- Relations: sion to the North Atlantic Treaty of, or the ment. Resolved, (two-thirds of the Senators present invitation to begin accession talks with, any (D) Details on the actions a NATO member concurring therein), European state (other than Montenegro), un- has taken in the most recent year reported Section 1. Senate Advice and Consent Sub- less— to move closer towards the NATO guideline ject to Declarations and Conditions. (i) the President consults with the Senate outlined in the 2014 Wales Summit Declara- The Senate advises and consents to the consistent with Article II, section 2, clause 2 tion to spend a minimum of 2 percent of its ratification of the Protocol to the North At- of the Constitution of the United States (re- GDP on national defense and 20 percent of its lantic Treaty of 1949 on the Accession of lating to the advice and consent of the Sen- national defense budget on major equipment, Montenegro, which was opened for signature ate to the making of treaties); and including research and development, if a in Brussels on May 19, 2016, and signed on be- (ii) the prospective NATO member can ful- NATO member is below either guideline for half of the United States of America (the fill all of the obligations and responsibilities the most recent year reported. ‘‘Protocol’’) (Treaty Doc. 114–12), subject to of membership, and the inclusion of such Sec. 4. Definitions. the declarations of section 2 and the condi- state in NATO would serve the overall polit- In this resolution: tions of section 3. ical and strategic interests of NATO and the (1) Appropriate Congressional Commit- Sec. 2. Declarations. United States. tees.—The term ‘‘appropriate congressional The advice and consent of the Senate (B) Requirement for Consensus and Ratifi- committees’’ means the Committee on For- under section 1 is subject to the following cation.—The Senate declares that no action eign Relations and the Committee on Armed declarations: or agreement other than a consensus deci- Services of the Senate and the Committee on (1) Reaffirmation that United States Mem- sion by the full membership of NATO, ap- Foreign Affairs and the Committee on bership in NATO Remains a Vital National proved by the national procedures of each Armed Services of the House of Representa- Security Interest of The United States.—The NATO member, including, in the case of the tives. Senate declares that— United States, the requirements of Article (2) NATO Members.—The term ‘‘NATO members’’ means all countries that are par- (A) for more than 60 years the North Atlan- II, section 2, clause 2 of the Constitution of ties to the North Atlantic Treaty. tic Treaty Organization (NATO) has served the United States (relating to the advice and as the preeminent organization to defend the (3) Non-NATO Members.—The term ‘‘non- consent of the Senate to the making of trea- NATO members’’ means all countries that countries in the North Atlantic area against ties), will constitute a commitment to col- all external threats; are not parties to the North Atlantic Treaty. lective defense and consultations pursuant (4) North Atlantic Area.—The term ‘‘North (B) through common action, the estab- to Articles 4 and 5 of the North Atlantic Atlantic area’’ means the area covered by lished democracies of North America and Eu- Treaty. Article 6 of the North Atlantic Treaty, as ap- rope that were joined in NATO persevered (5) Influence Of Non-NATO Members On plied by the North Atlantic Council. and prevailed in the task of ensuring the sur- NATO Decisions.—The Senate declares that (5) North Atlantic Treaty.—The term vival of democratic government in Europe any country that is not a member of NATO ‘‘North Atlantic Treaty’’ means the North and North America throughout the Cold shall have no impact on decisions related to Atlantic Treaty, signed at Washington April War; NATO enlargement. 4, 1949 (63 Stat. 2241; TIAS 1964), as amended. (C) NATO enhances the security of the (6) Support for 2014 Wales Summit Defense (6) United States Instrument of Ratifica- United States by embedding European states Spending Benchmark.—The Senate declares tion.—The term ‘‘United States instrument in a process of cooperative security planning that all NATO members should continue to of ratification’’ means the instrument of and by ensuring an ongoing and direct lead- move towards the guideline outlined in the ratification of the United States of the Pro- ership role for the United States in European 2014 Wales Summit Declaration to spend a tocol to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on security affairs; minimum of 2 percent of their Gross Domes- the Accession of Montenegro. (D) the responsibility and financial burden tic Product (GDP) on defense and 20 percent f of defending the democracies of Europe and of their defense budgets on major equipment, North America can be more equitably shared including research and development, by 2024. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND through an alliance in which specific obliga- (7) Support for Montenegro’s Democratic JOINT RESOLUTIONS tions and force goals are met by its mem- Reform Process.—Montenegro has made dif- The following bills and joint resolu- bers; ficult reforms and taken steps to address (E) the security and prosperity of the corruption. The United States and other tions were introduced, read the first United States is enhanced by NATO’s collec- NATO member states should not consider and second times by unanimous con- tive defense against aggression that may this important process complete and should sent, and referred as indicated: threaten the security of NATO members; and continue to urge additional reforms. By Ms. WARREN: (F) United States membership in NATO re- Sec. 3. Conditions. S. 3511. A bill to require the Secretary of mains a vital national security interest of The advice and consent of the Senate Defense to expand the Secretarial Designee the United States. under section 1 is subject to the following Program of the Department of Defense to in- (2) Strategic Rationale For NATO Enlarge- conditions: clude victims of acts of terror; to the Com- ment.—The Senate finds that— (1) Presidential Certification.—Prior to the mittee on Armed Services. (A) the United States and its NATO allies deposit of the instrument of ratification, the By Mr. GRAHAM: face continued threats to their stability and President shall certify to the Senate as fol- S. 3512. A bill to reauthorize the Histori- territorial integrity; lows: cally Black Colleges and Universities His- (B) an attack against Montenegro, or its (A) The inclusion of Montenegro in NATO toric Preservation Program; to the Com- destabilization arising from external subver- will not have the effect of increasing the mittee on Energy and Natural Resources.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.016 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6841 By Mr. FLAKE: to use military force, a declaration of S. 2878 S. 3513. A bill to amend the Homeland Se- war, or any similar authority shall not At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the curity Act of 2002 to facilitate communica- authorize the detention without charge name of the Senator from Oklahoma tion between U.S. Customs and Border Pro- or trial of a citizen or lawful perma- (Mr. LANKFORD) was added as a cospon- tection and border ranchers in Arizona and nent resident of the United States. sor of S. 2878, a bill to amend the Inter- other border States and for other purposes; national Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to the Committee on Homeland Security and S. 299 Governmental Affairs. At the request of Mr. NELSON, his to improve the ability of the United By Mrs. BOXER: name was added as a cosponsor of S. States to advance religious freedom S. 3514. A bill to adjust the boundary of the 299, a bill to allow travel between the globally through enhanced diplomacy, Santa Monica Mountains National Recre- United States and Cuba. training, counterterrorism, and foreign ation Area to include the Rim of the Valley assistance efforts, and through strong- Corridor, and for other purposes; to the Com- S. 1148 er and more flexible political responses mittee on Energy and Natural Resources. At the request of Mr. NELSON, the to religious freedom violations and vio- By Mr. DONNELLY (for himself and name of the Senator from Minnesota lent extremism worldwide, and for Mr. GRAHAM): (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added as a co- other purposes. S. 3515. A bill to authorize previously ap- sponsor of S. 1148, a bill to amend title propriated resources for communities to ad- S. 2895 XVIII of the Social Security Act to At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the dress persistent or historical crime through provide for the distribution of addi- collaborative cross-sector partnerships; to name of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. the Committee on the Judiciary. tional residency positions, and for FLAKE) was added as a cosponsor of S. By Mr. MCCAIN: other purposes. 2895, a bill to extend the civil statute of S. 3516. A bill to authorize the Secretary of S. 1524 limitations for victims of Federal sex Veterans Affairs to conduct a best-practices At the request of Mr. BLUNT, the offenses. peer review of each medical center of the De- name of the Senator from Michigan S. 2957 partment of Veterans Affairs to evaluate the (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- efficacy of health care delivered at each such At the request of Mr. NELSON, the medical center; read the first time. sor of S. 1524, a bill to enable concrete names of the Senator from Minnesota By Mr. PORTMAN (for himself, Ms. masonry products manufacturers to es- (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from STABENOW, and Mr. BROWN): tablish, finance, and carry out a co- Kansas (Mr. ROBERTS), the Senator S. 3517. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- ordinated program of research, edu- from Connecticut (Mr. MURPHY), the enue Code of 1986 to provide appropriate cation, and promotion to improve, Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. CAP- rules for the application of the deduction for maintain, and develop markets for con- ITO), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. income attributable to domestic production crete masonry products. RISCH), the Senator from Rhode Island activities with respect to certain contract manufacturing or production arrangements; S. 1911 (Mr. REED), the Senator from Indiana to the Committee on Finance. At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the (Mr. DONNELLY), the Senator from New By Mr. RUBIO (for himself, Mr. KIRK, names of the Senator from Montana York (Mr. SCHUMER), the Senator from Ms. AYOTTE, and Mr. CORNYN): (Mr. TESTER), the Senator from Con- Wyoming (Mr. ENZI), the Senator from S. 3518. A bill to impose nonnuclear sanc- necticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) and the Montana (Mr. DAINES), the Senator tions with respect to Iran, and for other pur- Senator from South Dakota (Mr. from Maryland (Ms. MIKULSKI), the poses; to the Committee on Banking, Hous- THUNE) were added as cosponsors of S. Senator from West Virginia (Mr. ing, and Urban Affairs. MANCHIN), the Senator from Ohio (Mr. By Ms. HEITKAMP (for herself, Mr. 1911, a bill to implement policies to end BROWN), the Senator from Washington DURBIN, and Mr. FRANKEN): preventable maternal, newborn, and S. 3519. A bill to address the psychological, child deaths globally. (Mrs. MURRAY), the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. HOEVEN), the Sen- social, and emotional needs of children, S. 2595 ator from Wisconsin (Ms. BALDWIN), the youth, and families who have experienced At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. trauma, and for other purposes; to the Com- names of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and TILLIS), the Senator from Illinois (Mr. MURKOWSKI) and the Senator from Pensions. KIRK), the Senator from Indiana (Mr. Alaska (Mr. SULLIVAN) were added as COATS), the Senator from South Caro- f cosponsors of S. 2595, a bill to amend lina (Mr. GRAHAM), the Senator from SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to North Carolina (Mr. BURR), the Senator SENATE RESOLUTIONS permanently extend the railroad track from Nevada (Mr. HELLER), the Senator maintenance credit. The following concurrent resolutions from New Jersey (Mr. MENENDEZ), the and Senate resolutions were read, and S. 2712 Senator from Vermont (Mr. LEAHY), referred (or acted upon), as indicated: At the request of Mr. INHOFE, his the Senator from Alabama (Mr. SES- By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. name was added as a cosponsor of S. SIONS), the Senator from North Dakota MERKLEY, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. SCHATZ, 2712, a bill to restore amounts improp- (Ms. HEITKAMP), the Senator from Con- Mr. SANDERS, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. erly withheld for tax purposes from necticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL), the Sen- FRANKEN, and Ms. WARREN): severance payments to individuals who ator from Missouri (Mrs. MCCASKILL), S. Res. 632. A resolution supporting a tran- retired or separated from service in the the Senator from Kansas (Mr. MORAN) sition to 100 percent clean, renewable energy Armed Forces for combat-related inju- to help consumers, support the economy and and the Senator from Virginia (Mr. national security of the United States, and ries, and for other purposes. WARNER) were added as cosponsors of avoid the worst impacts of climate change; S. 2748 S. 2957, a bill to require the Secretary to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- At the request of Ms. BALDWIN, the of the Treasury to mint commemora- sources. names of the Senator from Kansas (Mr. tive coins in recognition of the 50th an- By Mr. BOOKER: MORAN) and the Senator from North niversary of the first manned landing S. Con. Res. 58. A concurrent resolution ex- Dakota (Ms. HEITKAMP) were added as on the Moon. pressing the sense of Congress that rates for S. 2989 inmate calling service should not exceed the cosponsors of S. 2748, a bill to amend affordable modified rate caps adopted by the the Public Health Service Act to in- At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the Federal Communications Commission; to the crease the number of permanent fac- names of the Senator from Delaware Committee on Commerce, Science, and ulty in palliative care at accredited (Mr. COONS), the Senator from New Jer- Transportation. allopathic and osteopathic medical sey (Mr. BOOKER), the Senator from f schools, nursing schools, social work New Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) and the schools, and other programs, including Senator from Hawaii (Mr. SCHATZ) were ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS physician assistant education pro- added as cosponsors of S. 2989, a bill to S. 24 grams, to promote education and re- award a Congressional Gold Medal, col- At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the search in palliative care and hospice, lectively, to the United States mer- name of the Senator from Texas (Mr. and to support the development of fac- chant mariners of World War II, in rec- CRUZ) was added as a cosponsor of S. 24, ulty careers in academic palliative ognition of their dedicated and vital a bill to clarify that an authorization medicine. service during World War II.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:41 Mar 17, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD16\DEC2016\S07DE6.REC S07DE6 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S6842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 S. 3188 SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS (A) create jobs for all individuals, espe- At the request of Mr. GRASSLEY, the cially in communities with high rates of un- name of the Senator from New Mexico employment or underemployment, and build (Mr. UDALL) was added as a cosponsor SENATE RESOLUTION 632—SUP- a sustainable economy; and of S. 3188, a bill to amend the Internal PORTING A TRANSITION TO 100 (B) ensure universal access to clean energy for all homes and businesses in the United Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the in- PERCENT CLEAN, RENEWABLE ENERGY TO HELP CONSUMERS, States, including for moderate- and low-incentives for biodiesel. come families. S. 3256 SUPPORT THE ECONOMY AND At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the NATIONAL SECURITY OF THE f UNITED STATES, AND AVOID name of the Senator from New York SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLU- (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- THE WORST IMPACTS OF CLI- MATE CHANGE TION 58—EXPRESSING THE sponsor of S. 3256, a bill to amend the SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to pro- Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. RATES FOR INMATE CALLING vide assistance for developing coun- MERKLEY, Mr. CARDIN, Mr. SCHATZ, Mr. SERVICE SHOULD NOT EXCEED tries to promote quality basic edu- SANDERS, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. FRANKEN, THE AFFORDABLE MODIFIED cation and to establish the goal of all and Ms. WARREN) submitted the fol- RATE CAPS ADOPTED BY THE children in school and learning as an lowing resolution; which was referred FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS objective of the United States foreign to the Committee on Energy and Nat- COMMISSION assistance policy, and for other pur- ural Resources: poses. S. RES. 632 Mr. BOOKER submitted the following S. 3284 Whereas, in December 2016, nearly 200 na- concurrent resolution; which was re- At the request of Mr. CRUZ, the name tions that are parties to the United Nations ferred to the Committee on Commerce, of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. Framework Convention on Climate Change Science, and Transportation: PERDUE) was added as a cosponsor of S. adopted an historic international agreement S. CON. RES. 58 3284, a bill to oppose loans at inter- to undertake ambitious efforts to combat Whereas an estimated 5,000,000 United national financial institutions for the climate change; States children have, or have had, a parent Government of Nicaragua unless the Whereas transitioning to clean energy will in prison or jail; help reduce carbon pollution in the United Government of Nicaragua is taking ef- Whereas phone calls make it easier for States, and combat climate change; families of incarcerated individuals to main- fective steps to hold free, fair, and Whereas transitioning to clean energy will transparent elections, and for other tain positive relationships with their loved help the United States meet its inter- ones who are incarcerated; purposes. national commitments to reduce greenhouse Whereas phone calls help to reduce recidi- S. 3364 gas emissions; vism and promote the well-being of children; At the request of Mrs. FISCHER, the Whereas transitioning to a clean energy Whereas a reduction in recidivism rates by name of the Senator from Minnesota economy will create millions of well-paying just 1 percent would save United States tax- jobs in the United States, save consumers in (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) was added as a co- payers $250,000,000 per year in correctional the United States money, and boost eco- sponsor of S. 3364, a bill to authorize costs; nomic growth; Whereas families of incarcerated individ- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to Whereas low-income communities, commu- carry out a pilot program to accept the uals frequently experience financial hardship nities of color, and indigenous people in the because of the loss of a key wage earner; donation of facilities and related im- United States are inordinately exposed to Whereas the cost of maintaining contact provements for use by the Department pollution from fossil fuels; with incarcerated loved ones through in-per- of Veterans Affairs. Whereas distributed renewable energy and son visits can be prohibitive; S. 3478 energy efficiency can provide access to local Whereas written correspondence, espe- jobs in cities in the United States while At the request of Mr. RUBIO, the cially with small children and disabled indi- cleaning up neighborhoods; name of the Senator from Colorado viduals, can be an inadequate way of main- Whereas, in 2005, the United States had taining communication; and (Mr. GARDNER) was added as a cospon- fewer than 10,000 megawatts of installed sor of S. 3478, a bill to require contin- Whereas the Federal Communications wind and solar electric generating capacity; Commission has been steadfast in its efforts, ued and enhanced annual reporting to Whereas, in 2016, the United States has in accordance with its authority under the Congress in the Annual Report on more than 100,000 megawatts of installed Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et International Religious Freedom on wind and solar electric generating capacity; seq.)— anti-Semitic incidents in Europe, the Whereas, in 2016, the United States is pro- (1) to bring about a compromise on inmate safety and security of European Jewish jected to add more electric generating capac- calling service rate caps; and communities, and the efforts of the ity from solar and wind than from any other (2) to ensure that those rates are just and source; reasonable: Now, therefore, be it United States to partner with Euro- Whereas, by the end of 2016, there are pro- pean governments, the European Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- jected to be— resentatives concurring), That it is the sense Union, and civil society groups, to (1) 310,000 individuals in the United States of Congress that— employed in the solar industry; and combat anti-Semitism, and for other (1) rates for inmate calling service should purposes. (2) 88,000 individuals in the United States employed in the wind industry; not exceed the affordable modified rate caps S. 3504 Whereas, by 2020, there are projected to be adopted by the Federal Communications At the request of Mr. HATCH, the nearly 600,000 individuals in the United Commission as of the date of the adoption of name of the Senator from Colorado States employed in the wind and solar indus- this resolution; and (Mr. BENNET) was added as a cosponsor tries; (2) reduced inmate calling service rates should be implemented swiftly because of of S. 3504, a bill to amend title XVIII of Whereas more than 1⁄2 of all new electricity the Social Security Act to implement capacity added in the world in 2015 was re- the importance of inmate calling service as a rehabilitative means of communication. Medicare payment policies designed to newable; and improve management of chronic dis- Whereas according to the National Renew- f ease, streamline care coordination, and able Energy Laboratory, the United States improve quality outcomes without add- has the technical potential to generate more AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO than 100 times the quantity of electricity it MEET ing to the deficit. consumes each year as of 2016 solely from S.J. RES. 40 wind, solar, and other renewable resources: Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I have At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the Now, therefore, be it five requests for committees to meet name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr. Resolved, That the Senate— during today’s session of the Senate. PERDUE) was added as a cosponsor of (1) supports a national goal of phasing out They have the approval of the Majority S.J. Res. 40, a joint resolution approv- fossil fuel emissions and, by 2050, generating and Minority leaders. ing the location of a memorial to com- 100 percent of the electricity consumed in Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph the United States from clean energy re- memorate and honor the members of sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- the Armed Forces that served on active other renewable resources; and ate, the following committees are au- duty in support of Operation Desert (2) supports policies to achieve that goal thorized to meet during today’s session Storm or Operation Desert Shield. that will— of the Senate:

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COMMITTE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND To be major general To be major general TRANSPORTATION Brig. Gen. Robert N. Polumbo Brig. Gen. David M. McMinn The Committee on Commerce, The following named officer for appoint- Brig. Gen. Ronald E. Paul Science, and Transportation is author- ment in the United States Air Force to the The following named officer for appoint- ized to meet during the session of the grade indicated while assigned to a position ment in the Reserve of the Air Force to the Senate on December 7, 2016, at 2 p.m., of importance and responsibility under title grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section in room S–216 to the Capitol Building. 10, U.S.C., section 601: 12203: COMMITTE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND To be lieutenant general To be brigadier general TRANSPORTATION Maj. Gen. Jerry D. Harris, Jr. Col. William E. Dickens, Jr. The Committee on Commerce, The following named officer for appoint- The following named officers for appoint- Science, and Transportation is author- ment in the United States Air Force to the ment in the Reserve of the Air Force to the ized to meet during the session of the grade indicated while assigned to a position grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section Senate on December 7, 2016, at 2:30 of importance and responsibility under title 12203: p.m., in room SR–253 of the Russell 10, U.S.C., section 601: To be brigadier general Senate Office Building to conduct a To be general Col. Brian K. Borgen Subcommittee hearing entitled ‘‘As- Lt. Gen. James M. Holmes Col. Jeffrey S. Hinrichs Col. Jay D. Jensen sessing the Security of our Critical IN THE NAVY Col. Bret C. Larson Surface Transportation Infrastruc- The following named officer for appoint- ture.’’ Col. Todd J. McCubbin ment in the United States Navy to the grade Col. Patrice A. Melancon COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS indicated while assigned to a position of im- Col. Ellen M. Moore The Committee on Indian Affairs is portance and responsibility under title 10, Col. Boyd C. L. Parker, IV authorized to meet during the session U.S.C., section 601: Col. Steven B. Parker of the Senate on December 7, 2016, in To be vice admiral Col. Bryan P. Radliff room SD–628 of the Dirksen Senate Of- Rear Adm. William K. Lescher Col. Scott A. Sauter fice Building, at 2:15 p.m., to conduct a The following named officer for appoint- Col. Constance M. Von Hoffman hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the De- ment in the United States Navy to the grade The following Air National Guard of the partment of the Interior’s Land Buy- indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section 624: United States officer for appointment in the To be rear admiral (lower half) Reserve of the Air Force to the grade indi- Back Program for Tribal Nations, Four cated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 Years Later.’’ Capt. Kelly A. Aeschbach and 12212: SUBCOMMITTEE ON ANTITRUST, COMPETITION The following named officer for appoint- To be major general POLICY, AND CONSUMER RIGHTS ment in the United States Navy to the grade Brig. Gen. Randolph J. Staudenraus The Committee on Judiciary, Sub- indicated while assigned to a position of im- committee on Antitrust, Competition portance and responsibility under title 10, The following named officers for appointment in the Reserve of the Air Force to the Policy and Consumer Rights is author- U.S.C., section 601: To be vice admiral grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section ized to meet during the session of the 12203: Vice Adm. Dixon R. Smith Senate on December 7, 2016, at 10 a.m., To be major general in room SD–226 of the Dirksen Senate IN THE AIR FORCE Brig. Gen. Craig L. LaFave Office Building to conduct a hearing The following Air National Guard of the Brig. Gen. Pamela J. Lincoln entitled ‘‘Examining the Competitive United States officers for appointment in the Brig. Gen. Donald R. Lindberg Impact of the AT&T-Time Warner Reserve of the Air Force to the grade indi- Brig. Gen. Randall A. Ogden Transaction.’’ cated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 Brig. Gen. James P. Scanlan SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE and 12212: Brig. Gen. Patrick M. Wade The Select Committee on Intel- To be brigadier general The following Air National Guard of the ligence is authorized to meet during Col. Joel E. DeGroot United States officer for appointment in the the session of the Senate on December Col. Christopher M. Faux Reserve of the Air Force to the grade indi- 7, 2016, from 3 p.m. in room SH–219 of Col. Robert J. Gregory, III cated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 Col. Henry U. Harder, Jr. and 12212: the Hart Senate Office Building. Col. Eric W. Lind To be brigadier general f Col. David D. Zwart Col. Stephen C. Melton The following Air National Guard of the EXECUTIVE SESSION IN THE ARMY United States officers for appointment in the Reserve of the Air Force to the grade indi- The following named officer for appointment in the United States Army to the grade EXECUTIVE CALENDAR cated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 and 12212: indicated while assigned to a position of im- Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask portance and responsibility under title 10, To be major general unanimous consent that the Senate U.S.C., section 601: Brig. Gen. David P. Baczewski proceed to executive session for the To be lieutenant general Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Cathcart consideration of Calendar Nos. 742 Brig. Gen. Brian T. Dravis Maj. Gen. Paul E. Funk, II through 765 and all nominations on the Brig. Gen. James O. Eifert The following named officer for appoint- Secretary’s desk; that the nominations Brig. Gen. Richard W. Kelly ment in the United States Army to the grade be confirmed en bloc, the motions to Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Knapp indicated while assigned to a position of im- reconsider be considered made and laid Brig. Gen. Jon K. Mott portance and responsibility under title 10, upon the table with no intervening ac- Brig. Gen. Clayton W. Moushon U.S.C., section 601: tion or debate; that no further motions Brig. Gen. Kerry L. Muehlenbeck To be lieutenant general Brig. Gen. Howard P. Purcell be in order; that any statements re- Maj. Gen. Gary J. Volesky Brig. Gen. David P. San Clemente lated to the nominations be printed in Brig. Gen. Michael R. Taheri The following named officer for appoint- the RECORD; that the President be im- Brig. Gen. Roger E. Williams, Jr. ment in the United States Army to the grade indicated while assigned to a position of immediately notified of the Senate’s ac- The following Air National Guard of the portance and responsibility under title 10, tion, and the Senate then resume legis- United States officer for appointment in the U.S.C., section 601: lative session. Reserve of the Air Force to the grade indi- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 To be lieutenant general objection, it is so ordered. and 12212: Maj. Gen. James H. Dickinson The nominations considered and con- To be major general The following Army National Guard of the firmed en bloc are as follows: Brig. Gen. Jesse T. Simmons, Jr. United States officer for appointment in the Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated IN THE AIR FORCE The following Air National Guard of the under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 and The following named officer for appoint- United States officers for appointment in the 12211: ment in the Reserve of the Air Force to the Reserve of the Air Force to the grade indi- grade indicated under title 10, U.S.C., section cated under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 To be major general 12203: and 12212: Brig. Gen. Patrick M. Hamilton

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:33 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.031 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6844 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 The following Army National Guard of the Col. Moses Kaoiwi, Jr. PN1689 ARMY nomination of Clifford D. United States officers for appointment in the Col. Eric K. Little Johnston, which was received by the Senate Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated Col. Zachary E. Maner and appeared in the Congressional Record of under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 and Col. James R. Mathews September 6, 2016. 12211: Col. Mark A. Merlino PN1692 ARMY nomination of Reinaldo To be major general Col. Douglas R. Messner Gonzalez, II, which was received by the Sen- ate and appeared in the Congressional Brig. Gen. Benjamin F Adams, III Col. David J. Mikolaities Col. Charles W. Moore Record of September 6, 2016. Brig. Gen. Wayne L. Black PN1712 ARMY nomination of Graham F. Brig. Gen. Christopher M. Burns Col. Leah M. Moore Col. Michel A. Natali Inman which was received by the Senate and Brig. Gen. Kurt S. Crytzer appeared in the Congressional Record of Sep- Brig. Gen. Ivan E. Denton Col. Reginald G.A. Neal Col. John M. Oberkirsch tember 8, 2016. Brig. Gen. James C. Ernst PN1839 ARMY nomination of Eileen K. Brig. Gen. Kevin R. Griese Col. Stephen E. Osborn Col. Rodney B. Painting Jenkins, which was received by the Senate Brig. Gen. Mark G. Malanka and appeared in the Congressional Record of Brig. Gen. Roy V. McCarty Col. Chad J. Parker Col. Roger A. Presley, Jr. November 15, 2016. Brig. Gen. Blake C. Ortner PN1840 ARMY nomination of Jeffrey M. Brig. Gen. Christopher J. Petty Col. Jose J. Reyes Col. Frank M. Rice Farris, which was received by the Senate and Brig. Gen. Jessie R. Robinson appeared in the Congressional Record of No- Brig. Gen. Steven T. Scott Col. Timothy L. Rieger Col. James W. Ring vember 15, 2016. Brig. Gen. Raymond F. Shields, Jr. PN1841 ARMY nomination of Matthew T. Col. John W. Rueger Brig. Gen. Bryan E. Suntheimer Bell, which was received by the Senate and Col. Adam R. Silvers Brig. Gen. Kirk E. Vanpelt appeared in the Congressional Record of No- Col. Jeffrey D. Smiley Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Wojtecki vember 15, 2016. Col. Michael E. Spraggins Brig. Gen. Michael R. Zerbonia PN1842 ARMY nomination of Melissa B. Col. Steven E. Stivers Reister, which was received by the Senate The following Army National Guard of the Col. Mechelle M. Tuttle and appeared in the Congressional Record of United States officer for appointment in the Col. Jeffrey P. Van Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated November 15, 2016. Col. Thomas M. Vickers, Jr. PN1843 ARMY nomination of Charles M. under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 and Col. Louis W. Wilham 12211: Causey, which was received by the Senate To be brigadier general IN THE NAVY and appeared in the Congressional Record of The following named officer for appoint- November 15, 2016. Col. Mark A. Piterski ment in the United States Navy to the grade PN1844 ARMY nominations (2) beginning The following Army National Guard of the indicated while assigned to a position of im- STEPHEN A. LABATE, and ending RAY- United States officer for appointment in the portance and responsibility under title 10, MOND J. ORR, which nominations were re- Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated U.S.C., section 601: ceived by the Senate and appeared in the under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 and Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. To be vice admiral 12211: PN1845 ARMY nomination of Roxanne E. To be brigadier general Rear Adm. (1h) Mary M. Jackson Wallace, which was received by the Senate NOMINATIONS PLACED ON THE SECRETARY’S Col. Ellis F. Hopkins III and appeared in the Congressional Record of DESK November 15, 2016. The following Army National Guard of the IN THE AIR FORCE PN1846 ARMY nomination of Eric A. United States officers for appointment in the Mitchell, which was received by the Senate Reserve of the Army to the grade indicated PN1553 AIR FORCE nominations (15) beginning DANIEL J. BESSMER, and ending and appeared in the Congressional Record of under title 10, U.S.C., sections 12203 and November 15, 2016. 12211: CHRISTIE BARTON WALTON, which nominations were received by the Senate and ap- PN1847 ARMY nomination of Jonathan J. To be brigadier general peared in the Congressional Record of June Vannatta, which was received by the Senate Col. Michael A. Abell 16, 2016. and appeared in the Congressional Record of Col. Joseph L. Biehler PN1832 AIR FORCE nominations (28) begin- November 15, 2016. Col. Janeen L. Birckhead ning KIP T. AVERETT, and ending DANIEL PN1848 ARMY nomination of Dennis D. Col. Marti J. Bissell S. WALKER, which nominations were re- Calloway, which was received by the Senate Col. Scott J. Boespflug ceived by the Senate and appeared in the and appeared in the Congressional Record of Col. Raymond D. Bossert, Jr. Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. November 15, 2016. Col. Patrick R. Bossetta PN1833 AIR FORCE nominations (2) begin- PN1849 ARMY nominations (3) beginning Col. Thomas R. Bouchard ning SHAWN M. GARCIA, and ending MOR- KENNETH L. ALFORD, and ending BRUCE Col. Robert A. Boyette GAN H. LAIRD, which nominations were re- T. SIDEBOTHAM, which nominations were Col. Kenneth E. Brandt ceived by the Senate and appeared in the received by the Senate and appeared in the Col. Stanley E. Budraitis Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. PN1850 ARMY nomination of Henry Spring, Col. Anthony R. Camacho PN1834 AIR FORCE nominations (1903) be- Jr., which was received by the Senate and Col. Mike A. Canzoneri ginning DANIEL C. ABELL, and ending appeared in the Congressional Record of No- Col. Rita B. Casey PETER ZWART, which nominations were re- vember 15, 2016. Col. Gregory P. Chaney ceived by the Senate and appeared in the PN1851 ARMY nomination of Craig A. Col. Paul B. Chauncey, III Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. Yunker, which was received by the Senate Col. Bobby L. Christine PN1835 AIR FORCE nomination of Gary A. and appeared in the Congressional Record of Col. Edward J. Chrystal, Jr. Fairchild, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. Col. William E. Crane PN1852 ARMY nomination of Cornelius J. Col. Darrell W. Daniels November 15, 2016. PN1836 AIR FORCE nomination of Megan Pope, which was received by the Senate and Col. Gregory T. Day appeared in the Congressional Record of No- Col. Henry S. Dixon M. Luka, which was received by the Senate and appeared in the Congressional Record of vember 15, 2016. Col. Scott A. Doust PN1853 ARMY nomination of Anthony K. Col. Dwaine E. Drummond November 15, 2016. PN1837 AIR FORCE nominations (2) begin- McConnell, which was received by the Senate Col. Diane L. Dunn and appeared in the Congressional Record of Col. Robert A. Dwan ning BRANDON D. CLINT, and ending ED- MUND J. RUTHERFORD, which nomina- November 15, 2016. Col. Leonard H. Dyer, Jr. PN1854 ARMY nomination of Jennifer L. tions were received by the Senate and ap- Col. Steve D. Elliott Cummings, which was received by the Senate peared in the Congressional Record of No- Col. Francis J. Evon, Jr. and appeared in the Congressional Record of Col. Kelly A. Fisher vember 15, 2016. PN1838 AIR FORCE nominations (90) begin- November 15, 2016. Col. Robert C. Frick PN1855 ARMY nominations (2) beginning ning ISAMETTIN A. ARAL, and ending LES- Col. Robert B. Gaston DONALD J. ERPENBACH, and ending TIM- LIE ANN ZYZDA-MARTIN, which nomina- Col. Andrew L. Gibson OTHY A. FANTER, which nominations were tions were received by the Senate and ap- Col. Kerry W. Goodman received by the Senate and appeared in the peared in the Congressional Record of No- Col. William D. Griswold Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. Col. Dennis J. Humphrey vember 15, 2016. PN1857 ARMY nomination of Carl I. Shaia, Col. Robert W. Intress IN THE ARMY which was received by the Senate and ap- Col. Richard F. Johnson PN1557 ARMY nomination of Brian C. peared in the Congressional Record of No- Col. Jeffrey A. Jones Garver, which was received by the Senate vember 15, 2016. Col. Eric T. Judkins and appeared in the Congressional Record of PN1858 ARMY nomination of Lisa M. Col. Kipling V. Kahler June 16, 2016. Barden, which was received by the Senate

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.041 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6845 and appeared in the Congressional Record of B. TURLINGTON, which nominations were PN1885 NAVY nominations (2) beginning November 15, 2016. received by the Senate and appeared in the MARY K. ARBUTHNOT, and ending JOHN K. PN1859 ARMY nomination of Roger D. Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. WERNER, JR., which nominations were re- Lyles, which was received by the Senate and PN1900 ARMY nomination of Andrew J. ceived by the Senate and appeared in the appeared in the Congressional Record of No- Wade, which was received by the Senate and Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. vember 15, 2016. appeared in the Congressional Record of No- PN1886 NAVY nomination of Stephen W. PN1860 ARMY nomination of Clara A. vember 16, 2016. Hedrick, which was received by the Senate Bieganek, which was received by the Senate PN1902 ARMY nomination of Christopher and appeared in the Congressional Record of and appeared in the Congressional Record of S. Besser, which was received by the Senate November 15, 2016. November 15, 2016. and appeared in the Congressional Record of PN1887 NAVY nomination of Vincent M. J. PN1861 ARMY nomination of Isaiah M. November 29, 2016. Ambrosino, which was received by the Sen- Garfias which was received by the Senate PN1903 ARMY nomination of Chad C. ate and appeared in the Congressional and appeared in the Congressional Record of Black, which was received by the Senate and Record of November 15, 2016. November 15, 2016. appeared in the Congressional Record of No- PN1888 NAVY nomination of Neal P. Ridge, PN1862 ARMY nomination of Louis E. Her- vember 29, 2016. which was received by the Senate and ap- rera, which was received by the Senate and PN1904 ARMY nomination of Thomas D. peared in the Congressional Record of No- appeared in the Congressional Record of No- Starkey, which was received by the Senate vember 15, 2016. vember 15, 2016. and appeared in the Congressional Record of PN1891 NAVY nomination of Abdeslam PN1863 ARMY nomination of Schnicka L. November 29, 2016. Bousalham, which was received by the Sen- Singleton, which was received by the Senate IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE ate and appeared in the Congressional and appeared in the Congressional Record of Record of November 15, 2016. November 15, 2016. * PN1808 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations (2) beginning Marva Michelle Butler, and PN1892 NAVY nomination of Scott M. PN1864 ARMY nomination of John R. Morey, which was received by the Senate and Burchfield, which was received by the Senate ending Adonis Mariano Matos de Mello, which nominations were received by the Sen- appeared in the Congressional Record of No- and appeared in the Congressional Record of vember 15, 2016. November 15, 2016. ate and appeared in the Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. PN1893 NAVY nomination of Christian R. PN1865 ARMY nomination of Elizabeth S. Foschi, which was received by the Senate Eatonferenzi, which was received by the Sen- * PN1907 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations (2) beginning Stephen Donald Mull, and end- and appeared in the Congressional Record of ate and appeared in the Congressional November 15, 2016. Record of November 15, 2016. ing Victoria Jane Nuland, which nomina- PN1866 ARMY nomination of Richard D. tions were received by the Senate and ap- f peared in the Congressional Record of No- Mina, which was received by the Senate and LEGISLATIVE SESSION appeared in the Congressional Record of No- vember 29, 2016. vember 15, 2016. * PN1908 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- PN1867 ARMY nominations (44) beginning (181) beginning Robert L. Adams, and ending ate will now resume legislative session. Laura Ann Griesmer, which nominations TEMIDAYO L. ANDERSON, and ending f D0127914, which nominations were received were received by the Senate and appeared in by the Senate and appeared in the Congres- the Congressional Record of November 29, MEASURE READ THE FIRST sional Record of November 15, 2016. 2016. TIME—S. 3516 PN1869 ARMY nomination of Richard A. * PN1909 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations Gautier, Jr., which was received by the Sen- (5) beginning Robert Stephen Beecroft, and Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I under- ate and appeared in the Congressional ending Marie L. Yovanovitch, which nomina- stand there is a bill at the desk and I Record of November 15, 2016. tions were received by the Senate and ap- ask for its first reading. PN1870 ARMY nomination of Joseph A. peared in the Congressional Record of No- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Papenfus, which was received by the Senate vember 29, 2016. clerk will read the bill by title for the and appeared in the Congressional Record of * PN1910 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations first time. (42) beginning Tristan J. Allen, and ending November 15, 2016. The legislative clerk read as follows: PN1871 ARMY nominations (9) beginning William F. Zeman which nominations were STUART G. BAKER, and ending WALTER D. received by the Senate and appeared in the A bill (S. 3516) to authorize the Secretary VENNEMAN, which nominations were re- Congressional Record of November 29, 2016. of Veterans Affairs to conduct a best-prac- ceived by the Senate and appeared in the * PN1911 FOREIGN SERVICE nominations tices peer review of each medical center of Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. (180) beginning Anthony Abba, and ending the Department of Veterans Affairs to evalu- PN1872 ARMY nomination of David S. Michael David Zgoda, which nominations ate the efficacy of health care delivered at Yuen, which was received by the Senate and were received by the Senate and appeared in each such medical center. appeared in the Congressional Record of No- the Congressional Record of November 29, Mr. TILLIS. I now ask for a second vember 15, 2016. 2016. reading and, in order to place the bill PN1873 ARMY nomination of Donta A. IN THE MARINE CORPS on the calendar under the provisions of White, which was received by the Senate and PN1905 MARINE CORPS nomination of rule XIV, I object to my own request. appeared in the Congressional Record of No- Joshua D. Fitzgarrald, which was received by vember 15, 2016. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- the Senate and appeared in the Congres- tion having been heard, the bill will be PN1874 ARMY nomination of Tony A. sional Record of November 29, 2016. Hampton, which was received by the Senate PN1906 MARINE CORPS nomination of An- read for the second time on the next and appeared in the Congressional Record of thony C. Lyons, which was received by the legislative day. November 15, 2016. Senate and appeared in the Congressional f PN1875 ARMY nominations (18) beginning Record of November 29, 2016. CHARLES C. ANDERSON, and ending ORDERS FOR THURSDAY, IN THE NAVY JAMES D. WILLSON, which nominations DECEMBER 8, 2016 were received by the Senate and appeared in PN1633 NAVY nomination of Suzanne L. the Congressional Record of November 15, Hopkins, which was received by the Senate Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I ask 2016. and appeared in the Congressional Record of unanimous consent that when the Sen- PN1876 ARMY nomination of David A. July 13, 2016. ate completes its business today, it ad- Yasenchock, which was received by the Sen- PN1881 NAVY nominations (46) beginning journ until 9:30 a.m., Thursday, Decem- ate and appeared in the Congressional JAFAR A. ALI, and ending ANTHONY K. ber 8; that following the prayer and Record of November 15, 2016. WOLVERTON, which nominations were re- pledge, the morning hour be deemed PN1877 ARMY nomination of Aaron C. ceived by the Senate and appeared in the Ramiro, which was received by the Senate Congressional Record of November 15, 2016. expired, the Journal of proceedings be and appeared in the Congressional Record of PN1882 NAVY nomination of Meryl A. approved to date, and the time for the November 15, 2016. Severson, III, which was received by the Sen- two leaders be reserved for their use PN1878 ARMY nomination of Richard M. ate and appeared in the Congressional later in the day; further, that following Strong, which was received by the Senate Record of November 15, 2016. leader remarks, the Senate resume and appeared in the Congressional Record of PN1883 NAVY nomination of Ashley R. consideration of the conference report November 15, 2016. Bjorklund, which was received by the Senate to accompany S. 2943 postcloture; fi- PN1879 ARMY nomination of Brendon S. and appeared in the Congressional Record of nally, that all postcloture time on the Baker, which was received by the Senate and November 15, 2016. appeared in the Congressional Record of No- PN1884 NAVY nomination of Adeleke 0. conference report to accompany S. 2943 vember 15, 2016. Mowobi, which was received by the Senate expire at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow. PN1880 ARMY nominations (19) beginning and appeared in the Congressional Record of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without LANNY J. ACOSTA, JR., and ending LANCE November 15, 2016. objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:24 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE6.042 S07DEPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with SENATE S6846 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 7, 2016 ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. BRIG. GEN. HOWARD P. PURCELL BRIG. GEN. KEVIN R. GRIESE BRIG. GEN. DAVID P. SAN CLEMENTE BRIG. GEN. MARK G. MALANKA TOMORROW BRIG. GEN. MICHAEL R. TAHERI BRIG. GEN. ROY V. MCCARTY BRIG. GEN. ROGER E. WILLIAMS, JR. BRIG. GEN. BLAKE C. ORTNER Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, if there is THE FOLLOWING AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED BRIG. GEN. CHRISTOPHER J. PETTY STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE BRIG. GEN. JESSIE R. ROBINSON no further business to come before the BRIG. GEN. STEVEN T. SCOTT OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER BRIG. GEN. RAYMOND F. SHIELDS, JR. Senate, I ask unanimous consent that TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12212: BRIG. GEN. BRYAN E. SUNTHEIMER it stand adjourned under the previous To be major general BRIG. GEN. KIRK E. VANPELT order. BRIG. GEN. TIMOTHY J. WOJTECKI BRIG. GEN. JESSE T. SIMMONS, JR. There being no objection, the Senate, BRIG. GEN. MICHAEL R. ZERBONIA THE FOLLOWING AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED THE FOLLOWING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE at 8:24 p.m., adjourned until Thursday, STATES OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE UNITED STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RE- December 8, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER SERVE OF THE ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12212: TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: f To be major general To be brigadier general NOMINATIONS BRIG. GEN. DAVID M. MCMINN COL. MARK A. PITERSKI BRIG. GEN. RONALD E. PAUL THE FOLLOWING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE Executive nomination received by THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT UNITED STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RE- IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- SERVE OF THE ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER the Senate: CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION To be brigadier general To be brigadier general ANN BEGEMAN, OF SOUTH DAKOTA, TO BE A MEMBER COL. WILLIAM E. DICKENS, JR. COL. ELLIS F. HOPKINS III OF THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD FOR A TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2020. (REAPPOINTMENT) THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- UNITED STATES OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE f CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: RESERVE OF THE ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: To be brigadier general CONFIRMATIONS To be brigadier general COL. BRIAN K. BORGEN Executive nominations confirmed by COL. JEFFREY S. HINRICHS COL. MICHAEL A. ABELL COL. JAY D. JENSEN COL. JOSEPH L. BIEHLER the Senate December 7, 2016: COL. BRET C. LARSON COL. JANEEN L. BIRCKHEAD COL. MARTI J. BISSELL IN THE AIR FORCE COL. TODD J. MCCUBBIN COL. PATRICE A. MELANCON COL. SCOTT J. BOESPFLUG THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT COL. ELLEN M. MOORE COL. RAYMOND D. BOSSERT, JR. IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- COL. BOYD C. L. PARKER IV COL. PATRICK R. BOSSETTA CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: COL. STEVEN B. PARKER COL. THOMAS R. BOUCHARD COL. ROBERT A. BOYETTE COL. BRYAN P. RADLIFF COL. KENNETH E. BRANDT To be major general COL. SCOTT A. SAUTER COL. STANLEY E. BUDRAITIS COL. CONSTANCE M. VON HOFFMAN BRIG. GEN. ROBERT N. POLUMBO COL. ANTHONY R. CAMACHO THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED COL. MIKE A. CANZONERI IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE COL. RITA B. CASEY CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER COL. GREGORY P. CHANEY AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12212: COL. PAUL B. CHAUNCEY III 601: To be major general COL. BOBBY L. CHRISTINE COL. EDWARD J. CHRYSTAL, JR. To be lieutenant general BRIG. GEN. RANDOLPH J. STAUDENRAUS COL. WILLIAM E. CRANE COL. DARRELL W. DANIELS MAJ. GEN. JERRY D. HARRIS, JR. THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT COL. GREGORY T. DAY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- COL. HENRY S. DIXON IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- CATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: COL. SCOTT A. DOUST CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE To be major general COL. DWAINE E. DRUMMOND AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION COL. DIANE L. DUNN 601: BRIG. GEN. CRAIG L. LAFAVE COL. ROBERT A. DWAN BRIG. GEN. PAMELA J. LINCOLN COL. LEONARD H. DYER, JR. To be general BRIG. GEN. DONALD R. LINDBERG COL. STEVE D. ELLIOTT LT. GEN. JAMES M. HOLMES BRIG. GEN. RANDALL A. OGDEN COL. FRANCIS J. EVON, JR. BRIG. GEN. JAMES P. SCANLAN COL. KELLY A. FISHER IN THE NAVY BRIG. GEN. PATRICK M. WADE COL. ROBERT C. FRICK COL. ROBERT B. GASTON THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE COL. ANDREW L. GIBSON IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED COL. KERRY W. GOODMAN WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12212: COL. WILLIAM D. GRISWOLD RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: COL. DENNIS J. HUMPHREY To be vice admiral To be brigadier general COL. ROBERT W. INTRESS COL. RICHARD F. JOHNSON COL. STEPHEN C. MELTON REAR ADM. WILLIAM K. LESCHER COL. JEFFREY A. JONES THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE ARMY COL. ERIC T. JUDKINS IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED COL. KIPLING V. KAHLER THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: COL. MOSES KAOIWI, JR. IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED COL. ERIC K. LITTLE To be rear admiral (lower half) WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND COL. ZACHARY E. MANER RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: COL. JAMES R. MATHEWS CAPT. KELLY A. AESCHBACH To be lieutenant general COL. MARK A. MERLINO THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT COL. DOUGLAS R. MESSNER IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED MAJ. GEN. PAUL E. FUNK II COL. DAVID J. MIKOLAITIES WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND COL. CHARLES W. MOORE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: COL. LEAH M. MOORE IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED COL. MICHEL A. NATALI WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND To be vice admiral COL. REGINALD G.A. NEAL RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: VICE ADM. DIXON R. SMITH COL. JOHN M. OBERKIRSCH To be lieutenant general COL. STEPHEN E. OSBORN IN THE AIR FORCE COL. RODNEY B. PAINTING MAJ. GEN. GARY J. VOLESKY COL. CHAD J. PARKER THE FOLLOWING AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT COL. ROGER A. PRESLEY, JR. STATES OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED COL. JOSE J. REYES OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND COL. FRANK M. RICE TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12212: RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: COL. TIMOTHY L. RIEGER To be brigadier general COL. JAMES W. RING To be lieutenant general COL. JOHN W. RUEGER COL. JOEL E. DEGROOT MAJ. GEN. JAMES H. DICKINSON COL. ADAM R. SILVERS COL. CHRISTOPHER M. FAUX COL. JEFFREY D. SMILEY COL. ROBERT J. GREGORY III THE FOLLOWING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE COL. MICHAEL E. SPRAGGINS COL. HENRY U. HARDER, JR. UNITED STATES OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RE- COL. STEVEN E. STIVERS COL. ERIC W. LIND SERVE OF THE ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER COL. MECHELLE M. TUTTLE COL. DAVID D. ZWART TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: COL. JEFFREY P. VAN THE FOLLOWING AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED To be major general COL. THOMAS M. VICKERS, JR. STATES OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE COL. LOUIS W. WILHAM BRIG. GEN. PATRICK M. HAMILTON OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER IN THE NAVY TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12212: THE FOLLOWING ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED STATES OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT To be major general RESERVE OF THE ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TO THE GRADE INDICATED BRIG. GEN. DAVID P. BACZEWSKI UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12211: WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: BRIG. GEN. TIMOTHY J. CATHCART To be major general BRIG. GEN. BRIAN T. DRAVIS To be vice admiral BRIG. GEN. JAMES O. EIFERT BRIG. GEN. BENJAMIN F. ADAMS III BRIG. GEN. RICHARD W. KELLY BRIG. GEN. WAYNE L. BLACK REAR ADM. (LH) MARY M. JACKSON BRIG. GEN. CHRISTOPHER J. KNAPP BRIG. GEN. CHRISTOPHER M. BURNS IN THE AIR FORCE BRIG. GEN. JON K. MOTT BRIG. GEN. KURT S. CRYTZER BRIG. GEN. CLAYTON W. MOUSHON BRIG. GEN. IVAN E. DENTON AIR FORCE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH DANIEL J. BRIG. GEN. KERRY L. MUEHLENBECK BRIG. GEN. JAMES C. ERNST BESSMER AND ENDING WITH CHRISTIE BARTON WALTON,

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WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE ARMY NOMINATION OF CRAIG A. YUNKER, TO BE COLO- ARMY NOMINATION OF THOMAS D. STARKEY, TO BE AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NEL. COLONEL. JUNE 16, 2016. ARMY NOMINATION OF CORNELIUS J. POPE, TO BE AIR FORCE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH KIP T. LIEUTENANT COLONEL. IN THE MARINE CORPS AVERETT AND ENDING WITH DANIEL S. WALKER, WHICH ARMY NOMINATION OF ANTHONY K. MCCONNELL, TO BE MARINE CORPS NOMINATION OF JOSHUA D. NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- COLONEL. FITZGARRALD, TO BE MAJOR. PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER ARMY NOMINATION OF JENNIFER L. CUMMINGS, TO BE MARINE CORPS NOMINATION OF ANTHONY C. LYONS, 15, 2016. LIEUTENANT COLONEL. TO BE LIEUTENANT COLONEL. AIR FORCE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH SHAWN M. ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH DONALD J. GARCIA AND ENDING WITH MORGAN H. LAIRD, WHICH ERPENBACH AND ENDING WITH TIMOTHY A. FANTER, IN THE NAVY NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NO- NAVY NOMINATION OF SUZANNE L. HOPKINS, TO BE 15, 2016. VEMBER 15, 2016. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER. AIR FORCE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH DANIEL C. ARMY NOMINATION OF CARL I. SHAIA, TO BE COLONEL. NAVY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH JAFAR A. ALI ABELL AND ENDING WITH PETER ZWART, WHICH NOMI- ARMY NOMINATION OF LISA M. BARDEN, TO BE LIEU- AND ENDING WITH ANTHONY K. WOLVERTON, WHICH NATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- TENANT COLONEL. NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER ARMY NOMINATION OF ROGER D. LYLES, TO BE COLO- PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER 15, 2016. NEL. 15, 2016. AIR FORCE NOMINATION OF GARY A. FAIRCHILD, TO BE ARMY NOMINATION OF CLARA A. BIEGANEK, TO BE NAVY NOMINATION OF MERYL A. SEVERSON III, TO BE COLONEL. LIEUTENANT COLONEL. CAPTAIN. AIR FORCE NOMINATION OF MEGAN M. LUKA, TO BE ARMY NOMINATION OF ISAIAH M. GARFIAS, TO BE NAVY NOMINATION OF ASHLEY R. BJORKLUND, TO BE MAJOR. MAJOR. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER. AIR FORCE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH BRANDON ARMY NOMINATION OF LOUIS E. HERRERA, TO BE NAVY NOMINATION OF ADELEKE O. MOWOBI, TO BE D. CLINT AND ENDING WITH EDMUND J. RUTHERFORD, COLONEL. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER. WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE ARMY NOMINATION OF SCHNICKA L. SINGLETON, TO BE NAVY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH MARY K. MAJOR. AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NO- ARBUTHNOT AND ENDING WITH JOHN K. WERNER, JR., ARMY NOMINATION OF JOHN R. BURCHFIELD, TO BE VEMBER 15, 2016. WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE COLONEL. AIR FORCE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH ISAMETTIN AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NO- ARMY NOMINATION OF ELIZABETH S. EATONFERENZI, A. ARAL AND ENDING WITH LESLIE ANN ZYZDA–MARTIN, VEMBER 15, 2016. TO BE MAJOR. WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE NAVY NOMINATION OF STEPHEN W. HEDRICK, TO BE ARMY NOMINATION OF RICHARD D. MINA, TO BE AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NO- LIEUTENANT COMMANDER. MAJOR. VEMBER 15, 2016. NAVY NOMINATION OF VINCENT M. J. AMBROSINO, TO ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH TEMIDAYO L. BE LIEUTENANT COMMANDER. ANDERSON AND ENDING WITH D0127914, WHICH NOMINA- IN THE ARMY NAVY NOMINATION OF NEAL P. RIDGE, TO BE CAPTAIN. TIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND APPEARED NAVY NOMINATION OF ABDESLAM BOUSALHAM, TO BE ARMY NOMINATION OF BRIAN C. GARVER, TO BE IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER 15, 2016. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER. MAJOR. ARMY NOMINATION OF RICHARD A. GAUTIER, JR., TO NAVY NOMINATION OF SCOTT M. MOREY, TO BE LIEU- ARMY NOMINATION OF CLIFFORD D. JOHNSTON, TO BE BE MAJOR. TENANT COMMANDER. MAJOR. ARMY NOMINATION OF JOSEPH A. PAPENFUS, TO BE NAVY NOMINATION OF CHRISTIAN R. FOSCHI, TO BE ARMY NOMINATION OF REINALDO GONZALEZ II, TO BE COLONEL. LIEUTENANT COMMANDER. MAJOR. ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH STUART G. ARMY NOMINATION OF GRAHAM F. INMAN, TO BE BAKER AND ENDING WITH WALTER D. VENNEMAN, WHICH FOREIGN SERVICE MAJOR. NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- ARMY NOMINATION OF EILEEN K. JENKINS, TO BE PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH LIEUTENANT COLONEL. 15, 2016. MARVA MICHELLE BUTLER AND ENDING WITH ADONIS ARMY NOMINATION OF JEFFREY M. FARRIS, TO BE ARMY NOMINATION OF DAVID S. YUEN, TO BE COLO- MARIANO MATOS DE MELLO, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE COLONEL. NEL. RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CON- ARMY NOMINATION OF MATTHEW T. BELL, TO BE LIEU- ARMY NOMINATION OF DONTA A. WHITE, TO BE MAJOR. GRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER 15, 2016. TENANT COLONEL. ARMY NOMINATION OF TONY A. HAMPTON, TO BE FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH ARMY NOMINATION OF MELISSA B. REISTER, TO BE MAJOR. STEPHEN DONALD MULL AND ENDING WITH VICTORIA MAJOR. ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH CHARLES C. AN- JANE NULAND, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY ARMY NOMINATION OF CHARLES M. CAUSEY, TO BE DERSON AND ENDING WITH JAMES D. WILLSON, WHICH THE SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL COLONEL. NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- RECORD ON NOVEMBER 29, 2016. ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH STEPHEN A. PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH LABATE AND ENDING WITH RAYMOND J. ORR, WHICH 15, 2016. ROBERT L. ADAMS AND ENDING WITH LAURA ANN NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE AND AP- ARMY NOMINATION OF DAVID A. YASENCHOCK, TO BE GRIESMER, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY PEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NOVEMBER COLONEL. THE SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL 15, 2016. ARMY NOMINATION OF AARON C. RAMIRO, TO BE RECORD ON NOVEMBER 29, 2016. ARMY NOMINATION OF ROXANNE E. WALLACE, TO BE MAJOR. FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH LIEUTENANT COLONEL. ARMY NOMINATION OF RICHARD M. STRONG, TO BE ROBERT STEPHEN BEECROFT AND ENDING WITH MARIE ARMY NOMINATION OF ERIC A. MITCHELL, TO BE LIEUTENANT COLONEL. L. YOVANOVITCH, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED MAJOR. ARMY NOMINATION OF BRENDON S. BAKER, TO BE BY THE SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL ARMY NOMINATION OF JONATHAN J. VANNATTA, TO BE MAJOR. RECORD ON NOVEMBER 29, 2016. COLONEL. ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH LANNY J. FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH ARMY NOMINATION OF DENNIS D. CALLOWAY, TO BE ACOSTA, JR. AND ENDING WITH LANCE B. TURLINGTON, TRISTAN J. ALLEN AND ENDING WITH WILLIAM F. LIEUTENANT COLONEL. WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE ZEMAN, WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE ARMY NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH KENNETH L. AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NO- SENATE AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL ALFORD AND ENDING WITH BRUCE T. SIDEBOTHAM, VEMBER 15, 2016. RECORD ON NOVEMBER 29, 2016. WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE ARMY NOMINATION OF ANDREW J. WADE, TO BE COLO- FOREIGN SERVICE NOMINATIONS BEGINNING WITH AN- AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NO- NEL. THONY ABBA AND ENDING WITH MICHAEL DAVID ZGODA, VEMBER 15, 2016. ARMY NOMINATION OF CHRISTOPHER S. BESSER, TO BE WHICH NOMINATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY THE SENATE ARMY NOMINATION OF HENRY SPRING, JR., TO BE LIEUTENANT COLONEL. AND APPEARED IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD ON NO- COLONEL. ARMY NOMINATION OF CHAD C. BLACK, TO BE MAJOR. VEMBER 29, 2016.

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BEVERLY WINTERS ies, serving as the Executive Director of the As a nation that was built by those who es- Baptist General Convention of Texas, and caped religious persecution in their home- HON. ED PERLMUTTER over 40 years of pastoring all over the nation lands, we must not forget that thousands of including as my own pastor at First Baptist others across the globe are facing the same OF COLORADO Church in Midland, Texas. persecution as our forefathers. The 21st Cen- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Under Dr. Everett’s leadership, the 21st tury Wilberforce Initiative has given these peo- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Century Wilberforce Initiative has experienced ple a voice and hope that one day they can Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise remarkable growth and has left a lasting im- share the same liberties that we all cherish today to applaud Beverly Winters for being pact through their work. The organization has here in this great nation. I applaud the 21st recognized by the West Chamber as a 2016 now grown to two offices: one in the Wash- Century Wilberforce Initiative for their hard Celebrate Women Honoree. Celebrate Women ington, D.C. area that focuses on the United work and pray that God blesses them and Honorees are known for their perseverance, States’ engagement in protecting religious lib- continues to provide them with the strength accomplishments, generosity, and dedication erties and a second office in Dallas, Texas, and courage to continue their mission to help to their passions and their community. which serves as a headquarters that mobilizes save their fellow man. Beverly is the current Executive Director of and engages with churches to help raise pub- Developmental Disabilities Resource Center lic awareness of people who are facing reli- f (DDRC). She began pursuing her dream of gious oppression around the world. building a community that provided responsive Since its conception, the 21st Century Wil- CONGRATULATING HASTINGS COL- support to individuals and families after grad- berforce Initiative has helped thousands of LEGE VOLLEYBALL AND MEN’S uating from the University of Denver with a people worldwide by working alongside policy- SOCCER ON NATIONAL CHAM- Master’s degree in Social Work. At DDRC, makers. In 2015, members from the organiza- PIONSHIPS Beverly assists people with intellectual and de- tion traveled to Iraq and met with Christians velopmental disabilities and serves in a variety and Yazidis impacted by the Islamic State. HON. ADRIAN SMITH of roles such as Residential Counselor, Med- Their report, ‘‘Edge of Extinction,’’ helped ele- OF NEBRASKA icaid Waiver Coordinator, Case Manager, Di- vate the awareness regarding the atrocities of rector of Resource Coordination and Assistant religious and ethnic minorities in the Nineveh IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Executive Director. During her tenure at Plain. Through their efforts, the organization Wednesday, December 7, 2016 DDRC she has developed case management was successful in establishing a Special Advi- services, established the first Family Support sor for Religious Minorities in the Near East Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise Council and the highly successful DDRC be- and South/Central Asia within the State De- today to congratulate the Volleyball and Men’s havior health services program, and shaped partment and in passing H. Con. Res. 75, Soccer teams from Hastings College in Has- the self-determination initiative. which officially declared ISIL’s persecution and tings, Nebraska, on their 2016 national cham- Prior to her work at the DDRC, she was the mass murder of Christians, Yezidis, and other pionships. administrator of a residential care facility and groups in Iraq and Syria as genocide, war This is the Bronco Volleyball team’s first na- a clinical services coordinator for a mental crimes, and crimes against humanity. This bill tional title. Despite trailing by two sets in the health clinic in Des Moines, Iowa. Beverly has passed the House on March 14, 2016, by a final match, the Broncos confidently swept also been a champion for abuse prevention as vote of 393–0—a success I was proud to sup- their final three sets for the championship. The a member of various county, state and legisla- port. team ends their season with a record of 33– tive work groups and councils, including the The 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative has 3. Katie Placke of Grand Island and Logan HCPF Mental Health Advisory Committee, become a leading advocate for religious mi- Drueppel of Schuyler were selected as first Conflict-Free Case-Management task force, norities in other areas, such as northern and team All-Americans, with Katie also receiving Jefferson County Infant/Toddler Interagency central Nigeria. Throughout 2016, the 21st a CoSIDA College Division Academic All- Council, CORE Services Commission, Adult Century Wilberforce Initiative has traveled American and Logan being named the 2016 Protection Advisory Committee Jefferson throughout areas of Nigeria that the UN de- NAIA Volleyball National Championship MVP. County Child and Youth Leadership Commis- scribes as the world’s worst current humani- They are joined by first team All-American Jill sion, and Jeffco Thrives. tarian crisis. During these trips, Wilberforce Bax of Lincoln, who is the 2016 NAIA Libero I extend my deepest congratulations to Bev- spoke with thousands of pastors and victims of the Year. Coach Matt Buttermore was erly Winters for this well-deserved recognition throughout the country and listened to their named the 2016 NAIA Volleyball Coach of the by the West Chamber. heartbreaking stories. The group’s published Year. f report ‘‘Fractured and Forgotten’’ has been The Bronco Men’s Soccer team is cele- featured at numerous conferences and has brating their second national title, having first RECOGNIZING THE 21ST CENTURY been used to brief Congressional leaders. The won a championship in 2010. The team fin- WILBERFORCE INITIATIVE group worked extensively with the Nigerian ished with a record of 24–0–1 under head National Assembly to help confirm a new U.S. coach Aaron Champenoy in his first season at HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY Ambassador to Nigeria in September of 2016. Hastings College. The team’s roster includes OF TEXAS In addition to raising awareness, the 21st players from seven states and nine countries. Daniel Whitehall was named the 2016 NAIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Century Wilberforce Initiative has trained more than 2,700 religious and government leaders Player of the Year and the tournament’s Most Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from across the world on the importance of re- Valuable Offensive Player, Joe White was the Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ligious freedom, worked to expand religious tournament’s Most Valuable Player and a sec- recognize the 21st Century Wilberforce Initia- liberties in Nepal’s Constitution, and met with ond team All-American, and Marc Tautz is a tive for working towards a world of religious leaders within the Taiwanese government to third team All-American. freedom. discuss creating a Religious Freedom Caucus On behalf of the people of Nebraska’s Third On October 1, 2014, Dr. Randel Everett in the Legislative Yuan. These are just some District, I commend these talented men and founded the 21st Century Wilberforce Initia- of the many accomplishments the 21st Cen- women on their athletic and academic tive. Dr. Everett has a long and distinguished tury Wilberforce Initiative has been able to ac- achievements. They certainly have made our record of service, which includes establishing complish in their efforts to advance religious state proud, and it’s a great day to be a Bron- the John Leland Center for Theological Stud- freedom around the world. co.

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

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE8.001 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY Washington D.C. and assignments at the ing more than a quarter century as a con- OF EDGAR ‘‘DOOKY’’ CHASE Navy Command Center at the Pentagon, the stituent service representative. It gives me Bureau of Naval Personnel, and the Arms great pleasure to recognize her service to Flo- HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND Control and Disarmament Agency. After two ridians and the Central Florida community. The lives of hundreds of citizens have been OF LOUISIANA decades and a distinguished career, he retired changed for the better thanks to Ann’s knowl- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from the United States Navy in 1988 with the rank of commander. edge and persistence in providing assistance Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Commander Brinck began his career on with issues involving state and federal agen- Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Capitol Hill in 1995 as the Staff Director for cies. During her six years of service to the with my colleague Congressman SCALISE to the Subcommittee on Education, Training, Em- constituents in Florida Congressional Districts honor a true New Orleans legend, Mr. Edgar ployment, and Housing and continued to serve eight and ten, Ann assisted and closed over ‘‘Dooky’’ Chase Jr. Mr. Chase is known in as a Subcommittee Staff Director for the 200 constituent cases. Countless other con- New Orleans not only for the decadent cuisine House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in the stituent cases at the state level were the served at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, but also 104th, 105th, 109th, 110th, 111th, 112th, and beneficiaries of her assistance during her time for his continued dedication to being a leader 113th Congresses. of service in the Florida Senate to Senators in the African-American community. He used Due to his steadfast commitment to his work Dick Langley, Carey Baker and myself. food and music to bring people from all walks and his expertise navigating the plethora of From asking for information or a status re- of life together under one roof. From the age issues facing America’s veterans, Commander port on a pending case, or requesting clarifica- of 16 to the age of 88, Mr. Chase worked tire- Brinck was named the Deputy Staff Director of tion, to serving as a direct point of contact to lessly for the people of New Orleans. the full Committee in 2013. liaisons in federal agencies, Ann was instru- During his teenage years, Mr. Chase was Throughout his tenure on the Committee mental in our office successfully intervening on an active member of the Musicians Union and staff, Commander Brinck faithfully served a person’s behalf to answer questions, find so- helped increase the pay for local entertainers. three different Committee Chairmen—Bob lutions, or simply attempt to cut through the He also worked with the Musicians Union to Stump, Steve Buyer, and myself—as well as red tape. promote the first racially integrated concert countless other Members. I know I speak for It was a personal honor to have Ann performed at the Municipal Auditorium in the us all when I say that his wise advice and Drawdy on my team serving Central Florid- historical Treme neighborhood. sage counsel was instrumental in assisting us ians. Her attitude of service and dedication to Mr. Chase and his wife Leah, graciously in honoring the service and sacrifice of Amer- quietly assisting Floridians navigate state and known as the ‘‘Queen of Creole Cuisine,’’ ica’s servicemembers, veterans, and their fam- federal agencies are a testimony to her kind- turned his family po-boy restaurant into an elo- ilies. ness and humility. Ann’s character, life, and quent dining experience for the likes of Martin Commander Brinck was a key contributor in efforts will surely inspire others to follow her Luther King Sr., Ray Charles, President the drafting and passage of landmark pieces example of serving. Barack Obama, and everyday citizens like of veterans’ education and training legislation I am truly grateful for Ann’s faithful service Rep. SCALISE and I. This restaurant served as and personally contributed to the creation of to our state and her dedication to finding solu- a safe place where African-Americans could policies that continue to improve the daily lives tions on behalf of Floridians. Our community, dine when other establishments did not serve and ongoing well-being of veterans and their our state and our country are better due to her them. families. service. Even in hard times, Mr. Chase’s faith did During my tenure as Chairman, Commander f not waver. After Hurricane Katrina, he and his Brinck was instrumental in creating the Vet- ANDREA BURCH wife lived in a FEMA trailer across from their erans Retraining Assistance Program or VRAP restaurant for more than a year until they which provided job training for in-demand oc- HON. ED PERLMUTTER could reopen their doors in 2007. cupations for nearly 100,000 unemployed vet- OF COLORADO Because of Mr. Chase’s relentless dedica- erans. He was also a tireless advocate in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tion and service to the New Orleans commu- drafting and pushing legislation that would en- nity, his legacy will live on through his iconic sure that returning veterans received in-state Wednesday, December 7, 2016 restaurant, and through his beloved wife. tuition when attending public schools, which Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise f became a reality with the passage of the today to applaud Andrea Burch for being rec- Choice Act in 2014. ognized by the West Chamber as a 2016 Cel- HONORING THE SERVICE OF COM- Over a long and multifaceted career of dis- ebrate Women Honoree. Celebrate Women MANDER MICHAEL F. BRINCK ON tinguished service in the halls of Congress, Honorees are known for their perseverance, HIS RETIREMENT Commander Brinck has been a dogged advo- accomplishments, generosity, and dedication cate for the interests of America’s veterans to their passions and their community. HON. JEFF MILLER and taxpayers, embodying excellence and Andrea is currently a Vice President and OF FLORIDA commitment in service to his fellow citizens. Chief Nursing Officer at Lutheran Medical IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Center and has transcended expectations through her work both in the medical field and Wednesday, December 7, 2016 House of Representatives and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, it gives me in leadership. During her nearly 25 years of Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise great pride to honor the selfless service of nursing, Andrea has served in many roles, today to recognize and honor the service, Commander Brinck. from certified nursing assistant to a critical dedication, and accomplishments of Com- My wife, Vicki, joins me in honoring him for care specialty nurse in neurosciences. She mander Michael F. Brinck (USN Ret.), Deputy his many years of exemplary service to our has also fulfilled several leadership positions, Staff Director of the House Committee on Vet- Nation, thanking him for his unyielding dedica- managing a variety of departments, initiatives, erans’ Affairs, upon the occasion of his retire- tion to America’s veterans, and wishing him and committees. ment from the U.S. House of Representatives. and his wife, Marla, all of the best in their fu- Today, Andrea provides strategic direction A native of West Point, Iowa, Commander ture endeavors. for nursing professional excellence, quality Brinck received a Bachelor’s degree in Polit- f and safety at Lutheran and serves as an ad- ical Science from St. Ambrose University in vocate for staff and patients. She believes in 1968. Following his graduation, Commander RECOGNIZING MRS. ANN DRAWDY collaborative, authentic leadership that helps Brinck entered the Officer Candidate School nurses reach their highest professional poten- for the United States Navy. In 1969, he re- HON. DANIEL WEBSTER tial. Andrea is a registered nurse with a Mas- ceived his Navy wings and reported to Heli- OF FLORIDA ter’s Degree in Leadership of Healthcare Sys- copter Attack Light Squadron 3 in the Republic IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tems from Regis University, and she is cur- of Vietnam in support of Riverine operations in rently pursuing a Distinguished Leader Execu- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 the Mekong Delta. Fleet assignments include tive Certificate from the University of Michi- carrier deployments to the Gulf of Tonkin and Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am gan’s Ross School of Business. the Mediterranean, flight instructor, three de- pleased to recognize Mrs. Ann Drawdy on her I extend my deepest congratulations to An- ployments in support of Operation Deep tremendous service to the people of Florida. drea Burch for this well-deserved recognition Freeze in Antarctica, the Naval War College, This month, Mrs. Drawdy will retire after serv- by the West Chamber.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K07DE8.012 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1611 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF 14 years. Noted for his reputation for excel- the foundation of an important strategic part- THE HONORABLE JOE PITTS lence, demonstrated work ethic and dedication nership focused on creating a world without to cowboy culture, he was inducted into the nuclear weapons and ultimately a more stable HON. BILL SHUSTER Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2010. Last peace around the globe. It is important that we OF PENNSYLVANIA year, his store was named a Denton County recognize Kazakhstan’s leadership in nuclear IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Heritage Business for being in existence for disarmament and nonproliferation. Kazakhstan over 50 years. continues to serve as an example to the inter- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Mr. Burgoon, now 86, has decided to close national community, and the United States Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, as members of the shop after the 2016 holiday season. He must remain committed to supporting Congress, we all know that our time in this looks forward to spending more time with his Kazakhstan’s efforts to further prevent the pro- chamber is limited. Each election brings new wife, Joy, and seeing his grandson’s new lux- liferation of nuclear weapons and materials to- faces, while history records the names of ury leather store open in Weldon’s original lo- ward a goal of global security. members as they leave the chamber for the cation. It is an honor to represent Mr. Mr. Speaker, it is a true pleasure to cele- last time. Some members, however, will be re- Burgoon, a local business icon, in the U.S. brate the quarter century of Kazakhstan’s membered long after they have left for the House of Representatives. independence. I would like to extend my warm work they do on behalf of the American peo- f wishes to the people of Kazakhstan and Presi- ple. JOE PITTS is one of those members. Dur- THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF dent Nazarbayev. ing his time in Congress, he became known KAZAKHSTAN’S INDEPENDENCE f for his dedication to helping his constituents. He was always someone who could be count- PERSONAL EXPLANATION ed on to help create real solutions and to up- HON. JEFF FORTENBERRY OF NEBRASKA hold the best traditions of this chamber. He HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES took the lead on helping craft legislative solu- OF VIRGINIA tions to some of the most difficult problems of Wednesday, December 7, 2016 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES our time, including fixes to Medicare and re- Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise Wednesday, December 7, 2016 search for deadly diseases. He was also a today to recognize the 25th anniversary of Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I missed a se- dedicated fighter on behalf of the pro-life Kazakhstan’s independence and the establish- ries of recorded votes on December 5, 2016. cause, and used the pulpit of elected office to ment of diplomatic relations between Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘YES’’ give a voice to the unborn. But perhaps most Kazakhstan and the United States of America. on roll call vote No. 601, No. 602, and No. of all, JOE will be remembered as a man who I would also like to take this opportunity to 603. cared deeply about helping others, and his congratulate the people of Kazakhstan on the f legacy will be one of working to improve the tremendous progress achieved by their coun- lives of the American people. Oh behalf of my- try during the past quarter century. HONORING MR. DANIEL S. self and all Pennsylvanians, thank you JOE for The U.S. is the first country to have recog- CONDRON your years of dedicated service. I am honored nized Kazakhstan’s independence and since to call you a friend, and wish you all the best then we have significantly increased our areas HON. MIKE THOMPSON in the years to come. of cooperation. However, the cornerstone of OF CALIFORNIA f the U.S.—Kazakhstan relations has always IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES been cooperation in nuclear non-proliferation Wednesday, December 7, 2016 IN RECOGNITION OF WELDON and security. BURGOON AND WELDON’S SAD- After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, DLE SHOP & WESTERN WEAR Kazakhstan inherited the fourth largest nuclear I rise today to honor Daniel S. Condron upon arsenal in the world and the world’s largest his retirement after serving for 11 years as the HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk. In the first Vice President of University Affairs at Sonoma OF TEXAS years of Kazakhstan’s independence, Presi- State University. Mr. Condron has led an im- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dent Nazarbayev renounced nuclear weapons pressive career over 44 years and has been a leader in the areas of education, economic Wednesday, December 7, 2016 and closed the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The United States provided Kazakhstan with com- development and transportation. Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to prehensive assistance in the removal of nu- A native of North Tonawonda, New York, recognize a long-time Denton business, clear warheads, weapons-grade materials, and Mr. Condron completed his B.S. and M.S. De- Weldon’s Saddle Shop & Western Wear. The their supporting infrastructure. grees in Electrical Engineering at Stanford community and I are saddened that the store Five years after gaining its independence, University. Mr. Condron worked with Hewlett- will close its doors after nearly 60 years of Kazakhstan signed the Comprehensive-Test- Packard for 33 years in management positions business on January 14, 2017. Weldon’s pres- Ban Treaty (CTBT) and ratified it in May of across a number of business areas including ence on the downtown Denton square will be 2002. The CTBT bans any nuclear weapon research and development, production, and long remembered. test explosion above or below ground or any public affairs. Weldon Burgoon opened his shop in 1957, other contained environment. Ratifying the Mr. Condron has focused his career in edu- where he sold handmade leather saddles and CTBT was a milestone toward creating a safer cation on increasing opportunities for all stu- accessories. In the ’60s and ’70s Weldon’s world. However, as a universally recognized dents from preschool through employment. In was surrounded by many feed shops and leader in nuclear non-proliferation, Kazakhstan his role as Vice President, Mr. Condron’s pri- farming centers, and when ranchers and cow- understands that it is time to move from a nu- orities have included community and govern- boys came into town, many made sure to stop clear test ban to a nuclear-weapons free mental relations, marketing and communica- by Weldon’s before they left. Over the years, world. This is why Kazakhstan and its neigh- tion, creative services and special events for Mr. Burgoon worked with his daughter, Kippie, bors—Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan & Sonoma State. He currently serves as the and grandson, Clint, to make Weldon’s a sta- Uzbekistan—created the Central Asian Nu- Chairman of the Sonoma County Cradle to ple in downtown Denton. clear Weapons-Free Zone. Career Operations Team. Mr. Condron has During his time as store owner, Mr. Burgoon We should acknowledge that Kazakhstan also served as President of the Santa Rosa crafted over 150 custom saddles and provided has continued to show its commitment ex- City Schools Board of Education, Vice Presi- thousands of customers with quality Western panding its cooperation with the United States dent for the Santa Rosa Junior College Foun- wear, but he also offered more than just mer- on matters of nuclear non-proliferation. As an dation, and Chairman of the Vice Presidents chandise. Weldon’s attracted many high important example, our two countries are col- for Advancement for the California State Uni- school and college students who were mem- laborating in building the Nuclear Security versity System. Mr. Condron has dem- bers of the Future Farmers of America organi- Training Center (NSTC). The NSTC will pro- onstrated a unique ability to bring people to- zation. These students would work at vide training of personnel on security and gether to accomplish goals to improve the fu- Burgoon’s shop and on his ranch to get school safeguards essential for safe operation of nu- ture for countless individuals in our commu- credit and to gain valuable work experience. clear facilities in Kazakhstan. nity. Mr. Burgoon also served as the rodeo chair- Twenty-five years of close cooperation be- Mr. Condron is a proven community leader. man for the North Texas Fair and Rodeo for tween Kazakhstan and the United States are He has served many community organizations

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07DE8.015 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 including serving as President of the Boy furnish a new learning center, which will po- honing his skills in the minor leagues, he Scouts of America Redwood Empire Council, tentially double the enrollment of children in made his MLB debut with the Washington Na- the Luther Burbank Center for the Performing their facility over the next two years of oper- tionals on July 28, 2007. He earned his first Arts, and the Santa Rosa Chamber of Com- ation. While it will certainly be challenging, win as a pitcher a week later against the St. merce. Mr. Condron is also the Chair-elect of their fellowship has said, ‘‘faith is tested and Louis Cardinals. Despite his love of the game, United Way of the Wine Country. demonstrated in the midst of challenges God Joel ultimately had to make the difficult deci- Mr. Speaker, Mr. Condron has made tre- places in front of us. If we had everything we sion to retire in 2016. During his career, he mendous, long-lasting contributions to needed to start and/or finish, it wouldn’t be compiled a 22–18 record with a 3.85 earned- Sonoma State University and to improving op- faith—it would be fact.’’ run average and 100 saves. He also earned a portunities for students in our community. He Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the First coveted position in the 2011 and 2012 Major is a true friend of Sonoma State University Church of God for their remarkable service to League Baseball All-Star games. and a good friend of mine. Therefore, it is fit- the people of Merced County over the last 100 Mr. Speaker, I commend Joel for his years ting and proper that we honor him here today years. Their history illustrates the uncompro- of dedication to a game he loves. I am certain and extend our best wishes for an enjoyable mising will that individuals with big dreams can that the drive that led him to become an MLB retirement. exercise when brought together with enough All-Star pitcher will lead to success no matter f faith in God and community. where his path takes him next. I ask that my f colleagues in the United States House of Rep- PERSONAL EXPLANATION resentatives join me in congratulating him and MARY BERG in wishing him nothing but continued success. HON. ROGER WILLIAMS f OF TEXAS HON. ED PERLMUTTER IN RECOGNITION OF THE COURAGE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF COLORADO AND BRAVERY OF THE FALLEN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, December 7, 2016 OFFICER COLLIN ROSE IN THE Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Wednesday, December 7, 2016 LINE OF DUTY 591 on final passage of H.R. 5047, the Pro- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise tecting Veterans’ Educational Choice Act of today to applaud Mary Berg for being recog- HON. DEBBIE DINGELL 2016, I would have voted Aye, which is con- nized by the West Chamber as a 2016 Cele- OF MICHIGAN sistent with my position on this legislation. brate Women Honoree. Celebrate Women IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Honorees are known for their perseverance, f Wednesday, December 7, 2016 accomplishments, generosity, and dedication HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVER- to their passions and their community. Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to SARY OF THE FIRST CHURCH OF For more than 21 years, Mary Berg has recognize the life and accomplishments of Of- GOD served the Jefferson County community in ficer Collin Rose of the Wayne State Univer- many different capacities. She is currently the sity’s Police Department, who was tragically HON. JIM COSTA Deputy Director of Jefferson County Depart- lost in the line of duty. The Wayne State Uni- OF CALIFORNIA ment of Human Services. She is passionate versity Police serve a significant portion of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES about ensuring the safety and well-being of City of Detroit in addition to the university, and Officer Rose performed his duties with distinc- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 children and their families. Her actions at the local, state and national levels have promoted tion. The community will miss his courage and Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the expansion of child welfare training pro- bravery. recognize the 100th anniversary of the First grams and systems of care as well as legisla- Officer Rose established a reputation as a Church of God in Merced County. Their prac- tion impacting children and families. kind and caring individual dedicated to solving tice in faith and education has provided love Mary received her Master’s Degree in Social issues in his community. Rose was born and and charity to the people of Merced County Work from the University of Wisconsin-Mil- raised in Pittsburgh, where he excelled as a and the San Joaquin Valley for the last cen- waukee, and is also a graduate of the Leader- standout football player in high school. After tury. The future is looking even brighter for ship Jefferson County class of 2008. She has graduating from Ferris State University in this outstanding center of community faith in co-authored publications on teamwork and has 2010, he began his career in law enforcement the years to come. presented at multiple state and national con- as an intern for the Springfield Police Depart- The roots of the First Church of God found ferences. Her tireless efforts to enable Jeffer- ment in southwest Michigan. He then was humble beginnings in 1916, when the Bowen son County to serve more vulnerable children hired as a cadet in the New Baltimore Police and Houser families moved from Lodi, Cali- and families have improved the community Department, after which he became a police fornia to Atwater to begin their fellowship. greatly. officer at the Village of Richland Police De- Their first church services were held in their I extend my deepest congratulations to Mary partment. Rose then took a position with the own homes until they found the opportunity to Berg for this well-deserved recognition by the Wayne State University Police, where he had rent the old Winton Community Hall for larger West Chamber. an outstanding record of service and was gatherings, with nothing more than dirt floors f known for his selflessness and dedication in and handmade backless benches. By 1924, protecting the city of Detroit and its citizens. the church was able to raise their first building TRIBUTE TO JOEL HANRAHAN Rose also served the community through his with a $350 credit and payments of $25 a involvement with various charitable causes, in- month. That very building would now fit in the HON. DAVID YOUNG cluding the Police Unity Tour, which raises lobby of the First Church of God’s current OF IOWA awareness of officers who have died in the place of worship, which was built in 1961. The IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES line of duty. First Church of God’s Christian Preschool was Officer Rose’s death at a young age is a born in 1964 and has grown into one of the Wednesday, December 7, 2016 heartbreaking tragedy. Officer Rose embodied largest places of faith based childcare and in Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise the principles of service and duty, and having the Atwater-Merced area. today to recognize Iowa native Joel Hanrahan such a promising young man’s life cut short is The services provided by the First Church of upon his retirement from Major League Base- a tremendous loss for the law enforcement God and Christian Preschool are as com- ball (MLB) after a successful seven-year ca- community and the city of Detroit. His sacrifice mendable as they are diverse. Sunday school, reer, playing for 3 different MLB franchises. shows the extraordinary risks that our nation’s bible studies, troubled youth outreach, mar- Ever since the second grade, when his police face on a daily basis, and my heart riage counseling, finance and debt manage- teachers or classmates would ask what he goes out to his family during this difficult pe- ment, and shared missionary services in 87 wanted to be when he grew up, Joel knew he riod. Officer Rose is a true hero, and it is my countries are only a few of the programs of- wanted to be a baseball player. He became hope that his family and the community find fered by the Church and Preschool. known to Iowans as a star pitcher for the Nor- strength and come together to honor such an The coming years will prove to be a fruitful walk High School Warriors, later pitching for amazing life in the aftermath of his passing. time for this place of worship and education. the University of Nebraska before being draft- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Their undertaking of a $1.2 million project to ed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2000. After today in recognizing the extraordinary life and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.001 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1613 courage of Officer Collin Rose. Rose was a Not far from here sits forty-five percent of HONORING 2017 SOMALI fine young officer who was committed to im- the entire United States Marine Corps, at INDEPENDENCE DAY proving the Detroit community, and we honor Camp Lejeune. his life and work as the community mourns his 12,000 citizen-soldiers fill the ranks of the North Carolina Army and Air National HON. BETTY McCOLLUM passing. Guard. The National Guard rushed to the OF MINNESOTA f scene to help the victims of Hurricane Mat- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES thew, and we continue to send our thoughts Wednesday, December 7, 2016 TRUMP PROMOTES STRONG and prayers to those recovering in its wake. MILITARY The military families in North Carolina Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today are a national treasure, and it will be the to recognize Minnesota’s vibrant Somali-Amer- HON. JOE WILSON duty of my Administration to ensure that we ican community and the many cultural, eco- protect those who protect us. OF SOUTH CAROLINA nomic and social contributions members make That brings me to the second reason I am to our state as they begin preparations to cel- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES here today: to discuss our Action Plan To ebrate 2017 Somali Independence Day week Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Make America Great Again—beginning with next summer in Saint Paul and Minneapolis. the rebuilding of our military and taking Annual commemoration of Somali Independ- Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speak- care of our Vets. ence Day is the culmination of Somali Week er, as a son of a World War II Flying Tiger Here are the priorities that will guide our who served in India and China, a 31-year vet- Military and Veterans Policy: celebrations in Minnesota, which drew to- eran myself, and the grateful father of four —All men and women in uniform will have gether more than 30,000 participants last July. sons who served overseas in the Global War the supplies, support, equipment, training, Somali Week has grown into the Minnesota on Terrorism, I truly appreciated the remarks services, medical care, and resources they Somali communities’ largest community event of President-elect Donald J. Trump in Fayette- need to get the job done. of the year and is one of the largest gath- ville, North Carolina, on December 6, 2016 —The best care in the world for our Vet- erings of the Somali Diaspora. promoting our military and our military families. erans, both at public VA facilities, as well as Hosted in locations throughout Saint Paul the right to see a private doctor. and Minneapolis, this week-long festival unites REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY BY PRESIDENT- —And finally, a commitment to only en- ELECT DONALD J. TRUMP people from around the world and around the gage the use of military forces when it is in state to share in cultural, entertainment and I am here today for one main reason: to the vital national security interests of the say thank you to the people of North Caro- United States. athletic events. The most notable of these ac- lina. From now on, it’s going to be: America tivities include a multicultural soccer tour- You went out and pounded the pavement, First. nament known as ‘The Cup of Nations,’ organized your fellow citizens, and propelled We will stop racing to topple foreign re- hosted by Concordia University in Saint Paul to victory a grassroots movement the likes gimes. Instead, our focus must be on defeat- and a family-friendly street festival on Somali of which the world has never seen before. ing terrorism and destroying ISIS. Independence Day. I want to give a very special thank you to Any nation that shares these goals will be ‘Promoting Diversity through Unity and In- the incredible military families, service our partner in this mission. members and Veterans of North Carolina. clusion’ is the 2017 Somali Week theme es- We want to strengthen old friendships and Your state’s legacy of service is an inspira- tablished by organizers. Kajoog, a local So- seek out new friendships. Rather than a rigid tion to us all. North Carolina has produced mali non-profit organization is leading efforts dogma, we are guided by the lessons of his- many of the finest soldiers, airmen, sailors with other community partners to plan exhibi- tory and a desire to promote stability: this and marines the world has ever seen. destructive cycle of intervention and chaos tions, performances, and wide ranging panel Our men and women in uniform represent must come to an end. discussions, aimed at uplifting the strengths of the very best of us. We must follow their ex- We seek harmony and goodwill among the inclusivity. Kajoog Executive Director Daud ample: working in unison toward a shared nations of the world—and we believe that re- Muhammad has forged strong collaborations goal across every social, racial and economic spect for mutual sovereignty helps form the line. They understand that to accomplish the with the Minnesota Historical Society, the Met- basis of trust and understanding. mission, we must all be pulling in the same ropolitan Regional Arts Council, the Somali direction. And they know that we must leave We build up our military not as an act of Museum of Minnesota, among many others to no man or woman behind. aggression, but as an act of prevention. We plan this vibrant festival. These patriots have shed their blood to de- pursue and build up arms not in order to In addition to organizing Somali Week, fend our country in distant fields of battle seek conflict, but in order to avoid conflict. Kajoog has earned recognition by local, state In short, we seek Peace Through Strength. across the Earth. Our debt to them is eternal and federal officials, as well as law enforce- and everlasting. That is why, in my first budget report to Congress, I am going to ask for the elimi- ment for their effective job-training and posi- We salute their sacrifice, and we salute the tive youth programs, and efforts to combat ex- flag they fought to protect. nation of the defense sequester. Tomorrow is the 75th anniversary of Pearl We will show the world that America is tremism throughout the community. Harbor. It is a milestone that marks the ul- going to be strong again. Mr. Speaker, Minnesota’s Somali community timate sacrifice of those who wear the uni- But in order to succeed with our defense has added greatly to the fabric of our state form. It is a reminder, too, of the valiant ef- policy, we must find the right person to lead and our nation. Please join me in paying trib- forts of America’s fighting men and women our Defense Department. ute to community members who come to- who have liberated millions from tyranny That is why I am proud to formally an- gether each year to celebrate Somali Week, and oppression. nounce today my intention to nominate Gen- and every day work to foster, educate, and Now, today, our brave men and women are eral James ‘‘Mad Dog’’ Mattis as the next promote cultural understanding and traditions Secretary of Defense for the United States of the first line of defense against Radical Is- among all Minnesotans. lamic Terrorism—an ideology of death that America. slaughters innocent men, women and chil- Jim is a Marine Corps four-star general, f dren. the former Commander of U.S. Central Com- RECOGNIZING THE NOMINEES FOR In every generation, a new threat to free- mand and NATO’s Supreme Allied Com- dom arises. And just as we defeated the mander for Transformation. He led an as- THE 2016 WASHINGTON POST threats we faced in generations past, so too sault battalion in Operation Desert Storm, TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD will we defeat the forces of terrorism. We led the Forces that went after the Taliban, FOR PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY will prevail. and commanded the First Marine Division in SCHOOLS We stand here today just miles from Fort Iraq. Bragg, the home of heroes. He is one of the most effective generals and HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Our Special Forces at Fort Bragg have extraordinary leaders of our time, who has OF VIRGINIA been the tip of the spear in fighting ter- committed his life to his love for our coun- rorism. The motto of our Army Special try. General Mattis is the living embodiment IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Forces is ‘to free the oppressed’ and that is of the Marine Corps motto, ‘Semper Fidelis,’ Wednesday, December 7, 2016 exactly what they have been doing. always faithful, and the American people are Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today At this very moment, soldiers from Fort fortunate that a man of his character and in- Bragg are deployed in 90 countries. tegrity will now be the civilian leader atop to recognize the nominees for the Washington Based in Fort Bragg is the 82nd Airborne the Department of Defense. Under his leader- Post Teacher of the Year Award for Prince Division—also known as The All-American ship, we will rebuild our military and alli- William County Schools. Division. ances, destroy terrorists, face our enemies The Washington Post Teacher of the Year We stand in awe of their achievements. head on, and make America safe again . . .’’ Award was designed to ‘‘recognize excellence

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.005 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 in teaching, to encourage creative and quality County students are provided with a world gress, Juan continued to excel at assisting my instruction, and to contribute in a substantive class education in a more vibrant learning constituents and worked his way up to Deputy way to the improvement of education in the community. District Director, and in the 114th Congress, Washington metropolitan area.’’ f District Director. The annual recipients include one rep- As District Director, Juan was instrumental resentative from each of the nineteen metro- RETIREMENT OF BELL COUNTY in assisting thousands of Floridians. In Juan’s politan public school systems, a representative COMMISSIONER RICHARD CORTESE spare time, he ran for and won Chairman of from the Washington metropolitan area private the Orange County Florida, Democratic Exec- schools and a representative from the District HON. JOHN R. CARTER utive Committee. Under his leadership, he of Columbia Public Charter Schools. OF TEXAS helped guide the Orange County Democratic The winner selected from the Prince William IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Party to wins in almost every local, state, and Public School Division will also be named the Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Congressional race in Orange County. Prince William County Outstanding Teacher of In recognition of all those in Florida that the Year. Teachers who meet the criteria for Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise Juan has helped, I am honored to recognize the award are those who instill in students a today to celebrate the retirement of Bell Coun- Juan R. Lopez for his service to my office and desire to learn and achieve, understand the in- ty Commissioner Richard Cortese. His extraor- the constituents of Florida’s Ninth Congres- dividual needs of students, and demonstrate a dinary commitment to community service over sional District. thorough knowledge of subject matter and nearly a quarter century reflects the best val- f have the ability to share it effectively with stu- ues of Central Texas. dents. A native son of Little River-Academy, a RECOGNIZING THE GRADUATION I would like to extend my personal congratu- growing community in the heart of Central OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FIRE lations to the 2016 Prince William County Texas, Richard has led a life devoted to AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT nominees for The Washington Post Teacher of causes bigger than him. Upon completion of 140TH RECRUIT CLASS the Year Award. his U.S. Air Force career, he returned home to ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS build a ranch while continuing to dedicate him- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Edward Abram, T. Clay Wood Elementary self to his community. In 1992, he was elected OF VIRGINIA to county commissioner and later was active School. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Rebecca Anderson, T. Clay Wood Elemen- in the Texas Farm Bureau. tary School. Even outside of his professional career, Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Amy Aylor, T. Clay Wood Elementary Richard has dedicated himself to his commu- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to con- School. nity. He has been active in the Young Farmers gratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Michael Ciampaglione, Bristow Run Ele- of Texas Association and even served as Department on the graduation of the 140th mentary School. president of the Little River-Academy Lions Phyllis Cooke, Sudley Elementary School. Recruit Class. As they prepare to join the Andrew Cossaboon, Leesylvania Elemen- Club. He has been a member and has acted ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue tary School. as president or chairman of various associa- Department, I encourage the 47 graduates to Sherri Croghan, Pattie Elementary School. tions and committees that worked to make reflect on the history of the department and Adam Dove, T. Clay Wood Elementary Texas a great place to live. He has even been the contributions and dedication of the brave School. involved with the development of the consoli- men and women who have served before Carmen Hankerson, Neabsco Elementary dated 911 dispatch center in Bell County as them to protect our community. School. well as the planning and construction of addi- Toni Anne Harris, Buckland Mills Elemen- The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue De- tary School. tional courts and jail facilities for Bell County. partment’s Recruit School consists of an ex- Lisa Jacobsmeyer, Henderson Elementary Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. tensive and demanding 30-week program. In School. It is not the end of a career, but rather the be- addition to two weeks of orientation, recruits Elizabeth Johnson, Buckland Mills Ele- ginning of a new adventure. I heartily salute completed eight weeks of EMT training and mentary School. Richard Cortese’s work and contributions to twenty weeks of fire suppression training. Stacy Ross, King Elementary School. his community. I’m sure I echo the thoughts of Upon graduation, these recruits will be cer- Roberta Wallingford, Ashland Elementary all when I wish him the best in both his retire- tified at the level of Firefighter I/II by the Vir- School. ment and all his future endeavors. Timothy Wilson, Williams Elementary ginia Department of Fire Programs. School. f These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best Fire and Rescue De- MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS RECOGNIZING JUAN R. LOPEZ AS partments in the United States. The efforts of Christina Barcalow, Graham Park Middle AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERV- the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Depart- School. ANT ment have been recognized across this coun- HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS try. Members from the Department serve on Erin Anderson, Pennington Traditional HON. ALAN GRAYSON School. the elite VA Task Force I, which is among the OF FLORIDA Stacie Bonat, Independent Hill School. first units called to disaster zones to provide Kathleen Dail, New Directions Alternative IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES search and rescue support. Recently, mem- Education Center. Wednesday, December 7, 2016 bers of that Task Force were recognized by Stephen Dittmer, Battlefield High School. the International Association of Fire Chiefs Nancy Dow, Independent Hill School. Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as Carrie Gahagan, Osbourn Park High recognize Juan R. Lopez for his tireless work a result of their efforts in the aftermath of the School. as my District Director. devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal last Megan Hostutler, Patriot High School. Starting in 2004, Juan R. Lopez began his Lorri Jones, Independent Hill School. year. career working as a Constituent Advocate in As the newest members of the Fire and Kathleen Kieffer, Osbourn Park High the United States Senate. In 2008, I was School. Rescue Department, the 140th Recruit Class Ann Lightfoot, Potomac High School. elected to serve Florida’s Eighth Congres- graduates join the department as integral parts Stephanie Nash, Stonewall Jackson High sional District for the 111th Congress. I asked of our community’s emergency response and School. Juan to join my team as my Director of Con- public safety team. I am confident that this Juan Sampedro, Hylton High School. stituent Services. During the 111th Congress, graduating class will serve the residents of Karen Shaver, Gar-Field High School. Juan was instrumental to managing staff, Fairfax County with honor and distinction. Lauren Wilson, Hylton High School. casework, and assisting thousands of constitu- Alison Young, Forest Park High School. It is my great honor to enter the names of ents. His work on behalf of veterans was out- the 140th Recruit Class into the CONGRES- Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join standing. SIONAL RECORD: me in commending the nominees for the 2016 When I returned to Congress in the 113th Roberto C. Acha Melgar, Adam A. Boyd, Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award Congress, this time representing Florida’s Jr., Quincy D. Branch, Casey P. Braswell, in Prince William County and in thanking them Ninth Congressional District, I once again Timothy G. Breslin, Jr., James M. for their dedication to our children. Their con- asked Juan to join my team as my Director of Brittenham, Rachael A. Callison, Jesus E. tinued service will ensure that Prince William Constituent Services. During the 113th Con- Castro, Michael J. Coppersmith, James C.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.008 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1615 Cox, Erica L. Cruikshank, Joshua A. Eimers, their community a better place as it continues and 7 years old. They identified at-risk chil- Preston R. Elder III, Caroline A. Evey, Dan- to serve the people in our community. Again, dren and took it upon themselves to change iel P. Fitzhenry, Joseph E. Gallo III, Rodne I am extremely proud of all of those at West their lives for the better. W. Getgen, Garrett A. Green, Taylor, A. Cabarrus YMCA and especially LaRhonda and Grigg, Bryan M. Haring, Brian C. Harris, After having been raised by the Greens in a Grant M. Higginbotham, Robert E. Hunt, Jon. loving home with strong spiritual guidance, all Matthew G. Ifert, Michael C. Johnson, Brian Mr. Speaker, please join me today in recog- 12 children are extraordinary. For instance, A. Krause, Mark C. Langmead, Burke W. M. nizing the actions of LaRhonda Bryson and the oldest three adopted children are thriving Latimer, Jacob T. Maund, Justen A. Jon Putnam for their lifesaving efforts and in college at Virginia Tech, James Madison Moreland, Ali S. Najjar, Jacqueline C. Nor- wishing them well as they continue to serve University and Hillsdale College; while their bi- ris, Shonay L. Owens, Gracie J. Pak, Bo Lam our community. ological children have either graduated or are P. Park, Harold I. Parra Romero, Roberto currently in college. Meanwhile, their five Rodriguez, Jr., Jordan P. Scheutzow, Ian M. f youngest children are still in high school. Sebastian, Shaun M. Serich, Joseph M. Ship- TRIBUTE TO HANK BOHLING man, Marcus E. Tines, Thomas M. Tippett, While the years have surely been filled with Zachary J. Webb, Joel W. Whitney, Robert joyous moments, it has not always been easy. W. Wine III, Cristina-Michael M. Wittlinger. HON. DAVID YOUNG With all their children, the Greens have pro- Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join OF IOWA vided the necessary accommodations for all of them to succeed. me in congratulating the newest members of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Depart- The story of the inspirational generosity on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 ment. I thank them for their service to their the part of Dr. Howard and Elizabeth Green community and to all members of the Fire and Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise has been celebrated for many years in the Rescue Department, past and present, I say: today to recognize and congratulate Hank Shenandoah Valley and is recognized nation- ‘‘Stay safe.’’ Bohling of Greenfield, Iowa, for being selected ally, including by my colleague, CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS of Washington, whose f to receive the 2016 Aaron Eilert’s Community Service Award. Hank is the son of Lynn and husband was a Naval Academy classmate of RECOGNIZING THE LIFESAVING Elaine Bohling. Howard Green. I am honored to count among EFFORTS OF JON PUTNAM AND The Aaron Eilert’s Community Service my constituents, Elizabeth and Howard Green, LARHONDA BRYSON Award is presented to an individual who is whose faith in a loving God has inspired them dedicated to community service and positively to become such amazingly generous and lov- HON. RICHARD HUDSON impacting their fellow citizens. The award is ing adoptive parents. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join OF NORTH CAROLINA named in honor of Aaron Eilert, who was known throughout his community for giving me in honoring Dr. Howard and Elizabeth IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES back and graciously dedicating his time to oth- Green. The Greens are stellar examples of the Wednesday, December 7, 2016 ers. Hank has been involved in the Holidays generosity of Americans, who have a long tradition of opening their hearts and their homes Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to for Heroes program for the last seven years in adopting children from all over the world. recognize LaRhonda Bryson and Jon Putnam through the American Red Cross, collecting of Concord, North Carolina. Their quick deci- over 14,000 holiday cards, and distributing sion making and immediate action saved the them across the globe. He is also active in a f number of leadership projects throughout his life of a man who collapsed while working out ANNE BURKHOLDER at the West Cabarrus YMCA located in Con- community, including the local 4–H Club. cord. Their selfless actions embody the prin- Mr. Speaker, Hank has made his state and ciples of the YMCA and we are extremely for- his community very proud. It is with great HON. ED PERLMUTTER tunate to have these individuals in our com- honor that I recognize him today. I ask that my OF COLORADO munity. colleagues in the United States House of Rep- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES resentatives join me in congratulating him for On June 22, 2016, a member of the West Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Cabarrus YMCA was running on a treadmill receiving this award and in wishing him noth- when he suddenly collapsed. Both LaRhonda ing but continued success. Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise and Jon instinctively reacted to assist the f today to applaud Anne Burkholder for being man. Upon initial examination they discovered recognized by the West Chamber as a 2016 the man was not breathing and his pulse had HONORING ELIZABETH AND HOW- Celebrate Women Honoree. Celebrate Women ARD GREEN, ANGELS IN ADOP- stopped. At this moment, Jon began CPR Honorees are known for their perseverance, TION while LaRhonda applied an automated exter- accomplishments, generosity, and dedication nal defibrillator. Shortly after they delivered a to their passions and their community. jolt from the device the man’s pulse returned HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK Anne Burkholder has served the Jefferson and he began breathing again. LaRhonda and OF VIRGINIA County community for more than 50 years. Jon remained by the man’s side caring for him IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Her passion for education began in Seattle as until paramedics arrived and he was taken to the daughter of two university educators. the hospital. Wednesday, December 7, 2016 While in high school, she had the opportunity It brings me great pride whenever I can Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to to visit 15 countries, spawning an international share stories like this that showcase the char- honor two extraordinary parents, Dr. Howard awareness and deepening her appreciation of acter of individuals in our community. The and Elizabeth Green of Winchester, Virginia. the freedoms afforded by U.S. citizenship. rapid response of both LaRhonda and Jon is Due to their unwavering dedication to children After completing her degree at CU Boulder, an embodiment of the selfless attitude and in need, I nominated the Greens as Congres- Anne settled into Jefferson County with her commitment to serving others that we should sional Angels in Adoption this year. husband, Steve. all strive toward. The loving generosity of Howard and Eliza- Anne has improved the community as a The West Cabarrus YMCA is part of the beth has formed a family of 12 children, seven teacher, tutor, sponsor and leader, and she Cannon Memorial YMCA network. Since its of them adopted, who are now between the currently serves on the boards of the Jeffco founding in 1908, the Cannon Memorial YMCA ages of 15 and 22, and five biological children, Schools Foundation and the American Asso- has a rich history of serving the people of between 16 and 24 years of age. Their adopt- ciation of University Women, Lakewood Cabarrus County and has become a staple of ed children all came from difficult cir- Branch. Five years ago, Anne co-founded the the community. Having served as a member cumstances, yet they worked tirelessly to pro- Parent-Child Home Program Jeffco, which just of the West Cabarrus YMCA Board of Direc- vide them a warm and loving home. Their first successfully completed its three-year pilot pro- tors, I have seen firsthand the quality and adopted child came from China when she was gram. commitment to excellence of its employees. 15 months old; shortly thereafter they adopted I extend my deepest congratulations to Their commitment to the values driven and six children from Ethiopia, four siblings ages Anne Burkholder for this well-deserved rec- faith-based approach of the YMCA has made 11, 9, 6 and 3, followed by two brothers, 6 ognition by the West Chamber.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.011 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1616 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 RECOGNIZING J.P. JOHANSON, POINTing to Success program to support Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me LENNOX KOHN AND JOHN THOM- STEM education for middle and high school in recognizing Pietro Parravano for two dec- AS, V students, enhancing students’ education ades of public service and a lifetime of dedica- through exposure to natural resources. tion to our oceans and sustainable fisheries. HON. MIKE COFFMAN Mr. Speaker, the John Muir Land Trust con- While Pietro is retiring from the Harbor District serves vital parts of our community’s natural OF COLORADO Commission, his contributions will continue to resources and provides residents with magnifi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES shape life on the coast and I have no doubt cent open spaces and an enhanced quality of that he will remain active and an important Wednesday, December 7, 2016 life. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we voice in our community. Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the John Muir Land Trust here today. f recognize J.P. Johanson, Lennox Kohn, and f John Thomas, V for their hard work and dedi- TRIBUTE TO U.S. DEPUTY THE RETIREMENT OF PIETRO MARSHAL PATRICK CAROTHERS cation to the people of Colorado’s Sixth Dis- PARRAVANO FROM THE BOARD trict as interns in my Washington, D.C. office OF THE SAN MATEO COUNTY for the autumn of the 114th Congress, Second HARBOR DISTRICT HON. DOUG COLLINS Session. OF GEORGIA The work of these young men has been ex- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES emplary and I know they all have bright fu- HON. JACKIE SPEIER Wednesday, December 7, 2016 tures. They served as tour guides, interacted OF CALIFORNIA with constituents, and learned a great deal IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I about our nation’s legislative process. I was Wednesday, December 7, 2016 rise today to speak about a great loss that my glad to be able to offer this educational oppor- Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my home state of Georgia experienced on Friday, tunity to these three and look forward to see- congratulations to Pietro Parravano as he re- November 18th. ing them build their careers in public service. tires after 21 years of distinguished service on On that day, United States Deputy Marshal All three of our interns have made plans to the board of the San Mateo County Harbor Patrick Carothers was killed in the line of duty pursue careers in public service. I am certain District. Pietro is as much an institution at the while attempting to serve a warrant on a dan- they will continue in their great success and district as the docks, hoists and loading ramps gerous fugitive in Long County, Georgia. wish them all the best in their future endeav- that make the facility such a community treas- At Marshal Carothers’ memorial service, his ors. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize ure. His thoughtful guidance during his time on son Paul remembered him, saying, ‘‘The day J.P. Johanson, Lennox Kohn, and John Thom- the board assured the public of good steward- he went to heaven, he showed great heroism. as, V for their service this autumn. ship and a perspective based upon hands-on But I believe he is a hero because of his char- f experience. acter—because of who he chose to be every Pietro was first appointed to the harbor dis- day.’’ HONORING THE JOHN MUIR LAND trict board in 1995 and won re-election every I had the honor of meeting this man who, as TRUST four years thereafter. It is easy to see why he a U.S. Marshal, protected our families and has earned the confidence of the public. friends for 26 years. His legacy encourages us HON. MIKE THOMPSON Pietro commercially fished the Anne B. out to reflect each day on who we choose to be. OF CALIFORNIA of Pillar Point Harbor for many years and re- I remain grateful for individuals like Deputy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mains a fixture at the Half Moon Bay farmers Marshal Patrick Carothers who selflessly market. He knows the sea, the fishing indus- serve, and, Mr. Speaker, I ask that we keep Wednesday, December 7, 2016 try, and the long-term needs of both. He is his wife and five children in our prayers in the Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, also sensitive to other public needs, such as coming days. I, along with Congressman MARK DESAULNIER, the need for recreation and visitor-serving fa- f rise today to honor the John Muir Land Trust, cilities at the two ports. which earned Land Trust Accreditation status Pietro, originally from Princeton, New Jer- EDINA GIRLS’ SWIMMING AND from the Land Trust Alliance in August 2016. sey, moved to the West Coast in 1966 when DIVING TEAM The John Muir Land Trust is one of only 350 his father spent a sabbatical at Stanford Uni- land trusts nationwide to receive this pres- versity. He began his career as a teacher but HON. ERIK PAULSEN tigious commendation. dedicated most of his life to commercial fish- OF MINNESOTA The John Muir Land Trust began in 1989 as ing and environmental advocacy. He served IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Martinez Regional Land Trust in Contra as President of the Half Moon Bay Seafood Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Costa County, California. The Trust initially Marketing Association from 1988 to 1995. In protected 150 acres of land in the Alhambra 1997, he was one of two U.S. delegates to the Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Valley, but its success soon attracted more World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish congratulate the Edina High School Girls’ supporters. Over the succeeding years, the re- Workers in New Delhi. From 1992 to 2004 he Swimming and Diving team for winning the named John Muir Land Trust grew to incor- was a member of the Pacific Coast Federation Minnesota state title. porate 13 properties throughout Contra Costa of Fishermen. In 2005, Pietro started the San The Hornets’ victory was a complete team County and now protects 2,500 acres of multi- Mateo County Food Alliance. He currently effort as competitors from every grade level use land. serves on the Joint Oceans Commission Initia- contributed to the win. Edina took the lead To demonstrate its ongoing commitment to tive, the Institute for Fisheries Resources, and over their rivals after the third event and never future conservation, the John Muir Land Trust the Culinary Institute of America/Singapore looked back. Senior Rachel Wittmer led the applied for formal accreditation from the Land which brings students from Singapore to the way in swimming by winning the 50 freestyle Trust Alliance. For a decade, the Land Trust Bay Area to learn about sustainable food for the fourth year in a row, and setting a new Alliance has provided accreditation to land sources. state record in the 200 and 400 freestyle re- trusts that demonstrate success in supporting His community service is legendary in Half lays with her teammates. In the diving com- the public interest and that meet high con- Moon Bay and beyond. In 1996, Pietro was petition, freshman Megan Phillip defeated the servation standards. The John Muir Land recognized by the Chamber of Commerce for defending state champion on her final dive to Trust’s recent accreditation is a testament to his Community Service, and in 1999, he was claim the title. its tremendous accomplishments and impor- recognized as an Environment Leader when Excelling in swimming and diving takes in- tance within our Contra Costa community. he was president of the Pacific Coast Federa- credible dedication, and their championship is The Trust’s work ensures that people tion of Fishermen. In 2008, Pietro was the a testament to that continued discipline. These throughout our community have access to fisheries representative at the opening of athletes pushed themselves every day to trails for walking, hiking and cycling while also Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian in Washington shave hundredths of a second off their per- preserving agricultural lands. The John Muir DC. In 2013, he was awarded the Margi Grant sonal best or repeated dive after dive until it Land Trust protects air and water quality and Heart of Hospitality by the San Mateo County was perfect. When adding in schoolwork, fam- preserves habitats for endangered animal and Convention and Visitors Bureau. In sum, he is ily obligations, and other commitments, it is re- plant species. Recently, the Trust expanded the ‘‘go-to’’ person in San Mateo County for markable these student-athletes accomplish all its community engagement by creating the sustainable food and good fishing policy. that they do.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.015 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1617 Mr. Speaker, once again, congratulations to House of Representatives will surely not be In 2006, she was pressed into replacement the Edina High School Girls’ Swimming and the same without their leadership. service as chairman for the United Way of Diving Team on a job well done. the Midlands campaign and helped to raise f $9.5 million. She worked tirelessly and f IN MEMORY OF JUDITH shared her passion for connecting people and IN RECOGNITION OF REPRESENTA- MONASTRA DAVIS ideas with the United Way of the Midlands, TIVES CHARLES B. RANGEL AND the Central Carolina Community Founda- tion, the South Carolina Campaign to Pre- CORRINE BROWN HON. JOE WILSON vent Teen Pregnancy, Trinity Housing Cor- OF SOUTH CAROLINA poration, EngenuitySC, SC Launch, the Pal- HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES metto Conservation Foundation, Columbia OF GEORGIA College and the South Carolina Governor’s Wednesday, December 7, 2016 School for Science and Mathematics, as well IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speak- as many other organizations. Wednesday, December 7, 2016 er, sadly, on November 24, 2016, the Mid- Judy was especially known and appre- lands of South Carolina lost a beloved busi- ciated throughout the state as a mentor, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise cheerleader and champion to countless peo- today in recognition of the legacies of two of ness leader and civic volunteer with the death ple from all walks of life for whom she served my esteemed colleagues, CHARLES B. RANGEL of Judy Davis. As Executive Vice President as an inspiration and role model. She always and CORRINE BROWN. At the close of this Con- and Chief Legal Officer for BlueCross valued kindness and often would wake up gress, Representative RANGEL and Represent- BlueShield of South Carolina, she achieved early in the morning and ask her husband, ative BROWN will be concluding a combined extraordinary professional success. The fol- ‘‘Who can I help today?’’ She believed that if sixty-nine years of service in the U.S. House lowing obituary was published in The State you put yourself out there and convince oth- of Representatives. newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina on ers to join in, meaningful differences can be I am truly appreciative and honored to have November 30, 2016: made with only modest efforts to improve people’s lives. For colleagues and friends worked with these two dedicated and re- COLUMBIA.—Judith Monastra Davis, 57, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away unex- alike, Judy took it as a personal responsi- spected individuals. Today, I want to espe- bility and challenge to find ways to lift peo- cially recognize their work for the Veterans pectedly on November 24, 2016 at Palmetto Health Richland following an extended ill- ple up and to help them to realize their un- Braintrust Forum, founded by Congressman ness. She was born on January 13, 1959 in tapped potential. She did this because it was RANGEL in 1988. The Veterans Braintrust Mansfield, Ohio to Basil Herman Monastra an important part of who she was. It was Forum serves as a virtual advisory group for and Carmella Greer Monastra of Lexington, never a job requirement. the Congressional Black Caucus on veteran’s Ohio, who survive. She also is survived by A recipient of numerous awards and acco- her husband of thirty years, Gerald L. lades for her professional and philanthropic issues. This year’s forum focused on the VA’s efforts, in 2010, the Girl Scouts of South Commission on Care report. I am so thankful (Jerry) Davis, Jr. of Columbia, South Caro- lina. In addition, she is survived by a broth- Carolina Mountains to Midlands recognized for the unwavering commitment that these two her as a Woman of Distinction. In 2011, Insur- Members of Congress have for our nation’s er, James Monastra and aunt, Carol Greer, both of Lexington, Ohio. ance Networking News (INN) named her one military, veterans, and African Americans, and Judy earned a Bachelor of Science in Busi- of six nationally recognized Women in Insur- I am proud to call them my friends. ness Administration degree from Ohio North- ance Leadership winners. In 2014, Judy re- Representative RANGEL began his work in ern University, graduating summa cum ceived the prestigious Humanitarian of the Congress forty-six years ago, and I am proud laude in 1981. She earned her Doctor of Juris- Year award from the United Way of the Mid- to have been able to work beside him. A Ko- prudence degree from The Ohio State Univer- lands. sity in 1984, where she also was recognized as Her family wishes to express its deep and rean War veteran, he entered public service heartfelt thanks to the caring and loving fighting for civil rights and military veterans. In the Moot Court Distinguished Oralist. She began her corporate law career and staff at South Carolina Oncology Associates 1965, he participated in the historic march met her husband at Lincoln National Cor- in Columbia, as well as to the other health from Selma to Montgomery and in 1971 he poration in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1984. professionals who contributed to her care was elected to the United States House of They were married on March 15, 1986 at St. over the past year. Representatives for the first time. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne where At Judy’s request, the family will hold a During his tenure in Congress, Representa- they have maintained their parish member- brief reception for her friends and colleagues on Thursday, December 15 from 4:00 p.m. to tive RANGEL provided decades of leadership ship. At Lincoln National, Judy worked in var- 6:00 p.m. at the new United Way of the Mid- on veteran’s issues by increasing educational lands Center at 1818 Blanding Street in and health benefits for the Vietnam Era and ious legal, strategic planning, and domestic and international mergers and acquisitions downtown Columbia, South Carolina. A pri- Desert Storm veterans, securing the creation positions over 10 years. She helped that com- vate, family interment service will be held of the Harlem Veterans Outreach Center, and pany to develop and receive one of the first later in Mansfield, Ohio. Dunbar Funeral implementing tax protection for members of U.S. patents in the insurance industry for Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the our Armed Forces and veterans. He also was the use of artificial intelligence in the un- family. a founding member of the Congressional derwriting of life reinsurance and she led the In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Black Caucus, an organization dedicated to spinoff of a subsidiary health insurance com- memorials be made to the United Way of the pany in a billion-dollar public offering. Re- Midlands Legacy Fund, the Central Carolina advancing the global African American com- Community Foundation, Columbia College munity. cruited to BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina in 1995 as Vice President and Gen- South Carolina, and The Northern Fund at Representative RANGEL is not the only one eral Counsel, her intellect, expertise, broad Ohio Northern University. transitioning from the House at the end of this and deep experience, and emotional intel- f term. Over two decades ago Representative ligence made her a valuable member of the CORRINE BROWN and I began serving together corporation’s senior leadership team. In 2007, JESS WIEDERHOLT in Congress. She has been an effective advo- she was promoted to Executive Vice Presi- cate for our nations’ veterans. Her leadership dent and Chief Legal Officer where she HON. ED PERLMUTTER served as the senior officer responsible for on the House Veterans Affairs Committee has OF COLORADO five of the corporation’s subsidiaries includ- helped to ensure that veterans have the re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sources they need to live healthy and produc- ing Companion Life Insurance Company, Companion Captive Insurance, Companion Wednesday, December 7, 2016 tive lives. She also spent her time supporting Property & Casualty Insurance Company, the concerns of women veterans and fighting and UCI Medical Affiliates, as well as having Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to end homelessness among veterans. three corporate divisions reporting to her— today to applaud Jess Wiederholt for being Through her efforts, the first African American Law, Government Affairs and Corporate recognized by the West Chamber as a 2016 Marines, the Montford Point Marines, also Marketing Communications. She also served Celebrate Women honoree. Celebrate Women were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal as the corporation’s Secretary. Honorees are known for their perseverance, in 2012. Judy lived a full and engaging life as a accomplishments, generosity, and dedication champion for her community, leaving an in- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me delible imprint. She served on the boards of to their passions and their community. in extending our sincerest appreciation and directors and in leadership positions for Jess Wiederholt has used her medical best wishes to Representatives CHARLES RAN- many nonprofit, civic and educational enti- knowledge and selfless heart to not only to GEL and CORRINE BROWN, as they enter this ties, lending her gracious and genuine lead- make a difference in Jefferson County, but on next chapter in both of their lives. The U.S. ership style and skills to each organization. a global scale as she strives to improve the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 08:03 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.019 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1618 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 well-being of HIV-positive women and children RECOGNIZING THE FAIRFAX RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND in Africa. Mother of seven—four of which were EDUCATION ASSOCIATION WORK OF ROBERT I. THOMAS adopted from East Africa—Jess entered the pediatric health care world as a therapist, HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON helping patients in Illinois and Kentucky for 10 HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY OF TEXAS years. OF VIRGINIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Today, Jess pursues her passion for col- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, December 7, 2016 laborating with other mothers to help them Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. dream, grow and unleash their full potential Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the through her personal health and wellness significant leadership of a selfless motivator business, Isagenix, which assists parents and Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- and inspirational man, Robert Thomas. Robert families in Jefferson County in finding solu- ognize the Fairfax Education Association Thomas touched countless lives in his storied tions for weight loss, healthy aging, energy, (FEA) and two of its remarkable leaders. career within the Dallas Independent School performance and additional income opportuni- For over 50 years FEA has served as the District as a teacher, coach and administrator. ties. In addition to her passion for empowering voice of Fairfax County educators. Throughout Though he is now passed, his attention to families and promoting healthy lifestyles, Jess its history FEA has upheld its mission of serv- people will survive him. takes her family to Ethiopia and Uganda each ice to educators while demanding the highest Mr. Thomas is a real Dallasite and a native year to give business grants to single mothers standards of education for the children of Fair- of one of the finest neighborhoods in south who are HIV-positive. Through this act of ser- fax County. Dallas—Oak Cliff, or more specifically, ‘‘The vitude, Jess demonstrates her belief that every FEA leadership is largely responsible for Bottom.’’ He attended Lincoln High School woman deserves to be empowered to live out setting the goals of the organization and fo- where he played football and ran track. After her life with hope, dignity and confidence—re- cusing resources necessary to achieve those high school, Mr. Thomas went on to Wiley gardless of surroundings or circumstance. goals. Kimberly Adams, who has served as College for one year, before leaving to serve I extend my deepest congratulations to Jess President of the FEA since 2013, has em- his country in the United States Army for two Wiederholt for this well-deserved recognition braced the mission of the FEA and worked to years. After his service, he returned to Wiley by the West Chamber. expand community outreach programs to gar- College, where he won two national cham- ner support for and understanding of the con- pionships in 1956 and 1957, and was named f tributions of public education to the prosperity an All-American. and quality of life for Fairfax County residents. TRIBUTE TO EVAN BURNHAM After his storied athletic career, he was de- Throughout her tenure, Kimberly has been a termined to dedicate his passion for sports to fierce advocate for funding our school system the generation younger than he. In 1958, he HON. DAVID YOUNG as well as providing support to our educators. became a physical education instructor at OF IOWA As a former member and Chairman of the George Carver Elementary School, yet he IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I under- would truly start his coaching career at Lincoln Wednesday, December 7, 2016 stand firsthand that the success of our local High School as a football and track coach in communities is tied directly to the quality of 1962. Robert would go on to enjoy a storied Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise our school system. I have been proud to part- career in coaching and athletic administration today to recognize and congratulate Evan ner with the FEA on many occasions to en- work that included a staggering win record, Burnham, a senior at Valley High School in sure that Fairfax County public schools remain city championships, two district championships West Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect among the best in the country. and one co-championship. score on his American College Testing (ACT) I have often said that public service is a In reward for his hard work, Robert was ap- examination. noble profession and this is especially true pointed to the position of Assistant Athletic Di- Evan is one of only 2,235 students out of when it comes to the issue of education. I rector for the Dallas Independent School Dis- 2.1 million 2017 high school test-takers who commend Kimberly for her advocacy and trict in 1982. He served in this position until earned this very rare honor. He was one of thank her for lending her voice for these last 1993, when he was appointed Assistant Su- five students in his Valley High School class to three years as FEA President. Although she perintendent of Athletics in 1993. He held this earn the top composite score of 36, a mile- may be returning to her ‘‘former life’’ as a li- position until he retired in 2000. Robert Thomas brought success in athletics stone that had never before been reached in brarian, I have no doubt that she will continue to Dallas throughout his entire career. But the school’s history. Evan is known for being to stay engaged in the important issues facing more important than any of that, he touched a naturally good test taker, and went into the our community, our educators, and our chil- the lives of so many young people, showing ACT examination well-prepared. He has not dren. yet decided what will be his field of study but them that hard work can give them what they his interests are chemistry and environmental Succeeding Kimberly in the role of President deserve, in a world with more resources than science. With the work ethic he has displayed of the FEA is Kevin Hickerson. I congratulate he ever enjoyed. He was never bitter, and al- on his ACT examination, I am confident he will him on his election and wish him great suc- ways loving. He will be sorely missed. excel no matter what route he decides to take. cess going forward. Kimberly’s shoes will cer- Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Mr. Speaker, I commend Evan for his hard- tainly be difficult to fill, but I have no doubt Eula Faye Thomas, parents, Hester and work, dedication, and commitment to excel- that Kevin will continue the progress that has Lindon Thomas, sister Dorothy Thomas lence. I ask that my colleagues in the United been made by the FEA during the last 50 Mayes. He is survived by his three sons, Ken- States House of Representatives join me in years. neth, Gregory and Ricky Thomas; brothers, congratulating Evan and in wishing him noth- It is possible to tell a great deal about the L.T. Thomas, Wilson Thomas and Bernard ing but continued success. health of a community by the level of civic en- Thomas; three grandchildren, eight great gagement that is exhibited by its residents. If grandchildren, as well as by several nieces f the spirited conversations held throughout our and nephews and a host of other relatives and community on education are any indication, the children and adults that loved him so in PERSONAL EXPLANATION then Fairfax County remains a picture of civic Dallas. health. The efforts of Kimberly Adams, Kevin f Hickerson, and the FEA are a large part of HON. ROGER WILLIAMS CLERMONT COUNTY SHERIFF A.J. that, and I trust that they and the FEA as a OF TEXAS ‘‘TIM’’ RODENBERG whole will continue to play a vital role in en- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES suring that our teachers and our students suc- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 ceed for many years to come. HON. BRAD R. WENSTRUP OF OHIO Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 599 on final passage of H.R. 6392, the Sys- me in congratulating Kimberly Adams and temic Risk Designation Improvement Act of Kevin Hickerson as well as all of the members Wednesday, December 7, 2016 2016, I would have voted Aye, which is con- of the FEA for their immeasurable contribu- Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today sistent with my position on this legislation. tions to our community. to congratulate Clermont County Sheriff A.J.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K07DE8.005 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1619 ‘‘Tim’’ Rodenberg on a distinguished career On behalf of the 11th District of Virginia, I IN SUPPORT OF STRONGER TIES serving the residents of Clermont County and commend the members and auxiliary of VFW WITH TAIWAN southern Ohio. Post 7327 for their ongoing service to our With over 25 years of law enforcement ex- country and community, and I congratulate the HON. JOE BARTON perience, including leadership as the sheriff following honorees on their awards: OF TEXAS and assistant prosecuting attorney, Tim’s in- PATRIOT’S PEN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES volvement and acumen has been invaluable in helping make Clermont County a safe place to 1st Place—Melanie M. Jimenez. Wednesday, December 7, 2016 live and work. 2nd Place—Ella S. Harrison. Mr. BARTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to com- A great American committed to service, Tim 3rd Place—Grace F. Lemley. mend President-Elect Trump on his phone call served on active duty as an officer with the VOICE OF DEMOCRACY with the President of Taiwan last week. U.S. Marines, during which he was appointed Taiwan has long been a friend of America, to the Commanding General’s Honor List for 1st Place—Abigail E. Mills. a beacon of democracy in a complicated re- outstanding academic and leadership perform- 2nd Place—Cynthia L. Johns. gion. A phone call is not complicated. ance. 3rd Place—Diana L. Haemer. I was fortunate enough to travel to Taiwan Originally elected sheriff in 1997, Tim has TEACHERS OF THE YEAR earlier this year and meet President Tsai. She effectively guided the Clermont County Sher- is a balanced and judicious leader who is well iff’s office into the 21st Century. He has been Elementary—Donna Ruggles. aware of her nation’s realities and promotes involved in everything from the Senior Visita- Middle School—Beauregard Patrick Fay. peace and prosperity with her neighbors. I tion Program, a program that pairs deputies PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS would be honored if I could return the courtesy with senior citizens in the community, to the Master Police Officer James ‘‘JT’’ Frey. and extend some Texas hospitality to the Summer Junior Police Academy, an introduc- President during her trip to South America in Emergency Medical Technician Susan Yu. tion into police and emergency service work January and pledge to work with the new Ad- for middle and high school students. Tim has Advanced Life Support Medical Technician ministration to re-establish official diplomatic Victor Popovich. worked tirelessly to improve Clermont County relations in Taiwan. over the years, devoted to the big picture and COMMUNITY AMERICANISM AWARDS Our nation’s reality is that Taiwan is our listening to the people he serves without ex- Kenneth Morrissette, Jr., Interstate Inter- friend and we should nurture and value that pectation. national. relationship. Over $67 billion dollars in trade Tim also serves as a state certified police Matt Rose, The Forge Brew Works. flows between our countries and 148 sister cit- and corrections academy instructor and has Bruce Donato, K&A First Aid and Safety. ies connect us at a local level. A phone call taught criminal justice and legal courses at doesn’t change that. four Greater Cincinnati colleges and univer- John Blake, K&A First Aid and Safety. f sities. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join As he prepares to retire, I commend him for me in thanking VFW Post 7327 for its contin- RECOGNIZING LIZY PRICE AS AN his hard work and leadership to make south- ued efforts on behalf of our community and in OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVANT ern Ohio a better place. Our community is congratulating the honorees of the 2016 Amer- lucky to have someone so committed to serv- icanism Awards. HON. ALAN GRAYSON ice. OF FLORIDA Thank you Tim, and God bless you. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f TRIBUTE TO CAYDEN CODEL Wednesday, December 7, 2016 RECOGNIZING THE VFW POST 7327 AMERICANISM AWARD RECIPIENTS Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lizy Price for her tireless work as HON. DAVID YOUNG Director of Constituent Services. HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY OF IOWA During her time as a staffer in my office, OF VIRGINIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Lizy managed our staff, casework, and the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES processing of over 3,000 constituent requests Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 for assistance. Her commitment to improving the lives of constituents in my district resulted Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise in the release of over a million dollars in ben- to recognize the Veterans of Foreign Wars today to recognize and congratulate Cayden efit payments. Post 7327 in Springfield, Virginia and the win- Codel, a senior at Valley High School in West Lizy’s dedication led to many families in our ners of its annual Americanism Awards. As Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect score district securing much-needed answers and combat veterans, members of this post under- on his American College Testing (ACT) exam- resolutions as they waited to be reunited with stand the importance of patriotism and public ination. service, and they have continued their legacy their loved ones. Whether they were parents Cayden is one of only 2,235 students out of of service right here in our community. adopting children from a foreign country or Through programs like Adopt-a-Unit, cloth- 2.1 million 2017 high school test-takers who constituents with spouses, parents, or siblings ing drives, America’s Promise—Alliance for earned this very rare honor. He was one of hoping to immigrate to the United States, they Youth, the March of Dimes, volunteering with five students in his Valley High School class to were all aided through Lizy’s tireless efforts. local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops, and earn the top composite score of 36, a mile- Her work on behalf of veterans was also in- many others, nearly two million VFW members stone that had never before been reached in valuable to many who felt they were being ig- worldwide continue to contribute to their fellow the school’s history. Cayden was able to ac- nored in their hour of need. Veterans seeking veterans as well others in our community. complish this impressive feat while still re- immediate appointments at VA Medical Cen- Each year VFW Post 7327 recognizes the maining active in a number of extracurricular ters, veterans whose claims were among the winners of the Patriot’s Pen, in which students activities, including: Knowledge Bowl, Mock many in the VA backlog, and veterans seeking from grades 6–8 are encouraged to examine Trial, Moody’s Mega Math Challenge Team, aid and attendance benefits, were all grateful our nation’s history as well as their own expe- swim team, National Honor Society’s student to not only have received help in obtaining an- riences in modern American society. The VFW tutoring committee, Valley High School show swers, but grateful for her showing them the also recognizes the winners of the Voice of choir, Iowa Opus Honor Choir, Iowa All-State respect and attention they rightfully deserve Democracy contest. Established in 1947, the Orchestra, summer junior counselor at the for their service to our country. Voice of Democracy provides students from Science Center of Iowa and the Plymouth Lizy’s parents, Jorge and Martha, immi- grades 9–12 the opportunity to voice their Congregational Church Youth Choir. grated to New York City from Honduras. To- opinions on democratic ideas and principles Mr. Speaker, I commend Cayden for his gether they raised four daughters, Lizy, through spoken essays. hard-work, dedication, and commitment to ex- Peggy, Esther and Patricia in The Bronx. Lizy VFW Post 7327 also recognizes Teachers cellence I ask that my colleagues in the United attended the Academy of Mount St. Ursula, of the Year, members of the local police and States House of Representatives join me in the oldest continuously operating Catholic col- fire departments, and local businesses who congratulating him and in wishing him nothing lege preparatory high school in New York have supported the military and veterans. but continued success. State. She has been a resident of Central

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.026 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1620 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 Florida since 2004 and is the proud mother of her husband of 48 years, Robert L. Novinger; & Industry Council Board of Trustees and Alexander. Her grandson Elijah is the apple of her son, Dr. Travis Novinger and daughter in the Junior Achievement National Liaison. her eye. law, Laurie Novinger; grandchildren, Taylor Cathy lived her life devoted to her God, her Novinger and Abbey Novinger; sister, Donna I am honored to recognize Lizy Price for her family and her community. As much as she Blackburn Jumper and brother in law, Henry loved her work, she loved her family even service to my office and the constituents of Jumper; niece, Cristie Russell; nephew, Tyler more. Her legacy will live on in the paths she Florida’s Ninth Congressional District. Russell (Sarah); great niece, Emma Grace has blazed, the many lives she has impacted f Russell; and brother in law Dean Novinger and her profound sense of service to others. (Lisa). We will miss her goodness and grace. The MICHELLE POOLET Cathy received her Business Administra- family would like to thank Dr. Greg tion Degree from Southeastern Business Col- Konduras, Lexington Family Practice; the HON. ED PERLMUTTER lege and was a graduate of the Edison Elec- staff at SC Oncology Associates, especially tric Institute’s Electric Utility Executive Dr. Terry Smith and Dr. William Merritt and OF COLORADO Management Program. She moved to her nurses, Kathy Chavis and Mary Leitch; Ultra IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES adopted city of Columbia, SC in 1968 where Med Plus, Cheryl Evans; Gentiva and the Wednesday, December 7, 2016 she went to work for SCANA Corporation as staff at Embrace Hospice, especially Jamie a file clerk and rose to Vice President at the Perkins, Cathy’s Administrative Assistant, Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise early age of 32, retiring as Senior Vice Presi- NRS Sandy Boozer and the Eleventh floor, today to applaud Michelle Poolet for being rec- dent in 1999. Her career as a Senior Officer Palmetto Health Richland. ognized by the West Chamber as a 2016 Cel- and Senior Public Policy Maker for SCANA Funeral service will be held Sunday, De- ebrate Women Honoree. Celebrate Women included roles in economic development, cember 4, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Baptist communications, labor relations, govern- Honorees are known for their perseverance, Church, 2003 Charleston Highway, Cayce. mental affairs, strategic planning, human re- Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Colum- accomplishments, generosity, and dedication sources and public relations. After retiring to their passions and their community. bia. A visitation will be held Saturday, De- from SCANA, she was chosen to lead the cember 3, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Michelle is the Co-Founder and President of state’s new agribusiness association, Pal- at Trinity Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, Mount Vernon Data Systems LLC which fo- metto AgriBusiness Council and under her memorial may be made to the Ovarian Can- cuses on database administration, OLTP en- leadership for 16 years, the Council became a cer Coalition of Central SC, 602 Meeting gine performance tuning, database architec- unified voice for South Carolina’s largest in- Street, Suite B, West Columbia, SC 29169. dustry of agriculture and forestry. It was ture and data modeling. She has created and also at this time she formed her consulting f delivered courseware on all facets of database company, Novinger QTR, Inc. systems for academic environments and cor- After her diagnosis of ovarian cancer and RECOGNIZING THE AWARD RECIPI- porate training facilities. Michelle has been seeing the need to educate women about this ENTS OF THE CENTREVILLE IM- part of IT and database management systems deadly disease, Cathy founded an ovarian MIGRATION FORUM ANNUAL DIN- since 1965, on computers ranging from cancer organization, today known as the NER mainframes to PCs and beyond. She pio- Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Central SC, which brings awareness to the symptoms and neered the computer programming world in the importance of early detection. She HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY the Master of Computer Information Systems served as the organization’s Board chair OF VIRGINIA program at the University of Denver and as a since 2006. She began the Coalition’s signa- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Zachman-Certified Enterprise Architect. ture event, the Ovarian Cancer Butterfly Re- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Michelle has been teaching and training lease which is held every September at the since 1989 as adjunct faculty at the University State House to honor and remember those Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- of Denver and as a technical trainer with affected by ovarian cancer. She became a ognize the Centreville Immigration Forum on ProTech and UCI/AmeriTeach. She is the au- symbol of inspiration and hope to women the occasion of its 2nd Annual Dinner. The who were battling this disease. thor of 13 books, almost 200 database arti- An advocate for improving the quality of theme of this year’s gala is ‘‘Our Global Com- cles, and innumerable white papers and blog life in her community, Cathy earned a life- munity’’ and will celebrate the rich diversity of posts on database design and programming. time of achievements and honors including: cultures in Northern Virginia. Michelle’s technological endeavors make it the University of South Carolina Honorary Northern Virginia is blessed by its diversity. easier and quicker for businesses to progress Doctorate Degree of Public Service, 2011 Hu- In Fairfax County, nearly 1 in 4 residents were in the modern age of communication. manitarian of the Year, 2010 Ag Advocate of born in another country, more than 100 lan- I extend my deepest congratulations to the Year, 2010 West Metro Chamber Lifetime guages are spoken in our schools, and we are Achievement Award, 2006 Ambassador of the home to more minority-owned technology Michelle Poolet for this well-deserved recogni- Year, 1999 Order of the Palmetto, SC Histor- tion by the West Chamber. ical Foundation Society Businesswoman of firms than anywhere else in the nation. Our f the Year, SC Schools Public Relations Asso- different cultures and heritages do not divide ciation Outstanding Leader in Education, us; they make us stronger. IN MEMORY OF CATHY Ohio Council of Colleges Outstanding Pri- Three exceptional individuals will be hon- BLACKBURN NOVINGER vate Career Graduate, SC Business & Profes- ored during this gala who have gone above sional Women’s Career Woman of the Year, and beyond in ensuring that everyone, regard- HON. JOE WILSON Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s Five less of their country of origin, has full access Women of the Decade and Midlands Top 25 OF SOUTH CAROLINA to the benefits and opportunities this commu- Influential Leaders. During her professional IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES career, Cathy served on numerous Boards nity and our nation provide. I am pleased to include the names of the following 2016 An- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 and Commissions including: Midlands Busi- ness Leadership Group, Advocates for Agri- nual Dinner honorees. Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speak- culture, SC Chamber of Commerce Board of Walter Tejada, Former Chairman of the Ar- er, South Carolinians are mourning the recent Directors, SC Office of Rural Health Board, lington County Board of Supervisors. Mr. passing of Cathy Blackburn Novinger who SC State University Board of Trustees, USC Tejada is well known for his extensive knowl- achieved the highest levels of business, civic, School of Medicine Partnership Board, SC edge and experience on the issues of cultural and philanthropic success. Her affection for State Board for Technical & Comprehensive outreach and public service. He has served in the citizens of South Carolina is evident from Education (past chair), Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors numerous leadership roles including as Chair- the following obituary published in The State (past chair), Lexington Medical Center Foun- man of the Arlington County Board of Super- newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina on dation Board, SC Civil Justice Coalition visors and with the National Council of La November 29, 2016: (past chair), SC Department of Commerce Raza. Prior to his election to the Board, Mr. CHERAW.—Cathy Blackburn Novinger Executive Committee, Midlands Housing Al- Tejada served in various positions with the passed away November 27, 2016 at her home liance (past chair), The River Alliance Exec- League of United Latin American Citizens, Vir- in Cheraw, SC after a heroic battle with utive Committee, USC Dean’s Council-Col- ginia Coalition of Latino Organizations, the ovarian cancer. She was the CEO of Pal- lege of Hospitality, SC Research Authority American Salvadoran Association of Virginia Board of Trustees (past chair) and Cultural metto AgriBusiness Council and President and the Virginia Latino Leaders Council, and CEO of Novinger QTR, Inc. Council of Richland and Lexington Counties Born April 7th, 1949 in Portsmouth, Ohio, (past chair). On the national level, she served where he currently serves as President. He she was the daughter of Leona Collingsworth on the White House Council on Rural Amer- has received several awards for his work, in- Blackburn and the late Donald Everett ica as chair, Southern States Energy Board cluding the Phyllis Campbell Newsome Award Blackburn. She is survived by her mother; Utility Advisory Council, the U.S. Business from the Center for Non-Profit Advancement

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.030 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1621 and the Legacy Award from the Greater Ms. Giovanatto will be recognized long after 280TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. her retirement for her foresight in identifying UNION FIRE COMPANY Grace Community Clinic. Grace Community 22 measures for greenhouse gas emissions Clinic was opened in October 2013 by Dr. reduction and establishing the City of Sonoma HON. ROBERT A. BRADY Tong S. Park and other leaders from the Ko- as the first Evergreen City in Sonoma County. OF PENNSYLVANIA rean Central Presbyterian Church, which I am Ms. Giovanatto was a founding board member IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES proud to represent. The clinic provides free and past President of the Cloverdale Youth Wednesday, December 7, 2016 medical services to 40–50 people each month. and Family Services Partnership, a member of Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I More than 40 volunteers support the Clinic, in- the Leadership of Sonoma Valley Class of cluding five doctors as well as nurses, recep- rise today to recognize the 280th anniversary 2008, and a board member of the Sonoma tionists, and translators. In addition to primary of the Union Fire Company. Founded by Ben- Tourism Improvement District. care consultations, the Clinic offers limited re- jamin Franklin in 1736, the Union Fire Com- ferrals for free dental care to a nearby dentist, Mr. Speaker, Ms. Giovanatto has dedicated pany was Philadelphia’s first volunteer fire and free radiology and lab work through dona- her career to improving the lives of the people company. tions from INOVA and Fairfax Radiology. The of the City of Sonoma. She is known for her Dr. Franklin established the Union Fire clinic also makes referrals to specialists who unfailing kindness, loyalty and commitment to Company as the very first fire suppression unit provide low-cost care on an as needed basis. high ethical standards. Therefore, it is fitting which universally responded when summoned. Ibrahim Choudhary, Ahmadiyya Muslim and proper that we honor her here today and This overcame the issues surrounding prior firefighting clubs that existed in Boston, which Youth of Northern Virginia. The motto of the extend our best wishes for an enjoyable retire- also paid for fire wards or watchmen as early Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, ‘‘love for all, ment. hatred for none’’, is a vision that it seeks to as 1711. The difference between Franklin’s Union Fire Company and the other clubs in fulfill through peaceful dialogue and public f service. Mr. Choudhary and the members of Boston and New York was that Franklin saw the advantage of protecting all the homes and his youth group have focused their efforts on CELEBRATING DAVID FLORES correcting misunderstandings and misconcep- businesses of the community, not just those tions about Muslim youth by serving their local who had joined the club. Franklin formed the communities through various projects, from HON. JOHN R. CARTER Union Fire company from roughly 30 volun- food drives for the poor to handing out flyers teers from what is today the Old City section with messages of peace. Local Ahmadiyya OF TEXAS of Philadelphia. Their equipment included leather buckets, with strong bags and baskets Muslim youths have also volunteered regularly IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with the Capital Area Food Bank to help hand (for packing and transporting goods), which out food to those in need in the DC Metro Wednesday, December 7, 2016 were to be brought to every fire. All home- area. owners were required to have these leather Mr. Speaker, the efforts of these individuals Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise fire-fighting buckets in their houses. Recog- are noteworthy not only because they are today to celebrate the life and work of David nizing the efficacy of Dr. Franklin’s model, rooted in an appreciation for our region’s cul- Flores of Georgetown, Texas. After nearly four similar volunteer fire companies began to tural and ethnic diversity, but also because decades of impeccable work as County Audi- spring up throughout Philadelphia. they help to strengthen the bonds of friendship tor, David is beginning his richly-deserved re- In the late 1860’s, Philadelphia city officials and cooperation in our community. I congratu- tirement. spoke of transforming Franklin’s volunteer service into a professional fire department to late them on their awards and ask my col- County Auditors play a vital role in maintain- meet the demands of the ever-growing city. Fi- leagues to join me in commending them for ing the fiscal integrity in county government their service to the Northern Virginia region. nally, on December 29, 1870, Philadelphia city and few have taken on this important respon- council enacted an ordinance to profes- f sibility with greater professionalism than sionalize the fire service into a singular depart- HONORING MS. CAROL David. He knows that second-rate work isn’t ment. The Philadelphia Fire Department, ad- GIOVANATTO acceptable. The people of Texas deserve that ministered by seven Commissioners chosen level of excellence when it comes to managing by the City Council, officially entered into serv- HON. MIKE THOMPSON their precious tax dollars. David doesn’t let ice on March 15, 1871. OF CALIFORNIA them down. Mr. Speaker, I ask this Congress to pause IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES David’s positive impacts on the counties and reflect on the unquestionable courage of Wednesday, December 7, 2016 he’s served cannot be overstated. Under his all firefighters throughout America, be they vol- leadership, Williamson County’s bond rating unteer or professional. As we are indebted to Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, the many thousands of America’s firefighters I rise today to honor Sonoma, California City went from ‘‘low investment grade’’ to AAA, the highest rating available. He’s established who died in the line of duty, I ask that the list Manager Carol Giovanatto upon retirement of the 289 Philadelphia firefighters who have from an impressive career in local government thoughtful standards for county purchases and has provided superb oversight for $1 billion in given their lives in the line of duty be recorded that has spanned 41 years. with the year, rank, and company to which A native of Cloverdale, California Ms. capital projects. Central Texas is better because of his leadership and hard work. they served: Giovanatto graduated from Cloverdale High 1994, Acey, Vincent, Firefighter, Rescue 01; School and attended classes at Santa Rosa David’s commitment to excellence doesn’t 1960, Adgie, William, Lieutenant, Engine 54; Junior College. In addition to her work with the stop when the work day ends. He has been a 1962, Ahlers, Thomas, Firefighter, Engine 71; City of Sonoma, Ms. Giovanatto has brought trustee for the Texas County and District Re- 2003, Allen, James, Firefighter, Ladder 16; her strong leadership skills to many commit- tirement System and is a past president for 1964, Anderson, Albert, J, Fireman, Ladder 9; tees and boards on which she serves. the Texas Association of County Auditors. 1918, Anderson, John, Hoseman, Engine 54; During her tenure as City Manager, Carol 1975, Andrews, John, Firefighter, Engine 49; David shouldered the demanding responsibil- 1933, Arnold, Charles, Hoseman, Engine 44; was instrumental in addressing important city ities as the Chairman of the Investment Com- issues and preventing conflicts. Ms. 1921, Atkinson, George, Captain, Engine 36; mittee for the Texas Association of Counties 1965, Balkie, Alfred, Firefighter, Engine 61; Giovanatto negotiated a contract to preserve from 2008 to 2012. Over the years, he’s de- 1954, Bandos, Joseph, Firefighter, Engine 02; the historic Sebastiani Theater, formed a joint servedly received numerous awards and com- 1892, Barnes, William, Hoseman, Engine 12; powers agreement for the Valley of the Moon mendations as well as the admiration of his 1884, Barr, Phillip, Hoseman, Engine 11; 1961, Fire Protection District and proposed a sales peers and colleagues. Berg, Rolla, Firefighter, Engine 02; 1908, tax measure to protect continued city services. Berry, William Dick, Foreman, Truck 04; A dedicated public servant, Ms. Giovanatto Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. 1910, Bertolet, Harry, Hoseman, Chemical 2; strengthened the economic development part- It is not the end of a career, but rather the be- 1910, Bihlmire, William, Ladderman, Truck ginning of a new adventure. I heartily salute 01. nership with the Sonoma Valley Chamber of 1961, Bordier, Raymond, Firefighter, En- Commerce, created a grant funding program David Flores’ work and contributions to his gine 06; 1905, Boyle, Aloysius, Ladderman, for non-profits, completed a new mobile home community. I’m sure I echo the thoughts of all Truck 05; 1975, Brenek, Carroll, Firefighter, ordinance and raised the funds needed for the when I wish him the best in both his retire- Engine 57; 1978, Brightcliffe, John, Fire- proposed community pool. ment and all his future endeavors. fighter, Ladder 03; 1982, Brown, Stanley,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.032 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1622 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 Firefighter, Engine 09; 1879, Burke, Francis, 1900, Hicks, John, Hoseman, Engine 41; 1877, ray, Peter, Hoseman, Engine 54; 1940, Mur- Ladderman, Truck B; 1960, Bushfield, Joseph, Hill, John, Ladderman Truck C; 1964, Hiller, tha, James, A. Hoseman, Engine 30; 2012, Firefighter, Engine 59; 1969, Caldwell, Carl, Firefighter, Engine 08; 1915, Hillman, Neary, Robert, Lieutenant, Ladder 10; 1954, Charles, Firefighter, Engine 35; 1975, John R. Jr., Ladderman, Truck 07; 1991, News, John, Batt. Chief, Battalion 6. Campana, Ralph, Firefighter, Ladder 19; 1875, Holcombe, David P., Captain, Engine 11; 1954, 1942, O’Brien, William, Hoseman, Engine Carlin, Francis, Ladderman, Truck A; 1910, Holtzman, Charles, Firefighter, Ladder 03; 47; 1874, O’Neill, Charles, Hoseman, Engine Carroll, John, F., Ladderman, Truck 07; 1999, 1872, Humphreys, David, Engineer, BC; 1997, 04; 1910, Park, Samuel A., Ladderman, Truck Casiano, Eric, Firefighter, Engine 02; 1933, Hynes, James, Firefighter, Engine 63; 1976, 01; 1975, Parker, Roger, Firefighter, Ladder Cavanaugh, George, Ladderman, Truck 24; Iannacone, Richard, Firefighter, Ladder 34; 27; 1946, Parsons, George R., Ladderman, 2004, Champion, Tracy, Firefighter, Engine 1975, Iaquinta, Michael, Firefighter, Engine Truck 08; 1910, Pass, Thomas M., Hoseman, 54; 1899, Chance, William, Hoseman, Engine 55; 1919, Innes, Thomas, Hoseman, Engine 13; Chemical 2; 1922, Paxson, Edward T., 32; 1991, Chappell, James A., Firefighter, En- 1958, Jackson, Joseph, Firefighter, Ladder 22. Ladderman, Truck 02; 1894, Peck, John, Fore- gine 11; 1884, Clayton, James, Foreman, En- 1915, James William F., Batt. Chief, Bat- man, Engine 39; 1903, Pflueger, Albert, gine 18; 1900, Cocker, Frank B., Hoseman, En- talion 6; 1886, Johnson, John, Ladderman, Hoseman, Fireboat Stuart; 1971, Pietrak, gine 14; 1910, Collins, John, Ladderman, Truck B; 1926, Jones, Charles G., Hoseman, Constantine, Captain, Engine 35; 1928, Piper, Truck 04; 1925, Connison, Walter R., Engine 34; 1926, Jones, John C., Captain, En- Henry, Batt. Chief, Battalion 9; 1918, Pollick, Ladderman, Truck 12. gine 50; 1954, Junod, Bernard, Firefighter, James, Hoseman, Chemical 1; 1975, Pouiliot, 1900, Cook, John, Hoseman, Engine 21; 2009, Engine 02; 1910, Kalberer, John, Foreman, James, Lieutenant, Engine 20; 1907, Presco, Cospelich, Stephen, Lieutenant, Ladder 08; Engine 23; 1933, Kasper, Joseph, Hoseman, Stephen, Hoseman, Engine 11;1879, Raymond, 1913, Costello, Walter, Hoseman, Engine 23; Engine 55; 1905, Kelly, James, Ladderman, Francis, Hoseman, Engine 07; 1994, Redmond, 1907, Cox, John J., Asst. Foreman, Truck 04; Truck 05; 1919, Kelly, Thomas, Lieutenant, John J., Firefighter, Ladder 11; 1930, Rein, 2014, Craig, Joyce, Firefighter, Engine 64; Engine 21; 1961, Kennedy, Robert, Lieuten- Paul, Hoseman, Engine 10; 1920, Rishall, 1898, Craven, Charles, Hoseman, Engine 02; ant, Photo Lab.; 1909, Keyser, Robert C., Ward A., Driver, Fire Hdqtrs.; 1905, Robinson, 1955, Crawford, Robert, Firefighter, Engine Foreman, Engine 20; 1888, Killen, Robert, William J., Hoseman, Engine 28; 1918, Roller, 26; 1985, Cronin, David, Firefighter, Ladder Hoseman, Chemical 2; 1913, King, Frank L., Samuel, G., Hoseman, Chemical 1. 16; 1950, Crupp, John J., Lieutenant, Truck Hoseman, Engine 23; 1877, King. Patrick E., 1947, Rothfuss, Jacob, Hoseman, Engine 38; 10; 1901, Davis, Frank, Ladderman, Truck 09; Driver, Engine 22; 1966, Klemmer, Albert, 1970, Rotondo, Vincent, Batt. Chief, Bat- 1910, DeHaven, Frank, Hoseman, Engine 47; Firefighter, Engine 59; 1895, Klinberger, C., talion 13; 2004, Rubio, Rey, Firefighter, En- 1896, Dever, Edward, Hoseman, Engine 20; Hoseman, Engine 02. gine 28; 1895, Ryder, Joseph F., Hoseman, En- 1999, Devine, Joseph, Firefighter, Engine 28; 1954, Kline, Thomas, Deputy Chief, Divi- gine 18; 1946, Saraullo, Vincent, Hoseman, 1874, Devitt, George, Hoseman, Engine 03; sion 2; 1900, Knouff, Edward, Ladderman, Engine 46; 1898, Schimmel, Walter, Hoseman, 1894, Dickel, George, Ladderman, Truck C; Truck 02; 1984, Konrad, Joseph, Firefighter, Engine 22; 1939, Schultz, Frank B., Hoseman, 1942, Doman, Francis J., Hoseman, Engine 59; Engine 25; 1962, Krewson, Lynford, Batt. Engine 09; 1924, Schulze, George, Hoseman, 1954, Donahue, Thomas, Firefighter, Engine Aide, Battalion 11; 1949, Krol, Edward, Engine 55; 1951, Schwartz, Charles, Lieuten- ant, Ladder 23; 1920, Schwartzkopf, Edw., 01; 1888, Donnelly, Felix, Hoseman, Engine Hoseman, Engine 06; 1919, LaGrand, Harry, Batt. Chief, Engine 26; 1955, Senderling, 08; 1980, Donovan, William, Batt. Aide, Bat- Ladderman, Truck 02; 1939, Lawson, James George, Firefighter, Rescue 04; 1963, Senior, talion 07; 1920, Dorff, Millford St., Hoseman, J., Hoseman, Engine 19; 1933, LeHart, Ed- Charles, Firefighter, Engine 20; 1895, Ser- Pipe Line 2. ward, Hoseman, Engine 43; 1901, Lehman, 1933, Douglas, Charles, Batt. Chief, Bat- George, Hoseman, Engine 22; 1938, Limaka, geant, William, Foreman, Engine 32; 1902, talion 4; 1918, Doyle, James, Ladderman, John, Hoseman, Rescue 01; 1974, Long, Wal- Seveall, William, Hoseman, Engine 10; 1945, Truck 09; 1954, Doyle, James, Firefighter, ter, Batt. Chief, Battalion 06; 1892, Lowery, Shane, William, Ladderman, Truck 12; 1899, Engine 29; 1895, Doyle, Michael, Ladderman, Francis M., Ladderman, Truck D; 1973, Mac- Shea, James, Hoseman, Engine 01; 1932, Sheppard, Curtis C., Hoseman, Boat 3; 1920, Truck 01; 1927, Duane, Thomas A., Lieuten- Donald, Warren, Firefighter, Lad. 20 [Eng. Sherman, Ambrose, Hoseman, Engine 53; ant, Engine 05; 1899, Duffy, Hugh, Hoseman, 65]; 1898, Magee, James, Hoseman, Engine; 1889, Showers, George, Hoseman, Engine 04; Engine 32; 1943, Dugan, Joseph, Fireman, 1954, Magrann, John, Batt. Chief, Battalion 3; 1941, Silbert, Joseph W., Captain, Engine 03. Fireboat 2; 1880, Dungan, George, 1973, Malley, Robert F., Firefighter, Engine 1937, Slinkard, Oscar, Hoseman, Engine 13; Ladderman, Truck B; 1908, Dunlap, Samuel, 24; 1904, Malloy, William, Hoseman, Engine 1977, Smedley, Edward T., Firefighter, Lad. Engineer, BC; 1967, Dusenberry, Wllm., Batt. 45; 1928, Mangarano, Silvio, Hoseman, Engine 28 [Eng. 58]; 1909, Smith, Eugene, Hoseman, Chief, Battalion 2; 1910, Edelman, Charles, 49; 1942, Martin, Frank, Hoseman, Engine 12. Engine 41; 1890, Snyder, Charles, Foreman, 1904, Mason, Edwin, Hoseman, Engine 04; Hoseman, Engine 06; 1909, Ellinger, Alfred, Engine 16; 1900, Sowney, James, Foreman, 1910, Matchinsky, George, Ladderman, Truck Foreman, Engine 11; 1944, Ennis, James, Engine 48; 1953, Spencer, William, Captain, 07; 1969, McAlister, John, Firefighter, Engine Ladderman, Truck 14; 1910, Entwistle, Thom- Engine 19; 1878, Spisky, Wm, Foreman, En- as, Asst. Foreman, Engine 21; 1881, Exley, 13; 1991, McAllister, Phyliss, Firefighter, En- gine 2; 1914, St. Ledger, George, Lieutenant, Oliver, Ladderman, Truck E; 1975, Fagan, gine 11; 1876, McClintock, Hugh, Engineer, Engine 25; 1896, Stagart, William, Engineer, John R., Batt. Aide, Battalion 03; 1913, BC; 1911, McClister, Charles, Hoseman, En- District 03; 1961, Steger, William, Lieuten- Fahey, Joseph A., Hoseman, Engine 32; 1901, gine 52; 1928, McConaghy, George, Batt. ant, Engine 31; 1899, Steinle, George, Fells, James A., Foreman, Engine 49; 1922, Chief, Battalion 1; 1910, McConnell, William, Hoseman, Engine 32; 1919, Stevenson, Albert, Fisher, Albert, Hoseman, Engine 21; 1975, Hoseman, Engine 23; 1889, McCuen, James, Batt. Chief, Battalion; 1976, Steward, David, Fisher, Robert J., Firefighter, Engine 33. Hoseman, Engine 04; 1901, McCullen, John, Firefighter, Ladder 20; 1951, Stewart, 1916, Fitzgerald, Thomas, Hoseman, Engine Hoseman, Engine 49; 1997, McElveen, Terry, Charles, Lieutenant, Engine 50; 1948, Stew- 03; 1949, Ford, James, Captain, Engine 26; Lieutenant, Engine 63; 1894, McFarland, art, Howard A., Batt. Chief, Battalion 11; 1891, Forsythe, James, Driver, Engine 11; James, Hoseman, Engine 04; 1930, McGee, 1918, Stewart, James D., Captain, Truck 06; 1933, France, George, Hoseman, Engine 62; Daniel C., Hoseman, Engine 49; 1915, 1910, Stewart, Robert, Hoseman, Engine 02; 1916, Fredericks, Frank, Ladderman, Truck McGowan, John, Hoseman, Engine 49;1896, 1965, Stewart, Thomas F., Firefighter, Res- 12; 1938, Friedenberger, W., Hoseman, Rescue McGranaghan, Hugh, Ladderman, Truck 01; cue 12; 1943, Struble, David, Lieutenant, 01; 1986, Friel, Edward D., Firefighter, Engine 1975, McIntyre, Hugh, Firefighter, Engine 56; Truck 10; 1907, Sullivan, John J., Hoseman, 27; 1982, Gallagher, Kenneth, Firefighter, 1965, McIntyre, Joseph, Firefighter, Boat 3; Engine 11. Ladder 21; 1929, Gallop, William, Hoseman, 1963, McKernan, John, Firefighter, Ladder 14; 2012, Sweeney, Daniel Firefighter, Ladder Engine 41; 1955, Garrett, Leonard, Fire- 1976, McSloy, Bernard, Firefighter, Ladder 10; 1926, Sykes, John J., Hoseman, Engine 50; fighter, Engine 44; 1894, Geissel, George, 28; 1918, Merges, Charles C., Lieutenant, En- 2004, Taylor, John, Captain, Engine 28; 1893, Hoseman, Engine 21; 1886, Gibson, John, gine 45. Taylor, Joseph, Hoseman, Engine 14; 1941, Hoseman, Engine 04; 1922, Gilloway, Thomas 1953, Meskill, James, Captain, Battalion 4; Thumm, William, Hoseman, Engine 58; 1912, J., Ladderman, Truck 02; 2013, Goodwin, Mi- 1925, Metzger, Charles H., Hoseman, Engine Titus, Walter, Hoseman, Engine 19; 1913, chael, Firefighter, Engine 53; 1934, Gordon, 25; 1925, Minnick, John R., Ladderman, Tobin, Michael J., Captain, Engine 24; 1909, Frederick, Ladderman, Truck 11; 1937, Truck 05; 1940, Monoghan, Charles, Hoseman, Toner, Joseph, Hoseman, Engine 18; 1954, Gormley, John B., Ladderman, Truck 05; Engine 03; 1873, Mooney, Frank, Hoseman, Tygh, James F., Firefighter, Engine 29; 1904, 1906, Gray, James B., Ladderman, Truck 09; Engine 04; 1912, Moore, James, Ladderman, Vaughan, Thomas, Hoseman, Engine 28; 1949, 1919, Green, John J., Hoseman, Engine 21; Truck 01; 1919, Moorehead, Robert, Lieuten- Vegenberg, Frank, Hoseman, Engine 45; 1942, 1952, Guenther, Edward, Hoseman, Engine 45; ant, Engine; 1913, Moritz, Charles, Hoseman, Vernon, John, Hoseman, Engine 62; 1954, Viv- 1952, Hacker, Allen, Firefighter, Ladder 08. Engine 23; 1954, Mortimer, Louis, Captain, ian, Joseph, Firefighter, Ladder 03; 1961, 1875, Hanley, James C., Ladderman, Truck Battalion 9; 1955, Mumbauer, Arthur, Fire- Walsh, Walter T., Firefighter, Engine 02; D; 1887, Harbauer, George, Ladderman, Truck fighter, Engine 17; 1926, Murdock, Robert, 1969, Wannop, Thomas, Firefighter, Eng. 73 D; 1894, Hart, Joseph W., Hoseman, Fireboat; Hoseman, Engine 34; 1960, Murphy, David J., [Lad. 13]; 1976, Welsh, Aloysius, Firefighter, 2004, Harvy, Derrick, Lieutenant, Engine 72; Firefighter, Ladder 24; 1998, Murphy, Ste- Ladder 20; 1973, Welsh, John, Firefighter, 1940, Hassell, Thomas, Firefighter, Boat 2; phen, Lieutenant, Ladder 01; 1937, Murray, Ladder 05; 1955, Wendt, Charles, Captain, En- 1897, Heller, William, Engineer, Engine 01; George J., Hoseman, Engine 20; 1891, Murray, gine 55; 1912, Wentz, George, Hoseman, En- 1986, Henz, Harry, Firefighter, Engine 33; John, Asst. Foreman, Truck F; 1922, Murray, gine 06; 1965, Weres, John F., Firefighter, 1902, Hetzell, Charles, Ladderman, Truck 02; Patrick A., Hoseman, Engine 21; 1933, Mur- Ladder 07.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.035 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1623 1919, Wiest, George S., Jr., Ladderman, tive Plaza as a tangible place to acknowledge grams to combat the opioid and heroin epi- Truck 02; 1975, Wiley, Joseph R., Firefighter, and confront the dark chapter in Saint Paul’s demic. It also takes critical steps to improve Ladder 27; 1920, Wilfrin, Harry, Hoseman, En- relationship with its African American commu- our nation’s mental health system by reauthor- gine 43; 1949, Wilkinson, Ray, Batt. Chief, Battalion 4; 1884, Williams, Henry, Hoseman, nity. It will be a place to remember the vibrant izing several grant programs aimed at crisis Engine 27; 1907, Wilson, Charles E., Foreman, Rondo neighborhood, and continue moving response, behavioral health integration in pe- Engine 11; 1945, Wilson, Howard, Hoseman, forward into the 21st century—with all voices diatric primary care, and diversion from the Engine 01; 1954, Wilson, Thomas, Firefighter, at the table. criminal justice system to community-based Engine 29; 1918, Wirth, Harry, Lieutenant, This plaza will be a beautiful community services. Engine 41; 1910, Wittig, Gustave, Foreman, gathering spot to learn about Rondo through Additionally, the 21st Century Cures Act Engine 15; 1942, Wolf, Frank W., Hoseman, written and oral presentations, music and art. aims to improve the discovery, development, Engine 33; 1872, Wolf, George W., Ladderman, It will serve as a social gathering place for all and delivery of medical treatments. It creates Truck A; 1944, Woodruff, Francis, Hoseman, generations, for visitors to appreciate and re- incentives for new scientists to begin their ca- Engine 30; 1880, Woolston, William, Hoseman, Engine 23; 1991, Yale, Stephen D., Fire- member the history of Rondo and the strength reer in research, requires more input from pa- fighter, Ladder 29; 1951, Young, Frank J., of residents that lives on. tients, and modernizes clinical trials—all of Batt. Chief, Battalion 2; 1919, Zorr, Charles, Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing which will help advance treatments for rare Hoseman, Pipe Line 2. the strong will and unassailable pride of the diseases such as childhood cancer. f Rondo community as they build the Rondo The bill allocates over $6 billion in new in- Commemorative Plaza. We look forward to the vestments to implement vital health priorities HONORING RONDO PLAZA grand opening of this special place and the such as the President’s Brain Research big step in healing and reconciliation of the through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnolo- HON. BETTY McCOLLUM past. gies (BRAIN) Initiative that will help us to bet- OF MINNESOTA f ter understand the human brain and could IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lead to cures to diseases such as Alzheimer’s. TRIBUTE TO ARJUN GANGA Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Additionally, the funding will go towards the President’s Precision Medicine and the Vice Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today HON. DAVID YOUNG President’s Cancer Moonshot Initiatives by to recognize residents of the historic Rondo OF IOWA dedicating $4.8 billion to the National Institutes neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota as the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Health (NIH). The inclusion of $500 million community comes together to seek hope and for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Wednesday, December 7, 2016 healing. Earlier this fall, it was an honor to join will help make its approval process more effi- community leaders to break ground on a Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise cient and accelerate treatments to patients. Rondo Commemorative Plaza as a first step today to recognize and congratulate Arjun Maryland is proud to be home to so many fed- toward reconciliation for this neighborhood that Ganga, a senior at Valley High School in West eral agencies that are leading the fight to im- was torn apart during the construction of the Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect score prove the health of all Americans, and I will National Interstate Highway System in the on his American College Testing (ACT) exam- keep fighting to provide the resources they 1960s. Like so many predominately black ination. need in this effort. urban neighborhoods around the nation, cul- Arjun is one of only 2,235 students out of Furthermore, the package includes legisla- tural, social, and political trauma stemming 2.1 million 2017 high school test-takers who tion I authored—Advancing Research for Neu- from this civic wound still scars our community earned this very rare honor. He was one of rological Diseases Act. It will create a neuro- today. five students in his Valley High School class to logical disease surveillance program at the Old Rondo was Saint Paul’s largest and earn the top composite score of 36, a mile- Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which most prominent African American community stone that had never before been reached in would provide a foundation for evaluating and centered around a once thriving street called the school’s history. He was able to accom- understanding factors of neurological diseases Rondo Avenue. From the 1900 to the early plish this impressive feat while still remaining like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s. 1960’s African Americans migrated from the active in a number of extracurricular activities, While the bill includes important bipartisan south to seek good jobs and Saint Paul’s rich including: co-founding and co-directing the provisions, I am concerned that this bill in- and vibrant quality of life. Generations created Des Moines Student-to-Student STEM Speak- cludes far less funding than what was included and invested in businesses, schools, civic or- er Series, Science Bowl, tennis team, the Prin- in the Cures package considered by the ganizations and families. cipal’s Advisory Council, National Honor Soci- House last year. Additionally, Congressional When plans were made for a National Inter- ety, student government, National Council on Republicans refused to allow for the funding in state Highway System, people of color, those Youth Leadership, and the Silver Cord Volun- this bill to be mandatory. Instead, Congress of limited means or political representation teer Program. will have to vote annually to make the funding were not at the table. Designs for Interstate 94 Mr. Speaker, I commend Arjun for his hard- available as part of the appropriations proc- landed squarely on Rondo. Over the cries and work, dedication, and commitment to excel- ess—the American people must hold us ac- protest of its residents, bulldozers were lence. I ask that my colleagues in the United countable to deliver on this promise. Finally, I brought in, and Rondo Avenue and the homes States House of Representatives join me in still have concerns with some provisions that and businesses nearby were razed. This tight- congratulating him and in wishing him nothing might impact patient safety, but I understand knit community was devastated. During the but continued success. that FDA worked with Congress on the provi- decades since the freeway was built, longtime f sions that relate to their agency to provide residents have worked hard to rebuild a com- feedback—much of which was incorporated. I 21ST CENTURY CURES ACT munity lost. Thanks to them today the spirit of look forward to continuing to work with the Rondo’s neighbors still burns bright. FDA through implementation to safeguard pa- Immutable leaders like Marvin ‘‘Roger’’ An- HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN tients. derson, Floyd Smaller, Nathaniel Khaliq, OF MARYLAND As a country, we must work together to Debbie Montgomery and countless others IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES combat drug addiction and prioritize medical have brought tireless dedication and commit- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 research. The Cures Act moves this effort for- ment to restoring the Rondo spirit and commu- ward, but we are far from finished. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in nity. They’ve begun successful local festivals f like Rondo Days and the Selby Avenue Jazz support of the 21st Century Cures Act. The bill Festival which bring community together in is not perfect, but it makes important progress PERSONAL EXPLANATION new ways to celebrate and chart a new future. on key health and addiction treatments that While, nothing can be done to undo the in- will help people in Maryland and across the HON. ROGER WILLIAMS justice that was done to the Rondo community country. OF TEXAS more than four decades ago, that doesn’t Maryland’s drug poisoning death rate is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mean nothing should be done to help our resi- higher than the national average, with both dents remember our history so that we don’t urban and rural areas facing the scourge of Wednesday, December 7, 2016 repeat it again. Anderson and other Rondo opioid addiction and death. This bill will pro- Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call leaders are planning the Rondo Commemora- vide $1 billion in funding to states for new pro- 600 on final passage of S. 294, the National

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.036 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1624 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year own, including one special needs adopted IN RECOGNITION OF THE ALLEN 2017, I would have voted Aye, which is con- child, Colleen and Richard Davis opened their PARK HISTORICAL MUSEUM ON sistent with my position on this legislation. home to two infants in need. THE DATE OF ITS PEARL HAR- f Colleen had been dedicating her time and BOR REMEMBRANCE DAY 75TH energy to residents of the New Eve Maternity ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISER RECOGNIZING THE NOMINEES FOR Home in Winchester, Virginia, a home for THE 2016 WASHINGTON POST pregnant women in need. At the New Eve HON. DEBBIE DINGELL PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR home, Colleen met a young woman with twin OF MICHIGAN AWARD FOR PRINCE WILLIAM newborn boys who was having difficulty caring IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COUNTY SCHOOLS for her babies. Colleen and Richard gener- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 ously offered to take the twins into their home HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY and care for them until the mother was able to Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to OF VIRGINIA provide a stable home. recognize the Allen Park Historical Museum IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES For more than two years now, Colleen and on the date of its Pearl Harbor Remembrance Richard Davis have welcomed these two chil- Day 75th Anniversary Fundraiser. The Allen Wednesday, December 7, 2016 dren into their family and have raised them as Park Historical Museum has served as an im- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today their own. These acts of extraordinary gen- portant venue for the metro Detroit community to recognize the 2016 Washington Post Prin- erosity are inspired by a sense of loving com- to educate individuals about the background of cipal of the Year Award nominees for Prince passion for their neighbors in need. historically significant events that have shaped William County Public Schools. Mr. Speaker, stories of unsung heroes like our country. The Principal of the Year for Prince William Colleen and Richard Davis are taking place Located in a farmhouse built in 1888, the County will receive the Washington Post Prin- throughout our nation and I ask that we re- Allen Park Historical Museum has provided cipal of the Year Award. Nominees must dem- member with gratitude these ‘‘Angels in Adop- Allen Park and the surrounding communities onstrate the ability to: tion’’ who are making a significant difference with a free and accessible forum to learn 1. Manage effectively. in our communities. I ask that my colleagues about the history of the city and pivotal events 2. Demonstrate and encourage creativity join me in honoring Colleen and Richard in American history. The Museum displays po- and innovation. Davis, and wishing them all the best in their lice and firefighter memorabilia as well as mili- 3. Foster cooperation between the school future endeavors. tary artifacts and cultural objects like furniture and the community. and toys that showcase life from different 4. Maintain a continuing dialogue with stu- eras. In addition to regular exhibits, the Allen dents, parents, faculty, and staff. f 5. Keep abreast of developments in the field Park Historical Museum also periodically spon- of education. RECOGNIZING JOSE R. RODRIGUEZ sors fundraisers to engage with the community 6. Encourage team spirit. AS AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC while providing resources for the museum. 7. Demonstrate leadership and exemplify SERVANT These additional events allow historians and commitment. other experts to further explore our nation’s 8. Continue to play an active role in the HON. ALAN GRAYSON heritage in different contexts. classroom. The Allen Park Historical Museum not only OF FLORIDA 9. Maintain their position as principal serves as a venue for residents of Allen Park throughout the 2016–2017 school year. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and surrounding areas, but also provides im- I would like to extend my personal congratu- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 portant resources that help educate southeast lations to the 2016 nominees for Prince Wil- Michigan about historically significant events. Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to liam County Schools, Principal of the Year The underwriting of experiences like Pearl recognize Jose R. Rodriguez for his tireless Award. Harbor Remembrance Day underscore the work as Director of Operations and Grants Co- Neil Beech—Osbourn Park High School. community’s commitment to ensuring that crit- ordinator. Andrew Jacks—Ashland Elementary ical milestones in American history are placed I first met Jose when he began an intern- School. in the proper context. It is heartening to see Michael Lint—New Dominion Alternative ship in my office in 2013 and from the begin- the Allen Park community play a leading role Center. ning he stood out as an exceptional worker. in promoting American history, and I am con- After only a few weeks, he was hired as Con- Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join fident that the museum will continue to host stituent Services Representatives where he me in commending Principal of the Year engaging and relevant exhibits that educate helped many of my constituents and their fam- Award nominees for Prince William County and entertain individuals of all ages. ilies with housing, immigration, and veterans Public Schools, and in thanking them for their Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me issues. He was part of the team of case- dedication to leadership in our school system. today in recognizing the success of the Allen workers that helped recover and save over Their continued service will ensure that Prince Park Historical Museum on the date of its $500,000 for residents of Florida’s Ninth Con- William County students are provided with a Pearl Harbor Day fundraiser. The museum gressional District. world-class education in a more vibrant learn- provides cultural enrichment through its docu- ing community. After a few months on the job, he proved to mentation of historical events through its ex- f be a valuable asset, capable of handling mul- hibits. tiple roles with great knowledge and skill. For HONORING COLLEEN AND RICHARD this reason he was promoted to Director of f DAVIS, ANGELS IN ADOPTION Operations, where he was responsible, among TRIBUTE TO JIM DERMODY other things, for overseeing the administrative HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK operations of my district offices. He also HON. DAVID YOUNG served in a dual role as Grants Coordinator OF VIRGINIA OF IOWA and helped many local municipalities and non- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES profit organizations seek federal funding. Jose Wednesday, December 7, 2016 was able to help bring over $7 million dollars Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, it is my in federal funds for various local organizations, Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise great honor to introduce you and my col- including money for education and first re- today to recognize and congratulate Jim leagues to Colleen and Richard Davis, con- sponders. Dermody, Principal of Lewis Central Middle stituents of mine from the Shenandoah Valley As further proof of his tenacity, Jose was School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, for being in the 10th Congressional District of Virginia able to complete his law degree while working named the Administrator of the Year by the who have provided extraordinary support for fulltime and raising two beautiful children, Iowa Talented and Gifted (ITAG) Association. mothers in crisis and their children. Josue and Deborah. Jim has been an outspoken advocate for I nominated Colleen and Richard Davis for As Jose’s tenure in my office comes to an ITAG programs at Lewis Central Middle the Angels in Adoption program of the Con- end, I want to recognize his service to my of- School, recognizing that success requires par- gressional Coalition on Adoption Institute this fice and the community, and I wish all the best ticipation from the whole school, not just spe- year because, even with three children of their to him and his family. cial ITAG instructors. He utilizes partnerships

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.040 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1625 with each teacher in the middle school to en- Noranne Downs, P.E. as she marks 25 years (LPGA) and competing for several years pro- sure they have the resources and training to of service with the Florida Department of fessionally. promote and encourage ITAG students. It is Transportation (FDOT). Best known as a teacher of the game, Mrs. an honor to represent educators like Jim, who After eleven years of public works experi- Bell’s reach expanded around the world as take the extra steps to ensure student suc- ence with the City of Daytona Beach and in she shared her passion with golfers of all ages cess. ITAG’s 44th Annual Conference officials the private sector, Ms. Downs was hired by and abilities. Her achievements include being noted that Jim Dermody believes ‘‘learning FDOT in September of 1991 as a project man- named LPGA Teacher of the Year, Golf Di- isn’t about books, worksheets, and presen- ager. Her talent and ability were recognized, gest’s ‘‘One of the Six Best Women Teachers tations. It’s about using learning to improve and in October of 2006, Ms. Downs was in the World,’’ and winning the first ever LPGA the world.’’ named District Five Secretary. Senior Championship. Her lifetime of dedica- Mr. Speaker, I commend Jim for being Soon after her joining FDOT 25 years ago, tion and love for golf was recognized several named the ITAG Administrator of the Year and I was honored to be elected to the U.S. House times including when she received the Bob for shaping our future generations into bright, of Representatives to represent Florida’s Sev- Jones Award in 1990, which is the United young leaders. I ask that my colleagues in the enth Congressional District and assigned, at States Golf Association’s highest award for United States House of Representatives join my request, to the Committee on Transpor- distinguished sportsmanship in golf. me in congratulating Jim for this outstanding tation and Infrastructure. While we worked to- In 1953, the opportunity of a lifetime pre- accomplishment and in wishing him nothing gether prior to this, our shared focus of main- sented itself to Mrs. Bell and her husband, but continued success. taining Central Florida’s infrastructure and pre- Warren ‘‘Bullet’’ Bell, when they purchased f paring our region for the future cemented our Pine Needles Golf Course in Southern Pines, bond and our friendship. North Carolina. From there the couple trans- NORMA ANDERSON For over two decades, Noranne and I formed the golf course to what is today one of worked on the many transportation projects the premier golfing destinations in the world. HON. ED PERLMUTTER important to our community. Together we Mrs. Bell quickly became a staple at the re- OF COLORADO helped bring our region into the 21st Century sort, taking a hands-on approach to its man- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and laid a solid foundation for Central Florida’s agement and personally investing her time infrastructure to thrive in the future. In addition and effort in the lives of its staff and visitors. Wednesday, December 7, 2016 to working to meet the Transportation require- On any given day at the course you could ex- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise ments of one of America’s fastest growing re- pect a challenging round of golf and the warm- today to applaud Norma Anderson for being gions, I am extremely proud of our work to- est of welcomes from a smiling Mrs. Bell. Her recognized by the West Chamber as a 2016 gether on projects such as SunRail which focus was always to serve others and make Celebrate Women Honoree. Celebrate Women brought fixed commuter rail service to the re- certain that everyone was having fun. Honorees are known for their perseverance, gion, the I–4 Ultimate and Beyond the Ulti- Compassionate, kind, and loving, Mrs. Bell’s accomplishments, generosity, and dedication mate projects which will increase capacity and impact resonated through the entire sport of to their passions and their community. reimagine the main interstate roadway serving golf. She served as both a pioneer of the Norma Anderson, former Colorado State our area and updating our roadways and traf- game and teacher for future generations. To Senator and Jefferson County resident since fic management systems with the latest tech- say that she will be missed would be a gross 1950, served as a legislator for nearly 19 nologies to most effectively and efficiently understatement. While we mourn the loss of years helping to improve the education sys- manage traffic flows. Noranne played an inte- this extraordinary woman, there is no doubt tem, transportation planning, criminal justice gral role in these projects and so many more. that her legacy will continue to be celebrated reform and healthcare policy. Norma has It is with much appreciation and admiration for generations to come. Our thoughts and served her community in many capacities in- that I recognize my friend and a great public prayers go out to the entire Bell family, espe- cluding on numerous boards and committees. servant, Noranne Downs at this milestone in cially her children, Bonnie, Peggy Ann, and Norma was elected to the Colorado House her career. It is also with regret that Noranne my dear friend, Kirk. of Representatives in 1986 where she will be retiring from her position at FDOT in Mr. Speaker, please join me today in com- prioritized the needs of her community through January 2017. Her pivotal work has truly left memorating the life of Mrs. Peggy Kirk Bell. her support of the School Finance Act of 1994 an indelible mark on Central Florida and our f and the Third Grade Literacy Act of 1996. She State. sponsored other education legislation including I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking REMEMBERING TERRY BELCOE the College Opportunity Fund and account- Noranne Downs for her 25 years of service to ability for K–12 schools. Norma also helped our community and at FDOT, and in wishing HON. RICK LARSEN establish the Colorado Department of Trans- her the best as she turns the page of her re- OF WASHINGTON portation’s 20-year transportation plan, spon- markable career. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sored Lifetime Parole and Probation for Sex f Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Offenders, and assisted in the restructuring of the Departments of Social Services and Insti- HONORING THE LIFE OF PEGGY Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I tutions saving Colorado ten million dollars. KIRK BELL rise today to honor the memory of Terry From 1997 to 1998, she served as the House Belcoe, who passed away on Friday, Sep- Majority Leader, and in 2003 she served as HON. RICHARD HUDSON tember 23, 2016, after fighting a courageous the Senate Majority Leader, making her the OF NORTH CAROLINA battle with cancer. first woman in Colorado history to serve in this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Belcoe was born in Mount Vernon, role in both houses. Norma always kept her Washington on April 19, 1956, and spent most Wednesday, December 7, 2016 commitment to Jefferson County and was in- of his life in Bellingham, Washington. After strumental in promoting progress in Colorado. Mr. HUDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to completing his Associates degree at Whatcom I extend my deepest congratulations to honor the life of Mrs. Margaret Anne ‘‘Peggy’’ Community College, he earned his Bachelor’s Norma Anderson for this well-deserved rec- Kirk Bell who passed away peacefully in the degree in Administration and Accounting, and ognition by the West Chamber. comfort of her home on Wednesday, Novem- later his Master’s in Business Administration at f ber 23, 2016. Our thoughts and prayers are Western Washington University. with the entire Bell family as they mourn the Throughout his career, Mr. Belcoe was TRIBUTE TO NORANNE DOWNS, loss of this extraordinary woman. known for forging partnerships to improve the P.E. A native of Findlay, Ohio, Mrs. Bell dedi- community. He served as the Board Chair of cated her life to sharing the joys of golf with the United Way of Whatcom, Skagit County HON. JOHN L. MICA those around her. At the age of seventeen, Community Action Agency, United Way of OF FLORIDA she picked up the sport that would transform Skagit County and the Oversight Committee IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES her life and define her legacy. Mrs. Bell would for Leadership Skagit program. His advocacy go on to establish what has been described as extended to acting as a guest speaker and Wednesday, December 7, 2016 ‘‘one of the best amateur records ever com- mentor to students at WWU and volunteering Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to piled’’ before becoming a charter member of with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program of rise today to recognize and honor Ms. the Ladies Professional Golf Association Whatcom County.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.045 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1626 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 In line with his passion for fighting for chil- ter’s degree in National Security from the RECOGNIZING THE BURKE VOLUN- dren in need of nutrition and housing, Mr. Naval War College. She shares my strong be- TEER FIRE AND RESCUE DE- Belcoe actively engaged with legislators and lief that national security is our country’s num- PARTMENT communities to support low-income families. ber one priority. Erica fights on the policy front Recently, he celebrated 15 years as the Presi- to ensure our military can effectively defend HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY dent and CEO of North Coast Credit Union in the United States of America. An integral por- OF VIRGINIA Whatcom and Skagit counties and in October tion of her work—traveling to military bases to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of 2016, he was selected as the Washington meet with commanders—is a vital part of how Credit Union Advocate of the Year, but unfor- Erica makes sure that she is prepared to fight Wednesday, December 7, 2016 tunately he passed away less than three for what is needed to keep our military the Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- weeks before the honor could be presented. best trained and best equipped in the world. ognize the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Mr. Speaker, Terry Belcoe was a dedicated Military leaders in Northeast Florida at Naval Department on the occasion of its 68th Annual public servant and I would like to honor him Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank for his many contributions to our community Mayport remind me often that their confidence its volunteers for filling an essential role in and our state. My thoughts are with his part- in Erica is unique. Her command of the mis- keeping our community safe. ner Karen, his daughters and his sister. Terry sions and the intricacies of military assets is The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue De- will be greatly missed. well respected. She is the staffer who makes partment was founded in January 1948, and f things happen. Also, in a spirit of teamwork, for more than 6 decades it has provided life- Erica unselfishly shares her expertise with saving fire suppression/prevention and emer- PERSONAL EXPLANATION other Capitol Hill staffers. She fully appre- gency medical and rescue services to the resi- ciates that all Members of Congress need to dents of Burke and the surrounding commu- HON. PETER A. DeFAZIO work together to support our military. nities. It also provides, houses, and maintains OF OREGON Erica is diligent in ensuring that the con- firefighting and emergency medical equipment; tributions of our veterans are recognized, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES provides opportunities for professional growth they receive the benefits they have earned and development for the membership; and Wednesday, December 7, 2016 and deserve. With her support, more than maintains and fosters a strong viable organi- Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I was absent 2,400 veterans in the 4th Congressional Dis- zation. December 1st and 2nd due to a medical ap- trict have attended ceremonies and received As one of the county’s most active volunteer pointment. Had I been present I would have my Veterans’ Special Recognition Certificate. fire and rescue departments, the Burke Volun- voted: She also played a key role in ensuring all the teer Fire and Rescue Department works in co- On Roll Call Vote 594, I would have voted necessary steps were accomplished to locate operation with the Fairfax County Fire and No. On Roll Call Vote 595, I would have voted the Jacksonville National Cemetery on Flor- Rescue Department to serve the community. No. On Roll Call Vote 596, I would have voted ida’s First Coast. Last year alone, the Burke VFD provided more No. On Roll Call Vote 597, I would have voted I have no doubt that Erica will bring the than 3,000 hours of volunteer time as well as No. On Roll Call Vote 598, I would have voted same drive and determination she has shown an additional 2,159 hours of supplemental Aye. On Roll Call Vote 599, I would have in my office to the next chapter in her profes- staffing. voted No. On Roll Call Vote 600, I would have sional career. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and I am honored to recognize the dedicated voted No. Members of the House to join me in thanking men and women of the Burke Volunteer Fire f Erica Striebel for her leadership and for her Department who have volunteered for extra commitment to public service and wish her duty as officers or as members of the board HONORING ERICA STRIEBEL continued success in her future endeavors. of directors. God bless and Godspeed. Board of Directors—President Patrick HON. ANDER CRENSHAW f Owens, Vice President John Powers, Sec- OF FLORIDA TRIBUTE TO GABRIEL MINTZER retary Tonya McCreary, Treasurer Ian Dickin- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES son, Larry Bockneck, Rich Guarrasi, Becky Wednesday, December 7, 2016 HON. DAVID YOUNG Dobbs. Officers—Chief Thomas Warnock, Deputy OF IOWA Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Chief Tina Godfrey, Deputy Chief John Hudak, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to recognize and honor my Chief of Staff, Captain Melissa Ashby, Captain Keith O’Con- Erica Striebel, for her service and commitment Wednesday, December 7, 2016 nor, Lieutenant Emily Fincher, Lieutenant to the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise Kevin Grottle, Sergeant Jennifer Babic, Ser- and to our country. today to recognize and congratulate Gabriel geant Peter Hamilton, Sergeant Shaun Kurry, For the last 15 years, Erica has been one Mintzer, a senior at Valley High School in Sergeant James Reyes, Team Leader Paul of my closest advisers. She was a sounding West Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect Stracke, Team Leader/Chaplain Harry board for me on legislative issues as Con- score on his American College Testing (ACT) Chelpon. gress fought through many difficult challenges examination. In addition to the men and women who facing our country. Erica has been my chief Gabriel is one of only 2,235 students out of have generously assumed the responsibilities strategist during my time on the House Appro- 2.1 million 2017 high school test-takers who of serving as an Officer or a member of the priations Committee and my right hand for my earned this very rare honor. He was one of Board of Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire work on the Defense Subcommittee. five students in his Valley High School class to Department is also presenting awards to the The late management consultant Peter earn the top composite score of 36, a mile- following individuals in recognition of their ex- Drucker said, ‘‘Management is doing things stone that had never before been reached in emplary service during the last year: right; leadership is doing the right things.’’ For- the school’s history. He was able to accom- Rookie of the Year—Lindsay Fox and Blaine tunately for me, my staff, and the people I plish this impressive feat while still remaining Reis have had the privilege to represent, Erica is active in a number of extracurricular activities, Firefighter of the Year—Ian Dickinson both an excellent manager and an inspiring including: co-founding and co-directing the EMS Provider of the Year—Caitlin Curran leader. She has a special talent for seeing Des Moines Student-to-Student STEM Speak- Officer of the Year—Shaun Kurry, James around corners to identify the next challenges er Series, Science Bowl and Knowledge Bowl Reyes and leading others to solutions. teams, Central Academy mathematics team, Administrative Member of the Year— Erica’s devotion to the servicemen and and treasurer of Valley High School’s National Charlene Murphy women who protect our nation at home and Honors Society chapter. Career Member of the Year—FireMedic An- around the globe sets an example for all to Mr. Speaker, I commend Gabriel for his thony Tran follow. Erica Striebel is a patriot. She values hard-work, dedication, and commitment to ex- Team Award—BVFRD Bingo Team (Tina those who serve today and respects the vet- cellence. I ask that my colleagues in the Godfrey, Matt Bryant, Charlene Murphy) erans of yesteryear. Her knowledge was ac- United States House of Representatives join Chief’s Award—E414 Procurement Team quired through her Bachelor’s degree in Inter- me in congratulating Gabriel and in wishing (John Hudak, Larry Bockneck, Peter Hamilton, national Affairs and Security Policy from The him nothing but continued success in all of his Mike Istvan, George Hahn, Sam Sandeen, George Washington University and her Mas- future endeavors. Robin Clement)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.048 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1627 Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join HONORING THE SERVICE OF Representatives to recognize the service of me in congratulating the department for 68 DAVID SIMAS Mr. David Simas and his many contributions to years of service and in thanking all of the the wellbeing of the American people. brave volunteers who do not hesitate to drop HON. JIM COSTA f everything when the community calls in need OF CALIFORNIA HONORING MS. LINDA SEIFERT of help. To all of these men and women who IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES put themselves in harm’s way to protect our Wednesday, December 7, 2016 residents I say: ‘‘Stay safe.’’ HON. MIKE THOMPSON Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to OF CALIFORNIA f recognize the service, dedication, and bril- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES liance of our good friend and distinguished Wednesday, December 7, 2016 H.R. 34, THE 21ST CENTURY CURES Portuguese American, White House Political ACT Director David Simas. After eight years guid- Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, ing the policy of the Obama Administration it I rise today to honor Linda Seifert upon her re- HON. BARBARA LEE is both fitting and appropriate to honor his tirement from the Solano County Board of Su- service to the United States of America where pervisors. Ms. Seifert has represented the OF CALIFORNIA he helped craft policy that improves the lives Second District on the board since 2008 and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of countless Americans. served as the Chair of the Board from 2012 Wednesday, December 7, 2016 A self-proclaimed ‘‘Kid from Taunton, Mas- through 2014. sachusetts,’’ Mr. Simas is the son of Por- Ms. Seifert has been a longtime leader in Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in oppo- tuguese immigrants, Antonio and Deolinda our state’s legal community. She earned her sition to H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act, Simas. Although his parents did not attain bachelor’s degree from the California State a bill which aims to authorize and promote more than an elementary school education, University, Fullerton and then went on to com- biomedical research, mental health, opioid Mr. Simas ever excelled under their parent- plete her law degree at the University of the abuse assistance, and advance medical future age. His father taught him the impact political Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law. Ms. Seifert research, but falls woefully short. policy has on everyday lives and his mother led a tremendously successful law career and Unfortunately, this bill is a missed oppor- instilled in him the importance of family and became the first female partner at the McNa- tunity for Congress to take meaningful action the support they lend in times of need. mara Law Firm in Walnut Creek, before she to address skyrocketing drug prices. It also From his upbringing in Taunton, Mr. Simas went on to serve as General Counsel for the falls far short of the funding that is needed to went on to attend Stonehill College and later California Dental Association. support the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Boston College Law School. Returning home Since her election as Supervisor in 2008, and to address the growing opioid abuse epi- after graduation, he started a law practice and Ms. Seifert has been a champion for Solano demic. I also believe that this bill puts the launched a political career of his own running County’s citizens and our community’s future. goals of pharmaceutical and medical device for and winning a seat on the school board. She has worked to preserve the agricultural companies ahead of the needs of individuals. Lending his talents to the local Portuguese heritage and resources of our community and As a Member of the Labor, Health and community, Mr. Simas defended those in need to create more park space and recreational Human Services, Education Appropriations and led successful political movements on be- services. For instance, Ms. Seifert successfully Subcommittee and as an ardent supporter of half his friends and neighbors. pushed to dedicate open space in Rockville biomedical research and public health funding, Later, as an advisor to the mayor of Taun- Hills and secured $13 million to permanently I was disappointed in the inadequate funding ton Mr. Simas helped devise a strategy to protect the land for future generations. levels in this bill. Last year, this bill included bring down the city’s health care costs, work- Education and responsive social services $10 billion in mandatory funding for the NIH. ing with the public sector unions to reach an have also been Ms. Seifert’s priorities as su- Unfortunately, the revised version that passed agreement that saved the city money while pervisor. To protect victims of domestic vio- the House Floor last week included only $3.8 ensuring access to good health care. Mr. lence, she secured the site for the Family Jus- billion for the NIH, and it is not mandatory Simas became well known in Massachusetts tice Center in Fairfield. She believes that in- spending. policy circles, and in 2006, he joined the office vesting in members of our community im- And to make matters worse, this bill strips of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick proves both their well-being and our economy. $3.5 billion from the Prevention and Public where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff. Mr. Speaker, Supervisor Linda Seifert has Health Fund, which provides critical invest- It was not long after the 2008 election of been a champion of our community for the ments to improve health outcomes through President Barack Obama that Governor Pat- past eight years. Therefore, it is fitting and prevention activities like screenings and public rick connected the two, officially introducing proper that we honor her here today. health workforce training. We should be in- Mr. Simas to the President and starting a run f of eight years of service to the President and creasing support for public health programs, PERSONAL EXPLANATION not robbing Peter to pay Paul. our country. Calm, unflappable, clinical, and humble are Additionally, I am concerned that this legis- just a few of the words used to describe Mr. HON. ROGER WILLIAMS lation loosens Food and Drug Administration Simas. He has taken his knowledge and polit- (FDA) standards for approving pharma- OF TEXAS ical acumen and applied them to the service IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ceuticals and medical devices. While we do of the American people. He dedicated himself need to ensure that new, lifesaving treatments to pass health care reform, bringing coverage Wednesday, December 7, 2016 are available to consumers, we cannot do so to millions who previously were left out of the Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call at the expense of safety and efficacy. We American health care system. 592 on final passage of H.R. 34, the 21st need to make the FDA’s standards stronger— Mr. Simas has always thought about how Century Cures Act, I would have voted Aye, not weaker. the decisions he makes and the issues he which is consistent with my position on this Lastly, despite outcry from constituents and fights for impact everyday people. From his legislation. despite months of hearings and press con- childhood in Taunton’s Portuguese Village to f ferences on the issue of rising prescription the West Wing of the White House he has al- drug prices, H.R. 34 did not include any provi- ways been an advocate for the disadvantaged TRIBUTE TO GUOWEI QI sions to make drugs more affordable. and underrepresented. I wish him, his wife Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we Shauna, and daughters Rowan and Payton HON. DAVID YOUNG have a shared obligation to ensure that ALL the best of luck in the years to come. In what- OF IOWA Americans have access to equitable, high- ever endeavor he finds himself next, I know IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES quality and affordable healthcare. While this he will continue to ask himself the same ques- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 bill does include a few good provisions, like tion President Obama asked of him: ‘‘Are you positive steps to address mental health re- doing something every day to help people?’’ Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise form, it ultimately puts industry and profits I am confident he will. today to recognize and congratulate Guowei over patients, and I therefore cannot support Mr. Speaker, it is with great appreciation Qi, a senior at Valley High School in West it. that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Des Moines, Iowa, for earning a perfect score

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.052 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1628 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 on his American College Testing (ACT) exam- currence of happenstance. It was not the deci- the Senate) to file an amicus brief with the ination. sion of adults or older citizens who had com- U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Guowei is one of only 2,235 students out of pleted school many years earlier. Instead, it Texas, a case considering whether certain as- 2.1 million 2017 high school test-takers who was a strategic act by six underclassmen pects of President Obama’s executive actions earned this very rare honor. He was one of eager to learn. By boldly encountering aggres- on immigration will be allowed to move for- five students in his Valley High School class to sion and animosity, they knew it was a sac- ward. Gary also led committee efforts on a va- earn the top composite score of 36, a mile- rifice necessary to create a better city, state, riety of immigration issues in the areas of refu- stone that had never before been reached in and nation. gees, immigration enforcement, high-skilled the school’s history. Guowei was able to ac- Disciplined with the tools of non-violence immigration, the EB–5 program, the H2–A/H2– complish this impressive feat while still re- and aided with the support of their caregivers B programs and executive authority. maining active in a number of extracurricular and community, these six champions of equal- Although Gary entered the chief counsel activities, including: Science Bowl, Valley High ity and freedom that we praise today stood role during a time of transition, he was able to School honors program, concertmaster of the against injustice to impact future generations. handle committee matters with ease and Valley High School Chamber Orchestra, volun- Armed with nothing more than a conscious- grace. His rhetorical skills and natural political teering at Iowa Lutheran Hospital, and orga- ness of integrity and dignity, these six young inclinations made the transition seamless. nizing ‘‘Blank Tales,’’ a non-profit publication people chose to walk in the line of danger and Gary’s professionalism, dedication to com- by Valley High School students to raise take a stand for human equality. awareness of homelessness in the Des In the spirit of grace and appreciation, we mittee business and pleasant demeanor Moines area. salute Myrtice Chamblin, Cynthia Holder, Leon earned him the universal respect of members Mr. Speaker, I commend Guowei for his Humphries, Lillie Humphries, Cedric King, and and his colleagues. Gary is easily approach- hard-work, dedication, and commitment to ex- Rita Eileen King for their act of valor. Let their able and able to provide a witty remark even cellence. I ask that my colleagues in the testimony and story of triumph continue to be during difficult moments. While his guidance United States House of Representatives join a lesson to us all as we stand on their shoul- and leadership on immigration law and policy me in congratulating him and in wishing him ders to combat oppression. Most importantly, will be sorely missed, we are pleased that he nothing but continued success. let us not be remiss in our effort to shine light will continue to serve immigrants and the f on exemplars that have moved mountains for American people through his work at the Om- budsman’s Office. HONORING THE 1965 INTEGRATION us to walk through and paved paths for us to OF BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA’S walk on. The routes we travel are easier be- Mr. Speaker, we applaud Gary’s tireless, WOODLAWN HIGH SCHOOL cause of you. principled and loyal public service to the U.S. f House of Representatives and the American people and wish him every success in his fu- HON. TERRI A. SEWELL TRIBUTE TO GARY MERSON OF ALABAMA ture endeavors. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. f Wednesday, December 7, 2016 OF MICHIGAN Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECOGNIZING JUSTIN TAYLOR AS today, we honor six individuals—Myrtice Wednesday, December 7, 2016 AN OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERV- Chamblin, Cynthia Holder, Leon Humphries, ANT Lillie Humphries, Cedric King, and Rita Eileen Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I, together King—for courageously integrating Woodlawn with Subcommittee on Immigration and Border High School in Birmingham, Alabama during Security Ranking Member ZOE LOFGREN of HON. ALAN GRAYSON September of 1965. We applaud these six in- California, would like to pay tribute to Mr. Gary dividuals for their noble act to recognize the Merson for his outstanding service to the OF FLORIDA historic precedence they established and to House of Representatives and the House Ju- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES acknowledge the exceptional bravery they dis- diciary Committee in particular. For the past played. 15 months, Gary has served as the chief Wednesday, December 7, 2016 The mid-20th century was an extraordinarily counsel to the Judiciary Committee’s Immigra- Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to turbulent time for Alabama, especially Bir- tion Subcommittee. recognize the service and commitment of my mingham. The city and surrounding area had A native of Lewiston, Maine, Gary’s pas- Deputy Director of Constituent Services, Mr. become a crucible for civil rights activity and sionate dedication to the advancement of im- peaceful protests that were often met with in- migration law and policy is reflected in his dis- Justin Taylor, for his tireless dedication to the conceivable hostility. Segregation and discrimi- tinguished 18-year legal career spanning pri- residents of Florida’s Ninth Congressional Dis- nation both had a strong grip on Birmingham vate practice, non-profit advocacy, and gov- trict. society, which affected all aspects of life for ernment service. Gary will return as the Acting Throughout his tenure with my district office, African Americans. Despite the enactments of Director of the Office of the Ombudsman at Justin has proven himself to be a vital part of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments nearly a United States Citizenship and Immigration our team. As a caseworker, he has collabo- century beforehand, Birmingham’s black citi- Services, where he has served since 2005. rated with management to improve our case- zens had yet to fully experience the promises Gary previously served as counsel to the work system so that my constituents could that these constitutional changes intended to Immigration Subcommittee from February better receive meaningful, timely responses to engender. Thankfully, the Supreme Court’s 2012 through December 2012 during which he their requests for assistance. played an important role in advancing the Vio- unanimous decision of Brown v. Board of Edu- Although Justin is not a native of Central lence Against Women Reauthorization Act of cation in 1954 overturned the long-standing Florida, his commitment to serving our diverse 2013. Prior to joining the Ombudsman’s Of- decision of Plessy v. Ferguson, which had community is apparent. Since joining my office fice, Gary was Government Affairs Counsel emboldened and reinforced the ferociousness in 2014, he has made a positive difference in with Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy of ‘‘separate but equal.’’ the lives of countless individuals. Some high- While these successive legislative modifica- from 1999 to 2005, and prior to that an Advo- lights of his work include assisting veterans in tions and landmark cases created a platform cacy Associate with the American Immigration obtaining critical financial benefits, as well as for diversity in theory, racial inclusiveness was Lawyers Association from 1998 to 1999. Gary helping to secure medical care for the sick still confronted with horrific opposition in actu- is a graduate of Tulane Law School and Van- and elderly. Furthermore, as an advocate for ality. It would take solemn individuals ani- derbilt University. LGBT rights in Florida and across the country, mated with daring spirits to truly produce the Gary’s wide-ranging expertise on immigra- Justin played an important role in assisting social changes needed to foster an integrated tion law and policy and his longstanding lead- family members of the deceased following the and equal United States of America. Today, ership in the area of employment-based immi- tragedy at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. we honor these six outstanding individuals gration have greatly benefitted both sides of who are exemplary of the heroicness herein the aisle during the 114th Congress and this As the 114th Congress comes to an end, so described. Committee in particular. Gary was exception- too will Justin’s tenure in my office. I wish him The integration of Woodlawn High School ally instrumental in the efforts of 225 Congres- all the best in the next stage of his career in by these stellar young people was not an oc- sional Democrats (186 in the House and 39 in public service.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.057 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1629 THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF his shoeshine business with one seat, charg- IN RECOGNITION OF MS. DAWN PEARL HARBOR ing 25 cents a shine. A model of the American DICKERSON FOR RECEIVING THE entrepreneur, George steadily grew his busi- EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD HON. JOE WILSON ness, making it the national landmark it is FROM THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRA- OF SOUTH CAROLINA today. TERNITY’S SIGMA MU MU CHAP- TER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES During his 70 years of business in Peoria, Wednesday, December 7, 2016 countless public figures have walked through George’s doors in hopes of meeting this in- HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speak- OF VIRGINIA dustrious man and having the opportunity to er, on December 7, 1941, our nation was at- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tacked. Today marks the 75th anniversary of place a signed photo in his place of business. the day that will live in infamy of the surprise Over the past 70 years, George has met var- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 attack. ious public figures, including four U.S. Presi- Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to Today is a time to honor the courage and dents, numerous U.S. Vice Presidents, Gov- recognize Ms. Dawn Dickerson of Broadlands, sacrifice of those two thousand service mem- ernors, U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, Virginia, for being named the Educator of the bers that lost their lives in this devastating at- White House Chiefs of Staff; Mayors, world Year by the Sigma Mu Mu chapter of the tack. President Franklin Roosevelt stated that champion athletes, CEOs, and local leaders. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Ms. Dickerson is ‘‘no matter how long it may take us to over- the Assistant Principal at Rock Ridge High George’s Shoeshine business is known come this premeditated invasion, the Amer- School located in Ashburn. This award was throughout Central Illinois for the personal ican people, in their righteous might, will win granted to Ms. Dickerson for her work to im- through to absolute victory.’’ service, craftsmanship, and incredible atten- prove inclusion and acceptance within the stu- As the son of a World War II Flying Tiger of tion to detail he puts into every shoe he dent body at Rock Ridge High School. the U.S. Army Air Corps, 14th Air Force, who shines. I am honored to share the same Ms. Dickerson has been instrumental in or- served in India and China, I am inspired by hometown as George, where a humble man ganizing special events to help her students the service from this time. They are stories of can achieve the American dream through become introduced to new topics as our coun- how the American people met this unspeak- dedication, commitment, and hard work. I ex- try’s next generation of leaders. One such in- able tragedy head on with remarkable deter- tend my sincere congratulations to George stance of her devotion was when she put to- mination. I believe that it is this same strength Manias on a successful 70 years and I look gether a visit from Freedom Rider Joan that has carried our great nation through trials forward to seeing his legacy carry on in down- Trumpauer Mulholland to speak with students since World War II and will be a firm founda- town Peoria. during Black History Month last year. Ms. tion for our future, learning the importance of Dickerson was also a key component in the peace through strength. f Loudoun International Youth Leadership Sum- As a grateful 31-year veteran and the father mit. This Summit enables students to engage of four sons who have all served overseas in PAMELA NISSLER in discussion with, and learn from, a number the Global War on Terrorism, I believe in the of international delegations who attended the power of our armed forces and the righteous event. might they demonstrate in the face of conflicts HON. ED PERLMUTTER Ms. Dickerson’s role as Assistant Principal around the world promoting peace through at Rock Ridge High places her in a position OF COLORADO strength while liberating dozens of countries. where she can have a positive impact on the In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lives of countless young minds. This recogni- may the President by his actions never forget tion from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity comes September 11th in the Global War of Ter- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 as a result of her dedication to the students of rorism. September 11th was the Pearl Harbor Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Loudoun County, and it is a reflection of the of our era with a surprise attack to destroy our today to applaud Pamela Nissler for being rec- wonderful and civic-minded citizens we have civilization. ognized by the West Chamber as a 2016 Cel- throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join f ebrate Women Honoree. Celebrate Women me in congratulating Ms. Dawn Dickerson Honorees are known for their perseverance, COMMEMORATING THE 70TH ANNI- from Rock Ridge High School for receiving accomplishments, generosity, and dedication VERSARY OF GEORGE’S SHOE- this Educator of the Year Award from the SHINE IN PEORIA, ILLINOIS to their passions and their community. Sigma Mu Mu chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Pamela has been working to support and Fraternity. I wish her all the best in her future HON. DARIN LaHOOD advance education in Colorado for more than endeavors. OF ILLINOIS 45 years. Currently, she serves as the Execu- f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tive Director of Jefferson County Public Library RECOGNIZING THE FAIRFAX COUN- (JCPL). Prior to that role, she has served as Wednesday, December 7, 2016 TY EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY the Library Manager, Substitute Librarian, Di- Mr. LAHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to SERVICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY rector of Community Services, and Director of recognize George Manias of Peoria, Illinois on AWARDS Library Programs. Pam’s seven years at the the 70th anniversary of his Peoria business, George’s Shoeshine and Hatters World Head- JCPL have elevated the institution to new lev- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY quarters, a fixture in the Peoria community els in terms of historical importance and educational value in the community. OF VIRGINIA since George began his shoeshine business IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 70 years ago. Pam is a member of both the American and Wednesday, December 7, 2016 As a small child, George moved from Amer- Public Library Associations, as well as a past ica to Crete, a Greek isle, before World War president of the Colorado Library Association. Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- II. George, his family, and their community Pam’s involvement in Jefferson County ex- ognize the Fairfax County Alcohol Service Ac- worked tirelessly to fight off Nazi invasions, pands outside of the library as a member of tion Program (ASAP) on the occasion of the often having to shoot Nazi paratroopers before the West Chamber Board of Directors and the 25th Annual Excellence in Community Service they could land on the island. Despite their Child and Youth Leadership Commission of and Public Safety Awards. This year’s awards gallant efforts, however, the Nazis did eventu- Jefferson County. She has also served on are being jointly sponsored with Mothers ally invade the island. George’s father, a U.S. community leadership associations throughout Against Drunk Driving. ASAP is a criminal justice program which citizen, was imprisoned numerous times Douglas County and Highlands Ranch. Pam throughout Nazi occupation during World War uses community and state services to reduce has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a II. During this difficult time, young George the problem of driving under the influence of Master’s degree in Library Science. went four years without a pair of shoes. alcohol or other drugs. It identifies and pro- In 1946, as a teenager, George returned to I extend my deepest congratulations to vides appropriate services to offenders con- Peoria, Illinois, where he would become an in- Pamela Nissler for this well-deserved recogni- victed of driving under the influence or other tegral member of our community. He started tion by the West Chamber. substance abuse-related charges as referred

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.061 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1630 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 by the local courts. The goal of ASAP is to im- REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR—75 and united to defend freedom in our Nation. prove transportation safety by decreasing the YEARS LATER When the war was won, over 400,000 Ameri- incidence of driving under the influence of al- cans had given their lives for this nation. cohol or other drugs and thereby reducing the HON. TED POE Until September 11th, this was the deadliest number of alcohol or other drug-related crash- OF TEXAS attack on U.S. soil. ‘‘December 7, 1941, a es. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES date that will live in infamy,’’ were words spo- According to the Virginia Department of ken by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Motor Vehicles, in 2014 nearly 36 percent of became forever embedded in the minds of pa- all traffic fatalities in the Commonwealth were Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the sun triots across our land, igniting and launching a alcohol-related. Tragically, more than 40 per- was lazily rising on the horizon over the is- nation into the fiery trenches of battle through- cent of those killed in alcohol related deaths lands of Hawaii. It was around breakfast time out the world. were ages 21–35. While alcohol-related traffic on a stunning Sunday morning. It was quiet, Those of that Greatest Generation proved deaths in Virginia have been on the decline, peaceful, calm. People felt secure. There was that when the peace of this nation is threat- we are still averaging a crash nearly every a small tropical breeze as the American flag ened, our people will stand up and fight back, hour as a result of drunk driving. Sadly, na- was being raised on a nearby flagpole. On bringing the thunder of God upon our en- tional statistics reflect an 8 percent increase in December 7, 1941, America was at peace and emies. Defending freedom and liberty was the alcohol related traffic deaths in the first 6 unprepared for war. battle cry of the sailors and soldiers that died months of 2015 when compared to 2014. We Suddenly, large formations of aircraft 75 years ago at Pearl Harbor. We must con- can only hope that, thanks to the work of or- swarmed the blue Hawaii sky. The rising sun tinue to remember December 7th, 1941 and ganizations like ASAP and MADD, that trend was darkened by hundreds of Japanese the Americans who stood tall and kept the begins to reverse. planes as they strafed and bombed Pearl Har- flame of America glowing brightly. Every year, ASAP honors those in the law- bor. The Japanese unleashed a fury of deadly, And that’s just the way it is. enforcement community who have been in- devastating bombs and torpedoes on the f strumental in fighting impaired driving. I am small island. The first attack of the Second TRIBUTE TO DR. BRUCE RICKER pleased to include the names of this year’s re- World War on American soil was underway. It cipients. was 75 years ago today when Luke Trahin, a City of Alexandria: Officer Anthony 22-year-old sailor from Beaumont, in south- HON. DAVID YOUNG LaRusso. east Texas and his fellow sailors, soldiers, and OF IOWA Arlington County: Officer Brett Kooharian. marines saw war unleashed upon America. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Until that moment World War two was a far- Fairfax County: APO Donald Brodie, PFC Wednesday, December 7, 2016 James Burleson, PFC Hyun Chang, Ms. An- off conflict. America watched silently, abstain- nette Dodson, Officer Harrison R. Gamble, ing from the violence. But the days of inno- Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise OFC Sameer A. Kahn, APO William Ridge- cence were over. America was under attack. today to recognize and congratulate Dr. Bruce way, APO Richard Zhu. The Japanese had caught America by sur- Ricker, of Mount Ayr, Iowa, for being inducted prise and took advantage of an unprepared into the Mount Ayr Community Schools Hall of City of Fairfax: Officer Bryan P. Nelson. nation. And after the smoke cleared on that Fame. City of Falls Church: Officer Kevin Hedden, morning of madness, 98 Navy planes and 64 Dr. Ricker graduated from Mount Ayr Com- PFC Dimitri Issaev. Army aircraft were destroyed. Luke’s unit, Pa- munity Schools in 1975, where he played on George Mason University: Sergeant Michael trol Wing One, lost all but three of its 36 air- two state tournament basketball teams in 1973 F. Lighthiser, MPO Edward T. Gannon. craft. 2,471 Americans, servicemen, and civil- and 1975. He earned his degrees from the Town of Herndon: PFC Eliezer A. Cabo, ians were killed by this unwarranted invasion University of Iowa and the Iowa College of Os- PFC Charles W. Findley. of terror from the skies. teopathic Medicine and Health Sciences. After City of Leesburg: Officer Bradley Schultz. The pride of the United States Navy, the interning and practicing medicine in Phoenix, Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy battleships—West Virginia, California, Okla- Arizona, Dr. Ricker returned to Mount Ayr in Ruben Cardenas, Deputy Glenn P. Keough. homa, Tennessee, Utah, Maryland, Nevada, 1997. He practices medicine at the Mount Ayr City of Manassas Park: Officer Christopher and Arizona—were trapped in the harbor. Medical Clinic and serves as the Medical Ex- Koglin. They made easy targets for the Japanese pi- aminer for Ringgold County, Medical Director Prince William County: Officer Simon Chu, lots. The sailors onboard these battle wagons for HCI Hospice Care Services, as well as for Officer Christopher LaFarree, Officer Jeremy fought with the courage of entire legions of Clearview Home and Mount Ayr Health Care Schenck, Officer Brett Tillett. warriors when they were attacked by a skillful, Center. In 2003, Dr. Ricker was named Physi- Town of Purcellville: Officer Kristopher fanatical, and tyrannical enemy. All of these cian of the Year by the Iowa Osteopathic Med- Fraley, Corporal Clark McDaniel. fierce U.S. Navy battleships were sunk or ical Association and was presented the Spirit United States Park Police: Sergeant Jona- damaged. Their guns, Mr. Speaker, are now of Hospice Award by the Iowa Hospice Asso- than Daniels, Officer Pentti Gillespie, Officer silent. ciation. Christopher Gogarty, Officer Greg Harper, Of- The hull of the USS Arizona became the sa- Mr. Speaker, Dr. Ricker’s efforts embody ficer David Lamond, Officer Lisa Marie cred graveyard in the peaceful Pacific for the Iowa spirit and I am honored to represent Weisbaum, Officer Charles Whiteman, Ser- more than 1,177 American sailors and ma- him in the United States Congress. I ask that geant Adam Zielinski. rines. Luke Trahan and his Navy buddies in all of my colleagues in the United States Town of Vienna: Officer Ara Post, Officer Patrol Wing One quickly got organized, pre- House of Representatives join me in congratu- Brad Reedy. pared, and waited for two days for the ex- lating Dr. Ricker for his achievements and in Virginia State Police, Division Seven: Troop- pected land invasion of the Japanese. It never wishing him nothing but continued success. er Nicholas Casey, Trooper Diego A. came. But America was at war. f Espinosa, Trooper Lorenzo Goode, Trooper World War II had long been raging before Kevin Fleenor, Trooper Adam Hassan, Troop- America officially entered into the conflict. RECOGNIZING GARY ELLIS er Andre D. Jones, Trooper Tomasz Spreading from the Pacific to Europe all the Karbowski, Trooper Zachary Koon, Trooper way to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. HON. ERIK PAULSEN Wesley Paul, Trooper Michael Walton, Troop- The Japanese, then the Nazis; seemed OF MINNESOTA er John Yacek. undefeatable. But even the Japanese were IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Town of Warrenton: Sergeant Arthur concerned about the spirit of America. The Leeper, Officer Matthew McGuirk. Japanese commander of the Pearl Harbor in- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2016 award vasion remarked that what Japan had done Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recipients, and thank each of the men and was wake a sleeping giant. Millions served in recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Gary women listed above for their service to our uniform overseas; millions served on the home Ellis. Mr. Ellis is retiring from medical tech- community. Their efforts are selfless acts of front; all sacrificed for the cause of America. nology leader Medtronic this month after 27 heroism that save innocent lives and truly The nation woke from a somber sleep of neu- years of service, including 11 years as the merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues trality and, with our allies, defeated the tyrants company’s chief financial officer. to join me in commending this extraordinary that would rule over the world. That was a Mr. Ellis’s leadership and vision dramatically group of law enforcement professionals. time when Americans put aside all differences contributed to Medtronic’s financial well-being

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.064 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 7, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1631 and the well-being of thousands of Medtronic ROUGH RIDGE AND ROCK ming to the Commonwealth. To this day, employees. During his tenure with the com- MOUNTAIN FOREST FIRES PACTV continues in the fine tradition of company, Medtronic’s revenue increased from munity access television providing a first $837 million in 1989 to $28.8 billion in 2016, HON. DOUG COLLINS amendment forum undiluted by commercial a 34 times increase. Importantly, he helped OF GEORGIA considerations. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor PACTV oversee the growth of the company from ap- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES proximately 7,000 employees in 1989 to more on this joyous occasion. I ask that my col- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 leagues join me in wishing PACTV continued than 88,000 employees today. Mr. Ellis is success in providing high quality television known for his sound advice, mentorship and Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Rough Ridge programming. positive outlook, and has provided honest and and Rock Mountain forest fires that have re- f insightful counsel to the Medtronic Board of cently impacted Northeast Georgia. HONORING DEBORAH HUNT Directors, the chief executive officer, his peers Over the past few months, my district has and his team. experienced a severe drought that at one Importantly, as part of Medtronic’s Mission point led to a rainfall deficit of more than a HON. JOHN R. CARTER to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life foot and especially affected thousands of OF TEXAS for people around the world, the company’s farmers in Northeast Georgia. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES impact on people’s lives grew exponentially This October, I had the opportunity to learn Wednesday, December 7, 2016 during Mr. Ellis’s leadership. In 2005, when more about the drought’s repercussions from Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. Ellis became chief financial officer, the the Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, today to honor the distinguished career of company proudly improved the life of some- Gary Black, and about 40 local farmers who Deborah Hunt. With her retirement approach- one every 6 seconds. Today, as a result of have struggled with the historic drought. ing, she will soon close out over twenty years Unfortunately, the effects of the drought strong leadership, growth and innovation, of incredible service to her community and went beyond affecting our farmers, and, as Medtronic technology improves the lives of begin the next chapter of her life. wildfires continued to burn in Rough Ridge Deborah has fulfilled her duties with dedica- two people every single second, or more than and Rock Mountain, I was deeply concerned. 65 million people per year. tion and innovation. Her commitment to public In fact, the Rough Ridge and Rock Moun- service started in 1994 when she served as In addition, Mr. Ellis has demonstrated his tain forest fires have each affected over Justice of the Peace in Williamson County. commitment and passion for community 20,000 acres of land in Northeast Georgia. Through the years, she continued to serve her through philanthropic activities and Board Today, I am grateful to report that the community through various public positions, service, including service as Chairman of the Rough Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires including her appointment to the Board of Tax American Heart Association Board in 2007 have been 95 percent contained. I would like Professional Examiners by Former Governor through 2008, as well as dedicated service on to thank the firefighters, police, emergency George Bush and later appointed Chair of the the boards of the Greater Twin Cities United management and medical teams, and many Board by Former Governor Rick Perry. others who have worked long hours at de- Way and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Deborah is well known throughout the state manding jobs to ensure the security and safe- He has also played an active leadership role for paving the way to modernize her depart- ty of the public during this uncertain time. ment. She led the implementation of on-line and contributed many years of Board service Mr. Speaker, I look forward, in the near fu- to his local church. payments and simplification of tax collections. ture, to sharing the good news that the Rough Her office has served as a test site for the Prior to joining Medtronic in 1989, Mr. Ellis Ridge and Rock Mountain forest fires have Texas Department of Motor Vehicles to pilot was a senior audit manager for Price been completely contained. upgrades and new systems. Deborah’s leader- Waterhouse, where, in addition to several f ship is this arena has made a real difference other responsibilities, he managed the IN RECOGNITION OF PACTV in the lives of Texans. Medtronic audit for nearly 10 years. He Deborah’s commitment to service and the worked with several large corporate organiza- highest standard of excellence has not gone tions, as well as providing audit services to HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING unnoticed. Recognized by her colleagues for numerous non-profit organizations. OF MASSACHUSETTS her devotion and hard work, she has achieved IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Ellis grew up on a farm in Sac City, a long list of accolades, including Person of Wednesday, December 7, 2016 Iowa, and originally aspired to be a math the Year as well as the Earl Luna Award, and the Marilyn Albert Achievement, the highest teacher. He received his Bachelor of Science Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor recognized by the Texas Association of degree in accounting in 1978 from the Univer- recognition of PACTV’s 20th anniversary. Assessing Officers. sity of South Dakota. Above all, Mr. Ellis is a PACTV is a non-profit public access television station that operates six channels whose con- Deborah Hunt’s extraordinary commitment family man, who cherishes spending time at to service reflects the best values of Central the lake with his wife, Sue, their two children, tent is available to over 35,000 households in Duxbury, Kingston, Pembroke and Plymouth, Texas. There’s no doubt that Williamson and five grandchildren. Though his leadership County is a better place because of her. I will be sincerely missed, I wish him the best Massachusetts. This community-based television station, heartily salute her work and wish her the best in his retirement and thank him for everything first established in 1996 by the cable com- of luck in all her new endeavors. he has done within the business community mittee and selectmen in Plymouth, was found- f and within the Twin Cities community. ed with the idea that community television pro- 12TH ANNUAL OHIO STATEWIDE gramming could be vastly improved. Over the TRIBUTE TO ROSA PARKS f past 20 years, PACTV has flourished and benefitted the communities it serves. PACTV has PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. JOYCE BEATTY provided a state-of-the-art community multi- OF OHIO media facility and encourages citizens to par- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ticipate in the democratic process by providing HON. ROGER WILLIAMS access to local government coverage and pro- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 OF TEXAS gramming. Further, PACTV provides video Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES production classes, has meeting spaces and honor and celebrate Rosa Parks, ‘‘the Mother an art gallery open to the public and helps of the Modern Civil Rights Movement.’’ Wednesday, December 7, 2016 local non-profits and community service pro- On December 1st, we marked the 61st anni- viders to organize and promote events. versary of Rosa Parks’ arrest for refusing to Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call Over the years, PACTV has accumulated a give up her seat on a Montgomery City Bus. 593 on final passage of H.R. 6393, the Intel- highly qualified staff that is constantly working Her defiance sparked the peaceful 381-day ligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, with the community and a dedicated board of Montgomery bus boycott, leading to the de- I would have voted Aye, which is consistent directors from both industry and non-profit or- segregation of our Nation’s public transpor- with my position on this legislation. ganizations to bring greater quality program- tation system.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:59 Dec 08, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07DE8.067 E07DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1632 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 7, 2016 Rosa Parks, though small in stature, em- service to our children and the Northern Vir- an FY16 annual operating budget of $96.6 mil- bodies the enormous impact one person can ginia community. I ask my colleagues to join lion. Over his three-year tenure as the head of make. me in congratulating her on receiving a 2016 the department, Chief Hudson has increased In recognition, 50 years later in 2005, as a Legacy Award and wishing her great success the number of sworn officers and increased member of the Ohio General Assembly, I in all future endeavors. the budget by over $20 million to better serve spearheaded a bill to designate December 1st f the growing community. Rosa Parks Day, making Ohio the first State In 2013, Stephan M. Hudson was sworn in in the Nation to do so. PAMELA GOFF as the third police chief of the Prince William This year marks the 12th annual tribute to County Police Department. Since his installa- Rosa Parks and I look forward to joining all HON. ED PERLMUTTER tion, Chief Hudson has stressed the impor- Ohioans in celebration tomorrow on December OF COLORADO 8th. tance of creating a diverse police force reflec- In that spirit, today and every day, let us be IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tive of Prince William County’s minority-major- inspired by Rosa Parks and never forget that Wednesday, December 7, 2016 ity makeup. Police Chief Hudson has also one person can ignite change. made increased police contact and trans- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise parency with Prince William County residents f today to applaud Pamela Goff for being recog- one of his top priorities. In his short tenure, RECOGNIZING MS. DEEDEE nized by the West Chamber as a 2016 Cele- Chief Hudson has done just that. The Police CHOWDHURY brate Women Honoree. Celebrate Women Department has achieved a 93 percent satis- Honorees are known for their perseverance, faction rate in the community and has made accomplishments, generosity, and dedication significant strides to increase diversity in the HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY to their passions and their community. police force, including in leadership positions. OF VIRGINIA Pamela Goff has been President and CEO In the past three years, the department has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of PG Construction Services, Inc. for more promoted its first ethnic minority and first fe- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 than 21 years. She is known for her strong male assistant chiefs. As a strong advocate community engagement, willingness to jump Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to con- for police accountability, Chief Hudson suc- right in, and her ability to plan and execute cessfully lobbied the Board of County Super- gratulate Ms. DeeDee Chowdhury on her se- major projects. Pam obtained her Bachelor’s lection as a recipient of the KinderCare Edu- visors to equip 500 of the department’s offi- degree in Accounting from CU Denver and cers with body cameras. Later this year, the cation Legacy Award. completed her graduate course work in Man- KinderCare Education is the largest private Prince William County Police Department will agement Accounting. She has maintained a become the largest municipality with officers to early childhood education provider in the US, CPA license for more than 30 years and also and plays a critical role in preparing young don the device and utilize the technology in holds a Chartered Global Management Ac- the Commonwealth. To preserve the quality of children for school. KinderCare Education countant (CGMA) certification. police services, the Department continues to serves 150,000 children in 39 states and the Pam currently serves on the Board of Direc- District of Columbia. Approximately 23 percent work on three capital improvement programs: tors and on the Finance Committee for the Central District Station, the Animal Control of their children are infants and toddlers. For LocalWorks in Wheat Ridge, and has been in- Facility, and the Public Safety Training Center over 40 years, KinderCare Learning Centers volved in numerous other committees to sup- Rifle Range. have been a place where every child can port small businesses and the larger commu- learn, explore, and discover in a safe and nur- nity. Pam was one of the founding members Chief Hudson is not only admired by the po- turing environment in more than 1,400 com- of the Wheat Ridge Business Association (for- lice department’s rank and file but by county munity-based centers. KinderCare leads the merly Enterprise Wheat Ridge) and served as residents for his strong personal ties to the nation in accredited centers and is passionate the past president for four years. Pam has community. While his childhood was spent in about providing children a sense of discovery been recognized as a recipient of the ‘CPAs Boston, Massachusetts, Hudson graduated while preparing them for success in school Who Make a Difference’ Award and has from Gar-Field High School and has resided in and beyond. served as the Grande Parade Marshall for the the county ever since. As a proud resident of Every year, KinderCare recognizes a select Annual Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival. Prince William County for the past 40 years, few teachers by naming them recipients of its I extend my deepest congratulations to Chief Hudson and his family are actively en- Legacy Awards. This year, one of the hon- Pamela Goff for this well-deserved recognition gaged in the community. His wife Roxana is orees is my constituent: Ms. DeeDee by the West Chamber. the current principal at Belmont Elementary Chowdhury. Ms. Chowdhury is an educator at f School. Together, Chief Hudson and his wife the Silverbrook KinderCare Learning Center have two children and three grandchildren located in Lorton, Virginia. As a result of win- RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF who were all born and raised in Prince William ning this prestigious award, Ms. Chowdhury PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PO- County. Devoted to his faith, Chief Hudson will receive a $10,000.00 prize and will also LICE CHIEF STEPHAN M. HUD- and his family worship at McLean Bible travel to the National Association for the Edu- SON Church where they travel twice a year to par- cation of Young Children’s Annual Con- ticipate in mission trips to rural Kenyan vil- ference. lages. Ms. Chowdhury is dedicated to educating HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY the youngest members of our society. Early OF VIRGINIA Over the span of his career with the Prince education has been proven to directly impact IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES William County Police Department, Chief Hud- future academic performance as well as eco- son has displayed the true meaning of civil Wednesday, December 7, 2016 nomic opportunities for children who have en- service through his commitment to the rule of rolled in Pre-K programs. Through her commit- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- law while maintaining professionalism and dili- ment and efforts, she is helping to ensure the ognize the career of Prince William County gence in serving the community. His values future success of not only her students but of Police Chief Stephan M. Hudson and to con- have endured the test of time and shaped the our community. As a parent and former mem- gratulate him on his retirement following 34- present culture of our Police Department. Mr. ber and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board years of dedicated service to county residents. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in of Supervisors, I understand that how the suc- Founded on July 1, 1970, the Prince William commending the 34-year career of Chief cess of our communities is largely dependent County Police Department serves as the pri- Stephan M. Hudson with the Prince William upon the quality of our local schools, and that mary form of law enforcement for the county County Police Department and in thanking him the quality of our schools is inextricably linked and the towns of Dumfries, Occoquan, for his tireless service to our community. As a to the professionalism and expertise of their Haymarket, and Quantico. At the time of its fearless leader, Chief Hudson rose quickly teachers. founding, the Department had a staff of 52, through the ranks with the Department. I have I have always considered public service to which included police officers, commanders, full confidence he will do the same in all future be one of the most noble of professions and dispatchers, and secretaries, and an operating endeavors. I wish Chief Stephan M. Hudson the services provided by our educators are no budget of $750,000. Today, the Department and his family continued happiness and suc- exception. I commend Ms. Chowdhury for her has grown to more than 845 individuals with cess in all future ventures.

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HIGHLIGHTS Senate agreed to the motion to concur in the amendment of the House to the amendment of the Senate to H.R. 34, Tsunami Warning, Edu- cation, and Research Act (the legislative vehicle for 21st Century Cures Act). Senate H. Con. Res. 40, encouraging reunions of divided Chamber Action Korean American families. Routine Proceedings, pages S6765–S6847 S. Res. 535, expressing the sense of the Senate re- Measures Introduced: Nine bills and two resolu- garding the trafficking of illicit fentanyl into the tions were introduced, as follows: S. 3511–3519, S. United States from Mexico and China, with an Res. 632, and S. Con. Res. 58. Pages S6840–41 amendment in the nature of a substitute and with Measures Reported: an amended preamble. S. 425, to amend title 38, United States Code, to S. Res. 537, expressing profound concern about provide for a five-year extension to the homeless vet- the ongoing political, economic, social and humani- erans reintegration programs and to provide clarifica- tarian crisis in Venezuela, urging the release of polit- tion regarding eligibility for services under such pro- ical prisoners, and calling for respect of constitu- grams, with an amendment in the nature of a sub- tional and democratic processes, with an amendment stitute. (S. Rept. No. 114–395) in the nature of a substitute and with an amended H.R. 1150, to amend the International Religious preamble. Freedom Act of 1998 to improve the ability of the S. 8, to provide for the approval of the Agreement United States to advance religious freedom globally for Cooperation Between the Government of the through enhanced diplomacy, training, counterter- United States of America and the Government of the rorism, and foreign assistance efforts, and through Kingdom of Norway Concerning Peaceful Uses of stronger and more flexible political responses to reli- Nuclear Energy. gious freedom violations and violent extremism S. 1182, to exempt application of JSA attribution worldwide, with an amendment in the nature of a rule in case of existing agreements. substitute. S. 2658, to amend title 49, United States Code, H.R. 2845, to promote access to benefits under to authorize appropriations for the Federal Aviation the African Growth and Opportunity Act, with an Administration for fiscal years 2016 through 2017, amendment. with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. H.R. 4481, to amend the Foreign Assistance Act S. Con. Res. 30, expressing concern over the dis- of 1961 to provide assistance for developing coun- appearance of David Sneddon. tries to promote quality basic education and to es- S. Con. Res. 57, honoring in praise and remem- tablish the goal of all children in school and learning brance the extraordinary life, steady leadership, and as an objective of the United States foreign assistance remarkable, 70-year reign of King Bhumibol policy, with an amendment in the nature of a sub- Adulyadej of Thailand. Page S6839 stitute. H.R. 4939, to increase engagement with the gov- Conference Reports: ernments of the Caribbean region, the Caribbean di- National Defense Authorization Act—Con- aspora community in the United States, and the pri- ference Report: Senate resumed consideration of the vate sector and civil society in both the United conference report to accompany S. 2943, to authorize States and the Caribbean, with an amendment in the appropriations for fiscal year 2017 for military ac- nature of a substitute. tivities of the Department of Defense, for military D1106

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BUSINESS MEETING AT&T-TIME WARNER TRANSACTION Committee on Foreign Relations: On Tuesday, December Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Anti- 6, 2016, Committee ordered favorably reported H. trust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights con- Con. Res. 40, encouraging reunions of divided Ko- cluded a hearing to examine the competitive impact rean American families. of the AT&T-Time Warner transaction, after receiv- LAND BUY-BACK PROGRAM FOR TRIBAL ing testimony from Randall Stephenson, AT&T Inc., NATIONS and Mark Cuban, both of Dallas, Texas; Jeff Bewkes, Committee on Indian Affairs: Committee concluded an Time Warner Inc., New York, New York; Gene oversight hearing to examine the Department of the Kimmelman, Public Knowledge, Washington, D.C.; Interior’s Land Buy-Back Program for Tribal Na- and Daphna E. Ziman, Cinemoi, Los Angeles, Cali- tions, four years later, after receiving testimony from fornia. Michael L. Connor, Deputy Secretary of the Interior; Floyd Azure, Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the INTELLIGENCE Fort Peck Reservation, Poplar, Montana; Terry Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee met in Tatsey, Blackfeet Nation, Browning, Montana; Turk closed session to receive a briefing on certain intel- Cobell, Cobell Board of Trustees, Lubbock, Texas; ligence matters from officials of the intelligence and Melvin E. Monette-Barajas, Indigenous Edu- community. cation, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico. h House of Representatives Recess: The House recessed at 11:38 a.m. and re- Chamber Action convened at 12 noon. Page H7285 Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 29 pub- Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules lic bills, H.R. 6447–6475; and 5 resolutions, H. and pass the following measures: Con. Res. 180–182; and H. Res. 948, 950, were introduced. Pages H7396–97 Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Consolidation Act: H.R. 329, amended, to Additional Cosponsors: Pages H7398–99 amend the Indian Employment, Training and Re- Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: lated Services Demonstration Act of 1992 to facili- H.R. 3764, to provide that an Indian group may tate the ability of Indian tribes to integrate the em- receive Federal acknowledgment as an Indian tribe ployment, training, and related services from diverse only by an Act of Congress, and for other purposes, Federal sources; Pages H7292–97 with an amendment (H. Rept. 114–847); Revising the boundaries of certain John H. Final Report of the Select Committee on the Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System units in Events Surrounding the 2012 Terrorist Attack in New Jersey: H.R. 6400, to revise the boundaries of Benghazi (H. Rept. 114–848); and certain John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources H. Res. 949, providing for consideration of the System units in New Jersey; Pages H7297–98 Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 2028) making appropriations for energy and water development and Chicano Park Preservation Act: H.R. 3711, related agencies for the fiscal year ending September amended, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior 30, 2016, and for other purposes, and providing for to conduct a special resource study of Chicano Park, consideration of the bill (S. 612) to designate the located in San Diego, California; Federal building and United States courthouse lo- Authorizing the Directors of Veterans Integrated cated at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the Service Networks of the Department of Veterans ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and United Affairs to enter into contracts with appropriate ci- States Courthouse’’ (H. Rept. 114–849). Page H7396 vilian accreditation entities or appropriate health Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he care evaluation entities to investigate medical cen- appointed Representative Neugebauer to act as ters of the Department of Veterans Affairs: H.R. Speaker pro tempore for today. Page H7273

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Requiring a regional strategy to address the CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD BONUS threat posed by Boko Haram: The House agreed REPAYMENT ISSUE to discharge from committee and pass S. 1632, to Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Mili- require a regional strategy to address the threat tary Personnel held a hearing entitled ‘‘California posed by Boko Haram. Page H7328 National Guard Bonus Repayment Issue’’. Testimony Meeting Hour: Agreed by unanimous consent that was heard from Lieutenant General Timothy J. when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet Kadavy, U.S. Army, Director, Army National at 9 a.m. tomorrow, December 8. Page H7328 Guard, National Guard Bureau; Major General Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc- David S. Baldwin, U.S. Army, Adjutant General, ture—Communication: Read a letter from Chair- California National Guard; Peter Levine, performing man Shuster wherein he transmitted copies of resolu- the duties of the Undersecretary of Defense for Per- tions to authorize four lease prospectuses and two sonnel and Readiness, Department of Defense; Alissa construction projects, included in the General Serv- M. Starzak, General Counsel, Department of the ices Administration’s Capital Investment and Leasing Army; and Teresa (Terri) A. McKay, Director, De- Programs. The resolutions were adopted by the fense Finance and Accounting Service. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on WASTE AND DUPLICATION IN THE USDA December 7, 2016. Pages H7346–85 CATFISH INSPECTION PROGRAM Suspension—Proceedings Postponed: The House Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on debated the following measure under suspension of Health held a hearing entitled ‘‘Waste and Duplica- the rules. Further proceedings were postponed. tion in the USDA Catfish Inspection Program’’. Tes- Kevin and Avonte’s Law of 2016: H.R. 4919, timony was heard from William Jones, Deputy Di- amended, to amend the Violent Crime Control and rector, Office of Food Safety, Food and Drug Admin- Law Enforcement Act of 1994, to reauthorize the istration; Steve Morris, Acting Director, Natural Re- Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Program, sources and Environment, Government Account- and to promote initiatives that will reduce the risk ability Office; and public witnesses. of injury and death relating to the wandering charac- UNCONVENTIONAL MONETARY POLICY teristics of some children with autism. Pages H7333–40 Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade held a hearing entitled Senate Messages: Message received from the Senate ‘‘Unconventional Monetary Policy’’. Testimony was today and message received from the Senate by the heard from public witnesses. Clerk and subsequently presented to the House today appear on pages H7292, H7312. CORRUPTION: A DANGER TO DEMOCRACY Quorum Calls—Votes: Seven yea-and-nay votes and IN EUROPE AND EURASIA one recorded vote developed during the proceedings Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Eu- of today and appear on pages H7299–H7300, rope, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats held a hearing H7300–01, H7301, H7301–02, H7324, H7324–25, entitled ‘‘Corruption: A Danger to Democracy in Eu- H7325–26, and H7326. There were no quorum rope and Eurasia’’. Testimony was heard from public calls. witnesses. Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- EXAMINING THE COSTS OF journed at 8:47 p.m. OVERCLASSIFICATION ON TRANSPARENCY AND SECURITY Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Full Committee Meetings Committee held a hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the 1890 LAND-GRANT INSTITUTIONS: Costs of Overclassification on Transparency and Se- curity’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES AND SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TIME AND ATTENDANCE ABUSE AT THE Committee on Agriculture: Full Committee held a hear- U.S. PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE ing entitled ‘‘1890 Land-Grant Institutions: Recruit- Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- ment Challenges and Scholarship Opportunities’’. committee on Government Operations held a hear- Testimony was heard from Representatives David ing entitled ‘‘Time and Attendance Abuse at the Scott of Georgia; Cleaver; and Cramer; and public U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’’. Testimony was witnesses. heard from Russell Slifer, Deputy Under Secretary of

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Commerce for Intellectual Property, Deputy Direc- and Representatives Doyle of Pennsylvania, and tor, Patent and Trademark Office; David Smith, Act- Lowey. ing Deputy Inspector General, Department of Com- merce; and public witnesses. MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES SENATE BILL TO DESIGNATE THE Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Full FEDERAL BUILDING AND UNITED STATES Committee held a markup on General Services Ad- COURTHOUSE LOCATED AT 1300 VICTORIA ministration Capital Investment and Leasing Pro- STREET IN LAREDO, TEXAS, AS THE gram Resolutions. The General Services Administra- ‘‘GEORGE P. KAZEN FEDERAL BUILDING tion Capital Investment and Leasing Program Reso- AND UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE’’; lutions passed, without amendment. SENATE AMENDMENT TO THE ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND Joint Meetings RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2016 BALTIC SECURITY Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Com- S. 612, to designate the Federal building and United mission received a briefing on Baltic security after States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in the Warsaw NATO summit from Michael Johnson, Laredo, Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal RAND Corporation, Arlington, Virginia; Magnus Building and United States Courthouse’’; and Senate Nordenman, Atlantic Council of the United States amendment to H.R. 2028, the ‘‘Energy and Water Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Washington, D.C.; and Karl Altau, Joint Baltic Act, 2016’’. The committee granted, by record vote American National Committee, Inc., Rockville, of 6–2, a rule that provides for the consideration of Maryland. the Senate amendment to H.R. 2028. The rule f makes in order a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or his designee that COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR THURSDAY, the House concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. DECEMBER 8, 2016 2028 with an amendment consisting of the text of (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Rules Committee Print 114–70 modified by the Senate amendment printed in the Rules Committee report. The rule waives all points of order against consider- Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on State ation of the motion. The rule provides that the Sen- Department and USAID Management, International Op- ate amendment and motion shall be considered as erations, and Bilateral International Development, to hold hearings to examine State Department and United States read. The rule provides one hour of debate on the Agency for International Development management chal- motion equally divided and controlled by the chair lenges and opportunities for the next administration, and ranking minority member of the Committee on 10:15 a.m., SD–419. Appropriations. Additionally, the rule grants a closed rule for S. 612. The rule provides one hour House of debate equally divided among and controlled by Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Oversight the respective chairs and ranking minority members and Investigations, hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight Review of of the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Nat- the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program’’, 9 ural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastruc- a.m., 2118 Rayburn. ture. The rule waives all points of order against con- Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on sideration of the bill. The rule provides that an Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, hearing entitled amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting ‘‘Mixed Martial Arts: Issues and Perspectives’’, 10:30 of the text of Rules Committee Print 114–69 shall a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital be considered as adopted and the bill, as amended, Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises, hearing shall be considered as read. The rule waives all entitled ‘‘The Impact of Regulations on Short-Term Fi- points of order against provisions in the bill, as nancing’’, 9:30 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. amended. The rule provides one motion to recommit Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Sub- with or without instructions. Testimony was heard committee on Government Operations, hearing entitled from Chairman Shuster, Chairman Bishop of Utah, ‘‘DATA Act Implementation Check-In’’, 9 a.m., 2154 Chairman Upton, Chairman Rogers of Kentucky, Rayburn.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Thursday, December 8 9 a.m., Thursday, December 8

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Thursday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Thursday: Consideration of the Senate ation of the conference report to accompany S. 2943, Na- amendment to H.R. 2028—Energy and Water Develop- tional Defense Authorization Act, post-cloture, and vote ment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016 on the conference report to accompany the bill at 12:30 (Subject to a Rule). Consideration of S. 612—To des- p.m. ignate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse’’ (Subject to a Rule). Consideration of measures under suspension of the rules.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE DeFazio, Peter A., Ore., E1626 Richmond, Cedric L., La., E1610 Dingell, Debbie, Mich., E1612, E1624 Sewell, Terri A., Ala., E1628 Barton, Joe, Tex., E1619 Fortenberry, Jeff, Nebr., E1611 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E1611 Beatty, Joyce, Ohio, E1631 Grayson, Alan, Fla., E1614, E1619, E1624, E1628 Smith, Adrian, Nebr., E1609 Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E1617 Hudson, Richard, N.C., E1615, E1625 Speier, Jackie, Calif., E1616 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E1621 Johnson, Eddie Bernice, Tex., E1618 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E1611 Keating, William R., Mass., E1631 Thompson, Mike, Calif., E1611, E1616, E1621, E1627 Carter, John R., Tex., E1614, E1621, E1631 LaHood, Darin, Ill., E1629 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E1623 Coffman, Mike, Colo., E1616 Larsen, Rick, Wash., E1625 Webster, Daniel, Fla., E1610 Collins, Doug, Ga., E1616, E1631 Lee, Barbara, Calif., E1627 Wenstrup, Brad R., Ohio, E1618 Comstock, Barbara, Va., E1615, E1624, E1629 McCollum, Betty, Minn., E1613, E1623 Williams, Roger, Tex., E1612, E1618, E1623, E1627, Conaway, K. Michael, Tex., E1609 Mica, John L., Fla., E1625 E1631 Connolly, Gerald E., Va., E1613, E1614, E1618, E1619, Miller, Jeff, Fla., E1610 Wilson, Joe, S.C., E1613, E1617, E1620, E1629 E1620, E1624, E1626, E1629, E1632, E1632 Paulsen, Erik, Minn., E1616, E1630 Wittman, Robert J., Va., E1611 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E1628 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E1609, E1610, E1612, E1615, Young, David, Iowa, E1612, E1615, E1618, E1619, E1623, Costa, Jim, Calif., E1612, E1627 E1617, E1620, E1625, E1629, E1632 E1624, E1626, E1627, E1630, E1633 Crenshaw, Ander, Fla., E1626 Poe, Ted, Tex., E1630

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