H3384 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 17, 2018 b 1745 of , who have lost a great with the wind. She did what was right, HONORING THE LIFE OF CALLA voice in this Chamber, and those of and it didn’t have to be popular. MEDIG other districts’ iterations that she rep- Bob had a love and passion for poli- resented through the years that she tics as great as his wonderful wife, (Mr. KIHUEN asked and was given served in this remarkable body. Louise. They were such a Washington permission to address the House for 1 We call to mind Don and her Rules couple. Bob would sometimes drive minute and to revise and extend his re- staff. People who were there as com- Louise back and forth from Rochester, marks.) mittee people assisting her in her every New York, to Albany. He was known as Mr. KIHUEN. Mr. Speaker, today I move. We call to mind Liam and her an incredibly thoughtful and brilliant rise to remember the life of Calla crew here in D.C. and at home in the partner who supported Louise tire- Medig. district office, and certainly her family lessly. Going to the Route 91 festival in Las and friends, people who have worked Their activism began with their fight Vegas had become an annual tradition with her through the years. to protect Hart’s Woods in Perinton, for Calla. She would always take time It is a great loss for all of us. just outside of Rochester. Louise would off from her job as a waitress in Ed- Louise did everything with charm. go on to organize Democrats in monton, Canada, so she could travel to When Louise introduced herself to Perinton, and Bob went on to found the Las Vegas just for the festival. newly elected House Speaker Jim Genesee Valley People’s Power Coali- Calla was a hard worker and was Wright as a newly entering Member tion, fighting against rate increases by about to become the newest manager back in 1986, she spoke in that wonder- Rochester Gas and Electric Corpora- at her restaurant. She was a mature, ful accent, inflected tion. grounded, and lighthearted person. with her deep Kentucky roots, which Bob and Louise loved their family Calla will be remembered for being Speaker Wright immediately dis- above all, and tonight I want to recog- kind and warmhearted and for being cerned. nize their daughters—Megan Secatore, someone who would always greet you In her very forward way, she threw Amy Slaughter, and Emily Robin Mi- with a beaming smile. out her hand to shake his, and she in- nerva—and thank them and their fami- I extend my condolences to Calla troduced herself to the new Speaker: lies for the gift of their mother’s time Medig’s family and friends. Please Mr. Speaker, I’m Louise Slaughter and their unselfish giving of her so know that the city of Las Vegas, the from upstate New York. that she could serve our Nation. State of Nevada, and the whole country And he responded: It’s about time up- Megan and Amy and Emily, this Na- grieve with you. state New York elected somebody with- tion owes you a debt of thanks for the f out an accent. extraordinary spirit and achievement CELEBRATING THE EXTRAOR- Louise was a great storyteller. She of your parents, our great and dearly DINARY LIFE OF THE LATE HON- had this way of really personalizing an departed friends, Louise and Bob ORABLE LOUISE SLAUGHTER issue and making it so human that you Slaughter. I have to speak of them as a couldn’t shake. She brought the rel- team. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. evance of issues to human life. There Louise left her imprint on all whom LEWIS of Minnesota). Under the Speak- was no better storyteller than Louise she served in Rochester and in Wash- er’s announced policy of January 3, Slaughter, and she peppered everything ington and for a generation yet unborn. 2017, the gentleman from New York with her unique and delightful sayings Louise’s passion and foresight live on (Mr. TONKO) is recognized for 60 min- that were such a signature of her per- through the lasting and extraordinary utes as the designee of the minority sonality. legacy of her work and through the leader. She was a person of extraordinary in- service that she provided, knowing GENERAL LEAVE tegrity and courage. I remember sit- that that service will continue long Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- ting with her and some of our col- into the future. imous consent that all Members may leagues when Bob passed, her late hus- She was recognized as a fighter for have 5 legislative days within which to band. I know how much she loved him the common, ordinary person, and that revise and extend their remarks and in- and how much he loved her, and I can- is the greatest tribute we can offer her. clude extraneous material on the topic not imagine the pain she felt in that We say thank you to a humble servant of my Special Order. moment. But I watched her steel her- who picked up the task and did it mas- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there self, pick herself up and go on, just the terfully well. objection to the request of the gen- way Bob would have been wanted, an Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman tleman from New York? expression of the deepest love and re- from New York’s 16th Congressional There was no objection. spect I have ever been privileged to District (Mr. ENGEL). Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, it is with witness. Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my deep sadness that I rise to celebrate Louise had a devotion to public serv- friend and colleague for yielding to me. the extraordinary life of our great ice that was born of the 1960s in a truly I think he really just said it all. friend, colleague, mentor, inspiration, aspirational moment for our country, I had the pleasure of knowing Louise and much-respected Congresswoman, an era that gave birth to a newfound for almost 40 years. We served together Louise Slaughter. driven political generation. And I like in the New York State Assembly up in We met a long time ago in 1983, when to imagine Louise in that moment lis- Albany, New York, and I was senior to both of us entered as freshmen in the tening to the voices of the people, read- her in the New York State Assembly. New York State Assembly. I under- ing news of conflict, of hope for racial She ran for Congress a few years before stood in that moment of meeting that and social justice, of fights for peace in I did, and she was senior to me here. I there was greatness there, and it only the face of seemingly endless war in never stopped teasing her about that to built beyond what I anticipated Vietnam, and empowering women and remind her that she may be senior through the years. speaking for our environment, all set here, but if you put the length of our Louise was a woman of great respect, with extraordinary music. terms together, I am senior to her, and of great charm, of intellect, integrity, Bob Dylan’s ‘‘Blowin’ In The Wind’’ we always got a kick out of that and and passion for doing the right thing. gave us a series of intractable ques- always laughed. And, Louise, this evening, we just say tions about peace, about war, about One thing about Louise is what you thank you for the impact that you freedom, at a time when those ques- saw is what you got. Louise spoke her have had on our lives and, more impor- tions were on the lips of every single mind. She wasn’t afraid to stand up to tantly, on the people for whom you American. And Louise, speaking about power. She was always thinking of the have spoken and for those who have blowing in the wind, was never a good for the country and for New York been impacted favorably by your sound weather vane politician. Amidst the and her congressional district. And works. uncertainty and conflict of that mo- there was no other calculation in what We call to mind this evening the peo- ment, she forged herself a backbone of she did. It was just feeling good trying ple of the 25th Congressional District steel and never wavered, never blew to help the people.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:22 Apr 18, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17AP7.081 H17APPT1 lotter on DSK3G9T082PROD with HOUSE April 17, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3385 She was outspoken, and she said She was a passionate voice for pro- Slaughter’s family and the legions of what was on her mind, and she knew gressive values. Like a New Yorker, staff who served her may find comfort more things than many of us have for- she never backed down from a fight. If knowing her great legacy and many ac- gotten. She knew them, and she re- she wanted to get something done, she complishments have improved the lives membered them, and she would always dug in her heels and fought like hell for of so many Americans. have a little quip or a little thing to it. Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to say that would really make you laugh But, as a daughter of the South, she the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. and would make you feel like you were will equally be remembered for her CAROLYN B. MALONEY), from New with a friend. And she kind of gave you amazing wit, her gentle touch, her dis- York’s 12th Congressional District. the inside scoop on a bunch of things. arming smile, and her genuine friend- Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New You know, she was the Member of ships on both sides of the aisle. York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gen- Congress who was the oldest Member of What is remarkable is that, at the tleman for yielding and for his incred- Congress, and you would never know it. end of the day, when the debate con- ible leadership in supporting Louise, When I first found out how old she was, cluded and the votes were taken, Lou- organizing all of her many elections, I thought it was a misprint. She was al- ise was known for sharing a laugh with and organizing this tribute to her to- ways young. Until the day she died, she her colleagues on the opposite side of night. was young, young and having a passion the aisle. No one was a better public servant or and a belief of helping people and hav- Someone once described her as ‘‘a fighter for her constituents than Lou- ing a belief in government and govern- combination of Southern charm and ise Slaughter. Her passing is a huge ment was there to do good for people backroom politics, a Southern belle loss for New York, for the House, and and to be a good tool, not, as some peo- with a cigar in her mouth.’’ She truly for all of us. She worked for people ple would say, that government is the was larger than life. right up until the day she died. When I enemy. When Louise came to Congress, there first came to Congress, Louise took me Louise always believed that govern- were far fewer women in this body. She under her wing. For that, and her ment should be and could be and would helped lead the way for so many of us friendship, I will be forever grateful. I be a friend: a friend to do things for who came after, breaking down bar- truly miss her dearly, but I am com- people, for seniors, for poor people, for riers. So many of us owe her a debt of forted knowing the legacy that she immigrants. If you needed someone to gratitude for the trails she blazed. leaves behind. come and help you work for any cause As a fellow New Yorker, as a fellow When Louise became a Member of the that was a right cause, all you had to female Member of Congress, but most House in 1987, she was one of just 25 fe- do was ask Louise, and she always said of all, as her friend, I know I will miss male leaders. Today, we number more yes. her. than 100. I have no doubt that her lead- Now, our offices back in the Rayburn This body is better served for her ership and the example she set as the building are opposite each other. So service, and the U.S. House will cer- first female chair of the House Rules you go down the hallway. If you turn tainly be a less colorful place without Committee led to more women running left, you are in my office; if you turn seeing her on the floor, leading debates for office. She was a trailblazer, and right, you are in her office. So I often on the rules with her Kentucky accent she broke down doors for people, for got to meet her when we were going to and her commitment to progressive women, and for real change in this votes and got to say things to her values. country. about New York politics, and she really Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for While I could go on and on about her had the in, the scoop. She really knew the opportunity to speak. legislative achievements, including the what it was. Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Violence Against Women Act—the first I am going to miss her. I already the gentlewoman from New York’s 17th bill that I worked on when I came to miss her. I know we have so many of Congressional District (Mrs. LOWEY). Congress with Louise—she was the lead our colleagues from New York who are Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, our Na- Democrat along with then-Senator here because all of us together have a tion still grieves the loss of a great Biden. It was a transformational bill heartfelt appreciation of what it was to New Yorker, Louise Slaughter. that addressed violence against women. be Louise and to be Louise’s friend. I will never forget when Louise and I, She fought years for it. Many people You know that twang she had from still just junior Congresswomen at the thought it was a personal affair, a fam- Kentucky? She always proudly told ev- time, charged up the steps of the U.S. ily affair, and she fought to making it eryone she was from Kentucky, but her Senate to demand that Anita Hill be a legal affair that women should be heart was really from New York, and I allowed to testify against Clarence protected in any and every cir- will miss her dearly. Thomas. cumstance. It had money in it to train Rest peacefully, my friend. We all police and prosecutors to be more sen- b 1800 love you. sitive to the needs of women and the Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Louise never lost that fighting spirit, violence against them. the gentlewoman from New York’s Sev- fearlessness, and commitment to jus- She was a biologist by training and enth Congressional District (Ms. tice, equality, and women’s rights. was very proud of this background. She VELA´ ZQUEZ). She broke barriers, becoming the was a leader on FDA health issues and Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I first woman to chair the House Rules was the first to introduce genetic infor- thank my colleague for yielding time Committee, and set a strong example mation and the Genetic Information to me and thank my friends for orga- of public services and principled leader- Nondiscrimination Act that became a nizing this tribute. ship as dean of the New York congres- central part of the , Louise was a remarkable woman, an sional delegation. that you should not hold preexisting astute legislator, a skilled negotiator, As a leading champion of women’s conditions and prevent healthcare for and a gifted debater. She will be re- empowerment, she proudly represented people because of preexisting condi- membered for all those traits. But she Seneca Falls, the site of the first wom- tions. will also be remembered for her com- en’s rights convention. It was an honor She considered that one of her great- passion, her humor, and the many to charge alongside Louise up the steps est achievements. She led the debate kindnesses she extended to all of us. of the Senate that fall day years ago, on the floor for the Democrats for the I will always recall the many times and during the many battles we fought Affordable Care Act and its passage. coming down to this very floor to together for America’s healthcare, She oversaw that historic debate. speak and hearing Louise arguing for women’s rights, opportunity for work- Her impact extends far beyond the fairness and opposing policies bad for ing men and women, and so much bills that she passed and the commit- our Nation. She was a fierce orator more. tees that she chaired. She was the first with a sharp wit. When she disagreed New York, the Congress, and our woman to chair most of the commit- with how this House was doing busi- country have suffered an immeasurable tees that she became part of. During ness, she let it be known. loss. I do pray that Congresswoman her 31 years in Congress, she was a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:22 Apr 18, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17AP7.082 H17APPT1 lotter on DSK3G9T082PROD with HOUSE H3386 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 17, 2018 mentor to many female Members and, with us in the Assembly for 4 years and Kentucky, Louise quickly became a because of that, played a major role in then she came here. I trailed her by an- true native daughter of upstate New shaping our party and coalition we are other 6 years. York, exemplifying its values and rep- today. She always was a champion of up- resenting her fellow constituents with She was a leader for New York, and state New York, which caused people the zeal and tenacity that was she was a leader for Democrats in New to do a double take when they heard unrivaled in her storied tenure. York. She was one of the first Demo- her southern lilt. She was a champion Becoming the first woman to chair crats to be elected in upstate New of so many things before their time. the House Rules Committee, Congress- York, and everyone running for office She was a champion for women’s woman Slaughter was a pioneer in her in upstate New York, the first person rights. She was a passionate leader as advocacy for issues ranging from con- they went to was Louise Slaughter. co-chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus for gressional transparency to health pro- I am proud to have called her a dear many years. She protected the freedom tections for those with preexisting con- friend and mentor and grateful to be of every woman to live, work, and start ditions. able to pay tribute to her and to say a family on her own terms. I had the distinct honor, pleasure, thank you to her and her family. She She was, as you have heard, the and privilege to work with Representa- adored her late husband, Bob, and we chairman at one point, the leading tive Slaughter on a whole host of all appreciate the great impact she had Democrat on the House Rules Com- issues that affect our neighboring com- on me, on this Congress, and on our Na- mittee. She was tough, determined, munities in upstate New York and the tion. and compassionate, and she was a Nation at large. Whether it was tack- Louise, we miss you. You are in our fighter. She was a fighter for the vul- ling the opioid epidemic, or ensuring hearts. Thank you, dear friend. nerable and those without a voice. our citizens had access to clean drink- Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I now yield She was a microbiologist before she ing water, I am proud, but humbled, to to Representative of came into politics. And she left a last- say Louise and I worked side by side. New York’s Ninth Congressional Dis- ing imprint of that with her Genetic For Louise, the interest of her con- trict. Information Nondiscrimination Act stituents and fellow Americans rose Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. when we started to get the ability to above all else as she embodied the true Speaker, I thank Representative TONKO deal with the genomics. She under- meaning of bipartisanship, readily for leading this Special Order hour in stood before anybody else the poten- reaching across the aisle to people like commemoration of our dear colleague, tials for good and for bad, and she me, in spite of party or public pressure, the Honorable Louise Slaughter. wrote and eventually got into law the to achieve the common good. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues on Genetic Information Nondiscrimina- Rest peacefully, Louise. I will miss the floor today to honor a remarkable tion Act so people wouldn’t be dis- your lovely demeanor and your won- woman. Words just couldn’t adequately criminated against on the basis of their derful smile. capture the sense of sadness I felt after genetic traits. Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I now yield hearing of the loss of Congresswoman She wrote the STOCK Act, to pro- to Representative , who Louise Slaughter, the dean of the New hibit Congress Members from trading represents Georgia’s Fifth Congres- York delegation. on inside knowledge, which not every sional District. Louise dedicated her life’s work to Member of Congress was thrilled with. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, the people of western New York and, But she was more than just her legisla- I thank the gentleman, Brother PAUL, indeed, all Americans across our great tive accomplishments. She was a gra- for yielding. Nation. She embodied a spirit of cious and true friend who brought joy It is hard. It is difficult to stand here strength, wisdom, and grace, and she and laughter into every room, and she and know that Sister Louise Slaughter was beautiful inside and out. She rep- had a great sense of humor. is not here. We came to Congress to- resented the very best of the American When she ran for Congress the first gether, and, from time to time, she spirit, our values, and our ideals. time, she ran against an incumbent would call me Brother JOHN. I loved Louise was a trailblazer and was the who, being in the minority party at Sister Louise. first woman to serve as chair and rank- that time, was in the habit of voting She would talk. She would laugh. She ing member of the powerful House ‘‘no’’ on a lot of things. And she labeled was smart, gifted, and brave. She was Rules Committee. She commanded the him in the campaign as the ‘‘Abomi- courageous and sometimes very bold. I respect and admiration of all of her nable No-Man.’’ So she had a sense of will never forget the trip to Rochester colleagues. Having had the honor of humor which other people appreciated, to be with her and see how the people serving with Louise has enriched my and she will long be remembered for loved her, adored her. I think when God passion for service and my commit- her sense of humor, for her decency, created Sister Louise, he destroyed the ment to fight for the most vulnerable her humanity, and her tireless, fearless mold. She was one of a kind, so won- amongst us. work for everyone. derful. I miss her every single day. Louise was indeed a woman on whose The Halls of the Capitol feel dimin- I thank Brother PAUL for doing this. shoulders I stand. The United States ished without her. And I have realized Sister Louise would be very proud of Congress has lost an esteemed leader, over the last few weeks how lucky we him. the New York delegation has lost a be- all were to know her, to work with her, Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I thank loved dean, and I have lost a cherished to call her a friend. We will always Brother JOHN for his comments. friend and mentor. miss her, and this institution will be Mr. Speaker, I now yield to Rep- It was my great privilege to serve diminished by her absence. resentative from Cali- with Louise Slaughter, and she is Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I now yield fornia, our former Speaker, our Demo- missed immensely. to Representative from cratic leader, our minority leader. Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to New York’s 24th Congressional Dis- Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I think the gentleman from New York (Mr. trict. this may have happened to me at the NADLER) from New York’s 10th Con- Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I want to funeral as well when I followed JOHN gressional District. thank the gentleman for yielding. LEWIS at the podium. What a task. I Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor thank the gentleman for being such an the gentleman for yielding. the life of one of my dear friends and inspiration and thank him for loving Mr. Speaker, I am heartbroken at the colleagues, Representative Dorothy Louise so much as we know she loved loss of Louise Slaughter, who was a Louise McIntosh Slaughter. Brother JOHN as well. dear friend and a beloved colleague. I Congresswoman Slaughter passed Aren’t we proud of and first met Louise when she was elected away last month at the age of 88 after his relationship with Louise, a friend- to the New York State Assembly in more than 31 years of service in the ship that goes back to the State legis- 1982, and and Louise House of Representatives representing lature many years ago in New York. Slaughter and I sat next to each other the people of Rochester, New York. Louise came 31 years ago to the Con- on the Assembly floor. She was only Born a coal miner’s daughter from gress. He came more recently, but his

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:22 Apr 18, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17AP7.086 H17APPT1 lotter on DSK3G9T082PROD with HOUSE April 17, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3387 friendship goes back longer. So dear that. When our country was attacked to our friend, Louise McIntosh Slaugh- was he to her. and the Congress went out in front of ter, born in Harlan County, Kentucky, So here we have Louise—and I don’t the Capitol, it was Congresswoman who wrote fresh pages in American his- have a magic minute, so this is not an Slaughter who started singing ‘‘God tory. 8-hour proposition in high heels, al- Bless America,’’ and everyone joined in There ought to be a statue at Seneca though I would love to do that for Lou- on that. Falls that honors her service to Amer- ise any time—but let me just make She was not only proud to represent ica. It was astounding. some wishes. I wish you could have all the home of the feminists, those revo- She became one of only 288 women in been in Rochester for Louise’s memo- lutionaries, she was one herself, and American history to be elected to this rial service to hear her grandchildren she was damn proud of it. She wasn’t House of Representatives, and she, as talk about her. an apologist for any of it. She was with all women Members who have As a grandmother myself, and any proud of it because she understood that served as House Members, was vividly time I go to a service now, I think: that was what was going to move aware she was an American pioneer, as What do the grandchildren think? America forward. only 3 percent of individuals who have What do they know about their grand- She loved this House. She had a home ever served here to date have been mother? Do they know how much their on the Hill, and she had a home in her women. grandmother loved them? Louise’s district, but she loved this House. She What a marvelous person she was to grandchildren do and did. Hopefully we used to stand right here. This is where be with. We had the privilege of serving will be hearing more from them. she did her work. together for over three decades. Her b 1815 Mr. Speaker, don’t cross Louise. acuity, her passion, her perseverance, They spoke magnificently about her Don’t ever cross Louise. She was a and her sparkling humor and keen personally—not so great about her lady, but I will tell you something, you mind brought new life and direction to cooking, not that day anyway. But, would feel the wrath of Louise Slaugh- our republic and to every Member here. anyway, they just loved her so much. ter if you went the other way on her. She was a treasured friend and, yes, She was about the future, but she had The way I will always remember Lou- dean of the New York delegation. She a tremendous respect for the past as ise is that she knew how to love. She also became the first woman to ever well. So when many of us, Brother knew how to love well. She had a chair the exclusive Rules Committee, a JOHN, visited her in Rochester, we fierceness about her in taking care of committee whose unusually round-the- would go to Susan B. Anthony’s home her constituents. They belonged to her, clock schedule required members to to see where so much of women’s rights and she belonged to them. As the lead- work through the night and into the began. She would take us across the er recalled, the tribute they paid to her wee hours of the morning, often past borderline of the district to see where at her memorial I think was second to midnight, or convening at the crack of it all began at Seneca Falls. She took none. dawn. It wasn’t an easy job. That com- such ownership of our suffragettes and So, Louise, my friend, no one is ever mittee is a place of grueling endurance, her responsibility to carry forth their going to fill your shoes around here, and yet she traversed that brutal track courage and their possibilities for the but we stand taller because we knew day in and day out without a whimper. future. you. How she could remain crisp on subse- She was a Southern belle with a She showed us the right way to be a quent floor debates on hundreds and Southern charm and a Northern time- friend, the best way to represent peo- hundreds of bills and amendments table. So you never wanted to waste ple, and how to fight tough and fight managing thousands of details is a too much time not giving in to Louise hard for the right things. vivid testimony to her mental and because eventually she would have her I loved Louise’s accent. When you physical strength which she devoted to way. Save yourself some time: What- would see her on the floor, she would our Nation. ever you say, Louise. say: ANNA, have I told you this week She was gracious to a fault. I recall She was a beautiful person to serve that I just love you? her inviting Members to her Rules with. Many of our colleagues want to When she spoke, it was as if her Committee office always helping Mem- speak about her. I will have another words were just a security blanket bers to feel at home here. opportunity tomorrow, but I did want around you. You knew that she meant As the eldest woman in the House to add my voice, once again, to our col- it. It was tender, it was loving, and you with 88 years of experience, Louise leagues’, as we speak about her with knew that you had one of the best part- Slaughter brought wisdom that served great respect, admiration, and affec- ners you could ever have in any under- America superbly. She was dedicated tion that is about Louise Slaughter. taking. to the working people of our country Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to I think that Louise is very happy in and to the rights of women. She never the gentlewoman from California (Ms. heaven. I have no doubt that she is stopped giving. ESHOO). Representative ANNA ESHOO chairing the big Rules Committee in The daughter of a blacksmith who represents the 18th District. the sky. I have no doubt that when she worked in a Kentucky coal mine, she Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank our got to the gate, there was absolutely was a tireless advocate for workers in colleague and dear friend, PAUL TONKO, no discussion whatsoever as to whether Rochester in places like Kodak or for organizing this Special Order. she was going to take a high place in Xerox, and she stood shoulder to shoul- Mr. Speaker, to all of Congress- heaven because of everything that she der with her community and fought woman Slaughter’s staff that is here, did on Earth. with full soul against bad trade deals we pay tribute to them. She loved So, Louise, be happy there. You that she correctly feared would hollow them, and she would talk about each earned it. out her community’s jobs and in turn one of them. I don’t know which one is We miss her here, but we know that the American middle class. She was which, but she thought that we all her spirit is with us, it always will be, right, and she never gave up fighting knew which one was which. She had all and that we will love her across eter- for them. the stories straight. She was so proud nity. She coauthored the Violence Against of them. There was a poet that wrote these beau- Women Act and fought full bore for There is so much to be said about tiful words: So she passed over, and all the equal pay for equal work and stood tall Louise. She was a great mother. She trumpets sounded for her on the other side. her whole career in our effort to make was a fabulous wife to Bob. She was a God rest you, Louise. our Nation more just and equal. microbiologist. She was a great grand- Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to Last night, I attended an event at the mother. She represented a district in the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. KAP- United States Holocaust Memorial Mu- western New York with a Kentucky ac- TUR.) Congresswoman MARCY KAPTUR seum, and one of the women docents cent. I don’t think that will ever hap- represents Ohio’s Ninth District. took me around. I told her what hap- pen again. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, what a pened to Louise, and she said: Oh, my She had a beautiful singing voice. I privilege it is to be with our colleagues goodness. I am from upstate New York. don’t know how many Members know tonight to join together to pay tribute I was her constituent. She gave me a

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:55 Apr 18, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17AP7.087 H17APPT1 lotter on DSK3G9T082PROD with HOUSE H3388 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 17, 2018 ticket when I was a Girl Scout to come her home district. But if they came to tucky where she earned degrees in microbi- to Washington, and look what I am the Rules Committee, either when Lou- ology and public health, Louise Slaughter un- doing now, a very high-level person at ise was a member or senior member or derstood the connection between public health that museum. the ranking member or chair, her as- and a vibrant democracy, and fought to en- I said: Louise’s gifts keep on giving. tuteness and genius, her sharp wit, her sure passage of the landmark Affordable Care A grateful Nation thanks Louise reminding members that she was the Act. Slaughter and her husband, Bob, who chair, that we could learn from her if In the 112th Congress, Congresswoman was at her side for so many, many we decided to do so. Louise Slaughter introduced and shepherded years, and her beautiful daughters, I know personally, as a frequent vis- to passage Pub. L. 112–105, the ‘‘Stop Trad- grandchildren, and all the constituents itor to the Rules Committee, Louise ing on Congressional Knowledge Act’’ or from the greater Rochester area. She Slaughter was in charge and the first ‘‘STOCK Act,’’ which prohibits the use of non- will be truly, truly missed. woman chair of this powerful com- public information for private profit, including Through her passionate and loving mittee. I learned fast from her. I can- insider trading by members of Congress and work for America and commitment to not thank her enough for teaching a other government employees, and requires liberty, she has helped make America a new Member at that time of the works many financial transactions by members of much more just and equal nation. and the goings-on and the protocols of Congress to be reported within 45 days. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the Rules Committee and how to do it Mr. Speaker, since her first years on Capitol PAUL TONKO, for his love of Louise and right. Hill, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter was an for always sitting with her and for en- She never lost her humor and her advocate for women all over the world. joying and sharing these years. He has wonderful Southern twang. Of course, Among her many accomplishments, Con- done a superb, masterful job this who would be better leading Seneca gresswoman Louise Slaughter co-authored the evening of paying full tribute to her Falls than Louise McIntosh Slaughter? landmark Violence Against Women Act, en- and her life. I thank her for her fight for women’s sured the first federal funding to the National Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I thank rights and as well for taking me to Ni- Institutes of Health to research breast cancer, Representative KAPTUR. agara Falls as a member of the Home- and was a co-founder of the Congressional Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- land Security Committee. Pro-Choice Caucus. woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE). So, finally, as I close, I am reminded Representative SHEILA JACKSON LEE is that Congresswoman Slaughter had an It is particularly fitting and altogether appro- the Congresswoman from the 18th Dis- iron fist in a velvet glove, and I loved priate that this tireless champion of women, trict of Texas. it. I loved her wit, and I loved the fact children, and families represented an area Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I that she was a true American. near Seneca Falls, the location of the first thank Congressman TONKO so very So my prayer is that the Lord bring women’s rights convention in 1848. much for yielding. He was a dear, dear comfort to the many people, those who The dean of New York’s Congressional Del- friend of Louise. Louise knew and those who felt they egation, Louise Slaughter was the first woman I rise today to really highlight the knew Louise Slaughter, who know that to chair the powerful House Rules Committee, sunshine that Congresswoman Louise a mighty oak has fallen and are heart- and the first woman to serve as Ranking McIntosh Slaughter really was to all of broken at her loss. I ask that God bless Member of that Committee, and in both roles us. I am reminded of that day when her, may God rest her, and as well may she carried the banner and led the fight for those two planes landed in Rochester, God bless her constituents as God progressive values and to make our good New York, her beloved community. It blesses the United States of America. country better. was a bright, sunny day, but it was al- Farewell, Congresswoman Louise I will always remember and be grateful to most amazing as the buses drew up to McIntosh Slaughter, you will never be Congresswoman Louise Slaughter for her help the place of her funeral and the lines forgotten, and you will always be re- in my duties representing the people of the and lines of Rochester citizens, her membered. 18th Congressional District of Texas. constituents, who were lining up two I want to thank my colleague PAUL TONKO, I worked closely with Congresswoman Lou- by two, waiting to come to honor her. for organizing this session honoring our ise Slaughter and drew upon her counsel and That was a true testimony to what shared friend. assistance to shepherd scores of bills and Louise Slaughter and Bob, her hus- I rise today in remembrance of my dear amendments to passage that have been bene- band, were to that community. They friend and our beloved colleague, Congress- ficial to my constituents. loved that community, and that com- woman Louise McIntosh Slaughter of New Louise Slaughter was incredibly generous munity loved her. Eighty-eight years York, a trailblazer for women, whose powerful with her knowledge and experience and of youth, because she was young, vi- voice was quieted this past March 16, 2018. served as a mentor to new members of Con- brant, and ready. Louise Slaughter lived a long, full, and con- gress, including me. I am delighted to acknowledge so sequential life and got the most out of the 88 I will never forget that Louise Slaughter’s much that she did in the areas of wom- years she graced this world. advocacy continued until her last days with us, en’s rights and empowerment, the arts, She will be remembered in this House for including National Women’s March in Wash- healthcare, the battlefield prepared- her service to her constituents and her col- ington, D.C. on January 21, 2017. ness, economic revitalization, the envi- leagues, her formidable intellect, her mastery Mr. Speaker, Louise Slaughter was an iron ronment, and social justice, and, of of the legislative process, and her gracious- fist in a velvet glove. course, her work dealing with the issue ness and kindness to all who came in contact A native of Kentucky, Louise Slaughter of genetics that, really, a lot of people with her. never lost her Southern twang and charm. in Congress didn’t even understand, but After serving four years in the New York Louise Slaughter effortlessly mixed humor Louise with her expertise in microbi- State Assembly, Louise Slaughter was elected with logic to win over skeptics. ology, there she was educating all of to the 100th Congress in 1986 to represent us. the 30th Congressional District of New York, And then after disarming you, Louise As far as her leadership on the Af- which at the time included downtown and Slaughter made her move. fordable Care Act, she was one of the eastern Rochester, most of eastern Monroe Through her words and deeds, Louise soldiers and generals who made sure County, all of Genesee County and northern Slaughter worked to make the lives of all that it passed, and as well her great Livingston and Ontario counties. Americans better. work in dealing with the Violence Reelected to the 15 succeeding Congresses Louise Slaughter was a dear friend and her Against Women Act and the STOCK Louise Slaughter carved out a legacy of lead- loss leaves a void in my heart. Act to make sure that we, as Members ership and accomplishments in the areas of It is my prayer that the Lord brings comfort of Congress, did the right thing finan- women’s rights and empowerment, the arts, to the many people—those whom Louise cially. health care, battlefield preparedness, eco- knew and those who felt they knew Louise But I want to emphasize the tutoring nomic revitalization, the environment, and so- Slaughter—who know that a mighty oak has that Louise Slaughter gave to me. I cial justice. fallen and are heartbroken at the loss. want to thank her staff who is sitting Born in the coal mining town of Lynch, Ken- I thank her family for sharing her with us back in this Chamber, and her staff in tucky and educated at the University of Ken- and the country.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:22 Apr 18, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K17AP7.089 H17APPT1 lotter on DSK3G9T082PROD with HOUSE April 17, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3389 b 1830 story. They will share a story about Mr. Speaker, and to our leader, Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I yield to her sense of humor. Yet Louise was NANCY PELOSI, I hope that we take the Representative BARBARA LEE of Cali- very direct. She did not mince her time to name the STOCK Act after fornia’s 13th District. words. She was a straight shooter, and Louise Slaughter. Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, first let me you never had to guess where she was Louise and I spent wonderful eve- nings together with PAUL TONKO and thank Congressman TONKO for leading coming from. this important hour in memory of our I remember when her dear husband, MARCY KAPTUR at dinner at the Na- tional Democratic Club. She kept us in beloved friend and colleague, Congress- Bob, passed. stitches. She did not suffer fools glad- woman Louise Slaughter. Every time I I got to know Bob because we trav- ly, and she would see a phony $2 bill of walk on this floor, I still look for Lou- eled together several times. When Louise came back, she told me: a Member on the floor and not mince ise. Actually, PAUL, right there. The Honey, I couldn’t live if I didn’t have words. void that she has left is just unbear- this job. I love serving the people of my She also taught me to speak South- able. district. I love helping the people of ern. She taught me that you should say Her passing was devastating news for western New York. I love serving this ‘‘bless your sweet heart,’’ which really all of us here, but I must once again country. meant, ‘‘move over,’’ expletive deleted. send my thoughts and condolences to This was her life’s work. I will always remember her lying her beautiful daughters, her grand- Finally, let me just say I not only peacefully in the hospital, with per- children, to her entire congressional lost a colleague, but also a dear friend. fectly coifed hair, as only a lady would district, the State of New York, and My prayers are with her family and have, and a faint smile on her face. I really, to our entire country. friends, her staff, her district. Louise like to think that she was smiling be- Louise was a dear friend and mentor, will have a lasting place in history, cause she left this world with her boots and she was an unparalleled legislator. though, and her spirit is with us to- on. She was still fighting for her con- Of course, she loved her district and night. She was a woman who exuded stituents, taking her last breaths with fought for them with passion, intellect, grace, dignity, intelligence, and she dignity, strength, elegance, and at and dedication. touched and enriched all our lives. peace, with her three daughters look- I also want to say to Louise’s staff Louise, we will miss you so much. ing on with love and admiration. how much I know, like ANNA said, that May you rest in peace. May God bless Louise, you are now with your be- she loved you and she respected you. I you. loved Bob. We all here, including your have to say, around here poaching is a And again, I thank PAUL for this op- extraordinary staff who is seated here no-no. Well, Louise poached one of my portunity. in the Chamber, are heartbroken. We staff members, and I told her. And Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I now yield are, frankly, still in shock. But we are when we talked about it, I said: I am so to Representative JACKIE SPEIER of deeply grateful to have known and to happy, Louise. You are the only Mem- California’s 14th District. love you. ber that I would be happy about poach- Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, thank God bless you always. ing. you, and I thank my dear friend, PAUL Mr. TONKO. I thank the Congress- And so thank you, all, because I TONKO, who loved Louise like no one woman for those comments. know she loved you, and I was happy to else in this Chamber, for arranging this I now yield to Representative ALMA allow Louise to poach my staff because for us tonight. ADAMS of North Carolina’s 12th Dis- she did an incredible job for Louise. Tom Jones had a song, ‘‘She’s a trict. Ms. ADAMS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Louise invited me to her district sev- Lady.’’ Louise Slaughter was that lady, eral times. I tell you, the love and the my colleague for yielding. except none of the other lyrics of that Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life respect all across her district, I wit- song were appropriate for Louise. She nessed. I said, if only my district saw and legacy of my dear friend, Congress- was a lady who was tough as nails, woman Louise Slaughter. I didn’t know this, how she brought people together, with a steel backbone and a sharp and her as long as many of my colleagues, because I think we could learn a lot very funny tongue. but our brief association was profound from Louise’s ability to build coali- There are many people I like in our and meaningful. tions. Chamber, few I truly love. I loved Lou- When I came to Congress 4 years ago, I remember when I first came to Con- ise Slaughter. Louise Slaughter was one of the first gress, yes, 20 years ago—April 21, it Members come and go and hardly to welcome me. She was always gen- will be 20 years—Louise came up to me leave a footprint around here, even uine, kind, and personally supportive, and she said: Honey. Members who have served long periods always pleasant, and she always made She called everybody ‘‘Honey,’’ as of time. That is not true about Louise. you feel really good. you know. I still did it today. I walk onto this As a history-making, trailblazing She said: I want to be your friend, floor seeking her out. I look at C– champion of women’s rights and the and I want to get to know you. SPAN and expect to see her presenting only microbiologist, as you have heard, She said: I want to invite you to another cogent argument on the inane in Congress, Louise Slaughter fought come up to Seneca Falls to mark the closed rule offered by the other side. for opportunity for all people. The im- 150th anniversary of the Declaration of There is a void in this Chamber with pact of her years of advocacy and Sentiments. her passing, but her footprints are ev- mentorship and friendship can be seen I tell you, that was quite a remark- erywhere. here today in the many colleagues who able moment for me to be with Louise Louise distinguished herself in so are standing together to honor her life. Slaughter, and we became close friends many issues and in so many ways: the Louise was a champion for the people from that day forward. first woman, as we have said over and from the great State of New York, but She was a trailblazer, the only micro- over again, to represent western New I like to think of her with Kentucky biologist in Congress. She had a Ph.D. York; the first woman to chair the roots and a Southern accent, as a fel- She was brilliant. Also, watching Lou- Rules Committee. low Southerner at heart. She left big ise work late into the night, past mid- Now, as an 88-year-old woman, she shoes to fill, but I know she would be night, but yet she stayed engaged and was chairing this committee into the proud to welcome in the next genera- energized no matter how late the Rules wee hours of the morning, day after tion of leaders. Committee worked. She used her role, day, and never lost a beat. So I join my colleagues this evening though, as chair to fight for children She is one of the longest serving in expressing my deepest sympathies and for families, for women, for com- Members. She is the only microbiolo- for the family, for the friends, for the munities of color, for those living gist. She was responsible for creating staff, and for the constituents that she below the poverty line. the first $500 million set-aside for leaves behind. She may no longer be Another remarkable thing about breast cancer research. She created the with us on Earth, but her spirit and her Louise was her humor. Any Member of Office of Research on Women’s Health, passion for life will live on for genera- Congress, just ask anyone, Republican and she is responsible for the passage tions to come. She clearly made our or Democrat, and they will tell you a of the STOCK Act. world much better than she found it.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:55 Apr 18, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K17AP7.090 H17APPT1 lotter on DSK3G9T082PROD with HOUSE H3390 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 17, 2018 Mr. TONKO. I thank the Congress- myself, knowing that Louise had been souls. And to our champion, our trail- woman for her thoughts. here a few years more than I had, to blazer, the true voice for the weak Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the New learn what her age was at the time of voice or underheard in government, the Hampshire District One Representa- her passing, because she was out pow- pioneer expression, the drum major for tive, Congresswoman CAROL SHEA-POR- erfully speaking truth to power right women, it goes on and on—she earned TER. up until the week before she passed. so many labels—to our friend, Louise Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Thank you, Con- She had the enthusiastic support of Slaughter, our colleague, our mentor, gressman TONKO, for yielding. I know her late husband and tremendous part- rest in peace, beloved friend. how close you were to Louise and how ner, Bob. Both of them understood the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance much she loved you and you loved her. challenges of public service, and they of my time. I offer my condolences not only to withstood repeated Republican assaults Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, it is with a Louise’s family, but also to Paul and to with wit and grit. Her fierce passion heavy heart that I rise to remember my col- the entire Chamber, and to me, because was matched with sincere compassion league from New York, the former dean of our I loved Louise, also. You hear people and kindness. delegation and the first woman to chair the using the word ‘‘love’’ here. It was very Over the years, time and time again, House Rules Committee, Louise McIntosh genuine. she reached out and helped me and Slaughter. Louise was a wonderful soul whose When I arrived in January of 2007, I helped other Members. I admired her love of public service, the institution of Con- saw the fire in Louise and I saw the unwavering commitment to speak gress, and her home of western New York honey in Louise. She was a mixture of truth and to honor values of accept- each and every day. both. That is what made her so abso- ance, equality, and justice. She put the Louise grew up in a coal mining community lutely delightful. I saw her as the new health and well-being of people first, in Kentucky as one of 5 children. Inspired by chairman of the Rules Committee take and she fought tirelessly to improve the loss of her sister to pneumonia as a child, on our friends across the aisle about so the lives of the people in her commu- Louise chose to study microbiology and pur- many issues here, and she had that fire nity and across this country. sue a master’s degree in public health. Her in her. But then I saw her with the passion for health care inspired her work b 1845 honey and the sweetness, and that is throughout her career as she championed nu- why people use the word ‘‘love’’ when Louise showed just how much one de- merous bills and efforts to help the American they talk about Louise. termined woman can do for our coun- people gain real access to care. So I want to tell just a very short try. As chair of the Rules Committee, After obtaining her degrees, Louise met her story about my first real close encoun- she was involved in every major piece husband, Robert, and the couple moved to ter with Louise Slaughter. of legislation and many minor ones New York. While living near Rochester, Louise I had a dear friend in New Hampshire that came before this House. And in became involved in local community groups who very much admired Louise and her service on Rules, it can certainly and eventually sought to get involved in elec- wanted to meet her. I said: She is busy. be said that she worked day and night, toral politics. Her long career in public service She has just taken over this new posi- sometimes all night, on behalf of the took Louise from the county legislature to Gov. ’s staff, the New York State As- tion. And I am new, but okay, I will people of this country. sembly, and eventually the Congress. ask her. She overcame significant resistance I had the honor of serving alongside Louise So we were walking there, and I to secure passage of the Violence in the Assembly before eventually joining her called Louise over, and I said: Louise, I Against Women Act, achieving some in Congress. She had a perfect blend of would like to introduce you to some- historic increases in funding for wom- en’s health. She was a real trailblazer southern charm and New York hustle, and body who just has always admired you. was a steadfast champion for the people of Louise said: Honey, have her come when it came to so many issues and in- western New York and Americans across the into my office. spired so many women to get involved country. I will miss her relentless passion, her So we did. And Louise sat down on and make a difference for our country. wit, and above all, her friendship. I know Mon- the couch like she didn’t have a thing She authored the STOCK Act to en- roe County and the city of Rochester will miss to do that day except to entertain us sure more complete and timely disclo- their longtime champion. sure of financial dealings by the Mem- with tea and small talk and just her Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, Louise Slaughter bers of this House so that no one was warmth and her vibrancy. My friend was a scientist, and she approached her work never forgot that. I never forgot that trading off the public trust for private in this House with scientific precision. She either. That was Louise, absolutely full gain. found that special formula for success: mix an of love and, as I said, full of honey and I think of Louise and look over to extraordinary work ethic with a deep intellect also full of fire. this microphone each time a rule is and love of her community, and the result was We miss her very much here. We al- brought up in the House setting forth thirty-one years of excellence serving New ways will. the terms of debate for legislation. Yorkers in Congress. I was deeply saddened Condolences to her staff, who loved There is a vacancy in the House, and to learn of her passing last month, and I will her as well, and I know that she loved there is a vacancy in our hearts for a look back fondly on the three decades we them. And to the people of western tough but generous woman. served together in this House. New York, thank you for sharing her We salute her daughters, Megan, As the daughter of a coal mine blacksmith, with us for so long. Amy, and Emily; her grandchildren; Louise grew up around hardship and chal- Mr. TONKO. I thank the Congress- her great-grandchild, all of whom she lenge. Later, as a microbiologist and an elect- woman for those comments. often referred to and showed such great ed official, she made public health and eco- Mr. Speaker, now we will hear from affection for. May it be a source of nomic opportunity her focus. In Congress, she the gentleman from Texas 35, Congress- comfort for each of them that their fought for funding for women’s health, to keep man LLOYD DOGGETT. mother was a loyal and loving friend, a our troops safer in combat, and to crack down Mr. DOGGETT. I thank Mr. TONKO so fierce and genuine public servant, a on domestic violence. As Chairwoman of the much for organizing this Special Order. force to be reckoned with, a champion Rules Committee, she played a key role in ad- I do know how special that Louise was for so many vital causes; and may her vancing to the Floor major legislation, includ- to you and to so many of us. She was very fiery spirit live on with all of us. ing the Recovery Act, Affordable Care Act, a dear friend for many years, an out- Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, there you Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform, and the Don’t spoken advocate for social and eco- have it, just a few of the colleagues of Ask Don’t Tell Repeal Act. nomic justice, and she put together a Louise Slaughter who shared their sen- None of us who served with her ever doubt- great team, a series of teams through timents. You can tell that she had this ed her tenacity or resolve. Louise never forgot her years here, some of whom are on lasting touch upon each and every one her roots or the constituents who sent her the floor today. We salute them, also. of us. back to Congress year after year. Her loss is Louise was funny, she was sometimes We are made better because we a great loss for this House, for the people of a bit conspiratorial, and she was a per- crossed paths in life, we travelled jour- upstate New York, and for our country. I join son who just refused to act her age in neys together, and she will leave a for- in offering my condolences to her daughters the best ways possible. I was amazed ever quality in our hearts and our Megan, Amy, and Emily and their families.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:22 Apr 18, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K17AP7.091 H17APPT1 lotter on DSK3G9T082PROD with HOUSE April 17, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3391 WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR or because it has been easier to say looking for a unified theory. It is not NATION’S DEBT things like: Well, the problem is waste just entitlement reform because, let’s The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. and fraud. There are problems with face it, that is the third rail. People go KUSTOFF of Tennessee). Under the waste and fraud, but the numbers are nuts. They run attack ads on you. It is Speaker’s announced policy of January tiny compared to what is about to hap- more complicated. We need to do those 3, 2017, the gentleman from Arizona pen. things in our society that help people be employed, do tax regulatory poli- (Mr. SCHWEIKERT) is recognized for 60 So, some baseline math. When I was minutes as the designee of the major- born, 1962, there were five workers for cies, training policies, opportunity ity leader. every one retiree. Today—and let’s ac- policies, because the more of our broth- Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, as I tually do 12 years from now, because ers and sisters who are working—how get myself organized here, this evening that is when it gets dramatic. Twelve do we go from 63 percent labor force I am going to actually try to do some- years from now, there will only be two. participation, which is a wonderful thing that is probably a little dan- You and your spouse will be covering number from where we thought we gerous and a little tricky. I am going one retiree. So, in just my lifetime, we would be 10 years ago till now, how do to try to do some math from behind have gone from five workers for one re- we get it to go further? How do we get more of our brothers the microphone. tiree to two. You know, we have a running joke in The math is brutal. So think about and sisters to move from being the our office that being a Member of Con- this. Over the last decade—so from 2008 long-term unemployed, the discouraged gress means you often work in a math- to 2018—if you actually look at the workers, and get them to move into free zone but the math always wins. growth in the size of spending in the the opportunities that are out there And, you know, to our friends over government, 72 percent of it was just right now because we have, apparently, here, I guess I should—I don’t mean to Social Security and Medicare. So if millions of jobs that are looking for jump onto this, but we just heard some you actually look at the growth of the workers, but it also does powerful of the discussion about Ms. Slaughter. Federal spending, do understand, over things to these numbers? I am, obviously, from a different part the last 10 years, 72 percent of that We are also going to have to be hon- est about mechanisms within immigra- of the country, a different party, dif- growth were just those two programs: tion. We have a birthrate crisis in this ferent philosophy, and she was always Social Security and Medicare. country. The last few years, if you ac- incredibly kind to me and funny. Most Over the next 10 years, just the tually look at the number of babies we people, I don’t know, completely under- growth will be about $1.3 trillion. That are having, our numbers have substan- stood. She had a brutal wit, and so a is, functionally, just the growth in So- tially collapsed. couple of times, when I would go in cial Security and Medicare will be two full Defense Departments. It is impor- Well, remember, today’s child is to- front of the Rules Committee, some- morrow’s worker; and if in today’s times the banter back and forth, you tant to get our head around telling the truth, because if we are going to save world, when you turn 65 and begin sat there and go: Is she just playing some of your benefits, the math is, you these earned entitlements, we need to with me? So just for my friends that will spend about one-third of your have that moment of reflection that are just leaving from that. adult life in retirement, but we don’t comes off of a calculator instead of All right. So I am going to try to do have enough young people because what happens so often behind these a couple of things here, Mr. Speaker. I these programs are pay-as-you-go pro- microphones where we try to make am going to actually sort of walk grams. That is really important as we public policy by feelings. through what was in the most recent sort of walk through the math. So, first board I have up here, this is CBO report, but also a couple of the So if you are looking for that unified from the latest CBO report, which I ac- previous CBO reports and what is hap- theory, it even adds in things like pening in our Nation’s debt. At the tually have in here, which I am trying trade. If we are going to be a country same time, I am also going to talk to keep from falling off the podium that is very slow on our birthrate and about some of the positive things that here, and there is actually some good immigration, we have designed a tal- are happening, and some of it because news here. And, that is, because of ent-based immigration system that of the tax reform, some of the things what is going on the last couple of also does some rewards for younger de- that are happening in our unemploy- quarters, this last year, substantially, mographics, but we are also going to ment and opportunity out there. I believe, because of what is happening have to have trade with countries that So, first off, let’s walk through a cou- through growth-oriented policies, also have positive demographics so we ple of baseline numbers, and then I am whether it be the tax reform, whether actually have customers. going to grind through these so it tells it be what is happening in the regu- There are lots of these things that all a story of where we are going and latory environment, you are actually have to be thought of together. And where we are at as a country. seeing revenue into the trust funds go something I am not going to do to- When we get behind these micro- up a bit. night, but I have done other evenings phones and say, ‘‘We have an entitle- It is still a crisis, but if you actually and we will do in a month or so, is a ment crisis coming that we have to look at SSDI, which is Social Security fixation on technology and how tech- deal with,’’ they have been saying it Disability Insurance, I think it was nology also can provide amazing oppor- behind these microphones for 30 years. maybe 11⁄2, 2 years ago I got behind this tunity in everything from changing the Well, it is here. The peak of the baby microphone, and there were only like 4 healthcare curve to actually allowing boom, I think, today, is about 62 years years left in the trust fund, and it went more of our brothers and sisters to par- old. There are 74 million of us who are to zero. ticipate in the workforce, even those baby boomers, who will be moving into Well, we gained almost 3 additional with certain difficulties in life or even our benefits, and we don’t have the re- years. Now, some of that is because of those who may be older but choose to sources to cover our promises, the way policy, some of it is because of reve- work. Instead of being scared of tech- things are structured today. nues because we have so many more nology, I think it may be our solution, Yet if you look at the Pew poll from people working right now. If you actu- depending on some of these cost curves. a couple of years ago, only 15 percent ally also take a look at some of the So what is important here is, as you of Republicans believe there is an enti- money going into Social Security, look at this chart, just take a look at tlement crisis coming, but only 5 per- some of the money going into Medicare this first number here. That is the So- cent of Democrats believe it. So this is part A, that is the trust fund portion, cial Security trust fund. Now, as you one of the great difficulties in this we are actually picking up a couple of know, our general fund has taken that body where you often hear us saying: years—1 year here, 2 years there—in money and borrowed it, and then we re- Speak truth to power. Well, how about additional actuarial soundness of the place it with sort of special Social Se- math to power? trust funds. curity IOUs. Well, what about our own constitu- Think of this as an opportunity. If we Now, if I remember correctly, last ents when they don’t believe us be- are going to have to make policy—and year we were paying the Social Secu- cause maybe there has been crying wolf as I stand behind this microphone, I am rity trust fund like 3.1 percent interest

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