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, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 No. 175 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was plan that didn’t just win awards, it set ful, understated service and person- called to order by the Speaker pro tem- Portland on a path to a revitalized cen- ality, but all who served and worked pore (Mr. VALADAO). tral city. with him were profoundly impressed f He was elected to the State legisla- with his professionalism, intellect, ture in 1974, where I was privileged to temperament, and quality of service. DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO work with him for two sessions. We This, of course, was just the public TEMPORE served on the revenue committee to- side of Hardy. He was gracious, warm, The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- gether, and I was on the judiciary com- funny, and deeply and passionately fore the House the following commu- mittee which he chaired with remark- committed to his family, his church, nication from the Speaker: able precision and productivity. The and his community. I only wish that I WASHINGTON, DC, same skill and civility that was his could be there in person Wednesday December 6, 2016. hallmark led to his being elected for morning as friends, family, and admir- I hereby appoint the Honorable DAVID G. two terms as speaker of the Oregon ers gather at All Saints Church—a VALADAO to act as Speaker pro tempore on House of Representatives, providing place that played a central role in the this day. steady, thoughtful leadership during Myers family—to pay tribute to this PAUL D. RYAN, trying times for our State. Leaving the remarkable man. Speaker of the House of Representatives. legislature, Hardy was not content to Our hearts and sympathy go out to f merely continue his legal practice at Mary Ann; his three sons, Hardy, III, MORNING-HOUR DEBATE Stoel Rives, where he was for over 30 Chris, and Jon; his 10 grandchildren; years. and his great grandchild. We thank The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The list of his volunteer boards and them for sharing this remarkable cit- ant to the order of the House of Janu- commissions that he combined with his izen with all Oregonians. ary 5, 2016, the Chair will now recog- work and elected service is too exten- Our State is better as a result of his nize Members from lists submitted by sive to mention in full. His contribu- extraordinary service as were all of us the majority and minority leaders for tions, usually in a leadership role, in- who were privileged to know him as morning-hour debate. cluded criminal justice, sentencing friend. The Chair will alternate recognition guidelines, transportation, and govern- between the parties, with each party ment reform. f limited to 1 hour and each Member Hardy capped off his career by serv- other than the majority and minority ing 12 years as Oregon’s attorney gen- RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTH- leaders and the minority whip limited eral, with a side trip as elected member DAY OF RUTH JOHNSON COLVIN to 5 minutes, but in no event shall de- of Portland’s metropolitan, popularly The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. elected regional government. As attor- Chair recognizes the gentleman from f ney general, he held the office with dis- New York (Mr. KATKO) for 5 minutes. tinction, serving with great skill and Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise HARDY MYERS: AN EXTRAOR- commanding the respect and admira- today to recognize the tremendous leg- DINARY PUBLIC SERVANT tion of the State’s lawyers. He gained acy of Ruth Johnson Colvin, a pioneer The SPEAKER pro tempore. The national recognition from his fellow in the adult literacy movement from Chair recognizes the gentleman from attorneys general for distinguished my district who is celebrating her Oregon (Mr. BLUMENAUER) for 5 min- leadership. 100th birthday this month. utes. I had the pleasure to hear Hardy Known as the mother of the adult lit- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, Or- argue and win a case before the United eracy movement, Ruth Colvin has had egon lost an extraordinary statesman States Supreme Court. During his ten- an immeasurable impact on our com- last week with the passing of Hardy ure as attorney general, Oregon won all munity and our Nation. Myers. He was the epitome of a public six cases it brought to our Nation’s In the 1960s, upon discovering that servant. highest court. He was a superb legis- 11,000 people in her hometown of Syra- Hardy’s public service career had an lator and legal scholar who success- cuse, New York, could not read, Ruth auspicious beginning as president of fully ran for office and won nine tough Colvin launched Literacy Volunteers of the Portland City Planning Commis- campaigns. America. That organization, now sion in 1973, where he guided the devel- Hardy never really got the attention known as ProLiteracy, is still based in opment and approval of the downtown his work warranted due to his thought- Syracuse, New York.

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 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.000 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Ruth Colvin has dedicated her entire Prime Minister Netanyahu. There is no mocracy that has served as a model for life to teaching, assisting, and empow- statement clearer to people of the Is- both Palestinians and Israelis—and we ering adult learners. She has taught lamic faith that they do not matter, have worked towards helping parties thousands of people to read, trained lit- that they do not belong, and that they continue to move in the direction of eracy tutors in 26 countries, and devel- will not be tolerated than to restrict two separate but mutually respectful oped and published effective programs the Muslim call to prayer in Jeru- countries, two nations that are not at to teach basic literacy and English as a salem—a city that has heard the Mus- war with each other or subservient to second language. lim call to prayer for thousands of one another. Because of her efforts, hundreds of years. I fear, Mr. Speaker, that Israel her- thousands of adults have learned to I think what is going on in Israel self is moving away from the two-state read both locally in central New York with Prime Minister Netanyahu pre- solution as a goal and that we, as her and around the globe. Over more than sents a cautionary tale about the con- closest ally, must remind her, and our- four decades, Ruth Colvin has pub- sequences of following a political selves, of what is at stake if we lose lished nine books, visited or worked in strongman. The strongman has to keep sight of this important goal. more than 60 countries, and received proving that he is a strongman over f nine honorary doctorate degrees. She and over. Like other strongmen who PROTECTING PENSIONS OF COAL was awarded the President’s Volunteer ride fear into leadership—when you MINERS Action Award from President Ronald base your political career on injecting Reagan, received the Presidential fear and resentment into political af- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Medal of Freedom from President fairs, when you use the backdrop of Chair recognizes the gentleman from George W. Bush, and was inducted into terrorism and the understandable fear West Virginia (Mr. MOONEY) for 5 min- the National Women’s Hall of Fame. of the Israeli people as a political tool utes. Ruth Colvin has given so many the for years and decades—this is the kind Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. Mr. gift of literacy. On December 16 of this of policy that results. Speaker, I rise today to urge swift pas- year, she will turn 100 years old. There is an appetite for constant es- sage of H.R. 2403, the Coal Healthcare Please join me in honoring her tre- calation of what you are doing to stand and Pensions Protection Act. This im- mendous life’s work and her legacy as up to the enemy you have con- portant legislation protects the pen- we celebrate this milestone. Happy structed—an enemy based on but not sions of coal workers who have spent birthday, Ruth, and many, many more. the same as the enemies that fight their lives producing affordable, reli- f against the State of Israel, tolerance, able energy for our country. and peace in real life. Strongmen con- These miners were promised a pen- ISRAEL AND PALESTINE struct a foil—in this case based on the sion when they signed up for the job, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Palestinians, but sometimes exagger- and, ever since the Truman administra- Chair recognizes the gentleman from ated beyond recognition—and they tion, Congress has made sure that the Illinois (Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ) for 5 minutes. need to feed the thirst for more and commitment is honored. It is our duty Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ. Mr. Speaker, I am more action to attack the caricature to continue to uphold this promise very concerned about what is going on that they have constructed. made to our miners. in Israel, and I think it has implica- But strongman politics in Israel has Without help from Congress this tions both for U.S. foreign policy, for the impact of making a long-lasting so- year, the United Mine Workers of domestic policy, and for our own ally, lution that brings peace to the Middle America pension fund will be insolvent Israel. East even harder to achieve. The fun- in 2017, resulting in massive cuts to As the rightwing government of damental rights of Palestinians to have benefits for 22,000 West Virginia mine Netanyahu consolidates power and be- their own state—a state alongside the workers and their families. The Coal comes, in many ways, the one-party Israeli state where they have the same Healthcare and Pensions Protection rulers of Israel, a number of things are basic rights and dignity to govern Act provides relief funding for these changing that should be of concern to themselves and raise their families in pensions without increasing spending all Americans. Specifically, the in- peace—that is what most Israelis, Pal- of taxpayer dollars. Our country’s creasing dominance of the Likud Party estinians, and people around the world hardworking coal miners are respon- as the one-party in Israel jeopardizes have been fighting for. sible for fueling and shaping our econ- the two-state solution that I and many If we are ever going to achieve the omy over the last 250 years. Retired others in the United States and Israel permanent peace that allows Israel to coal miners and their widows deserve feel is the only way to achieve long- exist without fear and Palestine to our respect, appreciation, and, above term peace in the Middle East. exist without occupation then we must all else, the benefits that they were There is a retrenchment of hardline continue to fight for the two-state so- promised. policies—aimed at solidifying alliances lution. With 47 Republican and 40 Democrat with smaller religious and hardline When I was just a freshman, almost cosponsors in the House, this bill is parties that keep Likud in power—that 25 years ago, we celebrated the accom- strongly supported by Members on will make it harder for Israelis, their plishments of Rabin, Arafat, and Presi- both sides of the aisle. Again, I urge allies in America, and anyone who dent Clinton to build towards a peace our leadership to bring H.R. 2403, the seeks a lasting peace to maintain that recognizes the rights and dignity Coal Healthcare and Pensions Protec- progress towards a two-state solution. of the Israelis and the rights and dig- tion Act, to a vote immediately. Right now, the Knesset is considering nity of the Palestinian people. For dec- CONGRATULATING DR. TOM PRICE legislation to legalize all Israeli settle- ades, the United States—under dif- Mr. MOONEY of West Virginia. Mr. ments in Palestinian territory on the ferent leaders in different parties from Speaker, I rise today to congratulate West Bank, even those constructed on Carter to Reagan to Bush to Obama— my colleague and Budget Committee private Palestinian land. Boom—400,000 has recognized that peace will only chairman, Dr. TOM PRICE, on President- people in settlements across the West come with mutual respect and toler- elect Trump’s recent appointment as Bank. It is all legal because they say it ance. That is what we have based our the new Secretary for the Department is legal, but it is not. foreign policy on and should continue of Health and Human Services. Chair- Israel is destroying Palestinian to base our foreign policy on. Having man PRICE has become a friend to me homes at a pace faster than we have talked with average people and with over the past 2 years and will continue ever seen before. It is provocative, leaders on both sides of the Pales- to do great things in his new job in the sweeping, and designed to make it tinian-Israeli conflict, I am convinced Trump administration. harder to ever reach an agreement with that is the only way forward toward When I was first elected to serve the Palestinians. The plan to restrict peace. West Virginia’s Second Congressional the Muslim call to player in Jerusalem America has been a catalyst—a con- District in 2014, I promised my con- has been revived, again to placate structive influence from outside, a na- stituents that I would fight to repeal hardline religious constituents by tion based on religious freedom and de- the Affordable Care Act, also known as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.003 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7185 ObamaCare. My first month in office HONORING VIRGINIA STRATTON the last 2 years. Since day one of his on February 3, 2015, House Republicans The SPEAKER pro tempore. The chairmanship, he has been the driving successfully voted to repeal Chair recognizes the gentleman from force to revive the appropriations proc- OG ObamaCare. In December of that same Iowa (Mr. LOEBSACK) for 5 minutes. ess. Anyone who knows Chairman R - year, the Senate passed our legislation Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, I come ERS, knows his top priority is regular to repeal ObamaCare. President Obama to the House floor today to honor one order. During his chairmanship, he has vetoed it at that time. But we will of my longtime district staffers, Vir- managed 140 appropriations bills on the have a new President next year. ginia Stratton, who retired recently. floor, and managed more than 600 im- Healthcare costs are on the rise be- Virginia had been with my office, portant oversight and budget hearings cause of ObamaCare. ObamaCare adds serving the people of Iowa, since I first and markups. He has worked every day burdensome taxes, regulations, and came into office in January 2007. Since to ensure that the taxpayers’ dollars mandates onto American consumers. then, she has handled more than 3,300 The limited choice in health insurance are being used wisely and responsibly. cases for Iowans having issues with the He has stopped wasteful spending, plans is harming families and their Department of Defense, the Depart- saving the country billions of dollars. budgets. ment of Labor, and the Postal Service; He has also invested in higher priority ObamaCare has killed 2.9 million jobs but, by far, the largest portion of her programs, those that help keep our Na- a year, has continued to raise health cases involved the Veterans Adminis- tion on the right track, keep us safe, insurance costs, and has also placed tration. keep us secure, fight against drug the Federal Government in between pa- As I travel across my district, all 24 abuse, and promote critical rural infra- tients and their doctors. Who are these counties, meeting with veterans, it structure needs. He has never lost sight 2.9 million Americans? They are dis- never fails that one of the first things of his home in Kentucky and the people proportionately low-wage workers I hear is about how hard Virginia he represents in Congress. Their prior- earning well below the average annual fought on their behalf or on behalf of ities are his priorities. wage for all workers, which is less than their loved ones to cut through the red- I know this well because my district $46,000 a year, according to the Con- tape at the VA. is right next door. We are only sepa- gressional Budget Office. The people Whether it was securing medals for rated by the Tug Fork River, a small, who are hurt the most by ObamaCare veterans who served but didn’t receive narrow body of water that goes are the ones that ObamaCare is sup- their proper recognition, or helping ex- through the hills of Appalachia. Chair- posed to help the most. pedite a disability appeal, there was man ROGERS and I share the good peo- Research done by the National Cen- nothing—and I say nothing—Virginia ple of Appalachia. We know the great- ter for Policy Analysis found that the would not do to ensure our veterans re- ness of our people. We know how hard- average monthly premium costs in ceived the assistance that they needed. working they are. It is the coal miners, every demographic rose substantially I always knew that if Virginia was on it is the farmers, it is the factory after ObamaCare was implemented. the case, there would be no stone left workers, it is the teachers, it is the unturned and no question left unasked. backbone of America we both have the b 1015 She worked every day for the past 10 honor of representing. years to ensure our veterans received I have been able to see firsthand West Virginians who get their health the care they earned and rightly de- Chairman ROGERS’ commitment to the insurance through employer-sponsored served. people of Kentucky, his fight for the programs are paying some of the high- As a military parent myself, I believe coal miners and retirees, his fight of est rates in the United States. In West we have no greater responsibility as a the opioid crisis that is devastating Virginia, premiums through employer- nation than to ensure our veterans are communities throughout our region sponsored health insurance programs treated with the same dignity and and this country, his support for edu- have climbed at a steady rate of about honor with which they served our coun- cation, and his leadership in creating 6.4 percent annually since 2010, and it try. There is no one—no one, folks— the SOAR program, shaping our Appa- keeps getting worse. The 33,421 West who epitomizes that sentiment more lachian region. Virginians who are currently enrolled than Virginia. She has been one of the Chairman ROGERS has left an indel- in the Affordable Care Act do not need greatest champions for veterans, and ible mark as chairman of the House to see their rates hiked up again. there was no issue that was too small Appropriations Committee. We thank As a Republican in Congress, I want or too great for her to take on. him for his leadership in that role over to ensure that everyone has access to In the nearly 10 years that Virginia these past 6 years. We have a better health care, but it will be quality worked for my office, she literally per- Appropriations Committee because of health care that people choose for sonally affected the lives of thousands it and a better institution here in the themselves. That is why House Repub- of Iowans. Virginia’s retirement is a House of Representatives, thanks to licans have come up with a plan we call loss for the people of Iowa, but the ef- the leadership of Chairman HAL ROG- A Better Way. Our plan recognizes that forts and hours she invested in working ERS. people deserve more patient-centered on behalf of our veterans will never be I ask my fellow Members to join me care, not more bureaucracy. That forgotten. On behalf of the people of in thanking him for his service as means more choices, not more man- Iowa and all of the veterans of Amer- chairman. I am honored to look for- dates. ica, my wife Terry and I wish Virginia ward to working with him in his con- A Better Way plan offers many im- the best in the next chapter of her life. tinuing capacity here in the House of provements that will help West Vir- Representatives. f Thank you, Chairman ROGERS. ginia’s Second Congressional District, including commonsense reforms to TRIBUTE TO CHAIRMAN HAL f allow health insurance sales across ROGERS COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF State lines. You should have the free- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The LEONARD ROTHSTEIN dom and flexibility to choose the care Chair recognizes the gentleman from The SPEAKER pro tempore. The that is best for you. Insurers should West Virginia (Mr. JENKINS) for 5 min- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from compete for your business and treat utes. New York (Ms. MENG) for 5 minutes. you fair. You and your family should Mr. JENKINS of West Virginia. Mr. Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today have access to the best lifesaving treat- Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to to commemorate the life of my con- ment in the world. a dear colleague, mentor, and friend as stituent Leonard Rothstein, who Under Chairman TOM PRICE’s leader- he is concluding his 6 years as chair- passed away on September 16, 2016. ship, I believe that our healthcare sys- man of the House Appropriations Com- Mr. Rothstein bravely served in the tem in America will thrive. Again, I mittee. Korean war as a private first class, would like to extend my sincere thanks I have had the honor and pleasure of contributing to the war effort as a ra- to my friend, Dr. TOM PRICE. serving with Chairman HAL ROGERS for dioman. Mr. Rothstein was honorably

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.004 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 discharged from the Army on October In conclusion, God bless our troops, b 1030 23, 1953. He received a National Defense and may the President, by his actions, He made a treaty with Carrier, which Service Medal, the Army Good Conduct never forget September the 11th in the will get $7 million from Indiana. Vice Medal, the United Nations Service global war on terrorism. President Pence will give $7 million Medal, and the Korean Service Medal, f from Indiana to Carrier, and then with two Bronze Stars for his service. maybe there will be some kind of—no Mr. Rothstein took great pride in his THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED one knows what is going on, but the service to our country and requested to STATES IS STILL BARACK OBAMA President-elect should spend his time be buried with his military medals. He The SPEAKER pro tempore. The in the transition office and decide who received a military funeral at the Sinai is going to hold the jobs that will make Chapel in Fresh Meadows, Queens. Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington (Mr. MCDERMOTT) for 5 this country run. This is not going to After being discharged from the war, be run by one man in the White House Mr. Rothstein brought his work ethic minutes. Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I who makes pronouncements and thinks to Local Union 3 IBEW and the New that all the world is going to throw York Hotel Trades Council as an elec- just got a call from a reporter about a tweet, which the President-elect has itself down on the ground and worship trician. Anyone would be proud to him. know someone as dedicated to their made, canceling the contract with The Boeing Company and the Federal Gov- We have a democratic process, and community as Leonard. the burden on the House of Representa- Mr. Rothstein has been described as ernment to build Air Force One. Now, the last time I looked, I think that the tives, as I leave it—I mean, in some an unassuming, kindhearted person ways, I am sorry to be leaving because who rarely had a bad thing to say President of the United States is still Barack Obama. He will be President of I think it is going to be a very tough about anyone. He traveled with his session—is to help the new President wife, Gus, to every State in the Nation this country until the 20th of January. What we have right now is a Presi- understand how a democracy actually by bus, train, or plane since they didn’t works. It is not a big business; it is a drive. Mr. Rothstein was beloved by his dent-elect running around the world with his tweet bar making statements business of the people. The 435 Mem- family, and is survived by his wife, his bers of this House take the money that sister, his two sons, his five grand- that are disruptive and distractive for the American public. He calls Taiwan comes in in taxes, and they appropriate children, and great grandson. it out as they see fit for the country. I am happy to stand here today as and raises questions about our rela- tionship with China as though he were The President doesn’t do that. When Mr. Rothstein’s representative to ex- the Congress is done, it passes the bill press my gratitude for his bravery in the Secretary of State, but he has not even found anyone to do that job. He to him, and then he spends the money service and his hard work as a union as the Congress has decided it should member. I urge my colleagues to join should be in the transition office fig- uring out how he makes a smooth tran- be spent. me in recognizing one of our Nation’s If you look at the Constitution—I am sition of the American Government veterans, and offering condolences to sure the President-elect has looked at from the efficiently run government of his family during this time. the Constitution—the first Article is Mr. Obama to his administration, not f the Congress. We are the preeminent making the decisions himself and going body in this government because we CONGRATULATING GENERAL JIM out and announcing them through his are elected by the people, and we have MATTIS tweet at 3 a.m. because he can’t sleep. the power. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The This kind of operation is the oper- Stop tweeting, Mr. President-elect. Chair recognizes the gentleman from ation of somebody who is used to run- f South Carolina (Mr. WILSON) for 5 min- ning a big business. When he is presi- utes. dent of Trump casino or Trump Tower, 21ST CENTURY CURES Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. he can act like that. He can come in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Speaker, I am grateful that President- and say: Do this, do that, do this, do Chair recognizes the gentleman from elect Donald Trump has made another that. Florida (Mr. CURBELO) for 5 minutes. excellent appointment in selecting I don’t know if he understands, Mr. Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speak- General Jim Mattis to serve as Sec- Speaker, that you and the House of er, I rise in support of the 21st Century retary of Defense to rebuild our mili- Representatives are the ones who made Cures Act, a bill that recently passed tary. the contract and appropriated the the House with overwhelming bipar- A recent article in The Wall Street money for that plane. That is the tisan support. Journal notes, ‘‘General Mattis has democratic process of this country. It I am proud that the package includes seen the cost of wars enough to want to is not done by the President getting up provisions for robust medical research, deter them, but he also knows that if in the morning and tweeting out 147 funding to combat opioid abuse, and you fight them you need to do so with characters and ending a contract with support for individuals who struggle the force and will to win.’’ hundreds of jobs at risk of people in my with mental illness and who are President-elect Trump stated that district, good hardworking Americans. trapped in the criminal justice system. General Jim Mattis is ‘‘the closest He will go down to Indianapolis, Indi- Reforming and modernizing our Na- thing to General George Patton that ana, and walk around and say: I have tion’s mental health system has been we have.’’ saved 1,000 jobs. one of my top priorities. It is impera- The recent service of General Mattis We still haven’t seen the contract. tive that we help those who are strug- in the Middle East makes him uniquely We don’t know what the deal is, how gling with mental illness get the help qualified to address threats to service- long the jobs have to last, or how many they need. Many tragedies can be pre- members overseas and American fami- of them have to last. We don’t know vented if the proper support structure lies here at home. With General Mattis anything. We just know that a tweet is in place. serving as Secretary of Defense, our went out that: We have. And then he As part of the reform efforts, I was military will continue to be the best went and did a big rally down there and proud that legislation authored by fighting force in the world, our men did a victory lap, but there is no piece Representative TIM MURPHY, the Help- and women in uniform will be sup- of paper. ing Families in Mental Health Crisis ported, and our military families will Mr. Speaker, if I were to make a rec- Act, which I strongly supported, was be protected. As a 31-year veteran and ommendation to the people in Indian- incorporated into 21st Century Cures. I the grateful dad of four sons who have apolis, it would be: Talk to the Indians, had the opportunity to host a round- served overseas in the global war on to the Native Americans, about the table earlier this year in south Florida, terrorism, I am confident that our goal treaties that have been made with the with my friend from Pennsylvania and of peace through strength will be United States of America and how good local stakeholders, to discuss mental achieved under the leadership of Gen- they are and how hard you have to health and the benefits of this impor- eral Jim Mattis. fight to make those treaties work. tant legislation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.006 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7187 The passage of 21st Century Cures tors. Without a robust and wide base of Of the millions of Vietnam veterans also represents an important step to- subcontractors, we will have fewer who served our country, over 106,000 re- ward the discovery and development of prime contractors tomorrow—meaning side in my home State of Louisiana. new treatments for many diseases, like fewer suppliers, manufacturers, and Though we remain thankful for all of cancer and Alzheimer’s, in addition to innovators—and this will all result in those who served our great Nation, we empowering individuals, families, and increased costs to American taxpayers. would like to take this time to remem- employers across the country with I thank Chairman THORNBERRY and ber the 50th Anniversary of the Viet- more healthcare options. Chairman CHABOT for including my bill nam War. It is important that we I was proud to have supported this and for their hard work in moving the honor our veterans while they are still pioneering legislation, and I look for- NDAA forward. Their efforts serve as alive so that they can take honor for ward to its swiftly being signed into an excellent example of Congress’ the sacrifices and know that they do law. working together on behalf of the not go unnoticed. WIIN AND CEPP brave men and women who are tasked Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speak- with keeping our country safe. I look f er, I rise in strong support of the Water forward to the legislation being signed Infrastructure Improvements for the into law. Nation Act, or the WIIN Act. Included HELP AND HOPE FOR THE CONGRATULATING SOUTHRIDGE SPARTANS MENTALLY ILL in this package, which is expected to be FOOTBALL considered in the House later in the Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speak- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The week, is the Central Everglades Plan- er, I rise to congratulate the Chair recognizes the gentleman from ning Project, which is of critical im- Southridge Spartans football team on Pennsylvania (Mr. MURPHY) for 5 min- portance to the ecological health of the their first trip to the State finals since utes. State of Florida. This project will sig- 1999. Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Mr. nificantly increase freshwater flows After a 2–2 start to the season, the Speaker, today is a day of joy, and it from Lake Okeechobee through the Ev- Spartans’ defense stepped up and shut was, indeed, a long time in coming, but erglades and down into Florida Bay, out all future opponents from scoring a here we are. providing critical relief to our water touchdown. The Spartans outscored My time in Congress was redefined 4 reservoirs and to a stressed ecosystem their final five opponents by a whop- years ago, on December 14, 2012, when in the bay. 26 innocent lives were taken at Sandy The health of Florida Bay is a moral ping 151–0, finishing the season with a 7–2 record and earning a spot in the Hook Elementary School in Newtown, and an environmental cause. It is also Connecticut. Now, it is neither my dis- vital to south Florida’s multibillion- Florida State playoffs. After defeating Coral Gables in the trict nor my State, but when it comes dollar tourism industry, making Ever- to children, all of us represent all chil- glades restoration an important local quarterfinals, Southridge faced off against Deerfield Beach in the dren. Afterwards, when I met with the issue as well as a major national pri- families, they gave me pictures of their ority. Long-term restoration will be semifinals. The Spartans overcame six turnovers, five of which came in their children and spouses whom they lost achieved primarily by constructing that day, and I made a promise—the projects for the conveyance, treatment, own territory, to defeat Deerfield Beach 26–7 and to clinch their rightful promise that we would not continue to and storage of water and, ultimately, watch passively or just offer moments the restoration of freshwater flow from place in the championship game this Saturday in Orlando v. Dr. Phillips of silence as these tragedies continue, north to south. CEPP contributes to all that we should deliver, instead, treat- of these goals. High School. I congratulate head coach Billy Rolle ment before tragedy. I thank Chairman SHUSTER for work- Today, Mr. Speaker, I say thanks to ing with me to include $1.9 billion for and principal Miret, along with the the Members of Congress who changed the Everglades Restoration Program in players, students, faculty, and alumni the course with me—who teamed up to the WIIN Act. I am proud that, through of Miami Southridge High School, for finally change the way the United bipartisan efforts, we were able to in- their amazing season thus far. States treats the mentally ill. We set clude this much-needed funding for Ev- Good luck. Bring the championship our eyes on one goal: to fix our Na- erglades restoration, and I look for- home. tion’s broken mental health system. ward to getting this bill signed into f Since then, we have come together to law. VIETNAM VETERANS work towards protecting millions of FY 2017 NDAA AND SPOC ACT The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Americans who suffer from mental ill- Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speak- ness. We traveled to every corner of er, I rise to applaud the House’s pas- Chair recognizes the gentleman from this Nation and listened to doctors, sage of the National Defense Author- Louisiana (Mr. ABRAHAM) for 5 min- psychologists and psychiatrists, ex- ization Act for 2017. utes. This bipartisan legislation strongly Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. Speaker, in perts and advocates—most impor- supports our servicemembers by pro- honor of Veterans Day last month, I in- tantly, to patients, consumers, and viding a much-deserved 2.1 percent pay troduce Louisiana House Concurrent their families. raise and improves access to health Resolution 43 into the United States Through congressional hearings and care for them and for their families. It CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. investigations, we have discovered the prohibits the administration from This resolution recognizes November abhorrent and sometimes fatal dis- transferring our naval base in Guanta- 13, 2013, through November 11, 2025, as connect between the 112 Federal agen- namo Bay, Cuba, to the Castro dicta- the commemoration of the 50th Anni- cies that were assigned to treat the torship. It also protects victims who versary of the Vietnam War. It is im- mentally ill. We exposed $130 billion report sexual assault from personal and portant that we recognize our Nation’s spending in a system that has done lit- professional retaliation by making ‘‘re- heroes who served with valor and honor tle but to watch the rates of homeless- taliation’’ a separate offense under the through this long war, which in many ness, incarceration, suicide, and drug Uniform Code of Military Justice. ways defined an entire generation of overdose deaths soar. We came to- In addition, I am grateful that my Americans. By the end of the Vietnam gether across party lines and went to bill, the Service Provider Opportunity war, nearly 3 million American service- work. We passed legislation that will Clarification Act, was included in the men and servicewomen had served save lives. final package. Any large business that within the borders of Vietnam in some I thank FRED UPTON for his leader- receives a contract for more than capacity in that conflict. We would ship on our Committee on Energy and $650,000 must show the Federal Govern- like to take this time to honor all Commerce with regard to H.R. 2646, the ment how it will use small businesses Vietnam veterans and, especially, the Helping Families in Mental Health Cri- as subcontractors. more than 58,000 patriots who paid the sis Act, and for his tremendous medical Subcontracting is an important ultimate sacrifice during this difficult innovation bill, the 21st Century Cures entry point for new Federal contrac- and painful period of war. Act.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.008 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 I thank EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Millions of Americans in this season from New Jersey, which calls for free Texas for her conviction and deter- have variously turned to the celebra- elections, respect for the rule of law, mination and for applying her experi- tion of the Christmas season, with its and freedom of expression. The Ortega ence as a psychiatric nurse to cham- trees and lights, and Hanukkah, the regime seems eager to neglect these pion the cause that someone in crisis Festival of Lights. basic important conditions and is dou- should be able to get treatment in a Even so, in our political world, there bling down on its tyrannical tactics. hospital and not just be locked up in a remains the reality of considerable dis- We must hold Ortega accountable with jail cell. agreement and contention. Where there the NICA Act and tell him we will not I thank Speaker RYAN, who, in his is darkness here, send forth a spark of ignore his terrible tactics. very first days as Speaker of the inspiration and grace to enlighten f House, pledged his support and deter- minds and warm hearts to respond to REBUILD AMERICA’S mination to ensure that we would take Your love for Your people. INFRASTRUCTURE action in the way that we treat the Eternal Father of us all, fill Your mentally ill in this Nation. children with the delight that comes (Mr. HIGGINS asked and was given To all of my colleagues in the House from light. May we walk no longer in permission to address the House for 1 who spoke up, stepped up, and teamed the darkness of distrust, but join to- minute.) up in our efforts to end the mental gether in mutual understanding and Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, how does health crisis in America, thank you. peace toward the common well-being of America, the strongest economy in the history of the world, accept a world I thank our colleagues in the Senate our Nation. ranking of 23rd behind Spain and Chile as well—Senator CHRIS MURPHY, Dr. May all that is done this day be for in the quality of our roads and BILL CASSIDY, and Senators CORNYN Your greater honor and glory. bridges—American infrastructure? and ALEXANDER—for their leadership in Amen. Let’s look at the facts. bringing this bill to a vote before the f In 2005, Congress passed a roads bill Senate. As the Senate takes up the bill THE JOURNAL that was 35 percent smaller than what today, I ask them all to cast their was needed just to bring our roads and votes while being mindful of the mil- The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- bridges to a state of good repair. In lions of American lives it will save. ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- 2009, Congress passed an economic Most importantly, I close by thank- ceedings and announces to the House stimulus bill, directed just 7 percent to ing the millions who had the courage his approval thereof. our transportation and infrastructure, to come forward and share their stories Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- and, last year, we passed a transpor- of pain and suffering under this broken nal stands approved. tation bill that provided less than half system—those who have lost a loved f of what was needed to reverse the de- one, those who have a loved one who is cline of our roads and bridges. This is sitting in a jail cell or who is homeless PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE not only weak, it is pathetically weak. in the streets. The SPEAKER. Will the gentle- Standard & Poor’s reports that for To those who have been the last, the woman from New Hampshire (Ms. every $1.3 billion invested in roads and least, the lost, and the lonely, know KUSTER) come forward and lead the bridges, it creates 29,000 jobs—Amer- that we will continue to listen. In the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. ican jobs—produces $2 billion in eco- final version of the Helping Families in Ms. KUSTER led the Pledge of Alle- nomic growth, and reduces the Federal Mental Health Crisis Act, we did not giance as follows: deficit by $200 million. get everything we needed, but we need- Both Presidential candidates talked I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the ed everything we got, and we will con- United States of America, and to the Repub- about a large investment in American tinue to work together. lic for which it stands, one nation under God, infrastructure, but I am concerned that When we began this journey 4 years indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the President-elect’s program may be ago, I challenged us all to realize the comprised of tax cuts for already- f sad reality of, where there is no help, planned projects. This would be selling there is no hope. Know now that, as we ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER the American people and the American pass and enact this bill, we will finally The SPEAKER. The Chair will enter- economy short. You just spent $105 bil- be able to say there is help and, most tain up to 15 requests for 1-minute lion rebuilding the roads and bridges of assuredly, there is hope. speeches on each side of the aisle. Afghanistan. You just spent $76 billion f rebuilding the roads and bridges of f Iraq. It is time the Nation built here at RECESS NICARAGUA home and in America. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was f ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair given permission to address the House CONGRATULATING COACH JAMES declares the House in recess until noon for 1 minute and to revise and extend FRANKLIN today. her remarks.) Accordingly (at 10 o’clock and 43 (Mr. PERRY asked and was given Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- permission to address the House for 1 days leading up to the November 30 and cess. minute and to revise and extend his re- December 1 protest in Nicaragua marks.) f against the Ortega regime’s proposed Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise b 1200 interoceanic canal and a corrupt elec- today to congratulate Coach James tion, the National Police, instructed by Franklin and his football team from AFTER RECESS Daniel Ortega, sent heavy machinery, my alma mater, Penn State, on win- The recess having expired, the House created checkpoints, and used barri- ning the Big Ten Championship on Sat- was called to order by the Speaker at cades to block farmers and indigenous urday over the Wisconsin Badgers. noon. communities from attending the pro- Many counted out the Nittany Lions f tests. Nicaraguans were severely beat- in the second quarter after Wisconsin en. Some were even shot. But Ortega’s took a commanding 28–7 lead. As ex- PRAYER repression did not stop the Nicaraguan pected, Penn State turned things The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick people who yearn for freedom and pros- around quickly with their lethal pass- J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: perity from participating in the pro- ing attack and always formidable de- Gracious God, we give You thanks for test. fense. giving us another day. Mr. Speaker, in September of this Quarterback Trace McSorley set a Throughout history, You have been year, this legislative body passed the Big Ten Championship game record ever present to all believers. In times NICA Act—legislation I authored, with 384 passing yards and 4 touch- of darkness, we readily turn on lights. along with my colleague, ALBIO SIRES, downs, as number 7 Penn State

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.009 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7189 clinched one of the most impressive He is passionate about improving ored to have had the privilege to work Big Ten titles of all time, with a 38–31 education with local control. He has alongside him during my two terms in victory over number 6 Wisconsin. spent his career promoting traditional, the State legislature. Pennsylvania and the Nittany nation value-based education and important Leo has served our great State of are very proud of you. We are. programs like FFA and 4–H. North Carolina for nearly 3 decades in f Jim Buchy’s role in the legislature Raleigh, and he will be sorely missed. PASS LEGISLATION TO FIND will be missed, but he will live on He leaves a great and distinguished leg- CURES through his reputation and the great acy—one that every North Carolinian example he set. can be especially proud. (Ms. KUSTER asked and was given Thank you for your service, Jim, and On behalf of the countless citizens permission to address the House for 1 thanks for living your faith boldly, for whose lives Leo has touched, I wish minute.) loving your community dearly, and for him and his wonderful wife, Helen, Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to giving so much of yourself in service to much happiness as they enter their urge the Senate to pass and President make sure the next generation is bet- next chapter in life. Obama to sign into law the 21st Cen- ter off than they would have been with- f tury Cures Act. out your leadership and service. God This bipartisan legislation represents WATER INFRASTRUCTURE bless you. a comprehensive strategy to improve IMPROVEMENTS f medical innovation, access lifesaving (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given medicine, and improve mental health SURGEON GENERAL’S REPORT ON permission to address the House for 1 services. The bill includes funding for ADDICTION minute and to revise and extend his re- President Obama’s Precision Medicine (Mr. QUIGLEY asked and was given marks.) IDEN’s Initiative, for Vice President B permission to address the House for 1 Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, later Cancer Moonshot, and a new program minute and to revise and extend his re- this week, the House will vote on the to improve our understanding for brain marks.) Water Infrastructure Improvements for diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise the Nation Act, also known as the But most importantly, Congress has decided to address one of the worst today to commend the Surgeon Gen- WIIN Act. This legislation includes a number of public health crises of the 21st century. eral’s new report titled ‘‘Facing Addic- great provisions for Florida and my Sadly, last year, in my home State of tion in America: The Surgeon Gen- district, including promoting public- New Hampshire, we had the third high- eral’s Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and private partnerships for dredging est opioid overdose rate per capita in Health.’’ In 2015, over 27 million Americans re- projects. Allowing these partnerships the entire country. But this crisis is ported current use of illicit drugs or will help clear the backlog of Army not unique to my State. Across Amer- misuse of prescription drugs. That Corps projects, at or below cost, all ica, communities and families are means that more people use prescrip- while adhering to Federal maintenance shaken from the deaths of loved ones tion opioids than use tobacco, and standards. due to overdose. Opioid addiction is there are more people struggling with This means that there will be more truly a national public health crisis. As founder and co-chair of the Bipar- substance abuse disorders than people opportunities for projects to be com- tisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin with cancer. pleted in a reasonable timeframe, such Epidemic, I urge the Senate to prompt- Substance abuse, misuse, and sub- as the federally authorized Anclote ly pass this important bill. stance use disorders cost the U.S. more River dredging project in my district. than $442 billion annually in crime, Dredging the Anclote River would pro- f health care, and lost productivity—al- mote relief for local residents from HONORING OHIO STATE most twice as high as the costs associ- chronic flooding and bring commerce REPRESENTATIVE JIM BUCHY ated with diabetes. We in Congress back to the Tarpon Springs area. (Mr. DAVIDSON asked and was given have a responsibility to utilize this re- f port and mobilize around its deeply sci- permission to address the House for 1 CONGRATULATING ROCHESTER entific and evidence-based findings to minute and to revise and extend his re- HIGH SCHOOL ROCKETS marks.) find the best policy solutions that af- Mr. DAVIDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise fect all of our constituents in districts (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois to honor and pay tribute to Ohio State across the country. asked and was given permission to ad- Representative Jim Buchy. Addiction does not discriminate. It dress the House for 1 minute and to re- Representative Jim Buchy will retire affects Americans from every walk of vise and extend his remarks.) from the State House at the end of the life, regardless of race, class, gender, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. year. In fact, this week will likely religion, or geographic location. Now is Speaker, I rise today to recognize and mark the last time on the floor for Jim the time to face the addiction crisis congratulate the Rochester High Buchy as a representative, having head on. School Rockets on winning the Illinois served for more than 20 years in that f class 4A State football championship. role. The Rochester Rockets, who finished I am thankful to know Jim. I respect HONORING LEO DAUGHTRY the season with a 13–1 record, defeated him tremendously because he has been (Mr. ROUZER asked and was given Johnsburg 38–14 on November 25 to se- characterized more by his deeds than permission to address the House for 1 cure the sixth State championship in by his words. He is a strong Christian, minute.) football in the school’s history. That is a solid conservative, and an articulate Mr. ROUZER. Mr. Speaker, I rise 6 out of the last 7 years. Republican. He has championed the today to honor my good friend, North On their way to the State title, the cause of freedom with great ideals, but Carolina Representative Leo Daughtry, Rockets exceeded the national average a genuine passion to represent the peo- as his tenure in the State House offi- in receiving yards, total touchdowns, ple in his district and their common cially comes to a close. tackles, sacks, and interceptions. The values in public service. He is a good Leo has served as a strong voice for Rockets are setting a standard for ath- man. the fine citizens of Johnston County letic excellence in Illinois. Both girls’ Jim lives in Greenville, Ohio. He has and commonsense conservative prin- and boys’ sports in Rochester have raised a beautiful family, built and ciples since first being elected to the been thriving, including the girls’ soc- exited a very successful business, State Senate in 1988. During his tenure cer team winning its second straight served the community—in his church, in the State legislature, Leo has stood title in 2016. on the board of education, with 4–H, tall and fought tirelessly for the tax- Congratulations to this group of stu- economic development, and in many payer and common sense in govern- dent athletes and their coach, and my ways. He has been a genuine leader in ment. His guardianship of the judicial friend, Derek Leonard, on another the Ohio pro-life movement. branch is well known, and I am hon- championship season.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.010 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 b 1215 Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. OFFICE OF THE CLERK, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 21ST CENTURY CURES Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Grand Valley State University wom- Washington, DC, December 6, 2016. (Mr. ALLEN asked and was given en’s cross country team for yet another Hon. PAUL D. RYAN, The Speaker, House of Representatives, permission to address the House for 1 NCAA Division II national champion- minute and to revise and extend his re- Washington, DC. ship. DEAR MR. SPEAKER: Pursuant to the per- marks.) With their victory last month, the mission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to Lakers have won their fourth national the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- thank my colleagues for passing the title in 5 years and their fifth in school tives, the Clerk received the following mes- 21st Century Cures Act. history—further cementing their sta- sage from the Secretary of the Senate on De- This legislation speaks for itself. It cember 6, 2016, at 11:29 a.m.: tus as a running dynasty. In addition That the Senate passed with an amend- will bring healthcare research and in- to the national titles, four Lakers ment H. Con. Res. 174. frastructure into the 21st century. claimed All-American honors. Among With best wishes, I am, During my time here in Congress, I them, senior Kendra Foley won her sec- Sincerely, have met with countless groups across ond national championship in 3 years KAREN L. HAAS. Georgia 12, like the Alzheimer’s Asso- and her fourth straight All-American f ciation, who have told me how this leg- honor. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER islation can and will change lives. In Let us commend these runners, their PRO TEMPORE fact, more than 5 million Americans parents, and their coaches for the years The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- currently live with this disease. In a of dedicated training and the countless ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair recent op-ed, the association noted sacrifices that were necessary to ac- that, if nothing is done to change the will postpone further proceedings complish such a feat. These athletes today on motions to suspend the rules trajectory of Alzheimer’s, as many as demonstrated just how competitive 16 million Americans will have the dis- on which a recorded vote or the yeas west Michigan is on the national stage. and nays are ordered, or on which the ease by 2050, which will drain every I ask my colleagues to join me in dollar from our healthcare system. vote incurs objection under clause 6 of celebrating these talented women, rule XX. These staggering statistics go to their coaches, and the rest of Grand show that the Cures Act will touch ev- Record votes on postponed questions Valley State University. will be taken later. eryone’s life. By equipping researchers, Anchor up, and go Lakers. the 21st Century Cures Act is the an- f swer to unleashing the barriers so the f STREAMLINING ENERGY EFFI- medical community can develop and CIENCY FOR SCHOOLS ACT OF deliver lifesaving treatments to Ameri- SHERIFF FRANK DENNING 2015 cans who are battling diseases like Alz- (Mr. YODER asked and was given Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to heimer’s. permission to address the House for 1 suspend the rules and pass the bill I was proud to vote in favor of this minute and to revise and extend his re- (H.R. 756) to amend the Energy Policy historic 21st Century Cures and see it marks.) and Conservation Act to provide for pass with overwhelming bipartisan sup- Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to the dissemination of information re- port, and I am excited to see this legis- recognize one of the most dedicated garding available Federal programs re- lation bring hope to Americans and public servants to Johnson County, lating to energy efficiency projects for their loved ones. Sheriff Frank Denning. Frank dedi- schools, and for other purposes. f cated his more than 42-year career to The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows: MEDIA SHOULD REPORT THE helping keep Kansas communities safe. FACTS That career began back in 1969 as a H.R. 756 reserve police officer for the Great Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was resentatives of the United States of America in given permission to address the House Bend Police Department, and for the Congress assembled, for 1 minute and to revise and extend past 33 years, he has proudly served the SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. his remarks.) citizens of Johnson County. Frank This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Stream- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, served with the Great Bend, Larned, lining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act of Americans are frustrated because they and Garden City Police Departments 2015’’. know that many of the news stories before joining the Johnson County SEC. 2. COORDINATION OF ENERGY RETRO- Sheriff’s Office in 1978. FITTING ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOLS. they read are actually opinion pieces. Section 392 of the Energy Policy and Con- If the facts do not fit the liberal world Over the years, I have gotten to know servation Act (42 U.S.C. 6371a) is amended by view, dissent is silenced, and the result Frank well, and I consider him to be a adding at the end the following: is one-sided and often misleading. great friend and an even better public ‘‘(e) COORDINATION OF ENERGY RETRO- The Pew Research Center found that servant. His leadership in the sheriff’s FITTING ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOLS.— office has made Johnson County a lead- ‘‘(1) DEFINITION OF SCHOOL.—Notwith- a majority of Americans—59 percent— standing section 391(6), for the purposes of reject the idea that reporters should er in reducing recidivism rates through the Second Chance and Reentry Pro- this subsection, the term ‘school’ means— add their own opinions to their news ‘‘(A) an elementary school or secondary stories. Americans believe that the me- grams. We have worked hand in hand school (as defined in section 9101 of the Ele- dia’s responsibility is to present the on several Federal issues that are im- mentary and Secondary Education Act of facts, not ignore them. The media has portant to the Third District of Kan- 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801)); work to do to repair the self-inflicted sas, most notably the Kelsey Smith ‘‘(B) an institution of higher education (as damage to its credibility over the last Act. defined in section 102(a) of the Higher Edu- Mr. Speaker, please join me in con- cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002(a))); few months. Distrust of the national ‘‘(C) a school of the defense dependents’ media will continue until the media gratulating Frank on his retirement and in wishing him and his wife, Robin, education system under the Defense Depend- provides the American people with the ents’ Education Act of 1978 (20 U.S.C. 921 et facts instead of telling them what to all the best in the years to come. seq.) or established under section 2164 of title think. 10, United States Code; f ‘‘(D) a school operated by the Bureau of In- f dian Affairs; GVSU WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY COMMUNICATION FROM THE ‘‘(E) a tribally controlled school (as de- NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CLERK OF THE HOUSE fined in section 5212 of the Tribally Con- trolled Schools Act of 1988 (25 U.S.C. 2511)); (Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan asked The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and and was given permission to address BYRNE) laid before the House the fol- ‘‘(F) a Tribal College or University (as de- the House for 1 minute and to revise lowing communication from the Clerk fined in section 316(b) of the Higher Edu- and extend his remarks.) of the House of Representatives: cation Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b))).

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.012 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7191 ‘‘(2) ESTABLISHMENT OF CLEARINGHOUSE.— I reserve the balance of my time. last Report Card for America’s Infra- The Secretary, acting through the Office of Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- structure, the American Society of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, self such time as I may consume. Civil Engineers gave the condition of shall establish a clearinghouse to dissemi- I thank my colleague from Texas. our Nation’s schools a grade of D. As nate information regarding available Federal This bill is important. I am here with programs and financing mechanisms that school administrators undertake badly may be used to help initiate, develop, and fi- my colleague Mr. CARTWRIGHT, who needed improvements, they have an op- nance energy efficiency, distributed genera- will be speaking on this in a few min- portunity here to substantially in- tion, and energy retrofitting projects for utes and who played a major role in the crease their facilities’ energy effi- schools. passage of this legislation. Even ciency, producing benefits for both the ‘‘(3) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out para- though he is not a member of the En- environment and the economy. In re- graph (2), the Secretary shall— ergy and Commerce Committee, he is ducing their energy bills, schools can ‘‘(A) consult with appropriate Federal very much concerned about the oppor- put the savings to use in other edu- agencies to develop a list of Federal pro- tunities that occur when we make our grams and financing mechanisms that are, or cational priorities. may be, used for the purposes described in energy use more efficient. K–12 school districts currently spend paragraph (2); and Across the country, K–12 school dis- billions on their energy bills every ‘‘(B) coordinate with appropriate Federal tricts spend literally billions of dollars year—in fact, according to ENERGY agencies to develop a collaborative edu- on their energy bills each year while an STAR, approximately $6 billion every cation and outreach effort to streamline estimated 14 million American children year—second only to personnel costs communications and promote available Fed- attend deteriorating public schools. and way ahead of the costs of text- eral programs and financing mechanisms de- According to a Department of Edu- books and supplies and things like scribed in subparagraph (A), which may in- cation survey, 43 percent of schools in- clude the development and maintenance of a that. Energy expenses are one of the single online resource that includes contact dicated that the poor condition of their few costs that can be reduced while, at information for relevant technical assistance facilities interferes with the delivery of the same time, improving classroom in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Re- instruction, and those are probably instruction. In fact, high-performance newable Energy that States, local education schools in my district and in all of our schools can lower a school district’s op- agencies, and schools may use to effectively colleagues’. By upgrading these sys- erating costs by up to 30 percent. access and use such Federal programs and fi- tems, we can increase efficiency and There are numerous Federal initia- nancing mechanisms.’’. get better educational outcomes. tives already available to schools to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- It is not good for kids to be cold or help them become more energy effi- ant to the rule, the gentleman from too hot when they are trying to study cient. As the gentleman from Vermont Texas (Mr. OLSON) and the gentleman and learn. There are numbers of Fed- just mentioned, the problem is that from Vermont (Mr. WELCH) each will eral initiatives already available to these programs are spread across the control 20 minutes. schools to help them become more en- Federal Government, making it chal- The Chair recognizes the gentleman ergy efficient, but the problem is these lenging, time consuming, and costly from Texas. programs are spread across the entire for schools to identify and take full ad- GENERAL LEAVE Federal Government, making it dif- vantage of these programs. Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- ficult for a small school, particularly Introduced in the Senate as S. 523, by imous consent that all Members may in a rural district, to know where to Senator SUSAN COLLINS, this bipartisan have 5 legislative days in which to re- look and how to take full advantage of Streamlining Energy Efficiency for vise and extend their remarks and to these programs. Schools Act aims to provide a coordi- insert extraneous materials in the That is where this legislation comes nating structure for schools to help RECORD on the bill. in. As I mentioned, introduced by Con- them better navigate available Federal The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there gressman CARTWRIGHT and with my programs and financing options. objection to the request of the gen- strong support, this Streamlining En- This legislation does not spend an ad- tleman from Texas? ergy Efficiency for Schools Act will ditional dime of taxpayer money, and There was no objection. provide a coordinating structure for it keeps decisionmaking authority Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- schools to help them better navigate with the States, the school boards, and self such time as I may consume. available Federal programs and financ- local officials. H.R. 756, the Streamlining Energy Ef- ing options. It is a bill that establishes a clearing- ficiency for Schools Act, is an impor- At this point, Mr. Speaker, I yield house through the Office of Energy Ef- tant bill that would help the Nation’s such time as he may consume to the ficiency and Renewable Energy, which schools make use of existing Federal gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. will disseminate information on Fed- programs to reduce their energy use. CARTWRIGHT). eral programs and financing mecha- There are currently a number of such Mr. CARTWRIGHT. I thank the gen- nisms that may be used to develop en- programs that help schools undertake tleman from Vermont. ergy efficiency, distributed generation, projects that improve energy effi- Mr. Speaker, I thank the leadership and energy retrofitting projects for ciency. Unfortunately, school districts for taking this bill up under suspension schools. don’t always have the know-how to today. navigate the complexities of the Fed- I remain hopeful that a compromise b 1230 eral system and take full advantage of energy package can still be agreed This bill also directs the Office of En- these programs. This bill creates a sim- upon this Congress, and I am glad this ergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ple, one-stop shop to get all the needed bill was included in both the House and to coordinate with Federal agencies information and help the school dis- Senate versions of that energy pack- and develop an outreach effort to tricts participate more fully in these age. Nonetheless, I am pleased that streamline communications and pro- programs. The bottom line is that the commonsense ideas, such as this one, mote available Federal programs. This Nation’s schools will reduce their en- may still become law even if the larger kind of outreach may include a single ergy costs. package proves too large a lift in the Web site that school officials can go to As it is, energy use in American K–12 last days of this Congress. for one-stop shopping and learn about schools totals $6 billion a year, and re- I thank Congressman PETER WELCH relevant energy efficiency programs. ducing this figure can save taxpayer for his leadership on this bill. It is no Overburdened school administrators dollars or free up funds that schools secret that he is one of the great cham- shouldn’t have to spend hours and can use on things other than on energy pions in the House of Representatives hours wading through the Federal bu- bills. H.R. 756 has no cost since it mere- on the issue of energy efficiency, and it reaucracy as they look for ways to ly sets up a system under which exist- has been my pleasure to work with him make energy efficiency improvements. ing school energy efficiency programs on this bill. This commonsense legislation will en- can work better. Mr. Speaker, so many schools across sure that schools can more easily take Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to the country are in need of upgrades and advantage of already existing energy vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 756. improvements to their facilities. In its efficiency programs. It is a strategic

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.003 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 and cost-saving investment to relieve ficiency standards to certain security curity Systems Act, and I yield myself the fiscal pressure felt by school dis- or life safety alarms or surveillance such time as I may consume. tricts across the Nation while bringing systems. Mr. Speaker, as my colleague has us closer to American energy security. The Clerk read the title of the bill. stated, the Energy Independence and So for all of these reasons, Mr. The text of the bill is as follows: Security Act of 2007 requires electronic Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 6375 devices to meet certain efficiency this bill. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- standards while in no-load mode or Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 resentatives of the United States of America in standby mode, and that obviously minutes to the gentleman from Geor- Congress assembled, makes a lot of sense. You don’t want to gia, the Peach State (Mr. CARTER). SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. be consuming unnecessary energy Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act’’. when, in fact, you don’t need to use en- er, I rise today in support of H.R. 756, SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF NONAPPLICATION OF NO- ergy; but the whole law was written in the Streamlining Energy Efficiency for LOAD MODE ENERGY EFFICIENCY a way that it included some devices Schools Act of 2015. STANDARD TO CERTAIN SECURITY that are always on active mode. Secu- Efficient use of energy can help re- OR LIFE SAFETY ALARM OR SUR- rity and life safety systems, such as VEILLANCE SYSTEMS. duce consumption, lower energy bills, (a) Section 325(u)(3)(D)(ii) of the Energy video surveillance, intrusion detection, and may also help the environment as Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. and access control systems, have to be well. The benefits of energy efficiency 6295(u)(3)(D)(ii)) is amended— active all of the time. can extend to our homes, businesses, (1) by striking ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2021’’; So this law is now to extend some- and public institutions, including and thing that was an exemption, and that schools. There is a multitude of pro- (2) by striking ‘‘2017’’ and inserting ‘‘2023’’. is going to expire unless we pass this grams and finance mechanisms avail- (b) Section 325(u)(3)(E) of the Energy Pol- legislation and then allow manufactur- icy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. able for schools to use to further their 6295(u)(3)(E)) is amended— ers to avoid having to go through very energy efficiency goals. However, infor- (1) in clause (ii), by striking ‘‘July 1, 2017,’’ costly steps in order to bring it into mation on these resources is hard to and inserting ‘‘the effective date of the compliance with the law that would ac- find; and, as a result, schools may be amendment under subparagraph (D)(ii)’’; and tually make their products ineffective missing out on opportunities to make (2) by adding at the end the following: when it came to surveillance. their facilities more energy efficient. ‘‘(iv) TREATMENT IN RULE.—In the rule This law was originally introduced H.R. 756 would direct the Department under subparagraph (D)(ii) and subsequent by Ranking Member FRANK PALLONE of Energy to create a clearinghouse in amendments the Secretary may treat some and his colleague, ROY BLUNT, who is order to disseminate information on or all external power supplies designed to be now in the Senate, to provide that tem- connected to a security or life safety alarm energy efficiency programs and grants or surveillance system as a separate product porary exemption. This is really going for schools. This bill would also help class or may extend the nonapplication to extend it. facilitate coordination between Fed- under clause (ii).’’. I joined with the gentleman from eral agencies so that they may develop The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Kansas (Mr. POMPEO), and it is fitting a collaborative effort to help schools ant to the rule, the gentleman from that we are working with Mr. POMPEO meet their energy efficiency needs. Texas (Mr. OLSON) and the gentleman because he is about to start a new job I urge my colleagues to support our from Vermont (Mr. WELCH) each will that has just a little bit to do with se- schools in their efforts to become more control 20 minutes. curity and intelligence. We congratu- energy efficient by supporting H.R. 756. The Chair recognizes the gentleman late him, by the way, on that appoint- Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, everything from Texas. ment by President-elect Trump. that needs to be said has been said. GENERAL LEAVE This bill, which has the support of in- I appreciate the work of my col- Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- dustry and efficiency advocates, ad- league from Texas (Mr. OLSON), and I imous consent that all Members may dresses the unique needs of critical life really do appreciate as well the leader- have 5 legislative days in which to re- safety and security systems to remain ship of the gentleman from Pennsyl- vise and extend their remarks and in- on at all times while meeting DOE en- vania (Mr. CARTWRIGHT), who has been sert extraneous materials in the ergy efficiency standards. It is a prac- very, very active on anything related RECORD on the bill. tical bill and a straightforward bill. to making better use of our energy. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there By the way, it is something that we I urge passage of this legislation. objection to the request of the gen- should be trying together to do more Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tleman from Texas? often: when we pass a bill, it is a good of my time. There was no objection. bill, but we find out it has got a bit of Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, this is a Mr. OLSON. I yield myself such time a problem; instead of arguing about it, commonsense bill that helps schools as I may consume. let’s fix it. We managed to accomplish all across America. I urge my col- Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6375, the Power that in this legislation. leagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 756. and Security Systems (PASS) Act, ex- I urge my colleagues to support this I yield back the balance of my time. tends an important exemption from bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The current regulations for devices such as Having no further speakers on this question is on the motion offered by security systems and medical devices. side, I yield back the balance of my the gentleman from Texas (Mr. OLSON) Specifically, many electronic devices time. that the House suspend the rules and use external power supplies that are Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 pass the bill, H.R. 756. subject to strict limits on the amount minutes to the gentleman from Geor- The question was taken; and (two- of electricity they can consume when gia, the Peanut State (Mr. CARTER). thirds being in the affirmative) the not in use. However, these provisions Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- rules were suspended and the bill was are not feasible for products that have er, I rise today in support of H.R. 6375, passed. to be on 24/7, such as home security the Power and Security Systems Act. A motion to reconsider was laid on alarms and heart monitors. This bill directs the Department of En- the table. This bill extends the existing exemp- ergy to decide by 2021 whether to f tion for external power supplies for amend standards for certain external these kinds of products. H.R. 6375 power supply products, and directs that POWER AND SECURITY SYSTEMS would ensure the continued avail- these standards would not apply to (PASS) ACT ability of these important and poten- products manufactured before 2023. Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I move to tially lifesaving devices, and I urge ev- External power supplies convert suspend the rules and pass the bill eryone to support it. power from an outlet to a lower volt- (H.R. 6375) to provide for consideration Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of age for use in everyday items like cell of the extension under the Energy Pol- my time. phones, laptops, power tools, and other icy and Conservation Act of non- Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in electronics. The average home has 5 to application of No-Load Mode energy ef- support of H.R. 6375, the Power and Se- 10 external power supplies, and that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.015 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7193 number continues to grow with more CHILDHOOD CANCER SURVIVOR- (6) As many as two-thirds of childhood can- than 300 million shipped in the United SHIP, TREATMENT, ACCESS, AND cer survivors are likely to experience at States annually. RESEARCH ACT OF 2016 least one late effect of treatment, with as many as one-fourth experiencing a late ef- The PASS Act would also allow for Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move the Department of Energy to classify fect that is serious or life-threatening. Com- to suspend the rules and pass the bill mon late effects of childhood cancer are external power supplies connected to (H.R. 3381) to maximize discovery, and security or safety systems differently neurocognitive, psychological, cardiopulmo- accelerate development and avail- nary, endocrine, and musculoskeletal effects, than other types. By design, external ability, of promising childhood cancer power supplies associated with a safety secondary malignancies, and early death. treatments, and for other purposes, as (7) As a result of disparities in the delivery or security device are always in an ac- amended. of cancer care, minority, low-income, and tive mode and simply do not have a no- The Clerk read the title of the bill. other medically underserved children are load or inactive mode, which is why The text of the bill is as follows: more likely to be diagnosed with late stage the distinction is needed. H.R. 3381 disease, experience poorer treatment out- This bill provides necessary regu- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- comes, have shorter survival time with less latory relief while the Department of resentatives of the United States of America in quality of life, and experience a substan- Energy develops standards for these Congress assembled, tially greater likelihood of cancer death. products. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (8) Collection of biospecimens, along with I urge my colleagues to support this (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as clinical and outcome data, on children and bill. the ‘‘Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treat- adolescents with cancer in the United States Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I will close ment, Access, and Research Act of 2016’’ or is necessary to improve childhood and ado- by saying that H.R. 6375 ensures that the ‘‘Childhood Cancer STAR Act’’. lescent cancer treatments and cures. Cur- these important and potentially life- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- rently biospecimens, and clinical and out- saving devices work when needed. This tents for this Act is as follows: come data, are collected for less than half of is a great bill. I urge all my colleagues Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. children in the United States with cancer. Sec. 2. Findings. to vote for this bill. (9) The late effects of cancer treatment I yield back the balance of my time. TITLE I—MAXIMIZING RESEARCH may change as therapies evolve, which THROUGH DISCOVERY Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- means that the monitoring and care of can- port of H.R. 6375, the Power and Security Subtitle A—Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer cer survivors may need to be modified on a Childhood Cancer Reauthorization Act Systems, or PASS Act. This bill will provide an routine basis. Sec. 101. Children’s cancer biorepositories important technical exemption to certain secu- (10) Despite the intense stress caused by and biospecimen research. childhood cancer, there is a lack of standard- rity and life safety products from energy effi- Sec. 102. Improving Childhood Cancer Sur- ciency standards set forth in the Energy Inde- ized and coordinated psychosocial care for veillance. the children and their families, from the pendence and Security Act of 2007. A provi- Subtitle B—Pediatric Expertise at NIH date of diagnosis through treatment and sur- sion in the law increased the energy efficiency Sec. 111. Inclusion of at least one pediatric vivorship. requirements for battery chargers and external oncologist on the National Can- (11) The Institute of Medicine, in its report power supplies—and I strongly supported that cer Advisory Board. on cancer survivorship entitled ‘‘Childhood Sec. 112. Sense of Congress regarding pedi- change. However, the provision also mistak- Cancer Survivorship: Improving Care and atric expertise at the National enly included security and life safety products, Quality of Life’’, states that an organized Cancer Institute. and required that they be manufactured with a system of care and a method of care for pedi- Subtitle C—NIH Report on Childhood Cancer standby mode, despite being products that are atric cancer survivors is needed. Activities inherently always on. (12) Focused and well-designed research Without providing this correction, the secu- Sec. 121. Reporting on childhood cancer re- and pilot health delivery programs can an- search projects. rity industry will need to spend millions of dol- swer questions about the optimal ways to TITLE II—MAXIMIZING DELIVERY: CARE, lars to comply with an energy standard that provide health care, follow-up monitoring QUALITY OF LIFE, SURVIVORSHIP, services, and survivorship care to those diag- will yield no energy savings and could cost AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT jobs, which was never the initial intent of the nosed with childhood cancer and contribute Subtitle A—Childhood Cancer Survivors’ to improvements in the quality of care and law. Quality of Life Act Six years ago, I stood on the House floor in quality of life of those individuals through Sec. 201. Cancer survivorship programs. adulthood. support of legislation I authored that provided Sec. 202. Grants to improve care for pedi- (13) The National Institutes of Health, in- this exemption through July 2017. I’m pleased atric cancer survivors. Sec. 203. Comprehensive long-term follow-up cluding the National Cancer Institute, invest that Representative Welch, along with Rep- approximately half of their annual appro- resentative Pompeo, has taken up this impor- services for pediatric cancer survivors. priations to support basic research that tant issue and introduced this bill to extend the Sec. 204. Survivorship demonstration serves as the foundation for translational exemption I originally authored through 2023. project. and clinical research for all diseases and con- And, the language in the bill before us today Subtitle B—Coverage and Payment of High ditions, with the potential to lead to break- will also allow the Department of Energy to ex- Quality Care throughs for children with cancer. Virtually tend this exemption or reclassify these prod- Sec. 211. Report by the Comptroller General. all progress against cancer—in both children ucts into a separate class if they deem it ap- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. and adults—has been founded in basic re- propriate. Congress makes the following findings: search, often in areas not directly related to Mr. Speaker, this is a commonsense and (1) Each year in the United States there the disease. consensus fix to a simple problem: the lan- are an estimated 15,780 children between (14) The National Cancer Institute supports guage was developed by both industry and ef- birth and the age of 19 diagnosed with can- a number of key research programs specifi- ficiency advocates, with technical assistance cer. Approximately 1 in 285 children in the cally to advance childhood cancer care, in- from the Department of Energy. So it should United States will be diagnosed with cancer cluding precision medicine clinical trials for before their 20th birthday. come as no surprise that this bill enjoys broad children with cancer, the Children’s Oncol- (2) In 1960, only 4 percent of children with ogy Group (part of the National Clinical support from the security industry and energy cancer survived more than 5 years, but Trials Network of the National Cancer Insti- efficiency advocates. I urge all of my col- today, cure rates have increased to over 80 tute), the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Con- leagues to support it. percent for children and adolescents under sortium, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The age 20. tium, the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, question is on the motion offered by (3) While the cure rates for some childhood the Therapeutically Applicable Research to cancers are now over 80 percent, the survival the gentleman from Texas (Mr. OLSON) Generate Effective Treatments program and rates for many types of cancers in children that the House suspend the rules and related pediatric cancer genomics research remain extremely low. pass the bill, H.R. 6375. (including the Pediatric MATCH Precision The question was taken; and (two- (4) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer continues to Medicine trial), and the Pediatric Oncology thirds being in the affirmative) the be the leading cause of death by disease in Branch (part of the intramural program of rules were suspended and the bill was children and adolescents under the age of 14. the National Cancer Institute, whose mission passed. (5) By 2020, the population of childhood is to develop new treatments for pediatric A motion to reconsider was laid on cancers survivors is expected to be 500,000 in- cancer). the table. dividuals.

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TITLE I—MAXIMIZING RESEARCH ‘‘(5) PRIVACY PROTECTIONS; CONSENT.— ‘‘(vi) any other sample required by the Sec- THROUGH DISCOVERY ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may not retary. Subtitle A—Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer make an award under paragraph (1) to an en- ‘‘(C) CLINICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMA- Childhood Cancer Reauthorization Act tity unless the Secretary ensures that such TION.—The term ‘clinical and demographic SEC. 101. CHILDREN’S CANCER BIOREPOSI- entity— information’ includes— TORIES AND BIOSPECIMEN RE- ‘‘(i) collects biospecimens and associated ‘‘(i) date of diagnosis; SEARCH. clinical and demographic information from ‘‘(ii) age at diagnosis; Section 417E of the Public Health Service children and adolescents with appropriate ‘‘(iii) the patient’s gender, race, ethnicity, Act (42 U.S.C. 285a–11) is amended— permission from parents or legal guardians and environmental exposures; (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting in accordance with Federal and State law; ‘‘(iv) extent of disease at enrollment; the following: and ‘‘(v) site of metastases; ‘‘(a) CHILDREN’S CANCER BIOREPOSITORIES.— ‘‘(ii) adheres to strict confidentiality to ‘‘(vi) location of primary tumor coded; ‘‘(1) AWARD.—The Secretary, acting protect the identity and privacy of patients ‘‘(vii) histologic diagnosis; through the Director of NIH, may make in accordance with Federal and State law. ‘‘(viii) tumor marker data when available; awards to an entity or entities described in ‘‘(B) CONSENT.—The Secretary shall estab- ‘‘(ix) treatment and outcome data; paragraph (4) to build upon existing initia- lish an appropriate process for achieving ‘‘(x) information related to specimen qual- tives to collect biospecimens and clinical consent from the patient, parent, or legal ity; and and demographic information with a goal of guardian. ‘‘(xi) any other information required by collection for the vast majority of all chil- ‘‘(6) SINGLE POINT OF ACCESS; STANDARD the Secretary.’’; and dren, adolescents, and young adults with se- DATA; GUIDELINES AND OVERSIGHT.— (2) in subsection (d)— lected cancer subtypes (and their ‘‘(A) SINGLE POINT OF ACCESS.—The Sec- (A) by striking ‘‘and section 399E–1’’ and recurrences) for which current treatments retary shall ensure that each biorepository inserting ‘‘and sections 317U, 399E–1, 417H, are least effective, through one or more bio- supported under paragraph (1) has electroni- and 417H–1’’; specimen research efforts designed to cally searchable data for use by researchers (B) by striking ‘‘2009 through 2013’’ and in- achieve a better understanding of the cause and other qualified health care professionals serting ‘‘2017 through 2021’’; and of such cancers (and their recurrences) and in the manner and to the extent defined by (C) by striking ‘‘such purpose’’ and insert- the effects of treatments for such cancers. the Secretary. ing ‘‘such purposes’’. SE OF FUNDS ‘‘(B) STANDARD DATA.—The Secretary shall ‘‘(2) U .—Amounts received SEC. 102. IMPROVING CHILDHOOD CANCER SUR- under an award under paragraph (1) may be require all recipients of an award under this VEILLANCE. used to carry out the following: section to make available a standard dataset Section 399E–1 of the Public Health Service ‘‘(A) Acquire, preserve, and store high- for the purposes of subparagraph (A) in a Act (42 U.S.C. 280e–3a) is amended— quality, donated biospecimens and associ- standard electronic format that enables re- (1) by redesignating subsection (b) as sub- ated clinical and demographic information searchers and qualified health care profes- section (d); and on children, adolescents, and young adults sionals to search. (2) by striking subsection (a) and inserting diagnosed with cancer in the United States, ‘‘(C) GUIDELINES AND OVERSIGHT.—The Sec- the following: focusing on children and adolescents en- retary shall develop and disseminate appro- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary, acting rolled in clinical trials for whom current priate guidelines for the development and through the Director of the Centers for Dis- treatments are least effective. Activities maintenance of the biorepositories supported ease Control and Prevention, may make under this subparagraph may include storage under this section, including appropriate awards to State cancer registries to enhance of biospecimens and associated clinical and oversight. and expand infrastructure to track the epide- demographic data at biorepositories sup- ‘‘(7) COORDINATION.—The Secretary shall miology of cancer in children, adolescents, ported by the National Cancer Institute, ensure that clinical and demographic infor- and young adults. Such registries may be up- such as the Children’s Oncology Group Bio- mation collected in accordance with this sec- dated to include each occurrence of such can- repository and the Pediatric Cooperative tion is collected in coordination with the in- cers within a period of time designated by Human Tissue Network as well as through formation collected under section 399E–1. the Secretary. biorepositories established as appropriate to ‘‘(8) PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS.—Funds ‘‘(b) ACTIVITIES.—The grants described in support the scientific needs of future re- made available to carry out this subsection subsection (a) may be used for— search efforts. shall not be used to acquire, preserve, or ‘‘(1) identifying, recruiting, and training ‘‘(B) Make such information publicly avail- maintain a biospecimen collected from a pa- all potential sources for reporting childhood, able, including the repositories described in tient if such activity is already covered by adolescent, and young adult cancer cases; subparagraph (A). funds available from the National Cancer In- ‘‘(2) developing procedures to implement ‘‘(C) Maintain a secure searchable database stitute for such purpose. early inclusion of childhood, adolescent, and on stored biospecimens and associated clin- ‘‘(9) REPORT.—Not later than 4 years after young adult cancer cases on State cancer ical and demographic data from children, the date of enactment of the Childhood Can- registries through the use of electronic re- adolescents, and young adults with cancer cer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Re- porting; for the conduct of research by scientists and search Act of 2016, the Secretary shall sub- ‘‘(3) purchasing infrastructure to support qualified health care professionals. mit to Congress a report on— the early inclusion of childhood, adolescent, ‘‘(D) Establish procedures for evaluating ‘‘(A) the number of biospecimens and cor- and young adult cancer cases on such reg- applications for access to such biospecimens responding clinical demographic data col- istries; and clinical and demographic data from re- lected through the biospecimen research ef- ‘‘(4) submitting deidentified data to the searchers and other qualified health care forts supported under paragraph (1); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention professionals. ‘‘(B) the number of biospecimens and cor- for inclusion in a national database of child- ‘‘(E) Make available and distribute bio- responding clinical demographic data re- hood, adolescent, and young adult cancers; specimens and clinical and demographic data quested for use by researchers; and from children, adolescents, and young adults ‘‘(C) any barriers to the collection of bio- ‘‘(5) tracking the late effects of childhood, with cancer to researchers and qualified specimens and corresponding clinical demo- adolescent, and young adult cancers. health care professionals for peer-reviewed graphic data; ‘‘(c) COORDINATION.—The Secretary shall research at a minimal cost. ‘‘(D) any barriers experienced by research- ensure that information collected through ‘‘(3) NO REQUIREMENT.—No child, adoles- ers or health care professionals in accessing State cancer registries under this section is cent, or young adult with cancer shall be re- the biospecimens and corresponding clinical collected in coordination with clinical and quired under this subsection to contribute a demographic data necessary for use in re- demographic information collected under specimen to a biorepository or share clinical search; and section 417E(a) as appropriate.’’. or demographic data. ‘‘(E) any recommendations with respect to Subtitle B—Pediatric Expertise at NIH ‘‘(4) APPLICATION; CONSIDERATIONS.— improving the biospecimen and biorepository SEC. 111. INCLUSION OF AT LEAST ONE PEDI- ‘‘(A) APPLICATION.—To be eligible to re- research efforts under this subsection. ATRIC ONCOLOGIST ON THE NA- ceive an award under paragraph (1) an entity ‘‘(10) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this TIONAL CANCER ADVISORY BOARD. shall submit an application to the Secretary subsection: Clause (iii) of section 406(h)(2)(A) of the at such a time, in such manner, and con- ‘‘(A) AWARD.—The term ‘award’ includes a Public Health and Service Act (42 U.S.C. taining such information as the Secretary grant, contract, cooperative agreement, or 284a(h)(2)(A)) is amended to read as follows: may reasonably require. other transaction determined by the Sec- ‘‘(iii) of the members appointed to the ‘‘(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In evaluating the retary. Board— applications in subparagraph (A), the Sec- ‘‘(B) BIOSPECIMEN.—The term ‘biospecimen’ ‘‘(I) not less than 5 members shall be indi- retary shall consider the existing infrastruc- includes— viduals knowledgeable in environmental car- ture of the entity that would allow for the ‘‘(i) solid tumor tissue or bone marrow; cinogenesis (including carcinogenesis involv- timely capture of biospecimens and related ‘‘(ii) normal or control tissue; ing occupational and dietary factors); and clinical and demographic information for ‘‘(iii) blood and plasma; ‘‘(II) not less than one member shall be an children, adolescents, and young adults with ‘‘(iv) DNA and RNA extractions; individual knowledgeable in pediatric oncol- cancer. ‘‘(v) familial DNA; and ogy;’’.

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SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING PEDI- other health care providers (including risk cancer survivorship research including any ATRIC EXPERTISE AT THE NATIONAL factors and a plan for recommended follow- of the following areas: CANCER INSTITUTE. up care). ‘‘(i) Needs and outcomes of pediatric can- It is the sense of Congress that the Direc- ‘‘(F) Dissemination of the information and cer survivors within minority or other medi- tor of the National Cancer Institute should programs described in subparagraphs (A) cally underserved populations. ensure that all applicable study sections, through (E) to other health care providers ‘‘(ii) Health disparities in pediatric cancer committees, advisory groups, and panels at (including primary care physicians and in- survivorship outcomes within minority or the National Cancer Institute include one or ternists) and to cancer survivors and their other medically underserved populations. more qualified pediatric oncologists, as ap- families, where appropriate. ‘‘(iii) Barriers that pediatric cancer sur- propriate. ‘‘(G) Development of initiatives that pro- vivors within minority or other medically Subtitle C—NIH Report on Childhood Cancer mote the coordination and effective transi- underserved populations face in receiving Activities tion of care between cancer care providers, follow-up care. SEC. 121. REPORTING ON CHILDHOOD CANCER primary care physicians, and mental health ‘‘(iv) Familial, socioeconomic, and other RESEARCH PROJECTS. professionals. environmental factors and the impact of Section 409D(c)(3) of the Public Health ‘‘SEC. 399N–2. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COL- such factors on treatment outcomes and sur- Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284h(c)(3)) is amended LABORATIVE ON MEDICAL AND PSY- vivorship. by— CHOSOCIAL CARE FOR CHILDHOOD ‘‘(B) BALANCED APPROACH.—In supporting (1) striking ‘‘public on’’ and inserting CANCER SURVIVORS. research under subparagraph (A)(i) on pedi- ‘‘public on— ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall, not atric cancer survivors within minority or ‘‘(A)’’; later than 1 year after the date of enactment other medically underserved populations, (2) striking the period at the end and in- of this Act, convene a Workforce Develop- the Director of NIH shall ensure that such serting ‘‘; and’’; and ment Collaborative on Medical and Psycho- research addresses both the physical and the (3) inserting at the end the following: social Care for Pediatric Cancer Survivors psychological needs of such survivors, as ap- ‘‘(B) childhood cancer research projects (referred to in this paragraph as the ‘Col- propriate. conducted or supported by the National In- laborative’). The Collaborative shall be a ‘‘(2) RESEARCH ON LATE EFFECTS AND FOL- stitutes of Health.’’. cross-specialty, multidisciplinary group LOW-UP CARE FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER SUR- composed of educators, consumer and family TITLE II—MAXIMIZING DELIVERY: CARE, VIVORS.—The Director of NIH, in coordina- advocates, and providers of psychosocial and QUALITY OF LIFE, SURVIVORSHIP, AND tion with ongoing research activities, may biomedical health services. conduct or support research on follow-up CAREGIVER SUPPORT ‘‘(b) GOALS AND REPORTS.—The Collabo- care for pediatric cancer survivors, including Subtitle A—Childhood Cancer Survivors’ rative shall submit to the Secretary a report any of the following areas: Quality of Life Act establishing a plan to meet the following ob- ‘‘(A) The development of indicators used SEC. 201. CANCER SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAMS. jectives for medical and psychosocial care for long-term patient tracking and analysis (a) CANCER SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAMS.—The workforce development: of the late effects of cancer treatment for pe- Public Health Service Act is amended by in- ‘‘(1) Identifying, refining, and broadly dis- diatric cancer survivors. serting after section 399N of such Act (42 seminating to health care educators infor- ‘‘(B) The identification of risk factors asso- U.S.C. 280g–2) the following: mation about workforce competencies, mod- ciated with the late effects of cancer treat- els, and curricula relevant to providing med- ‘‘SEC. 399N–1. PILOT PROGRAMS TO EXPLORE ment. MODEL SYSTEMS OF CARE FOR PE- ical and psychosocial services to persons sur- ‘‘(C) The identification of predictors of ad- DIATRIC CANCER SURVIVORS. viving pediatric cancers. verse neurocognitive and psychosocial out- ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year ‘‘(2) Adapting curricula for continuing edu- comes. after the date of enactment of this section, cation of the existing workforce using effi- ‘‘(D) The identification of the molecular the Secretary may make awards to eligible cient workplace-based learning approaches. underpinnings of long-term complications. entities to establish pilot programs to de- ‘‘(3) Developing the skills of faculty and ‘‘(E) The development of risk prediction velop, study, or evaluate model systems for other trainers in teaching psychosocial models to identify those at highest risk of monitoring and caring for childhood cancer health care using evidence-based teaching long-term complications. survivors throughout their lifespan, includ- strategies. ‘‘(F) Initiatives to protect cancer survivors ing evaluation of shared care and medical ‘‘(4) Strengthening the emphasis on psy- from the late effects of cancer treatment, by home and clinic based models for transition chosocial health care in educational accredi- developing targeted interventions to reduce to adult care. tation standards and professional licensing the burden of morbidity borne by cancer sur- ‘‘(b) ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.—In this section, and certification exams by recommending vivors. the term ‘eligible entity’ means— revisions to the relevant oversight organiza- ‘‘(G) Transitions in care for pediatric can- ‘‘(1) a medical school; tions. cer survivors. ‘‘(2) a children’s hospital; ‘‘(5) Evaluating the effectiveness of patient ‘‘(H) Training of professionals to provide ‘‘(3) a cancer center; navigators in pediatric cancer survivorship linguistically and culturally competent fol- ‘‘(4) a community-based medical facility; care. low-up care to pediatric cancer survivors. or ‘‘(6) Evaluating the effectiveness of peer ‘‘(I) Different models of follow-up care. ‘‘(5) any other entity with significant expe- support programs in the psychosocial care of ‘‘(J) Examining the cost-effectiveness of rience and expertise in treating survivors of pediatric cancer patients and survivors.’’. the different models of follow-up care.’’. childhood cancers. (b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.— SEC. 203. COMPREHENSIVE LONG-TERM FOLLOW- ‘‘(c) USE OF FUNDS.—The Secretary may (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 3 of the UP SERVICES FOR PEDIATRIC CAN- make an award under this section to an eli- Hematological Cancer Research Investment gible entity only if the entity agrees— CER SURVIVORS. and Education Act of 2002 (Public Law 107– Part B of title III of the Public Health ‘‘(1) to use the award to establish a pilot 172; 116 Stat. 541) is amended by striking Service Act (42 U.S.C. 243 et seq.) is amended program to develop, study, or evaluate one ‘‘section 419C’’ and inserting ‘‘section 417C’’. by inserting after section 317T the following: or more model systems for monitoring and (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment caring for cancer survivors; and ‘‘SEC. 317U. STANDARDS FOR COMPREHENSIVE made by paragraph (1) shall take effect as if LONG-TERM CARE FOR PEDIATRIC ‘‘(2) in developing, studying, and evalu- included in section 3 of the Hematological CANCER SURVIVORS THROUGH THE ating such systems, to give special emphasis Cancer Research Investment and Education LIFESPAN. to the following: Act of 2002 (Public Law 107–172; 116 Stat. 541). ‘‘The Secretary may establish a task force ‘‘(A) Design of protocols for different mod- SEC. 202. GRANTS TO IMPROVE CARE FOR PEDI- to develop and test standards, outcomes, and els of follow-up care, monitoring, and other ATRIC CANCER SURVIVORS. metrics for high-quality childhood cancer survivorship programs (including peer sup- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 417E of the Public survivorship care in consultation with a full port and mentoring programs). Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 285a–11), as spectrum of representation of experts in late ‘‘(B) Development of various models for amended by section 101, is further amended— effects of disease and treatment of childhood providing multidisciplinary care. (1) in the section heading, by striking ‘‘RE- cancers, including— ‘‘(C) Dissemination of information and the SEARCH AND AWARENESS’’ and inserting ‘‘RE- ‘‘(1) oncologists who treat children and provision of training to health care providers SEARCH, AWARENESS, AND SURVIVORSHIP’’; and adolescents; about how to provide linguistically and cul- (2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting ‘‘(2) oncologists who treat adults; turally competent follow-up care and moni- the following: ‘‘(3) primary care providers engaged in sur- toring to cancer survivors and their families. ‘‘(b) IMPROVING CARE FOR PEDIATRIC CAN- vivorship care; ‘‘(D) Development of psychosocial inter- CER SURVIVORS.— ‘‘(4) survivors of childhood cancer; ventions and support programs to improve ‘‘(1) RESEARCH ON CAUSES OF HEALTH DIS- ‘‘(5) parents of children who have been di- the quality of life of cancer survivors and PARITIES IN PEDIATRIC CANCER SURVIVOR- agnosed with and treated for cancer and par- their families. SHIP.— ents of long-term survivors; ‘‘(E) Design of systems for the effective ‘‘(A) RESEARCH AWARDS.—The Director of ‘‘(6) professionals who are engaged in the transfer of treatment information and care NIH, in coordination with ongoing research development of clinical practice guidelines; summaries from cancer care providers to activities, may conduct or support pediatric ‘‘(7) nurses and social workers;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.005 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 ‘‘(8) mental health professionals; of services furnished to individuals under The Chair recognizes the gentleman ‘‘(9) allied health professionals, including this title, including an assessment of the sat- from Texas. physical therapists and occupational thera- isfaction of such individuals with respect to GENERAL LEAVE such services that were furnished under such pists; Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask ‘‘(10) experts in health care quality meas- project. Such report shall include rec- urement and improvement; and ommendations regarding the possible expan- unanimous consent that all Members ‘‘(11) others, as the Secretary determines sion of the demonstration project. may have 5 legislative days in which to appropriate.’’. Subtitle B—Coverage and Payment of High revise and extend their remarks and in- SEC. 204. SURVIVORSHIP DEMONSTRATION Quality Care sert extraneous materials into the PROJECT. SEC. 211. REPORT BY THE COMPTROLLER GEN- RECORD on the bill. (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year ERAL. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there after the date of the enactment of this Act, (a) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General objection to the request of the gen- the Secretary of Health and Human Services of the United States shall conduct a review tleman from Texas? (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Sec- and submit recommendations to Congress on There was no objection. retary’’) may carry out a demonstration existing barriers to obtaining and paying for Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield project over a 3-year period, designed to im- adequate medical care for survivors of child- prove the quality and efficiency of care pro- myself such time as I may consume. hood cancer. I rise today in support of H.R. 3381, vided to childhood cancer survivors through- (b) CONSIDERATIONS.—In carrying out the out their lifespan, through improved care co- review and formulating recommendations the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, ordination as survivors transitions to adult under subsection (a), the Comptroller Gen- Treatment, Access, and Research Act care. eral shall— of 2016, also known as the Childhood (b) SELECTION OF DEMONSTRATION SITES.— (1) identify existing barriers to the avail- Cancer STAR Act. This bill was intro- (1) MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SITES.—The max- ability of complete and coordinated survi- duced by my Texas colleague, Rep- imum number of sites at which the dem- vorship care for survivors of childhood can- resentative MIKE MCCAUL; Representa- onstration project under subsection (a) is cer and to the availability of expert pedi- tive CHRIS VAN HOLLEN; and Represent- carried out may not exceed 10. atric palliative care, including consideration ative JACKIE SPEIER. (2) DIVERSITY OF SITES.—In selecting enti- of— ties to participate in the demonstration (A) understanding and education among The legislation we are considering project, the Secretary may, to the extent patients, health care providers, regulators, today is important for many young practicable, include in such selection— and third-party payors; Americans, as it is intended to help the (A) small-, medium-, and large-sized sites; (B) adequacy of payment codes to cover most vulnerable among us: children and necessary survivorship services; who have been diagnosed with cancer. (B) sites located in different geographic (C) access to necessary medical and other We have made progress in combating areas. services for such survivors, including the childhood cancer. In 1960, only 4 per- (c) ACTIVITIES UNDER DEMONSTRATION services described in subsection (c); and cent of children with cancer survived PROJECT.—The activities conducted under (D) lack of pediatric palliative care across more than 5 years. Today, 80 percent of the demonstration project under subsection all stages of illness and hospice services for children with cancer survive, but there (a) may, in addition to any other activity patients approaching the end of life; and specified by the Secretary, include activities is work left to do. (2) make recommendations to provide im- H.R. 3381 will expand the opportuni- that seek to develop different models of care proved access and payment plans for child- coordination, including transitions of care, hood cancer survivorship programs and pal- ties for childhood cancer research, im- follow-up care, monitoring, and other survi- liative care, including psychosocial services prove childhood cancer surveillance, vorship related programs that utilize a mul- and coverage of such services. help improve the quality of life for tidisciplinary, team based approach to care, (c) SERVICES DESCRIBED.—The services de- childhood cancer survivors, and help including any of the following activities: scribed in this subsection are the following: ensure that there is proper pediatric (1) Coordination of care and transitions of (1) Coordinated multidisciplinary long- cancer research within the National In- care between cancer care providers, primary term follow-up care with access to appro- stitutes of Health. care physicians, mental health professionals priate pediatric subspecialists and adult sub- This legislation enjoys broad bipar- and any other relevant providers. specialists with specific expertise in survi- tisan support. It has 270 cosponsors, (2) Dissemination of information to, and vorship, including subspecialists with exper- training of, health care providers about lin- tise in oncology, radiation oncology, sur- representing over 60 percent of the guistically and culturally competent follow- gery, cardiology, psychiatry or psychology, House of Representatives. up care specific to cancer survivors. endocrinology, pulmonology, nephrology, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to (3) Development of monitoring programs dermatology, gynecology, and urology. vote ‘‘yes’’ on H.R. 3381. for cancer survivors and their families. (2) Appropriate organ function testing I reserve the balance of my time. (4) Incorporation of peer support and men- (particularly screening for potential prob- Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield toring programs to improve the quality of lems at much younger ages than usually in- myself such time as I may consume. life of cancer survivors. dicated in the general population) and treat- I rise today in support of H.R. 3381, (5) Designing systems and models for the ment, including— the Childhood Cancer Survivorship, effective transfer of treatment information (A) neuropsychological testing and mental Treatment, Access, and Research Act. and care summaries from cancer care pro- health services; Nearly 16,000 children are diagnosed viders to other health care providers (includ- (B) fertility testing and treatment; with cancer in the United States each ing risk factors and a care plan). (C) evaluation and treatment for endocrine year. These children bravely battle dis- (6) Evaluation of functional status and in- disorders including growth hormone and tes- ease and carry burdens that no one corporation of specific functional needs into tosterone replacement; the care planning process. (D) diagnostic imaging to screen for late their age should. The Childhood Cancer (7) Dissemination of the information on ac- effects of treatment (including subsequent STAR Act gives those children and tivities and programs conducted under this cancers), such as mammograms and mag- their families hope by encouraging im- section to other health care providers (in- netic resonance imaging testing to screen for proved research, development of treat- cluding primary care physicians) and to can- possible breast cancer; ments, and survivorship programs for cer survivors and their families, where ap- (E) screening for cardiac problems, such as children with cancer. propriate. echocardiograms; This legislation urges the National (8) Other items determined by the Sec- (F) screening for osteoporosis with bone Institutes of Health to find new oppor- retary. densitometry, including duel x-ray (d) MEASURES.—The Secretary may use the tunities to expand research into pedi- absorptiometry and monitoring 25 atric cancer and survivorship, includ- following measures to assess the perform- hydroxyvitamin D levels; ance of each site: (G) dental coverage and necessary dental ing research on the causes of health (1) Patient care and patient/family satis- implants; disparities in pediatric cancer sur- faction measures. (H) hearing aids and other prosthetic de- vivors. (2) Resource utilization measures. vices; and This legislation would also allow the (3) Adult survivorship measures, as appro- (I) screening for lung problems, such as Centers for Disease Control and Pre- priate. pulmonary function testing. vention to award funding to help (e) GAO REPORT.—The Comptroller Gen- eral of the United States shall submit a re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- States better track pediatric cancer. port to Congress evaluating the success of ant to the rule, the gentleman from Improved information about childhood the demonstration project. Such report shall Texas (Mr. BURGESS) and the gentle- cancer will help guide public health de- include an assessment of the impact of the woman from California (Ms. MATSUI) cisions and strategies as well as re- project upon the quality and cost-efficiency each will control 20 minutes. search.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.005 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7197 Expanding research that leads to I am pleased this bill has the strong the young people who are living with treatments and cures is only part of support of the patient advocacy com- the cancers. There have been more the solution for children diagnosed munity. I especially want to thank the than 50 organizations that have worked with cancer. This bill recognizes that St. Baldrick’s Foundation for their on this issue. Together they have man- these children often require different continued support and help and work aged to push even a gridlocked Con- care for the remainder of their lives. on this important bill. Their CEO, gress into action. As many as two-thirds of pediatric Kathleen Ruddy, as well as Kevin I would like to take a moment to cancer survivors suffer from the effects Mathis and Danielle Leach, have been highlight the personal importance of of their disease and treatments long relentless advocates of this bill to the survivorship provisions of the term, including secondary cancers and make a difference in kids’ lives. I look STAR Act, which I have been working organ damage. forward to working with them in the on since 2011. Fifty years ago, only 4 To help children after they have beat future as we look to further address percent of children with cancer sur- pediatric cancer, this bill would create the needs of the childhood cancer com- vived more than 5 years beyond their a pilot program to explore model sys- munity. diagnosis. Today the cure rate has in- tems of care for pediatric cancer sur- Mr. Speaker, I close by stating that creased to over 80 percent. It is a re- vivors and to study barriers to ade- we are also very excited that the Cures markable accomplishment. Now we quate medical care for survivors of Act bill passed the House of Represent- have some 500,000 young people who childhood cancer. atives, a very important bill about cur- have survived childhood cancer. I urge my colleagues to support this ing not just childhood cancer, but all But, as many families know, the bill. diseases. We urge the Senate to pass fight against childhood cancer doesn’t Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of that legislation as well. In that bill end with remission. As many as two- my time. was the Advancing Hope Act, which thirds of childhood cancer survivors ex- b 1245 will make a difference in the number of perience secondary cancers, and that is drugs that can be developed to cure why this particular provision of the Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield childhood cancer. bill is so important. It is imperative such time as he may consume to the In fact, it reauthorizes a bill that I that the STAR Act has a strategy to gentleman from Texas (Mr. MCCAUL), introduced to the year 2020, a bill that improve their care and quality of life, the chairman of the Committee on has already produced a childhood can- and it would not have happened with- Homeland Security, a true champion cer drug, the first since the 1980s, to out the guidance of Susan Weiner and for all things pediatric. cure neuroblastoma in children. When I Sue Emmer of Children’s Cause for Mr. MCCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I want to went to meet with Rex Ryan at Dell Cancer Advocacy. I would also like to also thank the gentleman from Texas Children’s Medical Center in Austin, thank the staff of all of our offices who (Mr. BURGESS) for his work on this ef- Texas, in this clinical trial, the idea, worked so hard on this measure: Thom- fort as well. I chair the Committee on Mr. Speaker, that you can actually as Rice, Jessica Nalepa, Austin Carson, Homeland Security, but I also chair pass a bill in this Congress and see that Kelly Cotner, and Andy Taylor with the Congressional Childhood Cancer tangible result, a bill passed in this Congressman MCCAUL; Ziky Ababiya Caucus. It is one of the biggest threats great body that transforms into saving and Erika Appel with Congressman to our children. It is the number one the life of a child, is truly a tremen- VAN HOLLEN; Jill Brimmer with Sen- killer of our children. dous and extraordinary experience. ator REED; Dana Richter with Senator Therefore, I rise in support of H.R. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 MOORE CAPITO; Adrianna Simonelli 3381, the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- with Chairman UPTON; Waverly Gordon because it will address four major con- fornia (Ms. SPEIER). with Ranking Member PALLONE; Kelly cerns facing the pediatric cancer com- Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, let me Dixon with Majority Leader MCCAR- munity: survivorship, treatment, ac- first say what a joy it has been to work THY; Charlene MacDonald with Demo- cess, and research. I introduced this with my colleague MIKE MCCAUL on cratic Whip HOYER; Holly Gibbons and bill with my colleagues on the other this issue, and with CHRIS VAN HOLLEN her team at the NIH; and Molly side of the aisle, CHRIS VAN HOLLEN of as well. Their passion, compassion, and Fishman on my staff as well. Maryland and Ms. JACKIE SPEIER of commitment to this issue is one that I I want to thank my colleagues for California, to be the most comprehen- have not seen replicated many times. the time, the leadership, and for giving sive childhood cancer bill ever consid- Let me comment by talking about us an opportunity to do something to ered before this House. the letter I received from Sylvia improve the lives of these children liv- I cofounded, as I said, the Congres- DeCourcey in my district. Her son ing with cancer and their parents who sional Childhood Cancer Caucus 7 years Tyler has been battling stage 4 neuro- are advocating for them. ago as a platform to give children a blastoma for about a year. She had Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 voice, children who don’t have lobby- written to me the following: ‘‘As a par- minutes to the gentleman from Geor- ists, children who are dying, who have ent of a pediatric cancer patient, I gia (Mr. CARTER). been impacted by this life-altering di- wanted to say thank you for intro- Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- agnosis. ducing the Childhood Cancer STAR er, I rise today in support of H.R. 3381, To better fight childhood cancer, we Act. This has the potential to make a the Childhood Cancer STAR Act, which must know more about it, and that is huge difference for my son Tyler and would allow the National Institutes of what the STAR Act does. It authorizes his fellow warriors. In August we lost Health and the Department of Health NIH to expand their efforts to collect two little buddies to the neuro- and Human Services to expand their ef- data on childhood cancer so we can bet- blastoma monster. To think that if forts to research treatments and care ter understand its causes and the ef- this act was already in place, that may for childhood cancer patients. fects of treatment. It also builds on not have happened, and the heartaches Each year, thousands of children are previous work from cancer research of their families and friends could be diagnosed with cancer, and far too groups to provide doctors with the re- prevented. I hope and pray that my son many children are lost to this horrible sources necessary to identify children will beat this. Thank you again for disease. Childhood cancer survivors and who may be at risk for developing can- sponsoring the STAR Act. . . .’’ their families still face an uphill battle cer, preventing the worst outcomes On Friday I received a follow-up after remission, as the chances for re- from becoming a reality. email from Sylvia, and it still sends currence can be higher for children. Finally, we must address the needs of chills up and down my spine. Tyler has Advances in treatment have greatly two-thirds of childhood cancer sur- officially been in remission for 2 weeks. improved outcomes, but more must be vivors facing serious lifelong medical It is only fitting that today we are tak- done to support patients, survivors, conditions. Our bill will improve col- ing up the STAR Act. and their families. The bill would help laboration among providers so doctors The STAR Act would not have been expand efforts to improve the lives of are better able to care for survivors as possible without the perseverance of childhood cancer survivors, develop they age. families like Sylvia and Tyler and of new treatments, increase access to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.019 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 care, and accelerate lifesaving research Act (42 U.S.C. 293) and includes Indian tribes ists to practice to the full extent of their for those impacted by childhood can- and tribal organizations. education, training, and licensure, including cer. (6) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ the effects on patient wait times for spe- Childhood cancer patients and sur- means the Secretary of Health and Human cialty care; and Services. (vi) efficient and effective practices used vivors have unique needs, and this bill (7) TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED COLLABORATIVE by States and communities that have adopt- will ensure that those needs are ad- LEARNING AND CAPACITY BUILDING MODEL.— ed such models, including potential cost-ef- dressed through continued child-fo- The term ‘‘technology-enabled collaborative fectiveness of such models. cused research. We must continue the learning and capacity building model’’ (B) A list of such models that have been fight until no child is lost to cancer. I means a distance health education model funded by the Secretary in the 5 years imme- urge my colleagues to support child- that connects specialists with multiple other diately preceding such report, including the hood cancer patients, survivors, and health care professionals through simulta- Federal programs that have provided funding neous interactive videoconferencing for the families by supporting the Childhood for such models. purpose of facilitating case-based learning, (C) Recommendations to reduce barriers Cancer STAR Act. disseminating best practices, and evaluating for using and integrating such models, and Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I urge my outcomes. opportunities to improve adoption of, and colleagues to support the Childhood (8) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION.—The term ‘‘trib- support for, such models as appropriate. Cancer STAR Act. al organization’’ has the meaning given the (D) Opportunities for increased adoption of I yield back the balance of my time. term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Deter- such models into programs of the Depart- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I urge mination and Education Assistance Act (25 ment of Health and Human Services that are U.S.C. 5304). all Members to vote in favor of H.R. in existence as of the report. SEC. 3. EXAMINATION AND REPORT ON TECH- 3381. (E) Recommendations regarding the role of NOLOGY-ENABLED COLLABORATIVE such models in continuing medical education I yield back the balance of my time. LEARNING AND CAPACITY BUILDING and lifelong learning, including the role of MODELS. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The academic medical centers, provider organiza- (a) EXAMINATION.— question is on the motion offered by tions, and community providers in such edu- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall exam- the gentleman from Texas (Mr. BUR- ine technology-enabled collaborative learn- cation and lifelong learning. GESS) that the House suspend the rules ing and capacity building models and their The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and pass the bill, H.R. 3381, as amend- impact on— ant to the rule, the gentleman from ed. (A) addressing mental and substance use Texas (Mr. BURGESS) and the gentle- disorders, chronic diseases and conditions, The question was taken; and (two- woman from California (Ms. MATSUI) thirds being in the affirmative) the prenatal and maternal health, pediatric care, each will control 20 minutes. pain management, and palliative care; rules were suspended and the bill, as The Chair recognizes the gentleman amended, was passed. (B) addressing health care workforce issues, such as specialty care shortages and from Texas. A motion to reconsider was laid on primary care workforce recruitment, reten- GENERAL LEAVE the table. tion, and support for lifelong learning; Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask f (C) the implementation of public health unanimous consent that all Members programs, including those related to disease EXPANDING CAPACITY FOR prevention, infectious disease outbreaks, and have 5 legislative days in which to re- HEALTH OUTCOMES ACT public health surveillance; vise and extend their remarks and in- (D) the delivery of health care services in sert extraneous materials into the Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move rural areas, frontier areas, health profes- RECORD on the bill. to suspend the rules and pass the bill sional shortage areas, and medically under- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there (S. 2873) to require studies and reports served areas, and to medically underserved objection to the request of the gen- examining the use of, and opportuni- populations and Native Americans; and tleman from Texas? ties to use, technology-enabled collabo- (E) addressing other issues the Secretary There was no objection. rative learning and capacity building determines appropriate. (2) CONSULTATION.—In the examination re- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield models to improve programs of the De- myself such time as I may consume. partment of Health and Human Serv- quired under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult public and private stakeholders Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support ices, and for other purposes. with expertise in using technology-enabled of S. 2873, the Expanding Capacity for The Clerk read the title of the bill. collaborative learning and capacity building Health Outcomes Act, also known as The text of the bill is as follows: models in health care settings. the ECHO Act. This bipartisan legisla- (b) REPORT.— S. 2873 tion by Senators HATCH and SCHATZ (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- after the date of enactment of this Act, the passed the Senate 97–0 on November 29. resentatives of the United States of America in Secretary shall submit to the Committee on House companion legislation has been Congress assembled, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of introduced and championed by Rep- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. the Senate and the Committee on Energy resentative MATSUI and me. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Expanding and Commerce of the House of Representa- This legislation requires the Sec- Capacity for Health Outcomes Act’’ or the tives, and post on the appropriate website of retary of Health and Human Services ‘‘ECHO Act’’. the Department of Health and Human Serv- to examine technology-enabled col- SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. ices, a report based on the examination laborative learning and capacity build- In this Act: under subsection (a). (1) HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SHORTAGE AREA.— (2) CONTENTS.—The report required under ing models and their impact on the The term ‘‘health professional shortage paragraph (1) shall include findings from the healthcare workforce, the implementa- area’’ means a health professional shortage examination under subsection (a) and each of tion of public health programs, and the area designated under section 332 of the Pub- the following: delivery of health services in rural and lic Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254e). (A) An analysis of— underserved areas to underserved popu- (2) INDIAN TRIBE.—The term ‘‘Indian tribe’’ (i) the use and integration of technology- lations. The bill would require the Sec- has the meaning given the term in section 4 enabled collaborative learning and capacity retary to consult with public and pri- of the Indian Self-Determination and Edu- building models by health care providers; vate stakeholders with expertise in cation Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (ii) the impact of such models on health (3) MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREA.—The care provider retention, including in health these delivery models to evaluate their term ‘‘medically underserved area’’ has the professional shortage areas in the States and potential and larger adoption in States meaning given the term ‘‘medically under- communities in which such models have and within the Federal Government. served community’’ in section 799B of the been adopted; Within 2 years, the Secretary then Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 295p). (iii) the impact of such models on the qual- would submit to Congress and publicly (4) MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED POPULATION.— ity of, and access to, care for patients in the post a report that includes an analysis The term ‘‘medically underserved popu- States and communities in which such mod- of these programs which utilize tech- lation’’ has the meaning given the term in els have been adopted; nology in a novel manner. One such section 330(b) of the Public Health Service (iv) the barriers faced by health care pro- Act (42 U.S.C. 254b(b)). viders, States, and communities in adopting method these programs may employ is (5) NATIVE AMERICANS.—The term ‘‘Native such models; using a hub-and-spoke approach to con- Americans’’ has the meaning given the term (v) the impact of such models on the abil- necting specialty and primary care in section 736 of the Public Health Service ity of local health care providers and special- workers for health surveillance and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.020 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7199 proper intervention. This holds par- Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Con- Connecting primary care providers with spe- ticular promise for rural and under- gressman BURGESS for his work on this, cialists through video streaming helps bridge served areas where it can be difficult to and I urge my colleagues to send S. the gap in both distance and access, reducing recruit and retain health professionals 2873 to the President’s desk for signa- travel and costs for both patient and provider but could offer opportunities for con- ture. alike. tinuing provider education and engage- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance I urge my colleagues to support this legisla- ment. of my time. tion so that we can continue working to pro- This legislation enjoys broad bipar- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield vide specialty care to all Americans across the tisan support. It has been endorsed by myself the balance of my time. nation. a number of health professional organi- Mr. Speaker, only 10 percent of phy- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The zations, including America’s Essential sicians practice in rural areas in this question is on the motion offered by Hospitals, the American Academy of country, but those areas contain 25 the gentleman from Texas (Mr. BUR- Pediatrics, the American Medical Asso- percent of the population. Obviously, GESS) that the House suspend the rules ciation, the American Nurses Associa- there is a mismatch. and pass the bill, S. 2873. tion, and the National Association of Access to care in underserved areas is The question was taken; and (two- Community Health Centers, to name especially challenging for patients thirds being in the affirmative) the but a few. with chronic or complex conditions. rules were suspended and the bill was This legislation does not impact di- Overburdened primary care providers passed. rect spending or revenues. It offers a often will have to refer complex pa- A motion to reconsider was laid on means by which to evaluate successful tients to hospitals or specialists for the table. models in the private sector and oppor- care that actually could just as well be f tunities to build upon them and adopt delivered at home. These unnecessary IMPROVING BROADBAND ACCESS them if successful. referrals delay care and increase costs Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to for patients in the system. The Project FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2016 vote ‘‘yes’’ on S. 2873. Extension for Community Health Out- Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to I reserve the balance of my time. comes, or Project ECHO, is one exam- suspend the rules and pass the bill Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I yield ple of an innovative model that is (H.R. 6394) to require the Federal Com- myself such time as I may consume. being used to address this challenge. munications Commission to submit to Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support Project ECHO uses interactive Congress a report on promoting of S. 2873, the ECHO Act, that I co-led videoconferencing to link specialist broadband Internet access service for with my colleague Representative BUR- teams with primary care providers in veterans. GESS in the House and Senators HATCH medical education clinics that include The Clerk read the title of the bill. and SCHATZ in the Senate. didactic teaching and case-based learn- The text of the bill is as follows: The ECHO Act elevates the success- ing. H.R. 6394 ful Project ECHO model, which uses Project ECHO has equipped local pro- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- technology to remotely connect viders across the country with the ex- resentatives of the United States of America in healthcare providers to one another so traordinary skills necessary to take on Congress assembled, they can communicate best practices healthcare challenges threatening our SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. and new techniques. communities. Project ECHO has been This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Improving UC Davis Medical Center, in my dis- used to increase the number of docs Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016’’. trict of Sacramento, has some of the able to prescribe for opioid abuse, to SEC. 2. REPORT ON PROMOTING BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE FOR best and brightest doctors, and they rapidly educate providers on public VETERANS. are working hard to share their exper- health crises, such as a novel flu out- (a) VETERAN DEFINED.—In this section, the tise across our region and the country. break, and to train providers to address term ‘‘veteran’’ has the meaning given the We are also fortunate in Sacramento to complex mental health disorders. term in section 101 of title 38, United States have a strong safety net of top-notch This bipartisan, bicameral bill has Code. community health centers that work broad support from healthcare pro- (b) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 1 viders and systems. It passed the Sen- year after the date of the enactment of this to provide the primary care needs of Act, the Federal Communications Commis- underserved populations. However, pri- ate 97–0 last week. Again, I want to sion shall submit to Congress a report on mary care is a big job, and often these thank Congresswoman MATSUI of Cali- promoting broadband Internet access service providers have not received the edu- fornia for her partnership on the bill. I for veterans, in particular low-income vet- cation or training they need in spe- encourage my colleagues to support its erans and veterans residing in rural areas. In cialty areas such as pain management. passage. such report, the Commission shall— Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance (1) examine such access and how to pro- b 1300 of my time. mote such access; and UC Davis is successfully partnering Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise (2) provide findings and recommendations with over 125 community health cen- today in support of S. 2873, Expanding Ca- for Congress with respect to such access and ters in California, to provide that col- how to promote such access. pacity for Health Outcomes Act, which would (c) PUBLIC NOTICE AND OPPORTUNITY TO laborative education on responsible increase access to health care services in COMMENT.—In preparing the report required and safe pain management, resulting in rural areas. by subsection (b), the Commission shall pro- increased use of evidence-based tools This bill authorizes the Department of vide the public with notice and an oppor- and reduced prescriptions for high-dose Health and Human Services to study the tunity to comment on broadband Internet opioids. Better understanding of pain Project ECHO model, which launched a revo- access service for veterans, in particular and effective pain management will lutionary long distance health care model that low-income veterans and veterans residing in contribute toward combating our Na- uses videoconferencing for collaboration and rural areas, and how to promote such access. tion’s devastating opioid abuse and case-learning. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- heroin epidemic. The Project ECHO model has proven to be ant to the rule, the gentleman from This Project ECHO bill is a first step successful in bringing much needed health Ohio (Mr. LATTA) and the gentleman in scaling approaches like this nation- care to some of our nation’s most remote re- from Vermont (Mr. WELCH) each will wide to ensure that every provider has gions. control 20 minutes. access to the best information on a va- By taking study of this model to the national The Chair recognizes the gentleman riety of topics, from pain to addiction, level, we have the opportunity to fully harness from Ohio. dermatology, infectious diseases, neu- emerging technologies to transform the way GENERAL LEAVE rology, and much more. health care is practiced. Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- We need to build on this progress to As a life long health care professional from imous consent that all Members may ensure that we are harnessing the a district with rural and underserved areas, I have 5 legislative days in which to re- power of technology to improve patient know firsthand how challenging it can be to vise and extend their remarks and in- care and save lives. I urge my col- provide access to high quality health care to sert extraneous materials in the leagues to support S. 2873. these areas. RECORD on the bill.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.022 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there easily, obtain necessary vocational This bill requires the FCC to submit to Con- objection to the request of the gen- training, and communicate with gress a report on the promotion of broadband tleman from Ohio? friends and family. It lets them keep access for veterans with a focus on low-in- There was no objection. up with current events. It gives them come veterans and those living in rural areas. Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- access to healthcare services. And they By ensuring those veterans have access to self such time as I may consume. can get important information about high-speed broadband, that determination and Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support their benefits and military records. hard-working spirit found in so many veterans of H.R. 6394, the Improving Broadband Without broadband Internet access, it that I’ve met can be fostered and grown. Access for Veterans Act of 2016. is difficult to fully participate in to- I want to thank Congressman MCNERNEY, Our veterans face unique and dif- day’s society. Congressman KINZINGER and the rest of the ficult challenges upon their return Veterans face many challenges when Energy and Commerce Committee for their home from service, but access to they return home. Not having Internet hard work on such an important issue for the broadband Internet service should not access makes what is already an in- growth of our veteran community. be one. Broadband access can help credibly tough transition process even I urge my colleagues to support this legisla- equip our veterans with the tools nec- harder. This is particularly likely to be tion. essary to be successful in today’s 21st the case for low-income veterans and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The century economy, and that is why I veterans living in rural areas. question is on the motion offered by urge all of my colleagues to support Although we lack data on the num- the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LATTA) this commonsense, nonpartisan bill. ber of veterans with broadband Inter- that the House suspend the rules and H.R. 6394 simply requires the Federal net access, the U.S. Census Bureau and pass the bill, H.R. 6394. Communications Commission to sub- the Pew Research Center both report The question was taken. mit a report to Congress on ways to that broadband adoption rates are sig- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the better improve access to broadband for nificantly lower among Americans who opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being our Nation’s veterans; in particular, live at or below the Federal poverty in the affirmative, the ayes have it. low-income veterans and veterans liv- level. Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, on that I ing in rural areas. An analysis by the National Tele- demand the yeas and nays. We as legislators will be able to communications and Information Ad- The yeas and nays were ordered. make better informed policy decisions ministration at the U.S. Department of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- based upon the recommendations made Commerce further finds that broadband ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- in the report and, thereby, help ensure adoption rates in rural areas of the ceedings on this motion will be post- our veterans have access to such a fun- country are lower than they are in poned. damental tool in today’s economy. I urban areas. urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘yes’’ on We must find ways to ensure that f H.R. 6394. veterans, especially the more than 1.4 EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of million living below the Federal pov- THAT ACCESS TO DIGITAL COM- my time. erty level and the 5.3 million residing MUNICATIONS TOOLS AND Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- in rural areas, are not left behind. This CONNECTIVITY IS NECESSARY self such time as I may consume. is why my bill directs the Federal Com- TO PREPARE YOUTH Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. munications Commission to examine Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to 6394, the Improving Broadband Access the current state of broadband access suspend the rules and agree to the reso- for Veterans Act of 2016. for veterans and what can be done to lution (H. Res. 939) expressing the sense I thank my colleagues, Mr. MCNER- increase access, with a focus on low-in- of the House of Representatives that NEY, who will be speaking very shortly, come veterans and veterans residing in access to digital communications tools and Mr. KINZINGER, both colleagues on rural areas. The findings and rec- the Energy and Commerce Committee and connectivity is necessary to pre- ommendations from the report will be pare youth in the United States to with myself and Mr. LATTA. Both of important for paving the way to get compete in the 21st century economy. them have had a focus on how the more veterans connected. Internet with be helpful to veterans. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Again, I want to thank my cosponsor, tion. Obviously, Internet is really helpful to Mr. KINZINGER, for his support, and I all of us, but veterans have some spe- The text of the resolution is as fol- urge my colleagues to vote for the bill. lows: cial challenges, and we have a special Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield H. RES. 939 obligation to veterans. back the balance of my time. This legislation is absolutely focused Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- Whereas the United States should lead the on the obligation that we have to try self the balance of my time. world in providing high-quality education to help our veterans have access to the Mr. Speaker, there are more than 20 and opportunities to its citizens; Internet. That is especially important Whereas digital skills are essential for edu- million veterans across the Nation, and cation and preparing citizens for the econ- in rural areas, something very close to every single one of them deserves ac- omy of the future; the heart of Mr. LATTA and me. cess to broadband Internet. This bill Whereas, on a daily basis, teachers across Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he can help give Congress the information the country assign homework that requires may consume to the gentleman from it needs to help improve the lives of Internet access to be completed; California (Mr. MCNERNEY), the cospon- our veterans, and I urge all of my col- Whereas there are 5,000,000 households with sor of this bill with Mr. KINZINGER, and leagues for their support of the gentle- school-age children in the United States that a wonderful colleague on the Energy man’s legislation. do not have high-speed Internet access at and Commerce Committee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance home and fall into what is known as the ‘‘homework gap’’; Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I want of my time. Whereas a disproportionate number of stu- to thank my colleague from Vermont Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise dents without high-speed Internet access at for his work on this, and my colleague today in support of H.R. 6394, the Improving home reside in low-income and minority from Ohio, and also Mr. KINZINGER Broadband Access for Veterans Act of 2016. households; from Illinois for his work. The First District of Georgia is blessed to be Whereas students and families in rural My bill, H.R. 6394, sets us on a path of home to four of our military’s fantastic installa- areas face additional challenges when home- working to close the digital divide for tions and more importantly, to the great men work requires Internet access that is out of veterans. Access to broadband Internet and women who choose to serve our country. reach; service provides an important resource Our military’s greatest strength is found in Whereas every student deserves an oppor- for the more than 20 million veterans those individuals who have chosen to defend tunity at 21st century success; Whereas participation in the classroom can across our Nation, with the highest our freedoms and our values. be improved when all students are equipped population residing in my State of Those veterans bring a wealth of informa- with the tools to complete their homework; California. tion and experience to the civilian sector that Whereas educators can increase the use of Having a broadband Internet connec- benefits innovation and those who are ex- cutting-edge education technology and dig- tion helps veterans apply for jobs more posed to it. ital learning resources when those resources

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.025 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7201 remain accessible during out-of-school getting homework, and 70 percent of This resolution expresses the sense of the hours; the teachers assign homework that House that the United States should be lead- Whereas data show that students have re- presumes access to the Internet, but ing the world in proving the digital tools nec- ceived lower grades and been unable to com- many of our kids don’t have access to plete their assignments because of their lack essary to succeed and create new opportuni- of Internet access at home; the Internet. ties. Whereas improved student access to post- About 5 million, or one-third of Nearly 5 million households in the United secondary education and workforce opportu- households with school age children in States do not have high-speed internet, mean- nities can be made possible by increasing the the U.S., lack a high-speed connection ing those households don’t have access to an ability of students to apply for employment, at home. That is the ‘‘homework gap.’’ increasingly important aspect of a modern postsecondary education, and financial aid It creates a lot of anxiety, as well as education. opportunities; some inability to get the homework By increasing access to millions of children Whereas leaders in the public and private done. And the anxiety for these kids is around the country, we take a step forward in sectors have recognized that the homework that they go home, they have got an promoting a 21st century education. gap is an issue of national importance and This would also improve the global competi- partnered to find cooperative solutions to assignment, they want to do it, and address it; and they don’t have the tools. It puts enor- tiveness of the United States as countries Whereas instilling digital skills and the mous pressure on the parents. around the world increasingly promote knowledge to succeed in the 21st century We have seen some reports where, in broadband access in their educational sys- economy in the Nation’s students is vital to order to address this outside of the tems. the Nation’s global competitiveness: Now, school, they will park buses that have I look forward to working with my colleagues therefore, be it high-speed Internet access, and the to expand possibilities for children and to cre- Resolved, That it is the sense of the House parents will bring the kids back to ate an environment in which we can of Representatives that access to digital incentivize growth and new opportunities. communications tools and connectivity is school and sit outside while the kids necessary to prepare youth in the United sit on the bus where they have the I thank the Energy and Commerce Com- States to compete in the 21st century econ- homework connection. mittee and Congressman WELCH for their hard omy. That is asking a lot of our parents, it work and diligence on this issue. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- is asking a lot of our kids, and this res- I urge my colleagues to support this resolu- ant to the rule, the gentleman from olution is just acknowledging what I tion. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ohio (Mr. LATTA) and the gentleman think we all know is the obvious. That question is on the motion offered by from Vermont (Mr. WELCH) each will is, if kids are going to have a shot at the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LATTA) control 20 minutes. getting ahead, if they are going to be that the House suspend the rules and The Chair recognizes the gentleman able to do their homework, we have got agree to the resolution, H. Res. 939. to get that Internet access out in the from Ohio. The question was taken. GENERAL LEAVE area so we don’t have 5 million kids The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- without it. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being imous consent that all Members may b 1315 in the affirmative, the ayes have it. have 5 legislative days in which to re- Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, on that I vise and extend their remarks and in- It is such a real problem when you get into the rural areas, and that is demand the yeas and nays. sert extraneous materials in the The yeas and nays were ordered. where Mr. LATTA and I know that, and RECORD on the resolution. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- the reason is because extending the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- broadband out into the rural areas is objection to the request of the gen- ceedings on this motion will be post- economically more of a challenge for tleman from Ohio? poned. some of our companies. There was no objection. f Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- We believe that, ultimately, we have self such time as I may consume. got to have Internet access, much like EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE Mr. Speaker, again, I am pleased to we did with electricity, where we make WITH RESPECT TO THIRD-PARTY support another resolution from our a policy that says we are getting that CHARGES ON CONSUMER TELE- colleagues from across the aisle. broadband to the last mile. This resolu- PHONE BILLS Broadband and the Internet have be- tion demonstrates an ongoing bipar- Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I move to come nearly indispensable parts of our tisan commitment to achieve that suspend the rules and agree to the reso- 21st century economy. Whether it is goal. I know, Mr. Speaker, you have a lution (H. Res. 932) expressing the sense bringing the world’s information to lot of rural areas in your district as of the House of Representatives with your fingertips or connecting you to well. respect to third-party charges on con- people around the world, it is increas- I urge my colleagues to support this, sumer telephone bills. ingly clear that improved access to the and I yield back the balance of my The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Internet is a vital part of our digital time. tion. future, and particularly so for our Na- Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, again, I The text of the resolution is as fol- tion’s children. thank the gentleman from Vermont. I lows: This resolution affirms the commit- know we have worked for well over a H. RES. 932 ment of the House of Representatives year now on rural issues on the com- Whereas telephone companies are required to ensuring all Americans, particularly mittee, and I appreciate his leadership to permit third parties to bill for services on students, have the tools they need to on that. I also thank the gentleman for a consumer’s monthly telephone bill in cer- succeed. As members of the Sub- working across the aisle with us to tain circumstances; committee on Communications and highlight this important need. Whereas ‘‘cramming’’ is the act of placing Technology, Democrats and Repub- American students must have every unauthorized charges on a wireline, wireless, tool to prepare themselves for an in- or bundled services telephone bill of a con- licans alike firmly espouse the goal of sumer; bringing broadband access to all chil- creasingly competitive future, and I Whereas the Federal Communications dren of the United States. hope that my colleagues will join me in Commission estimates that cramming has I thank the gentleman from Vermont support of this resolution. harmed tens of millions of people in the for shining a light on this important Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance United States; and issue, and I urge my colleagues to vote of my time. Whereas existing protections against ‘‘yes’’ on H. Res. 939. Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise cramming have not prevented harm to con- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of today in support of this resolution, which sumers: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the House my time. would express the sense of the House of Rep- of Representatives that protections against Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- resentatives that students everywhere should cramming should be improved and con- self such time as I may consume. have access to digital tools that will help to sumers should be empowered to stop un- Mr. Speaker, here is the situation: further their education in the 21st century wanted third-party charges on their tele- our kids are going to school, they are economy. phone bills.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.008 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she this resolution: Congressman GENE ant to the rule, the gentleman from may consume to the gentlewoman from GREEN, a member of the Communica- Ohio (Mr. LATTA) and the gentleman Illinois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY). tions and Technology Subcommittee; from Vermont (Mr. WELCH) each will Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I Congressman GRIJALVA; Congressman control 20 minutes. thank the gentleman, both for yielding HONDA; and Congresswoman BUSTOS. The Chair recognizes the gentleman and for his kind words. I appreciate I also thank Chairman UPTON and from Ohio. that. Ranking Member PALLONE on the full GENERAL LEAVE I also thank my colleague across the Committee, and Chairman WALDEN and Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- aisle for his support for this resolution. Ranking Member ESHOO on the Com- imous consent that all Members may H. Res. 932 calls for action on unau- munications and Technology Sub- have 5 legislative days in which to re- thorized phone charges slipped onto committee for working with us to consumer phone bills. As my colleague vise and extend their remarks and in- bring this resolution to the floor. pointed out, that is called cramming. sert extraneous materials in the Today I thank my colleagues on both Charges listed on your phone bill sides of the aisle, and I look forward to RECORD on the resolution. don’t necessarily come from your The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there working with all of you to realize this phone company. Phone companies objection to the request of the gen- resolution’s goal: No more phony allow third parties to place charges on tleman from Ohio? charges. phone bills. Sometimes that can be a There was no objection. Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield convenience. If you are texting a dona- Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- back the balance of my time. tion, that charge may also be indicated self such time as I may consume. Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 on your phone bill. However, con- Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in minutes to the gentleman from Geor- sumers may end up paying charges support of H. Res. 932, a sense of Con- gia (Mr. CARTER). that they never authorized in the first gress offered by our colleague, the gen- Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speak- place, and scammers can cram the bill tlewoman from Illinois (Ms. SCHA- er, I rise today in support of H. Res. with small fees that can add up to sig- KOWSKY). 932, expressing the sense of the House nificant sums over time. The use of third-party billing on con- of Representatives with respect to The Federal Communications Com- sumer telephone bills can provide con- third-party charges on consumer tele- mission estimates that the placement phone bills. sumers with convenience. Unfortu- of unauthorized charges, known as This legislation resolves that it is nately, this has also been an area that cramming, has harmed tens of millions the sense of the House that protections has resulted in consumer fraud. of Americans. Most of those phony I agree with the gentlewoman that against cramming, which is the act of charges go unnoticed. If you look at placing unauthorized charges on a tele- we should support efforts to provide your phone bill, they may be listed as consumers with tools to protect them- something vague like ‘‘monthly fee’’ or phone bill, should be improved. It is an selves from experiencing unauthorized ‘‘service charge.’’ effort to bring to light the form of charges on their phone bills. Though My resolution calls for action to stop fraud called cramming and its effect on there are existing protections in place this fraud. Consumer watchdogs have consumers’ bills. that prohibit so-called cramming, it is already taken some important steps. In Many of our Nation’s major tele- clear that more needs to be done to en- 2014 and 2015, the Federal Communica- communications providers have recog- sure that America’s consumers aren’t tions Commission, the Consumer Fi- nized this issue and have made strides footing the bills for these unauthorized nancial Protection Bureau, the Federal in increasing protections for con- and illegal charges from third-party Trade Commission, and State attor- sumers. By passing this resolution, we vendors. neys general reached settlements with are taking one step closer to protecting Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to major wireless carriers on cramming. consumers from fraudulent activities vote ‘‘yes’’ on H. Res. 932, and I reserve Under those settlements, wireless car- and ensuring that those who are vul- the balance of my time. riers must disclose and obtain con- nerable in our society are no longer Mr. WELCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- sumer consent for third-party charges susceptible to scammers. self such time as I may consume. on their customers’ wireless bills. We must continue to address these Consumer fraud continues, and often- While those settlements were an im- cases of fraud head on, and I look for- times it is individuals figuring out how portant step, we still have gaps in our ward to working with my colleagues on to use the Internet to get access to consumer protections. The cramming this issue and others. your bills and cram charges. Some- settlement only covers wireless cus- I applaud the Energy and Commerce times it is even companies with re- tomers, and those protections are time- Committee for their work on this im- spected reputations that somehow go limited. Landline customers are only portant legislation, and I urge my col- awry and then end up ripping off their protected if their phone company takes leagues to support this legislation. customers. action voluntarily. Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- It is bad in two respects. One is that So consumers really do need strong, self such time as I may consume. it costs money that consumers don’t ongoing protections against cramming, This is another area where I am have. I mean, most folks are trying to regardless of which phone company proud to join my colleagues in showing make ends meet and it is pretty tough. they use and whether they purchase the bipartisan work that has been the The second is that it really undercuts wireless, landline, or bundled phone hallmark of the Energy and Commerce the confidence that I think a consumer services. That is why we offer this reso- Committee. wants to have and is entitled to have, lution expressing the sentiment of the I thank the gentlewoman from Illi- that when they are putting their House that protections against cram- nois for her leadership on this issue, money out, they are being treated ming should be improved and con- and I urge my colleagues to join me in right, they are being treated fairly. sumers should be empowered to stop supporting this resolution. This resolution has been sponsored unwanted charges. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance by Congresswoman SCHAKOWSKY, and I Again, this resolution is only a first of my time. have got to say that we are lucky in step. I urge every phone company to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The this Congress to have her for all these ensure that their customers under- question is on the motion offered by years leading the charge on consumer stand and consent to any extra charges the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LATTA) issues. She is vigilant, she is tough, placed on their phone bills. that the House suspend the rules and and she is fair. Congresswoman SCHA- In the next Congress, I am hopeful agree to the resolution, H. Res. 932. KOWSKY brought this to the attention that the Energy and Commerce Com- The question was taken; and (two- of this body, and I urge that all of us mittee push for stronger cramming thirds being in the affirmative) the support this resolution. I want to ac- protections through hearings and, rules were suspended and the resolu- knowledge my gratitude for her work when necessary, legislation. tion was agreed to. over the years as an untiring consumer As we take this important first step, A motion to reconsider was laid on advocate. I do want to thank my cosponsors on the table.

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NATIONAL PARK CENTENNIAL CHAL- LENGE FUND. following: ‘‘shall be available— move to suspend the rules and pass the (a) IN GENERAL.—Title 54, United States ‘‘(i) for a period of 12 months from the date bill (H.R. 4680) to prepare the National Code, is amended by inserting after chapter of the issuance, at a cost of $20; and Park Service for its Centennial in 2016 1033 the following: ‘‘(ii) for the lifetime of the passholder, at a cost equal to the cost of the National Parks and for a second century of promoting ‘‘CHAPTER 1035—NATIONAL PARK and protecting the natural, historic, and Federal Recreational Lands Pass pur- CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE FUND chased under subsection (a).’’; and and cultural resources of our National ‘‘103501. Establishment. (4) by adding at the end the following: Parks for the enjoyment of present and ‘‘103502. Signature projects and programs. ‘‘(B) The Secretary shall issue a pass under future generations, and for other pur- ‘‘103503. Summary to Congress. subparagraph (A)(ii), for no additional cost, poses, as amended. ‘‘§ 103501. Establishment to any individual who provides evidence, The Clerk read the title of the bill. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There is established in under policies and guidelines determined by The text of the bill is as follows: the Treasury an account to be known as the the Secretary, that the individual has pur- H.R. 4680 National Park Centennial Challenge Fund. chased a pass under subparagraph (A)(i) for ‘‘(b) DEPOSITS.—All amounts received by each of the 4 years prior to being issued a Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- pass under this subparagraph.’’. resentatives of the United States of America in the United States each fiscal year from sales Congress assembled, by the National Park Service of National TITLE II—NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION Parks and Federal Recreational Lands ENDOWMENT SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. Passes under section 805(b)(1) of the Federal SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE. (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as Lands Recreation Enhancement Act that are the ‘‘National Park Service Centennial Act’’. This title may be cited as the ‘‘National in excess of $10,000,000 shall be deposited into Park Foundation Endowment Act’’. (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- the National Park Centennial Challenge tents of this Act is as follows: SEC. 202. SECOND CENTURY ENDOWMENT FOR Fund as offsetting collections and shall re- THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE. Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. main available to the Secretary until ex- (a) SECOND CENTURY ENDOWMENT.—Chapter Sec. 2. Definitions. pended. 1011 of title 54, United States Code, is amend- TITLE I—NATIONAL PARK CENTENNIAL ‘‘(c) USE OF FUNDS.—Funds collected and ed by inserting at the end the following: CHALLENGE FUND deposited into the National Park Centennial ‘‘§ 101121. Second Century Endowment for Sec. 101. National Park Centennial Chal- Challenge Fund— the National Park Service lenge Fund. ‘‘(1) shall be used for projects or programs ‘‘(a) SECOND CENTURY ENDOWMENT.—To fur- Sec. 102. Comparable pass cost for seniors. approved by the Secretary to further the ther the mission of the Service, the National TITLE II—NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION mission of the Service and to enhance the Park Foundation shall establish a special ac- ENDOWMENT visitor experience in System units; count to be known as the ‘Second Century ‘‘(2) may not be used to acquire lands or in- Sec. 201. Short title. Endowment for the National Park Service’. terest in lands; and Sec. 202. Second Century Endowment for the ‘‘(1) FUNDS FOR THE ENDOWMENT.—The fol- ‘‘(3) may only be used if matched, on at National Park Service. lowing shall apply to the Endowment: least a 1-to-1 basis, by non-Federal donations ‘‘(A) From amounts received by the United TITLE III—NATIONAL PARK NEXT (including funds and fairly valued durable States each fiscal year from sales by the Na- GENERATION STEWARDS goods and materials) to the Service for sig- tional Park Service of Federal Recreational Sec. 301. National Park Service interpreta- nature projects or programs. Lands Passes under section 805(b)(1) of the tion and education. ‘‘(d) LIMITATION ON SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR Federal Lands Recreational Enhancement Sec. 302. Public Land Corps amendments. MATCHING.—Amounts derived from the Sec- Act, $10,000,000 shall be deposited into the Sec. 303. Volunteers in the parks. ond Century Endowment for the National Endowment. TITLE IV—NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION Park Service shall not be treated as non- ‘‘(B) In addition to deposits otherwise au- AUTHORITIES Federal donations for purposes of subsection thorized, the Endowment shall consist of any Sec. 401. Board of directors. (c)(3). gifts, devises, or bequests that are provided Sec. 402. Authorization of appropriations; ‘‘§ 103502. Signature projects and programs to the National Park Foundation for such use of funds. ‘‘(a) LIST.—The Secretary shall— purpose. TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS ‘‘(1) develop a list of signature projects and ‘‘(C) The National Park Foundation shall deposit any funds received for the Endow- Sec. 501. National Historic Preservation Act. programs eligible for funding from the Na- ment in a federally insured interest-bearing Sec. 502. Award of concession contracts. tional Park Centennial Challenge Fund; ‘‘(2) submit the list developed pursuant to account or may invest funds in appropriate TITLE VI—TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO paragraph (1) to the Committees on Appro- security obligations, as directed by the NATIONAL PARK AND PROGRAM LAWS priations and Energy and Natural Resources Board of Directors. Sec. 601. Technical corrections to national in the United States Senate, and to the Com- ‘‘(D) Any accrued interest or dividends park and program laws. mittees on Appropriations and Natural Re- earned on funds received for the Endowment TITLE VII—VISITOR EXPERIENCE sources in the House of Representatives; and shall be added to the principal and form a IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY ‘‘(3) prioritize deferred maintenance part of the Endowment. Sec. 701. Visitor experience improvements projects, physical improvements to visitor ‘‘(2) USE OF FUNDS.— authority. services facilities and trail maintenance. ‘‘(A) Except as provided in subparagraph ‘‘(b) UPDATES.—The Secretary may, from (B), funds in the Endowment shall be avail- TITLE VIII—NATIONAL HISTORIC time to time, as the Secretary finds appro- able to the National Park Foundation as off- PRESERVATION AMENDMENTS ACT priate, add any signature project or program setting collections for projects and activities Sec. 801. Short title. to the list and provide notice of such addi- approved by the Secretary that further the Sec. 802. Reauthorization of the Historic tion as required by subsection (a). mission and purposes of the Service. Preservation Fund. ‘‘§ 103503. Summary to Congress ‘‘(B) Gifts, devises, or bequests in the en- SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. dowment under paragraph (1)(A), and any ac- In this Act: ‘‘The Secretary shall provide with the sub- crued interest or dividends earned thereon, mission of the President’s annual budget a (1) CHALLENGE FUND.—The term ‘‘Challenge shall be available to the National Park Fund’’ means the National Park Centennial summary of the status and funding of signa- Foundation for projects and activities ap- Challenge Fund established in title I. ture projects and programs.’’. proved by the Secretary that further the (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of (2) DIRECTOR.—The term ‘‘Director’’ means mission and purposes of the Service. the Director of the National Park Service. sections of title 54, United States Code, is ‘‘(C) In administering the Endowment each amended by inserting after chapter 1033 the (3) ENDOWMENT.—The term ‘‘Endowment’’ fiscal year, the National Park Foundation means the Second Century Endowment for following: shall be guided by the District of Columbia the National Park Service established by ‘‘1035. National Park Centennial Uniform Prudent Management of Institu- title II. Challenge Fund ...... 103501’’. tional Funds Act of 2007 (D.C. Code § 44–1631 (4) SECRETARY.—The term ‘‘Secretary’’ SEC. 102. COMPARABLE PASS COST FOR SENIORS. et seq.), including section 44–1633 on expendi- means the Secretary of the Interior. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhance- tures. (5) SIGNATURE PROJECT OR PROGRAM.—The ment Act (16 U.S.C. 6801, Public Law 108–447, ‘‘(D) No Federal funds received for the En- term ‘‘signature project or program’’ means division J, title VIII) is amended in section dowment may be used by the National Park any project or program identified by the Sec- 805(b)(1)— Foundation for administrative expenses of retary as one that will help prepare the na- (1) by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and insert- the Foundation, including for salaries, travel tional parks for another century of conserva- ing: and transportation expenses, and other over- tion, preservation, and visitor enjoyment. ‘‘(A) The Secretary’’; head expenses.

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‘‘(b) SUMMARY.—Beginning 2 years after emerging learning and communications carry out this subchapter $5,000,000 for each the date of the enactment of this section, the technology; and of fiscal years 2017 through 2023. National Park Foundation shall include with ‘‘(4) reflect current scientific and academic ‘‘(b) USE OF FUNDS.—Funds made available its annual report a summary of the status of research, content, methods, and audience under subsection (a)— the Endowment. The summary shall in- analysis. ‘‘(1) may be advanced each fiscal year to clude— ‘‘§ 100804. Improved use of partners and vol- the National Park Foundation in a lump sum ‘‘(1) a statement of the amounts deposited unteers in interpretation and education without regard to when expenses are in- in the Endowment during the fiscal year; ‘‘The Secretary may— curred; ‘‘(2) the amount of the balance remaining ‘‘(1) coordinate with park partners and vol- ‘‘(2) shall be provided to the National Park in the Endowment at the end of the fiscal unteers in the delivery of quality programs Foundation for use to match contributions year; and and services to supplement those provided by (whether in currency, services, or property) ‘‘(3) a description of the sums and purposes the Service as part of a park’s Long Range made to the Foundation; of the expenditures made from the Endow- Interpretive Plan; ‘‘(3) may not be used by the National Park ment for the fiscal year.’’. ‘‘(2) support interpretive partners by pro- Foundation for administrative expenses of (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of viding opportunities to participate in inter- the Foundation, including for salaries, travel sections for chapter 1011 of title 54, United pretive training; and and transportation expenses, and other over- States Code, is amended by inserting at the ‘‘(3) collaborate with other Federal and head expenses; and end the following: non-Federal public or private agencies, orga- ‘‘(4) may not be deposited by the National ‘‘101121. Second Century Endowment for the nizations, or institutions for the purposes of Park Foundation into any fund that will be National Park Service.’’. developing, promoting, and making available invested or earn interest in any way.’’. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of TITLE III—NATIONAL PARK NEXT educational opportunities related to re- sections for chapter 1011 of title 54, United GENERATION STEWARDS sources of the System and programs.’’. (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The table of States Code, is amended by inserting at the SEC. 301. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INTERPRETA- end the following: TION AND EDUCATION. chapters at the beginning of title 54, United States Code, is amended by inserting after ‘‘101122. Authorization of appropriations; use (a) IN GENERAL.—Title 54, United States the item relating to chapter 1007 the fol- of funds.’’. Code, is amended by inserting after chapter lowing new item: 1007 the following: TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS ‘‘1008. Education and Interpretation 100801’’. ‘‘CHAPTER 1008—EDUCATION AND SEC. 501. NATIONAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION SEC. 302. PUBLIC LAND CORPS AMENDMENTS. INTERPRETATION ACT. The Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (Public (a) ADDITIONAL MEMBER.—Section 304101(a) ‘‘100801. Definitions. Law 91–378, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1721 et of title 54, United States Code, is amended— ‘‘100802. Interpretation and education au- seq.) is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), (10), thority. (1) in section 203(10)(A) (16 U.S.C. and (11) as paragraphs (9), (10), (11), and (12), ‘‘100803. Interpretation and education eval- 1722(10)(A)), by striking ‘‘25’’ and inserting respectively; and uation and quality improve- ‘‘30’’; (2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the fol- ment. (2) in section 204(b) (16 U.S.C. 1723(b)), by lowing: ‘‘100804. Improved use of partners and volun- striking ‘‘25’’ and inserting ‘‘30’’; and ‘‘(8) The General Chairman of the National teers in interpretation and edu- (3) in section 207(c)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1726(c)(2)), Association of Tribal Historic Preservation cation. by striking ‘‘120 days’’ and inserting ‘‘2 Officers.’’. ‘‘§ 100801. Definitions years’’. (b) FULL-TIME CHAIRMAN.—Section 304101 of ‘‘As used in this chapter: SEC. 303. VOLUNTEERS IN THE PARKS. title 54, United States Code, is further ‘‘(1) INTERPRETATION.—The term ‘interpre- Subject to the availability of appropria- amended— tation’— tions, section 102301(d) of title 54, United (1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) ‘‘(A) means providing opportunities for States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘not as subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and people to form intellectual and emotional more than $7,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘not (2) by inserting after subsection (d) the fol- connections to gain awareness, appreciation, more than $9,000,000’’. lowing: and understanding of the resources of the TITLE IV—NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION ‘‘(e) CHAIRMAN.—(1) After January 20, 2017, System; and AUTHORITIES the Chairman shall— ‘‘(B) may refer to the professional career SEC. 401. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. ‘‘(A) be appointed by the President, by and field of Service employees, volunteers, and Chapter 1011 of title 54, United States with the advice and consent of the Senate; partners who interpret the resources of the Code, is amended— ‘‘(B) serve at the will of the President; System. (1) in section 101112— ‘‘(C) serve full time; and ‘‘(2) EDUCATION.—The term ‘education’ (A) by amending subsection (a) to read as ‘‘(D) be compensated at the rate provided means enhancing public awareness, under- follows: for Level V of the Executive Schedule Pay standing, and appreciation of the resources ‘‘(a) MEMBERSHIP.—The National Park Rates under section 5316 of title 5. of the System through learner-centered, Foundation shall consist of a Board having ‘‘(2) The Chairman shall serve for a term of place-based materials, programs, and activi- as members no fewer than 6 private citizens 4 years and may be reappointed once, for a ties that achieve specific learning objectives of the United States appointed by the Sec- total of not more than 8 years of service as as identified in a curriculum. retary. The Secretary and the Director shall Chairman, except that a Chairman whose ap- ‘‘(3) RELATED AREAS.—The term ‘related be non-voting members of the Board, ex offi- pointment has expired under this paragraph areas’ means— cio.’’; and shall serve until his or her successor has ‘‘(A) national wild and scenic rivers and (B) by amending subsection (c) to read as been appointed. The term of a Chairman national trails; follows: shall start (regardless of actual appointment ‘‘(B) national heritage areas; and ‘‘(c) CHAIRMAN.—The Chairman shall be date) on January 20 after each general Presi- ‘‘(C) affiliated areas administered in con- elected by the Board from its members for a dential election. The first Chairman ap- nection with the System. two-year term.’’; and pointed after the date of enactment of this (2) in section 101113(a)— ‘‘§ 100802. Interpretation and education au- paragraph shall have a first term com- (A) by redesignating paragraph (2) as para- thority mencing on January 20, 2017, and ending on graph (3); and January 19, 2021. ‘‘The Secretary shall ensure that manage- (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- ‘‘(3) The Chairmen before the first appoint- ment of System units and related areas is lowing: ment of a Chairman in accordance with para- enhanced by the availability and use of a ‘‘(2) COORDINATION WITH SERVICE.—Activi- graph (1) of this subsection shall receive $100 broad program of the highest quality inter- ties of the National Park Foundation under per diem when engaged in the performance of pretation and education. paragraph (1) shall be undertaken after con- the duties of the Council, and shall receive ‘‘§ 100803. Interpretation and education eval- sultation with the Director to ensure that reimbursement for necessary traveling and uation and quality improvement those activities are consistent with the pro- subsistence expenses incurred by them in the ‘‘The Secretary may undertake a program grams and policies of the Service.’’. performance of the duties of the Council.’’; of regular evaluation of interpretation and SEC. 402. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; and education programs to ensure that they— USE OF FUNDS. (3) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by ‘‘(1) adjust to how people learn and engage (a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; USE striking ‘‘may act in place’’ and inserting with the natural world and shared heritage OF FUNDS.—Chapter 1011 of title 54, United ‘‘shall perform the functions’’. as embodied in the System; States Code, is further amended by adding (c) CONFORMING CHANGES.— ‘‘(2) reflect different cultural backgrounds, after section 101121 the following: (1) Section 304101 of title 54, United States ages, education, gender, abilities, ethnicity, ‘‘§ 101122. Authorization of appropriations; Code, is further amended— and needs; use of funds (A) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘, (7), and ‘‘(3) demonstrate innovative approaches to ‘‘(a) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— (8)’’ and inserting ‘‘and (7) through (9)’’; management and appropriately incorporate There are authorized to be appropriated to (B) in subsection (c)—

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(i) by striking ‘‘under paragraphs (1) and (d) HARRIET TUBMAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL ‘‘101934. Capital improvements. (9) to (11)’’ and inserting ‘‘under paragraphs PARK, NEW YORK.—Section 3036(d)(4)(B) of ‘‘101935. Financial management. (10) through (12)’’; and title XXX of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘101936. Regulations. (ii) by striking ‘‘An appointed member ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Author- ‘‘101937. Savings provision. may not serve more than 2 terms.’’ and in- ization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law ‘‘101938. Sunset. serting ‘‘An appointed member, other than 113–291; 128 Stat. 3780) is amended by striking ‘‘§ 101931. Contract authority the Chairman of the Council, may not serve ‘‘section 2(b)(1)’’ and inserting ‘‘section ‘‘(a) GENERAL AUTHORITY.—Notwith- more than 2 terms.’’; 3035’’. standing subchapter II, the Secretary may (C) in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by (e) HARRIET TUBMAN UNDERGROUND RAIL- award and administer commercial services striking ‘‘paragraph (5), (6), (9), or (10)’’ and ROAD NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, MARY- contracts (and related professional services inserting ‘‘paragraph (5), (6), (10), or (11)’’; LAND.—Section 3035(d)(4)(B) of title XXX of contracts) for the operation and expansion of and the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ commercial visitor facilities and visitor (D) in subsection (g) (as so redesignated), McKeon National Defense Authorization Act services programs in System units. The com- by striking ‘‘Twelve members’’ and inserting for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 128 mercial services contracts that may be ‘‘Thirteen members’’. Stat. 3778) is amended by striking ‘‘section awarded shall be limited to those that are (2) Section 304104 of title 54, United States 3(b)(1)(A)’’ and inserting ‘‘section 3036’’. necessary and appropriate for public use and Code, is amended by inserting after the first (f) HISTORIC PRESERVATION STANDARDS AND enjoyment of the unit of the System in GUIDELINES.—Section 306131(a)(3) of title 54, sentence the following: ‘‘The Chairman of which they are located, and, that are con- United States Code, is amended by striking the Council shall be compensated as provided sistent with the preservation and conserva- ‘‘Office of Management and Budget’’ and in- in subsection (e) of section 304101.’’. tion of the resources and values of the unit. serting ‘‘Office of Personnel Management’’. (3) Section 304105(a) of title 54, United ‘‘(b) ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY.—Contracts (g) LAVA BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT.—The States Code, is amended— may be awarded under subsection (a) without first section of the Act of October 13, 1972 (A) by striking ‘‘report directly to the regard to Federal laws and regulations gov- (Public Law 92–493; 86 Stat. 811) is amended Council’’ and inserting ‘‘report directly to erning procurement by Federal agencies, in the first sentence— the Chairman’’; and with the exception of laws and regulations (1) by striking ‘‘That, in’’ and inserting (B) by striking ‘‘duties as the Council may related to Federal government contracts ‘‘Section 1. In’’; and prescribe’’ and inserting ‘‘duties as the governing working conditions and wage (2) by striking ‘‘ten thousand acres’’ and Chairman may prescribe’’. rates, including the Alaska National Interest all that follows through the remainder of the (4) Section 5316 of title 5, United States Lands Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3101 et sentence and inserting ‘‘10,431 acres, as de- Code, is amended by adding at the end the seq.), sections 3141–3144, 3146, and 3147 of title picted within the proposed wilderness bound- following new item: 40, United States Code (commonly known as ary on the map entitled ‘Lava Beds National ‘‘Chairman of the Advisory Council on His- the ‘Davis-Bacon Act’), and any civil rights Monument, Proposed Wilderness Boundary toric Preservation.’’. provisions otherwise applicable thereto. Adjustment’, numbered 147/80,015, and dated (d) CLARIFICATION.—Subsection (b) and sub- ‘‘(c) USE OF COMMERCIAL SERVICES CON- September 2005, and those lands within the section (d) of section 311103 of title 54, United TRACTS.— area generally known as the Schonchin Lava States Code, are amended by striking ‘‘Coun- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may issue Flow comprising about 18,029 acres, as de- cil’’ each place it appears and inserting a commercial services contract under this picted within the proposed wilderness bound- ‘‘Chairman of the Council’’. subchapter when the Secretary determines ary on the map, are designated as wilder- SEC. 502. AWARD OF CONCESSION CONTRACTS. that the contract meets the objectives of ex- ness.’’. Section 101913(9) of title 54, United States panding, modernizing, and improving the (h) MUSCLE SHOALS NATIONAL HERITAGE Code, is amended to read as follows: condition of commercial visitor facilities AREA.—Section 8009(j) of title VIII of the ‘‘(9) NEW OR ADDITIONAL SERVICES.—The and the services provided to visitors. Omnibus Public Land Management Act of Secretary may propose to amend the appli- ‘‘(2) EXCEPTIONS.—No contracts may be 2009 (Public Law 111–11, 16 U.S.C. 461 note) is cable terms of an existing concessions con- awarded under this subchapter— amended by striking ‘‘EFFECTIVENESS’’ and tract to provide new and additional services ‘‘(A) for the provision of outfitter and where the Secretary determines the services inserting ‘‘FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE’’. (i) PATERSON GREAT FALLS NATIONAL HIS- guide services described in section 101913(8); are necessary and appropriate for public use TORICAL PARK.—Section 3037(a)(1)(c) of title or and enjoyment of the unit of the National XXX of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘(B) to authorize the provision of facilities Park System in which they are located and ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National Defense Author- or services for which the Secretary has are consistent to the highest practicable de- ization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law granted to an existing concessioner a pref- gree with the preservation and conservation 113–291; 128 Stat. 3780) is amended by striking erential right of renewal as defined in sec- of the resources and values of the unit. Such ‘‘numbered T03/120,155, and dated April 2014’’ tions 101911 and 101913. new and additional services shall not rep- and insert ‘‘numbered T03/120,155A, and dated ‘‘§ 101932. Award of commercial services con- resent a material change to the required and August 2015’’. tracts authorized services as set forth in the appli- (j) SNAKE RIVER HEADWATERS.—Section ‘‘(a) COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS.—Ex- cable prospectus or contract.’’. 5002(c)(1) of the Omnibus Public Land Man- cept as provided in subsection (c), commer- TITLE VI—TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO agement Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–11, 123 cial services contracts shall be awarded by NATIONAL PARK AND PROGRAM LAWS Stat. 1148, 1149) is amended by striking the Secretary through a competitive selec- SEC. 601. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO NA- ‘‘paragraph (205) of section 3(a)’’ each place tion process. TIONAL PARK AND PROGRAM LAWS. it appears and inserting ‘‘paragraph (206) of ‘‘(b) SOLICITATION OF PROPOSALS.—Before (a) APOSTLE ISLANDS NATIONAL LAKE- section 3(a)’’. awarding a new commercial services con- SHORE.—Section 3030 of title XXX of the Carl (k) TAUNTON RIVER.—Section 5003(b) of the tract, the Secretary shall publicly solicit Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon Na- Omnibus Public Land Management Act of proposals for the contract, except as pro- tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 2009 (Public Law 111–11, 123 Stat. 1152, 1153) is vided in subsection (c). In connection with Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 128 Stat. 3766) amended by striking ‘‘section 3(a)(206)’’ each such solicitation, the Secretary shall prepare is amended in the section heading by strik- place it appears and inserting ‘‘section a request for proposals and shall publish no- ing ‘‘NATIONAL SEASHORE.’’ and inserting ‘‘NA- 3(a)(207)’’. tice of its availability. TIONAL LAKESHORE.’’. (l) WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION ‘‘§ 101933. Term of commercial services con- (b) BALTIMORE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.— ACT.—Section 4(e)(3)(c) of the World War I tracts Title VIII of the Omnibus Public Land Man- Centennial Commission Act (Public Law 112– agement Act of 2009 (Public Law 111–11, 16 272; 126 Stat. 2449) is amended by striking ‘‘A commercial services contract entered U.S.C. 461 note) is amended— ‘‘National Parks Service.’’ and inserting into pursuant to this title shall be awarded (1) in sections 8005(b)(3) and 8005(b)(4) by ‘‘National Park Service.’’. for a term not to exceed 10 years. striking ‘‘Baltimore Heritage Area Associa- ‘‘§ 101934. Capital improvements tion’’ and inserting ‘‘Baltimore City Herit- TITLE VII—VISITOR EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY ‘‘A person or entity awarded a contract age Area Association’’; and under this subchapter shall receive no lease- (2) in section 8005(i) by striking ‘‘EFFEC- SEC. 701. VISITOR EXPERIENCE IMPROVEMENTS AUTHORITY. hold surrender interest, as defined in section TIVENESS’’ and inserting ‘‘FINANCIAL ASSIST- Chapter 1019 of title 54, United States 101915, in capital improvements constructed ANCE’’. under the terms of the contract. (c) CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEA- Code, is amended by inserting at the end the SHORE.—Section 6(b) of the Act entitled ‘‘An following: ‘‘§ 101935. Financial management Act to establish the Cumberland Island Na- ‘‘SUBCHAPTER III—COMMERCIAL ‘‘(a) REVOLVING FUND.—There is estab- tional Seashore in the State of Georgia, and SERVICES AUTHORIZATION lished a revolving fund that shall be avail- for other purposes’’ (Public Law 92–536; 16 ‘‘101931. Contract authority. able to the Secretary without fiscal year U.S.C. 459i-5) is amended by striking ‘‘101932. Award of commercial services con- limitation for— ‘‘physiographic conditions not prevailing’’ tracts. ‘‘(1) expenses necessary for the manage- and inserting ‘‘physiographic conditions now ‘‘101933. Term of commercial services con- ment, improvement, enhancement, oper- prevailing’’. tracts. ation, construction, and maintenance of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.009 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 commercial visitor services and facilities, ister of Historic Places after determining Challenge Fund at the Treasury to help and that all procedural requirements have been the Park Service maintain and im- ‘‘(2) payment of possessory interest and met, including those in paragraphs (1) prove visitor service facilities. This leasehold surrender interest. through (3) above; the nomination is ade- fund will raise money on a one-to-one ‘‘(b) COLLECTION OF FUNDS.— quately documented; the nomination is tech- ‘‘(1) Funds collected by the Secretary pur- nically and professionally correct and suffi- match between the Federal Govern- suant to the contracts awarded under this cient; and may include an opinion as to ment and a private match. Last year in subchapter shall be credited to the revolving whether the property meets the National appropriations, $15 million was put fund. Register criteria for evaluation; into this concept and it was matched ‘‘(2) The Secretary is authorized to trans- ‘‘(5) notice is provided in the Federal Reg- by $33 million in private donations, fer to the revolving fund, without reimburse- ister that the nominated property is being which is a number that I think we will ment, any additional funds or revenue in considered for listing on the National Reg- be able to improve on in the future. connection with the functions to be carried ister that includes any comments and the H.R. 4680 also establishes a Second out under this subchapter. recommendation of the State Historic Pres- ‘‘(c) USE OF FUNDS.—Amounts in the re- ervation Officer and a declaration whether Century Endowment at the National volving fund shall be used by the Secretary the State Historic Preservation Officer has Park Foundation, which will allow the in furtherance of the purposes of this title. responded within the 45 day-period of review private sector to truly work with the No funds from this account may be used to provided in paragraph (2); and Park Service in a true public-private decrease the availability of services and pro- ‘‘(6) the Secretary addresses in the Federal partnership. grams to the public. Register any comments from the State His- It also raises the spending authoriza- ‘‘§ 101936. Regulations toric Preservation Officer that do not sup- tion for volunteers in the parks. This ‘‘As soon as practicable after the effective port the nomination of the property on the does not fix all of the National Park date of this subchapter, the Secretary shall National Register before the property is in- Service problems, but it is a good start. cluded in the National Register.’’; and promulgate regulations appropriate for its For their centennial, this is an excel- implementation. (3) by redesignating subsection (c) as sub- lent way to move forward into the ‘‘§ 101937. Savings provision section (d). (c) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.— challenges that they face. ‘‘Nothing in this subchapter shall modify (1) Section 303102 of such title is amended I will include in the RECORD ex- the terms or conditions of any concessions by striking ‘‘CONTENTS’’ in the heading changes of letters with Chairman contracts awarded under subchapter II or the thereof and inserting ‘‘FUNDING’’. ability of the National Park Service to enter KLINE of the Committee on Education (2) The table of sections for chapter 3031 of and the Workforce, as well as Chair- into concessions contracts under the Na- such title is amended by striking the item man CONAWAY of the Committee on Ag- tional Park Service Concessions Manage- relating to section 303102 and inserting the ment Improvement Act of 1998 (title IV of following new item: riculture. We appreciate their coopera- Public Law 105–391) including the use of tion in scheduling this bill and any of ‘‘303102. Funding.’’. leaseholder surrender interest. the others, either by unanimous con- ‘‘§ 101938. Sunset The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- sent or by general leave. ‘‘The authority given to the Secretary ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this under this subchapter shall expire 7 years Utah (Mr. BISHOP) and the gentleman measure. It is a good measure. I reserve after the date of the enactment of this sub- from Arizona (Mr. GRIJALVA) each will the balance of my time. chapter.’’. control 20 minutes. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TITLE VIII—NATIONAL HISTORIC The Chair recognizes the gentleman COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, PRESERVATION AMENDMENTS ACT from Utah. Washington, DC, April 11, 2016. SEC. 801. SHORT TITLE. GENERAL LEAVE Hon. ROB BISHOP, This title may be cited as the ‘‘National Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Amendments Act’’. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Washington, DC. SEC. 802. REAUTHORIZATION OF THE HISTORIC bers may have 5 legislative days to re- DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: Thank you for the op- PRESERVATION FUND. portunity to review H.R. 4680, the National (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 303102 of title 54, vise and extend their remarks and in- Park Service Centennial Act. As you are United States Code, is amended by striking clude extraneous materials on the bill aware, the bill was primarily referred to the ‘‘2015’’ and inserting ‘‘2023’’. under consideration. Committee on Natural Resources, while the (b) FEDERAL NOMINATIONS.—Section 302104 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Agriculture Committee received an addi- of such title is amended— objection to the request of the gen- tional referral. (1) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking tleman from Utah? I recognize and appreciate your desire to ‘‘subsection (c)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection There was no objection. bring this legislation before the House in an (d)’’; Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I expeditious manner and, accordingly, I agree (2) by inserting after subsection (b), the to discharge H.R. 4680 from further consider- following new subsection: yield myself such time as I may con- ation by the Committee on Agriculture. I do ‘‘(c) NOMINATION BY FEDERAL AGENCY.— sume. so with the understanding that by dis- Subject to the requirements of section 302107 August 25, 2016, marked the 100th an- charging the bill, the Committee on Agri- of this title, the regulations promulgated niversary of the National Park Service; culture does not waive any future jurisdic- under section 302103 of this title, and appeal still making it newer than the Antiq- tional claim on this or similar matters. Fur- under subsection (d) of this section, the Sec- uities Act, but it was their 100th anni- ther, the Committee on Agriculture reserves retary may accept a nomination directly by versary. the right to seek the appointment of con- a Federal agency for inclusion of property on ferees, if it should become necessary. the National Register only if— Today, the Park Service has 400 units I ask that you insert a copy of our ex- ‘‘(1) completed nominations are sent to the covering 84 million acres, but they do change of letters into the Congressional State Historic Preservation Officer for re- have some significant problems; name- Record during consideration of this measure view and comment regarding the adequacy of ly, a $12 billion backlog in their main- on the House floor. the nomination, the significance of the prop- tenance issues. We seem to add new Thank you for your courtesy in this mat- erty and its eligibility for the National Reg- parks all the time, and that makes the ter and I look forward to continued coopera- ister; Park Service fall further behind in this tion between our respective committees. ‘‘(2) within 45 days of receiving the com- effort. Sincerely, pleted nomination, the State Historic Pres- K. MICHAEL CONAWAY, ervation Officer has made a recommendation It is fun to create a new national Chairman. regarding the nomination to the Federal park. It is not sexy to talk about fixing Preservation Officer, except that failure to a sewer system. So that requires us to HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, meet this deadline shall constitute a rec- be a little bit more creative than we COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, ommendation to not support the nomina- have been in the past, and to provide Washington, DC, May 6, 2016. tion; new tools so that the Park Service can Hon. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY, ‘‘(3) the chief elected officials of the coun- meet this challenge that they have. Chariman, Committee on Agriculture, ty (or equivalent governmental unit) and This bill before us has been crafted in Washington, DC. municipal political jurisdiction in which the DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On March 16, 2016, the property is located are notified and given 45 consultation with the Park Service, Committee on Natural Resources ordered fa- days in which to comment; the Park Foundation, and other inter- vorably reported as I amended H.R. 4680, the ‘‘(4) the Federal Preservation Officer for- ested parties. It establishes two signifi- National Park Service Centennial Act, by wards it to the Keeper of the National Reg- cant things. One, a new Centennial voice vote. The bill was referred primarily to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.009 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7207 the Committee on Natural Resources, with fects your jurisdiction over the subject mat- taurants, hotels, and local outfitters additional referrals to the Committee on Ag- ter of the bill, and it will not serve as prece- and guides. According to a recent eco- riculture and the Committee on Education dent for future referrals. In addition, should nomic study conducted by the National and the Workforce. a conference on the bill be necessary, I would Park Service, every Federal dollar in- I ask that you allow the Committee on Ag- support your request to have the Committee riculture to be discharged from further con- on Education and the Workforce represented vested in our parks contributes $10 in sideration of the bill so that it may be sched- on the conference committee. Finally, I economic activity. uled by the Majority Leader. This discharge would be pleased to include this letter and The legislation before us today in- in no way affects your jurisdiction over the any response in the bill report filed by the cludes several helpful provisions as the subject matter of the bill, and it will not Committee on Natural Resources to memori- National Park Service begins its sec- serve as precedent for future referrals. In ad- alize our understanding as well as in the ond century. The legislation makes a dition, should a conference on the bill be Congressional Record. commitment to the Centennial Chal- necessary, I would support your request to Thank you for your consideration of my lenge, a matching grant program that have the Committee on Agriculture rep- request and for your continued strong co- resented on the conference committee. Fi- operation between our committees. leverages Federal dollars to encourage nally, I would be pleased to include this let- Sincerely, private investments to support signa- ter and any response in the bill report filed ROB BISHOP, ture centennial projects that are iden- by the Committee on Natural Resources to Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. tified by the National Park Service. It memorialize our understanding as well as in Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield also establishes an endowment at the the Congressional Record. such time as she may consume to the National Park Foundation to support Thank you for your consideration of my the missions and goals of the Park request and for your continued strong co- gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. operation between our committees. TSONGAS). Service, makes improvements to the Volunteers-In-Parks program, and Sincerely, b 1330 ROB BISHOP, helps the National Park Service recruit Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources. Ms. TSONGAS. Throughout this cen- and hire more young and diverse Amer- tennial year of the National Park Serv- icans. COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND THE ice, I have been reminded of something This legislation also includes my WORKFORCE, HOUSE OF REP- that Stephen Mather, that agency’s amendment to ensure that low-income RESENTATIVES, very first Director, once said. Reflect- seniors retain access to the Senior Washington, DC, May 11, 2016. ing on the new agency, he remarked: Pass, a lifetime pass that provides en- Hon. ROB BISHOP, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, ‘‘The parks do not belong to one State trance to all of our Nation’s public House of Representatives, Washington, DC. or to one section . . . The Yosemite, lands for people age 62 and above. As I DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I write to confirm our the Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon are am sure my colleagues can attest, sen- mutual understanding with respect to H.R. national properties in which every cit- iors in our districts living on a very 4680, the National Park Service Centennial izen has a vested interest; they belong constrained fixed income may struggle Act. Thank you for consulting with the Com- as much to the man’’—and, I would to assemble the $80 to make a one-time mittee on Education and the Workforce with add, woman—‘‘of Massachusetts, of respect to H.R. 4680 on those matters within payment to purchase a lifetime Senior the Committee’s jurisdiction. Michigan, of Florida as they do to the Pass. This legislation creates a new $20 In the interest of expediting the House’s people of California, of Wyoming, and annual Senior Pass and allows seniors consideration of H.R. 4680, the Committee on of Arizona.’’ who have purchased four of those Education and the Workforce will forgo fur- Those words are a powerful reminder passes to trade them in and receive a ther consideration of this bill. However, I do in this era of political division and dis- lifetime Senior Pass. This amendment so only with the understanding this proce- agreement: national parks are na- ensures that we can appropriately bal- dural route will not be construed to preju- tional. They cut across party lines and ance the need for new revenue for the dice my Committee’s jurisdictional interest geographic boundaries. They enjoy and prerogatives on this bill or any other Centennial Challenge with funda- similar legislation and will not be considered broad support, and they bring people mental fairness for all of our Nation’s as precedent for consideration of matters of together—something we seem to need seniors. jurisdictional interest to my Committee in now more than ever. I want to thank Chairman BISHOP, the future. For 100 years, generation after gen- Ranking Member GRIJALVA, and the I respectfully request your support for the eration of Americans have made the National Park Service for working appointment of outside conferees from the commitment that our most significant with me on this provision of the bill. Committee on Education and the Workforce historical, cultural, and natural sites Despite these successes, no Member should this bill or a similar bill be consid- should be preserved in perpetuity for ered in a conference with the Senate. I also of this body should ignore the stark re- request you include our exchange of letters future generations. Our national parks ality that this legislation is a missed on this matter in the Committee Report on have been famously called ‘‘America’s opportunity. On the Natural Resources H.R.. 4680 and in the Congressional Record best idea’’ and have become engrained Committee where I am proud to serve during consideration of this bill on the in our national identity—places like as ranking member of the Federal House Floor. Thank you for your attention the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Lands Subcommittee, there is deep to these matters. Ellis Island, and in my own district, frustration and dissatisfaction with the Sincerely, Minute Man National Historical Park, $12 million deferred maintenance back- JOHN KLINE, which commemorates the shot heard Chairman. log at the National Park Service. ‘round the world, and Lowell National Democrats put a centennial bill on the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Historical Park, which recognizes the table that starts to address this issue, COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES, people, places, and radical innovation but it never received serious consider- Washington, DC, May 11, 2016. that spawned our Nation’s industrial ation by our counterparts in the major- Hon. JOHN KLINE, revolution. ity. Chairman, Committee on Education and the These parks protect, they celebrate, New revenue generated by fees, espe- Workforce, Washington, DC. and give access to the many places cially at the expense of our Nation’s DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: On March 16, 2016, the Committee on Natural Resources ordered fa- that have shaped and defined who we seniors, will not solve the issue of de- vorably reported as amended H.R. 4680, the are as a people and a country, and it is ferred maintenance. In the short term, National Park Service Centennial Act, by important to remember that these the legislation before us today is a voice vote. The bill was referred primarily to places would not have been protected good first step, and I support the bill. the Committee on Natural Resources, with absent support from the Federal Gov- But Congress must find a way to appro- additional referrals to the Committee on ernment. priate new funds to our national parks Education and the Workforce and Agri- Investments in our parks make eco- in order to preserve and protect them culture. nomic sense. Nationally, the parks gen- I ask that you allow the Committee on for future generations of Americans. Education and the Workforce to be dis- erate nearly $30 billion in economic ac- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I charged from further consideration of the tivity and support 250,000 private sec- yield such time as he may consume to bill so that it may be scheduled by the Ma- tor jobs. When people visit our national the gentleman from California (Mr. jority Leader. This discharge in no way af- parks, they also support nearby res- MCCLINTOCK), who is the chairman of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.011 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 the Federal Lands Subcommittee and I can’t think of a better way to cele- parks. In comparison, this legislation who has jurisdiction over this. brate the last century and to begin the provides a tiny amount of funding com- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I next century of our National Park pounded by years of budget reductions. thank the gentleman for yielding. Service than to restore the vision of its Further, this bill asks that the manda- Mr. Speaker, this year marked the founders. Mr. Speaker, this bill does so, tory spending come from only one centennial anniversary of the National and I urge its adoption. source: mandatory increases to the Park Service and of that uniquely Mr. GRIJALVA. Mr. Speaker, I yield price of the Parks’ Senior Pass. American notion that the most beau- myself such time as I may consume. What we are seeing today is a shell of tiful and historic lands should be set This month marks the end of a year a bill. Only a few provisions remain, aside for the ‘‘use, resort, and recre- of celebration. Over the past 12 which, although marginally helpful to ation’’ of the American people, as the months, hundreds of millions of people ensure the vitality of the national original Yosemite Grant Act put it, or, from our country and from around the parks for the future, fall far short of in the words of the Organic Act of 1916 world have joined together to celebrate what is necessary and needed. What we that established the national parks, one of the most valued and uniquely are seeing today is a missed oppor- ‘‘to conserve the scenery and the nat- American ideas: our national park sys- tunity to do what is right. This bill, ural and historic objects and the wild- tem. In our democratic society, the while optimistically named, is a year life therein and to provide for the en- park system is uniquely one of the late and a couple of billion dollars joyment of the same.’’ most democratic public institutions short. Maybe we will get it right in the Yet, a century into this endeavor, because, after all, all Americans own next 100 years. the Park Service faces considerable the park system and it is for all Ameri- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance challenges to achieving its objectives. cans, regardless. of my time. The Park Service’s original charge was For many, this year was a time to re- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I to manage just 35 national parks and flect on what began 100 years ago with appreciate the opportunity to be here. monuments. Today it is responsible for a single mission: to protect our unique This is a good bill. I appreciate those more than 400 units across 84 million American heritage for the enjoyment who have spoken so far for their will- acres. This exponential growth has left of future generations. Last year, na- ingness to take ‘‘yes’’ as an answer. many locations in disrepair, facing a tional parks across this Nation saw a Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this growing backlog of deferred mainte- record 307 million visitors. People bill. nance now exceeding $12 billion. came to the parks to explore, to learn I yield back the balance of my time. In addition to desperately needed and reflect on the grand natural beauty The SPEAKER pro tempore. The maintenance, the Park Service also and the diverse history of our Nation. question is on the motion offered by faces challenges with fee collection, Fifty years ago, Members of Congress the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) technological upgrades, management understood the need to recognize these that the House suspend the rules and of concessions contracts for visitor types of milestone accomplishments by pass the bill, H.R. 4680, as amended. services, and, most disturbingly, a sub- passing legislation to reinvigorate not The question was taken; and (two- stantial decrease in overnight visita- only the agency, but the American thirds being in the affirmative) the tion. The decline has been particularly public. A decade before the 50th anni- rules were suspended and the bill, as high among young people. Recent re- versary of the National Park Service, amended, was passed. ports indicate that visits to parks by the House began pulling together a bill A motion to reconsider was laid on those 15 years of age and younger has that demonstrated to the American the table. fallen by half over the last decade. people that they were willing to put f The National Park Service Centen- their money where their mouth was. nial Act provides the Park Service In honor of the National Park Serv- ARBUCKLE PROJECT MAINTE- with new tools and authorities that it ice’s 50th anniversary, Congress funded NANCE COMPLEX AND DISTRICT can use to maintain and improve the the Mission 66 program at over $900 OFFICE CONVEYANCE ACT OF system. Provisions in this bill help re- million, the equivalent of $8 billion in 2016 duce the Service’s maintenance back- 2016 dollars. The National Park Service Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I log by generating new revenue to pay expected 80 million visitors to cele- move to suspend the rules and pass the for needed capital improvements and brate that anniversary. Unsurprisingly, bill (H.R. 1219) to authorize the Sec- leveraging private philanthropic dona- the American public beat expectations. retary of the Interior to convey certain tions to amplify this effort. In turn, The parks saw almost 130 million visi- land and appurtenances of the Ar- these funds will be used to enhance vis- tors in 1966 alone. buckle Project, Oklahoma, to the Ar- itor services, provide WiFi and cellular This Congress, which has the benefit buckle Master Conservancy District, access that young people demand, and of knowing how much Americans value and for other purposes, as amended. expand the Volunteers-In-Parks and their national parks, should be author- The Clerk read the title of the bill. Public Lands Corps programs that are izing at least an equal amount. In- The text of the bill is as follows: so important in welcoming the public stead, we have before us a bill that is H.R. 1219 to the public lands. but a shadow of what it could have Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- I believe the three greatest chal- been, a far cry from what my Demo- resentatives of the United States of America in lenges to Federal lands management cratic colleagues and I in the com- Congress assembled, are to restore public access to the pub- mittee introduced back in September SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. lic lands, to restore sound management 2015. Instead of passing a bill that gives This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Arbuckle to the public lands, and to restore the a standing ovation to the accomplish- Project Maintenance Complex and District Of- Federal Government as a good neigh- ments of the Park Service and sets the fice Conveyance Act of 2016’’. bor to those communities directly af- bar high for the next 100 years, today SEC. 2. CONVEYANCE OF MAINTENANCE COM- PLEX AND DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE fected by the public lands. we are passing legislation that is the ARBUCKLE PROJECT, OKLAHOMA. This bill does all three. It promotes equivalent of a golf clap—very quietly. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Inte- public access and enjoyment of the Even previous Republican adminis- rior shall, as soon as practicable, convey to the parks by promoting the expansion, trations have better understood the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District, located modernization, and improvement of value of our national parks. In the last in Murray County, Oklahoma, all right, title, visitor services and amenities. It pro- Republican administration, President and interest of the United States in and to the motes good management by placing Bush and Secretary Kempthorne were Maintenance Complex and District Office, Ar- priority and generating funds nec- prepared to provide $2.5 billion in addi- buckle Project, Oklahoma, consistent with the essary to address the growing mainte- tional operating funds, an additional $1 terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement between the United States and the Arbuckle nance backlog. It repairs the relation- billion in centennial commitment Master Conservancy District. ship between the Federal and local gov- funds, and $1 billion in centennial chal- (b) DEFINITIONS.— ernments by giving local officials a say lenge funds to encourage private chari- (1) AGREEMENT.—The term ‘‘Agreement’’ in future historic designations. table investment in our country’s means the Agreement between the United States

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.035 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7209 and the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District to relieve the district of burdensome of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Ar- for Transferring Title to the Federally Owned paperwork and also relieve the Federal buckle Master Conservancy District in Maintenance Complex and District Office to the Government of some liability. south-central Oklahoma. The district Arbuckle Master Conservancy District (Agree- This bill has been done 27 other times completed repayment of the capital ment No. 14AG640141). (2) DISTRICT OFFICE.—The term ‘‘District Of- over the last two decades, which sim- costs of the project in September of fice’’ means the headquarters building located ply means there needs to be some kind 2012. at 2440 East Main, Davis, Oklahoma, and the of reform in the process to remove the In accordance with the Bureau of approximately 0.83 acres described in the Agree- slow pace of the Bureau of Reclamation Reclamation’s policy framework for ment. so we don’t have to go through such a title transfer, in December 2014, the (3) MAINTENANCE COMPLEX.—The term ‘‘Main- complicated effort for such a worthy Bureau of Reclamation and the district tenance Complex’’ means the caretakers resi- cause. executed an agreement to transfer, in dence, shop buildings, and any appurtenances Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of located on the lands described in the Agreement, fee title, certain facilities that could to include approximately 2.00 acres, more or less. my time. be more efficiently and effectively (c) LIABILITY.—Effective upon the date of Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield managed at the local level. conveyance of the Maintenance Complex and myself such time as I may consume. The title transfer involves approxi- District Office under this section, the United Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1219 is a straight- mately 2.83 acres of land. On this land States shall not be held liable by any court for forward, reasonable piece of legislation is a small house, associated structures, damages of any kind arising out of any act, worthy of passage. The bill would allow and the conservancy district’s head- omission, or occurrence relating to the Mainte- a title transfer of two Federal build- quarters office building. The House and nance Complex and District Office, except for ings to the Arbuckle Master Conser- damages caused by acts of negligence committed property are used to accommodate a by the United States or by its employees or vancy District in south central Okla- district employee who maintains and agents prior to the date of conveyance. Nothing homa. inspects the dam and the pumping fa- in this section increases the liability of the b 1345 cilities. The headquarters office build- United States beyond that provided in chapter ing is the base of operation for the dis- 171 of title 28, United States Code (popularly These buildings are part of the Ar- trict. known as the ‘‘Federal Tort Claims Act’’) on the buckle Project, which is a water This bill also divests the Federal date of the enactment of this Act. project, authorized by Congress in 1962, Government of its responsibility and li- (d) BENEFITS.—After conveyance of the Main- to provide flood control, recreational tenance Complex and District Office to the Ar- ability associated with the district’s opportunities, and municipal water facilities. Reclamation and the district buckle Master Conservancy District— supply. (1) the Maintenance Complex and District Of- have worked cooperatively and suc- fice shall not be considered to be a part of a Nearly all of the facilities within the cessfully to address all of the elements Federal reclamation project; and Arbuckle Project were already trans- necessary to bring this legislation for- (2) such water district shall not be eligible to ferred to the Arbuckle Master Conser- ward and make this transfer proceed as receive any benefits with respect to any facility vancy District in 2012 after the district smoothly as possible. comprising that Maintenance Complex and Dis- finished repaying what it owed the I am pleased that this bill is an trict Office, except benefits that would be avail- Federal Government for construction. able to a similarly situated person with respect agreement with which both the Federal However, due to some overly narrow and local interests are satisfied. to such a facility that is not part of a Federal language in the legislation authorizing reclamation project. I want to urge all of my colleagues to the Arbuckle Project, two buildings (e) COMMUNICATION.—If the Secretary of the support this legislation. Again, I want Interior has not completed the conveyance re- within the project have yet to be trans- to thank the chairman for his help in quired under subsection (a) within 12 months ferred. this matter. after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec- Transferring the two remaining Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, again, retary shall submit to Congress a letter with suf- buildings will save taxpayer money like I said, this is straightforward leg- ficient detail that explains the reasons the con- that would otherwise be needed to op- islation that should be quickly passed. veyance has not been completed and stating the erate and maintain the buildings and date by which the conveyance will be completed. We urge its adoption. will also relieve the Federal Govern- I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ment of any potential future liability ant to the rule, the gentleman from Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, associated with the buildings. This is this is a good bill, and I urge its adop- Utah (Mr. BISHOP) and the gentleman straightforward legislation that should from the Northern Mariana Islands tion. be quickly passed. I yield back the balance of my time. (Mr. SABLAN) each will control 20 min- I reserve the balance of my time. utes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I question is on the motion offered by The Chair recognizes the gentleman yield such time as he may consume to from Utah. the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. that the House suspend the rules and GENERAL LEAVE COLE). pass the bill, H.R. 1219, as amended. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I want to The question was taken. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- thank my good friend for yielding, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the bers may have 5 legislative days to re- I certainly want to thank him for mov- opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being vise and extend their remarks and in- ing this expeditiously through his com- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. clude extraneous materials on the bill mittee and onto the floor. I want to as- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, on under consideration. sociate myself with his remarks about that I demand the yeas and nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the need for reform because this is a The yeas and nays were ordered. objection to the request of the gen- fairly routine matter. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tleman from Utah? I rise in support of H.R. 1219, the Ar- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- There was no objection. buckle Project Maintenance Complex ceedings on this motion will be post- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I and District Office Conveyance Act. poned. yield myself such time as I may con- This bill is a straightforward land con- sume. veyance, which has both Federal and f This bill, H.R. 1219, sponsored by the local support. great Congressman from Oklahoma, al- H.R. 1219 would authorize the Sec- NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS lows a water district in Oklahoma to retary of the Interior to convey certain ECONOMIC EXPANSION ACT take ownership of two buildings and 2 lands and buildings of the Arbuckle Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I acres of land that they have paid for, Project, in Murray County, Oklahoma, move to suspend the rules and pass the they have operated, and they have to the Arbuckle Master Conservancy bill (H.R. 6401) to amend Public Law 94– maintained for the last several dec- District. 241 with respect to the Northern Mar- ades. Unfortunately, they still remain In 1962, Congress authorized the pay- iana Islands. in Federal ownership, and they need ment of reimbursable costs for con- The Clerk read the title of the bill. this legislation to actually transfer it struction, operation, and maintenance The text of the bill is as follows:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:13 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.013 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 H.R. 6401 ern Mariana Islands. We desperately The modest one-year increase in Common- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- want this growth to continue because wealth-Only Transitional Workers (CW) pro- resentatives of the United States of America in our economy is still only three-quar- posed under H.R. 6401, will provide the busi- Congress assembled, ters of what it was in 2000. But there is ness community with the necessary human SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. a problem with keeping that growth resources to continue to operate and propel This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Northern an expanding economy. Mariana Islands Economic Expansion Act’’. going—our limited population. For that reason, I have introduced, It is imperative that we do not stymie our SEC. 2. COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN plan for future economic growth, now begin- MARIANA ISLANDS: TRANSITIONAL with Congressman RADEWAGEN, bipar- ning to come to frutition, with a labor short- WORKERS. tisan legislation, H.R. 6401, the North- age in critical areas. Section 6 of Public Law 94–241 (48 U.S.C. ern Mariana Islands Economic Expan- 1806) is amended— sion Act. The bill also provides additional funds for (1) in subsection (a)(6), by striking ‘‘$150’’ Mr. Speaker, I include in the RECORD the job training/education programs proven and inserting ‘‘$200’’; and letters of support for H.R. 6401 from the effective at expanding the pool of qualified (2) in subsection (d)(2)— and skilled U.S. workers in the CNMI. (A) by striking the period at the end of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mar- iana Islands’ Governor, Ralph DLG. The CNMI Strategic Economic Develop- first sentence and inserting ‘‘, except a per- ment Council fully supports H.R. 6401 and ap- mit for construction occupations (as that Torres; the CNMI Strategic Economic Development Council; the Office of the preciates all of your efforts in addressing the term is defined by the Department of Labor labor crisis in the Northern Marianas. as Standard Occupational Classification Senate President, Nineteenth Northern Very truly yours, Group 47–0000 or any successor provision) Marianas Commonwealth Legislature; ALEXANDER A. SABLAN, shall only be issued to extend a permit first the Commonwealth Healthcare Cor- Sub Committee Chair- issued before October 1, 2015.’’; and poration; the Hotel Association of the man, Labor & CW (B) by striking the period at the end of the Northern Mariana Islands; and from Task Force, CNMI third sentence and inserting ‘‘, except that the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. Strategic Economic for fiscal year 2017 the number of permits Development Com- COMMONWEALTH OF THE issued shall not exceed 15,000.’’. mittee. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, SAIPAN, ant to the rule, the gentleman from MP, DECEMBER 4, 2016. Hon. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN, OFFICE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT, Utah (Mr. BISHOP) and the gentleman House of Representatives. NINETEENTH NORTHERN MARIANAS from the Northern Mariana Islands Washington, DC. COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE, (Mr. SABLAN) each will control 20 min- DEAR CONGRESSMAN SABLAN: I write to sup- Saipan, MP, December 6, 2016. utes. port H.R. 6401, critical legislation that will Hon. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN, The Chair recognizes the gentleman provide short-term relief from the labor House of Representatives, from Utah. shortage facing the Commonwealth that Washington, DC. GENERAL LEAVE threatens our growing economy and public health. DEAR CONGRESSMAN SABLAN: As President Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I The latest report from Bureau of Economic of the Senate of the Nineteenth Northern ask unanimous consent that all Mem- Analysis indicates the Commonwealth econ- Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, I am bers may have 5 legislative days to re- omy grew for the fourth consecutive year. A in strong support of H.R. 6401, critical legis- vise and extend their remarks and in- growing economy needs a qualified work- lation that increases the FY 2017 cap on clude extraneous materials on the bill force. And while there are now more U.S. Commonwealth-only Transitional Workers under consideration. workers than foreign workers in the North- (CW) to ensure continued economic growth The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ern Marianas for the first time in decades, and protect public health. objection to the request of the gen- there are still not enough to meet the labor After more than a decade of decline, our demand. The temporary increase in the num- Commonwealth economy is in resurgence. tleman from Utah? ber of Commonwealth-Only Transitional There was no objection. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis re- (CW) workers provided in your bill will par- ports our economy grew for the fourth Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I ticularly help small businesses retain the yield myself such time as I may con- straight year, at a rate of 3.5 percent in 2015. workers needed to maintain operations. A qualified workforce is necessary to sustain sume. Most importantly, the Commonwealth’s our businesses and attract new investment. Mr. Speaker, I support this excellent only hospital, stand to lose critical staff in- While our investment in job training and cluding 34 staff nurses, two infection control piece of legislation. The Common- education has been successful with the num- nurses, a clinical laboratory scientist and wealth of the Northern Mariana Islands ber of U.S. workers now outnumbering for- specialists in mammography, is experiencing an economic resur- eign workers, there are still more jobs than ultrasonography without the relief provided U.S. workers. The temporary increase in CW gence, and they have for the last sev- in H.R. 6401. eral years. However, there is a chal- Building a qualified U.S. workforce in the workers provided in the bill will help meet lenge on maintaining a capable work- Northern Marianas is a priority for my ad- the demand and ensure that our business force to sustain that growth on the is- ministration. The CW worker fee increase in community has access to needed labor. land, especially as they are phasing out the legislation will provide additional fund- The CW cap also affects our ability to de- the use of foreign workers. ing for efforts to recruit, educate, and train liver health care services as the Common- To do that, the phasing out, which is these workers and establish a permanent wealth’s only hospital is facing the loss of occurring at a rate that actually is det- pool of workers to fill local jobs. many nurses and those in specialized health H.R. 6401 is critical to continued economic care positions. rimental to sustaining economic growth in the Northern Marianas. The bill growth, we need to provide some kind has my full support. We are also in support of the increase in the CW worker fee as it increase the re- of flexibility to the Northern Mariana Sincerely, sources available to educate and train U.S. RALPH DLG TORRES, Islands to meet this challenge. This workers. bill does it in three specific ways, each Governor. H.R. 6401 is critical to the present and fu- of which is a commonsense solution to ture of the Northern Marianas and has my a very, very complex issue. It is a great CNMI STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, full support. bill, and I urge its adoption. December 1, 2016. Sincerely, I reserve the balance of my time. FRANCISCO M. BORJA, Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Hon. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN, House of Representatives, President. myself such time as I may consume. Washington, DC. COMMONWEALTH HEALTHCARE COR- Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank DEAR CONGRESSMAN SABLAN: The CNMI PORATION, COMMONWEALTH OF THE Chairman BISHOP for allowing this bill Strategic Economic Development Committee NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, to come to the floor. I appreciate it is in strong support of H.R. 6401, critical leg- Saipan, December 2, 2016. very much. islation that will provide short-term relief Hon. GREGORIO ‘‘KILILI’’ CAMACHO SABLAN, The economy of the Northern Mar- from the labor shortage threatening the House of Representatives, iana Islands grew at a rate of 3.5 per- growth of the Northern Marianas economy. Washington, DC. cent last year, the fourth straight year The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis in- dicates the Commonwealth economy grew DEAR CONGRESSMAN SABLAN: Common- of growth for my district. The Bureau for the fourth consecutive year, a recent wealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) is in of Economic Analysis announced the high of 3.5 percent. This is attributable to in- strong support of H.R. 6401. new data a week ago. creased private investment and tourism now This critical legislation would provide an This strong economic expansion is threatened by the lack of available qualified increase in the FY 2017 limit on Common- good news for the people of the North- workers on the island. wealth-only Transitional Workers (CW) and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.014 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7211 allow the CHCC to petition for renewal of 39 high of 3.5 percent. This is attributable to in- But we still find ourselves short of the work- essential healthcare workers impacted when creased private investment and tourism now ers we need—especially at this moment, when the CW cap was reached just two weeks into threatened by the lack of available qualified there are hundreds of millions of dollars of the Fiscal Year. workers on the island. new tourism development being invested in Our Commonwealth Health Center (CHC) is The modest one-year increase in Common- our islands. the only hospital in the Commonwealth of wealth-Only Transitional Workers (CW) pro- the Northern Marianas, providing inpatient posed under H.R. 6401, will provide the busi- H.R. 6401 does several things: and outpatient acute, chronic, and emer- ness community with the necessary human First, it will put more money into that training gency health care services to the people of resources to continue to operate and propel fund that is proving so successful at helping the CNMI. We also maintain community an expanding economy. It will also provide put our people to work. health centers on the populated islands of additional critical funds for job training and The bill also allows us to bring in a limited, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. education programs that are steadily ex- additional number of foreign workers under the Our ability to continue to provide these es- panding the pool of qualified and skilled U.S. Commonwealth-only Transitional Worker pro- sential on-island health care services, and workers on Saipan. The Saipan Chamber of Commerce fully gram that was set up under federal law to help maintain quality patient care and safety as us build our U.S. labor force. well as maintain overall public health, de- supports H.R. 6401 and appreciates all of your The Transitional Worker program has re- pends on being able to maintain current efforts in addressing the labor crisis in the staffing levels and specialized expertise. Northern Marianas. duced the number of foreign workers in the Without an increase to the CW cap this Very truly yours, Marianas year after year. VELMA M. PALACIOS, year, CHC stands to lose the services and ex- But this year the sudden increase in invest- President of the Board. perience of 34 staff nurses, two infection con- ment in new hotels and other tourism busi- trol nurses, a clinical laboratory scientist Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, in clos- nesses has left us short. and specialists in mammography and ing, I want to thank again Chairman H.R. 6401 would give us an extra 2,000 ultrasonography. ROB BISHOP of the Natural Resources workers—the same number as we were al- For the foregoing reasons, we are in full Committee for his understanding and lowed in 2013—and only for the remainder of support H.R. 6401 and are grateful for your support. I also thank Chairman DON this fiscal year. work in addressing this critical health care YOUNG, who held a hearing on this This is a short-term fix to address an unex- issue. issue in September and agreed that ac- Sincerely, pected—and very welcome—change in the ESTHER L. MUNA, tion was needed. economic fortunes of the Northern Mariana Is- Chief Executive Officer. I appreciate the support of Ranking lands. Members RAU´ L GRIJALVA and RAUL The bill will also help us avoid this worker HOTEL ASSOCIATION OF THE RUIZ. And, of course, Mr. Speaker, I am shortage in the years to come. NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS, indebted to the minority whip, Mr. Part of the problem this year has been that December 2, 2016. HOYER, and to our majority leader, Mr. employers are not using other federal pro- Hon. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN, MCCARTHY, who agreed to bring H.R. grams that can provide temporary labor for House of Representatives, Washington, DC. 6401 to the floor today. construction projects of the size and scale that I ask my colleagues for the support DEAR CONGRESSMAN SABLAN: The Hotel As- are being built in the Marianas. sociation of the Northern Mariana Islands is of H.R. 6401. So, H.R. 6401 bars employers from using in strong support of H.R. 6401, critical legis- Mr. Speaker, The economy of the Northern the Transitional program we have in the Mari- lation that will provide short-term relief Mariana Islands grew at a rate of 3 point 5 anas for new construction. from the labor shortage threatening the percent last year and the fourth straight year This shift will not slow the economic expan- growing hospitality industry in the Northern of growth for my district. sion we have right now. Marianas. The Bureau of Economic Analysis an- But it will allow us to continue reducing the Due in large part to increased private in- nounced the new data a week ago. number of foreign workers permitted under the vestment and tourism the U.S. Bureau of This strong economic expansion is good Transitional program. Economic Analysis recently announced that the Commonwealth economy grew for the news for the people of the Mariana Islands. It will continue the conversion to a predomi- fourth consecutive year. We desperately want this growth to continue. nantly U.S. labor force, which is our long-term However, our hotel and resort properties Because our economy is still only three-quar- goal. are in critical need of labor, particularly ters of what it was in 2000. In closing, I want to thank Chairman ROB those with skills and experience in the hospi- But there is a problem with keeping that BISHOP of the Natural Resources Committee tality industry, culinary arts and property growth going: our limited population. for his understanding and support. maintence. The inability of employers to For that reason, I have introduced with Con- Thanks, also, to Chairman DON YOUNG, who renew or hire new Commonwealth-Only gresswoman RADEWAGEN bipartisan legisla- held a hearing on these issues in September Transitional Workers (CW) threatens their tion, H.R. 6401, the Northern Mariana Islands and agreed that action was needed. continued operations and chills future in- Economic Expansion Act. I appreciate the support of Ranking Mem- vestment in our islands. The Marianas has a very small population— The modest one-year increase in CWs, pro- bers RAUL GRIJALVA and RAUL RUIZ. posed under H.R. 6401, will allow the hospi- only about 54,000 people. And economic ex- And, of course, I am indebted to the Minor- tality industry to continue to provide first- pansion demands not only entrepreneurial ity Whip Mr. HOYER and to our Majority Leader class service to our tourists capital and investment, which we are suddenly Mr. MCCARTHY, who agreed to bring H.R. The Hotel Association of the Northern receiving. Economic expansion demands 6401 to the floor today. Mariana Islands fully supports H.R. 6401 and workers, as well. And I ask my colleagues for their support for appreciates all of your efforts in addressing We have struggled to bring more workers H.R. 6401. the labor crisis in the Northern Marianas. into our labor force. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Very truly yours, Isolated as we are—6,000 miles from the of my time. GLORIA CAVANAGH, U.S. mainland—it is difficult to attract U.S. Chairman. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, workers. Our employers to gone everywhere this is an excellent bill, and I urge its SAIPAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, to recruit workers—Guam, the Freely Associ- adoption. Saipan, December 2, 2016. ated States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. main- I yield back the balance of my time. Hon. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN, land. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The House of Representatives, We have worked hard to raise the skills of question is on the motion offered by Washington, DC. our own local population. A special fee paid by the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) DEAR CONGRESSMAN SABLAN: The Saipan employers of foreign workers has pumped $6 that the House suspend the rules and Chamber of Commerce is in strong support of million into training. pass the bill, H.R. 6401. H.R. 6401, critical legislation that will pro- And we are succeeding. Since 2008, the The question was taken; and (two- vide short-term relief from the labor short- age threatening the growth of the Northern number of U.S. workers has grown. There are thirds being in the affirmative) the Marianas economy. 15 percent more U.S. workers in our labor rules were suspended and the bill was The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis in- force today than there were ten years ago. passed. dicates the Commonwealth economy grew U.S. workers are now the majority of our A motion to reconsider was laid on for the fourth consecutive year, a recent labor force—a huge turnaround for us. the table.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.016 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7212 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 PROVIDING FOR THE ADDITION OF bers may have 5 legislative days to re- AMENDING THE GRAND RONDE CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TO vise and extend their remarks and in- RESERVATION ACT TO MAKE THE RESERVATION OF THE clude extraneous materials on the bill TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS SILETZ TRIBE IN THE STATE OF under consideration. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I OREGON The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there move to suspend the rules and pass the Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I objection to the request of the gen- bill (S. 818) to amend the Grand Ronde move to suspend the rules and pass the tleman from Utah? Reservation Act to make technical cor- bill (S. 817) to provide for the addition There was no objection. rections, and for other purposes. of certain real property to the reserva- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I The Clerk read the title of the bill. tion of the Siletz Tribe in the State of yield myself such time as I may con- The text of the bill is as follows: Oregon. sume. S. 818 The Clerk read the title of the bill. This bill deals with the Siletz Tribe The text of the bill is as follows: in the State of Oregon. It is a bill that Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- S. 817 the tribe could apply to have land resentatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- placed in trust within the original 1855 resentatives of the United States of America in boundaries of their reservation. The SECTION 1. ADDITIONAL LAND FOR GRAND Congress assembled, RONDE RESERVATION. bill prohibits gaming on land acquired SECTION 1. PURPOSE; CLARIFICATION. in trust under this bill and is identical Section 1 of Public Law 100–425 (commonly (a) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this Act is to known as the ‘‘Grand Ronde Reservation facilitate fee-to-trust applications for the to a version of H.R. 3211 that we dealt Act’’) (25 U.S.C. 713f note; 102 Stat. 1594; 104 Siletz Tribe within the geographic area spec- with in our committee. Stat. 207; 108 Stat. 708; 108 Stat. 4566; 112 ified in the amendment made by this Act. I think it is a good bill. Stat. 1896), is amended— (b) CLARIFICATION.—Except as specifically I reserve the balance of my time. (1) in subsection (a)— provided otherwise by this Act or the amend- (A) in the first sentence— ment made by this Act, nothing in this Act Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield (i) by striking ‘‘Subject to valid existing or the amendment made by this Act, shall myself such time as I may consume. rights, including (but not limited to) all’’ prioritize for any purpose the claims of any Mr. Speaker, S. 817 will grant the and inserting the following: federally recognized Indian tribe over the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to valid existing claims of any other federally recognized In- Oregon the ability to more easily re- rights, including all’’; and dian tribe. store their tribal lands. (ii) by inserting ‘‘(referred to in this Act as SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF CERTAIN PROPERTY OF the ‘Tribes’)’’ before the period at the end; THE SILETZ TRIBE OF THE STATE OF The tribe’s original lands were great- (B) in the second sentence, by striking OREGON. ly diminished by the Federal Govern- ‘‘Such land’’ and inserting the following: Section 7 of the Siletz Tribe Indian Res- ment during the disastrous allotment ‘‘(2) TREATMENT.—The land referred to in toration Act (25 U.S.C. 711e) is amended by and assimilation period of the late paragraph (1)’’; and adding at the end the following: 1800s. Thus, the Western Oregon Indian (C) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(f) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN PROPERTY.— ‘‘(3) ADDITIONAL TRUST ACQUISITIONS.— ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.— Termination Act of 1954 terminated ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may ac- ‘‘(A) TITLE.—The Secretary may accept their Federal status and eliminated cept title in and to any additional real prop- title to any additional number of acres of their remaining land base altogether. erty located within the boundaries of the real property located within the boundaries The tribe was rightly restored in 1977 original 1857 reservation of the Tribes (as es- of the original 1855 Siletz Coast Reservation but has had trouble reacquiring parts tablished by the Executive order dated June established by Executive order dated Novem- of their original land base due to the 30, 1857, and comprised of land within the po- ber 9, 1855, comprised of land within the po- nature of their restoration. litical boundaries of Polk and Yamhill Coun- litical boundaries of Benton, Douglas, Lane, ties, Oregon), if that real property is con- Lincoln, Tillamook, and Yamhill Counties in Passage of S. 817 will finally address veyed or otherwise transferred to the United the State of Oregon, if that real property is this issue, so the tribe will no longer States by, or on behalf of, the Tribes. conveyed or otherwise transferred to the have to face delays in dealing with the ‘‘(B) TREATMENT OF TRUST LAND.— United States by or on behalf of the tribe. Department of Interior when taking ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—An application to take ‘‘(B) TRUST.—Land to which title is accept- certain land into trust. This is the cul- land into trust within the boundaries of the ed by the Secretary under this paragraph mination of nearly 3 decades of effort original 1857 reservation of the Tribes shall shall be held in trust by the United States by the Siletz tribe. I congratulate them be treated by the Secretary as an on-reserva- for the benefit of the tribe. tion trust acquisition. ‘‘(2) TREATMENT AS PART OF RESERVATION.— on their tireless work and persever- ‘‘(ii) GAMING.— All real property that is taken into trust ance. ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in under paragraph (1) shall— I also want to commend Senator subclause (II), real property taken into trust ‘‘(A) be considered and evaluated as an on- WYDEN for promoting this legislation, pursuant to this paragraph shall not be eligi- reservation acquisition under part 151.10 of and our colleague from Oregon, Mr. ble, or used, for any class II gaming or class title 25, Code of Federal Regulations (or suc- SCHRADER, for championing the House III gaming (as those terms are defined in sec- cessor regulations); and version of the bill. tion 4 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act ‘‘(B) become part of the reservation of the (25 U.S.C. 2703)). tribe. I urge the adoption of S. 817. ‘‘(II) EXCEPTION.—Subclause (I) shall not ‘‘(3) PROHIBITION ON GAMING.—Any real I yield back the balance of my time. apply to any real property located within 2 property taken into trust under paragraph Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I miles of the gaming facility in existence on (1) shall not be eligible, or used, for any gam- urge consideration of this bill favor- the date of enactment of this paragraph lo- ing activity carried out under the Indian ably. cated on State Highway 18 in the Grand Gaming Regulatory Act (25 U.S.C. 2701 et Ronde community, Oregon. seq.).’’. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ‘‘(C) RESERVATION.—All real property The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- taken into trust within the boundaries de- ant to the rule, the gentleman from question is on the motion offered by scribed in subparagraph (A) at any time after Utah (Mr. BISHOP) and the gentleman the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) September 9, 1988, shall be considered to be a from the Northern Mariana Islands that the House suspend the rules and part of the reservation of the Tribes.’’; and (Mr. SABLAN) each will control 20 min- pass the bill, S. 817. (2) in subsection (c)— utes. The question was taken; and (two- (A) in the matter preceding the table, by The Chair recognizes the gentleman thirds being in the affirmative) the striking ‘‘in subsection (a) are approxi- rules were suspended and the bill was mately 10,311.60’’ and inserting ‘‘in sub- from Utah. section (a)(1) are the approximately GENERAL LEAVE passed. 11,349.92’’; and Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I A motion to reconsider was laid on (B) by striking the table and inserting the ask unanimous consent that all Mem- the table. following:

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‘‘South West Section Subdivision Acres

4 8 36 SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 40

4 7 31 Lots 1,2, NE1⁄4, E1⁄2 NW1⁄4 320.89

5 7 6 All 634.02

5 7 7 All 638.99

5 7 18 Lots 1 & 2, NE1⁄4, E1⁄2 NW1⁄4 320.07

5 8 1 SE1⁄4 160

5 8 3 All 635.60

5 8 7 All 661.75

5 8 8 All 640

5 8 9 All 640

5 8 10 All 640

5 8 11 All 640

5 8 12 All 640

5 8 13 All 640

5 8 14 All 640

5 8 15 All 640

5 8 16 All 640

5 8 17 All 640

6 8 1 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4, W1⁄2 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 53.78

6 8 1 S1⁄2 E1⁄2 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 10.03

6 7 7, 8, 17, 18 Former tax lot 800, located within the SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 of sec. 7; SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 of sec. 8; 5.55

NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 of sec. 17; and NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 of sec. 18

4 7 30 Lots 3,4, SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4, SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4, E1⁄2 SW1⁄4 241.06

6 8 1 N1⁄2 SW1⁄4 29.59

6 8 12 W1⁄2 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4, SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4, N1⁄2 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4, N1⁄2 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 21.70

6 8 13 W1⁄2 E1⁄2 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 5.31

6 7 7 E1⁄2 E1⁄2 57.60

6 7 8 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4, W1⁄2 SW1⁄4 22.46

6 7 17 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4, N1⁄2 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 10.84

6 7 18 E1⁄2 NE1⁄4 43.42

6 8 1 W1⁄2 SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 20.6

6 8 1 N1⁄2 SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 19.99

6 8 1 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 9.99

6 8 1 NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 10.46

6 8 1 NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4, NW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 12.99

6 7 6 SW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 37.39

6 7 5 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 24.87

6 7 5, 8 SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 of sec. 5; and NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4, NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 of sec. 8 109.9

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‘‘South West Section Subdivision Acres

6 8 1 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 31.32

6 8 1 NE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 8.89

6 8 1 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 78.4

6 7 8, 17 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 of sec. 8; and NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4, NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 of sec. 17 14.33

6 7 17 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 6.68

6 8 12 SW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 8.19

6 8 1 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 2.0

6 8 1 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 5.05

6 8 12 SE1⁄4, SW1⁄4 54.64

6 7 17, 18 SW1⁄4, NW1⁄4 of sec. 17; and SE1⁄4, NE1⁄4 of sec. 18 136.83

6 8 1 SW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 20.08

6 7 5 NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4, SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4, E1⁄2 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 97.38

4 7 31 SE1⁄4 159.60

6 7 17 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 3.14

6 8 12 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 1.10

6 7 8 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 0.92

6 8 12 NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 1.99

6 7, 8 7, 12 NW1⁄4 NW1⁄4 of sec. 7; and S1⁄2 NE1⁄4 E1⁄2 NE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 of sec. 12 86.48

6 8 12 NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 1.56

6 7,8 6,1 W1⁄2 SW1⁄4 SW1⁄4 of sec. 6; and E1⁄2 SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 of sec. 1 35.82

6 7 5 E1⁄2 NW1⁄4 SE1⁄4 19.88

6 8 12 NW1⁄4 NE1⁄4 0.29

6 8 1 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 2.5

6 7 8 NE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 7.16

6 8 1 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 5.5

6 8 1 SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 1.34

Total 11,349.92.’’.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I fully stripped of their recognition and ant to the rule, the gentleman from yield myself such time as I may con- existing land base during the termi- Utah (Mr. BISHOP) and the gentleman sume. nation era in the 1950s. from the Northern Mariana Islands This bill for the Grand Ronde Tribe Federal recognition of the Grand (Mr. SABLAN) each will control 20 min- in Oregon allows them to ease the proc- Ronde was rightfully reestablished in utes. ess to apply for trust lands within the 1983, as well as a land base through sub- The Chair recognizes the gentleman original 1857 boundary jurisdiction. It sequent legislation. But like other from Utah. deems property placed in trust for the tribes in Oregon, efforts by the tribe to tribe after 1988 as part of the tribe’s restore additional lands have been hin- GENERAL LEAVE reservation and lands acquired by the dered by the nature of the tribe’s res- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I tribe to be part of the reservation. This toration. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- bill is also identical to another House Passage of S. 818 will finally address bers may have 5 legislative days to re- bill that we considered in our com- this issue and make it easier for the vise and extend their remarks and in- mittee. Grand Ronde to take land into trust clude extraneous materials on the bill I urge its adoption. within their historical boundaries. under consideration. I reserve the balance of my time. The bill will also allow certain prop- Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield erty already taken into trust by the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there myself such time as I may consume. tribe to be considered part of the res- objection to the request of the gen- Mr. Speaker, like other tribes in Or- ervation. tleman from Utah? egon, the Confederated Tribes of the Again, I want to thank Senator There was no objection. Grand Ronde Community were wrong- WYDEN for promoting this legislation,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:23 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.018 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7215 and thank our colleague from Oregon the United States Senate. Despite that H.R. 875 (Mr. SCHRADER) for advocating for the fact, this is still a fitting memorial to Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- House version of this bill. And I want Mr. Evans and is a recognition of his resentatives of the United States of America in to thank Chairman BISHOP for man- life in public service. Congress assembled, aging this bill with me today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. I ask my colleagues to support S. 818. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Cross-Border my time. Trade Enhancement Act of 2016’’. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I SEC. 2. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS. myself such time as I may consume. (a) IN GENERAL.—Title IV of the Homeland urge its adoption. The lands of the Pacific Northwest Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 202 et seq.) is I yield back the balance of my time. are known throughout the country for amended by adding at the end the following: The SPEAKER pro tempore. The their majestic beauty and unique eco- question is on the motion offered by ‘‘Subtitle G—U.S. Customs and Border systems. Visitors from near and far Protection Public Private Partnerships the gentleman from Utah (Mr. BISHOP) flock to the region to experience tem- ‘‘SEC. 481. FEE AGREEMENTS FOR CERTAIN SERV- that the House suspend the rules and perate rain forests and to climb some ICES AT PORTS OF ENTRY. pass the bill, S. 818. of the tallest peaks of the country. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding section The question was taken; and (two- 13031(e) of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget thirds being in the affirmative) the Were it not for the forward-thinking Reconciliation Act of 1985 (19 U.S.C. 58c(e)) rules were suspended and the bill was actions of certain individuals who and section 451 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 passed. sought permanent protection for these U.S.C. 1451), the Commissioner of U.S. Cus- A motion to reconsider was laid on wildlands decades ago, these iconic toms and Border Protection, upon the re- the table. places could have been destroyed. quest of any entity, may enter into a fee Today we recognize one of those for- agreement with such entity under which— f ward-thinking individuals, Senator ‘‘(1) U.S. Customs and Border Protection DANIEL J. EVANS OLYMPIC shall provide services described in subsection Daniel J. Evans of Washington State. (b) at a United States port of entry or any NATIONAL PARK WILDERNESS ACT Thanks to the work of Senator Evans, other facility at which U.S. Customs and Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I these areas are maintained in per- Border Protection provides or will provide move to suspend the rules and pass the petuity due in no small part to the pas- such services; bill (S. 3028) to redesignate the Olym- sage of the wilderness bills that protect ‘‘(2) such entity shall remit to U.S. Cus- pic Wilderness as the Daniel J. Evans them. A staunch supporter of the bi- toms and Border Protection a fee imposed Wilderness. partisan Wilderness Act, Senator under subsection (h) in an amount equal to the full costs that are incurred or will be in- The Clerk read the title of the bill. Evans helped to establish this bedrock The text of the bill is as follows: curred in providing such services; and environmental law, which ensures that ‘‘(3) if space is provided by such entity, S. 3028 these increasingly rare and pristine each facility at which U.S. Customs and Bor- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- lands are protected permanently for der Protection services are performed shall resentatives of the United States of America in enjoyment by all. be maintained and equipped by such entity, Congress assembled, Thanks to Congressman REICHERT without cost to the Federal Government, in SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. and Senator CANTWELL for advancing accordance with U.S. Customs and Border This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Daniel J. this legislation. Protection specifications. Evans Olympic National Park Wilderness ‘‘(b) SERVICES DESCRIBED.—The services de- Act’’. I am pleased to support this bill scribed in this subsection are any activities SEC. 2. REDESIGNATION AS DANIEL J. EVANS today, which recognizes the important of any employee or Office of Field Operations WILDERNESS. work of one of our great public lands contractor of U.S. Customs and Border Pro- (a) REDESIGNATION.—Section 101(a) of the champions, Senator Daniel J. Evans. I tection (except employees of the U.S. Border Washington Park Wilderness Act of 1988 (16 ask my colleagues to support this bill. Patrol, as established under section 411(e)) U.S.C. 1132 note; 102 Stat. 3961) is amended, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance pertaining to, or in support of, customs, ag- in the second sentence, by striking ‘‘Olympic ricultural processing, border security, or im- Wilderness’’ and inserting ‘‘Daniel J. Evans of my time. migration inspection-related matters at a Wilderness’’. Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, port of entry or any other facility at which (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, this is another excellent bill, and I U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides map, regulation, document, paper, or other urge its adoption. or will provide services. record of the United States to the Olympic I yield back the balance of my time. ‘‘(c) MODIFICATION OF PRIOR AGREEMENTS.— Wilderness shall be deemed to be a reference The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Bor- to the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness. der Protection, at the request of an entity DOLD). The question is on the motion who has previously entered into an agree- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- offered by the gentleman from Utah ant to the rule, the gentleman from ment with U.S. Customs and Border Protec- (Mr. BISHOP) that the House suspend tion for the reimbursement of fees in effect Utah (Mr. BISHOP) and the gentleman the rules and pass the bill, S. 3028. on the date of enactment of this section, from the Northern Mariana Islands The question was taken. may modify such agreement to implement (Mr. SABLAN) each will control 20 min- The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the any provisions of this section. utes. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being ‘‘(d) LIMITATIONS.— ‘‘(1) IMPACTS OF SERVICES.—The Commis- The Chair recognizes the gentleman in the affirmative, the ayes have it. from Utah. sioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protec- Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, on tion— GENERAL LEAVE that I demand the yeas and nays. ‘‘(A) may enter into fee agreements under Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I The yeas and nays were ordered. this section only for services that— ask unanimous consent that all Mem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘(i) will increase or enhance the oper- bers have 5 legislative days to revise ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- ational capacity of U.S. Customs and Border and extend their remarks and include ceedings on this motion will be post- Protection based on available staffing and extraneous materials on the bill under poned. workload; and consideration. ‘‘(ii) will not shift the cost of services fund- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there f ed in any appropriations Act, or provided objection to the request of the gen- CROSS-BORDER TRADE from any account in the Treasury of the tleman from Utah? ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2016 United States derived by the collection of fees, to entities under this Act; and There was no objection. Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I move Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, I ‘‘(B) may not enter into a fee agreement to suspend the rules and pass the bill under this section if such agreement would yield myself 2 minutes. unduly and permanently impact services S. 3028 renames the Olympic Wilder- (H.R. 875) to provide for alternative fi- nancing arrangements for the provision funded in any appropriations Act, or pro- ness in the Olympic National Park in vided from any account in the Treasury of the State of Washington as the Daniel of certain services and the construc- tion and maintenance of infrastructure the United States, derived by the collection J. Evans Wilderness. of fees. at land border ports of entry, and for b 1400 ‘‘(2) NUMBER.—There shall be no limit to other purposes, as amended. the number of fee agreements that the Com- Daniel Evans was a three-term Gov- The Clerk read the title of the bill. missioner of U.S. Customs and Border Pro- ernor of Washington. He also served in The text of the bill is as follows: tection may enter into under this section.

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‘‘(e) AIR PORTS OF ENTRY.— ‘‘(3) OVERSIGHT OF FEES.—The Commis- ‘‘(A) the Committee on Appropriations of ‘‘(1) FEE AGREEMENT.—Except as otherwise sioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protec- the Senate; provided in this subsection, a fee agreement tion shall develop a process to oversee the ‘‘(B) the Committee on Finance of the Sen- for U.S. Customs and Border Protection serv- services for which fees are charged pursuant ate; ices at an air port of entry may only provide to an agreement under subsection (a), includ- ‘‘(C) the Committee on Homeland Security for the payment of overtime costs of U.S. ing— and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; Customs and Border Protection officers and ‘‘(A) a determination and report on the full ‘‘(D) the Committee on the Judiciary of salaries and expenses of U.S. Customs and costs of providing such services, and a proc- the Senate; Border Protection employees to support U.S. ess for increasing such fees, as necessary; ‘‘(E) the Committee on Appropriations of Customs and Border Protection officers in ‘‘(B) the establishment of a periodic remit- the House of Representatives; performing services described in subsection tance schedule to replenish appropriations, ‘‘(F) the Committee on Homeland Security (b). accounts, or funds, as necessary; and of the House of Representatives; ‘‘(2) SMALL AIRPORTS.—Notwithstanding ‘‘(C) the identification of costs paid by ‘‘(G) the Committee on the Judiciary of paragraph (1), U.S. Customs and Border Pro- such fees. the House of Representatives; and tection may receive reimbursement in addi- ‘‘(i) DEPOSIT OF FUNDS.— ‘‘(H) the Committee on Ways and Means of tion to overtime costs if the fee agreement is ‘‘(1) ACCOUNT.—Funds collected pursuant the House of Representatives; and for services at an air port of entry that has to any agreement entered into pursuant to ‘‘(2) not later than 15 days before entering fewer than 100,000 arriving international pas- subsection (a)— into a fee agreement, notify the members of sengers annually. ‘‘(A) shall be deposited as offsetting collec- Congress that represent the State or Con- ‘‘(3) COVERED SERVICES.—In addition to tions; gressional District in which the affected port costs described in paragraph (1), a fee agree- ‘‘(B) shall remain available until expended of entry or facility is located of such agree- ment for U.S. Customs and Border Protec- without fiscal year limitation; and ment. tion services at an air port of entry referred ‘‘(C) shall be credited to the applicable ap- ‘‘(l) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in to in paragraph (2) may provide for the reim- propriation, account, or fund for the amount this section may be construed as imposing bursement of— paid out of such appropriation, account, or on U.S. Customs and Border Protection any responsibilities, duties, or authorities relat- ‘‘(A) salaries and expenses of not more fund for any expenses incurred or to be in- ing to real property. than 5 full-time equivalent U.S. Customs and curred by U.S. Customs and Border Protec- Border Protection Officers beyond the num- tion in providing U.S. Customs and Border ‘‘SEC. 482. PORT OF ENTRY DONATION AUTHOR- Protection services under any such agree- ITY. ber of such officers assigned to the port of ment and any other costs incurred or to be ‘‘(a) PERSONAL PROPERTY DONATION AU- entry on the date on which the fee agree- incurred by U.S. Customs and Border Protec- THORITY.— ment was signed; tion relating to such services. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commissioner of ‘‘(B) salaries and expenses of employees of ‘‘(2) RETURN OF UNUSED FUNDS.—The Com- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in con- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, other missioner of U.S. Customs and Border Pro- sultation with the Administrator of General than the officers referred to in subparagraph tection shall return any unused funds col- Services, may enter into an agreement with (A), to support U.S. Customs and Border Pro- lected and deposited into the account de- any entity to accept a donation of personal tection officers in performing law enforce- scribed in paragraph (1) if a fee agreement property, money, or nonpersonal services for ment functions; and entered into pursuant to subsection (a) is the uses described in paragraph (3) only with ‘‘(C) other costs incurred by U.S. Customs terminated for any reason or the terms of respect to the following locations at which and Border Protection relating to services such fee agreement change by mutual agree- U.S. Customs and Border Protection per- described in subparagraph (B), such as tem- ment to cause a reduction of U.S. Customs forms or will be performing inspection serv- porary placement or permanent relocation of and Border Protections services. No interest ices: employees, including incentive pay for relo- shall be owed upon the return of any such ‘‘(A) A new or existing sea or air port of cation, as appropriate. unused funds. entry. ‘‘(f) PORT OF ENTRY SIZE.—The Commis- ‘‘(j) TERMINATION.— ‘‘(B) An existing Federal Government- sioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protec- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commissioner of owned land port of entry. tion shall ensure that each fee agreement U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall ‘‘(C) A new Federal Government-owned proposal is given equal consideration regard- terminate the services provided pursuant to land port of entry if— less of the size of the port of entry. a fee agreement entered into under sub- ‘‘(i) the fair market value of the donation ‘‘(g) DENIED APPLICATION.— section (a) with an entity that, after receiv- is $50,000,000 or less; and ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If the Commissioner of ing notice from the Commissioner that a fee ‘‘(ii) the fair market value, including any U.S. Customs and Border Protection denies a under subsection (h) is due, fails to pay such personal and real property donations in proposal for a fee agreement under this sec- fee in a timely manner. If such services are total, of such port of entry when completed, tion, the Commissioner shall provide the en- terminated, all costs incurred by U.S. Cus- is $50,000,000 or less. tity submitting such proposal with the rea- toms and Border Protection that have not ‘‘(2) LIMITATION ON MONETARY DONATIONS.— son for the denial unless— been paid shall become immediately due and Any monetary donation accepted pursuant ‘‘(A) the reason for the denial is law en- payable. Interest on unpaid fees shall accrue to this subsection may not be used to pay forcement sensitive; or based on the rate and amount established the salaries of U.S. Customs and Border Pro- ‘‘(B) withholding the reason for the denial under sections 6621 and 6622 of the Internal tection employees performing inspection is in the national security interests of the Revenue Code of 1986. services. United States. ‘‘(2) PENALTY.—Any entity that, after no- ‘‘(3) USES.—Donations accepted pursuant ‘‘(2) JUDICIAL REVIEW.—Decisions of the tice and demand for payment of any fee to this subsection may be used for activities Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border under subsection (h), fails to pay such fee in of the Office of Field Operations set forth in Protection under paragraph (1) are in the a timely manner shall be liable for a penalty subparagraphs (A) through (F) of section discretion of the Commissioner and are not or liquidated damage equal to two times the 411(g)(3), which are related to a new or exist- subject to judicial review. amount of such fee. Any such amount col- ing sea or air port of entry or a new or exist- ‘‘(h) FEE.— lected under this paragraph shall be depos- ing Federal Government-owned land port of ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The amount of the fee to ited into the appropriate account specified entry described in paragraph (1), including be charged under an agreement authorized under subsection (i) and shall be available as expenses related to— under subsection (a) shall be paid by each en- described in such subsection. ‘‘(A) furniture, fixtures, equipment, or tity requesting U.S. Customs and Border ‘‘(3) TERMINATION BY THE ENTITY.—Any en- technology, including the installation or de- Protection services, and shall be for the full tity who has previously entered into an ployment of such items; and cost of providing such services, including the agreement with U.S. Customs and Border ‘‘(B) the operation and maintenance of salaries and expenses of employees and con- Protection for the reimbursement of fees in such furniture, fixtures, equipment, or tech- tractors of U.S. Customs and Border Protec- effect on the date of enactment of this sec- nology. tion, to provide such services and other costs tion, or under the provisions of this section, ‘‘(b) REAL PROPERTY DONATION AUTHOR- incurred by U.S. Customs and Border Protec- may request that such agreement be amend- ITY.— tion relating to such services, such as tem- ed to provide for termination upon advance ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (3), porary placement or permanent relocation of notice, length, and terms that are negotiated the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Bor- such employees and contractors. between such entity and U.S. Customs and der Protection, and the Administrator of the ‘‘(2) TIMING.—The Commissioner of U.S. Border Protection. General Services Administration, as applica- Customs and Border Protection may require ‘‘(k) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Commissioner ble, may enter into an agreement with any that the fee referred to in paragraph (1) be of U.S. Customs and Border Protection entity to accept a donation of real property paid by each entity that has entered into a shall— or money for uses described in paragraph (2) fee agreement under subsection (a) with U.S. ‘‘(1) submit an annual report identifying only with respect to the following locations Customs and Border Protection in advance of the activities undertaken and the agree- at which U.S. Customs and Border Protec- the performance of U.S. Customs and Border ments entered into pursuant to this section tion performs or will be performing inspec- Protection services. to— tion services:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.021 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7217 ‘‘(A) A new or existing sea or air port of ‘‘(i) the impact of a proposal referred to in cess of amounts that have been appropriated entry. such subparagraph on the land, sea, or air pursuant to any appropriations Act for pur- ‘‘(B) An existing Federal Government- port of entry at issue and other ports of poses specified in either of such subsections owned land port of entry. entry or similar facilities or other infra- or otherwise made available for any of such ‘‘(C) A new Federal Government-owned structure near the location of the proposed purposes. land port of entry if— donation; ‘‘(B) CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT.—Before ‘‘(i) the fair market value of the donation ‘‘(ii) such proposal’s potential to increase accepting any donations pursuant to an is $50,000,000 or less; and trade and travel efficiency through added ca- agreement under subsection (a) or (b), the ‘‘(ii) the fair market value, including any pacity; Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border personal and real property donations in ‘‘(iii) such proposal’s potential to enhance Protection shall certify to the congressional total, of such port of entry when completed, the security of the port of entry at issue; committees set forth in paragraph (7) that is $50,000,000 or less. ‘‘(iv) the impact of the proposal on reduc- the donation will not be used for the con- ‘‘(2) USE.—Donations accepted pursuant to ing wait times at that port of entry or facil- struction of a detention facility or a border this subsection may be used for activities of ity and other ports of entry on the same bor- fence or wall. the Office of Field Operations set forth in der; ‘‘(7) ANNUAL REPORTS.—The Commissioner section 411(g), which are related to the con- ‘‘(v) for a donation under subsection (b)— of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in struction, alteration, operation, or mainte- ‘‘(I) whether such donation satisfies the re- collaboration with the Administrator of Gen- nance of a new or existing sea or air port of quirements of such proposal, or whether ad- eral Services, as applicable, shall submit an entry or a new or existing a Federal Govern- ditional real property would be required; and annual report identifying the activities un- ment-owned land port of entry described in ‘‘(II) how such donation was acquired, in- dertaken and agreements entered into pursu- paragraph (1), including expenses related cluding if eminent domain was used; ant to subsections (a) and (b) to— to— ‘‘(vi) the funding available to complete the ‘‘(A) the Committee on Appropriations of ‘‘(A) land acquisition, design, construction, intended use of such donation; the Senate; repair, or alteration; and ‘‘(vii) the costs of maintaining and oper- ‘‘(B) the Committee on Environment and ‘‘(B) operation and maintenance of such ating such donation; Public Works of the Senate; port of entry facility. ‘‘(viii) the impact of such proposal on U.S. ‘‘(C) the Committee on Finance of the Sen- ‘‘(3) LIMITATION ON REAL PROPERTY DONA- Customs and Border Protection staffing re- ate; TIONS.—A donation of real property under quirements; and ‘‘(D) the Committee on Homeland Security this subsection at an existing land port of ‘‘(ix) other factors that the Commissioner and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; entry owned by the General Services Admin- or Administrator determines to be relevant. ‘‘(E) the Committee on the Judiciary of the istration may only be accepted by the Ad- ‘‘(C) DETERMINATION AND NOTIFICATION.— Senate; ministrator of General Services. ‘‘(i) INCOMPLETE PROPOSALS.— ‘‘(F) the Committee on Appropriations of ‘‘(4) SUNSET.— ‘‘(I) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days the House of Representatives; ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The authority to enter after receiving the proposals for a donation ‘‘(G) the Committee on Homeland Security into an agreement under this subsection agreement from an entity, the Commissioner of the House of Representatives; shall terminate on the date that is four of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall ‘‘(H) the Committee on the Judiciary of years after the date of the enactment of this notify such entity as to whether such pro- the House of Representatives; section. posal is complete or incomplete. ‘‘(I) the Committee on Transportation and ‘‘(B) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—The termi- ‘‘(II) RESUBMISSION.—If the Commissioner Infrastructure of the House of Representa- nation date referred to in subparagraph (A) of U.S. Customs and Border Protection de- tives; and shall not apply to carrying out the terms of termines that a proposal is incomplete, the ‘‘(J) the Committee on Ways and Means of an agreement under this subsection if such Commissioner shall— the House of Representatives. agreement is entered into before such termi- ‘‘(aa) notify the appropriate entity and nation date. provide such entity with a description of all ‘‘(d) GAO REPORT.—The Comptroller Gen- ‘‘(c) GENERAL PROVISIONS.— information or material that is needed to eral of the United States shall submit an an- ‘‘(1) DURATION.—An agreement entered into complete review of the proposal; and nual report to the congressional committees under subsection (a) or (b) (and, in the case ‘‘(bb) allow the entity to resubmit the pro- referred to in subsection (c)(7) that evalu- of such subsection (b), in accordance with posal with additional information and mate- ates— paragraph (4) of such subsection) may last as rial described in item (aa) to complete the ‘‘(1) fee agreements entered into pursuant long as required to meet the terms of such proposal. to section 481; agreement. ‘‘(ii) COMPLETE PROPOSALS.—Not later than ‘‘(2) donation agreements entered into pur- ‘‘(2) CRITERIA.—In carrying out an agree- 180 days after receiving a completed proposal suant to subsections (a) and (b); and ment entered into under subsection (a) or to enter into an agreement under subsection ‘‘(3) the fees and donations received by U.S. (b), the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and (a) or (b), the Commissioner of U.S. Customs Customs and Border Protection pursuant to Border Protection, in consultation with the and Border Protection, with the concurrence such agreements. Administrator of General Services, shall es- of the Administrator of General Services, as ‘‘(e) JUDICIAL REVIEW.—Decisions of the tablish criteria regarding— applicable, shall— ‘‘(A) the selection and evaluation of do- ‘‘(I) determine whether to approve or deny Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border nors; such proposal; and Protection and the Administrator of the ‘‘(B) the identification of roles and respon- ‘‘(II) notify the entity that submitted such General Services Administration under this sibilities between U.S. Customs and Border proposal of such determination. section regarding the acceptance of real or Protection, the General Services Adminis- ‘‘(4) SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING.—Except as personal property are in the discretion of the tration, and donors; required under section 3307 of title 40, United Commissioner and the Administrator and are ‘‘(C) the identification, allocation, and States Code, real property donations to the not subject to judicial review. management of explicit and implicit risks of Administrator of General Services made pur- ‘‘(f) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Except as partnering between the Federal Government suant to subsection (a) and (b) at a GSA- otherwise provided in this section, nothing and donors; owned land port of entry may be used in ad- in this section may be construed as affecting ‘‘(D) decision-making and dispute resolu- dition to any other funding for such purpose, in any manner the responsibilities, duties, or tion processes; and including appropriated funds, property, or authorities of U.S. Customs and Border Pro- ‘‘(E) processes for U.S. Customs and Border services. tection or the General Services Administra- Protection, and the General Services Admin- ‘‘(5) RETURN OF DONATIONS.—The Commis- tion. istration, as applicable, to terminate agree- sioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protec- ments if selected donors are not meeting the tion, or the Administrator of General Serv- ‘‘SEC. 483. CURRENT AND PROPOSED AGREE- MENTS. terms of any such agreement, including the ices, as applicable, may return any donation security standards established by U.S. Cus- made pursuant to subsection (a) or (b). No ‘‘Nothing in this subtitle or in section 4 of toms and Border Protection. interest shall be owed to the donor with re- the Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act of ‘‘(3) EVALUATION PROCEDURES.— spect to any donation provided under such 2016 may be construed as affecting— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Commissioner of subsections that is returned pursuant to this ‘‘(1) any agreement entered into pursuant U.S. Customs and Border Protection, in con- subsection. to section 560 of division D of the Consoli- sultation with the Administrator of General ‘‘(6) PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN FUNDING.— dated and Further Continuing Appropria- Services, as applicable, shall— ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in tions Act, 2013 (Public Law 113–6) or section ‘‘(i) establish criteria for evaluating a pro- subsections (a) and (b) regarding the accept- 559 of title V of division F of the Consoli- posal to enter into an agreement under sub- ance of donations, the Commissioner of U.S. dated Appropriations Act, 2014 (6 U.S.C. 211 section (a) or (b); and Customs and Border Protection and the Ad- note; Public Law 113–76), as in existence on ‘‘(ii) make such criteria publicly available. ministrator of General Services, as applica- the day before the date of the enactment of ‘‘(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—Criteria established ble, may not, with respect to an agreement this subtitle, and any such agreement shall pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall con- entered into under either of such sub- continue to have full force and effect on and sider— sections, obligate or expend amounts in ex- after such date; or

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.021 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 ‘‘(2) a proposal accepted for consideration Louisiana (Mr. BOUSTANY) and the gen- leaning and an effective way to enforce by U.S. Customs and Border Protection pur- tleman from Texas (Mr. CUELLAR) each our laws at the border and to meet the suant to such section 559, as in existence on will control 20 minutes. demands of increased trade and travel. the day before such date of enactment. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Today’s legislation would move be- ‘‘SEC. 484. DEFINITIONS. from Louisiana. yond these tested pilot programs to es- ‘‘In this subtitle: tablish more permanent authority for ‘‘(1) DONOR.—The term ‘donor’ means any GENERAL LEAVE entity that is proposing to make a donation Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I ask the CBP to enter into these arrange- under this Act. unanimous consent that all Members ments, providing the opportunity to ‘‘(2) ENTITY.—The term ‘entity’ means may have 5 legislative days within make the CBP more efficient and effec- any— which to revise and extend their re- tive at our borders. ‘‘(A) person; marks and to include extraneous mate- I urge my colleagues to support this ‘‘(B) partnership, corporation, trust, es- rial on H.R. 875, currently under con- legislation. tate, cooperative, association, or any other sideration. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of organized group of persons; my time. ‘‘(C) Federal, State or local government The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, (including any subdivision, agency or instru- objection to the request of the gen- COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, mentality thereof); or tleman from Louisiana? Washington, DC, December 5, 2016. ‘‘(D) any other private or governmental en- There was no objection. Hon. KEVIN BRADY, tity.’’. Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of myself such time as I may consume. contents in section 1(b) of the Homeland Se- House of Representatives, Washington, DC. After my remarks, I will include in DEAR CHAIRMAN BRADY: I am writing con- curity Act of 2002 is amended by adding at the RECORD an exchange of letters be- cerning H.R. 875, the Cross-Border Trade En- the end of the list of items relating to title tween the chairmen of the two commit- hancement Act of 2015. IV the following: tees. This legislation contains provisions within ‘‘Subtitle G—U.S. Customs and Border Mr. Speaker, H.R. 875, the Cross-Bor- the Committee on Agriculture’s Rule X ju- Protection Public Private Partnerships der Trade Enhancement Act of 2016, is risdiction. As a result of your having con- ‘‘Sec. 481. Fee agreements for certain serv- sulted with the Committee and in order to ices at ports of entry. a commonsense, broadly supported, bi- expedite this bill for floor consideration, the ‘‘Sec. 482. Port of entry donation authority. partisan bill that will provide a mecha- Committee on Agriculture will forego action ‘‘Sec. 483. Current and proposed agreements. nism for increased trade enforcement on the bill. This is being done on the basis of ‘‘Sec. 484. Definitions.’’. while also enhancing the facilitation of our mutual understanding that doing so will SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF EXISTING REPORTS TO legitimate trade and travel. I am in no way diminish or alter the jurisdiction CONGRESS. pleased to note that the other body of the Committee on Agriculture with re- Section 907(b) of the Trade Facilitation passed an identical bill by unanimous spect to the appointment of conferees, or to and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (Public any future jurisdictional claim over the sub- Law 114–125) is amended— consent just last week, signaling wide- ject matters contained in the bill or similar (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘or’’ at the spread support. Through this legisla- legislation. end; tion, we continue to demonstrate our I would appreciate your response to this (2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period commitment to providing the nec- letter confirming this understanding, and at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and essary tools to maintain American eco- would request that you include a copy of this (3) by adding at the end the following: nomic competitiveness while pre- letter and your response in the Committee ‘‘(5) the program for entering into reim- venting the entry of illicit goods into Report and in the Congressional Record dur- bursable fee agreements with U.S. Customs ing the floor consideration of this bill. and Border Protection established under sec- the United States. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. tion 481 of the Homeland Security Act of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Sincerely, 2002.’’. is the Federal law enforcement agency K. MICHAEL CONAWAY, SEC. 4. REPEALS. responsible for facilitating inter- Chairman. (a) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—Section 560 of national travel and trade at our Na- division D of the Consolidated and Further tion’s ports of entry as well as for de- COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 (Public tecting and interdicting counterfeit, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Law 113–6) is repealed. unsafe, and fraudulently entered goods. Washington, DC, December 5, 2016. Hon. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY, (b) PARTNERSHIP PILOT PROGRAM.—Section Last year, the CBP processed more 559 of division F of the Consolidated Appro- Chairman, Committee on Agriculture, priations Act, 2014 (6 U.S.C. 211 note; Public than 382 million passengers at the Na- Washington, DC. Law 113–76) is repealed. tion’s 328 land, sea, and air ports of DEAR CHAIRMAN CONAWAY, Thank you for SEC. 5. WAIVER OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION entry and over $2.4 trillion worth of your letter regarding H.R. 875, the ‘‘Cross- REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN LAW goods. The CBP estimates that inbound Border Trade Enhancement Act of 2015.’’ As ENFORCEMENT APPLICANTS. trade and traffic will continue to grow. you noted, the Committee on Agriculture Section 3 of the Anti-Border Corruption has a jurisdictional interest in this bill. In 2013 and 2014, Congress created 5- I am most appreciative of your decision to Act of 2010 (Public Law 111–376; 6 U.S.C. 221) year pilot programs authorizing the is amended— waive formal consideration of H.R. 875 so (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), CBP to enter into reimbursable agree- that it may proceed expeditiously to the by striking ‘‘The Secretary’’ and inserting ments with public and private entities House floor. I acknowledge that although the following: as a way to meet the escalating de- you waived formal consideration of the bill, ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary’’; mands of increased trade and traffic at the Committee on Agriculture is in no way (2) in subsection (a)(1), as redesignated, by the ports of entry. These agreements waiving its jurisdiction over the subject inserting ‘‘(except as provided in subsection matter contained in those provisions of the with private and public sector entities bill that fall within your Rule X jurisdiction. (b))’’ after ‘‘Border Protection’’; and allow for additional inspectional serv- (3) by adding at the end the following: I would support your effort to seek appoint- ‘‘(b) WAIVER.—The Commissioner of U.S. ices beyond what the CBP would have ment of an appropriate number of conferees Customs and Border Protection may waive normally allocated at ports of entry. on any House-Senate conference involving the polygraph examination requirement They provide additional resources to this legislation. under subsection (a)(1) for any applicant increase enforcement and processing I will include a copy of our letters in the who— capacity and to improve dated infra- committee report on this legislation, as well as in the Congressional Record during con- ‘‘(1) is deemed suitable for employment; structure at our ports. ‘‘(2) holds a current, active Top Secret/Sen- sideration on the House floor. Since 2013, the CBP has entered into Sincerely, sitive Compartmented Information Clear- reimbursable service agreements with ance; KEVIN BRADY, ‘‘(3) has a current Single Scope Back- 29 stakeholders at land, sea, and air Chairman. ground Investigation; ports of entry. These agreements have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without ‘‘(4) was not granted any waivers to obtain contributed to more than 125,000 addi- objection, the gentleman from Massa- his or her clearance; and tional processing hours to meet stake- chusetts (Mr. NEAL) will control the ‘‘(5) is a veteran (as defined in section 2108 holder demand during which 3 million time. of title 5, United States Code).’’. travelers and almost 460,000 vehicles There was no objection. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- were processed. The pilot programs Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- ant to the rule, the gentleman from have been widely regarded as forward- self such time as I may consume.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.021 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7219 I stand in support of the Cross-Border nesses that thrive on cross-border derstands, just like Mr. HURD does, the Trade Enhancement Act of 2016. trade. Over the past two decades, our importance of trade. This bill offers a pragmatic and bi- Nation’s trade with Mexico has grown I thank our Senate sponsor, Senator partisan solution to a real and growing by leaps and bounds, much of it CORNYN, who has done a great job on problem: Customs and Border Protec- through our land ports of entry. In 2015 this particular bill. tion simply has not been able to keep alone, Texas businesses exported $92 The Cross-Border Trade Enhance- pace, and has not been given the re- billion in goods and services to Mex- ment Act of 2016 is a bill that builds sources to keep pace, with the dra- ico—that is $92 billion with a ‘‘B’’— upon the work that Chairman JOHN matic growth in travel into the United more than the next four largest mar- CARTER and myself added in the appro- States. kets combined. However, border infra- priations bill back in 2013 and 2014 to In the last fiscal year, for example, structure has not kept up with the ease the delays and improve the infra- the CBP processed more than 384 mil- growth. The lack of infrastructure and structure at our Nation’s land and sea lion passengers and more than $2.4 tril- staffing that is necessary to support in- and air ports of entry. lion of imported goods through our air, creased levels of trade crossing into As has been said, trade and travel to land, and sea ports, but the CBP’s this country has a very real impact on the U.S. has been increasing for the staffing levels have not kept pace with those we serve and work with daily. last 10 years. In fiscal year 2015, our this growth over the years. The result This legislation fixes the problem by Nation saw 382 million travelers proc- has been substantial and unnecessary empowering local leaders and increas- essed at the Nation’s 328 land, sea, and delays as passengers and cargo ships ing flexibility, with little to no cost to air ports of entry. In particular I want wait to be processed. the Federal Government and tax- to emphasize the land ports of entry. Not only is this a bipartisan issue, payers. By allowing local communities Over 80 percent of all of the people who but just as importantly, I think it calls and organizations to form public-pri- come into the United States, all of the into meaning how we might solve some vate partnerships with the Federal goods that come into the United of the problems that confront America Government and to make improve- States, come in through land ports of economically. A case in point: it is gen- ments to our ports of entry, we are in- entry, and that is why this bill is very erally large businesses, medium-sized vesting in the infrastructure that sup- important. As was mentioned a few minutes ago, businesses, and small businesses that ports our economy. Similar legislation $2.4 trillion of trade was processed at tend not to take a position in support passed the House in a bipartisan man- our ports of entry. And just as an ex- of more government but which, in this ner earlier this year and passed out of ample—and I know Mr. HURD men- instance, would ask for more govern- the Senate unanimously. tioned it; I know Mr. O’ROURKE is ment. There is nothing wrong with The failure to capitalize on this mo- going to mention it—in my port of that inconsistency. In fact, I think, in mentum merely leaves this critical entry, Laredo, for example, it is a this particular instance, it works quite program adrift right when its benefits small town of 250,000, but it handles well because they will ask for more are about to be realized. Decreasing the time it takes to move goods and serv- 14,000 trailers a day of trade between agents for the purpose of moving cargo the U.S. and Mexico. If you look at the faster. I think that is an entirely rea- ices safely across the border will have a tremendous economic impact on not largest customs districts, you have sonable position. L.A., New York, and then you have La- This bill will help to address those only the region, but on our Nation. I thank the leadership of fellow Tex- redo. So this bill is very important to delays by increasing trade and travel ans and my friends, Senator CORNYN, Laredo and the rest of the border itself. efficiencies and by eliminating unnec- Mr. CUELLAR, and Mr. O’ROURKE; and I Despite this growing trade that we essary redtape in the hiring process at urge my colleagues to support this leg- have at our ports of entry, CBP staff- no cost to the taxpayer. islation. ing levels have been stagnant. Back in This approach has already been test- 2014, the Appropriations Committee ed, and it has passed the test. In 2013 b 1415 and Congress authorized over $255 mil- and 2014, Congress authorized pilot pro- Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 lion to increase the CBP workforce, grams, as Dr. BOUSTANY has noted, to minutes to the gentleman from Texas which includes hiring 2,000 new CBP of- enable the CBP to enter into agree- (Mr. CUELLAR), who has been a leader ficers. However, they have been strug- ments with private sector, State, and on this very issue and has helped to de- gling to hire those 2,000 CBP officers local government entities that would sign the very product that is in front of due to attrition, but also due to the reimburse the CBP for customs-related us today, and I think that he can take long time that it takes to hire those personnel services at ports of entry. great satisfaction from the bipartisan new officers. These public-private agreements are nature of the legislation that we are The other part that is important is, believed to have decreased wait times about to entertain. if you look at the land ports of entry, by an average of 30 percent at the ports Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I thank for example, there are a lot of chal- at which they were implemented. The the gentleman from Massachusetts lenges—and I am talking about the bill also allows for more of these agree- (Mr. NEAL) and his staff for helping to southern and the northern ports of ments and for a longer period of time. put this together. I appreciate it. entry that we have. In fact, it would For these reasons, I support this bi- I also want to thank the gentleman cost us about $5 billion in capital im- partisan bill, and I urge my colleagues from Louisiana (Mr. BOUSTANY) and his provements to make sure that we do to vote for it later on this afternoon. staff for putting this bill on a very this work. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of fast-moving track. What are we doing in Congress? Well, my time. And in particular, I want to thank we are adding about $146 million a year Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield my good old friend—and I say ‘‘good to meet this $5 billion that we need. So 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas old friend’’ in a nice way—Chairman at this rate of $146 million a year, it (Mr. HURD). KEVIN BRADY. We go back to working would take 34 years to meet that $5 bil- Mr. HURD of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I together in the State legislature. We lion that we need. Therefore, the Fed- rise in support of H.R. 875, the Cross- have been working in Texas on issues eral Government is not going to add Border Trade Enhancement Act. like this for so many years, and I cer- those appropriations. This bipartisan bill is the product of tainly want to thank Chairman BRADY I understand money is tight. We need significant work throughout the course for his work and the bipartisan staff to bring in the local government and of the 114th Congress across both for moving this bill quickly. especially the private sector to make Chambers and across committee juris- In particular, I want to thank my sure that we address the undersized fa- diction to ensure that a program that colleagues. Mr. HURD over here, who cilities, the outmoded technologies many border communities rely upon has a lot of border and he has got a lot that we have, the officer safety issues continues to return dividends. of ports of entry, I want to thank him that we have, and the long wait times I am proud to represent over 800 for his leadership on this bill. that we have, which I call parking lots, miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, in- I also want to thank BETO O’ROURKE, because a lot of times these trucks are cluding the communities and the busi- my friend from El Paso, who also un- waiting in the middle of the bridge.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.053 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7220 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Therefore, on sections 559 and 560, ranking member on the committee, for ranking member of the Tax Policy Sub- what we did is we said we are going to yielding and for his work on this im- committee of the Committee on Ways bring the private sector in, and it has portant bill. and Means, that I simply wore them all worked well in doing this. We have Mr. Speaker, there are few things as down because, every 2 years, they seen—and I think it has been men- important for us in this Congress to would send somebody else over to share tioned, but I will mention it again. We work on as creating more jobs and sus- that responsibility. entered into 29 of those stakeholder re- taining those that we have right now. Dr. BOUSTANY is a real gentleman. He imbursement service agreements, and U.S.-Mexico trade today supports more has been a friend, and he has been a we saw more additional processing than 6 million jobs in every single very nice guy to work with. hours to make sure that we moved 3 State of the Union, 500,000 jobs in the I yield back the balance of my time. million additional travelers and almost State of Texas alone, and one out of Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 460,000 new vehicles. every four jobs in the community that myself such time as I may consume. Again, this is going to help us. I have the honor to represent, El Paso, I want to thank the gentleman from What does this bill do? This bill will Texas. Massachusetts for his very, very kind help us expand that pilot program in The men and women who serve in words. It has been a true pleasure many ways and authorize it for 10 Customs and Border Protection, the of- working with him on the Tax Policy years. This bill will limit the number ficers in blue at our ports of entry, are Subcommittee. I want to congratulate of reimbursable service agreements understaffed and overstressed, and they him on becoming ranking member of that we have at the ports of entry, but, need our help. What we are doing in the Ways and Means Committee. I more importantly, it is going to allow this bill is allowing local communities know he will do a fabulous job. I am us to hire CBP officers faster. I know and local stakeholders who have an in- only sorry I won’t be around next year the chairman knows this very well. terest in the success of our ports of to work with him and beyond. I con- Imagine if we have this. We have got to entry and in U.S.-Mexico trade and in gratulate him. bring officers into the CBP faster, and creating more jobs to fund the nec- Godspeed, do a great job, and get tax this is what this bill will do. essary overtime hours and infrastruc- reform done. So again, I want to thank the House ture improvements at those ports. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to I want to thank my colleagues from sponsors, KEVIN BRADY, Chairman MI- support H.R. 875, the Cross-Border both sides of the aisle and in both CHAEL MCCAUL, Mr. HURD, and Mr. Trade Enhancement Act of 2016, to Chambers—Senator CORNYN in the O’ROURKE, and, of course, on the Sen- strengthen our ability to enforce U.S. other Chamber, Members CUELLAR and ate side, Senator CORNYN and Senator trade laws. HURD and others in this one—who see KLOBUCHAR for making sure that we I am very pleased that our solution did it and that we are doing it in a bi- the wisdom in allowing local commu- has such strong bipartisan support and nities to fill the gap where government partisan way. makes good on our commitment to I ask that we pass this bill. has been unable to do so. stop the flow of illicit goods while also Whether it is the $90 billion in U.S.- Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I yield facilitating legitimate trade that is Mexico trade that crosses the El Paso- 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ne- vital to American economic competi- Ciudad Juarez ports of entry every vada (Mr. AMODEI). year or the 32 million inspections that tiveness. I urge passage of this bill. Mr. AMODEI. I thank my colleague I yield back the balance of my time. are conducted there, this is a way to from the Pelican State and also the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The grow our economy. It is a way to en- ranking member from the Bay State. question is on the motion offered by sure that we are more secure because Mr. Speaker, I am a bit nervous. I we know precisely who is coming in the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. don’t want to break up this Lone Star when we have the manpower and infra- BOUSTANY) that the House suspend the class reunion here, but speaking on be- structure to inspect all those who want rules and pass the bill, H.R. 875, as half of a small place in the inter- to cross in here. We are allowing local amended. mountain west, section 481 of H.R. 875 communities and not the Federal Gov- The question was taken; and (two- addresses a CBP staffing issue at small- ernment to pick up the tab in a way thirds being in the affirmative) the er land port of entry airports. that is going to benefit this country as rules were suspended and the bill, as As we all know, the CBP mission at a whole. amended, was passed. our numerous ports of entry is grow- I couldn’t help but notice the current A motion to reconsider was laid on ing, and adequate staffing at the larger chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs the table. ports needs to be augmented. However, Committee, the incoming chair, and f airport authorities and smaller land the ranking member, who are all here. ports of entry are also increasing their EXTENDING WAIVER OF LIMITA- I know they are all pleased to see in TIONS WITH RESPECT TO EX- international passenger counts and this bill an expedited process to hire need additional CBP personnel to ade- CLUDING FROM GROSS INCOME our veterans, to transition them from AMOUNTS RECEIVED BY WRONG- quately screen their passengers. Active Duty service to meaningful em- The language contained herein allows FULLY INCARCERATED INDIVID- ployment as a Customs officer through UALS small land port airports to reimburse an expedited process in this bill. That Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I ask CBP the actual cost of assigning up to means we staff more of our CBP posi- unanimous consent that the Com- five more CBP screening personnel, tions, we put more veterans to work, mittee on Ways and Means be dis- thereby keeping screening times within and we do better for this country. reasonable limits for those air pas- This is a bill that should have the charged from further consideration of sengers. This language represents bi- support of every single Member of this the bill (H.R. 6438) to extend the waiver cameral, bipartisan, nationwide con- Congress, and I urge its quick passage. of limitations with respect to exclud- sensus on a needed staffing reimburse- Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I have ing from gross income amounts re- ment option for CBP. Similarly, I urge no other Members wishing to speak on ceived by wrongfully incarcerated indi- Members’ bipartisan nationwide sup- the bill, and I am prepared to close. viduals, and ask for its immediate con- port. I reserve the balance of my time. sideration in the House. God bless the State of Texas and the Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- The Clerk read the title of the bill. other 49 also. self such time as I may consume. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 I want to thank Dr. BOUSTANY, who objection to the request of the gen- minutes to the gentleman from Texas has been a friend on the Ways and tleman from Louisiana? (Mr. O’ROURKE), another individual Means Committee. I assume this might There was no objection. who has had a profound influence on be his last time handling legislation on The text of the bill is as follows: this legislation and has had a long- the floor. He was great to work with H.R. 6438 time interest in the topic as well. over the years. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Mr. O’ROURKE. I thank the gen- I take some satisfaction, Mr. Speak- resentatives of the United States of America in tleman from Massachusetts, our new er, that having either been chairman or Congress assembled,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.054 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7221 SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF WAIVER OF LIMITA- Sec. 109. Improvements to authority for per- Sec. 410. Criteria used to approve courses. TIONS WITH RESPECT TO EXCLUD- formance of medical disabilities Sec. 411. Compliance surveys. ING FROM GROSS INCOME AMOUNTS examinations by contract phy- Sec. 412. Modification of reductions in re- RECEIVED BY WRONGFULLY INCAR- sicians. CERATED INDIVIDUALS. porting fee multipliers for pay- Sec. 110. Independent review of process by ments by Secretary of Veterans (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 304(d) of the Pro- which Department of Veterans Affairs to educational institu- tecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of Affairs assesses impairments tions. 2015 is amended by striking ‘‘1-year’’ and in- that result from traumatic serting ‘‘2-year’’. Sec. 413. Composition of Veterans’ Advisory brain injury for purposes of Committee on Education. (b) TECHNICAL CORRECTION.—Section 304(d) awarding disability compensa- of such Act is amended by striking ‘‘applica- Sec. 414. Survey of individuals using their tion. tion of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘application entitlement to educational as- Sec. 111. Reports on claims for disability of this section’’. sistance under the educational compensation. assistance programs adminis- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments Sec. 112. Sense of Congress regarding Amer- made by this section shall take effect as if tered by the Secretary of Vet- ican veterans disabled for life. included in section 304 of the Protecting erans Affairs. Sec. 113. Sense of Congress on submittal of Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. Sec. 415. Department of Veterans Affairs information relating to claims provision of information on ar- The bill was ordered to be engrossed for disabilities incurred or ag- ticulation agreements between and read a third time, was read the gravated by military sexual institutions of higher learning. third time, and passed, and a motion to trauma. Sec. 416. Retention of entitlement to edu- reconsider was laid on the table. TITLE II—UNITED STATES COURT OF cational assistance during cer- APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS tain additional periods of active f Sec. 201. Extension of temporary increase in duty. Sec. 417. Technical amendment relating to JEFF MILLER AND RICHARD number of judges on United States Court of Appeals for Vet- in-state tuition rate for individ- BLUMENTHAL VETERANS erans Claims. uals to whom entitlement is HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS Sec. 202. Life insurance program relating to transferred under all-volunteer IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2016 judges of United States Court of force educational assistance Appeals for Veterans Claims. program and post-9/11 edu- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I cational assistance. move to suspend the rules and pass the Sec. 203. Voluntary contributions to enlarge survivors’ annuity. Sec. 418. Study on the effectiveness of vet- bill (H. R. 6416) to amend title 38, Sec. 204. Selection of chief judge of United erans transition efforts. United States Code, to make certain States Court of Appeals for Vet- TITLE V—SMALL BUSINESS AND improvements in the laws administered erans Claims. EMPLOYMENT MATTERS by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, TITLE III—BURIAL BENEFITS AND Sec. 501. Modification of treatment under and for other purposes. OTHER MATTERS contracting goals and pref- The Clerk read the title of the bill. Sec. 301. Expansion of eligibility for erences of Department of Vet- The text of the bill is as follows: headstones, markers, and me- erans Affairs. H.R. 6416 dallions. Sec. 502. Longitudinal study of job coun- seling, training, and placement Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Sec. 302. Expansion of Presidential Memo- service for veterans. resentatives of the United States of America in rial Certificate program. Sec. 503. Limitation on administrative leave Congress assembled, Sec. 303. Department of Veterans Affairs study on matters relating to for employees of Department of SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. burial of unclaimed remains of Veterans Affairs. (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as veterans in national ceme- Sec. 504. Required coordination between Di- the ‘‘Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal teries. rectors for Veterans’ Employ- Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improve- Sec. 304. Study on provision of interments in ment and Training with State ment Act of 2016’’. veterans’ cemeteries during departments of labor and vet- (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- weekends. erans affairs. tents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 305. Honoring as veterans certain per- TITLE VI—HEALTH CARE MATTERS Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. sons who performed service in Sec. 2. References to title 38, United States the reserve components of the Subtitle A—Medical Care Code. Armed Forces. Sec. 601. Requirement for advance appro- TITLE I—DISABILITY COMPENSATION TITLE IV—EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE priations for the Medical Com- MATTERS AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION munity Care account of the De- partment of Veterans Affairs. Sec. 101. Expedited payment of survivors’ Sec. 401. Clarification of eligibility for Ma- Sec. 602. Improved access to appropriate im- benefits. rine Gunnery Sergeant John munizations for veterans. Sec. 102. Board of Veterans’ Appeals video David Fry Scholarship. Sec. 603. Priority of medal of honor recipi- hearings. Sec. 402. Approval of courses of education ents in health care system of Sec. 103. Requirement that Secretary of Vet- and training for purposes of the Department of Veterans Af- erans Affairs publish the aver- vocational rehabilitation pro- fairs. age time required to adjudicate gram of the Department of Vet- Sec. 604. Requirement that Department of early-filed and later-filed ap- erans Affairs. Veterans Affairs collect health- peals. Sec. 403. Authority to prioritize vocational plan contract information from Sec. 104. Comptroller General review of rehabilitation services based on veterans. claims processing performance need. Sec. 605. Mental health treatment for vet- of regional offices of Veterans Sec. 404. Reports on progress of students re- erans who served in classified Benefits Administration. ceiving Post-9/11 Educational missions. Sec. 105. Report on staffing levels at re- Assistance. Sec. 606. Examination and treatment by De- gional offices of Department of Sec. 405. Recodification and improvement of partment of Veterans Affairs Veterans Affairs under Na- election process for Post-9/11 for emergency medical condi- tional Work Queue. Educational Assistance Pro- tions and women in labor. Sec. 106. Inclusion in annual budget submis- gram. sion of information on capacity Sec. 406. Work-study allowance. Subtitle B—Veterans Health Administration of Veterans Benefits Adminis- Sec. 407. Centralized reporting of veteran en- Sec. 611. Time period covered by annual re- tration to process benefits rollment by certain groups, dis- port on Readjustment Coun- claims. tricts, and consortiums of edu- seling Service. Sec. 107. Report on plans of Secretary of cational institutions. Sec. 612. Annual report on Veterans Health Veterans Affairs to reduce in- Sec. 408. Role of State approving agencies. Administration and furnishing ventory of non-rating work- Sec. 409. Modification of requirements for of hospital care, medical serv- load; sense of Congress regard- approval for purposes of edu- ices, and nursing home care. ing Monday Morning Workload cational assistance provided by Sec. 613. Expansion of qualifications for li- Report. Department of Veterans Affairs censed mental health coun- Sec. 108. Annual report on progress in imple- of programs designed to prepare selors of the Department of menting Veterans Benefits individuals for licensure or cer- Veterans Affairs to include doc- Management System. tification. toral degrees.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0655 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.023 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Sec. 614. Modification of hours of employ- SEC. 2. REFERENCES TO TITLE 38, UNITED (E) Such recommendations as the Sec- ment for physicians employed STATES CODE. retary may have for legislative or adminis- by the Department of Veterans Except as otherwise expressly provided, trative action to improve the adjudication of Affairs. whenever in this Act an amendment or re- claims submitted to the Secretary for bene- Sec. 615. Repeal of compensation panels to peal is expressed in terms of an amendment fits under chapters 13 and 15 and sections determine market pay for phy- to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, 2302, 2307, and 5121 of title 38, United States sicians and dentists. the reference shall be considered to be made Code. Sec. 616. Clarification regarding liability for to a section or other provision of title 38, (3) COVERED CLAIM DEFINED.—In this sub- breach of agreement under De- United States Code. section, the term ‘‘covered claim’’ means a partment of Veterans Affairs TITLE I—DISABILITY COMPENSATION claim covered by section 5101(a)(1)(B) of title Employee Incentive Scholar- MATTERS 38, United States Code, as added by sub- ship Program. SEC. 101. EXPEDITED PAYMENT OF SURVIVORS’ section (a). Sec. 617. Extension of period for increase in BENEFITS. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments graduate medical education (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 5101(a)(1) is made by subsection (a) shall apply with re- residency positions at medical amended— spect to claims for benefits based on a death facilities of the Department of (1) by striking ‘‘A specific’’ and inserting occurring on or after the date of the enact- Veterans Affairs. ‘‘(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), ment of this Act. Sec. 618. Report on public access to research a specific’’; and SEC. 102. BOARD OF VETERANS’ APPEALS VIDEO by Department of Veterans Af- (2) by adding at the end the following new HEARINGS. fairs. subparagraph: Section 7107 is amended— Sec. 619. Authorization of certain major ‘‘(B)(i) The Secretary may pay benefits (1) in subsection (d), by amending para- medical facility projects of the under chapters 13 and 15 and sections 2302, graph (1) to read as follows: Department of Veterans Af- 2307, and 5121 of this title to a survivor of a ‘‘(1)(A)(i) Upon request for a hearing, the fairs. veteran who has not filed a formal claim if Board shall determine, for purposes of sched- Subtitle C—Toxic Exposure the Secretary determines that the record uling the hearing for the earliest possible date, whether a hearing before the Board will Sec. 631. Definitions. contains sufficient evidence to establish the entitlement of the survivor to such benefits. be held at its principal location or at a facil- Sec. 632. National Academy of Medicine as- ity of the Department or other appropriate sessment on research relating ‘‘(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph and section 5110 of this title, the earlier of the Federal facility located within the area to the descendants of individ- served by a regional office of the Depart- uals with toxic exposure. following dates shall be treated as the date of the receipt of the survivor’s application ment. Sec. 633. Advisory board on research relat- ‘‘(ii) The Board shall also determine ing to health conditions of de- for benefits described in clause (i): ‘‘(I) The date on which the survivor of a whether to provide a hearing through the use scendants of veterans with of the facilities and equipment described in toxic exposure while serving in veteran (or the representative of such a sur- vivor) notifies the Secretary of the death of subsection (e)(1) or by the appellant person- the Armed Forces. ally appearing before a Board member or Sec. 634. Research relating to health condi- the veteran through a death certificate or other relevant evidence that establishes en- panel. tions of descendants of veterans ‘‘(B)(i) The Board shall notify the appel- titlement to survivors’ benefits identified in with toxic exposure while serv- lant of the determinations of the location clause (i). ing in the Armed Forces. and type of hearing made under subpara- ‘‘(II) The head of any other department or TITLE VII—HOMELESSNESS MATTERS graph (A). agency of the Federal Government notifies ‘‘(ii) Upon notification, the appellant may Subtitle A—Access of Homeless Veterans to the Secretary of the death of the veteran. request a different location or type of hear- Benefits ‘‘(iii) In notifying the Secretary of the ing as described in such subparagraph. Sec. 701. Expansion of definition of homeless death of a veteran as described in clause ‘‘(iii) If so requested, the Board shall grant veteran for purposes of benefits (ii)(I), the survivor (or the representative of such request and ensure that the hearing is under the laws administered by such a survivor) may submit to the Sec- scheduled at the earliest possible date with- the Secretary of Veterans Af- retary additional documents relating to such out any undue delay or other prejudice to fairs. death without being required to file a formal the appellant.’’; and Sec. 702. Authorization to furnish certain claim.’’. (2) in subsection (e), by amending para- benefits to homeless veterans (b) REPORT.— graph (2) to read as follows: with discharges or releases (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year ‘‘(2) Any hearing provided through the use under other than honorable after the date of the enactment of this Act, of the facilities and equipment described in conditions. the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall sub- paragraph (1) shall be conducted in the same Sec. 703. Waiver of minimum period of con- mit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of manner as, and shall be considered the equiv- tinuous active duty in Armed the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ alent of, a personal hearing.’’. Forces for certain benefits for Affairs of the House of Representatives a re- SEC. 103. REQUIREMENT THAT SECRETARY OF homeless veterans. port on benefits paid pursuant to covered VETERANS AFFAIRS PUBLISH THE Sec. 704. Training of personnel of the De- claims. AVERAGE TIME REQUIRED TO ADJU- partment of Veterans Affairs (2) CONTENTS.—The report under paragraph DICATE EARLY-FILED AND LATER- and grant recipients. (1) shall include the following: FILED APPEALS. Sec. 705. Regulations. (A) The number of covered claims adju- (a) PUBLICATION REQUIREMENT.— Sec. 706. Effective date. dicated during the one-year period preceding (1) IN GENERAL.—On an ongoing basis, the Subtitle B—Other Homelessness Matters the date of the report, disaggregated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall make following: available to the public the following: Sec. 711. Increased per diem payments for (i) Claims in which the claimant was enti- (A) The average length of time to adju- transitional housing assistance tled to benefits under chapters 13 or 15 or dicate an early-filed appeal. that becomes permanent hous- sections 2302, 2307, or 5121 of title 38, United (B) The average length of time to adju- ing for homeless veterans. States Code, on the basis of the claimant’s dicate a later-filed appeal. Sec. 712. Program to improve retention of status as the spouse of a deceased veteran. (2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Paragraph (1) shall housing by formerly homeless (ii) Claims in which the claimant was enti- take effect on the date that is one year after veterans and veterans at risk of tled to such benefits on the basis of the the date of the enactment of this Act and becoming homeless. claimant’s status as the child of a deceased shall apply until the date that is three years Sec. 713. Establishment of National Center veteran. after the date of the enactment of this Act. on Homelessness Among Vet- (iii) Claims in which the claimant was en- (b) REPORT.— erans. titled to such benefits on the basis of the (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 39 months Sec. 714. Requirement for Department of claimant’s status as the parent of a deceased after the date of the enactment of this Act, Veterans Affairs to assess com- veteran. the Secretary shall submit to the Committee prehensive service programs for (B) The number of covered claims during on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the homeless veterans. such period for which such benefits were not Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House Sec. 715. Report on outreach relating to in- awarded, disaggregated by clauses (i) of Representatives a report on whether pub- creasing the amount of housing through (iii) of subparagraph (A). lication pursuant to subsection (a)(1) has had available to veterans. (C) A comparison of the accuracy and time- an effect on the number of early-filed ap- TITLE VIII—OTHER MATTERS liness of covered claims adjudicated during peals filed. Sec. 801. Department of Veterans Affairs such period with noncovered claims filed by (2) CONTENTS.—The report required by construction reforms. survivors of a veteran. paragraph (1) shall include the following: Sec. 802. Technical and clerical amend- (D) The findings of the Secretary with re- (A) The number of appeals and early-filed ments. spect to adjudicating covered claims. appeals that were filed during the one-year

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7223 period ending on the effective date specified and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of are pending, including information con- in subsection (a)(2). the House of Representatives a report on the tained in the reports of the Department enti- (B) The number of appeals and early-filed criteria and procedures that the Secretary tled ‘‘Appeals Pending’’ and ‘‘Appeals Work- appeals that were filed during the one-year will use to determine appropriate staffing load By Station’’. period ending on the date that is two years levels at the regional offices of the Depart- SEC. 108. ANNUAL REPORT ON PROGRESS IN IM- after the effective date specified in sub- ment under the National Work Queue for the PLEMENTING VETERANS BENEFITS section (a)(2). distribution of the claims processing work- MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: load. (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than each of (1) APPEAL.—The term ‘‘appeal’’ means a SEC. 106. INCLUSION IN ANNUAL BUDGET SUB- one year, two years, and three years after notice of disagreement filed pursuant to sec- MISSION OF INFORMATION ON CA- the date of the enactment of this Act, the tion 7105(a) of title 38, United States Code, in PACITY OF VETERANS BENEFITS AD- Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to response to notice of the result of an initial MINISTRATION TO PROCESS BENE- the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the review or determination regarding a claim FITS CLAIMS. Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Af- for a benefit under a law administered by the (a) IN GENERAL.—Along with the sup- fairs of the House of Representatives a re- Secretary of Veterans Affairs. porting information included in the budget port on the progress of the Secretary in im- (2) EARLY-FILED.—The term ‘‘early-filed’’ submitted to Congress by the President pur- plementing the Veterans Benefits Manage- with respect to an appeal means that the no- suant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United ment System. tice of disagreement was filed not more than States Code, the President shall include in- (b) CONTENTS.—Each report required by 180 days after the date of mailing of the no- formation on the capacity of the Veterans subsection (a) shall include the following: tice of the result of the initial review or de- Benefits Administration to process claims (1) An assessment of the current termination described in paragraph (1). for benefits under the laws administered by functionality of the Veterans Benefits Man- (3) LATER-FILED.—The term ‘‘later-filed’’ the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, including agement System. with respect to an appeal means the notice information described in subsection (b), dur- (2) Recommendations submitted to the of disagreement was filed more than 180 days ing the fiscal year covered by the budget Secretary by employees of the Department after the date of mailing of the notice of the with which the information is submitted. of Veterans Affairs who are involved in proc- result of the initial review or determination (b) INFORMATION DESCRIBED.—The informa- essing claims for benefits under the laws ad- described in paragraph (1). tion described in this subsection is the fol- ministered by the Secretary, including vet- SEC. 104. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW OF lowing: erans service representatives, rating vet- CLAIMS PROCESSING PERFORM- (1) An estimate of the average number of erans service representatives, and decision ANCE OF REGIONAL OFFICES OF claims for benefits under the laws adminis- review officers, for such legislative or admin- VETERANS BENEFITS ADMINISTRA- tered by the Secretary, excluding such istrative action as the employees consider TION. claims completed during mandatory over- appropriate to improve the processing of (a) REVIEW REQUIRED.—Not later than 15 time, that a single full-time equivalent em- such claims. months after the effective date specified in ployee of the Administration should be able (3) Recommendations submitted to the subsection (e), the Comptroller General of to process in a year, based on the following: Secretary by veterans service organizations the United States shall complete a review of (A) A time and motion study that the Sec- who use the Veterans Benefits Management the regional offices of the Veterans Benefits retary shall conduct on the processing of System for such legislative or administra- Administration to help the Veterans Bene- such claims. tive action as the veterans service organiza- fits Administration achieve more consistent (B) Such other information relating to tions consider appropriate to improve such performance in the processing of claims for such claims as the Secretary considers ap- system. disability compensation. propriate. (c) VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION DE- (b) ELEMENTS.—The review required by (2) A description of the actions the Sec- FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘veterans subsection (a) shall include the following: retary will take to improve the processing of service organization’’ means any organiza- (1) An identification of the following: such claims. tion recognized by the Secretary for the rep- (A) The factors, including management (3) An assessment of the actions identified resentation of veterans under section 5902 of practices, that distinguish higher performing by the Secretary under paragraph (2) in the title 38, United States Code. regional offices from other regional offices previous year and an identification of the ef- SEC. 109. IMPROVEMENTS TO AUTHORITY FOR with respect to claims for disability com- fects of those actions. PERFORMANCE OF MEDICAL DIS- pensation. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall ABILITIES EXAMINATIONS BY CON- (B) The best practices employed by higher apply with respect to any budget submitted TRACT PHYSICIANS. performing regional offices that distinguish as described in subsection (a) with respect to (a) LICENSURE OF CONTRACT PHYSICIANS.— the performance of such offices from other any fiscal year after fiscal year 2018. (1) TEMPORARY AUTHORITY.—Section 704 of the Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (38 U.S.C. regional offices. SEC. 107. REPORT ON PLANS OF SECRETARY OF (C) Such other management practices or VETERANS AFFAIRS TO REDUCE IN- 5101 note) is amended— tools as the Comptroller General determines VENTORY OF NON-RATING WORK- (A) by redesignating subsection (d) as sub- could be used to improve the performance of LOAD; SENSE OF CONGRESS RE- section (e); and regional offices. GARDING MONDAY MORNING WORK- (B) by inserting after subsection (c) the fol- (2) An assessment of the effectiveness of LOAD REPORT. lowing new subsection (d): communication with respect to the proc- (a) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after ‘‘(d) LICENSURE OF CONTRACT PHYSICIANS.— essing of claims for disability compensation the date of the enactment of this Act, the ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any law between the regional offices and veterans Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to regarding the licensure of physicians, a phy- service organizations and caseworkers em- the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the sician described in paragraph (2) may con- ployed by Members of Congress. Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ Af- duct an examination pursuant to a contract (c) REPORT.—Not later than 15 months fairs of the House of Representatives a re- entered into under subsection (b) at any lo- after the effective date specified in sub- port that details the plans of the Secretary cation in any State, the District of Colum- section (e), the Comptroller General shall to reduce the inventory of work items listed bia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or pos- submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- in the Monday Morning Workload Report session of the United States, so long as the fairs of the Senate and the Committee on under End Products 130, 137, 173, 290, 400, 600, examination is within the scope of the au- Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- 607, 690, 930, and 960. thorized duties under such contract. tives a report on the results of the review (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of ‘‘(2) PHYSICIAN DESCRIBED.—A physician de- completed under subsection (a). Congress that the Secretary of Veterans Af- scribed in this paragraph is a physician (d) VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATION DE- fairs should include in each Monday Morning who— FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘veterans Workload Report published by the Secretary ‘‘(A) has a current unrestricted license to service organization’’ means any organiza- the following: practice the health care profession of the tion recognized by the Secretary for the rep- (1) With respect to each regional office of physician; resentation of veterans under section 5902 of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the fol- ‘‘(B) is not barred from practicing such title 38, United States Code. lowing: health care profession in any State, the Dis- (e) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall (A) The number of fully developed claims trict of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, terri- take effect on the date that is 270 days after for benefits under the laws administered by tory, or possession of the United States; and the date of the enactment of this Act. the Secretary that have been received. ‘‘(C) is performing authorized duties for SEC. 105. REPORT ON STAFFING LEVELS AT RE- (B) The number of claims described in sub- the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant GIONAL OFFICES OF DEPARTMENT paragraph (A) that are pending a decision. to a contract entered into under subsection OF VETERANS AFFAIRS UNDER NA- (C) The number of claims described in sub- (b).’’. TIONAL WORK QUEUE. paragraph (A) that have been pending a deci- (2) PILOT PROGRAM.—Section 504 of the Vet- Not later than 15 months after the date of sion for more than 125 days. erans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 1996 (38 the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of (2) Enhanced information on appeals of de- U.S.C. 5101 note) is amended— Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Com- cisions relating to claims for benefits under (A) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate the laws administered by the Secretary that as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 (B) by inserting after subsection (b) the (A) The findings of the National Academies (1) The term ‘‘claimant’’ has the meaning following new subsection (c): of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine with given such term in section 5100 of title 38, ‘‘(c) LICENSURE OF CONTRACT PHYSICIANS.— respect to the comprehensive review con- United States Code, and includes a rep- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any law ducted under this section. resentative of a claimant. regarding the licensure of physicians, a phy- (B) Such recommendations for legislative (2) The term ‘‘reasonably raised unrelated sician described in paragraph (2) may con- or administrative action as the National claim’’ means a claim for disability com- duct an examination pursuant to a contract Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and pensation under the laws administered by entered into under subsection (a) at any lo- Medicine may have for the improvement of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that, in ad- cation in any State, the District of Colum- the adjudication of claims described in sub- dition to the condition for which such claim bia, or a Commonwealth, territory, or pos- section (b)(1). is made, includes evidence of a separate con- session of the United States, so long as the (d) ALTERNATE CONTRACT ORGANIZATION.— dition that is not specifically identified as examination is within the scope of the au- (1) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary is unable part of the claim but may be inferred or logi- thorized duties under such contract. within the period prescribed in subsection cally placed at issue upon a sympathetic ‘‘(2) PHYSICIAN DESCRIBED.—A physician de- (a)(2) to enter into an agreement described in reading of the claim and the record devel- scribed in this paragraph is a physician subsection (a)(1) with the National Acad- oped with respect to that claim. who— emies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine SEC. 112. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING ‘‘(A) has a current unrestricted license to on terms acceptable to the Secretary, the AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED practice the health care profession of the Secretary shall seek to enter into such an FOR LIFE. physician; agreement with another appropriate organi- (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the fol- ‘‘(B) is not barred from practicing such zation that— lowing: health care profession in any State, the Dis- (A) is not part of the Government; (1) There are at least 4,200,000 veterans cur- trict of Columbia, or a Commonwealth, terri- (B) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and rently living with service-connected disabil- tory, or possession of the United States; and (C) has expertise and objectivity com- ities. ‘‘(C) is performing authorized duties for parable to that of the Health and Medicine (2) As a result of their service, many vet- the Department of Veterans Affairs pursuant Division of the National Academies of erans are permanently disabled throughout to a contract entered into under subsection Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. their lives and in many cases must rely on (a).’’. (2) TREATMENT.—If the Secretary enters the support of their families and friends SEC. 110. INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF PROCESS BY into an agreement with another organization when these visible and invisible burdens be- WHICH DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS as described in paragraph (1), any reference come too much to bear alone. AFFAIRS ASSESSES IMPAIRMENTS (3) October 5, which is the anniversary of THAT RESULT FROM TRAUMATIC in this section to the National Academies of BRAIN INJURY FOR PURPOSES OF Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall be the dedication of the American Veterans Dis- AWARDING DISABILITY COMPENSA- treated as a reference to the other organiza- abled for Life Memorial, has been recognized TION. tion. as an appropriate day on which to honor (a) AGREEMENT.— SEC. 111. REPORTS ON CLAIMS FOR DISABILITY American veterans disabled for life each (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans COMPENSATION. year. Affairs shall seek to enter into an agreement (b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—Congress— (a) REPORT ON REASONABLY RAISED with the National Academies of Sciences, (1) expresses its appreciation to the men CLAIMS.—Not later than 540 days after the and women left permanently wounded, ill, or Engineering, and Medicine to perform the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec- services covered by this section. injured as a result of their service in the retary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to (2) TIMING.—The Secretary shall seek to Armed Forces; the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the enter into the agreement described in para- (2) supports the annual recognition of Senate and House of Representatives a re- graph (1) not later than 9 months after the American veterans disabled for life each port on the policies of the Department of date of the enactment of this Act. year; and Veterans Affairs with respect to processing (b) COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW.— (3) encourages the American people to reasonably raised unrelated claims. Such re- (1) IN GENERAL.—Under an agreement be- honor American veterans disabled for life port shall include— tween the Secretary and the National Acad- each year with appropriate programs and ac- (1) any statistics on how frequently such emies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine tivities. under this section, the National Academies unrelated claims are identified by the Sec- retary; SEC. 113. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SUBMITTAL of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall OF INFORMATION RELATING TO conduct a comprehensive review of examina- (2) how frequently the Secretary notifies CLAIMS FOR DISABILITIES IN- tions furnished by the Department of Vet- claimants about potential unrelated claims; CURRED OR AGGRAVATED BY MILI- erans Affairs to individuals who submit and TARY SEXUAL TRAUMA. claims to the Secretary for compensation (3) how often the claimant later submits a (a) IN GENERAL.—It is the sense of Congress under chapter 11 of title 38, United States claim for the condition described by the un- that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs Code, for traumatic brain injury to assess related claim. should submit to Congress information on the impairments of such individuals relating (b) ANNUAL REPORTS ON COMPLETE AND IN- the covered claims submitted to the Sec- to such injury. COMPLETE CLAIMS.—During the five-year pe- retary during each fiscal year, including the (2) ELEMENTS.—The comprehensive review riod beginning on the date of the enactment information specified in subsection (b). carried out pursuant to paragraph (1) shall of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the (b) ELEMENTS.—The information specified include the following: Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Sen- in this subsection with respect to each fiscal (A) A determination of the adequacy of the ate and House of Representatives annual re- year is the following: tools and protocols used by the Department ports on complete and incomplete claims for (1) The number of covered claims sub- to provide examinations described in para- disability compensation submitted to the mitted to or considered by the Secretary graph (1). Secretary. Each such report shall include, during such fiscal year. (B) A determination of which credentials for the one-year period covered by the re- (2) Of the covered claims under paragraph are necessary for health care specialists and port— (1), the number and percentage of such providers to perform such portions of such (1) the total number of claims submitted to claims— examinations that relate to an assessment of the Secretary; (A) submitted by each sex; all disabling effects. (2) the total number of incomplete claims (B) that were approved, including the num- (3) GROUP OF EXPERIENCED HEALTH CARE submitted to the Secretary; ber and percentage of such approved claims PROVIDERS.—In carrying out the comprehen- (3) the total number of complete claims submitted by each sex; and sive review pursuant to paragraph (1), the submitted to the Secretary; (C) that were denied, including the number National Academies of Sciences, Engineer- (4) the total number of forms indicating an and percentage of such denied claims sub- ing, and Medicine shall convene a group of intent to file a claim for benefits submitted mitted by each sex. relevant experts, including experts in clin- to the Secretary; (3) Of the covered claims under paragraph ical neuropsychology, psychiatry, physiatry, (5) the total number of electronically filed (1) that were approved, the number and per- neurosurgery, and neurology. claims submitted to the Secretary; centage, listed by each sex, of claims as- (c) REPORT.— (6) the total number of fully developed signed to each rating percentage of dis- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 540 days claims submitted to the Secretary; ability. after the date on which the Secretary enters (7) the total number of claims submitted to (4) Of the covered claims under paragraph into an agreement under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary that are not complete claims (1) that were denied— the Secretary shall submit to the Commit- but that the Secretary treats as a request by (A) the three most common reasons given tees on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the claimant for a form to file a claim; and by the Secretary under section 5104(b)(1) of House of Representatives a report on the (8) of the total number of claims identified title 38, United States Code, for such denials; comprehensive review conducted under this under paragraph (7), the percent for which and section. the Secretary notified the claimant of the (B) the number of denials that were based (2) ELEMENTS.—The report submitted under need to file a complete claim. on the failure of a veteran to report for a paragraph (1) shall include the following: (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: medical examination.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7225 (5) The number of covered claims that, as SEC. 203. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO EN- scribed in subparagraph (C), the Secretary of the end of such fiscal year, are pending LARGE SURVIVORS’ ANNUITY. shall furnish, upon request, a headstone or and, separately, the number of such claims Section 7297 is amended by adding at the marker under paragraph (1) or a medallion on appeal. end the following new subsection: under paragraph (4) that signifies the (6) The average number of days that cov- ‘‘(p)(1) A covered judge who makes an elec- deceased’s status as a medal of honor recipi- ered claims take to complete beginning on tion under subsection (b) may purchase, in ent. the date on which the claim is submitted. three-month increments, up to an additional ‘‘(B) If the Secretary furnished a head- (7) A description of the training that the year of service credit for each year of Fed- stone, marker, or medallion under paragraph Secretary provides to employees of the Vet- eral judicial service completed, under the (1) or (4) for a deceased individual described erans Benefits Administration specifically terms set forth in this section. in subparagraph (C) that does not signify the with respect to covered claims, including the ‘‘(2) In this subsection, the term ‘covered deceased’s status as a medal of honor recipi- frequency, length, and content of such train- judge’ means any of the following: ent, the Secretary shall, upon request, re- ing. ‘‘(A) A judge in regular active service. place such headstone, marker, or medallion (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: ‘‘(B) A retired judge who is a recall-eligible with a headstone, marker, or medallion, as (1) The term ‘‘covered claims’’ means retired judge pursuant to subsection (a) of the case may be, that so signifies the claims for disability compensation sub- section 7257 of this title. deceased’s status as a medal of honor recipi- mitted to the Secretary based on a mental ‘‘(C) A retired judge who would be a recall- ent. eligible retired judge pursuant to subsection health condition alleged to have been in- ‘‘(C) A deceased individual described in (a) of section 7257 but for— curred or aggravated by military sexual this subparagraph is a deceased individual ‘‘(i) meeting the aggregate recall service trauma. who— (2) The term ‘‘military sexual trauma’’ requirements under subsection (b)(3) of such ‘‘(i) served in the Armed Forces on or after shall have the meaning specified by the Sec- section; or April 6, 1917; retary for purposes of this section and shall ‘‘(ii) being permanently disabled as de- ‘‘(ii) is eligible for a headstone or marker include ‘‘sexual harassment’’ (as so speci- scribed by subsection (b)(4) of such section.’’. furnished under paragraph (1) or a medallion fied). SEC. 204. SELECTION OF CHIEF JUDGE OF furnished under paragraph (4) (or would be so TITLE II—UNITED STATES COURT OF UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS. eligible for such headstone, marker, or me- APPEALS FOR VETERANS CLAIMS dallion but for the date of the death of the (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7253(d) is amend- SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY INCREASE individual); and IN NUMBER OF JUDGES ON UNITED ed— (1) in paragraph (1)— ‘‘(iii) was awarded the medal of honor STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or VETERANS CLAIMS. (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘and’’; section 491 of title 14 (including post- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7253(i)(2) is (B) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as amended by striking ‘‘January 1, 2013’’ and subparagraph (C); and humously). inserting ‘‘January 1, 2021’’. (C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the ‘‘(D) In this paragraph, the term ‘medal of (b) REPORT.— following new subparagraph (B): honor recipient’ means an individual who is (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than June 30, ‘‘(B) have at least three years remaining in awarded the medal of honor under section 2020, the chief judge of the United States term of office; and’’; and 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims shall (2) by amending paragraph (2) to read as title 14.’’. submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- follows: SEC. 302. EXPANSION OF PRESIDENTIAL MEMO- fairs of the Senate and the Committee on ‘‘(2)(A) In any case in which there is no RIAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM. Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- judge of the Court in regular active service (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 112(a) is amended tives a report on the temporary expansions who meets the requirements under para- by striking ‘‘veterans,’’ and all that follows of the Court under section 7253 of title 38, graph (1), the judge of the Court in regular through ‘‘service,’’ and inserting the fol- United States Code. active service who is senior in commission lowing: ‘‘persons eligible for burial in a na- (2) CONTENTS.—The report required by and meets subparagraph (A) or (B) and sub- tional cemetery by reason of any of para- paragraph (1) shall include the following: paragraph (C) of paragraph (1) shall act as graphs (1), (2), (3), or (7) of section 2402(a) of (A) An assessment of the effect of the ex- the chief judge. this title,’’. pansions on ensuring appeals are handled in ‘‘(B) In any case under subparagraph (A) of (b) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by a timely manner. this paragraph in which there is no judge of subsection (a) shall apply with respect to the (B) A description of the ways in which the the Court in regular active service who death of a person eligible for burial in a na- complexity levels of the appeals acted on by meets subparagraph (A) or (B) and subpara- tional cemetery by reason of paragraph (1), the Court may have changed based on service graph (C) of paragraph (1), the judge of the (2), (3), or (7) of section 2402(a) of title 38, during recent conflicts compared to those Court in regular active service who is senior United States Code, occurring before, on, or based on service from previous eras. in commission and meets subparagraph (C) after the date of the enactment of this Act. (C) A recommendation on whether the shall act as the chief judge.’’. SEC. 303. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS number of judges should be adjusted at the (b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made STUDY ON MATTERS RELATING TO end of the temporary expansion period, in- by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to BURIAL OF UNCLAIMED REMAINS OF cluding statistics, projections, trend anal- the selection of a chief judge occurring on or VETERANS IN NATIONAL CEME- yses, and other information to support the after January 1, 2020. TERIES. recommendation. TITLE III—BURIAL BENEFITS AND OTHER (a) STUDY AND REPORT REQUIRED.—Not SEC. 202. LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM RELATING MATTERS later than one year after the effective date specified in subsection (d), the Secretary of TO JUDGES OF UNITED STATES SEC. 301. EXPANSION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR COURT OF APPEALS FOR VETERANS HEADSTONES, MARKERS, AND ME- Veterans Affairs shall— CLAIMS. DALLIONS. (1) complete a study on matters relating to (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 7281 is amended Section 2306(d) is amended— the interring of unclaimed remains of vet- by adding at the end the following: (1) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting erans in national cemeteries under the con- ‘‘(j) For purposes of chapter 87 of title 5, a the following new paragraph: trol of the National Cemetery Administra- judge who is in regular active service and a ‘‘(4)(A) In lieu of furnishing a headstone or tion; and judge who is retired under section 7296 of marker under this subsection to a deceased (2) submit to the Committee on Veterans’ this title or under chapter 83 or 84 of title 5 individual described in subparagraph (B), the Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on shall be treated as an employee described in Secretary may furnish, upon request, a me- Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- section 8701(a)(5) of title 5. tives a report on the findings of the Sec- ‘‘(k) Notwithstanding any other provision dallion or other device of a design deter- retary with respect to the study required of law, the Court may pay on behalf of its mined by the Secretary to signify the de- under paragraph (1). judges, who are age 65 or older, any increase ceased individual’s status as a veteran, to be in the cost of Federal Employees’ Group Life attached to a headstone or marker furnished (b) MATTERS STUDIED.—The matters stud- Insurance imposed after April 24, 1999, in- at private expense. ied under subsection (a)(1) shall include the cluding any expenses generated by such pay- ‘‘(B) A deceased individual described in following: ments, as authorized by the chief judge of this subsection is an individual who— (1) Determining the scope of issues relating the Court in a manner consistent with such ‘‘(i) served in the Armed Forces on or after to unclaimed remains of veterans, including payment authorized by the Judicial Con- April 6, 1917; and an estimate of the number of unclaimed re- ference of the United States pursuant to sec- ‘‘(ii) is eligible for a headstone or marker mains of veterans. tion 604(a)(5) of title 28.’’. furnished under paragraph (1) (or would be so (2) Assessing the effectiveness of the proce- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment eligible but for the date of the death of the dures of the Department of Veterans Affairs made by subsection (a) shall apply with re- individual).’’; and for working with persons or entities having spect to any payment made on or after the (2) by adding at the end the following new custody of unclaimed remains to facilitate first day of the first applicable pay period be- paragraph: interment of unclaimed remains of veterans ginning on or after the date of the enact- ‘‘(5)(A) In carrying out this subsection in national cemeteries under the control of ment of this Act. with respect to a deceased individual de- the National Cemetery Administration.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 (3) Assessing State and local laws that af- SEC. 305. HONORING AS VETERANS CERTAIN SEC. 403. AUTHORITY TO PRIORITIZE VOCA- fect the ability of the Secretary to inter un- PERSONS WHO PERFORMED SERV- TIONAL REHABILITATION SERVICES claimed remains of veterans in national ICE IN THE RESERVE COMPONENTS BASED ON NEED. cemeteries under the control of the National OF THE ARMED FORCES. Section 3104, as amended by section 402, is Cemetery Administration. Any person who is entitled under chapter further amended by adding at the end the (4) Developing recommendations for such 1223 of title 10, United States Code, to retired following new subsection: legislative or administrative action as the pay for nonregular service or, but for age, ‘‘(c)(1) The Secretary shall have the au- Secretary considers appropriate. would be entitled under such chapter to re- thority to administer this chapter by (c) METHODOLOGY.— tired pay for nonregular service shall be hon- prioritizing the provision of services under (1) NUMBER OF UNCLAIMED REMAINS.—In es- ored as a veteran but shall not be entitled to this chapter based on need, as determined by timating the number of unclaimed remains any benefit by reason of this honor. the Secretary. In evaluating need for pur- of veterans under subsection (b)(1), the Sec- TITLE IV—EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE poses of this subsection, the Secretary shall retary may review such subset of applicable AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION consider disability ratings, the severity of entities as the Secretary considers appro- SEC. 401. CLARIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR employment handicaps, qualification for a priate, including a subset of funeral homes MARINE GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN program of independent living, income, and and coroner offices that possess unclaimed DAVID FRY SCHOLARSHIP. any other factor the Secretary determines veterans remains. (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 701(d) of the Vet- appropriate. (2) ASSESSMENT OF STATE AND LOCAL erans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act ‘‘(2) Not later than 90 days before making LAWS.—In assessing State and local laws of 2014 (Public Law 113–146; 128 Stat. 1796; 38 any changes to the prioritization of the pro- under subsection (b)(3), the Secretary may U.S.C. 3311 note) is amended to read as fol- vision of services under this chapter as au- assess such sample of applicable State and lows: thorized under paragraph (1), the Secretary local laws as the Secretary considers appro- ‘‘(d) APPLICABILITY.— shall submit to the Committees on Veterans’ priate in lieu of reviewing all applicable ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The amendments made Affairs of the Senate and House of Rep- State and local laws. by this section shall apply with respect to a resentatives a plan describing such (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall quarter, semester, or term, as applicable, changes.’’. take effect on the date that is one year after commencing on or after January 1, 2015. SEC. 404. REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF STUDENTS the date of the enactment of this Act. ‘‘(2) DEATHS THAT OCCURRED BETWEEN SEP- RECEIVING POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL SEC. 304. STUDY ON PROVISION OF INTERMENTS TEMBER 11, 2001, AND DECEMBER 31, 2005.—For ASSISTANCE. IN VETERANS’ CEMETERIES DURING purposes of section 3311(f)(2) of title 38, (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter III of chapter WEEKENDS. United States Code, any member of the 33 is amended— (a) STUDY.— Armed Forces who died during the period be- (1) in section 3325(c)— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Veterans ginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and’’ Affairs shall conduct a study on the feasi- December 31, 2005, is deemed to have died on after the semicolon; bility and the need for providing increased January 1, 2006.’’. (B) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para- interments in veterans’ cemeteries on Satur- (b) ELECTION ON RECEIPT OF CERTAIN BENE- graph (4); and days and Sundays to meet the needs of sur- FITS.—Section 3311(f) is amended— (C) by inserting after paragraph (2) the fol- viving family members to properly honor the (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘A sur- lowing new paragraph (3): deceased. viving spouse’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as pro- ‘‘(3) the information received by the Sec- (2) MATTERS INCLUDED.—The study under vided in paragraph (4), a surviving spouse’’; retary under section 3326 of this title; and’’; paragraph (1) shall include the following: and (A) The number of requests made for inter- (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as para- graph (5); and (2) by adding at the end the following new ments in veterans’ cemeteries on a Saturday section: or a Sunday since January 1, 2007. (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol- (B) The number of requests identified lowing new paragraph (4): ‘‘§ 3326. Report on student progress under subparagraph (A) that were granted. ‘‘(4) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN ELECTIONS.— ‘‘As a condition of approval under chapter (C) An estimate of the number of families ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—An election made under 36 of this title of a course offered by an edu- that, since January 1, 2007, would have se- paragraph (3) by a spouse described in sub- cational institution (as defined in section lected a weekend interment if such an inter- paragraph (B) may not be treated as irrev- 3452 of this title), each year, each edu- ment would have been offered. ocable if such election occurred before the cational institution (as so defined) that re- (D) A review of the practices relating to date of the enactment of this paragraph. ceived a payment in that year on behalf of weekend interments among non-veterans’ ‘‘(B) ELIGIBLE SURVIVING SPOUSE.—A spouse an individual entitled to educational assist- cemeteries, including private and municipal described in this subparagraph is an indi- ance under this chapter shall submit to the cemeteries. vidual— Secretary such information regarding the (E) A comparison of the costs to veterans’ ‘‘(i) who is entitled to assistance under academic progress of the individual as the cemeteries with respect to providing regular subsection (a) pursuant to paragraph (9) of Secretary may require.’’. interments only during weekdays and such subsection (b); and (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of costs for providing regular interments dur- ‘‘(ii) who was the spouse of a member of sections at the beginning of such chapter is ing the weekdays and at least one weekend the Armed Forces who died during the period amended by adding at the end the following day. beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending new item: (F) Any other information the Secretary on December 31, 2005.’’. ‘‘3326. Report on student progress.’’. (c) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Paragraph (5) determines appropriate. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments of subsection (f) of section 3311, as redesig- (3) CONSULTATION.—In carrying out the made by this section shall take effect on the nated by subsection (b)(2), is amended by study under paragraph (1), the Secretary date that is one year after the date of the en- striking ‘‘that paragraph’’ and inserting shall consult with the following: actment of this Act. (A) Veterans who are eligible to be interred ‘‘paragraph (9) of subsection (b)’’. SEC. 405. RECODIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT in a veterans’ cemetery. SEC. 402. APPROVAL OF COURSES OF EDUCATION OF ELECTION PROCESS FOR POST-9/ (B) Family members of a deceased indi- AND TRAINING FOR PURPOSES OF 11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PRO- vidual interred in a veterans’ cemetery. THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION GRAM. PROGRAM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF (C) Veterans service organizations. N ENERAL VETERANS AFFAIRS. (a) I G .—Subchapter III of chapter (D) Associations representing cemetery 33, as amended by section 404, is further (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3104(b) is amend- and funeral home professionals. ed by adding at the end the following new amended by adding at the end the following (E) The heads of agencies of State govern- new section: ments relating to veterans affairs. sentences: ‘‘To the maximum extent prac- ticable, a course of education or training ‘‘§ 3327. Election to receive educational assist- (F) The directors of the veterans’ ceme- ance teries. may be pursued by a veteran as part of a re- ‘‘(a) INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE TO ELECT PAR- (G) Any other person the Secretary deter- habilitation program under this chapter only TICIPATION IN POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSIST- mines appropriate. if the course is approved for purposes of (b) SUBMISSION.—Not later than 180 days chapter 30 or 33 of this title. The Secretary ANCE.—An individual may elect to receive after the date of the enactment of this Act, may waive the requirement under the pre- educational assistance under this chapter if the Secretary shall submit to the Commit- ceding sentence to the extent the Secretary such individual— tees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of determines appropriate.’’. ‘‘(1) as of August 1, 2009— Representatives and the Senate a report on (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment ‘‘(A) is entitled to basic educational assist- the study conducted under subsection (a). made by subsection (a) shall apply with re- ance under chapter 30 of this title and has (c) VETERANS’ CEMETERIES DEFINED.—In spect to a course of education or training used, but retains unused, entitlement under this section, the term ‘‘veterans’ ceme- pursued by a veteran who first begins a pro- that chapter; teries’’ means the cemeteries of the National gram of rehabilitation under chapter 31 of ‘‘(B) is entitled to educational assistance Cemetery Administration, veterans’ ceme- title 38, United States Code, on or after the under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 and teries owned by a State, and veterans’ ceme- date that is one year after the date of the en- has used, but retains unused, entitlement teries owned by a tribal organization. actment of this Act. under the applicable chapter;

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‘‘(C) is entitled to basic educational assist- ‘‘(e) CONTINUING ENTITLEMENT TO EDU- or supplemental educational assistance in ance under chapter 30 of this title but has CATIONAL ASSISTANCE NOT AVAILABLE UNDER the utilization of entitlement to educational not used any entitlement under that chap- POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PRO- assistance under this chapter, in an amount ter; GRAM.— equal to the quarter, semester, or term, as ‘‘(D) is entitled to educational assistance ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the event educational applicable, equivalent of the monthly under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10 but assistance to which an individual making an amount of such increased educational assist- has not used any entitlement under such election under subsection (a) would be enti- ance or supplemental educational assistance chapter; tled under chapter 30 of this title, or chapter payable with respect to the individual at the ‘‘(E) is a member of the Armed Forces who 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as applicable, is time of the election. is eligible for receipt of basic educational as- not authorized to be available to the indi- ‘‘(h) ALTERNATIVE ELECTION BY SEC- sistance under chapter 30 of this title and is vidual under the provisions of this chapter, RETARY.— making contributions toward such assist- the individual shall remain entitled to such ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the case of an indi- ance under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) of this educational assistance in accordance with vidual who, on or after January 1, 2017, sub- title; or the provisions of the applicable chapter. mits to the Secretary an election under this ‘‘(F) is a member of the Armed Forces who ‘‘(2) CHARGE FOR USE OF ENTITLEMENT.—The section that the Secretary determines is is not entitled to basic educational assist- utilization by an individual of entitlement clearly against the interests of the indi- ance under chapter 30 of this title by reason under paragraph (1) shall be chargeable vidual, or who fails to make an election of an election under section 3011(c)(1) or against the entitlement of the individual to under this section, the Secretary may make 3012(d)(1) of this title; and educational assistance under this chapter at an alternative election on behalf of the indi- ‘‘(2) as of the date of the individual’s elec- the rate of one month of entitlement under vidual that the Secretary determines is in tion under this paragraph, meets the require- this chapter for each month of entitlement the best interests of the individual. ments for entitlement to educational assist- utilized by the individual under paragraph ‘‘(2) NOTICE.—If the Secretary makes an ance under this chapter. (1) (as determined as if such entitlement election on behalf of an individual under this ‘‘(b) CESSATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD were utilized under the provisions of chapter subsection, the Secretary shall notify the in- GI BILL.—Effective as of the first month be- 30 of this title, or chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of dividual by not later than seven days after ginning on or after the date of an election title 10, as applicable). making such election and shall provide the under subsection (a) of an individual de- ‘‘(f) ADDITIONAL POST-9/11 ASSISTANCE FOR individual with a 30-day period, beginning on scribed by paragraph (1)(E) of that sub- MEMBERS HAVING MADE CONTRIBUTIONS TO- the date of the individual’s receipt of such section, the obligation of the individual to WARD GI BILL.— notice, during which the individual may make contributions under section 3011(b) or ‘‘(1) ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE.—In the case modify or revoke the election made by the 3012(c) of this title, as applicable, shall cease, of an individual making an election under Secretary on the individual’s behalf. The and the requirements of such section shall be subsection (a) who is described by subpara- Secretary shall include, as part of such no- deemed to be no longer applicable to the in- graph (A), (C), or (E) of paragraph (1) of that tice, a clear statement of why the alter- dividual. subsection, the amount of educational assist- native election made by the Secretary is in ‘‘(c) REVOCATION OF REMAINING TRANS- ance payable to the individual under this the best interests of the individual as com- FERRED ENTITLEMENT.— chapter as a monthly stipend payable under pared to the election submitted by the indi- ‘‘(1) ELECTION TO REVOKE.—If, on the date paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of this an individual described in paragraph (1)(A) vidual. The Secretary shall provide the no- title, or under paragraphs (2) through (7) of tice required under this paragraph by elec- or (1)(C) of subsection (a) makes an election that section (as applicable), shall be the under that subsection, a transfer of the enti- tronic means whenever possible. amount otherwise payable as a monthly sti- ‘‘(i) IRREVOCABILITY OF ELECTIONS.—An tlement of the individual to basic edu- pend under the applicable paragraph in- election under subsection (a) or (c)(1) is ir- cational assistance under section 3020 of this creased by the amount equal to— revocable.’’. title is in effect and a number of months of ‘‘(A) the total amount of contributions to- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of the entitlement so transferred remain unuti- ward basic educational assistance made by sections at the beginning of such chapter, as lized, the individual may elect to revoke all the individual under section 3011(b) or 3012(c) amended by section 404, is further amended or a portion of the entitlement so trans- of this title, as of the date of the election, by adding at the end the following new item: ferred that remains unutilized. multiplied by ‘‘3327. Election to receive educational assist- ‘‘(2) AVAILABILITY OF REVOKED ENTITLE- ‘‘(B) the fraction— ance.’’. MENT.—Any entitlement revoked by an indi- ‘‘(i) the numerator of which is— vidual under this subsection shall no longer ‘‘(I) the number of months of entitlement (c) CONFORMING REPEAL.—Subsection (c) of be available to the dependent to whom trans- to basic educational assistance under chap- section 5003 of the Post-9/11 Veterans Edu- ferred, but shall be available to the indi- ter 30 of this title remaining to the indi- cational Assistance Act of 2008 (Public Law vidual instead for educational assistance vidual at the time of the election; plus 110–252; 38 U.S.C. 3301 note) is hereby re- under chapter 33 of this title in accordance ‘‘(II) the number of months, if any, of enti- pealed. with the provisions of this section. tlement under chapter 30 of this title re- SEC. 406. WORK-STUDY ALLOWANCE. ‘‘(3) AVAILABILITY OF UNREVOKED ENTITLE- voked by the individual under subsection Section 3485(a)(4) is amended by striking MENT.—Any entitlement described in para- (c)(1); and ‘‘June 30, 2013’’ each place it appears and in- graph (1) that is not revoked by an indi- ‘‘(ii) the denominator of which is 36 serting ‘‘June 30, 2013, or the period begin- vidual in accordance with that paragraph months. ning on June 30, 2017, and ending on June 30, shall remain available to the dependent or ‘‘(2) MONTHS OF REMAINING ENTITLEMENT 2022’’. dependents concerned in accordance with the FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.—In the case of an SEC. 407. CENTRALIZED REPORTING OF VETERAN current transfer of such entitlement under individual covered by paragraph (1) who is ENROLLMENT BY CERTAIN GROUPS, section 3020 of this title. described by subsection (a)(1)(E), the number DISTRICTS, AND CONSORTIUMS OF ‘‘(d) POST-9/11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE.— of months of entitlement to basic edu- EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2) cational assistance remaining to the indi- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3684(a) is amend- and except as provided in subsection (e), an vidual for purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(i)(II) ed— individual making an election under sub- shall be 36 months. (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘32, 33,’’ after ‘‘31,’’; and section (a) shall be entitled to educational ‘‘(3) TIMING OF PAYMENT.—The amount pay- assistance under this chapter in accordance able with respect to an individual under (2) by adding at the end the following new with the provisions of this chapter, instead paragraph (1) shall be paid to the individual paragraph: ‘‘(4) For purposes of this subsection, the of basic educational assistance under chap- together with the last payment of the term ‘educational institution’ may include a ter 30 of this title, or educational assistance monthly stipend payable to the individual group, district, or consortium of separately under chapter 107, 1606, or 1607 of title 10, as under paragraph (1)(B) of section 3313(c) of accredited educational institutions located applicable. this title, or under paragraphs (2) through (7) in the same State that are organized in a ‘‘(2) LIMITATION ON ENTITLEMENT FOR CER- of that section (as applicable), before the ex- manner that facilitates the centralized re- TAIN INDIVIDUALS.—In the case of an indi- haustion of the individual’s entitlement to porting of the enrollments in such group, vidual making an election under subsection educational assistance under this chapter. district, or consortium of institutions.’’. (a) who is described by paragraph (1)(A) of ‘‘(g) CONTINUING ENTITLEMENT TO ADDI- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments that subsection, the number of months of en- TIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR CRITICAL SKILLS OR made by subsection (a) shall apply with re- titlement of the individual to educational SPECIALTY AND ADDITIONAL SERVICE.—An in- assistance under this chapter shall be the dividual making an election under sub- spect to reports submitted on or after the number of months equal to— section (a)(1) who, at the time of the elec- date of the enactment of this Act. ‘‘(A) the number of months of unused enti- tion, is entitled to increased educational as- SEC. 408. ROLE OF STATE APPROVING AGENCIES. tlement of the individual under chapter 30 of sistance under section 3015(d) of this title, or (a) APPROVAL OF CERTAIN COURSES.—Sec- this title, as of the date of the election, plus section 16131(i) of title 10, or supplemental tion 3672(b)(2)(A) is amended by striking ‘‘the ‘‘(B) the number of months, if any, of enti- educational assistance under subchapter III following’’ and all that follows through the tlement revoked by the individual under sub- of chapter 30 of this title, shall remain enti- colon and inserting the following: ‘‘a pro- section (c)(1). tled to such increased educational assistance gram of education is deemed to be approved

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 for purposes of this chapter if a State ap- istered by the Secretary or would further the tion 409, is amended by inserting before the proving agency, or the Secretary when act- education interests of individuals eligible for period the following: ‘‘if the Secretary, in ing in the role of a State approving agency, assistance under such programs. consultation with the State approving agen- determines that the program is one of the ‘‘(D) The educational institution does not cy and pursuant to regulations prescribed to following programs:’’. provide any commission, bonus, or other in- carry out this paragraph, determines such (b) APPROVAL OF OTHER COURSES.—Section centive payment based directly or indirectly criteria are necessary and treat public, pri- 3675 of such title is amended— on success in securing enrollments or finan- (1) in subsection (a)(1)— cial aid to any persons or entities engaged in vate, and proprietary for-profit educational (A) by striking ‘‘The Secretary or a State any student recruiting or admission activi- institutions equitably’’. approving agency’’ and inserting ‘‘A State ties or in making decisions regarding the (b) ACCREDITED COURSES.—Section approving agency, or the Secretary when award of student financial assistance, except 3675(b)(3) is amended by striking ‘‘and (3)’’ acting in the role of a State approving agen- for the recruitment of foreign students resid- and inserting ‘‘(3), and (14)’’. cy,’’; and ing in foreign countries who are not eligible (B) by striking ‘‘offered by proprietary for- to receive Federal student assistance. (c) APPLICATION.—The amendment made by profit educational institutions’’ and insert- ‘‘(2) Not later than 30 days after the date subsection (a) shall apply with respect to— ing ‘‘not covered by section 3672 of this on which the Secretary issues a waiver under (1) criteria developed pursuant to para- title’’; and paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to graph (16) of subsection (c) of section 3676 of (2) in subsection (b)— Congress notice of such waiver and a jus- title 38, United States Code, on or after Jan- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), tification for issuing such waiver.’’. uary 1, 2013; and by striking ‘‘the Secretary or the State ap- (c) APPROVAL OF ACCREDITED COURSES.— (2) an investigation conducted under such proving agency’’ and inserting ‘‘the State ap- Section 3675(b)(3) is amended— subsection that is covered by a reimburse- proving agency, or the Secretary when act- (1) by striking ‘‘and (3)’’ and inserting ‘‘(3), ment of expenses paid by the Secretary of (14), (15), and (16)’’; and ing in the role of a State approving agency,’’; Veterans Affairs to a State pursuant to sec- (2) by inserting before the period at the end and tion 3674 of such title on or after October 1, the following: ‘‘(or, with respect to such (B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘the Sec- 2015. retary or the State approving agency’’ and paragraphs (14) and (15), the requirements inserting ‘‘the State approving agency, or under such paragraphs are waived pursuant SEC. 411. COMPLIANCE SURVEYS. the Secretary when acting in the role of a to subsection (f)(1) of section 3676 of this (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 3693 is amended— State approving agency’’. title)’’. (d) APPROVAL OF ACCREDITED STANDARD (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting SEC. 409. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FOR the following new subsection (a): APPROVAL FOR PURPOSES OF EDU- COLLEGE DEGREE PROGRAMS OFFERED AT CATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED PUBLIC OR NOT-FOR-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL IN- ‘‘(a)(1) Except as provided in subsection BY DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- STITUTIONS.—Section 3672(b)(2) is amended— (b), the Secretary shall conduct an annual FAIRS OF PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ‘‘An compliance survey of educational institu- PREPARE INDIVIDUALS FOR LICEN- accredited’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as pro- tions and training establishments offering SURE OR CERTIFICATION. vided in subparagraph (C), an accredited’’; (a) APPROVAL OF NONACCREDITED and one or more courses approved for the enroll- COURSES.—Subsection (c) of section 3676 is (2) by adding at the end the following new ment of eligible veterans or persons if at amended— subparagraph: least 20 such veterans or persons are enrolled (1) by redesignating paragraph (14) as para- ‘‘(C) A course that is described in both sub- in any such course. The Secretary shall— graph (16); and paragraph (A)(i) of this paragraph and in ‘‘(A) design the compliance surveys to en- (2) by inserting after paragraph (13) the fol- paragraph (14) or (15) of section 3676(c) of this sure that such institutions or establish- lowing new paragraphs: title shall not be deemed to be approved for ments, as the case may be, and approved ‘‘(14) In the case of a course designed to purposes of this chapter unless— courses are in compliance with all applicable prepare an individual for licensure or certifi- ‘‘(i) a State approving agency, or the Sec- provisions of chapters 30 through 36 of this cation in a State, the course— retary when acting in the role of a State ap- title; ‘‘(A) meets all instructional curriculum li- proving agency, determines that the course ‘‘(B) survey each such educational institu- censure or certification requirements of such meets the applicable criteria in such para- tion and training establishment not less State; and graphs; or than once during every two-year period; and ‘‘(B) in the case of a course designed to pre- ‘‘(ii) the Secretary issues a waiver for such ‘‘(C) assign not fewer than one education pare an individual for licensure to practice course under section 3676(f)(1) of this title.’’. law in a State, is accredited by an accred- (e) DISAPPROVAL OF COURSES.—Section 3679 compliance specialist to work on compliance iting agency or association recognized by the is amended by adding at the end the fol- surveys in any year for each 40 compliance Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of lowing new subsection: surveys required to be made under this sec- part H of title IV of the Higher Education ‘‘(d) Notwithstanding any other provision tion for such year. Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b). of this chapter, the Secretary or the applica- ‘‘(2) The Secretary, in consultation with ble State approving agency shall disapprove ‘‘(15) In the case of a course designed to the State approving agencies, shall— prepare an individual for employment pursu- a course of education described in paragraph ‘‘(A) annually determine the parameters of ant to standards developed by a board or (14) or (15) of section 3676(c) of this title un- the surveys required under paragraph (1); agency of a State in an occupation that re- less the educational institution providing and quires approval, licensure, or certification, the course of education— the course— ‘‘(1) publicly discloses any conditions or ‘‘(B) not later than September 1 of each ‘‘(A) meets such standards; and additional requirements, including training, year, make available to the State approving ‘‘(B) in the case of a course designed to pre- experience, or examinations, required to ob- agencies a list of the educational institu- pare an individual for licensure to practice tain the license, certification, or approval tions and training establishments that will law in a State, is accredited by an accred- for which the course of education is designed be surveyed during the fiscal year following iting agency or association recognized by the to provide preparation; and the date of making such list available.’’; and Secretary of Education under subpart 2 of ‘‘(2) makes each disclosure required by (2) by adding at the end the following new part H of title IV of the Higher Education paragraph (1) in a manner that the Secretary subsection: Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1099b).’’. considers prominent (as specified by the Sec- ‘‘(c) In this section, the terms ‘educational (b) EXCEPTIONS.—Such section is further retary in regulations prescribed for purposes institution’ and ‘training establishment’ amended by adding at the end the following of this subsection).’’. new subsection: (f) APPLICABILITY.—If after enrollment in a have the meanings given such terms in sec- ‘‘(f)(1) The Secretary may waive the re- course of education that is subject to dis- tion 3452 of this title.’’. quirements of paragraph (14) or (15) of sub- approval by reason of an amendment made (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Subsection section (c) in the case of a course of edu- by this section, an individual pursues one or (b) of such section is amended— cation offered by an educational institution more courses of education at the same edu- (1) by striking ‘‘subsection (a) of this sec- (either accredited or not accredited) if the cational institution while remaining con- tion for an annual compliance survey’’ and tinuously enrolled (other than during regu- Secretary determines all of the following: inserting ‘‘subsection (a)(1) for a compliance ‘‘(A) The educational institution is not ac- larly scheduled breaks between courses, se- survey’’; credited by an agency or association recog- mesters, or terms) at that institution, any (2) by striking ‘‘institution’’ and inserting nized by the Secretary of Education. course so pursued by the individual at that ‘‘educational institution or training estab- ‘‘(B) The course did not meet the require- institution while so continuously enrolled ments of such paragraph at any time during shall not be subject to disapproval by reason lishment’’; and the two-year period preceding the date of the of such amendment. (3) by striking ‘‘institution’s demonstrated waiver. SEC. 410. CRITERIA USED TO APPROVE COURSES. record of compliance’’ and inserting ‘‘record ‘‘(C) The waiver furthers the purposes of (a) NONACCREDITED COURSES.—Paragraph of compliance of such institution or estab- the educational assistance programs admin- (16) of section 3676(c), as redesignated by sec- lishment’’.

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MODIFICATION OF REDUCTIONS IN RE- (2) The opinion of the individual regarding or vocational counseling services pursuant PORTING FEE MULTIPLIERS FOR participation in the transition assistance to section 3697A of title 38, United States PAYMENTS BY SECRETARY OF VET- program under section 1144 of title 10, United Code, shall provide to any eligible individual ERANS AFFAIRS TO EDUCATIONAL States Code, and the effectiveness of the pro- who requests such counseling services infor- INSTITUTIONS. gram, including instruction on the use of the mation about the articulation agreements of (a) THROUGH SEPTEMBER 25, 2017.—During each institution of higher learning in which the period beginning on the date of the en- benefits under laws administered by the Sec- the individual is interested. actment of this Act and ending on Sep- retary of Veterans Affairs. (b) CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY.—When tember 25, 2017, the second sentence of sec- (3) The resources the individual used to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides to tion 3684(c) of title 38, United States Code, help the individual— an individual a certification of eligibility for shall be applied— (A) decide to use the individual’s entitle- educational assistance provided by the De- (1) by substituting ‘‘$6’’ for ‘‘$12’’; and ment to educational assistance to enroll in a program of education or training; and partment of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary (2) by substituting ‘‘$12’’ for ‘‘$15’’. shall also include detailed information on (b) SEPTEMBER 26, 2017, THROUGH SEP- (B) choose the program of education or such educational assistance, including infor- TEMBER 25, 2026.—During the period begin- training the individual pursued. mation on requesting education counseling ning on September 26, 2017, and ending on (4) The individual’s goal when the indi- services and on articulation agreements. September 25, 2026, the second sentence of vidual enrolled in the program of education (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: such section shall be applied— or training. (1) The term ‘‘institution of higher learn- (1) by substituting ‘‘$7’’ for ‘‘$12’’; and (5) The nature of the individual’s experi- ing’’ has the meaning given such term in sec- (2) by substituting ‘‘$12’’ for ‘‘$15’’. ence with the education benefits processing tion 3452(f) of title 38, United States Code. (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 406 system of the Department of Veterans Af- of the Department of Veterans Affairs Expir- fairs. (2) The term ‘‘articulation agreement’’ has ing Authorities Act of 2014 (Public Law 113– (6) The nature of the individual’s experi- the meaning given such term in section 486A 175; 38 U.S.C. 3684 note), as amended by the ence with the school certifying official of the of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (Public Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Au- educational institution where the individual Law 89–329; 20 U.S.C. 1093a). (d) DEADLINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION.—The thorities Act of 2016, is amended by striking pursued the program of education or training Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall imple- ‘‘During the three-year period beginning on who processed the individual’s claim. ment this section not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act’’ and (7) Any services or benefits the educational the date of the enactment of this Act. inserting ‘‘During the period beginning on institution or program of education or train- the date of the enactment of this Act and ing provided to veterans while the individual SEC. 416. RETENTION OF ENTITLEMENT TO EDU- CATIONAL ASSISTANCE DURING ending on the day before the date of the en- pursued the program of education or train- CERTAIN ADDITIONAL PERIODS OF actment of the Jeff Miller and Richard ing. ACTIVE DUTY. Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and Bene- (8) The type of educational institution at (a) EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE.— fits Improvement Act of 2016’’. which the individual pursued the program of Section 16131(c)(3)(B)(i) of title 10, United SEC. 413. COMPOSITION OF VETERANS’ ADVISORY education or training. States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘or COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION. (9) Whether the individual completed the 12304’’ and inserting ‘‘12304, 12304a, or Section 3692(a) is amended in the second program of education or training or the 12304b’’. sentence by striking ‘‘veterans representa- number of credit hours completed by the in- (b) EXPIRATION DATE.—Section 16133(b)(4) tive of World War II’’ and all that follows dividual as of the time of the survey, and, if of such title is amended by striking ‘‘or through the period at the end of that sen- applicable, any degree or certificate obtained 12304’’ and inserting ‘‘12304, 12304a, or tence and inserting the following: ‘‘a rep- by the individual for completing the pro- 12304b’’. resentative sample of veterans and other in- gram. SEC. 417. TECHNICAL AMENDMENT RELATING TO dividuals who have used, or may in the fu- (10) The employment status of the indi- IN-STATE TUITION RATE FOR INDI- ture use, educational assistance benefits ad- vidual and whether such employment status VIDUALS TO WHOM ENTITLEMENT IS ministered by the Secretary.’’. differs from the employment status of the in- TRANSFERRED UNDER ALL-VOLUN- SEC. 414. SURVEY OF INDIVIDUALS USING THEIR dividual prior to enrolling in the program of TEER FORCE EDUCATIONAL ASSIST- ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL AS- education or training. ANCE PROGRAM AND POST-9/11 EDU- CATIONAL ASSISTANCE. SISTANCE UNDER THE EDU- (11) Whether the individual is or was en- (a) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Subparagraph CATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS rolled in a program of education on a full- ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY (B) of section 3679(c)(2) is amended to read as time or part-time basis. OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. follows: (12) The opinion of the individual on the ef- (a) SURVEY REQUIRED.—By not later than ‘‘(B) An individual who is entitled to as- 270 days after the date of the enactment of fectiveness of the educational assistance pro- sistance under— this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs gram of the Department of Veterans Affairs ‘‘(i) section 3311(b)(9) of this title; or shall enter into a contract with a non-gov- under which the individual was entitled to ‘‘(ii) section 3319 of this title by virtue of ernment entity for the conduct of a survey of educational assistance. the individual’s relationship to— a statistically valid sample of individuals (13) Whether the individual was ever enti- ‘‘(I) a veteran described in subparagraph who have used or are using their entitlement tled to a rehabilitation under chapter 31 of (A); or to educational assistance under chapters 30, title 38, United States Code, and whether the ‘‘(II) a member of the uniformed services 32, 33, and 35 of title 38, United States Code, individual participated in such a program. described in section 3319(b) of this title who to pursue a program of education or train- (14) A description of any circumstances is serving on active duty.’’. ing. The contract shall provide that— that prevented the individual from using the (b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendment made (1) not later than one month before the col- individual’s entitlement to educational as- by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to lection of data under the survey begins, the sistance to pursue a desired career path or a course, semester, or term that begins after survey shall be submitted to the Committees degree. July 1, 2017. on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and House (15) Whether the individual is using the in- SEC. 418. STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF of Representatives; dividual’s entitlement to educational assist- VETERANS TRANSITION EFFORTS. (2) the non-government entity shall com- ance to pursue a program of education or (a) STUDY.—The Secretary of Veterans Af- plete the survey and submit to the Secretary training or has transferred such an entitle- fairs, in coordination with the Secretary of the results of the survey by not later than ment to a dependent. Labor and the Secretary of Defense, shall 180 days after entering into the contract; and (16) Such other matters as the Secretary carry out a study to evaluate programs to (3) the survey shall be conducted by elec- determines appropriate. assist veterans of the Armed Forces in their (c) REPORT.—Not later than 90 days after tronic means and by any other means the transition to civilian life. Such study shall receiving the results of the survey required non-government entity determines appro- be designed to determine the effectiveness of under this section, the Secretary shall sub- priate. current programs, especially in regards to mit to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs (b) INFORMATION TO BE COLLECTED.—The the unique challenges faced by women vet- of the Senate and House of Representatives a contract under subsection (a) shall provide erans, veterans with disabilities, Native report on the results of the survey and any that the survey shall be designed to collect American veterans (including Alaska Native recommendations of the Secretary relating the following types of information about veterans and Native Hawaiian veterans), vet- to such results. Such report shall also in- each individual surveyed, where applicable: erans who are residents of a territory of the clude an unedited version of the results of (1) Demographic information, including United States, veterans who are part of the the survey submitted by the non-government the highest level of education completed by indigenous population of a territory of the entity that conducted the survey. the individual, the military occupational United States, and other groups of minority specialty or specialties of the individual SEC. 415. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS veterans identified by the Secretaries, in- PROVISION OF INFORMATION ON while serving on active duty as a member of ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS BE- cluding whether such programs— the Armed Forces or as a member of the Na- TWEEN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER (1) effectively address the challenges vet- tional Guard or of a Reserve Component of LEARNING. erans face in pursuing higher education, es- the Armed Forces, and whether the indi- (a) INFORMATION.—Department of Veterans pecially the challenges faced by such groups vidual has a service-connected disability. Affairs counselors who provide educational of minority veterans;

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(2) effectively address the challenges such ‘‘(D) The average number of months such (1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 7 is amended by veterans face entering the civilian workforce individual was employed during the year inserting after section 715 the following new and in translating experience and skills from covered by the report. section: military service to the job market; and ‘‘(E) The average annual starting and end- ‘‘§ 717. Limitation on administrative leave (3) effectively address the challenges faced ing salaries of any such individual who was ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in by the families of such veterans employed during the year covered by the re- subsection (b), the Secretary may not place transitioning to civilian life. port. any covered individual on administrative (b) REPORT.—Not later than 540 days after ‘‘(F) The average annual income of such in- leave, or any other type of paid non-duty the date of the enactment of this Act, the dividual. status without charge to leave, for more Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to ‘‘(G) The average total household income than a total of 14 days during any 365-day pe- the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the of such individual for the year covered by riod. Senate and House of Representatives a re- the report. port regarding the findings and recommenda- ‘‘(H) The percentage of such individuals ‘‘(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary may waive tions of the study required under subsection who own their principal residences. the limitation under subsection (a) and ex- (a). ‘‘(I) The employment status of such indi- tend the administrative leave or other paid (c) PROHIBITION ON AUTHORIZATION OF AP- vidual. non-duty status without charge to leave of a PROPRIATIONS.—No additional funds are au- ‘‘(J) In the case of such an individual who covered individual placed on such leave or thorized to carry out the requirements of received services under this chapter, whether status under subsection (a) if the Secretary this section. Such requirements shall be car- the individual believes that any service pro- submits to the Committees on Veterans’ Af- ried out using amounts otherwise author- vided by a disabled veterans’ outreach pro- fairs of the Senate and House of Representa- ized. gram specialist or local veterans’ employ- tives a detailed explanation of the reasons TITLE V—SMALL BUSINESS AND ment representative helped the individual to the individual was placed on administrative EMPLOYMENT MATTERS become employed. leave or other paid non-duty status without charge to leave and the reasons for the ex- SEC. 501. MODIFICATION OF TREATMENT UNDER ‘‘(K) In the case of such an individual who CONTRACTING GOALS AND PREF- believes such a service helped the individual tension of such leave or status. Such expla- ERENCES OF DEPARTMENT OF VET- to become employed, whether— nation shall include the job title and grade ERANS AFFAIRS. ‘‘(i) the individual retained the position of of the covered individual and the location (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (h) of section employment for a period of one year or where the individual is employed. 8127 is amended— longer; and ‘‘(c) COVERED INDIVIDUAL.—In this section, (1) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘rated as’’ ‘‘(ii) the individual believes such a service the term ‘covered individual’ means an em- and all that follows through ‘‘disability.’’ helped the individual to secure a higher wage ployee of the Department— and inserting a period; and or salary. ‘‘(1) who is subject to an investigation for (2) in paragraph (2), by amending subpara- ‘‘(L) The conditions under which such indi- purposes of determining whether such indi- graph (C) to read as follows: vidual was discharged or released from the vidual should be subject to any disciplinary ‘‘(C) The date that— Armed Forces. action under this title or title 5; or ‘‘(i) in the case of a surviving spouse of a ‘‘(M) Whether such individual has used any ‘‘(2) against whom any disciplinary action veteran with a service-connected disability educational assistance to which the indi- is proposed or initiated under this title or rated as 100 percent disabling or who dies as vidual is entitled under this title. title 5.’’. a result of a service-connected disability, is ‘‘(N) Whether such individual has partici- (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of 10 years after the date of the veteran’s death; pated in a rehabilitation program under sections at the beginning of such chapter is or chapter 31 of this title. amended by inserting after the item relating ‘‘(ii) in the case of a surviving spouse of a ‘‘(O) Whether such individual had contact to section 715 the following new item: veteran with a service-connected disability with a One-Stop Career Center employee ‘‘717. Limitation on administrative leave.’’. rated as less than 100 percent disabling who while attending a workshop or job fair under (b) APPLICATION.—Section 717 of title 38, does not die as a result of a service-con- the Transition GPS Program of the Depart- United States Code, as added by subsection nected disability, is three years after the ment of Defense. (a)(1), shall apply with respect to any 365-day date of the veteran’s death.’’. ‘‘(P) Demographic information about such period beginning on or after the date of en- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments individual. actment of this Act. made by subsection (a) shall take effect on ‘‘(Q) Such other information as the Sec- the date that is 180 days after the date of the SEC. 504. REQUIRED COORDINATION BETWEEN retary determines appropriate. DIRECTORS FOR VETERANS’ EM- enactment of this Act and shall apply with ‘‘(b) ANNUAL REPORT.—(1) By not later PLOYMENT AND TRAINING WITH respect to contracts awarded on or after such STATE DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR date. than July 1 of each year covered by the study required under subsection (a), the Sec- AND VETERANS AFFAIRS. SEC. 502. LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF JOB COUN- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4103 is amended SELING, TRAINING, AND PLACEMENT retary shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Com- by adding at the end the following new sub- SERVICE FOR VETERANS. section: (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 41 is amended by mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of ‘‘(c) COORDINATION WITH STATE DEPART- adding at the end the following new section: Representatives a report on the outcomes of MENTS OF LABOR AND VETERANS AFFAIRS.— ‘‘§ 4115. Longitudinal study of job counseling, the study during the preceding year. ‘‘(2) The Secretary shall include in each re- Each Director for Veterans’ Employment training, and placement service for vet- and Training for a State shall coordinate the erans port submitted under paragraph (1) the fol- lowing: Director’s activities under this chapter with ‘‘(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—(1) The Secretary ‘‘(A) Information with respect to job fairs the State department of labor and the State shall enter into a contract with a non-gov- attended by One-Stop Career Center employ- department of veterans affairs.’’. ernment entity to conduct a longitudinal ees at which the employees had contact with (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (c) of study of a statistically valid sample of each a veteran, including, for the year preceding such section, as added by subsection (a), of the groups of individuals described in the year in which the report is submitted, shall take effect on the date that is one year paragraph (2). The contract shall provide for the following: after the date of the enactment of this Act. the study of each such group over a period of ‘‘(i) The number of job fairs attended by TITLE VI—HEALTH CARE MATTERS at least five years. ‘‘(2) The groups of individuals described in One-Stop Career Center employees at which Subtitle A—Medical Care the employees had contact with a veteran. this paragraph are the following: SEC. 601. REQUIREMENT FOR ADVANCE APPRO- ‘‘(A) Veterans who have received intensive ‘‘(ii) The number of veterans contacted at PRIATIONS FOR THE MEDICAL COM- services. each such job fair. MUNITY CARE ACCOUNT OF THE DE- ‘‘(B) Veterans who did not receive inten- ‘‘(B) Such information as the Secretary de- PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. sive services but who otherwise received termines is necessary to determine the long- (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 117(c) is amended services under this chapter. term outcomes of the individuals in the by adding at the end the following new para- ‘‘(C) Veterans who did not seek or receive groups described in subsection (a)(2).’’. graph: services under this chapter. (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of ‘‘(7) Veterans Health Administration, Med- ‘‘(3) The study required by this subsection sections at the beginning of such chapter is ical Community Care.’’. shall include the collection of the following amended by adding at the end the following (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section information for each individual who partici- new item: 1105(a)(37) of title 31, United States Code, is pates in the study: ‘‘4115. Longitudinal study of job counseling, amended by adding at the end the following ‘‘(A) The average number of months such training, and placement service new subparagraph: individual served on active duty. for veterans.’’. ‘‘(G) Veterans Health Administration, ‘‘(B) The disability ratings of such indi- SEC. 503. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE Medical Community Care.’’. vidual. LEAVE FOR EMPLOYEES OF DEPART- (c) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made ‘‘(C) Any unemployment benefits received MENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. by this section shall apply to fiscal years be- by such individual. (a) LIMITATION.— ginning on and after October 1, 2017.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7231 SEC. 602. IMPROVED ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE lowing: ‘‘, who was awarded the medal of ‘‘§ 1720H. Mental health treatment for vet- IMMUNIZATIONS FOR VETERANS. honor under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title erans who served in classified missions (a) INCLUSION OF RECOMMENDED ADULT IM- 10 or section 491 of title 14,’’. ‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS.—(1) MUNIZATIONS AS MEDICAL SERVICES.— (c) EXTENDED CARE SERVICES.—Section The Secretary shall establish standards and (1) COVERED BENEFIT.—Subparagraph (F) of 1710B(c)(2) is amended— procedures to ensure that each eligible vet- section 1701(9) is amended to read as follows: (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘or’’; eran may access mental health care fur- ‘‘(F) immunizations against infectious dis- (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the pe- nished by the Secretary in a manner that eases, including each immunization on the riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and fully accommodates the obligation of the recommended adult immunization schedule (3) by adding at the end the following new veteran to not improperly disclose classified at the time such immunization is indicated subparagraph: information. on that schedule;’’. ‘‘(D) to a veteran who was awarded the ‘‘(2) In establishing standards and proce- (2) RECOMMENDED ADULT IMMUNIZATION medal of honor under section 3741, 6241, or dures under paragraph (1), the Secretary SCHEDULE DEFINED.—Section 1701 is amended 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14.’’. shall consult with the Secretary of Defense by adding at the end the following new para- (d) COPAYMENT FOR MEDICATIONS.—Section to ensure that such standards and procedures graph: 1722A(a)(3) is amended— are consistent with the policies on classified ‘‘(10) The term ‘recommended adult immu- (1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘or’’; information of the Department of Defense. nization schedule’ means the schedule estab- (2) in subparagraph (C), by striking the pe- ‘‘(3) The Secretary shall disseminate guid- lished (and periodically reviewed and, as ap- riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; or’’; and ance to employees of the Veterans Health propriate, revised) by the Advisory Com- Administration, including mental health mittee on Immunization Practices estab- (3) by adding at the end the following new professionals, on the standards and proce- lished by the Secretary of Health and Human subparagraph: Services and delegated to the Centers for ‘‘(D) to a veteran who was awarded the dures established under paragraph (1) and Disease Control and Prevention.’’. medal of honor under section 3741, 6241, or how to best engage eligible veterans during (b) INCLUSION OF RECOMMENDED ADULT IM- 8741 of title 10 or section 491 of title 14.’’. the course of mental health treatment with MUNIZATIONS IN ANNUAL REPORT.—Section SEC. 604. REQUIREMENT THAT DEPARTMENT OF respect to classified information. 1704(1)(A) is amended— VETERANS AFFAIRS COLLECT ‘‘(b) IDENTIFICATION.—In carrying out this (1) in clause (i), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACT INFORMA- section, the Secretary shall ensure that a end; TION FROM VETERANS. veteran may elect to identify as an eligible (2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter I of chapter veteran on an appropriate form. the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 17 is amended by inserting after section 1705 ‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (3) by inserting after clause (ii) the fol- the following new section: ‘‘(1) The term ‘classified information’ means any information or material that has lowing new clause: ‘‘§ 1705A. Management of health care: infor- been determined by an official of the United ‘‘(iii) to provide veterans each immuniza- mation regarding health-plan contracts tion on the recommended adult immuniza- States pursuant to law to require protection ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—(1) Any individual who tion schedule at the time such immunization against unauthorized disclosure for reasons seeks hospital care or medical services under of national security. is indicated on that schedule.’’. this chapter shall provide to the Secretary (c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.— ‘‘(2) The term ‘eligible veteran’ means a such current information as the Secretary (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than two years veteran who— after the date of the enactment of this Act, may require to identify any health-plan con- ‘‘(A) is eligible to receive health care fur- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall sub- tract under which such individual is covered. nished by the Department under this title; mit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of ‘‘(2) The information required to be pro- ‘‘(B) is seeking mental health treatment; the Senate and the Committee on Veterans’ vided to the Secretary under paragraph (1) and Affairs of the House of Representatives a re- with respect to a health-plan contract shall ‘‘(C) in the course of serving in the Armed port on the development and implementa- include, as applicable, the following: Forces, participated in a sensitive mission or tion by the Department of Veterans Affairs ‘‘(A) The name of the entity providing cov- served in a sensitive unit. of quality measures and metrics, including erage under the health-plan contract. ‘‘(3) The term ‘sensitive mission’ means a targets for compliance, to ensure that vet- ‘‘(B) If coverage under the health-plan con- mission of the Armed Forces that, at the erans receiving medical services under chap- tract is in the name of an individual other time at which an eligible veteran seeks ter 17 of title 38, United States Code, receive than the individual required to provide infor- treatment, is classified. each immunization on the recommended mation under this section, the name of the ‘‘(4) The term ‘sensitive unit’ has the adult immunization schedule at the time policy holder of the health-plan contract. meaning given that term in section 130b(c)(4) such immunization is indicated on that ‘‘(C) The identification number for the of title 10.’’. schedule. health-plan contract. (c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of (2) RECOMMENDED ADULT IMMUNIZATION ‘‘(D) The group code for the health-plan sections at the beginning of such chapter is SCHEDULE DEFINED.—In this subsection, the contract. amended by inserting after the item relating term ‘‘recommended adult immunization ‘‘(b) ACTION TO COLLECT INFORMATION.— to section 1720G the following new item: schedule’’ has the meaning given that term The Secretary may take such action as the ‘‘1720H. Mental health treatment for vet- in section 1701(10) of title 38, United States Secretary considers appropriate to collect erans who served in classified Code, as added by subsection (a)(2). the information required under subsection missions.’’. (d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in (a). SEC. 606. EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT BY DE- this section or the amendments made by this ‘‘(c) EFFECT ON SERVICES FROM DEPART- PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS section may be construed to require a vet- MENT.—The Secretary may not deny any FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDI- eran to receive an immunization that the services under this chapter to an individual TIONS AND WOMEN IN LABOR. veteran does not want to receive. solely due to the fact that the individual (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter VIII of chap- SEC. 603. PRIORITY OF MEDAL OF HONOR RE- fails to provide information required under ter 17 is amended by inserting after section CIPIENTS IN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM subsection (a). 1784 the following new section: OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- ‘‘(d) HEALTH-PLAN CONTRACT DEFINED.—In ‘‘§ 1784A. Examination and treatment for FAIRS. this section, the term ‘health-plan contract’ (a) ENROLLMENT PRIORITY.— emergency medical conditions and women has the meaning given that term in section (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 1705(a) is amend- in labor 1725(f) of this title.’’. ed— ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a hospital (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of (A) in paragraph (1), by striking the period of the Department that has an emergency sections at the beginning of chapter 17 is at the end and inserting the following: ‘‘and department, if any individual comes to the amended by inserting after the item relating veterans who were awarded the medal of hospital or the campus of the hospital and a to section 1705 the following new item: honor under section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title request is made on behalf of the individual 10 or section 491 of title 14.’’; and ‘‘1705A. Management of health care: informa- for examination or treatment for a medical (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘veterans tion regarding health-plan con- condition, the hospital must provide for an who were awarded the medal of honor under tracts.’’. appropriate medical screening examination section 3741, 6241, or 8741 of title 10 or section SEC. 605. MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT FOR VET- within the capability of the emergency de- 491 of title 14,’’. ERANS WHO SERVED IN CLASSIFIED partment, including ancillary services rou- (2) APPLICATION.—The priority of enroll- MISSIONS. tinely available to the emergency depart- ment of medal of honor recipients in the sys- (a) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of ment, to determine whether or not an emer- tem of annual patient enrollment estab- Congress that veterans who experience com- gency medical condition exists. lished and operated under section 1705(a) of bat-related mental health wounds should ‘‘(b) NECESSARY STABILIZING TREATMENT such title, as amended by paragraph (1), shall have immediate, appropriate, and consistent FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND apply to each such recipient, regardless of access to comprehensive mental health care. LABOR.—(1) If any individual comes to a hos- the date on which the medal is awarded. (b) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter pital of the Department that has an emer- (b) ELIGIBILITY.—Section 1710(a)(2)(D) is 17 is amended by adding at the end the fol- gency department or the campus of such a amended by inserting after ‘‘war’’ the fol- lowing new section: hospital and the hospital determines that

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The hospital shall take all rea- tation equipment, including the use of nec- ‘‘1784A. Examination and treatment for sonable steps to secure the written informed essary and medically appropriate life sup- emergency medical conditions consent of the individual (or person) to port measures during the transfer; and and women in labor.’’. refuse such examination and treatment. ‘‘(E) that meets such other requirements Subtitle B—Veterans Health Administration ‘‘(3) A hospital is deemed to meet the re- as the Secretary considers necessary in the SEC. 611. TIME PERIOD COVERED BY ANNUAL RE- quirement of paragraph (1)(B) with respect to interest of the health and safety of the indi- PORT ON READJUSTMENT COUN- an individual if the hospital offers to trans- vidual or individuals transferred. SELING SERVICE. fer the individual to another medical facility ‘‘(d) PAYMENT TO THE DEPARTMENT.—The Section 7309(e)(1) is amended by striking in accordance with subsection (c) and in- Secretary shall charge for any care or serv- ‘‘calendar year’’ and inserting ‘‘fiscal year’’. forms the individual (or a person acting on ices provided under this section in accord- SEC. 612. ANNUAL REPORT ON VETERANS behalf of the individual) of the risks and ben- ance with billing and reimbursement au- HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AND FUR- NISHING OF HOSPITAL CARE, MED- efits to the individual of such transfer, but thorities available to the Secretary under ICAL SERVICES, AND NURSING the individual (or a person acting on behalf other provisions of law. HOME CARE. of the individual) refuses to consent to the ‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter transfer. The hospital shall take all reason- ‘‘(1) The term ‘campus’ means, with re- 73 is amended by adding at the end the fol- able steps to secure the written informed spect to a hospital of the Department— lowing new section: consent of the individual (or person) to ‘‘(A) the physical area immediately adja- ‘‘§ 7330B. Annual report on Veterans Health refuse such transfer. cent to the main buildings of the hospital; Administration and furnishing of hospital ‘‘(c) RESTRICTING TRANSFERS UNTIL INDI- ‘‘(B) other areas and structures that are care, medical services, and nursing home VIDUAL STABILIZED.—(1) If an individual at a not strictly contiguous to the main buildings care hospital of the Department has an emer- but are located not more than 250 yards from ‘‘(a) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than gency medical condition that has not been the main buildings; and March 1 of each of years 2018 through 2022, stabilized, the hospital may not transfer the ‘‘(C) any other areas determined by the the Secretary shall submit to the Committee individual unless— Secretary to be part of the campus of the on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the ‘‘(A)(i) the individual (or a legally respon- hospital. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House sible person acting on behalf of the indi- ‘‘(2) The term ‘emergency medical condi- of Representatives a report on, for the cal- vidual), after being informed of the obliga- tion’ means— endar year preceding the calendar year dur- tions of the hospital under this section and ‘‘(A) a medical condition manifesting itself ing which the report is submitted— of the risk of transfer, requests, in writing, by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (in- ‘‘(1) the furnishing of hospital care, med- transfer to another medical facility; cluding severe pain) such that the absence of ical services, and nursing home care under ‘‘(ii) a physician of the Department has immediate medical attention could reason- the laws administered by the Secretary; and signed a certification that, based upon the ably be expected to result in— ‘‘(2) the administration of the furnishing of information available at the time of trans- ‘‘(i) placing the health of the individual such care and services by the Veterans fer, the medical benefits reasonably expected (or, with respect to a pregnant woman, the Health Administration. from the provision of appropriate medical health of the woman or her unborn child) in ‘‘(b) ELEMENTS.—Each report required by treatment at another medical facility out- serious jeopardy; subsection (a) shall include each of the fol- weigh the increased risks to the individual ‘‘(ii) serious impairment to bodily func- lowing for the year covered by the report: and, in the case of labor, to the unborn child tions; or ‘‘(1) An evaluation of the effectiveness of from effecting the transfer; or ‘‘(iii) serious dysfunction of any bodily the Veterans Health Administration in in- ‘‘(iii) if a physician of the Department is organ or part; or creasing the access of veterans to hospital not physically present in the emergency de- ‘‘(B) in the case of a pregnant woman, a care, medical services, and nursing home partment at the time an individual is trans- stage of labor that a medical provider deter- care furnished by the Secretary for which ferred, a qualified medical person (as defined mines indicates— such veterans are eligible. by the Secretary for purposes of this section) ‘‘(i) that there is inadequate time to effect ‘‘(2) An evaluation of the effectiveness of has signed a certification described in clause a safe transfer to another hospital before de- the Veterans Health Administration in im- (ii) after a physician of the Department, in livery; or proving the quality of health care provided consultation with the person, has made the ‘‘(ii) that transfer may pose a threat to the to veterans, without increasing the costs in- determination described in such clause, and health or safety of the woman or the unborn curred for such health care by the Federal subsequently countersigns the certification; child. Government or veterans, including relevant and ‘‘(3)(A) The term ‘to stabilize’ means— information for each medical center and Vet- ‘‘(B) the transfer is an appropriate transfer ‘‘(i) with respect to an emergency medical erans Integrated Service Network of the De- to that facility. condition described in paragraph (2)(A), to partment set forth separately. ‘‘(2) A certification described in clause (ii) provide such medical treatment of the condi- ‘‘(3) An assessment of— or (iii) of paragraph (1)(A) shall include a tion as may be necessary to assure, within ‘‘(A) the workload of physicians and other summary of the risks and benefits upon reasonable medical probability, that no ma- employees of the Veterans Health Adminis- which the certification is based. terial deterioration of the condition is likely tration; ‘‘(3) For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), an to result from or occur during the transfer of ‘‘(B) patient demographics and utilization appropriate transfer to a medical facility is the individual from a facility; or rates; a transfer— ‘‘(ii) with respect to an emergency medical ‘‘(C) physician compensation; ‘‘(A) in which the transferring hospital condition described in paragraph (2)(B), to ‘‘(D) the productivity of physicians and provides the medical treatment within its deliver (including the placenta). other employees of the Veterans Health Ad- capacity that minimizes the risks to the ‘‘(B) The term ‘stabilized’ means— ministration; health of the individual and, in the case of a ‘‘(i) with respect to an emergency medical ‘‘(E) the percentage of hospital care, med- woman in labor, the health of the unborn condition described in paragraph (2)(A), that ical services, and nursing home care pro- child; no material deterioration of the condition is vided to veterans in facilities of the Depart- ‘‘(B) in which the receiving facility— likely, within reasonable medical prob- ment and in non-Department facilities and

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any changes in such percentages compared SEC. 617. EXTENSION OF PERIOD FOR INCREASE (c) LIMITATION.—The projects authorized in to the year preceding the year covered by IN GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION subsection (a) may only be carried out the report; RESIDENCY POSITIONS AT MEDICAL using— ‘‘(F) pharmaceutical prices; and FACILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT (1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 2017 OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. ‘‘(G) third-party health billings owed to or the year in which funds are appropriated (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (2) of section the Department, including the total amount for the Construction, Major Projects, ac- 301(b) of the Veterans Access, Choice, and of such billings and the total amount col- count pursuant to the authorization of ap- Accountability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113– lected by the Department, set forth sepa- propriations in subsection (b); 146; 38 U.S.C. 7302 note) is amended— rately for claims greater than $1,000 and for (2) funds available for Construction, Major (1) in the paragraph heading, by striking claims equal to or less than $1,000. Projects, for a fiscal year before fiscal year ‘‘FIVE-YEAR’’ and inserting ‘‘TEN-YEAR’’; and 2017 that remain available for obligation; ‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the (2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ‘‘5-year (3) funds available for Construction, Major terms ‘hospital care’, ‘medical services’, period’’ and inserting ‘‘10-year period’’. Projects, for a fiscal year after fiscal year ‘nursing home care’, ‘facilities of the Depart- (b) REPORT.—Paragraph (3)(A) of such sec- 2017 that remain available for obligation; ment’, and ‘non-Department facilities’ have tion is amended by striking ‘‘2019’’ and in- (4) funds appropriated for Construction, the meanings given those terms in section serting ‘‘2024’’. 1701 of this title.’’. Major Projects, for fiscal year 2017 for a cat- SEC. 618. REPORT ON PUBLIC ACCESS TO RE- egory of activity not specific to a project; (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of SEARCH BY DEPARTMENT OF VET- sections at the beginning of chapter 73 is ERANS AFFAIRS. (5) funds appropriated for Construction, Major Projects, for a fiscal year before fiscal amended by inserting after the item relating (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than each of 180 to section 7330A the following new item: days and one year after the date of the en- year 2017 for a category of activity not spe- actment of this Act, the Secretary of Vet- cific to a project; and ‘‘7330B. Annual report on Veterans Health (6) funds appropriated for Construction, Administration and furnishing erans Affairs shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Major Projects, for a fiscal year after fiscal of hospital care, medical serv- year 2017 for a category of activity not spe- ices, and nursing home care.’’. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on increasing cific to a project. SEC. 613. EXPANSION OF QUALIFICATIONS FOR public access to scientific publications and Subtitle C—Toxic Exposure LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUN- digital data from research funded by the De- SELORS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SEC. 631. DEFINITIONS. VETERANS AFFAIRS TO INCLUDE partment of Veterans Affairs. DOCTORAL DEGREES. (b) ELEMENTS.—Each report submitted In this subtitle: under subsection (a) shall include the fol- Section 7402(b)(11)(A) is amended by insert- (1) ARMED FORCES.—The term ‘‘Armed lowing: ing ‘‘or doctoral degree’’ after ‘‘master’s de- Forces’’ means the United States Army, (1) An identification of the location or lo- gree’’. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast cations in which the public will be able to Guard. SEC. 614. MODIFICATION OF HOURS OF EMPLOY- access the results of research funded by the (2) DESCENDANT.—The term ‘‘descendant’’ MENT FOR PHYSICIANS EMPLOYED Department, whether on an Internet website means, with respect to an individual, the bi- BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS of the Department or through another ological child or grandchild of that indi- AFFAIRS. source. vidual. Section 7423(a) of title 38, United States (2) A description of the progress made by (3) TOXIC EXPOSURE.—The term ‘‘toxic ex- Code, is amended— the Department in meeting public access re- posure’’ means a condition in which an indi- (1) by striking ‘‘(a) The hours’’ and insert- quirements set forth in the notice entitled vidual inhaled or ingested an agent deter- ing ‘‘(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph ‘‘Policy and Implementation Plan for Public mined to be hazardous to the health of the (2), the hours’’; and Access to Scientific Publications and Digital individual or the agent came in contact with (2) by adding at the end the following new Data from Research Funded by the Depart- the skin or eyes of the individual in a man- paragraph: ment of Veterans Affairs’’ (80 Fed. Reg. ner that could be hazardous to the health of ‘‘(2)(A) Upon the advance written request 60751), including the following: the individual. of a covered physician, the Secretary may (A) Compliance of Department investiga- (4) VETERAN.—The term ‘‘veteran’’ has the modify the hours of employment for a physi- tors with requirements relating to ensuring meaning given that term in section 101 of cian appointed in the Administration under that research funded by the Department is title 38, United States Code. any provision of this chapter on a full-time accessible by the public. basis to be more or less than 80 hours in a bi- (B) Ensuring data management plans of SEC. 632. NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE AS- SESSMENT ON RESEARCH RELATING weekly pay period, subject to the require- the Department include provisions for long- TO THE DESCENDANTS OF INDIVID- ments in subparagraph (B). For the purpose term preservation of the scientific data re- UALS WITH TOXIC EXPOSURE. of determining pay, such a physician shall be sulting from research funded by the Depart- (a) IN GENERAL.— deemed to have a biweekly schedule of 80 ment. (1) AGREEMENT.—Not later than 180 days hours of employment. (3) An explanation of the factors used to after the date of the enactment of this Act, evaluate the merit of data management ‘‘(B) A physician with an irregular work the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall seek plans of research funded by the Veterans schedule established under subparagraph (A) to enter into an agreement with the Na- Health Administration. shall be obligated to account for at least tional Academy of Medicine under which the (4) An explanation of the process of the De- 2,080 hours of employment (through perform- National Academy of Medicine conducts an partment in effect that enables stakeholders ance of work or use of leave or paid time off) assessment on scientific research relating to to petition a change to the embargo period in a calendar year. the descendants of individuals with toxic ex- for a specific field and the factors considered ‘‘(C) The Secretary may prescribe regula- posure. during such process. tions to implement this paragraph, including (2) ALTERNATE ORGANIZATION.— SEC. 619. AUTHORIZATION OF CERTAIN MAJOR regulations making adjustments to address (A) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary is unable MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS OF the annual hours requirement for physicians within the period prescribed in paragraph (1) who are covered by this paragraph for only a THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS. to enter into an agreement described in such portion of a calendar year.’’. (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Vet- paragraph with the National Academy of SEC. 615. REPEAL OF COMPENSATION PANELS TO erans Affairs may carry out the following Medicine on terms acceptable to the Sec- DETERMINE MARKET PAY FOR PHY- major medical facility projects, with each retary, the Secretary shall seek to enter into SICIANS AND DENTISTS. project to be carried out in an amount not to such an agreement with another appropriate Section 7431(c) is amended— exceed the amount specified for that project: organization that— (1) by striking paragraph (4); (1) Seismic, life safety, and utilities up- (i) is not part of the Federal Government; (2) by redesignating paragraphs (5), (6), and grades and expansion of clinical services in (ii) operates as a not-for-profit entity; and (7) as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respec- Reno, Nevada, in an amount not to exceed (iii) has expertise and objectivity com- tively; and $213,800,000. parable to that of the National Academy of (3) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by (2) Seismic corrections to the mental Medicine. striking ‘‘under paragraph (6)’’ and inserting health and community living center in Long (B) TREATMENT.—If the Secretary enters ‘‘under paragraph (5)’’. Beach, California, in an amount not to ex- into an agreement with another organization as described in subparagraph (A), any ref- SEC. 616. CLARIFICATION REGARDING LIABILITY ceed $317,300,000. FOR BREACH OF AGREEMENT (b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— erence in this section to the National Acad- UNDER DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS There is authorized to be appropriated to the emy of Medicine shall be treated as a ref- AFFAIRS EMPLOYEE INCENTIVE Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year erence to the other organization. SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM. 2017 or the year in which funds are appro- (b) ELEMENTS.—The assessment conducted Section 7675(b)(1)(E) is amended by strik- priated for the Construction, Major Projects, pursuant to the agreement entered into ing ‘‘In the case of a participant who is a account $531,100,000 for the projects author- under subsection (a) shall include the fol- part-time student, the’’ and inserting ‘‘The’’. ized in subsection (a). lowing:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 (1) A scientific review of the scientific lit- and determination under subsection (c), the (3) develop a research strategy for such en- erature regarding toxicological and epide- Secretary shall submit to the Committee on tity or entities based on, but not limited to, miological research on descendants of indi- Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate and the Com- the results of the assessment conducted viduals with toxic exposure. mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of under section 632; (2) An assessment of areas requiring fur- Representatives a certification of the under- (4) advise the Secretary with respect to the ther scientific study relating to the descend- standing of the Secretary, based on such re- activities of such entity or entities under ants of veterans with toxic exposure. sults and determination, regarding the feasi- section 634; (3) An assessment of the scope and method- bility of conducting further research regard- (5) submit recommendations to be included ology required to conduct adequate scientific ing health conditions of descendants of vet- by such entity or entities in the report under research relating to the descendants of indi- erans with toxic exposure that is expressed section 634(d)(2)(C); and viduals with toxic exposure, including— by such results and determination. (6) not less frequently than semiannually, (A) the types of individuals to be studied, (2) BASIS FOR CERTIFICATION.—The certifi- meet with the Secretary and representatives including veterans with toxic exposure and cation submitted under paragraph (1) shall of such entity or entities on the research the descendants of those veterans; include an explanation of the basis for the conducted by such entity or entities under (B) the number of veterans and descend- certification. section 634. ants described in subparagraph (A) to be SEC. 633. ADVISORY BOARD ON RESEARCH RE- (d) MEETINGS.—The Advisory Board shall studied; LATING TO HEALTH CONDITIONS OF meet at the call of the Chair, but not less (C) the potential alternatives for participa- DESCENDANTS OF VETERANS WITH frequently than semiannually. tion in such a study, including whether it TOXIC EXPOSURE WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMED FORCES. (e) COMPENSATION.—The members of the would be necessary for participants to travel Advisory Board shall serve without com- in order to participate; (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Unless the Secretary of Veterans Affairs certifies under section pensation. (D) the approximate amount of time and 632(d) that the results of the assessment and (f) EXPENSES.—The Secretary of Veterans resources needed to prepare and conduct the determination under section 632(c) indicate Affairs shall determine the appropriate ex- research; and that it is not feasible to conduct further re- penses of the Advisory Board. (E) the appropriate Federal agencies to search regarding health conditions of de- participate in the research, including the De- (g) PERSONNEL.— scendants of veterans with toxic exposure, partment of Defense and the Department of (1) IN GENERAL.—The Chair may, without not later than 180 days after receiving such Veterans Affairs. regard to the civil service laws and regula- results and determination, the Secretary (4) The establishment of categories, includ- tions, appoint an executive director of the shall establish an advisory board (in this sec- ing definitions for each such category, to be Advisory Board, who shall be a civilian em- tion referred to as the ‘‘Advisory Board’’) to ployee of the Department of Veterans Af- used in assessing the evidence that a par- advise the Secretary in the selection of a re- ticular health condition is related to toxic fairs, and such other personnel as may be search entity or entities under section 634, necessary to enable the Advisory Board to exposure, such as— advise such entity or entities in conducting (A) sufficient evidence of a causal relation- perform its duties. research under such section, and advise the (2) APPROVAL.—The appointment of an ex- ship; Secretary with respect to the activities of (B) sufficient evidence of an association; ecutive director under paragraph (1) shall be such entity or entities under such section. subject to approval by the Advisory Board. (C) limited or suggestive evidence of an as- (b) MEMBERSHIP.— (3) COMPENSATION.—The Chair may fix the sociation; (1) COMPOSITION.—The Secretary, in con- compensation of the executive director and (D) inadequate or insufficient evidence to sultation with the National Academy of other personnel without regard to the provi- determine whether an association exists; and Medicine, the Director of the National Insti- sions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of (E) limited or suggestive evidence of no as- tute of Environmental Health Sciences, and chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, ex- sociation. such other heads of Federal agencies as the cept that the rate of pay for the executive di- (5) An analysis of— Secretary determines appropriate— (A) the feasibility of conducting scientific (A) shall select not more than 13 voting rector and other personnel may not exceed research to address the areas that require members of the Advisory Board, of whom— the rate payable for level V of the Executive further study as described under paragraph (i) not less than two shall be members of Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (2); organizations exempt from taxation under SEC. 634. RESEARCH RELATING TO HEALTH CON- (B) the value and relevance of the informa- section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue DITIONS OF DESCENDANTS OF VET- tion that could result from such scientific Code of 1986; ERANS WITH TOXIC EXPOSURE research; and WHILE SERVING IN THE ARMED (ii) not less than two shall be descendants FORCES. (C) for purposes of conducting further re- of veterans with toxic exposure while serving (a) IN GENERAL.—Unless the Secretary of search, the feasibility and advisability of ac- as members of the Armed Forces; and Veterans Affairs certifies under section cessing additional information held by a (iii) not less than seven shall be health pro- 632(d) that the results of the assessment and Federal agency that may be sensitive. fessionals, scientists, or academics who are determination under section 632(c) indicate (6) An identification of a research entity or not employees of the Federal Government that it is not feasible to conduct further re- entities with— and have expertise in— search regarding health conditions of de- (A) expertise in conducting research on (I) birth defects; scendants of veterans with toxic exposure, health conditions of descendants of individ- (II) developmental disabilities; not later than one year after receiving such uals with toxic exposure; and (III) epigenetics; results and determination, the Secretary (B) an ability to conduct research on those (IV) public health; shall (in consultation with the advisory health conditions to address areas requiring (V) the science of environmental exposure board established under section 633 (in this further scientific study as described under or environmental exposure assessment; section referred to as the ‘‘Advisory Board’’)) paragraph (2). (VI) the science of toxic substances; or (c) REPORT.—The agreement entered into (VII) medical and research ethics; and enter into an agreement with one or more re- under subsection (a) shall require the Na- (B) may select not more than two non- search entities identified under section tional Academy of Medicine to submit, not voting members who are employees of the 632(b)(6) (excluding an entity of the Depart- later than two years after entering into such Federal Government and who are otherwise ment of Veterans Affairs) to conduct re- agreement, to the Secretary of Veterans Af- described in subparagraph (A)(iii). search on health conditions of descendants of fairs, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of (2) CHAIR.—The Secretary shall select a veterans with toxic exposure while serving the Senate, and the Committee on Veterans’ Chair from among the members of the Advi- as members of the Armed Forces (in this sec- Affairs of the House of Representatives— sory Board selected under paragraph (1)(A). tion referred to as the ‘‘research entity or (1) the results of the assessment conducted (3) TERMS.— entities’’). pursuant to such agreement, including such (A) IN GENERAL.—Each member of the Ad- (b) RESEARCH.— recommendations as the National Academy visory Board shall serve a term of two or (1) IN GENERAL.—To the extent included in of Medicine considers appropriate regarding three years as determined by the Secretary. the research strategy developed by the Advi- the scope and methodology required to con- (B) REAPPOINTMENT.—At the end of the sory Board under section 633(c)(3), the re- duct adequate scientific research relating to term of a member of the Advisory Board, the search entity or entities shall conduct re- the descendants of veterans with toxic expo- Secretary may reselect the member for an- search on health conditions of descendants of sure; and other term, except that no member may veterans with toxic exposure while serving (2) a determination regarding whether the serve more than four consecutive terms. as members of the Armed Forces. results of such assessment indicate that it is (c) DUTIES.—The Advisory Board shall— (2) STUDIES.—In conducting research under feasible to conduct further research regard- (1) advise the Secretary in the selection of paragraph (1), the research entity or entities ing health conditions of descendants of vet- a research entity or entities to conduct re- may study any veteran, at the election of erans with toxic exposure, including an ex- search under section 634 from among those the veteran, identified under section planation of the basis for the determination. identified under section 632(b)(6); 632(b)(3)(A) as a type of individual to be stud- (d) CERTIFICATION.— (2) advise such entity or entities and assess ied in order to conduct adequate scientific (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 90 days the activities of such entity or entities in research relating to the descendants of vet- after receiving the results of the assessment conducting such research; erans with toxic exposure.

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(3) CATEGORIZATION.—In conducting re- poses of sections 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, and 2061 (2) in subparagraph (C), as redesignated, by search under paragraph (1), the research en- of this title, the term ‘veteran’ means a per- striking ‘‘in subparagraph (D)’’ and inserting tity or entities shall assess, using the cat- son who served in the active military, naval, ‘‘in subparagraph (E)’’; egories established under section 632(b)(4), or air service, regardless of length of service, (3) in subparagraph (D), as redesignated, by the extent to which a health condition of a and who was discharged or released there- striking ‘‘under subparagraph (B)’’ and in- descendant of a veteran is related to the from. serting ‘‘under subparagraph (C)’’; toxic exposure of the veteran while serving ‘‘(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), the (4) in subparagraph (E), as redesignated, by as a member of the Armed Forces. term ‘veteran’ excludes a person who— striking ‘‘in subparagraphs (B) and (C)’’ and (c) AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS.— ‘‘(A) received a dishonorable discharge inserting ‘‘in subparagraphs (C) and (D)’’; (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, from the Armed Forces; or (5) in subparagraph (A)— the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the ‘‘(B) was discharged or dismissed from the (A) by striking ‘‘The rate’’ and inserting head of each Federal agency identified under Armed Forces by reason of the sentence of a ‘‘Except as otherwise provided in subpara- section 632(b)(3)(E) shall make available to general court-martial.’’. graph (B), the rate’’; and the research entity or entities records held SEC. 702. AUTHORIZATION TO FURNISH CERTAIN (B) by striking ‘‘under subparagraph (B)’’ by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the BENEFITS TO HOMELESS VETERANS and all that follows and inserting ‘‘under Department of Defense, the Armed Forces, WITH DISCHARGES OR RELEASES subparagraph (C).’’; and that Federal agency, or any other source UNDER OTHER THAN HONORABLE (6) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the under the jurisdiction of any such Federal CONDITIONS. following new subparagraph (B): agency or the Armed Forces, as appropriate, Section 5303(d) is amended— ‘‘(B)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), in that the research entity or entities deter- (1) by striking ‘‘not apply to any war-risk no case may the rate determined under this mine are necessary to carry out this section. insurance, Government (converted) or Na- paragraph exceed the rate authorized for (2) MECHANISM FOR ACCESS.—The Secretary tional Service Life Insurance policy.’’ and State homes for domiciliary care under sub- of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of De- inserting the following: ‘‘not apply to the section (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this title, fense, and the head of each Federal agency following: as the Secretary may increase from time to identified under section 632(b)(3)(E) shall ‘‘(1) Any war-risk insurance, Government time under subsection (c) of that section. jointly establish a mechanism for access by (converted) or National Service Life Insur- ‘‘(ii) In the case of services furnished to a the research entity or entities to records ance policy.’’; and homeless veteran who is placed in housing made available under paragraph (1). (2) by adding at the end the following new that will become permanent housing for the (d) ANNUAL REPORT.— paragraph: veteran upon termination of the furnishing (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year ‘‘(2) Benefits under section 2011, 2012, 2013, of such services to such veteran, the max- after commencing the conduct of research 2044, or 2061 of this title (except for benefits imum rate of per diem authorized under this under this section, and not later than Sep- for individuals discharged or dismissed from section is 150 percent of the rate authorized tember 30 each year thereafter, each re- the Armed Forces by reason of the sentence for State homes for domiciliary care under search entity with which the Secretary has of a general court-martial).’’. subsection (a)(1)(A) of section 1741 of this entered into an agreement under subsection SEC. 703. WAIVER OF MINIMUM PERIOD OF CON- title, as the Secretary may increase from (a) shall, in consultation with the Advisory TINUOUS ACTIVE DUTY IN ARMED time to time under subsection (c) of that sec- Board, submit to the Secretary of Veterans FORCES FOR CERTAIN BENEFITS tion.’’. Affairs, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs FOR HOMELESS VETERANS. SEC. 712. PROGRAM TO IMPROVE RETENTION OF of the Senate, and the Committee on Vet- Section 5303A(b)(3) is amended— HOUSING BY FORMERLY HOMELESS erans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and VETERANS AND VETERANS AT RISK OF BECOMING HOMELESS. tives a report on the functions of such entity (G) as subparagraphs (G) and (H), respec- (a) PROGRAM REQUIRED.— under this section during the year preceding tively; and (1) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter the submittal of the report. (2) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following new subparagraph (F): 20 is amended— (2) ELEMENTS.—Each report submitted (A) by redesignating section 2013 as section under paragraph (1) shall include the fol- ‘‘(F) to benefits under section 2011, 2012, 2013, 2044, or 2061 of this title;’’. 2014; and lowing: (B) by inserting after section 2012 the fol- SEC. 704. TRAINING OF PERSONNEL OF THE DE- (A) A summary of the research efforts that lowing new section 2013: have been completed during the year pre- PARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ceding the submittal of the report and that AND GRANT RECIPIENTS. ‘‘§ 2013. Program to improve retention of are ongoing as of the date of the submittal of The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall housing by formerly homeless veterans and the report. conduct a program of training and education veterans at risk of becoming homeless (B) A description of any findings made dur- to ensure that the following persons are ‘‘(a) PROGRAM REQUIRED.—The Secretary ing such year in carrying out such research aware of and implement this title and the shall carry out a program under which the efforts. amendments made by this subtitle: Secretary shall provide case management (C) Recommendations for administrative (1) Personnel of the Department of Vet- services to improve the retention of housing or legislative action made by the Advisory erans Affairs who are supporting or admin- by veterans who were previously homeless Board based on such findings, which may in- istering a program under chapter 20 of title and are transitioning to permanent housing clude recommendations for further research 38, United States Code. and veterans who are at risk of becoming under this section. (2) Recipients of grants or other amounts homeless. ‘‘(b) GRANTS.—(1) The Secretary shall carry (3) UPON REQUEST.—Upon the request of for purposes of carrying out such a program. any organization exempt from taxation SEC. 705. REGULATIONS. out the program through the award of under section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Rev- Not later than 270 days after the date of grants. ‘‘(2)(A) In awarding grants under paragraph enue Code of 1986, the Secretary of Veterans the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of (1), the Secretary shall give priority to orga- Affairs may transmit to such organization a Veterans Affairs shall prescribe regulations, nizations that demonstrate a capability to copy of a report received by the Secretary including such modifications to section 3.12 provide case management services as de- under paragraph (1). of title 38, Code of Federal Regulations (or scribed in subsection (a), particularly orga- TITLE VII—HOMELESSNESS MATTERS any successor regulation), as the Secretary considers appropriate, to ensure that the De- nizations that are successfully providing or Subtitle A—Access of Homeless Veterans to partment of Veterans Affairs is in full com- have successfully provided transitional hous- Benefits pliance with this title and the amendments ing services using amounts provided by the SEC. 701. EXPANSION OF DEFINITION OF HOME- made by this subtitle. Secretary under sections 2012 and 2061 of this LESS VETERAN FOR PURPOSES OF title. SEC. 706. EFFECTIVE DATE. BENEFITS UNDER THE LAWS ADMIN- ‘‘(B) In giving priority under subparagraph ISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF This subtitle and the amendments made by (A), the Secretary shall give extra priority VETERANS AFFAIRS. this subtitle shall apply to individuals seek- to an organization described in such subpara- Section 2002 is amended— ing benefits under chapter 20 of title 38, graph that— (1) by striking ‘‘In this chapter’’ and in- United States Code, before, on, and after the ‘‘(i) voluntarily stops receiving amounts serting ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In this chapter’’; date of the enactment of this Act. provided by the Secretary under sections (2) by striking ‘‘in section 103(a) of the Subtitle B—Other Homelessness Matters 2012 and 2061 of this title; and McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act SEC. 711. INCREASED PER DIEM PAYMENTS FOR ‘‘(ii) converts a facility that the organiza- (42 U.S.C. 11302(a))’’ and inserting ‘‘in sub- TRANSITIONAL HOUSING ASSIST- tion used to provide transitional housing section (a) or (b) of section 103 of the McKin- ANCE THAT BECOMES PERMANENT services into a facility that the organization ney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 HOUSING FOR HOMELESS VET- uses to provide permanent housing that U.S.C. 11302)’’; and ERANS. meets housing quality standards established (3) by adding at the end the following: Section 2012(a)(2) is amended— under section 8(o)(8)(B) of the United States ‘‘(b) VETERAN DEFINED.—(1) Notwith- (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)(8)(B)). standing section 101(2) of this title and ex- through (D) as subparagraphs (C) through ‘‘(C) In any case in which a facility, with cept as provided in paragraph (2), for pur- (E), respectively; respect to which a person received a grant

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for construction, rehabilitation, or acquisi- income support, employment assistance, (e) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after tion under section 2011 of this title, is con- community partnerships, and such other the date on which the assessment required verted as described in subparagraph (B)(ii), matters as the Secretary considers appro- by subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary such conversion shall be considered to have priate with respect to addressing veteran shall submit to the Committee on Veterans’ been carried out pursuant to the needs of the homelessness. Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Department and such person shall not be ‘‘(4) To integrate evidence-based and best Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representa- considered in noncompliance with the terms practices, policies, and programs into pro- tives a report on such assessment and such of such grant by reason of such conversion.’’. grams of the Department for homeless vet- recommendations for legislative and admin- (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of erans and veterans at risk of homelessness istrative action as the Secretary may have sections at the beginning of such chapter is and to ensure that the staff of the Depart- to improve the programs and per diem pay- amended by striking the item relating to ment and community partners can imple- ments described in subsection (a). section 2013 and inserting the following new ment such practices, policies, and programs. SEC. 715. REPORT ON OUTREACH RELATING TO items: ‘‘(5) To serve as a resource center for, and INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF HOUS- ‘‘2013. Program to improve retention of hous- promote and seek to coordinate the exchange ING AVAILABLE TO VETERANS. ing by formerly homeless vet- of information regarding, all research and Not later than one year after the date of erans and veterans at risk of training activities carried out by the Depart- the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of becoming homeless. ment and by other Federal and non-Federal Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Com- ‘‘2014. Authorization of appropriations.’’. entities with respect to veteran homeless- mittee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Com- (b) REGULATIONS.—Not later than one year ness.’’. mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- after the date of the enactment of this Act, (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of fairs of the Senate and the Committee on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall pre- sections at the beginning of such chapter 20 Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Fi- scribe regulations to carry out section 2013 is amended by inserting after the item relat- nancial Services of the House of Representa- of such title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B). ing to section 2066 the following new item: tives a report describing and assessing the (c) REPORT.— ‘‘2067. National Center on Homelessness outreach conducted by the Secretary to real- (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than June 1, Among Veterans.’’. tors, landlords, property management com- 2020, the Secretary shall submit to the Com- SEC. 714. REQUIREMENT FOR DEPARTMENT OF panies, and developers to educate them mittee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate VETERANS AFFAIRS TO ASSESS COM- about the housing needs of veterans and the and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of PREHENSIVE SERVICE PROGRAMS benefits of having veterans as tenants. the House of Representatives a report on the FOR HOMELESS VETERANS. TITLE VIII—OTHER MATTERS program required by section 2013 of such (a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, SEC. 801. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS title, as added by subsection (a)(1)(B). CONSTRUCTION REFORMS. the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall— (2) CONTENTS.—The report submitted under (a) APPLICATION OF INDUSTRY STANDARDS; (1) assess and measure the capacity of pro- paragraph (1) shall include assessments of ASSISTANCE.—Section 8103 is amended by the following: grams for which entities receive grants adding at the end the following new sub- under section 2011 of title 38, United States (A) The percentage of veterans who re- sections: Code, or per diem payments under section ceived case management services under the ‘‘(f) To the maximum extent practicable, 2012 or 2061 of such title; and program who were able to retain permanent the Secretary shall use industry standards, (2) assess such programs with respect to— housing by the end of the program, standard designs, and best practices in car- (A) how well they achieve their stated disaggregated by each recipient of a grant rying out the construction of medical facili- goals at a national level; under such section. ties. (B) placements in permanent housing; (B) The percentage of veterans who re- ‘‘(g) The Secretary shall ensure that each (C) placements in employment; and ceived case management services under the employee of the Department with respon- (D) increases in the regular income of par- program who were not in permanent housing sibilities, as determined by the Secretary, ticipants in the programs. relating to the infrastructure construction at the end of the program, disaggregated by (b) ASSESSMENT AT NATIONAL AND LOCAL or alteration of medical facilities, including housing status and reason for failing to re- LEVELS.—In assessing and measuring under such construction or alteration carried out tain permanent housing under the program. subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall develop pursuant to contracts or agreements, under- (C) The use by veterans, who received case and use tools to examine the capacity of pro- management services under the program, of grams described in such subsection at both goes a program of ongoing professional train- housing assistance furnished by the Depart- the national and local level in order to assess ing and development. Such program shall be ment of Veterans Affairs, including a com- the following: designed to ensure that employees maintain parison of the use of such assistance by such (1) Whether sufficient capacity exists to adequate expertise relating to industry veterans before and after receiving such meet the needs of homeless veterans in each standards and best practices for the acquisi- services. geographic area. tion of design and construction services. The (D) An assessment of the employment sta- (2) Whether existing capacity meets the Secretary may provide the program under tus of veterans who received case manage- needs of the subpopulations of homeless vet- this subsection directly or through a con- ment services under the program, including erans located in each geographic area. tract or agreement with a non-Federal enti- a comparison of the employment status of (3) The amount of capacity that recipients ty or with a non-Department Federal enti- such veterans before and after receiving such of grants under sections 2011 and 2061 and per ty.’’. services. diem payments under section 2012 of such (b) FORENSIC AUDITS OF CERTAIN SEC. 713. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL CENTER title have to provide services for which the PROJECTS.—Subsection (c) of section 8104 is ON HOMELESSNESS AMONG VET- recipients are eligible to receive per diem amended— ERANS. under section 2012(a)(2)(B)(ii) of title 38, (1) by striking ‘‘Not less than 30 days’’ and (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter VII of chapter United States Code, as added by section inserting ‘‘(1) Not less than 30 days’’; and 20 is amended by adding at the end the fol- 711(6). (2) by adding at the end the following new lowing new section: (c) CONSIDERATION OF OTHER RESOURCES.— paragraph: ‘‘§ 2067. National Center on Homelessness In assessing and measuring programs under ‘‘(2) The Secretary shall— Among Veterans subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall con- ‘‘(A) enter into a contract or agreement with an appropriate non-department Federal ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—(1) The Secretary shall sider the availability to such programs of re- establish and operate a center to carry out sources made available to such programs and entity with the ability to conduct forensic the functions described in subsection (b). to homeless veterans, including resources audits on medical facility projects for the ‘‘(2) The center established under para- provided by the Department of Veterans Af- conduct of an external forensic audit of the graph (1) shall be known as the ‘National fairs and by entities other than the Depart- expenditures relating to any major medical Center on Homelessness Among Veterans’. ment. facility or super construction project for ‘‘(3) To the degree practicable, the Sec- (d) USE OF INFORMATION.—The Secretary which the total expenditures exceed the retary shall operate the center established shall use the information collected under amount requested in the initial budget re- under paragraph (1) independently of the this section as follows: quest for the project submitted to Congress other programs of the Department that ad- (1) To set specific goals to ensure that pro- under section 1105 of title 31 by more than 25 dress homelessness among veterans. grams described in subsection (a) are effec- percent; and ‘‘(b) FUNCTIONS.—The functions described tively serving the needs of homeless vet- ‘‘(B) enter into a contract or agreement in this subsection are as follows: erans. with an appropriate non-department Federal ‘‘(1) To carry out and promote research (2) To assess whether programs described entity with the ability to conduct forensic into the causes and contributing factors to in subsection (a) are meeting goals set under audits on medical facility projects for the veteran homelessness. paragraph (1). conduct of an external audit of the medical ‘‘(2) To assess the effectiveness of programs (3) To inform funding allocations for pro- center construction project in Aurora, Colo- of the Department to meet the needs of grams described in subsection (a). rado.’’. homeless veterans. (4) To improve the referral of homeless vet- (c) USE OF AMOUNTS FROM BID SAVINGS.— ‘‘(3) To identify and disseminate best prac- erans to programs described in subsection Subsection (d)(2)(B) of such section is tices with regard to housing stabilization, (a). amended—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7237 (1) by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and by extending instate tuition rate clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively; objection to the request of the gen- limit to dependents of servicemembers (2) by inserting after clause (i) the fol- tleman from Tennessee? who are still serving on Active Duty, a lowing new clause (ii): There was no objection. ‘‘(ii) If the major construction project that policy change that will allow VA to is the source of the bid savings is not com- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I fully cover their tuition charges. plete— yield myself such time as I may con- Finally, this bill also contains nu- ‘‘(I) the amount already obligated by the sume. merous provisions that would improve Department or available in the project re- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support the health and care that VA provides serve for such project; of H.R. 6416, the Jeff Miller and Rich- our veterans. To increase account- ‘‘(II) the percentage of such project that ard Blumenthal Veterans Health Care ability, oversight, and transparency of has been completed; and and Benefits Improvement Act of 2016. the VA healthcare system, it would re- ‘‘(III) the amount available to the Depart- ment to complete such project.’’; and This bipartisan, bicameral legislation quire VA to produce and provide an an- (3) in clauses (iii) and (iv), as redesignated represents a significant portion of the nual report on a number of critical by paragraph (1), strike ‘‘amounts’’ and in- committee’s hard work throughout the measures of care. serting ‘‘bid savings amounts’’ both places it 114th Congress and contains numerous To improve the provision of care to appears. provisions that would improve those facing a health emergency, it (d) QUARTERLY REPORT ON SUPER CON- healthcare benefits and services for would clarify VA’s responsibility to STRUCTION PROJECTS.— those that are most deserving: our Na- provide medical screenings and treat- (1) IN GENERAL.—At the end of subchapter I of chapter 81 add the following new section: tion’s heroes. ment to individuals requesting to be seen in a VA emergency room, includ- ‘‘§ 8120. Quarterly report on super construc- b 1430 ing women in labor, and ensure that tion projects I am proud to report that so far this ‘‘(a) QUARTERLY REPORTS REQUIRED.—Not VA emergency room physicians are af- later than 30 days after the last day of each Congress, the House has passed 60 vet- forded the schedule flexibility that fiscal quarter the Secretary shall submit to erans-related bills. By the close of busi- their private sector colleagues enjoy the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the ness tomorrow, that tally will be 68. and the nature of their work demands. Senate and House of Representatives a re- The text of many of those bills can be To address ongoing concerns about port on the super construction projects car- found within H.R. 6416. the potential impact of toxic exposure ried out by the appropriate non-Department While we do not have enough time for during military service on veterans’ de- Federal entity described in section 8103(e)(1) me to go through every worthwhile of this title during such quarter. Each such scendants, it would require VA to enter report shall include, for each such project— section of this legislation, I do want to into an agreement with the National ‘‘(1) the budgetary and scheduling status of touch on just a few. Among the provi- Academy of Medicine to conduct an as- the project, as of the last day of the quarter sions that would improve disability sessment and issue a report on sci- covered by the report; and benefits is one that would allow physi- entific research relating to the de- ‘‘(2) the actual cost and schedule variances cians who are under contract with VA scendants of individuals with toxic ex- of the project, as of such day, compared to and who have unrestricted licenses to posure and, depending on the results of the planned cost and schedules for the conduct disability examinations in any those efforts, require VA to establish project. State, regardless of where that physi- ‘‘(b) SUPER CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DE- an advisory board to advise the Sec- FINED.—In this section, the term ‘super con- cian is licensed. retary on further research. That provi- struction project’ has the meaning given Another provision would extend the sion is strongly supported by Vietnam such term in section 8103(e)(3) of this title.’’. temporary expansion of the Court of Veterans of America, and I am glad to (2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of Appeals for Veterans Claims to nine see it included here. sections at the beginning of such chapter is judges through 2020, which would help The bill also includes provisions that amended by adding at the end of the items the court address the growing number would require reforms to VA’s medical relating to such subchapter the following of cases before it and ensure veterans new item: facility construction processes and pro- receive the court’s decision in a timely ‘‘8120. Quarterly report on super construction cedures. The many failures of VA’s cur- projects.’’. manner. rent construction program have been SEC. 802. TECHNICAL AND CLERICAL AMEND- Three proposals sponsored by Chair- well publicized and will continue to be MENTS. man MILLER would ensure that all vet- a focus of this committee’s oversight Title 38, United States Code, is amended as erans have the opportunity to have fu- next Congress so that we can all be as- follows: ture generations remember and respect sured that VA both has the facilities it (1) In section 735(a)(5), by striking ‘‘(Public their lives and their service by direct- needs to provide the care our veterans Law 104–191)’’ and inserting ‘‘(Public Law ing VA to provide a medallion to be af- 104–191; 42 U.S.C. 1320d–2 note)’’. deserve and is being a responsible stew- (2) In the table of sections at the beginning fixed to the headstone in a private ard of taxpayer dollars. of chapter 17, by striking the items relating cemetery that signifies that a deceased Unfortunately, we were unable to get to sections 1710D and 1710E and inserting the person is a veteran, permitting VA to every provision that cleared this following new items: furnish a medallion or marker specifi- Chamber or that the committee in- ‘‘1710D. Traumatic brain injury: comprehen- cally designed for the graves of the de- cluded in this legislation, which only sive program for long-term re- ceased Medal of Honor recipients, and means there is still work to be done habilitation. providing Presidential Memorial Cer- next year and beyond. I am grateful to ‘‘1710E. Traumatic brain injury: use of non- tificates to those who served in the Na- all the Members who have contributed Department facilities for reha- tional Guard or Reserve even if they bilitation.’’. thoughtful and, most importantly, were never called to Active Duty. needed legislation throughout this (3) In section 1710(e)(1)(F), by inserting a Other provisions of the bill would comma after ‘‘1953’’. Congress in support of our veterans. (4) In section 7412(b), by striking ‘‘under make needed improvements to edu- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to paragraph (1)’’ and inserting ‘‘under sub- cation, vocational rehabilitation, and join me in supporting H.R. 6416, a bill section (a)’’. employment benefits to better support named in part after Chairman MILLER. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- veterans by prioritizing vocational re- I reserve the balance of my time. ant to the rule, the gentleman from habilitation services for our most dis- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman abled veterans, increasing approval and support of the Jeff Miller and Richard from California (Mr. TAKANO) each will access to oversight processes for edu- Blumenthal Veterans Health Care and control 20 minutes. cation programs and schools, improv- Benefits Improvement Act of 2016. The Chair recognizes the gentleman ing coordination between Federal and Naming the bill after my colleagues from Tennessee. State agencies who provide employ- is a testament to the bipartisan nature GENERAL LEAVE ment services to veterans, expanding of both the House and Senate Commit- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I eligibility for work-study programs, tees on Veterans’ Affairs. The bill be- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- extending the amount of time spouses fore us today contains numerous pieces bers have 5 legislative days in which to of fallen servicemembers have to use of legislation introduced or supported revise and extend their remarks. the GI Bill’s Fry Scholarship benefits, by Members on both sides of the aisle.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.024 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 I thank Chairman MILLER and all the through the VA. The current author- that is good for 36 months of enroll- members of the Committee on Vet- ization expired in 2013. This bill reau- ment and is normally used over the erans’ Affairs, both Democrats and Re- thorizes the program through 2021. course of 4 years. This policy will allow publicans, for their hard work putting Through the VA’s Student Work- Gold Star families whose eligibility together an omnibus bill that will im- Study Allowance Program, qualifying will end before they can fully use their prove the care and support we provide student veterans in college degree pro- benefit to complete their education. to America’s veterans. grams or vocational or professional There are several very important I want to specifically acknowledge programs are paid to work in a variety provisions in H.R. 6416 that I would our committee members—Representa- of capacities on campus, at VA facili- like to highlight in the area of claims tive BROWN, Representative TITUS, Dr. ties, and at other veteran-centered or- processing and how we, as a nation, RUIZ, Representative O’ROURKE, Rep- ganizations to assist fellow veterans. honor and memorialize our Nation’s resentative RICE, Representative WALZ, This provision will reinstate expired heroes. and Representative MCNERNEY; and my activities to allow participating vet- Chairman ABRAHAM and Ranking other Democratic colleagues, Rep- erans more options when entering VA’s Member TITUS of the Subcommittee on resentative PINGREE and Representa- successful work-study program. Disability Assistance and Memorial Af- tive FRANKEL, Senator-elect The work-study program achieves fairs have worked hard for the last 2 DUCKWORTH, Representative GALLEGO, two important goals: offering student years, and it shows by the almost two Representative HAHN, and Representa- veterans a way to earn a little extra dozen provisions produced by their sub- tive SINEMA—all who made valuable money, and providing transitioning committee that are included in this contributions to this bill. veterans with the guidance and assist- bill. I also would like to take this time to ance of fellow veterans who know first- One of these is the long overdue Honor America’s Guard-Reserve Retir- congratulate Dr. ROE on his selection hand what that transition is like. Peer- as the next chairman of the House to-peer support is one of the most ef- ees Act, introduced by the gentleman Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. I look fective methods we have to help vet- from Minnesota (Mr. WALZ), which con- forward to working with him in order erans meet the challenges of civilian fers honorary veteran status to Guard to preserve the bipartisan nature of life. and Reserve members who have served for 20 years and who would otherwise this committee in the 115th Congress I worked with Congresswoman not meet the full requirement for vet- so that we can do what is best for vet- RADEWAGEN to introduce H.R. 5229, the eran status under the U.S. Code. These erans. Improving Transition Programs for All It is fitting that we are taking this Veterans Act, which requires VA, the servicemembers wear the same uni- bill up on the eve of the attack on Department of Labor, and the Depart- form, receive the same training, are subject to the same code of military Pearl Harbor. December 7, 1941, is re- ment of Defense to study the effective- justice, and in many cases fight and die membered not just for the 2,300 Ameri- ness of veterans’ transition programs alongside Active Duty troops in war. It cans that we lost that day, but also for for women veterans and other minority is clear why receiving this honor is so the heroic response of so many Ameri- groups. This policy will help us learn important to them, and I am very cans that followed. It is a reminder of about how we can specialize transition happy to be here today to support the the sacrifices millions of young men programs for minority veterans in legislation of Mr. WALZ. and women have made in service to our order to meet their unique needs and I would also like to highlight four Nation. It is a reminder of the debt we overcome barriers to employment. bills introduced by minority members The specific groups that will be in- owe them. of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs cluded in this study include women As the ranking member of the Sub- intended to expedite veterans’ claims veterans, veterans with disabilities, committee on Economic Opportunity for various types of benefits. and as a former community college Native American veterans, insular is- H.R. 6416 also contains the Veterans trustee, I am pleased that this bill con- land veterans from the U.S. territories, Access to Speedy Review Act, which re- tains several provisions that will im- and other groups as determined by the quires the Board of Veterans Appeals prove veterans’ education and employ- Secretaries. This generation of vet- to allow video appeal hearings avail- ment prospects after they serve. I have erans is the most diverse in American able to veterans who choose them. enjoyed collaborating with Chairman history, and we must be prepared to Again, this simple, sensible approach WENSTRUP, and I am proud of the bills support every person who has served. can speed up the benefits appeal proc- our subcommittee has moved forward. I am pleased to have worked on this ess for veterans who are comfortable This bill before us today contains legislation in a bipartisan fashion, and with the videoconference format. This language from H.R. 2360, the Career- I am glad it was included in the omni- will mean that many veterans will no Ready Student Veterans Act, which I bus before us today. I believe it will en- longer have to wait for an in-person introduced last May, to ensure that sure the best outcome for all veterans hearing and will no longer need to veterans who use their hard-earned during their transition from military travel; saving them time, money, and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits will attend to civilian life. the stress of traveling, which is par- education programs that prepare them H.R. 6416 improves the Fry Scholar- ticularly difficult for our disabled vet- for a career in their chosen field of ship for the children and spouses of erans. study. fallen soldiers. The bill includes H.R. This bill also includes two sections It requires that all career education 2531, introduced by Representative and drafted by Congressman O’ROURKE and programs meet proper accreditation, li- now Senator-elect TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Ranking Member TITUS that will in- censure, and certification requirements an Iraq war combat veteran. This pro- crease VA transparency so that con- in order to serve student veterans who vision will provide a surviving spouse gressional policymakers and the public are using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. whose husband or wife died in the line know how the VA is doing with its The Department of Defense already of duty after 9/11/2001 the time nec- processing of veterans’ claims and ap- has this policy in place to protect serv- essary to use the full 36-month benefit peals. The first section requires that icemembers using tuition assistance from the Fry Scholarship without fear the VA publish average times for proc- benefits. It often makes sense that of it being cut short during their edu- essing claims and appeals, including Congress should protect student vet- cational pursuits. those that are timely and overdue. The erans in the very same way. This provi- The Fry Scholarship is an edu- second section requires a GAO study of sion is supported by the American Le- cational benefit given to children and the Veterans Benefits Administration gion, the VFW, IAVA, and other VSOs. spouses of our fallen troops. Currently, regional offices to determine the man- This bill also includes H.R. 2361, public law cuts off Fry Scholarship eli- agement and communication factors Work-Study for Student Veterans Act, gibility 15 years from the date of a that distinguish higher performing of- which I introduced with Chairman servicemember’s death. Unfortunately, fices from the average and lower per- WENSTRUP. It reauthorizes certain this means that spouses who lost a forming offices. work-study activities for individuals loved one shortly after 9/11 could be out There is another group of veterans receiving educational assistance of time to use an educational benefit who deserve our greatest respect, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:36 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.059 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7239 that is the men and women left perma- peals reform, leasing and provider for veterans who are buried in private nently wounded, ill, or injured as a re- agreements, and caregiver support. cemeteries who passed away after No- sult of service in the armed services. I Once again, I urge my colleagues to vember 1, 1990. Many families whose believe we will hear later from the gen- support H.R. 6416. loved ones passed away prior to that tlewoman from Florida (Ms. FRANKEL) Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of date have requested that VA provide a about her resolution to honor these my time. medallion to distinguish their loved veterans which is included in today’s Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I one’s grave so that all will know it is bill. yield myself such time as I may con- the burial place of a veteran. This bill Mr. Speaker, making sure veterans sume. would authorize VA to do just that. get the care and benefits they have Mr. Speaker, as we begin debate on H.R. 6416 would also authorize the earned and deserve is the mission of these important bills, I would like to Department of Veterans Affairs to fur- this committee, and this bill helps take a moment to thank outgoing nish medallions designed especially for keep that promise. For the past 2 Chairman MILLER for his tireless work veterans who have received the Medal years, the Subcommittee on Health has on behalf of our Nation’s veterans and, of Honor, our Nation’s most prestigious been focused on improving access to of course, on behalf of Florida’s First award for military valor. This will en- care, strengthening mental health Congressional District. sure that future generations will be care, recruiting and retaining quality Chairman MILLER has led the House able to identify the final resting place providers, and reducing veteran home- Veterans’ Affairs Committee through of our Nation’s most revered heroes. lessness. These priorities are reflected tumultuous times at the VA. Through H.R. 6416 also includes a provision to in the bill before us today. his service and extensive oversight, he provide more time for widows and wid- VA’s construction program has been has exposed a bureaucracy that has owers of servicemembers who have died the target of several hearings and re- failed veterans time and time again. in the line of duty to use their post- ports for many years now. They have His commitment to veterans has never 9/11 GI bill educational benefits under exposed cost overruns, poor oversight, wavered. He has started the VA on a the Fry Scholarship. The spouses of and a host of management issues. This path to reforms the agency has so des- those who have given the ultimate sac- bill would address some of the issues perately needed. rifice deserve nothing less. brought up over this past Congress. I It has been an honor to serve along What is more, H.R. 6416 contains pro- thank Congresswoman KATHLEEN RICE beside him. I know I have got big shoes visions from H.R. 1994 that would in- for her leadership on these issues and to fill come January. He leaves behind crease accountability by limiting the for introducing a provision that would the legacy of a statesman who has amount of time that the Secretary can require a forensic audit when a project never compromised his principles or place a VA employee on administrative exceeds its authorization by more than forgotten the people he was elected to leave to only 14 days in a single year. 25 percent. serve. It makes no sense that a VA employee On a personal note, JEFF has become who commits a wrongdoing can con- b 1445 a dear friend, and I know our friendship tinue to collect a taxpayer-funded pay- H.R. 6416 also ensures that eligible will continue long after he has left check for, in some cases, years while veterans can access mental health care these Halls. For the last 6 years, vet- the Department drags its feet deter- in a manner that honors their obliga- erans have had a friend in JEFF MIL- mining disciplinary action. tion not to disclose classified informa- LER, and so have I. I wish him well in The bill further contains a number of tion. his future endeavors and thank him for provisions that would improve the care I would like to thank Representative all he has done for this body, for Flo- that VA provides to our veterans, in- SINEMA of Arizona for introducing this ridians, and for our heroes in the 15 cluding a provision that would address issue as part of H.R. 421, the Classified years he served honorably in the House a longstanding concern of many of our Veterans Access to Care Act. of Representatives, the people’s House. Vietnam veterans by requiring VA to In addition, it adds professionals who I would also like to thank his wife, conduct research on the possible effects have a doctoral degree to the list of Vicki, as well as his children, grand- of toxic exposure during military serv- qualified, VA-licensed mental health children, and great-grandchild. As we ice on veterans’ children and their counselors. all know, none of the work we do here grandchildren. On the issue of veteran homelessness, would be possible without the support Importantly, H.R. 6416 also contains we all agree that one homeless veteran and understanding of our families. a provision from H.R. 310 that would is one too many. For the past decade, There is no question, JEFF has a special require VA to use industry standards, VA has been working diligently to dra- family. standard designs, and best practices matically reduce the homeless popu- Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he when constructing VA medical facili- lation among veterans, and those ef- may consume to the gentleman from ties; to provide ongoing professional forts have been successful—but we can Florida (Mr. MILLER), chairman of the development and training to VA em- always do more. Veterans’ Affairs Committee. ployees involved in constructing VA An important provision of H.R. 6416, Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, medical facilities; and to regularly introduced by Representative HAHN of I thank Dr. ROE for those extremely audit and report on the largest VA California, would help many of our kind words. I thank him especially for medical facility projects. women veterans by expanding the defi- recognizing my family. We both know Before concluding, I want to take a nition of ‘‘homeless veteran.’’ This will how important they are to the success moment to publicly thank a number of ensure that veterans who are victims that we are able to obtain here in the individuals who have been instru- of domestic violence are able to access Halls of Congress. mental not only in advancing this leg- emergency housing and are not penal- I rise in support of H.R. 6416. This islation, but also throughout my time ized under the law. legislation contains over 90 sections, as chairman of our committee. Mr. Speaker, as we move forward, I many of which originated in almost 70 Serving as chairman of the Com- want to acknowledge that, while H.R. veterans bills that the House will pass mittee on Veterans’ Affairs has been an 6416 does indeed do a number of good in the 114th Congress. Though H.R. 6416 immense honor, and I am grateful to things to help veterans, there is still reflects just a fraction of our collabo- all of those who put their trust and much more that we need to do. I know rative efforts, it nonetheless contains faith in me to fulfill that role for the that finding ways to pay for new pro- many important provisions that we can last three Congresses. I hope that I grams without cutting existing support all be pleased in this House to support. have done each of you proud. for veterans has been one of our biggest For example, it includes the text of I am particularly grateful to my fel- challenges in this Congress, but I look H.R. 1380, which would expand eligi- low committee chairmen and ranking forward to working with our Members bility for medallions to veterans who members in the House, including Mike and our colleagues across the aisle to passed away before November 1, 1990. Michaud, CORRINE BROWN, and MARK advance big policy issues that will help Under current law, the Department of TAKANO; and in the Senate, including millions of veterans, issues such as ap- Veterans Affairs furnishes medallions PATTY MURRAY, RICHARD BURR, BERNIE

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.060 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7240 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 SANDERS, JOHNNY ISAKSON, and RICH- the administration and the VSOs, the We have crafted good, bipartisan poli- ARD BLUMENTHAL. Republican leadership refuses to bring cies. We have worked hard on behalf of I am also grateful to House leader- the bill I sponsored on appeals reform our Nation’s veterans. We will continue ship, including John Boehner, PAUL to the floor without tying it to an ac- to do so. RYAN, and KEVIN MCCARTHY, and to all countability bill that strips VA em- I am also grateful for the staff of the the committee members who strive day ployees of necessary civil rights pro- Veterans’ Affairs Committee. I want to in and day out to do right by America’s tections. especially thank my own staff on the veteran heroes. We are told that passing appeals re- Economic Opportunity Subcommittee The bipartisan nature of this com- form without accountability just won’t for their expertise and untiring work mittee is unique in this Congress. It is work. Using that specious argument, on behalf of our veterans. nothing less than what our veterans de- we shouldn’t pass any VA reform bill A special thanks goes to Chairman serve. While much remains to be done, without accountability because it just MILLER. His leadership and friendship we can all be proud of the work that we won’t work. So while I support this here in the House will certainly be have, together, accomplished so far. measure, I would urge my colleagues to missed. I look forward to Dr. ROE’s I have every confidence, Mr. Speaker, address the appeals reform process be- leadership. that the next committee chairman, Dr. fore it is too late and we do further dis- Once again, I support H.R. 6416, and I ROE, whom I am grateful to call a service to our Nation’s heroes. urge my colleagues to pass this bill. friend, will continue the work that we Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I b 1500 have started. I look forward to seeing yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from all that he and the House will continue Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Ohio (Mr. WENSTRUP), who is currently minutes to the gentleman from Cali- to accomplish for the men and women on the committee and seeing Active who have worn the uniform and borne fornia (Mr. MCNERNEY), my good friend Duty military patients as a doctor. and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs the battle and who, without a doubt, Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, on be- are most worthy of our appreciation Committee. half of our veterans, I rise today in Mr. MCNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I want and our support. support of H.R. 6416. This bill would ex- Again, Mr. Speaker, I thank my fam- to thank the chairman and the ranking pand benefits and provide improve- member for their work on behalf of our ily, most especially my wife, for the ments to help America’s greatest asset: support that they have given during Nation’s veterans, and for bringing the our veterans and their families. omnibus veterans bill to the floor my service here in this Congress. I am especially pleased to support I urge all of my colleagues to support today. sections in the fourth and fifth titles. this legislation. In the United States, there are about Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, might I All but a few of those provisions passed 5 million veteran-owned businesses and inquire as to how much time for debate through the Subcommittee on Eco- an estimated 500,000 service-disabled remains on each side. nomic Opportunity, which I am hon- veteran-owned small businesses. Under The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ored to chair with Ranking Member current law, if a veteran who was rated 1 TAKANO. tleman from California has 7 ⁄2 minutes 100 percent disabled and owned a serv- remaining. The gentleman from Ten- Seven provisions from legislation ice-disabled veteran-owned small busi- nessee has 8 minutes remaining. that I had the honor to author were ness passes away, the surviving spouse Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 also included in H.R. 6416. When en- has 10 years to transition the business minutes to the gentlewoman from Ne- acted, these provisions would stream- away from service-disabled veteran- vada (Ms. TITUS), the ranking member line and simplify how schools and owned small business status. of the Disability Assistance and Memo- training programs are approved for the However, if the veteran business rial Affairs Subcommittee. GI bill, improve disabled veterans’ ac- owner is rated less than 100 percent dis- Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the cess to services under the Vocational abled, or dies of a non-service-con- acting ranking member for yielding Rehabilitation and Employment pro- nected injury, the surviving spouse has and for all the important work he has gram, survey GI bill users about their only 1 year to transition the business done on this bill. experience with the VA and their use of for contracts with the VA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support the post-9/11 GI bill, provide conditions Current law unfairly punishes these of H.R. 6416, which includes a number for expanded instate tuition require- businesses and places them at an eco- of provisions offered by my colleagues ments for dependents of Active-Duty nomic disadvantage. That is why I in- on the committee and beyond to help servicemembers, require the Depart- troduced H.R. 1313. My bill allows serv- our veterans. It actually includes two ment of Labor to conduct a longitu- ice-disabled veteran-owned small busi- measures that I authored: one requires dinal study to track long-term out- nesses, whose principal owner passes the GAO to conduct a study to find out comes of veterans who have used DOL- away and was rated at less than 100 the causes of underperforming VBA re- sponsored employment services, and percent disabled at the time of death, gional offices; the other extends the expand the amount of time that a sur- with the reasonable 3-year transition authorization for GME slots at the VA. viving spouse can use post-9/11 GI bill period from service-disabled veteran- This is a provision that will be espe- benefits under the Fry Scholarship. owned status with the VA. cially valuable to UNLV’s brand-new The last GI bill provision is esti- It is only right that we provide our medical school, which is hosting its in- mated to help nearly 2,000 surviving heroes and their families, and the em- augural class this fall. spouses that use the post-9/11 GI bill to ployees, with the flexibility and cer- Unfortunately, however, the bill fails go back to school. Our veterans’ fami- tainty to ensure that their businesses to address a major priority of both the lies will be better off because of this continue to thrive. VA and veterans themselves, and that bill. I support this bill and the efforts H.R. 1313 is supported by the Para- is reforming the broken appeals proc- of Dr. ROE, Chairman MILLER, and oth- lyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, ess. Right now, there are 470,000 ap- ers. VFW, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of peals languishing somewhere in the VA At the same time, I know that we America, and the American Legion. system. Veterans have to wait 2 to 3 will continue to work hard for our vet- I want to thank the chairman and years for them to be resolved as these erans. In the House, we crafted and ranking member for including my leg- cases churn through the process that passed many important issue initia- islation in the omnibus veterans bill, Congress hasn’t updated since the tives that were not in the final bill. As H.R. 6416, and I hope my colleagues will 1980s. If we don’t act now, we will soon the 115th Congress approaches, I ask join me to pass this commonsense bill be telling our veteran constituents my colleagues in both the House and and support the veteran-owned busi- that they are going to have to wait 10 the Senate to reaffirm their commit- nesses across the country. years before their appeals can be re- ment to put the interests of our vet- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I solved, and it will be the fault of this erans first, and I look forward to con- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Congress. tinuing that work. Pennsylvania (Mr. COSTELLO), a very Despite having a solution that is I am proud of my colleagues on the hardworking member of our com- ready to go that is widely supported by House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. mittee, and a veteran himself.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.062 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7241 Mr. COSTELLO of Pennsylvania. Not Mr. Speaker, almost every day I hear ceedings on this motion will be post- a veteran, but I appreciate the kind from another veteran who is the sur- poned. words. vivor of military sexual trauma, or f Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support MST. These are men and women of all ETHICAL PATIENT CARE FOR of legislation that will bring critical ages, from every branch of the service. VETERANS ACT OF 2016 improvements to the way our country They include veterans from World War serves its veterans. II to the war in Afghanistan and every Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I In my district, Pennsylvania’s Sixth era in between. move to suspend the rules and pass the Congressional District, thousands of Those assaults leave indelible marks bill (H.R. 5399) to amend title 38, veterans are served by the Department on their lives in the form of PTSD, United States Code, to ensure that of Veterans Affairs on a range of issues anxiety, depression, and so many other physicians of the Department of Vet- critical to their lives, including dis- conditions. But despite some progress erans Affairs fulfill the ethical duty to ability benefits, education, and at the VA on their claims, too many report to State licensing authorities healthcare services. are denied the disability benefits they impaired, incompetent, and unethical H.R. 6416, the JEFF MILLER and RICH- have earned. health care activities. ARD BLUMENTHAL Veterans Health Care I am glad the Defense Department The Clerk read the title of the bill. and Benefits Improvement Act, would and the VA increased training and pre- The text of the bill is as follows: make improvements to these services vention efforts around rape and harass- H.R. 5399 by increasing the amount of time wid- ment, but, let me be clear, the problem Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- ows have to utilize education benefits, is not yet fixed. resentatives of the United States of America in allowing veterans to have screenings Survivors of sexual assault have been Congress assembled, and treatment at VA emergency shamed and suffer continued harass- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. rooms, and tracking staffing abilities ment and recrimination. Far too many This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Ethical Pa- so the VA is better suited to accommo- have been involuntarily discharged in tient Care for Veterans Act of 2016’’. date its workload. retaliation for reporting sexual assault SEC. 2. DUTY TO REPORT IMPAIRED, INCOM- I would also like to thank my col- PETENT, AND UNETHICAL HEALTH and harassment, meaning the survivor, CARE ACTIVITIES. leagues on the committee, and our not the perpetrator, has paid the price (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter II of chapter committee staff, for working to include for this criminal behavior. 74 of title 38, United States Code, is amended provisions to strengthen the U.S. Court Before I close, I would like to recog- by adding at the end the following new sec- of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Since nize a very brave woman, Ruth Moore, tion: the start of the term, we have been a Maine veteran, and my bill’s name- ‘‘§ 7330B. Duty to report impaired, incom- working to find a way to ensure the sake. Ruth fought for 23 years before petent, and unethical health care activities Court is able to meet the needs of our she was finally given the benefits we ‘‘(a) REPORTING TO STATE LICENSING AU- veterans, and I am pleased to see that owed her. THORITY.—In addition to confidential report- efforts to do this are included as part There are thousands and thousands of ing under the quality-assurance program of the bill. Ruth Moores out there who have been pursuant to section 7311(b)(4) of this title and I also want to thank Chairman MIL- any other reporting authorized or required fighting for their benefits for years, or by the Secretary, the Secretary shall ensure LER for his dedication and service to even decades. We can and must do bet- our committee and to our Nation’s vet- that each physician of the Department is in- ter. This issue is too important to ig- formed of the duty of the physician to report erans. His leadership has been exem- nore, and this provision ensures that directly any covered activity committed by plary. the VA and survivors know that Con- another physician that the physician wit- I also would like to recognize and gress is watching. nesses or otherwise directly discovers to the thank our committee staff for all of I am so glad the language from my applicable licensing authority of each State their hard work over the course of this bill was included in the legislation. I in which the physician who is the subject of Congress and my legislative aide for thank the committee again. the report is licensed to practice medicine. this session, Katharine Bruce, for her ‘‘(b) TIMING OF REPORTING.—Each physician Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I of the Department shall make a direct report hard work. have no further speakers. I am pre- Finally, I want to just point out that to the State licensing authority of a covered pared to close. I reserve the balance of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in activity under subsection (a) not later than my time. five days after the date on which the physi- large measure, has accomplished and Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I would cian witnesses or otherwise directly dis- improved a great deal in a bipartisan like to encourage all my colleagues to covers the covered activity. way. So I want to thank not only my support this legislation and join me in ‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: Republican colleagues on the com- passing H.R. 6416. ‘‘(1) The term ‘covered activity’ means any mittee but the Democratic members of I yield back the balance of my time. activity occurring in a medical facility of the committee as well. We should all Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I the Department that consists of or causes the provision of impaired, incompetent, or be proud of the work that we have would like to thank both staffs of the done. There is a lot more yet to do, but unethical health care that requires direct re- committee, both the minority and ma- porting under opinion number 9.031 of the we have accomplished a lot, I believe, jority staff, and on the hard work that Code of Medical Ethics of the American Med- because we have focused on what needs both sides of the aisle did. As Mr. COS- ical Association. to be done, left politics at the door, and TELLO said, this has been a bipartisan ‘‘(2) The term ‘physician of the Depart- worked in good faith on behalf of our effort, and I want to thank everyone, ment’ includes any contractor who is a phy- Nation’s veterans. Mr. TAKANO, your leadership, and oth- sician at a medical facility of the Depart- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ers on the minority side. I encourage ment.’’. minutes to the gentlewoman from (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of all Members to support this legislation. sections at the beginning of such chapter is Maine (Ms. PINGREE). I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I thank amended by inserting after the item relating The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to section 7330A the following new item: my friend, Mr. TAKANO, for yielding. question is on the motion offered by ‘‘7330B. Duty to report impaired, incom- I want to thank Chairman MILLER, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. petent, and unethical health and thank him on his retirement and ROE) that the House suspend the rules care activities.’’. his service to our Congress, and also and pass the bill, H.R. 6416. (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section thank Ranking Member TAKANO and The question was taken. 7462(a)(1)(A) of such title is amended by in- Representative ROE for their work on The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the serting before the semicolon the following: ‘‘, this bill. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being including pursuant to section 7330B(c) of this I am grateful that the language from in the affirmative, the ayes have it. title’’. the Ruth Moore Act was included in Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- this bill. It is an important step in on that I demand the yeas and nays. ant to the rule, the gentleman from making sure that the VA follows The yeas and nays were ordered. Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman through on its promises to fairly treat The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- from California (Mr. TAKANO) each will our veterans. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, further pro- control 20 minutes.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.063 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7242 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 The Chair recognizes the gentleman dedicated themselves to protect our The question was taken; and (two- from Tennessee. freedoms. thirds being in the affirmative) the GENERAL LEAVE All physicians have a duty to report rules were suspended and the bill was Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I impaired colleagues who continue to passed. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- practice, despite reasonable offers of A motion to reconsider was laid on bers have 5 legislative days in which to assistance. This obligation appears in the table. revise and extend their remarks. professional guidelines and in laws and f The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there regulations governing the practice of b 1515 objection to the request of the gen- medicine. tleman from Tennessee? All physicians are accredited by the FASTER CARE FOR VETERANS There was no objection. American Medical Association, and ACT OF 2016 Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I their policy states, and I quote: ‘‘Phy- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may con- sicians have an ethical obligation to move to suspend the rules and pass the sume. report impaired, incompetent, and un- bill (H.R. 4352) to direct the Secretary Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support ethical colleagues.’’ of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot of H.R. 5399, the Ethical Patient Care The Federation of State Medical program establishing a patient self- for Veterans Act of 2016, which I am Boards of the United States’ policy on scheduling appointment system, and proud to sponsor. There is no higher physician impairment states that phy- for other purposes, as amended. priority than ensuring that our Na- sician health programs have ‘‘a pri- The Clerk read the title of the bill. tion’s veterans receive safe, high-qual- mary commitment to help state med- The text of the bill is as follows: ity care from the Department of Vet- ical boards . . . protect the public . . . H.R. 4352 erans Affairs. These programs should demonstrate an Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- The vast majority of VA employees ongoing track record of ensuring safety resentatives of the United States of America in are upstanding, well-qualified, and to the public and reveal deficiencies if Congress assembled, want nothing more than to do right by they occur.’’ SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. the veterans in their care. However, in The physicians who care for our vet- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Faster Care the last several years, we have heard erans take their duties and oaths to for Veterans Act of 2016’’. far too many instances where VA em- help their patients very seriously, and SEC. 2. PILOT PROGRAM ESTABLISHING A PA- ployees have failed to live up to the I am glad for this opportunity to reit- TIENT SELF-SCHEDULING APPOINT- standards of care that our veterans de- erate the topnotch quality care that MENT SYSTEM. serve. In many of those cases, a culture the VA provides each and every day. (a) PILOT PROGRAM.—Not later than 120 I reserve the balance of my time. days after the date of the enactment of this of silence or fear of retaliation by su- Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall pervisors has prevented other employ- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I commence a pilot program under which vet- ees from reporting those transgressions reserve the balance of my time. erans use an Internet website or mobile ap- in a timely manner. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield plication to schedule and confirm medical To protect our veterans from poor- myself the balance of my time. appointments at medical facilities of the De- performing VA medical professionals, In closing, this is one of the final op- partment of Veterans Affairs. H.R. 5399 would require VA to ensure portunities that I will have to discuss (b) SELECTION OF LOCATIONS.—The Sec- that every VA physician is informed of veterans legislation on the floor with retary shall select not less than three Vet- erans Integrated Services Networks in which his or her duty to report impaired, in- my colleague, Chairman MILLER, who appears to have stepped off the floor at to carry out the pilot program under sub- competent, or unethical behavior that section (a). the physician witnesses or otherwise the moment. I want to offer my sincere (c) CONTRACTS.— discovers directly to the applicable gratitude for his leadership on the (1) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary shall seek State licensing authorities within 5 committee. to enter into a contract using competitive days. I think it is fair to say that we have procedures with one or more contractors to This is consistent with the long- not always agreed on the best path for- provide the scheduling capability described standing practice of the American ward, but I think this bill dem- in subsection (a). Medical Association and existing VA onstrates our ability, the ability of (2) NOTICE OF COMPETITION.—Not later than this committee to put aside our dif- 60 days after the date of the enactment of policy and would improve the quality this Act, the Secretary shall issue a request of care VA provides by making sure ferences and get things done for Amer- for proposals for the contract described in that the poor performers, those who ica’s veterans. The Veterans’ Com- paragraph (1). Such request shall be full and put the lives and well-being of veteran mittee has long been a model of bipar- open to any contractor that has an existing patients at risk, are reported to rel- tisanship at a time where cooperation commercially available, off-the-shelf online evant authorities within a reasonable can be hard to come by. I appreciate patient self-scheduling system that includes time frame so that the appropriate ac- the chairman’s commitment to con- the capabilities specified in section 3(a). tion can be taken to safeguard the pa- tinuing that tradition, and I wish him (3) SELECTION.—Not later than 120 days all the best in the next chapter of his after the date of the enactment of this Act, tients in their care. the Secretary shall award a contract to one Mr. Speaker, this is commonsense career. or more contractors pursuant to the request legislation. More importantly, it is the I have no further speakers, and I do for proposals under paragraph (2). right thing to do for veterans. I urge encourage my colleagues to support (d) DURATION OF PILOT PROGRAM.— all of my colleagues to join me in sup- this legislation and join me in passing (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided by porting this legislation. H.R. 5399. paragraph (2), the Secretary shall carry out I reserve the balance of my time. I yield back the balance of my time. the pilot program under subsection (a) for an Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I 18-month period. myself such time as I may consume. yield myself such time as I may con- (2) EXTENSION.—The Secretary may extend I rise today in support of H.R. 5399, the duration of the pilot program under sub- sume. section (a), and may expand the selection of introduced by the gentleman from Ten- I encourage all Members to support Veterans Integrated Services Networks nessee, Dr. ROE. This bill would ensure this legislation. I have practiced medi- under subsection (b), if the Secretary deter- that physicians of the Department of cine for almost 40 years under these mines that the pilot program is reducing the Veterans Affairs fulfill the ethical duty same requirements right here, and we wait times of veterans seeking medical care to report impaired, incompetent, and should expect no less for the care of and ensuring that more available appoint- unethical healthcare activities of their our veterans. I encourage support. ment times are filled. colleagues. I yield back the balance of my time. (e) MOBILE APPLICATION DEFINED.—In this I appreciate the gentleman bringing The SPEAKER pro tempore. The section, the term ‘‘mobile application’’ means a software program that runs on the this issue to our attention. It is an- question is on the motion offered by operating system of a cellular telephone, other instance of the many ethical and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. tablet computer, or similar portable com- legal imperatives that VA physicians ROE) that the House suspend the rules puting device that transmits data over a are under while serving those who have and pass the bill, H.R. 5399. wireless connection.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.065 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7243 SEC. 3. CAPABILITIES OF PATIENT SELF-SCHED- appointment system developed or used by VISTA management system and plans ULING APPOINTMENT SYSTEM. the Department of Veterans Affairs as of the to roll it out in January 2017. I have (a) MINIMUM CAPABILITIES.—The Secretary date of the certification, includes the capa- of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the pa- high hopes for that effort, but VA’s IT bilities specified in subsection (a). development record is mixed—to put it tient self-scheduling appointment system (2) NEW SYSTEMS.—If the Secretary devel- used in the pilot program under section 2, ops or begins using a new patient self-sched- mildly—and past experience shows that and any other patient self-scheduling ap- uling appointment system that is not cov- meeting high standards and firm dead- pointment system developed or used by the ered by a certification made under paragraph lines are crucial to success. Department of Veterans Affairs, includes, at (1), the Secretary shall certify to such com- The time has come to settle this a minimum, the following capabilities: mittees that such new system includes the issue once and for all. H.R. 4352, as (1) Capability to schedule, modify, and can- capabilities specified in subsection (a) by not cel appointments for primary care, specialty amended, establishes capability stand- later than 30 days after the date on which care, and mental health. ards reflecting the state of the art that the Secretary determines to replace the pre- (2) Capability to support appointments for apply to any commercial or govern- vious patient self-scheduling appointment the provision of health care regardless of system. ment self-scheduling system in VA. It whether such care is provided in person or (3) EFFECT OF CAPABILITIES NOT INCLUDED.— also directs VA to pilot the best avail- through telehealth services. If the Secretary does not make a timely cer- able commercial software in three lo- (3) Capability to view appointment avail- tification under paragraph (1) or paragraph cations. The bill tasks an independent ability in real time. (2), the Secretary shall replace any patient (4) Capability to make available, in real expert to verify whether that commer- self-scheduling appointment system devel- time, appointments that were previously cial system and the government sys- oped by the Secretary that is in use with a filled but later cancelled by other patients. tem meet those standards, and by the commercially available, off-the-shelf online (5) Capability to provide prompts or re- end of 2017, VA must certify whether or patient self-scheduling system that includes minders to veterans to schedule follow-up the capabilities specified in subsection (a). not they do. appointments. The concept is, in other words, a (6) Capability to be used 24 hours per day, SEC. 4. PROHIBITION ON NEW APPROPRIATIONS. No additional funds are authorized to carry bake-off to create the most successful seven days per week. possible software for our veterans. (7) Capability to integrate with the Vet- out the requirements of this Act. Such re- erans Health Information Systems and Tech- quirements shall be carried out using Ideally, both systems will meet the nology Architecture of the Department, or amounts otherwise authorized. standards, but if the government sys- such successor information technology sys- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tem cannot make the grade, VA will tem. ant to the rule, the gentleman from have a commercial alternative thor- (b) INDEPENDENT VALIDATION AND Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman oughly piloted and ready to go to work VERIFICATION.— from California (Mr. TAKANO) each will for VA patients. (1) INDEPENDENT ENTITY.— H.R. 4352, as amended, is sponsored (A) The Secretary shall seek to enter into control 20 minutes. by Congressman SETH MOULTON from an agreement with an appropriate non-gov- The Chair recognizes the gentleman ernmental, not-for-profit entity with exper- from Tennessee. Massachusetts and Congresswoman tise in health information technology to GENERAL LEAVE CATHY MCMORRIS RODGERS from Wash- independently validate and verify that the Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I ington. I thank them both for their patient self-scheduling appointment system ask unanimous consent that all Mem- leadership on this issue. used in the pilot program under section 2, bers have 5 legislative days in which to This broadly bipartisan legislation is and any other patient self-scheduling ap- revise and extend their remarks and to an efficient, timely solution to a long- pointment system developed or used by the add extraneous material. standing problem, and I encourage all Department of Veterans Affairs, includes the of my colleagues to join me in sup- capabilities specified in subsection (a). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there (B) Each independent validation and objection to the request of the gen- porting it. verification conducted under subparagraph tleman from Tennessee? Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of (A) shall be completed as follows: There was no objection. my time. (i) With respect to the validation and Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield verification of the patient self-scheduling ap- yield myself such time as I may con- myself such time as I may consume. pointment system used in the pilot program sume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support under section 2, by not later than 60 days Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4352, as amended, sponsored by after the date on which such pilot program of H.R. 4352, as amended, the Faster my friend, the gentleman from Massa- commences. Care for Veterans Act of 2016. chusetts and a veteran himself, Rep- (ii) With respect to any other patient self- scheduling appointment system developed or The wait time scandals that continue resentative MOULTON. used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, to plague the Department of Veterans This important legislation authorizes by not later than 60 days after the date on Affairs have highlighted the need for the VA to administer a pilot program which such system is deployed, regardless of veterans to be able to schedule their where veterans use an Internet Web whether such deployment is on a limited own medical appointments. Everyone site to schedule and confirm medical basis, but not including any deployments for agrees that the veterans who want this appointments at medical facilities of testing purposes. capability should have it. the Department of Veterans Affairs. (2) GAO EVALUATION.— A self-scheduling option would re- The VA has been working to bring the (A) The Comptroller General of the United duce the workload on overburdened power of scheduling to veterans since States shall evaluate each validation and verification conducted under paragraph (1). schedulers, allow the VA to use tax- the wait time scandal at the Phoenix (B) Not later than 30 days after the date on payer resources more efficiently, and VA Medical Center in 2014. which the Comptroller General completes an grant veterans who would prefer to The Department of Veterans Affairs evaluation under paragraph (1), the Comp- schedule their own appointments the had developed and is rolling out the troller General shall submit to the appro- ability and flexibility to do so. It would Veterans Appointment Request, other- priate congressional committees a report on also encourage accountability by giv- wise known as VAR, for primary care. such evaluation. ing veterans verifiable records of their This is a mobile application, and the (C) In this paragraph, the term ‘‘appro- own appointment bookings. approach will allow veterans to di- priate congressional committees’’ means— (i) the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of VA has been considering self-sched- rectly schedule or request primary care the House of Representatives and the Senate; uling since at least 2013. However, appointments and request mental and projects start and stop, priorities shift, health appointments at facilities where (ii) the Committees on Appropriations of and nothing usable has so far emerged they are already receiving care. With the House of Representatives and the Senate. from those considerations. Unfortu- the app, veterans can also view ap- (c) CERTIFICATION.— nately, this seems to be the result of a pointment details, track the status of (1) CAPABILITIES INCLUDED.—Not later than tug of war between some VA officials requests, send messages about the re- December 31, 2017, the Secretary shall certify to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of who favor a commercial off-the-shelf quested appointments, get notifica- the House of Representatives and the Senate system and others who favor a govern- tions about appointments, and cancel that the patient self-scheduling appointment ment-developed system. most appointments. system used in the pilot program under sec- VA has been developing a self-sched- The VA has also implemented the tion 2, and any other patient self-scheduling uling mobile application based on its Audiology and Optometry Direct

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.029 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Scheduling Initiative. This program technological innovations and level of The Faster Care for Veterans Act is a began as a successful pilot at three service at VA healthcare facilities as solution. sites in 2015 and is now being expanded patients in the private market. One First, this bill directs the VA to con- to all VA medical centers. such innovation is patient self-sched- duct a pilot program to test commer- Veterans can schedule a routine ap- uling technology. Patients can log on cial off-the-shelf self-scheduling tech- pointment for audiology or optometry to an app on their phone or on a Web nology at three locations across the directly by calling the scheduling de- site, indicate the type of appointment country while allowing the VA to con- partment or by speaking directly with they need, select their location, and tinue developing its inhouse solution. audiology or optometry staff. The cov- schedule their own appointments at a Second, the bill requires both the ered services include hearing tests, eye time convenient for them—no middle pilot program and the VA’s solution to exams, vision prescriptions, eyeglass men, no obnoxious hold music, and no meet several capabilities currently fittings, and other routine appoint- unending carousel of options on an available in the private market. These ments. automated phone menu; just a quick requirements will ensure our veterans This important legislation will allow and easy medical appointment that get the same level of service as every veterans to better control their VA ex- works for your schedule. other American. perience no matter what services they This technology is not just beneficial Third, the bill provides for an inde- need. Ensuring veterans are com- for patients, it is good for medical pro- pendent assessment to verify if the fortable with the scheduling platform viders as well. In the private market, pilot program or the VA’s solution ultimately used is a critical factor. the introduction of patient self-sched- meets the minimum capabilities. Whether that is a smartphone, Internet uling has dramatically decreased wait Lastly, the bill requires the VA to re- Web site or calling directly to make times, saving time and money. The VA place any system used by the VA that that appointment, the primary consid- ought to chase these same innovations does not meet those minimum require- eration is the ease of use by the vet- so our veterans receive the best health ments with a commercially available eran. care and user experience in the world. off-the-shelf technology that does meet The only way to make sure it works As a Member of Congress, I declined those capabilities. is to test it. This legislation will en- congressional health care and pledged The bill is supported by the Iraq and sure that the technology fits the vet- to receive my care at the VA. I receive Afghanistan Veterans of America, the eran and also fits the VA. excellent service from terrific doctors American College of Neurosurgeons, For those reasons, I support this leg- and nurses at my home VA facility in and the American Osteopathic Associa- islation and urge my colleagues to do Bedford, Massachusetts. However, tion; and this bill is cosponsored by the same. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of scheduling an appointment here in D.C. more than half of the House of Rep- my time. or at home in Bedford has never been resentatives. Our veterans are demand- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I easy. ing a 21st century VA healthcare sys- yield myself such time as I may con- Dennis Magnasco, my veterans’ liai- tem. This bill is one step in that direc- sume. son in my office in Salem, Massachu- tion. Mr. Speaker, this is long overdue. setts, learned this the hard way. Short- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to One of the problems we have in VA is ly after I introduced the Faster Care support this legislation. that we know the scandal at Phoenix for Veterans Act, Dennis called our Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I where there were secret waiting lists local VA hospital to make an appoint- yield such time as she may consume to for appointments for honorably dis- ment himself. He listened to the op- the gentlewoman from Washington charged veterans to see a doctor. tions on the automated menu and (Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS), who is our This is one of the ways in which we pressed one to schedule an appoint- conference chair. CATHY MCMORRIS can put veterans back in charge. One of ment. After several more pushed but- RODGERS is a very passionate supporter the things I want to do is put veterans tons, rather than connecting him to of veterans’ issues. and doctors—healthcare providers—in the talented schedulers who work in Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. charge of the health care and not bu- the Bedford VA, the automated menu Speaker, I rise today, more than 2 reaucrats, schedulers, and so forth. started over again. It went into an end- years after we were all shocked by the This puts the power back in front of less cycle. He hung up, and after mul- news that Phoenix veterans had died the veterans. tiple unsuccessful further attempts, he waiting for appointments at their local We are at the Christmas season. recorded himself doing this in a video. VA. Yet, after all this time, little has Many of us order packages on Amazon I put this video on my Facebook changed. or wherever. Guess what we can do? We page, and the response was astonishing. Every week veterans contact my of- can track that through our own per- Four million people saw the video, fice seeking help to get the care that sonal device anywhere that package is 35,000 people shared the video, and 2,000 they need, like the veteran who so that it reaches our doorstep. Vet- people commented. People from all couldn’t access urgent care and was erans should have that command so over the country shared their experi- afraid he would be billed if he went to they can have an appointment when ence trying to schedule their own ap- the hospital for help, or the veteran they want it; they can make it. The pointments at the VA. The frustration who got cancer from atomic testing technology is available. I can’t think of is nationwide. but had to jump through all kinds of a better thing to do than to have a pri- A veteran from Walcott, Arkansas, hoops to prove it. vate and public competition to see said: I can tell you this is for real. It Is this how a grateful nation should which is the most effective for the vet- happens every time I call. I usually treat its veterans? Absolutely not. eran. I think in a year we are going to give up and drive to the clinic 18 or 20 The best way we show our gratitude know. It will be simple to implement. miles away so I can talk to a person to those who have served is to get them Almost everyone has a smart device face to face. the care that they have earned. When a now that we can use for this process. A veteran from El Paso, Texas, said: veteran contacts the VA, they should Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of This is exactly what happens every have the red carpet rolled out for them, my time. time you try to call for an appoint- period; but, instead, these stories are Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 ment or even get general information repeated over and over and over in minutes to the gentleman from Massa- about an existing appointment. This is communities all across the country: chusetts (Mr. MOULTON). exactly why lots of us vets end up giv- The VA won’t listen; the VA doesn’t re- Mr. MOULTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise ing up on the system. turn calls; we can’t see a doctor. today in support of H.R. 4352, the Fast- A veteran from Philadelphia, Penn- There is a disconnect between the er Care for Veterans Act, which I intro- sylvania, said: The longest I have been service of our military and the service duced with Congresswoman CATHY on hold with the VA was an hour and 45 they receive when they return home. MCMORRIS RODGERS. minutes before I gave up. Mr. MOULTON of Massachusetts and I The idea behind the bill is simple. This is not an issue of quality of introduced the Faster Care for Vet- Our Nation’s veterans deserve the same care, it is an issue of access to care. erans Act to leverage technology to cut

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.068 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7245 back on wait times. Our veterans will actually help veterans around the was instantly killed by a sustained burst of should have the same options that peo- country. machinegun fire at pointblank range from a ple have in doctors’ offices across the I encourage all Members to support concealed position near the road.’’. country. They should be able to use an this legislation. (5) Colonel Craw was killed in action on November 8, 1942, while attempting to de- app, go online to schedule; or if they I yield back the balance of my time. liver a message to broker a cease fire with want to call, they can do that, too. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. France. b 1530 HULTGREN). The question is on the mo- (b) DESIGNATION.—The Traverse City VA tion offered by the gentleman from Community-Based Outpatient Clinic of the The point is the technology to make Tennessee (Mr. ROE) that the House Department of Veterans Affairs in Traverse it easier to self-schedule already exists. suspend the rules and pass the bill, City, Michigan, shall after the date of the Why not provide it to our veterans? H.R. 4352, as amended. enactment of this Act be known and des- With this bill, we are demonstrating ignated as the ‘‘Colonel Demas T. Craw VA The question was taken; and (two- Clinic’’. to the VA that innovative technology thirds being in the affirmative) the can work. It can get our veterans the (c) REFERENCE.—Any reference in any law, rules were suspended and the bill, as regulation, map, document, paper, or other care that they have earned more quick- amended, was passed. record of the United States to the commu- ly without all the red tape. A motion to reconsider was laid on nity-based outpatient clinic referred to in But wait times are just the tip of this the table. subsection (b) shall be considered to be a ref- bureaucratic iceberg. The terrible sto- erence to the Colonel Demas T. Craw VA f ries this past week of HIV exposure and Clinic. a veteran dying with maggots in his COLONEL DEMAS T. CRAW VA The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- wounds are graphic reminders to all of CLINIC ant to the rule, the gentleman from us that the VA has lost sight of its sole Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman mission: serving veterans. move to suspend the rules and pass the from California (Mr. TAKANO) each will Veterans should be in control of all bill (S. 3492) to designate the Traverse control 20 minutes. aspects of their health care. That is City VA Community-Based Outpatient The Chair recognizes the gentleman not what is happening right now. After Clinic of the Department of Veterans from Tennessee. all the years, all the money, no more Affairs in Traverse City, Michigan, as GENERAL LEAVE excuses. It is time for a deeper look the ‘‘Colonel Demas T. Craw VA Clin- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I into rethinking this outdated govern- ic’’. ask unanimous consent that all Mem- ment bureaucracy. The Clerk read the title of the bill. bers may have 5 legislative days in Mr. Speaker, I never again want to The text of the bill is as follows: which to revise and extend their re- hear a war hero cry because of how the S. 3492 marks and add extraneous material. VA has treated him. I urge my col- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there leagues to join us in supporting the resentatives of the United States of America in objection to the request of the gen- Faster Care for Veterans Act. Congress assembled, tleman from Tennessee? Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF COLONEL DEMAS T. There was no objection. myself such time as I may consume. CRAW VA CLINIC IN TRAVERSE CITY, Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I I have no further speakers. Before I MICHIGAN. yield myself such time as I may con- close, I would like to say that I fully (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the fol- sume. appreciate the work of my friend and lowing: Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support colleague, the gentleman from Massa- (1) Demas T. Craw was born on April 9, 1900, in Long Lake Township, Michigan. of S. 3492, a bill to designate the De- chusetts (Mr. MOULTON), for the work (2) While residing in Traverse City, Michi- partment of Veterans Affairs Commu- he has done on this bill and for the way gan, Demas T. Craw enlisted in the United nity-Based Outpatient Clinic in Tra- in which he is able to reach out to vet- States Army at Columbus Barracks, Ohio, on verse City, Michigan, as the Colonel erans and those who care for veterans April 18, 1918, and trained with the 12th Cav- Demas T. Craw VA Clinic. across the country. alry at Camp Stanley, Texas. I thank the bill’s sponsor, Senator I am especially pleased that included (3) Colonel Craw achieved the position of GARY PETERS from Michigan, for his ef- in this legislation is a specific way to senior pilot and was awarded— forts in introducing this bill. independently assess the off-the-shelf (A) the Medal of Honor for action in North I also want to thank my colleague, Africa; technology as compared to the tech- (B) the World War I Victory Medal; friend, and the chairman of the Sub- nology that is being developed in-house (C) the World War II Victory Medal; committee on Health, Congressman at the VA. I think these provisions will (D) the European-African-Middle Eastern DAN BENISHEK, from Michigan, for his ensure that the taxpayer is protected Campaign Medal; work on the House side to ensure that in terms of cost, efficiency, and effec- (E) the Mexican Service Medal; Colonel Craw is honored. tiveness. And, of course, bottom line, (F) the American Defense Service Medal; Demas T. Craw was born and raised this means effectiveness for our vet- (G) the Purple Heart; in Long Lake Township, Michigan. He erans. We want to make sure that the (H) the Royal Order of George I; and enlisted in the United States Army at (I) the Observer Badge. best technology is put forward, wheth- (4) Colonel Craw’s citation for the Medal of just 18 years old and went to serve both er it is in-house or whether it is the Honor said, ‘‘For conspicuous gallantry and in World War I and World War II, even- off-the-shelf choice, that we have a way intrepidity in action above and beyond the tually earning the position of senior to independently verify which is best. call of duty. On November 8, 1942, near Port pilot. Colonel Craw served our country I want to encourage all of my col- Lyautey, French Morocco, Col. Craw volun- valiantly until he was tragically killed leagues to support this important leg- teered to accompany the leading wave of as- in combat. islation and join me in passing H.R. sault boats to the shore and pass through the In 1942, Colonel Craw volunteered to 4352. enemy lines to locate the French commander accompany the leading wave of assault I yield back the balance of my time. with a view to suspending hostilities. This boats to shore in Operation Torch, the request was first refused as being too dan- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I gerous but upon the officer’s insistence that Allied invasion of north Africa. The yield myself such time as I may con- he was qualified to undertake and accom- mission was to pass through the enemy sume. plish the mission he was allowed to go. En- lines to locate the French commander I want to thank Mr. MOULTON and countering heavy fire while in the landing with a view to suspending hostilities. one of our leaders, CATHY MCMORRIS boat and unable to dock in the river because Sadly, during the course of that mis- RODGERS, for bringing this very impor- of shell fire from shore batteries, Col. Craw, sion, Colonel Craw was instantly killed tant piece of legislation to the floor. accompanied by 1 officer and 1 soldier, suc- by a sustained burst of machine-gun One of the reasons is that it shows ceeded in landing on the beach at Mehdia fire at pointblank range from a con- Plage under constant low-level strafing from when you bring someone with real- 3 enemy planes. Riding in a bantam truck to- cealed position near the road. world experiences who uses the VA how ward French headquarters, progress of the During his illustrious time in the they can then take that and convert party was hindered by fire from our own Army, Colonel Craw accumulated nu- that into meaningful legislation that naval guns. Nearing Port Lyautey, Col. Craw merous awards, including the World

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.070 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7246 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 War I Victory Medal, the World War II tured before ultimately succeeding in I urge my colleagues to help honor Victory Medal, and the Purple Heart. suspending the hostilities, was also this American hero and pass S. 3492. He also received our Nation’s highest awarded the Medal of Honor for his ac- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I have no honor, the Medal of Honor, for his val- tions in this mission. further speakers. iant actions in north Africa. I am honored to support this bill to Before I close, I want to offer a word Colonel Demas Craw was a Michigan name the VA facility in Traverse City, of praise and affection for my good native and Traverse City resident who Michigan, the Colonel Demas T. Craw friend Dr. BENISHEK for his long service served our country with courage. It is VA Clinic. to this body and to the committee. I only appropriate that the community- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of also want to congratulate his intre- based outpatient clinic in Traverse my time. pidity for saying the word ‘‘intre- City be named in his honor. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, pidity’’ on the floor of the House. I am very pleased to support this leg- S. 3492 satisfies the committee’s it is indeed an honor to yield 3 minutes islation, and I encourage my colleagues naming criteria and is supported by the to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. BENISHEK), a great friend and col- to join me in passing S. 3492. Michigan congressional delegation as I yield back the balance of my time. well as numerous veterans organiza- league. Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I tions, including the Disabled American Dr. ROE. yield myself such time as I may con- Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars I rise today in support of legislation sume. of the United States, and the American to name the Traverse City VA Clinic In closing, it is a great privilege for Legion. after Colonel Demas T. Craw, a Medal all of us to be here on the floor of this Once again, I am grateful to Con- of Honor recipient from my district in incredible House to speak. We would gressman BENISHEK for sponsoring the Traverse City. not be able to do that if it weren’t for companion to this legislation. I urge As I soon will be retiring from Con- the heroics of people like Colonel Craw all of my colleagues to join me in sup- gress, I quickly want to say that it has and the sacrifice that he and his family porting it. been quite an honor for me to work made. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of with the chairman, JEFF MILLER, and We are entering the Christmas sea- my time. all the members of the House Veterans’ son, and I think about our Armed Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield Affairs Committee over the last 6 Forces that are stationed around the myself such time as I may consume. years. It hasn’t been an easy fight, but world, young men and women today, I rise today in support of this legisla- I believe we have made real progress that are out there protecting our Na- tion sponsored by my colleague, Dr. toward a better VA for the men and tion’s freedoms and others’ freedoms. BENISHEK. This bill will name the Tra- women who have fought for our So it is a great honor—and I think one verse City, Michigan, Community- freedom. of the things that I have enjoyed doing Based Outpatient Clinic the Colonel This sacred work must continue, as the most—naming and hearing about Demas T. Craw VA Clinic. they still deserve much better. I have the incredible heroics of some of these Colonel Craw had a distinguished faith that the next chairman of the men and women that have been before military career. He dropped out of high committee, my friend, Dr. PHIL ROE, us. I want to encourage all Members to school to enlist in the Army during will be able to continue this progress support this legislation whole- World War I. He was furloughed and and break new ground in the fight for heartedly. discharged when the war ended, but he our Nation’s heroes. I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The soon reenlisted. After being promoted I have been very pleased to assist in question is on the motion offered by to corporal, he continued to work to the effort to honor Colonel Craw in the the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. advance in the Army. He earned an ap- House, along with a dedicated team of ROE) that the House suspend the rules veterans and patriotic citizens. Led by pointment to West Point in 1920 and and pass the bill, S. 3492. graduated in 1924 as a second lieuten- retired Lieutenant Colonel Terry Hawn The question was taken; and (two- ant. and Dr. Dan Lathrop, they worked to thirds being in the affirmative) the After being assigned to the Army Air gather the over 2,000 signatures needed rules were suspended and the bill was Corps, then First Lieutenant Craw and build support within the commu- passed. served around the world and the United nity to honor this truly deserving local A motion to reconsider was laid on States. Upon entering World War II, he hero. the table. Born near Traverse City in 1900, Colo- was promoted to lieutenant colonel and f assigned to north Africa in 1942. On his nel Craw served in the U.S. Army dur- last mission, Colonel Craw volunteered ing both world wars. As a United b 1545 to approach the French forces to nego- States Army Air Forces officer in CHARLES DUNCAN BURIED WITH tiate a ceasefire when Allied forces World War II, he served as a U.S. ad- HONOR ACT OF 2016 viser to the Royal Air Force prior to began their assault. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I American entry to the war, and was Colonel Craw earned the Medal of move to suspend the rules and pass the captured and interned by German Honor for his actions on his last mis- bill (S. 3076) to amend title 38, United sion. As the citation reads: forces for 6 weeks in 1941. States Code, to authorize the Secretary He was killed in action, described For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity of Veterans Affairs to furnish caskets previously, on November 8, 1942, after in action above and beyond the call of duty and urns for burial in cemeteries of volunteering to lead a dangerous and, . . . Colonel Craw volunteered to accompany States and tribal organizations of vet- ultimately, successful mission behind the leading wave of assault boats to the erans without next of kin or sufficient shore and pass through the enemy lines to enemy lines. He received the Medal of resources to provide for caskets or locate the French commander with a view to Honor posthumously for ‘‘conspicuous urns, and for other purposes. suspending hostilities . . . Encountering gallantry and intrepidity in action heavy fire . . . Colonel Craw, accompanied The Clerk read the title of the bill. above and beyond the call of duty.’’ The text of the bill is as follows: by one officer and one soldier, succeeded in We couldn’t have done this without landing on the beach under constant strafing S. 3076 the support of the entire Michigan con- from three enemy planes. Riding toward Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- French headquarters, progress of the party gressional delegation, as well as the resentatives of the United States of America in was hindered by fire from U.S. naval guns. Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coali- Congress assembled, Nearing his destination, Colonel Craw was tion, the American Legion Department SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. instantly killed by a sustained burst of ma- of Michigan, the Veterans of Foreign This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Charles chine-gun fire at pointblank range from a Wars of Michigan, and many other vet- Duncan Buried with Honor Act of 2016’’. concealed position near the road. eran service organizations. SEC. 2. CASKETS AND URNS FOR BURIAL OF CER- Not only was Colonel Craw awarded I want to thank Senator GARY TAIN VETERANS IN CEMETERIES OF STATES AND TRIBAL ORGANIZA- the Medal of Honor for his actions, but PETERS for introducing the Senate TIONS. the officer accompanying him, Major version of this legislation that we are Section 2306(f) of title 38, United States Pierpont M. Hamilton, who was cap- considering today. Code, is amended—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.073 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7247 (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), ial options offered by the VA to the buried at a State or a tribal cemetery by striking ‘‘for burial in a national ceme- families of financially insolvent vet- for which the VA has provided a grant. tery of a deceased veteran’’ and inserting erans and to those with no identifiable By expanding the burial options avail- ‘‘for burial of a deceased veteran in a na- next of kin. able to veterans, we can better ensure tional cemetery or in a veterans cemetery of a State or tribal organization for which the I thank my friend, the Economic Op- that they are laid to rest close to their Department has provided a grant under sec- portunity Subcommittee chairman, Dr. loved ones. Let’s provide this peace of tion 2408 of this title’’; and Wenstrup, for sponsoring this bill in mind to our veterans and their fami- (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘the burial the House. lies. I strongly urge my colleagues to of the veteran in a national cemetery’’ and We who serve on the House Veterans’ support this bill. inserting ‘‘such burial’’. Affairs Committee hear over and over Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I encour- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- how important it is to the families of age my colleagues to support this legis- ant to the rule, the gentleman from many veterans that they be buried lation and join me in passing S. 3076. Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman near loved ones and near home. This is I yield back the balance of my time. from California (Mr. TAKANO) each will particularly true in rural areas where Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I control 20 minutes. the option of burial in a national vet- yield 1 minute to the gentleman from The Chair recognizes the gentleman erans’ cemetery within a manageable Arkansas (Mr. HILL). from Tennessee. travel distance is frequently not an op- Mr. HILL. I thank the distinguished GENERAL LEAVE tion. incoming chairman of the committee. I Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Under current law, indigent veterans appreciate the time. I also thank my ask unanimous consent that all Mem- and those with no next of kin are eligi- colleague in the Arkansas delegation, bers have 5 legislative days in which to ble for reimbursement rates of $2,421 Senator COTTON, for his important revise and extend their remarks and to for caskets or $244 for urns when buried work on S. 3076, which we are dis- add extraneous material on S. 3076. in a national cemetery. However, if a cussing today. I support it enthusiasti- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there State or a tribal cemetery that is sup- cally. objection to the request of the gen- ported by grants from the VA is geo- Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, July 25, tleman from Tennessee? graphically closer to the veteran’s 2015, U.S. Navy veteran and Little There was no objection. home and is preferable to the veteran Rock resident Charles Duncan passed Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I or to the family, burial there is not away at the age of 66, leaving behind a yield myself such time as I may con- currently allowed. daughter, three grandsons, three great- sume. The bill before us today provides that grandsons, a brother, and a sister, I rise to urge all Members to support choice by broadening the scope of the along with many grieving family mem- S. 3076, the Charles Duncan Buried with Dignified Burial and other Veterans’ bers, friends, and loved ones. Honor Act of 2016. Benefits Improvement Act to include Sadly, like too many of our veterans, S. 3076, which passed the Senate by the option of burial in a State or a Mr. DUNCAN was financially insolvent unanimous consent on September 20, tribal cemetery for which the Depart- and could not afford the cost of his fu- 2016, would provide indigent families of ment of Veterans Affairs has provided neral. Thankfully, he was eligible for deceased veterans with more choices as a grant. essential VA benefits to cover these they make the difficult decision about Mr. Speaker, this bill enjoys the sup- costs. However, these benefits required where to lay their loved ones to rest port of the American Legion. It makes that he be buried at the national ceme- without being financially penalized. good sense and ensures that we are tery in Fort Smith instead of close to This legislation is a practical solution doing everything in our power to pro- his home and his family in Little Rock. for a common challenge that is faced vide the greatest honor and comfort for By expanding the cemetery burial op- by too many veterans’ families. Dr. veterans and their families. I urge my tions that are offered by the VA to our Wenstrup, my colleague and a valued colleagues to support it. veterans in need, we can provide fami- member of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- I reserve the balance of my time. lies with the solace that they deserve. mittee, has sponsored H.R. 6114, the Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I I urge my colleagues to support this House companion to this bill. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from bill and support the peaceful rest of the Under current law, if a family does Ohio (Mr. WENSTRUP), an active mem- veterans we have lost. not have sufficient resources to buy a ber of the committee. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, casket or an urn for a deceased loved Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise once again, I encourage all Members to one, the VA can provide one if the vet- in strong support of S. 3076, the Charles support S. 3076. eran is buried in a national cemetery, Duncan Buried with Honor Act. I yield back the balance of my time. but not if the veteran is buried in a This bill will have a direct and per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The State or a tribal cemetery. However, sonal impact on the families of many question is on the motion offered by for some families, interring a veteran of our veterans. I am pleased that it is the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. in a national cemetery is not always being considered today, and I was ROE) that the House suspend the rules the best option. For example, a na- proud to sponsor the House companion and pass the bill, S. 3076. tional cemetery may be too far away bill, H.R. 6114. The question was taken; and (two- for families to attend burial services or Under current law, if a veteran dies thirds being in the affirmative) the to regularly visit their loved ones. without the resources to pay for a cas- rules were suspended and the bill was To better serve the families of all ket, the VA will provide one, but only passed. veterans, S. 3076 allows the VA to fur- as long as the veteran is buried in a na- A motion to reconsider was laid on nish a casket or an urn if the deceased tional cemetery. That means that, in the table. veteran is laid to rest in a national or my district and throughout the coun- f in a State or a tribal cemetery. It is try, the families in need of this service REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- appropriate to honor the service of vet- may be transported to a national ceme- VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF erans who have passed by providing a tery, which is often far from home and H.R. 5143, TRANSPARENT INSUR- casket or an urn regardless of where far from family. This has caused heart- ANCE STANDARDS ACT OF 2016; the veteran is interred. ache for many families in my district I urge my colleagues to support S. in Ohio and across the country. It can PROVIDING FOR PROCEEDINGS 3076. mean that their loved ones must be DURING THE PERIOD FROM DE- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of buried nowhere near their homes. It CEMBER 9, 2016, THROUGH JANU- my time. can prevent friends and family from at- ARY 3, 2017; AND PROVIDING FOR Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield tending the funerals or from regularly CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS TO myself such time as I may consume. visiting the grave sites. SUSPEND THE RULES I rise in support of S. 3076, the S. 3076 would amend current law to Mr. BYRNE, from the Committee on Charles Duncan Buried with Honor allow veterans who receive caskets Rules, submitted a privileged report Act, which expands the cemetery bur- that are purchased by the VA to be (Rept. No. 114–846) on the resolution (H.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.033 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Res. 944) providing for consideration of bers have 5 legislative days in which to ments for emergency medicine physi- the bill (H.R. 5143) to provide greater revise and extend their remarks and to cians. We all recognize the need for transparency and congressional over- add extraneous material on H.R. 4150, flexibility when working the rigorous sight of international insurance stand- as amended. and irregular hours that are routinely ards setting processes, and for other The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there required of emergency medicine doc- purposes; providing for proceedings objection to the request of the gen- tors. Giving the VA the ability to have during the period from December 9, tleman from Tennessee? flexible working hours that best suit 2016, through January 3, 2017; and pro- There was no objection. the demand for delivering health care viding for consideration of motions to Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I to the veterans who rely on those doc- suspend the rules, which was referred yield myself such time as I may con- tors just makes sense. to the House Calendar and ordered to sume. The current 80-hour, biweekly pay be printed. H.R. 4150, as amended, the Depart- period limitation for these doctors cre- ment of Veterans Affairs Emergency ates challenges at the VA medical cen- f Medical Staffing Recruitment and Re- ters to adequately and sensibly staff DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AF- tention Act, would authorize the VA, the emergency rooms. Generally, most FAIRS EMERGENCY MEDICAL upon written request, to modify the healthcare providers work a traditional STAFFING RECRUITMENT AND hours of employment for full-time phy- 40-hour workweek. However, for RETENTION ACT sicians to be more than or less than 80 hospitalists and emergency room phy- Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I hours in a biweekly pay period, as sicians, they may need to work more move to suspend the rules and pass the agreed to by the physician and hospital than that in a week to provide safe, bill (H.R. 4150) to amend title 38, management. quality health care to veterans who Earlier this year, the VA testified United States Code, to allow the Sec- seek services at the VA. that there are nearly 4,000 physician Ensuring access to care for veterans retary of Veterans Affairs to modify vacancies across the VA healthcare has been a major focus of this commit- the hours of employment of physicians system. The VA’s ability to effectively tee’s, and this bill will help to elimi- employed on a full-time basis by the recruit and retain high-quality medical nate the access barrier and provide a Department of Veterans Affairs, as professionals to care for our veterans is more efficient and effective way to en- amended. threatened by the Nation’s worsening sure that the emergency rooms across The Clerk read the title of the bill. physician shortage, which the Associa- the VA healthcare system are ready to The text of the bill is as follows: tion of American Medical Colleges has take care of our veterans. Importantly, H.R. 4150 stated could grow to just under 100,000 the bill also includes protections for Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- physicians by 2025. In light of this, it is physicians by requiring their consent resentatives of the United States of America in imperative that we provide the VA before they can move to the flexible Congress assembled, with every available tool to improve schedule. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. physician recruitment and to make ef- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Department ficient use of the current physician my time. of Veterans Affairs Emergency Medical Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I Staffing Recruitment and Retention Act’’. workforce. yield myself such time as I may con- SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF HOURS OF EMPLOY- Currently, the VA’s ability in both MENT FOR PHYSICIANS EMPLOYED regards is hampered by a rigid 80-hour, sume. BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS biweekly work schedule that is at odds I, too, am strongly in favor of this AFFAIRS. with private sector industry standards. bill. I don’t know where Dr. RUIZ was Section 7423(a) of title 38, United States Typically, emergency room, ER, pro- with regard to this 40-hour week, but I Code, is amended— wish he had been around when I was in (1) by striking ‘‘(a) The hours’’ and insert- viders in non-VA hospitals across the country work flexible schedules to ac- training and in practice because it ing ‘‘(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph would have been a joy to have worked (2), the hours’’; and commodate the irregular hours that (2) by adding at the end the following new emergency medicine demands. How- just 40 hours. This particular bill al- paragraph: ever, ER doctors in VA medical facili- lows the flexibility that every other ‘‘(2)(A) Upon the advance written request ties are not afforded the opportunity to hospital in the world has for staffing, of a covered physician, the Secretary may adopt the flexible schedules that their and this is with the consent of the phy- modify the hours of employment for a physi- private sector colleagues enjoy. This sicians and the hospital. It just makes cian appointed in the Administration under sense. any provision of this chapter on a full-time bill would correct that discrepancy and improve the VA’s ability to recruit and I am so glad that Dr. RUIZ brought basis to be more or less than 80 hours in a bi- this up. As a practicing ER physician, weekly pay period, subject to the require- retain ER physicians. ments in subparagraph (B). For the purpose H.R. 4150, as amended, which has my he knows about this, and he knows ex- of determining pay, such a physician shall be full support, originated as a VA legisla- actly what it is. deemed to have a biweekly schedule of 80 tive proposal and is sponsored by Con- I appreciate Dr. RUIZ bringing this up and making the committee aware of it. hours of employment. gressman RAUL RUIZ of California, who ‘‘(B) A physician with an irregular work is an emergency medical physician. I This will become a new law. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of schedule established under subparagraph (A) am grateful to him for his efforts in ad- shall be obligated to account for at least my time. 2,080 hours of employment (through perform- dressing this issue, and I urge all of my ance of work or use of leave or paid time off) colleagues to support this needed legis- b 1600 in a calendar year. lation. Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ‘‘(C) The Secretary may prescribe regula- I reserve the balance of my time. minutes to the gentleman from Cali- tions to implement this paragraph, including Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I yield fornia (Mr. RUIZ), my good friend who regulations making adjustments to address myself such time as I may consume. is an emergency room physician and a the annual hours requirement for physicians I rise in support of H.R. 4150, as member of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- who are covered by this paragraph for only a amended, introduced by my very good portion of a calendar year.’’. mittee. friend, the gentleman from California Mr. RUIZ. I would like to thank the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- (Mr. RUIZ). This legislation will im- chairman and the ranking member. ant to the rule, the gentleman from prove the recruitment and retention of Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gen- Tennessee (Mr. ROE) and the gentleman medical professionals at the Depart- tleman from Tennessee (Mr. ROE) that from California (Mr. TAKANO) each will ment of Veterans Affairs. I too had 100-, 120-hour workweeks and control 20 minutes. H.R. 4150, as amended, allows the VA months; and I was the scut, of course, The Chair recognizes the gentleman to arrange flexible physician work during my internships and residency; from Tennessee. schedules to allow for the staffing and so I understand the words that you GENERAL LEAVE full implementation of a hospitalist have spoken. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I physician system and to accommodate I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 4150, ask unanimous consent that all Mem- the unusual work schedule require- the Department of Veterans Affairs

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.079 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7249 Emergency Medical Staffing Recruit- I want to give special words of grati- tion to suspend the rules and pass the ment and Retention Act. tude to the staff in my office and the bill (H.R. 6394) to require the Federal The point is this, and it is very sim- staff on the Veterans’ Affairs Com- Communications Commission to sub- ple: the VA needs to provide high-qual- mittee for working extra hours to get mit to Congress a report on promoting ity care that is veteran-centered. That this bill done. broadband Internet access service for is why I introduced this bill which This makes enormous sense to do, veterans, on which the yeas and nays works to address the difficulty of re- and it should have been done sooner, were ordered. cruiting and retaining the best physi- but I am very glad we could get it done The Clerk read the title of the bill. cians to work within the VA in this Congress. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The healthcare system. I look very much forward to working question is on the motion offered by The problem is that, by law, the VA with Dr. ROE in the next Congress to do the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LATTA) is beholden to the bureaucratic OPM’s similar bills and bills of greater mag- 80-biweekly requirement for full-time nitude in the future. that the House suspend the rules and physicians. This does not fit with the Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this pass the bill. current practice of physicians in many legislation. I urge my colleagues to The vote was taken by electronic de- specialties, including emergency medi- join me in passing H.R. 4150, as amend- vice, and there were—yeas 411, nays 4, cine and hospital medicine. These spe- ed. not voting 18, as follows: cialties typically require more flexible, I yield back the balance of my time. [Roll No. 604] Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I often irregular working hours—some YEAS—411 weeks they work less; some weeks they too encourage all Members to support H.R. 4150. Abraham Costello (PA) Griffith work the triple amount—but it needs Adams Courtney Grijalva to fit their schedule in order for them I also want to thank both the staff of Aderholt Cramer Guinta to provide the best care that they can the minority and the majority for their Aguilar Crawford Guthrie ´ for the patient. incredible work. Alex Large, who is on Allen Crenshaw Gutierrez staff in my office, has worked very Amodei Crowley Hanabusa Also, for instance, in emergency de- Ashford Cuellar Hanna partments, it has been studied that the hard on many of these bills. Babin Culberson Hardy most dangerous time for a patient is This is a time around our country Barletta Cummings Harper during shift changes when a patient’s where many of our young men and Barr Curbelo (FL) Harris women are stationed in harm’s way Barton Davidson Hartzler care is transferred to another doctor. It Beatty Davis (CA) Hastings all depends on the quality of the trans- away from their families at the holi- Becerra Davis, Danny Heck (NV) fer, discussing what happened, and the days. I too have done that, and I just Benishek Davis, Rodney Hensarling appreciate very much the sacrifice that Bera DeFazio Herrera Beutler follow-up that the second doctor is Beyer DeGette Hice, Jody B. going to do. Therefore, emergency phy- these men and women make for us each Bilirakis Delaney Higgins sicians prefer to work 12-hour shifts in and every day. Let’s not forget that Bishop (GA) DeLauro Hill order to minimize that transfer, and there are people out there in some very Bishop (MI) DelBene Himes dangerous places right now, as we Bishop (UT) Denham Hinojosa many emergency physicians work be- Black Dent Holding yond their 12 hours in order to not speak, who are protecting our free- Blackburn DeSantis Honda transfer and just close the patient’s doms. Blum DeSaulnier Hoyer case. With that, it is indeed a pleasure to Blumenauer DesJarlais Hudson work on this committee because it is a Bonamici Deutch Huelskamp So this bill would give the VA the Bost Diaz-Balart Huffman flexibility it needs to schedule physi- bipartisan committee, and I think that Boustany Dingell Huizenga (MI) cians in a manner similar to that scene the committee is laser-focused on Boyle, Brendan Doggett Hultgren in the private sector while remaining doing what is right for veterans. F. Dold Hunter With that, I yield back the balance of Brady (PA) Donovan Hurd (TX) OPM-compliant. Brady (TX) Doyle, Michael Hurt (VA) This bill will provide VA medical my time. Brat F. Issa centers with the ability to implement The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Bridenstine Duckworth Jackson Lee flexible physician work schedules that question is on the motion offered by Brooks (AL) Duffy Jeffries the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Brooks (IN) Duncan (SC) Jenkins (KS) can accommodate hospitalists’ and Brownley (CA) Duncan (TN) Jenkins (WV) ROE) that the House suspend the rules emergency physicians’ schedules and Buchanan Edwards Johnson (GA) practices. and pass the bill, H.R. 4150, as amend- Buck Ellison Johnson (OH) ed. Bucshon Ellmers (NC) Johnson, E. B. Our veterans deserve high-quality Burgess Emmer (MN) Johnson, Sam care. Attracting the best and brightest The question was taken; and (two- thirds being in the affirmative) the Bustos Engel Jones physicians to practice at the VA is a Butterfield Eshoo Jordan rules were suspended and the bill, as critical step in that direction. Byrne Esty Joyce And like my other bills up for consid- amended, was passed. Calvert Evans Kaptur A motion to reconsider was laid on Capps Farenthold Katko eration today as part of other legisla- the table. Capuano Farr Keating tion on the floor—the Veterans Access Ca´ rdenas Fincher Kelly (IL) to Speedy Review Act, the Veterans’ f Carney Fitzpatrick Kelly (MS) Carson (IN) Fleischmann Kelly (PA) Survivors Claims Processing Automa- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Carter (GA) Fleming Kennedy tion Act—this bill works to ensure that PRO TEMPORE Carter (TX) Flores Kildee the VA works for veterans, to make Cartwright Fortenberry Kilmer The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Castro (TX) Foster Kind sure that it is about serving the vet- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings Chabot Foxx King (IA) eran. will resume on motions to suspend the Chaffetz Frankel (FL) King (NY) Let’s pass this bill, Mr. Speaker, and rules previously postponed. Chu, Judy Franks (AZ) Kinzinger (IL) take another step towards providing Cicilline Frelinghuysen Kline Votes will be taken in the following Clark (MA) Fudge Knight the highest quality care for those who order: Clarke (NY) Gabbard Kuster have given the ultimate sacrifice to H.R. 6394, by the yeas and nays; Clay Gallego Labrador our Nation. H. Res. 939, by the yeas and nays; Cleaver Garamendi LaHood I thank the chairman once again, and Clyburn Garrett LaMalfa H.R. 6416, by the yeas and nays. Coffman Gibbs Lamborn I thank the ranking member for his ef- The first electronic vote will be con- Cohen Gibson Lance forts in getting this to the floor today. ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Cole Gohmert Langevin Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Collins (GA) Goodlatte Larsen (WA) reserve the balance of my time. minute votes. Collins (NY) Gosar Larson (CT) Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, before I Comer Gowdy Latta f Comstock Graham Lawrence close, I want to just add how proud I Conaway Graves (GA) Levin am that we got this bill over the finish IMPROVING BROADBAND ACCESS Connolly Graves (LA) Lewis line, working together with the major- FOR VETERANS ACT OF 2016 Conyers Graves (MO) Lieu, Ted Cook Grayson Lipinski ity, working together with the stake- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Cooper Green, Al LoBiondo holders. finished business is the vote on the mo- Costa Green, Gene Loebsack

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.081 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Lofgren Paulsen Sinema EXPRESSING SENSE OF HOUSE Jackson Lee Messer Schiff Long Payne Sires THAT ACCESS TO DIGITAL COM- Jeffries Mica Schrader Loudermilk Pearce Slaughter Jenkins (KS) Miller (FL) Schweikert Love Pelosi Smith (MO) MUNICATIONS TOOLS AND Jenkins (WV) Moolenaar Scott (VA) Lowenthal Perlmutter Smith (NE) CONNECTIVITY IS NECESSARY Johnson (GA) Mooney (WV) Scott, Austin Lowey Perry Smith (NJ) TO PREPARE YOUTH Johnson (OH) Moore Scott, David Lucas Peters Smith (TX) Johnson, E. B. Moulton Sensenbrenner Luetkemeyer Peterson Smith (WA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Johnson, Sam Mullin Serrano Jones Mulvaney Lujan Grisham Pingree Speier finished business is the vote on the mo- Sessions Jordan Murphy (FL) (NM) Pitts Stefanik Sewell (AL) tion to suspend the rules and agree to Joyce Murphy (PA) Luja´ n, Ben Ray Pocan Stewart Sherman the resolution (H. Res. 939) expressing Kaptur Nadler Shimkus (NM) Poliquin Stivers Katko Napolitano Shuster Lummis Polis Stutzman the sense of the House of Representa- Keating Neal Simpson Lynch Pompeo Swalwell (CA) tives that access to digital communica- Kelly (IL) Neugebauer Sinema MacArthur Posey Takano tions tools and connectivity is nec- Kelly (MS) Newhouse Sires Maloney, Price (NC) Thompson (CA) essary to prepare youth in the United Kelly (PA) Noem Slaughter Carolyn Price, Tom Thompson (MS) States to compete in the 21st century Kennedy Nolan Smith (MO) Maloney, Sean Quigley Thompson (PA) Kildee Norcross economy, on which the yeas and nays Smith (NE) Marchant Rangel Thornberry Kilmer Nugent Smith (NJ) Marino Ratcliffe Tiberi were ordered. Kind Nunes Smith (TX) Massie Reed Tipton The Clerk read the title of the resolu- King (IA) O’Rourke Smith (WA) Matsui Reichert Titus tion. King (NY) Olson Speier McCarthy Renacci Tonko Kinzinger (IL) Palazzo Stefanik McCaul Rice (NY) Torres The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Kline Pallone Stewart McClintock Rice (SC) Trott question is on the motion offered by Knight Palmer Stivers Kuster Pascrell McCollum Rigell Tsongas ATTA Stutzman the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. L ) Labrador Paulsen McDermott Roby Turner Swalwell (CA) that the House suspend the rules and LaHood Payne McGovern Roe (TN) Upton Takano agree to the resolution. LaMalfa Pearce Thompson (CA) McHenry Rogers (AL) Valadao Lamborn Pelosi This is a 5-minute vote. Thompson (MS) McKinley Rogers (KY) Van Hollen Lance Perlmutter Thompson (PA) McMorris Rohrabacher Vargas The vote was taken by electronic de- Langevin Perry Thornberry Rodgers Rokita Veasey Larsen (WA) Peters vice, and there were—yeas 414, nays 1, Tiberi McNerney Rooney (FL) Vela Larson (CT) Peterson not voting 18, as follows: Tipton McSally Ros-Lehtinen Vela´ zquez Latta Pingree Titus Meadows Roskam Visclosky [Roll No. 605] Lawrence Pitts Tonko Meehan Ross Wagner Levin Pocan YEAS—414 Torres Meeks Rothfus Walberg Lewis Poliquin Trott Meng Rouzer Walden Abraham Cohen Fleming Lieu, Ted Polis Adams Cole Flores Tsongas Messer Roybal-Allard Walker Lipinski Pompeo Aderholt Collins (GA) Fortenberry Turner Mica Royce Walorski LoBiondo Posey Aguilar Collins (NY) Foster Upton Miller (FL) Ruiz Walz Loebsack Price (NC) Allen Comer Foxx Lofgren Price, Tom Valadao Moolenaar Ruppersberger Wasserman Amodei Comstock Frankel (FL) Van Hollen Mooney (WV) Rush Schultz Long Quigley Ashford Conaway Franks (AZ) Love Rangel Vargas Moore Ryan (OH) Waters, Maxine Babin Connolly Frelinghuysen Lowenthal Ratcliffe Veasey Moulton Salmon Watson Coleman Barletta Conyers Fudge Lowey Reed Vela Mullin Sa´ nchez, Linda Weber (TX) ´ Barr Cook Gabbard Lucas Reichert Velazquez Mulvaney T. Webster (FL) Beatty Cooper Gallego Luetkemeyer Renacci Visclosky Murphy (FL) Sanford Welch Becerra Costa Garamendi Lujan Grisham Ribble Wagner Murphy (PA) Sarbanes Wenstrup Benishek Costello (PA) Garrett (NM) Rice (NY) Walberg Nadler Scalise Westerman Bera Courtney Gibbs Luja´ n, Ben Ray Rice (SC) Walden Napolitano Schakowsky Williams Beyer Cramer Gibson (NM) Rigell Walker Neal Schiff Wilson (FL) Bilirakis Crawford Gohmert Lummis Roby Walorski Neugebauer Schrader Wilson (SC) Bishop (GA) Crenshaw Goodlatte Lynch Roe (TN) Walters, Mimi Newhouse Schweikert Wittman Bishop (MI) Crowley Gosar MacArthur Rogers (AL) Walz Noem Scott (VA) Womack Bishop (UT) Cuellar Gowdy Maloney, Rogers (KY) Wasserman Nolan Scott, Austin Woodall Black Culberson Graham Carolyn Rohrabacher Schultz Blackburn Cummings Granger Norcross Scott, David Yarmuth Maloney, Sean Rokita Waters, Maxine Blum Curbelo (FL) Graves (GA) Nugent Sensenbrenner Yoder Marchant Rooney (FL) Watson Coleman Blumenauer Davidson Graves (LA) Weber (TX) Nunes Serrano Yoho Marino Ros-Lehtinen Bonamici Davis (CA) Graves (MO) Webster (FL) O’Rourke Sessions Young (AK) Massie Roskam Bost Davis, Danny Grayson Welch Olson Sewell (AL) Young (IA) Matsui Ross Boustany Davis, Rodney Green, Al McCarthy Rothfus Wenstrup Palazzo Sherman Young (IN) Boyle, Brendan DeFazio Green, Gene McCaul Rouzer Westerman Pallone Shimkus Zeldin F. DeGette Griffith McClintock Roybal-Allard Williams Palmer Shuster Zinke Brady (PA) Delaney Grijalva McCollum Royce Wilson (FL) Pascrell Simpson Brady (TX) DeLauro Grothman McDermott Ruiz Wilson (SC) Brat DelBene Guinta McGovern Ruppersberger Wittman NAYS—4 Bridenstine Denham Guthrie McHenry Rush Womack Brooks (AL) Dent Gutie´rrez McKinley Russell Woodall Amash Ribble Brooks (IN) DeSantis Hanabusa Grothman Russell McMorris Ryan (OH) Yarmuth Brownley (CA) DeSaulnier Hanna Rodgers Salmon Yoder Buck DesJarlais Hardy ´ NOT VOTING—18 McNerney Sanchez, Linda Yoho Bucshon Deutch Harper McSally T. Young (AK) Bass Heck (WA) Pittenger Burgess Diaz-Balart Harris Meadows Sanford Young (IA) Brown (FL) Israel Poe (TX) Bustos Dingell Hartzler Meehan Sarbanes Young (IN) Castor (FL) Jolly Richmond Butterfield Doggett Hastings Meeks Scalise Zeldin Byrne Dold Heck (NV) Clawson (FL) Kirkpatrick Sanchez, Loretta Meng Schakowsky Zinke Calvert Donovan Heck (WA) Forbes Lee Walters, Mimi Capps Doyle, Michael Hensarling NAYS—1 Granger Miller (MI) Westmoreland Capuano F. Herrera Beutler Ca´ rdenas Duckworth Hice, Jody B. Amash 1630 Carney Duffy Higgins b Carson (IN) Duncan (SC) Hill NOT VOTING—18 Carter (GA) Duncan (TN) Himes Clawson (FL) Miller (MI) Mr. HONDA changed his vote from Carter (TX) Edwards Hinojosa Barton Forbes Pittenger Cartwright Ellison Holding ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ Israel Poe (TX) Castro (TX) Ellmers (NC) Honda So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Bass Jolly Richmond Chabot Emmer (MN) Hoyer Brown (FL) Kirkpatrick tive) the rules were suspended and the Chaffetz Engel Hudson Sanchez, Loretta Buchanan Lee Westmoreland Chu, Judy Eshoo Huelskamp Castor (FL) Loudermilk bill was passed. Cicilline Esty Huffman The result of the vote was announced Clark (MA) Evans Huizenga (MI) Clarke (NY) Farenthold Hultgren ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE as above recorded. Clay Farr Hunter The SPEAKER pro tempore (during A motion to reconsider was laid on Cleaver Fincher Hurd (TX) Clyburn Fitzpatrick Hurt (VA) the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- the table. Coffman Fleischmann Issa ing.

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Guinta Maloney, Sean Rush ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE b 1638 Guthrie Marchant Russell The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Gutie´rrez Marino Ryan (OH) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Hanabusa Massie Salmon the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- tive) the rules were suspended and the Hanna Matsui Sa´ nchez, Linda ing. resolution was agreed to. Hardy McCarthy T. Harper McCaul Sanford The result of the vote was announced Harris McClintock Sarbanes b 1646 as above recorded. Hartzler McCollum Scalise So (two-thirds being in the affirma- A motion to reconsider was laid on Hastings McDermott Schakowsky Heck (NV) McGovern tive) the rules were suspended and the the table. Schiff Heck (WA) McHenry Schrader bill was passed. f Hensarling McKinley Schweikert Herrera Beutler McMorris The result of the vote was announced Scott (VA) as above recorded. JEFF MILLER AND RICHARD Hice, Jody B. Rodgers Scott, Austin Higgins McNerney A motion to reconsider was laid on BLUMENTHAL VETERANS Scott, David Hill McSally Sensenbrenner the table. Himes Meadows HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS Serrano Hinojosa Meehan IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2016 Sessions Holding Meeks f Sewell (AL) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Honda Meng Sherman Hoyer Messer finished business is the vote on the mo- Shimkus Hudson Mica NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OFFER tion to suspend the rules and pass the Shuster Huelskamp Miller (FL) RESOLUTION RAISING A QUES- bill (H.R. 6416) to amend title 38, Simpson Huffman Moolenaar TION OF THE PRIVILEGES OF United States Code, to make certain Huizenga (MI) Mooney (WV) Sinema Hultgren Moore Sires THE HOUSE improvements in the laws administered Slaughter Hunter Moulton Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Hurd (TX) Mullin Smith (MO) and for other purposes, on which the Hurt (VA) Mulvaney Smith (NE) to clause 2(a)(1) of rule IX, I rise to yeas and nays were ordered. Issa Murphy (FL) Smith (NJ) give notice of my intent to raise a The Clerk read the title of the bill. Jackson Lee Murphy (PA) Smith (TX) question of the privileges of the House. Jeffries Nadler Smith (WA) The form of the resolution is as fol- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Jenkins (KS) Napolitano Speier question is on the motion offered by Jenkins (WV) Neal Stefanik lows: the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Johnson (GA) Neugebauer Stewart H. Res. 828, impeaching John Andrew Newhouse Stivers ROE) that the House suspend the rules Johnson (OH) Koskinen, Commissioner of the Inter- Johnson, E. B. Noem Stutzman and pass the bill. Johnson, Sam Nolan Swalwell (CA) nal Revenue Service, for high crimes This is a 5-minute vote. Jones Norcross Takano and misdemeanors. The vote was taken by electronic de- Jordan Nugent Thompson (CA) Resolved, that John Andrew Joyce Nunes Thompson (MS) Koskinen, Commissioner of the Inter- vice, and there were—yeas 419, nays 0, Kaptur O’Rourke Thompson (PA) nal Revenue Service, is impeached for not voting 14, as follows: Katko Olson Thornberry [Roll No. 606] Keating Palazzo Tiberi high crimes and misdemeanors and Kelly (IL) Pallone YEAS—419 Tipton that the following articles of impeach- Kelly (MS) Palmer Titus ment be exhibited to the Senate: Abraham Carter (TX) Doggett Kelly (PA) Pascrell Tonko Adams Cartwright Dold Kennedy Paulsen Torres Articles of impeachment exhibited by Aderholt Castro (TX) Donovan Kildee Payne Trott the House of Representatives of the Aguilar Chabot Doyle, Michael Kilmer Pearce Tsongas United States of America in the name Allen Chaffetz F. Kind Pelosi Turner of itself and of the people of the United Amash Chu, Judy Duckworth King (IA) Perlmutter Upton Amodei Cicilline Duffy King (NY) Perry Valadao States of America, against John An- Ashford Clark (MA) Duncan (SC) Kinzinger (IL) Peters Van Hollen drew Koskinen, Commissioner of the Babin Clarke (NY) Duncan (TN) Kline Peterson Vargas Internal Revenue Service, in mainte- Barletta Clay Edwards Knight Pingree Veasey Barr Cleaver Ellison nance and support of its impeachment Kuster Pitts Vela Barton Clyburn Ellmers (NC) Labrador Pocan Vela´ zquez against him for high crimes and mis- Bass Coffman Emmer (MN) LaHood Poliquin Visclosky demeanors. Beatty Cohen Engel LaMalfa Polis Wagner Article I. Becerra Cole Eshoo Pompeo Lamborn Walberg Benishek Collins (GA) Esty Posey John Andrew Koskinen, in his con- Lance Walden Bera Collins (NY) Evans Langevin Price (NC) Walker duct while Commissioner of the Inter- Beyer Comer Farenthold Larsen (WA) Price, Tom Walorski nal Revenue Service, engaged in a pat- Bilirakis Comstock Farr Larson (CT) Quigley Walters, Mimi Bishop (GA) Conaway Fincher Latta Rangel tern of conduct that is incompatible Walz Bishop (MI) Connolly Fitzpatrick Lawrence Ratcliffe with his duties as an Officer of the Wasserman Bishop (UT) Conyers Fleischmann Levin Reed Schultz United States, as follows: Black Cook Fleming Lewis Reichert Waters, Maxine Commissioner Koskinen failed in his Blackburn Cooper Flores Lieu, Ted Renacci Watson Coleman Blum Costa Fortenberry Lipinski Ribble duty to respond to lawfully issued con- Weber (TX) Blumenauer Costello (PA) Foster LoBiondo Rice (NY) gressional subpoenas. On August 2, Webster (FL) Bonamici Courtney Foxx Loebsack Rice (SC) Bost Cramer Frankel (FL) Welch 2013, the Committee on Oversight and Lofgren Rigell Government Reform of the House of Boustany Crawford Franks (AZ) Long Roby Wenstrup Boyle, Brendan Crenshaw Frelinghuysen Loudermilk Roe (TN) Westerman Representatives issued a subpoena to F. Crowley Fudge Love Rogers (AL) Williams Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew, Brady (PA) Cuellar Gabbard Wilson (FL) Lowenthal Rogers (KY) the custodian of Internal Revenue Brady (TX) Culberson Gallego Lowey Rohrabacher Wilson (SC) Brat Cummings Garamendi Lucas Rokita Wittman Service documents. That subpoena de- Bridenstine Curbelo (FL) Garrett Luetkemeyer Rooney (FL) Womack manded, among other things, ‘‘all com- Brooks (AL) Davidson Gibbs Lujan Grisham Ros-Lehtinen Woodall munications sent or received by Lois Brooks (IN) Davis (CA) Gibson Yarmuth (NM) Roskam Lerner, from January 1, 2009, to August Brownley (CA) Davis, Danny Gohmert Luja´ n, Ben Ray Ross Yoder Buchanan Davis, Rodney Goodlatte (NM) Rothfus Yoho 2, 2013’’. On February 14, 2014, following Buck DeFazio Gosar Lummis Rouzer Young (AK) the Senate’s confirmation of John An- Bucshon DeGette Gowdy Lynch Roybal-Allard Young (IA) drew Koskinen as Commissioner of the Burgess Delaney Graham MacArthur Royce Young (IN) Bustos DeLauro Granger Maloney, Ruiz Zeldin Internal Revenue Service, the Com- Butterfield DelBene Graves (GA) Carolyn Ruppersberger Zinke mittee on Oversight and Government Byrne Denham Graves (LA) Reform of the House of Representatives Calvert Dent Graves (MO) NOT VOTING—14 Capps DeSantis Grayson reissued the subpoena to him. Capuano DeSaulnier Green, Al Brown (FL) Jolly Poe (TX) On March 4, 2014, Internal Revenue Ca´ rdenas DesJarlais Green, Gene Castor (FL) Kirkpatrick Richmond Service employees in Martinsburg, Carney Deutch Griffith Clawson (FL) Lee Sanchez, Loretta Carson (IN) Diaz-Balart Grijalva Forbes Miller (MI) Westmoreland West Virginia, magnetically erased 422 Carter (GA) Dingell Grothman Israel Pittenger backup tapes, destroying as many as

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:36 Mar 17, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD16\DEC2016\H06DE6.REC H06DE6 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H7252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 24,000 of Lois Lerner’s emails respon- John Andrew Koskinen promised, ‘‘We ice, is impeached for high crimes and mis- sive to the subpoena. This action im- will be transparent about any problems demeanors and that the following articles of peded congressional investigations into we run into; and the public and cer- impeachment be exhibited to the Senate: the Internal Revenue Service targeting tainly this committee will know about Articles of impeachment exhibited by the those problems as soon as we do.’’. House of Representatives of the United of Americans based on their political States of America in the name of itself and affiliation. The American people may Commissioner Koskinen repeatedly of the people of the United States of Amer- never know the true culpability or ex- violated that promise. As early as Feb- ica, against John Andrew Koskinen, Com- tent of the Internal Revenue Service ruary 2014 and no later than April 2014, missioner of the Internal Revenue Service, in targeting because of the destruction of he was aware that a substantial por- maintenance and support of its impeachment evidence that took place. tion of Lois Lerner’s emails could not against him for high crimes and mis- Wherefore, John Andrew Koskinen, be produced to Congress. However, in a demeanors. by such conduct, warrants impeach- March 19, 2014, letter to Senator Wyden ARTICLE I ment and trial, and removal from of- of the Senate Committee on Finance, John Andrew Koskinen, in his conduct fice. Commissioner Koskinen said, ‘‘We are while Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Article II. transmitting today additional informa- Service, engaged in a pattern of conduct that John Andrew Koskinen engaged in a tion that we believe completes our pro- is incompatible with his duties as an Officer pattern of deception that demonstrates duction to your committee and the of the United States, as follows: his unfitness to serve as Commissioner House Ways and Means Committee. Commissioner Koskinen failed in his duty of the Internal Revenue Service. Com- . . . In light of these productions, I to respond to lawfully issued congressional missioner Koskinen made a series of hope that the investigations can be subpoenas. On August 2, 2013, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the false and misleading statements to concluded in the very near future.’’. At House of Representatives issued a subpoena Congress in contravention of his oath the time he sent that letter, he knew to Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew, the to tell the truth. Those false state- that the document production was not custodian of Internal Revenue Service docu- ments included the following: complete. ments. That subpoena demanded, among One, on June 20, 2014, Commissioner Commissioner Koskinen did not no- other things, ‘‘[a]ll communications sent or Koskinen testified that ‘‘since the tify Congress of any problem until received by Lois Lerner, from January 1, start of this investigation, every email June 13, 2014, when he included the in- 2009, to August 2, 2013’’. On February 14, 2014, has been preserved. Nothing has been formation on the fifth page of the third following the Senate’s confirmation of John lost. Nothing has been destroyed.’’. enclosure of a letter to the Senate Andrew Koskinen as Commissioner of the In- Two, on June 23, 2014, Commissioner Committee on Finance. ternal Revenue Service, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the Koskinen testified that the Internal Wherefore, John Andrew Koskinen, by such conduct, warrants impeach- House of Representatives reissued the sub- Revenue Service had ‘‘confirmed that poena to him. backup tapes from 2011 no longer ex- ment and trial, and removal from of- On March 4, 2014, Internal Revenue Service isted because they have been recycled, fice. employees in Martinsburg, West Virginia, pursuant to the Internal Revenue Serv- Article IV. magnetically erased 422 backup tapes, de- ice normal policy’’. He went on to ex- John Andrew Koskinen has failed to stroying as many as 24,000 of Lois Lerner’s plain that ‘‘confirmed means that act with competence and forthright- emails responsive to the subpoena. This ac- somebody went back and looked and ness in overseeing the investigation tion impeded congressional investigations made sure that in fact any backup into Internal Revenue Service tar- into the Internal Revenue Service targeting geting of Americans because of their of Americans based on their political affili- tapes that had existed had been recy- ation. The American people may never know cled’’. political affiliations as follows: Commissioner Koskinen stated in a the true culpability or extent of the Internal Three, on March 26, 2014, Commis- Revenue Service targeting because of the de- sioner Koskinen was asked during a hearing on June 20, 2014, that the Inter- nal Revenue Service had ‘‘gone to great struction of evidence that took place. hearing before the Committee on Over- Wherefore, John Andrew Koskinen, by such lengths’’ to retrieve all of Lois Lerner’s sight and Government Reform of the conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, House of Representatives, ‘‘Sir, are you emails. Commissioner Koskinen’s ac- and removal from office. tions contradicted the assurances he or are you not going to provide this ARTICLE II gave to Congress. committee all of Lois Lerner’s The Treasury Inspector General for John Andrew Koskinen engaged in a pat- emails?’’. He answered, ‘‘Yes, we will tern of deception that demonstrates his Tax Administration found over 1,000 of unfitness to serve as Commissioner of the In- do that.’’. Lois Lerner’s emails that the Internal Each of those statements was materi- ternal Revenue Service. Commissioner Revenue Service had failed to produce. ally false. On March 4, 2014, Internal Koskinen made a series of false and mis- Those discoveries took only 15 days of Revenue Service employees magneti- leading statements to Congress in contraven- investigation to uncover. The Treasury cally erased 422 backup tapes con- tion of his oath to tell the truth. Those false Inspector General for Tax Administra- statements included the following: taining as many as 24,000 of Lois tion searched a number of available (1) On June 20, 2014, Commissioner Lerner’s emails. On February 2, 2014, sources, including disaster backup Koskinen testified that ‘‘since the start of senior Internal Revenue Service offi- tapes, Lois Lerner’s Blackberry, the this investigation, every email has been pre- cials discovered that Lois Lerner’s email server, backup tapes for the served. Nothing has been lost. Nothing has computer hard drive had crashed, ren- email server, and Lois Lerner’s tem- been destroyed.’’. dering hundreds or thousands of her (2) On June 23, 2014, Commissioner porary replacement laptop. The Inter- Koskinen testified that the Internal Revenue emails unrecoverable. Commissioner nal Revenue Service failed to examine Koskinen’s false statements impeded Service had ‘‘confirmed that backup tapes any of those sources in its own inves- from 2011 no longer existed because they and confused congressional investiga- tigation. have been recycled, pursuant to the Internal tions into the Internal Revenue Service Wherefore, John Andrew Koskinen, Revenue Service normal policy’’. He went on targeting of Americans based on their by such conduct, warrants impeach- to explain that ‘‘[c]onfirmed means that political affiliation. ment, trial, and removal from office. somebody went back and looked and made Wherefore, John Andrew Koskinen, sure that in fact any backup tapes that had f by such conduct, warrants impeach- existed had been recycled’’. ment and trial, and removal from of- RAISING A QUESTION OF THE (3) On March 26, 2014, Commissioner fice. PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE Koskinen was asked during a hearing before the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Article III. Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I offer John Andrew Koskinen, throughout ment Reform of the House of Representa- this resolution, H. Res. 828, for consid- tives, ‘‘Sir, are you or are you not going to his tenure as Commissioner of the In- eration by the full House. provide this committee all of Lois Lerner’s ternal Revenue Service, has acted in a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The emails?’’. He answered, ‘‘Yes, we will do manner inconsistent with the trust and Clerk will report the resolution. that.’’. confidence placed in him as an Officer The Clerk read as follows: Each of those statements was materially of the United States, as follows: H. RES. 828 false. On March 4, 2014, Internal Revenue During his confirmation hearing be- Resolved, That John Andrew Koskinen, Service employees magnetically erased 422 fore the Senate Committee on Finance, Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Serv- backup tapes containing as many as 24,000 of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.038 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7253 Lois Lerner’s emails. On February 2, 2014, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The DesJarlais King (NY) Roby senior Internal Revenue Service officials dis- question is on the motion to table. Diaz-Balart Kinzinger (IL) Roe (TN) Dold Kline Rogers (AL) covered that Lois Lerner’s computer hard The question was taken; and the drive had crashed, rendering hundreds or Donovan Knight Rogers (KY) Duffy Labrador thousands of her emails unrecoverable. Com- Speaker pro tempore announced that Rohrabacher Duncan (SC) LaHood Rokita missioner Koskinen’s false statements im- the noes appeared to have it. Duncan (TN) LaMalfa Rooney (FL) peded and confused congressional investiga- Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, on that I Ellmers (NC) Lamborn Ros-Lehtinen tions into the Internal Revenue Service tar- demand the yeas and nays. Emmer (MN) Lance Roskam geting of Americans based on their political The yeas and nays were ordered. Farenthold Latta Ross affiliation. The vote was taken by electronic de- Fincher LoBiondo Rothfus Wherefore, John Andrew Koskinen, by such Fitzpatrick Long Rouzer conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, vice, and there were—yeas 180, nays Fleischmann Loudermilk Royce and removal from office. 235, not voting 18, as follows: Fleming Love Russell Flores Lucas ARTICLE III [Roll No. 607] Salmon Fortenberry Luetkemeyer Sanford John Andrew Koskinen, throughout his YEAS—180 Foxx Lummis Scalise Franks (AZ) MacArthur tenure as Commissioner of the Internal Rev- Adams Frankel (FL) Neal Schweikert Frelinghuysen Marchant enue Service, has acted in a manner incon- Aguilar Fudge Scott, Austin Nolan Garrett Marino sistent with the trust and confidence placed Ashford Gabbard Sensenbrenner Norcross Gibbs Massie in him as an Officer of the United States, as Bass Gallego Sessions O’Rourke Gibson McCarthy Beatty Garamendi Shimkus follows: Pallone Gohmert McCaul Becerra Graham Shuster During his confirmation hearing before the Pascrell Goodlatte McClintock Bera Grayson Simpson Senate Committee on Finance, John Andrew Payne Gosar McHenry Beyer Green, Al Smith (MO) Koskinen promised, ‘‘[W]e will be trans- Pelosi Gowdy McKinley Bishop (GA) Green, Gene Smith (NE) parent about any problems we run into; and Perlmutter Granger McMorris Blumenauer Grijalva Smith (NJ) Peters Graves (GA) Rodgers the public and certainly this committee will Bonamici Gutie´rrez Smith (TX) Peterson Graves (LA) McSally know about those problems as soon as we Boyle, Brendan Hanabusa Stefanik Pingree Graves (MO) Meadows do.’’. F. Hastings Stewart Pocan Griffith Meehan Commissioner Koskinen repeatedly vio- Brady (PA) Heck (WA) Stivers Polis Grothman Messer lated that promise. As early as February 2014 Brownley (CA) Higgins Guinta Mica Stutzman Bustos Himes Price (NC) and no later than April 2014, he was aware Guthrie Miller (FL) Thompson (PA) Butterfield Hinojosa Quigley that a substantial portion of Lois Lerner’s Hanna Moolenaar Thornberry Capps Honda Rangel emails could not be produced to Congress. Hardy Mooney (WV) Tiberi Capuano Hoyer Rice (NY) However, in a March 19, 2014, letter to Sen- Harper Mullin Tipton Ca´ rdenas Huffman Roybal-Allard ator Wyden of the Senate Committee on Fi- Harris Mulvaney Trott Carney Israel Ruiz Hartzler Murphy (PA) Turner nance, Commissioner Koskinen said, ‘‘We are Carson (IN) Jackson Lee Ruppersberger Hensarling Neugebauer Upton transmitting today additional information Cartwright Jeffries Rush Herrera Beutler Newhouse Valadao that we believe completes our production to Castro (TX) Johnson (GA) Ryan (OH) Hice, Jody B. Noem Wagner your committee and the House Ways and Chu, Judy Johnson, E. B. Sa´ nchez, Linda Hill Nugent Walberg Cicilline Kaptur T. Means [C]ommittee. . . . In light of these Holding Nunes Walden Clark (MA) Keating productions, I hope that the investigations Sarbanes Hudson Olson Walker Clarke (NY) Kelly (IL) can be concluded in the very near future.’’. Schakowsky Huelskamp Palazzo Walorski Clay Kennedy At the time he sent that letter, he knew that Schiff Huizenga (MI) Palmer Walters, Mimi Cleaver Kildee the document production was not complete. Schrader Hultgren Paulsen Weber (TX) Clyburn Kilmer Scott (VA) Hunter Pearce Webster (FL) Commissioner Koskinen did not notify Cohen Kind Scott, David Hurd (TX) Perry Wenstrup Congress of any problem until June 13, 2014, Connolly Kuster Serrano Hurt (VA) Pitts Westerman when he included the information on the Conyers Langevin Sewell (AL) Jenkins (KS) Poliquin Williams fifth page of the third enclosure of a letter to Cooper Larson (CT) Sherman Jenkins (WV) Pompeo Wilson (SC) Costa Lawrence the Senate Committee on Finance. Sinema Johnson (OH) Posey Wittman Courtney Levin Wherefore, John Andrew Koskinen, by such Sires Johnson, Sam Price, Tom Womack Crowley Lewis conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, Slaughter Jones Ratcliffe Woodall Cuellar Lipinski and removal from office. Smith (WA) Jordan Reed Yoder Cummings Loebsack Speier Joyce Reichert Yoho ARTICLE IV Davis (CA) Lofgren Swalwell (CA) Katko Renacci Young (IA) John Andrew Koskinen has failed to act Davis, Danny Lowenthal Takano Kelly (MS) Ribble Young (IN) with competence and forthrightness in over- DeFazio Lowey Thompson (CA) Kelly (PA) Rice (SC) Zeldin DeGette Lujan Grisham seeing the investigation into Internal Rev- Thompson (MS) King (IA) Rigell Zinke Delaney (NM) enue Service targeting of Americans because Titus DeLauro Luja´ n, Ben Ray of their political affiliations as follows: Tonko NOT VOTING—18 Commissioner Koskinen stated in a hear- DelBene (NM) Dent Lynch Torres Brown (FL) Jolly Pittenger ing on June 20, 2014, that the Internal Rev- DeSaulnier Maloney, Tsongas Castor (FL) Kirkpatrick Poe (TX) enue Service had ‘‘gone to great lengths’’ to Deutch Carolyn Vargas Clawson (FL) Larsen (WA) Richmond retrieve all of Lois Lerner’s emails. Commis- Dingell Maloney, Sean Veasey Forbes Lee Sanchez, Loretta sioner Koskinen’s actions contradicted the Doggett Matsui Vela Heck (NV) Lieu, Ted Van Hollen assurances he gave to Congress. Doyle, Michael McCollum Vela´ zquez Issa Miller (MI) Westmoreland Visclosky The Treasury Inspector General for Tax F. McDermott ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Duckworth McGovern Walz Administration found over 1,000 of Lois The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Lerner’s emails that the Internal Revenue Edwards McNerney Wasserman Schultz Service had failed to produce. Those discov- Ellison Meeks the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Engel Meng Waters, Maxine ing. eries took only 15 days of investigation to Eshoo Moore Watson Coleman uncover. The Treasury Inspector General for Esty Moulton Welch Tax Administration searched a number of Evans Murphy (FL) Wilson (FL) b 1719 available sources, including disaster backup Farr Nadler Yarmuth Mr. NOLAN changed his vote from tapes, Lois Lerner’s Blackberry, the email Foster Napolitano Young (AK) ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ server, backup tapes for the email server, NAYS—235 and Lois Lerner’s temporary replacement So the motion to table was rejected. laptop. The Internal Revenue Service failed Abraham Boustany Cole The result of the vote was announced to examine any of those sources in its own Aderholt Brady (TX) Collins (GA) Allen Brat Collins (NY) as above recorded. investigation. Amash Bridenstine Comer A motion to reconsider was laid on Wherefore, John Andrew Koskinen, by such Amodei Brooks (AL) Comstock the table. conduct, warrants impeachment, trial, and Babin Brooks (IN) Conaway Stated against: removal from office. Barletta Buchanan Cook Barr Buck Costello (PA) Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I was too far away b 1700 Barton Bucshon Cramer to return for the vote in time. Had I been Benishek Burgess Crawford present, I would have voted ‘‘nay’ on rollcall The SPEAKER pro tempore. The res- Bilirakis Byrne Crenshaw olution presents a question of privi- Bishop (MI) Calvert Culberson No. 607. lege. Bishop (UT) Carter (GA) Curbelo (FL) PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Black Carter (TX) Davidson MOTION TO TABLE Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I Blackburn Chabot Davis, Rodney Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I move to Blum Chaffetz Denham rise for a parliamentary inquiry based lay the resolution on the table. Bost Coffman DeSantis upon the resolution before us and the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE7.039 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 most somber responsibility of impeach- it, in fact, true that Mr. Koskinen’s McSally Renacci Stefanik ment. term extends well into the next Presi- Meehan Rice (NY) Stewart Meeks Rice (SC) Stivers The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- dent’s term all the way until Novem- Meng Richmond Swalwell (CA) tlewoman from Texas will state her ber? Is that true? Mica Roe (TN) Takano parliamentary inquiry. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Miller (FL) Rogers (AL) Thompson (CA) Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, the Chair cannot advise on that matter. Moolenaar Rogers (KY) Thompson (MS) inquiry is the underlying premise as to Moore Rokita Thompson (PA) The question is on the motion to Moulton Ros-Lehtinen Thornberry whether or not an impeachment should refer. Mullin Roskam Tiberi go forward when there are questions The question was taken; and the Murphy (FL) Ross Tipton that are not documented of malfea- Speaker pro tempore announced that Murphy (PA) Rothfus Titus sance or malice or the interpretation of the ayes appeared to have it. Nadler Roybal-Allard Tonko Napolitano Royce Torres the Madison Papers or the impeach- RECORDED VOTE Neal Ruiz Trott ment articles under the Constitution. Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I demand Neugebauer Ruppersberger Tsongas Obviously, we are now preparing to a recorded vote. Newhouse Ryan (OH) Turner ´ refer. A recorded vote was ordered. Nolan Sanchez, Linda Upton My question, Mr. Speaker, is whether Norcross T. Valadao The vote was taken by electronic de- Nugent Sarbanes Vargas or not we have made the appropriate vice, and there were—ayes 342, noes 72, Nunes Scalise Veasey documentation in the resolutions of not voting 19, as follows: O’Rourke Schakowsky Vela Olson Schiff Vela´ zquez the Articles of Impeachment that we [Roll No. 608] should even refer this at all? Palazzo Schrader Visclosky AYES—342 I raise the question on a parliamen- Pallone Scott (VA) Walden Pascrell Scott, Austin Walorski tary inquiry. Abraham Davis (CA) Honda Adams Davis, Danny Hoyer Paulsen Scott, David Walters, Mimi The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Aguilar Davis, Rodney Hudson Payne Sensenbrenner Walz Chair has ruled that this resolution Amodei DeFazio Huffman Pelosi Serrano Wasserman raises a question of the privileges of Ashford DeGette Huizenga (MI) Perlmutter Sessions Schultz Barletta Delaney Hultgren Peters Sewell (AL) Waters, Maxine the House, and it is up to the House to Barr DeLauro Hurd (TX) Peterson Sherman Watson Coleman dispose of that question. Bass DelBene Hurt (VA) Pingree Shimkus Wenstrup Ms. JACKSON LEE. I thank you, Mr. Beatty Denham Israel Pocan Shuster Westerman Speaker. Becerra Dent Issa Poliquin Simpson Wilson (FL) Benishek DeSaulnier Jackson Lee Let me say that the substance of the Polis Sinema Wilson (SC) Bera Diaz-Balart Jeffries Pompeo Sires Womack Articles of Impeachment do not meet Beyer Dingell Jenkins (KS) Price (NC) Slaughter Woodall Bishop (GA) Doggett Jenkins (WV) the standards that are evidenced in the Price, Tom Smith (MO) Yarmuth Bishop (MI) Dold Johnson (GA) Quigley Smith (NE) Yoder articles in the Constitution or inter- Bishop (UT) Donovan Johnson (OH) Smith (NJ) Young (AK) pretive works, such as the Madison Pa- Black Doyle, Michael Johnson, E. B. Rangel pers. I believe it is without substance, Blumenauer F. Jones Ratcliffe Smith (TX) Young (IA) Reed Smith (WA) Young (IN) and I would hope that we would not Bonamici Duckworth Joyce Bost Duffy Kaptur Reichert Speier refer this at this time. Boustany Duncan (TN) Katko The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Boyle, Brendan Edwards Keating NOES—72 tlewoman is not stating a parliamen- F. Ellison Kelly (IL) Aderholt Harris Perry Brady (PA) Ellmers (NC) Kelly (PA) Allen Hartzler Pitts tary inquiry. Brady (TX) Emmer (MN) Kennedy Amash Herrera Beutler Posey MOTION TO REFER Brooks (IN) Engel Kildee Babin Hice, Jody B. Ribble Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I Brownley (CA) Eshoo Kilmer Buchanan Esty Kind Barton Huelskamp Rigell have a motion at the desk. Bucshon Evans King (NY) Bilirakis Hunter Roby The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Burgess Farenthold Kinzinger (IL) Blackburn Johnson, Sam Rohrabacher Clerk will report the motion offered by Bustos Farr Kline Blum Jordan Rooney (FL) Butterfield Fincher Knight Brat Kelly (MS) Rouzer the gentleman from Virginia. Calvert Fitzpatrick Kuster Bridenstine King (IA) Russell The Clerk read as follows: Capps Fleischmann LaHood Brooks (AL) Labrador Salmon Mr. Goodlatte moves that the resolution be Capuano Flores Lance Buck LaMalfa Sanford referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. Ca´ rdenas Fortenberry Langevin Byrne Lamborn Schweikert Carney Foster Larson (CT) Chaffetz Long Stutzman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Carson (IN) Foxx Latta Davidson Lummis Wagner tleman from Virginia is recognized for Carter (GA) Frankel (FL) Lawrence DeSantis Marchant Walberg Carter (TX) Franks (AZ) Levin DesJarlais Massie Walker 1 hour. Cartwright Frelinghuysen Lewis Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, Duncan (SC) Meadows Weber (TX) Castro (TX) Fudge Lieu, Ted Fleming Messer Webster (FL) Chabot Gabbard Lipinski Members have different opinions about Garrett Mooney (WV) Williams Chu, Judy Gallego LoBiondo what to do to address the allegations of Gohmert Mulvaney Wittman Cicilline Garamendi Loebsack misconduct against IRS Commissioner Clark (MA) Gibbs Lofgren Gosar Noem Yoho John Koskinen. Some would impeach Clarke (NY) Gibson Loudermilk Graves (LA) Palmer Zeldin him; others would censure him. Still Clay Goodlatte Love Griffith Pearce Zinke Cleaver Gowdy Lowenthal others would impose no penalty. Clyburn Graham Lowey NOT VOTING—19 To address these differences of opin- Coffman Granger Lucas Brown (FL) Kirkpatrick Rush ion and to ensure this body administers Cohen Graves (GA) Luetkemeyer Castor (FL) Larsen (WA) Sanchez, Loretta Cole Graves (MO) Lujan Grisham due process in these deliberations, I Clawson (FL) Lee Van Hollen Collins (GA) Grayson (NM) Deutch McDermott Welch recommend that the House refer this Collins (NY) Green, Al Luja´ n, Ben Ray matter to the House Judiciary Com- Comer Green, Gene (NM) Forbes Miller (MI) Westmoreland mittee. Comstock Grijalva Lynch Heck (NV) Pittenger Conaway Grothman MacArthur Jolly Poe (TX) I yield back the balance of my time, Connolly Guinta Maloney, and I move the previous question on Conyers Guthrie Carolyn the motion to refer. Cook Gutie´rrez Maloney, Sean b 1740 The previous question was ordered. Cooper Hanabusa Marino Costa Hanna Matsui Messrs. BILIRAKIS and PALMER PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Costello (PA) Hardy McCarthy changed their vote from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Mr. MASSIE. Mr. Speaker, I have a Courtney Harper McCaul Cramer Hastings McClintock So the motion to refer was agreed to. parliamentary inquiry. Crawford Heck (WA) McCollum The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Crenshaw Hensarling McGovern The result of the vote was announced tleman from Kentucky will state his Crowley Higgins McHenry as above recorded. parliamentary inquiry. Cuellar Hill McKinley Culberson Himes McMorris A motion to reconsider was laid on Mr. MASSIE. Mr. Speaker, is this im- Cummings Hinojosa Rodgers the table. peachment resolution necessary or is Curbelo (FL) Holding McNerney

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.091 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7255 PROVIDING FOR THE PRINTING OF There was no objection. responsibilities to the communities of A REVISED EDITION OF THE A motion to reconsider was laid on this country as soon as possible. RULES AND MANUAL OF THE the table. f HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f HONORING ERIC ELLSWORTH FOR THE ONE HUNDRED FIF- TEENTH CONGRESS BIG TEN CHAMPION PENN STATE (Mr. BISHOP of Utah asked and was NITTANY LIONS given permission to address the House Mr. MCCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, I send for 1 minute.) to the desk a resolution and ask unani- (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, mous consent for its immediate consid- asked and was given permission to ad- today I rise in honor of Utah Highway eration. dress the House for 1 minute and to re- Patrol trooper and Brigham City resi- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- vise and extend his remarks.) dent Eric Ellsworth, who was killed on tion. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. November 18 in the line of duty. Eric The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Big was selflessly working to ensure the KATKO). Is there objection to the re- Ten football champions, the Penn safety of others on a rural road in Box quest of the gentleman from Cali- State Nittany Lions. Elder County when he was tragically fornia? Following a series of impressive vic- struck by a car and died several days There was no objection. tories that stunned the Nation, Penn The text of the resolution is as State, my alma mater, finished the later of the wounds that he sustained. In the days since his death, Eric’s follows: regular season ranked fifth in the Na- family, friends, and fellow troopers H. RES. 945 tion. After falling behind to Wisconsin 28– have honored his memory, recalling his Resolved, That a revised edition of the 14 at halftime, Penn State’s chances to love for his family, his passion for life, Rules and Manual of the House of Represent- his kindness, and his faith. atives for the One Hundred Fifteenth Con- take home the Big Ten trophy looked gress be printed and bound for the use of the bleak; but under the leadership of Big Today, Mr. Speaker, we honor Eric House of Representatives, of which nine hun- Ten Coach of the Year James Franklin, for the courage that he demonstrated dred eighty copies shall be bound in leather the Nittany Lions rallied to score 24 on a daily basis to protect the citizens with thumb index and delivered as may be points in the second half to win the Big of Utah. We are going to remember his directed by the Parliamentarian of the Ten championship. Throughout the heroic sacrifice and those of others like House. game, they showed grit, determination, him who dedicate themselves to the The resolution was agreed to. and sportsmanship, making me proud safety of others, regardless of personal A motion to reconsider was laid on to be a fellow Penn Stater. danger. the table. Congratulations to the Nittany Lions My prayers go out to Eric’s wife, his f on an impressive season, and I wish sons, and his extended family during this very difficult time. DIRECTING THE CLERK OF THE you the best of luck in the Rose Bowl. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES We are. f TO MAKE A CORRECTION IN THE f HONORING CHOCO GONZALEZ ENROLLMENT OF H.R. 34 b 1745 MEZA Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- (Mr. CASTRO of Texas asked and was HOUSING DISCRIMINATION imous consent to take from the Speak- given permission to address the House LAWSUIT AGAINST FANNIE MAE er’s table the concurrent resolution (H. for 1 minute.) Con. Res. 174) directing the Clerk of the (Ms. KAPTUR asked and was given Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I House of Representatives to make a permission to address the House for 1 rise today to honor the life and legacy correction in the enrollment of H.R. 34, minute.) of Choco Gonzalez Meza, a beloved with the Senate amendment thereto, Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to- mother, grandmother, and friend, who and concur in the Senate amendment. night in support of the housing dis- changed the face of Texas politics. Her The Clerk read the title of the con- crimination lawsuit filed against the recent passing is a tremendous loss not current resolution. Federal National Mortgage Association only for her family, but for so many The SPEAKER pro tempore. The yesterday, Monday, by the National throughout Texas and the Nation Clerk will report the Senate amend- Fair Housing Alliance and 20 local fair whose lives she touched. ment. housing organizations across our Na- Born in Coahuila, Mexico, Choco and The Clerk read as follows: tion. The lawsuit properly alleges her family immigrated to the United Senate amendment: Fannie Mae purposely failed to main- States when she was just 3 years old. Beginning on page 1, line 7, strike ‘‘fol- tain its foreclosed properties in African She graduated from St. Mary’s Univer- lowing correction:’’ and all that follows and American and Latino neighborhoods to sity in San Antonio and went on to insert the following: the same condition as it maintains hold a number of leadership positions ‘‘following corrections: properties in Caucasian neighborhoods. throughout her career. Whether at non- ‘‘(1) Amend the long title so as to read: ‘An Over 20 cities were involved in this fil- profits like the YWCA, through public Act to accelerate the discovery, development, ing, and investigations revealed severe service as deputy assistant secretary at and delivery of 21st century cures, and for other maintenance issues in communities of purposes.’. the Department of Housing and Urban ‘‘(2) Amend the section heading for section color, in contrast to Freddie Mac, Development, or in politics as Bexar 1001 so as to read: ‘BEAU BIDEN CANCER MOON- which maintains its properties at a County Democratic chair, Choco tire- SHOT AND NIH INNOVATION PROJECTS’. much higher standard in all neighbor- lessly fought for social justice and ‘‘(3) Amend the table of contents in section 1 hoods. strove to create opportunity for so that the item relating to section 1001 reads as With a net income of over $45 billion marginalized groups. follows: over the last 2 years, Fannie Mae re- Choco was truly a historic figure in ‘‘ ‘1001. Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot and NIH mains one of the largest issuers of sin- Texas politics and a compassionate, innovation projects.’.’’. gle-family, mortgage-related securi- selfless soul. We mourn her passing and Mr. UPTON (during the reading). Mr. ties. This year, Fannie Mae reported are grateful for all she gave to our Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to holding over 40 million foreclosed prop- community in San Antonio and to our dispense with the reading. erties, many of which they do not Nation’s democracy. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there maintain. f objection to the request of the gen- So why hasn’t Fannie Mae main- tleman from Michigan? tained its foreclosed properties in Afri- DEFERRED ACTION FOR There was no objection. can American and Latino commu- CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS PROGRAM The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there nities? They certainly have enough (Mr. O’ROURKE asked and was given objection to the original request of the profits to do so. May the judges rule in permission to address the House for 1 gentleman from Michigan? favor of Fannie Mae meeting its public minute.)

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.094 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7256 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Mr. O’ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, this is think about when we talk about manu- a big winery in California told me as I Nesbly Nayeli Saenz. She lives in my facturing. So we will just put this up was touring there a couple of years community, where she is raising a 14-, here and be reminded about American ago. When I was talking about manu- an 11-, and a 6-year-old U.S. citizen manufacturing. facturing, he said: Hey, come. Let’s family. She is actively involved in the Think of the American farmer. Is take a look out the back of my office. success of our community. She works that manufacturing? Well, I don’t I said: Fine. Let’s go. two jobs, and she recently came out know. You take sun, water, earth, He said: Do you see that? with over 320 other El Pasoans to talk seeds, effort, entrepreneurialism, and I said: Yes. Those are huge tanks and about the importance of ensuring that you make something called food. We pumps and all the rest. the DREAMers, 750,000 of our fellow are going to take it just a step beyond He said: No. That is a manufacturing Americans who were brought here to that, because part of the manufac- facility, and what we make is the best this country at a young age, are able to turing in America really is the prepa- wine in the entire world. stay here. The uncertainty created by ration of food for Americans; in other Indeed, it was very, very good wine. our President-elect’s promise to end words, the producing of the food taken So when we talk about bringing man- the DACA program is creating anxiety out of the field and prepared for sale to ufacturing jobs back to America—and and fear for these DREAMers and may American families—some of it in the there has been much discussion, as Mr. ultimately lead to their deportation, grocery stores, some of it now in farm- Trump has gone off to a Carrier plant which will hurt not just those DREAM- er’s markets. But the manufacturing of in Indiana—we ought to also think ers and their families, it will hurt our food is a huge industry. about food manufacturing, and that is country. It is also an industry that has enor- something that is not going to dis- I ask the President-elect and I ask mous growth potential. We know that, appear from the American scene be- this Congress to do our jobs to provide for example, just in the Central Valley cause, hey, it is grown here in America, that certainty to make sure that our of California, which I represent—the and it needs to be processed here in laws reflect our values and that we Sacramento Valley and the San Joa- America. keep wonderful Americans like Nesbly quin Valley—there are 1,659 food and I want to take this so that we under- in our communities, in our country. It beverage manufacturing establish- stand the full extent of the potential is going to be good for them, and it is ments that are part of that food chain: here. And if we have these elements in going to be good for our country. taking rice from the fields in my dis- place, we will be able to create a very f trict to the brewery and producing significant number of jobs. Trade policy, I am not going to get MAKE IT IN AMERICA something that many Americans want on a Sunday afternoon at the tailgate into that anymore, but this is a big The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under party before the football game, beer, or piece of every trade deal: Will Amer- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- maybe it is from the vineyards to the ican agriculture, the farmers and the uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Cali- winery, and then think about all of the processors of those products, be able to fornia (Mr. GARAMENDI) is recognized other pieces that go into that. There is trade into the international market? for 60 minutes as the designee of the the package in which the six-pack is By and large, American agriculture has minority leader. packed or the crate into which the bot- been precluded, through various trade Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, to- deals of the past, from being able to night I will continue on a quest that tles of wine are sent off to the local re- reach its full potential in international we have been challenged with for the tail store. All of those pieces are also expanded trade. last 7 years, and that is how to grow by the machinery that is in the winery I want to talk specifically about the American economy. labor for a moment, and these are the Coming out of the Great Recession, or in the brewery or in the tomato fac- statistics from the California Depart- where we lost millions of jobs and some tory. All of these are jobs. And in many 2 million manufacturing jobs that were cases, these are American manufac- ment of Labor Marketing and Informa- in addition to the previous 6 million turing jobs way, way back in the chain tion Division. Between 2012 and 2022—so 4 of those that had been lost in the years ahead of that have produced the pump or the the Great Recession, we searched for electric motor or the pipe or the vat years have already gone by—there will how to rebuild the American economy into which all of these products would be, in California, 51,900 total openings and the great manufacturing base that be manufactured. So when we talk in the food manufacturing sector. once was the foundation for economic about manufacturing in the food indus- Some of those are replacements; 27,000 growth and the foundation for the mid- try, which is usually ignored when we of those would be to replace people who dle class. This quest takes us yet again talk about manufacturing in America, are retiring and 24,000 will be new open- to, really, something that most Ameri- we need to realize that it is a huge part ings as the manufacturing of food ex- cans do not consider as manufacturing. of the American economy and the pands. They are in every category you Let me start with a very quick re- American manufacturing scene. can imagine: packing and filling ma- view of the project that we have been I was recently at one of the largest chine operators, cleaners of the vehi- working on, which we call the Make It tomato packing plants in California, cles and the equipment, inspectors, in- In America project, so that Americans the CPC plant in Woodland, California, dustrial machine mechanics, packers can make it. Wouldn’t we want all of that produces every kind of tomato and packagers, drivers and sale work- our families to be able to make it in paste you might want, all of the to- ers, general operations, and managers. America, to be able to buy that house, mato sauce, all of the salsa. You name That is a huge number. There are al- to educate our kids, to take the vaca- it, it is manufactured there in a very most 52,000 new jobs available just in tion? complex environment in which, season- the food processing sector of the Cali- So the Make It In America project ally, there are 1,200 workers and, annu- fornia economy. includes trade, about which there has ally, 125 that are left to maintain, to Now, we make policy around here in been much discussion in these recent improve the equipment, and to take every one of these areas, and the poli- years, in the debates in the election care of any problems that occurred in cies can enhance the food industry in process; tax policy, which we will be that manufacturing process. There are the United States and create even more dealing with shortly, and I may touch also hundreds of employed truckers jobs in the United States. I want to on that just lightly today; energy pol- who then take those cases of tomato give one example, and this is a piece of icy; labor; education; research; and in- paste, put them on the truck, and ship legislation that we have introduced frastructure. them all the way across America, or here in Congress. We call it the Amer- These are some of the critical ele- put them on a train or put them in a ican Food for American Schools Act— ments that we focus on when we talk container to be taken to the Port of American food for American schools. It about making it in America so that Oakland and then shipped overseas. is H.R. 6299. Americans can make it in America. So when you consider the agricul- Now, for years, we have had the Today I want to talk about a couple tural industry, think beyond the farm- School Lunch Act, providing nutri- of pieces of this that we normally don’t er. Think to what one of the bosses at tional food for kids at school, and the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.097 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7257 law has been pretty clear. It is Federal So the American Food for American country forward but also moving our tax dollars, your tax dollars, mine. The Schools Act will have to be taken up Nation forward. American taxpayers’ money is sup- next year. I believe it already is a bi- To that end, I started the Congres- posed to be used to buy American-pro- partisan bill, and I would expect that sional United Solutions Caucus with duced food. So maybe it is a peach or next year it will have even more sup- likeminded Members from both sides of an apple, or maybe it is orange juice or port as we make it clear that if we the aisle. Working together, we intro- perhaps one of those little packages of want to make it in America then we duced major bipartisan legislation that mixed fruits. Whatever it happens to have to use our laws to support the would cut nearly $500 billion in govern- be, your tax dollars are supposed to be American manufacturing sector. And ment spending over 10 years by rooting spent on American-produced food. tonight, if it is not yet clear, I will say out waste, inefficiencies, and finding However, that is not necessarily the it again. The farmer manufactures some wasteful spending. I am proud case, because there is a loophole as food—sunlight, water, soil, nutrients, that several of the commonsense meas- wide as a container ship, and schools entrepreneurial activity, hard work ures outlined in the SAVE Act were ac- across the Nation have been able to use and labor to make the food—and then tually passed as part of the House an- that loophole to avoid buying Amer- that food moves through the processing nual appropriations process, showing ican food, even though they are using chain, creating additional manufac- that both parties can actually work to- American taxpayer dollars. turing jobs. By the way, these are not gether to get our fiscal house in order. b 1800 low-paying jobs. The average is $20 an Furthermore, I have been proud of the bipartisan work of our State’s dele- So what we intend to do here is to hour. So we are talking about wages gation to put Florida first. Together, tighten up that loophole and make it that are at the bottom end of the mid- we passed major legislation that I in- clear that if a school district intends to dle class structure. troduced with Congressman DENNIS buy food produced in China or in Egypt What we are looking at here are ROSS from Florida to improve the flood or anywhere else around the world that many different ways to achieve a re- they will have to tell the public that birth, a regeneration of the American insurance market, giving Florida fami- they are not buying American food, manufacturing sector, and today we lies more options for flood insurance they are buying food produced some- bring something that I think most peo- coverage by bringing down the cost of where else around the world, and using ple didn’t expect when we talk about those policies. As the founder and the co-chair of the tax dollars from the parents to buy making it in America. They didn’t ex- the bipartisan Congressional Citrus foreign food rather than supporting the pect us to be saying that if we are American farmer. going to make it in America, if Ameri- Caucus, I worked with my colleagues I want to give you a couple of exam- cans are going to be able to make it, TOM ROONEY and VERN BUCHANAN to se- ples of the egregious nature of this then we ought to look to the manufac- cure almost $150 million for citrus waiver. Sacramento, California, is at turing sector, broadly defined, whether greening research that is vital to our the heart of the canned peach industry. it is agriculture or, as we talked about State’s iconic orange industry. We also Nearly all the canned peaches are last week in the manufacturing of passed legislation to expand tax incen- grown within 50 miles of Sacramento. high-speed rail, the manufacturing of tives for replanting efforts to help the The Sacramento City Unified School trains and vehicles of all kinds. local farmers impacted by greening. District decided that, to save a few So when your tax dollars are being Just last week, the House passed the cents per can, they would reach out spent, I would ask all of my colleagues WINGMAN Act that I introduced with and buy Chinese peaches. I don’t mean and all of the public: Hey, are my tax Congressman TED YOHO from Florida to a peach that is Chinese but, rather, dollars being spent on American-made remove barriers that prevent congres- peaches that are grown in China, goods and services, or are you buying sional staff, who already are working canned in China under food security foreign? That is a question for us to an- closely with the VA and local veterans and safety regulations that are any- swer here and to write laws that en- on their claims, from being able to up- body’s guess as to what they are, and courage that your tax dollars will be date constituents in a more timely serve that in California, in Sac- spent on American-made goods and manner. This change would help allevi- ramento. services. So we can make it in Amer- ate the burden on VA staff, better It turns out that that created a bit of ica. We can manufacture in America, serve the veterans by expediting the a stir and a bit of a problem for the and America can prosper as a result of claims process, and help tackle the school district, and they backed off, the laws and the policies we put in backlog of cases. but that big loophole remains, and so place here. We also brought Members together, the American Food for American Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance not just from Florida but across the Schools Act would close that loophole, of my time. Nation, to bring attention to the crisis providing opportunities for employ- f in our local waterways and highlight ment here in the United States and, in the urgent need for Everglades restora- the case of Sacramento, in the Sac- I AM PROUD OF MY FOUR YEARS tion efforts to help provide long-term ramento region. So we tightened it up. OF SERVICE relief to our communities. I will never We say if a school district wants to by- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under forget how touched and humbled I was pass the Federal law and use American the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- to see more than 100 Floridians make taxpayer money to buy strawberries uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Flor- their trip to Washington. Some of from Egypt—which, by the way, hap- ida (Mr. MURPHY) is recognized for the those folks came up 14 hours by bus to pened to have been contaminated and remainder of the hour as the designee have their voices heard at a historic were actually purchased by a school of the minority leader. congressional briefing on our water- district across this nation, contami- Mr. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speak- ways that I helped host in October of nated with hepatitis A. er, I want to thank the gentleman from 2013. Recalls occurred. School districts California for his service, for his dedi- In the midst of a government shut- used those strawberries. In one case in cation to making it in America and down, 22 Members of Congress, includ- California, they made smoothies of it. continuing to support those in agri- ing Democrats and Republicans, Sen- Fortunately, to this date, we know of culture, those who are working so hard ator BILL NELSON, Leader NANCY no illnesses that have been caused. to feed this Nation, everything they PELOSI, and the House Committee on But, clearly, if they had bought Amer- bring. I want to thank the gentleman. Transportation and Infrastructure ican, this would not have been a prob- I rise today as a humble Member of Chairman BILL SHUSTER came together lem. So there would be notification, this body, representing the people of with experts, community leaders, and and there would be a very tight loop- Florida’s 18th Congressional District residents to raise awareness for advo- hole through which the school districts since 2013. Four years ago, I came to cates of the solutions that are needed. would have to pass to avoid this issue Congress to work as an independent Every day, I am given extraordinary of using American taxpayer dollars to thinker toward bipartisan solutions, opportunities to help the people of buy American food. making sure that we are moving our Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:37 Mar 17, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD16\DEC2016\H06DE6.REC H06DE6 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H7258 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Every day, I am afforded an oppor- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance trict jobseekers with good, high-paying tunity to make a difference in a per- of my time. careers that were right here in the dis- son’s life. I am proud that, over the f trict. past 4 years, we have assisted thou- Mr. Speaker, I represent the fourth sands of constituents, helping to return CLOSING OUT THE 114TH largest manufacturing district in the over $4 million in earned benefits for CONGRESS country, and manufacturer after manu- the district. Those are lifechanging re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under facturer would let me know: I have sults that partisan bickering cannot the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- good, high-paying jobs available, I just take away. uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Illi- can’t find people qualified to take Too often, the negative attacks and nois (Mr. DOLD) is recognized for 60 those jobs. partisanship overshadow the issues minutes as the designee of the major- Holding these job fairs was a critical that actually matter to American fam- ity leader. thing in order to make sure people ilies. We desperately need a new era of Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I thank my were able to make payments on their politics with leaders who put their friend from Florida for his service here mortgage, to be able to make sure that country before their party, who solve in this body and wish him well as he there was food on the table. These ac- problems instead of pointing fingers, opens the next chapter of his life, and tions made a real difference in people’s and who are committed to service. I certainly hope that we will stay in lives for themselves and for their fami- While the outcome of this past elec- touch. lies. tion was not what I had hoped for for Mr. Speaker, today I come to the Mr. Speaker, I have always said that our State or for our Nation, there is floor to really thank the people of the there is so much more that unites us still a window of opportunity for new 10th District of Illinois for giving me than divides us. Yet, when we look at leaders to make changes in America an opportunity, a tremendous honor to Washington, too many people are talk- that our country is clearly yearning become their voice here in Washington, ing about the gridlock. That is the for. Much of the system is broken, from D.C., to serve them here in the United stuff that sells newspapers. That is the the money in politics to the corporate States House of Representatives. thing that is on the nightly news. influences and the gerrymandering. When I first ran for Congress, it was Yet, people have to recognize here in There is too much outside impact in- because I, as a small-business owner, this body, the people’s House, and, fluencing our election process. felt the government was making it frankly, across the Capitol in the Sen- I also agree that many laws and regu- harder and harder for me to put the ate, that we are not Republicans or lations could use adjustments to work key in the door of my small business, Democrats first, but we are Americans, better for the American people and for harder for me to hire an individual, and first and foremost, and that we are all our country. But let us remember that I think they should be making it easier bound by the shared vision of wanting the outcome of this past election was for me to do those things, easier for me our communities and our Nation to not a mandate for many of the policy to put the key in the door, easier for succeed, to be safe, healthy, and actions that are being discussed right me to hire that next individual. strong. now. Instead, we saw a still-divided na- Today, Mr. Speaker, too many politi- That is why I have always sought to tion making it more important than cians and bureaucrats in Washington work across the aisle to tackle the ever that we have solutions that work just don’t understand what it takes to most challenging issues facing our for all Americans, not some Americans. That is why I hope to see a new focus meet a budget and a payroll. We see a country. The results have proved that, on tackling climate change, tax re- disconnect in so many people who are when we work together, we truly can form, investing in our infrastructure, risking everything, who feel that the make an enormous impact on the lives rebuilding the middle class, improving folks here in Washington, D.C., just of the American people, we can make educational opportunities, and pro- don’t understand. They feel that Wash- their lives just a little bit easier. tecting our country from the threats of ington has grown far too distant, be- When we think about what we have cyber attacks and terrorism, all things come out of touch, and unresponsive to been able to do over the course of the I championed during my time in this the real-world difficulties that families last few years, I still remember time Chamber. are facing each and every day. Too and again we would go to townhall But above all, I hope that we do not many people feel that government offi- meetings and we would go to events move our country backwards. That re- cials have forgotten who they actually and talk to people, and they would ask: quires leaders who can unite us, not work for, something that myself and Is Washington working? those using fear and lies to further di- my team never forgot. The answer was unequivocally: No, it is not working. vide this country. I will always be the b 1815 first to say that we must work to- Yet, when we reminded them about gether—not as Democrats, not as Re- Throughout my time in office, my some of the things that we were able to publicans, but as Americans. However, team and I have gone to work each and do over the course of the last 2 years we cannot simply gloss over the hate- every day to fix this disconnect. In just when we worked together, most people ful and divisive rhetoric that plagued the past 2 years, we have held more were shocked. our country this past year. The United than 1,000 events that we held back in We passed historic, bipartisan re- States is better than this, and the the district with community leaders forms to ensure that seniors will con- world is watching. and constituents to listen, learn, act, tinue to have access to their doctors As an eternal optimist, I am hopeful and ultimately make sure that we were through Medicare. This fix ends a near- that our leaders will work together to accessible so that those individuals felt ly two-decade-long stretch of short- begin to heal these wounds and move that they had their voice in Wash- term patches year after year. our country forward together, showing ington, D.C.; that we did understand Doctors would be concerned that, at that we are stronger than those who what they were encountering each and the end of the year, they were going to wish to divide us. That is what I will every day, whether it was up in Zion or get a 25 or 30 percent cut in their pay keep pushing for and hope that our north Chicago or down in Des Plaines just for taking care of our seniors. leaders in Washington will join me in or in Highland Park and Lake Forest. Therefore, a lot of the doctors ended up fighting for what is right for the Amer- We responded to over 50,000 constitu- saying: I am not going to take care of ican people. ents’ letters. We helped over 1,250 fami- seniors. My commitment to our community, lies break through the red tape of gov- Well, we came together in a bipar- to the great State of Florida, and to ernment bureaucracy in order to help tisan way and actually fixed that prob- our Nation will always continue. them with whatever it was that was lem. We passed the first long-term sur- Thank you to my constituents, to my plaguing them at the time. That really face transportation bill and infrastruc- colleagues, and to my team for an was because of the great constituent ture funding bill in more than a dec- honor of a lifetime, serving the Treas- service that our team displayed day in ade. Our efforts brought money flowing ure Coast and Palm Beach here in the and day out. We held five nonpartisan into Illinois to fix our roads and rails, United States Congress. job fairs in order to connect 10th Dis- reduce congestion, and make the daily

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.101 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7259 commute safer not just for the 10th We worked across the aisle to pass As a father, I can’t imagine the pain District, but for communities all bills to prevent sex trafficking as well of losing one of my children to a drug across our country. as ensure survivors of sexual assault overdose. But sadly, too many families We passed a historic education re- and domestic violence have the re- have experienced this loss. Heroin form bill, which will improve the class- sources that they need. abuse and prescription drug abuse is an room experience for students in our Most recently, we worked together to epidemic that is impacting our entire community. The Every Student Suc- pass landmark legislation known as country. ceeds Act reduced the Federal control 21st Century Cures Act. In that bill was I worked with Chelsea and the and returned more power to parents so a bill that was certainly near and dear Laliberte family to introduce a bill that they could actually make more to many, and certainly to Dr. TIM MUR- called Lali’s Law, named in memory of decisions about their children’s edu- PHY, in the Helping Families in Mental Alex, that would increase access to an cation, to the teachers, and to the local Health Crisis Act. overdose antidote called naloxone. school districts, which is where the So many are being impacted around Naloxone has already saved more power should be. the country, and this is something that than 150 lives in Lake County, Illinois, I have to say that I am particularly needs our attention. This soon-to-be alone in just the last 2 years. This was proud of our Educational Advisory law also increases funding for the Na- really done by the initiative of Mike Board, which was chaired by Laz Lopez tional Institutes of Health, which will Nerheim and the police and so many and so many others that contributed to speed up our efforts to find cures to people coming together. The police ac- that that were really instrumental in many of the world’s deadliest diseases tually asked if they could carry helping provide and in shaping some while also delivering long-overdue re- naloxone because they were tired of policy with regard to education in our forms to address the gaps in our Na- showing up on the scene and seeing office. tion’s mental health system. someone right before them die from an I am particularly proud of one of the When we think about the National overdose. provisions that actually made it into Institutes of Health, Mr. Speaker, we When they agreed and gave first re- the reform bill, which I authored, actually passed over the last 2 years sponders in squad cars the ability to which will bring literally millions of the largest increase in funding for the administer naloxone, life after life was dollars into one of the neediest school National Institutes of Health. saved. So I do want to recognize Mike districts in our country, the North Chi- I do believe that, if we want to try to Nerheim and all those at the Lake cago Community Unit School District reduce the costs of health care, one of County Opioid Initiative for the great 187. Our effort actually put students the things that we are going to have to work that they are doing, the lives ahead of the interests of others and we do is come up with cures for things like that they are saving. This is something put partisan politics aside to make a Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s that, frankly, we are just starting to real difference in their lives. disease and diabetes. We spend $330 bil- address and there is a lot more work, As a member of the House Ways and lion every year treating diabetes. If we obviously, that needs to be done. Means Committee, it was an honor to came up with a cure, I am confident The World Health Organization actu- be part of an effort to develop and pass that we could put those resources to ally says that with increasing access to important legislation to reduce the tax use in so many other areas. naloxone, we have an opportunity to burden on families across our country. Mr. Speaker, these are just a few ex- save over 20,000 lives this year. Work- Our work allows small businesses and amples of what can be accomplished ing together, we passed our bill families to have more certainty when when we set aside our partisan dif- through the House and with over- it comes to planning, how they are able ferences and decide to work together whelmingly bipartisan support secured to expense equipment and do certain for the people that we represent. things that they want to be able to do Of course, another area we notably its inclusion in the Comprehensive Ad- when it comes time to planning, budg- did on this is the issue of prescription diction and Recovery Act, which the eting, and the like. drug and heroin abuse. There is one President signed into law in July. We ensure that critical antipoverty family in particular that inspired our It is my sincere hope that, because of programs continue to receive the re- team’s efforts, which deserves, I be- our efforts, Alex’s lasting legacy will sources that they need to be successful lieve, special mention. include saving countless lives, sparing while also injecting a number of new In the suburbs of Chicago, Mr. Speak- families this unimaginable grief, and and innovative ideas into the conversa- er, someone dies from a heroin over- giving people all across our country a tion that will better help people reach dose every 3 days. In Cook County, it is second chance at recovery. their fullest potential. every day. They leave behind a family While I am tremendously proud of I want to make special mention of in grief. the achievements that we have accom- the great work being done by I first met Chelsea Laliberte nearly 5 plished together, there is still, of YouthBuild, which is helping young years ago. She grew up in Buffalo course, so much more that needs to be men and women in Lake County. Grove, just outside of Chicago, with done. The costs of taking care of our YouthBuild is a nationwide organiza- her brother Alex. Alex graduated from families, educating our children, pro- tion, but their Lake County chapter is Stevenson High School. He played viding health care, and saving for re- one of the best. I recognize that I may sports. He got good grades. He had a tirement have all become more burden- be biased, but they are helping individ- tremendous number of friends. Then, some in the recent years. uals that might have taken a wrong during his sophomore year in college, Misguided economic policies hold turn throughout an early part of their he started getting sick. back our small businesses and entre- life, giving them real-world skills to be When Alex got sick, he would go to preneurs and too many families are able to get on their feet and be able to the hospital and get better and get being trapped in generational poverty move forward. I will forever be in their back on his feet, at least for a little without the opportunities for meaning- debt for doing really incredible work to while; but a few months later, this ful work or for a quality education. provide hope for an enormous number would repeat. He would get sick and be As a father of three young children of individuals. admitted once again. It was a vicious and the son of a schoolteacher, one of Over the last 2 years, we secured ro- cycle. the most important issues that I have bust funding for programs like the Honestly, his family didn’t know tackled during my time in Congress Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in what was going on. What we did finally has been ensuring that future genera- order to protect what I believe is one of find out is that Alex was addicted to tions are equipped with the skills that our greatest natural resources in the prescription drugs and he was suffering they need to succeed. A quality edu- Great Lakes. Our bipartisan efforts from withdrawal, which brought him to cation is the building blocks for lit- bring us one step closer to ensuring the hospital. Then, in 2008, just a few erally everything that we want to that we keep this incredible asset, in- days after final exams, Alex Laliberte achieve, from curing cancer and Alz- credible resource clean for future gen- overdosed and died. He was 20 years heimer’s to helping hardworking indi- erations. old. viduals secure a good, high-paying job.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.103 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7260 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Among the work that I am most The Accelerating Individuals into the time on this very floor to warn against proud of in this Congress are three im- Workforce Act helps those on welfare agreeing to a fundamentally flawed nu- portant bills that we put forward. land a job. It does this by providing clear pact with Iran. First, we wrote the HELP for Stu- funding that will reduce the cost to an I continue to believe that the Iranian dents and Parents Act to make college employer for taking a chance and hir- nuclear agreement is a historic mis- more affordable, more accessible for ing an individual who may be on wel- take that has emboldened our enemies literally everyone. Today, across the fare. This boost can make all the dif- and will haunt us for a generation. It United States, there are $1.3 trillion in ference in the world for that individual has endangered our friends and, frank- student loan debt between 40 million seeking a job, and I am pleased that ly, is just misguided. The same fatal Americans. Sadly, there are students this legislation passed the House ear- flaws with the agreement that existed in our community as young as elemen- lier this year. a year ago still continue to this day. tary school who now believe that, be- Moving forward, I urge my colleagues I am proud of our efforts to lead on cause their families don’t have the in the next Congress to take up these this issue. I am heartened that our bi- means to pay, they are never going to three bills to help our students and partisan majority in the Congress re- be able to achieve the dream of going young workers and individuals strug- jected this dangerous agreement, and I to college, regardless of how hard they gling to climb the economic ladder the continue to call on Congress to lead work. That is simply unacceptable and educational opportunities that they de- the way in restoring a crippling sanc- must change. serve, and let’s help people reach their tions architecture on Iran. The HELP for Students and Parents full potential. Mr. Speaker, I am also incredibly Act is one measure that can improve I also urge my colleagues in this proud of our efforts to strengthen the by helping make employer contribu- body to take up other pieces of legisla- U.S.-Israel relationship these past few tions towards employee student loan tion. I certainly am hopeful that we years: repayment and the employer contribu- can tackle immigration reform. As a We have ensured robust foreign as- tions towards 529 college savings ac- nation of immigrants, we know that sistance so that Israel may protect its counts for a worker’s child—the norm this is a humanitarian issue. It is an civilians from the many terror threats in American society. economic issue, and a national security on its borders. We have fought to com- Building on these ideas that are com- issue that, frankly, must be tackled. bat efforts in the international commu- monplace today, such as tax benefits When we look at those, the DREAM- nity, including in the United Nations, that encourage employer-sponsored re- ers that are as American as many of us that seek to delegitimize Israel and tirement accounts and health care, this right here in this body, we want to wrongly pressure Israel to give up its legislation would update the Tax Code make sure that they have an oppor- defensible borders. to reflect the financial goals of stu- tunity to stay here in our country, to We have unequivocally condemned dents and parents seeking to help with be contributing members of our com- instances of Palestinian incitement to student debt. With only 3 percent of munity, and to be able to continue to violence against Israelis. We openly employers currently offering student live their lives as they are doing right and proudly welcomed Prime Minister loan debt repayment, this is a mean- now. We want them to come out of the Netanyahu’s speech before the Con- ingful way to ease the anxiety of stu- shadows and have an opportunity to gress last February. dent debt and make college education succeed. And, of course, we authored legisla- more attainable for people all across I also think we have an opportunity tion known as the Combating BDS Act our country. and a need to move forward on com- of 2016, which has earned over 160 co- Second, Mr. Speaker, we introduced monsense gun legislation, on back- sponsors in this body. This critical leg- the Stand Up for Students Act to level ground checks, because, again, I think islation, which I am hopeful will pass the playing field for low-income school the thing that we have to come back in the next Congress, provides a much- districts that are being ravaged by fis- to, Mr. Speaker, is the idea that we needed opportunity so that we may go cal mismanagement in my home State. want to focus on what unites us. Com- on the offensive against the hateful ing from the Chicago area, I can tell Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions b 1830 you what we have to do and what Movement against the State of Israel. Sadly, for years, Springfield and the unites us is the idea that we want to While we do not know what the fu- politicians there have taxed Federal reduce gun violence. ture will hold, or every upcoming chal- money given to school districts serving One of our colleagues here in the lenge that we will face in the Middle low-income students in an effort to pay House, my friend, DANNY DAVIS, just East, I am confident that the United down debts created due to fiscal mis- lost his grandson just a few short States will be best-served by con- management. Under no circumstances weeks ago, an altercation in this young tinuing to strengthen our partnership should these politicians be allowed to man’s home over a pair of tennis shoes. with Israel, so that we can face these use Federal money intended to help the We have to step up and do something security challenges together, shoulder most in-need schools to bail them- that, again, is not infringing on Second to shoulder. selves out of a mess that they created Amendment rights, but is talking Now, Mr. Speaker, none of our work through decades of irresponsible spend- about some commonsense legislation in this Congress would have been pos- ing. to make our community safer. sible without the incredible team that The Stand Up for Students Act would Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to talk was truly dedicated to improving the hold Springfield accountable and would about the difference that we have made lives of the people of the 10th Congres- ensure that we are giving the most vul- on foreign affairs and national secu- sional District. nerable children the best chance at rity, because one thing that I love Now, that team starts with two great success by stopping this immoral tax about the 10th District is that there chiefs: James Slepian, who was the on students who need our help the are so many great people who are in- chief when we first came in this Con- most. credibly knowledgeable and passionate gress, more of a quiet leader, very And third, beyond education in the about the strong alliances and the sharp, a quick wit, was incredibly in- classroom, I want to underscore our ef- grave threats that we have overseas. strumental in guiding us through some forts in advancing innovative anti- Beginning with my first speech here turbulent times; and David Stern, poverty measures that will connect in this Chamber nearly 6 years ago, I whom I consider to be a dear friend, hardworking people with a job. I intro- have worked to stand against the Ira- and his advice and counsel is some that duced the Accelerating Individuals into nian aggression and Iran’s pursuit of a I cherish. He is a little bit misguided the Workforce Act to help reform the nuclear weapon. For years, I have been on his love for the White Sox, but we way our country thinks about poverty a strong and unapologetic advocate for will forgive him on that. But the long and getting people back to work. With ratcheting up the sanctions and pres- and the short of it is a passionate advo- nearly 50 million Americans still living sure on Iran. I have pushed for pro- cate for the people of the 10th District in poverty, we must demand a new and moting human rights and democracy and one who always has a smile on his better approach. inside of Iran and have devoted much face.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.104 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7261 They helped lead an incredible team, in and day out and helped put our Vet- that happens in terms of our time away along with my deputy chief of staff, erans Advisory Board together, and he from the Congress, we have great new Kim Brisky, who always had an oppor- worked with them day in and day out things ahead for us. tunity to make sure that we stayed on to make a difference in their lives; And for my bride, Danielle, sweet- the straight and narrow, who always Allie Breschi, a proud Denison grad- heart, I want to thank you for giving was there for us when we needed a uate, was helping Brad out in terms of me the opportunity to do this. I know pick-me-up. And so, Kim, who is, I am our communications and did a super that you oftentimes were the one mak- sure, going on to bigger and better job; ing sure that the trains ran on time things, she was absolutely fantastic. Andy Chiero also worked with our back at home, and for that I will for- My deputy director, Philippe Melin, veterans; ever be grateful. actually has been with me as long as Alma Herrera, who, I think was real- So from day one, this has been about anyone. And I will say that he may ly a dynamo, and we missed her as she working together to get the job done, sometimes rub people the wrong way, went off to finish up some schooling; making the Federal Government more but I have always appreciated his pas- Natalie Szmyd came in and filled the efficient, effective, and accountable, sion for the district, his ability to role and helped out with our Polish and restoring strong American leader- throw himself into any particular community; ship on the global stage. issue, to fight on behalf of children Bobby Miller also was one of those When I was growing up, my parents when it comes to education; whether it individuals that exceeded expectations gave me a plaque that said: ‘‘Your in- be building coalitions, Philippe has ac- right from the beginning; tegrity determines your identity.’’ As a tually been super. Jordan Richter and Nikki West; small-business owner, I learned that My legislative director, Matt Diller, Ginny Wood, who helped out with our nothing gets done without teamwork. is that quiet individual that made sure seniors; Justo Arellano and Martin b 1845 the trains were running on time. Lopez really were absolutely fantastic Our communications director, Brad in rounding out our team. If we want to achieve anything as a Stewart, probably held up a camera So again, I think you are only as nation, we must commit to advancing more times than I care to remember, good as the team that you have put to- commonsense, bipartisan solutions to and I apologize to him for messing up gether, and I am super proud of the break through this gridlock. That is probably more times than I needed to. team that I was able to put together, why I am so proud to have consistently Ultimately, when it came to our social that really worked tirelessly on behalf been ranked one of the most inde- media and actually getting the word of the constituents of the 10th District. pendent, bipartisan Members in the out, Brad was vitally important in One of the things I am proud of is United States Congress. This commit- making sure that our message was get- that lifelong Democrats would come up ment to genuine bipartisanship has ting out to the people that it needed to us and say, you know, thanks for been the key to some of our biggest to. helping us out on this, and I think that successes that we have had over the We had an outstanding staff in Wash- we have got to talk to you about, you last 2 years. It is also what has helped ington that worked hard to amplify the know, when you do something good for us to become effective on amplifying voice of each and every constituent, us. But ultimately, our job was, regard- the independent voice for the 10th Dis- and Jordan Heyman, who was really fo- less of whom you are elected by, I made trict of Illinois. cused on a lot of healthcare work, sure that our team knew that we rep- I strongly believe that America’s came to us from the campaign, but resented 100 percent of the people. best days, Mr. Speaker, are ahead of us. really rolled up her sleeves and was This team really cared so much Together, I am confident that we can fantastic. about the work that we were doing and ensure a more prosperous and free fu- Noah Barger, Noah—or Jason, as he made a real difference in the lives of ture for our children and for future is sometimes referred to—always had a literally everyone that they had an op- generations. smile on his face, was probably one of portunity to touch. To the people of the 10th District, I the rocks in that office. But some people that I think are im- offer my sincere thanks for the oppor- Chelsea Caulfield, who is truly the portant to thank are my colleagues. tunity of a lifetime to be able to rep- spark plug of our team, and would This is a pretty remarkable place, with resent you in the United States Con- come into the office to see a smile from some really remarkable people, and I gress. It has truly been the greatest Chelsea, who made sure that I was want to thank them for their friend- honor of my life. where I needed to be and when I needed ship and the great work that we were To my staff, again, I want to say to be there. able to accomplish together. I will miss ‘‘thank you’’ for all that you do. It has Brittany Consolo, who came into our them dearly, those on the other side of been an honor to be able to work with office. Time and again, people would the aisle as well, because most of our you. always comment about how kind Brit- legislation, almost every piece of legis- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance tany was, and so, for her, I say that we lation that we offered, was with bipar- of my time. know that she has got a very bright fu- tisan support. I kept telling my team, f ture as well. if we couldn’t get those on the other THE FIRST 100 DAYS And the hardest working district of- side of the aisle to sign up, this bill fice in the country: wasn’t going anywhere. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Eric Miller, who really was what I I also want to thank the people who the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- consider one of the leaders of our case- make this body work, the unsung he- uary 6, 2015, the gentleman from Ne- work, is one of the guys that put his roes, the folks down in the wood shop, braska (Mr. FORTENBERRY) is recog- head down day in and day out. We the folks behind the rostrum, the peo- nized for the remainder of the hour as would not be or could not have gotten ple that make Congress work. Really, the designee of the majority leader. to the 1,250 cases were it not for Eric; these are the folks that respect the in- Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, Victoria Williams, who has a special stitution, and the institution will move before I begin my remarks, I think it’s talent when it comes to not only work- on 10 years from now and, we hope, only appropriate to congratulate, ing with people and connecting, espe- hundreds of years from now. thank, and wish all the best to my cially with those on domestic abuse Now, Mr. Speaker, the last group friend, BOB DOLD. and the like, which was an area that that I want to thank is my family. I BOB, you have earned a reputation she threw herself into; have three beautiful children and a around here. You may not know it, but Peter Collins, who had more spread- wife who is a saint to allow me to do I am going to tell it to you: I think you sheets available than I think anybody this day in and day out. So, for Harper, are the hardest working person here. I else, but Peter, again, one of my favor- Bobby, and Honor, thank you for giving listened to a number of your accom- ite Hellenic individuals in the office; up the time. I am sorry that I was not plishments. It is not only representa- Scott Lietzow was a passionate advo- there, but we have a new chapter; and tive of your thoughtfulness and your cate and worked with our veterans day so we know, if this is the worst thing desire to serve the country, but it is

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.107 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7262 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 this integrity of work ethic that has Speaker, we all know this, but it needs Immediately I launched into some impressed me and so many other Mem- to be said once again: skyrocketing questions. I said: Doctor, I know there bers here. cost and diminished choice is the res- is a problem with medical liability and I know this departure is a bit bitter- idue of poor policy, and we can do bet- there is an attempt by the medical es- sweet. Sweet in a sense that you are ter. At the same time, we cannot de- tablishment to create the conditions in now free to be with your primary pur- fault back to the previous arrangement which the potential for lawsuits is pose in life: your children, your family, which left way too many persons be- mitigated and there are a lot of tests and your mission together as a family; hind. While there might be a fierce to run. and a little bit bitter in that you are fight in this body on the specifics of re- She interrupts me. She says: Why are going to miss us and we will miss you. form proposal, broad agreement will you telling me all this? I thank you for your leadership. likely coalesce around two things: pro- I said: Because, Doctor, I am paying Mr. Speaker, regarding my remarks tecting persons from inhuman market for it. I have a major medical policy, tonight, I want to begin with a little forces while, at the same time, what is called a catastrophic policy, anecdote. Vice President-elect Mike incentivizing the best of market inno- with a very high deductible. This is Pence was a Member of the House of vation to bring about change. coming out of my pocket. Do you real- Representatives. I overlapped some Americans with spiraling healthcare ly need the test? time and service with him. He was a costs know that a new healthcare con- She said: Oh, I see. Well, yes, I need friend and, in some ways, a mentor. He struct is needed. To address these con- the test; but now that you said that, I came to speak to a group of us re- cerns, the next approach must reinvig- am just looking at your sinuses. So cently, and Vice President-elect Pence orate health insurance with the goals why don’t we call a couple of places in had this to say: Buckle up. of lowering price, protecting the sick, town and ask them if they could widen Buckle up because, Mr. Speaker, the and improving options. The next gen- the cross section of the image and give next 100 days are going to be intense. eration health savings account will be you a discount for doing so? Beginning in January, we will have a at the cornerstone of this effort restor- She had her assistant do that. In a new President and a new Congress. The ing relationship, responsibility, and re- minute, we found a facility that would next 100 days not only will be intense, spect as drivers of healthcare policy. actually discount the price based upon but it will also create possibilities. Now, Mr. Speaker, the Affordable another type of test. That next 100 days will set a new archi- Care Act, known as ObamaCare, has So what happened here? tecture for government and a helped some people, yet, at the same I saved perhaps another $75, the doc- repurposed relationship between the time, it has hurt others. We often tor got the tests that she needed, and people and the state. speak about repealing and replacing it, perhaps, more importantly, the com- Mr. Speaker, for far too long, par- but perhaps it is time to speak about munity resource was more properly al- tisan paralysis has plagued this Con- repealing it and replacing the repeal- located because I had a role in the deci- gress leading to stagnation in Wash- and-replace language with new lan- sionmaking process. Put in economic ington. We know it and the people guage that really underlies the prin- terms, I had an incentive in the alloca- ciples that we all ought to be embrac- know it. With this historic and trans- tion of that resource because I was ing. They are really three-fold; the formative election, the playbooks of paying for it. That is called responsi- first of which is relationship, responsi- both political parties that had been bility. used for decades are tattered and lay in bility, and respect. Back to this idea of what we are com- Mr. Speaker, for persons who have shreds; and rightfully so. ing to, particularly for the next gen- This transition of Presidential ad- had a gravely sick child, perhaps there eration, the younger generation, ministrations has unleashed the poten- is nothing more difficult than having whereby we create and revitalize the tial for a genuine reimagining of public to turn that child’s care over to other whole health savings account policy policy, and it is time for the Nation to persons. I recall when our daughter, apparatus. If you set a little money adopt a more inclusive model. Power Kathryn, was a little infant. My wife aside on a tax-deferred basis, then it that has been concentrated in Wash- and I, with our daughter, walked to the helps you control the ordinary costs of ington and on Wall Street has left mil- door of the surgery room and then lions of Americans feeling left behind handed her over to the nurse. We had health care, and, at the same time, if and at the margins of what many re- to let her go into the hands of people something goes wrong, you shouldn’t gard as a corrupt and elitist world. Mil- that we had to trust. She has had a have to be on the gurney in the hos- lions of Americans face stagnating long journey. She has had five major pital asking for a price list for the wages, downward mobility, and an in- heart surgeries and nine total sur- cheapest anesthesiologist. No, you are creased cost-of-living. Income inequal- geries. But that very first moment protected. That is the right method- ity has risen while, at the same time, where we turned our little baby over to ology of thinking forward that will ac- the small business sector has been seri- the nurse was an extraordinarily poign- tually protect you when you are in vul- ously harmed. This must change. ant and deeply impactful one for my nerable circumstances but empower So what are we looking at? wife and me, made only better by the you to take better control in relation- We are looking at this: we are look- reality that that team of people that ship with your doctor and medical pro- ing at new healthcare horizons, new had been put around her genuinely vider of those first-dollar costs. trade and tax policies aimed at restor- cared and that we were in relationship That is what I think we can see com- ing the decimated manufacturing sec- with them. Relationship between the ing as a cornerstone of the revival of tor, returning jobs and returning dig- doctor and the patient, between a our healthcare system. That is a start nity and social cohesion to large healthcare system and the person—not of a system we can regard with respect. swaths of our Nation. An economic sys- the commodity, but the person—is an It is relationship, responsibility, and tem of inclusion and empowerment ca- absolutely critical first principle. respect. Those are the principles and pable of generating widespread partici- Mr. Speaker, a long time ago, I had a the new cornerstones of health care pation is now the new center ground of very severe headache. I was a young moving forward. this country. man, and I had to buy my insurance Mr. Speaker, regarding infrastruc- Now, Mr. Speaker, in the time that privately. I did so. I tried to be respon- ture, another important policy area, we have, I would like to survey mul- sible. But because that headache was broad bipartisan agreement exists tiple public policy areas that are in so intense, I decided: Well, I am going around rebuilding our Nation’s infra- need of deep replenishment, and I to have to seek a specialist. structure. From airports to roads, to would like to speak about the oppor- Bypassing the family doctor in order bridges, to information technology, tunity of possibilities that lies before to save myself $50, I went to the ENT, new projects are on the horizon. I us. the ear, nose, and throat surgeon. She would add that sustainable energy So right out of the gate, what are we told me that, after an x-ray, she should be on that list. As a public good, going to do? couldn’t really tell what the problem properly selected infrastructure im- Congress will launch a significant was and that they were going to need provements are a benefit to society at healthcare reform initiative. Mr. to do a CAT scan. large.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.109 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7263 Infrastructure can also be virtual, another category of income called un- Mr. Speaker, it took the family that setting up systems for better earned gets a preferential rate. This is owned that bank 20 years, but they interconnectivity. It also has implica- a discussion we need to have. paid every dime back to every member tions for health care as we build out, The second point, simplification. A of that bank, without ever taking a for instance, innovative healthcare few years back, we had a tax reform dividend for themselves until that models. The challenge, of course, to all act here. It was controversial. A num- money was paid back. The original of us will be in financing and insuring ber of us voted for it, and it passed. Be- owner died shortly thereafter. He gave the proper division between Federal, fore doing that, I decided to run up the his word, and he got it done. State, and local governments as well as road and see someone who lives near As a longstanding community insti- with the private sector. where I do. His name is Warren Buffett. tution, this local bank did not bring Mr. Speaker, the third policy area is Now, Warren Buffett and I have dif- our Nation down in the financial crisis spending. In an unprecedented legisla- ferent philosophical approaches on of 2008. It did not benefit from insider tive development, our government is many things, but he was generous class privilege that enabled liar loans moving forward on two budgets simul- enough to welcome me to his office. We and high-risk collateralized debt nego- taneously. Those of us serving on the spent about an hour together. I wanted tiations. It did not help multinational House Appropriations Committee have to get his particular perspective not banking conglomerates grow so large a very heavy lift. In a parallel process, only on that tax bill but on some other in hubris and reach that they nearly we will fix up the current budget while things. tanked our economy. At the same creating a budget for the following In an interesting exchange, Mr. time, this small Nebraska bank is be- year. Buffett turned around to his credenza, sieged by a regulatory overlay created While it is easy to speak about new pulled out a file, an old file, pulled out by a crisis that it did not participate ideas, plans to pay for them are the a single piece of paper, and said: JEFF, in. It is not fair. test of smart government. We must re- just do this, just do this. Put the Tax So rightsizing regulation does not main sober about spending. Deficit Code on a piece of paper. Simplifica- mean doing away with it, Mr. Speaker. spending is a form of taxation—espe- tion. It means what is sensible to protect cially on the poor and seniors—when Now, a Tax Code, in reality, cannot the health and safety and well-being this debt that is run up is monetized. always be cut. It has to be optimized. and create a fair playing field for ev- The good news is that this peculiar set We have to run the government, we eryone with minimal intrusion for of circumstances gives lawmakers—all have to have revenues, but in a manner maximum market functionality. There of us—much more flexibility in cre- that does not deteriorate the ability of is a real cost to regulation, there is a ating genuinely creative policy out- the economy, small business and oth- real cost to no regulation, and there is comes. ers, to create jobs, and to provide the a real cost to dumb regulation. We look Mr. Speaker, a fourth area I want to proper catalyst for economic growth. forward to finding that balance once touch on is taxes. Tax is a broad issue And that is the balance. again. Mr. Speaker, let me turn to the issue that, like health care, has many Mr. Speaker, there are many other of regulation. But before I do, can I in- thorny and complex considerations. I aspects that I could speak about re- quire as to the amount of time that is anticipate that Congress will move to garding community revitalization and solve tax anomalies that harm Amer- left. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. foreign policy, but I want to touch on ica’s competitive standing in the an important debate that is under way DONOVAN). The gentleman from Ne- world, including giveaways to multi- now regarding our immigration sys- national corporations. The Tax Code braska has 11 minutes remaining. tem. Our immigration system is should reposition funds captured over- Mr. FORTENBERRY. Thank you, Mr. stretched. Laws have not been en- seas to be brought back into America, Speaker. forced, have led to chaos and disloca- and any reform should prioritize small Let’s touch upon the issue of regula- tion, testing the natural generosity of business—the source of new jobs and tion. Washington is readying to correct Americans. Righting the legal system, the source of local economies. regulatory overreach that has con- This process should really be guided strained the ability of small business stopping unscrupulous employers, and by a three-fold goal. First of all, fair- to flourish. For far too long, Wash- holding those who break the law to ac- ness. Second, simplification. And the ington has distorted markets and, most count are the start of restoring a hu- third is economic growth in order to importantly, the imagination of people mane and fair immigration policy. produce revenues for the government. to find better solutions for themselves In another small town right north of and for their neighbors. Government Omaha, Blair, Nebraska, it is nestled b 1900 must play its role, but with constraints among the beautiful, rolling, wooded First of all, let’s touch on this issue on its tendency to seize more power. hills along the Missouri River. It is a of fairness. President-elect Trump, our Mr. Speaker, I recently visited a 125- traditional hub of agricultural activity new President, has called for doing year-old bank in a small town called as well. I am proud to represent them away with a provision in the Tax Code North Bend, Nebraska. It is an agri- in the United States Congress. called carried interest. I agree with culture community. This bank is now There are several large manufac- him. If you are wealthy enough, you in its fourth generation. The family turing plants, and it is a very stable can basically take income and restruc- was eager to show me something they community, a community of very ture it to be paid as capital gains. That had recently discovered. There is an ar- strong values, so much so that recently means a higher income tax becomes a chitectural gym that had been covered a Sunday school class of little children much lower tax through this mecha- over by a ceiling. In doing some remod- wrote to me about the need to help nism. The vast majority of people in eling, they found a hidden stained glass other impoverished children in coun- America can’t do it. A few can. Closing panel and gorgeous ornamentation on tries across the world. Their letters this is not a panacea, necessarily, but the various beams above. The bank is, were so touching and heartwarming. it is a good first step. It points to a rightly, proud to showcase this history They demonstrated this enduring uni- deeper principle; one that is called fair- and this beautiful symbol of a flour- versal ideal that animates the moral ness. ishing past. imagination of Nebraska’s young peo- When a person makes things with The story began when all of the ple and young people throughout the their own two hands, when they use the banks in the area in this town went country. creative gifts of their intellect, this is under during the Great Depression. One But fast forward to a jarring criminal an imprint of their own personal dig- of the local banks reorganized itself incident that took place a few months nity, the dignity of work, that gift, and came forward with a proposal to ago when three men were arrested in that meaningful place where you can the community. It was this: If you stay Blair driving nearly 90 miles per hour, actually see the fruit of your own with us, you stay with our bank, we with a loaded gun, stolen in Iowa. Two labor. will give you 50 cents on your dollar of them were Somali immigrants from So what is the first thing we do? We now and pay you back the rest over Lincoln and Minneapolis here on visas. tax it. We call it earned income, while time. Both were wanted by the Department

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.110 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7264 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 of Homeland Security, and, between We take it for granted, but this dem- b 1915 the two, had 34 previous arrests. The onstrated the brilliance of how our de- I just want to say how much I appre- third man had 50 previous arrests. Even mocracy provides for this peaceful ciate him, admire him, and wish him though the three have been in America transition of power. In spite of some Godspeed. He is a great Christian man, long enough to have been arrested 94 protest, we have witnessed the ongoing and his wife is a great Christian times, they still requested a court in- resiliency of America’s governing tra- woman. We appreciate so very, very terpreter. They abused their privilege. ditions. In Congress, a great deal of much his long years of service to our They do not belong in America. ideological rigidity has been vaporized. country, to our Nation, to his district, America has a great capacity to be Conversations among fellow Repub- as well as to his God. generous. But those who have received licans and Democrats are yielding a Mr. SMITH of Texas. I thank the gen- our generosity have an obligation. If sense of new horizons, which, if prop- tleman from Texas (Mr. BABIN) for his you want to come to America, you will erly considered, will help shape a comments. accept American values. If you want to meaningful approach with the next I now yield to another colleague from come to America, you will work, pro- White House. Texas, ROGER WILLIAMS. vide for yourself, and integrate respon- Mr. Speaker, the next hundred days Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, I wish sibly into dutiful citizenship. If you are critical. It is time to create the ar- to join my colleagues down here to- want to come to America, it is abso- chitecture of a 21st century govern- night to honor a patriot and a good lutely essential, and I and many others ment, one that is innovative, one that friend, Congressman RANDY NEUGE- will stand with you. Celebrate your is effective, restoring the trust and BAUER. past culture, explain it to your new confidence of the people. While your retirement is well-de- community, and, at the same time, cel- Mr. Speaker, there is a great old served, RANDY, your departure is, cer- ebrate your new one, as so many good movie starring Bette Davis called ‘‘All tainly, a loss not only to us as your people coming to our country do. About Eve.’’ In that classic Hollywood friends, but to Texas and America. Our Nation has generally maintained moment, she looks around to her guest RANDY and I serve together on the Fi- a vibrant immigration system, and it with that smoldering gaze and says: nancial Services Committee. Before we has been an important part of the char- ‘‘Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be came up to Washington, we were both acter and development of our country, a bumpy night.’’ in small businesses. Still are. I knew but chaos, disorder, and crime under- Mr. Speaker, real change is always RANDY before he was a Congressman, mine our ability to maintain that bumpy. But when done with purpose and he is still the same guy. Congress- openness. and clarity, with the intention of doing man NEUGEBAUER is a voice of reason. Of all of our country’s pressing prior- good for others, we can allow ourselves He has valuable, firsthand knowledge ities, one of the most should be ensur- to dream big again. of how the private sector works— ing that the criminal justice system, I yield back the balance of my time. knowledge which is needed very much in Washington today. He understands the judicial system, and the immigra- f tion system work in concert to swiftly how Washington’s decisions affect HONORING RANDY NEUGEBAUER remove persons who have seriously Main Street America. That empathy is transgressed our laws. This will help The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under crucial to conducting good policy, and keep America safe and protect the in- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- it is rare. We could use more law- tegrity of immigration policy for those uary 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the makers like RANDY NEUGEBAUER. Con- who want to come here, rebuild their gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH) for gressman NEUGEBAUER is a Texas Tech lives, contribute to this wonderful soci- 30 minutes. fan. I feel sorry for him, but he always thinks they will win every single game. ety, and sustain America’s generous GENERAL LEAVE Congressman RANDY NEUGEBAUER, I impulse. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I wish you and your wife, Dana, my best Mr. Speaker, I think it is appropriate ask unanimous consent that all Mem- as you begin the next chapter of your to leave you tonight with some com- bers may have 5 legislative days in lives. May your spare time be spent ments on the future of democracy. which to revise and extend their re- with your grandkids, fly fishing, and Some of what I talked about are ideals, marks and include extraneous mate- rooting for the Raiders. You have but they give us a chance to envision rials on the subject of this Special served your State and our Nation with and create a more inclusive govern- Order. honor and devotion. We will all miss ment, economy, and society. Given The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there you. You will be missed. I must simply that the future of democracy depends objection to the request of the gen- say to you, RANDY, guns up. May God tleman from Texas? on quickly moving forward in the right bless you, and may God bless America There was no objection. direction, there is a mood of both curi- for allowing you to serve this great Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I osity as well as urgency here. Curiosity country. as to how we are going to translate this yield to my colleague, the gentleman Mr. SMITH of Texas. I appreciate the moment and urgency not to waste it. from Texas (Mr. BABIN), the chairman gentleman’s comments. Even though the election was a proxy of the Space Subcommittee of the Mr. Speaker, I yield to the chairman for many open and deep philosophical Science, Space, and Technology Com- of the Agriculture Committee, another divides in our country, now there is the mittee. good Texan, . possibility of great change. As Presi- Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, it is a tre- Mr. CONAWAY. I thank my friend for dent-elect Trump said on the night of mendous honor and privilege for me to yielding. his election: We must now come to- stand up here to honor one of my col- Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to brag on gether, and I want to be President for leagues, who is going to be retiring, RANDY NEUGEBAUER. He is a friend, and all Americans. Representative RANDY NEUGEBAUER, he and I have a unique circumstance President Obama very generously who is just finishing up his seventh that we share in that we ran against and graciously extended a hand of term. He has been a great mentor. I am each other in Texas. Larry Combest friendship to President Trump and finishing up my first term in office. served District 19 at that point in time, said: President Bush was so extraor- I want to say how much the and they had a special election. Randy dinarily helpful to me in this transi- Neugebauers mean to me and my wife, and I ran against each other. It hasn’t tion, I will work the same in any way Roxanne. happened in a long time, but right he wants with President-elect Trump. RANDY NEUGEBAUER and his beautiful after that election, people asked me: President Clinton, admitting that wife, Dana, have been a tremendous ad- What do you think about RANDY this was a painful loss said: It was a dition not only to the Texas delegation NEUGEBAUER? fair election. We need to give the new up here in the United States Congress I said: Well, he is my friend. President-elect a chance, and we must but also to the Republican spouses and They said: I know, but that is what unite. Democrat spouses, who have worked so you politicians always say—the ‘‘good I think that set an important tone, long and hard for many years to sup- gentleman,’’ the ‘‘friend.’’ You never Mr. Speaker. port their Member spouses. tell the truth in those circumstances.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.112 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7265 I said: No, no, no. With RANDY and I, I salute you. sumer Credit Subcommittee. In this the key is our wives are friends; so, if Mr. SMITH of Texas. I thank the gen- role, he has oversight responsibility for wives can survive a campaign against tleman for his comments. U.S. banks and the banking industry, each other and be friends, then it is a Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to host credit unions, depository institutions testament that we ran the way Repub- today’s Special Order in honor of my and Federal deposit insurance, con- licans should run against each other. friend and colleague from Texas, Rep- sumer credit, and financial regulators, He stuck to why folks should vote for resentative RANDY NEUGEBAUER. including the Federal Deposit Insur- RANDY NEUGEBAUER, and I stuck with Representative NEUGEBAUER is a con- ance Corporation and the Federal Re- why folks should vote for me. sistent Conservative. In fact, the Na- serve. Representative NEUGEBAUER is RANDY prevailed in that election and tional Journal named him the ‘‘most also the vice chairman of the House joined Congress in June of 2003. He has conservative Member of Congress’’ in Agriculture Committee, where he served wonderfully and ably since then. 2011. He has also been a valuable mem- played a leading role in developing the RANDY has a strong moral compass and ber of the Science, Space, and Tech- 2014 farm bill. He also serves on the exhibits that moral compass to the nology Committee, which I chair. He House Committee on Science, Space, House all of the time. He is one of has been a member of that committee and Technology, which, I mentioned a those guys who is true north and never for over a decade. I am grateful for his while ago, I chair. wavers, a rock solid Conservative and work on the committee to ensure tax- His legislative initiatives include someone, I am sure, who is proud of his payer dollars are spent wisely and effi- eliminating wasteful Federal spending; service to the folks in District 19. ciently. improving crop insurance; and fighting Our districts are contiguous. My Representative NEUGEBAUER has ac- Federal overreach on energy, the envi- northern border is his southern border; tively pushed back against burdensome ronment, the economy, and personal so we overlap in certain areas, and I EPA regulations that limit affordable, liberties. get comments from his constituents reliable energy. He has also cham- RANDY NEUGEBAUER’s bill to lessen about the great work he and his con- pioned research and development ef- government interference and encour- stituent service team do back home. forts that benefit all forms of energy. age more private sector participation We are going to miss him. We are going This isn’t surprising since Representa- in the terrorism risk insurance market to miss him greatly—his voice. He tive NEUGEBAUER’s district has oil and became the first law of the 114th Con- serves on the Agriculture Committee gas development and produces the most gress. The President also signed his bill as vice chairman and has served the ag- wind energy of any district in the to promote research and minimize the ricultural communities as well as his country. devastating effects caused by wind- having experience on the Armed Serv- In this Congress, Representative storms. Last year, as I alluded to a ices Committee. NEUGEBAUER’s National Windstorm Im- minute ago, the President signed into I am proud to call RANDY my friend pact Reduction Act authorized coordi- law his initiative that gives Texas and I am proud of his service here. He nated research to minimize the effects Tech the opportunity to build a VA and his wife, Dana, are off to the next of windstorms on local communities. It clinic on the campus to better serve chapter—an exciting chapter. I need to will help save lives and property dam- west Texas’ veterans. Congressman NEUGEBAUER and his warn the rainbow trout and brown age. This legislation was inspired by trout populations all over America wife, Dana, who is with us this evening Representative NEUGEBAUER’s personal in the gallery back to my left, are both that, on the days we are in office in experience with a tornado that dev- 2017 and 2018, they need to be on the graduates of Texas Tech University. astated his hometown of Lubbock, lookout for an avid fly fisherman who They have been married for 46 years Texas, some years ago. His bill was will be on the hunt for all of those and are the proud parents of two sons, signed into law last year, and now Fed- trout. two daughters-in-law, three grandsons, eral agencies and universities can work Again, I want to add my congratula- and one granddaughter. to better predict, prepare, and recover tions to RANDY on a job well done in Mr. Speaker, you can see that Rep- from dangerous storms. service to his State and our Nation in resentative NEUGEBAUER has led a very an admirable way. He leaves office in We thank Representative NEUGE- rich life, a very satisfactory life, and a the right way—on his own terms and BAUER for his service to the people of life dedicated to his country and to his very proud. I would ask for God’s bless- west Texas and for his many initiatives family. There can be no question about ing on him and Dana and for God’s on the Science, Space, and Technology that. blessing on Texas, and may God con- Committee. His retirement is well-de- Mr. Speaker, at this point, I yield to tinue to bless the great United States served, and we know he is going to another Texas colleague, the chairman of America. enjoy more time with his family in of the Rules Committee, PETE SES- Mr. SMITH of Texas. I thank the gen- west Texas. SIONS. tleman for those nice comments. Mr. Speaker, one of the best sum- Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Speaker, I now yield to another maries of Mr. NEUGEBAUER’s contribu- the gentleman for allowing us—not Texas colleague, a member of the En- tions as a person, as a family member, only the Texas delegation, but other ergy and Commerce Committee, PETE and as a great Member of Congress is Members of Congress who would wish OLSON. the following, and I want to make sure to come down—the opportunity to ex- Mr. OLSON. I thank my friend from that everybody is aware of these con- press our sincere appreciation and debt San Antonio. tributions and his personal attributes of gratitude to the gentleman from Mr. Speaker, RANDY NEUGEBAUER is as well. Lubbock, Texas, and to his dear and many things. He is a damned proud RANDY NEUGEBAUER proudly rep- beautiful wife, Dana Neugebauer, and Texan and is a Texas Tech Red Raider resents the 19th Congressional District, family who are in the House tonight. who always has his guns up. He is a which stretches across 29 counties in On behalf of the Texas delegation and husband to a fierce force of Texas na- west Texas and the Big Country, and he as a Member of Congress from Dallas, ture—his wife, Dana. He is a father of has represented that great district for Texas, I would say from the people of two sons and is a grandfather of four 14 years. Dallas, Texas—Texas’ 32nd Congres- grandkids. He is a respected Member of Raised in Lubbock, RANDY learned sional District—we have long been Congress—seven terms in this body— the west Texas values of family, faith, friends with the gentleman from the and he is my dear friend. In RANDY’s hard work, and public service. These 19th District of Texas and appreciate time here, he has made America a bet- are the values he has carried with him his life and service to this great Na- ter place for my family, for his family, throughout his life as an accounting tion. and for every American family. student at Texas Tech University, as a Mr. Speaker, you have just heard As we say in our Navy to departing banker, as a homebuilder, and now as a much of Congressman NEUGEBAUER, friends who leave the ship, who go Member of Congress. much of not only what might be re- ashore for the last time: RANDY, may He serves on the Financial Services sume information, but, really, what you always have fair winds and fol- Committee, where he is chairman of might be, when it plays itself out, in- lowing seas. Texas 19 departing. the Financial Institutions and Con- formation that is about the service

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.113 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7266 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 that Congressman NEUGEBAUER has Yes, we are Texans, but he really Mr. GOHMERT. I thank the gen- given, the leadership that he has pro- spoke of America, of America as not tleman. And because of all of the glow- vided not only to the committees of just this shining city on a hill, but ing comments about RANDY, I knew I service, but, really, to the people of Americans who would dedicate them- should not share more than a couple this country. selves to a principle, to ideas higher minutes so that there is time at the Congressman NEUGEBAUER came to than just citizenship as a responsi- end. Congress as an exciting young man bility, as a necessary part of making We have heard the old saying that in who was not only full of opportunity, sure that this country and where home Washington, D.C., if you want a friend, but who came from a vibrant part of is back in Lubbock, Texas, in the high get a dog; but when I got here to Wash- Texas with his ideas about freedom, plains, that that is what he believed ington, D.C., as a Member of Congress, about free enterprise, about oppor- was honorable. RANDY NEUGEBAUER was a friend, and tunity, about collegiality—about the People who would go and sacrifice he is a friend. He is a man of integrity. things which he placed high value on. themselves, who would go help people He is a man of honor. He does his best RANDY comes from a part of Texas— in another land, who were called on be- to live out the Beatitudes that Jesus and I would like to say everybody from cause of commitment to service, these talked about better than I have. He is Texas might be this way, but it is not are the kind of people that RANDY not a man who has been afraid to ever true—where a handshake and your NEUGEBAUER would identify with. stand up and call things the way he word make a difference. These are the kind of people RANDY sees them. It is one of the many things The entire time he was here, Mr. NEUGEBAUER would talk about. These I admire about him so much. NEUGEBAUER didn’t oversell and didn’t are the kind of people who, at our Apostle Paul said three things about underdeliver. He did the things that Thursday Texas delegation—yes, we what he had accomplished. He said: I were necessary as the proper represen- are a bunch of darn Texans, but we get have fought the good fight. Then there tation of not only the Texas delega- together, and we celebrate and share was another clause, and then he said: I tion, but as a man of distinction from not only camaraderie and com- have finished the race. Well, RANDY Lubbock, Texas—the High Plains. He monality, but ideas about where we NEUGEBAUER has not finished the race. brought with him the professional at- wanted to go. That is RANDY NEUGE- The race has still yet to go. He has not tributes that were very necessary with- BAUER. That is what RANDY NEUGE- finished the course. He is just taking a in the Texas delegation to be success- BAUER did every single week, faith- new course. ful. Very early on, he championed fully, dutifully, and he knew what he But I know that, as a brother in those ideas. They were ideas of bring- was doing. Christ and as a man of integrity, he ing forth representation from a group So I want to say to the gentleman, will continue to listen to the still, of people in Lubbock, Texas, and north the young chairman of the Science small voice that has guided him and Texas who strongly believed in Amer- Committee, thank you for being here his wife through the years and has ica, who strongly believed that Amer- for our dear colleague, current col- made him someone who inspires me, ica’s greatest days lie in its future. league RANDY NEUGEBAUER. encourages me, and someone that I RANDY always spoke of not only the One last point, a point of privilege. would hope to emulate. I am grateful ideas that he had, but of the people he Look, when you come up here, you to RANDY NEUGEBAUER for his service represented in terms of real admiration are proud of where you are from, and and for all he has done for America. for those people, admiration for hard you want to do a good job. One of those Mr. SMITH of Texas. I thank the gen- work, admiration for an honest day’s marks is to be thought of as a real con- tleman from Texas, particularly for work, admiration for an honest day’s servative. RANDY NEUGEBAUER, at least bringing out an aspect of RANDY pay. 1 year, and probably 2 or 3, was, by his NEUGEBAUER’s character that has not voting record—this isn’t a vote. This is yet been mentioned tonight. And I b 1930 actual delivery of product—number might also add, and you know only too So you can see, Mr. Speaker, those one, the most conservative person in well, that he has been an active mem- who have known RANDY the best this body. I had that chance for 1 year; ber of a prayer group here in the House watched him in his personal dealings I tried for 2. It is hard to outguess the of Representatives as well. So that not only with Members of our delega- scorecard. RANDY NEUGEBAUER is a spiritual aspect, that spiritual char- tion, but also in committees and the good guesser also because he knows acter is rightfully shown tonight. hard work and the homework that he where he is from—right, wrong, good, I yield to the gentleman from Lub- did to make sure that he did his part bad, up, down, more, less, proper. bock, Texas (Mr. NEUGEBAUER), our col- necessary. Mr. Speaker, tonight we honor a real league and Texas friend, whom we He rose not only in the ranks of re- hero of mine, the gentleman from Lub- honor tonight. sponsibility, but also rose in the ranks bock, Texas, RANDY NEUGEBAUER. And Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Well, I thank the of people who admired Mr. NEUGE- let no one forget his beautiful, young gentleman, and I thank my colleagues BAUER. I am one of those people. I bride who, day after day, gave con- for those very kind words. looked at RANDY, who had come just a fidence to so many other people about What an honor and a privilege it has couple of years behind me, as not only who they are, what they do. I hope been to be able to serve with people of a champion of words and ideas, but he these 46 years turn into 146 years of this integrity and this commitment to had the ability to express those ideas, marriage, Mr. Chairman. I wish RANDY our country. the ability to speak to people in terms NEUGEBAUER and Dana and that entire You know, it was just a little over of content, of where our country would family the very best. 131⁄2 years ago that our colleague from head. This was a time after 9/11 when I thank Chairman SMITH for allowing Texas (Mr. BARTON) introduced me on we were faced with fear, uncertainty, me the chance to come down and say to this very House floor my very first day. and perhaps some complexity that my dear friend and the Neugebauer It was June 5, 2003. I came in a special might be available to some. family: A job well done, Godspeed, and election. I think Mr. CONAWAY men- It never existed to Congressman I hope I do well enough to get invited tioned that we had a race together. I NEUGEBAUER. RANDY threw all of that back to Lubbock to see you again. was sworn in as the 236th Texan and out. I would say he threw out the high Mr. SMITH of Texas. I thank the the 9,832nd American citizen. What you and the low and lived off of confidence, chairman for his nice remarks this realize is what an honor and a privilege confidence about not only the way of evening. it is to get to do this, and what an life that he understood and he rep- I yield to the gentleman from Texas honor and a privilege it has been to resented, but really about the United (Mr. GOHMERT). represent the people of the 19th Con- States military and the men and And let me say to my friend Rep- gressional District. women who were from his district resentative GOHMERT that, we only Somebody asked me one day: Do I whom he spoke so plainly about, who have a total of 6 minutes left, and I do ever think about, when I am on the we understood where they were. They want to allow Mr. NEUGEBAUER time to House floor, the men and women who were committed. speak as well. have served here in the past?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.114 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7267 I said: No, I really don’t think about mittee. He has also served as a Chairman of der back like Rip Van Winkle 20 years the men and women who have served in the Financial Services Subcommittee on Fi- later to our Nation’s Capital. the past because their history has been nancial Institutions and Consumer Credit, and The politics and productivity of the written. The people that I think about as Vice-Chairman of the Agriculture Com- city are more stymied and less success- are the men and women whom I serve mittee. ful than in my experience in the execu- with every day because we are writing RANDY and I are similar in many ways. tive branch, led by George H. W. Bush, our history, and the things that we do Growing up in Texas, we were both instilled or even in my service as a legislative and the things that we say on this floor with strong values of family, faith, hard work, aide on the Senate Banking Committee have a huge impact not only on our and public service. We both went on to marry staff back during the days of the first constituents, but on our country and our high school sweethearts. We each have term of President Reagan. on the world. two sons and have been blessed with multiple Tonight I would like to outline my So I want to thank my wife, Dana, grandchildren. And we both take pride in rep- thoughts on those biggest differences I and my family for helping me do this resenting our respective universities where we have seen in our Federal Government. job on behalf of the people of the 19th are alumnus in Congress. Even though Texas These include the size and complexity District. Without Dana’s support, I Tech and Texas A&M have a strong rivalry, and the unmanageable nature of the couldn’t have done this. My two sons we have worked together for the good of all administrative state, the growth and and their wives have been an integral Texans. unreformed nature of our mandatory part of this, and even my grandkids RANDY will be missed in the halls of Con- spending programs, the failure of the were out campaigning when we were gress. He took pride in serving the constitu- Congress to meet its most fundamental running for Congress. ents of all 29 counties in West Texas that constitutional responsibilities, that is, I also want to thank those men and make up the 19th Congressional District. I the oversight of the executive and the women who have come through our commend him for his many years of public timely and thoughtful appropriations congressional office, both here in D.C. service to Texas and for our nation. It truly governed by the Appropriations Clause and back in the district, who have has been an honor to serve and work along- of our Constitution. worked so hard on behalf of our con- side RANDY. I wish him the best of luck on his b 1945 stituents, making sure that that vet- retirement and want to thank him for friendship At the end of this ‘‘Rip Van Winkle’’ eran gets his check or making sure and guidance. overview, I will offer suggestions as to that that Social Security check that As I close, I ask everyone to continue pray- possible solutions to these challenges was lost was found, helping people get ing for our country and for our military and first that we face in Washington. While I am their loved ones back from a foreign responder g who selflessly serve and sacrifice a realist, I understand consensus is dif- country because of visa problems. All to protect us. ficult in this city, and, while sensitive, of those kinds of things are important. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The my remarks tonight will appeal, in my So I want to thank the staff who Chair would remind Members that it is view, to both Democrats and Repub- have been so much a part of that, and not in order to refer to occupants of licans about how do we have an effec- I want to thank the people of the 19th the gallery. tive Federal Government, one that District and my family, but I also want f honors our constitutional limitations, to thank my fellow colleagues whom I REFLECTIONS OF A FRESHMAN the best intentions of our Founders, have served with. and demonstrates to the American peo- Everybody here that I have come in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under ple that their legislative and executive contact with loves America. Now, what the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- branches can work together for the we do have is a difference of opinion uary 6, 2015, the Chair recognizes the long-term common good and the gen- from time to time on what it takes to gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. HILL) eral welfare of this Nation. make sure that America has the bright for 30 minutes. Thomas Jefferson, author of the Dec- future that we all want it to have, and Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I thank the laration of Independence, does a splen- that is a healthy process. gentleman from Texas (Mr. NEUGE- did job in enumerating the significant I am excited for our President-elect BAUER) for his service and that of his grievances that the American colonists and these new Members of Congress spouse and family, for they made my had against King George III. Among who will be sworn in in just a few welcome to Congress so agreeable and them, my favorite of the ‘‘Facts . . . weeks because they have a big task so appropriate, and I have enjoyed my submitted to a candid world″: ‘‘He,’’ ahead of them. So as many of my con- service with Mr. NEUGEBAUER on the the king, ‘‘has erected a multitude of stituents have prayed for me and this House Financial Services Committee. New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Congress in the past, Dana and I will be You know, when I am home, one of officers to harass our people, and eat praying for them as they take our the most frequent questions I get is to out their substance.’’ country forward. describe the major changes that I have When I am visiting with our fellow Thank you again, and God bless you, seen in Washington since my previous citizens in the seven counties of the and God bless the United States of work on Capitol Hill and in the execu- Second Congressional District of Ar- America. tive branch. And yes, now it has been kansas, our doctors and hospital ad- Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I more than 24 years since I served in the ministrators, people who own small again want to thank Representative administration of George H. W. Bush businesses, community bankers, high NEUGEBAUER for his service to Texas from 1989–1993, 24 years and three two- school and elementary schoolteachers, and to our country. We wish him the term Presidents—two Democrats, one university administrators, highway best in his well-deserved retirement. Republican. Anyone familiar with life contractors, small-town mayors, inevi- I yield back the balance of my time. inside the beltway would certainly see tably the size, scope, and complexity of Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to that the city’s traffic has become un- the paperwork, micromanagement, and honor my fellow Texas colleague and friend bearable, and the number of places to intrusion of the administrative state RANDY NEUGEBAUER. eat has really been improved in those dominates that conversation. RANDY has been serving the constituents of 24 years. While other policy proposals from the the 19th Congressional District of Texas since But tonight I don’t want to talk tax and policy ideas to funding the 2003. Prior to coming to Congress, he served about the enrichment of life along The need for our needed Federal programs, on the Lubbock City Council and as Mayor National Mall with new monuments to inevitably every conversation ulti- Pro Tempore. He also worked in the private FDR and MLK and new visionary sites, mately returns to how management sector as a banker and a homebuilder. such as the Native American Museum and employees believe they are no In Congress, RANDY has worked hard to and now our African American Mu- longer focused on their missions to in- eliminate wasteful federal spending, curb fed- seum. Instead, it is not urbanization or crease sales, produce profits, grow eral overreach and create better agriculture nightlife that has happened that I no- their business, educate kids, operate on policies. He has served on the Financial Serv- ticed, that I talk about when I see my patients, make loans to entrepreneurs ices Committee, the Agriculture Committee, constituents, but it is really the and successful businesses, and help ex- and the Science, Space and Technology Com- changes I see in public policy as I wan- pand the American Dream.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:28 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.116 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 Instead, they are stuck in a world of administrative state, this beast now ble ability to problem solve through three-ring binders, CYA activities, and reigns supreme, uncaring, tone deaf, the formation of associations of all a morass of paperwork and documenta- and its tentacles dedicated to one-size- kinds, that Americans were always tion—all possibly well-intentioned, but fits-all edicts, and, in many ways, un- finding themselves producing an asso- the bottom line is they take people responsive even to the will of the peo- ciation to build inns, to raise churches, away from their core mission and core ple’s representatives in the United to distribute books, to send mission- values, drive up costs, reduce avail- States House and Senate. aries out, to help create hospitals, pris- ability of credit to consumers, drive up Phil Howard, who I referenced a few ons, and schools, all local communities prices for consumers, and, in many minutes ago, wrote two great books coming together to do these things for ways, cause Americans to be cynical that I encourage everyone in our coun- themselves. about their government. try to read: ‘‘The Death of Common In my first 2 years in Congress, I In a 2015 article on New York City’s Sense’’ and ‘‘The Rule of Nobody,’’ have witnessed firsthand the over- broken bureaucracy, Phil Howard de- which succinctly outline the failures of whelming size of the administrative cried the red-tape jungle that doubles this system that has been built up, cal- state when compared to my earlier costs and postpones critical infrastruc- cified over the years, with no one in service on Capitol Hill and in President ture projects in one of the greatest cit- the system really responsible for ask- Bush 41’s White House. First let’s con- ies in the world. This is a fundamental ing: What is the right thing to do? sider the sheer volume of rules that issue today because President-elect Ultimately, then, no one is respon- have been issued, estimated to cost our Trump says we need to invest more in sible for these failures of the adminis- economy $100 million or more in net infrastructure. Look at the dollar per trative state. cost. mile of road paved when you look at Instead, administrative officials have Just under President Obama, we have the costs added by the bureaucracy. come to Capitol Hill and rarely offer witnessed over 600 rulemakings that In 1931, the construction of The Em- testimony of value that adds to the de- exceed $100 million in threshold. Some, pire State Building was completed in bate, that informs the decisionmaking. like the Clean Power Plan, many, 410 days, 12 days ahead of schedule. A typical example can be seen in the 6 many times that amount. In fact, the Today, just raising the roadway of the years of review and critique of the Office of Management and Budget, as Bayonne Bridge in New York, besides post-recession banking measure called of November 15, just a few days ago, absurd requirements to survey historic the Dodd-Frank Act. Former Com- noted there were 98 more midnight buildings within a 2-mile radius of an mittee on Financial Services chair rules of the Obama administration; 17 existing bridge that touched no build- here in the House, Barney Frank, and of those hitting the $100 million mark ings, it required 47 permits from 19 dif- author of this bill, principal architect, of cost to our economy. ferent agencies and a 5,000-page Federal said that many things in this final act The conservative American Action environmental assessment and a city weren’t right and required modifica- Forum has estimated that President environmental review before a permit tions, but a standard response from the Obama has imposed 40 percent more could even be issued. After 5 years, the Obama administration’s financial offi- major rules than his predecessor and project was sued for inadequate envi- cials at the Comptroller of the Cur- that the overall cost of the Obama ad- ronmental review. Now the $1.3 billion rency, the FDIC, or the Federal Re- ministration’s regulations on the project is not expected to be completed serve, or even the SEC, our securities American people stands at $813 billion. until 2017. We are talking about years, commission, can be paraphrased simply Likewise, consider the longer term. decades to raise the deck on the bridge as: Congress passed the law, we are im- This chart illustrates the scope of that will increase traffic to New York plementing the law, period, full stop. these rulemakings as well as the long- Harbor that in no way endangers the That is not the right answer nor is it term trend in publication of new environment or any other aspect. the right question. Standing for ortho- rulemakings in the Federal Register, Peggy Noonan has said that Wash- doxy instead of what will benefit the where all the government’s actions are ington is turning America into the pa- American people, that should be their published for public dissemination and perwork nation at odds with the Amer- obligation, to help Congress design review. But still more than the sheer ican character of inventors, builders, policies that help the American Dream number and cost of these rulemakings innovators, and pioneers. flourish. is how intrusive they have become in I have a message for our President- Jefferson, envisioning our nation di- daily lives or duplicative they are of elect. When you are involved in vided into States, counties, and town- another rule that was never repealed. partnering with us in draining the ships, said: ‘‘It is not by the consolida- That is why I found very appealing swamp, it is a worthy goal, how about tion, or concentration of powers, but President-elect Trump said let’s repeal draining America’s inbox and just by their distribution, that good . . . is rules before we make new ones. I wrote leave our American people alone to in- effected.’’ him recently, suggesting that he form novate, employ people, and help grow Abraham Lincoln reminded our citi- a regulatory reform task force, like this economy. zens that ‘‘the legitimate object of gov- President Reagan did, and put Vice This is why the Founders struggled ernment is to do for a community of President Pence in charge of it to work so mightily over the proper role of the people whatever they need to have with OMB and peel back this layer of Federal versus State prerogatives in done, but cannot do at all . . . ‘’ duplicative costly regulation. These designing our Constitution. It is the I place emphasis on the nature of costs hurt consumers, and they hurt core of why they settled upon the enu- ‘‘community of people’’ whereby we job creation. merated powers in our Constitution buy into this longstanding philo- A mortgage application, a funda- and left those other powers not so des- sophical position of subsidiarity, mental part of our American experi- ignated to the Federal Government to whereby solutions to problems or chal- ence across this Nation for a first-time our States or entrusted to the people. lenges are best decided and left to the home buyer used to be about 100 pages. Over recent years, the administrative community and that, if necessary, the Now it is about 500 pages. I would argue state has eroded that trust the people government closest to the people band the consumer is not materially better have to make their own good choices. together with families and local asso- informed or better off with these addi- It is critical that we restore this trust ciations to take action, not punt every tional pages. Instead, we have just and allow our local and State govern- decision to the Federal Government. added duplicative paperwork because it ments to tackle social and economic At one time, such dedication to self- looks better. But on reflection, is that challenges with our people close to the reliance and common sense were consumer better off? Is our Nation bet- problems and create a commonsense lauded as virtues, essential to the char- ter off for that cost? Shouldn’t these approach. acter of our Nation and of our people. kinds of things use common sense? So your old friend, Rip Van Winkle, Edmund Burke referred to the ‘‘mid- In 1994, I served on The Heritage here tonight has returned to the banks dling’’ associations for doing good in Foundation’s Advisory Council on Reg- of the Potomac to see a great leviathan England, and Alex de Tocqueville ulatory Reform. Twenty years ago, draped across the landscape. Called the spoke reverently of Americans’ insatia- your old Rip Van Winkle friend here

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.118 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7269 argued that the cost in 1994 of the Fed- for a total of more than 600 executive This is where you get into the inten- eral regulatory system was nearly $1.6 orders and Presidential directives. tion that our Founders anticipated. trillion annually. I compared it, then, It can certainly be argued that Federalist 51: when one branch of gov- to the personal income tax, what it Obama’s executive action has far ex- ernment gets too big for their breeches, raised, what we all contribute of about ceeded the scope and breadth of pre- it needs to be countered by another $1.2 trillion in 1994 dollars. vious administrations. Even The Wash- branch of government. This overreach The everyday government involve- ington Post editorial board noted that by the executive needs to be responded ment in hardworking Americans’ lives the President’s executive action on im- to by the first branch, the legislative has only grown over those past two migration in 2014 had no precedent and branch, and make sure that we, in fact, decades, and the Competitive Enter- flew in the face of congressional intent. consistently authorize our appropria- prise Institute’s across-the-board cost Indeed. tions responsibly. estimate now for Federal regulations, The Federal courts, too, have recog- To close this discussion of the admin- including the impact of the Obama ad- nized the excess of this administration istrative state, let’s consider a primary ministration is nearly at $1.9 trillion with their blocking of the President’s example of growth of the state where per year, exceeding the cost of the indi- 2014 executive order on immigration, Congress does not have an opportunity vidual income tax system and cor- nationwide injunctions on the Depart- to safeguard its legislative and appro- porate tax revenues and quickly ap- ment of Labor’s overtime rule, injunc- priation and oversight responsibility. proaching—are you seated?—quickly tions on the EPA’s waters of the People’s exhibit A is the Consumer Fi- approaching the entire amount of cor- United States rule, and finally, the nancial Protection Bureau. porate pretax profits. current legal battle over the Clean In the Dodd-Frank Act, I mentioned The regulatory regime of the Federal Power Plan. a few minutes ago, in my view, the Government is not just vast and costly, So, while I have certainly seen, in my Congress mistakenly created a funding it is unnecessarily intrusive. In Arkan- two decades of being out of the Poto- source for the CFPB not subject to the mac arena, a growing trend in the ad- sas, we have seen agency regulations appropriations that are actually set ministrative state by way of executive have devastating effects on our farm- aside. Instead, it is a fixed amount of actions that skirt the Administrative ers, our small businesses, nonprofits, income out of the Federal Reserve sys- Procedure Act and public comment, schools, colleges, universities, and tem hidden away from Congress’ over- this administration has also aggres- State agencies. No one is immune from sight that normally would be paid di- sively attempted to avoid publicly vet- the leviathan’s overreach. rectly to the Treasury. Instead, it is di- ted rulemaking by something even, in Also in recent years, one has noted verted to the CFPB, and it gives an my judgment, more nefarious to our the expansion of the executive branch agency independence like you can’t see constitutional freedoms, and that is authority by increasing staff at the anywhere else. It is a violation, in my creating regulation by enforcement ac- White House that is not subject to the view, of our appropriations responsi- tion. bility. The Director can’t be fired, so it confirmation of the United States Sen- In my first 2 years in Congress, this is a violation of our oversight responsi- ate. While President Reagan had ap- has happened at the Securities and Ex- bility. pointed one czar to work on drugs in change Commission and the Depart- I was pleased, this October, that the the White House, President Obama has ment of Justice and clearly skirts the Court of Appeals for the District of Co- appointed 44 czars, with 35 of those not statutory traditions of the United lumbia unanimously ruled in the PHH requiring confirmation by the United States and the role of the Administra- mortgage case that the CFPB’s sole Di- States Senate. tive Procedure Act. By using executive orders or execu- One of the economically chilling rector position possesses unchecked tive memoranda to carry out policies issues related to this contains the use ‘‘unilateral power’’ and calls the Direc- that exceed existing statutory author- of settlement trust funds, whereby the tor ‘‘the single most powerful official ity and properly belong to the first Department of Justice or other agen- in the entire United States Govern- branch of government, the legislative cies of government choose to settle ment.’’ I am sorry, what? The single branch, here, President Obama has hit Federal civil actions against compa- most powerful official in the United new heights in what historian Arthur nies or individuals through a settle- States Government. Gosh, I thought Schlesinger termed ‘‘the imperial Pres- ment procedure, as opposed to going to that was the President, the Speaker of idency.’’ trial, and then assess a major mone- the House. No, no, no. It is a guy at the CFPB. In fact, they acted in an uncon- b 2000 tary penalty which, instead of being paid to the victims, is paid to politi- stitutional manner. It is critical to note that it is not the cally favored interest groups. So I am with the District of Colum- numbers of executive orders that are These activists, in turn, bring more bia court, and I have no doubt that the meaningful as to the directives them- lawsuits to feather their own nests. pending case, State National Bank of selves and how far-reaching they are And if this isn’t crony coercion, with Big Spring, Texas, challenging the vis-a-vis that proper statutory author- its pernicious effect on the economy CFPB’s unconstitutionality will be ity. and a chilling effect on all innovation noted as well. For example, if one utilizes data and economic growth, I don’t know So, Mr. Speaker, these are some of from the American Presidency Project what is. It is certainly not in keeping my observations about the growth of and compares Reagan, Clinton, and with 70, 80 years of tradition under the the administrative state. I have no Bush 43 with President Obama—all Administrative Procedure Act. doubt that, when I come back to this two-term Presidents—one finds Presi- My former colleague and White floor, I will continue this discussion dent Reagan issued 381 executive or- House counsel to President Bush 41, and offer solutions about what we need ders; President Clinton, 364 executive Ambassador C. Boyden Gray, stated in to do in Congress, in the legislative orders; President Bush 43, 291; and his testimony, before the House Finan- branch, and in the executive branch to President Obama at an apparently in cial Services Committee, about the make sure that we are upholding our line 260. But that is not the end of the dangers of an executive with access to obligation to our voters, our citizens, story. President Obama has utilized a the Treasury. That is clearly what the people who have elected us, who new measure that dodges publicity, these slush funds are. The need to en- have sent us here to represent their in- transparency, and these statistics of sure separation of powers and power of terests—hardworking people like the American Presidency Project: the the purse are firmly in the hands of RANDY NEUGEBAUER that we lauded a Presidential memorandum. Congress, not the executive. few minutes ago for his extraordinary By the end of 2015, this most imperial Mr. Gray stated: ‘‘Every other con- service to the 19th District of Texas. of Presidents had issued 219 memo- stitutional power runs into the appro- Our administrative state is unmanage- randa—these are just the ones that priations power,’’ and that throughout able, and it deserves to be reined in. have been published in the Federal our history, ‘‘presidents have ‘consist- As a freshman, soon-to-be sopho- Register—and the White House memo- ently endeavored to seize the appro- more, a second-term Member of this randa tally at the end of 2015 was 476, priations powers from Congress.’’’ body, I am going to fight for those

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.119 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE H7270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE December 6, 2016 changes that return the power to the Applications [Docket No.: FDA-2016-N-0543] 7767. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- people’s House and the people’s Senate (RIN: 0910-AH30) received December 2, 2016, ment of Agriculture, transmitting the De- as it relates to oversight of the execu- pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law partment’s semi-annual report on the activi- tive and the appropriations method. 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Com- ties of the Inspector General for April 1, 2016, mittee on Energy and Commerce. through September 30, 2016, pursuant to 5 Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance 7758. A letter from the Director, Regula- U.S.C. app. (Insp. Gen. Act) Sec. 5(b); Public of my time. tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, Law 95-452, Sec. 5(b); (92 Stat. 1103); to the f Department of Health and Human Services, Committee on Oversight and Government transmitting the Department’s final rule — Reform. SENATE ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED Uniform Compliance Date for Food Labeling 7768. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- The Speaker announced his signature Regulations [Docket No.: FDA-2000-N-0011] ment of Health and Human Services, trans- to enrolled bills of the Senate of the received December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 mitting the Department’s semi-annual re- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. port on the activities of the Inspector Gen- following titles: 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- eral for April 1, 2016, through September 30, S. 1555. An act to award a Congressional ergy and Commerce. 2016, pursuant to μ5 U.S.C. app. (Insp. Gen. Gold Medal, collectively, to the Filipino vet- 7759. A letter from the Director, Regula- Act) Sec. 5(b); Public Law 95-452, Sec. 5(b); erans of World War II, in recognition of the tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, (92 Stat. 1103); to the Committee on Over- dedicated service of the veterans during Department of Health and Human Services, sight and Government Reform. World War II. transmitting the Department’s final rule — 7769. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, S. 2234. An act to award the Congressional Medical Gas Containers and Closures; Cur- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, Gold Medal, collectively, to the members of rent Good Manufacturing Practice Require- transmitting the Department’s FY 2016 the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) in rec- ments [Docket No.: FDA-2005-N-0343] (RIN: Agency Financial Report, pursuant to 31 ognition of their superior service and major 0910-AC53) received December 2, 2016, pursu- U.S.C. 3515(a)(1); Public Law 101-576, Sec. contributions during World War II. ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104- 303(a)(1) (as amended by Public Law 107-289, S. 2577. An act to protect crime victims’ 121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee Sec. 2(a)); (116 Stat. 2049); to the Committee rights, to eliminate the substantial backlog on Energy and Commerce. on Oversight and Government Reform. of DNA and other forensic evidence samples 7760. A letter from the Director, Regula- 7770. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- to improve and expand the forensic science tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, ment of Transportation, transmitting the testing capacity of Federal, State, and local Department of Health and Human Services, Department’s Semiannual Report of the Of- crime laboratories, to increase research and transmitting the Department’s final rule — fice of the Inspector General for the period development of new testing technologies, to Indirect Food Additives: Paper and Paper- ending September 30, 2016, pursuant to Sec. 5 develop new training programs regarding the board Components [Docket No.: FDA-2016-F- of the Inspector General Act of 1978, as collection and use of forensic evidence, to 1153] received December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 amended, Public Law 95-452; to the Com- provide post-conviction testing of DNA evi- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. mittee on Oversight and Government Re- dence to exonerate the innocent, to support 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on En- form. accreditation efforts of forensic science lab- ergy and Commerce. 7771. A letter from the Administrator, Gen- oratories and medical examiner offices, to 7761. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- eral Services Administration, transmitting address training and equipment needs, to im- ment of Commerce, transmitting a report the Administration’s Semiannual Manage- prove the performance of counsel in State certifying that the export of the listed item ment Report to the Congress for the period capital cases, and for other purposes. to the People’s Republic of China is not det- of April 1, 2016, through September 30, 2016, rimental to the U.S. space launch industry, pursuant to Sec. 5 of the Inspector General f pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2778 note; Public Law Act of 1978, as amended; to the Committee on ADJOURNMENT 105-261, Sec. 1512 (as amended by Public Law Oversight and Government Reform. 105-277, Sec. 146); (112 Stat. 2174); to the Com- 7772. A letter from the Labor Member and Mr. HILL. Mr. Speaker, I move that mittee on Foreign Affairs. Management Member, Railroad Retirement the House do now adjourn. 7762. A letter from the Deputy Assistant to Board, transmitting the Board’s Inspector The motion was agreed to; accord- the President and Director, Office of Admin- General Semiannual Report to the Congress ingly (at 8 o’clock and 8 minutes p.m.), istration, Executive Office of The President, for the period April 1, 2016 through Sep- under its previous order, the House ad- transmitting transactions from the Unan- tember 30, 2016, pursuant to Sec. 5 of the In- journed until tomorrow, Wednesday, ticipated Needs Account for fiscal year 2016 spector General Act of 1978, as amended, December 7, 2016, at 10 a.m. for morn- as required by 3 U.S.C. 108, pursuant to 3 Public Law 95-452; to the Committee on U.S.C. 108(b); Public Law 95-570, Sec. 2(a); (92 Oversight and Government Reform. ing-hour debate. Stat. 2449); to the Committee on Oversight 7773. A letter from the Chair, Securities f and Government Reform. and Exchange Commission, transmitting the 7763. A letter from the Federal Co-Chair, Commission’s Fiscal Year 2016 Agency Fi- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, Appalachian Regional Commission, trans- nancial Report, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. ETC. mitting the Commission’s Inspector General 3515(a)(1); Public Law 101-576, Sec. 303(a)(1) Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive Semiannual Report to Congress, for the pe- (as amended by Public Law 107-289, Sec. 2(a)); communications were taken from the riod April 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016, (116 Stat. 2049); to the Committee on Over- Speaker’s table and referred as follows: pursuant to Sec. 5 of the Inspector General sight and Government Reform. Act of 1978, as amended; to the Committee on 7774. A letter from the Assistant Secretary 7755. A letter from the Director, Civil Oversight and Government Reform. for Legislation, Office of the Secretary, De- Rights Center, Office of the Secretary, De- 7764. A letter from the Executive Director, partment of Health and Human Services, partment of Labor, transmitting the Depart- Consumer Product Safety Commission, transmitting the Fiscal Year 2014 Report to ment’s final rule — Implementation of the transmitting the Commission’s Strategic Congress on Administration of the Tribal Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Plan for Fiscal Years 2016 through 2020, pur- Self-Governance Program, pursuant to Sec. Provisions of the Workforce Innovation and suant to 5 U.S.C. 306(a); Public Law 111-352, 458aaa-13(a), 25 U.S.C. 450 et seq., as amend- Opportunity Act (RIN: 1291-AA36) received Sec. 2; (124 Stat. 3866); to the Committee on ed; to the Committee on Natural Resources. December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Oversight and Government Reform. 7775. A letter from the Assistant Attorney 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 7765. A letter from the Chairman, Con- General, Department of Justice, transmit- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Education sumer Product Safety Commission, trans- ting the Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu Na- and the Workforce. mitting the Commission’s Fiscal Year 2016 tional Blue Alert Act Report to Congress for 7756. A letter from the Assistant General Agency Financial Report, pursuant to 31 2016, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 14165b(f); Public Counsel for Regulatory Affairs, Pension Ben- U.S.C. 3515(a)(1); Public Law 101-576, Sec. Law 114-12, Sec. 4(f); (129 Stat. 196); to the efit Guaranty Corporation, transmitting the 303(a)(1) (as amended by Public Law 107-289, Committee on the Judiciary. Corporation’s final rule — Allocation of As- Sec. 2(a)); (116 Stat. 2049); to the Committee 7776. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, sets in Single-Employer Plans; Valuation of on Oversight and Government Reform. U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Benefits and Assets; Expected Retirement 7766. A letter from the Chief Executive Of- Security, transmitting the Department’s Age received December 5, 2016, pursuant to 5 ficer, Corporation for National and Commu- temporary final rule — Special Local Regu- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. nity Service, transmitting the Office of In- lation; Ouachita River, Monroe, LA [Docket 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Edu- spector General’s Semiannual Report to Con- No.: USCG-2016-0666] (RIN: 1625-AA08) re- cation and the Workforce. gress and the Corporation for National and ceived December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 7757. A letter from the Director, Regula- Community Service’s Response and Report 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 tions Policy and Management Staff, FDA, on Final Action for the six-month period Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- Department of Health and Human Services, from April 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016, tation and Infrastructure. transmitting the Department’s final rule — pursuant to Sec. 5 of the Inspector General 7777. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, Food and Drug Administration Review and Act of 1978, as amended; to the Committee on U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Action on Over-the-Counter Time and Extent Oversight and Government Reform. Security, transmitting the Department’s

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:25 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06DE7.120 H06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with HOUSE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H7271 temporary final rule — Special Local Regu- for printing and reference to the proper compensation to veterans of that war; to the lation; Saint Andrew Bay; Panama City, FL calendar, as follows: Committee on Ways and Means, and in addi- [Docket No.: USCG-2016-0932] (RIN: 1625- tion to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Mr. BYRNE: Committee on Rules. House AA08) received December 2, 2016, pursuant to for a period to be subsequently determined Resolution 944. Resolution providing for con- 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. by the Speaker, in each case for consider- sideration of the bill (H.R. 5143) to provide 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on ation of such provisions as fall within the ju- greater transparency and congressional over- Transportation and Infrastructure. risdiction of the committee concerned. sight of international insurance standards 7778. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, By Mr. PALLONE (for himself, Mr. setting processes, and for other purposes; U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland COHEN, Ms. MOORE, Mr. PAYNE, and providing for proceedings during the period Security, transmitting the Department’s Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN): from December 9, 2016, through January 3, temporary final rule — Safety Zone; Pago H.R. 6446. A bill to amend the Truth in 2017; and providing for consideration of mo- Pago Harbor, American Samoa [Docket No.: Lending Act to provide private education tions to suspend the rules (Rept. 114–846). Re- USCG-2016-0749] (RIN: 1625-AA00) received loan forgiveness for certain borrowers, to re- ferred to the House Calendar. December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. quire disclosures related to private edu- 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 f cation loan default rates, and for other pur- Stat. 868); to the Committee on Transpor- poses; to the Committee on Financial Serv- tation and Infrastructure. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS ices, and in addition to the Committee on 7779. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, Under clause 2 of rule XII, public U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Ways and Means, for a period to be subse- Security, transmitting the Department’s bills and resolutions of the following quently determined by the Speaker, in each final rule — Safety Zones; San Francisco, CA titles were introduced and severally re- case for consideration of such provisions as [Docket No.: USCG-2016-0154] (RIN: 1625- ferred, as follows: fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. AA00) received December 2, 2016, pursuant to By Mr. BRADY of Texas (for himself By Mr. ROE of Tennessee: 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. and Mr. NEAL): H.J. Res. 106. A joint resolution approving 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on H.R. 6439. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- the location of a memorial to commemorate Transportation and Infrastructure. enue Code of 1986 to make technical correc- and honor the members of the Armed Forces 7780. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- that served on active duty in support of Op- U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland mittee on Ways and Means. eration Desert Storm or Operation Desert Security, transmitting the Department’s By Mr. GOWDY (for himself, Mr. GOOD- Shield; to the Committee on Natural Re- temporary final rule — Safety Zone; Ten- LATTE, and Ms. JACKSON LEE): nessee River, Knoxville, TN, MM TNR 646.9- H.R. 6440. A bill to amend title 18, United sources. 647.1 [Docket No.: USCG-2016-0845] (RIN: 1625- States Code, to provide for new procedures By Mr. MCCARTHY: H. Res. 945. A resolution providing for the AA00) received December 2, 2016, pursuant to regarding the payment of restitution by de- printing of a revised edition of the Rules and 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. fendants convicted of child pornography of- 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on Manual of the House of Representatives for fenses, and for other purposes; to the Com- Transportation and Infrastructure. the One Hundred Fifteenth Congress; consid- mittee on the Judiciary. 7781. A letter from the Administrator, ered and agreed to. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Cor- By Ms. DUCKWORTH: H.R. 6441. A bill to provide for the regula- By Mr. CONYERS (for himself, Mrs. poration, Department of Transportation, DINGELL, Mrs. LAWRENCE, Mr. LEVIN, transmitting the annual financial audit and tion of video visitation services by the Fed- eral Communications Commission generally, and Mr. KILDEE): management report of the Saint Lawrence H. Res. 946. A resolution celebrating the to establish criteria for the provision of Seaway Development Corporation for the fis- history of the Detroit River with the 15-year video visitation services by the Bureau of cal year ending September 30, 2016, pursuant commemoration of the International Under- Prisons, and for other purposes; to the Com- to 31 U.S.C. 3515(a)(1); Public Law 101-576, ground Railroad Memorial Monument, com- mittee on the Judiciary, and in addition to Sec. 303(a)(1) (as amended by Public Law 107- prised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for 289, Sec. 2(a)); (116 Stat. 2049); to the Com- in Detroit, Michigan and the Tower of Free- a period to be subsequently determined by mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- dom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; the Speaker, in each case for consideration ture. to the Committee on Natural Resources, and 7782. A letter from the Chief, Trade and of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- in addition to the Committee on Foreign Af- Commercial Regulations Branch, Customs tion of the committee concerned. fairs, for a period to be subsequently deter- and Border Protection, Department of Home- By Mr. FORTENBERRY: mined by the Speaker, in each case for con- land Security, transmitting the Depart- H.R. 6442. A bill to amend the National ment’s final rule — Import Restrictions Im- Trails System Act to direct the Secretary of sideration of such provisions as fall within posed on Certain Archaeological Material the Interior to conduct a study on the feasi- the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. from Egypt [CBP Dec. 16-23] (RIN: 1515-AE19) bility of designating the Chief Standing Bear By Mr. RICHMOND: H. Res. 947. A resolution expressing support received December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 National Historic Trail, and for other pur- for the designation of the third Sunday in U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. poses; to the Committee on Natural Re- October as Clergy Spouse Appreciation Day; 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on sources. to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Ways and Means. By Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM ment Reform. 7783. A letter from the Chief, Trade and of New Mexico (for herself, Mr. BLU- Commercial Regulations Branch, Customs MENAUER, Mr. CICILLINE, and Mr. f and Border Protection, Department of Home- DESAULNIER): CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY land Security, transmitting the Depart- H.R. 6443. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- ment’s final rule — Extension of Import Re- enue Code to impose an excise tax on opioid STATEMENT strictions Imposed on Certain Archeological manufacturers, to make the funds collected Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of and Ethnological Materials from the through such tax available for opioid (in- the Rules of the House of Representa- Plurinational State of Bolivia [CBP Dec. 16- cluding heroin) abuse prevention and treat- tives, the following statements are sub- 24] (RIN: 1515-AE20) received December 2, ment programs, and for other purposes; to 2016, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public mitted regarding the specific powers the Committee on Ways and Means, and in granted to Congress in the Constitu- Law 104-121, Sec. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the addition to the Committees on Energy and Committee on Ways and Means. Commerce, and the Budget, for a period to be tion to enact the accompanying bill or 7784. A letter from the Chief, Publications subsequently determined by the Speaker, in joint resolution. and Regulations Branch, Internal Revenue each case for consideration of such provi- By Mr. BRADY of Texas: Service, transmitting the Service’ s IRB only sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the H.R. 6439. rule — Application of Section 108(a)(1)(E)(ii) committee concerned. Congress has the power to enact this legis- to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s By Ms. MENG: lation pursuant to the following: (FHFA’s) Principal Reduction Modification H.R. 6444. A bill to amend the Higher Edu- Clauses 1 and 18 of Section 8 of Article I of Program (PRMP) and the Home Affordable cation Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of the United States Constitution, and Amend- Modification Program (HAMP) [Notice 2016- Education to annually adjust Federal Per- ment XVI of the United States Constitution. 72] received December 2, 2016, pursuant to 5 kins loan amounts for inflation; to the Com- By Mr. GOWDY: U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); Public Law 104-121, Sec. mittee on Education and the Workforce. H.R. 6440. 251; (110 Stat. 868); to the Committee on By Mr. O’ROURKE (for himself, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Ways and Means. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. MOULTON, and lation pursuant to the following: f Mr. JONES): The bill derives its authority from Con- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON H.R. 6445. A bill to amend title 38, United gress’ Article 1, Section 8, Clause 9 authority PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS States Code, and the Internal Revenue Code to ‘‘constitute tribunals inferior to the Su- of 1986 to establish, in the event of any war, preme Court.’’ This authority includes the Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of a war tax to be collected and deposited in a rules and procedures used by inferior federal committees were delivered to the Clerk trust fund for the payment of benefits and courts.

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By Ms. DUCKWORTH: Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5474: Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. H.R. 6441. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 5619: Mr. DESANTIS. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the United H.R. 5867: Mr. DELANEY. lation pursuant to the following: States Constitution H.R. 5904: Mr. DAVIDSON and Mr. MEADOWS. Article I, Section I of the Constitution of the United States of America: ‘‘All legisla- f H.R. 5961: Mrs. COMSTOCK. H.R. 5974: Mr. MOULTON and Mr. SMITH of tive Powers herein granted shall be vested in ADDITIONAL SPONSORS a Congress, of the United States, which shall New Jersey. consist of a Senate and House of Representa- Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 5994: Mr. KIND. tives.’’ were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 5999: Mr. DUFFY and Mr. DELANEY. By Mr. FORTENBERRY: tions, as follows: H.R. 6025: Mr. LUETKEMEYER. H.R. 6442. H.R. 6117: Ms. KAPTUR. H.R. 188: Ms. PINGREE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 6159: Mr. PAULSEN. H.R. 213: Ms. DELAURO and Mr. BERA. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 6196: Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California. The constitutional authority for this bill is H.R. 572: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 6234: Ms. LOFGREN. pursuant to Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of H.R. 577: Mr. DELANEY. the United States Constitution. H.R. 746: Mr. TED LIEU of California. H.R. 6278: Mr. GOHMERT. By Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM H.R. 1095: Mr. KENNEDY and Mr. CICILLINE. H.R. 6298: Mr. LAMBORN. of New Mexico: H.R. 1098: Ms. SLAUGHTER. H.R. 6336: Mr. GARAMENDI. H.R. 6443. H.R. 1197: Mr. DOGGETT. H.R. 6340: Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 1312: Mr. DELANEY. QUIGLEY, Ms. KUSTER, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 1356: Mr. DELANEY. LOEBSACK, and Ms. PINGREE. Article I, Section 8, clause 18 of the Con- H.R. 1603: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 6421: Mr. SCHWEIKERT, Mr. RIGELL, Mr. stitution. H.R. 2082: Mr. REED. SWALWELL of California, and Mr. LAMBORN. By Ms. MENG: H.R. 2103: Ms. LOFGREN. H.R. 6423: Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 6444. H.R. 2450: Mr. PASCRELL. LYNCH, Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ, and Ms. SCHA- Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2461: Mr. MCKINLEY. KOWSKY. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 2920: Mr. KIND. H.R. 6426: Mr. DESANTIS. Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of H.R. 3268: Mr. MEEKS and Mrs. BUSTOS. the United States H.R. 6428: Mr. BEYER and Mr. CARSON of In- H.R. 3355: Mr. DELANEY. diana. By Mr. O’ROURKE: H.R. 3520: Mr. DELANEY. H.R. 6445. H.R. 6431: Ms. PINGREE, Mr. CURBELO of H.R. 3558: Mr. DELANEY. Congress has the power to enact this legis- Florida, Mr. KILMER, Mr. EMMER of Min- H.R. 3640: Mr. DELANEY. lation pursuant to the following: nesota, and Ms. KELLY of Illinois. H.R. 3660: Ms. BONAMICI and Mr. POCAN. Under Article I, Section 8 of the Constitu- H.J. Res. 100: Mr. STEWART and Mr. LAB- H.R. 3892: Mr. MCCAUL and Mr. WENSTRUP. tion, Congress has the power ‘‘to make all RADOR. H.R. 4074: Mr. BROOKS of Alabama. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for H.J. Res. 102: Mr. GARAMENDI and Mr. H.R. 4223: Ms. CASTOR of Florida. carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- POCAN. ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- H.R. 4298: Mr. BOST and Mr. BRADY of Texas. H.J. Res. 104: Mr. COOPER. stitution in the Government of the United H. Con. Res. 171: Mr. GRIFFITH, Mr. GRI- States, or any Department or Officer there- H.R. 4313: Ms. KUSTER. H.R. 4513: Mr. KATKO. JALVA, Ms. HANABUSA, Mr. KILMER, and Ms. of’’. SPEIER. By Mr. PALLONE: H.R. 4932: Ms. LOFGREN. H. Con. Res. 175: Mr. ADERHOLT. H.R. 6446. H.R. 5177: Mr. PALLONE. Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 5299: Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana and Mr. H. Res. 28: Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. lation pursuant to the following: BOST. H. Res. 848: Mr. LEVIN and Mr. WALZ. Article I, Section VIII. H.R. 5361: Mrs. TORRES. H. Res. 861: Mr. GUTIE´ RREZ, Mr. RODNEY By Mr. ROE of Tennessee: H.R. 5454: Mrs. MIMI WALTERS of California DAVIS of Illinois, and Mr. RUSH. H.J. Res. 106. and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. H. Res. 942: Mr. BURGESS and Mr. ALLEN.

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Vol. 162 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2016 No. 175 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was lic for which it stands, one nation under God, I have heard from health profes- called to order by the President pro indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. sionals across my State who have ex- tempore (Mr. HATCH). The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. pressed the impact this legislation can f PERDUE). The Senator from Louisiana. make, from the Kentucky Hospital As- sociation to the University of Ken- PRAYER f tucky, our State’s largest research uni- WELCOMING THE GUEST The PRESIDENT pro tempore. To- versity. CHAPLAIN day’s opening prayer will be offered by This bill, the U.K. president says, re- Mr. CASSIDY. Mr. President, may I T.F. Tenney, bishop emeritus of the flects the ‘‘growing support from Con- briefly acknowledge and thank Pastor United Pentecostal Church Inter- gress for increased investment in re- and Bishop Tenney for being here. national in Alexandria, LA. search that addresses the compelling The guest Chaplain offered the fol- Today is his 83rd birthday. As he told questions of our day.’’ I will be pleased lowing prayer: me, he has been pushing 80, but now he to welcome U.K. President Capilouto to Mr. President, Members of the Sen- pulls it. He has blessed many people. the Capitol this morning. He says ate, may the Lord be with you. Let us He is an anointed man of God whom Cures is one example of how the uni- bow our heads in reverence to His pres- many others have looked toward for versity will be better equipped ‘‘to im- ence. guidance, as a man who by his life and prove the lives of those in our Com- God, our help in ages past, be our by his words guides them to a deeper monwealth.’’ comfort still. Thank You for this great, relationship with God. great Nation and its foundation of ‘‘one On behalf of our entire Senate, I ex- We know this bill wouldn’t have been Nation under God, indivisible.’’ Thank tend our thanks to Bishop Tenney for possible without Chairman ALEX- you, Lord, that we can emphasize ‘‘in- being here today. Thank you. ANDER’s ceaseless efforts, alongside divisible.’’ I yield back. Ranking Member MURRAY, to drive it Thank You for the liberty, justice, f forward. and freedoms that we enjoy. We pray We thank them both, as well as Mem- RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY for all who walk these hallowed Halls bers such as Senator CORNYN, Senator LEADER where life-changing and world-chang- HATCH, and Senator CASSIDY, who have ing decisions are made. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- all endeavored to make the bill the Bless this austere gathering of men jority leader is recognized. strongest it could be. and women chosen by You and the f I also recognize my friend Vice Presi- American people to serve us all. Give LEGISLATION BEFORE THE dent BIDEN—who joined us yesterday— them wisdom to acknowledge You first SENATE for his efforts to include his Cancer in all they do. Moonshot issue in the package. This is Give them grace, as has been ex- Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, yes- terday the Senate voted overwhelm- an issue that hits close to home for the tended to them. Guide them, O Holy Vice President, as we all know. He has Spirit. Guide them, O Holy Spirit. Fill ingly to take the next step in the 21st Century Cures Act, bipartisan legisla- been a leading voice in supporting ef- them and this Chamber with Your pres- forts to strengthen cancer research and ence and fill these Halls with Your tion to bolster medical innovation. This legislation promotes critical in- to find a cure. I am pleased we will pass glory. this legislation soon so we can begin to When they leave today, may they say vestments in research and treatment put its provisions to work on behalf of we have not just been in the presence development. It helps cut through un- American families. of men, but we have been in the pres- necessary regulations that would ence of God. hinder the development of cures while On the other important issues before Now, in the Name of the One I trust, also protecting safety. It builds upon the Senate, I have spoken with the Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, fill the progress of innovative therapies Speaker on a number of occasions this place, Holy Spirit. Amen. and regenerative medicine. about an issue facing coal miner retir- This legislation puts patients first, it ees, such as those I represent in Ken- f helps strengthen the kind of research tucky, and have insisted that the CR PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE and treatments needed to cure the include a provision to address that The President pro tempore led the most devastating diseases, and it in- issue so these retirees don’t lose their Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: cludes provisions to help enhance men- health care benefits at the end of the I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the tal health programs and to provide year. We hope to have a final bill to United States of America, and to the Repub- funding to help fight opioid abuse. share with Members soon, and we look

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

S6717

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VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:32 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE6.000 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6718 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 forward to turning to it as soon as pos- This was evident whether DAN was could make. He also recognized his re- sible after House action. I will have refocused on rebuilding the military sponsibility to make them. In the proc- more on that later. after the Cold War, bringing oppor- ess, he cemented a legacy that will We are also working to wrap up a tunity to low-income families and chil- long outlast him in the Senate. It will number of conference reports, includ- dren, even dissecting the finer points of certainly continue on in my office. My ing for the Defense authorization bill American garbage policy—yes, garbage own chief of staff, Sharon Soderstrom, and the Water Resources Development policy. is a Coats alum. Speaker RYAN’s chief Act. Toward the beginning of DAN’s time of staff, Dave Hoppe, is another Coats Last night I took the next step on in the Senate, Hoosier landfills were alum. The list of Coats staffers who the Defense conference report so we filling with New Jersey trash, and Hoo- have gone on to achieve great things— can pass it this week. This legislation siers were fed up. So in came DAN with from former White House chief speech- will provide more of the tools service- a war cry—‘‘Don’t dump on us!’’—and writer Michael Gerson to incoming In- members need to take on national se- just the right blend of determination, diana Governor Eric Holcomb—is as curity challenges, help strengthen our legislative know-how, and humor to long as it is impressive. military posture, and support our men capture the attention of colleagues and I know DAN is looking forward to and women in uniform with the bene- the hearts of constituents. spending more time at Wrigley Field fits and pay raises they have earned. Some were unamused in DC or Tren- after he retires. Here is the tweet DAN I hope the Senate will also take the ton, but back in Indiana, Hoosiers were sent out last month: ‘‘A century in the next step soon on the Water Resources over the Moon. For many, their first making, we finally made it. What a Development Act conference report. introduction to this plucky new Sen- great day to be a Cubs fan.’’ This water resources conference report ator came through his famous Senate It is hard to overstate the impor- will invest in our Nation’s waterways trash ad, the Coats for Senate commer- tance of the moment for him. I mean, infrastructure, enhance commerce, and cial, which featured a cigar-chomping this is a guy who spent part of his hon- support safe and reliable water sources garbageman from Jersey, earned DAN a eymoon—his honeymoon—at Wrigley to prevent future situations, such as place in the hallowed halls of campaign Field. So I wonder if maybe, just the one we saw in Flint, MI. To that legend—and perhaps a ticket back to maybe, he was able to see a little of point, this bill also includes assistance the Senate. himself in his favorite team—maybe in for families such as those in Flint who While Senator Lott may not have a guy like fellow Indiana University have already been impacted by lead Hoosier Kyle Schwarber—a standout been able to persuade DAN to run for poisoning. reelection 8 years later, he did offer player who stepped away from the f this prophetic statement as he bid him game for a season and then came back and picked right up where he left off TRIBUTE TO DAN COATS farewell: without a hitch, knocking it out of the Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, we [Dan Coats] is leaving the Senate, but he is park just when his team needed him not leaving us. all remember where we were on Sep- most. tember 11, 2001. The man we honor I have a feeling that he is going to have a real influence in many ways for the rest of DAN promises he is not coming back today certainly does. He was in Berlin. his life, and he is going to stay close to all a third time. We will see. It is obvious He had only just begun his second day of us. DAN never needed the office or the as Ambassador to Germany, and then How right he was. title—not the first time, not the second everything changed. Fast forward to just over a decade time, not a third time. Planes smashed into the World Trade That said, I know DAN isn’t going to later, former Senator COATS looked out Center. Terrorists attacked the Pen- stop caring. I know he isn’t going to tagon, where his son-in-law worked. and saw a country in crisis, adrift on the world stage, stagnant at home, and stop working. So we are going to keep Thankfully, his family emerged unbro- the DAN COATS ‘‘bat signal’’ plugged in. sliding into despair. DAN was deeply ken that day. Others were not so fortu- Should the people call out for a hero nate. unsettled. He shared his concerns with his wife Marsha. He realized he had two yet again, I hope our friend will suit up Ambassador COATS found himself one more time because, if nothing else, choices. He could sit back and watch or thrown into a role he couldn’t have we are really going to miss him. he could do something. foreseen a day earlier, a role in which So let us recognize and congratulate DAN COATS chose to do something. he would excel but one that would for- Senator COATS for his many years of His election was hardly a sure thing. ever change him. Those who know DAN service. Let us wish him well in his lat- COATS say that day in September af- He pulled through anyway. When he re- est retirement, and let me personally fected him profoundly. It shook him as turned to the Capitol, he put his head thank him for his wise counsel and a father, it sharpened him as a policy- down and he got right to work. DAN trusted friendship. maker, and it clarified the stakes and can be a man of few words. He doesn’t I will miss you, my friend. always feel the need to speak up, but his sense of responsibility. f He may not have known it then, but when he does, people pay attention. It he would feel the tug of that responsi- is a true mark of distinction in a body TRIBUTE TO MARK KIRK bility many years later and answer the such as this with its big egos and sharp Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, call. elbows. Senator MARK KIRK has never been one Senator COATS had enjoyed a success- People listen to this former Ambas- to be intimidated by a challenge. He is ful congressional career when he de- sador when he explains the ins and outs willing to work hard even when the cided to retire in 1998. He earned a rep- of foreign policy. People listen to this going gets tough. He never shies away utation for working hard, getting veteran of previous health care debates from a tough debate, and he always things accomplished, becoming an in- when he dissects the problems of comes prepared. He has been defying dispensable member of his conference. ObamaCare. the odds for a long time and inspiring In fact, after DAN announced his deci- When this fiscal expert shares his others along the way. sion not to seek reelection, then-Ma- waste of the week, people pay atten- Nearly 5 years ago, Senator KIRK suf- jority Leader Trent Lott rang him up tion. It is how we learned taxpayer dol- fered a debilitating stroke—one that and said: ‘‘You can’t leave,’’ Lott re- lars were being spent on Swedish mas- threatened to end his Senate service called saying. ‘‘I can’t go forward in sages for bunny rabbits. It is how we nearly as soon as it had begun. In the the Senate without you.’’ discovered taxpayer money was being blink of an eye, KIRK went from jug- DAN’s success was no accident. He wasted to determine whether ‘‘hang- gling constituent meetings and com- learned the legislative ropes working er,’’ that is ‘‘hunger’’ plus ‘‘anger,’’ is a mittee hearings to lying in a hospital for an up-and-coming Congressman real thing. bed wondering if he would ever walk named Dan Quayle. He applied that Senator COATS knew he wasn’t going again or talk again or read again. knowledge as he progressed from to solve all of our Nation’s problems as If Senator KIRK had decided to just Quayle’s staffer to Quayle’s successor, one Senator in one term, but he under- quit the Senate and focus on his recov- first in the House, then in the Senate. stood the important contributions he ery, no one would have blamed him.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:55 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.001 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6719 But he didn’t do that. He never lost compared with the dignity of our com- TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, hope. He never gave up. He set his mon humanity.’’ It is a powerful mes- AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2015 sights on getting back to work for the sage, and I think it is one we can all The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under people of Illinois and the Nation. That learn from. the previous order, the Senate will re- is exactly what he did. Senator KIRK said that America’s sume consideration of the House mes- We were there to witness his triumph men and women in uniform represent sage to accompany H.R. 34, which the several months later. Cane in hand, a ‘‘the greatest force for human dignity clerk will report. smile on his face, JOE MANCHIN to one on Earth.’’ He is right. And the work The senior assistant legislative clerk side, JOE BIDEN to the other, one foot he has done to help us meet the obliga- read as follows: in front of the other, Senator MARK tion our Nation has to military fami- House message to accompany H.R. 34, an KIRK climbed and climbed and climbed. lies and our veterans will endure be- act to authorize and strengthen the tsunami He ascended each of those 45 Capitol yond his term. detection, forecast, warning, research, and steps to the top of this Chamber as we MARK KIRK, a veteran himself, under- mitigation program of the National Oceanic all cheered him on. stands the sacrifices our servicemem- and Atmospheric Administration, and for MARK could rest assured no one was bers and their families make each day other purposes. going to let him fall that day. And Sen- on our behalf. He knows they deserve Pending: ator MANCHIN could rest assured that our full support, not only when they McConnell motion to concur in the amend- he wouldn’t have to go another day are on Active Duty but also after their ment of the House to the amendment of the waiting for his buddy to return. tours are complete. Senate to the bill. Days after MARK’s stroke, Senator McConnell motion to concur in the amend- That is why he has worked to help ment of the House to the amendment of the MANCHIN hopped on a flight to Chicago guarantee the quality of health care to check on his friend in person. He Senate to the bill, with McConnell amend- that our heroes are counting on. It is ment No. 5117, to change the enactment date. saw firsthand the many challenges why he has worked to help eliminate McConnell amendment No. 5118 (to amend- KIRK had to overcome in recovery. But corruption within the VA so that our ment No. 5117), of a perfecting nature. he never doubted MARK’s will, deter- veterans receive timely care as well. Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask mination, or desire to get back to He has proven himself as a leader on unanimous consent to speak as in work. national security issues too. He under- morning business. KIRK, he said, is like the Energizer stands the value of our alliances and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Bunny. He just keeps going and going worked to strengthen them, especially objection, it is so ordered. and going. with Israel. DEPARTING SENATORS MANCHIN and KIRK might seem like an unconventional pair. One is a Demo- He has a clear-eyed view of our ad- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, let me crat, the other a Republican. The West versaries too and has never been afraid say at the outset that I took the floor Virginian is an outdoorsman, the Illi- to speak out or take action, from last week and said a few words in trib- nois Senator is a gamer. Senator North Korea to Iran. When it comes to ute and friendship to my colleague, MANCHIN is a mountaineer, and Senator Iran specifically, Senator KIRK was the Senator KIRK. I am glad to hear the KIRK ascends skyscrapers. tip of the spear on this issue, bringing majority leader’s statement this morn- But as the senior Senator from West attention to the threat of Iran’s ag- ing. It was spot-on, and it captured his Virginia put it, they ‘‘just clicked from gressive behavior and pushing for legis- public spirit, as well as his personal day one’’ and quickly became the best lation to help hold Tehran accountable. strength, that has brought him to this of friends. Now they go boating to- He has long been an advocate for moment in history. I have been hon- gether. They meet for lunch nearly critical Iran sanctions like those ex- ored to serve with him for the last 6 every Thursday. And they support each tended just this past week, even when years. other. The support of good friends like the administration pushed back and I would say to my colleague Senator Senator MANCHIN has been critical to even when Democratic colleagues COATS from Indiana: We served to- Senator KIRK’s dramatic recovery. pushed back too. He doesn’t back down, gether in the House, in the Senate, and He has found support in other places, and thanks to efforts like his, we were I actually visited him when he was an too, including the mailbox. A few able to see the legislation through. ambassador representing the United weeks after his stroke, Jackson, a 9- So, yes, Senator KIRK may be leaving States in Germany. It is an amazing year-old fellow stroke survivor from Il- the Senate, but he has cast a long public career on his part, and I wish linois, wrote Senator KIRK to share his shadow here. And he is not done yet. him the very best for whatever the fu- own story and some words of encour- We know he will not stop looking out ture holds for him. agement. ‘‘Do not give up on yourself,’’ for our country. We know he will not DACA Jackson wrote. ‘‘All the hard work is stop advocating for stroke survivors. Mr. President, I wish to tell a story worth it.’’ We know he is not going to stop. He about an extraordinary young woman ‘‘P.S.,’’ he said, ‘‘I think kids should will just keep going and going and whom some of you may know. Her get paid to go to school.’’ going as he always has. name is Laura Alvarado. When she was The pair quickly became pen pals and Senator KIRK reminds each of us that 8 years old, Laura was brought to the even picked up a new joint sport of it is possible to persevere through even United States from Mexico. She grew tower climbing in their rehabilitation. the most difficult of obstacles life pre- up in Chicago in my home State of Illi- Senator KIRK calls Jackson his per- sents. So, today, we thank him for the nois. sonal hero. Last year, he invited him impact he has made on this body, for In high school, she was an extraor- to visit Washington and be his guest at the inspiration he has been to so many, dinary student and was involved in ex- the State of the Union. To hear KIRK and for the years he has dedicated to tracurricular and volunteer activities. tell it, he may have never made it back serving the people of Illinois. She was a member of the National for that address at all without Jack- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Honor Society. She played soccer, ten- son’s support and kind words. Democratic whip is recognized. nis, basketball, and was a member of I know the support he received from Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, has the student government, the school news- his fellow home State Senator didn’t Chair announced the business of the paper, the chess club, the yearbook go unnoticed either. After MARK’s Senate? club, and many more. She decided to go stroke, Senator DURBIN visited KIRK’s to Northeastern Illinois University. staff, offering to help out however he f She worked two jobs while she was could. going to school because she didn’t qual- Senator KIRK’s story reminds us that ify for any Federal assistance to go to the Senate can be more than just a RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME college. place of work, it can actually be a fam- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under In 2006, she graduated with honors ily. In his own words, ‘‘The things that the previous order, the leadership time from Northeastern. Her major was jus- divide us in politics are infinitesimal is reserved. tice studies. But then she was stuck

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:32 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.006 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 again. Her ambition in life was to be- Now the choice is up to Congress. Are can be sure that Senator BARBARA MI- come a lawyer, but she couldn’t pursue we going to step in and give Laura the KULSKI will have had a hand in bringing her dream. It took her 6 years. In 2012, chance she asked for to prove herself it about. President Obama established DACA, an again as she has so many times in her Many of my colleagues have spoken Executive action which said to Laura young life? I am glad to say that about the long list of times she has al- and thousands just like her: You are in LINDSEY GRAHAM, the Senator from ready broken glass ceilings herself: a special category. You were undocu- South Carolina, and I are joining in an BARBARA MIKULSKI, first woman ever mented in America, but you were effort to draw up legislation to achieve elected statewide in her beloved State brought here as a child. You didn’t that goal and at least to give these of Maryland; BARBARA MIKULSKI, first make the decision to come to this DACA-eligibles a temporary reprieve Democrat elected to both the U.S. country; your family did. So we are so that if there is an elimination of House and the U.S. Senate; BARBARA going to give young people like Laura this Executive action, we don’t elimi- MIKULSKI, first woman to ever serve as a chance, on a temporary basis, if they nate the protection that keeps them head of the powerful Senate Appropria- will pay a filing fee of almost $500, sub- here in the United States and where tions Committee. mit themselves to a criminal back- they cannot be deported and they have But as BARBARA, very self-depre- ground check to make certain they are a chance to work. That is something cating, has often said: She has never no threat to anyone in this country, we we need to do—not just for Laura but been interested in simply being the will give them a 2-year status where for 744,000 other young people as well first. She wants to be ‘‘the first of they cannot be deported and they can who grew up in this country and just many,’’ and she has been. work in America. deserve a chance to make this a better When Maryland voters sent BARBARA Laura applied. There were people who nation. MIKULSKI to this Senate in 1986, there were cautioning her: Be careful. If you TRIBUTE TO BARBARA MIKULSKI were two women in the entire body: identify yourself as undocumented to Mr. President, I join my colleagues in Nancy Landon Kassebaum of Kansas, a this government, somebody might use saluting the public life of Senator BAR- Republican, and BARBARA MIKULSKI of it against you someday. But Laura, BARA MIKULSKI. Before I do that, I want Maryland, a Democrat—two women in who aspired to be a lawyer, decided to this Chamber out of 100 Senators. follow the law, register, pay her fee, go to thank a woman who is not here. She was a Catholic nun and the debate Today, there are 20 women Senators, through the background check, and try and after they are sworn in on January to get the status of DACA. She re- coach for Senator MIKULSKI when she was in high school at the Institute of 3, there will be 21. That is great ceived it. And because of it, she was al- progress, but not nearly enough by lowed to apply and be accepted at Notre Dame, an all-girls Catholic high BARBARA MIKULSKI’s standards. Southern Illinois University School of school in Baltimore, the same school NANCY PELOSI graduated from. Senator MIKULSKI also had the brain- Law at Carbondale. child of making sure the women in the In law school, she was an outstanding As a young BARBARA MIKULSKI was Senate became an even more powerful student again. She won the moot court preparing to debate a particularly force. Her bipartisan, women Senators- competition. She was selected for the tough opponent, this nun, her debate only dinners were a rare display of bi- Order of Barristers, a legal honor soci- coach, told her: ‘‘You can do it, Barb— partisanship in an institution too often ety. get out there and roll those Jesuit This spring, 10 years after she grad- boys!’’ divided. The discoveries of common uated from college, Laura received her I went to a Jesuit college and law cause, common trust, and common pur- law degree. Over the summer she school, and I am proud and relieved to pose resulting from those dinners have passed her bar exam, and just last report that I never had to face BAR- made a big difference on the floor of month she received her Illinois law li- BARA MIKULSKI in that kind of debate. the Senate. cense, which she is holding here proud- I have rarely found anybody who can BARBARA ANN MIKULSKI is the proud ly. stand up to her in a debate. She can granddaughter of Polish immigrants. Laura never gave up on her dream of still ‘‘roll those Jesuit boys,’’ or any- Her parents owned a small grocery becoming a lawyer, but it is a dream one else who tries to stand in the way store in Baltimore. She, her parents, that never would have happened were of helping women, children, seniors, or and her two younger sisters lived it not for President Obama’s Executive advancing fairness. across the street in one of the famous action, the Executive action that BARBARA MIKULSKI has been my col- Baltimore row houses. As a young girl, didn’t give her a free pass to law league for 20 years, my friend, the Barbara thought about becoming a school—just the opposite. It said to chairwoman of my Appropriations Catholic nun. She changed her mind her: If you are accepted into law Committee and the ranking member, because, as she put it, ‘‘that vow of school, the government will not pay and so many times an inspiration. obedience kind of slowed me down a you a penny to help with your edu- As most of my colleagues know, my bit.’’ So she found other ways to prac- cation. You have to go out and work first job was working in the Senate as tice the social gospel of justice. for it. She did. an intern, myself, in the office of Sen- She was a driving force behind the Now we face a question with a new ator Paul Douglas of Illinois. Like first bill signed by President Barack President coming in who says he wants BARBARA MIKULSKI, Paul Douglas was a Obama, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay to abolish the DACA that made Laura champion for the underdog, and he was Act. I was there that day. The Presi- eligible to go to law school. He wants a pit bull when it came to protecting dent signed the bill, and he took the to abolish the status where these the American taxpayers. first pen from the first bill he was sign- young people, brought as babies, tod- Every year, the University of Illinois ing and handed it to BARBARA MIKULSKI dlers, into this country are not subject chooses a leader of uncommon decency because he knew that she had been a to deportation and can work for a liv- and courage to receive the Paul H. champion for equality in the workplace ing. If that is abolished, then Laura, Douglas Award for Ethics in Govern- for women throughout her career. despite all of her hard work, all of her ment. This year, I was honored to There are two stories that I always education, all of her achievements in present that award on behalf of the think of when I think of Senator MI- life, faces deportation from this coun- University of Illinois and in the name KULSKI. try. of Paul Douglas to BARBARA MIKULSKI In October 2002, the Senate voted on Laura said she wants to use her law of Maryland. I know Senator Douglas whether to authorize the war in Iraq. degree to help people who don’t have a would have been thrilled that she is Only 23 of the 100 Senators then serving fighting chance without lawyers who carrying on that same public service voted against the Iraq war resolution. are more focused on service than on tradition. Of those 23 Senators, only 8 still re- money. We are better if Laura is here Some day—and I hope and trust I will main in the Senate today: BARBARA as a lawyer practicing in America. We live to see it—the ultimate glass ceil- BOXER, who is leaving at the end of this are certainly better in Illinois to have ing will break, and there will be a Congress, PATRICK LEAHY, PATTY MUR- someone with a law license willing to woman elected President of this coun- RAY, JACK REED, DEBBIE STABENOW, give back to our State. try. When that historic day comes, we RON WYDEN, BARBARA MIKULSKI, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:32 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.007 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6721 myself. This is a woman who has al- SERGEANT GERMAINE DEBRO times before erupting into flames. SGT ways been willing to risk her career to Mr. President, today I honor the life Josiah Warren, riding in the right seat, follow her conscience. and service of Germaine Debro, a man tried unsuccessfully to pull Germaine One of her great heroes is Dorothy who seemed destined for military serv- free. Germaine Debro died on Sep- Day, founder of the Catholic Worker ice. Germaine’s father, Alvin Debro, tember 4, 2006. Movement. The reason, BARBARA MI- was a career Air Force technical ser- At Iraq’s Camp Anaconda, members KULSKI says, is that Dorothy Day was geant. At a young age, Germaine even of the Nebraska Army National Guard always ‘‘trying to find the hopes of picked up a nickname: ‘‘G.I. Joe assembled to honor the man who had people,’’ rather than preying on peo- Maine.’’ Even then, family and friends cared so deeply for them. ple’s fear and anger. saw qualities that would make On September 18, 2006, the Morning I saw BARBARA MIKULSKI’s instinctive Germaine a great soldier. Because of Star Baptist Church near downtown appeal to hope on that infamous sad his military service, Alvin and his wife Omaha was filled with people paying a day—September 11, 2001. As dust was Priscilla and their three boys moved final tribute to Germaine Debro. Out- settling on that heart-wrenching, often. side, 110 patriot riders stood guard. heartbreaking day, most of the Mem- Germaine attended Benson High Germaine’s brother, Maurice, read bers of the Senate gathered on the School in Omaha, NE, for a year before from a letter Germaine had written to steps of the Capitol. The hope was that his family moved to Arkansas. There, him. In it, his brother offered some ad- there would be a demonstration by Germaine graduated high school in vice: ‘‘If you don’t take a risk, then Members of both parties to the Nation 1991. Later, he and his family returned you’ll never know what happened.’’ and to the world of solidarity. Sud- to Nebraska. For a time, Germaine ‘‘That was my brother,’’ said Mau- denly—unplanned, unscripted—BAR- worked as a manager at the local Burg- rice. ‘‘He was a loving, caring person.’’ BARA MIKULSKI started singing ‘‘God er King. Germaine Debro was promoted post- Bless America.’’ Everyone joined in. In In 1994, G.I. Joe Maine followed his humously to the rank of sergeant. His one of America’s darkest hours, BAR- calling and he enlisted in the Army. In military decorations included a Bronze BARA MIKULSKI brought us together. 1997, he joined the Nebraska National Star and a Purple Heart. SGT That is what a real leader does. Guard. During those years, Germaine Germaine Debro is survived by his fa- I and so many in the Chamber and so became known for his genuine person- ther Alvin, his mother Priscilla, and many untold millions of Americans are ality and for developing a great cama- his brothers, Alvin, Jr., and Maurice. going to miss her presence in the Sen- raderie with his fellow soldiers. Ac- He is a true Nebraska hero. I am hon- ate. We take consolation in knowing cording to SPC Shawn O’Neil, ored to tell his story. that, while she is leaving the Senate, Germaine was the ‘‘nicest guy you I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. she is not leaving the fight. She will could ever meet.’’ He would walk into a FLAKE). The Senator from Rhode Is- never leave the fight. room and it would light up. To his bat- land. Those of us who are returning in the tle buddies, SPC Germaine Debro was Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I next Congress have learned from Sen- affectionately known as DB. His dedi- ask unanimous consent to speak for up ator MIKULSKI, and we will continue to cation to his fellow soldiers was obvi- to 20 minutes as in morning business. fight the good fight to invest in life- ous. Being single, Germaine volun- teered for assignments so that married The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without saving, job-creating medical break- objection, it is so ordered. throughs at the National Institutes of soldiers might remain at home with CLIMATE CHANGE Health—or, as BARBARA MIKULSKI calls their families. Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I it, the ‘‘National Institutes of Hope.’’ Germaine deployed to Kuwait in 2001 rise today for my 151st ‘‘Time to Wake We will continue the good fight she has and to Bosnia in 2002. In 2005, he Up’’ speech on climate change. I have fought with such pithiness and passion learned that his unit, the 1st of the covered many topics during these to make our Nation safer and make our 167th Cavalry of the Nebraska Army speeches—from pulling back the veil on economy fairer for all Americans. I National Guard, would deploy to Iraq. the fossil fuel industry’s web of denial know that she will continue that fight Germaine would be assigned to Troop to sharing my visits to States from as well. B. Germaine’s family was anxious about him deploying again, but New Hampshire to Florida to Utah to BARBARA MIKULSKI may be leaving Germaine would not let his Army see the effects of climate change there the Senate, but no one ever has, and I brothers go without him. In the end, firsthand. But one recurring theme of doubt anyone ever will, think of Balti- his family supported his decision. my speeches and in the scientific lit- more’s BARBARA MIKULSKI as ‘‘retir- In explaining how his fellow soldiers erature has been the warning that the ing.’’ felt about Germaine, SGT Josh Graft effects of climate change will hit home I yield the floor. put it simply: ‘‘He was like a Dad to all first and hardest along our coasts. I suggest the absence of a quorum. of us.’’ The oceans have soaked up more The PRESIDING OFFICER. The After a year of training, the 1st of than 90 percent of the excess heat that clerk will call the roll. the 167th Cavalry arrived in Iraq in has been trapped in the atmosphere by The senior assistant legislative clerk early 2006. That is when the Sunni-Shia greenhouse gasses. That is a lot of proceeded to call the roll. civil war erupted. In February, the al- heat. The Associated Press has com- Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I ask Askari mosque was bombed and Iraq pared the ocean heat we have added unanimous consent that the order for was plunged ever deeper into sectarian since 1997 to a, ‘‘Hiroshima-style bomb the quorum call be rescinded. violence. American forces had come to being exploded every second in the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without enforce peace; they found themselves ocean for 75 straight years.’’ objection, it is so ordered. engaged in intense wartime operations. That excess energy is warming our HONORING NEBRASKA’S SOLDIERS WHO LOST Germaine’s unit was right in the thick oceans at alarming rates, and by the THEIR LIVES IN COMBAT of it. Enemy attacks were frequent. principle of thermal expansion, we Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise Tensions were high. know that when water warms it ex- today to continue my tribute to this On September 4, 2006, a 20-truck con- pands. That, coupled with the melting generation of Nebraska heroes. They voy headed out from a site 30 miles ice sheets, is driving up sea levels are the men and women who have given north of Baghdad. In the United States, worldwide. For my Ocean State that is their lives defending our freedom in Americans were celebrating Labor Day a big deal. Warming and rising seas Iraq and Afghanistan. Each one has a with barbecues, sporting events, and carry real consequences for coastal different story, and each Gold Star family gatherings. In Iraq, Germaine economies. Family has the same request: that we was driving a humvee, providing ad- New England is being hit particularly remember the sacrifice of their loved vanced security for the convoy. Thirty hard on this front. The Gulf of Maine is one. By telling these stories of their miles outside of Baghdad, Germaine’s warming faster than almost any other service here on the Senate floor, we humvee struck an improvised explosive part of the ocean in the world. Narra- can honor that family’s request. device. The vehicle was spun several gansett Bay, in my home state of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:32 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.008 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 Rhode Island, has already seen a nearly ine, the real estate business is starting flooding, just from tides and sea level 4-degree Fahrenheit increase in winter to take notice. Zillow, the online real rise, has increased somewhere between water temperatures since the 1960s. estate marketplace, has looked at how 300 to 925 percent along the United Since measurements started in 1930, 6 feet of sea level rise by 2100 would af- States’ three coastlines since the 1960s. sea level is up nearly 10 inches at the fect over 100 million U.S. homes in its This past October’s King Tides—the tide gauge at Naval Station Newport. database. Around 1 in 50 homes in the year’s highest tides—brought around 2 Now, 10 inches may not sound like an United States, or just under 2 million feet of water to Boston’s waterfront. enormous amount, but if you do a little properties, would find their ground Last month’s Super Moon pulled water mathematics and take that 10 inches floors underwater by 2100. into the streets of Charleston and the and you multiply it by the 147 square Thirty-six U.S. cities would be con- parking lots of New Hampshire. This miles that Narragansett Bay occupies, sidered completely lost, and another wayward octopus—I don’t know if you that adds nearly 100 million cubic me- 300 cities would lose at least half of can see it clearly, but there is a fairly ters of water offshore—throw weight their homes. Florida fared the worst in good-sized octopus here—ended up for when the next storm comes. the study, losing more than 12 percent swimming through a Miami parking Now, we don’t model storm surge of the State’s housing to sea level rise. garage. very well yet. But there is a lot of po- Hawaii is not far behind, with over 9 These extreme high tides give a pre- tential harm for Rhode Island. If you percent of its homes expected to go un- view of what may be the new normal in look not just at Narragansett Bay but derwater. Though New Jersey’s overall this century. Higher seas plus stronger at Rhode Island State waters, it is housing situation fares somewhat bet- storms forebode real catastrophe for more than 500 million cubic meters, ter, with a loss expected at just over 7 coastal communities. The Great New which is more than 500 million metric percent, the value of those homes well England Hurricane of 1938 is the worst tons of potential storm surge. exceeds any other State. New Jersey in Rhode Island’s history. A storm Earlier this year, researchers pub- alone accounts for over 10 percent of surge of 12 to 15 feet hit Narragansett lished in Nature an updated estimate of the $882,000,000,000 worth of potentially Bay, engulfing downtown Providence. global sea level rise. With new esti- underwater properties. You can see old photographs of the mates of how melting Antarctic sea ice Miami Beach would be the hardest streetcars with just their roofs showing will contribute to sea level rise, the hit city, losing over 37,000 homes, over the water. scientists were able to paint a more ac- worth over $33 billion. Those numbers If that storm hit again today, it would have a big head start, riding to curate picture of what lies ahead. It is just count residential properties, not shore on 10 more inches of sea with not good news. expected losses to commercial or pub- The Intergovernmental Panel on Cli- lic properties. The insurance industry that potentially 500 million metric mate Change had previously estimated uses the term ‘‘100-year flood’’ to de- tons of water available for storm surge. Again, we don’t know how much of it sea level rise to reach between 1.7 and scribe a flood that has a 1-percent becomes storm surge, but it certainly 3.2 feet by 2100. The new study doubles chance of occurring in a given year. raises the potential. that estimate, putting global sea level According to a 2013 study commis- This picture is from historic Newport rise over 6 feet by the end of this cen- sioned by the Federal Emergency Man- after Superstorm Sandy gave us a tury. agement Agency, the area in the glancing blow in Rhode Island in 2012. To complicate matters more, as Ant- United States susceptible to 100-year It brought a storm surge of over 9 feet arctica loses ice and consequently floods will grow by 45 percent by the to Providence, and over 4 feet to the mass, it will actually also affect the end of the century. Our Government south coast of the State. This is down- gravitational pull of the Antarctic on Accountability Office says Federal town Newport and Seamen’s Church In- the oceans. With Antarctica’s gravita- flood insurance premiums are not stitute right here, and somebody is tional pull reduced, other continents keeping pace with that growing risk. kayaking through downtown. will proportionately carry more gravi- From 2002 through 2013 already, tax- According to the most recent report tational clout, drawing even more payers bailed out insured properties to from the National Ocean Economics ocean water away from the South Pole the tune of $18 to $25 billion. Govern- Program, more than 134 million people to their coasts. ment-backed mortgage giant Freddie lived in U.S. coastal zone counties in Ben Strauss, the director of Climate Mac is preparing itself for broad losses 2014. Those counties accounted for Central’s sea level rise program, re- from climate-driven flooding. ‘‘The nearly half of the total U.S. GDP and cently told the Washington Post: economic losses and social disruption more than 40 percent of total U.S. em- [T]he 22nd century would be the century of may happen gradually,’’ says its Web ployment. In my State of Rhode Island, hell. There would really be an unthinkable site, ‘‘but they are likely to be greater the coastal economy accounts for $55 level of sea rise. It would erase many major in total than those experienced in the billion of the State’s GDP and em- cities and some nations from the map. housing crisis and the Great Reces- ployed over 400,000 people in 2014. A study published in the ‘‘Pro- sion.’’ This productivity is at risk if those ceedings of the National Academy of Let me say that again: ‘‘They are communities and their businesses can- Sciences’’ last month looked at the ef- likely to be greater in total than those not protect themselves from the con- fects of rising seas on more than 100 experienced in the housing crisis and sequences of our changing environ- coastal cities around the world. The Great Recession.’’ Some of the effects ment. A lot of places are taking this study predicts that we will hit 2 de- of climate change, it says, may not threat seriously. Although partisans in grees Celsius of average global warm- even by insurable. Unlike the 2008 the State government make the phrase ing, which scientists say brings cata- housing crash, owners of homes that ‘‘climate change’’ a taboo in Florida, strophic and irreversible climate ef- are subsumed by rising seas would have local policymakers, particularly in fects, sometime between 2040 and 2050. little expectation of their home’s value South Florida, are making climate When that happens, over 90 percent ever recovering. Therefore, they would change adaptation a priority, forming of the world’s coastal areas will experi- have little incentive to make their a regional bipartisan compact on cli- ence almost 8 inches of further sea mortgage payments, which would add mate resiliency, hiring resiliency and level rise. On the Atlantic coast of the to steep losses for lenders and insurers. sustainability staff, building seawalls, United States, it is estimated to be We don’t, of course, have to wait installing pumps, updating building more than 15 inches. If we continue until 2100 to see the effects of sea level codes, and in Miami Beach’s case—just emissions unabated and hit 5 degrees rise on coastal cities like Miami, in that one city—making $400 million Celsius warming by 2100, New York Charleston, Norfolk, or Newport, RI. in storm water management upgrades. City could see over 31⁄2 feet of seawater So-called sunny day flooding is in- In New Hampshire, the Coastal Risks swamping its streets. creasing in coastal communities. As and Hazards Commission has advised The year 2040 is not that far away. If sea levels rise, regular high tides can cities to prepare infrastructure and you buy a house on the coast today, be all that is needed to flood streets, buildings for rising seas. Louisiana re- 2040 would fall well within your typical sidewalks and basements. NOAA esti- wrote its Coastal Master Plan to ac- 30-year mortgage. As you might imag- mates that non-storm-related nuisance cept the dark predictions of land loss

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:32 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.004 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6723 and sea level rise facing that lowland to sleepwalk through history. But we helping to shepherd this bipartisan bill State and to include around 200 should remember Pope Francis’s warn- through the Judiciary Committee. projects designed to protect Southern ing. Pope Francis said: ‘‘God always I am looking forward to the Justice Louisiana’s marshes and limit the ef- forgives, we men forgive sometimes, for All Reauthorization Act becoming fects of storm surge. but nature never forgives. If you give law soon so we can help more victims In Alaska, Native villages are seek- her a slap, she will give you one.’’ And restore their lives. ing financial support to relocate their we have a big slap coming. I yield to the senior Senator from traditional coastal homesteads to high- If we do nothing, what will we tell Vermont. er ground. In Rhode Island, under the the millions of Americans who live by The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- leadership of Grover Fugate at our the sea and rely on it for their liveli- ator from Vermont. Coastal Resources Management Coun- hoods? What should we tell them when Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I thank cil and in cooperation with the leading they can’t get insured for the next hur- the distinguished senior Senator from experts at the University of Rhode Is- ricane or when their mortgages are un- Texas. Senator CORNYN and I have had land, Rhode Island Sea Grant, and derwater in a literal sense? If we refuse the privilege of being prosecutors, he Rhode Island Geological Survey, we are to help our own citizens, who then will as an attorney general and I served as well aware of what climate change, sea help the millions of others in devel- the State’s attorney. I think you get a level rise, and storm surge mean for oping countries around the world suf- special view of what is needed. I have our coastal communities. fering the same fate and looking to our enjoyed working with the Senator be- STORMTOOLS, a free public online country for leadership? We have a cause we do not have to paint a great tool developed through this collabora- moral obligation to pluck our heads picture for each other; we both under- tion, is providing our city planners and from the sand and get to work. The stand the mistakes that can be made concerned citizens with a visualization oceans warn; it is time we woke up and and why we do not want them. of the effects of various levels of sea listened. For more than 6 years, I have cham- level rise and storm surge on their I yield the floor. pioned the reauthorization of the Jus- properties. The Coastal Risk Environ- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- tice for All Act. I want to ensure that mental Index, which is shown here, will jority whip. our criminal justice system lives up to add even more specificity to the mod- JUSTICE FOR ALL REAUTHORIZATION BILL our national pledge of liberty and jus- els working in STORMTOOLS. Users Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, it is my tice for all. Having served as a pros- can actually navigate Google Earth to honor to come to the floor with the ecutor—and most former prosecutors— see what flood damage from sea level senior Senator from Vermont, my I am committed to ensuring that our rise and storm surge will look like on friend Mr. LEAHY, to talk about bipar- criminal justice system has the integ- a building-by-building basis. The city tisan legislation that will soon help rity and confidence of the public it of Warwick, RI, featured here, is al- victims of crime restore their lives. serves. I should not just say former ready using its maps in its future plan- The Justice for All Reauthorization prosecutors; current prosecutors feel ning and emergency planning. Act passed the House last week, and that way. The rising tide calls for increased in- From my time on the frontlines as a vestment in coastal resiliency around the Senate followed suit with unani- mous support. Now it is on its way to State’s attorney in Chittenden County, the country. Senators MERKLEY, the President’s desk so it can become VT, to the more than 15 years I have MENENDEZ, and I asked the Govern- served as either chairman or ranking ment Accountability Office to review the law of the land. When I served as the attorney gen- member of the Senate Judiciary Com- the National Oceanic and Atmospheric mittee, it has become clear to me that Administration’s support for coastal eral of Texas a few years ago, I felt our system is deeply flawed. There is States’ resilience efforts. Among its that one of my most important jobs not always justice for all. I have met findings, the GAO report said that the was to protect crime victims. I know many innocent people wrongly con- Regional Coastal Resilience Grants that all Members of the Senate feel the victed of crimes they did not commit. Program ‘‘received 132 qualified appli- same way. The Justice for All Reau- I shared the story of Kirk cations requesting a total of $105 mil- thorization Act is first and foremost a Bloodsworth. He was falsely convicted. lion during its first application period bill that will help victims. It includes a He was sentenced to death for the rape in fiscal year 2015.’’ Well, guess how number of provisions to help them get and murder of a 9-year-old girl—a hor- much money was available to meet the justice they deserve. It will im- rible crime, but he maintained his in- that $105 million approved or qualified prove victims’ rights by increasing ac- need. Only $4.5 million. NOAA was able cess to restitution, reauthorize pro- nocence. In 1993, he became the first to support less than 5 percent of the grams that support them in court, and death row inmate to be exonerated by coastal States’ demand. increase resources for forensic labs to DNA, and they were finally able to Climate change doesn’t care whether reduce the rape kit backlog. charge the man who did commit the you believe the science or the propa- I have spoken about the rape kit horrible crime. The irony there is that ganda and nonsense pumped out by the backlog before, and it is a big problem. some have said: Boy, don’t they look fossil fuel lobby—shoreside homes’ At one point, it was estimated that alike? That is what happened. basements will flood either way. It is there were as many as 400,000 untested We know our system gets it wrong. not a matter of belief, it is a matter of rape kits in America, and this was due We have a responsibility to improve physics. primarily to a lack of resources and our criminal justice system. That is For all the denial and diversion, you lack of focus in making this a priority. why I joined with Kirk Bloodsworth will notice that the fossil fuel indus- This is evidence which has proven to be years ago to introduce and enact the try’s web of denial groups don’t talk enormously powerful to help convict Post-Conviction DNA Testing Grant much about the effects we are seeing in the guilty and exonerate the innocent. Program. It was originally part of the our oceans and along our coasts. Their This legislation will also give law en- Innocence Protection Act, which was business is denial and, through cal- forcement more resources to keep vio- enacted in 2004. It gives defendants like culated misinformation, creating lent offenders off the street and fairly Kirk a chance to prove their innocence. phony doubt. That is their mission. If prosecute crimes. To ensure our justice system gets it that is your mission, it is hard to deny I know sometimes people must think right from the beginning, the bill pro- water levels that are measured essen- Senator LEAHY and I are the odd couple vides a means to improve the quality of tially on a glorified yardstick at tide of the Senate. We worked together not indigent defense. Ensuring good rep- gauges. It is hard to deny measure- only on this legislation but also on re- resentation for those accused of crimes ments from a Ph test that high forms of the Freedom of Information means fewer innocent people will be be- schoolers do in their science classes. It Act. We share a passion for that topic hind bars. It is an outrage if an inno- is hard to deny readings from ther- as well. I am enormously grateful to cent person is wrongly punished, but mometers. him for his partnership on this impor- then that injustice is exacerbated be- Here in the Senate, our choice is tant legislation. I also wish to thank cause it means the person who com- clear: We can take action or continue Senator GRASSLEY for his leadership in mitted the crime is still out there, and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:32 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.005 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6724 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 oftentimes, as my friend from Texas ronment, as cars stack up to cross the they are an adult—is getting them to knows, they will commit the crime border, but it also provides an unneces- comply with their doctor’s orders and again. The American people deserve a sary drag on legitimate trade and com- take their medication. Due to the mir- system that gets it right the first time. merce. acle of modern pharmacology, many Many Senators in this Chamber know Through the use of innovative public- people with mental illnesses, if they the story of my friend Debbie Smith, private partnerships, we have seen that are compliant with their medication, also a friend of the senior Senator from we can increase staffing, improve the can lead very productive lives. Often Texas. She has become a champion for infrastructure, and basically end up there are additional tools that need to victims of sexual assault. She waited 6 filling the gap left by the Federal Gov- be available to family members when years after being attacked before her ernment not doing its job by dealing— they find their loved one is getting rape kit was tested and a culprit was as it, of necessity, must—with our sicker and sicker and not being compli- caught. Think about that. During those international borders and making sure ant with their medication, potentially 6 years, she had to live in terror that they work as they should. This is a becoming a danger to themselves or to the person who did this heinous crime good step in the right direction, and I the community at large. might come back and do it again. No am hopeful we can get the legislation This legislation will equip State and one should have to live in fear while an to the President’s desk in the coming local governments with better tools to attacker remains free to victimize days so that more ports of entry assess individual health care needs so someone else or them. throughout the country can take ad- those suffering from mental illness in This legislation not only provides im- vantage of its benefits. the criminal justice system can begin portant resources to improve the qual- Senator LEAHY and I just spoke to recover and get the help they need, ity and efficiency of forensic testing, about the Justice for All Reauthoriza- instead of getting sicker. but it also expands it to underserved tion Act, and then last night this This bill also encourages the creation populations, such as those in rural Chamber voted to move the 21st Cen- of crisis intervention teams so our law areas, which is much of my State. Ac- tury Cures bill forward with—incred- enforcement officers and first respond- tually, every one of us has rural areas ibly—85 Senators voting in favor of it. ers can know how to deescalate a dan- in our States. It passed the House overwhelmingly gerous confrontation. If a police officer I have worked with Senators on both last week, and I look forward to get- comes to the scene of a call only to sides of the aisle to craft solutions to ting it through the Chamber and to the confront a mentally ill person, if they some of the most significant issues of President’s desk as soon as possible. are untrained and don’t know how to our time. That is why I am proud to This legislation will play an important deescalate the situation, they may find partner with Senator CORNYN on this role in supporting our scientists and themselves in danger, both the first re- important legislation. researchers working to find cures for sponder as well as the individual per- I hope we will continue to work to- diseases like cancer, and that includes son with mental illness. This is about gether in the next Congress. We have resources that will support the Cancer finding ways to help the mentally ill to continue to protect all victims. We Moonshot Program, which will help individual get help while keeping the have to create fairness in our criminal those studying and researching to ac- community safe at the same time. Mr. President, the last bit of business justice system. We have to make sure tually find a way to end cancer. That we have is to fund the government. I we get it right the first time. means cancer centers like the MD An- said many times the best way to do I call on those who have worked with derson hospital will have more support that is to take the appropriations bills me on this important legislation to to carry out their mission to make up one at a time so we can properly vet continue to support our efforts. We can cancer history. correct costly mistakes in our criminal The Cures legislation will support re- them, discuss them, and pass them. justice system; we will be a better search for Alzheimer’s and help fight Our friends across the aisle had a dif- ferent view this year and blocked the country for it. We will have a lot more the opioid addiction that is running passage of individual appropriations respect for our criminal justice system, rampant through many parts of our bills. While it is not my preference, it and we will do what the best of our country. In other words, this legisla- is where we are. Right now, we are prosecutors and police want to do—get tion is critically important to the looking forward to passing a con- it right. health of our country now and for gen- tinuing resolution soon as we fulfill I yield the floor. erations to come. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ma- Significantly, the 21st Century Cures our important responsibilities to the jority whip. bill includes reforms to our mental American people. I am glad to see we are making some Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I again health delivery system, in part, based progress on other pieces of legislation, wish to express my gratitude to the on legislation I introduced in the Sen- including the Water Resources Devel- senior Senator from Vermont, Senator ate called the Mental Health and Safe opment Act, a bill that will help us LEAHY, for his critical role in making Communities Act. As a result of the de- strengthen our waterways to account sure this legislation becomes law, and I institutionalization and treatment of for growing trade and provide help for look forward to continuing to work people with mental illness in the 1990s, drought and flood protection. with him on similar topics in the fu- the safety net that was supposed to be Finally, we are working to finish the ture. there to catch people so they didn’t fall national defense authorization bill that LEGISLATION BEFORE THE SENATE through the cracks never came into will make sure Congress provides the Mr. President, we are about a week being. So many people suffering from resources for our military men and into the lameduck session, and we have mental illness simply live on our women so they can accomplish their already tackled some pretty signifi- streets as homeless individuals or they missions and keep America safe. cant legislation. are frequently fliers, so to speak, in We have quite a bit of work left to do Last week, I was proud to see two our criminal justice system and in and not much time left to do it in be- bills that I introduced pass the Cham- many instances never had their mental fore the holidays, but with a little co- ber. The first was the Cross-Border illness diagnosed, much less treated, so operation, I am sure we will get it all Trade Enhancement Act, a bill that they can actually have a chance at a done. will help staffing, safety, and efficiency better life. The mental health provi- With that, I yield the floor. at our ports of entry, and it passed the sions included in the Cures bill is one The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Senate unanimously. way to correct that course. It would ator from New Hampshire. In Texas, as the Presiding Officer also help families with a mentally ill Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I am knows in Arizona, this is not a new loved one find a path to treatment and here, along with a number of my col- concern. Some of our border commu- a way forward, including assisted out- leagues, to applaud the 21st Century nities have seen the infrastructure and patient treatment programs. Cures Act as a major milestone and a the staffing prove to be inadequate at One of the biggest challenges fami- long-overdue initial investment in our legitimate ports of entry, with a lies have when they have a mentally ill combating the opioid epidemic. In par- negative impact not only on the envi- family member—particularly when ticular, I applaud the inclusion of $1

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:32 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.011 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6725 billion in funding over 2 years that will to the CDC, mortality trends in the the obituary included this plea to read- address this crisis. For treatment pro- opioid epidemic are now similar to the ers: ‘‘If you have any loved ones who viders on the frontlines of the epi- trends in the HIV epidemic at its peak are fighting addiction, Molly’s family demic, I am pleased to say help is on in the late 1980s and 1990s. asks that you do everything possible to its way with this bill when it is passed The second chart shows drug over- be supportive, and guide them to reha- by the Senate—and I believe it will be. dose deaths across New Hampshire. It bilitation before it is too late.’’ Make no mistake, these resources are shows a parallel spread of the opioid I admire the courage of Molly’s fa- badly needed. This remains an uncon- epidemic in New Hampshire, with espe- ther, his willingness to warn other trolled epidemic and unfortunately is cially devastating effects in the north- families, and talk openly about his still gaining strength. A staggering ern part of the State—what we call the daughter’s addiction, but what if a 47,000 Americans died of drug overdoses north country. In 2003, we see no or- family persuades a son or daughter to in 2014—more Americans than died in ange and no red. In 2007, we are begin- seek treatment and no treatment is car accidents. Sadly, in New Hamp- ning to see patches of orange. In 2011, available? Sadly, that is the case in so shire, we are a bull’s-eye for the high- they have turned red, and by 2014, it is many communities across America est percentage of drug overdoses per particularly affecting the entire State, where treatment centers are over- populace of any State in the country so and here—the northern part of New whelmed. I am pleased this bill includes language Hampshire—is where it is hardest hit. That is why the additional resources to prioritize the allocation of these In his landmark report last month, in the Cures Act are so important. This new resources to the most heavily af- the U.S. Surgeon General said: ‘‘It is new funding will make a real difference fected States, and I intend to work time to change how we view addic- for treatment providers in each of our with the current and incoming admin- tion—not as a moral failing but as a States. Make no mistake, this legisla- istration to get this funding out to chronic illness that must be treated tion will save lives. The funding in the States as quickly as possible. with skill, urgency and compassion.’’ Cures Act is a welcome initial invest- More than a year ago, I introduced Yet what we are seeing in New Hamp- ment in combating the opioid epi- legislation to help stem the tide of the shire and across the country is that demic. President-Elect Trump, during opioid crisis by providing emergency treatment centers are completely over- dozens of visits to New Hampshire over funding to States, first responders, and whelmed. the last year, pledged aggressive action treatment providers. I joined with Certainly, the new funding in the to fight the opioid epidemic. When the other Senators in working to include Cures Act will be welcome news to new Congress convenes in January, we funding in the Cures Act to provide at Friendship House in Bethlehem, NH, must come together with our new least an initial infusion of funding to which is a treatment center I visited President, on a bipartisan basis, to ad- fight the opioid epidemic. I am relieved on Friday. It is up here in the northern dress the opioid crisis in a comprehen- these efforts have led to the bipartisan part of the State in New Hampshire’s sive fashion, including continuing re- agreement we will soon vote on. north country, which has one of the sources for policing, prevention, treat- Last month, the U.S. Surgeon Gen- highest overdose rates per capita in ment, and recovery. As Surgeon Gen- eral, Dr. Vivek Murthy, issued a land- New Hampshire. Friendship House is eral Murphy says, ‘‘How we respond to mark report and an urgent call to ac- the only treatment center within a ra- this crisis is a test for America.’’ With tion. He said 21 million Americans have dius of 65 miles. so many lives at stake, it is a test we a substance use disorder—far more Back in April, Kaiser Health News re- must not fail. Americans than have cancer—yet only ported on the case of Eddie Sawyer. With the 21st Century Cures Act, 1 in 10 is receiving any kind of treat- Eddie overdosed and died while he was Congress is providing urgent new fund- ment. waiting for his turn to be admitted to ing for treatment on the frontlines— My State of New Hampshire, and New Friendship House. When police found professionals who have been doing England overall, has been especially Mr. Sawyer, on the table next to his truly heroic, lifesaving work. Our mes- hard hit, but make no mistake, this is bed was a list of treatment facilities. sage in passing this legislation is: Help a nationwide epidemic, and it doesn’t There were checkmarks next to the is on the way. I urge my colleagues to discriminate. It is impacting young name of each facility. Mr. Sawyer had give strong bipartisan support to this and old, urban and rural, rich and poor, called every place on the list, and he important bill. White and minority, Democrats, Re- had not found one that could take him I yield the floor. publicans, and Independents. for treatment. I suggest the absence of a quorum. This fall I met with Susan Messinger The Surgeon General’s new report The PRESIDING OFFICER. The of Holderness, NH. Her son Carl experi- states that nearly 9 out of 10 people clerk will call the roll. mented with heroin at a party and with substance use disorders do not re- The legislative clerk proceeded to quickly became addicted. He got treat- ceive treatment. They are being turned call the roll. ment, was in recovery, and was doing away. They are being denied treatment Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I ask great, but he came down with a res- due to a chronic lack of resources. unanimous consent that the order for piratory infection and was prescribed Hopefully, this legislation is going to the quorum call be rescinded. medicine that unknown to him, in- help that because over the last year, I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cluded an opioid—just simple cherry visited treatment centers in every part objection, it is so ordered. cough medicine. Carl relapsed, and he of the Granite State. These centers are COAL MINER HEALTH CARE BENEFITS AND died of a fentanyl overdose days before staffed by skilled, dedicated treatment PENSIONS his 25th birthday. professionals. They are saving lives Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I rise This chart entitled ‘‘Drug Overdose every day, but they tell me that for to explain what is happening for all of Deaths Across America’’ shows very every life they save, others are being my colleagues and my friends on both vividly the extent of the problem. It lost for lack of treatment capacity, fa- sides of the aisle. was compiled by the National Center cilities, and funding. When people with I have been here for 6 years as a Sen- for Health Statistics at the Centers for substance use disorders are turned ator. I have always fought to make the Disease Control and Prevention. It away, this means they remain on the body work, and for the people of West shows the inexorable spread of the streets, desperate, often committing Virginia and for our country. I have opioid crisis and the disease it causes crimes to support their addiction and never believed partisan gridlock is a from 2003, here where we don’t see as at constant risk of a lethal overdose. way to accomplish our policy goals, so much bright red, to 2008, where it is Last year, a promising young woman I haven’t come to this decision easily. growing, to 2014, where it is almost the named Molly Alice Parks died of a her- I have never used the procedure that I entire country. We can see that in the oin overdose in Manchester, NH—New am using today, and I will use, to basi- Presiding Officer’s section of the coun- Hampshire’s largest city. Her father cally stop all UCs, a lot of good pieces try, in the Southwest, it is particularly wrote her obituary which appeared in of legislation, a lot of good friends who challenging, as well as in the Appa- the Union Leader newspaper. He wrote have worked diligently on this. I want lachian region of the East. According openly about Molly’s addiction, and to be able to work with them.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 23:32 Dec 06, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.013 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6726 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 My reason for doing this is that over given a lot of families hope, knowing band cycled in and out of the hospital 2 years ago we promised the retired that JOE BIDEN is fighting for them and without effective treatment, and trag- coal miners of America—we promised their loved ones. ically he took his own life while Jenny them—mostly their families, and there Of course, I want to acknowledge and was in the NICU with their newborn are a lot of widows now; we promised thank the chairman of the HELP Com- baby. them they would have their health care mittee, Senator ALEXANDER, for his Jenny’s story is unfortunately one of benefits that were guaranteed to them work and leadership on this bill, as many about families struggling to find and their pensions. We have been work- well as the Energy and Commerce quality mental health care for loved ing toward that. Chairman FRED UPTON, Ranking Mem- ones with mental illness. I am con- We knew this day would come. As of ber FRANK PALLONE, and Congress- fident that everyone here today has December 31, the end of this month— woman DIANA DEGETTE. heard these stories, and we know we less than 4 weeks away—there are I am proud of our country’s history have to do better. going to be 16,500 retired families, re- of lifesaving public health initiatives Our legislation will help expand ac- tired miners who are losing their and world-changing medical innova- cess to quality care for mental illness health care benefits. There will be an- tion. From eradicating smallpox to and substance use disorders by making other 4,000 the first of next year. mapping the human genome, we have it easier for patients to get in touch So I am using this procedure, which I risen to challenges and found ways to with providers. It will strengthen co- do reluctantly and I never thought I combat seemingly unbeatable diseases ordination between local agencies that would have to, because we are fighting and public health threats. There is no are engaged in crisis intervention, and for those people whom we promised, question we are a strong country for it will make sure that resources are fighting for those we believe in, to that. available to strengthen the mental thank them for the power they have The bill we are talking about today, health workforce. provided to this Nation. Now we are while far from perfect, gives us the While we weren’t able to resolve the turning our backs on them. chance to build on that tradition of IMD exclusion, which is a policy that We have pay-fors for this. We have a leadership and respond to some urgent makes it extremely difficult for States way to move forward. These are the health challenges we face right now. to provide inpatient care to those with health care benefits for our retired One of those is the opioid epidemic. mental illness and substance abuse dis- miners. It is something they have Like many of my colleagues, I have orders, this bill does change policy so worked for, they have earned, they de- heard from far too many families and that Federal funding will fully support serve, and we are the country we are local leaders in my home State about the physical needs of children in psy- because of the hard work they have the ways that opioid use disorders are chiatric facilities. done. ruining lives and tearing families It also puts in place measures to So I wanted my colleagues to know apart. My constituent Penny LeGate, strengthen our mental health parity why this procedure is going to be a lit- whose daughter Marah died of an over- law to make sure that health insurance tle bit more laborious than they would dose at the age of 19, said that this cri- will cover mental health and addiction have liked, why we might not be leav- sis can happen anywhere and it is ev- services when it is needed. Chairman ing here when they would have liked to erywhere. That is the same thing I ALEXANDER and I worked with Senators go home. If we don’t stand for the peo- have heard from worried parents and MURPHY and CASSIDY to move this leg- ple who have made our country as sheriffs and community leaders across islation through our committee this great as it is, we stand for nothing. Washington State. year, and I wish to recognize their So with that, I hope my colleagues I was glad that earlier this year, the commitment and leadership on this understand where I am coming from Senate passed the Comprehensive Ad- issue in particular. and why I hope they will be with me on diction and Recovery Act to strengthen In addition to investing in and tack- this for the sake of all of these families and improve programs that address ling the opioid epidemic and putting in and all of these widows and all of these opioid addiction. But, as Democrats place desperately needed reforms to miners who have given to much so our made clear, improving policy wasn’t our mental health care system, this country. enough. Tackling this crisis head-on legislation makes real investments in Thank you. requires putting new investments into tackling the hardest to treat diseases. I yield the floor. these efforts as quickly as possible, and According to the National Cancer In- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- that is what this bill will do. It dedi- stitute at NIH, 40 percent of men and ator from Washington. cates $1 billion over 2 years, above and women in the United States will be di- Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I wish beyond the budget caps, to help States agnosed with some form of cancer in to start by expressing my appreciation and communities fight back. And criti- their lives. Right now, more than 5 to all of my colleagues who have cally, we were able to secure changes million people are living with Alz- worked so hard on the priorities in the that ensure this money will go to heimer’s. These are truly staggering 21st Century Cures bill, including in- States based on where it is needed the statistics, and they represent enor- vesting in tackling our hardest to treat most. mous hardship and suffering and loss in diseases, confronting the opioid epi- Many of my colleagues were closely nearly every family and community. demic, strengthening mental health involved with this effort, but in par- Now we have made enormous care, and advancing medical innova- ticular I wish to recognize Senators progress in understanding and treating tion. WHITEHOUSE, SHAHEEN, BALDWIN, MAR- cancer, and we know more about how The legislation that we will be voting KEY, DONNELLY, and MANCHIN. the brain works and what diseases like on either really late tonight or tomor- I have also heard from people across Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and trau- row morning takes important steps to Washington State and the country matic injuries do to human minds, but improve the care that patients receive. about what a broken mental health we can and must do more, and that is I am very grateful to every Senator system means for them and their fami- exactly what the investments in NIH in and Member of Congress who worked lies. One constituent whose experience this bill will mean. across the aisle to make this legisla- has really stuck with me is Jenny. While this is not the mandatory tion the best it could be for those Jenny is from Olympia, WA, and she funding we had hoped for, I want to be whom we serve. In particular, I want to was pregnant when her husband began very clear: This is real funding. So $4.8 express my heartfelt thanks to Vice having severe psychotic episodes. billion is paid for within this bill, tar- President JOE BIDEN. Not everyone has Jenny told me that she remembered geted to specific NIH initiatives, and the strength to respond to profound how striking the differences were be- available to appropriators above and personal tragedy by doing even more to tween the coordinated, thoughtful care beyond the budget caps. That means, protect and help others, but that is ex- she received as an expectant mother as a result of this legislation—and actly what he has done. I know we are and the confusing patchwork that she thanks, in particular, to the leadership all grateful for and inspired by his and her husband had to navigate to try and vision of Vice President BIDEN—we leadership, and I am confident it has to help him get better. Jenny’s hus- will be able to invest billions right

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.014 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6727 away in better understanding, pre- for our staffs, not just this year but few things to say about it, but I want venting, and treating diseases that last year as well on this bill, and I to express that before she leaves the have impacted so many families. want to take just a minute to recog- Chamber. This bill also ensures that those in- nize their extra effort and sacrifice. Truly, as Senator MURRAY said, the vestments in research will benefit all On Senator ALEXANDER’s staff, I want 21st Century Cures Act is a world- Americans, including women and chil- to particularly acknowledge and thank changing piece of legislation. It seems dren, LGBT individuals, and racial and his staff director, David Cleary, as well rather quiet and unremarkable today, ethnic minorities. as Mary-Sumpter Lapinski and Grace but I actually believe we are taking a This bill also puts $500 million above Stuntz, his health and FDA policy major step toward disease cure and and beyond the budget cap toward leads, who worked very closely with health care research that rivals the helping the FDA meet the same high my staff over many months. I also legislation which actually founded the standards of patient and consumer want to acknowledge and thank Mar- National Institutes of Health some dec- safety in the face of increasing de- garet Coulter, Brett Meeks, Laura ades ago. So we are about important mands on the agency and new respon- Pence, Melissa Pfaff, Kara Townshend, business here at Christmastime as we sibilities under this legislation. As and Elizabeth Wroe for their efforts on near the end of this lameduck session. Democrats have made clear throughout this bill. Senator BLUNT and I and perhaps this process, upholding the gold stand- In the House, I want to recognize and other Senators were over in the Cham- ard of FDA approval that patients and thank the staff of Congressman PAL- ber of the other body last Wednesday families across the country trust is a LONE, including his staff director, Jeff afternoon when the House of Rep- top priority. Carroll, along with Tiffany Guarascio, resentatives passed the 21st Century In light of the antibiotic-resistant in- his health policy lead. I thank the staff Cures Act by an overwhelming bipar- fections linked to contaminated med- of Chairman UPTON, particularly his tisan vote, 392 to 26. I appreciated the ical devices called duodenoscopes in staff director, Gary Andres, and Paul work House leaders did from top to Seattle and across the country, it was Edattel, his health policy lead. bottom and on both sides of the aisle particularly important to me to make In addition, I thank the staff of my on this important legislation. sure that this bill strengthened the members on the HELP Committee, who Of course, I am always pleased to FDA’s authority to require that med- worked so closely with my staff to visit my colleagues over there. A num- ical device manufacturers ensure their make this a reality. In particular, I ber of our House colleagues were over products will remain safe after they thank David Bonine and Joe Dunn with here last night when the Senate in- have gone into repeated uses at our Senator MURPHY. voked cloture on the Cures Act by an I want to acknowledge the assistance hospitals. overwhelming vote of 85 to 13. We will We also fought hard to move many of of Amy Rosenbaum, Jeanne Lambrew, get to the vote either this afternoon or the other FDA reform policies that are Kate Mevis, and Dr. Francis Collins, early tomorrow, and I have every con- among many others within the admin- included in this bill in the direction of fidence that there will be a strong vote istration who helped make today pos- greater patient and consumer safety. on final passage. In particular, I was pleased that we sible. The 21st Century Cures Act is the Finally, I want to close by thanking were able to take out legislation that product of several years of bipartisan my staff. I can’t say enough about my would have watered down transparency work in both Houses. My friend from incredible staff, who have put their Washington State gave a comprehen- around drug and device industry pay- time and talents into this bill from the sive overview of the legislation, which ments to doctors, and I appreciate my word ‘‘go.’’ In particular, I thank my is indeed breathtaking. I wish to come colleagues on the other side of the aisle staff director, Evan Schatz, and my behind her and mention what an ac- who were ultimately willing to work health policy director, Nick Bath, for complishment this is in three areas— with us to make those changes. their extraordinary efforts on this leg- Now, looking ahead to next year, I first, in Alzheimer’s research; second, islation. Thank you. plan to monitor implementation of this I would also like to acknowledge the in pediatric research; and finally, in bill extremely closely, with a focus on hard work of Remy Brim, Julie Tier- the drug approval process. I appreciate my friend from Wash- making sure the incoming administra- ney, Andi Fristedt, Colin Goldfinch, ington and 62 others agreeing to take tion adheres to the policies laid out in Melanie Rainer, Madeleine Pannell, into this legislation the EUREKA Act, this bill and upholds the FDA’s respon- Megan Howard, Elizabeth Wagner, which I was happy to sponsor and sibility to patients and families to en- Wade Ackerman, Kalah Auchincloss, which 62 of my colleagues cosponsored. sure our medicines and treatments are Jane Bigham, Helen Hare, Eli Zupnick, EUREKA would and will initiate prize safe and effective. This standard has John Righter, Nick McLane, and my competitions in the fight against some been critical to fueling biomedical in- chief of staff, Mike Spahn. I want you of our Nation’s most terrible diseases, novation in America for over half a to know that I noticed their long hours including Alzheimer’s. These prizes century. And while I am disappointed and unwavering commitment on this would pay only for success, and they that Republicans were unwilling to legislation. It means a lot. take action on this legislation to tack- I urge my colleagues to join the would complement current funding le the high cost of prescription drugs, I House when we vote on this, which that is and will be ongoing, according am very glad we were able to remove voted overwhelmingly in support of to the legislation. So this will be over expensive provisions that could have this bill—392 to 26—and to join us in and above what we are already doing driven up costs for consumers even sending this legislation to President for Alzheimer’s. The Senator from more. Obama’s desk. Washington is correct about how costly While this bill is not what I would Thank you. Alzheimer’s is. It will top $1 trillion in have written on my own, it is certainly Mr. President, I yield the floor. taxpayer cost by the year 2050 unless not what my colleagues on the other The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. we get a cure or unless we achieve side of the aisle would have written on CRUZ). The Senator from Mississippi. major goals with regard to stopping their own, either. It locks in critical Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, before Alzheimer’s. So it is an expensive dis- advancements ahead of the incoming the distinguished Senator from Wash- ease—the most expensive disease in the administration and the partisan ap- ington moves on to her other duties, I history of this country—but it is also proach they are signaling they will want to commend her and Senator terribly expensive in terms of human take on health care, and it will make a ALEXANDER for the outstanding job suffering. I know many Americans, in- real difference for patients and families they have done and for the long hours cluding my family, have been touched across the country now and for years she and her colleagues on the HELP in a very terrible and dramatic way by into the future. Committee have put in to making the Alzheimer’s. Before I wrap up, I want to acknowl- Cures Act the reality that it will be in I am pleased that the EUREKA prizes edge the extraordinary time and effort a few days. are part of this legislation. I want to put in by all of our staffs. There have I know the distinguished Senator is thank everyone who helped us in this been a lot of late nights and weekends on her way to other meetings. I have a regard.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.015 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6728 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 I am thankful for the advice we got The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- But maybe more important than just from the XPRIZE Foundation and from ator from Pennsylvania. talking about positions he held is to all of the Alzheimer’s groups, including Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask talk for just a minute about who he the Alzheimer’s Association and unanimous consent to speak as in is—a fighter. No person has fought UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. morning business. harder for workers and for their fami- Thanks should also go to Dr. Francis The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without lies than HARRY REID. No Senator, no Collins and the entire team at the Na- objection, it is so ordered. person I know in public life, has made tional Institutes of Health for making TRIBUTES TO DEPARTING SENATORS that such a central part of who they this legislation work and for listening Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, in the in- are and a central part of their prior- to a different idea—the concept of terest of time, I will limit my remarks. ities, also, at the same time, being a prizes for health care research—and I rise this afternoon to commend and fighter for those who often don’t have giving it an attentive ear and being salute three Senators from the Demo- a voice here—people who don’t have willing to agree that, in addition to the cratic caucus who are leaving the Sen- power ever in their lives or often don’t funding, we would attack these dis- ate this year. I will have longer written have power on a regular basis. They al- eases with a prize competition. statements for the RECORD to appro- ways had a friend in HARRY REID— The NIH funding in Cures includes priately pay tribute to their service. In someone who would go to the end of additional dollars for the BRAIN Ini- alphabetical order, Senator BOXER of the Earth fighting on behalf of them. California, Senator MIKULSKI of Mary- tiative, and these EUREKA prizes will Over and over in our caucus, he land, and Senator REID of Nevada. ensure that our researchers have the would say: We have to work on this BARBARA BOXER AND BARBARA MIKULSKI tools they need. issue, or we have to get this or that I will offer some specific remarks Secondly, another important part of done for people who are hurting. There about Leader REID, in the interest of the NIH section of the Cures Act is the are so many different examples of that, time, but I do want to commend and National Pediatric Research Network, which we don’t have time to enumerate salute Senator BOXER for her service to inspired by the Pediatric Research Im- them today. provement Act that I was happy to co- the people of California and to our Na- I am recalling today a great line sponsor with Senator BROWN earlier tion, as well Senator MIKULSKI for her from a great Democratic leader, Wil- this year. Senator BROWN and I have great work—two great advocates, two liam Jennings Bryan, who talked about been working together tirelessly to see individuals whom we are going to miss the power of one individual to make a NIH implement the National Pediatric terribly here in the Senate. As I said, I difference and the power of an issue or Research Network, and I am glad to see will put longer statements in the set of issues to drive that person’s suc- this provision in the bill. Very simply, RECORD. cess in public life or even beyond pub- the goal is to expand access to clinical HARRY REID lic life, as a citizen. William Jennings trials and treatments for children, es- With regard to Senator REID, I can’t Bryan once said: ‘‘The humblest citizen pecially those with rare diseases. That help taking the time to say a few words in all the land, when clad in the armor is a second aspect of this Cures bill about him in the remaining minutes we of a righteous cause, is stronger than that I am so pleased to see the leader- have before we break for the caucus all the hosts of error.’’ So said William ship of this committee being attentive lunches. Jennings Bryan about one citizen clad to. Mr. President, as many people know, in the armor of a righteous cause. Thirdly, this bill makes major break- Senator HARRY REID is a son of Search- throughs in the way we approve drugs light, a small community in the State HARRY REID is a Senator and he has in this country. I am pleased that lan- of Nevada, and he comes from humble been a leader, but he is also a very guage from another bill I cosponsored, beginnings. It is probably best to read humble man at his core. His righteous the Patient-Focused Impact Assess- his words about his beginnings rather cause wasn’t just one issue, but if you ment Act, was included in the bill. This than trying to describe or encapsulate had to encapsulate it or summarize it, section of the Cures bill would ensure them. Among many things he said the righteous cause for HARRY REID that patients understand the way FDA about his background and his family, was fighting on behalf of those work- considers the patient experience and he said this, in short fashion, about his ers, fighting on behalf of those people the way FDA considers data in the background: who did not ever have power in their drug approval process. So for patients My dad was a hard rock miner. My mom lives. like those living with Duchenne and took in wash. I grew up around people of His ability to not just articulate their families, for people who are inter- strong values. their concerns and their struggles but ested in the drug approval process, and That is a direct quotation from literally their hopes and their dreams for the parents of children, this is a HARRY REID about his background. I was one of the reasons why so many of truly bipartisan achievement. think those values have helped him his us have such a high regard for him. We I am happy that Senator MURRAY was whole life. Those values, that work commend and salute his service. We ap- here so I could congratulate her in per- ethic, and that strength of character preciate his commitment to strong val- son. Certainly Senator LAMAR ALEX- allowed him to go from Searchlight to ues, but we especially appreciate his ANDER, chairman of our HELP Com- rise up to become a leader in his home steadfast support for those who needed mittee, deserves high praise from both State of Nevada in many positions in his voice, who needed his work, who sides of the aisle for his leadership in State government, to be a Member of needed his votes, and needed his leader- this regard, as well as the bipartisan the United States House of Representa- ship. leadership of the House of Representa- tives, later to be elected to the United To Senator REID, we say thank you tives. States Senate in 1986, and then, of for your service, thank you for what As we enter this holiday season, pa- course, to become the Democratic lead- you did for your home State of Nevada, tients, advocates, and providers have er—and he remains so until the end of and thank you for what you did for the an extra reason to rejoice as this bill this Congress—but, of course, the pin- United States of America. heads to the President’s desk. nacle was his service as majority lead- I yield the floor. er, one of the longest serving majority Mr. President, I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. ORDER FOR RECESS leaders in our history. That is kind of a summary of his positions in govern- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I ask clerk will call the roll. unanimous consent that the Senate ment, important though they are, lead- stand in recess, following the remarks ing a large and diverse caucus. It is a The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll. of Senator CASEY, until 2:15 p.m. today. difficult job whether you are leading The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there that caucus in the majority or leading Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask objection? it as the minority party. So we salute unanimous consent that the order for Without objection, it is so ordered. and commend his service to his home the quorum call be rescinded. Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I yield State of Nevada and to the people of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the floor. the United States. objection, it is so ordered.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.017 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6729 RECESS that ‘‘no apparent cases of in-person such things,’’ before defending Mr. Trump’s voter impersonation [were] charged by claims as ‘‘giving voice to a lot of people who The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under have felt that they were voiceless.’’ (As re- the previous order, the Senate stands DOJ’s Criminal Division or by U.S. At- torney’s offices anywhere in the United cently as October, Mr. Ryan’s spokeswoman in recess until 2:15 p.m. noted that ‘‘our democracy relies on con- Thereupon, the Senate, at 12:33 p.m., States from 2004 through July 3, 2014.’’ fidence in election results’’ and that Mr. recessed until 2:15 p.m. and reassem- That is the reality. The President-elect Ryan was ‘‘fully confident the states will bled when called to order by the Pre- should not continue to peddle lies carry out this election with integrity.’’) Reince Priebus, currently the chairman of siding Officer (Mr. ROBERTS). about voter fraud. I say that because this year we have the Republican National Committee and Mr. f seen a dangerous uptick in what some Trump’s pick for chief of staff, told CBS’s TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, call ‘‘fake news.’’ These articles have John Dickerson that ‘‘no one really knows’’ if millions of people voted illegally. ‘‘It’s AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2015— no basis of reality or factual evidence, possible.’’ It’s equally true that no one really Continued but they are broadly circulated because knows for sure that Reince Priebus wasn’t The PRESIDING OFFICER. The dis- they affirm a particular ideology or be- snatched away and replaced with a tinguished Senator from Vermont is cause they are a proven way to make a doppelgo¨ nger hatched by aliens—it’s pos- recognized. quick buck by drawing the attention of sible, isn’t it? unsuspecting online readers. Fake news This is how voter suppression efforts start. VOTING RIGHTS stories get attention and clicks. We First come the unverified tales of fraud; then Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I thank saw what happened when a man walks come the urgent calls to tighten voter reg- the distinguished Presiding Officer, the istration rules and increase ‘‘ballot secu- into a pizza place in the District of Co- rity,’’ which translate into laws that dis- Senator from Kansas. lumbia where children often con- An editorial this morning in the New enfranchise tens or hundreds of thousands of gregate and fires a rifle because of one qualified voters. York Times is entitled: ‘‘Why Does of these fake news stories he had read. That’s already happened in Wisconsin and Donald Trump Lie About Voting Some consider this despicable propa- North Carolina, in Ohio and Texas, where Fraud?’’ This is the editorial of which ganda to be harmless, but it is cer- Republican lawmakers pushed through bills I speak. That is a question that many tainly not without its victims. We requiring voter IDs or proof of citizenship; of us who have been fighting for the eliminating early-voting days and same-day know that the spread of lies through registration; and imposing other measures. right to vote have been asking for dec- fake news can have real-world con- ades. In a bipartisan fashion, this Con- Virtually all these laws aimed at making sequences, even for the public’s faith in voting harder for citizens who happen to be gress reauthorized the Voting Rights the Republic itself. There is no doubt members of groups that tend to support Act 10 years ago. During the course of that this is the way Russia sees it. Democrats. many, many, many Senate and House In conclusion, it should not be too While federal courts have struck down Judiciary Committee hearings, we much to ask our elected officials to op- some of these laws, more keep popping up. In fought against the false narrative that erate on facts and reality. We will have Michigan, lawmakers are pushing to fast- in-person voting fraud was at all com- track a voter-ID requirement even though many debates over policy in the years there was no evidence of voter impersonation mon in our country. The evidence to come, as we should, but Americans clearly and irrefutably shows that it is there. In New Hampshire, the incoming gov- deserve leaders who refuse to peddle in ernor, Chris Sununu, wants to do away with not, but, of course, the evidence does lies for political gain. same-day registration, also despite the lack not stop those who are determined to I call on leaders from both sides of of any evidence that it resulted in fraud. make it harder for Americans to cast the political aisle to no longer defend Reality is beside the point. Dallas their votes. the indefensible. Woodhouse, the executive director of the Right after five Justices on the Su- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- North Carolina Republican Party, recently told The New Republic, ‘‘Whether there’s preme Court gutted the core protection sent that the New York Times editorial of the bipartisan Voting Rights Act, widespread voter fraud or not, the people be- be printed in the RECORD. lieve there is.’’ It doesn’t seem to matter to several States led by Republican ma- There being no objection, the mate- G.O.P. leaders that election officials around jorities enacted voting restrictions rial was ordered to be printed in the the country of both parties have confirmed that made it harder for many Ameri- RECORD, as follows: that there was no fraud on Election Day. cans to vote. [From the New York Times, Dec. 5, 2016] What matters to them, as strategists have long known, is that Republicans do better It is most troubling that our Presi- WHY DOES DONALD TRUMP LIE ABOUT VOTER when fewer people vote. dent-elect has decided to make an un- FRAUD? founded charge of widespread voting Under a Trump administration, anti-voter (By the Editorial Board) efforts could become national in scope— fraud. I can imagine that he is dis- The long-running Republican war against through congressional legislation, a hostile appointed in the fact that he got 2.5 the right to vote has now gone national at Justice Department or a Supreme Court million less votes than his opponent the instigation of President-elect Donald nominee with little regard for voting rights. and did not win the support of a major- Trump, who has promoted the lie that mil- Undermining the integrity of the electoral ity of Americans who voted last lions of illegal votes were cast in the presi- process and making it harder to vote is month. We should all hope that when dential election. threatening to all Americans, regardless of our next President is presented with There is not a scintilla of evidence for this party. The cynical Republicans now in power unfavorable realities, he will not resort claim, and Mr. Trump’s own lawyers have figure that all they have to do is fool the admitted as much, stating in a court filing public long enough to win the next election. to spreading information that has no opposing a recount in Michigan that ‘‘all It’s outrageous, but it’s hard to see why they basis in fact. That cannot and should available evidence suggests that the 2016 would stop when lying has gotten them this never be the standard of American general election was not tainted by fraud or far. leadership. mistake.’’ Mr. LEAHY. I yield the floor and In an article published in the Valley Yet one after the next, leading Republicans thank my colleague. News of West Lebanon, NH, and re- are spreading this slander of American de- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. printed this morning in VTDigger, re- mocracy, smoothing the way to restrict vot- ing rights across the country. PORTMAN). The Senator from Kansas. searchers at Dartmouth explored Presi- On Sunday, Vice President-elect Mike Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I have dent-Elect Trump’s allegation of wide- Pence told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos some good news. Today we have before spread voting fraud, and they found that it was Mr. Trump’s ‘‘right to express his us a legislative package that reflects 2 nothing to support his claim, noting opinion as president-elect.’’ When pushed to years of work for the Health, Edu- ‘‘voter fraud concerns fomented and es- admit that the illegal-voting claim was not cation, Labor, and Pensions Com- poused by the Trump campaign are not true, Mr. Pence shifted the burden of proof mittee. grounded in any observable features of away from Mr. Trump, even though Mr. When we first embarked on this proc- the 2016 Presidential election.’’ Many Trump has accused millions of Americans of ess, the goal was to find ways to spur committing a crime. ‘‘Look,’’ Mr. Pence other analyses have also made this said, ‘‘I don’t know that that’s a false state- innovation and reduce the time it crystal clear. ment, George, and neither do you.’’ takes for new therapies and treatments In a report to Congress, the Govern- Paul Ryan, speaker of the House, told to get from the research bench to the ment Accountability Office concluded CBS’s ‘‘60 Minutes,’’ ‘‘I have no knowledge of bedside for patients. The bill is the 21st

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:49 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.019 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 Century Cures Act, which includes—I in our current system, but this bipar- I will remind my colleagues that am going to repeat this several times— tisan bill is certainly a good step in the there is a rule XIX that the distin- true bipartisan victories for patients in right direction toward improving ac- guished Presiding Officer can invoke at our health care system. cess to mental health services and any time and any Senator can ask that Throughout my time in Congress, I eliminating the stigma of seeking a Senator’s words be taken down under have been a consistent supporter of treatment. rule XIX. I only say it so that we can funding for the National Institutes of Finally, the 21st Century Cures Act look upon a bipartisan bill like this Health, or NIH, to fulfill our commit- includes numerous priorities that my and say: Look at what we have done. ment to prioritizing biomedical re- colleagues on the Finance Committee Let’s be proud of it and certainly not search and innovation. NIH research and I have been working on for several get into the mud with regard to any returns priceless benefits, giving years. One provision I was proud to personal comments. health care providers new tools and support in committee extends the I urge my colleagues to advance re- drugs to heal and give hope to individ- Rural Community Hospital Demonstra- search, advance the development treat- uals. The benefits of this research in- tion Program for another 5 years. As ments, and support this bill. It is a vestment to Kansans back home have our rural hospitals continue to try and good bill. It is a bipartisan bill that we been direct and personal. Back in 2012, make ends meet, this program helps should all be proud of. the University of Kansas Cancer Center what we call ‘‘tweener’’ hospitals sur- I thank the Presiding Officer and received a National Cancer Institute vive. Hospitals that do not qualify as yield back. designation, or an NCI designation. critical access hospitals would not sur- These centers are major players in re- vive under the current Medicare pay- f search and development for cancer ment system. It is a critical program 21ST CENTURY CURES BILL treatment and prevention. that benefits Kansans in Junction City, Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, today I The legislation we will be voting on Ulysses, and Fort Scott by keeping wish to support the 21st Century Cures today or tomorrow—or at the very their hospital and access care open. Act, the bill currently before us that, if least next week—does commit an addi- There is more rural relief. Senators all goes well, will be approved by the HUNE, CRAPO, and I have championed tional $1.8 billion for Vice President T Senate very shortly. BIDEN’s Cancer Moonshot. This will not a provision to protect rural access to This important legislation represents durable medical equipment under the only help the University of Kansas as the hard work of Members from both Competitive Bidding Program. We they continue to push toward a com- parties and from both sides of the Cap- would have liked to have seen a more prehensive cancer center designation, itol. It has support across the economic permanent solution. However, this bill but it will help all Americans who and ideological spectrum and promises delays applying competitively bid stand to benefit as we work to end the to do quite a bit of good for a number prices of rural areas and requires the fight against cancer. of people. In addition to research funding, this Department of Health and Human Put simply—or as simply as one can bill includes some provisions I au- Services to take into account stake- for a measure of this size—the 21st Cen- thored along with Senator KLOBUCHAR holder input as well as average travel tury Cures Act represents a significant to improve and increase transparency distance, volume of items, services fur- investment in improving our ability to in the review and approval of processes nished, and the number of suppliers in discover and develop new treatments for medical devices. Specifically, the these areas when determining adjust- and medicines and ensure that patients bill does this. It encourages the FDA, ments in setting bid prices. or the Food and Drug Administration, I have the privilege of being the co- have access to them. To accomplish this goal, this legisla- to accept international consensus chairman of the Senate Rural Health tion, among many other things, pro- standards to provide more predict- Caucus. I know how critically impor- ability for innovators. Second, it tant these and other pieces of the pack- vides a much-needed expansion of fund- makes improvements to the advisory age are for our beleaguered rural ing for the National Institutes of committee selection process in an ef- health care system. There is no ques- Health, improvements to the approval fort to provide more transparency. It tion that we have many challenges process at the Food and Drug Adminis- provides a technical correction to es- ahead. While this package may not be tration, resources to respond to the tablish a process by which the Food a silver bullet to ensure cures for all growing opioid abuse crisis, and an up- and Drug Administration may remove that ails us, it sets priorities in re- dated government framework for ad- certain products from the class I device search, cancer, cancer precision medi- dressing mental health needs. reserve list if they think a premarket cine, regenerative medicine, and heart- Thanks to this bill, universities review is no longer necessary to prove breaking diseases like Alzheimer’s across Utah will be able to access the reasonable assurances of safety and ef- through the BRAIN Initiative. We all funding streams from the Precision fectiveness. Senators ISAKSON, CASEY, know someone affected by these dread- Medicine Initiative, the BRAIN Initia- and ROBERTS’ priorities seek to provide ed diseases. It also makes significant tive, and the Cancer Moonshot. Utah is more certainty for FDA review of com- changes in how these new therapies are known for its ability to leverage sig- bination products and therapies that evaluated, hopefully approved, and de- nificant public-private partnerships to do not fit neatly into simply a drug or livered to patients, providing more work towards cutting-edge health and device. tools in the medicine cabinet that will innovation. I am proud to represent a The legislation also includes impor- improve many lives. Advances in med- State where complex technologies are tant reforms to our mental health sys- ical research benefit us all, and this being utilized to help patients find the tem based largely on a bill the HELP bill does just that. best treatments and avoid interven- Committee passed earlier this year. I wish to make a comment with re- tions that would be costly, invasive, With this section of the bill, we seek to gard to previous discussions of this bill and ineffective. clarify and improve our mental health on the floor of the Senate. Unfortu- Over the past several months, I have parity laws. We reauthorized the sub- nately, a very small minority of my had several meaningful experiences stance abuse and mental health block colleagues want to criticize and even working to improve health care for the grants. We promote evidence-based villainize this legislation and those people of Utah and for all Americans. practices to ensure we are utilizing our who worked so hard on it, which is ter- For example, I had the pleasure of wel- scarce resources on programs that ribly disappointing to me. With the coming Vice President BIDEN to the work and not continuing to fund what passage of this bill, both Republicans Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah as doesn’t work. We reauthorized the Gar- and Democrats can take pride in put- part of his Cancer Research Center rett Lee Smith Memorial Act for sui- ting together and working toward a bi- tour. cide prevention and intervention and partisan bill that lives up to its name— The Vice President and I had an in- the National Child Traumatic Stress the 21st Century Cures Act. I regret the sightful discussion about a number of Initiative. tone of the debate that took place with promising therapies being developed in There is a lot more work to be done, regard to this bill and the personal Utah. This legislation will provide an obviously, to address the deficiencies comments that were made. infusion of funding for these types of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:49 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.021 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6731 projects that will improve lives for in- As this legislation was being devel- it this far, including Chairmen BRADY dividuals and families across our coun- oped, I noted that I had concerns with and UPTON and Speaker RYAN over in try and around the world. some of the pay-fors that were being the House, and Chairman ALEXANDER, Among the many noteworthy provi- thrown around. I have always sup- Leader MCCONNELL, and his leadership sions in this bill are several items ad- ported the goals of this legislation and team here in the Senate. vocated by members of the Senate Fi- believed it was important that we try They have all done good work, and I nance Committee, which I chair. to move it forward. However, I do not congratulate them on this success. Throughout the 114th Congress, the Fi- believe we should be setting undesir- Now, we just have to pass the bill. nance Committee has worked tirelessly able precedents when it comes to fund- Once again, I intend to vote in favor to advance a number of bipartisan leg- ing these types of endeavors. of the 21st Century Cures Act, and I islative efforts and address the con- Early on in this process, some pub- urge my colleagues to do the same. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- cerns of our Members’ constituents. licly expressed their belief that the ator from Michigan. We have reported more bills out of spending in this bill could be paid for the committee in this Congress than Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, first, by making alterations to federal health we got a little out of order on the really in any other Congress in modern entitlement programs, namely Medi- history, all of them—every single one— speaking schedule as to how it should care and Medicaid. have started this afternoon. with bipartisan support. The long list I will spare my colleagues a lecture includes bills in virtually every area of I ask unanimous consent that Sen- on the budget process today. Instead, I ELSON go immediately after me. the Finance Committee’s jurisdiction, ator N will just note that, while there are a He has been courteous enough to allow including health care policy. number of areas where we can respon- me to speak, and I ask unanimous con- Some of these priorities—and many sibly find savings in these programs, others—have been included in the sent that he speak after I am done we have almost always tried to avoid speaking. Cures Act. diverting funds from these programs— All told, the current version of the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there which constitute mandatory spend- bill includes at least 22 separate provi- objection? ing—to pay for discretionary spending Without objection, it is so ordered. sions that reflect the hard work of Fi- programs. Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I nance Committee members. These in- And, put simply, I believe we need to wish to congratulate everyone who has clude modifications and updates to continue following what has generally worked on the Cures bill. There are Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP, along been a brightline rule in that regard. If many areas that I have concerns about, with other important changes to the we start casually commingling manda- and there are many positive things. I law. am looking forward to coming back as I want to collectively thank the tory and discretionary funds, we run the risk of greatly expanding discre- well and working with colleagues on members of the Finance Committee for how we complete the job on mental the work they have done on these tionary spending programs while si- multaneously weakening our entitle- health by providing full funding for measures and on everything else we community mental health care across have been able to accomplish over the ment programs that are already on the brink of fiscal crisis. the country, which is not in the bill. last two years. But there are some positive steps for- A number of measures that I person- Fortunately, the main proponents of ward on health care. ally worked on as a member of the Sen- the Cures Act have been willing to MEDICARE ate HELP Committee have also been work with me, and they have scaled I think it is very important, as we included in the bill. All told, about 37 back their initial efforts to use the are coming to the end of this session in provisions in this bill are ones that I mandatory spending sources to pay for the next week or two, that we talk either drafted or helped draft at some the bill. While those pay-fors haven’t about the fact that when we come point during my years in the Senate. been entirely purged from the bill, I do For now, I want to focus on my work not intend to vote against the legisla- back, there will be incredibly impor- tant debates on health care, and one of to help those in the rare disease com- tion on that basis. them is what will happen to Medicare munity. Millions of Americans suffer That said, I do want to make clear for tens of millions of seniors and peo- from unexplainable illnesses that leave that this shouldn’t become a legisla- ple with disabilities going forward in them feeling abandoned and alone. tive template or be considered a prece- our country. I want to take a moment And, if we do not address the dry pipe- dent for how Congress will pay for new spending in the future. And, as the to speak to that. line for drugs that end up treating just First of all, Medicare and Social Se- a few hundred patients, we are making chairman of the committee that has ju- risdiction over most of the relevant curity are great American success sto- a national decision that these people ries. Those two programs have lifted a mandatory spending programs, I intend do not matter. generation of seniors out of poverty to do all I can to make sure we avoid None of us should accept that. and created a quality of life for them To address these concerns, I worked this practice going forward. and a guarantee, after paying in all In addition, I want to say that I was to include specific measures in the their lives, that health care and some disappointed that the bill before us Cures Act that improve pediatric care basic economic security will be there. and expedite the drug approval process does not include provisions from the I am particularly concerned right for rare diseases, ensuring that thou- Family First Prevention Services Act, now, though, about the comments we sands of patients get the treatments which Senator WYDEN and I, along with are hearing about proposals to fun- they need when they need them. our counterparts in the House, intro- damentally change Medicare and un- With this bill, Congress will make duced earlier this year. dermine Medicare. We are hearing significant steps in helping Americans This is commonsense legislation every day now that Medicare, as we with rare diseases, but our work will be that, in my view, would be a good fit know it, is in jeopardy of being disman- far from over. Families affected by rare for this vehicle. It has broad support tled, taking away the security and the diseases have united around the coun- from Members of both parties and in peace of mind of tens of millions of try to speak with a growing voice, and both Chambers, and we all worked to Americans and their families across we need to do all we can to make sure get it included in this package. Unfor- the country who are currently on Medi- their pleas do not fall on deaf ears. tunately, we weren’t able to complete care—the health care guarantee of As you can see, there are a number of this task. So all of us will have to keep Medicare—or those who care for others good things to say about the 21st Cen- looking for any reasonable vehicle or or those who within the next few years tury Cures Act. However, I don’t want opportunity to move this important will be on Medicare or who are con- to leave the impression that the bill is bill in the near future. cerned about their children. perfect from my point of view. While I Still, even with these concerns I have Why are we expressing this now? support the bill and plan to vote in about this final version of the 21st Cen- First of all, the Speaker of the House favor of passage, I do want to make tury Cures Act, I am strongly sup- said on Sunday that Medicare is burn- note of what are, in my view, some of portive of the bill, and I want to com- ing through the budget. He has consist- the bill’s shortcomings. mend those who worked so hard to get ently said Medicare is on the verge of

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.034 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6732 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 bankruptcy, which is not true. It ap- I am all for improving Medicare. I DREAMERS pears the goal is to scare people by have supported efforts to bring addi- Mr. NELSON. Mr. President, I want telling us Medicare will not be there tional accountability and credibility to speak about DREAMers. These are for our children. It will not be there into Medicare. We will continue to do children who are brought to this coun- only if we don’t keep our commitments that. We want to make sure it con- try in an illegal status because they to Medicare and the people of this tinues to be more and more effective. are brought by their parents who are country. We want to strengthen Medicare. Cut- undocumented. These children often do I think I have heard almost every ting it, taking it from a guarantee to a not know that in fact they are undocu- single day since the 1980s that if we maybe, is not the way to do that. In mented. want to save Medicare, we have to de- fact, it is not—despite the Speaker’s There are threats in the new admin- stroy it as a guaranteed health care own hashtag—a better way. It is not a istration to completely reverse Presi- system somehow. Now, we know there better way. dent Obama’s Executive order that al- was a huge difference of opinion and a Why am I concerned at this point? lows these children to stay in the partisan split back when Medicare was United States and continue their edu- Why do we think Republicans are seri- created between Democrats and Repub- cation. I want to tell you about one ous about trying to undermine Medi- licans, and I am proud as a Democrat such DREAMer. This is Elisha care as well as Medicaid, of which 80 that we created Medicare and have Dawkins. Elisha came from the Baha- percent of the spending goes to long- been able to expand prescription drug mas in an undocumented status with term care for senior citizens? There are coverage and other quality measures his mother at the age of 6 months. Eli- two things that are deeply concerning and other coverage that is so critical, sha’s mother was deported shortly to me. First, in every House Repub- but it seems like we are constantly thereafter, and he was raised by family lican budget since 2011, everyone has going back in some way redebating in Florida. whether Medicare should exist as we effectively turned Medicare into a He always thought he was an Amer- know it. So we hear that to save Medi- voucher for people eligible after 2023, 6 ican citizen. After high school, he care, we have to destroy it as a guaran- years from now. It would raise the joined the Army. This photo shows teed health care system—which I com- costs. It would take away the certainty when he served a tour in Iraq. He came pletely reject, as do my Democratic and the guarantee of Medicare. It back and was mustered out of the colleagues. would reopen the gap in prescription Army with an honorable discharge We are hearing we have to cut Medi- drug coverage. For millions of people after having been awarded the Iraqi care, we have to change it from a guar- across Michigan and across America, Service Medal. He was assigned to a antee into a ‘‘maybe.’’ We also hear all you don’t need to make health care very sensitive position as a photog- kinds of different names used, whether harder. It needs to be easier. rapher. it is a voucher system, where you get a In addition to comments from the Promptly after coming back and certain amount of money in a voucher Speaker of the House about changing starting his studies, he decided to join and you go to the private sector and Medicare and making it a priority in the Navy Reserves and was given a top try to buy coverage, and whatever is the budget, creating payoffs in the sys- secret clearance. He performed photog- not covered by the voucher, you have tem, taking away the universal guar- raphy at a very sensitive location, to make up the difference. I would re- antee, we now have the President-elect Guantanamo, with all of the detainees. mind people that Medicare came into nominating Dr. TOM PRICE, a current So Elisha, coming off his Reserve being because the private sector was House Member, for Secretary of Health duty, resumed his studies at the Uni- not providing affordable health care for and Human Services, who has sup- versity of North Florida. At one point, seniors and people with disabilities so ported that budget privatizing Medi- he had started to fill out a passport ap- we have absolutely no reason to believe care, block granting, and cutting Med- plication but did not go through with that would not be the case today. icaid and long-term care for seniors in that application and never turned it in. We hear about eligibility changes, nursing homes and so on. We are told Later on, filling out a passport applica- premium support, means testing, and by the nominee that he expects Repub- tion, he was asked if he had ever ap- all kinds of other things that go to the licans in Congress to move quickly on plied for a passport and he checked the very essence of what Medicare is all this legislation in the new year, even box ‘‘no’’ because he hadn’t. The U.S. about. Again, Medicare is a great though President-Elect Donald Trump attorney’s office came in and arrested American success story that Ameri- promised throughout his campaign him, threw him in the clink, and in the cans of all ages want to see continue that Medicare would be safe on his process, found out he was undocu- and be expanded upon. Regardless of watch. He made that promise to the mented because of the circumstances I what kinds of names are used, the end people I represent—the people we all just told you. A veteran of Iraq and result is still the same. These plans are represent—and I can assure you, I am Guantanamo—Army in Iraq, Navy in plans to take away the benefits Ameri- going to be doing everything possible Guantanamo—is in a detention center cans have worked their entire lives for, to make sure that promise is kept. awaiting trial. a system they pay into that lets them Fortunately, Elisha Dawkins’ situa- The only thing gutting Medicare is know that as we all get older, we will tion came to my attention and I start- going to do is create chaos for tens of have the health care we need for our- ed raising some cain about this. As a millions of seniors, people with disabil- selves and our families. matter of fact, in a further hearing in ities, and for the health care system in What is also not mentioned is the front of a Federal judge, the Federal general. Seniors and people with dis- fact that Medicare is solvent through judge, in essence, dressed down in court abilities—all Americans—deserve bet- 2028, thanks to the Affordable Care Act the assistant U.S. attorney who had ter than this. As we enter the new which extended the fiscal sovereignty pursued this case and, fortunately, the year, Democrats will fight tooth and of Medicare. The Affordable Care Act charges were dropped. That enabled also closed the gap in coverage—what nail to protect Medicare, to make sure Elisha to go on and to continue his has been called the doughnut hole—for Medicaid and long-term care is avail- studies. In the process, since he had no prescription drug coverage. By the able for our seniors, to make sure the conviction, he was allowed to apply for way, if the ACA is repealed, there will health care guarantee that has been U.S. citizenship. His military service be another hole in that coverage and there for a generation of retirees and justified him to do that. This past seniors’ Medicare prescription drug people with disabilities is continued. week, he is now graduating from the costs are going to go back up. We have Medicare is a great American success University of North Florida. seen that Medicare, in fact, is solvent story, and we are ready to do every- Because a child came here in an un- to 2028. It now actually costs less for a thing possible to protect it and documented status through no fault of prescription drug today than it used to strengthen it as a guarantee for Ameri- their own, it is not right that children, cost, and we are seeing quality efforts cans in the future. such as Elisha Dawkins, who grow up going on every day, preventive efforts, Thank you, Mr. President. to be great assets for the United States to continue to extend sovereignty and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- would be penalized and threatened with bring down costs. ator from Florida. deportation.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:49 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.022 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6733 Obviously, we have to attend to the Street. Appointing a 17-year Goldman Dodd-Frank’’ and went on to suggest national security implications, in his Sachs executive to oversee financial that the Volcker rule, which is the pro- case of potential passport fraud, which regulation is the definition of the fox vision that shut down the Wall Street was not the case, but this was a man guarding the hen house. It has the po- casino, should be weakened or elimi- who had not committed that fraud and tential to undo all the progress and re- nated. It is not speculation; it is who had served his country honorably. covery we have made since shutting straight from his own testimony to the As this case has resolved itself into a down the Wall Street casino, which American public, after he was nomi- happy ending, just think of all the dragged our country into the Great Re- nated, that he wants to restore the other stories of DREAMers who are out cession. Furthermore, wouldn’t it be Wall Street casino. there and who share Elisha’s commit- great to have someone at the helm of The Consumer Financial Protection ment to and love of country, commit- our economy who fought to put people Bureau is another target. That protec- ment to the ideals that all these into homes, instead of fighting to kick tion bureau is a watchdog on the beat DREAMers share of growing up in the people out of their homes and onto the against predatory financial practices. only country they have ever known, street, as he has done. It is a pretty good thing when you have and they had always thought they were One of the great things about Amer- an organization that has returned a member of that country. ica is the resiliency of the American nearly $12 billion to 27 million Amer- I have said it before, and I will say it people. They come upon a challenge, ican citizens harmed by illegal and again. The DREAMers are our neigh- sometimes a catastrophe, and they predatory practices in the lending busi- bors, they are our friends, they are our work to put the pieces back together ness. Furthermore, the Consumer Fi- high school valedictorians, and they again. We have made our way through nancial Protection Bureau has saved are our veterans. the Great Depression. We made it far more by preventing these practices They were brought to this country through two world wars, we made it in the first place on current lending— before they ever even knew of the sig- through the September 11 terrorist at- $12 billion returned, but who knows nificance of their trip, and they have tacks, and we have worked to recover how much they saved consumers on the benefited our communities greatly. It from the Great Recession. front end. Maybe it is $50 billion, is clear that America is stronger for a That crisis saw 8.7 million jobs lost, maybe it is $100 billion, maybe it is person like Elisha Dawkins. trillions of dollars of lost family more. But the fact is, our citizens are As this Congress comes to a close, I wealth, and more than 2 million busi- getting a better foundation for our fi- remind all of us and urge us to remem- nesses shuttered. It was a financial cri- nancial success. ber—next year, when there is an at- sis that cost about 4 million Americans If you believe in the success of Amer- ican families, you want to block preda- tempt to turn around that White House their homes. It wiped out the hard- tory practices designed to undermine Executive order, I want us to remem- earned retirement savings of millions them. That is what we did in Congress, ber the faces of people such as Elisha more families. Dawkins. I want us to come together The American people are working to and that is what is at risk. We did a lot of powerful things to and acknowledge their many contribu- rebuild, but they haven’t forgotten. rectify the excesses that led to the dis- tions to this great country. They haven’t forgotten foreclosed aster of 2008 under the Bush adminis- I yield the floor. homes. They haven’t forgotten the lost tration. We created stress tests to en- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. jobs. They haven’t forgotten the retire- sure the strength and security of our ERNST). The Senator from Oregon. ment savings. They haven’t forgotten largest banks—that they had sufficient TREASURY DEPARTMENT NOMINATION the shuttered businesses across our reserves to withstand periods of eco- Mr. MERKLEY. Madam President, great land, and they definitely haven’t nomic challenge. That makes sense. We colleagues, we are now 4 weeks out forgotten the recklessness of Wall put procedures in place to unwind from a Presidential election in which Street that made it all happen. megacorporations when they fail so It seems that perhaps President- millions of American voters indicated they can be unwound and not take the Elect Donald Trump has already for- they wanted a change. rest of the economy, the financial sys- gotten not just the driving force behind Donald Trump, our President-elect, tem, down with them. That makes campaigned and was elected on a plat- the Great Recession of 2008 that caused sense. form he called draining the swamp. these calamities for millions of Amer- We established a cop on the beat to Getting rid of entrenched special inter- ican families and businesses, but he has make sure people aren’t scammed by ests sounds good. Fighting on behalf of also forgotten his campaign vow to credit card companies. It makes sense. middle-class Americans sounds good. take on Wall Street. Instead, Mr. We made sure we had an organization Taking on Wall Street’s powerful spe- Trump is planning to put Wall Street to which people could appeal when they cial interests sounds good. in charge of the Treasury Depart- thought there was a predatory prac- In fact, month after month, our ment—again, the most powerful eco- tice, to have it rectified and have the President-elect attacked Secretary nomic position in the United States of funds returned to them if they were Clinton, saying she was too close to the America. right. That makes sense. All of this Wall Street banks. He said things such Where does Wall Street stand on makes sense. It makes what type of as ‘‘Hillary will never reform Wall these issues? Wall Street hates the pro- sense? It makes common sense. Street.’’ He said, ‘‘I know the guys at visions that Congress adopted to end Isn’t it just common understanding Goldman Sachs. They have total con- predatory lending practices in mort- that when a predator damages a fam- trol’’ over his opponent. gages and consumer laws. They hate ily, our entire community suffers and These are pretty harsh words. With those provisions, and they want to get when a family loses its home, our en- months of hammering Wall Street and rid of them. They want to get rid of the tire community suffers? Don’t we un- hammering his opponent, it came as a watchdog that makes sure those provi- derstand that when people are thrown big surprise to many last week, when sions don’t return. Wall Street hates out into the street—as Steve President-Elect Trump announced that the provisions that we adopted to shut Mnuchin’s banks specialized in—the he would be naming Steve Mnuchin, a down the Wall Street casino, where families are hurt, the children are darling of Wall Street, a 17-year vet- Wall Street firms made huge bets with deeply hurt? But now we have a nomi- eran of Goldman Sachs, a career in the the deposits of American savers to ter- nee who specialized in Wall Street and financial industry, to run the Treasury rible consequences. specialized in foreclosures. I say again, Department—the single most impor- Bloomberg News reported that wouldn’t it be great to have a nominee tant post in our economy to be run by Trump’s nominee, Steve Mnuchin, was to head our economy who worked to Wall Street. front and center during these oper- put people into homes, who worked to Instead of draining the swamp in ations of the Wall Street casino. Have make families successful, not someone Washington, it looks as if our Presi- no doubt that he plans to do what he who specialized in throwing them out dent-elect is turning our government can to restore that casino. While being of their homes and onto the street? intended to be of, by, and for the people interviewed right after his nomination, In 2009, in the depths of the financial into a government of, by, and for Wall he promised to ‘‘strip back parts of crisis, Steve Mnuchin purchased the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:26 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.024 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6734 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 fourth largest failed bank, IndyMac, able rate mortgage to pay for repairs. Fair Housing Advocates of Northern when it collapsed in July of 2008. After She faced some hard times and was California, the bank’s Southern Cali- buying IndyMac, he renamed it falling behind, but under very con- fornia branches made a total of only OneWest and took over as the CEO. structive negotiations with One West two mortgage loans to African-Amer- Under Mnuchin’s leadership, OneWest to stay in the home, you will recall we ican home buyers during 2014 and 2015. became what housing advocates in had this program called the Home Af- That is one per year; two loans over 24 California called a foreclosure ma- fordable Mortgage Program—the months in one of the country’s most di- chine. Why did they call it a fore- HAMP program—wherein a bank could verse communities—a community that closure machine? Because in the midst rework it. They were saying to her that includes Los Angeles, where African of the Great Recession, it pushed for- we are reworking it, all is good, but, Americans make up more than 9 per- ward 36,000 homeowners into fore- meanwhile, they were pursuing fore- cent of the population. This practice is closure, using tactics that were cer- closure. The result was, thinking she known as redlining. It is an egregious tainly off limits, such as robo-signing, was working out a modification, she practice. What is more, of the 35,877 fake signing—let me put it directly, came back to her home in the middle homes that One West foreclosed on just fake signing of documents. His bank of a blizzard and found herself locked in California between April 2009 and was responsible for more than one- out. April 2015, 68 percent were majority third of all reverse mortgage fore- This is an example of the widely pub- non-White areas. closures, which disproportionately licized two-track policy in which banks Looking at this record, it is pretty were targeted at America’s seniors. would pretend to work out a modifica- clear that Mnuchin has not used his Let me tell you the story of Ossie tion while aggressively pursuing fore- skills in life to put people into homes; Lofton. Ossie Lofton, a 90-year-old closure. That is not a good practice. It he has used his skills to kick people woman from Lakeland, FL, took out a is not fair to the homeowner. out of their homes and into the street. reverse mortgage on her home. This is Let’s look at another story. Gregg Instead of fighting for homeowners, a type of loan that allows an elderly in- and Diane Horoski. They refinanced in he has made a living—the life of a dividual to draw up the equity of their 2004. They paid off their original mort- mega-multimillionaire—off the suf- home to help them meet their basic gage with a loan from Deutsche Bank fering of low-income and middle-in- monthly expenses. The beauty of this and used the rest of the money to cover come Americans. is that once you have that have reverse health care costs, but it is one of those Our President-elect bashed his oppo- mortgage, assuming it is not designed loans with an exploding interest rate, nent for being too cozy with Wall with predatory features, it can supply and the loan interest soared to 12.375 Street banks. He told Iowans: ‘‘I am to a senior some steady supply, and percent. Then Gregg Horoski started not going to let Wall Street get away they don’t have to write a steady mort- having health problems so they were with murder,’’ but then he nominates gage check to anyone. Instead, they having trouble keeping up with those an individual with this record of preda- get income to help meet those basic ex- high interest payments. So they asked tory practices, of private profit over penses, so it is hard to imagine how the bank to work with them. What the suffering of thousands of families, you would end in default in this situa- bank? One West. They asked One West to lead our economy in the years tion. But individuals are still respon- to work with them to modify the loan, ahead. This is just 4 weeks after his sible for paying property taxes and but the bank turned them down, misled election, just 4 weeks after we heard homeowners insurance. them about how much they owed, lied the cries that he would stand up to In Ossie Lofton’s case, there was con- to them about how much was at stake. Wall Street, and now he is putting Wall fusion over her homeowners insurance The Horoskis felt betrayed by the Street in charge. coverage. The bank sent her a bill for misrepresentations and they took One There is more. He is not appointing $423.30. Ossie looked at that. She West to court and Judge Jeffrey Spin- just one but two former Goldman thought she had it right, and so she ner said the following about the bank’s Sachs executives to key positions of sent the insurance company a check behavior. Which bank? One West, the power and influence. One is Steve for $423, overlooking the 30-cent pay- bank that Steve Mnuchin was heading. Bannon, assigned to be his Chief Strat- ment. Well, they sent her back another bill He called the bank’s behavior ‘‘harsh, egist. That is right—Goldman Sachs— for 30 cents. Again, she misread it. She repugnant, shocking and repulsive.’’ He Chief Strategist for our President- thought they were asking for 3 cents, also added, ‘‘unequitable, unconscion- Elect. Now we have an economist in and she mailed them 3 cents—27 cents able, vexatious and opprobrious.’’ He chief, the Treasury Secretary, also shy. pretty much summoned every word in coming from the same direction. It What did OneWest do under Steve the English dictionary to say how sounds like instead of ‘‘draining the Mnuchin’s leadership? They foreclosed wrong the bank’s action was as they swamp,’’ our President-elect is helping on Ossie for 27 cents. dealt with this couple. Wall Street restore the predatory prac- In my hand I have 30 cents, a dime Now, the bank lost that case, but tices that destroyed the living and the and four nickels. Why would a bank they were aggressively pursuing every- lives of millions of American home- foreclose on a woman who owed them a thing so they took it to appeal. They owners. This is wrong. few cents? Why would they do that? spent a lot of money and had a lot of I call on President-Elect Trump to Well, if you followed these predatory lawyers take on this couple and even- reverse course, to fight for government practices, some banks looked at it this tually the bank won. They won no of, by, and for the people—not govern- way. They said if we can find a techni- grace period, no compromise, no home ment of, by, and for Wall Street. cality to grab someone’s home, we can for this couple. The bank won and the I yield the floor. resell it for far more than we are owed. Horoskis lost, as did thousands and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- That is a huge profit. thousands and thousands of individuals ator from South Dakota. So for that 27 cents, she lost her and couples who owned homes who lost CONGRESSIONAL PRIORITIES home. She and thousands of others lost them to these very aggressive fore- Mr. THUNE. Madam President, the their homes so this bank could profit closure strategies. business of the 114th Congress is draw- rather than work out a mortgage modi- That is not all. Mr. Mnuchin and his ing to a close to wrap up a few final fication. That is really a crime against bank didn’t just prey on hard-working bills. One of the most important bills an American citizen, a specialty of this Americans, they also had an operation that we will be passing this week is the bank, a specialty through which Steve that has a record of discriminating National Defense Authorization Act. In Mnuchin profited millions and millions against minority home buyers and mi- fact, this is one of the most important of dollars. Millions of dollars of income nority neighborhoods. Fair housing ap- bills that we pass each year. was accumulated based on the suffering plicants have filed legal complaint The National Defense Authorization inflicted on thousands and thousands after legal complaint against their Act is one of two bills that ensures of American homeowners. practices. that our military men and women have We could look at another story. Les- Here is an example. According to the the tools and resources they need to lie Parks took out a subprime adjust- California Reinvestment Coalition and defend our country. It is the bill that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.025 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6735 authorizes funding for the body armor premium notice for my ObamaCare in- that we will be governed by the law our troops wear and the weapons they surance. My policy rate for myself, my and not by someone’s personal opin- carry into battle. It is the bill that au- wife, and my teenage son has increased ions. thorizes funding for the advanced tech- by 357 percent’’—357 percent. Justice Scalia will be a hard Justice nology our military needs to be suc- ObamaCare is on the brink of col- to replace, but I am confident that cessful on today’s battlefield and the lapse. We know what millions of Amer- President-Elect Trump will nominate a bill that authorizes true pay increases icans already know; that is, that the Justice with a similar respect for the which help us retain an All-Volunteer status quo is unsustainable. It is time rule of law, and I look forward to work- Force. Making sure our troops have to repeal this law and replace it with ing with my colleagues to get a quali- what they need to defend our country something that works, and that is pre- fied nominee confirmed. is pretty much our most important re- cisely what we are going to do. Repealing ObamaCare and con- sponsibility as Members of Congress; We are going to get started on repeal firming a Supreme Court nominee are first, of course, because the security of as soon as the 115th Congress convenes, two important things we are going to our country depends on it and, second, and then we are going to work step-by- do next year, but they are just the be- because we owe our men and women in step to replace ObamaCare with real ginning. Republicans are going to uniform nothing less. health care reform—health care reform spend the 115th Congress fighting for This year’s National Defense Author- that focuses on the States rather than the American people’s priorities, from ization Act authorizes the largest having the Federal Government run- growing our economy and creating bet- troop pay increase in 6 years. It mod- ning everything, health care that gives ter paying jobs to securing our borders ernizes the military health care system more control to patients and doctors and protecting our Nation. We have a to improve quality of care for our when it comes to health care choices chance to do big things for the Amer- troops and their families. It reduces and decisions, health care that pro- ican people in 2017, and we can’t wait Pentagon bureaucracy to focus re- vides choices and is patient-centered so to get started. sources on our Nation’s warfighters, there are more options out there, more Madam President, I yield the floor. and it supports our allies amid growing choices, more competition in the mar- I suggest the absence of a quorum. threats. ketplace, and a health care system The PRESIDING OFFICER. The It also addresses the dangerous that allows flexibility for our small clerk will call the roll. underfunding of the military that has businesses on which much of the re- The legislative clerk proceeded to occurred under President Obama. It sponsibility for providing health care call the roll. stops troop reductions for the Army for their employees falls. Mr. BROWN. Madam President, I ask and Marine Corps and authorizes addi- Another thing we are going to get unanimous consent that the order for tional funds to address readiness short- started on right away in January is the quorum call be rescinded. falls. confirming the President’s nominees, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Members of our military should not including his nominee for the Supreme objection, it is so ordered. have to be salvaging spare parts from Court. My Democratic colleagues have MINE WORKER HEALTH CARE BENEFITS AND retired aircraft to keep their planes in spent a lot of time talking about the PENSIONS the air. Over the next few years, the importance of confirming a ninth Jus- Mr. BROWN. Madam President, it Republican majorities in Congress will tice to the Supreme Court. I trust they strikes me as pretty unbelievable that work with President-Elect Trump to will bring that same eagerness with we are in the process of voting—debat- rebuild our Nation’s military and en- them in January. I look forward to ing a continuing resolution, and yet sure that we have the strongest fight- working with them during the con- nobody has read it and nobody under- ing force in the world. firmation process. stands what is in it. We hear news re- This bill is an important start. After Justice Scalia’s death, I came ports, but nobody who I know here—at As we finish the work of the 114th least on our side—has been in the nego- Congress, we are also looking forward to the floor to honor him. Like others tiations even though we have a Demo- to the 115th. Republicans will move who spoke at the time, I mentioned his cratic President and the Senate is 45, quickly to take up a number of impor- keen mind, his gift for language and, 46 percent Democrats, even though tant measures. Two big issues it will most of all, his absolute commitment more people voted for Democratic Sen- tackle right at the beginning are re- to the law. For Justice Scalia, the Con- ators than Republican Senators in this pealing ObamaCare and confirming a stitution truly was the supreme law of election and most of the last several Supreme Court nominee. the land. He didn’t let anything inter- I don’t need to tell anyone that fere with that. His politics, his per- elections. Even with all that, that ObamaCare is a failure. A Gallup poll sonal opinions, his feelings about a shouldn’t matter, but Senator MCCON- released last week found that 80 per- case, none of those things were allowed NELL and the Republican leadership are cent of Americans want major changes to play a role in his decisions. That is asking us to vote on something this to ObamaCare or want the law repealed the key right there. complicated with this many add-on and replaced. That shouldn’t come as We all know Justice Scalia had per- amendments that we have not even any surprise. sonal opinions, but when it came down read yet. What kind of way to run the The President promised lower pre- to deciding cases, he ignored them. He Senate is that? We do know, though, miums and affordable care, but looked at the law and the Constitution, from the reports I can get, what they ObamaCare has meant exactly the op- which is the supreme law, and he have told us is that Majority Leader posite. Premium costs have soared and judged accordingly. MCCONNELL’s response to the mine soared again. Deductibles have in- It is wonderful to have strong opin- workers has been pretty pathetic. creased, and health care choices have ions. It is wonderful to have sympathy Today I met with Senator HATCH in been sharply reduced. for causes or organizations. It is won- his office. Today I met with Senator One constituent contacted me and derful to have plans for fixing society’s WYDEN in his office. One of the things said: problems, but none of those things we did in the Finance Committee on an My ObamaCare premium went up from have any business influencing your rul- overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, $1,080 per month to $1,775 per month, a 64- ing when you sit on the Supreme joined by my Republican colleague percent increase. That is $21,300 a year for Court. There only two things that from Ohio, Senator PORTMAN, and health insurance. should influence a Supreme Court Jus- other coal State Democrats and Repub- Another constituent wrote to say: tice’s ruling: the law and the Constitu- licans—Senator CAPITO, Senator ‘‘My ObamaCare premium doubles next tion. The minute something else comes MANCHIN, Senator WARNER, Senator year.’’ It will double. I don’t know too into play, whether it is a Justice’s per- KAINE, Senator CASEY, Senator many Americans who can afford to sonal feelings or a political philosophy, TOOMEY—all of us in this committee have their health insurance premiums you have done away with the rule of supported a bipartisan fix for mine double. law and replaced it with the rule of worker pensions and health care. Yet Still another constituent wrote to personal opinion. We have gone the continuing resolution at best—at tell me that ‘‘today I received a new through a lot in this country to ensure best, we understand; again, we haven’t

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.027 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6736 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 read it yet because they won’t show it Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, It is honoring a pledge that Harry Tru- to us yet even though they want us to Virginia. These are States that have man made, that we made in the 1950s vote on it—at best, it has some 4 thousands of mine workers, and this and 1960s and 1970s and 1980s and 1990s months of health care and nothing for Senate is betraying them. If my col- and 2000, and all of a sudden we are not pensions. leagues think we should go home for honoring that pledge. It is outrageous. This is not a taxpayer bailout; this is Christmas starting next week without We can fix this. We know how the Sen- moving money—unused money—from doing this, that is morally reprehen- ate should do it. the abandoned mine fund in to fund the sible. I suggest the absence of a quorum. pensions and health care for mine Senator MANCHIN and I were talking The PRESIDING OFFICER. The workers and mine worker widows. Keep today and Senator CASEY and Senator clerk will call the roll. in mind—I know the Presiding Officer KAINE and Senator WARREN and I were The legislative clerk proceeded to doesn’t represent coal States. She may talking today about how we are willing call the roll. not know a lot of miners, as I and some to stay until Christmas, we are willing Mr. BLUNT. Madam President, I ask of my colleagues do, but she knows to stay until December 25—literally, to unanimous consent that the order for about mining. Understand, there are Christmas—to get this done because it the quorum call be rescinded. more miner widows than there are like- is morally reprehensible and it is out- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without ly to be insurance salesmen widows or rageous that we would leave here with- objection, it is so ordered. realtor widowers or whatever. Mine- out taking care of these mine workers. NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL working is a dangerous job. Mine work- I know some of them. I know Norm Mr. BLUNT. Madam President, as we ers too often get injured and killed on Skinner. I know Dave Dilley. I have send troops into harm’s way—and as the job. Their lives are shortened from known Babe Erdos for 35 years. These you personally well know—it is our job injury. Their lives are shortened from are people who worked very hard in the to ensure that they have the tools and illnesses, black lung and other ill- mines under dangerous conditions. the resources they need to carry out nesses. So mine workers who marry at They are the reason we are able to the mission they are asked to carry 20 or 25 are likely—their spouses are have so much manufacturing in Ohio. out. We never want Americans to be in- likely to outlive them by a number of The coal they mine helps to produce volved in a fair fight. We always want years. That is the other reason we the electricity that makes our stand- them be involved in an unfair fight should do this. ard of living so much higher than it where they have every possible advan- The third reason we should do this is would be without it. tage. It doesn’t always work out that that almost 70 years ago, President I spoke at the rally. Thousands of way, but it should always be our goal. Truman made a commitment that we mine workers were here late this sum- That is what the Defense authorization have lived up to until now. The reason mer—I think in July. I am not sure bill is designed to do. we aren’t living up to it now is because what month it was; maybe in Sep- This will be the 55th consecutive year the majority leader of the Senate said tember they were here. It was a very that the Congress has passed and the no. I don’t know exactly why he said hot day. I remember the president of Senate has passed the National Defense no. I know he is not a big fan of the the International Mine Workers, Cecil Authorization Act. The leadership of United Mine Workers union. I support Roberts, asked the question: How many Chairman MCCAIN and Ranking Mem- the United Mine Workers union. I care of you are veterans? A huge number of ber JACK REED makes it possible for us about unions. I know unions helped people waved their hands. They were to be here one more time, emphasizing create the middle class in this country. all standing at this rally. How many of that the No. 1 priority of the Federal But that is not the point. My caring you had fathers or mothers who were Government is to defend the country. about this is—there are 12,000 mine veterans? It seemed as if it was the It is hard to find a bill that we pass workers in my part of the country, whole crowd. These are people who every year for more than half a cen- more than 1,000 in Ohio, for which this served their country, they make our tury, but this critical piece of legisla- will be a very, very bad Christmas be- communities work, and we are going to tion provides the vision and the au- cause they have already gotten notice, betray them, we are going to forget thorization necessary for the military as Senator MANCHIN said, that their them because one Senator, who hap- to move forward and to do that No. 1 health care is going to be cut off. If we pens to be the majority leader, for job of defending America. do a 4-month fix, then they will get an- whatever reason doesn’t like the There has been—and I think today we other notice in January that their United Mine Workers. That is fun- will see that again in the vote on this health care is going to get cut off. How damentally what it is. I don’t ever bill—the strong, bipartisan support do you treat people that way? I mean, want to embarrass anybody, I don’t that this bill always receives. Although we dress well. We are all well paid. We want to call people out, but there are there is sometimes a discussion about have good health care. We have good 12,000 mine workers who are going to when it should be passed, we have not pensions. We are telling these mine have a bad Christmas. Their lives will failed to pass it in a long time. It in- workers: Yeah, you may have earned be shortened if we don’t take care of cludes a lot of provisions that I think this under the old rules, but, sorry, we them. The stress they are under—they will make a big difference. One is a pay can’t take care of you. have already gotten one notification. If raise for our troops, which they de- My friends over there could bail out we do this for another 4 months, they serve. It is the largest pay increase in the banks—that is OK—and then bank- will get another notification in Janu- the last 6 years, and it begins to fulfill er compensation keeps going up and ary saying: Sorry, I know we gave you our commitment to those who cur- up, but they can’t take care of mine health care again for a while, but we rently serve. As well, we need to fulfill workers with a relatively small pen- are cutting it off again because Con- our commitment to those who have sion and health care. They can’t take gress can’t get its act together. served. care of them. The President wants to do this. Even I am also glad that there is a vital We passed a bipartisan mine worker the House of Representatives wants to project for the Nation that happens to pension and health care bill. We passed do it—the House of Representatives be located in my State, in St. Louis, it out of committee. We did it the way that took out of a bill this week ‘‘Buy MO. The final version of this bill in- Senator MCCONNELL, the majority American’’ provisions for steel and alu- cludes authorization for the land acqui- leader, wanted us to. We went through minum. That is a whole other issue; I sition for the National Geospatial the process. Now he is not willing to don’t understand why they would do movement from the south part of St. honor that. It is pretty outrageous. At that. The fact is, the House did it, the Louis, where it has been for seven dec- the same time, they are doing some- President wants to do it, and a strong ades, to a new location that allows thing special in this bill for Wyoming. majority of the Finance Committee them to build a facility, as it is right Nothing against Wyoming. I like Sen- wants to do it. If we brought this to a now, that is fully backing up the only ator ENZI. I like Senator BARRASSO. I vote on the Senate floor, there is no other facility in the world that does want to help them help their State. question it would pass. It doesn’t cost the level of geospatial work that this But this is a part of the country. It is the taxpayer money. It is not a bailout. one does. When something happens in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.029 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6737 Springfield, VA, where that location final bill—the Military Family Sta- from Laos after having been shot down isn’t monitoring the world as it usually bility Act—next year. This is an action over Laos during the Vietnam war. He does, all of that work goes to St. Louis, that will allow military families to has devoted a lot of time to gathering where on every other day they share stay longer at a location or to move and analyzing data on legislative his- the responsibility for geospatial. earlier than the individual in the mili- tory and actions that will continue to There is a provision in here, at a fun- tary does if there is a professional rea- be critical to the office moving for- damental level of safety, to build a fire son or an educational reason for that ward. I want to also thank his family station at Fort Leonard Wood in Mis- to happen. and wish him the best as he and his souri. Everything from building a fire The investment that military fami- wife Audra and their sons Reid and station to creating a $1.7 billion facil- lies have made in the country and the Joel go to what military assignment ity that allows us to further keep an investment they have made in what they have next. eye on the world as we do now is a good the person serving has learned in a This bill renews the Iran Sanctions thing. It also addresses the issue that very complicated defense world don’t Act, and the Iran Sanctions Act would was raised earlier this year concerning need to be unnecessarily complicated have expired at the end of the year. I members of the National Guard—men by whether someone gets to finish a am hopeful that the administration un- and women who were given a bonus and year in elementary school or gets to derstands that this act is really a then wrongfully asked to return that stay another 3 months so they can foundational element of the regime bonus. It was not their error. That graduate from high school, particularly that they entered into. It was an agree- money in most families long ago has if the person in the military is willing ment that I didn’t support. I still don’t been spent. It was thought to be appro- to go on ahead and bear their own ex- support it, but extending the Iran priately handed over to them, and they pense until the family, with the family Sanctions Act is perfectly consistent shouldn’t be penalized because other assistance that families get or the liv- with what the Iran nuclear agreement people made a mistake when that dis- ing assistance, moves later. purports to do. If the Iran Sanctions tribution was made. With this bill, This was determined by everybody Act is a problem, the Iran nuclear they will not be penalized. that looked at it, except the Pentagon, agreement is just as bad as I thought it I think there is an increase here in to have no cost. I asked every senior was. end strength. It is in the conference re- officer who came before the Defense When that agreement was completed, port. I certainly supported Senator Appropriations Subcommittee about the administration repeatedly prom- MORAN’s efforts on this issue and com- this concept of making it a little easier ised that U.S. sanctions on Iran for its mend him for the hard work he put for- for people to stay, for a spouse who support of terrorism would remain in ward to be sure that we don’t lose any needed to go ahead and move a little place under the agreement. For exam- more ground on the strength we have early to start that teaching year at a ple, the day the agreement was an- and the ability we have to be ready. new school, to get a job that was avail- nounced, President Obama himself said Making down payments on our readi- able at a hospital, or to do whatever that we will maintain our own sanc- ness issues, stabilizing our force at a that spouse could do to continue to tions related to Iran’s support of ter- time when we really face more chal- have their professional career. I asked rorism. lenges around the world—not less—was officer after officer: What do you think The administration continues to rec- a minimum thing for us to do, but the about this? ognize the Iranian state as the leading bill does that. Senator MORAN’s leader- One after another, they all said: This state sponsor of terrorism. This Iran ship was important in accomplishing is exactly the kind of investment we Sanctions Act extension sends another that as well. need to make. We didn’t quite get there message to Iran that the Congress and Once again, this bill puts Congress on in this bill, and I am grateful that Sen- the country of the United States are record against the President’s plan to ator MCCAIN has pledged to work fur- paying attention. It gives the next ad- move terrorist detainees held at Guan- ther to study why the Pentagon itself— ministration a powerful tool to hold tanamo Bay to any location on U.S. or at least the Department of Defense Iran responsible, and I certainly urge soil. I, along with a majority of Ameri- at the highest levels—is the only place the President to sign this bill. I urge cans, oppose the idea that we bring that thinks this would cost anything or my colleagues to vote for it. these terrorists here. The President would be too much trouble. It wouldn’t In conclusion, once again, for 55 made a campaign pledge a decade ago be too much trouble. I hope to see it in years in a row, the Congress of the now, and 10 years later, not only has the bill next year. United States is going to make the that campaign pledge not been able to Someone who has really helped in my point that the No. 1 obligation of the be fulfilled but the Congress once again ability to look at this bill, with the Federal Government is to defend the today asserts our view that it should work that I do as a member of the De- country, and this bill helps to allow not be fulfilled. fense Appropriations Subcommittee that to happen. The administration admitted earlier and with the work that we do with I suggest the absence of a quorum. this year that Americans have been great military facilities in our State, is The PRESIDING OFFICER. The killed by terrorists released from here on the floor today, MAJ Andy An- clerk will call the roll. Guantanamo, and they made that ad- derson. He has been a great resource to The legislative clerk proceeded to mission, by the way, days before they our office, and we have benefited for call the roll. approved another dozen inmates to some time now of having military fel- Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, I transfer somewhere else in the world, lows come in and spend a year with us. ask unanimous consent that the order where I don’t think they can be kept I continue to hear from them that it is for the quorum call be rescinded. count of and track of like they need to also a great benefit to them to see how The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without be. We don’t need to close this facility. this part of the process of preparing to objection, it is so ordered. We don’t need to abandon the facility, do what is necessary to help them de- Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, I and I am glad that there are strict pro- fend the country works. rise in strong opposition to this legisla- hibitions here that don’t allow that to The knowledge and experience that tion, the so-called 21st Century Cures happen. Major Anderson has gained as an Army Act. While I appreciate the work Sen- This bill also makes important steps officer helped in discussions we had ator MURRAY, Senator ALEXANDER, and toward enhancing the quality of life for both in the State and in the Nation. I others have done on this legislation, I our servicemembers and their families. have been particularly appreciative of cannot in good conscience vote on it in GEN Ray Odierno, recently retired, his willingness to go beyond what its current form. Chief of Staff of the Army, said that might be considered the typical duties It goes without saying that every- the strength of the military is in mili- of a military fellow in a Senate office. body, whether Republican, Democrat, tary families, and we need to do a bet- For instance, he has taken personal in- or Independent, wants to find cures to ter job recognizing that. I hope we are terest and has been instrumental in as- the terrible diseases that are impacting able to advance an effort that was in sisting a Missouri family in getting the lives of millions of people, such as the Senate bill that didn’t get into the their father’s remains returned home cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.030 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6738 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 terrible illnesses that strike children. Last year, Turing Pharmaceuticals just $160 in Canada. Americans with We all want to find cures for those ill- increased the price of Daraprim by heartburn pay $736 for a 90-day supply nesses, but that is not really what this 5,000 percent overnight. It went from of Nexium, but that same product costs debate is about. The debate we are hav- $13.50 to $750 for just one pill. $214 in Canada. Americans with arthri- ing on this bill is simple: Do we con- While thousands of children in Flint tis are forced to pay $895 for Celebrex, tinue to cave in to the demands of the have been poisoned by lead, Valeant in- but it costs just $280 in Canada. pharmaceutical industry—an industry creased the price of the drug to treat During this recent campaign, Presi- that is making recordbreaking profits this disease 2,700 percent in a single dent-Elect Donald Trump promised, by charging the American people, by year—from $7,100 to about $27,000. among many other things, to lower the far, the highest prices in the world for Meanwhile, at a time when 35 million prices of prescription drugs. That is prescription drugs—or do we have the Americans cannot afford the medicine what Mr. Trump said. He promised that courage to stand up to the CEOs of big they need, the drug companies are he would ‘‘allow consumers access to drug companies whose prices are so making enormous profits and providing imported, safe and dependable drugs high that one out of five Americans extremely generous compensation from overseas to bring more options to who gets a prescription from a doctor packages to their executives. Last consumers.’’ He also promised to re- is unable to afford to fill that prescrip- year, fellow Americans, while you were quire Medicare to negotiate with the tion? Let’s be clear. If you cannot af- paying more and more for prescription drug companies for lower prices—some- ford to fill that prescription, you will drugs you desperately needed, the 5 thing that is banned by law today. likely get sicker, and in some cases, major drug companies made over $50 Here is what President-Elect Trump you are going to die. billion in profit—$50 billion in profit, 5 said while on the campaign trail: It is incomprehensible to me that we drug companies—while the top 10 phar- We are not allowed to negotiate drug have a major bill dealing with prescrip- maceutical executives received over prices. Can you believe it? We pay about $300 tion drugs, and yet we are running $320 million in compensation. In fact, billion more than we are supposed to, than if away from the most important issue the prescription drug companies lit- we negotiated the price. So there’s $300 bil- that impacts millions of people and erally have money to burn. This year, lion on day one we solve. that the American people feel very the pharmaceutical industry spent $131 Since President-Elect Trump sup- strongly about, and that is the greed of million to defeat Proposition 61, a bal- ports requiring Medicare to negotiate the pharmaceutical industry and the lot initiative in California that would with drug companies to lower prices, outrageously high prices our people are have lowered average drug prices by at which is an idea that many people in being forced to pay. That is the issue least 24 percent for millions of people. this body also support, and since Mr. on which we must focus. They spent $131 million in California to Trump believes we should be able to re- If we were really serious about find- defeat a proposal that would have low- import low-cost medicines from Can- ing cures for life-threatening illnesses ered drug prices. ada and other countries, I am quite and diseases, maybe—just maybe—we How does it happen that the pharma- confident that all of my Republican would adequately fund the National In- ceutical companies can charge any colleagues will support an amendment stitutes of Health and the Food and price they want for prescription drugs? in my hands that will do exactly what Drug Administration. Over the last 12 The answer is clear: The prescription Mr. Trump said he would accomplish as years, medical research has been cut by drug industry, along with Wall Street, President. Think about what you can over 20 percent after adjusting for in- is the most powerful political force in do to pave the way for Mr. Trump when flation. Even if this bill passes, funding America. I have been fighting the greed he comes into office. You will have al- for NIH will still be roughly $7 billion of the prescription drug industry for ready satisfied one of his major cam- less this year than what it was in 2004. decades, and as far as I can tell, the paign pledges. Meanwhile, over the same time pe- pharmaceutical industry always win. Therefore, Madam President, I ask riod—just to put this in context—the They never lose. They win, but the unanimous consent that the pending top 1 percent has received over $1 tril- American people lose. motion to concur with an amendment lion in tax breaks. In other words, we Since 1998, the pharmaceutical indus- be set aside, and I ask unanimous con- cannot fund the agencies that are try- try has spent more than $3 billion in sent for the immediate consideration ing to find cures for diseases, but we lobbying all over this place. There are of a motion to concur in the House can give unbelievably significant tax hundreds and hundreds of lobbyists amendment to the Senate amendment breaks to the 1 percent. telling Members of Congress what the to H.R. 34 with a further amendment Let me very briefly give a few major pharmaceutical industry wants, and that I send to the desk. reasons this bill should be defeated. they have made hundreds of millions of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- No. 1, as I said a moment ago, the dollars in campaign contributions. ator from Missouri. most important prescription drug-re- They currently have over 1,200 lobby- Mr. BLUNT. Madam President, re- lated crisis facing our country right ists on their payrolls here in Wash- serving the right to object, one way to now is the skyrocketing price of pre- ington, including former leaders of the be sure of not getting the work done we scription drugs. This bill does not even Democratic and Republican Parties. are doing today is to add another topic. deal with that issue. How can we talk That is why the pharmaceutical indus- I think the work we are doing today is about a bill dealing with the pharma- try makes huge profits while the Amer- important. ceutical industry without addressing ican people cannot afford the medicine My friend from Vermont mentioned the elephant in the room, which is the they need. some statistics that were right a cou- fact that we pay the highest prices in It would be one thing if these out- ple of years ago about the decline in the world for medicine? And in many rageous price increases were happening health care research money. We are not cases, those costs are soaring. in other major countries. Are these where we should be, but we are not In America today, one out of five price increases taking place all over where we were 2 years ago, either. people between the ages of 19 and 64 the world? The answer is, they are not. When my side took control of the ma- cannot afford to fill their prescriptions. In 2013, we spent nearly 40 percent jority, I got a chance to chair the ap- Hundreds of thousands of seniors are more per person on prescription drugs propriating committee for Health and forced to cut their pills in half because than Canada and five times as much as Human Services, and for the first time the medicine they need is just too ex- in Denmark. How is it that the cost of in 12 years, we had an almost 7-percent pensive. Let me give just a few exam- prescription drugs in Denmark, Can- increase. The Senator is absolutely ples. ada, the UK, and France is signifi- right—at that moment, we were 22 per- Since 2007, Mylan has raised the price cantly lower than it is in the United cent behind in research buying dollars of a package of EpiPens by 461 percent States? That is an issue, and it is high from where we were 12 years earlier. while rewarding its CEO with a 671-per- time we begin discussing it. For exam- But if everything is a priority, nothing cent increase in compensation. Maybe, ple, it costs $730 for a 90-day supply of is a priority. So we did what the gov- just maybe, we might want to address Crestor—which is used to treat high ernment should do and what people that issue. cholesterol—in the United States but want the government to do: We went

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.036 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6739 through the process of prioritizing. We pledge, but that won’t happen until problem, but somehow or another, we eliminated 18 programs last year—ze- next year. Today’s work is to pass the are led to believe that it is impossible roed them out for either being duplica- 21st Century Cures bill. I look forward to bring in brand-name medicine from tive or not doing what they were de- to the vote that will do that before we Canada or the United Kingdom or signed to do—so we could prioritize ex- leave this week. France, that it just cannot be done. It actly the important health care re- Mr. President, I object. is beyond belief that anybody with a search this bill talks about and my The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. straight face believes that to be true. friend from Vermont mentioned, a 7- LANKFORD). Objection heard. Clearly, this is what the pharma- percent increase last year and another Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, two ceutical industry wants us to believe, 6.5-percent increase this year. Another points. First of all, let me reiterate but I hope that my friend from Mis- $2 billion came out of our committee, that is for inflation-adjusted dollars, souri will not accept what the pharma- came out of the full appropriating com- not nominal dollars. The funding for ceutical industry tells us and under- mittee, and has been on the desk ready the National Institutes of Health this stands that the next Secretary of HHS for the minority to let us take up for year will still be roughly $7 billion less should certify that with proper proce- months now. That would be an almost than what it received in 2004. That is dures, we can reimport medicine. 14-percent increase in 2 years. Fourteen point No. 1. I yield to my friend. percent of the 22 percent would have Point No. 2—and I will yield briefly Mr. BLUNT. I thank my friend for been eliminated if we could have taken to my friend from Missouri—did I hear yielding. I would just say that if the up the bill that I still wish we were him say that he is supportive of re- Secretary of HHS can certify that, that voting on today. The bill we are voting importation and having the Federal is a good thing, and I voted for that in on today does some of what that base- Government—Medicare—negotiate pre- the past. But I know what a tomato line increase would do. scription drug prices with the pharma- looks like. I don’t know what is inside Why do we want to increase health ceutical industry? That is what I a capsule, and that has always been the care research? Obviously for individ- thought I heard him say. obstacle for the people we have asked uals and their families who might be I yield to my friend. to look at this and certify the safety. able to better deal with or totally Mr. BLUNT. I thank my friend for If people can figure out how to do avoid a health care crisis they would yielding. that so we know what is inside of that otherwise have. In terms of the money available for pill—the worst thing you can do From the point of view of taxpayers, research, we have taken that 22 percent health-wise is believe you are taking a on Alzheimer’s, which was mentioned of buying power and changed it to pill that isn’t the pill you believe you here today, we are spending $250 billion about 15 percent. If we doubled our bill are taking. a year right now. The NIH projection this year, we would change it from 15 Mr. SANDERS. I know what a to- for 2050 is that we will be spending $1.1 to about 7 or 8 percent. We need to get mato looks like, too, but you don’t trillion that year in today’s dollars, back to where we were 12 years ago and know what kind of pesticide was used which is twice the defense budget. Now, then not stop in real buying power. I or how that tomato was grown. The $1.1 trillion sounds like a lot and $250 want to do that. idea that we cannot get a product from billion sounds like a lot to me. In fact, I think what I said about the overall across the border safely really doesn’t pretty small numbers sound like a lot discussion of reimportation and other pass the laugh test, frankly. This is to me. But when I think about spend- things was that I was delighted to hear one of the things the pharmaceutical ing twice the defense budget on Alz- my friend from Vermont so supportive industry has been pushing. We have un- heimer’s alone—and that is just tax of the next President’s program. fettered free trade for fish, for vegeta- dollars, that is not what families would Mr. SANDERS. I am very supportive, bles, for meat from all over the world, be spending if we don’t invest in re- he is dead right. But I was wondering if but somehow, from Canada or the UK search now. It makes a big difference. my friend—when he said we are going or France—we cannot safely bring med- So from Alzheimer’s—there is an in- to get to it next year, what does that icine into this country at a fraction of ducement here that I would like to see mean? Does that mean you will be the price our pharmacists are now pay- be even more specific, and when we get pushing the ability of Americans and ing. Frankly, I would say to the Sen- back to the regular appropriating proc- pharmacists and distributors to be able ator from Missouri, that does not pass ess, I will work to do that again. There to benefit from unfettered free trade the laugh test, and I hope we can work is a prize inducement, the Beau Biden and buy low-cost medicines and some together. Clearly, we want the medi- cancer research fund. There is money of the same drugs sold in Canada and cine to come in safely, but I think we that could go to autism. Everything the UK? And will you also, as Mr. can do that, and I look forward to from Alzheimer’s to autism benefits Trump made the point, allow Medicare doing that. when we focus on health care research. to negotiate for lower prices? Is that I yield. There is also money in this bill to something on which we can expect our Mr. BLUNT. I would say that the one further enhance the ability to get Republican friends to support the thing we will accomplish before the drugs to the marketplace quicker so President-elect? week is out is passing this bill, but I that people have an opportunity that Mr. BLUNT. If my friend would yield, hope this bill doesn’t become some- they don’t currently have to work with I would say we have passed this bill in thing that we continue to refer back to their doctor and decide they want to the Congress—that bill—several times and say we have already done that. try that new advancement. over the last few years. On each occa- This bill is a step in the right direc- This bill matters. I think in some sion, often with Democratic adminis- tion, but in health care research, it ways it is better to let NIH—the real trations, the only obstacle has been for does not get us to where I would like to researchers—prioritize spending and let the administration to certify that re- be or where we were 12 years ago. We us prioritize research as a topic. importation could be safely done. need the kind of research dollars that I think this bill should pass. I think Mr. SANDERS. Exactly right. encourage young researchers to stay in it should pass today. I was on the Mr. BLUNT. And none of them have the research business, the kind of re- House floor last week when they over- ever been willing to do that. search dollars that encourage them to whelmingly voted for it to pass. The Mr. SANDERS. My friend is exactly find solutions, the kind of research dol- sure way for this bill not to pass in this right. Neither a Republican nor a lars that ensure that every family who Congress is to do something now that Democratic administration will have can avoid a crisis or be ready to deal changes the subject. the guts to stand up to the pharma- with it in a better way is able to do I am particularly glad that my long- ceutical industry. that. So I look forward to the bill being time friend from both the House and Today, if you have a salad, it is like- passed as we finish the week. Senate is really interested in President ly you are going to get your salad with I yield back. Trump fulfilling his campaign pledges, tomatoes and lettuce that are from Mr. SANDERS. I agree with the last and I am particularly pleased to see Mexico or some other country with statement the Senator from Missouri him agree with at least that one very poorly inspected farms. That is no made.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.038 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 Let me give another reason why I am rolled in Medicaid. The last thing we AIDS, a vaccine for universal flu, opposed to this bill. Incredibly, this should be doing today is cutting Medi- which killed 30,000 people last year, and legislation makes it easier for prescrip- care and Medicaid. We need to make advances in regenerative medicine that tion drug companies to get away with health care more affordable to senior would put a physician like our former fraud. Fraud is something the major citizens, the disabled, and low-income majority leader, Dr. Bill Frist of Nash- drug companies have been perpetuating families with children—not more ex- ville, out of business. on the American people for a number of pensive. Bill Frist was at one time a heart years. Finally, this bill—and this is quite transplant surgeon. I think he trans- It is not widely known, but it should significant—cuts $3.5 billion from the planted more hearts than anybody in be known that since 1991, drug compa- Affordable Care Act’s prevention fund the world—or nearly anybody. But Dr. nies have paid over $35 billion in fines to prevent Alzheimer’s, diabetes, sui- Collins believes that with advances in or resettlements for fraud and mis- cide, heart disease, and lead poisoning. using our own adult cells, we will re- conduct—$35 billion—but instead of Instead of cutting Medicare and Med- store hearts. We will not have to trans- cracking down on pharmaceutical com- icaid, instead of cutting funds for plant them. We may be able to restore pany fraud, this bill actually legalizes health care programs, we should be de- eyesight. These are the kinds of mir- the fraudulent behavior of some of the manding that the wealthiest people in acles this legislation will encourage big drug companies. this country and the largest corpora- that could affect nearly every Amer- Specifically, under this bill, pharma- tions start paying their fair share of ican family. ceutical companies would be allowed to taxes. We should not be cutting life- The other part of the legislation, promote unapproved uses of drugs to and-death programs for the most vul- equally important to money, is that it insurance companies—a practice which nerable people in this country. would make reforms in the Food and is currently illegal. Why would we I say to my colleagues, if you want to Drug Administration and in the Na- allow the pharmaceutical industry the lower the outrageous cost of prescrip- tional Institutes of Health that will opportunity to market drugs to insur- tion drugs, vote against this bill. If you move research for those treatments ance companies for uses that haven’t are opposed to legalizing pharma- and cures through the regulatory and been approved by the FDA? This is a ceutical fraud that can endanger the investment process more rapidly, at major problem. Let me give a few ex- lives of many Americans, please vote lower costs, into the medicine cabinets, amples. against this bill. If you are opposed to and into the doctors’ offices, where In 2013, the Justice Department or- cutting Medicare and Medicaid, vote they can help virtually every family in dered Johnson & Johnson, one of the against this bill. If you want to prevent this country. major pharmaceutical companies in cuts to programs that would prevent That is why 85 Senators yesterday the country, to pay $2.2 billion in fines Alzheimer’s disease and many other voted to end debate on this floor, and I for ‘‘recklessly promoting drugs for diseases, vote against this bill. suspect more will vote tomorrow to uses that have not been proven to be It is time to stand up to the pharma- send it to the President. That is why, in the House of Representatives, 392 of safe and effective.’’ According to the ceutical industry and stand with the them voted for this bill. Only six U.S. attorney handling the case, John- American people who are tired of being Democratic Members of the House of son & Johnson’s ‘‘promotion of ripped off by this extremely greedy in- Representatives voted against it. They Risperdal for unapproved uses threat- dustry. are not persuaded that there is some ened the most vulnerable populations With that, I yield the floor. evil force in there. They like what they of our society: children, the elderly, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- see, and not only them. The President and those with developmental disabil- ator from Tennessee. of the United States says that this is ities. Congress rightfully determined Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, I come to the floor to speak about the ‘‘an opportunity we just can’t miss.’’ that this is unacceptable and made it The Vice President of the United illegal, but under this bill, it could be- fires and tornadoes in Tennessee, but I would observe beforehand that by to- States, talking about his Cancer Moon- come legal. That is wrong. shot, says that this is a big and impor- In 2010, AstraZeneca pharmaceuticals morrow we will be voting on the 21st Century Cures and the mental health tant step forward. paid $520 million to resolve allegations The Republican Speaker of the bill. that it illegally marketed the House, PAUL RYAN, turned a couple of I have a little different view of it antipsychotic drug Seroquel for uses somersaults trying to figure out the than the Senator from Vermont. For not approved as safe and effective by way to do the funding on this because example, using the money in the pre- the FDA. it is an important part of his own agen- vention fund, which was a part of the In 2009, Eli Lilly was fined over $1.4 da for our Nation’s health care future. billion for its off-label promotion of an- Affordable Care Act, I would say is a I have heard the majority leader of pretty good use of it to support the other antipsychotic drug known as the Senate, Senator MCCONNELL, say in Zyprexa. According to Federal inves- President’s Precision Medicine Initia- private meetings and in public that tigators, Eli Lily’s illegal activities in- tive and to support the Vice Presi- this is the most important piece of leg- creased patients’ costs, threatened dent’s Cancer Moonshot and to support islation we will pass this year. their safety, and negatively affected the BRAIN Initiative at the National Add to it the mental health legisla- the delivery of health care services to Institutes of Health. This is what we do tion that Senator CASSIDY, Senator over 9 million military members, retir- in the bill, with $1.4 billion for preci- MURPHY, and Senator CORNYN worked ees, and their families who rely on sion medicine, $1.8 billion for Cancer so hard on over here, and you can get health care. Moonshot, and $1.5 billion for the something we can be very proud of, We need to make it harder for the BRAIN Initiative. If we are interested which is why it received such a big pharmaceutical industry to commit in reducing grief and reducing spending vote yesterday. fraud, but instead this bill allows the in this country, accelerating the ar- I want the American people to know pharmaceutical industry to, in fact, rival of medicines that will identify that is what we are doing. I think that commit even more fraud. That is unac- Alzheimer’s before its symptoms and is what they want us to do. We could do ceptable. other medicines that will retard the something in a partisan way, we could Third, let’s be clear: This bill would progression of Alzheimer’s would be a do something by Executive order, or we cut Medicare and Medicaid by a billion magnificent thing to do. It would be a could take 2 years, as we literally did dollars. Millions of senior citizens are miracle for many families. It is not in this bill, with multiple hearings, in desperate need of Medicare and Med- just a miracle; it is something that Dr. multiple consultations, many dif- icaid. Francis Collins, a renowned scientist ferences of opinion, all of them re- Thanks to Medicare, today more who is head of the National Institutes solved though in a bipartisan way, and than 48 million seniors and 9 million of Health—the ‘‘National Institutes of produce a lasting result. people with disabilities have health in- Hope’’ is what he calls it—predicts will It will not be like ObamaCare, where surance coverage through Medicare, happen in the next 10 years, along with the next day one party is trying to re- and over 73 million Americans are en- a vaccine for Zika, a vaccine for HIV- peal it and the next party is defending

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.039 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6741 it. It will not be like some other par- your character is measured not so daughter’s husband had been killed. We tisan legislation. This will last. Nobody much by how you handle things when talked to her for a while, and the Gov- is going to be trying to repeal it be- things are going well, but how you han- ernor and Senator CORKER and I were cause almost everybody voted for it. dle adversity. If that is the measure of very impressed with her. We doubted The money will come just as the legis- character, the character of the people that we would have the strength she lation says, year after year. of Gatlinburg in Sevier County are does. I am proud of the Senate, and I am through the roof because they are not As we left, she said to us: You fellows happy for the American people, and I complaining. go back on up there, do your job, and look forward to tomorrow. The mayor of Gatlinburg, Mike Wer- we will take care of it here. SEVIER COUNTY FIRE ner, had his home burn down in 15 min- I am sure she will, but I am awfully Mr. President, on a more somber utes. He was at the press conference impressed with Mrs. Stoker. note, a week ago last Wednesday, on a worried about other people, not him- I have told the people of Sevier Coun- mountaintop called the Chimney Tops self. ty that many Senators had said some- in the Great Smoky Mountains Na- Cindy Ogle, the city manager of Gat- thing to me about the fire. For exam- tional Park, someone spotted a fire and linburg for a long time, had her home ple, Senator FEINSTEIN called because called the National Park Service about burn down. She was there, not com- of her experience in California. I am here only to say those two 5:20pm in the afternoon. I have been up plaining, and worrying about the other things, first that the people of Sevier on Chimney Tops many times—more people of Gatlinburg and Sevier Coun- County, in Gatlinburg, the area of Polk times when I was younger than when I ty. County and McMinn County, if their have been older—but it is a peak with Mike Werner’s business was also character is measured by how they rocks at the top. We are not like the burned down. He is staying in the handled adversity, their character is West where they have a lot of rocky apartment of a friend nearby. That story is happening over and over the top. mountains. We don’t have many of Secondly, I thank all of those who those. We have an average of 83 inches over and over in Sevier County. There have been extraordinary gestures by have tried to help. of rainfall a year, unlike Southern One last example: In McMinn County, people to help. California or Phoenix, places like that, a young woman had a baby during the At one point, shortly after the fire where they only get a few inches of tornado. Her home was damaged. She started, there were 140 fire trucks from rain a year. We almost have rain for- went to the hospital. When she came all over Tennessee and more than 400 ests. When the fall comes, there are back the next day, the neighbors had volunteers. The fires kept going and lots of leaves on the ground. found another home for her. They had going because this wind came up on But the fire started up on the Chim- clean sheets and everything that she Monday night after the fire had al- ney Tops. I can tell you there wouldn’t needed. have been anyone within 100 miles who ready started 10 miles away on the top There are wonderful stories that would have imagined that somehow the of this rocky mountain, and a 90-mile- came out of a terrifying series of in- next Monday, wind would have swept an-hour wind blew the fire all the way stances. I wanted to come to the floor that fire into Gatlinburg, TN, killing 14 into Gatlinburg. The wind knocked and say that we are proud of the people people, injuring another 134, causing an down transformers and started other of East Tennessee. evacuation of 14,000 people, wrecking fires, and people were racing for their There being no objection, the mate- lives and wrecking homes. lives. rial was ordered to be printed in the On the floor, I mentioned stories of There have been some people won- RECORD, as follows: firefighters having to get back in their dering a little bit: Well, how could this [From the Knox News Sentinel, Dec. 3, 2016] trucks to get away from the bears that have happened? Look, we have had GATLINBURG FIRE WAS SET IN MOTION fires all over East Tennessee this year. were running toward them escaping the MONTHS AGO We are not used to that. It is because fire, of people driving through fire to (Op-ed by: Bob Hodge) we have had a drought for a long time. escape, of windshield wipers melting as Greg Ward has spent his entire 53 years I have an article by Bob Hodge about they drove down the mountain. It was roaming around the woods and waters of Greg Ward of Sevier County. This is a terrifying experience. In the West Sevier County, many of them as one of the the county where Gatlinburg is. Greg they may be used to this. Nobody ever best known hunting and fishing guides in the Ward spent his 53 years roaming gets used to it, I guess, but we don’t see state. When a lot of those woods starting around the woods and waters of Sevier that where we are from, typically with burning he knew things could get bad. County, according to Bob Hodge, a 83 inches of rain in a year. Then again, he had suspected things were going to get bad for months. writer for the Knoxville News Sentinel. I salute the people of Sevier County The fire that has destroyed over 17,000 The long and short of it is, those who and Gatlinburg for their courage, their acres inside and outside the Great Smoky know the woods and the waters in East character, and their compassion for Mountains National Park, destroyed hun- Tennessee know that this drought has one another. I know it is going to take dreds of buildings and cost at least 13 people been with us for a while. Trout stock- a long time for many to get back on their lives has left Ward wondering what, if ing programs wouldn’t work because their feet. We are doing what we can to anything, could have been done. He’s lived the water was so low that the streams help. his life and earned his living listening to I salute the Governor of Tennessee. what the mountains tell him. wouldn’t handle the trout, and the ‘‘Everybody talks about the drought we’ve water was too warm for them to sur- He was there the next day. So were had this year, but the drought started in vive. many of their agencies, working 2015,’’ said Ward, owner of Rocky Top Outfit- In some places the creeks were flow- seamlessly together. As I have said, ters in Pigeon Forge. ‘‘This year it just got ing at 10 percent of normal. We may last Friday we went there together a whole, whole lot worse.’’ have seen that once before in some- with him. Through the State, we have Back in the summer, the drought which one’s memory back in the 1970s, but for arranged for Federal assistance, which would lead to the out of control fires that will pay for 75 percent of the cost of would destroy so much was already wreaking the last 3 months, there has been very havoc on the mountain fisheries. Trout little rain. According to Bob Hodge’s fighting the fires. stocking programs were curtailed in June be- article, we have had a drought since Then that same day we went to some cause there was too little water in the creeks 2015. other counties in Tennessee that had and rivers and what was there was too warm Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- experienced tornadoes about the same for stocked trout to survive. In July, Ward sent to have printed in the RECORD this time. We went into McMinn County. said he and his guides started noticing spe- article by Bob Hodge of the Knoxville No one was killed there, but several cies hardier than trout, like stonerollers, News Sentinel following my remarks. were hurt. were beginning to die off. On Friday, Governor Haslam of Ten- We went to Polk County where we Water flows and volume are measured in cubic feet per second or CFS. During the nessee, Senator CORKER, and I went to talked with a lady named Mrs. Stoker, summer Ward said the CFS numbers in many Gatlinburg. The only thing I could who wasn’t hurt, but a trailer next to of the rivers and streams in the mountains think to say to the people assembled where she lived had been blown across in and out of the park were about 10% of nor- there were two things. One was that the road, and her daughter and her mal. That was bad for his fishing business,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.040 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6742 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 but he thought it was just bad business, pe- me back to the U.S. Senate. Now, as I Soderstrom; Dean Hingson; and Viraj riod. begin today, I want to assure my fam- Mirani. All have led our team with ex- ‘‘You would hear numbers about us being 8 ily, some of whom are in the Gallery; ceptional leadership. or 10 inches below normal when it came to my colleagues, some of whom I am I thank my colleagues for their rainfall, but it was a lot worse than that in friendship and encouragement over the the French Broad Watershed,’’ Ward said. pleased to see have come to hear me ‘‘Whatever number they were saying it was speak; my campaign contributors, and past 6 years. This is a demanding job, probably double that. even the Democratic Senatorial Cam- and we all work hard, but it is also a ‘‘It’s happened before back in the 1970s. We paign Committee that I will not be job that allows each of us the oppor- were in a drought cycle then and this was back for a third farewell address. tunity to spend a lot of time inter- just like that.’’ Through it all—the ups and the acting together. The friendships I have It was so bad he had even thought that, downs, the highs and the lows, the suc- had and now have with the talented maybe, it would be a good idea to delay the cesses and the failures—I have felt men and women who serve in this dis- opening of hunting season in Sevier and nothing but gratitude for the incred- tinguished body is what I will miss other counties in the mountains. Fewer peo- most in leaving the Senate. ple in the woods would mean fewer opportu- ible privilege of serving. Serving in the military, working as a congressional Last, but certainly not least, I thank nities for an accident to happen. the citizens of Indiana. Hoosiers have ‘‘There’s a lot of hindsight people can have staffer to then-Congressman Dan right now,’’ Ward said. Quayle, serving in the House of Rep- given me the honor of representing Fast forward to Monday night and about 8 resentatives, representing my home them in the world’s greatest delibera- tive body. Hoosiers, thank you from p.m. a knock came on the door at his home State, and as a U.S. Senator, and rep- the bottom of my heart. in Pigeon Forge near the base of Iron Moun- resenting our country overseas as U.S. tain. It was the authorities telling Ward and Now, I am not here today to offer his wife Diane to evacuate. They were ahead Ambassador to Germany—all of this deep reflections about the health of of the game, having already packed up pa- together has been the adventure of a this institution or to advise my fellow pers and pictures and things that couldn’t be lifetime, and I am so very grateful for Senators on how to govern in the years replaced if lost. the opportunities I have been afforded. ahead. It is clear that at this time in After getting his wife to safety, Ward—this Participating in the process of gov- our history, in our great Nation, we are isn’t too surprising to the people that know erning, being in the arena fighting for him—then drove up Pine Mountain to see a divided country with two very dif- the principles and values in which I be- ferent visions for America’s future. The what he could see. lieve—these experiences have all been a It was devastating. Senate is not immune to those divi- ‘‘There’s nobody that knew anything like privilege almost beyond description. sions, but I firmly believe that all of this was going to happen . . . but because of It is time to express a few thanks. us, Republicans and Democrats, are the drought you knew it could happen,’’ he My good friend and fellow Senator trying to do what we think is in the said. ‘‘From up on top (of Pine Mountain) from Tennessee, LAMAR ALEXANDER, best interests of our country and its you could see fire just about everywhere and who is sitting here today, who has a posterity. We are all united in the com- you could see it moving because of the good habit of speaking words of wis- mon cause of making our country a wind.’’ dom, has said: When you are driving The stay wasn’t a long one because even better place, a safer place, and a more down a country road and see a turtle prosperous place, even if our means of though the area where Ward was at was safe- on the top of a fence post, chances are ly out of harm’s way, he could see that what getting there differ. was not being threatened by the fire one that turtle didn’t get there on its own. With that spirit in mind, I know minute was ablaze the next. He and a friend I didn’t get here on my own. Through- there are many topics of significant had packed chainsaws to cut through any out my career, I have been blessed to importance that the Senate will con- trees that were blown down by the wind, and have the support of so many talented sider when I am gone, but I want to it turned out they needed them. and wonderful people who provided in- briefly discuss two transcendent issues ‘‘I wasn’t going to die on that mountain,’’ valuable help along the way. First and that I believe jeopardize America’s he said. ‘‘We’ve had fires before. I’ve seen a foremost, though, I want to thank God lot of fires before, but there was so much fuel continued existence as the world’s and so much wind . . .’’ for His providence, guiding my steps leading Nation. These are issues I have Eventually the fire would come within a along the way. I want to thank my repeatedly expressed deep concern few hundred yards of his house. But when he family, including my wife Marsha for about on this Senate floor. and his wife went back the next day it was her unwavering support and wise coun- From a practical standpoint, our no worse for wear. sel, our three wonderful children, and country simply cannot keep borrowing ‘‘I have a house today because they made a our 10 grandchildren, for their love, money we don’t have. Today our na- stand at Dollywood.’’ their support, and their patience that tional debt exceeds $19.5 trillion and Perseverance is the standard for the people allowed me to engage in the consuming continues to grow by the second. Mean- that have been impacted by the fire. Ward said he doesn’t know what if any- job of an elected official. while, programs that millions of Amer- thing, could have been done differently. All I thank my former Senator and Vice icans depend on—Social Security and he knows is the fires that burned so much on President Dan Quayle, a mentor, Medicare are two—are creeping ever Monday were set in motion months and friend, and the person who first encour- closer to insolvency. America’s loom- months ago. aged me to consider public service. I ing fiscal storm is bearing down upon ‘‘It’s been so god awful dry . . . it was that want to express gratitude to former In- us, and the alarms are sounding louder way two months ago,’’ he said. ‘‘You had the diana Governor Robert Orr, who chose each day. One day, if not addressed, drought and then this summer all the heat me to fill the Senate seat vacated by this debt bomb will explode and have a that just made it worse. We were just in an then-Vice President Quayle. devastating effect on our country’s awful situation.’’ I thank President George W. Bush, economy and on our children’s future. Mr. ALEXANDER. I yield the floor. who gave me the opportunity to serve My second great concern is what I The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. as our Nation’s Ambassador to Ger- call the terrorist bomb—the threat AYOTTE). The Senator from Indiana. many, and Colin Powell, who led the posed by terrorists or rogue state ac- FAREWELL TO THE SENATE Department of State during my time as tors who can successfully conduct an Mr. COATS. Madam President, today Ambassador. attack with weapons of mass destruc- I rise for the second time on the Senate I thank the exceptional staff I have tion. We must ensure that the world’s floor to deliver a farewell speech. It been blessed to have support me over most dangerous weapons stay out of doesn’t seem like that long ago, back the years—some who are here today the hands of its most dangerous people, in 1998, that I delivered my first Senate and many who have served through the and we must also adapt to the new farewell speech. I spoke then about years and gone on to achieve great suc- threats we face, such as a cyber attack, making the transition from Senator to cess in their own careers. I specifically that could shut down our financial sys- citizen, and I reflected on the end of 24 want to thank the five chiefs of staff I tems or electric grid. These challenges years of public service. have had as a Senator who have put the require all those who have governed to Standing here today in 2016, 24 years team together to support me in such rise above the political consequences has now become 34 years, as the call for exceptional ways: David Hoppe; Dave that may occur in making the hard de- additional public service has brought Gribbin, now deceased; Sharon cisions needed to make our country

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:49 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE6.003 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6743 stronger and more secure for future TRIBUTES TO DAN COATS people of Indiana. Over the last 6 years, generations. Mr. DONNELLY. Madam President, I he has produced steadfast leadership on In conclusion, I would like to say rise as we bid farewell to my good the Finance Committee, the Intel- this. My congressional career began friend, my colleague, my captain, the ligence Committee, and the Joint Eco- during the Reagan administration. I senior Senator from Indiana, DAN nomic Committee. would like to conclude my comments COATS, who has served his State of In- On a more personal note, I have al- with a reflection on remarks President diana and our country so well and with ways been able to count on him as a Ronald Reagan made during a memo- such honor and such dedication for partner and a thoughtful friend, willing rial service in 1987 for the fallen sailors more than 35 years. to work together to address the many of the USS Stark. Allow me to quote a I also note how grateful I am to be issues impacting Hoosiers and our few of the words President Reagan serving with the Presiding Officer, for whole country—because, when it comes shared that day: what an extraordinary Senator you down to it, we are Americans, and we have been, what a good friend. Some- are all in this together. Yes, they were ordinary men who did ex- day I hope to come see the White traordinary things. Yes, they were heroes. DAN always has been ready to roll up And because they were heroes, let us not for- Mountains of New Hampshire and visit his sleeves and work in a bipartisan get this: That for all the lovely spring and and see your family. We have been very manner, whether it was on an issue im- summer days we will never share with them lucky to have been touched and blessed pacting our veterans, protecting our again, for every Thanksgiving and Christmas by you. national security, advocating for fiscal that will seem empty without them, there As many of us know, my friend DAN’s responsibility, or even the finer issues will be moments when we see the light of dis- service to his country started long be- of government, such as making sure covery in young eyes, eyes that see for the fore he was elected to this body. After first time the world around them and won- the Government Printing Office could graduating from Wheaton College in Il- change their style guide. As the rest of der, ‘‘Why is there such a place as America, linois—and he has not often told folks us all know, DAN was able to make it and how is it that such a precious gift is he was a soccer star there—he joined mine?’’ clear that we are not Indianians; we the U.S. Army, where he served from As citizens of this great country, we are Hoosiers, and it should be appro- 1966 until 1968 and earned the rank of priately discussed as such. have been given a precious gift—the staff sergeant. DAN, it has been an honor to serve gift of freedom. America has been a After coming to Indiana to earn a with you. beacon of freedom that has burned law degree at Indiana University’s He has been a true gentleman and a bright before a world that cries out for McKinney School of Law in Indianap- great teammate in our work to im- liberty, but we should never forget that olis, DAN moved to Fort Wayne, where prove the lives of the hardworking we have been able to preserve this pre- he continued his public service as a Hoosier families we represent. I am cious gift throughout our history be- staff member for then-U.S. Congress- proud of the work we have done to- cause men and women have heard the man Dan Quayle. gether. call and then said: ‘‘I will stand in de- In 1980, DAN COATS was elected to fense of freedom and I will sacrifice for represent the Fourth Congressional As DAN leaves the Senate, I wish my future generations.’’ District of Indiana—a wonderful area friend and partner—my senior Sen- ator—the best. He will be remembered In looking back on my life of public which he served so well—and it was an for his extraordinary service, his love service, I have experienced moments office he held for 8 years. Then, in 1988, of country, his love of our State, and when I also have seen that light of dis- as Senator Quayle was elected to serve his love of his family. I hope he will be covery of this precious gift of America as Vice President, Senator COATS was able to spend a lot of time with his and asked myself: How is it this pre- appointed to the U.S. Senate, and he wonderful wife Marsha, their 3 chil- cious gift is mine? I have seen the light successfully won reelection in 1990 and dren, and their 10 grandchildren. DAN of discovery at Veterans Day cere- in 1992. For 10 years, DAN continued his has been blessed to have a wonderful monies as we remind ourselves that legacy of service to our beloved State. family, and we have been blessed that this gift has been earned and preserved As I mentioned, DAN is the senior we could be a part of his life. by those who have fought in defense of Senator, and I am the junior Senator, May God bless Senator COATS and his our freedoms and especially those who so whenever we have football discus- family, may God bless Indiana, and have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I have sions, DAN wins every time. may God bless America. seen it in the eyes of wives and young Through his work on the Senate Armed Services Committee and the In- I yield the floor. children who rush into the arms of The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- dads arriving home from the frontlines telligence Committee, he ensured our country was more secure and more ator from Maine. of battle. I have seen it in the tears of Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, as I joy as our Olympic athletes stand prosperous for the future. In 1999, DAN retired from the Senate. have listened to the eloquent farewell while the ‘‘Star-Spangled Banner’’ is He was soon called back, though, when remarks of my friend and colleague, played before the eyes and ears of the President Bush asked him to serve our Senator DAN COATS of Indiana, I could world. I have seen it in the naturaliza- country again—this time, as U.S. Am- not help but think that he sounded tion ceremonies, where immigrants bassador to Germany. happy, contented, serene, and at peace like my mom expressed pure joy in be- Then-Ambassador COATS arrived in with the decision he has made. But he coming an American citizen. Germany ready for his duties on Sep- leaves the rest of us feeling bereft and Do we not then—those of us who have tember 8, 2001. We know how much our sad and knowing that we will miss him been given this privilege and the chal- world changed 3 days later and how im- as a friend and as an esteemed col- lenge of serving in this body as U.S. portant his job became in ensuring the league. Senators—do we not then have an obli- United States continued its construc- As the 114th Congress draws to a gation and a solemn duty to carry on tive relationship with our German al- close, many words of affection and the task of ensuring that the young lies and in keeping all of us safe back gratitude will be offered in tribute to eyes of future generations can see this here at home. He not only forged a our friend and colleague DAN COATS as light of discovery and continue to won- strong relationship with then-German he leaves this Chamber. But there is no der how it is that such a precious gift Chancellor Gerhard Schroder and An- word that better defines this out- is theirs? gela Merkel, but he also played a key standing leader than the one word that So, my colleagues and friends, with role in the establishment of a new U.S. has guided his entire life, and that gratitude to the Almighty, love in my embassy in the heart of Berlin. It is word is ‘‘service.’’ heart for each of you, and bright hopes hard to stress how critical DAN COATS’ As we have heard from his colleague for the future of our beloved country, I leadership was for our country at that from Indiana, the junior Senator, in bid farewell. time, as he used American diplomacy 1966, at the height of the Vietnam war, I yield the floor. to help maintain American security. DAN COATS enlisted in the U.S. Army, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- In 2011, DAN made his return to the achieving the rank of staff sergeant. In ator from Indiana. Senate, eager once again to serve the 1980, he was elected to the U.S. House

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We sit near agencies and foreign affairs. status quo of cyber insecurity that ex- each other on that committee. We DAN COATS left the Senate in 1999 and ists within our country’s most impor- work together on other things. was named as U.S. Ambassador to Ger- tant infrastructure. I came to the Senate when Senator many 2 years later. He arrived at his Senator DAN COATS is an inspiring COATS came back to the Senate. It has post in Berlin just 3 days before the role model to all of us who seek to already been established here that he terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. serve. He epitomizes dedication, effec- served and then served in another ca- I cannot help but think how fortunate tive service, and an untiring commit- pacity as Ambassador. Then in 2010, our country was to have him in that ment to making America—already the when the Presiding Officer and I came key position at a time of such turmoil, greatest country in the world—an even to the Senate, he came with us. In al- anxiety, and fear for our country and better place to live. Our Nation is truly most everything in the Senate, there is all the world. He played a central role grateful to this great man, and I am so some element of seniority in how ev- in strengthening the relationship be- grateful for his friendship. erything is done. tween our Nation and Germany during I wish Senator COATS and his family As the only person in our class with that critical time. all the best in the years to come. prior Senate service, DAN COATS is the After his tenure as Ambassador had I suggest the absence of a quorum. ranking member of our class. He was ended, Senator COATS continued his The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 88th in seniority in the Senate the day service. He became the president of Big clerk will call the roll. he started his second term of the Sen- Brothers and Big Sisters of America The senior assistant legislative clerk ate. For circumstances, I turned out to and offered his talents to many other proceeded to call the roll. be 89th. civic and volunteer organizations, in- Mr. PORTMAN. Madam President, I In the process of going through and cluding the Center for Jewish and ask unanimous consent that the order selecting offices, when they got to 88, Christian Values, which he chaired for the quorum call be rescinded. DAN COATS called me, standing in the with another dear friend of mine, Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without hallway of the Russell Senate Office ator Joe Lieberman. With his wife Mar- objection, it is so ordered. Building, and he said: I am standing sha, he founded the Foundation for Mr. PORTMAN. Madam President, I here in front of an office that says it American Renewal to advance faith- speak today as a neighbor of DAN was Harry Truman’s office when he was based solutions and initiatives to help COATS. I am his neighbor here on the in the Senate. You choose after me; resolve our Nation’s many social prob- Senate floor, and I am his neighbor don’t you? lems. back home. I represent the State of I said: Yes, I choose after you. When DAN COATS returned to the Ohio, and he represents Indiana. I also He said: If I don’t take this office, Senate in 2012, he pledged to the people was involved in DAN COATS’ early polit- will you take it? of Indiana and to our Nation that he ical career because I was asked to It was the best of the 12 offices still would focus his tremendous energy and interview him when I was a young law- left. That wouldn’t have been the rea- extraordinary intellect on cutting yer for his potential move from the son I would take it, but I said: Yes, I wasteful spending, reducing our na- House to the Senate. There was no way will take that office. It would be great tional debt, promoting pro-growth, job- to be involved in that process without for me to be in an office in which Harry creating policies, and strengthening acquiring great respect and admiration Truman had spent 10 years while in the our national security in an era where for this man. Senate, and I later found out he also we face numerous threats from every I got to know about his family and spent 82 days as Vice President in that possible place. He has kept those prom- his background. He is literally and office. ises. As a father and a grandfather— figuratively a Boy Scout in every way. I said: I will stay there if I take that two roles that I know he cherishes— He is also a guy who we will miss here office. Senator COATS has taken to heart our greatly. He has become the voice of I am actually the only Member who— obligation to ensure a sound economic reason, the voice of wisdom, and the every year when the question comes future for the next generation. voice of knowledge here in the Senate. around ‘‘Do you want to look at an- It has been a particular honor to In our conference meetings, he is the other office?’’ I check the ‘‘no’’ box and work side by side with DAN COATS on person who, when he stands up to send it right back. Almost everybody the Intelligence Committee. His public speak, others stop their conversations else checks the ‘‘yes’’ box because they service through that committee will and actually listen, which is a rare want to see the real estate in the build- never be fully known to the public, but trait for people in public office some- ing that is available. I can share with you that Senator times. But that is because DAN is al- I said: I will stay there if I take it. COATS has almost an instinctual abil- ways sincere, he is to the point, and, He said: Well, I am going to find an ity to get to the heart of an issue, no again, he has the experience and office somewhere else. matter how complex or difficult the knowledge to be able to speak intel- I have chaired the Rules Committee topic. That, of course, is also a tribute ligently on a whole range of issues— in the last couple of years. I deal with to the fact that he has thought so deep- some which we heard about today on lots of Members about lots of requests. ly about the issues that confront our the national security front. But also, I don’t actually know of very many country and the threats posed by rogue he is an advocate for economic growth. similar circumstances. In fact, I don’t states and terrorist groups. He was one He is the leader here on tax reform pro- know of any exactly like that one of the first Members of the Senate to posals. He is the guy who continually where Senator COATS said: I want you recognize the crisis that would emerge reminds us of our solemn duty here to to have the office. due to this administration’s failed pol- represent all the people. I mentioned it to him again the other icy and incoherent strategy toward So, DAN, we will miss you greatly. I day, and he said: You know, the reason Syria. know Marsha is happy to have you for that was, it was the right thing to His strong and effective advocacy for around a little more. You are going to do. improved cyber security, a passion that have a great time with your grandkids, If there is any part of DAN COATS’ we share, is another example of his as we have talked about. But we know character that comes through time deep commitment to the safety and se- that there will be a great loss here after time, it is that part. It is that curity of our Nation and its people. For when you move on. I have to find a new part of who he is that always wants to years, Senator COATS has worked to neighbor. do the right thing. He is a man of great protect our Nation’s most critical in- I yield the floor. conscience, of great courage, of great

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.046 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6745 willingness to serve. He is a good The 21st Century Cures Act includes issues. . . . Our national debate reflects friend, and it has been one of the hon- many very important provisions that the needs and dreams of American fam- ors of my life in elected office that I should be enacted, so I hope this issue ilies.’’ have gotten to spend 6 years working can be corrected. In 2012, she became the first woman in the Senate with him. TRIBUTE TO BARBARA A. MIKULSKI and the first Marylander to chair the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Madam President, this is a bitter- Senate Appropriations Committee. She ator from Maryland. sweet moment as I rise to pay tribute Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, first, to my esteemed colleague, dear friend, has worked well with Senator COCHRAN and other Republicans on the com- I notice that Senator COATS is still on and fellow Senator, BARBARA A. MIKUL- the floor. I want to add my personal SKI, the longest serving woman in the mittee to produce annual appropria- congratulations to Senator COATS for history of the United States Congress. tions bills under difficult budget con- an incredible career of public service, Senator BARB has been more than a straints. I think she has shown how the not only here in the Senate but serving dedicated champion for the State of Senate can work in a productive, bipar- our country in a very important diplo- Maryland; she has fought tirelessly for tisan fashion. matic role. the welfare of all Americans across the Senator MIKULSKI has served as the Senator COATS has added such dig- country but especially the disadvan- dean of the women Senators from both nity to this body. He is a person of in- taged—equal pay for equal work, fund- parties, promoting collegiality, civil- credible integrity and a person who al- ing for childcare for working families, ity, and consensus-building. In this ca- ways listens and tries to do what is quality health care for all Americans, pacity, again, she has been one of the right not only for the people of his an ambitious space exploration pro- leaders of this institution with respect State but for our Nation. It has been a gram, robust homeland security pro- to making it work better. real honor to serve with Senator COATS grams, and fire protection grants. in the U.S. Senate, and I wish him only These are but a few of the causes Sen- Senator BARB has always had her feet the best going forward. I know he will ator BARB has worked on for more than planted firmly on the ground, but she continue to find ways to help our coun- four decades as an outstanding public has reached for the stars. No one has try. servant and legislator. been a stronger advocate for the Na- 21ST CENTURY CURES ACT She is rooted in the city we both call tional Aeronautics and Space Adminis- Madam President, I rise today to home, Baltimore, where her father ran tration, NASA; the National Oceanic comment on a provision in the 21st a grocery store in Highlandtown. She and Atmospheric Administration, Century Cures Act that I have strong earned her bachelor of science degree NOAA; the National Science Founda- concerns about that would affect thou- in sociology from Mount Saint Agnes tion, NSF; and for researching and un- sands of patients receiving home infu- College and a master of social work de- derstanding the universe to make life sion therapy. As many of my col- gree from the University of Maryland better here on Earth than Senator BAR- leagues know, home infusion therapy is School of Social Work. She became a BARA MIKULSKI. important because it provides patients social worker and then demonstrated Not only has she reached for the with a higher quality of life. Patients her formidable organizational skills stars, she is a star. NASA named a and resolve when she led the successful are able to receive this treatment in supernova after her in 2012—Supernova opposition to a 16-lane highway that the comfort of their own home, sur- Mikulski—discovered, fittingly, by the was going to cut through the Fells rounded by their family. Furthermore, Hubble Space Telescope on January 25, Point neighborhood in Baltimore. home infusion therapy eliminates un- 2012. The supernova is 7.5 billion light- Throughout her 40 years of congres- necessary emergency room visits and years away and the remnants of a star travel to and from hospitals. sional service, she has returned to Bal- timore almost every night. more than eight times as massive as A provision in the Cures Act reduces our own Sun. the payment for infusion drugs without She ran for the city council in 1971, including a payment for home infusion where she served for 5 years before she Senator MIKULSKI has so much polit- services until January 1, 2021. As a re- was elected to the House of Represent- ical energy per square inch of height sult, home infusion suppliers will not atives to represent Maryland’s Third that she has reached her own orbit in District—a seat she held for 10 years. I be paid to administer infusion therapy space. Even though her realm includes was proud to succeed her in the House until 4 years after the change in reim- the entire universe, Senator BARB al- when she was elected to the Senate in bursement. Without a service payment, ways kept the needs of Marylanders 1986 and became the first female Demo- it will be economically difficult for close to her heart during her tenure. cratic Senator elected in her own right. home infusion suppliers to provide pa- Whether it is fighting for funding to re- Here in the Halls of the Senate, she tients with home infusion therapy. store the Chesapeake Bay, supporting opened doors that had previously been Many patients will be unable to receive mass transit improvements in Balti- closed to women. She refused to accept more, standing up for Federal employ- care in the comfort of their home and second-class treatment because of her will have to go to hospitals and long- ees and retirees who work and live in gender and fought to be recognized as our State, or posting the world’s best term care facilities to receive treat- an equal. Generations of young women ment. This provision in 21st Century recipe for crabcakes on her Web site, I who chose to participate in public life know I speak on behalf of each and Cures Act could affect over 20,000 peo- or who dreamed of joining the U.S. ple with congestive heart failure, neu- every Marylander when I say how Senate have benefited from Senator much we will miss her outstanding rological disorders, and immune defi- BARB’s trailblazing legacy. ciency problems who receive home in- From affordable housing and edu- leadership and unwavering commit- fusion therapy. cation to childcare, health benefits, ment to our State. Patients’ lives are at stake. That is and pensions, she has left an indelible I am privileged to have worked with why I prepared an amendment to the imprint on the Nation’s social policies Senator BARB for 10 years in the Sen- 21st Century Cures Act that delays the as a senior member of the Committee ate and for 20 years before that when I reimbursement change for infusion on Health, Education, Labor, and Pen- was in the House of Representatives. I drugs by 1 year. I hope that this sions. It is fitting that she authored am proud to have stood alongside her amendment could be included in the the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of as two members of Team Maryland. 21st Century Cures Act or the end of 2009—the first major bill to be signed session continuing resolution. Instead On a personal basis, I have a very into law by the first African-American close friend and my service in the Sen- of going into effect on January 1, 2017, President. I know one of her proudest the overpayment reduction would go ate is much more productive, much accomplishments is strengthening the more enjoyable, and much more re- into effect on January 1, 2018, under my social safety net for seniors by passing warding because of Senator BARBARA amendment. This is only a 1-year the Spousal Anti-Impoverishment Act, MIKULSKI. delay, but it would allow 20,000 pa- which helps keep seniors from going tients to continue receiving infusion into bankruptcy while paying for a The United States Congress, the therapy at home. I think this is reason- spouse’s nursing home care. State of Maryland, the United States, able and fair and I urge my colleagues Senator BARB said, ‘‘We work on and, indeed, the world are better places to support the amendment. macro issues and macaroni and cheese because of Senator MIKULSKI’s public

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:49 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.048 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6746 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 service. She may not be the tallest fornia Missions Preservation Act to skills and her leadership. I know we Senator, but she certainly leaves the protect and restore California’s 21 his- will continue to hear from her because biggest shoes to fill. I will miss her, toric missions and led the effort in the she is not the retiring type, but she but I will remain internally inspired by Senate to create the Manzanar Na- certainly has earned the right to spend her shining example of public service tional Historic Site. more time with her husband Stewart, at its best. Senator BOXER’s concern for the en- their children Doug and Nicole, and TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BOXER vironment hasn’t been just a parochial four grandchildren. Madam President, for the 10 years I interest; no one has fought harder to We wish her well, and we will miss have been in the Senate, I have been defend and improve our Nation’s land- her in the Senate. privileged and have had the pleasure to mark environmental laws, such as the I yield the floor. serve alongside the Senator from Cali- Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- fornia, BARBARA BOXER, on the Com- She fought to remove arsenic from ator from Utah. mittee on Environment and Public drinking water. The air we breathe, the FREE SPEECH RIGHTS Works and on the Committee on For- water we drink, and the food we eat are Mr. LEE. Madam President, over the eign Relations. She is the ranking better because of Senator BOXER. weekend, syndicated columnist George member of the Environment and Public Senator BOXER’s environmental bona Will wrote about a disturbing ruling in Works Committee and previously fides are well known, but she has been a French court. The court ruled that a chaired the committee, the first a superbly effective legislator on so video called ‘‘Dear Future Mom,’’ pro- woman to do so. many other issues. She is a champion duced by the Global Down Syndrome Senator BOXER has spent the last 40 for women. In 1991, she led a group of Foundation, must be banned from tele- years in elective office—24 years here women Members to the Judiciary Com- vision. It cannot be viewed on tele- in the Senate, 10 years before in the mittee to demand that the committee, vision anywhere in France. What, you U.S. House of Representatives, and 6 which was all-male and all-White at might ask, triggered this draconian act years on the Marin County Board of the time, take Anita Hill’s charges se- of censorship? Was it speech inciting Supervisors. She was the board’s first riously. Senator BOXER has defended violence? No. Was it a hate speech? No. woman president. Earlier, she worked women’s reproductive health choices Was it discrimination? In fact, it is the as a stockbroker while her husband and privacy. She was involved in pass- opposite, as it turns out. I will let Mr. Stewart, whom she met at Brooklyn ing the Freedom of Access to Clinic En- Will tell the story as I read the words College, attended law school. Senator trances Act and the Violence Against from his column. BOXER has been a journalist and is the Women’s Act. She is a senior member The column is entitled ‘‘The ‘right’ author of two books. of the Foreign Relations Committee, to be spared from guilt.’’ The first time Senator BOXER ran for where she chairs the first committee to the Sixth Congressional District seat, The word ‘‘inappropriate’’ is increasingly focus on global women’s issues. used inappropriately. It is useful to describe in 1982, her campaign slogan was ‘‘BAR- In a business meeting earlier today, departures from good manners and other so- BARA BOXER gives a damn.’’ Her con- the members of the Senate Foreign Re- cial norms, such as wearing white after stituents have agreed. She ran for re- lations Committee unanimously passed Labor Day and using the salad fork with the election four times and never received a resolution honoring Senator BOXER’s entree. less than 67 percent of the vote. In 2004, work on that committee and her work But the adjective has become a splatter of when she was running for a third term in the U.S. Senate. At that time, we verbal fudge, a weasel word falsely sug- in the Senate, she received 6.96 million noted that she was the ranking mem- gesting measured seriousness. Its misty im- precision does not disguise, but advertises votes—the most votes any candidate ber on the subcommittee that provided the user’s moral obtuseness. has ever received in the history of the help for women and girls globally, and A French court has demonstrated how ‘‘in- U.S. Senate. her work in Afghanistan was most no- appropriate’’ can be an all-purpose device of Oscar Madison and Felix Unger may table. She has made a difference intellectual evasion and moral cowardice. have been the original odd couple, but around the world for young women. The court said it is inappropriate to do Senator BOXER and the Senator from Senator BOXER authored the first something that might disturb people who Oklahoma, Senator INHOFE, have been ever specific authorization for after- killed their unborn babies for reasons that the Senate’s odd couple. An unabashed school programs, a bipartisan bill that were, shall we say, inappropriate. liberal and unabashed conservative then-President George W. Bush signed Prenatal genetic testing enables pregnant women to be apprised of a variety of prob- working together to pass some of the into law in 2002. Today’s afterschool lems with their unborn babies, including most important legislation of the last programs are funded at $1.15 billion, al- Down syndrome. It is a congenital condition quarter century—our periodic surface lowing them to serve 1.6 million chil- resulting from a chromosomal defect that transportation bills and the Water Re- dren. She was the author of another bi- causes varying degrees of mental disability sources Development Act reauthoriza- partisan bill to accelerate America’s and some physical abnormalities, such as tions. These bills have put millions of contribution to combat global HIV- low muscle tone, small stature, flatness of Americans to work and made our econ- AIDS and tuberculosis. the back of the head, and an upward slant to the eyes. Within living memory, Down syn- omy more efficient. Senator BOXER wrote two laws to en- drome people were called Mongoloids. Now Senator BOXER understands the im- hance economic and security coopera- they are included in the category called portance of building, and she also un- tion with Israel. In 2012, she worked ‘‘special needs’’ people. What they most need derstands the importance of pre- with the Senator from Georgia, Mr. is nothing special. It is for people to under- serving. She has helped to set aside ISAKSON, on the United States-Israel stand their aptitudes, and to therefore quit more than 1 million acres of Federal Enhanced Security Cooperation Act, killing them in utero. land in California as wilderness. The which extended loan guarantees to Down syndrome, although not common, is omnibus public lands package, which Israel, increased the U.S. military among the most common anomalies at 49.7 became law in 2009, includes three stockpile in Israel, and encouraged percent per 100,000 births. In approximately Boxer bills to protect 57,000 acres in 90 percent of instances when prenatal genetic NATO-Israel cooperation. In 2014, she testing reveals Down syndrome, the baby is Big Sur and the Los Padres Forest and worked with the Senator from Mis- aborted. Cleft lips or palates, which occur in another 273,000 acres of California coast souri, Mr. BLUNT, on the U.S.-Israel 72.6 percent per 100,000 births, also can be di- as wilderness. She wrote the Senate Strategic Partnership Act of 2014, fur- agnosed in utero and sometimes are the rea- bill that elevated Pinnacles National ther strengthening economic and secu- son a baby is aborted. Monument into America’s 59th na- rity cooperation between the two coun- In 2014, in conjunction with World Down tional park. She helped champion the tries. Syndrome Day (March 21), the Global Down creation of the Fort Ord National Senator BOXER has strong principles. Syndrome Foundation prepared a two- Monument and Cesar Chavez National She can be outspoken when the need minute video titled ‘‘Dear Future Mom’’ to assuage the anxieties of pregnant women Monument and was instrumental in ex- arises, but she is also a consummate who have learned that they are carrying a panding the Gulf of the Farallones and legislator, able to work across the aisle Down syndrome baby. Cordell Bank National Marine Sanc- and across the Hill to get important More than 7 million people have seen the tuaries. She also authored the Cali- things done. We are going to miss her video online in which one such woman says,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.049 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6747 ‘‘I’m scared: What kind of life will my child member the courage of their mothers ers across the country—thousands of have?’’ Down syndrome children from many and fathers who chose life—the heroes them in my State of Virginia—who lose nations tell the woman that her child will who chose to make room at the inn. not only health care but also future hug, speak, go to school, tell you he loves I know I speak for all of my col- pension benefits that are threatened by you and ‘‘can be happy, just like I am—and you’ll be happy too.’’ leagues when I wish all of them a very the approaching insolvency of the The French state is not happy about this. merry Christmas. United Mine Workers 1974 pension fund. The court has ruled that the video is—wait I thank the Presiding Officer and Madam President, you may not know for it—‘‘inappropriate’’ for French tele- yield the floor. this—as a matter of fact, even my col- vision. The court upheld the ruling in which I suggest the absence of a quorum. league from West Virginia didn’t real- the French Broadcasting Council had banned The PRESIDING OFFICER. The ize this—but today, December 6, is ac- the video as a commercial. clerk will call the roll. tually National Miners Day. Each year The court said the video’s depiction of The legislative clerk proceeded to happy Down syndrome children was ‘‘likely on December 6, we set aside a day to call the roll. honor the mine workers of today and to disturb the conscience of women who had Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I lawfully made different choices.’’ yesterday and reflect on their con- So, what happens on campuses does not ask unanimous consent that the order tributions to our Nation and rededicate stay on campuses. There, in many nations, for the quorum call be rescinded. ourselves to doing everything we can sensitivity bureaucracies have been enforc- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to protect their lives and health. Think ing the relatively new entitlement to be objection, it is so ordered. about that. Today is actually National shielded from what might disturb, even inap- MINERS PROTECTION ACT Miners Day. What better day to take propriate jokes. Mr. WARNER. Madam President, I And now this rapidly metastasizing right the long awaited action to make sure has come to this: rise to join my colleague who spoke that for those miners—and particu- A video that accurately communicates a earlier today, the Senator from Ohio, larly, more often than not, for their truthful proposition—that Down syndrome and here shortly, the Senator from widows—we honor the commitment people can be happy and give happiness— Pennsylvania. I wish to also thank my that was made back in 1947 to make should be suppressed because some people friend, the Senator from West Virginia. sure that their health care and pension might become ambivalent, or morally quea- Without his tireless efforts, this cause benefits—at least their health care sy about having chosen to extinguish such we are fighting for might not still have lives because . . . benefits—are guaranteed. The reality is This is why the video giving facts about a chance, and I want to commend him that even with stronger safety stand- Down syndrome people is so subversive of for the countless hours and the amaz- ards, coal mining remains a dangerous the flaccid consensus among those who say ing amount of work he has done on an and difficult profession. The truth is aborting a baby is of no moral significance issue we have been here time and again that nobody can really understand than removing a tumor from a stomach. Pic- on; that is, begging this body to take what it is like to be in a mine unless tures persuade. meaningful action on the Miners Pro- you have been underground. I have had Today’s improved prenatal sonograms tection Act before the end of this year. that opportunity a number of times in make graphic the fact that the moving fin- For over a year and a half, we have gers and beating heart are not mere ‘‘fetal my career. So many of the miners I material.’’ They are a baby. Toymaker Fish- been coming to the floor to tell our col- worked with and supported when I was er-Price, children’s apparel manufacturer leagues that if we do nothing, retired Governor and now as I am a Senator OshKosh, McDonald’s and Target have fea- coal miners and their families—for the have seen all the changes that have tured Down syndrome children in ads that most part we are talking about widows come about by the changing nature of the French court would probably ban from because most of the miners have passed the industry, by globalization and by television. away—will lose their health care at the The court has said, in effect, that the lives technology. Now many of those com- end of this year. Well, the end of the munities are on hard times. If we of Down syndrome people—and by inescap- year is upon us. It is literally days able implication, the lives of many other dis- produce one more hit to these commu- abled people—matter less than the serenity away, and we have taken every proce- nities—a hit whereby the Federal Gov- of people who have acted on one or more of dural step to ensure a vote on the Min- ernment doesn’t honor the commit- three vicious principles: ers Protection Act. ment they made to those miners in That the lives of the disabled are not Under the leadership of the Senator terms of protecting the health care of worth living. Or the lives of the disabled are from West Virginia, we were asked to the miners and their families—then, of negligible value next to the desire of par- go through regular order. We were ents to have a child who has no special, quite honestly, we are not doing our asked to have a hearing. Those of us on job. meaning inconvenient, needs. Or that gov- the Finance Committee—the Senator ernment should suppress the voices of Down We have come together and worked syndrome children in order to guarantee from Pennsylvania and I—were asked in a bipartisan fashion. We have a solu- other people’s right not to be disturbed by to have a committee markup. We had tion. We have a solution that wouldn’t reminders that they have made lethal the committee markup. We reported add to the debt or the deficit. I hope choices on the basis of one or both of the the bill out with strong bipartisan sup- that those who are holding up this first two inappropriate principles. port. Yet here we are, days away from long-term solution—and it is not sim- That is the end of Mr. Will’s column, the supposed end of the session, and we ply one side. We have complete support which I just read in its entirety. still have not had that vote. We have a on this side of the aisle and from a As Americans enter yet another era long-term bipartisan solution, but in- number of our colleagues on the other of change in our politics, it is my sin- stead we are being told the CR that side of the aisle. Again, we ask: Let’s cere hope, and indeed my prayer, that might simply fund the government for make sure these miners, their widows, it can also be a season of change in our a few months may have some kind of and their families don’t lose their hearts. Here in the United States, the stop-gap effort—a stop-gap effort that health care come the end of this year. free speech rights of groups like the would barely provide enough time, for We can ensure that happens, and I look Global Down Syndrome Foundation to those who were already threatened forward to working with my colleagues produce videos like ‘‘Dear Future with losing their health care at the end to make sure that promise becomes a Mom,’’ which I highly recommend, are of the year—barely have enough time reality. protected by the First Amendment, but to even reschedule a doctor’s appoint- With that, I yield the floor to my col- the rights of actual Americans with ment. league from Pennsylvania. Down syndrome, both born and unborn, These miners—many of them have Mr. MANCHIN. We are close. It is can only be protected by their fellow faced devastating illnesses as a result West Virginia. citizens, not just in our laws but in our of their time in the mines—will be I yield the floor to my dear friend communities, our families, and our cul- given absolutely no certainty that they and colleague, the Senator from Geor- ture. will receive the medical care they need gia. This time of year, we would all do if we simply were to extend this bill to Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I have well to remember the life-changing joy the time of the CR. And what would a parliamentary inquiry. that can come from a single, unex- happen after May 1? And that has noth- The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. pected, and special child, and also re- ing to say to the more than 100,000 min- GARDNER). The Senator from Georgia.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.059 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6748 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, it was ger not only the brave men and women and, hopefully, we will continue their my understanding that I was going to engaged on the battlefield but also work in the next session. Likewise, I follow the Senator from Connecticut their descendants. This measure ex- have worked with Senator MORAN and on the VA bill, and I am happy to ac- pands the definition of homeless vet- Chairman ISAKSON on numerous ac- commodate the Senator from West Vir- erans to include individuals—perhaps countability reforms in the Veterans ginia or the Senator from Pennsyl- women fleeing domestic violence—and First Act, which was before this Cham- vania or the Senator from Connecticut, it broadens the eligibility for critical ber, again, providing goals and meas- whomever knows what order we should homeless prevention programs. Many ures that we must achieve in the next be in. of those women fleeing brutality and Congress. Mr. MANCHIN. Sir, that is so kind of violence deserve this kind of help. Our bipartisan efforts to pass, hope- you. If we could do that, since the Sen- Under this legislation, the Veterans fully within the next few days, H.R. ator is not here, then we can be very Health Administration will be given 6416 is a crucial test of whether there is brief on ours, if you don’t mind. the flexibility it needs in scheduling the necessary will and determination Mr. ISAKSON. Will I yield to the physician workloads to bring them in in this body to move ahead on the Senator from West Virginia? line with the common practice that enormous challenges yet unmet and Mr. MANCHIN. Yes. prevails in most medical centers. It is the enormous obligations that we have. Mr. ISAKSON. And then would you past time that we adjust the 1950s Just as critical as the health care yield to the Senator from Connecticut? schedules, practices, and policies to challenges, so too are the chronic prob- Mr. MANCHIN. Let’s let you do yours work regulations within the VA hos- lems in providing veterans the benefits now. Go ahead. The Senator from Con- pitals and the need of today’s veterans. they have earned—benefits that are de- necticut can go ahead. One extraordinarily important provi- nied them in decisions they appeal. Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I ask sion relates to mental health, long a Today, over 450,000 veterans’ appeals unanimous consent to recognize the priority for me. We will make it easier await a decision. That is why I intro- Senator from Connecticut, the Senator to hire mental health counselors and duced the Department of Veterans Af- from Georgia, and then the Senator access mental health treatment, sig- fairs Appeals Modernization Act of from Pennsylvania. nificantly overhauling VA construction 2016. The present veterans’ appeals The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there practices and authorize major medical process is a travesty. It is a mockery of objection? construction projects in Reno, NV, and justice. It must be reformed. It must be Without objection, it is so ordered. Long Beach, CA. given the resources to make it effec- The Senator from Connecticut. On the issue of accountability that is tive. Even when veterans earn benefits, Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, I so critically important and needs so there are too many examples of un- want to thank my colleagues who are much work, a provision in this measure equal application. I joined Senator very gracious for yielding to me, and I would limit the ability of the VA to MURRAY in her efforts to ensure that thank the Presiding Officer for recog- place an employee who is under inves- all caregivers for severely wounded and nizing me. tigation for misconduct on paid admin- disabled veterans, regardless of when VETERANS HEALTH CARE AND BENEFITS istrative leave for more than 14 days. the veterans have served, have access LEGISLATION This limitation would end the current to caregiver support services. These Mr. President, there is welcome news practice of placing problematic em- caregivers are moms and dads, spouses, today, which is that the Senate has re- ployees on long periods of paid admin- and children who provide care day after ceived from the House H.R. 6416, a bi- istrative leave and the provision would day after day at great expense and bur- partisan comprehensive measure that force the VA leaders to address issues den to them with very little support keeps faith with our veterans and when they arise to impose account- from the Nation that should be as makes sure that we continue our ability. grateful to them as to the veterans progress toward leaving no veteran be- I want to thank my colleague Sen- themselves. hind. ator ISAKSON for his leadership, his Simply put, veterans deserve better, I want to emphasize at the very start dedication, his attention to detail, and and they deserve more. Even when they that this measure is a down payment. his flexibility in the best traditions of have grievances, often they are denied It is far from a final or even fully ac- this body. He clearly has put veterans a day in court. They are forced into ar- ceptable solution to many of the prob- first by sharing their ideas. They have bitration agreements concerning their lems that it addresses. It has more come to us from many of the veterans reemployment rights and workplace than 70 provisions. It is broad and com- service organizations, and I want to ac- protections. That is why I introduced prehensive in scope and scale. More knowledge all of them as well because the Justice for Servicemembers Act in vets, many at risk and homeless, will they have been such a positive force. June—to clarify that servicemembers receive the care and benefits they need I want to thank my staff on the Vet- cannot be denied access to the court- and deserve. VA hospitals will have erans’ Affairs Committee for their house and forced into arbitration and better management and more mental work on this bill and others that we that servicemembers cannot be forced health caregivers and emergency room passed, such as the Clay Hunt Suicide to sacrifice those rights as a condition doctors. Families of veterans will be Prevention for American Veterans Act, of future or continued employment. It helped by extending critical education which I did in partnership with Senator is about basic American justice. Who benefits to surviving members of those KAINE and Senator ISAKSON. deserves that justice more than our families. Work will finally begin to We need to do more to help veterans veterans who fought for it and died for help descendants of veterans exposed to cope with opioid addiction, combat it and should never be denied it? toxic substances. But again, on those homelessness, protect veterans against I want to thank again all of my col- issues and so many more, we are only identity theft, and make sure that our leagues who have worked with me over taking another step in what must be a health care system for veterans con- these past 2 years. We owe every vet- journey toward helping our veterans tinues to improve. It is still clearly a eran—regardless of the war or the con- with services that they need, deserve, work in progress and still fails to meet flict, regardless of the era—the basic and have earned. the demands of access for thousands guarantee that they will never be left One example that is long awaited is a and tens of thousands of our veterans, behind, that this Nation will keep faith landmark move that will commence re- even as it provides quality health care with them. This body owes them the search on descendants of veterans who to many others. obligation to summon the political will have been exposed to toxic substances Many of the current challenges faced to cross partisan lines to make sure and address the painful residual by veterans are directly attributable to that we keep faith with them. wounds. It is all the more important management failures, and that is why As I yield the floor today, I want to today because we know the modern accountability needs to improve. I express my gratitude again to Chair- field of combat is ridden with nerve gas want to thank Senators BURR and man ISAKSON and say that I yield the and other toxic and poisonous sub- TESTER for their bipartisan agreement floor today but none of us should ever stances that all too often may endan- to move forward on these challenges, yield in the fight to help our veterans.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.061 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6749 Thank you, Mr. President. We are a team of Americans, not Re- work with his staff, who have worked The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- publican Americans or Democratic closely with us to see that we brought ator from Georgia. Americans but Americans committed the best legislation possible to the Mr. ISAKSON. Mr. President, I thank to see our veterans get what they were floor of the Senate. the Senator from Connecticut for his promised. I particularly thank Tom Bowman, recognition. I want to take this mo- As Senator BLUMENTHAL said, this my chief of staff, who has made a lot of ment on the floor to praise him for the bill addresses homelessness, it address- magic things happen during these last contribution he has made to the com- es women’s health care issues, it ad- 2 years. But things have just begun in mittee over the last 2 years. dresses the possible passage of exposure the Veterans’ Committee of the Sen- I want to tell you a story. RICHARD to toxic waste in a hereditary fashion ate. We are going to work together to became ranking member in the same to the surviving children and grand- reach the dreams we all have to see to year and at the same time that I be- children of our veterans, an obligation it that our veterans have seamless came chairman. We met, we made a we owe to see to it that if there is any services and that we pay back to them commitment to one another that we transfer of the exposure of those toxic what we owe them, equally what they were going to move forward as a united substances, the VA benefits that go to have sacrificed and pledged for us— Veterans’ Affairs Committee, address the veteran also can be passed down to their lives, their fortunes, and their sa- the problems of our veterans, and do it the child who is a victim of heredity cred honor. in a bipartisan fashion. To set the tone through no fault of their own. I thank Senator BLUMENTHAL for his for that, we introduced the Clay Hunt We do a lot on the court and the ap- support and ask each of our Members Suicide Prevention for American Vet- peals. As Senator BLUMENTHAL said, we in the Senate today to help us pass this erans Act, which RICHARD BLUMENTHAL have a backlog of 450,000 appeals. We downpayment on the promise and the introduced, and passed it unanimously are adding two judges in the appeals debt we owe to the veterans of the in the committee and 99 to zero on the process. We need to do more to expe- United States of America. floor of the Senate in the first weeks of dite the appeals process. I yield to the Senator from Pennsyl- this Congress. We did so to set the This year I was personally dis- vania. table that whatever the problems are, appointed that as close as we got to The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- we should never let our pettiness, our dealing with the administration and ator from Pennsylvania. politics, and our partisanship stop us finding a solution, we still failed to say Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I ask from helping a veteran. Because of to our veterans: We are going to solve unanimous consent to speak as in RICHARD BLUMENTHAL on suicide pre- your problem of waiting in line. morning business. vention and our commitment to make Two weeks ago, I had the sad duty of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without it bipartisan, we passed that unani- breaking into tears in the living room objection, it is so ordered. mously early on in the session and of a home of a veteran in Marietta, GA. MINERS PROTECTION ACT since that time have addressed other This is a veteran who has been trying Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I rise to issues as well. for 3 years to get an appeal responded speak tonight about the Miners Protec- The bill we discussed today, which is to and can’t get it. He is a veteran tion Act. named in part for RICHARD whose life is about to end without ever First, I commend and salute the BLUMENTHAL, is, as he said a minute getting an answer as to whether his ap- work that has been done in this Cham- ago, a down payment on the continuing peal is justified. That is just not right. ber. I especially highlight the Senators debt we owe to our veterans who have We can find a way in this country to on the Democratic side who have been served us well. On the first day in the get the manpower and womanpower working. I know this will not cover ev- committee when I took over as chair- necessary, make the moral commit- eryone, but I thank Senator MANCHIN, man, I said: You know, there are no Re- ment that is imperative, and see that the senior Senator from West Virginia, publican veterans and no Democratic our veterans who have an appeal get an Senator BROWN of Ohio, Senator WAR- veterans; there are only American vet- expeditious answer. Our veterans need NER of Virginia, and others, including erans. They are the Americans who to cooperate in that process by giving the Democratic leadership, for working fought for our flag, fought for our Con- us all the backup data as fast as pos- on this. I know we have bipartisan sup- stitution, fought for our liberty, and sible for every appeal they ask for. But port on this issue. I thank our Repub- fought for each of us. it is not right for an appeal to last as lican colleagues who have worked on I am proud to have fought with RICH- long as the one that is before us in the this. ARD for our veterans in the foxhole of the Senate. U.S. Veterans Administration today, Unfortunately, just today we are told There is much left to be done. With which is 25 years old. That’s right, the that in the negotiations, in the back- the passage of this act today, which is oldest appeal in the Veterans Adminis- and-forth on the continuing resolution, named after Senator BLUMENTHAL and tration is 25 years old. which we should be voting on this Congressman JEFF MILLER, who is re- I am committed—and I make the week—we are told that Majority Lead- tiring from the House, we are making commitment on the floor of the Senate er MCCONNELL is not going to include another down payment on what we owe today—to work with RICHARD, JON the Miners Protection Act in the con- our veterans. TESTER, the members of our com- tinuing resolution. That is very bad There are other payments soon to mittee, and everybody in this body to news, especially when we consider how come. I met earlier today with JOHN see to it that we say to the 450,000 vet- we arrived at this point in terms of bi- MCCAIN. We have made a commitment erans who are waiting on an appeal: We partisan support. I will get to that in a to make sure Veterans Choice is made are going to get you an answer, and we moment. permanent for our veterans and work are going to get it faster. Instead, apparently the proposal—or to see that veterans have the best To those sons and daughters today I guess at this point it might be beyond choice they can have, not to privatize who are signing up for the U.S. mili- a proposal because it might be in a the VA but to optimize the exposure of tary, if you have a need for an appeal, draft of the continuing resolution. Be veterans to health care services wher- we will see you get an expeditious an- that as it may, what has been proposed ever they need them. swer. They deserve the very best. They is 4 months of health care for miners Last night I met with JON TESTER, deserve no less than a thorough answer and their families instead of a lifetime our colleague from Montana, who will in response to the appeal they have guarantee. In a word, that is unaccept- replace Richard as the new ranking made. able. I will not dwell on that because I member of the committee. He is equal- The last 2 years, it has been a privi- want to get to the rest of our argu- ly committed with us to see to it that lege and a pleasure for me for to work ments on why this is a proposal we we move beyond the current sunset of as chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs cannot accept. the Veterans Choice Program, to solve Committee. It has been a pleasure to A long time ago, before the turn of the Veterans Choice Program as well work with RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, and I the last century, Stephen Crane, as the other problems that confront commend him on the contributions he known mostly for the ‘‘Red Badge of our veterans. has made. It has been equally great to Courage,’’ a great novel, died at the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.062 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 age of 28 or 29. But prior to his death, that anyone would think it is appro- family member whose mom has breast in addition to all that he wrote in a priate to propose temporarily saving cancer, her life—or at least her health great novel, he wrote for McClure’s benefits when, in practice, these recipi- care at this point—depends upon it. So magazine an essay about a coal mine ents would be notified almost simulta- this isn’t theory. near my hometown of Scranton in neously that they are both eligible for This legislation, which passed the Fi- Lackawanna County. I come from a benefits—temporarily—and that their nance Committee, as I said, 18 to 8—all county that had of what they used to benefits will terminate. That is not we have to do is have the majority call hard coal, anthracite coal. It heat- just wrong; that is an insult. It is an leader stand up and say that we are ed homes across the Nation and across insult to them and to their families. going to attach this to the continuing the world, for not just years but gen- Just imagine the stress of this. We resolution and have the House Speaker erations. cannot imagine it. I will answer my say the same because they have con- Stephen Crane described how dan- own question: We cannot imagine it. trol. That is all they have to do—at- gerous it was to work in a coal mine. Probably no one in this building could tach it to the continuing resolution— He did it with such beauty and such imagine the stress on these individuals and we will finally have kept our prom- skill, but there were so many horrible and their families. It is completely un- ise. images. I, of course, will not read the necessary. Temporary relief is not only insuffi- entire essay, but at one place he de- I know we are limited on time to- cient, it is an insult. It is not just in- scribed the coal mine as a place of ‘‘in- night, but I wish to highlight portions sufficient, it is dead wrong. scrutable darkness, a soundless place of of letters that I have received. I know No one here should be playing games tangible loneliness.’’ the Senator from West Virginia has re- with people’s ability to pay for medica- Then he described all the ways a ceived even more because of his great tion, pay for their oxygen. That miner could die in the mines. That was advocacy, his work, and the substan- shouldn’t be the subject of games or in the 1890s. Of course, coal mining tial impact that the mining industry horse trading. We delivered in both parties. We de- today is safer, but still very dangerous. has had on his great State and the livered to Majority Leader MCCONNELL But no matter what the danger level, work that is done by great miners to everything he asked for—committee no matter what the circumstances of this day. consideration, debate and vote in the today, we owe these miners their To protect people in case we haven’t committee—and now it has come to the health care, their pensions, and we owe received their permission, I will not floor of the U.S. Senate. It is time for their families. use full names. This letter is from all of us to keep our promise to coal What they don’t want to hear, what Waynesburg, PA, Southwestern Penn- miners and to make the Miners Protec- we should not engage in, is the usual sylvania. I will limit it to a son talking tion Act permanent law and to keep horse trading and kind of back-and- about his mom. He said: ‘‘I am writing our promise to those miners and their forth of Washington. They deserve the to you for my mother.’’ He is asking us families. Miners Protection Act. It is not some to vote on this bill. In the letter he I again commend and salute the Sen- theory, and it is not some idea; it is says his mom is a widow. ‘‘She now ator from West Virginia, and I yield legislation that was introduced, de- lives on a fixed income. Her life de- the floor. bated, and then voted on by the Fi- pends on this passing,’’ meaning, the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- nance Committee, 18 to 8, a bipartisan bill passing. ‘‘She has cancer and will ator from West Virginia. vote in a place that sometimes cannot need surgery.’’ Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I wish agree on the time of day, let alone Her life depends on this bill passing. to thank my dear friend from Pennsyl- something as substantive and as impor- OK. This isn’t just another bill about vania, my neighbor State, for his com- tant as health care and pension bene- some far-off issue. That is a son writ- mitment to the hard-working people fits for those who earned them. This ing to us from Waynesburg, PA, about who made this country what it is isn’t some extra thing we are giving, his mom. today. not some gift we are giving; they This is another letter from a son There are a lot of people who don’t earned it, in many cases not just for writing about both his parents, and I know the history of how we are the su- years but for decades they earned this. will provide just an excerpt. He writes perpower of the world, how we won two OK. We owe them this. This country that it would be ‘‘very comforting’’ to world wars, how we energized the owes them this. This Chamber owes know his parents could ‘‘continue their whole industrial age, and how we built this to these miners. current UMWA benefits until they can the middle class. It came because of It was a promise a long time ago, in turn 65.’’ He is worried about the fact the domestic energy that we basically the late 1940s. These miners kept their that two parents are going to turn 65 in extracted right here in America and it promise. They went to work every day, 2017, and he wants to make sure that was done by mine workers. My grand- year after year and decade after dec- they are protected. father came to this country as a young ade, and their families depended upon The third and last letter I will read child in the early 1900s, and his family that promise. Some of them served in an excerpt from is from a miner him- came here to find a better life. On both wars, including Vietnam, as just one self from Johnstown, PA. It is a town I sides—I had one set of grandparents example. They served in Vietnam and know pretty well in Cambria County. who came from Czechoslovakia and the then worked in the mines again and There has been a lot of mining there other set came from Italy, and both worked and worked. So they kept their over many years. He is talking about sides ended up in the coal mines, as promise. They kept their promise to working the mines for 21 years. He well as all of my uncles and cousins. their family, they kept their promise said: ‘‘When you make a promise it We had these little coal camps all over to their country, and they kept their should be kept.’’ the area where I grew up in Farm- promise to their company. That is what a miner from Johns- ington, WV. Yet here we are once again, and the town, who worked in the mines for 21 I was so proud of my heritage. I will only ones left out are the miners. The years, reminds us. It is just what I said: never forget my Boy Scout leader was companies will figure out a way to do ‘‘A promise should be kept.’’ It con- Pat Keener. He was a coal miner. When OK. The country will move forward, tinues, ‘‘This insurance has gotten me the coal mines automated in 1959, he the Senate will be just fine, but once and my wife through many health con- had to go and find a job in Ohio in the again we stand at the precipice or at cerns including breast cancer in which auto industry. My Little League coach the threshold of a new time period. my wife still fights today.’’ was a coal miner—everybody I knew. People are wanting to get out of here Then he talks about how this would The hunting and fishing clubs were all for the holidays, yet coal miners are dramatically change their access to coal miners who took all of us and not asking us to do anything other doctors and medical care. showed us how to do things and enjoy than keep a promise. So we are not talking about some the outdoors. We should keep our promise, and the budget number here; we are talking It is just an unbelievable network of Republican majority leader should about a family telling us the life of people, and most all of them were mili- keep that promise. It is outrageous their mother depends upon it; another tary. Most all of them were veterans.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.064 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6751 They continued to serve their country coal that we mine, a percentage of that We are asking for a permanent fix. when they left the mines and went to coal or the money on that percentage We have a pay-for for that permanent the military and came back to the of coal, would go into a black lung fund fix. It is the excess we have, surplus in mines. and then it would go into the AML the AML money, but everybody has So I rise with a heavy heart because fund and then it would go into basi- other plans for that. Well, guess what. I thought we had this fixed. I thought cally the miners health care and retire- The people who need it have plans also, this was something we had done—and ment—a portion of that. to try to keep themselves alive. That is Senator CASEY laid it out so well. We So it wasn’t coming from taxpayers; the plan they have, and that is what have done everything we can. This day it was coming from the work they were they are asking for. has been coming for quite some time. I producing. That is where this came I haven’t ever used this tactic before, warned everybody 2 years ago that this from. but I feel so compelled that I said we finite time would come December 31 of So everything is going fine. Then, ba- are going to do whatever we can to this year. We started working in ear- sically, Congress passed bankruptcy keep this promise. We have asked for nest quite a while ago. We were told to laws that allowed companies to go and the health care—this had a health care go through the regular order, as Sen- declare bankruptcy and basically di- and pension provision. It has only the ator CASEY said, to do the things we vest themselves of all of their respon- health care provision right now be- were supposed to do. It got its full pur- sibilities to the people who worked for cause we understand that we worked view, if you will, and it passed them. This was done to them. We had and we negotiated and we said this is bipartisanly. Everyone is sympathetic. the 74 plant and the 92 plant. something we felt we needed now be- Everyone knows the hard work that is So we dealt with something that was cause they had a finite time—at the done and how dangerous it is. not their making. These people nego- end of this month. We will work on the My uncle on my mom’s side got tiated contracts in good faith by bar- pensions next year, too, to make sure killed in the 1968 mine explosion in gaining, and they would give away sal- they are going to be preserved. Farmington. I lost a lot of kids I went ary or money that could have been in That being said, I have gotten let- to school with, classmates, so it has their pocket because they knew they ters, the same as everybody else in coal been very near and dear to me. were going to get guaranteed health country where we come from. Here is As Governor of West Virginia, the care, and now here we stand basically one: Dear Senator MANCHIN, without Sago Mine disaster, I lost 12 miners saying: I am sorry. That is not going to action I, along with thousands of other there. We had the Logan Mine disaster, happen. You are going to lose your pen- coal miners and widows of coal miners, and I lost two people there, and then sion and health care. will lose our health care on December we had the UBB, and we lost 29 people. We have over 16,000 who will lose 31. My husband died in 2012 of pan- So I have been through it. I know how their health care benefits by the end of creatic cancer. He also had black lung. dangerous and tough this business is, this year, less than 4 weeks away— He loved his job even though it was so 16,000. Senator CASEY read some let- but I know the country depends on dangerous. He worked to ensure that ters, and I am going to read some let- them. We can’t run without them. we had good health benefits not just I want to make sure everyone under- ters as well. What we are doing here is we are for me but for him and our family. I am stands that this was never intended for holding up—and I know it affects asking Congress to please do the right the government or the taxpayers to everybody’s hard work. This is some- thing and don’t let us lose our health pay. It never was. It wasn’t set up that thing that is not easy for me. I have care benefits. way. In 1946, John L. Lewis basically I have another letter. This is from never done this. I have been here 6 said we are going to go on strike. We Carol Turek. Carol writes: My husband years. I have never used this procedure, are pulling everybody out. This was worked in the mines with blockages in but I have never felt so committed and after World War II. The economy had his brain until he had enough time. He so beholden to people who have given been ramped up because it was 100 per- so much. We are talking 60-, 70-, and 80- worked even though he was that ill so cent employment. We were producing year-old women. Most of the husbands that I would have insurance if some- and consuming because of the war ef- have died; they are still depending on thing happened to him, knowing that fort. When that happened, the economy this. The little clinics we have in the he was very ill. He retired in 2009 and started heading down. He said: Oh, no. coal communities around West Vir- he passed away in 2011. He was a good We have to keep this economy going. ginia and southwestern Pennsylvania, worker. He stayed over and worked We can’t let this tail off. They said: those coal communities and coal camps days off when needed and this is how Listen, from the beginning of the 20th and basically those little clinics will they thank him in return. How is an century until 1946—46 years—these not survive. This has a ripple effect. older person supposed to live when miners have done back-breaking work. Now, I understand they are going to they take away your retirement, take We have heard the old adage ‘‘I owe my give us a 4-month extension—4 months. away your insurance, and never give soul to the company store.’’ My grand- Let me tell my colleagues what these you raises in Social Security? Every- father told me that when he worked in people are going through. They were thing raises and medical is outrageous. the mines in the early 1920s, he had told the 1st of October they will lose I guess when you are old, they expect four children and was expecting his their benefits of health care; 16,000 you to crawl into a corner and die. fifth child, and he said at the end of the were sent letters telling them they will Well, I pray every day that God gives day, he had no money. All the script lose them by the end of this year. Now, me another day, and I am praying that was at the company store. He had to what we are about to do—which I be- they pass this health care provision so borrow everything there, and at the lieve is totally inhumane—we are that others and myself can live just a end of the month, he owed them for about to now send them another letter, little bit longer. working, trying to make it. He had no if passed the way it is going to be pre- I have another one. She says: Dear health care. There was a doctor who sented to us in the CR, that says: I am Senator MANCHIN and all of you who helped them a little bit. They had no sorry, Mrs. Smith. I know we told you are trying to help us. My husband pension or retirement. They worked that you are going to lose your health Charles passed away on October 12 until they died, and that was the way care on December 1, but now we are from cancer. Patriot Coal filed bank- it was. going to tell you that in January we ruptcy before Charles passed away. He In 1946, they said: Enough is enough. will send you another letter and tell told me that if they took his medical You shouldn’t work this hard and so you, you are going to lose it in April. coverage, that he would not go to the many people benefit. You helped build Now, you tell me if there is anything doctor because he didn’t want to leave a country and you get nothing. So they fair about that. You tell me how you me in debt if he didn’t get medical cov- said from that day forward—and that face people who have given everything, erage, so he didn’t want to go to the was the Krug amendment that was and now we are just going to extend it doctor. My income was cut almost 75 signed—and by the blessings of the U.S. for another 4 months with no certainty percent when Charles passed away. President, Harry S. Truman. Then they that anything will continue from Charles was promised these benefits for said, from that day forward: All the there. us both. He worked all of those years in

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.065 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 coal dust to help supply this country ers, that has become a frightening and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- with the energy that it needed. I pray impossible situation for myself, a ator from Ohio. that our government will pass this bill widow, and many more in my same sit- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I thank to help the thousands that will be af- uation. Devastation is the only word Senator MANCHIN for driving this issue. fected by not having health care. Some that can be used to describe the trickle It was done better with him than with- people will choose to buy medicine in- down effect it will have on so many out him. I thank him for making a stead of food. This is so sad and coal other businesses and health agencies, if world of difference and Senator CASEY miners worked in the mines and risked this congressional action does not for his impassioned pleas and reading their lives for so long. Some people carry through to secure our union min- the letters from mine workers, retired that have never worked can get help ers, retirees, and widows. You are not mine workers, widows, retired mine under the new health care law, so why only destroying the 12,000 plus miners workers in Western Pennsylvania and not help the ones who have worked and and widows involved, you are destroy- all over West Virginia and Southeast paid for it? Why can’t they get what ing huge infrastructures and businesses Ohio. We are all getting letters in our they are supposed to get? I am proud to that depend upon the income and offices that are heartfelt and just make be an American and daughter, sister, health benefits where these individuals me wonder, why aren’t we doing some- wife, and mother of coal miners. are served. Please note, only the thing? I have one here that explains it very ‘‘union’’ miners contributed to these I want to share a letter from a lady well. She says: Dear Senator. I have funds, not the nonunion miners who in Gallipolis, OH, a village. I was just dedicated my life to a career in nursing chose much higher wages opposed to there in the community of Rio Grande in Boone County, WV. My husband de- the union wages and structure. Please earlier this week. She wrote a letter to veloped kidney disease and heart dis- consider this so we can go into Christ- MITCH MCCONNELL, who is, frankly, the mas knowing we have the security of ease at an early age. He did not smoke, single person standing in the way of the fund being stabilized. Some will drink, nor do drugs. Doing his work he doing this. developed an autoimmune. He worked have no way out; some individuals will very sick for 30 years underground in literally not survive without the need- Dear Leader Mitch McConnell: ed health care and pensions they Just to inform you as a member of UMWA the coal industry as an electrician in that it is vitally important that we keep our the mines and maintenance worker. He worked and sacrificed their health to insurance. was an educated man but he loved obtain. Thank you, Sue Peros, Wife of My Husband (Larry) worked 35 years as a working with his hands. After coming Bert Ricky Peros, South Charleston, miner. He has had bypass surgery this last out of the U.S. Air Force when he WV. Aug 8, 2016, also has black lung—COPD— worked in the World Communication We have many more. chronic idiopathic gout, acute bron- Agency as a cryptographic specialist in The thing I want to emphasize is that chitis . . . the White House, he chose to go into these are real people. This is not just And other things. the mines as a career because of the re- something we are fabricating. These are people who work every day. These I have history of cardiomyopathy and con- liable future, retirement, and health gestive heart failure. . . . We need members benefits that it assured for his family. are people still living, still contrib- of all Congress to consider all that the Coal Rick worked hard every day and during uting, still taking care of their fami- Miners has contribution to the welfare of the last 15 years that he worked he lies, still depending on health care. The this country. Now we ask that they remem- would sometimes travel over 45 min- ripple effect is unbelievable. To sit ber commitments made to the Coal Miners. Please keep that promise made to the Coal utes away and take chemotherapy here and say we are going to pass a CR because we want to go home for Christ- Miners. treatments to treat his kidney disease mas or to say we have the comfort of while he was still working. He had Over and over: Please keep that being home and we have 16,000 miners, heart disease as a result of those treat- promise made to the coal miners. But retired—we have their widows and fam- ments. So many heart studies, the instead we hear all kinds of excuses. ilies depending on health care, and stent, and the bypass surgery followed Again, one man—the majority leader of they have been told they are going to along with the continued renal disease. the Senate, the Republican Senator lose it December 31, but we are in a All of those years he worked in the from Kentucky—one man standing in hurry to leave. We just can’t wait to mines to provide electricity to so many the way. leave. We have got to get out of here. who worked other jobs, were com- Senator MANCHIN just said that if Well, I am sorry, that is not the way this came to a vote right now on the fortable in their homes, sitting at their we do it back home. That is not how we desks, not risking life or limb for the Senate floor, it would easily have treat our friends and neighbors and es- enough votes to pass, but one man has luxuries afforded them by the coal pecially not how we treat our miners. miners who had been promised health blocked this in the continuing resolu- I am asking all of you to work with tion. He has kind of distributed— and retirement benefits if they took us to make sure we get a permanent less pay, did not strike for same, and dropped a few crumbs to a few miners fix. That is all I am asking for. We for a few weeks on health care but not continued providing the valuable coal have a way to do this with the surplus resources this country needed. pensions. But it is one man standing in AML funds to pay for that, money that the way. Continuing: After educating me to was made for mining the coal to be When I look at the other Senators— beyond my Master’s level; putting a used for this. That is what we are ask- the two Senators from Pennsylvania, girl through medical school, and an- ing for. That is what we promised one Democrat, one Republican; two other daughter to Master’s level in them. That is what we owe them. teacher education—we depleted many I thank all of my colleagues, each Senators from West Virginia, one Dem- of our financial resources to do this, and every one, for being so considerate. ocrat, one Republican; two Senators knowing we had ‘‘secure retirement We have bipartisan support. from Ohio, one Democrat, one Repub- and health’’ planned for through his I will say this: If this were a stand- lican; two Senators from Virginia, both union. During the last 11⁄2 years of his alone bill on this floor, it would pass. Democrats—all of them want to move life, after retirement, Rick died of leu- This bill on this floor would pass, with on this, but we keep hearing excuses kemia that developed from many years Democrats and Republicans working from one man, the majority leader of of chemical treatments for his auto- together. It would also pass in the the Senate, from Kentucky. immune kidney disease. Meanwhile, I House. But that is not the case. We We were told by the majority leader worked 26 years as a school nurse plus can’t get a standalone bill. We have we need bipartisan support. Well, we additional years as a registered nurse, what we have. We are asking for the got it, the bill cosponsored by Repub- planning to utilize my husband’s per- compassion of our leaders on both sides licans and Democrats. As Senator centage of retirement and health bene- of the aisle here to give us a clean, MANCHIN said, if it were brought up to fits to secure my own retirement. long-term fix for health care for the re- a vote, we could pass it tonight. Continuing: When the courts of this tired miners as promised. Then we were told the bill needs to land allowed bankrupting companies to Mr. President, I yield the floor to my go through regular order, which is a fold on their commitments to our min- dear friend from Ohio. way, in Washington-speak, of simply

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:49 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.066 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6753 saying: Send it to a committee, exam- kind of help, mine workers—there are a racy, making significant progress in ine it, debate it, bring a couple wit- lot more mine worker widows than fighting corruption, and improving its nesses in, bring in experts, talk about there are in other professions because defense capabilities. Montenegro’s it. We did that. of the danger of the work. There is a membership in NATO would have sig- Senators WARNER and CASEY and I much greater likelihood of dying on nificant impact, including completing also, on the Finance Committee, the job, much greater likelihood of get- the alliance’s unbroken control of the helped get this bill through with a bi- ting hurt on the job, much greater Adriatic coast. It will serve to further partisan vote of 18 to 8—not even close. likelihood in later years of developing anchor the Balkan region in the secu- Again, the Republican Senators from brown lung and developing various rity framework of NATO. Pennsylvania and Ohio joined the kinds of heart ailments and bronchial It speaks volumes that Vladimir Democratic Senators from those two ailments because they worked in the Putin has fiercely opposed States. Eighteen to eight. mines. That makes it an even more Montenegro’s accession to NATO. Dur- Then we were told by the majority fundamental moral question, that we ing Montenegro’s general election in leader—the one man who is stopping do something about this. October, authorities arrested 20 people this—find a pay-for. Find a way to pay How many mine workers are sick and suspected of plotting, with support for it. We did. The bill is fully offset. need health care? How many need these from Russia, to overthrow the Cabinet As Senator MANCHIN said, as Senator pensions? How many mine workers die and assassinate Montenegro’s Prime CASEY said, as a number have said, this and their widows need this help? And Minister, Milo Djukanovic. While does not cost taxpayers a dime. This we sit here doing nothing. NATO is purely a defensive alliance, isn’t a bank bailout that cost real dol- I just say again to Leader MCCON- Russia has warned Montenegro of re- lars. This isn’t even the auto rescue, NELL: Get out of the way. Just let this taliation if the country continues to which was so important to my State. come to an up-or-down—however you pursue NATO membership. By quickly That cost real dollars, although the want to do this, however you want to approving the resolution on accession, money was paid back. This won’t cost schedule this, however you want to the Senate can demonstrate that it taxpayers anything. The Congressional move this through the Senate, we stands firmly with Montenegro and Budget Office estimates it would re- should be doing it now. We shouldn’t go that we will not allow Putin to bully duce the Federal deficit by $67 million home for our Christmas break until we European states with impunity. over 10 years because they would get take care of these miners. It is the Montenegro’s membership would re- the right kind of health care rather right, moral thing to do. It is the right affirm that NATO’s door remains open than having to rely on other kinds of thing for our country. It is a promise to aspirant nations that share the val- government programs. we made, a pledge we made. We should ues of all NATO members and stand These miners—again, we keep saying honor it, starting this evening. ready to contribute to NATO oper- this over and over. They have done ev- Mr. President, I yield the floor. ations. NATO must stand firm on the erything we have asked them to do. I suggest the absence of a quorum. principle that the decision to seek Almost seven decades ago, President The PRESIDING OFFICER. The membership in the alliance cannot be Truman made this commitment. We clerk will call the roll. blocked by a third party. have lived up to this commitment The senior assistant legislative clerk NATO is the most ambitious and suc- through Presidents of both parties, in- proceeded to call the roll. cessful alliance in history. Across near- cluding this President, Barack Obama, Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I ask ly seven decades, it has risen to every but one person—again, one person—has unanimous consent that the order for challenge: deterring the Soviet Union stood in the way. The miners in my the quorum call be rescinded. during the Cold War; integrating State can’t afford to have this reduced The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. former Soviet bloc countries into a Eu- to political gamesmanship. They are DAINES). Without objection, it is so or- rope whole and free; restoring peace in hard-working people. They spent their dered. the Balkans after Yugoslavia’s break- careers doing dignified work. MONTENEGRO MEMBERSHIP IN NATO up; invoking article 5 in defense of the I remember when we spoke at the Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, today United States after September 11; and rally on a really hot day earlier this the Senate Foreign Relations Com- most recently, taking the fight to the year. There were thousands of miners mittee approved the resolution to Islamic State terrorist group in Syria there. I remember Cecil Roberts, the allow Montenegro to become a member and Iraq. president of the United Mine Workers, of the North Atlantic Treaty Organiza- Montenegro is a small nation with stood up and said: Put your hand up if tion. I am here this afternoon to urge big strategic importance. Its accession you are a veteran. that the full Senate take up this issue to NATO would strengthen the alli- Hundreds of hands went up. and give a prompt vote to the accession ance. In turn, membership in NATO He said: Put your hand up if your fa- before we bring the 114th Congress to a would bolster Montenegro’s democracy ther or mother was a veteran. close. and independence. Again, hundreds more hands went up. A top priority of the historic NATO As I said, today the Foreign Rela- These are people who served their summit that happened in Warsaw in tions Committee approved the resolu- country. And those who weren’t off to July was bolstering the alliance’s re- tion of accession. I hope the full Senate war were producing the coal to produce solve and capacity to deter Russian ag- will bring the resolution to the floor the electricity to power the war ma- gression against the Baltic States and for a prompt, favorable vote. The chine, whether it was World War II or the rest of NATO’s eastern flank. Also United States has always stood strong Korea or Vietnam or anything since. at the Warsaw summit, NATO formally for freedom and democracy in Europe, Not taking up the mine workers pro- invited Montenegro to become its 29th and it is time to stand strong for free- tection act is violating the promise member nation. All 28 member states dom and democracy in Montenegro. made by President Truman, violating must now ratify the accession protocol Mr. President, I yield the floor. the promise we all made. The bill according to our own procedures. In I suggest the absence of a quorum. should ride on the continuing resolu- the United States, that means the Sen- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The tion. The majority party has the abil- ate must ratify the protocol. clerk will call the roll. ity to make that happen right now. In the decades since the end of the The senior assistant legislative clerk I was talking a moment ago quietly, Cold War, NATO has been a tremen- proceeded to call the roll. privately, with Senator CASEY. We dous force for stability, democratiza- Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I ask were talking about—unlike the spouses tion, and freedom in Europe. That is unanimous consent that the order for of insurance agents or realtors or exactly why more countries, including the quorum call be rescinded. teachers or Senators or bankers, mine those created by the breakup of Yugo- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without workers are much more likely to die at slavia, are eager to join. objection, it is so ordered. a younger age. When you talk about so Montenegro has worked hard to UNANIMOUS CONSENT REQUEST—S. 3084 many, by any cross section, by any prove its commitment to NATO, in- Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I am analysis of who is most in need of this cluding by strengthening its democ- pleased to come to the floor tonight to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.068 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 talk about a bill, S. 3084, the American tion, the American Innovation and about and also the efforts that we have Innovation and Competitiveness Act. Competitiveness Act. I hope he will through the America COMPETES legis- This is a piece of legislation that has speak to the Republican leader and ask lation. I believe we can do both. taken several years of patience, perse- him to do the right thing to help these I understand the objection, and I ap- verance, a lot of hard work, and testi- pensioners, widows, and mine workers preciate the offer and willingness to mony from both sides of the aisle. whose pensions are threatened and work together. But I know when you I am pleased that Senator PETERS whose health care is about to be cut have a House and a Senate that work from Michigan and I have finally been off. under two different calendars, one of able to come up with a product that Mr. President, I object. which is under our control—again, let’s has the strongest bipartisan support in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objec- stay here until we get this done. There both the Senate and the House. This is tion is heard. is one calendar that is out of our con- an effort that builds on the America The Senator from Colorado. trol, and I just hope we can move for- COMPETES legislation. America COM- Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, again, ward on this because all 50 States do PETES was first passed over a decade I want to reiterate that this legisla- benefit from the bipartisan work we ago as an effort to make the United tion, the America COMPETES bill, is a have been able to put forward on the States more competitive economically, bipartisan product. We have spent American Innovation and Competitive- an effort to make sure we had the countless hours working with people ness Act. skills and our workers, the STEM force from around the country to come up The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- education to compete with nations with a bill that focuses on giving work- ator from Ohio. around the world as global competition ers and employees the skills they need Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I appre- increases, as other nations try to gain to succeed. ciate those words. I also recognize that an advantage over the United States in I understand the objection of the we have not seen a continuing resolu- their manufacturing processes and in Senator from Ohio, which is based on tion yet. There is a rumor that it has their innovation processes. the need to move forward with the leg- 4 months of health care but it doesn’t The America COMPETES legislation islation they are talking about, but it have any pension assistance, and there arose from a report that was put to- is my understanding that there is at is nothing about fully funding their gether by a group of individuals—very least an effort to work on that legisla- pension and continuing with their smart business leaders, scientists— tion, which would provide some time to health care. They have already gotten known as the ‘‘Rising Above the Gath- come up with a longer term solution a notice saying their health care will ering Storm’’ report, the ‘‘RAGS’’ re- providing an extension of the health be terminated. If we continue this for 4 port, the idea being, how are we going care coverage they have been seeking months, they will get another notice in January. That is all hearsay because to make sure the United States re- for some time, although not the entire we still have not seen the bill. mains competitive and how do we benefit package they were hoping I know we are working on separate would be extended under the legisla- make sure we have the education pro- calendars. I understand that, and grams we need in this country to gear tion they were also talking about. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- maybe the House is going to take the the next-generation workforce for a ball and go home, showing a real matu- more competitive environment? So we ator from Ohio. Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I can’t rity in its leadership. The fact is we put together this bill, a bipartisan bill, need to stay here. I don’t know why we passing it out of the Commerce Com- exactly speak for my colleagues, but I know a number of Senators on this side need to get out and go home for Christ- mittee for the first time in a decade— mas tomorrow or even Friday. I think of the aisle will be pleased to work the America COMPETES legislation— we should stay here until we finish. We with the Senator on this legislation, to renew this policy effort. have been here until December 24 be- and I am hopeful we can do both in the Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- fore. I am fine with that. I want to be days ahead. sent that the Senate proceed to the im- home. I have a wife whom I love and The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- mediate consideration of Calendar No. kids and grandchildren, and I want to ator from Colorado. 695, S. 3084. I further ask that the com- see them all, but I want to take care of Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I mittee-reported substitute amendment these miners. thank the Senator from Ohio. be withdrawn; the Gardner substitute Show us a bill. Let’s talk about it, One of the challenges we have, of amendment be agreed to; the bill, as negotiate this, and follow regular course, is the calendar, as this reaches amended, be considered read a third order. I believe we had an 18-to-8 vote toward the end. Again, I am committed time and passed; and that the motions on taking care of this health care for to reconsider be considered made and to stay here as long as we can to fix miners. We can honor what Senator this and make this work. I do worry laid upon the table. GARDNER, the Senator from Colorado, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there about our colleagues across the hall- wants to do. I am fine with doing that, objection? way and their calendar and making but we are not going to do any of those The Senator from Ohio. sure that they are finding the time to things until we take care of the min- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, reserving process this legislation, along with the ers. We have an obligation to them the right to object, this legislation legislation that the Senator from Ohio that President Truman had begun with sounds pretty good. It is bipartisan, is concerned about. a pledge. It is morally reprehensible to but I also know that in my State there Again, I think this is something that betray that commitment to 12,000 re- are more than 1,000 retired mine work- we ought to be able to move on as we tired miners and their widows in the ers and their widows. We know that address the concerns of the Senator country. people who have worked in the mines from Ohio—and the concerns that I I want to do all of that, and I know for 30, 35, or 40 years are more likely to think, at least to some degree, will be Senator GARDNER does too. It is up to be sick and die younger. These 1,000- addressed in the continuing resolu- my colleagues to push the majority plus mine workers have been denied tion—and to continue to work on legis- leader, who, for whatever reason, is their pensions. Their pensions and lation that is truly bipartisan and ben- blocking this and is continuing to health care have been threatened. eficial from a standpoint of providing block our ability to do this. We should Many of them are widows of mine more resources for manufacturing part- stay here until it is finished. workers. Yet, we have bipartisan sup- nerships, more resources for commer- I yield the floor. port. It passed out of the Finance Com- cialization efforts, additional resources f mittee 16 to 8, and Senator MCCON- for STEM education, and having more NELL—one person in this body—has underrepresented minority community MORNING BUSINESS blocked the mine workers pension and members involved in STEM education Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I ask health care legislation for weeks and fields. These are things I think we can unanimous consent that the Senate be weeks and months and months. work on, and this place has to have the in a period of morning business, with I would be very happy to support and ability to work together on efforts that Senators permitted to speak therein help Senator GARDNER in this legisla- the Senator from Ohio is so concerned for up to 10 minutes each.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:39 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.069 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6755 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tegration efforts across the intel- Since 1896, the JWV has been the Na- objection, it is so ordered. ligence community for specific mission tion’s leading organization rep- f areas. He put in place a planning, pro- resenting those of Jewish faith who gramming, budgeting, and evaluation have served overseas in the military. TRIBUTE TO JAMES R. CLAPPER, system that set priorities, managed re- The Jewish community has served in JR. sources, and evaluated effectiveness of every war and conflict that this great Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, each taxpayer dollar being spent. He country has fought, beginning with the today I wish to pay tribute to a true also began the ambitious goal of cre- Revolutionary War, including the Civil leader in every sense of the word. ating a common information tech- War, and with our current military en- James R. Clapper, Jr., has had a defin- nology infrastructure, known as the In- gagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. In ing impact on the U.S. Intelligence telligence Community Information 1933, the JWV protested against Nazi Community over his past half-century Technology Enterprise, IC ITE, that Germany’s policies towards Jews. JWV of service. As of today, he has served will dramatically serve to improve in- continued its legacy in advocacy in 2,190 days as the Director of National telligence integration. In addition, Di- 1963, as the only veterans organization Intelligence, DNI, which makes him rector Clapper brought increased trans- that joined Martin Luther King, Jr.’s the longest serving DNI, surpassing the parency to the intelligence community March on Washington for civil rights. combined time of all the Directors who so that the public can have greater The JWV continues its mission to served before him. Director Clapper has confidence in our intelligence capabili- preserve the Jewish American military dedicated his life to the field of intel- ties and their appropriate use. His ac- legacy, protect veterans rights, and ligence, and his contributions to the complishments are too many to enu- promote community with 250 posts Nation are significant. merate here, but suffice it to say that across the Nation and in Israel. The Jim Clapper began his distinguished his positive legacy within the intel- JWV provides numerous contributions career as a rifleman in the U.S. Marine ligence community will continue for to society, including partnering with Corps Reserve, before becoming a com- years to come. Boy Scouts of America and Girl Scouts Part of Director Clapper’s strength missioned officer in the U.S. Air Force of the USA; working with JROTC, as the Director of National Intelligence in 1963. For 31 years, he served this Na- ROTC, and other military college pro- has been his deep understanding of this tion in various intelligence capacities, grams; providing disaster relief serv- Nation’s intelligence activities and his commanding signals intelligence oper- ices to victims of natural disasters; and extensive network of colleagues with ations both inside the United States speaking out against anti-Semitism. whom he worked across the intel- and overseas. From 1991–1995, he served The JWV has proven that Jews have ligence enterprise to help serve the as the Director of the Defense Intel- been and continue to be a vital element ligence Agency, retiring with the rank users of intelligence, be they policy- makers, warfighters, law enforcement, in the preservation of American doc- of lieutenant general. After 6 years in trine and the defense and maintenance the private sector, he took over the or national security officials. His com- mitment to advancing women and mi- of American security. reins of the National Imagery and Map- I congratulate and commend the norities in the field of intelligence is ping Agency in 2001 and spearheaded its JWV for their hard work and dedica- transformation into today’s National particularly noteworthy. He selected the first woman to lead a major intel- tion in defending our free institutions, Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. fighting against bigotry and prejudice, In 2007, President George W. Bush ligence agency, naming Betty Sapp to be Director of the National Reconnais- and honoring Jewish servicemembers, nominated General Clapper to serve as veterans and their families who have the Department of Defense’s chief in- sance Office. He also named Tricia Long to be Director of the National made great sacrifices for our country. telligence officer as the Under Sec- f retary of Defense for Intelligence, Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and re- where he served in both the Bush and cruited Stephanie O’Sullivan to be HONORING OFFICER COLLIN ROSE Principal Deputy Director for National Obama administrations. President Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise Intelligence as his partner in creating Obama nominated Jim Clapper to serve today to recognize Officer Collin Rose and instituting change in the intel- as the Director of National Intelligence who tragically lost his life while serv- ligence community. in 2010, only the fourth person to serve While Jim Clapper portrays a some- ing as an officer for the Wayne State in that position since its creation in what gruff exterior, his concern for his University Police Department in De- the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism employees and quiet sensitivities are troit, MI. Prevention Act of 2004. well known to the countless staff who Officer Rose was born on April 1, 1987, As the chairman of the Senate Select have received hand-written notes from to parents Randy and Karen Rose in Committee on Intelligence, I was ini- him extolling exemplary work, con- Pittsburgh, PA. Moving to Michigan, tially concerned that General Clapper’s gratulations on births and weddings, or he attended Gull Lake High School in military background would be inappro- heartfelt condolences for the loss of a Richland, where he excelled in baseball priate to lead a mostly civilian intel- loved one. and was a standout football player. ligence enterprise. He made clear his Today I want to congratulate him on Always interested in law enforce- intent to lead objectively and in the his remarkable career and offer my ment, Officer Rose continued his edu- best interest of intelligence, and he gratitude for his decades of commit- cation at Ferris State University’s did. He brought important stability to ment and sacrifices to this Nation. I Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement this position. During the next 6 years, also thank his wife, Susan, who herself Academy. He was an active member of he and I talked frequently and dis- was an NSA employee, for her unfailing the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, even- cussed many topics of critical impor- support over their 51-year marriage tually becoming president of his chap- tance to this Nation. We also discussed that allowed for the successes that Jim ter and modeling the fraternity’s prin- changes he sought to implement to im- has achieved. The Nation owes this pa- ciples of virtue, diligence, and broth- prove the operations of the intelligence triot a debt of gratitude. erly love. He graduated from Ferris community. These changes had, and State University in 2010 and continued f will continue to have, a positive and to live by the principles set forth by lasting impact on the intelligence com- RECOGNIZING THE JEWISH WAR Sigma Phi Epsilon as he embarked munity. VETERANS OF THE UNITED upon his law enforcement career. During his tenure as DNI, Director STATES OF AMERICA After graduating from Ferris, Officer Clapper focused relentlessly on intel- Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I would Rose interned for the Springfield Po- ligence integration, with a definitive like to honor the Jewish War Veterans lice Department. He served as a cadet focus on mission. He made important of the United States of America, JWV, at the New Baltimore Police Depart- changes in how the Office of the Direc- as they celebrate their 120th anniver- ment and held his first position as a tor of National Intelligence operated, sary. Their service has not only bene- police officer for the Village of Rich- including creating National Intel- fitted the Jewish and veterans commu- land, home of his high school alma ligence Managers, who oversaw the in- nities, but this Nation as a whole. mater.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:59 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.071 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 Officer Rose began working for the opment Commission, OVRDC, a public TRIBUTE TO LARRY K. JAMES Wayne State University Police Depart- regional planning commission that ∑ Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today ment in 2011, where he was dually serves 12 southern Ohio counties. Bob I wish to recognize University of Cen- sworn in as a Detroit police officer. As has and continues to serve Clermont tral Arkansas Police Chief Larry K. a 5-year veteran of the department, he County with integrity and distinction. James for more than 40 years of service Bob is also a champion for our patrolled Wayne State University’s in law enforcement. Chief James began troops, veterans, and their families. He campus, as well as a greater portion of his service at the University of Central has been nationally recognized for his the midtown Detroit area. He was also Arkansas in 1993 and is retiring in Jan- work on behalf of our military, as he working to complete his master’s de- uary 2017. founded the ‘‘Whole In My Heart’’ mili- gree at Wayne State University. Prior to taking his position at the tary family support group. As he pre- His greatest passion was working head of UCA’s police department, pares to retire from this position, I with canines; he was a proud member James served as deputy chief of police commend him for his hard work and of the Metro Detroit Schutzhund Club. at San Jose State University, as well He also served as the K9 unit trainer leadership to make southern Ohio a better place to live and work. director of public safety for the Port- for the Wayne State University Police land Community College District. He Department. Officer Rose and his f has committed his career to strength- trained canines were often called upon ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ening public safety on college cam- by other law enforcement agencies, puses by cultivating professional law such as the FBI, ATF, Secret Service, enforcement practices that have made the Detroit police, and Detroit public TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM ‘‘BILL’’ A. campus communities safer. schools, to assist in searches for sus- BAXTER Chief James has also represented Ar- pects, narcotics, and explosives. ∑ Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, today kansas and the law enforcement com- Officer Rose was very much engaged I wish to recognize an Arkansan who munity incredibly well. He is past with the community he served. He has made a profound impact on the ag- president of the Arkansas Association would go to nearby schools to give riculture industry in my home State of of Chiefs of Police, which represents demonstrations and speak to students. Arkansas and the Nation. more than 200 chief law enforcement Since 2013, he has been a memorial bi- William ‘‘Bill’’ A. Baxter earned his executives throughout the State. Addi- cyclist for the Police Unity Tour to bachelor of science degree from the tionally, he has served as govern- raise funds and honor fallen officers. University of Arkansas in 1949. Since mental affairs representative and con- The tragedy that took his life oc- then, Bill has been a leader on agricul- sultant-evaluator with the Inter- curred on November 22, 2016, while Offi- tural issues and has served in various national Association of Campus Law cer Rose was responding to reports of roles to advance the interests of the Enforcement Administrators. burglaries in the area. While inves- farming community. James has implemented community- tigating, he questioned a person on a As president of both Baxter Land oriented policing programs by bringing bicycle who opened fire on Officer Company and Camp Nine Company, together various groups and organiza- Rose, leaving him critically wounded. Bill is the head of two family corpora- tions to resolve crime-related problems On November 23, 2016, Officer Rose suc- tions that own 20,000 acres of land in and enhance safety on the campuses he cumbed to his injuries and passed away southeast Arkansas and produce cot- has been apart of. He is a proven and at Detroit Receiving Hospital. He is ton, rice, soybeans, corn, wheat, grain, steadfast leader. the first fallen officer of the Wayne sorghum, timber, and catfish. He was When a shooting occurred on the State University Police Department. also an organizer and partner in sev- campus of UCA on October 26, 2008, Again, today I wish to ask my col- eral cotton production organizations James’s work in preparing his depart- leagues to join me in tribute to a cou- and is a past president of the Agricul- ment and the university community to rageous young man, who undauntedly tural Council of Arkansas. He has been respond to a threatening event was put served his community, as well as the a director and chairman of the Cotton to the test. Training to respond to this State of Michigan. Officer Rose and his Board, a member and delegate of the type of incident, directed by Chief family are owed a debt of gratitude for National Cotton Council, and a board James, resulted in the suspects being his tremendous sacrifice. member of Cotton Council Inter- quickly apprehended before further f national. loss of life could occur. Baxter has also received the ‘‘Arkan- TRIBUTE TO BOB PROUD Chief Larry James has dedicated his sas Cotton Achievement Award,’’ entire career to public safety and pro- Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, today which recognized his many accomplish- tecting his community. I want to I wish to recognize Clermont County ments within the agricultural commu- thank Chief James for his tireless dedi- commissioner Bob Proud on a distin- nity. He was inducted into the Arkan- cation and wish him well in his retire- guished career serving the residents of sas Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1999. Clermont County and southern Ohio. In addition to being a promoter and ment. I hope others in the law enforce- A seven-term Clermont County, OH, political voice for cotton and agri- ment community will look to his commissioner, Bob is a lifelong culture in Arkansas and the United record as an example of how rewarding Clermont County resident. He grew up States, over the course of his life, Bax- and meaningful a career in public serv- ∑ on a small farm in Batavia Township ter has been an avid outdoorsman and ice can be. and graduated from Amelia High conservationist. Bill’s advocacy on be- f School. After Bob graduated from Cum- half of Arkansas agriculture has made TRIBUTE TO MOREY AND SONDRA berland College, he began his career in a significant impact on an industry MYERS public service working for Clermont that plays a vitally important role in Senior Services. our State’s economy and culture. ∑ Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today it Bob is a champion of the community This December, Bill is being inducted gives me great pleasure to congratu- and a committed public servant to into the Cotton Research and Pro- late Morey and Sondra Myers of Scran- Clermont County, serving in a number motion Hall of Fame. This program ton, PA, on their 60th wedding anniver- of capacities, from the construction of recognizes U.S. cotton industry leaders sary. Morey and Sondra have dedicated a new Clermont County animal shelter who have made substantial contribu- their lives to each other and their fam- in 2002, the reclamation of the former tions to the cotton industry. ily, inspiring all of us through six dec- Ford transmission plant on State I congratulate Bill on receiving yet ades of devotion to one another and Route 32, to his service for senior citi- another award acknowledging his sup- have established themselves as true zens as a Meals on Wheels volunteer port for and contribution to agri- citizens dedicated to philanthropy. I and his work on the Coalition for a culture in Arkansas and throughout congratulate Morey and Sondra on this Drug-Free Clermont County. For the the country. This is a well-deserved anniversary of their lives together. I last 25 years, Bob has served as chair- honor, and I appreciate Bill’s years of have had the honor to know both of man of the Ohio Valley Regional Devel- dedication to this industry.∑ them for 40 years, and I have benefited

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:59 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.056 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6757 greatly from their loyal friendship. American Bar Association. He has re- The message also announced that the Sondra and Morey have come to em- mained active in academia as a visiting House has passed the following bills, in body the spirit of public service, and I lecturer at Yale University, Rutgers which it requests the concurrence of have no doubt that Pennsylvania and University, the University of Scranton, the Senate: the Nation are better places due to Haverford College, Hamilton College, H.R. 2726. An act to require the Secretary their hard work, dedication, and pas- the University of Wyoming, Lafayette of the Treasury to mint commemorative sion. College, and Temple University. coins in recognition of the 50th anniversary Sondra and Morey served the people This brief overview of the lives of of the first manned landing on the Moon. of Pennsylvania during my father’s Sondra and Morey Myers cannot fully H.R. 5015. An act to restore amounts im- time as Governor of Pennsylvania. encompass all they have accomplished, properly withheld for tax purposes from sev- erance payments to individuals who retired Sondra was cultural adviser to the nor adequately describe the depth of Governor and Morey served as general or separated from service in the Armed their compassion, dedication, and love Forces for combat-related injuries, and for counsel. The Commonwealth benefited of community. As a Scrantonian who other purposes. greatly from their hard work and ex- represents the Commonwealth of Penn- H.R. 6415. An act to provide for the ap- emplary service. sylvania, I am proud to call them pointment of members of the Board of Direc- Sondra Myers is currently a senior neighbors and friends. I would like to tors of the Office of Compliance to replace fellow for international, civic, and cul- once again extend my congratulations members whose terms expire during 2017, and tural projects at the University of to Sondra and Morey on 60 years of for other purposes. H.R. 6427. An act to improve the operation Scranton and the director of the marriage and to commend them for Schemel Forum. She has made it her of United States capital markets, and for their decades of public service. I wish other purposes. life’s work to bring about the integra- them continued happiness in the years The message further announced that tion of culture into public policy and ahead.∑ to strengthen the culture of democracy the House has agreed to the following f worldwide. She has served as the chair concurrent resolution, in which it re- of the Pennsylvania Humanities Coun- MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT quests the concurrence of the Senate: cil, president of the Federation of Messages from the President of the H. Con Res. 179. Concurrent resolution di- State Humanities Councils, and was United States were communicated to recting the Secretary of the Senate to make the founding president of Citizens for the Senate by Mr. Pate, one of his sec- certain corrections in the enrollment of S. 2943. the Arts in Pennsylvania and the State retaries. The message also announced that the Arts Advocacy League of America. Her f work ethic and passion were called House passed the following bill, with upon in 1980 when President Jimmy EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED an amendment, in which it requests Carter appointed her to serve on the As in executive session the Presiding the concurrence of the Senate: U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and Officer laid before the Senate messages S. 1635. An act to authorize the Depart- again in 2011 when President Barack from the President of the United ment of State for fiscal year 2016, and for Obama appointed her to serve on the States submitting sundry nominations other purposes. Commission on Presidential Scholars. which were referred to the appropriate f A frequent contributor to the Scranton committees. MEASURES REFERRED Times-Tribune’s opinion page and the (The messages received today are author and editor of several books, printed at the end of the Senate pro- The following concurrent resolution Sondra has worked hard to eloquently ceedings.) was read, and referred as indicated: H. Con. Res. 40. Concurrent resolution en- spread her message of the central role f that citizens play in a successful de- couraging reunions of divided Korean Amer- MESSAGES FROM THE HOUSE ican families; to the Committee on Foreign mocracy and the crucial role of higher Relations. education in preparing an engaged citi- ENROLLED BILL SIGNED zenry. Sondra has traveled throughout At 12:03 p.m., a message from the f the world to present programs on de- House of Representatives, delivered by REPORTS OF COMMITTEES mocracy and civil society, and through Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, The following reports of committees her numerous published works, announced that the Speaker has signed were submitted: the following enrolled bill: symposia, lectures, and personal rela- By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on tionships, she has spread her influence S. 2577. An act to protect crime victims’ Commerce, Science, and Transportation, to a wide array of countries, cultures, rights, to eliminate the substantial backlog with an amendment in the nature of a sub- and people. of DNA and other forensic evidence samples stitute: Morey Myers is one of the most re- to improve and expand the forensic science S. 2997. A bill to direct the Federal Com- spected lawyers in Pennsylvania, with testing capacity of Federal, State, and local munications Commission to commence pro- crime laboratories, to increase research and decades of legal experience which ceedings related to the resiliency of critical development of new testing technologies, to telecommunications networks during times began with his graduation from the develop new training programs regarding the Yale University School of Law. His ca- of emergency, and for other purposes (Rept. collection and use of forensic evidence, to No. 114–392). reer continued to grow through his provide post-conviction testing of DNA evi- S. 3097. A bill to establish the SelectUSA time as general counsel and remains dence to exonerate the innocent, to support program, and for other purposes (Rept. No. active today as a partner in the Scran- accreditation efforts of forensic science lab- 114–393). ton law firm of Myers, Brier & Kelly oratories and medical examiner officers, to By Mr. GRASSLEY, from the Committee LLP, which he helped to found. He has address training and equipment needs, to im- on the Judiciary: prove the performance of counsel in State Report to accompany S. 2763, a bill to pro- served as adviser and counsel to busi- capital cases, and for other purposes. nesses and governments, leaving his in- vide the victims of Holocaust-era persecu- delible mark on countless lives and The enrolled bill was subsequently tion and their heirs a fair opportunity to re- cover works of art confiscated or misappro- causes. His dedication to the rule of signed by the President pro tempore (Mr. HATCH). priated by the Nazis (Rept. No. 114–394). law and social justice were forged in By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on the 1960s when, during the Civil Rights At 2:44 p.m., a message from the Commerce, Science, and Transportation, movement, he travelled to the South to House of Representatives, delivered by with an amendment in the nature of a sub- stitute: provide legal services for those taking Mrs. Cole, one of its reading clerks, an- on the forces of segregation and rac- S. 421. A bill to amend the Communica- nounced that the House has passed the tions Act of 1934 to provide for greater trans- ism. He has served as consultant to the following bills, without amendment: President’s Commission on Campus Un- parency and efficiency in the procedures fol- S. 795. An act to enhance whistleblower lowed by the Federal Communications Com- rest, Pennsylvania assistant attorney protection for contractor and grantee em- mission, and for other purposes. general, chief counsel to Pennsylva- ployees. By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on nia’s Milk Control Commission, and he S. 3395. An act to require limitations on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, currently serves as a fellow for the prescribed burns. without amendment:

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:48 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06DE6.053 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 S. 1685. A bill to direct the Federal Com- tember 2012, Elizabeth Esty via Friends of INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND munications Commission to extend to pri- Elizabeth Esty; $1,361.15, September 2012, JOINT RESOLUTIONS vate land use restrictions its rule relating to Colorado Democratic Party; $2,333, Sep- reasonable accommodation of amateur serv- tember 2012, Democratic Party of Wisconsin; The following bills and joint resolu- ice communications. $1,944.42, September 2012, Iowa Democratic tions were introduced, read the first By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on Party; $1,944.42, September 2012, Nevada and second times by unanimous con- Commerce, Science, and Transportation, State Democratic Party; $583.31, September sent, and referred as indicated: with an amendment in the nature of a sub- 2012, New Hampshire Democratic Party; By Mr. RUBIO: stitute: $2,500, September 2012, Obama/Biden via S. 2283. A bill to ensure that small business Obama for America; $4,666.72, September S. 3503. A bill to decrease the cost of hir- providers of broadband Internet access serv- 2012, Ohio Democratic Party; $1,000, June ing, and increase the take-home pay of, ice can devote resources to broadband de- 2012, Shelley Adler via Shelley Adler for Con- Puerto Rican workers; to the Committee on ployment rather than compliance with cum- gress; $1,000, June 2012, Elizabeth Esty via Finance. bersome regulatory requirements. Friends of Elizabeth; $2,500, March 2012, Esty By Mr. HATCH (for himself, Mr. By Mr. THUNE, from the Committee on Elizabeth Esty via Friends of Elizabeth Esty. WYDEN, Mr. ISAKSON, and Mr. WAR- Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Linda B. Lakhdhir (Sister-in-law): $2,700, NER): without amendment: June 2015, Hillary Clinton via Hillary for S. 3504. A bill to amend title XVIII of the S. 2508. A bill to reduce sports-related con- America; $2,600, July 2013, Cory Booker via Social Security Act to implement Medicare cussions in youth, and for other purposes. Cory Booker for Senate; $500, April 2013, payment policies designed to improve man- Americans for Responsible Solutions–PAC; agement of chronic disease, streamline care f $5,000, January 2013, Off the Sidelines PAC; coordination, and improve quality outcomes EXECUTIVE REPORTS OF $2,500, October 2012, Obama Victory Fund without adding to the deficit; to the Com- COMMITTEE 2012; $2,500, October 2012, Obama/Biden via mittee on Finance. Obama for America; $1,000, July 2012, Caro- By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. BROWN, The following executive reports of lyn Maloney via Maloney for Congress; Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, and nominations were submitted: $1,000, June 2012, Timothy Kaine via Kaine Mr. BLUMENTHAL): By Mr. CORKER for the Committee on for Virginia; $2,000, February 2012, Demo- S. 3505. A bill to require analysis of various Foreign Relations. cratic Party Committee Abroad; $2,500, Feb- bankruptcy proposals in order to determine * Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, of Connecticut, ruary 2012, Shelley Adler via Shelley Adler whether those proposals would reduce sys- a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Serv- for Congress; $2,500, February 2012, Shelley temic risk and moral hazard, and for other ice, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Ex- Adler via Shelley Adler for Congress; $373, purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- traordinary and Plenipotentiary of the January 2012, Obama Victory Fund 2012; ary. United States of America to Malaysia. 7. Sisters and Spouses: N/A. By Mr. HATCH (for himself and Mr. Nominee: Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir. Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, for the WYDEN): Post: Ambassador to Malaysia. Committee on Foreign Relations I re- S. 3506. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- (The following is a list of all members of port favorably the following nomina- enue Code of 1986 to make technical correc- my immediate family and their spouses. I tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- have asked each of these persons to inform tion lists which were printed in the mittee on Finance. me of the pertinent contributions made by RECORDS on the dates indicated, and By Mr. CORNYN: them. To the best of my knowledge, the in- ask unanimous consent, to save the ex- S. 3507. A bill to extend the waiver of limi- formation contained in this report is com- pense of reprinting on the Executive tations with respect to excluding from gross plete and accurate.) Calendar that these nominations lie at income amounts received by wrongfully in- Contributions, amount, date, and donee: the Secretary’s desk for the informa- carcerated individuals; to the Committee on 1. Self: None. tion of Senators. Finance. 2. Spouse: N/A. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without By Mr. LANKFORD: 3. Children and Spouses Names: N/A. objection, it is so ordered. S. 3508. A bill to prohibit the Secretary of 4. Parents: Ann Hallan Lakhdhir (Mother): Energy and the Administrator of the Envi- * Foreign Service nominations beginning $60.00, March 2015, Democratic National ronmental Protection Agency from consid- with Marva Michelle Butler and ending with Committee (DNC); $50.00, March 2015, Demo- ering the social cost of carbon, the social Adonis Mariano Matos de Mello, which nomi- cratic Congressional Campaign; $38.00, Janu- cost of methane, the social cost of nitrous nations were received by the Senate and ap- ary 2015, Emily’s List; $40.00, January 2015, oxide, or the social cost of any other green- peared in the Congressional Record on No- Democratic National Committee (DNC); house gas in taking any action, and for other vember 15, 2016. $40.00, March 2014, Democratic National purposes; to the Committee on Environment * Foreign Service nominations beginning Committee (DNC); $38.00, January 2014, and Public Works. with Stephen Donald Mull and ending with Emily’s List; $25.00, June 2013, Democratic By Mr. RUBIO: National Committee (DNC); $50.00, January Victoria Jane Nuland, which nominations S. 3509. A bill to impose sanctions with re- 2013, Democratic Congressional Campaign; were received by the Senate and appeared in spect to the People’s Republic of China in re- $25.00, January 2012, Democratic Congres- the Congressional Record on November 29, lation to activities in the South China Sea sional Campaign. 2016. and the East China Sea, and for other pur- 5. Grandparents: Deceased. * Foreign Service nominations beginning poses; to the Committee on Foreign Rela- 6. Brothers and Spouses: David K. with Robert L. Adams and ending with Laura tions. Lakhdhir (Brother): $1,000, March 2016, Katie Ann Griesmer, which nominations were re- By Mr. FLAKE: McGinty for Senate; $300, November 2015, ceived by the Senate and appeared in the Tim Kaine via Kaine for Virginia; $1,600, No- Congressional Record on November 29, 2016. S. 3510. A bill to facilitate the creation of vember 2015, Common Ground PAC; $1,000, * Foreign Service nominations beginning American jobs by immigrant entrepreneurs; October 2015, Charles Schumer via Friends of with Robert Stephen Beecroft and ending to the Committee on the Judiciary. Schumer; $2,000, October 2015, Kaine for Com- with Marie L. Yovanovitch, which nomina- mon Ground; $1,037.95, October 2015, Demo- tions were received by the Senate and ap- f cratic Hope Fund; $1,037.95, October 2015, peared in the Congressional Record on No- Democratic Hope Fund; $1,037.95, October vember 29, 2016. 2015, Democratic Hope Fund; $2,700, June * Foreign Service nominations beginning SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND 2015, Hillary Clinton via Hillary for America; with Tristan J. Allen and ending with Wil- SENATE RESOLUTIONS $1,000, May 2015, Charles Schumer via liam F. Zeman, which nominations were re- The following concurrent resolutions Friends of Schumer; $1,000, April 2015, ceived by the Senate and appeared in the and Senate resolutions were read, and Kamala Harris via Kamala Harris for Senate; Congressional Record on November 29, 2016. $1,000, July 2014, Mark Begich via Alaskans * Foreign Service nominations beginning referred (or acted upon), as indicated: for Begich 2014; $1,500, April 2014, Ready PAC; with Anthony Abba and ending with Michael By Mr. PETERS (for himself and Ms. $2,400, February 2014, Timothy Kaine via David Zgoda, which nominations were re- STABENOW): Kaine for Virginia; $2,600, February 2014, ceived by the Senate and appeared in the S. Res. 631. A resolution celebrating the Timothy Kaine via Kaine for Virginia; $2,600, Congressional Record on November 29, 2016. history of the Detroit River with the 15-year July 2013, Cory Booker via Cory Booker for * Nomination was reported with rec- commemoration of the International Under- Senate; $1,750, October 2012, Democratic ommendation that it be confirmed sub- ground Railroad Memorial Monument, com- Party of Virginia; $2,916.73, September 2012, prised of the Gateway to Freedom Monument Democratic Executive Committee of Florida; ject to the nominee’s commitment to in Detroit, Michigan, and the Tower of Free- $20,000, September 2012, Obama Victory Fund respond to requests to appear and tes- dom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; 2012; $2,500, September 2012, Elizabeth War- tify before any duly constituted com- to the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- ren via Elizabeth for MA INC; $2,500, Sep- mittee of the Senate. sources.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:49 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE6.007 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6759 ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS sponsor of S. 2628, a bill to authorize the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. S. 299 the National Emergency Medical Serv- HEINRICH), the Senator from Minnesota At the request of Mr. FLAKE, the ices Memorial Foundation to establish (Ms. KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from name of the Senator from Idaho (Mr. a commemorative work in the District Massachusetts (Mr. MARKEY) and the CRAPO) was added as a cosponsor of S. of Columbia and its environs, and for Senator from Maine (Mr. KING) were 299, a bill to allow travel between the other purposes. added as cosponsors of S. 2989, a bill to United States and Cuba. S. 2649 award a Congressional Gold Medal, col- lectively, to the United States mer- S. 440 At the request of Mr. ROUNDS, the name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. chant mariners of World War II, in rec- At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the ognition of their dedicated and vital name of the Senator from Indiana (Mr. DONNELLY) was added as a cosponsor of S. 2649, a bill to modify the treatment service during World War II. DONNELLY) was added as a cosponsor of S. 440, a bill to amend the Internal of the costs of health care furnished S. 3065 Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for an under section 101 of the Veterans Ac- At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the exclusion for assistance provided to cess, Choice, and Accountability Act of names of the Senator from Delaware participants in certain veterinary stu- 2014 to veterans covered by health-plan (Mr. CARPER) and the Senator from dent loan repayment or forgiveness. contracts. Washington (Ms. CANTWELL) were S. 2763 added as cosponsors of S. 3065, a bill to S. 1473 At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the amend parts B and E of title IV of the At the request of Mr. MARKEY, the Social Security Act to invest in fund- name of the Senator from Pennsyl- name of the Senator from New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- ing prevention and family services to vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- help keep children safe and supported sponsor of S. 1473, a bill to authorize sponsor of S. 2763, a bill to provide the at home, to ensure that children in fos- the appropriation of funds to the Cen- victims of Holocaust-era persecution ter care are placed in the least restric- ters for Disease Control and Prevention and their heirs a fair opportunity to re- tive, most family-like, and appropriate for conducting or supporting research cover works of art confiscated or mis- settings, and for other purposes. on firearms safety or gun violence pre- appropriated by the Nazis. S. 3142 vention. S. 2858 At the request of Mr. FRANKEN, the At the request of Ms. BALDWIN, the S. 1605 name of the Senator from New York name of the Senator from Michigan At the request of Mr. CARDIN, the (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor name of the Senator from Michigan sponsor of S. 2858, a bill to amend part of S. 3142, a bill to require reporting on (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor D of title XVIII of the Social Security acts of certain foreign countries on of S. 1605, a bill to amend the Millen- Act to require the Secretary of Health Holocaust era assets and related issues. nium Challenge Act of 2003 to authorize and Human Services to negotiate for S. 3237 concurrent compacts for purposes of re- lower prices for Medicare prescription At the request of Mr. HATCH, the gional economic integration and cross- drugs. names of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. border collaborations, and for other HELLER) and the Senator from New purposes. S. 2957 At the request of Mr. NELSON, the Jersey (Mr. BOOKER) were added as co- S. 1831 names of the Senator from Missouri sponsors of S. 3237, a bill to amend the At the request of Mr. TOOMEY, the (Mr. BLUNT), the Senator from Min- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to re- name of the Senator from Michigan nesota (Mr. FRANKEN), the Senator form the low-income housing credit, (Ms. STABENOW) was added as a cospon- from Pennsylvania (Mr. CASEY), the and for other purposes. sor of S. 1831, a bill to revise section 48 Senator from Massachusetts (Mr. MAR- S. 3256 of title 18, United States Code, and for KEY), the Senator from Maine (Mr. At the request of Mr. DURBIN, the other purposes. KING), the Senator from Washington names of the Senator from Washington S. 1911 (Ms. CANTWELL), the Senator from New (Mrs. MURRAY), the Senator from New At the request of Ms. COLLINS, the Mexico (Mr. UDALL), the Senator from Jersey (Mr. BOOKER) and the Senator names of the Senator from Washington New York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND), the Sen- from Maryland (Mr. CARDIN) were (Ms. CANTWELL), the Senator from ator from Virginia (Mr. KAINE), the added as cosponsors of S. 3256, a bill to Florida (Mr. NELSON), the Senator from Senator from Illinois (Mr. DURBIN), the amend the Foreign Assistance Act of Massachusetts (Ms. WARREN) and the Senator from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN), the 1961 to provide assistance for devel- Senator from Michigan (Mr. PETERS) Senator from California (Mrs. BOXER), oping countries to promote quality were added as cosponsors of S. 1911, a the Senator from Maine (Ms. COLLINS), basic education and to establish the bill to implement policies to end pre- the Senator from Rhode Island (Mr. goal of all children in school and learn- ventable maternal, newborn, and child WHITEHOUSE), the Senator from Hawaii ing as an objective of the United States deaths globally. (Ms. HIRONO), the Senator from New foreign assistance policy, and for other S. 2085 Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN), the Sen- purposes. At the request of Mr. PORTMAN, the ator from New Mexico (Mr. HEINRICH), S. 3328 name of the Senator from Arkansas the Senator from Delaware (Mr. CAR- At the request of Mr. BLUMENTHAL, (Mr. BOOZMAN) was added as a cospon- PER), the Senator from Delaware (Mr. the name of the Senator from Delaware sor of S. 2085, a bill to clarify that non- COONS), the Senator from New Jersey (Mr. COONS) was added as a cosponsor profit organizations such as Habitat for (Mr. BOOKER), the Senator from Michi- of S. 3328, a bill to amend title 38, Humanity may accept donated mort- gan (Ms. STABENOW) and the Senator United States Code, to reform the gage appraisals, and for other purposes. from Oklahoma (Mr. INHOFE) were rights and processes relating to appeals S. 2268 added as cosponsors of S. 2957, a bill to of decisions regarding claims for bene- At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the require the Secretary of the Treasury fits under the laws administered by the name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. to mint commemorative coins in rec- Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor ognition of the 50th anniversary of the other purposes. of S. 2268, a bill to award a Congres- first manned landing on the Moon. S. 3353 sional Gold Medal to the United States S. 2989 At the request of Mr. SCOTT, the Army Dust Off crews of the Vietnam At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the name of the Senator from Virginia (Mr. War, collectively, in recognition of names of the Senator from Louisiana WARNER) was added as a cosponsor of S. their extraordinary heroism and life- (Mr. VITTER), the Senator from Kansas 3353, a bill to amend title 31, United saving actions in Vietnam. (Mr. ROBERTS), the Senator from Lou- States Code, to prohibit the Internal S. 2628 isiana (Mr. CASSIDY), the Senator from Revenue Service from carrying out sei- At the request of Mr. COONS, the Florida (Mr. RUBIO), the Senator from zures relating to a structuring trans- name of the Senator from Massachu- West Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO), the Sen- action unless the property to be seized setts (Mr. MARKEY) was added as a co- ator from Maryland (Ms. MIKULSKI), derived from an illegal source or the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:48 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE6.012 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 funds were structured for the purpose One of the many lessons that we Lastly, my legislation directs our fi- of concealing the violation of another learned from the financial crisis is that nancial regulators and experts to do criminal law or regulation, to require reckless Wall Street behavior can have the necessary homework to justify pro- notice and a post-seizure hearing for devastating consequences on middle posed changes to the Bankruptcy Code. such seizures, and for other purposes. class Americans, too many of whom Some proposed changes have drawn S. 3447 lost their jobs, their nest eggs, and praise, and others have drawn concern. At the request of Mr. SULLIVAN, the their homes. Statistics bear this out. For example, should Wall Street banks names of the Senator from Michigan Nationally, over 750,000 jobs per month still be able to cut to the front of the (Mr. PETERS) and the Senator from were lost between January and April line and take more than their fair Texas (Mr. CORNYN) were added as co- 2009. In Rhode Island, over 1,800 jobs share, while ordinary creditors, such as sponsors of S. 3447, a bill to direct the per month were lost during this same employees and customers, have to wait Secretary of the Army to place in Ar- period. The Dow Jones Industrial Aver- in the back of the line? When a jumbo lington National Cemetery a memorial age dropped from an average of 13,677.89 bank gets in trouble, why should those honoring the helicopter pilots and crew in July 2007 to an average of 7,235.47 in customers who place the riskiest bets, members of the Vietnam era, and for March 2009, resulting in a 47.1 percent such as large Wall Street hedge funds, other purposes. loss for many families who for years get paid back in full while ordinary S. 3486 had set aside hard earned paychecks customers may not get paid back at At the request of Mr. WARNER, the for emergencies, college tuitions, and all? Should shareholders be prevented name of the Senator from Maine (Mr. retirements. Nationwide, there were from holding the mega bank’s board of KING) was added as a cosponsor of S. nearly 7.5 million home foreclosures directors accountable for most actions, 3486, a bill to amend chapter 31 of title and short sales between July 2007 and when a mega bank files for bank- 5, United States Code, to establish in November 2014. Unfortunately, the im- ruptcy? Is it really possible for a tril- statute the Presidential Innovation pacts remain to this day for some of lion-dollar jumbo bank to be processed Fellows Program. our neighbors in Rhode Island and through bankruptcy safely in just 48 S.J. RES. 40 throughout the country as they con- hours without hurting our economy? Is At the request of Mr. BOOZMAN, the tinue to look for a decent paying job or it fair that ordinary creditors, such as name of the Senator from Michigan are faced with gut-wrenching financial small businesses, who are owed their (Mr. PETERS) was added as a cosponsor decisions like whether to turn the heat hard earned dollars, would be given vir- of S.J. Res. 40, a joint resolution ap- off or to skip feeding the family an- tually no notice of a mega bank’s proving the location of a memorial to other day just to make ends meet. bankruptcy, making it nearly impos- commemorate and honor the members That lesson of how many of our sible for them to fight for their rights? of the Armed Forces that served on ac- neighbors suffered due to the sins of These are important, incredibly com- tive duty in support of Operation the rich and powerful seems to be fad- plex, questions that need thorough an- Desert Storm or Operation Desert ing for some of my colleagues. Indeed, swers. Many of my colleagues have Shield. there appears to be an effort to further called for greater deliberation and S. RES. 615 rig the system in favor of elites, this analysis before enacting legislation. At the request of Mr. CASEY, the time through the Bankruptcy code. We My legislation heeds this call. Let’s name of the Senator from Connecticut must stop this effort cold in its tracks. take a moment to ensure that we’ve (Mr. MURPHY) was added as a cosponsor Before we make changes to the Bank- really done our homework so that we of S. Res. 615, a resolution expressing ruptcy code, we should ensure that a can all be confident that we’re really support for the designation of Novem- thorough analysis is conducted so we accomplishing what we’re aiming to ber 16, 2016, as ‘‘American Special have facts at hand. If anything, we do: making our financial system safer Hockey Day’’. should be seeking to restore fairness and restoring fairness and balance to AMENDMENT NO. 5130 and balance to the Bankruptcy code, the Bankruptcy Code, especially for At the request of Mr. MANCHIN, the and this is what my legislation strives hardworking ordinary Americans. names of the Senator from Virginia for. I thank Senator BROWN, Senator (Mr. WARNER) and the Senator from Specifically, my bill directs the Fi- MERKLEY, Senator WHITEHOUSE, and Pennsylvania (Mr. CASEY) were added nancial Stability Oversight Council Senator BLUMENTHAL for joining me in as cosponsors of amendment No. 5130 and the Office of Financial Research to introducing the Bankruptcy Fairness intended to be proposed to H.R. 34, a do two things: work hand in hand with Act. I also thank the U.S. Department bill to authorize and strengthen the the Administrative Office of the United of the Treasury, Americans for Finan- tsunami detection, forecast, warning, States Courts and the Executive Office cial Reform, Harvard Law School Pro- research, and mitigation program of for United States Trustees to ensure fessor Mark Roe, Delaware Law School the National Oceanic and Atmospheric that bankruptcy judges have, on an on- Professor Bruce Grohsgal, and MIT Administration, and for other pur- going basis, the necessary financial ex- Professor Simon Johnson for their sup- poses. pertise to oversee the orderly resolu- port. I urge our colleagues to join us in f tion of a failed mega bank; and update pressing for action on this legislation. the Administrative Office of the United STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED States Courts’ post-crisis review of the By Mr. HATCH (for himself and BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS Bankruptcy Code’s ability to resolve Mr. WYDEN): By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. complex financial institutions and S. 3506. A bill to amend the Internal BROWN, Mr. MERKLEY, Mr. make recommendations to Congress re- Revenue Code of 1986 to make technical WHITEHOUSE, and Mr. garding changes that would strengthen corrections, and for other purposes; to BLUMENTHAL): financial stability in the United the Committee on Finance. S. 3505. A bill to require analysis of States. Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, the Tax various bankruptcy proposals in order Second, my legislation permits the Technical Corrections Act of 2016 to determine whether those proposals federal agencies that supervise large makes tax technical corrections and would reduce systemic risk and moral complex financial institutions to offer other corrections including clerical hazard, and for other purposes; to the their advice and expertise to the bank- and deadwood-related corrections. The Committee on the Judiciary. ruptcy court whenever a mega bank bill revises and updates S. 2775, the Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am files for bankruptcy. This is important Technical Corrections Act of 2016, introducing the Bankruptcy Fairness because these Federal agencies can as- which was introduced on April 11, 2016. Act, with the goals of bolstering finan- sist the court in deciphering complex Ranking Member WYDEN and I have cial stability in the United States and financial products while also providing asked the nonpartisan Joint Com- requiring the necessary analysis to as- the court with an independent assess- mittee on Taxation to make available sess the consequences of potential ment of how the court’s decisions could to the public a technical explanation of changes we might make in the future affect financial stability in the United the bill, JCX–91–16. The technical ex- to the Bankruptcy Code. States. planation expresses the Committee’s

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:48 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE6.013 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S6761 understanding and legislative intent with an international memorial to the Un- gible individuals who are enrolled under a behind this important legislation. It is derground Railroad, comprised of the Tower prescription drug plan or under an MA–PD available on the Joint Committee’s of Freedom Monument in Windsor, Ontario, plan. website at www.jct.gov. and the Gateway to Freedom Monument in ‘‘(2) NO CHANGE IN RULES FOR Detroit, Michigan; FORMULARIES.— By Mr. CORNYN: Whereas the deep roots that slaves, refu- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Nothing in paragraph (1) S. 3507. A bill to extend the waiver of gees, and immigrants who reached Canada shall be construed to authorize the Secretary from the United States created in Canadian to establish or require a particular for- limitations with respect to excluding society are a tribute to the determination of mulary. from gross income amounts received by the descendants of those slaves, refugees, ‘‘(B) CONSTRUCTION.—Subparagraph (A) wrongfully incarcerated individuals; to and immigrants to safeguard the history of shall not be construed as affecting the Sec- the Committee on Finance. the struggles and endurance of their fore- retary’s authority to ensure appropriate and Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask bears; adequate access to covered part D drugs unanimous consent that the text of the Whereas the observance of the 15-year com- under prescription drug plans and under MA– bill be printed in the RECORD. memoration of the International Under- PD plans, including compliance of such plans There being no objection, the text of ground Railroad Memorial Monument was with formulary requirements under section the bill was ordered to be printed in celebrated during the month of October 2016; 1860D–4(b)(3). Whereas the International Underground ‘‘(3) CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sub- the RECORD, as follows: Railroad Memorial Monument represents a section shall be construed as preventing the S. 3507 cooperative international partnership dedi- sponsor of a prescription drug plan, or an or- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- cated to education and research with the ganization offering an MA–PD plan, from ob- resentatives of the United States of America in goal of promoting cross-border under- taining a discount or reduction of the price Congress assembled, standing, economic development, and cul- for a covered part D drug below the price ne- SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF WAIVER OF LIMITA- tural heritage tourism; gotiated under paragraph (1).’’. TIONS WITH RESPECT TO EXCLUD- Whereas over the course of history, the (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment ING FROM GROSS INCOME AMOUNTS United States has become a symbol of de- RECEIVED BY WRONGFULLY INCAR- made by subsection (a) shall take effect on CERATED INDIVIDUALS. mocracy and freedom around the world; and the date of the enactment of this Act and Whereas the legacy of African-Americans (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 304(d) of the Pro- shall first apply to negotiations and prices and their fight for freedom is interwoven tecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of for plan years beginning on January 1, 2017. 2015 is amended by striking ‘‘1-year’’ and in- with the fabric of democracy and freedom in serting ‘‘2-year’’. the United States: Now, therefore, be it SEC. ll. PRESCRIPTION DRUG IMPORTATION. Resolved, That the Senate— (b) TECHNICAL CORRECTION.—Section 304(d) (a) IMPORTATION BY PHARMACISTS AND (1) celebrates the history of the Detroit of such Act is amended by striking ‘‘applica- WHOLESALERS.—Section 804(b) of the Federal tion of this Act’’ and inserting ‘‘application River with a 15-year commemoration of the International Underground Railroad Memo- Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. of this section’’. 384(b)) is amended by striking ‘‘The Sec- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments rial Monument, comprised of the Gateway to retary,’’ and inserting ‘‘The Secretary, not made by this section shall take effect as if Freedom Monument in Detroit, Michigan, included in section 304 of the Protecting and the Tower of Freedom Monument in later than January 1, 2017,’’. Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. Windsor, Ontario, Canada; and (b) IMPORTATION BY INDIVIDUALS.— f (2) supports the official recognition, by na- (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 804 of the Federal tional and international entities, of the De- Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 384) SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS troit River as an area of historic importance is amended— to the history of the Underground Railroad (A) in subsection (f), by striking ‘‘within and the fight for freedom in North America. Canada’’; SENATE RESOLUTION 631—CELE- f (B) in subsection (j)— BRATING THE HISTORY OF THE AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND (i) in paragraph (1), in the matter pre- DETROIT RIVER WITH THE 15- PROPOSED ceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘from YEAR COMMEMORATION OF THE countries other than Canada’’ after ‘‘de- INTERNATIONAL UNDERGROUND SA 5138. Mr. SANDERS submitted an vices’’; and RAILROAD MEMORIAL MONU- amendment intended to be proposed by (ii) in paragraph (3)— MENT, COMPRISED OF THE him to the bill H.R. 34, to authorize (I) in the heading, by striking ‘‘FROM CAN- ADA’’ and inserting ‘‘FROM COUNTRIES OTHER GATEWAY TO FREEDOM MONU- and strengthen the tsunami detection, THAN CANADA’’; and MENT IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN, forecast, warning, research, and miti- gation program of the National Oce- (II) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘from AND THE TOWER OF FREEDOM Canada,’’; and MONUMENT IN WINDSOR, ON- anic and Atmospheric Administration, (C) by striking subsection (l) and inserting TARIO, CANADA and for other purposes; which was or- the following: dered to lie on the table. Mr. PETERS (for himself and Ms. ‘‘(l) IMPORTATION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS f STABENOW) submitted the following FROM CANADA.—Individuals may import from resolution; which was referred to the TEXT OF AMENDMENTS Canada any prescription drug that meets the Committee on Energy and Natural Re- SA 5138. Mr. SANDERS submitted an requirements of subparagraphs (A) through sources: amendment intended to be proposed by (F) of subsection (j)(3).’’. (2) REGULATIONS.—Not later than January S. RES. 631 him to the bill H.R. 34, to authorize and strengthen the tsunami detection, 1, 2017, the Secretary of Health and Human Whereas millions of Africans and their de- Services shall promulgate regulations with scendants were enslaved in the United States forecast, warning, research, and miti- respect to subsection (l) of section 804 of the and the American colonies from 1619 through gation program of the National Oce- Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 1865; anic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S.C. 384) (as amended by paragraph (1)(B)). Whereas Africans forced into slavery were and for other purposes; which was or- (3) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments torn from their families and loved ones and dered to lie on the table; as follows: made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on stripped of their names and heritage; At the appropriate place in division A, in- the effective date of the final regulations Whereas the faith and strength of char- sert the following: promulgated in accordance with paragraph acter demonstrated by former slaves and the SEC. lll. NEGOTIATION OF LOWER COVERED (2). descendants of former slaves are an example PART D DRUG PRICES ON BEHALF (c) FDASIA AMENDMENT.—Subsection (c) of for all people of the United States, regardless OF MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES. section 708 of the Food and Drug Administra- of background, religion, or race; (a) NEGOTIATION BY SECRETARY.—Section tion Safety and Innovation Act (Public Law Whereas tens of thousands of people of Af- 1860D–11 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 112–144; 126 Stat. 1068) is amended by striking rican descent bravely and silently escaped 1395w–111) is amended by striking subsection ‘‘The amendment made by’’ and all that fol- their chains to follow the perilous Under- (i) (relating to noninterference) and insert- ground Railroad northward towards freedom ing the following: lows through the period at the end and in- in Canada; ‘‘(i) NEGOTIATION OF LOWER DRUG PRICES.— serting ‘‘The amendment made by subsection Whereas the Detroit River played a central ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any (a) and the regulations promulgated under role for these passengers of the Underground other provision of law, the Secretary shall subsection (b) shall apply beginning on the Railroad on their way to freedom; negotiate with pharmaceutical manufactur- effective date of the regulations promulgated Whereas in October 2001, the City of De- ers the prices (including discounts, rebates, under section 804(b) of the Federal Food, troit, Michigan, joined with Windsor and and other price concessions) that may be Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 384(b)) and Essex Counties in Ontario, Canada, to memo- charged to PDP sponsors and MA organiza- the amendments made by section 201(b) of rialize the courage of these freedom seekers tions for covered part D drugs for part D eli- the 21st Century Cures Act.’’.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:49 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A06DE6.017 S06DEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with SENATE S6762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE December 6, 2016 AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO vidual to serve as a member of the METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS MEET United States-China Economic Secu- AUTHORITY Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I have rity Review Commission: Robin Cleve- RICHARD A. KENNEDY, OF PENNSYLVANIA, TO BE A land of Virginia, for a term beginning MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE METRO- four requests for committees to meet POLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY FOR A during today’s session of the Senate. January 1, 2017, and expiring December TERM EXPIRING MAY 30, 2022. (REAPPOINTMENT) 31, 2018. They have approval of the Majority LEGAL SERVICES CORPORATION The Chair announces, on behalf of and Minority leaders. REBECCA EMILY RAPP, OF WISCONSIN, TO BE A MEM- the majority leader, pursuant to the BER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE LEGAL SERV- Pursuant to Rule XXVI, paragraph ICES CORPORATION FOR A TERM EXPIRING JULY 13, 2019, provisions of Public Law 114–224, the VICE SHARON L. BROWNE, RESIGNED. 5(a), of the Standing Rules of the Sen- appointment of the following individ- DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ate, the following committees are au- uals to serve as members of the Virgin thorized to meet during today’s session THOMAS J. MURPHY, OF COLORADO, TO BE UNDER SEC- Islands of the United States Centennial RETARY FOR BENEFITS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VET- of the Senate: Commission: the Honorable LISA MUR- ERANS AFFAIRS, VICE ALLISON A. HICKEY, RESIGNED. COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES KOWSKI of Alaska and the Honorable IN THE AIR FORCE The Committee on Armed Services is MARCO RUBIO of Florida. THE FOLLOWING AIR NATIONAL GUARD OF THE UNITED authorized to meet during the session f STATES OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE RESERVE of the Senate on December 6, 2016, at OF THE AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED UNDER ORDER OF PROCEDURE TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 12203 AND 12212: 9:30 a.m. To be brigadier general Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I ask COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS COL. JEFFERY D. AEBISCHER The Committee on Foreign Relations unanimous consent that notwith- COL. NATHAN B. ALHOLINNA is authorized to meet during the ses- standing rule XXII, postcloture time COL. BORIS R. ARMSTRONG with respect to the motion to concur in COL. KIMBERLY A. BAUMANN sion of the Senate on December 6, 2016, COL. ROBERT L. BELL the House amendment to the Senate COL. DONALD R. BEVIS, JR. at 2:30 p.m. amendment to H.R. 34 expire at 2 p.m. COL. SHAWN N. BRATTON SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE COL. JEFFREY L. BUTLER on Wednesday, December 7; further, I COL. MICHAEL E. CALLAHAN The Select Committee on Intel- COL. KEVIN J. CAMPBELL ask that if cloture is invoked on the COL. THOMAS S. CAUTHEN ligence is authorized to meet during conference report to accompany S. COL. LAWRENCE L. CHRISTENSEN the session of the Senate on December 2943, that the postcloture time be COL. SHAWN A. CLOUTHIER COL. GERALD K. COLMER, JR. 6, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. in room SH–219 of counted as if cloture had been invoked COL. DARWIN L. CRAIG the Hart Senate Office Building. at 1 a.m. on Wednesday, December 7. COL. ROBERT C. DESKO COL. JOHN R. DIDONNA, JR. SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIME AND TERRORISM The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without COL. KEVIN M. DONOVAN The Committee on the Judiciary, objection, it is so ordered. COL. BOBBI J. DOORENBOS COL. DAVID M. DZIOBKOWSKI Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism f COL. RANDAL K. EFFERSON is authorized to meet during the ses- COL. HOWARD L. EISSLER III ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, COL. SHAWN D. FORD sion of the Senate on December 6, 2016, DECEMBER 7, 2016 COL. JED J. FRENCH at 2:30 p.m., in room SD–226 of the COL. DANIEL E. GABRIELLI Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, I ask COL. MARK P. GAUL Dirksen Senate Office Building, to con- COL. RAINER G. GOMEZ duct a hearing entitled ‘‘Ensuring Inde- unanimous consent that when the Sen- COL. PATRICK M. GUINEE ate completes its business today, it ad- COL. PENNY C. HODGES–GOETZ pendence: Are Additional Firewalls COL. JEREMY C. HORN journ until 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, De- Needed to Protect Congressional Over- COL. CASSANDRA D. HOWARD cember 7; that following the prayer and COL. PAUL D. JOHNSON sight Staff from Retaliatory Criminal COL. EDWARD S. JONES pledge, the morning hour be deemed Referrals?’’ COL. GARY W. KIRK expired, the Journal of proceedings be COL. HEIDI L. KJOS f COL. MEAGHAN Q. LECLERC approved to date, and the time for the COL. GREGOR J. LEIST two leaders be reserved for their use COL. SUZANNE B. LIPCAMAN PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR COL. PAUL S. LYMAN later in the day; further, that following COL. KEITH G. MACDONALD Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I ask leader remarks, the Senate resume COL. ROLF E. MAMMEN unanimous consent that Megan How- COL. GERALD E. MCDONALD consideration of the House message to COL. CHRISTOPHER G. MCGRAW ard, a fellow with Senator MURRAY’s accompany H.R. 34 postcloture; finally, COL. MICHAEL R. MORGAN HELP Committee staff, be granted COL. REBECCA L. O’CONNOR that the time from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. COL. JEFFREY L. RYAN floor privileges for the remainder of tomorrow be reserved for tributes to COL. JON S. SAFSTROM the 114th Congress. the President of the Senate. COL. WILLIAM L. SPARROW COL. JAMES R. STEVENSON, JR. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without COL. JEFFREY D. STOREY objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. COL. BRYAN J. TEFF COL. EDWARD L. VAUGHAN IV Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask f COL. APRIL D. VOGEL unanimous consent that my intern, COL. CHARLES M. WALKER PROGRAM COL. CHRISTOPHER S. WALKER Emma Peterson, be granted privileges COL. DAVID B. WALKER of the floor for the balance of the day. Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, Sen- COL. DAVID A. WEISHAAR ators should expect votes in relation to COL. WENDY B. WENKE The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without COL. GREGORY T. WHITE objection, it is so ordered. the 21st Century Cures legislation as COL. JEFFREY J. WIEGAND well as the conference report to accom- COL. BRENT W. WRIGHT Mr. BLUNT. Mr. President, I ask COL. WILLIAM T. YATES unanimous consent that the military pany the National Defense Authoriza- COL. DANIEL S. YENCHESKY fellow from our office, MAJ Andy An- tion Act beginning at 2 p.m. tomorrow. IN THE ARMY derson, be given floor privileges for the f THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT consideration of H.R. 34. TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. NURSE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 AND The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without TOMORROW 3064: objection, it is so ordered. To be major Mr. GARDNER. Mr. President, if f there is no further business to come be- CHRISTOPHER K. BERTHOLD THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENTS fore the Senate, I ask unanimous con- TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY sent that it stand adjourned under the UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: The PRESIDING OFFICER. The previous order. To be major Chair announces, on behalf of the ma- There being no objection, the Senate, SETH C. LYDEM jority leader, pursuant to the provi- at 6:54 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT sions of Public Law 106–398, as amended day, December 7, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY by Public Law 108–7, and in consulta- UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 624: f tion with the chairmen of the Senate To be major Committee on Armed Services and the NOMINATIONS JAMES ROBINSON, JR. Senate Committee on Finance, the re- THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT Executive nominations received by TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY appointment of the following indi- the Senate: UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C. SECTION 624:

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RECOGNIZING THE NORTHWEST IN- ents alongside the orchestra. Well-known HONORING THE FAIRFIELD AREA DIANA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S names in music, such as Benny Goodman, HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ SOCCER 75TH ANNIVERSARY Dizzy Gillespie, Doc Severinsen and the To- TEAM night Show Band, and Roger Williams, have HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY performed as guest artists over the years. HON. SCOTT PERRY OF PENNSYLVANIA OF INDIANA For the last 75 years, the Northwest Indiana IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Symphony Orchestra has entertained and en- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Tuesday, December 6, 2016 chanted audiences with their executions of Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with both classical and contemporary music. Their Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I proudly great respect and admiration that I rise to rec- faithful devotion to promoting the arts in North- honor my constituents, the Fairfield Area High ognize the Northwest Indiana Symphony Or- west Indiana has provided accessibility to cul- School Girls’ Soccer team, for earning the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Associa- chestra upon its 75th anniversary. In honor of tural and enriching opportunities for excep- this momentous occasion, the Northwest Indi- tion Class 1A championship. These young tional musical performances to all local resi- women have brought home the first state team ana Symphony Orchestra is hosting a com- dents. memorative gala that will feature its signature sports title in Fairfield’s history. Holiday Pops concert on Thursday, December Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distin- The Green Knights defeated District VII 8, 2016 at the Star Plaza Theatre in guished colleagues to join me in congratu- Champion, Shady Side, in a 9–4 victory at Merrillville, Indiana. lating and celebrating the Northwest Indiana Hersheypark Stadium on November 18, 2016. The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra Symphony Orchestra on its 75th anniversary. The Green Knights finished the season with a 25–1 record and scored 27 goals in four state humbly originated in 1941 as a vision from Northwest Indiana is grateful and proud to be playoff games, including two nine-goal per- cello instructor Arthur Zack, who hailed from home to the brilliantly talented members of Gary, Indiana. Using the Gary Post-Tribune as formances. this organization, and for their outstanding For a team from a small community, the a means to recruit performers, Zack led twen- gifts, leadership, and service, these members ty-six musicians for the group’s first rehearsal. Green Knights had an army of loyal sup- are worthy of the highest praise. From this foundation, the roster flourished, porters. I extend my congratulations to head and the first concert was performed on De- coach Phomma Phanhthy, and the school offi- cember 7, 1941, at Seaman Hall of City Meth- f cials, family and friends who supported these odist Church in Gary. Regrettably, news of the young women on this incredible journey. HONORING GARY A. ROSEMA, OT- On behalf of Pennsylvania’s Fourth Con- attack on Pearl Harbor was received prior to TAWA COUNTY SHERIFF, ON HIS the start of the performance, which prompted gressional District, I commend and congratu- RETIREMENT Zack to open the concert with a heart-felt ren- late the Fairfield Area High School Girls’ Soc- dition of ‘‘The Star-Spangled Banner’’ on the cer team on the hard work and dedication that piano. With reverence to the importance of led to their 2016 State Championship. that decision, the Northwest Indiana Sym- HON. BILL HUIZENGA f phony Orchestra will commence its 75th anni- OF MICHIGAN HONORING MOTHER IRENE L. versary concert with the national anthem. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GARY While remaining with the organization for several more years, Zack’s perseverance and Tuesday, December 6, 2016 HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON energy helped shape and establish the group, OF MISSISSIPPI then known as the Gary Symphony. Over the Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years, its musicians have delighted audiences rise today to congratulate my friend, Sheriff with their performances at various churches Gary Rosema, on his retirement from the Ot- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 and schools throughout Northwest Indiana. In tawa County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- 1972, the members reorganized as the North- After graduating from the FBI National er, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, west Indiana Symphony Orchestra and contin- Mrs. Irene L. Gary. Academy, Gary Rosema began his career in ued to host concerts at area high schools. Mrs. Irene L. Gary affectionately known as The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra law enforcement in 1973 as a patrol officer for ‘‘Julie’’ was born on September 5, 1930 in held its first performance at the Star Plaza the Coopersville Police Department. One year Goodman, Mississippi to the late Ozzie Lloyd Theatre in September of 1981, the same later, he joined the Ottawa County Sheriff’s and Essie Long. She received her general venue at which the outstanding musicians per- Department as a deputy and achieved the education from the Georgeville Community. formed their first concert in November of 1982. rank of detective in 1981. In 1993, Gary She served as a cook for Holmes Community The following year, the Northwest Indiana Rosema was elected to serve as Ottawa College which she loved doing for many Symphony Orchestra branded the Star Plaza County’s sheriff. years. Throughout her career she served in Theatre as its home concert hall, although the capacity for other businesses until retire- Sheriff Rosema has dedicated his career to they still remained true to their roots by per- ment. forming at other local venues in the commu- providing the highest quality law enforcement Irene’s spiritual life began when she joined nity, including a series of outdoor concerts. service to the residents and communities in Georgeville United Methodist Church in Good- The Northwest Indiana Symphony is now Ottawa County. His relentless work for the man, Mississippi. She relocated to Lexington, comprised of the Northwest Indiana Symphony community includes serving as chairman of Mississippi where she began to worship at St. Orchestra, the Northwest Indiana Symphony Michigan’s Council on Law Enforcement and John C.M.E. Church under the pastorage of Youth Orchestra, the Northwest Indiana Sym- Criminal Justice Initiatives and Chair of the the late Rev. Larry Blackmon. Later in life she phony Chorus, and the Women’s Association. Operations Board of Directors for the West joined the Union Grove Missionary Baptist The Orchestra takes pride in its dedication to Michigan Enforcement Team, which is a multi- Church under the pastorage of Rev. Edward encouraging youth to broaden their knowledge jurisdictional drug enforcement task force. Charles Pitchford where she served faithfully and appreciation of music through educational until her health began to decline. Because of programs. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Second Dis- her spirit of serving others, she was chosen by Since its inception, scores of distinguished trict of Michigan, we thank Sheriff Gary her pastor to be a part of the Mother’s Board. and renowned musicians and entertainers Rosema for his 43 years of service to West She loved her church, her pastor and his fam- from around the world have featured their tal- Michigan and to our nation. ily. Irene was a unique individual; you had to

∑ 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 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K06DE8.001 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1594 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2016 know her to understand her and to understand Ministry at Holy Spirit Church to help those over Fire Department in Pennsylvania on its her was to love her. who need rides to medical appointments or 200th Anniversary. Irene departed her natural life on August 1, procedures. The entirely volunteer group pro- The collective accomplishments of the staff 2016. Her parents, Ozzie Lloyd and Essie vides a service that makes a difference in the and volunteers of the Hanover Fire Depart- Long, her loving sister, Eva Smart, and her everyday lives of members in the community. ment truly are exceptional. Over the last 200 niece, Carolyn Smart, all preceded her in Boy Scout Troop 1965. In the past year, the years, the Department’s men and women death. Fond memories of her will forever re- 40 Scouts of Troop 1965 have collectively helped to save countless lives and properties, main with her children: Virginia Brown and completed more than 800 hours of service and have made the Hanover area a safer and George Gary; a grandson whom she reared projects ranging from conservation projects to better place in which to live and work. as her own, Donald Gary, all of Lexington, construction projects throughout the area. The On behalf of Pennsylvania’s Fourth Con- MS; two very dedicated friends Gloria Remus members of Troop 1965 continue to serve gressional District, I thank and congratulate and Ruthie Marshall of Lexington, MS; five those around them and the greater Braddock the Hanover Fire Department on its 200th An- grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; three District. niversary and wish them continued great suc- great-great grandchildren; a God grand- Staff, Volunteers and Friends of Kings Park cess and service in the years to come. daughter, Sade Melton; nieces, nephews, Library. With the closure of Pohick Library for f cousins, and neighbors whom she loved; fam- renovation, the Kings Park Library has seen RECOGNIZING DEBBIE SHEDDEN ily and friends. an exponential increase in usage. The dedi- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me cated staff, volunteers, and friends of Kings in recognizing Mrs. Irene L. Gary, for her dedi- Park Library have worked together to meet the HON. DAVID P. ROE cation to the community. increased demand without sacrificing service, OF TENNESSEE f making Kings Park one of the most cherished IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES libraries in the county. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 COMMENDING THE 2016 BEST OF Friends of Oak Hill Park. Instead of sitting BRADDOCK RECIPIENTS Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I rise back and waiting for someone else to solve a today to recognize Debbie Shedden who is community problem, the Friends of Oak Hill the current President of the Tennessee School HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Park took matters into their own hands. They Boards Association. Debbie has been active at OF VIRGINIA united the communities surrounding Oak Hill the local, state, and national levels of edu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Park and launched extensive clean-up and cation for several years. She was named the Tuesday, December 6, 2016 restoration projects, transforming it into a wel- Tennessee School Board Member of the Year coming parkland for all to enjoy. Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- in 2011 and received the Premier Ambassador SPECIAL RECOGNITION ognize the recipients of the 2016 Best of Brad- Award from Tennessee School Boards Asso- dock Awards, presented by the Braddock Dis- Paula McKinley, Olde Forge/Surrey Square ciation in 2013 and 2014. In 2016 Tennessee trict Council of Community Associations. Civic Association. While many celebrate Me- Education Commissioner Dr. Candice These awards are given annually to deserving morial Day and July 4th with picnics and pa- McQueen reappointed Debbie to the Ten- individuals, organizations, and companies in rades, Ms. McKinley personally purchased nessee Task Force on Student Testing and the Braddock Magisterial District of Fairfax more than 800 U.S. flags and oversaw their Assessment. Debbie is also actively involved County, Virginia, who have demonstrated an installation, ensuring that we remember our in the Rogersville Rotary Club and the Interact outstanding commitment to our community. I history and honor those who gave their lives Club at Cherokee High School. am pleased to join the Braddock District Coun- for us all. Debbie has dedicated herself to serving the Ron Luxenburg, Lake Braddock. The winter cil of Community Associations in recognizing students and communities of Hawkins County of 2015/16 was one for the record books. the following Recipients of the 2016 Best of and Tennessee. I am proud to recognize While most of us were home stranded, waiting Braddock Awards: Debbie for her commitment and work to im- for the plows to arrive, Mr. Luxenburg plowed CITIZENS OF THE YEAR proving education in Tennessee. his entire cul-de-sac, as well as his neighbors’ f Casey McCollum, Olde Forge/Surrey driveways and sidewalks without being asked Square Civic Association. For 10 years, Ms. or paid. These efforts truly exhibit Mr. RECOGNIZING MRS. MELISSA McCollum has worked with A Forever Home Luxenburg’s generosity and passion for serv- KEESEE FOR HER SERVICE Rescue Foundation, providing safe and loving ing others. care for foster dogs, including pregnant dogs Don Wallace. Mr. Wallace sits on the board HON. DENNIS A. ROSS and those rescued from puppy mills and inhu- of Food for Others and since 2008, has ac- OF FLORIDA mane conditions. Her dedication and uncondi- tively worked to educate the community about IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tional love for the dogs she fosters helps pre- the need to donate food for thousands of Tuesday, December 6, 2016 pare them for their adoptive families and for- Northern Virginians who might otherwise go ever homes. hungry. He has personally organized the col- Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Glen Erickson-Bell, Chapel Hill Civic Asso- lection and transfer of donated food to the honor a great American on her retirement from ciation. Mr. Erickson-Bell is the ‘‘Steward of Food for Others warehouse. His efforts have federal service. Mrs. Melissa L. Keesee, Para- Oak Hill Park.’’ When efforts to engage park resulted in more than 9 tons of food being do- legal Specialist, U.S. Special Operations Com- personnel were fruitless, he took it upon him- nated to this worthwhile organization. mand Office of the Staff Judge Advocate self to contact Friends of Accotink Creek for Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me (SOJA), MacDill AFB, Florida, is retiring after guidance. These efforts led to the formation of in congratulating these outstanding individuals over 37 years of distinguished and dedicated the Friends of Oak Hill Park which led efforts and organizations and also in thanking them federal service, the last 22 years serving in to clear the trails and clean up the trash so for their service to our community. Their ef- SOJA. that residents were able to once again enjoy forts and leadership have been a great benefit Mrs. Keesee began her journey in federal Oak Hill. to the Braddock District and are deserving of service as a U.S. Army Civilian clerk with U.S. Young Person of the Year: Bonnibelle our highest praise. Southern Command, Republic of Panama. Bishop. Since elementary school, Ms. Bishop She then became a U.S. Air Force Civilian as f has been involved in community service. She secretary, U.S. Readiness Command, MacDill has traveled throughout the Commonwealth HONORING THE 200TH ANNIVER- AFB, FL. She is a plank owner in U.S. Special promoting her anti-bullying platform and par- SARY OF THE HANOVER FIRE Operations Command (USSOCOM) as she ticipated in events for TAPS (Tragedy Assist- DEPARTMENT transitioned into the standup of the command ance Program for Survivors.) She also has do- as a secretary, U.S. Special Operations Com- nated her time to various events in support of HON. SCOTT PERRY mand, MacDill AFB, FL. She then traveled to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) includ- OF PENNSYLVANIA Texas where she was a secretary with Air ing its Children’s Hospital. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Education Training Command, Randolph AFB, CLUBS OR ORGANIZATIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE TX and a secretary with Headquarters, U.S. BRADDOCK DISTRICT Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Air Force Recruiting Service, Randolph AFB, Holy Spirit Transportation Ministry. Richard Mr. PERRY. Mr. Speaker, today I offer my TX. Before returning to MacDill AFB, she be- and Maly Chobot formed the Transportation sincere thanks and congratulations to the Han- came a secretary with the 81st Training Wing

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.001 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1595 (AETC), Keesler AFB, MS. At MacDill AFB for In addition to his efforts on behalf of the Of particular note are Linda’s efforts to elect the second time, she rejoined USSOCOM as First District, Major Glines took on projects Mark Poloncarz as Erie County Executive in a secretary with J3 (operations) then moved to with regional, state and national implications, 2011. Her experience earned her an appoint- SOJA. Mrs. Keesee has touched countless demonstrating his ability to view a challenge ment as a delegate in 2012 for the Democratic people in her tenure with SOJA. Notable alum- from many angles and develop innovative so- National Convention, where she traveled to ni of SOJA that she has worked with include lutions often requiring collaboration across North Carolina to support the nomination of in- three U.S. Attorneys, several General Officers many levels of government. cumbent President Barack Obama. in the Army, including a former The Judge Ad- Major Glines’s work ethic, duty to mission, Before her involvement in politics, Linda and vocate of the Army (TJAG), and numerous and commitment to servant leadership is with- her husband were the owners of Masterline, a prominent local jurists and attorneys. out equal. I believe that his personal drive to successful small business on Sheridan Drive Her talent and dedication to duty were rec- achieve excellence in his work has and will set that sold hair pieces. After selling the busi- ognized with her award of one of the first Joint a very high standard for his peers. ness, Linda worked for five years at the Buf- Civilian Service Commendation Medals to be I would also like to thank Major Glines for falo Jewish Center. Next she brought her skills awarded at USSOCOM. In 2008, the Air Force the service and sacrifice he has made, and to the business office of the Williamsville Cen- Judge Advocate Corps recognized her as the continues to make, for our Nation and our tral School District, a position she held for fif- prestigious Harold R. Vague Award Winner great Marine Corps. His keen sense of honor, teen years before her retirement in July of (the most outstanding civilian paralegal in the impeccable integrity, boundless work ethic, 2008. Air Force). In that same year, SOJA recog- humor and loyal devotion to duty earned him Linda shares her passion for politics with nized her with the Major General William Gar- the respect and admiration of my staff and the her beloved son David, who has unwaveringly rison Award. This award recognizes ‘‘signifi- First District of Virginia. As an UH–1Y Huey supported his mother and her efforts every cant contributions to advancement of the rule pilot with over 2,000 flight hours, Major Glines step of the way. Over the years, he has of law in the Special Operations community.’’ completed multiple deployments in support of walked in parades, knocked on doors, and Mrs. Keesee has been a critical part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and served as participated in a number of Democratic cam- USSOCOM from its early beginnings and has an instructor at the Marine Aviation Weapons paigns. Their bond as a family and commit- served with all USSOCOM SJAs (SOJAs) in and Tactics Squadron. Major Glines is headed ment to serving Democrats in Western New her time with USSOCOM. to Marine Corps Aviation in the Pentagon York is truly honorable. Always professional and going above and where he will continue to work on Congres- Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me a beyond, Mrs. Keesee has been an invaluable sional matters. I have no doubt that Major few moments to honor Mrs. Linda Berman and continuity in the high speed office of SOJA. Glines will continue to serve the Marine Corps her admirable dedication to Democratic poli- Melissa has touched and helped countless honorably and with distinction. tics. Linda’s commitment, which she instilled in SOF JAGs and legal personnel in her federal I wish him, his wife Elise, and his children her son David, is exceptional, and she is most career. She truly is a ‘‘Quiet Professional’’. Arlene, Jordan, Michael, and Zoe the best of deserving of this recognition by the Amherst Her country and home state are thankful and luck as they continue their journey together as Democratic Committee. a Marine family. It was an honor and a pleas- proud. I wish Melissa and her husband of 25 f years, Rick, along with their daughter, Jessica, ure having him serve on my staff. We all can Godspeed in retirement and justly deserved sleep soundly at night knowing that men and RECOGNIZING NEELAM CANTO– personal time. women like Major Jamie Glines are members LUGO FOR RECEIVING THE VEGA of our all-volunteer force and they stand ready VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR f to defend our country and take the fight to our AWARD RECOGNIZING MAJOR JAMIE M. enemies; far away from their families and the GLINES comforts of the United States of America. HON. JOHN GARAMENDI Major Jamie Glines, thank you. Best of luck OF CALIFORNIA HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN to you and God bless you, your family, and all the Marines you are charged with leading. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF VIRGINIA Semper Fi. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Tuesday, December 6, 2016 HONORING MRS. LINDA BERMAN to recognize and commend Neelam Canto- Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Lugo for her extraordinary service to the peo- recognize those men and women who have HON. BRIAN HIGGINS ple of Nepal. Through her volunteer work with served this great Nation with honor, men such the Women Development Advocacy Center, OF NEW YORK as Major Jamie M. Glines, United States Ma- Neelam provided entrepreneurial training to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rine Corps. Nepalese youth, women, and community orga- For the past year, Major Glines, call sign Tuesday, December 6, 2016 nizers. Upon her return to the States, Neelam ‘‘Banana’’, served on my staff as a Congres- Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to has continued her important work with the or- sional Defense Fellow. A graduate of the honor Mrs. Linda Berman, a dedicated volun- ganization, supporting its digital literacy and United States Naval Academy, Major Glines is teer for the Democratic Party and resident of micro-enterprise acceleration projects. To a proud Marine Corps Aviator. During his as- Amherst, New York. Linda’s tireless service is date, Neelam has raised $9,800 and has re- signment, he provided senior-level guidance recognized today by her friends on the Am- ceived a donation of eleven computers, which for defense, veterans, foreign affairs and intel- herst Democratic Committee. A member of the will provide greater opportunity to economi- ligence matters. Major Glines executed his Committee since 2005, Linda and her son cally disadvantaged women and empower work as a liaison to the constituents of the David have committed countless hours to fur- rural entrepreneurs. First District and the numerous defense instal- ther Democratic causes in our community. On behalf of the people of California’s 3rd lations in the First District with distinction. Linda was introduced to politics in 2003, Congressional District, please accept my sin- Furthermore, he provided exceptional sup- when she met Mark Poloncarz. Linda and her cere congratulations as well as my best wish- port to me as my staff liaison to the House son David joined Mark to campaign for John es for the future. Armed Services Committee in my roles as the Kerry’s bid for the presidency. The three polit- f Readiness Subcommittee Chairman, the Co- ical volunteers established the group ‘‘Demo- Chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Cau- crats for Progress’’ in 2005. That same year ARVADA HIGH SCHOOL cus, and the Chairman of the United States Mark Poloncarz sought the office of Erie Naval Academy’s Board of Visitors. County Comptroller, so Linda and David HON. ED PERLMUTTER Major Glines directly contributed to my goal worked diligently to support his efforts. OF COLORADO of providing excellent constituent service to In 2005, Linda joined the Amherst Demo- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the people of the First District. He was respon- cratic Committee, where she remains involved sible for bringing numerous constituent inquir- in to this day. In her capacity as a volunteer, Tuesday, December 6, 2016 ies to a successful conclusion and he was she worked on every facet of Democratic poli- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise able to leverage his personal and operational tics: chairing events, service as a Zone Lead- today to recognize and applaud Arvada High experience in the Marine Corps to respond to er, running phone banks and other important School for their creative and unique mobile the most challenging inquiries. service on campaigns. application (app) that was entered in the 2016

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K06DE8.006 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1596 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2016 Congressional App Challenge. As first-time ning app allowed the residents of Northglenn able to create jobs and bring about other at- participants in the challenge, teams from Ar- to experience their city in virtual reality as a tributes. vada HS built an app to assist students in lo- way to learn more about the area in which Westhaven continues to serve Utica and the cating their lockers, giving the school a wel- they live and its history. The other team devel- surrounding areas offering: Traditional and coming environment for new students and in- oped an app that provided various filters to Personalized Funeral Services; Special Lim- coming freshmen. help showcase clothing. Each team spent ousine and Transport Services; Funeral Pro- The students of Arvada High School spent countless hours and used numerous tools to gram Design and Printing; Domestic and Inter- countless hours and used numerous tools to learn about coding, further advancing their national Shipping; Pre-Plan Funeral Arrange- learn about coding, further advancing their STEM education. Each team built their app in ments; Caskets; Vaults and Urns; Notary Pub- STEM education. Each team built their app in less than three months which shows their per- lic; Cremations and Obituaries. less than three months which shows their per- severance and dedication to this project. It is their prayer that they can continue to be severance and dedication to this challenge I am proud of Northglenn High School for a blessing to the town of Utica for many years and exemplifies the character and determina- their dedication and school spirit in this en- to come. tion the faculty instills in the students at the deavor. I am certain the students in this Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me school. One of the teams at the school won school will exhibit the same dedication and in recognizing Westhaven Memorial Funeral the ‘‘Rookie of the Year’’ award which further character in all of their future accomplish- Home, Utica Branch for its dedication to serv- demonstrates their hard work on this project. ments. ing our great state of Mississippi. I am proud of Arvada High School for their f f dedication and school spirit in this endeavor. I am certain the students in this school will ex- CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SEN- CONGRATULATING THE 2016 hibit the same dedication and character in all ECA HIGH SCHOOL CHEER- CHAIRMAN’S AWARD RECIPIENTS of their future accomplishments. LEADERS ON WINNING BACK-TO- f BACK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY OF VIRGINIA PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. BILLY LONG IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSOURI Tuesday, December 6, 2016 HON. JODY B. HICE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF GEORGIA Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ognize the Dulles Regional Chamber of Com- merce for its ongoing dedication to local busi- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- gratulate the Seneca High School cheer- nesses and our community and to congratu- Mr. JODY B. HICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, leaders on winning back-to-back state cham- late the 2016 Chairman’s Award recipients. on Roll Call No. 601 on suspending the rules pionships this past November. The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and passing H.R. 5015—the Combat-Injured The Seneca High School Cheerleading is one of the largest chambers in the Wash- Veterans Tax Fairness Act, I am not recorded team competed in the 2A Large Division and ington, D.C., metropolitan region and is lo- because I was unavoidably detained. Had I added this championship to their four previous cated in one of the largest technology cor- been present, I would have voted YEA. state titles (2007, 2008, 2011, and 2015). The ridors in the country. It actively supports the Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 602 on sus- Cheerleading State Championship took place interest of its members and also supports pending the rules and passing H.R. 6427—the on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at the Univer- broader initiatives including STEM education, Creating Financial Prosperity for Businesses sity of Missouri in Columbia. workforce initiatives, economic development, and Investors Act, I am not recorded because This state title was coached by Kristi and local non-profits. I was unavoidably detained. Had I been Schlessman. Two of her cheerleaders, Rachel Each year during the Annual Chairman’s present, I would have voted YEA. Wohlenhaus and Tess Hultman, were award- Awards Luncheon, the Chamber honors those Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 603 on sus- ed All-State Cheerleader awards. The Seneca extraordinary businesses, non-profit organiza- pending the rules and passing House Amend- Cheerleading team has become a dynasty for tions, and citizens who have dedicated their ment to S. 1635—the Department of State Au- Seneca High School and I would like to ex- talents and activities to enhancing our econ- thorities Act, I am not recorded because I was tend my personal congratulations for their omy and our community. unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I achievement. On behalf of the 7th District of I am pleased to include the names of the would have voted YEA. Missouri, I would like to thank them for rep- following recipients of the 2016 Chairman’s f resenting our community. Awards. PERSONAL EXPLANATION f Service Award: Mr. Paul Karstetter, Stitely & Karstetter. HONORING WESTHAVEN Committee Chair of the Year: Ms. Sharon HON. ROBERT HURT MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME DeBragga, Mountain View Alternative High OF VIRGINIA School. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON Volunteer of the Year: Ms. Andrea Savitch, Tuesday, December 6, 2016 OF MISSISSIPPI Unique Travel Events. Mr. HURT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Champion Partners: Mr. Doug Downer, HRI Associates; Ms. Anna Schneider, Volkswagen unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I Tuesday, December 6, 2016 would have voted yea on Roll Call No. 601, Group of America; and Mr. Jeff Dick, yea on Roll Call No. 602, and nay on Roll Call Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- MainStreet Bank. No. 603. er, I rise today to honor Westhaven Funeral Best New Event: Mr. Matt Hurst and Mr. Home, Utica Branch. Greg Langweg, Hilton Washington Dulles Air- f Westhaven Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. port for: ‘‘Dished!’’ NORTHGLENN HIGH SCHOOL was birthed from a partnership between Au- Best New Program: Ms. Angela Inzerillo, Im- drey B. Wiley, Freddie L. and Anthony R. pact Business Solutions and Ms. Robin HON. ED PERLMUTTER Davis on February 16, 1996. Suomi, Startup Growth for ‘‘Business Suc- OF COLORADO In April of 2002, the first of three additional cess.’’ branches came into fruition in Utica, MS. With IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Best Committee: Mr. Mike O’Reilly, The much prayer and supplication, this branch has O’Reilly Law Firm and Mr. Vinay Patel, Tuesday, December 6, 2016 been opened for going on twelve years. This Fairbrook Hotels as co-chairs of the Herndon Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise mix-use building has been an added asset for Committee. today to recognize and applaud Northglenn churches, community gatherings, family gath- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me High School for their creative and unique mo- erings and much, much more. in commending the Dulles Regional Chamber bile applications (app) entered in the 2016 This location has been beneficial to of Commerce for its dedication and commit- Congressional App Challenge. Westhaven as well as their clientele, tax base ment to our community and in congratulating Two student teams from Northglenn High and socially. They have maintained a relation- the 2016 Chairman’s Award recipients. I ex- School participated in the challenge. The win- ship throughout the community and have been tend my personal thanks to these businesses

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K06DE8.010 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1597 and individuals for their many contributions to able to relate and connect with them. This the Lao-Hmong American Coalition chapter of our region’s economic success and quality of candor allowed parties to come together in an Minnesota. In this role, he and his wife, life. Their contributions are among the many effort to garner meaningful results for bene- Manichan Xiong, worked to share the stories reasons why Fairfax County is one of the best ficiaries and taxpayers alike. of their community so that all Americans never places in the country in which to live, work, As Jim transitions to his next stage in life, forget their sacrifice. and raise a family. I commend them on their his knowledge and guidance will truly be I am honored to recognize my constituent awards and wish them great success in all fu- missed, yet few are more deserving of a Colonel Song Leng Xiong for his tremendous ture endeavors. peaceful and relaxing retirement. On behalf of sacrifices on behalf of our country. We are all f Ohio’s 12th Congressional District, I would like better off due to his life of service. His dedica- to thank Jim Miller for his many years of serv- tion to freedom and to this country will never BCER GROUP ice and wish him a happy retirement. be forgotten. Thank you, Colonel Song Leng f Xiong, for protecting our country with such HON. ED PERLMUTTER great distinction, and for the legacy you leave HONORING COLONEL SONG LENG OF COLORADO of continuing the fight for freedom. XIONG IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Tuesday, December 6, 2016 HON. KEITH ELLISON TRIBUTE TO THE 187TH AIR Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise OF MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD FIGHTER WING today to recognize and applaud the BCER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Group for receiving the Colorado Companies Tuesday, December 6, 2016 HON. TERRI A. SEWELL to Watch Award, an awards program honoring OF ALABAMA second-stage companies for the important role Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES they play in Colorado’s economy and entre- honor the life and service of Colonel Song Tuesday, December 6, 2016 preneurial community. Leng Xiong. Colonel Song Leng Xiong passed The BCER Group is a consulting engineer- away peacefully in the presence of his loved Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, Ala- ing firm which provides creative and state-of- ones on September 28, 2016 in Minneapolis, bama is a state rich with tradition and legacies the-art mechanical, electrical, fire protection, Minnesota. August 14, 2017 would have been of excellence. Yet, one that stands out is the life safety, and technology engineering serv- his 78th birthday. legacy of military excellence exhibited by the ices for commercial, institutional, industrial, Colonel Song Leng Xiong was born in 1939 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing, lo- and government projects nationwide. Founded in the village of Ban Xoun, Mouang Ped, in cated at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Ala- in 1994, the BCER Group has grown to three the Xieng Khouang Province in Laos. He bama. offices and 88 employees. Today they are began his distinguished military career at the The 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing known for their ability to make quick decisions, age of just 14, when he enlisted in the French has an unparalleled legacy of excellence wor- take necessary risks, and evolve with the Army and was selected to attend training in thy of praise and worth protecting for the fu- ever-changing industry in order to provide South Vietnam, serving as a radio operator ture. Currently, the guard unit is a prime can- growth opportunities for their employees, cli- from 1953 to 1954. From 1956 to 1960, he didate to fly the new F–35A Lightning II fighter ents and community. was assigned a battalion to guard Route 7 in jets, known as the Joint Strike Fighter. The The BCER Group was founded on several Muang Xoun, and later led the building of the 187th currently flies the oldest F–16s in the guiding principles such as fostering a fun, Phou Vieng airfield in his home province. U.S. Air Force’s inventory; however, it is friendly company environment while still focus- After being specially selected to further his among eighteen Air National Guard units com- ing on the serious nature of its work. This training in Thailand, in June of 1960, Colonel peting for the coveted new aircraft. founding principle as well as its leadership and Song Leng Xiong was tasked with selecting The Alabama delegation in Congress is commitment to the community remain at the nearly 600 new recruits to receive special unanimous and steadfast in our support of the heart of BCER’s culture. The company sup- training as part of the United States Central 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing winning ports a variety of charitable organizations in- Intelligence Agency’s Special Guerilla Units. this new assignment. Nothing helps us make cluding the Santa Hause, The Salvation Army, Through this program, the CIA recruited thou- the case more than the long history of out- Caruso Charities, Whiz Kids Tutoring Pro- sands of Hmong soldiers and military leaders standing military service that has been the gram, and the Children’s Hospital Burn Camp. like Colonel Song Leng Xiong to fight against proud legacy of the 187th. I extend my deepest congratulations to the the Communist Pathet Lao and North Viet- The 187th Fighter Wing has a proven com- BCER Group for this well-deserved recognition namese Army regulars in Laos, working as bat track record and an unparalleled military by Colorado Companies to Watch and wish surrogate soldiers of the United States Armed heritage. It is home to the 100th Fighter them continued success. Forces. As many as 100,000 Hmong were re- Squadron—the famed ‘‘Red Tails.’’ This f cruited and trained to serve as these secret squadron’s lineage traces back to World War warriors, bravely battling the North Viet- II and the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, Amer- IN HONOR OF THE RETIREMENT namese Army for our country’s cause. ica’s first black military pilots and support per- OF JIM MILLER Colonel Song Leng Xiong fought in many sonnel. battles for our country. In addition to leading The 187th benefits from being a key stra- HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI his own battalion, he personally rescued and tegic resource—only five miles from Maxwell OF OHIO retrieved over seven American pilots who Air Force Base, and twenty-five minutes flying IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES were shot down over Laos. His is one of time from Eglin, Tyndall, Hurlburt, and Moody countless stories of Hmong service-members Air Force Bases. This presents numerous op- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 and military leaders who protected our country portunities for joint air-to-air and air-to-ground Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- through conducting guerrilla actions, guarding training. F–35 pilots of the 187th may also uti- ognize Jim Miller on the occasion of his retire- key installations, gathering intelligence, and lize the electronic ranges on Eglin AFB. This ment as Federal Liaison for the Ohio Public undertaking rescue missions—all in the name is all contingent, however, on the unit being Employees Retirement System. of freedom. outfitted with the new fighter jets. During my For well over fifteen years, Jim diligently While the Secret War in Laos ended in tenure in office, I have been and will continue worked as an advocate for Ohio’s public pen- 1975, Colonel Song Leng Xiong’s service to to be a stalwart advocate for this vital national sion system. By utilizing his unique knowledge his people and our country did not. Many refu- resource located in my district. and experience, Jim proved himself to be a re- gees of the Secret War sought a better life As a Member of the House Permanent Se- markable asset to both Ohio’s public employ- here in the United States. Colonel Song Leng lect Committee on Intelligence, I have a ees and elected officials. Xiong, a refugee himself, chose to stay behind unique perspective on the challenges and op- It has been said that Jim has never met a and continue helping his fellow refugees in the portunities that confront our nation. I am also stranger. His quick wit, comfort with people transition. He immigrated to Minneapolis, Min- keenly aware that the world we live in is filled and passion for his work played a large role nesota in 1993 after the United Nations closed with potential threats that are constantly devel- in his tremendous success. Whether he was the Ban Vinai refugee camp. In Minneapolis, oping and changing. We have to remain ever speaking with the most senior member of Colonel Song Leng Xiong became a leader in vigilant and be prepared to not only confront Congress or a junior staff member, Jim was our community through his service as Chair of ongoing threats but those emerging as well. A

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.007 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1598 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2016 major key to our success requires that we Vietnam, and they moved to Colorado children, our safety, and our future. KAAW has maintain air-superiority and provide effective Springs, where he went to school and earned embraced this ethos and tonight will honor five air-cover for our men and women deployed in a degree in Sociology at the University of Col- first responders and two educators who have combat zones. This is the defining legacy of orado at Colorado Springs. gone above and beyond the call of duty. the 187th from World War II to today. Mr. Abeyta paid his own way through It is my great honor to include the names of Given its rich history and superior service to school, and then he and Loretta moved back the following individuals in recognition of their this nation, the 187th Air National Guard Fight- to Montrose, where he began his career as a extraordinary achievements: er Wing stands poised and well-equipped to probation officer. He later ran successfully for Officer Nicole Ha, Washington Metropolitan bring the next generation of air power to the city council in 2006. He served as the Mayor Police Department, Special Liaison Division— Alabama Air National Guard. of Montrose in 2009. Asian Liaison Unit. f Mr. Speaker, it was not just his work that Dr. Shelly O’Foran, English Department defined who Mr. Abeyta was, but also his de- Chair, Freedom High School. IN RECOGNITION OF THE PURSUIT votion to serving others. As a husband, father, Police Officer First Class Hyun Chang, Fair- OF JUSTICE AND PEACE war veteran, little league coach, and public fax County Police Department. servant, he lived a life full of selfless service Master Deputy Charles Gravatte, Loudoun HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT and stood as an example for all Americans to County Sheriff Office. OF PENNSYLVANIA live by. He started out as the new guy in Firefighter Andrew Gode, Loudoun County IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Montrose, and he ended up serving as the Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Mayor, which speaks volumes about the im- Management. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 pact he had on the community. I am saddened Alex Morrison, Orchestra Teacher, Centre- Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to by Mr. Abeyta’s death, because he is an irre- ville High School. recognize Yogesh Varhade and his pursuit of placeable figure in Montrose, but I am grateful Officer Jeong Hong, Fairfax County Police social justice. His hero, Bhimrao Ramji that I had the opportunity to know him. His Department. Ambedkar, died 60 years ago today. family is in my thoughts and prayers, and I Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Ambedkar inspired the Dalit Buddhist Move- hope the community of Montrose will continue in commending these fine men and women ment in India, campaigned against social dis- to celebrate his tremendous accomplishments and congratulate each of them on being hon- crimination of the Dalit caste, supported the in the weeks and months to come. ored by KAAW. I also wish to extend my sin- rights of women and laborers, and was ap- f cere appreciation to KAAW for sponsoring this pointed first Minister of Law and Justice in event and providing the opportunity for us to India in 1947. TO COMMEND THE HONOREES OF express our respect and appreciation to each In honor of Dr. Ambedkar, Mr. Varhade THE 2016 KOREAN AMERICAN AS- of the honorees. SOCIATION OF GREATER WASH- founded the Ambedkar Center for Justice and f Peace, a non-governmental organization, INGTON COMMUNITY APPRECIA- which has a headquarters in Kingston, PA. For TION NIGHT HONORING MRS. GERTRUDE R. the last 25 years Mr. Varhade dedicated him- GRENADA self to addressing issues of child labor, bond- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY ed labor, prostitution, human trafficking, and OF VIRGINIA HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON caste-based discrimination as they occur in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI India by implementing a legal literacy program Tuesday, December 6, 2016 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for the marginalized in India and by educating Tuesday, December 6, 2016 others at the United Nations as well as elected Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to com- leaders like myself mend the extraordinary honorees who will be Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- We in the United States struggle with recognized during the 3rd Annual Community er, I rise today to honor Mrs. Gertrude R. Gre- versions of these ugly truths born from hate Appreciation Night celebration sponsored by nada who was born and educated in the Mt. and intolerance. Forced labor and human traf- the Korean American Association of Greater Olive Community in Bolton, Mississippi. ficking are a $150 billion industry worldwide. Washington (KAAW.) Although this is the 3rd Mrs. Grenada was one of 10 children who This nation has done much to pursue diplo- Community Appreciation Night, it is the first in knew too well how important it was to achieve matic solutions to these international issues. which individuals will be recognized for their an education. She furthered her education by We must rededicate ourselves to this work public service. attending Jackson State College (University). and to our many partners in honor of the he- The KAAW strives to inform and engage the Mrs. Grenada holds a B.S. Degree in Early roes who led the way. Korean American community throughout our Childhood Education along with 23 hours of f region. Through its efforts and the efforts of its study toward her Master’s Degree. She was President, So Jung Lim, the organization con- first employed with the Hinds County Head- PAYING TRIBUTE TO JOSE tinues to grow and successfully empower Ko- start Agency in 1966 as a Social Worker. ABEYTA rean Americans to become fully engaged par- Mrs. Grenada served 37 years of employ- ticipants in our local community and political ment with the Hinds County Headstart Agen- HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON process. Northern Virginia is blessed by its di- cy. She touched the lives of more than 4 thou- OF COLORADO versity—in fact, it is home to one of the largest sand children in the Bolton, Edwards and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES concentrations of Americans of Korean ances- Jackson communities. What she enjoyed the try in the entire country. As the Member of most was working closely with the children, Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Congress for the 11th District of Virginia and being surrounded and respected by fellow co- Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on workers and employers with the highest levels honor Mr. Jose Abeyta of Montrose, Colorado, Korea, I am proud to have partnered with the of intelligence. who passed away on November 14, 2016. Korean community on numerous issues, going Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me Jose is survived by his wife, Loretta, whom he back to my time as a Member and later Chair- in recognizing Mrs. Gertrude R. Grenada. was married to for 40 years, and their two man of the Fairfax County Board of Super- f sons, Lenny and Juan. Jose was a personal visors. The KAAW has been a constant and friend of mine and a beloved member of his invaluable partner in these efforts. PROVIDING CARE TO THE community. He served our country proudly Public service is a core value of our society. DUCHENNE COMMUNITY during the Vietnam War from 1969–1971 as a Each of us has the ability and responsibility to fixed wing mechanic for the Army’s 358th contribute what we can in order to make our HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON Aviation Detachment. He received an honor- communities better. Whether it is volunteering OF MINNESOTA able discharge after serving for two years. at a local school, in a community or civic as- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Abeyta is a hero because of the time he sociation, at a food bank or other charity, or spent in the Army, but the life he lived after serving in elected office, the efforts of public Tuesday, December 6, 2016 his service showed us what an honorable man servants and community activists enrich us all. Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, today I would and model citizen he truly was. Jose married This is especially true for first responders and like to recall the significance of the authority Loretta one month after returning home from educators. They dedicate their lives to our extended by Congress to the Food and Drug

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K06DE8.015 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1599 Administration in the 2012 Food and Drug Ad- is with great pride that I include the names of ceive a thank you from people who truly care ministration Safety and Innovation Act. This the following Valor Award Recipients: and appreciate the sacrifice they make for us legislation enhanced the FDA’s ability to de- Gold Medal of Valor: Lieutenant Lawrence all. velop and implement accelerated approval G. Mullin, Technician Ryland W. Chapman. The Town of Crenshaw and our country programs to provide therapies to patients with Silver Medal of Valor: Captain Carlos R. also owe a thank you to the Mayor and First rare, debilitating, and one-hundred percent Carrillo, Lieutenant Daniel P. Gajewski, Master Lady for putting together such a wonderful fatal diseases. Technician Rolando E. Contreras, Master tribute program for 20 years and for the vision Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic Technician Timothy J. Pais, Urban Search and they have in making these programs. We owe disorder resulting in progressive muscle de- Rescue Team. these men and women a simple, yet huge generation. This rare condition, which typically Bronze Medal of Valor: Lieutenant Joshua ‘‘THANK YOU!’’ affects boys, is characterized by lung and T. Allison, Lieutenant Reginald L. Wadley, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me heart complications that cause certain pre- Master Technician Glenn W. Dressler, Master in recognizing the Town of Crenshaw, Mis- mature death. Technician Robert G. Ritchie, Master Techni- sissippi for paying tribute to all Servicemen Despite compelling evidence of its efficacy, cian Beverly L. Studds, Technician Travis L. who serve and protect our communities and the FDA recently refused to consider a New Franks, Technician Jorge M. Martinez, Fire- this great country. Drug Application for a therapy developed to fighter/Medic R.L. Radam III, Firefighter Delfin f treat a commonly diagnosed form of Reyes. Duchenne. Certificate of Valor: Lieutenant David E. HONORING FLARA PRESIDENT As there are no alternative treatments for Myers, Lieutenant Scott F. Primrose. TONY FRANSETTA this particular form of Duchenne eligible for Lifesaving Award: Technician Eric C. purchase or approval, Duchenne patients are Villman. HON. LOIS FRANKEL left unable to mitigate the effects of the deadly Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2016 Valor OF FLORIDA Award Recipients, and thank each of the men disease. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and women who serve in the Fairfax County I urge the FDA to grant a full and fair review Tuesday, December 6, 2016 to New Drug Applications for Duchenne thera- Fire and Rescue Department. Their efforts, pies in accordance with the Food and Drug made on behalf of the citizens of our commu- Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I Administration Safety and Innovation Act. The nity, are selfless acts of heroism and truly rise today on behalf of myself and Congress- timely delivery of treatments is of the utmost merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues men TED DEUTCH, ALCEE HASTINGS, and PAT- importance to the Duchenne community. to join me in applauding this group of remark- RICK MURPHY, to recognize retiring FLARA able citizens. f President Tony Fransetta for his leadership f and public service. PERSONAL EXPLANATION FLARA, the Florida Alliance of Retired PERSONAL EXPLANATION Americans, represents the best interests of re- HON. MARLIN A. STUTZMAN tired Floridians and stands in support of work- OF INDIANA HON. ZOE LOFGREN ing families. As President, Tony has led the OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES organization in its fight to protect the health IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and economic security of seniors throughout Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Tuesday, December 6, 2016 the state of Florida. His energetic leadership Mr. STUTZMAN. Mr. Speaker, had I been of FLARA helped expand the organization, in- Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call creasing membership from 37,000 to 217,000 December 1, 2016 I had to return home to my No. 601 (H.R. 5015), Yea on Roll Call No. 602 during his tenure. Tony leaves behind an influ- district for a dental emergency. Had I been (H.R. 6427), and Yea on Roll Call No. 603 ential legacy in which future leaders of FLARA present, I would have voted: (House Amendment to S. 1635). ROLL CALL 594: Nay; ROLL CALL 595: will strive to follow. f Nay; ROLL CALL 596: Nay; ROLL CALL 597: Commissioner Melissa McKinlay is declaring Tuesday, December 6th as Tony Fransetta RECOGNIZING THE 2016 FAIRFAX Nay; ROLL CALL 598: Yea; ROLL CALL 599: Nay; ROLL CALL 600: Nay. Day in Palm Beach County to recognize COUNTY FIRE AND RESCUE DE- Tony’s leadership and advocacy. We would PARTMENT VALOR AWARD RE- f like to join the Commissioner and our friends CIPIENTS HONORING THE TOWN OF back in Florida in honoring, celebrating, and CRENSHAW thanking Tony for his service protecting and HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY advancing the interests of our communities. OF VIRGINIA HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON Tony is a great role model for Floridians, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI and we are pleased to honor him today and wish him the best in his retirement. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Tuesday, December 6, 2016 to recognize an outstanding group of men and Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- RECOGNIZING THE 2016 FAIRFAX women in Northern Virginia. These individuals er, I rise today to honor a thriving town in the COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT have demonstrated superior dedication to pub- Mississippi Delta, the Town of Crenshaw. VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS lic safety and have been awarded the pres- Over the course of 20 years, men and tigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia women of the Armed Forces, law enforce- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Chamber of Commerce. ment, Fire and Emergency Medical Services OF VIRGINIA This is the 38th Annual Valor Awards spon- have been recognized for their service to our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of communities and country. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Commerce. This event honors the remarkable Mayor Oscar Barlow and First Lady Heather heroism and bravery in the line of duty exem- Barlow have put in tireless hours to get the Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today plified by our public safety officers. Our public word out about paying tribute to these very to recognize an outstanding group of men and safety and law enforcement personnel put special men and women. They have gone women in Northern Virginia. These individuals their lives on the line every day to keep our above and beyond their call to make each pro- have demonstrated superior dedication to pub- families and neighborhoods safe. This year’s gram special for these men and women. lic safety and have been awarded the pres- ceremony will recognize 70 individuals, 1 K–9, In addition, they not only get the administra- tigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia and 1 team in a variety of categories includ- tion involved in paying tribute, but also area Chamber of Commerce. ing: the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of churches, federal, state and county leaders all This is the 38th Annual Valor Awards spon- Valor, and the Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal come together in unity to show support to sored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of of Valor. those who put their lives on the line daily for Commerce. This event honors the remarkable Nineteen members of the Fairfax County our communities and country. heroism and bravery in the line of duty exem- Fire and Rescue Department are being hon- Our men and women of Armed Forces, law plified by our public safety officers. Our public ored this year for their exceptional service. It enforcement, Fire and EMS come out to re- safety and law enforcement personnel put

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.012 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1600 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2016 their lives on the line every day to keep our us imbued the word ‘‘faith’’ with real meaning. a scholarship to twenty students in Min- families and neighborhoods safe. This year’s A favorite memory for me is the beautiful, an- nesota’s Sixth Congressional District so that ceremony will recognize 70 individuals, 1 K–9, nual Memorial Day Mass with appropriate ob- they may receive the education they deserve. and 1 team in a variety of categories includ- servances at Mt. Carmel Cemetery for vet- Along with the financial assistance, Wallin ing: the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of erans and their families, at which he would of- Education Partners also helps students utilize Valor, and the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal ficiate. A gifted musician, many times he all of the resources available to them during of Valor. would play his violin under the budding trees their college experience, often assisting them Forty-six members of the Fairfax County Po- as his cassock blew gently in the spring until they graduate. lice Department and one K–9 are being hon- winds. There was a sense of peace and con- Due to the support that Wallin Education ored this year for their exceptional service. It nectedness to the awesome power of creation Partners provides annually, it is anticipated is with great pride that I include the names of he brought to every occasion. A hospitable that we will be seeing more students from low- the following Valor Award Recipients: lunch always followed at the former Polish income families graduate from college. All stu- Silver Medal of Valor: Second Lieutenant American Veterans Association Post on La- dents deserve access to quality education, re- Nicholas Dipippa, PFC Paul J. Blasko, Jr., grange Street. I too recall the moving Polish gardless of their means and upbringing, and PFC Peter T. Liu, PFC Federick R. Yap, Offi- Mass at the former St. Hedwig’s before the this organization is a great tool for students cer Jesse B. Katzman Polish Festival opened, as the church doors across this great state. Bronze Medal of Valor: PFC Dwayne L. swung wide and the congregants filled the I am incredibly thankful to Wallin Education Daniels, PFC Michael S. Morris, PFC Andrew sidewalks. To Toledo’s Polonia, those of Pol- Partners for giving worthy students the chance H. Curtze, PFC Christopher C. Taylor, PFC ish-American heritage, he was a revered to gain an education and fulfill their dreams. Shay V. Nelson, PFC Vincent J. Pullicino, touchstone and valued counselor. I similarly By providing some of the best and brightest in PFC Justin M. Urbaniak, Officer Sharif W. Issa treasure the memories of the Central Amer- our state with the key to an education, you are Certificate of Valor: Captain Robert A. ican garment workers he hosted at St. James not just ensuring the success of our students, Blakley, Jr., Lieutenant C. Matthew Owens, Catholic Church, a reminder of the work that but the success of our nation as a whole. Your Jr., Detective Douglas H. Comfort, Sergeant remains to be done on worker exploitation contributions have not gone unnoticed and David J. Giaccio, PFC Christopher C. Taylor, across our hemisphere. Fr. Paul’s service al- they are enormously appreciated. PFC Daniel N. Custer (2), PFC Ryan L. Fish- ways managed to meet the suffering edge of Congratulations to: Yana Aleksandrova, er, PFC Michael P. Levish, PFC David A. humanity. And his spirit gave strength to oth- Issraa El-khatib, Carissa Gillispie, John Hilst, Curcio, PFC Amy A. Early, PFC Luis E. Mar- ers. Kevin Huynh, Emily Johnson, Jenna Kallestad, tinez, PFC Edward K. George, PFC Kyle M. Fr. Paul was a learned man, but he pos- Elias Kinfu, Baker LaMott, Gentry Musgrove, Proffitt, MPO Damien E. Cichocki, Officer Jo- sessed a rare gift for communicating with peo- Taylor O’Neill, Jeremy Schipper, Eryn seph W. Shifflett, Officer William M. Mulhern ple of all persuasions. He was an educator Schlotfeldt, Thomas Shoegren, Randall Lifesaving Award: Second Lieutenant Dana and Latin teacher as well as a fine musician, Skeate, Tenzin Sonam, Kayla Tanner, Emily L. Robinson, Sergeant Robert C. Hines, PFC and people naturally drew to him. His wonder- Vang, Madeline Walker, and Joseph Zuleger. Eric Acevedo, PFC David A. Neil, Jr., PFC ful sense of humor and twinkling eyes had We look forward to seeing what the future Scott J. Abram, PFC Richard L. Cash, PFC their own way of communicating ‘‘you are wel- brings for this year’s recipients. Nathan R. Vanhusen, PFC Bradley E. Chiz, come.’’ He dedicated his life to ministering to f PFC Gary S. Tuggle, PFC Benjamin J. congregations in the heart of our city, always McIntosh, PFC Craig R. Quattrin, PFC Lane including some of the poorest precincts in To- HONORING SPIRIT XPLOSION M. Leisey, PFC Angela P. Thomas, PFC Ste- ledo. His rare leadership and tutelage of the phen T. Vaughn, Officer Kent G. Bailey, Offi- Lagrange Stickney and Broadway neighbor- HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON cer Anne C. Bosacco, Officer Brenton K. hoods sparked and immeasurably contributed OF MISSISSIPPI Moreau to the neighborhoods’ ongoing revitalization. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Meritorious Award: K9 Enzo His work at St. James and Immaculate Con- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2016 Valor ception Catholic parishes made newcomers Award Recipients, and thank each of the men feel welcome. He consistently engaged with Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- and women who serve in the Fairfax County the people of the broader neighborhood, ex- er, I rise today to honor a remarkable profes- Police Department. Their efforts, made on be- tending beyond the walls of the churches he sional minority business Spirit Xplosion Home half of the citizens of our community, are self- pastored. Fr. Paul defined evangelization by of CE All Stars of Cleveland, Mississippi. less acts of heroism and truly merit our high- embracing community. Mrs. Kimetria Parks, owner/coach is a na- est praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in I cannot even imagine nor count the number tive of Holly Springs, Mississippi. She moved applauding this group of remarkable citizens. of individuals he counseled and comforted to Cleveland, Mississippi in 1999 while attend- f over a half century of his service. I do know ing Delta State University. She’s married to our Toledo community remains grateful forever Mr. Christopher Parks, Co-Owner/Coach and MOURNING THE PASSING OF that he gave his life for us. He was a people’s they have two beautiful daughters named FATHER PAUL KWIATKOWSKI priest, a diocesan priest. He lived his vows. Paris Kaitlyn Parks and Layken Parks. Mrs. May the angels lift him high, ushering him to Parks earned a Bachelor of Business Adminis- HON. MARCY KAPTUR paradise where there will always be music, joy tration in 2003 and a Masters of Business Ad- OF OHIO and peace. ministration in 2013 from Delta State Univer- sity. She is the Finance Officer of Mississippi IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f United to End Homelessness and owner/ Tuesday, December 6, 2016 SUPPORTING THE GENERATION OF coach of Spirit Xplosion Home of CE All Stars. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, as Catholics TOMORROW Her fellowships with St. Peter MB Church in worldwide celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas Sunflower, Mississippi. Mr. Parks graduated today, the life of Father Paul Kwiatkowski will HON. TOM EMMER from Delta State University in 2005 with a be celebrated in a Funeral Mass at Queen of OF MINNESOTA Bachelor of Science in General Studies and the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral in Toledo, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Minor in Family Consumer Science and Crimi- Ohio. With eternally grateful hearts but deep- nal Justice and 2012 with a Masters in Phys- est sadness at his passing, thousands of citi- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 ical Education with an Emphasis on Human zens across our community mourn the passing Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I Performance. of Fr. Paul, a loving, gentle, and kind apostle rise today to celebrate Wallin Education Part- She has a great love and compassion for of Christ. Fr. Paul was beloved by all who ners for the work they are doing to ensure that young people. Her ministry is to inspire young knew him. And we know him through his Minnesotans from all walks of life receive a people to excel in all things with God’s leading works. As our perceptive Aunt Esther would college education. and to encourage women. Everything she observe: ‘‘Now, that was a priest!’’ Since 1992, Wallin Education Partners has does is done with the spirit of excellency. Her How many of us hold unforgettable memo- provided scholarships to Twin Cities high motto is: ‘‘If I can help somebody then her liv- ries of Fr. Paul’s selfless service and abiding school students who excelled in academics ing is not in vain.’’ She loves God whole- kindness, always in the heart of our commu- but are from low-income families. This year heartedly and thrives to live according to his nity. His steady and faith filled journey among alone, Wallin Education Partners has awarded will and his way; not just on Sunday, but every

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.018 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1601 day. She’s a genuine giver and does it cheer- RECOGNIZING THE 2016 FAIRFAX Montanaro, who passed away last Wednesday fully. Everything she has God gave it to her, COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE of complications from lymphoma. A music everything she owns God has blessed her VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS teacher at the Curtis Institute of Music for with it, and she has faith the size of a mustard three decades and clarinetist for the Philadel- seed and know that it’s not over until God HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY phia Orchestra for nearly fifty years, Mr. says it’s over. OF VIRGINIA Montanaro touched the lives of thousands, in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES audiences and countless students around the Spirit Xplosion Home of CE All Stars was world. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 established in 2011 and kicked off their first A Philadelphia native, Donald studied clari- season in February, 2012. Their competitive Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today net at the Curtis Institute of Music starting in teams have won several UCA, Athletic Cham- to recognize an outstanding group of men and 1951. After graduating in 1954, he left Philly to pionship, Jam Fest, Deep South, WSA, and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals begin his music career. However, like so many local competitions. They strongly believe that have demonstrated superior dedication to pub- Philadelphians, he just couldn’t resist the call their success originates from the dedication lic safety and have been awarded the pres- of home. After only a few years playing with tigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia and commitment of the athletes and parents. the New Orleans Symphony and the Ballet Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, they realize the importance of Russe de Monte Carlo, Mr. Montanaro re- This is the 38th Annual Valor Awards spon- turned to join the Philadelphia Orchestra in hard work, discipline, a family atmosphere, sored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of 1957 as the associate principal clarinetist. He and perhaps most importantly—fun. Each child Commerce. This event honors the remarkable would remain a staple of the orchestra until is an individual and is treated as such to instill heroism and bravery in the line of duty exem- his retirement in 2005. confidence and a sense of personal accom- plified by our public safety officers. Our public Beyond his own remarkable career as a plishment. Their main focus is to prepare chil- safety and law enforcement personnel put clarinetist, Donald will be fondly remembered dren for the challenges that lie ahead of them. their lives on the line every day to keep our for what he taught others. As a teacher at the Their ability to work as a team, striving toward families and neighborhoods safe. This year’s Curtis Institute from 1980 to 2014, he brought a common goal, will prove to be a lifelong ceremony will recognize 70 individuals, 1 K–9, the legacy of celebrated music instructors skill. The encouragement to reach that goal is and 1 team in a variety of categories includ- Marcel Tabuteau and Daniel Bonade to a new CE All-Stars passion. ing: the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of generation of musicians. His former students Valor, and the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medal can be found in orchestras ranging from New Spirit Xplosion Home of CE All Stars com- of Valor. York and Los Angeles to Seoul and Beijing. In petitive teams are not recreational. They train Six members of the Fairfax County Sheriff’s fact, one of Mr. Montanaro’s former students to compete at a high level of intensity, Two of Office are being honored this year for their ex- now occupies his chair as the Philadelphia Or- their main goals are to create award winning ceptional service. It is with great pride that I chestra’s associate principal clarinetist. In his routines and be an active group in the com- include the names of the following Valor recordings and students, Donald has pre- munity. This type of goal requires commitment Award Recipients: served and passed on the legacy of the Phila- to attendance and structured workouts. Spirit Lifesaving Award: Sergeant Teena Putman, delphia Sound. Xplosion Home of CE All-Stars athletes com- Sergeant Leslie Sheehan (2 awards), MDS Although Donald is no longer with us, his Jeffrey Waple, PFC Kent Lwin, Deputy Alisha mit twelve months to the program. CE All- legacy will live on in concert halls and con- Peterson, PFC Cecil Richardson. servatories the world over. Mr. Speaker, I ask Stars is a family and love building new rela- Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2016 Valor tionships with everyone that walks through that you and my other distinguished col- Award Recipients, and thank each of the men leagues join me in celebrating the life of Don- their doors. They are the ‘‘Best of the South and women who serve in the Fairfax County ald Montanaro, one of the finest musicians and We’re In It To Win It’’. Sheriff’s Office. Their efforts, made on behalf Philadelphia has ever known. of the citizens of our community, are selfless Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me f in recognizing an outstanding minority busi- acts of heroism and truly merit our highest ness in the Mississippi Delta. praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in ap- HONORING VERKILYA ELESHIA plauding this group of remarkable citizens. HOGAN f f PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON THE ‘‘TAX TECHNICAL OF MISSISSIPPI CORRECTIONS ACT OF 2016’’ HON. DAN NEWHOUSE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF WASHINGTON Tuesday, December 6, 2016 HON. KEVIN BRADY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 er, I rise today to honor a remarkable person, OF TEXAS an unsung hero, Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan. Mr. NEWHOUSE. Mr. Speaker, I was un- Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan was born on IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES avoidably detained during the vote series that July 25, 1999 to her proud parents Vernon occurred on December 5, 2016, due to flight Tuesday, December 6, 2016 and Sheronda Jackson. She is an intelligent, delays resulting from inclement weather. Had obedient, and outgoing young lady. She is I been present, I would have voted ‘‘Yes’’ on Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the pro- also very passionate and dedicated to every the three measures under consideration: H.R. visions of H.R. 6439, the ‘‘Tax Technical Cor- task that she takes on. 6427, the Creating Financial Prosperity for rections Act of 2016,’’ as introduced today Ms. Hogan very actively participates in Businesses and Investors Act; H.R. 5015, the (December 6, 2016), make tax technical cor- many organizations and programs. She has Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act of rections and other corrections including cler- been a cheerleader since the fifth-grade and 2016; and the House Amendment to S. 1635, ical and deadwood-related corrections. The bill currently serves as Captain of the Holmes the Department of State Authorities Act, Fiscal County Central High Varsity Cheer-Squad. revises and updates H.R. 4891, the Technical Year 2017, as amended. Corrections Act of 2016, which was introduced She has remarkable leadership skills and con- f on April 11, 2016. Ways and Means Com- tinues to be a positive influence to those mittee Chairman BRADY and incoming Ranking REMEMBERING DONALD around her. At an early age Ms. Hogan proudly experi- Member NEAL have asked the nonpartisan MONTANARO enced an amazing miracle of God which en- Joint Committee on Taxation to make avail- couraged her to serve Him more daily. On able to the public a technical explanation of HON. ROBERT A. BRADY OF PENNSYLVANIA May 18, 2016, she was involved in a detri- the bill (JCX–91–16). The technical expla- mental UTV accident. A portion of her left IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nation expresses the Committee’s under- forearm had to be amputated on May 24, standing and legislative intent behind this im- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 2016. As a teenager, this was disheartening portant legislation. It is available on the Joint Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I because she didn’t know how her future would Committee’s website at www.jct.gov. rise today to commemorate the life of Donald be with her condition, but she knew God had

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.021 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1602 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2016 already worked things out in her favor. She Fairfax County Volunteer: Fred Pitman. cines can be appropriately communicated never lost faith through her circumstances, be- Fairfax County Volunteer Program: Fairfax under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic cause she appreciated the simple fact that she County Public Library. Act, and I thank Chairman UPTON for its ulti- could see and breathe each day. The Bible Family Volunteer: Hegland Family. mate inclusion in this package. says, ‘‘From the fullness of his grace we have Inte´grate Group: Fairfax County Juvenile f all received one blessing after another’’ John Court Volunteer Interpreter Program. 1:16. This scripture, she believes, gives her Inte´grate Individual: Juan Hernandez. HONORING SERGEANT GREG good reason to give all glory and praises to Lifetime Achievement: Alan Schuman. RAMONI God. Rising Star: Jeff Ye. She will finish her senior year in high school Senior Volunteer: Les Esmond. HON. TODD C. YOUNG Volunteer Program: Marshall High School with honors and attend the University of OF INDIANA FBLA. Southern Mississippi, majoring in Kinesiology IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Youth Volunteer: Eunice Kwarteng. and pursuing a career as a Physical Therapist. Youth Volunteer Group: Stony Brook Junior Tuesday, December 6, 2016 She is determined to go above and beyond to Volunteers. Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise reach her goals and continue to walk in a In addition, Benchmark Honors will be today to honor Sergeant Greg Ramoni for his positive direction. awarded in four different categories to com- service to his country and community. A Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me mend those who have contributed 100, 250, Scottsburg, Indiana native, Ramoni served in in recognizing Ms. Verkilya Eleshia Hogan, an 500, or 1,000 hours of volunteer time to our the United States Army for eight and a half unsung hero, for her dedication to the commu- community. years. He completed several tours in Bosnia, nity. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join Kosovo, and Afghanistan. While in Bosnia, f me in commending Volunteer Fairfax for its Sgt. Ramoni’s unit received word that their RECOGNIZING THE 2016 FAIRFAX decades of outstanding community service. I tour had been extended through Christmas, COUNTY VOLUNTEER SERVICE congratulate the recipients of the 2016 Fairfax and they would be missing the holidays with AWARD RECIPIENTS County Volunteer Service Award and thank their families. While on patrol, Sgt. Ramoni them and the thousands of other local volun- spotted a Christmas tree growing on the side HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY teers for their incredible contributions to our of a mountain. Intent on alleviating his sol- community. Their selfless dedication is worthy dier’s homesickness, he stopped, chopped the OF VIRGINIA of our highest praise and is one reason that tree down, and dragged it back to the convoy. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES our community is often ranked as one of the His troops watched in dismay—the mountain- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 best places in the country to live, work, and side was littered with landmines. Sgt. Ramoni Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, it is my raise a family. safely brought the tree back to base, and they honor to recognize Volunteer Fairfax and ex- f celebrated Christmas together. Sgt. Ramoni’s press my sincere appreciation to recipients of dedication to his soldiers and mission earned TSUNAMI WARNING, EDUCATION, the 24th Annual Fairfax County Volunteer him, among others, the Army Achievement AND RESEARCH ACT OF 2015 Service Awards. Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and Established more than 40 years ago, Volun- SPEECH OF the Army Superior Award. He also earned rec- teer Fairfax matches the skills and interests of ognition for his leadership of President George thousands of volunteers with the needs of HON. BILLY LONG W. Bush’s personal security detail. local non-profit organizations. The success of OF MISSOURI Sgt. Ramoni continues to enrich the lives of this model and its impact on delivery of need- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES those in his community by serving with numer- ed services is beyond question; Volunteer Wednesday, November 30, 2016 ous boards and organizations like the Scott Fairfax has been rated as one of the most ef- County Arts Council, the Chamber of Com- Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in fective community service organizations in the merce, and Kiwanis. He serves as the Director strong support of the 21st Century Cures Act nation. of Emergency Communications, Deputy Direc- and to congratulate my friends Chairman FRED Last year alone, over 23,000 individuals vol- tor of the Emergency Management Agency for UPTON and Congresswoman DIANA DEGETTE unteered directly through Volunteer Fairfax; an Scott County, and Reservist for the Indiana for their tireless work on this crucial legislation. additional 2,547 employees volunteered Specifically I would like to discuss Section National Guard. He established a local Com- through their employers BusinessLink program 3037 of the Act which is modeled after my leg- munity Emergency Response Team (CERT), and the value of volunteer services provided islation, H.R. 2452 which would amend the which aims to educate citizens about disaster exceeded $2 million. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to facili- preparedness. Sgt. Ramoni is a pillar of his Each year from this group of extraordinary tate better dissemination of health care eco- community, and a devoted husband and fa- ‘‘Doers Who Do,’’ Volunteer Fairfax selects a nomic information. This provision serves an ther. few exceptional individuals, groups, or organi- important public health purpose—namely, en- f zations to be honored. It is my great pleasure suring payors and other population health de- to include the following names of the 2016 HONORING THE MS. THERESA A. cision-makers have relevant data to assist Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards hon- MANUEL them in making informed decisions on behalf orees: of patients. Community Champions: HON. KATHY CASTOR Relevant scientific information such as that Braddock District: Jim Bertolini. OF FLORIDA related to quality of life, cost-effectiveness, Dranesville District: Kathleen Murphy. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and treatment outcomes can inform coverage Hunter Mill District: Jeff Anderson. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Lee District: Linda Waller. decisions and improve healthcare costs and Mason District: Diane Kilbourne. patient outcomes. By requiring only that such Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mount Vernon District: Ron Fitzsimmons. information relates to an approved indication, today to honor the life of an extraordinary Providence District: The Greater Merrifield and by making other changes, this section Tampa resident and Olympian, Theresa A. Business Association. broadens the scope of information that can be Manuel. While Ms. Manuel competed inter- Springfield District: George and Estella communicated without being considered false nationally in track and field, her undying com- Lynch. or misleading. mitment to students at home as a teacher and Sully District: Gary Flather. In particular, the omission of the word ‘‘di- coach may have had an even greater impact At-Large: Gary A. Ambrose. rectly’’ from the requirement in existing law on the hearts of my neighbors across the Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Over: Kathy that information be ‘‘directly related’’ to an ap- Tampa Bay area. Hertz. proved indication means that information that Despite growing up during segregation, The- Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Under: Michele is consistent with an approved use, but not in resa Manuel persevered through adversity to Duell. the labeling itself, falls within the scope of in- become the first African-American woman Adult Volunteer Group: Girls on the Run of formation that can be communicated to payors from Florida to compete in the Olympic NOVA Coaches. and other population health decision-makers. Games. Corporate Volunteer Program: Excella Con- This provision ensures that information pro- Ms. Manuel was born in 1926 in Port sulting. viding valuable insight regarding new medi- Tampa City, Florida. As a young woman, she

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.026 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1603 was a star basketball player at Middleton High nity, where she has served as an Advisory through the patient registry and Dr. Warwick’s School in Tampa. Ms. Manuel had such a love Member to the Crystal Springs Mayoral Coun- unwavering commitment to discovery and ex- for basketball that she would often convince cil and a member of the Citizens Making a Dif- cellence in patient care. neighbors to set up lamps at night so she and ference (CMADCS), an organization that acts In addition to serving his patients, Dr. War- her teammates could practice on the outdoor as a voice for the people’s concerns for the wick honorably served his country for over court near Middleton High. She attended the city of Crystal Springs. thirty years in the United States Army Re- Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University Furthermore, Ashley has also served on serves Medical Corps, retiring as a Colonel. in Alabama, where she was affectionately many other committees across the state, such Throughout, he enjoyed being with his family, nicknamed ‘‘Trick Shot’’ for her skill in basket- as the 50th Anniversary Commemoration and is remembered as a loving and supportive ball and in addition won multiple champion- Committee, Mississippi Meeting of the Minds husband, brother, and father. ships for the Tuskegee Track and Field team. Planning Committee and many other various No single individual has more profoundly im- In the summer before her senior year, Ms. committees where she has played a vital role pacted or advanced the treatment of cystic fi- Manuel made history by competing as a mem- in being a voice for change not only in her brosis in our lifetime than Dr. Warren Warwick. ber of the U.S. Track and Field team at the community, but across the state of Mississippi. His legacy—one of a passionate pursuit of ex- 1948 Olympic Games in London. She com- Ashley is currently an active member of the cellence and dedicating his life to helping oth- peted in the Olympics at a time when sports National Association for the Advancement of ers—will live on. were not widely considered open to women, Colored People (NAACP). As a healthcare ad- f let alone black women. She represented her vocate for the Mississippi State Conference CONGRATULATIONS TO WAYNE country with dignity and grace, and upon re- NAACP, she has worked with several GLENN ON HOSTING HIS 2,000TH turning home she and her team proudly cele- healthcare related projects. The projects that RADIO SHOW brated their success with President Harry Tru- have touched her heart the most include the man at the White House. NAACP’s Childhood Obesity Project and the After graduating from Tuskegee, Ms. national GET HYPE Initiative, which focuses HON. BILLY LONG Manuel moved back to Tampa to care for her on healthy eating for today’s youth. OF MISSOURI ailing mother and began her 38 year career as Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a decorated teacher and coach. She was a in recognizing Ms. Ashley Wilson for her dedi- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 legendary coach in Tampa. She led her teams cation to serving throughout her community Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to con- to multiple state championships and was and throughout organizations around Mis- gratulate Ozark’s broadcaster Wayne Glenn, named the best coach in the Hillsborough sissippi. ‘‘The Old Record Collector,’’ on hosting his County in 1975, and subsequently the best in f 2,000th consecutive radio show. the state of Florida in 1976. Ms. Manuel con- Mr. Glenn has been the host of ‘‘Remember tinued to garner countless honors and awards REMEMBERING DR. WARREN WARWICK When’’ on Springfield’s KTXR radio station throughout her distinguished lifetime. Some of since 1978. Broadcasting every Saturday from those honors include being inducted into the 6 a.m. until 1 p.m., he has been a staple of Tuskegee Institute Hall of Fame and City of HON. TOM EMMER the Ozark country music folklore for decades Tampa Hall of Fame and being named one of OF MINNESOTA by never missing a show. He has over 15,000 the ‘‘100 Distinguished Women of Hillsborough IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES vinyl records and can tell you a history lesson County.’’ Tuesday, December 6, 2016 about each song he plays. Ms. Manuel’s importance to the African- On December 10, 2016, Mr. Glenn will be Mr. EMMER of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I American community in Florida and indeed all hosting his 2,000th episode of ‘‘Remember rise today to pay tribute to the life and work Floridians transcends even her many accom- When’’ with KTXR opening its doors to the of Dr. Warren Warwick. plishments in sport. Most importantly, she will public for a chance to celebrate this historic As a Professor of Pediatrics at the Univer- always be remembered as a great leader and milestone with an Ozark icon. It is my pleas- sity of Minnesota, Dr. Warwick was a pioneer giant matriarchal figure to the thousands of ure to help recognize Glenn for this great in the advancement of care for cystic fibrosis students whose lives she touched. She was a achievement. For all the work he has done to patients. Dr. Warwick is often remembered for champion in all facets of life. On November be the voice of Saturday morning radio in his work developing the first high frequency 21st, 2016, Ms. Manuel passed away at the southwest Missouri, it makes me proud to chest compression vest, but that was just part age of 90 in Tampa, Florida. serve him and all of Missouri’s 7th Congres- of his comprehensive approach to cystic fibro- Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the citizens of the sional District. sis care that set the national benchmark for Tampa Bay community, I am proud to honor f Ms. Theresa A. Manuel for her lifelong service excellence in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. and inspirational life. Early in his career, Dr. Warwick founded the TUESDAYS IN TEXAS: SAM University of Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Clinic f RAYBURN where he served as director for nearly 40 HONORING ASHLEY WILSON years. Dr. Warwick was known for his com- HON. TED POE passion, kindness, ingenuity, and tireless com- OF TEXAS mitment to the improvement of patient care. HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Warwick’s patients understood that he OF MISSISSIPPI Tuesday, December 6, 2016 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES expected them to be active participants in the fight of their disease, and in turn his patients Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the name Tuesday, December 6, 2016 knew he would be right there, relentlessly Sam Rayburn of Texas is well known to this Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- fighting with them. It was a fight for which he House. It can be found identifying portraits er, I rise today to honor a remarkable young committed his entire adult life. and busts just outside this Chamber. It is the lady, Ms. Ashley Wilson of Crystal Springs, Not long after joining the University of Min- namesake of meeting rooms and offices Mississippi. nesota faculty, Warwick set out, on behalf of throughout the Capitol complex. I, along with Ashley Wilson is a proud native of Crystal the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to collect pa- many of you, work in the Rayburn office build- Springs, MS. She is a recent graduate of tient data from each of the 31 Cystic Fibrosis ing. I hold conferences in the Rayburn meet- Jackson State University, where she obtained Care centers spread across the United States. ing room just across the hall. The name of a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Adminis- Because of his work, the Cystic Fibrosis Foun- Sam Rayburn is synonymous with statesman- tration. dation patient registry was created, which is ship and devotion to public service at its fin- Ashley is a Senior Intern who serves as the the global gold standard in ongoing quality im- est. His importance to the tradition and legacy Financial/Events Planning Specialist at One provement through data sharing and collabo- of this place can be summed up in the fact Voice. She has been with the organization ration in disease management today. that at one time this chamber was referred to since 2011 and is set to serve as the Chair for At the time of the Cystic Fibrosis registry’s as ‘‘Sam’s House.’’ the organization’s 10th Year Anniversary Cele- inception, cystic fibrosis patients routinely lived Rayburn earned the admiration of even his bration. only into early childhood. Today, many live rivals. Joe Martin, after losing the election for Making a difference in her home town, Ash- well beyond their fifties, thanks largely to the speaker to Sam Rayburn, said of his col- ley has served as an advocate for her commu- advancements in treatment only possible league ‘‘he is a man of great ability, of rare

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.030 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1604 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2016 political acumen, and skillful in debate.’’ He area. More than 270 community leaders have ship of Dr. Gary Jones and Sharon Henry and gained that reputation during a tenure in Con- completed Leadership Prince William’s Signa- to congratulate them on being honored by gress that lasted almost 49 years, and a ture Program. Past participants of the Signa- Leadership Prince William for their immeas- record long Speakership of 17 years. His lead- ture Program include a vast array of individ- urable contributions to our community. Their ership was vital, and well timed. He served uals from the public, private, and not-for-profit tireless work on behalf of the residents of the this country during the critical years between sectors. In 2014, Leadership Prince William Greater Prince William area are truly deserv- the beginning of World War II and the Ken- launched Youth Leadership Prince William. ing of our highest praise. nedy administration. It was the strike of his Similar to the Signature Program for adults, f gavel that entered America into the war, and Youth Leadership Prince William provides the next generation of leaders with the tools nec- RESTORING THE CONGRESSIONAL it was he that administered the oath of office DUTY TO DECLARE WAR to Vice President Lyndon Johnson. essary to excel in education, skill develop- As a leader, he always preferred persuasion ment, and community engagement opportuni- and good-humor to coercion. Following this ties. HON. ALAN GRAYSON philosophy, he used the influence of the The success and positive effects of Leader- OF FLORIDA speakership only sparingly and with subtlety ship Prince William are beyond question. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and cunning. His authority, therefore, came Based on their talents and passions, Leader- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 ship Prince William participants, both past and from the general respect of his peers for the Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, for more than present, are working to address the greatest character of the man, not the power or pres- a century and a half, Congress declared war needs of the community through skill-based tige of his title. He was known for his unwav- as the framers of the Constitutional Conven- initiatives. Now in its third year, Leadership ering integrity, his loyalty to friends and col- tion of 1787 directed when they wrote that Prince William staff members and the Board of leagues in both parties, his fairness, and his Congress had the ‘‘power to declare war.’’ But Regents commend positive forces of change disdain for pretension. Rayburn once made starting in the 1950’s, Congress began author- by presenting two awards to members of the the following remark, explaining his philosophy izing the President to make the determination community who exemplify true leadership. The for war and voters were deprived of the power on leadership: ‘‘You cannot lead people by try- Leadership Prince William Vision Award is to influence their Congressional representa- ing to drive them. Persuasion and reason are presented to an individual who has developed tives. The result has been labeled an Author- the only ways to lead them. In that way the strategic and innovative partnerships and ex- ization for Use of Military Force, or AUMF. It Speaker has influence and power in the emplifies leadership in the Greater Prince Wil- was used in the Vietnam War of 1965–73 and House.’’ liam area and beyond. The Kathy Ellington the 2003 war against Iraq, 2003 to the Sam Rayburn would become one of the Alumni Leadership Award honors an individual present. most powerful individuals in the United States, with noteworthy vision, insight, and under- but all this was preceded by humble begin- I want to bring attention to a Rutgers Law standing of the community’s greatest needs. Review article, ‘‘Restoring the Congressional nings. Rayburn grew up working on his fa- Because of their noteworthy efforts, our com- ther’s cotton farm in North Texas. Even as a Duty to Declare War,’’ that has challenged the munity is better off for the lasting positive im- constitutionality of all United States wars boy, he dreamed of becoming the Speaker of print on the residents of the Greater Prince the House. He left the farm to seek out that fought since World War II. Rutgers School of William area and beyond. It is my honor to Law Professor Emeritus Alfred W. Blumrosen dream, working his way through East Texas enter the recipients of these awards into the Normal College, which would later become and Steven M. Blumrosen, the authors of ‘‘Re- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD. storing the Congressional Duty to Declare Texas A&M University. He then taught school, The 2016 Leadership Prince William Vision and was eventually elected to serve in the War,’’ rely not only on the language of the Award is bestowed upon Dr. Gary L. Jones, Constitution that ‘‘Congress shall have the Texas House of Representatives. While there CEO of Youth for Tomorrow, for his innovative he pursued a degree in law. In 1912 he was power to declare war’’ but also on the debates leadership and programs used to provide chil- in the Constitutional Convention that began elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, dren and families with a continuum of services June 1, 1787. On that day, Charles Pinckney and remained there for almost half a century. through issue-focused behavioral health and from South Carolina made clear that he op- He was a life-long bachelor, some say that developmental programs. Under Dr. Jones’ posed giving the power of war to the President this House was his love, his passion. Appro- leadership, the scope of Youth for Tomorrow because that would render him ‘‘a Monarchy priately, then, perhaps, Sam Rayburn died in has grown with Prince William County. In of the worst kind, to wit an elective one.’’ office. Despite knowing that his cancer was 1996, Youth for Tomorrow provided assistance The Convention took two votes. The first put terminal, and several moments of uncon- to eight boys in two residences and a tem- the power of war in the Congress and the sec- sciousness at the Speaker’s chair, he insisted porary learning structure with an operating ond prohibited the Congress from transferring on seeing the Kennedy New Frontier program budget of $800,000. Today, Youth for Tomor- that power to the President. In the following through. row serves more than 1,000 children annually weeks all but one member of the Convention Sam Rayburn served his country well, so with a residential capacity of 122. Boys and joined Pinckney in the conclusion that Con- well as to become a fixture of this institution, girls are housed in seven homes spread gress, and not the President, should declare and remains so today. across 200 acres and learn in a state-of-the- war. And that’s just the way it is. art academic center that offers a comfortable Later in the convention, after Pinckney f learning environment and access to six on-site pointed out that Congress might not be in ses- behavioral health service programs. sion when the country was attacked, the Con- RECOGNIZING THE 2016 LEADER- The 2016 Kathy Ellington Alumni Award re- vention provided that the Congress could SHIP PRINCE WILLIAM VISION cipient is Sharon Henry, who serves in dual allow the President to call out the state militias AWARD AND KATHY ELLINGTON roles as the supervisor of the Office of Com- in cases of insurrection, invasion, or resist- ALUMNI LEADERSHIP AWARD munity and Business Engagement for Prince ance to federal laws. Congress later imple- RECIPIENTS William County Public Schools and Executive mented its power by declaring a limited war on Director of Supporting Partnerships and Re- France for seizing seamen from American HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY sources for Kids (or SPARK), the education ships under claims that they were French. In OF VIRGINIA foundation for PWCS. Ms. Henry’s leadership 1880 the Supreme Court approved this proce- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES has reached beyond the confines of PWCS to dure by interpreting the Declare War clause as educate the whole child and ensure students Tuesday, December 6, 2016 encompassing ‘‘any contention by force’’ with have access to learning tools and materials another country, including both full-scale wars Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- both in and out of the classroom. Since as- and limited wars. But the events at the Con- ognize the 2016 recipients of the Leadership suming her role with SPARK in 2007, the vention and the early Supreme Court opinions Prince William Vision Award and the Kathy foundation’s budget has grown exponentially were not considered by Congress and the Ellington Alumni Leadership Award. from $477,450 to a bustling $3.2 million as of lower Federal Courts when the president was Founded in 2007, Leadership Prince William 2015. Ms. Henry’s innovative approach to the allowed to determine war in Vietnam in 1964 is an independent non-profit organization dedi- operation of the foundation has allowed it to and against Iraq in 2003. cated to providing an enriching environment be named one of the ‘‘20 Best Education The authors found that the Federal judicial for passionate community members to engage Foundations in the United States.’’ system had ignored the decision of the Con- and network with the desire of contributing to Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me stitutional Convention and the early Supreme the betterment of the Greater Prince William in commending the selfless efforts and leader- Court opinions.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.034 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1605 Mr. Speaker, I urge all interested in this trees, and the family atmosphere. She was RECOGNIZING THE 2016 OFFICERS subject to refer to Alfred W. Blumrosen & Ste- convinced that this was where she wanted to OF THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FED- ven M. Blumrosen, Restoring the Congres- spend her next four years and enrolled in the ERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIA- sional Duty to Declare War, 63 Rutgers U.L. upcoming semester. TIONS Rev. 407 (2011). She became a member of the Alpha Kappa f Alpha Sorority, Inc. on December 13, 1959. HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY HONORING SPECIALIST FOURTH She felt the plight of the Civil Rights move- OF VIRGINIA CLASS TECHNICIAN GARY ESTES ment and volunteered to become a Freedom IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Rider. Mary helped lead a ‘‘sit-in’’ in the Trail- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 ways bus station in downtown Jackson, where HON. TODD C. YOUNG she was arrested and jailed. She did not waiv- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ac- OF INDIANA er from the overall mission to gain equality for knowledge the Fairfax County Federation of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES African Americans. As a result, on June 23, Citizens’ Associations (the ‘‘Federation’’) and Tuesday, December 6, 2016 1961, Freedom Riders from Tougaloo College the individuals who will serve as officers for set a precedent and became the first residents the 2016–2017 term. As a former two-term Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise of Mississippi to lead in the movement. While President of the Federation, I understand that today to honor Specialist Fourth Class Techni- at Tougaloo College, Mary met and fell in love those who volunteer their time, energies, and cian Gary Estes for his service to the United with Gene Lee. They were married in 1963. talents to civic activities play a vital role in States Army and to his country. Born in rural, She and Gene were natural educators. Mary making Fairfax County one of the best places central Kentucky SP4(T) Estes entered the dedicated her working career educating youth. in the nation in which to live, work, and raise U.S. Army in the fall of 1966. He was trained She began as a teacher in Picayune, Mis- a family. I am honored to recognize the fol- as a reconnaissance specialist, and then was sissippi; later moving to Kansas City, Missouri. lowing individuals for their service to our com- deployed to Vietnam as a member of an ar- In 1973, she relocated with her family to Ger- munity: mored cavalry regiment. In addition to exe- many and taught within the Department of De- President: Tim Thompson. cuting reconnaissance missions, SP4(T) Estes fense American School system. In 1981, Mary First Vice-President: Ed Wyse. served as a machine gunner. While aboard an and her family returned to the United States Second Vice-President: Bill Barfield. armored vehicle, Estes and his unit came and settled in Jackson, Mississippi, where she Treasurer: Alejandro Mattiuzzo. under fire from enemy forces. Estes suffered retired in 2001 as Principal from Boyd Ele- Corresponding Secretary: Matt Bell. severe injuries to his shoulder, face, and mentary School. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me hand, and had to be airlifted from the battle- in thanking these individuals and in congratu- field to a hospital in Japan. This event earned Mary and Gene were blessed with three (3) lating them on being chosen as officers by the him the Purple Heart for his heroism in battle. beautiful children: Geno (Angie), Daryl Fairfax County Federation of Citizens’ Asso- After two months spent recovering from his (Cassie), and Angel (Chris), and eight (8) ciations. Civic engagement is one of the core wounds, SP4(T) Estes volunteered to return to grandchildren: Jessica, Tori, Gabby, Nick, indicators of a healthy community and Fairfax Vietnam to complete his tour. Bella, Alexa, McKenzie, and Malita. County residents enjoy an exceptional quality In addition to the Purple Heart, SP4(T) Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me of life due in part to the efforts of these indi- Estes was honored as a ‘‘Blackhorse Troop- in recognizing Mrs. Mary Harrison Lee for her viduals. Their contributions and leadership er,’’ a distinction reserved for select, elite sol- dedication to serving. have been a great benefit to our community diers, for his exceptional skill in the cavalry and truly merit our highest praise. I commend regiment. His heroism and desire to serve his f them for the enthusiasm that has led them to country also earned him the National Defense seek officer positions within the Federation Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, CONGRATULATIONS TO DIANNE and ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the Vietnam Service Medal, and a Combat In- ELIZABETH OSIS ON HER RE- them great success in all future endeavors. TIREMENT AFTER 36 YEARS AS fantryman Badge. f After his service abroad, SP4(T) Estes re- CHAIRWOMAN AND PRESIDENT turned home and dove into community serv- OF SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS HONORING FIRST SERGEANT ice. He is a member of American Legion Post JOURNAL RONALD OWENS 233, and has held various executive board po- sitions, including Post Commander. Estes also HON. BILLY LONG HON. TODD C. YOUNG served as Commander of the local Veterans of OF INDIANA Foreign Wars (VFW). SP4(T) Estes uses his OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES volunteer spirit to help serve veterans and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, December 6, 2016 members of his community. Tuesday, December 6, 2016 f Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor First Sergeant Ronald Owens Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HONORING MARY HARRISON LEE for his service to his country and community. honor Springfield Business Journal founder 1SG Owens completed basic training in 1966, Dianne Elizabeth Osis on her retirement after two years after graduating from high school. HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON 36 years as chairwoman and president. OF MISSISSIPPI After basic training, he was sent for additional The Springfield Business Journal has been IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES training to learn to intercept and interpret radio a staple of Springfield since 1983 and has traffic. 1SG Owens’ extensive 24-year career Tuesday, December 6, 2016 provided the area with outstanding business in the United States Army included two tours Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- news. The Springfield Business Journal was in Southeast Asia. 1SG Owens’ began his er, I rise today to honor a remarkable public founded by Osis in 1983 with humble begin- second tour under fire in the dense jungles of servant, Mrs. Mary Harrison Lee who was nings and transformed in the 36 years into a Vietnam as a participant in one of the largest born on July 22, 1939 in Manila, Philippines to pillar of journalism in the Springfield area. Osis and bloodiest campaigns of the Vietnam Ida Lloren. She was adopted at an early age is an example of exemplary hard work. War—the Tet Offensive. During the campaign, by Reverend and Mrs. Ernest Harrison. Her Although Osis is retiring from her position as 1SG Owens utilized his specialized training to adopted father was a chaplain in the army giv- chairwoman on January 1, 2017, she still interrupt and analyze radio communication. ing her the opportunity to live in many places, plans on keeping her board position at the 1SG Owens outstanding record of service to such as Captieux, France, Erlangen, Ger- Springfield Business Journal. It is my pleasure his country and to the United States Army is many, Fort Riley, Kansas, and San Antonio, to recognize her great achievements and wish evidenced by his regular promotions; he en- Texas. the staff of the Springfield Business Journal a tered the service as a private in 1965 and Mary graduated from Rochefort American joyous and well-earned celebration of their reached First Sergeant in the summer of High School in France. Upon returning to the success over the years. She has made south- 1986. 1SG Owens earned, among others, the United States, she visited Tougaloo College west Missouri a better place to live and made Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service and immediately fell in love with its quaint- me proud to serve the 7th Congressional Dis- Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army ness, intimacy, the hanging moss from the oak trict. Achievement Medal, the National Defense

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.036 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1606 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2016 Medal with One Star, and the Vietnam Service CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ment Committee (Senior Citizens Dinner), and Medal. MONETT HIGH SCHOOL FOOT- serves on the Workforce Investment Board. After joining the U.S. Army Reserves in BALL TEAM ON WINNING THE He is the President of the Boys and Girls Club 1980, 1SG Owens supervised over 250 per- CLASS 3A MISSOURI STATE HIGH of Vicksburg which he established. sonnel at the 335th Military Intelligence Com- SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIA- Mr. Selmon was appointed Superintendent TION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP pany in Louisville, Kentucky. He retired from of Sunday School and selected to the Deacon military service in 2006, but remained active in Board of Travelers Rest Baptist Church. Mr. Selmon received the President Award his community. He was a volunteer firefighter HON. BILLY LONG for Distinguished Leadership in Government. in New Middletown, Indiana, and earned a OF MISSOURI Mr. Selmon is the father of twin daughters ‘‘First Responders Certificate’’ for his work re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (Alyshia and Tericka). He is married to Fredia sponding to emergencies and providing assist- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Selmon. ance to victims. 1SG Owens’ exemplary Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me record of service to his country and commu- honor the Monett High School football team on in recognizing Supervisor Charles Selmon for nity has set the standard for generations of winning the Class 3A Missouri State High his services to Warren County. servicemen and servicewomen to come. School Activities Association State Champion- f ship. f The Cubs won the state championship on CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF November 26, 2016, by defeating Maryville SILETZ INDIANS AND CONFED- TRIBUTE TO OFFICER COLLIN 27–18. This is the first state championship ERATED TRIBES OF GRAND ROSE since 1977 for Monett High School and caps RONDE INDIANS off an overall 14–1 season. This historic game HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. saw trick plays and excellent coaching by both HON. KURT SCHRADER teams, all while taking place in Springfield’s OF OREGON OF MICHIGAN own Plaster Stadium at Missouri State Univer- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Monett High School is coached by Derek Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Uhl, and saw strong leadership from players Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Ian Meyer, Alex Turner and Michael Branch. It in strong support of S. 817 and S. 818 and Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to is my pleasure to help recognize the Monett ask my House colleagues for their support for honor the service, sacrifice, and life of Officer High School football team on their well-earned these bills which are vital to two tribes I have Collin Rose of the Wayne State University Po- celebration of success. It makes me proud to the honor of representing. lice Department. Two weeks ago, Officer serve them, and all of Missouri’s 7th Congres- Over the past three congresses Senators Rose’s life was tragically cut short when he sional District. WYDEN, MERKLEY and I introduced these im- portant bills to simplify the fee-to-trust process was gunned down in the line of duty. Mr. Rose f was just 29. for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians HONORING MR. CHARLES SELMON and the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Despite being such a young man, he leaves Ronde respectively. Our legislation will provide behind a long list of friends, family, and ac- considerable help to the Siletz and Grand complishments. He grew up in the Pittsburgh HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON Ronde in their continued efforts to restore land area where he played baseball and was a die OF MISSISSIPPI that was lost during federal policies of allot- hard Steelers fan, even after his move to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment and termination of tribal recognition in Michigan. He graduated from Ferris State Uni- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 1954. The Tribes’ efforts to restore land are versity in northwest Michigan, and quickly Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- currently hampered by a lengthy, expensive, seized on his first law enforcement opportunity er, I rise today to honor a public servant, and cumbersome Bureau of Indian Affairs as an intern with the Battle Creek police. He Charles Selmon. Mr. Selmon has shown what process. The ability to reacquire land is critical later enrolled as a cadet with the New Balti- can be done through tenacity, dedication and to self-determination efforts by terminated and more police, and the village of Richland gave a desire to serve Warren County. restored tribes like the Siletz and Grand him his first full-time police officer position. Mr. Selmon earned a Bachelor of Science in Ronde. Collin joined the Wayne State University Po- Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Coun- Under our legislation any property located lice Force five years ago. In that time, he and seling Psychology from Mississippi College. within the boundaries of the respective Tribe’s the entire force have become an integral part He studied Economic Development at the Uni- original reservation will be treated as ‘‘on-res- of the Detroit law enforcement network. The versity of Southern Mississippi. He furthered ervation’’ for the purpose of processing acqui- Wayne State force has worked diligently to im- his studies in the Post Master’s Degree pro- sitions of property into trust, and deemed a prove the safety and security of not only the gram at Jackson State University. Mr. Selmon part of the Tribe’s reservation once taken into campus area, but all of midtown Detroit, free- has received National Security Training from trust. It should be noted that nothing in these ing up resources of the Detroit Police Depart- the U.S. Army War College located in Carlisle, bills prioritizes for any purpose the claims of ment and other area law enforcement agen- PA. any federally-recognized Indian tribe over the cies. Mr. Selmon has served as a Psychology In- claims of any other federally recognized Indian Collin leaves behind a beautiful and grieving structor at both Alcorn State University and tribe. fiance´e, Nikki Salgot. He proposed to her just Hinds Community College. Mr. Selmon was Once enacted, these bills will not only save a few blocks from here at the Law Enforce- elected to the Warren County Board of Super- the Tribes’ time and money which could be ment Officers Memorial last May at the conclu- visors position in 1996. He was elected to a better utilized serving its membership and the sion of the Police Unity Bicycle Tour. He was fifth term with the Warren County Board of Su- community, but would also streamline the an avid bicyclist, and rode with Chapter One pervisors. While serving on the Board of Su- BIA’s land-into-trust responsibilities to the of the unity tour since 2013. pervisors Mr. Selmon has served as President Tribes’, thus saving taxpayer money. Reform- and Vice-President. He has also served as ing this process for the Siletz and Grand Collin was also a dog lover. In fact, he was President of the Mississippi Association of Su- Ronde tribes reflects the federal policy of tribal a K–9 handler with the force, and leaves be- pervisors (MAS) and as President of the Mis- self-determination and the priority of restoring hind two beloved dogs, Wolverine and Clyde. sissippi Association of Supervisors Minority lands to once-terminated tribes. He was also a member of a Metro Detroit dog Caucus. Mr. Selmon was chosen to represent I would like to personally thank Chairman training club. the State of Mississippi with the National As- BISHOP and Ranking Member GRIJALVA, Sub- On behalf of a grieving Detroit, I thank sociation of Counties regarding Human Serv- committee Chairman YOUNG and Ranking Collin for his service and his commitment. To ices. Member RUIZ, and former Chairman HASTINGS Nikki, to his parents, Randy and Karen, to his Mr. Selmon is a member of the Warren and former Ranking Member DEFAZIO for their brother Curtis, and to the rest of his family, County Economic Development Committee, leadership, assistance, time, and patience friends, and brothers on the force, for your un- Back-To-School Committee (School Day Sup- over the years moving these bills through the imaginable loss my heart goes out to you. plies), Warren County Community Develop- Natural Resources Committee.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.041 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1607 Finally, I would like to thank the Siletz and RECOGNIZING THE 2016 TOWN OF retention of computer science majors, she was Grand Ronde Tribes for their friendship and HERNDON POLICE DEPARTMENT involved in a project to determine the impact wish them a much deserved congratulations. VALOR AWARD RECIPIENTS of introducing the concepts of object oriented Their tireless efforts and perseverance over programming for first year computer science the last six years has been critical to getting HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY students using a visual animation tool known this legislation across the finish line. It’s an OF VIRGINIA as Alice. honor to represent both in Congress and I am IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Bland also acquired significant external proud to play a small part in your continued funding for the department from sources in- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 efforts to restore your historic lands. cluding the National Science Foundation Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space f to recognize an outstanding group of men and Administration (NASA), Eisenhower (state of women in Northern Virginia. These individuals Mississippi), SUN Microsystems and mini- STAY OUT OF MOSUL have demonstrated superior dedication to pub- grants from Jackson State University. Her last lic safety and have been awarded the pres- external funds secured for the department in- tigious Valor Award by the Northern Virginia cluded an S–STEM scholarship grant and an HON. ALAN GRAYSON Chamber of Commerce. HBCU–UP implementation grant. A major This is the 38th Annual Valor Awards spon- focus of the scholarship grants secured by Dr. OF FLORIDA sored by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Bland involved initiatives to increase the num- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Commerce. This event honors the remarkable ber of computer science and mathematics ma- heroism and bravery in the line of duty exem- jors at MVSU. Funds secured were used to in- Tuesday, December 6, 2016 plified by our public safety officers. Our public stitute tutorial services, provide student devel- safety and law enforcement personnel put opment activities and support debt reduction Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, haven’t we their lives on the line every day to keep our though scholarships to decease external em- learned anything? families and neighborhoods safe. This year’s ployment of students seeking degrees. The In 1899, Rudyard Kipling wrote a poem ceremony will recognize 70 individuals, 1 K–9, goal of the latest HBCU–UP grant is to en- called The White Man’s Burden, urging Amer- and 1 team in a variety of categories includ- courage STEM graduates to pursue graduate ica to bring ‘‘civilization’’ to the Philippines. ing: the Lifesaving Certificate, the Certificate of education. The results were 250,000 deaths, war crimes, Valor, and the Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal Dr. Bland has devoted 23 years of service and denial of Philippine independence for half of Valor. to MVSU, and has demonstrated her passion a century. This year, Special Police Officer Mark Butler and commitment to the University, faculty, Haven’t we learned anything? of the Town of Herndon Police Department is staff and students. Her involvement has been being honored with the Silver Medal of Valor extensive, yet she finds time and energy to U.S. forces occupied Iraq for nine years, for his exceptional service. It is with great serve, work and lead, shouldering countless until the Iraqis insisted that we leave. The re- pride that I include his name. burdens with good humor and grace. She is a sults were more than 600,000 deaths, a cost Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2016 Valor tower of strength and a strong force for pro- of $4 trillion (8 percent of our national net Award Recipients, and thank each of the men gressive efficient public service. She always worth), and a Sunni vacuum that the Islamic and women who serve in the Town of Hern- shows patience and tolerance, qualities of an State terror group has filled. don Police Department. Their efforts, made on experienced and committed leader. Dr. Bland Haven’t we learned anything? behalf of the citizens of our community, are is a visionary leader who inspires staff, stu- selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our dents and the community. She is responsible I’ve been to every country in the world rec- highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me for developing MVSU’s first Women in Science ognized by the United Nations. There are a in applauding this group of remarkable citi- and Technology Conference (WIST) designed few universals. Everywhere, people want to zens. to encourage young girls in grades 7th fall in love; they love children and pets; they’re through 12th to consider majoring in STEM acquisitive. And everywhere, people don’t f disciplines. The conference will celebrate its want to see foreigners with guns. They’d pre- HONORING CONSTANCE BLAND 20th anniversary in Spring 2016 and can fer a local dictatorship to a foreign military oc- boast of numerous female students who have cupation. So please don’t tell me that sending HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON gone on to become practicing women in U.S. troops back to Iraq would be ‘‘for their OF MISSISSIPPI science and technology. own good.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Dr. Bland holds an Associate’s degree in Some argue that we must send U.S. troops Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Mathematics from Coahoma Junior College, a to Mosul for our sake, regardless of what the Bachelor of Arts in mathematics, Bachelor of Iraqis want or need. That’s called ‘‘colo- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Science in computer science, Master of nialism.’’ It pits us against one of the great er, I rise today to honor Constance Bland, who Science degree in computer science and a narratives of our times, world decolonization. It is an Educator, a Leader and Public Servant. Doctoral degree in computer engineering from invites the hatred not only of more than 1 bil- Constance G. Bland, Ph.D. was appointed the University of Mississippi. lion Muslims but the entire world. They will Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me see us not as liberators but as the enemy. Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) in in recognizing Constance Bland, an Educator, the spring of 2014. As VPAA, she is respon- a leader and Public Servant for her dedication It is a bizarre misconception to think that sible for leadership, educational policy, aca- to serving others and giving back to the Afri- sending U.S. troops 8,000 miles from home demic programs, budgeting and resource allo- can American community. somehow makes us safer. It doesn’t. And it is cation; supervision of staff development pro- f a great disservice to our troops to fight in a grams, federal grant program administration; place where they don’t understand the lan- monitoring of personnel actions and trans- HONORING FIRST LIEUTENANT guage, the religion or the customs. actions, and participation in academic per- KEVIN WAGNER As a member of the House Foreign Affairs sonnel policy development and negotiation. Committee, I asked 10 nearby Sunni Muslim She is also responsible for relationships with HON. TODD C. YOUNG countries whether they would send ground the wider educational and occupational com- OF INDIANA forces to fight ISIL. Four said yes. Then I munity, particularly the public schools, as well IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as additional responsibilities as assigned by asked Secretary of State John Kerry whether Tuesday, December 6, 2016 he had asked the same question. He said the President. ‘‘no.’’ Before becoming VPAA, Dr. Bland was Pro- Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise fessor and Chair of the Department of Mathe- today to honor First Lieutenant Kevin Wagner If Iraq actually is a thing, then it should be matics, Computer and Information Sciences. for his service to his country and community. capable of defending itself. If it can’t or won’t, She developed computer science educational 1LT Wagner completed two tours in Iraq, each then fighters who look and sound like locals curriculum related to database management marked with heroism, tragedy, and compas- should do the job. systems, software engineering and introduc- sion. During his second tour, as the winter It isn’t the white man’s burden. It never was. tion to computer science. In an effort to impact season settled into Mosul, rain fell with little

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.045 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS E1608 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2016 relief which caused his unit to suffer from rorism Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the they experienced in combat. After a tornado painful trench foot. In response, 1LT Wagner Combat Action Badge. struck Henryville, Indiana, a friend called on withdrew the maximum amount from his pay, Upon his return home, 1LT Wagner chan- Wagner to help her husband who was suf- and anonymously purchased the entire stock neled his leadership skills to better his com- fering from violent flashbacks triggered by the of clean, dry, socks from the camp’s supply munity. He volunteers to help lead Vacation destruction in the town. 1LT Wagner talked store. He then placed pairs on each soldier’s Bible School at his church, and serves as a with him, helped him clean his home, and en- bed. His actions only came to light among his mentor to at-risk children. 1LT Wagner and couraged him as he reconstructed his life. 1LT soldiers ten years later at a reunion. His serv- another veteran began a veteran’s support Wagner’s compassion and sense of duty is ice earned him the Bronze Star, the Army group, ‘‘Home After the War’’, that aims to apparent in his record both on the battlefield Commendation Medal, Global War on Ter- help returning veterans talk through trauma and at home.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:06 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A06DE8.049 E06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with REMARKS Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Daily Digest Senate following motions and amendments proposed there- Chamber Action to: Pages S6719–30 Routine Proceedings, pages S6717–S6763 Pending: Measures Introduced: Eight bills and one resolu- McConnell motion to concur in the amendment of tion were introduced, as follows: S. 3503–3510, and the House to the amendment of the Senate to the S. Res. 631. Page S6758 bill. Page S6719 McConnell motion to concur in the amendment of Measures Reported: the House to the amendment of the Senate to the S. 2997, to direct the Federal Communications bill, with McConnell Amendment No. 5117, to Commission to commence proceedings related to the change the enactment date. Page S6719 resiliency of critical telecommunications networks McConnell Amendment No. 5118 (to Amend- during times of emergency, with an amendment in ment No. 5117), of a perfecting nature. Page S6719 the nature of a substitute. (S. Rept. No. 114–392) A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- S. 3097, to establish the SelectUSA program, with viding that notwithstanding rule XXII, the post-clo- an amendment in the nature of a substitute. (S. ture time with respect to McConnell motion to con- Rept. No. 114–393) cur in the amendment of the House to the amend- Report to accompany S. 2763, to provide the vic- ment of the Senate to the bill expire at 2 p.m., on tims of Holocaust-era persecution and their heirs a Wednesday, December 7, 2016; and that if cloture fair opportunity to recover works of art confiscated is invoked on the conference report to accompany S. or misappropriated by the Nazis. (S. Rept. No. 2943, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2017 114–394) for military activities of the Department of Defense, S. 421, to amend the Communications Act of for military construction, and for defense activities of 1934 to provide for greater transparency and effi- the Department of Energy, to prescribe military per- ciency in the procedures followed by the Federal sonnel strengths for such fiscal year, that the post- Communications Commission, with an amendment cloture time be counted as if cloture had been in- in the nature of a substitute. voked at 1 a.m., on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. S. 1685, to direct the Federal Communications Page S6762 Commission to extend to private land use restric- A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- tions its rule relating to reasonable accommodation viding for further consideration of the message of the of amateur service communications. House to accompany the bill, post-cloture, at ap- S. 2283, to ensure that small business providers of proximately 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, December 7, broadband Internet access service can devote re- 2016; and that the time from 3 p.m., until 4 p.m. sources to broadband deployment rather than com- be reserved for tributes to the President of the Sen- pliance with cumbersome regulatory requirements, ate. Page S6762 with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Appointments: S. 2508, to reduce sports-related concussions in youth. Pages S6757–58 United States-China Economic Security Review Commission: The Chair announced, on behalf of the House Messages: Majority Leader, pursuant to the provisions of Public Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Law 106–398, as amended by Public Law 108–7, Act—Agreement: Senate continued consideration of and in consultation with the Chairmen of the Senate the amendment of the House to the amendment of Committee on Armed Services and the Senate Com- the Senate to H.R. 34, to authorize and strengthen mittee on Finance, the re-appointment of the fol- the tsunami detection, forecast, warning, research, lowing individual to serve as a member of the and mitigation program of the National Oceanic and United States-China Economic Security Review Atmospheric Administration, taking action on the Commission: Robin Cleveland of Virginia, for a term D1098

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:29 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D06DE6.REC D06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with DIGEST December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1099 beginning January 1, 2017 and expiring December BUSINESS MEETING 31, 2018. Page S6762 Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee ordered fa- Virgin Islands of the United States Centennial vorably reported the following business items: Commission: The Chair announced, on behalf of the H.R. 1150, to amend the International Religious Majority Leader, pursuant to the provisions of Public Freedom Act of 1998 to improve the ability of the Law 114–224, the appointment of the following in- United States to advance religious freedom globally dividuals to serve as members of the Virgin Islands through enhanced diplomacy, training, counterter- of the United States Centennial Commission: Sen- rorism, and foreign assistance efforts, and through ators Murkowski and Rubio. Page S6762 stronger and more flexible political responses to reli- Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- gious freedom violations and violent extremism lowing nominations: worldwide, with an amendment in the nature of a Richard A. Kennedy, of Pennsylvania, to be a substitute; Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropoli- H.R. 2845, to promote access to benefits under tan Washington Airports Authority for a term expir- the African Growth and Opportunity Act, with an ing May 30, 2022. amendment; Rebecca Emily Rapp, of Wisconsin, to be a Mem- H.R. 4481, to amend the Foreign Assistance Act ber of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services of 1961 to provide assistance for developing coun- tries to promote quality basic education and to es- Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2019. tablish the goal of all children in school and learning Thomas J. Murphy, of Colorado, to be Under Sec- as an objective of the United States foreign assistance retary for Benefits of the Department of Veterans Af- policy, with an amendment in the nature of a sub- fairs. stitute; 63 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. H.R. 4939, to increase engagement with the gov- Routine lists in the Army. Pages S6762–63 ernments of the Caribbean region, the Caribbean di- Messages from the House: Page S6757 aspora community in the United States, and the pri- Measures Referred: Page S6757 vate sector and civil society in both the United States and the Caribbean, with an amendment in the Executive Reports of Committees: Page S6758 nature of a substitute; Additional Cosponsors: Pages S6759–60 S. Res. 537, expressing profound concern about Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: the ongoing political, economic, social and humani- Pages S6760–61 tarian crisis in Venezuela, urging the release of polit- ical prisoners, and calling for respect of constitu- Additional Statements: Pages S6756–57 tional and democratic processes, with an amendment Amendments Submitted: Page S6761 in the nature of a substitute; Authorities for Committees to Meet: Page S6762 S. Res. 535, expressing the sense of the Senate re- garding the trafficking of illicit fentanyl into the Privileges of the Floor: Page S6762 United States from Mexico and China, with an Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and ad- amendment in the nature of a substitute; journed at 6:54 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Wednes- S. 8, to provide for the approval of the Agreement day, December 7, 2016. (For Senate’s program, see for Cooperation Between the Government of the the remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s United States of America and the Government of the Record on page S6762.) Kingdom of Norway Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy; Committee Meetings S. Con. Res. 57, honoring in praise and remem- brance the extraordinary life, steady leadership, and (Committees not listed did not meet) remarkable 70-year reign of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand; WORLDWIDE THREATS S. Con. Res. 30, expressing concern over the dis- Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a appearance of David Sneddon; hearing to examine emerging United States defense Protocol to the North Atlantic Treaty of 1949 on challenges and worldwide threats, after receiving tes- the Accession of Montenegro (Treaty Doc. 114–12); timony from General John M. Keane, USA (Ret.), and Institute for the Study of War, former Vice Chief of The nomination of Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, of Staff of the Army, Shawn Brimley, Center for a New Connecticut, to be Ambassador to Malaysia, and lists American Security, and Robert Kagan, The Brook- in the Foreign Service, all of the Department of ings Institution, all of Washington, D.C. State.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:29 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D06DE6.REC D06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with DIGEST D1100 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST December 6, 2016 IRANIAN THREAT NETWORK RETALIATORY CRIMINAL REFERRALS Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime a hearing to examine defeating the Iranian threat and Terrorism concluded a hearing to examine network, focusing on options for countering Iranian whether additional firewalls are needed to protect proxies, after receiving testimony from J. Matthew Congressional oversight staff from retaliatory crimi- McInnis, American Enterprise Institute, and Melissa nal referrals, after receiving testimony from Jeffrey G. Dalton, Center for Strategic and International H. Smith, Arnold and Porter LLP, and William Studies International Security Program, both of Pittard, KaiserDillon PLLC, both of Washington, Washington, D.C. D.C.; and Scott Horton, Columbia Law School, Pelham, New York. h House of Representatives Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Ac- Chamber Action cess, and Research Act: H.R. 3381, amended, to Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 8 public maximize discovery, and accelerate development and bills, H.R. 6439–6446; and 4 resolutions, H.J. Res. availability, of promising childhood cancer treat- 106; and H. Res. 945–947, were introduced. ments; Pages H7193–98 Page H7271 Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act: Additional Cosponsors: Page H7272 S. 2873, to require studies and reports examining Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: the use of, and opportunities to use, technology-en- H. Res. 944, providing for consideration of the abled collaborative learning and capacity building bill (H.R. 5143) to provide greater transparency and models to improve programs of the Department of congressional oversight of international insurance Health and Human Services; Pages H7198–99 standards setting processes, and for other purposes; Improving Broadband Access for Veterans Act of providing for proceedings during the period from 2016: H.R. 6394, to require the Federal Commu- December 9, 2016, through January 3, 2017; and nications Commission to submit to Congress a report providing for consideration of motions to suspend on promoting broadband Internet access service for 2 the rules (H. Rept. 114–846). Page H7271 veterans, by a ⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 411 yeas to 4 nays, Roll No. 604; Pages H7199–H7200, H7249–50 Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he appointed Representative Valadao to act as Speaker Expressing the sense of the House of Representa- pro tempore for today. Page H7183 tives that access to digital communications tools and connectivity is necessary to prepare youth in Recess: The House recessed at 10:43 a.m. and re- the United States to compete in the 21st century convened at 12 noon. Page H7188 economy: H. Res. 939, expressing the sense of the Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules House of Representatives that access to digital com- and pass the following measures: munications tools and connectivity is necessary to prepare youth in the United States to compete in the Streamlining Energy Efficiency for Schools Act: 2 H.R. 756, to amend the Energy Policy and Con- 21st century economy, by a ⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of servation Act to provide for the dissemination of in- 411 yeas to 1 nay, Roll No. 605; formation regarding available Federal programs relat- Pages H7200–01, H7250–51 ing to energy efficiency projects for schools; Expressing the sense of the House of Representa- Pages H7190–92 tives with respect to third-party charges on con- sumer telephone bills: H. Res. 932, expressing the Power And Security Systems Act: H.R. 6375, to sense of the House of Representatives with respect to provide for consideration of the extension under the third-party charges on consumer telephone bills; Energy Policy and Conservation Act of nonapplica- Pages H7201–02 tion of No-Load Mode energy efficiency standards to certain security or life safety alarms or surveillance National Park Service Centennial Act: H.R. 4680, amended, to prepare the National Park Service systems; Pages H7192–93 for its Centennial in 2016 and for a second century

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Pages H7220–21 Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Act: H.R. 875, amended, to provide for alternative financing Question of Privilege: Representative Jordan rose arrangements for the provision of certain services and to a question of the privileges of the House and sub- mitted a resolution. Subsequently, the Chair ruled the construction and maintenance of infrastructure at that the resolution did present a question of the land border ports of entry; Pages H7215–20 privileges of the House. Pages H7251–53 Jeff Miller and Richard Blumenthal Veterans Rejected the Pelosi motion to table the resolution, Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of H. Res. 828, by a yea-and-nay vote of 180 yeas to 2016: H.R. 6416, to amend title 38, United States 235 yeas, Roll No. 607. Page H7254 Code, to make certain improvements in the laws ad- Agreed to the Goodlatte motion to refer the reso- ministered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, by a lution to the Committee on the Judiciary by a re- 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 419 yeas with none voting corded vote of 342 ayes to 72 noes, Roll No. 608, ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 606; Pages H7221–41, H7251 after the previous question was ordered without ob- Ethical Patient Care for Veterans Act of 2016: jection. Page H7254 H.R. 5399, to amend title 38, United States Code, Providing for the printing of a revised edition of to ensure that physicians of the Department of Vet- the Rules and Manual of the House of Rep- erans Affairs fulfill the ethical duty to report to State resentatives for the One Hundred Fifteenth Con- licensing authorities impaired, incompetent, and un- gress: The House agreed to H. Res. 945, to provide ethical health care activities; Pages H7241–42 for the printing of a revised edition of the Rules and Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016: H.R. Manual of the House of Representatives for the One 4352, amended, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Hundred Fifteenth Congress. Page H7255 Affairs to carry out a pilot program establishing a Directing the Clerk of the House of Representa- patient self-scheduling appointment system; tives to make a correction in the enrollment of Pages H7242–45 H.R. 34: The House agreed to take from the Speak- Designating the Traverse City VA Community- er’s table and concur in the Senate amendment to H. Based Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Con. Res. 174, directing the Clerk of the House of Veterans Affairs in Traverse City, Michigan, as Representatives to make a correction in the enroll- the ‘‘Colonel Demas T. Craw VA Clinic’’: S. 3492, ment of H.R. 34. Page H7255 to designate the Traverse City VA Community- Suspensions—Proceedings Postponed: The House Based Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Vet- debated the following measures under suspension of erans Affairs in Traverse City, Michigan, as the the rules. Further proceedings were postponed. ‘‘Colonel Demas T. Craw VA Clinic’’; Pages H7245–46 Arbuckle Project Maintenance Complex and Charles Duncan Buried with Honor Act of District Office Conveyance Act of 2016: H.R. 2016: S. 3076, to amend title 38, United States 1219, amended, to authorize the Secretary of the In- Code, and to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Af- terior to convey certain land and appurtenances of fairs to furnish caskets and urns for burial in ceme- the Arbuckle Project, Oklahoma, to the Arbuckle teries of States and tribal organizations of veterans Master Conservancy District; and Pages H7208–09

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:29 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D06DE6.REC D06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with DIGEST D1102 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST December 6, 2016 Daniel J. Evans Olympic National Park Wil- THE FEDERAL INFORMATION derness Act: S. 3028, to redesignate the Olympic TECHNOLOGY ACQUISITION REFORM ACT Wilderness as the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness. (FITARA) SCORECARD 3.0: MEASURING Page H7215 AGENCIES’ IMPLEMENTATION Senate Message: Message received from the Senate Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- by the Clerk and subsequently presented to the committee on Information Technology; and Sub- House today appears on page H7190. committee on Government Operations, held a joint Quorum Calls—Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and hearing entitled ‘‘The Federal Information Tech- one recorded vote developed during the proceedings nology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) Scorecard of today and appear on pages H7249–50, H7250, 3.0: Measuring Agencies’ Implementation’’. Testi- H7251, H7253, and H7254. There were no quorum mony was heard from Luke McCormick, Chief Infor- calls. mation Officer, Department of Homeland Security; Chip Fulghum, Deputy Under Secretary for Manage- Adjournment: The House met at 10 a.m. and ad- ment and Chief Financial Officer, Department of journed at 8:08 p.m. Homeland Security; Frontis Wiggins, Chief Informa- tion Officer, Department of State; Douglas Pitkin, Committee Meetings Director, Bureau of Budget and Planning, Depart- ment of State; and David A. Powner, Director, IT VOLKSWAGEN’S EMISSIONS CHEATING Management Issues, Government Accountability Of- SETTLEMENT: QUESTIONS CONCERNING fice. ZEV PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION TRANSPARENT INSURANCE STANDARDS Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on ACT OF 2016 Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled Committee on Rules: Full Committee held a hearing on ‘‘Volkswagen’s Emissions Cheating Settlement: H.R. 5143, the ‘‘Transparent Insurance Standards Questions Concerning ZEV Program Implementa- Act of 2016’’. The committee granted, by record tion’’. Testimony was heard from Cynthia Giles, As- vote of 6–2, a structured rule for H.R. 5143. The sistant Administrator, Office of Enforcement and rule provides one hour of debate equally divided and Compliance Assurance, Environmental Protection controlled by the chair and ranking minority mem- Agency; and Janet McCabe, Acting Assistant Ad- ber of the Committee on Financial Services. The rule ministrator, Office of Air and Radiation, Environ- waives all points of order against consideration of the mental Protection Agency. bill. The rule provides that an amendment in the na- AMERICAN COMPASSION IN INDIA: ture of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules GOVERNMENT OBSTACLES Committee Print 114–68 shall be considered as adopted, and the bill, as amended, shall be consid- Committee on Foreign Affairs: Full Committee held a ered as read. The rule waives all points of order hearing entitled ‘‘American Compassion in India: against provisions in the bill, as amended. The rule Government Obstacles’’. Testimony was heard from makes in order only the further amendment printed public witnesses. in the Rules Committee report, if offered by the Member designated in the report, which shall be STEP OR STUMBLE: THE OBAMA considered as read, shall be debatable for the time ADMINISTRATION’S PIVOT TO ASIA specified in the report equally divided and controlled Committee on Foreign Affairs: Subcommittee on Asia by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be sub- and the Pacific held a hearing entitled ‘‘Step or ject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a de- Stumble: The Obama Administration’s Pivot to mand for division of the question. The rule waives Asia’’. Testimony was heard from public witnesses. all points of order against the amendment printed in the report. The rule provides one motion to recom- EXAMINING DECADES OF DATA mit with or without instructions. The rule provides MANIPULATION AT THE UNITED STATES that on any legislative day after December 8, 2016: GEOLOGICAL SURVEY the Journal of the proceedings of the previous day Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on shall be considered as approved; and the Chair may Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled at any time declare the House adjourned to meet at ‘‘Examining Decades of Data Manipulation at the a date and time to be announced by the Chair in de- United States Geological Survey’’. Testimony was claring the adjournment. The rule provides that the heard from William Werkheiser, Deputy Director, Speaker may appoint Members to perform the duties U.S. Geological Survey. of the Chair for the duration of the period addressed

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:29 Dec 07, 2016 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D06DE6.REC D06DEPT1 rfrederick on DSK30MX082PROD with DIGEST December 6, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D1103 by section 2. The rule provides that each day during Select Committee on Intelligence: to receive a closed brief- the period addressed by section 2 of the resolution ing on certain intelligence matters, 3 p.m., SH–219. shall not constitute calendar days for the purposes of House section 7 of the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 1546). The rule provides that each day during the Committee on Agriculture, Full Committee, hearing enti- period addressed by section 2 of the resolution shall tled ‘‘1890 Land-Grant Institutions: Recruitment Chal- lenges and Scholarship Opportunities’’, 10 a.m., 1300 not constitute a legislative day for purposes of clause Longworth. 7 of rule XIII (resolutions of inquiry). Finally, the Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Military rule provides that it shall be in order at any time Personnel, hearing entitled ‘‘California National Guard on the legislative day of December 8, 2016, for the Bonus Repayment Issue’’, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. Speaker to entertain motions that the House suspend Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on the rules and that the Speaker or his designee shall Health, hearing entitled ‘‘Waste and Duplication in the consult with the Minority Leader or her designee on USDA Catfish Inspection Program’’, 10 a.m., 2322 Ray- the designation of any matter for consideration pur- burn. suant to this section. Testimony was heard from Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Mone- Representatives Luetkemeyer, Cleaver, and Heck of tary Policy and Trade, hearing entitled ‘‘Unconventional Washington. Monetary Policy’’, 10 a.m., 2128 Rayburn. Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats, hearing entitled ‘‘Corrup- tion: A Danger to Democracy in Europe and Eurasia’’, 10 Joint Meetings a.m., 2172 Rayburn. No joint committee meetings were held. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Full Com- f mittee, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining the Costs of Over- classification on Transparency and Security’’, 9 a.m., 2154 COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, Rayburn. DECEMBER 7, 2016 Subcommittee on Government Operations, hearing en- titled ‘‘Time and Attendance Abuse at the U.S. Patent (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) and Trademark Office’’, 2 p.m., 2154 Rayburn. Committee on Rules, Full Committee, hearing on S. 612, Senate to designate the Federal building and United States Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Sub- courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, committee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Ma- Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and rine Infrastructure, Safety and Security, to hold hearings United States Courthouse’’, 3 p.m., H–313 Capitol. to examine assessing the security of our critical surface Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Full Com- transportation infrastructure, 2:30 p.m., SR–253. mittee, markup on General Services Administration Cap- Committee on Indian Affairs: to hold an oversight hear- ital Investment and Leasing Program Resolutions; and ing to examine the Department of the Interior’s Land possible other matters cleared for consideration, 10 a.m., Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations, four years later, 2167 Rayburn. 2:15 p.m., SD–628. Committee on Judiciary: Subcommittee on Antitrust, Joint Meetings Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, to hold hear- Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: to re- ings to examine the competitive impact of the AT&T- ceive a briefing on Baltic security after the Warsaw Time Warner transaction, 10 a.m., SD–226. NATO summit, 2 p.m., 340, Cannon Building.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, December 7 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 7

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Wednesday: Senate will continue consider- Program for Wednesday: Consideration of H.R. ation of the message of the House to accompany H.R. 34, 5143—Transparent Insurance Standards Act of 2016 Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act (the leg- (Subject to a Rule). Consideration of measures under sus- islative vehicle for 21st Century Cures Act), post-cloture, pensions of the rules. and vote on McConnell motion to concur in the amend- ment of the House to the amendment of the Senate to the bill at 2 p.m. Following disposition of the message of the House to accompany H.R. 34, Senate will vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the conference report to accompany S. 2943, National Defense Authorization Act. (The time from 3 p.m. until 4 p.m. will be reserved for trib- utes to the President of the Senate.)

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Grayson, Alan, Fla., E1604, E1607 Roe, David P., Tenn., E1594 Hice, Jody B., Ga., E1596 Ross, Dennis A., Fla., E1594 Brady, Kevin, Tex., E1601 Higgins, Brian, N.Y., E1595 Schrader, Kurt, Ore., E1606 Brady, Robert A., Pa., E1601 Huizenga, Bill, Mich., E1593 Sewell, Terri A., Ala., E1597 Cartwright, Matt, Pa., E1598 Hurt, Robert, Va., E1596 Stutzman, Marlin A., Ind., E1599 Castor, Kathy, Fla., E1602 Kaptur, Marcy, Ohio, E1600 Thompson, Bennie G., Miss., E1593, E1596, E1598, Connolly, Gerald E., Va., E1594, E1596, E1598, E1599, Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E1599 E1599, E1600, E1601, E1603, E1605, E1606, E1607 E1599, E1601, E1602, E1604, E1605, E1607 Long, Billy, Mo., E1596, E1602, E1603, E1605, E1606 Conyers, John, Jr., Mich., E1606 Newhouse, Dan, Wash., E1601 Tiberi, Patrick J., Ohio, E1597 Ellison, Keith, Minn., E1597 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E1595, E1596, E1597 Tipton, Scott R., Colo., E1598 Emmer, Tom, Minn., E1600, E1603 Perry, Scott, Pa., E1593, E1594 Visclosky, Peter J., Ind., E1593 Frankel, Lois, Fla., E1599 Peterson, Collin C., Minn., E1598 Wittman, Robert J., Va., E1595 Garamendi, John, Calif., E1595 Poe, Ted, Tex., E1603 Young, Todd C., Ind., E1602, E1605, E1605, E1607

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